The Weekly Bulletin of The Optimist Club of Knoxville, Tennessee

Adrian M. Elcock- OI PresidentRobert H. Leonard - OI Past President 1967

Michael Brown - GATEway GovernorChris Cox- Lt. Governor

A Look At

"The Sunny Side" Of Everything

LAST WEEKFRIDAY 15 NOVEMBER 2019 BECKY HANCOCK, Executive Director of the Historic Tennessee Theatre Foundation, joined us for lunch last Friday.

The magnificent Tennessee Theatre first opened its doors on October 1, 1928 and was hailed as “the South’s most beautiful theatre.” When the first patrons stepped inside downtown’s “movie palace” to see their favorite stars on the silver screen, they paid only 40 cents for matinees and 60 cents for evening shows (children paid only 10 and 15 cents).

Designed by Chicago architects Graven & Mayger, the Theatre has a Spanish-Moorish style interior that incorporates elements from all parts of the world: Czechoslovakian crystals in the French-style chandeliers, Italian terrazzo flooring in the Grand Lobby, and Asian influences in the carpet and drapery patterns. It was one of the first public places in Knoxville to have air-conditioning.

Its 90-year history includes highs and lows, from when movies reigned as the chosen form of entertainment to the decline and uncertain future of downtown. Periodic closings in the late 1970s gave way to glimpses of a brighter outlook when the Theatre was purchased in 1981 by JAMES A. DICK. The Theatre then began its gradual shift in programming from a single-screen movie theater to a multi-use performing arts venue, which prolonged its existence but exaggerated its many shortcomings.

In 1996, the Historic Tennessee Theatre Foundation, a non-profit organization, was founded with the purpose of preserving, maintaining, and operating the Theatre. The Foundation's Board of Directors was responsible for overseeing and raising funds for restoration and renovation of the building, which began in

Volume 100, Number 8 "Kids grow up with or without Optimism . . . The Choice is Yours."© Nov 19, 2019

June, 2003. The former movie palace reopened on January 15, 2005 as a world-class performing arts center—the result of a $25.5 million renovation and restoration project funded through public and private donations.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places and honored as the Official State Theatre of Tennessee, today's Tennessee Theatre has something for everyone: classical music, vintage films, dance, Broadway, and stellar performances by today's hottest musicians and yesterday's favorites. Local arts organizations such as the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra, Knoxville Opera, at UT Cultural Attractions use the Tennessee Theatre throughout the year. The Theatre is also the site of special events; wedding receptions, private parties, corporate meetings, and other functions are enhanced by its magnificent interior. Under the guidance and oversight of the Historic Tennessee Theatre Foundation, the Tennessee is managed and operated by A.C. Entertainment.

THIS WEEKTUESDAY 19 NOVEMBER 2019 November’s Social will be conducted at Double Dogs, 8910 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37923. Chairman JOHN TEMPLE says they have a great menu and a wide variety of libations – okay, he didn’t say that word – he said “drinks” but I’m the Editor so “libations” it is. We start around 5:30 PM and quit around 7:00 – give or take.

FRIDAY 22 NOVEMBER 2019 Youth Appreciation Week. JOHN MEADE serves as Chairman of this annual luncheon hosted by the Optimist Club of Knoxville saluting area high school students for their Service to Humanity.

Since 1956, Youth Appreciation Week has given Optimist Clubs the occasion to work with youth

Club Chartered 21 December 1920

Officers 2019-2020President ............................................Ben GoodsonPresident-Elect .................................... Bradley PruittVice President ........................................ Deno ColeVice President ....................................Darrin RhinesSecretary ................................................. Kelly PrattTreasurer .............................................David HarterSergeant-At-Arms ........ Buzz Buswell, Chris AlbrechtPast President ...........................................Chris Cox Director ........................Helen Hewitt '20 1 Yr TermDirector ....................... Melanie Hogg '20 1 Yr TermDirector ......................... Essie Johnson '20 1 yr termDirector ........................Chris Albrecht '21 2 Yr TermDirector ...................... Vee Panagakos '21 2 Yr TermDirector ..............................Tom Zuraf '21 2 Yr Term

Henry Naff Trustees Al Stigall 2020 • John Mays 2020

Annie LaLonde 2021 • John Temple 2021Michael Cermack • 2022

COMMITTEE CHAIRS 2019-2020Adopt-a-Mile ............................................................

American Hero of the Year.. ......................................

Bulletin Editors .................... Buzz & Donna Buswell

Camp Eagle's Nest .......... Allen Collier & Dan Green

Chaplain ...................................................................

Cheese Sales ..............Gwin Harshaw & Glen Weber

Childhood Cancer ...........Chris Albrecht, Kelly Pratt,

Zack Kipp

Christmas Dinner and Haslam Center Party

for Boys & Girls Club. .................................. Lisa Huber

Community Yard Sale ....................................................

Dessert Auction ................ Jim Adcock & Brenda Staton

Dorothy Weber "YES" Award ....................Jim Adcock &

Annie LaLonde

Election ...............................................Bradley Pruitt

Essay Contest (OI) .....................................................

Finance Committee ............................ Michael Cermak

FISH ........................................................Bradley Pruitt

Football Time in TN ..................................Zach Kipp

Freaky Friday ......................................... Bud McKelvey

Induction ...........................................Dan McGehee

Interclub Visitation ................................David Harter

Johnny Mauer Day ....................................................

Lawn Mower Safety Clinic ........................................

Membership ......................................Dan McGehee

OI Foundation .....................................Essie Johnson

Oratorical Contest (OI) .............................Erin Favier

Professional Development Program .. Annie LaLonde

Photographer ....................................... Bob Freeman

Programs .................................................. Chris Coz

Public Relations

Respect For Law Day ............................... Bob Gibson

Shoney's Kidcare ID ......................... Annie LaLonde

Social ....................................................John Temple

Tri-Star Sports(OI) .....................................................

Website Administrator ..............................................

Youth Appreciation Week (OI) ............... John Meade

The Sunny Side is published weekly for the members of the Optimist Club of Knoxville. Your calls, letters and comments are welcome. Submit articles and photographs; their safe return is guaranteed: The Sunny Side • Editors Buzz & Donna Buswell 1101 Remington Road, Knoxville TN 37923 604-4443 • 603-0094 evenings & weekends Email: buzztof@comcast.net Deadline: 5:00 pm Sunday prior to publication the following Monday Photos by: Robert Freeman, Glen Weber Reporter: Brenda Staton Publisher: Donna Buswell Circulation: Distribution to each member of the Optimist Club of Knoxville by First Class Mail Monday of each week or electronically on Tuesday.

2019-20DIME A DAYBUZZ BUSWELLDONNA BUSWELLBOB FREEMANBETH O'BRIENSHARON POUNDJACQUELINE ZURAFTOM ZURAF

$100.00 CLUBBOB FREEMAN

$250 PRESIDENT'S CLUB

CHRISTIAN D. LARSON PARTNERS110. BUZZ BUSWELL142. PAUL H. HARBIN167. DONNA J. BUSWELL170. BOB LEONARD197. ESSIE JOHNSON291. DAVID C. HARTER376. MIKE RAGSDALE383. HARRY D. BRYAN462. MELINDA BASLER490. WILLIAM "EARL" WHITE506. ALLEN COLLIER528. JONIDA ROBINSON558. MARIE LEONARD605. JOHN W. MONTGOMERY628. ESTEL HAMILTON704. BETH O'BRIEN710. CHRIS COX714. CINDY HAGAN

Contact ESSIE JOHNSONto make your donation for the

2018-19 year

SPONSOR A NEW OPTIMIST 2019-20AUSTIN BULLOCK sponsored DANIEL MCGEHEERAYMOND DA-BOI sponsored by JIM ADCOCK

toward the common goals of education, career development, physical well-being and community service. This is one of the Optimist International’s most popular programs, with more than 2,000 clubs participating last year.

CHEESE THIS FRIDAY!!Cheese co-chairmen, GWIN HARSHAW and GLEN WEBER, will have cheese available for distribution at Friday's meeting. A two-pound block of Mild Cheddar in a box suitable for gifting is just $13.50 per box. If you prefer last year’s (aged) cheese, we still have 60 boxes available. Contact DAVID HARTER if you would like the "seasoned" version. 865-250-1511

NEXT WEEK - THANKSGIVING DAYA couple of years ago DONNA took me on a trip to Colonial Williamsburg. We joined her sister BRENDA and brother-in-law GARY plus another couple and we toured the area. One stop found us on the shores of the James River at Berkeley Plantation where three dozen male Berkeley settlers landed on December 4, 1619. Their first order of business, according to their instructions, was to say the following prayer: “We ordain that this day of our ships arrival, at the place assigned for plantation, in the land of Virginia, shall be yearly and perpetually kept holy as a day of Thanksgiving to Almighty God.”

I recall the controversy when then President JOHN F. KENNEDY issued proclamations in 1961 and 1962 for Thanksgiving in which he touted the role of the Massachusetts Bay Colony in the founding of the holiday, thus ruffling feathers (no not turkey feathers) in Virginia. On November 4, 1963, less than three weeks before being assassinated, he made a public statement including Virginia.

“Over three centuries ago, our forefathers in Virginia and in Massachusetts, far from home in a lonely wilderness, set aside a time of thanksgiving. On the appointed day, they gave reverent thanks for their safety, for the health of their children, for the fertility of their fields, for the love which bound them together and for the faith which united them with their God. in the establishment of the annual observance.

Interestingly enough, the Anglicans who landed at Berkeley fasted and prayed to express their thanksgiving. Your observation of Thanksgiving most likely will not include fasting, but you might take time to reflect upon your blessings in a thankful way. CHARLES DICKENS said it this way: ““Reflect upon your present blessings -- of which every man has many -- not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some.”

FRIDAY 29 NOVEMBER 2019 - NO MEETING

PLAN AHEADFRIDAY 6 DECEMBER 2019 Unless you live in a cave, you have encountered “The Elf on the Shelf” in some form. We begin December by welcoming CAROL AEBERSOLD, the creative person behind The Elf. She has a great story about a great story! Invite a friend and join CAROL at The Foundry for lunch.

FRIDAY 13 DECEMBER 2019 When you see the costumed singers making their way to the front of the room you know it is Christmas time and the Madrigal Singers of South Doyle High School under the direction of CODY BOLING are about to set your holiday off in fine fashion! Invite a friend to join you for this festive event at The Foundry.

TO be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.

TO talk health, happiness and prosperity to every person you meet.

TO make all your friends feel that there is something in them.

TO look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true.

TO think only of the best, to work only for the best and to expect only the best.

TO be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own.

TO forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future.

TO wear a cheerful countenance at all times and give every living creature you meet a smile.

TO give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others.

TO be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.

Christian D. Larson

Optimist Mission Statement

By providing hope and positive vision,

Optimists bring out the bestin youth, our communities

and ourselves.

OUR WEBSITE: www.knoxoptimist.org

FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/OptimistClubofKnoxville

FRIDAY 20 DECEMBER 2019 CAMILLE WATSON is a Holistic Health Coach seen regularly on WBIR-TV joins us for the last meeting before the Christmas and New Year’s holidays. Invite a friend to join you for at The Foundry. Someone is sure to ask about cheese as part of a holistic lifestyle.

FRIDAY 27 DECEMBER 2019 - NO MEETING

FRIDAY 3 JANUARY 2020 - NO MEETING

WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA 163Please use your influence. Hand out flyers – we have plenty. Every donation gets us closer to having a wreath for every Veteran buried in the three Veteran Cemeteries in Knox County.

NOVEMBER BIRTHDAYSDAVID LAFRATTA 4thBRUCE DUNCAN 5thDAVE CLICK 9thNOEL GILBREATH 13thGWIN HARSHAW 14thMIKE ARMS 15thLAUREN DEVORE 18thSHELBY VIGNES 22nd JOHN KERRIGAN 27thESSIE JOHNSON 28thRICKY JACKSON 29th

NOVEMBER ANNIVERSARIESMIKE ARMS 14thDAVE HARTER 16thNANCY HARTER 16thDENTON KERRIGAN 26thJOHN KERRIGAN 26thWAYNE MULKEY 28th

PICSPresident BEN thanked BECKY HANCOCK for her presentation last Friday. GLEN WEBER says “cheese”! We have shirts! Tees are $20.00 – collared are $25.00. See VEE for yours. RAYMOND DA-BOI has authored a book. Learn more by asking him about it. GRACE FAVIER joined her mom (and the rest of her Optimist family) for lunch and a break from studies. BRADLEY PRUITT and parents LONNIE and DENEEN were all in attendance – a rarity according to BRADLEY. Change jars on the tables help you get rid of pesky pennies and nuisance nickels. Change jars. That’s what it is all about – change. Change from a world where cancer ravages our children to one where it does not. That’s a change worth the investment.