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Clinton Rotary Club, 101 S. Hicks Street, Clinton, TN (2026)

05/13/2026

The Clinton Rotary Club would like to give a huge thank you to Garry Whitley for joining us and teaching us about the ever-growing world of artificial intelligence! From ChatGPT to Gemini, Garry showed us how AI can be used for everything from business productivity to everyday life — and possibly how robots may one day take over our to-do lists.

Members also enjoyed hearing about Garry’s impressive background with GE HealthCare and his work involving genetically modified animals and biotechnology. We’re still not entirely sure if he helped create a super cow, but it definitely sounded impressive.

Most importantly, Garry helped many of us realize that AI is not nearly as scary as we thought… although some members may now be suspicious when receiving unusually well-written emails from fellow Rotarians.

And yes… in the spirit of the presentation, this post was written using AI. 🤖

05/07/2026

This week we welcomed guest speaker Charlie Davis with The Ecumenical Storehouse.

The Ecumenical Storehouse was established in 1984 and is operated by all volunteers on a rotating basis by 11 local congregations. The Storehouse accepts, stores and distributes almost every type of household good - essentially everything a person would need to set up a small living quarters, except for food and clothes. Most of the clients served by the Storehouse live in Anderson County, but clients also come from Roane, Campbell, Morgan, and Scott.

Many clients are from among the vast number of Appalachian poor in the area; some have lost everything in a fire or storm, while others find themselves in abusive situations and need emergency assistance to establish a new home. All are in need, and they have nowhere else to turn for the service the Storehouse provides.

Clients must be referred to the Storehouse by a government or social service agency, or a local church, with knowledge of their situation. Clients are served regardless of race, faith, gender or handicap.

How people can help:

1. Donate goods

They accept almost any household furniture/items that can be used in a typical home. Some examples are below:

Furniture:
🛋️ couches, chairs, recliners, coffee tables, end tables, area rugs

🪑 kitchen table & chairs

🛏️ beds, mattresses, chest of drawers, dressers, mirrors

📕 small desks, bookcases
Lighting: floor and desk lamps

📺 Working TVs (though we do not need any of the large, deep TVs)

Kitchen:
🍽️
plates, cereal bowls, silverware, glasses, cups, mugs, dessert plates, serving bowls, platters
utensils, mixing bowls, storage containers
pots and pans, casserole dishes, cookie sheets, pie pans, loaf pans, cake pans
Small kitchen appliances: microwaves, coffee pots, toasters, electric skillets, mixers, crock pots, blenders, food processors

Linens and such:
🛌
bath towels, hand towels, wash cloths, bath mats
dish towels and dish cloths
sheets, blankets, bed spreads, mattress covers

Small appliances:

heaters, fans and window air-conditioning units, vacuum cleaners, microwaves

Large appliances: refrigerators, free-standing stoves, washing machines, dryers

Current need:

• Bed Frames/Mattresses/Box Springs
• Bedding (Queen, Full, Twin, XL Twin, King)
• Microwaves
• Dressers/Chest of Drawers/Other similar items
• Small Dining Tables
• Lamps (table or floor)
• Lamp shades (all sizes)
• Smart TVs
• Small appliances

Donations not currently needed:

• Living room chairs (Recliners are OK)
• Ottomans/Footstools
• Medical beds
• China cabinets/ Display cabinets
• Large desks
• Glass top tables
• Sleeper sofas
• Gas appliances
• Plumbing items
• Broken/smelly/damaged items

2. Make a monetary donation by sending a check by mail, payable to Ecumenical Storehouse, to:

Ecumenical Storehouse
P. O. Box 7057
Oak Ridge, TN 37831-7057
You can also make a monetary donation on our page, https://www.facebook.com/ecumstore/, or by using the donation form on this site.

3. Volunteer

If you have free time and would like to volunteer, please call them at (865) 481-0274 . If they don’t answer, please leave a message with your name and phone number. They need all kinds of volunteers at the Storehouse. They have people who answer calls, schedule appointments, and select household items and furniture for clients. They also have volunteers who sort donations, organize items, measure sheets, group utensils and dishes, and test donated lamps and televisions.

They also have teams of workers who pick up donations, usually on Saturdays, but sometimes during the week. They are a nonprofit organization entirely run by volunteers, and they would love for you to join them!

04/29/2026

Thank you author Timothy Holder for an inspiring speech on adversity. With many history buffs in the club we enjoyed the stories and lessons learned. We will remember to "not take everything personally" like Andrew Jackson, "seek wise counsel" unlike Charles Gito, "Focus on what you can do, not what you can't do" like George Washington, and "pray not for lighter burdens, but for stronger backs" like Theodore Roosevelt. Storytelling is a true gift, and I know our members are looking forward to reading your new books.

For more information on Timothy and his work you can visit:

https://www.tdhcommunications.com

04/22/2026

So proud of our Clinton High School Interact Club for participating at the Mosaic Arts Festival!

04/21/2026

Thank you Scott Rhea, Fiscal Services Director of Clinton City Schools, for speaking to us about the past, present, and future of our local school system's financing and budgeting. We are so proud how you have worked with city leadership on funding, projects, and improvements for our schools. We forgive you for being a yankee and we wholeheartedly TRUST your commitment to managing resources responsibly and supporting both students and staff. Your integrity is evident in the continued progress being made across the district. You have many fans in Clinton, but we as a club are definitely proud to know you as a fellow rotarian.

04/14/2026

The Clinton Rotary Club would like to extend a sincere thank you to John Faris for speaking with us today and sharing his incredible life story.

As a McDonald’s Owner and Operator, Mr. Faris has built an extraordinary career through hard work, perseverance, and a commitment to excellence. From his early beginnings to growing a highly successful organization, his journey is a powerful example of what dedication and strong leadership can achieve. Over the years, he has expanded his business across multiple locations, creating jobs and opportunities for thousands of individuals in our region.

Today, Mr. Faris shared that his organization has grown to become one of the top-performing McDonald’s franchise operations in the country. His impact extends far beyond business success, as he now leads a large workforce of employees across his restaurants, providing career opportunities and mentorship to so many in our communities.

In addition to his business accomplishments, Mr. Faris has received prestigious recognition within the McDonald’s system, including honors such as the Ronald McDonald Award and the Golden Arch Award, both of which celebrate outstanding leadership, operational excellence, and community involvement.

What stood out most was his passion for his employees, his customers, and his community. His story is a reminder that true success is not just measured in growth, but in the lives you impact along the way.

As a former Clinton Rotarian and resident, Mr. Faris has long supported our annual Daddy Daughter Dance and our Christmas with the Kids service events. We appreciate his contributions to supporting the youth of Clinton, Anderson County, and all of the communities his stores are a part of.

Thank you again, Mr. Faris, for sharing your story with us. We are grateful for your leadership and proud to have you as part of our community!

04/06/2026

Reminder! No meeting tomorrow! Happy Easter holiday 🐣 🐰!

03/31/2026

Clinton Rotary Club would like to thank fellow Rotarian Wendy Maness for speaking with us today about ASAP of Anderson.

Few individuals embody community service in Anderson County quite like Wendy Maness, whose work spans youth prevention, public service, and local government leadership.

Maness serves as a Youth Prevention Coordinator with ASAP of Anderson, where she plays a vital role in efforts to reduce substance misuse among youth and families. In her position, she leads initiatives focused on to***co, va**ng, alcohol, and drug prevention, providing educational programs in schools and throughout the community. She also works directly with students through intervention programs such as va**ng referral classes and youth outreach efforts designed to promote healthier choices and long-term success.

ASAP of Anderson, founded to bring together community partners in prevention, works across multiple sectors to address substance misuse through education, advocacy, and collaboration. The organization’s mission is centered on creating a safer, healthier community by equipping individuals, especially young people, with the tools and knowledge to make informed decisions.

In addition to her prevention work, Maness serves as a member of the Clinton City Council, representing her community with a focus on listening to residents and advocating for their needs. Elected in 2022, she has emphasized accessibility and responsiveness, striving to ensure that every voice in Clinton is heard.

Her leadership on City Council reflects many of the same priorities she champions in her professional work, particularly public health and community well-being. Maness has supported initiatives addressing issues such as youth va**ng and community development, including efforts to regulate v**e shop density and improve public spaces and resources for residents.

Originally from Mississippi, Maness moved to Clinton in the early 2000s, started a family, and quickly became involved in community initiatives. Her background includes work in education and nonprofit outreach, as well as participation in local coalitions and civic efforts aimed at strengthening neighborhoods and supporting underserved areas.

Beyond her formal roles, Maness is widely recognized for her hands-on involvement in community organizations, youth programs, and advocacy efforts. Whether working with students, collaborating with local leaders, or serving constituents, she has built a reputation as a dedicated advocate for positive change.

Through her combined roles in prevention and public service, Maness continues to make a lasting impact, helping shape a healthier future for the next generation while strengthening the fabric of the Clinton community.

In addition, Wendy is an accomplished musician. Her band WestWend is an Americana country duo comprised of Wendy and her husband Jonathan. With Jonathan's roots in bluegrass and Wendy's roots stemming from the Delta blues, classic country, and Motown, they have come together to create a sound all their own. WestWend has performed at some of the biggest festivals in the United States and Europe including: the Bristol Rhythm and Roots Reunion, the National Cornbread Festival, the St. Augustine Seafood festival, the Pensacola Great Gulf Festival and more. They also performed a 14 day tour in 5 european countries, including the Spring Bluegrass Festival in Switzerland. They have also opened for Rhonda Vincent, Guy Clark, and Tyler Hilton.

They will also be performing a free concert this July! Please see Historic Downtown Clinton for more details!

03/31/2026

The Rotary Club of Clinton proudly recognized one of its own this week as Kelly Vittatoe was honored with her sixth Paul Harris Fellow distinction during a special pinning ceremony.

Vittatoe, a dedicated Rotarian and community leader, has now contributed a total of $6,000 to the Rotary Foundation, earning what is commonly referred to as a “Paul Harris Fellow +5.” Each additional $1,000 in giving represents another level of recognition, marking a continued commitment to Rotary’s mission of service above self.

The Paul Harris Fellow recognition is named after Paul Harris, who founded Rotary International in 1905. Harris, an attorney in Chicago, created Rotary as a way to bring together professionals from diverse backgrounds to exchange ideas, build friendships, and give back to their communities. What began as a small gathering has grown into a global network of more than 1.4 million members committed to humanitarian service.

Established in 1917, the Rotary Foundation was created to “do good in the world,” and today it supports a wide range of initiatives both locally and internationally. These efforts include disaster relief, clean water projects, maternal and child health programs, education and literacy initiatives, and economic development in underserved communities.

Perhaps Rotary’s most well-known initiative is its decades-long fight to eradicate Polio. Through its PolioPlus program, Rotary has helped reduce cases worldwide by more than 99.9%, bringing the world closer than ever to eliminating the disease entirely.

Giving to the Rotary Foundation is one of the most impactful ways our members can extend their service beyond our local community. Kelly’s generosity reflects not only her personal commitment, but also the spirit of Rotary.

Paul Harris Fellow recognitions are a meaningful tradition within Rotary, symbolizing both generosity and a shared belief in service. Vittatoe’s sixth-level recognition highlights years of sustained giving and dedication to causes that improve lives around the globe.

As the Clinton Rotary Club continues its work in Clinton and beyond, members say Vittatoe’s example serves as an inspiration, demonstrating how individual contributions can collectively create lasting change.

Mrs. Vittatoe serves as an officer for Clinton Rotary Club and was recently appointmented as Assistant District Governor for Rotary District 6780 which includes East and half of Middle Tennessee.

Clinton Rotary Club

05/13/2026

05/07/2026

04/29/2026

04/22/2026

04/21/2026

04/14/2026

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