This episode features Jonesborough Area Ministerial Association Food Pantry volunteers, Rick Newell, and Rufus Houston. This conversation took place on January 12, and was moderated by Advisory Committee member, Michelle Treece, and a friend of the McKinney Center, Brittany Butler. This recorded event will be released on January 19, to see it, go to YouTube.com and search for McKinney Center or use any podcast app and search CTM the Podcast or visit https://mckinneycenter.com/conversations-that-matter . 

Rick Newell grew up in Western New York and moved to Washington D.C. after high school. He worked with a Virginia based sound company on band road tours and managed maintenance of a 12-story apartment building. Rick moved back to Western New York and bought the family heating and air conditioning business. He met and later married his wife, Karen 36 years ago. Eventually Rick sold the business and went to work for the local Habitat for Humanity affiliate as a construction supervisor. Rick retired in 2015 and relocated to Jonesborough where he became involved with the JAMA Food Pantry around 2019. Rick currently holds the title of assistant treasurer and is involved with the ordering and organizing of pantry food supplies. 

Rufus B. Houston III is originally from Chattanooga, Tennessee but has lived in Jonesborough for over 27 years. Rufus presently serves on the JAMA Food Pantry board, Washington County Library Board of Trustees (Chairman), and Friends of the Washington County Jonesborough Library (President). Rufus retired from the Air Force after over 21 years of service. He has a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a master’s in public administration. Rufus has been an ordained minister for over 42 years. Rufus was the Volunteer of the Year for Jonesborough and volunteer of the year for the Jonesborough Library. He loves going to the Jonesborough repertory Theater, Storytelling Center for teller in residence, and is an avid walker. 

Supported by a grant from the East Tennessee Foundation, “Conversations that Matter” is a monthly series produced by the McKinney Center in Jonesborough, Tennessee. In each “Conversation” two local guests from different backgrounds (age, race, religion, culture, etc.) explore their own culture and perspective, and talk to each other about what makes them unique, discover their similarities, and explore their differences. They will look at where their lives might intersect personally and in the community. The goal of each “Conversation that Matters” is for guests and participants to hear real stories, from real neighbors. 

This monthly series is inspired by the Diversity & Equity Subcommittee at the McKinney Center, and their desire to highlight the experiences of all voices in Washington County, Tennessee, with an intention to include marginalized groups. By showcasing these conversations, the Diversity & Equity subcommittee hopes to open doors to new ideas and perspectives amongst our very own neighbors. Questions such as, “What was your experience in grade-school and how did that make you feel?” or, “Have you experienced exclusion or racism?” For many of us the answers are different and unique. The McKinney Center believes it is time to talk about our experiences and share them. 

There is value in uplifting these stories so that we may learn from one another. Then, after hearing from one another our moderators and guest conversationalists will give insight on how to move forward.