Archived Posts from the Monteagle-Sewanee Rotary Club
Paul Harris Fellows at the Monteagle-Sewanee Rotary Club
Over the month of February, several members of the Monteagle-Sewanee Rotary Club were inducted into the Paul Harris Society. The Paul Harris Society recognizes individuals who contribute, or who have contributions made in their name, of $1,000 to The Rotary Foundation. On February 1st, Christopher Barton and Bill Harper were inducted into the Society and Lynn Stubblefield was awarded for a pin for an additional year as a Paul Harris Fellow. The following week on February 8th, John Hille was pinned to recognize his third additional year as a Paul Harris Fellow.
Paul Harris Fellows (left to right): Lynn Stubblefield, Chris Barton, and Bill Harper.
John Hille (left), Paul Harris Fellow, and Dan Hatfield (right), Rotary Member.
This Week at Rotary - February 8, 2024
On February 8th, the Monteagle-Sewanee Rotary Club held their weekly breakfast meeting at the St. Mary’s Ayres Center. At this meeting, the Club welcomed Greg Cathell, Head Coach of the Women’s Soccer Team at The University of the South. During the 2023 season, the Women’s Soccer Team won the South Athletic Association (SAA) Conference Championship and received a bid to the NCAA Tournament.
In addition to Coach Cathell’s visit, the Club also welcomed Julian Price as a new member of the Monteagle-Sewanee Rotary Club.
Coach Greg Cathell
Rotary Members (left to right): John Hille, Julian Price, Chris Barton
This Week at Rotary - February 1, 2024
On February 1st, the Monteagle-Sewanee Rotary Club was fortunate to welcome Dr. Arden Chao, Fulbright Scholar at the University of the South for a presentation during the weekly breakfast meeting. Dr. Chao spoke about the Election in Taiwan, Skepticism Towards the US, and Strategy of Communist China. Thank you Dr. Arden Chao for joining us!
CHRISTMAS AT BLUE MONARCH
The Monteagle-Sewanee Rotary Club partnered with Greek Like organizations of The University of the South to provide Christmas stockings filled with goodies to the children and families at Blue Monarch. The University students hosted fundraisers to buy the stockings and gifts for the children. This endeavor was made a success through the work of Rotarians, Michael Payne and Kathy Henslee, Sewanee Rotaract, and numerous members of Theta Kappa Phi, Sigma Nu, and Phi Kappa Epsilon, and the Monteagle-Sewanee Rotary Club.
This week at Rotary - November 16, 2023
This week, the Rotary Club welcomed Todd Mayo, who is the founder of The Caverns, to speak. Todd is also the creator and co-producer of " The Caverns Sessions" on PBS, the Emmy -award winning, and second longest running music series on American television. In addition, Todd created and produced the PBS television series, “Ear to the Common Ground.” He was also the co-founder of Music City Roots and produced musical television specials in Ireland, Australia, Cuba, and Nashville. Mayo has a book being published in early 2024, called Caveman Chronicles. Todd lives in Sewanee with his family, and believes in the power of music to bring people together. The Rotary Club enjoyed his presentation very much, and hope to have him back soon to discuss his interest and involvement with the Highlander Folk School.
Todd Mayo, Founder of The Caverns
Laureen Sparacio, Owner of Cove Creek Farm
Breakfast Meeting - OCTOBER 12, 2023
Laureen Sparacio joined the Monteagle Sewanee Rotary Club on Thursday, October 12th to share about Cove Creek Farm, which she owns with her husband, Matt Sparacio. Cove Creek Farm is located in Monteagle, TN, where the Sparacios farm cattle, pigs, chickens, and turkeys. The meats processed from the Farm are sold online, and a limited amount are sold on-site. In addition to raising animals, Cove Creek Farm has also become a weekend destination for families where kids can enjoy the large pirate ship, multiple climbing devices, and so much more!
University students celebrating the winning team - DELTA TAU DELTA.
SEWANEE ROTARACT CLUB NEWS
The University of the South's Rotaract Club held their first annual PolioPlus Dodgeball Tournament on October 10th. The fundraiser brought in more than $700 to support PolioPlus, which funds vaccinations and other health care needs for approximately 2,500 beneficiaries in South Asia and Africa. More than 75 University undergraduates representing the Rotaract Club and seven Sewanee fraternities and sororities participated in this event led by the Rotaract Club.
Anne (right) and Lee Harmon (left), serving as new member orientation representative for the club.
ROTARY WELCOMES NEW MEMBER!
On October 12, 2023, the Monteagle Sewanee Rotary club welcomed new member Anne Chenoweth. Anne was pinned by her husband, Woody Deutsch, a longtime member of the Rotary Club. The Club is thrilled to welcome Anne to the group! to Pictured below are
Dr. Chris McDonough speaking to the Rotary Club.
Breakfast Meeting - SEPTEMBER 21, 2023
Dr. Christopher McDonough, professor of humanities at the University of the South presented to the Rotary Club this week. Dr. McDonough discussed “Mine 21",” which is a documentary film he produced in 2018 with Alexander Street. “Mine 21” shares the story of the Marion County mine explosion that took 13 lives in 1981.
To read more about “Mine 21,” and to view the documentary, please follow these links:
WE WILL NEVER FORGET - 9/11
The leadership of the University Rotaract Club as well as Lee Hancock, Steve Hancock, and Chris Barton of the Monteagle-Sewanee Rotary Club placed American flags on the University of the South's Quad to honor the 2,977 people who were killed in the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in New York City, the Pentagon, and Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Members of the Monteagle-Sewanee Rotary Club removed the nearly 3,000 flags from the Quad before sunset on September 11th.
SPECIAL REPORT! PIANO DELIVERY FOR THE MES MUSIC PROGRAM
Pictured from Left to Right: Piano tuners from Tullahoma, Laura Rice, Christoper Barton, Peter Haight, Jessica Favaloro, Ellanna Swope, Kathy Henslee, and Lee Harmon.
The Monteagle-Sewanee Rotary Club is partnering with Monteagle Elementary School (MES) to begin a music program for students in the 5th through 8th grades. This initiative is led by Rotarian Laura Rice. Ellanna Swope and Pete Haight, University Students, and South Cumberland AmeriCorps Program Members are developing a student choir, which currently includes 23 students. The choir plans to perform at the Sewanee Christmas tree lighting ceremony on December 1st, and their first concert will be at MES on December 14, 2023. Holiday music will be highlighted with some pieces sung in foreign languages. The Rotary Club has purchased a piano for the choir to use, and it was delivered to the school on Thursday, September 7th. Going forward, a grant from the Caverns through The South Cumberland Community Fund (SCCF) will assist in funding the program.
Breakfast Meeting - SEPTEMBER 7, 2023
At the Monteagle-Sewanee Rotary club meeting this week, funds raised for the 2922 Hunger Walk were distributed to three area food ministries. Hunger Walk checks were presented to Sarah Edmonds representing the food pantry at CAC, Diane Foster and Jennifer Percy from the Grundy County Food Bank, and Alyse Getty of the Morton Memorial Methodist Food Ministry.
At the September 7th breakfast meeting, the Club was joined by two students from the University of the South. Mary Lewis Tunno is the president of the Sewanee Rotaract Club, and Dick Waters is the Service Chair for the International Fraternity Council. These student leaders are busy organizing teams to participate in the 2023 Hunger Walk, and setting up a day of Greek service to support Sleep in Heavenly Peace. In addition to these service opportunities, the Greek organizations at Sewanee are also planning to volunteer with the reading program at Monteagle Elementary School.
Breakfast Meeting - AUGUST 31, 2023
Dr. John Walters, New Member
At the August 31st breakfast meeting, the Monteagle-Sewanee Rotary Club gathered at the St. Mary's Ayres Center to hear a presentation from Leigh Collins, the Executive Director of the Wellness Commons, and Director of Counseling and Psychological Services for the University of the South. Members heard about the vast options for physical and mental health options provided by The University. Additionally, the Club welcomed a new member to the club, Dr. John Walters. John has retired to the area, and the Monteagle-Sewanee Rotary Club is excited for him to join the group.
Leigh Collins, Executive Director of the Wellness Commons
Dr. Tom Phelps
Breakfast Meeting - AUGUST 24, 2023
On August 24th, the Rotary Club welcomed Dr. Tom Phelps, Medical Director of the Tracy City Free Clinic. One of current projects of the Free Clinic is to test and treat patients for Hepatitis C. Dr. Phelps shared about the point of contact tests that they Clinic used for these testing clinics. The tests reveal results in 20 minutes, and from there patient’s are offered the treatment of taking daily tablets for approximately one year. This treatment has led to cures for Hepatitis C. Going forward, more needs to be done to educate patients on getting tested, and more antiviral treatments should be accessible to the public.
Breakfast Meeting - AUGUST 17, 2023
On August 17th, the Monteagle-Sewanee Rotary Club met for the first time at their new gathering place, St. Mary’s Conference Center. During the meeting, President Chris Barton thanked Laura Rice for her effective leadership in getting the music program at Monteagle Elementary off to a great start. In addition, Dan Hatfield shared plans for the upcoming Purple Pinkie drive to raise money for Polio research, and continuing plans of this year’s Hunger Walk were shared.
Lacy Camp introduced our speaker, Sara Figal, Director of the Nashville Conflict Resolution Center. Sara informed the Club about the time and money saving advantages of using conflict resolution rather than the courts system.
Club Member, Dan Hatfield, shares about Purple Pinkie Day.
Speaker, Sara Figal, shares about the work of the Nashville Conflict Resolution Center.
ROTARY TRANSITIONS INTO A NEW MEETING SPACE - AUGUST 10, 2023
The Monteagle-Sewanee Rotary Club will began hosting their breakfast meetings at St. Mary’s Retreat Center starting August 17th. For this week of transition, the Club was able to meet as regularly scheduled at The Episcopal Parish of St. Mark & St. Paul. This meeting was a Club Assembly, which consisted of:
Information regarding this year’s Hunger Walk, which will be held on Saturday, September 30th. Stay tuned for more details on the Hunger Walk!
A Club initiative for this year will be to track club volunteer hours among members.
The Monteagle-Sewanee Rotary Club will continue to support Polio Plus this year through our annual fundraiser, Purple Pinkie Day, to be held in October. Be on the look out for more details!
Breakfast Meeting - August 3, 2023
Andy McCollum, Sewanee Football Coach, visits the Monteagle-Sewanee Rotary Club to share about his goals and plans for the fall season.
“Pound the Rock” is this year’s theme for the football team.
Laura Rice, Monteagle-Sewanee Rotary Member, shares details about the beginning of a music program at Monteagle Elementary School.
Breakfast Meeting - July 27, 2023
Susie Cantrell
Rotary District Governor
Veronica Rogers
Monteagle Elementary School Principal
Michael Payne & Charlie Kettle
Monteagle-Sewanee Rotary Club Members
2022 - 2023 End of Year Report
Reading Program at MES and SES
Rotary Survey Report
MONTEAGLE-SEWANEE ROTARY HONORS SEWANEE SENIOR
On April 6th’s Club Assembly, FelixWilson, a graduating student from Sewanee: The University of the South, was honored for his many contributions to the community, and in particular his volunteer efforts with the Monteagle-Sewanee Rotary Club. Felix participated in every volunteer activity event this year, which included, the Hunger Walk, the Pancake Breakfast, the literacy and reading programs at Monteagle Elementary and Sewanee Elementary Schools, Sleep in Heavenly Peace, and other community volunteering activities. At this time, Felix was also awarded a Paul Harris pin and made a Fellow.
February Update from the Rotary Club
In February, the fruits of the Hunger Walk labor were shared with the three food banks on the Mountain. These recipients included, Grundy County Food Bank, Community Action Committee Food Pantry, and Morton Memorial Food Ministry. AND we heard about Heart 2 Heart (H2H) in Mexico from our own John Solomon.
The recipients of the 2022 Hunger Walk are pictured below (from left to right): Grundy County Food Bank, Morton Memorial, and Community Action Committee.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service
Rotarians were a solid presence at the Service Day organized by the University of the South and Sleep in Heavenly Peace in honor of Martin Luther King's legacy on January 16, 2023. Rotarians worked hard, provided support, and lunch during the bed build. More than 70 beds were built for kids in our area who now sleep on the floor.
PANCAKE BREAKFAST FUNDRAISER
The Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser hosted on Saturday, November 19th was a great success!
Check out the video to see how the Monteagle-Sewanee community came out to support.
Visit the Pancake Breakfast page for more information!
INVOLVEMENT WITH FLUENCY BOOTCAMP AT MONTEAGLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Monteagle Elementary Students and volunteers for Fluency Bootcamp.
Monteagle-Sewanee Rotary Club volunteers and some sorority and fraternity students from the University of the South completed the first iteration this academic year of the Fluency Boot Camp at Monteagle Elementary School, with the help and support of Principal Dr. Veronica Rogers Horton and Fluency and Reading Intervention Specialist Kim Parton. Of course, the heroes were the kids! Our next iteration will be February 2023. The success of this initiative is thanks to Rotarians Martha Krenson and Kathy Henslee.
2022 MONTEAGLE-SEWANEE ROTARY HUNGER WALK
The 8th Annual Hunger Walk occurred on Saturday, September 24th, and raised over $40,000 for the local food banks.
This annual event hosted by the Monteagle-Sewanee Rotary Club is to support the local food banks in the South Cumberland region. The 2022 Hunger Walk Recipients included the Grundy County Food Bank, the Community Action Committee Food Pantry, and the Morton Memorial Food Ministry.
Go to The Hunger Walk page for more information!
VOLUNTEER EFFORTS FROM THE ROTARY CLUB MEMBERS - 2022
Monteagle-Sewanee Rotary Club Members ready to build beds for Sleep in Heavenly Peace.
Some Monteagle-Sewanee Rotary Club Members working to get the Isaiah 117 House playground ready (Left to Right: Rhea Bowden, Michael Payne, Eddie Krenson, Steve Brallier).
The Monteagle-Sewanee Rotary Club and Sleep in Heavenly Peace
Read the most recent article about Monteagle-Sewanee Rotary’s involvement in the Sleep in Heavenly Peace (SHP) volunteering initiative on the Mountain published in the July 1, 2022 edition of the Sewanee Mountain Messenger.
Follow the link to the Sewanee Mountain Messenger (page 10) to read more!
Some of the Monteagle Elementary students from the Literacy Boot Camp. Picture originally published in the Sewanee Mountain Messenger.
The Monteagle-Sewanee Rotary Club and MES Literacy Boot Camp
Check out the article published in the May 20, 2022 edition of the Sewanee Mountain Messenger talking about how the Monteagle-Sewanee Rotary Club teamed up with the Monteagle Elementary School’s Literacy Boot Camp.
Follow the link to the Sewanee Mountain Messenger to read more!
FIRST IN-PERSON MEETING FOR 2021!
Today MAY 6 we had our first live breakfast meeting of the this year! Jimmy Wilson and his Blue Chair team made us a delicious breakfast. Next week we will gather at Shenanigans with Bill Elder and his crew.
STARTING MAY 20th, La Bella Pearls will become our regular meeting place!
MONTEAGLE-SEWANEE ROTARY AND THE PANDEMIC
The Covid-19 Pandemic has definitely presented challenging times during 2020 and 2021 for our Club.. We have embraced Zoom and are attending meetings weekly with good attendance.
In spite of the pandemic the Club’s Hunger Walk raised over $45,000 to support local food banks combating food insecurity on the South Cumberland Plateau, and ran a collective of 7,235 miles.
PODCAST ABOUT FOOD INSECURITY IN TENNESSEE AND THE NATION
Projects for District Grants
COMMUNITY ACTION COMMITTEE: KITCHEN 2 TABLE
CAC K2Table Grant application for freezer GCFB grant application for new electric pallet jack.
Jason Day and Dan Hatfield on Purple Pinkie Day
PURPLE PINKIE DAY
Polio Plus campaign called Purple Pinkie Day brought in $2,125 yielding in matching funds $19,125; yes, that’s right, our club helped generate $19,125!
FUNDRAISER NEWS
We are now working on pulling team together for the annual Golf Tournament which raises funds for scholarships to area students. Last year’s tournament was cancelled but we are hopeful that there will be a 2021 tournament.