DEADLINE: The deadline for submitting Area Happenings, Church Events, Reunions or Society items is Thursday at noon. See our website each week for a full listing of local governmental meetings: www.claiborneprogress.net.
Claiborne County Kindergarten Registration
Children who will be five by August 15 are asked to pre-register for kindergarten. You are required to bring your child’s immunization record, a valid birth certificate, child’s social security number and food stamp or AFDC number, if applicable. Remaining school registration dates and times: TNT Primary, May 11, 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. and May 12, 8 a.m. until 3 p.m.; Powell Valley, May 6, 8 a.m. until 2 p.m.; Ellen Myers, May 13, 9 a.m. until 2 p.m.
Heritage Christian Academy
The Heritage Christian Academy Pre-K program is now accepting applications for the 2016-17 school year. You can fill out applications at the school any time during regular school hours. For more information call 423-526-2807.
CHS Greenhouse
The Claiborne High School Greenhouse is now open Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
First Tee Fundraiser
The First Tee Pine Mountain Bingo fundraiser will be every Friday and Saturday from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. at a new location, the Middlesboro Elks Lodge at the corner of 19th St. and Hwy. 441, behind Middlesboro Walmart. Doors open at 4 p.m.
Public Library Spring Book Sale
The Claiborne County Public Library will hold its annual spring book sale in the downstairs basement, May 2-7 from 9 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Mon. through Fri. and Sat. 9 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. Hardbacks, audio books, movies, music and puzzles are $1 each; tradebacks, $.50 each; paperbacks and magazines $.10 each and Bibles are free. Everything is sold as-is.
Regional Planning Commission
The Claiborne County Regional Planning Commission will hold its next scheduled meeting at 12:30 p.m. on May 3 at the Chamber of Commerce Office, 1732 Main Street, Tazewell, TN 37879. The public is welcome to attend.
Bereavement Support Group
The death of a loved one by suicide presents special problems in grieving. There is often more shock, a greater sense of injustice, more guilt and blame and a heightened sense of helplessness – and these all tend to complicate the healing process for survivors. You are not alone.
There is a safe place in this community for survivors (families and loved ones of suicide victims) to share their loss with others who are experiencing similar thoughts and feelings. Surviving Our Loss After Suicide (SOLAS) is a bereavement support group that will provide help, hope and healing. Groups are open to all adult survivors of suicide and will be held at The Well Being Foundation, 557 Narrows Road, Tazewell, TN 37879. To reach Well Being, go approximately 8.1 miles from the stop light at Cedar Fork Road then turn left on Narrows Road. The meetings will take place from 6-7:30 p.m. Upcoming dates are May 3, May 17, June 7, June 21, July 19, Aug. 2, Aug. 16, Sept. 6, Sept. 20, Oct. 4 and Oct. 18. For more information call Tammy Wilson, facilitator, at 865-585-2917.
Benefit Yard Sale
The Gibson Hall F.C.E. will have a yard sale at 803 Old Jacksboro Rd., New Tazewell, May 5-6, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Benefit Pageant
There will be a benefit pageant for Mandalyn Noe on May 7 at Claiborne High School. Registration begins at 4 p.m. and the pageant will begin at 5 p.m. All ages are welcome. All proceeds after the cost of the event will go to Mandalyn for medical expenses. Entry fee – $60 (includes side awards and crowning t-shirt); Photogenic – $10 (optional); Overall Awards – $10 (optional); extra T-shirts – $12 S-XL, 2X-4X add $3; $70 includes entry fee, photogenic and overall awards if a deposit of $30 is paid by May 1. Contact directors for sibling discount information. For more information contact: Adriane Warner at 423-754-4600, Rachel Whitaker at 865-279-0089 or visit the Facebook page, Miracles for Mandalyn Benefit Pageant. Paperwork is available to print or email.
Bee Friends
Did you ever wonder what the inside of a honeybee hive looks like? You can do that on May 7 at the Well Being Conference Center in Tazewell. Bee Friends, your local beekeeping club, is holding the annual free field day, which will begin at noon. All are invited. If you don’t have protective gear, it will be provided. The club president, who is also a local inspector, will open a hive and explain what is going on. Afterward you can meet and talk with local beekeepers of all levels of experience while enjoying free dessert and refreshments. For directions, search WellBeingCC.org or call 423-626-9000.
A special beehive workshop will be held from 1-4 p.m. For more information, call Jay Heselschwerdt at 423-268-4785.
Community Yard Sale
The Tri-State Youth Choir will host a community yard sale on May 7 in the parking lot of HY Livesay Middle School. It will begin at 8 a.m. The donation for a table is $20 unless you will be donating the proceeds to the choir. To reserve a table or for more information call 865-585-7724.
LEGO Club at Library
A LEGO Club will have its first session May 9 at the Claiborne County Public Library. All ages are welcome to attend. The club will meet on the second Monday and fourth Thursday of each month from 4-5 p.m. to create, build and express your imagination with LEGOs. All LEGO supplies will be provided by the library. No sign up is required – just show up for a building good time. The library is located at 1304 Old Knoxville Road in Tazewell, below Walters State. For more information call 423-626-5414.
Energy Savings Workshop
There will be a free Fun Energy Savings Workshop on May 10, 201 at 5:30 p.m. at the Claiborne County Family Resource Center, located at 910 Alpha Drive, New Tazewell, (behind the Health Department and beside Alpha School). Get energy savings kits and information to keep more money in your pocket and save on your electric bill. Refreshments and children’s activities provided. Let us know you are coming. Call and leave a message with Deb Tong at 423-626-1188 or text: 865-603-8357. Sponsored by: Appalachian Voices, Claiborne County Family Resource Center.
American Legion Post #109
All veterans are invited to attend monthly meetings on the second Tuesday of each month. The next meeting is May 10. Activities begin at 6 p.m. with a meal. The meeting is at 7 p.m. at 335 Fulkerson Street in Tazewell.
Beginner’s Computer Class
The Claiborne County Public Library will be hosting a beginner’s computer class at the Harrogate Senior Citizens Center every other Friday starting May 13 at 1 p.m. For more information call the library at 423-626-5414.
Benefit Ride – Cody Evans
There will be a benefit, ‘Cruisin’ for Cody’, on May 14 beginning at 10 a.m. at the Claiborne County Fairgrounds. The cruise will follow at 1 p.m. All of the donations will be used to purchase furnishings for LCPL Cody Evans’ new home. Evans is a wounded veteran living in Claiborne County. The ride is in partnership with A Soldier’s Journey Home. For more information contact mustangfamilytn@yahoo.com.
Benefit Ride – Cody Trammell
A benefit ride for Cody Trammell will be held May 14. Registration is at 10 a.m. and kickstands up at noon at the Old Town Grill in Tazewell. The ride ends at the Maynardville High School. Cost is $15 for one rider and $20 for two. There will be food (barbecue), door prizes and auction items.
Trammell, 15, was diagnosed with a life altering progressive disorder named Friedreich’s Scoliosis, heart disease, diabetes, depression and breathing problems. He has applied and been approved for a service dog to help with his mobility and quality of life. He is scheduled for back surgery also. The ride is to help with the cost of his necessities. The Iron Eagle Disciples & Armor of Trust are sponsoring this ride for this young man.
Jackson Cemetery
A cleanup day for Jackson Cemetery in Lone Mountain will be held May 14 beginning at 9 a.m. Bring rakes, mattocks, trash bags, etc. Donations for upkeep of the cemetery are also being accepted. Make checks payable to Jackson Cemetery Fund and mail to: Jackson Cemetery Fund, c/o Nancy Perkey Myers, 157 Lone Mountain Boat Dock Lane, Tazewell, TN 37879. For more information, call Nancy Myers at 865-585-2733.
Chumley Cemetery
The annual meeting for Chumley Cemetery will be May 15 at 2 p.m. at the cemetery, located on Chumley Cemetery Rd. in Arthur. Any persons with family members buried there are invited to attend to discuss cemetery business and maintenance of the cemetery. Funds are needed to provide proper care and maintenance. You may send donations to: Chumley Cemetery Fund, c/o Joan Adams Webb, P.O. Box 115, Cumberland Gap, TN 37724. All donations are greatly needed and appreciated.
Harrogate Budget Work Session
The Harrogate BMA will conduct a budget work session on May 17 at 5 p.m. at Harrogate City Hall prior to the regular monthly work session. The public is invited to attend.
VFW Christmas Angel Ride
It’s time for the Annual VFW Post #8779 Christmas Angel Ride. This is the eleventh year of helping the less fortunate kids in our community have a better Christmas. Registration is at 11 a.m. on May 21 and kickstands up at 1 p.m. Registration fee is $15 per single rider and $5 for a passenger (includes meal and one free door prize ticket). T-shirts will be available for $13 and $15 for XXL & up. We are offering women’s shirts this year. (Pre-sale will be available). Poker hand is optional for $5, plus 50/50 for $1 a ticket. There will be door prizes (extra tickets available for $1 each) and auction items. Sponsorship is available again for $100. This gets your name on the T-shirts and one free T-shirt. We are proud to announce that Bad Decision will be the entertainment this year starting around 8 p.m. All the proceeds go to the Christmas Angel fund and as always thank you for supporting your local VFW Post #8779. For more information call the VFW at 423-626-3220.
Alzheimer’s Support Group
Time change: Smoky Mountain Home Health & Hospice, Alzheimer’s Support Group will meet the last Thursday of each month at 3 p.m. at Laurel Manor Nursing Facility. The next meeting will be May 26. Community partners: Alzheimer’s Tennessee; Smoky Mountain Home Health & Hospice; Laurel Manor Nursing Facility; Lambert Bookkeeping & Financial Services; Senior Citizens Home Assistance Service, Inc.; Claiborne-Overholt Funeral Home; Eastridge Apartments LLC; Claiborne County Office on Aging. Everyone welcome.
Bee Friends Beekeeping Group
Interested in Beekeeping and Meeting Beekeepers? Whether you are looking for information, want to get started or have been beekeeping for years, you are welcome! BEE FRIENDS is your local beekeeping group. We meet monthly, on the first Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at the Tazewell Campus of Walters State in the auditorium. Club members will be discussing their experiences of this spring season and exchanging ideas and answering questions. Even if you are not a beekeeper, these subjects may be of interest to you. The meeting is open to everyone and this meeting a great time to check the group out, just ask questions, and meet people from the area with all levels of beekeeping experience. There will be a yellow banner at the door from the parking lot. As always, coffee and dessert will be served.
Oakes Cemetery
If you have anyone buried in Oakes Cemetery, we need your donations for upkeep. Please send to Citizens Bank, Oakes Cemetery Fund, New Tazewell, TN 37825.
Robertson Cemetery
The Robertson Cemetery in the Clouds community is maintained by your donations. It is mowing season. Please make a donation for the upkeep of the cemetery to Citizens Bank in New Tazewell. All donations are appreciated. Every year it takes more to keep the grounds looking good, so please help with the upkeep with your donations. Thanks.
Riverview Cemetery
Riverview Cemetery donations are needed for the upkeep of Riverview Cemetery. Please send donations to: Hazel Gilbert, 537 Pump Springs Road, Harrogate, TN 37752.
Woods-Cosby Cemetery
Donations are needed for the upkeep of the Woods-Cosby Cemetery. Send donations to Woods-Cosby Cemetery Fund, c/o Citizens Bank, or to Mike Cosby, 452 Goins Chapel Road, Tazewell, TN 37879.
Story Time at Library
The Claiborne County Public Library will be having a Story Time every week in the Children’s Room. Story Time will be held on Fridays at 10:30 a.m. with books, music and crafts. Children of all ages are welcome. Call the library at 423-626-5414 for more information.
Clinch-Powell Head Start Registration
The Clinch-Powell Head Start Program is currently taking applications for children 3 and 4 years of age at all Head Start Centers in Claiborne County for the 2016-2017 program year. The child must be 3 years old by Aug. 15, 2016 to be age eligible for the program. Services are provided five days a week with centers open 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Transportation services may be provided dependent upon availability. The program provides services to special needs children including children with severe disabilities. All services, meals and snacks are provided at no cost to the family. For more information or to complete an application, please contact: Child Development Center – 626-6423; Clairfield Center – 784-7700; Ellen Myers Center – 869-4513; Powell Valley Center – 869-0222; SMMS Center – 686-1622; Springdale Center – 626-5152; TNT Center – 626-5708.
Free Spay and Neuter
The Animal Welfare League of Claiborne County is sponsoring a free spay/neuter for dogs and cats in the Claiborne County area for families with income less than $30,000 per year, depending upon the number of people in the household. Pick up applications at Harrogate Hospital for Animals, Russell Veterinary Services or Rowland Veterinary Services. You can also request spay applications at awlccspay@gmail.com . Complete application, including proof of income and mail to AWLCC, 200 Hatfield Morgan Lane, New Tazewell, TN 37825 or scan/email to email address above. Be sure to include a phone number.
Town of Tazewell Brush Pickup
Brush pickup for the residents of the Town of Tazewell is resuming. A maximum quantity of two brush piles 4 ft. wide x 4 ft. tall x 10 ft. long will be collected from each household per visit. Brush and limbs shall be neatly stacked in 4 ft. x 4 ft. piles with the ends facing the same direction. Exceptions: Leaves or other debris may not be mixed with brush. No stumps will be picked up or limbs larger than 6 inches in diameter. Brush must be brought to the curbside and not placed in the street or on sidewalks. Lumber or construction waste materials will not be collected. No commercial, industrial, construction, or land clearing projects are included in the brush collection program. To schedule pickup call the Tazewell City Hall at 626-5104.
Pre-K Program
The Claiborne County Pre-K Program is now accepting applications for the 2016-2017 school year. You can fill out an application at any of the classroom locations or contact The Alpha School at 423-626-3323. Locations: The Alpha School, Ellen Myers, Powell Valley, Forge Ridge, Midway and Springdale.
Free Tech Classes at Library
Need help with technology? Would you like to learn more about your mobile device? You can now schedule an appointment at the Claiborne County Public Library for free help sessions. The library will be able to help with the following: Computers, tablets, phones, use of apps, etc.
Come prepared with: The device you need help with; any necessary usernames and passwords needed to access your device and/or accounts; the device fully charged, if not, please bring a charger; questions and/or concerns about your device.
The library staff will not: Run diagnostics; troubleshoot or fix any malfunctioning devices (unless related to library services); run antivirus scans; computer maintenance; replace parts on a device; credit card transactions.
Call for information, more details or to schedule an appointment at 423-626-5414 or email at claibornelibrary@gmail.com. One-on-one or group appointments are available.
Drug Test Kits Available
Free Saliva Based Drug Testing Kits are available, provided and sponsored through UNITE and (SIGCO) Stand in the Gap Coalition. Give Me a Reason (GMAR) is designed for parents/guardians to use to talk with their children and randomly test them, which gives them a reason to say “no” when tempted or offered drugs. They can be obtained at 44 different distribution points throughout tri-state area & at the SIGCO office, located at 502 Pennlyn Ave., Cumberland Gap, Tennessee. For more information where to find a distribution point near you contact the SIGCO office at 423-300-1302 or to pick one up stop by on Thursdays between noon and 5:30 p.m.
Free GED/High Set Classes
Classes are held in the Claiborne School Board office. For more information call 423-317-1064 or email hiset@tcatmorristown.edu.
Arthur Community Center Association
The Arthur Community Center Restoration Organization has regular meetings the second Thursday and fourth Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Arthur Community Center. All residents of Arthur Community are encouraged to attend. The ACCA is a non-profit organization dedicated to the restoration of the Arthur Community Center for the public to use for meetings, family reunions, wedding receptions, etc.
Free Classes
The Claiborne County Adult High School will be offering classes for students to earn credits to receive their Tennessee state high school diploma. Flexible scheduling will be available for both day and evening classes. If you do not have your high school diploma, please contact the Claiborne County Adult High School at 423-626-8222 for more information.
Claiborne County Historical and Genealogy Society
The Claiborne County Historical and Genealogy Society is located on Old Knoxville Road across from the library. For more information call the office 526-5737. Research hours are Sundays from 1-5 p.m. CCHGS is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the history of Claiborne County. Please mail your tax deductible contributions or annual membership dues to: CCHGS, P.O. Box 32, Tazewell, TN 37879.
Homeless Veterans Reintegration Project
Outreach workers Tommy Brooks and Erin Haverland will be available to assist eligible veterans with enrollment in HVRP. The Homeless Veterans Reintegration Project helps veterans find secure employment through case management, job training, and referrals and links with other local service providers. Outreach workers can arrange visits with veterans in outlying areas who are unable to travel to the program office.Veterans Can Help is located at 511 Broadway, Knoxville, TN 37917. Phone: 865-524-3926. In Knoxville, call 865-546-4813 for more information.
Town of Tazewell BMA
The board meetings for the Board of Mayor and Aldermen of the Town of Tazewell are conducted at Tazewell City Hall at 1830 Main Street, the second Tuesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. The BMA workshops are on Wednesday prior to the scheduled board meeting at 6 p.m. as needed. The public is invited to attend all meetings of the board.