Friday, September 18, 2026, will be the final meeting of the 106-year-old Optimist Club of Knoxville. The club’s board of directors voted in August to disband.

“Unfortunately, we have had trouble recruiting the leadership that has made this awesome organization continue for 106 years,” per the newsletter. “We have found recruiting a new generation to the cause to be the case here at our own club.”

The Optimist Club of Knoxville has compiled a deep record of community service. Projects include college scholarships, “Friends of Youth” and “Respect for the Law Day.” The club was founded in 1920, one year after the formation of Optimist International.

Club members are collecting memorabilia. Anyone with something to contribute should attend the Sept. 18 meeting or contact an officer. Club members will continue to meet for fellowship on the first Friday of each month at Shoney’s, 2612 Chapman Hwy.

Community Awards

Dorothy Weber “Yes” Award, to honor volunteers who serve when called upon. Weber (1938-2009) joined the Optimist Club in 1988. In 2004, the club awarded her the Optimist of the Year. She and husband Glen operated Sir Speedy printing center for some 20 years.

American Heroes of the Year, to honor local emergency service professionals who dedicate themselves to saving lives and protecting property in the midst of tragedy and devastation, responding at a moment’s notice, 24/7.

Respect for the Law Day, to recognize outstanding officers from various law enforcement agencies, including the Knox County Sheriff’s Office, Knoxville Police Department, Tennessee Highway Patrol, Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and the FBI.

Youth Awards

Johnny Mauer Award, to honor area athletes who excel both in sports and academics. Mauer was a member of Optimist Club of Knoxville and a football and basketball coach at the University of Tennessee. One of his players, Mike Stratton, initiated the award program, which was held last in April 2026 at Bearden Banquet Hall.

Youth Appreciation Week: Since 1956, this program has given Optimist Clubs the occasion to work with youth toward the common goals of education, career development, physical well-being and community service. During Youth Appreciation Week, the Optimist Club of Knoxville recognizes area youth with the Robert H. Leonard Service to Humanity Award.

Remembering Bob Leonard

Bob Leonard

Robert H. “Bob” Leonard of Farragut, Tennessee, died on November 12, 2012, at age 87. Bob was a leader at everything he touched. He was a founder and first mayor of the town of Farragut (April 1, 1980, and serving six terms  until April 23, 1993). He was Tennessee Mayor of the Year in 1991, chosen by the Tennessee Municipal League. Town of Farragut named its second public park “Mayor Bob Leonard Park.”

Mr. Leonard was founding teacher of the Disciples Class at First Christian Church, May 1950 to 2005. He graduated from the University of Tennessee with both a bachelor’s degree and his law degree. He was admitted to the Tennessee Bar in 1946, prior to his graduation in 1947. And he became president of the Knoxville Bar Association (1964-65). He was general counsel of First Utility District of Knox County for 55 years. With the Optimists he:

  • Joined the Optimist Club of Knoxville in May 1950, and had 62 years of perfect attendance. He was elected club president in 1956-57.
  • Secretary/treasurer of District Eleven of Optimist International from 1954-55, which included all of Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi and parts of Louisiana and Florida.
  • Governor of District 11 in 1959-60.
  • Elected to the board of directors of Optimist International, then served as vice president and was the first president-elect of Optimist International in 1965-66.
  • President of Optimist International in 1966-67.
  • Chair of the Optimist International Boys Work Committee from 1969-72 and led the committee to change its name to Youth Work Committee so that girls, as well as boys, could profit from the opportunities offered by Optimist International and its member clubs.
Leadership Knoxville at work

Candace Boone-Viox, proprietor of Water into Wine in Farragut, is a member of the Leadership Knoxville Class and is documenting her journey on Facebook. Last week the group toured downtown Knoxville, posing with the Dolly Parton mural and the Febb Burn statue. They heard from Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon and Knox County Mayor Betsy Henderson. For 200 years we didn’t have a single female mayor and now we’ve got two.

Notes & Quotes

Pine Fest in White Pine, Jefferson County, will be Saturday, September 19, 2026, from 10-4. Live music, crafts, etc. The flyer doesn’t say where, but I’m guessing if you can find White Pine, the festival will be obvious.
Legacy Luncheon for the Parks is Friday, September 25, 2026, with speaker Conor Knighton, CBS Sunday Morning correspondent and author of a book about his visits to all U.S. national parks. The event is at Johnson University from 11:30-1 p.m. Ticket info here.

Wesley House will hold its Masquerade Ball on Friday, September 25, 2026, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Bridgewater Place. It raises funds to support Knoxville youth, senior citizens and underserved members of the Beaumont, Lonsdale and Mechanicsville communities. This black-tie event will include fine dining, live entertainment, a silent auction, dancing, drinks, and this year – a new concept – Masked Singer. Link to Masquerade Ball tickets. Link to Wesley House.

Outdoor Knoxville lists hundreds of activities, many free, all outdoors.

Quote: The season for enjoying the fullness of life – partaking of the harvest, sharing the harvest with others, and reinvesting and saving portions of the harvest for yet another season of growth. — Denis Waitley

 

 

Sandra Clark compiles obituary links and writes the Let’s Talk series for KnoxTNToday – Let’s Talk – Neighbors archive. Find us on Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn. Get daily articles in our free newsletter. Send comments to news@knoxtntoday.com/.