Summer Swing ’23: a thankfully cool experience

Dr. Dan Ely, medical director of Choice Health Network & Positively Living, attended with his wife, Moira Kaye Ely.

After a three-year hiatus, Choice Health Network and Positively Living have brought back their popular hot-weather event, Summer Swing. Only this year, they made arrangements for some shade — and air conditioning! That turned out to be a very good decision as temperatures were pushing 90 earlier this month when the event was held.

The venue — the Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum — was a perfect location. Food and beverages were served in the climate controlled Dogwood Center while the band — and another bar — were set up on the venue’s outdoor patio. There even was a “cigar bar” outside to accommodate those who wanted to indulge in that activity.

The theme was “Gettin’ Groovy in the Garden” and that will explain the fun ’70s attire in some of these photos.

Proceeds from the event itself as well as those of an on-site auction help fund services for nearly 6,000 individuals and families struggling to survive the challenges created by HIV, homelessness, mental illness and substance use.

The “yacht rock” band Smooth Sailor must include some of the busiest musicians in town because it seems as if they are playing at almost every party this summer. Hope your season is going well!

Steve Jenkins, right, is CEO of Choice Health Network & Positively Living. He’s seen here with Rachel and Robert Cole.

Haha! From left, Abby Drevik, Steve Drevik, Lee Ann Rogers, and Terri Swaggerty dressed the part!

Jimmie Tate, left, and Stacy Bostic.

Kevin and Maria McHale looking very ’70s!

From left, Mike McClamroch, John Law, and Chris McKenry.

Micah Spicer, left, and Tommy Washington.

From left, Shannon Herron, Dervin Durand, and Avery G. Howard.

Kent and Kim Lauth. She’s COO of Choice Health Network & Positively Living.

Victoria Kay getting in the groove.

Food was provided by By the Tracks Catering.

Smooth Sailor performing on the patio.

A closer look.

Someone enjoying the “cigar bar!”

Municipal Judge John Rosson and Mona Nair.

Mary Kathryn Kennard and Robert Cole.

Jennifer Holder and Dino Cartwright pose with one of the auction items. (I saw it before someone added the fig leaf!)

Jackie Wilson, left, and Helen Harb.

Heather Overton and Brian Pittman.

Artist Cynthia Markert, left, with Genoa Clark, senior director of harm reduction at Choice Health Network & Positively Living. Clark is displaying one of Markert’s pieces that would be part of the auction.

Bobby Brown, left, and Todd Richeson.

Anthony Wilson, left, and Tyler Janow.

Anne Kinggard, left, and Lennie Robertson having their caricatures done.

The final product!

R.J. Hinde, left, and John Winemiller.

Sandy Leake, left, and Kathy Boyd.

From left, Alan Carmichael, Gay Lyons, Allie Clouse, and Alex Owens.

Allie and Alex also were brave enough to have their caricatures drawn!

 

 

 

 

 

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4 Responses to Summer Swing ’23: a thankfully cool experience

  1. Maria McHale, on August 14th, 2023 at 1:59 pm said:

    What a fun evening for a wonderful organization, so glad they brought this event back! We had a blast and love a good theme. ๐Ÿ˜‰

  2. Cynthia Moxley, on August 14th, 2023 at 2:11 pm said:

    Maria: You and Kevin definitely rose to the occasion! Good job!

  3. Gay Lyons, on August 14th, 2023 at 3:54 pm said:

    Fun evening! If I hadn’t forgotten about the 70’s theme, I’d have been dressed to match. I love a good theme. Like you, I appreciated the air conditioning in the Dogwood Center.

  4. Cynthia Moxley, on August 14th, 2023 at 4:34 pm said:

    Gay: I thought you looked a little “groovy!”

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