We had a special guest at our Leadership Knoxville Class of ’93 fall gathering this year — a cute little fluff-ball named Rufus! He’s Annette and Barry Winston’s new puppy. From left, Bo Townsend, Monique Anderson, Beth Townsend, and Dr. Charlie Mercer. Bo and Charlie are members of the class.
The Leadership Knoxville Class of ’93 has done it again! Another fun gathering — almost every year since we “graduated” 32 years ago! Yay us! We did miss gathering in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic. But we came roaring back!
Some of the best things about how bonded our class became are the “plus ones” or “significant others” that have become a part of our group. Sometimes I forget which member of a couple was actually in the class and which is the partner of the class member! But we like it that way.
The annual fall gathering was earlier this month at the beautiful Sequoyah Hills home of Annette and Dr. Barry Winston. (She’s the class member.) As usual, everyone signed up to bring a soup, salad, appetizer or dessert. And a non-cook — or someone traveling from out of town– usually brings bread.
I just want to encourage the other Leadership Knoxville classes to try this wonderful tradition. Because everyone chips in, it’s not so much trouble or expense for the event’s host. Plus, we rotate host duties around. Trust the LK ’93 class members — it’s well worth it. Here are a few pics from our festive evening. Feel free to reach out to any of us if you’d like help starting one for your own class!
As with all Leadership Knoxville functions, we start with “gathering!” From left, Ron Brown, Kathy and Dan Hamiton. Kathy was the class member. Ron and Dan are “plus ones.”
Class members Gwen Brown and Bruce Anderson.
Class members Carolyn Pearre and Lynne Fain. Carolyn wins the award for coming from the farthest away — Nashville!
Spouses of class members, Alice Mercer and Ed Mathews.
Our hostess, class member Annette Winston, left, with Lane Hays, the partner of class member Stuart Worden.
Annette with the most popular guest at the party! He looks like he’s smiling!
Class members Carolyn Pearre and Dr. Charlie Mercer. Looks serious.
Another deep discussion. Spouses of class members, Monique Anderson, left, and Beth Townsend.
I brought “Million Dollar Dip” as an appetizer. (I have no idea why they call it that!)
I’m not sure if Alice Mercer is making Walter Fain laugh or cry!
The coleslaw had Brussels sprouts in it!
Orzo salad.
Lynne Fain slicing the apples for her delicious salad.
We had a beautiful assortment of bread.
And three varieties of chicken soup! Clockwise from left: pozole, which is a Mexican chicken soup; Greek lemon chicken soup; and, as the person who made it said, “regular” chicken soup! I tried them all and found every one of them to be delicious.
Let’s eat! Beth and Monique hit the soup line.
Grab a seat!
Ed and Cile Mathews.
And then, my husband, Alan’s, favorite part of the meal!
Gotta have ice cream!
Here’s his masterpiece: spice cake with a scoop!
Two doctors talking over dessert. Charlie Mercer, left, is a retired medical doctor and administrator. Barry Winston is still practicing, thankfully. He’s my eye doctor!
Class of ’93 members at the event. From left, Kathy Hamilton, Bo Townsend, Carolyn Pearre, Stuart Worden, Annette Winston, Charlie Mercer, me, Bruce Anderson, Cile Matthews, Lynne Fain, and Gwen Brown
Our fun-loving Class of ’93 partners! From left, Dan Hamilton, Ed Matthews, Ron Brown, Lane Hays, Walter Fain, Alice Mercer, Monique Anderson, Barry Winston, Alan Carmichael, and Beth Townsend.
After a while, I noticed that I hadn’t seen Alan in a little while. I asked Annette if she had seen him. “Oh, Barry took him down to the golf simulator!” she said.
Busted! Two avid golfers found their happy place in the basement. Ha.
Rufus says, “I’m tired — goodbye!”
What a joy to read and to see these members and partners. It’s got to be obvious: this really is the Best Class Ever!!!
Rusha: Missed you! Look forward to seeing you soon.
Envious! Our class does a good job of coming together off & on. I think some get discouraged about those who don’t attend. I think we should focus on celebrating that a group of us still enjoys getting together. The class of 2010 can count on hearing from me early in 2026!
Gay: Good for you! I agree that’s the best attitude to hold. Good luck, Class of 2010!
Always good to catch up with those who are able to make it. Fun night.
Annette: Thanks so much for hosting! Had a blast catching up with everyone. Plus, Rufus!!
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