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RET September Newsletter
Fall Is Approaching
As summer winds down and the first cool mornings start to roll in, September gives us a chance to reset, reconnect, and enjoy the best of East Tennessee. Gardens are wrapping up, the air is getting clearer, and the mountains start hinting at the color to come. It’s a great time to slow down, look back on what summer brought, and step into fall with fresh energy and a sense of possibility.
September Events Around Knoxville & Blount County
A few local happenings your members might enjoy this month:
- FOODEESFEST – 40+ Food Trucks & Craft Vendors (Sept 4, West Town Mall)
- Big Kahuna Labor Day Festival (Sept 6, World’s Fair Park)
- First Friday ArtWalk (Sept 4, Downtown Knoxville)
- Market Square Farmers Market (Saturdays in September)
- Concerts on the Square – Jazz Tuesdays (Sept 1, 8, 15)
- Punk Rock Flea Market Knoxville (Sept 12, Depot Ave)
- Twilight at Ijams (Sept 13, Ijams Nature Center)
- Moon Market (Sept 19, New Moon Rising Gifts & Goods)
- Semiquincentennial Lecture Series (Sept 10, Blount Mansion)
September Field Trip
Wednesday, September 2, 2026 — 1:30 PM (EDT)
Location: West Side UU Church 616 Fretz Rd, Knoxville, TN 37934
For this month’s field trip, we’ll be joining Citizens Fighting for Democracy for their September meeting. Their guest speaker is Corbin Trent, a political organizer and communicator known for his work building grassroots networks and encouraging civic participation. Through his projects and public speaking, he focuses on expanding democratic engagement, strengthening community involvement, and helping people find meaningful ways to contribute to public dialogue.
He’ll be speaking on “A Fight Worth Having,” a topic that aligns well with RET’s interest in thoughtful civic engagement. This event is also a great opportunity for cross‑socializing with another community group. All members are welcome.
Blount County First Wednesday Meetup
Wednesday, September 2, 2026 — 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM (EDT)
Location: Peaceful Side Brewery 106 Everett Ave, Maryville, TN 37804
A relaxed evening of conversation, good drinks, and friendly faces — new folks always welcome! If you enjoy looking at menus ahead of time, check out the Taproom Menu. This monthly meetup happens on the first Wednesday of each month — come unwind and connect with the local community.
September First Sunday Meeting
Sunday, September 6, 2026 — 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM (EDT)
Location: PSCC, Hardin Valley Road
Zoom: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89916845426?pwd=yeybapgB5LTw2QG1mE1pH0DbwkRdxz.1
For our first Sunday in September, we return to one of our most popular formats: Bring Your Own Topic. With so much happening in the world, there will be plenty for us to explore together — personal reflections, current events, and whatever thoughtful conversations emerge.
Room 1017 will now be our regular meeting space for both First and Third Sunday gatherings. The room is just to the left of the main entrance of the building.
PSCC Map: https://drive.google.com/file/d/134si5GPscIAWPY4YSuwhfH_qVVtFWzMc/view
You can park in the F1 or O8 lots and enter at either X. The room is located where the red dot is. RET signs will direct you to the entrance.
Please note: The Solway Road entrance remains closed due to construction. Enter from Hardin Valley Road. Coffee and other hot beverages will be available. Feel free to bring a snack to share.
TVUUC Science Fiction Club Movie Night
Saturday, September 12, 2026 — 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM (EDT)
Location: TVUUC — Elandria Williams Room
RET has long hoped to host a regular movie night — and thanks to our friends at TVUUC, 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.
Contact: Janette Kennedy — janettemkennedy@gmail.com
RET Book Club – September Selection
Sunday, September 13, 2026 — 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM (EDT)
Location: Zoom
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86812501800?pwd=km5SJdAM9airKoD3iMYW8FSXITS7vk.1
Book: Planet of Viruses — Carl Zimmer
This month we’re exploring Carl Zimmer’s Planet of Viruses, a vivid and accessible look at how viruses shape life, evolution, and the world around us. Zimmer reveals viruses as ancient, adaptable forces that influence ecosystems, drive biological change, and impact human history in surprising ways.
Join us for a lively discussion — whether you’ve finished the book or just want to listen in, everyone is welcome.
September Third Sunday Meeting
Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM (EDT)
Location: PSCC, Hardin Valley Road — Room 1017 Zoom: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85841472119?pwd=Nqiuj0ApA0wSUiM8veEaCp61zdXn7p.1
This month, Tim Vane will speak on the Civil War in Tennessee, exploring the people, places, and pivotal events that shaped the conflict in our region.
About the Speaker
Tim Vane is a retired Army officer and communications professional with decades of experience in military operations, public affairs, and leadership development. His service included Panama, the First Gulf War, and Haiti, where he served as Public Affairs Officer for a joint task force. He later worked at Y‑12 and Oak Ridge National Laboratory before launching a consulting company and co‑owning a leadership development business. He has been active in Civil War history outreach for years, serving as director of community activities for the Knoxville Civil War Roundtable and now as its president.
Room 1017 will now be our regular meeting space for both First and Third Sunday gatherings. The room is just to the left of the main entrance of the building.
PSCC Map: https://drive.google.com/file/d/134si5GPscIAWPY4YSuwhfH_qVVtFWzMc/view
You can park in the F1 or O8 lots and enter at either X. The room is located where the red dot is. RET signs will direct you to the entrance.
Please note: The Solway Road entrance remains closed due to construction. Enter from Hardin Valley Road. Coffee and other hot beverages will be available. Feel free to bring a snack to share.
September Reflections Meeting
Sunday, September 27, 2026 — 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM (EDT)
Location: Zoom Only
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89994100929?pwd=amQlFsbcwX42I0NAfDHb4jxAs366XT.1
Well, summer is gone but not forgotten. Did you have some interesting times? How did your garden turn out? Did you manage to put the news aside for a moment and find some peace and quiet? Any big plans for fall?
Join us for a relaxed discussion of how the season unfolded and what’s ahead as cooler weather arrives. Bring your stories, reflections, and ideas for making the most of autumn.
Knox County Fourth Wednesday Meetup
Wednesday, September 23, 2026 — 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM (EDT)
Location: Corner 16 9637 Kroger Park Dr Knoxville, TN 37922
Come join an informal gathering for food and conversation at Corner 16 Restaurant near Pellissippi and Northshore. It’s a friendly, come‑as‑you‑are evening — perfect for meeting new people or reconnecting with familiar faces.
If you’d like to see the menu beforehand, you can check it out here. Disregard any notice below about forwarding this email. Feel free to share with anyone who may be interested.
Membership Dues Reminder
As we move into fall, this is a great time to renew your RET annual dues. Annual dues are $60, with a reduced rate of $30 for students and low‑income members. Your support helps us cover meeting costs, maintain hybrid access, and keep our programs open and welcoming to everyone. If you’re able to give a little extra this year, it truly strengthens our community.
Help RET Grow — Bring a Friend
RET thrives when new voices join the conversation. If you have a friend, neighbor, coworker, or family member who might enjoy our meetups, book club, or Sunday discussions, consider inviting them along. A single introduction can make a big difference — and fall is the perfect season for people to try something new. Let’s keep building a thoughtful, curious, and welcoming community together.
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