Same Sense of Service Saluted in New Year ’26
By VICKIE ELLIS, TVARA Valleywide President
I hope each of you enjoyed a wonderful holiday season filled with family, friends, and joy.
As we proceed through this new year, I want to thank you for the incredible work you continue to do in your communities. Your dedication to service projects and volunteer efforts truly reflects the spirit of our organization and makes a lasting impact across all 18 chapters.
This year, many of us have experienced challenging winter weather. I want to express our gratitude to TVA employees for their outstanding work in managing energy demand during those difficult conditions. Their efforts helped keep our homes warm and safe, and we appreciate their commitment to serving our region.
We have several new staffing changes to share. Three chapters have new presidents who assumed their new role in January. They are as follows:
- Chattanooga Chapter — Denny Forster
- Cleveland Chapter — Michael Baines
- Knoxville Chapter — Leslie Bazzoon
Former TVARA Valleywide President Theresa Habiger has worked on the editorial staff of this newsletter since 2012, with primary responsibility for facilitating the content of the many articles we see each quarter. This is her last issue, and we are sad to see her go, but excited for the new things she will do in her “retirement”!
During our strategic-planning process last year, we received strong feedback saying we should have a staff person responsible for communications/ marketing efforts to facilitate communications with members through the newsletter, webpage, chapter meetings, etc. Suzan Bowman, also a former TVARA Valleywide President, has assumed those responsibilities for TVARA, and we are excited to work with her in this new role. Expect to hear more from Suzan soon!
As printing and mailing costs have continued to rise, we will be moving this newsletter to an all-digital distribution. Beginning in June, if we have your email address, you will receive the newsletter electronically. If you need a printed copy, please request one from Richard Wilson at rtwilson@tva.gov or call 865- 632-3318.
Finally, please join me in welcoming the new TVA Board members. We are excited about the leadership they bring, and we look forward to working together to make this year one of growth and success.
Looking ahead, I encourage each of you to stay engaged and involved in your local chapter and community. Whether through chapter activities, volunteer opportunities, or simply lending a helping hand, your participation strengthens our mission and brings us closer together.