Vista Gatherings – May 2, 2017

Sexton to speak at Korean Vets meeting

Cameron Sexton is our state representative in Nashville and will cover many of of the current stories pertaining to state politics.

This meeting will start at 1 P.M., taking place at the Fairfield Glade Community & Conference Center on Stonehenge Dr. Wednesday, May 10.  Driving directions and/or questions and additional information may be obtained by contacting Cmdr Gene Stone at 931-484-4610.

Following Representative Sexton’s remarks will be our regular business meeting.  It is an important meeting in that the three key officers will be up for election followed by reports on the current pending scholarship selections, the Rose of Sharon appeal this May, the Tell America Schedule, and future trips for the group.

County Piecemakers set to meet today

The Cumberland County Piecemakers’ program for May 3 is a fashion show that is being put on by their current members.

They will be showing their quilted wearables, quilted bags, purses or any item that has been quilted and worn by their members.

Please join them at the 127 Senior Citizen starting with a business meeting at 10 A.M. and their fashion show following after. If you have any questions please call Dee Martinez at 931-484-5965.

NARFE Chapter 1719 will meet on May 9

Attention all active and retired federal employees.  Do you have questions about the current status of your Federal Employee Health Benefits?

The officers and members of Cumberland County Chapter 1719 of The National Association of Retired and Active Federal Employees (NARFE) invites you to join us at Vegas Steak House at noon on Tuesday, May 9,  for a no host luncheon.  Spouses are encouraged to attend.

Following the meal, Karen Wilson, area Blue Cross/Blue Shield representative (based in Chattanooga), will be present to update federal employees (active and retired) on changes to their health benefits under B/C/B/S.

She is prepared to answer questions for government employees (including those employed by the United States Postal Service).

If you have questions, or a need for more information, contact Ellie Kellerman, Chapter President, at 707-8542.

FACS events scheduled

There will be several Arts and Crafts events this week at FACS in the Crossville Outlet Center.

On May 2, Pebeo Paints instructor Tristina Dietz-Elmes will hold a mixed media class from 9:30 A.M. to 12:30 P.M. That will be followed by a class in using new oil Markers and also an Acrylic Marker Class.

On May 6, Jean Corbett will teach us how to use metal and tiles in the creation of our beautiful pieces worthy of hanging or giving as a gift. Participants will leave class with their creation and a custom made frame for completing their work of art.

On May 13, Lorraine Revalee will teach the use of the new distrss oxide paints from Tim Holtz. There are also other classes and events at FACS. Call 931-210-5599 for more information, to registrer or pre-pay for classes. You can also go to their website at FACSTN.com.

Volunteers needed

Meals on Wheels of the Cumberlands is grateful for every volunteer that helps them.  March is a big month for special guests to bring extra awareness to the program by stepping up and doing the work our dedicated volunteers do all year long.

To volunteer and donate for Meals on Wheels of the Cumberlands in Cumberland County: Norm Dukes  at [email protected] (931) 456-0691

Kinseekers to meet 

On Thursday, May 4, three local ladies of the Kinseekers group, who have made the trek to the Genealogy Archives in Salt Lake City, Utah, will be sharing their wisdom and suggestions on making your trip as pleasant and successful as possible.

Donna Fitzgerald, Chris Sikorski and Cathy Tipton, all three very interesting speakers and serious genealogy researchers, will be giving hands-on advice, specifically mentioning ‘dos and don’t’ that they learned the hard way  They will probably have handout, but, you might want to bring paper and pen/pencil to take notes.

Remember, you do not have to be a serious genealogist to attend, anyone is welcome.  The dues are $10 a year, but, they invite you to come as their guest the first time.

Theyhad an excellent meeting on April 6 with Allison Griffey from The Tennessee State Library and Archives.  She spoke on the Gold Star Records from WW1 and explained the meaning of Gold Stars, Blue Stars and much more, as well as sharing useful handouts. An excellent speaker.

The group meets from 1 to 3 P.M., the first Thursday each month in the Fellowship Hall of the Fairfield Glade Community Church, 521 Snead Drive. Park in the back parking lot and come in the Sanctuary side entrance.

Other area genealogy related groups are: The Celtic Circle that meets the first Tuesday each month at 6 P.M. at the Christian Church of the Cumberlands, 312 East First Street, Crossville. F

or information, Email: [email protected].  The Cumberland County Archive and Family Heritage Center, 95 East First Street, Crossville, Open from 9 A.M. to 4 P.M. on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.  Phone: 931-456-2006.  And,The Cumberland County Genealogical Society, which meets the first and third Monday each month at the Cumberland County Art Circle Public Library, 3 East Street, Crossville. Phone 931-484-6790.

Hospice plans Butterfly Release Celebration

The Fairfield Glade Hospice Auxiliary announces its 7th Hospice Benefit Celebration of Life Butterfly Release, to be held on Saturday, June 10.

The celebration and release of butterflies in memory of loved ones will be held on the Courthouse Lawn in Crossville from 9 to 10 A.M.

The program will be an uplifting and joyful experience in remembrance of those we have loved and lost. The ceremony includes the reading of names of those we are celebrating, as well as music, commemorative readings and the release of the live butterflies, which will mingle with the crowd and the flowering plants.

The donation for the butterflies is $20 for one name to be remembered, or $100 for six (6) different names.

They encourage participants to attend the event, bring a lawn chair and wear brightly colored clothing. Those unable to attend may still reserve butterflies in the names of family members or friends; and these butterflies will also be released, with the names read. Butterfly Order Forms are available at the Hospice Office at 30 East Adams St, as well as in most churches and public venues in Crossville and Fairfield Glade.

You can also send an email to Rachel McKeel at [email protected], and an order form will be mailed to you.

For more information, call 931-787-7204 or 707-7261.

The deadline for ordering butterflies is May 31. Proceeds from this event will support the ongoing work of Hospice of Cumberland County, as we provide quality end-of-life care for terminally ill persons, as well as grief support for their families.

Hebbertsburg event set

Did you attend the April 1st Hebbertsburg Community Center Dinner/Dance?  If so, you proved you weren’t a fool…and you heard the Notice that the band wouldn’t start playing on May 6 until 6 P.M., right?  Well, disregard that! The changed plans have changed again … the City Lites band will start playing at 5:30 as usual.

The first dinner/dance of the season was great; and if you missed it, don’t despair!  Just plan to come on Saturday, May 6.  The doors open at 4:30 P.M. (CT), food is served starting at 5 P.M.  and the City Lites band starts playing at 5:30 P.M.

The adults’ donation at the door is $4, and children 16 and under are Free.

The two meal choices are: homemade spaghetti with meat sauce and bread or BBQ sandwich with chips, both with either a soft drink, coffee, tea or water, and all for just $7.  Additional drinks or desserts are only a $1.

The Hebbertsburg ladies donate tasty cakes for its  ‘Fun and Famous Cakewalk where for just a $1 you can possibly win a yummy cake of your choice.  All money received goes to compensate the band and to  maintain the Center; all the workers are dedicated volunteers.

Even if you don’t dance and don’t plan to eat, their fabulously talented ‘Sweet T’s’ performances during the band’s breaks, are reason enough to join them. This is family fun at its best, so invite some friends and bring you family.

From the 4-Way Stop on Peavine Road in Fairfield Glade, head North (away from I-40) about 5 miles, to the Y in the road with a house in the center.  Take the left fork of the Y about a city block and look for the blue Community Center on the left. Any questions? Call Carolyn at 931-707-7837.

Blood Drive scheduled

The American Red Cross is sponsoring a Fairfield glade Blood Drive on May 5 from 9 A.M. to 3 P.M. at the First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall located at   308 Town Centre Drive,                   Fairfield Glade.

Shriner’s Vidalia Onion Sale now beginning

For the 17th year the Cumberland Shrine Club is selling those delicious Vidalia Onions from Georgia.

A 10-pound bag is just $10. All proceeds go to support our Shrine Hospitals for Children. Shriners never make a charge for any of our kids. Order by phone: 484-2503 or 248-0143. Or call your Shriner friend. Delivery last week in April.

Round Table slated

The first meeting of the newly organized Fairfield Glade Civil War Round Table will be Tuesday, May 16, at 6 P.M. in Conference Room C in the Glade Library.

The speaker will be James Lovelace, a Glade resident and the adjutant for the Sgt. William A. Hamby Camp #1750, Sons of Confederate Veterans. He will share stories about family members who fought for the Confederacy and the impact the war had on their lives and those living in the South.

Visitors are welcome.  Please contact Dick Sammer at [email protected] if you have questions.

Stamp Out Hunger Drive starts May 13 

May 13th (second Saturday in May) is the day of the Crossville Post Office ‘Stamp Out Hunger’ Food Drive

The U.S. Postal Service continues to support the National Association of Letter Carriers’ (NALC) food drive as we enter our 25th year together to help Stamp Out Hunger in America. The Postal Service’s and the NALC’s food drive is one of the most successful in the nation.

Locally:  Last year, in Cumberland County, about two tons of non-perishable food was collected and distributed to eight local food pantries. This was an increase of about 1,591 pounds from the previous year.

What to Do: On May 13th, the second Saturday in May, place non-perishable food items at mailboxes for food pantry volunteers or mailmen to collect. Or take donations to the lobby of the Crossville Post Office.

Retired Michigan school employees meet

The annual meeting of MARSP (Michigan Association of Retired School Personnel) will take place at Druid Hills Country Club ( Legends) Restaurant on May 22.

All retired Michigan school employees (not only teachers) are invited to attend whether MARSP members or not. A presentation of important information regarding medical insurance coverage and legislative activities affecting the membership will be provided.

A special presentation by attorney Marcia Shada will include topics relevant to our aging population (i.e. power of attorney, and advanced directives). The “famous” Legends brunch will follow the business meeting. MARSP is an advocacy group for retired Michigan school employees and membership keeps your concerns in view of state legislators and the retirement board.

Volunteer Coin Club to Meet May 9

The Volunteer Coin Club of Crossville will hold their regular  meeting on  Tuesday,  at 6:30 P.M. on May 9.

The meetings are held at the 127 Senior Center located at 1460 South Main Street (Highway 127 South).  Meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month.  Visitors and guests are welcome.

Contact Mike Puhl (456-0397) or Franc Conner (337-1247) for information.

Beware of this Scam

The Tennessee Senior Medicare Patrol has received several reports of Medicare beneficiaries receiving postcards in different colors from The Joint and Back Institute with special notices concerning Medicare and Insurance Covered Back and Knee Support systems.

They ask beneficiaries NOT to call the number listed on the postcard and advise that you talk to your doctor first. According to Medicare Guidelines, Medicare only covers back and Knee braces that are deemed medically necessary by your doctor with a prescription.

Fraudsters are hoping to get your Medicare number so they can bill Medicare part B for equipment you did not receive, or bill for more expensive braces or knee support systems.

If you received such postcard as seen below, please report them to the Tennessee Senior Medicare Patrol at the toll-free number at 1-866-836-7677.

Fun, socializing, dancing

Whether you are new to the area or have just never thought of joining a dance club, New Generation Dance Club may be the fun opportunity for you.

They offer four dinner dances a year for those who enjoy foxtrots, line dancing, swing, waltz, cha-cha, rumba and rock and roll dancing.  These dances are spread out throughout the year and take place at the Fairfield Glade Community and Conference Center, on a wonderful dance floor.  Any level of dancing is fine!  They welcome new members and guests.

Each dinner dance includes a cash bar, three-course dinner and live music from professional bands.

Events begin with a social hour at 5:30 P.M.  Dinner and dancing start at 6:30 P.M. and continue until 9 P.M.

For more information about our club or attending as a guest of the club, please contact Evelyne Kornreich at 931-287-0097 or email us at [email protected] . Come try us out and have fun doing so!

Applications taken

Cumberland County United Fund 2018 Grant Funding applications, for 501 C 3 non-profits that provide services and programs to people in Cumberland County, are now available on-line by emailing, [email protected] or calling, 931-484-4082.

Deadline for completed applications will be on March 23rd at Noon. Our location is 348 Taylor St. Crossville TN, 38555.

Volunteers needed

Are you looking for a way to give back to your community and learn more about tax return preparation?  You could be a part of a team of volunteers that provide free tax services to our community.

For more information about the program or to arrange to attend training, call 456-4212.

Last year the AARP Tax-Aide volunteers at the 6 regional sites completed over 2500 returns.

UCHRA program invite

UCHRA would like to invite anyone 55 years or older who meets the eligibility guidelines to be a part of our Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP).

This program provides on-the-job training for older individuals seeking gainful employment in the Upper Cumberland region.

If you have any questions please call (931) 520-9624  or come by the UCHRA Central Office in Cookeville located at 580 S. Jefferson, Suite B, Cookeville.

Marathon Pinochle to continue through May

Want to meet new people, old friends , and enjoy playing Pinochle? Now is the time to enroll for our 2016-2017 season. Play began last September, and ends in May.

There is a game for each month, and schedules can be arranged to play any mutually convenient date.

Each team plays 9 games, which are alternately at your or your opponent’s homes. Cost per season is $11 per person, $22 per team which covers prizes and club expenses.

Prizes are awarded at a catered luncheon in June. This year’s event will be held at Fairfield Glade Community Church on June 10, 2017.

Send your name(s), address, phone and e-mail contacts with a check made out to Laurie Kreskowiak to Laurie at 24 Belvidere Ln, Fairfield Glade, Tn  38558. Call Laurie at 931-484-2123 or John Moritz at 931-456-2290.