RCK member Jennifer Sepaniak spoke briefly about Community School for the Arts and introduced Diana Samples, who along with her husband former RCK President Bob Samples, was instrumental in the founding of Community School for the Arts. Bob and Diana made a substantial contribution to the Rotary Foundation of Knoxville for the endowment of an annual Bob and Diana Samples Scholarship for an outstanding CSA student. Ms. Samples introduced the 2025 scholarship winner, Abrile Nichols, and her family. She attended Beaumont Magnet Academy, Sterchi Elementary, Gresham Middle and Central High School. Ms. Nichols gave excellent remarks discussing her journey at CSA and her college plans. She started at CSA in kindergarten and continued all the way through high school. She learned to play piano, violin and guitar there. Ms. Samples remarked that as with Ms. Nichols, God gives students talents, CSA gives them opportunities.
RCK President Chris Lambert then presented remarks and memorial resolutions honoring three outstanding RCK members who passed away during the last year, past President Bob Samples, past President Frank Addicks and Russ Johnston. President Chris recognized Diana Samples who was there to receive the resolution honoring her husband, and Peggy Addicks, Frank’s widow, RCK member Whit Addicks and other members of the Addicks family.
Past RCK President Jim Decker introduced our program, presented in recognition of Arthritis Awareness Month. Our speaker was Dr. Brian Bush, past President Jim’s son-in-law. Dr. Bush practices at Rheumatology Consultants, PLLC here in Knoxville, and is board certified in internal medicine and rheumatology. He is a Fellow of the American College of Rheumatology. He entitled his presentation, Rheumatology 101.
Dr. Bush noted that rheumatology deals with diseases affecting joints, muscles, bones and connective tissues. Approximately one third (1/3) of United States residents suffer from some form of arthritis or back pain. Arthritis or back pain is a common cause of doctor visits and surgeries. He discussed inflammatory and non-inflammatory kinds of arthritis. Gout would be an example of inflammatory arthritic disease. He contrasted rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is gradually progressive, age related and is reflective of wear and tear on the joints and cartilage loss. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease. It results from the immune system attacking the joints, especially the feet and hands. People can be genetically susceptible to rheumatoid arthritis. It may result from some insult that triggers the immune system.
Dr. Bush presented a lot of valuable information about the kinds of arthritis. Most of us will either need that information or have a family member who needs that information as we age.
