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RET August 2026 Newsletter
A Note from RET Leadership
August brings the final stretch of summer and a fresh wave of activity across the RET community. We’re gearing up for fall programs, celebrating ongoing volunteer efforts, and highlighting the projects that make our organization stronger every month. Thank you for continuing to show up, support one another, and keep our mission moving forward.
The Perseid Meteor Shower – August’s Brightest Night Sky Event
Every August, Earth passes through a trail of dust and debris left behind by Comet Swift‑Tuttle. As those particles enter our atmosphere at high speed, they burn up and create bright streaks of light — the Perseid meteor shower, one of the most reliable and beautiful sky events of the year.
The Perseids are known for:
- Bright, fast meteors with long trails
- High activity — often 50–100 meteors per hour at peak
- Warm summer nights perfect for viewing
- Consistent visibility year after year
This year’s peak (August 12–13) is especially good thanks to the New Moon on August 11, giving us dark skies and excellent visibility.
You don’t need a telescope — just a clear sky, a comfortable place to sit, and a bit of patience. Meteors can appear anywhere overhead, though they seem to radiate from the constellation Perseus in the northeast.
Best Places to See the Perseids in Knoxville & Blount County
Knoxville Area
- House Mountain State Natural Area – Darkest skies close to town.
- Seven Islands State Birding Park – Wide fields and low light pollution.
- Ijams Nature Center – Quarry overlook and boardwalk offer good casual viewing.
- Sharp’s Ridge – Elevated views with darker skies than central Knoxville.
Blount County
- Look Rock (Foothills Parkway) – Outstanding dark‑sky conditions.
- Townsend / Walland Rural Areas – Open farmland with minimal light.
- Chilhowee Mountain Overlooks – Clear views of the northeast sky.
- Cades Cove – Exceptional dark skies if accessible during late hours.
Additional Excellent Viewing Spot
- Obed Wild & Scenic River (Dark Sky Park) – One of the darkest, clearest night‑sky locations in the region.
NaNoCon 2026 – The Nashville Nones Convention
Dates: July 31 – August 2
Location: The Lodge at Montgomery Bell State Park (near Nashville)
Format: In‑Person & Virtual
Some RET members will be attending NaNoCon — The Nashville Nones Convention — a three‑day secular gathering for atheists, agnostics, humanists, freethinkers, and anyone who identifies as “none of the above.” Held at a lakeside state‑park resort reserved entirely for attendees, NaNoCon offers a relaxed, welcoming environment for non‑religious folks in the Bible Belt to connect, learn, and recharge.
The weekend features:
- Top secular speakers including Matt Dillahunty, Candace Gorham, Forrest Valkai, Hemant Mehta, Mandisa Thomas, and others.
- 24+ workshops and panels on science, skepticism, humanism, deconstruction, activism, and personal growth.
- Social events like lakeside dinners, afterparties, comedy, magic & mentalism shows, kayaking, hiking, and hangouts with fellow “happy heathens.”
- A full resort atmosphere, creating a uniquely supportive space for non‑religious community building.
Organizers describe NaNoCon as “a needed space where non‑religious people can meet up, share new ideas and good values, and build a supportive community.”
Early Primary Voting Is Underway
Early Voting: July 17 – August 1, 2026
Election Day: Thursday, August 6, 2026
A Non‑Partisan Note on Voting
Participating in elections is one of the few civic responsibilities that people in many countries can only dream of. Early voting makes that responsibility especially convenient — with multiple voting sites across the county, extended hours, and the ability to vote at any early voting location, not just the one in your home district. It’s a simple, accessible way to make your voice heard. Casting a ballot is the only real way to demonstrate what each individual member stands for — not through debate or persuasion, but through the quiet, meaningful act of voting. Whatever your priorities or values, showing up is how we collectively shape the future of our community.
(Please confirm dates and locations with the Knox and Blount County Election Commission.)
School Start Dates – Knox & Blount County
As summer winds down, local schools begin their fall sessions — helpful to know for traffic, scheduling, and planning RET meetups.
Knox County Schools
August 10, 2026: First day for all students
Blount County Schools (Staggered Start – 2026)
- July 29: First student reporting day (initial grades begin)
- July 30–31: Additional grades phase in
- August 3–4: Remaining students begin
- August 7: All students fully in session
August Events Calendar
TVUUC Science Fiction Club Movie Night
Date: August 8, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM (EDT)
Location: Elandria Williams Room
Format: In‑Person
Featured Film: To Be Announced
RET has long hoped to host a regular movie night — and thanks to our friends at Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church, we don’t have to reinvent the wheel. Their Science Fiction Club welcomes us to join their monthly gathering, held every 2nd Saturday. Each month features a different film, shared snacks, lively conversation, and a small collection to cover pizza for anyone interested. No RSVP needed; just come enjoy a relaxed evening with fellow sci‑fi fans.
Join other RETers and TVUUC members for a relaxed evening of film, snacks, and conversation. It’s an easy way to connect, share perspectives, and enjoy the monthly sci‑fi pick together.
RET Book Club – August Selection
Book: Escape from Capitalism: An Intervention
Author: Clara E. Mattei
Date: August 9, 2026
Time: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Format: Zoom
Zoom Link: Join Meeting
This month, the RET Book Club takes on Escape from Capitalism, an incisive and provocative work by economist Clara E. Mattei, known for her research on austerity, political economy, and how economic policies shape everyday life. Mattei’s writing blends history, economics, and moral philosophy, offering a sharp critique of systems that concentrate wealth and power while limiting human flourishing.
In Escape from Capitalism, Mattei argues that capitalism isn’t just an economic structure — it’s a cultural and psychological one, shaping how we think, behave, and relate to one another. She explores how austerity policies reinforce inequality, how “common sense” economic ideas are often political tools, and how alternative models of cooperation and shared prosperity can emerge when people challenge the status quo.
It’s a bold, conversation‑starting book — perfect for RET members who enjoy critical thinking, social analysis, and exploring ideas that push beyond conventional boundaries.
Special RET Movie Night – Bad Faith 2
Date: August 11, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Central Cinema
Address: 1205 N Central St, Knoxville, TN 37917
This special screening of Bad Faith 2 is completely FREE for all attendees.
RET returns to Central Cinema for the follow‑up to the acclaimed documentary exploring the intersection of belief, doubt, and the social forces that shape both. The sequel expands the conversation with new interviews, deeper cultural analysis, and a sharper look at how misinformation, ideology, and community identity influence modern life.
Bad Faith 2 blends storytelling, journalism, and personal testimony, making it a compelling watch for anyone interested in skepticism, critical thinking, and the human side of belief systems. It’s the kind of film that sparks discussion long after the credits roll — perfect for an RET outing.
Phil King’s Memorial
Date: August 14, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Location: Bridgewater Place
Address: 205 Bridgewater Rd, Knoxville, TN 37923
Phil’s wife, Sharron, is welcoming our members to join in Phil’s celebration of life, honoring not only his memory but all he has done for — and meant to — this group over the many years. This gathering will bring together friends, family, and the RET community to share stories, reflect, and celebrate Phil’s life in a warm and supportive setting.
August Third Sunday Meeting
Date: August 16, 2026
Time: 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM (EDT)
Location: PSCC, Hardin Valley Road
Zoom Link: Join Meeting
Rocio A. Huet, MD, FACP, DABOIM, will give a presentation on "Living Longer, Living Better: Strategies for a Healthier, Happier Life." This will be a practical, evidence‑based look at healthspan — exercise, nutrition, supplements, genetic testing, environmental toxins, and more.
We meet in Room 1017 of the Haslam Math and Science Building on the Hardin Valley Campus of Pellissippi State. The room is just to the left of the main entrance of the building. There will be Rationalists of East Tennessee signs directing you to the entrance.
Please note that there is construction at the campus entrance off Solway Road, making it inaccessible. It is best to enter the campus from Hardin Valley Road.
Coffee and other hot beverages will be available. Bring a snack to share if you wish.
August Reflections
When: August 23, 2026
Time: 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM (EDT)
Location: Zoom
Zoom Link: Join Meeting
In these times when we often find ourselves in groups divided by differing viewpoints, communication becomes even more important. This month, we’ll look at “The Surprising Power of Conversations to Change People’s Minds — Including Our Own.”
New research suggests that discussing differences of opinion on politically charged topics can actually bring us closer together in our viewpoints, rather than pushing us further apart.
Here is a link to the article with that title. At the end of the article, you’ll find additional links for further reflection.
Community Highlights
Knoxville Museum of Art – Free All Year & Air‑Conditioned
The Knoxville Museum of Art is always free and a great place to cool off during the August heat. It’s quiet, spacious, and perfect for a casual meetup or a relaxing afternoon.
Hours:
- Tuesday–Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Ijams Nature Center – Outdoor Programs & Night Events
Ijams offers night hikes, bat programs, nature walks, and eco‑education events throughout August.
Hours:
(Programs often run later into the evening.)
World’s Fair Park – Summer Concerts & Outdoor Events
World’s Fair Park typically hosts:
- Outdoor concerts
- Food truck nights
- Cultural festivals
- Summer movie screenings
A relaxed, easy place for informal member gatherings.
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