Hands down the favorite storyteller at the Crossville Arts Council’s fall storytelling festival, Mitch Capel returns to Crossville to again captivate audiences at 7:00 pm on April 2 at the Palace Theatre, 72 S. Main Street in Crossville. Last fall’s audiences were mesmerized by Capel’s story of “The Face in the Tree,” and youngsters were delightfully scared by the story of “The One Eyed Ghost.”

Capel, aka “Grandaddy Junebug,” is an African American Master Storyteller and recording artist who has been telling stories since 1984. He has been featured at the National Storytelling Festival in Jonesboro, TN. and is a regular at the National Black Storytelling Festival.  A resident of Fayetteville, NC, he has been described as a “word magician” and a “national treasure.”

Capel’s public performance programs are created from his repertoire of over 28 hours of memorized stories and poems by author Paul Laurence Dunbar.  Dunbar’s poetry chronicles the challenges of life for those of African descent in the 19th century.  Although Dunbar died at the age of 33, his extensive work was critically praised by writers of that era.

When he was three years old, Capel’s grandmother read “A Cabin Tale” to him from the works of Dunbar.  The rhythm of the story and the genius of Paul Laurence Dunbar were planted like a seed.  Mitch and his brothers were encouraged by their parents to memorize the works of great poets to recite at church and civic events.  It wasn’t until he had finished college and moved back home that Dunbar would re-enter his life.  One day his father gave Mitch the same Dunbar book that had been used by his grandmother and Capel made it his goal to memorize all of Dunbar’s poetry and carry its message into the 21st century.

Reserved seat tickets for this anticipated performance are $10 for adults, $5 for students.  New for this performance, tickets can now be purchased at the Cumberland County Playhouse box office, or online at www.ccplayhouse.com.  Tickets purchased online will incur a small service fee, and tickets must be picked up at the Playhouse during regular business hours or can be mailed at your request.  The Playhouse is Ticketing and Marketing Sponsor for this performance.

For more information call Judy Pearson at 931-484-8234.  For ticket availability, contact the Playhouse box office at 931-484-5000.

During the next several months, the Art Guild at Fairfield Glade will be presenting programs on the “Creative Exploration of the Cumberland Plateau through an Arts and Science Series”.

The first event in this series will be an evening with Bill Landry, who is the host/narrator of the Heartland Series that was conceived on WBIR-TV.  This program is the winner of numerous awards, including five Emmy Awards and three Iris Awards, among others.

Mr. Landry will give a video/lecture presentation on “William Bartram – An Unlikely Explorer”.  He was the first to see the Smoky Mountains and write about it as he was on his way to see the Overhill Cherokee in the 1700’s.  He was the subject of the very first Heartland Series episode.

The Fairfield Glade Community and Conference Center on Stonehenge Drive, Fairfield Glade is the location of this event on March 24 at 6:00 pm.  Tickets can be obtained for $12.00 per person from the Plateau Creative Arts Center, 451 Lakeview Drive, Fairfield Glade, Tennessee.  For additional information call 707-7249.

The Art Guild at Fairfield Glade is a not-for-profit 501 © (3) organization and is an equal opportunity provider.  See their Web Site www.artguildfairfieldglade.net/.

“Cumberland Medical Center has a long-standing relationship with the Monterey community going back to the days of Dr. Lawson and Dr. Cravens.  We were approached about this opportunity and it was discussed with our Board of Directors who felt that it was a good thing for CMC to pursue.  We are looking forward to providing healthcare to the citizens of Monterey and getting to know them as they get to know us,” said Ed Anderson, CEO of Cumberland Medical Center.

Chris Hicks, Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) will be seeing patients in the Monterey clinic initially and his preceptor is Dr. James Johnson, Family Practice. Sarah Coleman, LPN will be assisting Chris Hicks in seeing patients in the office. Dr. Larry Reed will also be in the clinic to oversee operations.  Cumberland Medical Center plans to add specialty physicians on a consulting basis to the Clinic over time.

“We are excited to be in a new venture and to be part of the community.  It is our hope to be able to meet many of the healthcare needs and offer preventive care.  We want to make a difference in the health of the people we treat,” said Dr. Barry Wagner, President-Elect, Cumberland Medical Center, and Chief Medical Officer.

For more information about Cumberland Medical Center or any of its services, visit its website at  www.cmchealthcare.org.

CAPTION: (Front row) Robert Martin, Martin Holdings; Ed Anderson, CEO, Cumberland Medical Center; & Dr. Barry Wagner, President-Elect, Cumberland Medical Center.  (Back row) Nancy Wilson, Business Operations Manager; and Suzanne Turner, Director, Cumberland Physician Group, LLC.

CAPTION: Hands of a Pine Needle Artisan – As an extension to the All About Wood exhibit, Cumberland County resident Sharron Eckert has been invited to exhibit works with long leaf pine needles.

Vista Publisher

CROSSVILLE-The deadline for filing papers to participate in the upcoming county elections has come and gone. The candidates have been certified and no problems were found during the qualifying process. Countywide, voters will be casting ballots for every major elected office except two in May primaries and in the quadrennial county general election in August.

The county mayor race has heated up since incumbent Brock Hill announced he won’t run for re-election. Bruce Wyatt is unopposed in the May Primary on the Democratic ticket, while three others, Kenneth Carey, Jr., Eric Newman and Tony Perry, will vie for the Republican spot on the ballot in the general election in August.

Two pairs will run for the nomination to represent their party in the County Sheriff race. Incumbent Sheriff Butch Burgess and Terry White will run as Republicans, meanwhile Gene Hall and Jackie Stevens will compete as Democrats. The two winners will face off in the general election.

Ten candidates have submitted their name in the race to replace long-time Trustee Carolyn Turner, who decided not to run again. Democrats Margie Hicks, Greg Lack, Todd Luster and Brenda Phillips will compete to face who emerges from Republican candidates Greg Barnwell, Nathan Brock, Kathy Dillon, Bob Scarbrough, Deanna Smith and Kim Wyatt, in the August general election.

Cumberland County Road Superintendent candidates are Democrats Billy Hall and incumbent Wendell Houston; and Republicans Scott Blaylock and Joe Miller, Jr.

Incumbents who are unopposed in the upcoming election are Circuit Court Clerk Larry Sherrill, Circuit Court Judge Amy Hollars, County Clerk Jule Bryson, District Attorney Randall York and Registrar Judy Swallows.

Cumberland County Commissioners deadline for filing is April 1, 2010. Two commissioners are elected for each of the nine districts in the county.

By JON WEAVER, VISTA Publisher

FAIRFIELD GLADE-After 4 years in its previous location, the Fairfield Glade VISTA newspaper has moved its operations to a new office. The office is now located at 3056 Peavine Road in the Petrie’s One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning building, just behind Peavine Care Center.

Visitors are welcome at our new location during normal business hours – Wednesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The new location provides a more accessible facility for the public with better parking and should be easier to locate. The best way to send information or get in touch with the staff is through email: gladevista@frontiernet.net or call 484-6342.

Petrie Heating & Air Conditioning still serving clients in Fairfield Glade

Contrary to some rumors, Petrie’s One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning would like to reassure their many clients that they are still here to serve you. Randal Petrie remains the owner and has been for 17 years. The recent name change from Petrie Heating & Cooling to Petrie’s One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning and the fact that their facility on Peavine Road is now “for sale” have created some confusion about the future of Mr. Petrie’s business.

The name was changed because they are now a member of the largest, fastest growing, residential service franchise organization in North America. With regards to the property being for sale, Petrie said, “We are selling this facility simply because we no longer need the space. With the downturn in the economy and our decision to discontinue our “new construction” division, we have a smaller workforce and fewer trucks, and therefore, require less space.  Due to these reductions, we have been able to consolidate our operations into one facility which has reduced our overhead. This is good news for all our clients because it helps keep prices more competitive.” he continued.

“Both of these changes were made in an effort to stay competitive and to stabilize our business for the benefit of our clients, our employees, and our owners. In summary, we have not “sold the business” and we are not “going out of business” in Fairfield Glade, Cumberland County, or anywhere else for that matter.” Petrie said.

Hooray, hiking season will begin in a week.  Let’s hope this means that spring is right around the corner.  After all of the snow and cold weather we have had this winter, it will be nice to get outside and enjoy the fresh air and woods that our hikes provide us. It is time to get off of the sofa to do those stretching exercises and start walking up the hills to prepare our legs for hiking.

The Fairfield Glade hiking group is beginning its spring 2010 season on Friday, March 12 with the first of 13 pleasant hikes throughout eastern Tennessee.  This informal group of people hike every Friday until the first Friday in June.  If you are new to the area and are thinking of trying some hikes you are welcome to join us.

The following is the schedule of hikes.  There will be a sign up sheet posted on the bulletin board across from the FFG post office the week of the hike.  Participants in the hikes should be in good physical condition.  Walking on paved and level surfaces does not compare with hiking on uneven trails with roots and rocks and with elevation gains and losses.  Please check out our web site

http://sites.google.com/site/ffghiking/Home for more information.

March 12 hike is Mayland Lake at Camp Nakanawa.  This is a new hike for us.  This is rated easy and is 4 miles.

March 19 hike is Buffalo Arch/Natural Bridge.  This is rated easy and is 4 miles.

March 26 hike is Laurel Falls near Dayton.  This is rated moderate and is 5 miles.

April 2 hike is Turkey Creek Loop in Catoosa.  This is rated moderate and is 5.5 miles.

April 9 hike is Big Laurel Falls/Virgin Falls.  This is rated moderate/strenuous and is 5/8 miles.

April 16 hike is Collins West in Savage Gulf.   This is a new hike for us.  This is rated moderate and is 6 miles.

April 23 hike is Panther Branch at Frozen Head.  This is rated moderate and is 6 miles.

April 30 hike is Angel Falls Overlook in Big South Fork.  This is rated moderate plus and is 6 miles.

May 7 hike is Signal Mountain to Edwards Point.  This is rated moderate and is 6 miles.

May 14 hike is Rock Creek Loop in the BSF.  This is another new hike for the group.   This  is rated moderate plus and is 7 miles.

May 20 and 21 hike is Great Smoky Mountain National Park in Townsend.  This is our overnight trip.  We will do two hikes which are rated moderate and are 7 and 5 miles.

May 28 hike is Hidden Passage in Big South Fork.  This is rated moderate and is 6 miles.

June 4 hike is Black Mountain.  This is a traditional hike that is close to home so we can enjoy our end of the season picnic.  This is rated easy and is 3 miles.

Our rating system:

As a general rule hikes up to 5 miles in length and elevation gains less than 1000 feet are rated easy.

Hikes of 5 – 8 miles in length with elevation gains less than 1500 feet are usually considered moderate.

Hikes over 8 miles or those with substantial elevation gains or rough terrain may be strenuous.

These ratings are subjective and will depend on the physical conditioning and mental readiness of the participant.  An outing participant will sometimes find their own assessment of the difficulty of the outing to differ from the posted rating.

Gracee Dishman, a nine year old third grader at South Cumberland Elementary and daughter of Bryan and Nancy Dishman, advanced by winning the 8 – 9 year old girls division.

Other winners were Holt Richardson in the 8 – 9 year old boy from Fayetteville Lodge, Sofla Stomatiadis, 10 – 11 year old girl from the Cleveland Lodge, Hunter Hudson, 10 – 11 year old boy from Trenton Lodge, Asa Woodward, 12 – 13 year old girl from the Dresden Lodge, and Jeremy Houston, 12 – 13 year old boy from the Johnson City Lodge.

Cumberland County was represented in the 10 – 11 year old boys age group by Nathaniel Sexton, a 10 year old 5th grader from Homestead Elementary and he came home with a 3rd place finish.  Nathaniel is the son of Katherine Wade and Cameron Sexton.

The six winners in the Regional competition will advance to the National “Hoop Shoot” contest in Springfield, Massachusetts on April 22 – 25th, where the winners of this competition will have their names engraved in the Basketball Hall of Fame.

LeRoy Hammond, Hoop Shoot Director for Cumberland County Elks Lodge, commended that this is the 5th State Champion from Cumberland County in the last 4 years.  He is very proud of our elementary physical education teachers for providing these quality student athletes.

March 11 is Chapter Meeting.  First United Methodist Church Annex, 69 Neecham Street, Crossville.  6:30 PM CST.  Wildflower Slide Show by Karla Miller

Crossville's Gary Ruetenik over Gizzard.

March 13 hike is Slave Falls and Middle Creek, Big South Fork.  The hike is 7 miles, moderate in difficulty with generally good footing.  We’ll shuttle cars and depart from the Middle Creek trailhead, returning to the Slave Falls trailhead.   Highlights include Slave Falls, Indian Rock house, Needle Arch, and numerous other rock formations.   Hikers should bring lunch and plenty of water.  As with all hikes this time of year, wear bright clothing in case there are hunters in the area.  Meet at Cracker Barrel’s rear lot at 8:00 AM CST.  For more information and to register, contact Karla Miller at 931-707-5502 or by e-mail at  karla2957@gmail.com.

March 27 hike is Fiery Gizzard to Foster Falls, Tracy City. This is a 13 mile hike that features numerous waterfalls and scenic overlooks above deep gorges.  Due to the length and some strenuous climbs, the hike is rated difficult.

The hike begins at the Fiery Gizzard parking lot and requires a rugged climb for the first 5 miles as we ascend to Raven Point, one of the most spectacular overlooks in the South Cumberland Recreation Area.  The rest of the hike is fairly flat as we walk along the top of the Cumberland Plateau.  At about 10 miles, there is a steep descent into the 200 foot deep Laurel Branch Gorge.  Within 1/10 mile, we begin a steep ascent out of the gorge.  Once out of the gorge, we have another 2.5 miles of fairly easy hiking that gets us to Foster Falls.  The hike requires a car shuttle.

Crossville's Karla Miller on Middle Creek Trail.

Meet at 7:00 AM CDT at Trinity Tabernacle church on Highway 127 South (across from Homestead Place Gated Community).

For more information and to register, contact Bill Harris at 931-484-9152.

CAPTION: Howard Owens, Bill Anderson and Bill Eldridge at Middle Creek.

The yet-to-be-named event will be held in conjunction with the scheduled July 24 Cruise-In downtown, and the city is sponsoring a contest to name the event, said mayor J.H. Graham.

“This is a fully-sanctioned event, governed by The Memphis Barbeque Network,” said Graham.  “We are very excited to be associated with the network on the cook-off, and we are also excited about having our residents help us in naming it.”

The person who comes up with the winning name will receive $100 in Downtown Crossville, Inc. “downtown dollars,” and will be recognized for their creativity during the event.

To enter the contest, you may e-mail city marketing director Billy Loggins at wcloggins@crossvilletn.gov, or send them by conventional mail to the City of Crossville (Attn. Billy Loggins), 72 South Main St., Crossville, TN 38555. The deadline for entries will be March 19, Loggins said.

The event has already been posted in the contest schedule on The Memphis Barbeque Network’s (MBN) website, www.mbnbbq.com. The mission of the MBN is “to promote, educate, and enhance the aspects of pork barbecue cooking and competition that are associated with the unique style of Memphis barbecue,” its website says. Among its goals are to provide communications, organization and support for existing contests, and to provide the contest network with knowledgeable and experienced judges.

The Crossville competition will be judged by MBN-approved judges.

“Competitive barbeque events have exploded in popularity in recent years,” said Loggins, “partly due to the weekly cable TV series ‘BBQ Pitmasters,’ which airs on The Learning Channel on Thursdays of each week.

“We are hopeful the competition here might finds its way onto that show, which would be a huge boost to event and the City of Crossville,” Loggins said. “Many of the people who grill on the show have become big-time celebrities, and we are also hopeful we will have some of these master barbequers here with us.”

The Classic Car Cruise-Ins are held on the fourth Saturday of each month between April and October. Classic autos from all eras line up on each side of Main Street from The Depot area to Lantana, with some side streets needed at times. Restaurants and vendors keep people well fed while live musical performers entertain the crowds.

A course on Basic Photography will be offered by Bob Stephenson, who has been studying this medium for over 64 years.  Entirely self taught, he has over forty awards to his credit and his credentials are displayed in the Gallery at The Art Guild at Fairfield Glade, 451 Lakeview Drive.

The dates of this Photography course are March 10, 17, and 24  9:00 am – 12:00 noon.  The fee is $15 for members per session and $20 for non-members.

Bob will cover elementary optics, exposure, camera operation, composition, lighting, common pitfalls, photoshop, and printing.  Participants should bring their camera, if you have one.  If not, do not buy one until after the first class.  Bring to the first class an 8 X 10 print of one of your best images along with your camera’s instruction manual.

Register today at the Plateau Creative Arts Center or call 707-7249 for more information.  The Art Guild at Fairfield Glade is a not-for-profit organization and an equal opportunity provider.

CAPTION: Red Bellied Woodpecker. Photo by Bob Stephenson

Reports from those attending the auction last year say that the chef created hors d’oeuvres were scrumptious, the wine flowed, and the auction was a lot of fun. This is a chance to get out of the house on a Monday night and join us for a delightful evening.  Hors d’oeuvres & cash bar begin at 5:00 with time to browse the auction items. Our three local wineries, Stonehaus, Chestnut Hill, and DelMonaco will be pouring at 6:00 with the live auction beginning at 7:15.

A few of the items donated by members & businesses in the area are as follows:  Wine & Cheese or Champaign Cruises for 6 on Lake Dartmoor; Pork Loin Dinner for four, with all the trimmings and prepared in your home; A week’s stay in a two bedroom condo in Bradenton, FL; a Time Share for a week in the Historic District of New Orleans; a Nancy Jansen one of a kind silver and green malachite stone necklace & earrings; a Green Bay Packer Super Bowl XXXI football; spa treatments; art work, pottery, woodworking, stained glass, and ceramics by local artists.  Many home décor & floral items are also included.

Tickets may be purchased up until Friday March 5, at either of the First National Banks of Tennessee, Collage or Audiology Associates, in the Village Green Mall. (We are only able to accept cash or checks.) We would like to thank the many people & businesses that have contributed items to the auction as well as our sponsors, Don Hinch & Associates Insurance, Dave Kirk Auto, & The First National Bank of Tennessee.  See you are March 8 at 5:00.

This free event is co-sponsored by Kingston Public Library and Roane State Community College Library. The public is invited. Because seating is limited and is on a first-come, first-served basis, visitors may want to arrive early. Doors will open at 6 p.m.

Before the free lecture, Dr. Bass will host a dinner at 5:30 p.m. to promote awareness of the University of Tennessee’s proposed new William M. Bass Forensic Anthropology Center.

Tickets for the dinner are $50 and must be purchased in advance (before March 2) from Kingston Public Library. Proceeds support both the new forensic center and the Kingston Public Library.

The dinner will be held in the student lounge on the college’s Roane County campus. For more ticket information, contact Diana Cash at Kingston Public Library at libraryk@comcast.net or (865) 376-9905.

Tickets are not required for the lecture at 7 p.m., but all dinner ticket holders are guaranteed a seat in the theatre.

Dr. Bass’ books will be available for purchase after the lecture, and Dr. Bass will sign copies. Proceeds from the book sale benefit the William M. Bass Forensic Anthropology Center, Roane State Libraries and Kingston Public Library.

Dr. Bass founded the University of Tennessee’s Anthropological Research Facility, an outdoor laboratory dedicated to the study of human decomposition. The facility, often referred to as the “Body Farm,” was featured prominently in the novel “The Body Farm” by best-selling author Patricia Cornwell.

Bass has written several hundred academic articles in the fields of anthropology and forensic science. He has also co-authored a memoir and several popular works of fiction.

Through its Tax-Aide program, trained volunteers prepare returns using software provided by the IRS and file the returns electronically.

Persons wishing to use this service will need to bring:

· Two forms of identification, one of which is a picture ID;

· Proof of their and their dependents social security number, such as their social security card, a letter from the Social Security Administration (SSA) with their name and number on it or their SSA, RRB or CSA Form 1099 Benefits Statement;

· A copy of their prior years return, if they have it;

· Their tax documents; W-2 forms, 1099 forms, unemployment compensation statements, child care provider information, etc.;

· Proof of Real Estate Taxes paid and Sales Taxes paid on the purchase of new motor vehicle.

For tax year 2009 the Taxpayers Standard Deduction will be increased by the amount of Real Estate Taxes paid up to a maximum of $500.00 ($1,000.00 for married persons filing jointly) and/or Sales Taxes paid on the purchase of a new motor vehicle up to a maximum purchase price of $49,500.00.  Deductions do not have to be itemized in order to receive this benefit.   There are a number of other benefits available for qualifying taxpayers; such as Energy Credits, First Time Homebuyer Credit, a partial exclusion of Unemployment Benefits, etc.

Beginning the week of February 1st , this free service is being offered at the following locations in Cumberland County:

Fairfield Glade Community and Conference Center

Tuesdays and Saturdays from 8:00AM to 1:00PM

128 Stonehenge Drive, Fairfield Glade

Call 484-3722 for an appointment

Fairpark Senior Center

1433 Livingston Road, Crossville

Wednesday and Thursday, 9:00AM-3:00PM

Call 484-0479 for an appointment

In addition to the enrollment fee, members pay a monthly fee that entitles them to use of the facility and most aerobic and aquatic classes free of charge.

Non-members may use the facility for $8 per day or $20 per week.

The facility is owned by Cumberland Medical Center.

Aerobic programs include:

Ballroom Aerobics – low impact aerobics using basic ballroom dance steps.

Ballroom Dancing – an eight-week class for couples to learn the basics of fox trot, waltz and rumba.  Pre-registration required.  For information call instructors Rudy and Denise Difazio at 456-4682.

Beginning Pilates – mat based exercises using the principals of Joseph Pilates.

Beginning Yoga – series of elementary yoga postures, breath-control techniques and mental focus.

Bone Building – use of free weights, stability balls, therabands, stretching, breathing and balance exercises for toning and fighting Osteoporosis.

Cardio Sculpt – low impact, high intensity aerobics and kick boxing, combining free weights and step.

Circuit Training – A total body workout with cardio warm up, strength training on equipment and free weights, flexibility training, incorporating super sets and super slow.

Fat Blaster – Low impact, high intensity class that keeps the student in the Krebs cycle.

Pilates – exercise system to develop a stable body core for improved strength and movement.

Rockin’ to the Oldies – low impact aerobics to music using chair exercises.

Senior Tune Up – Focus on cardio and pulmonary strength through chair exercises using stretching, weights and bands.  Good choice for persons in rehab or those just returning to exercise.

Stretch – non competitive body conditioning techniques such as relaxation and stretching, progressing at the student’s own pace.

Total Body – aerobics tailored to working individual muscle groups.

Tai-Chi – For information on the Tai-Chi program, classes and times offered, contact instructors Drew and Cherry Landrus at 459-2187.

Introduction to Tai-Chi – Primer of basic form and theory.  Open enrollment is for a limited time.

Chair Tai-Chi – Martial art primarily practiced for health benefits, including a means for dealing with tension and stress. Class emphasizes complete relaxation, characterized by soft, slow, flowing movements.

Tai-Chi 1 – Martial art that emphasizes relaxation to reduce tension and stress by use of soft, slow movements.

Tai-Chi Workshop – advanced students.

Yoga – A non competitive class focusing on series of Hatha Yoga poses.  Mental focus, strength and breathing control techniques are taught.  Beginning yoga is recommended as a prerequisite.

Aquatic programs include:

Aquanuts – A water class concentrating on general flexibility.

Aquasize – Combination of exercises and equipment to use all muscle groups.

Cardio – A variety of water exercises to enhance cardiovascular endurance with a goal of ‘heart healthy’.

Deep Water – A variety of exercises both cardiovascular and strength training, without touching the pool floor.

H2ology – A variety of exercises including flexibility, cardiovascular and strength.  All muscle groups used.

Functionality – Beginning and intermediate exercises to maintain and improve range of motion, strength, flexibility and cardio fitness.

Wake-Up – A variety of exercises combined with cardiovascular exercises to get bodies moving in the morning.

Waterfit – A variety of exercises for all muscle groups using equipment and incorporating cardiovascular exercises.

Water Work – A variety of water exercises to develop strength, cardiovascular endurance and flexibility.

Aquatic classes at the Fairfield Glade Complex are in a 25 by 75-foot swimming pool, graduated at the bottom from 3.5 feet at each end to 5 feet in depth in the middle.  It is a fitness and rehabilitation pool, not designed for competitive swimming, but usable for lap swimming.

Other membership services at both facilities include diabetes management, weight management, nutrition information services, cardio-pulmonary rehabilitation maintenance and metabolic testing.  In addition, there are Diabetes, Cancer, Stroke and Depression Support Groups.

Certified personal trainers are available by the half-hour or hour to direct individual exercise programs. Certified massage therapists can schedule massages from one-half hour to as long as two hours.

New members are offered testing for aerobic capacity, body composition, flexibility, and health risks before starting programs.  A complete exercise consultation, demonstration of exercise equipment and a comprehensive consultation with a registered dietitian are scheduled for new members.

The Fairfield Glade facility is at 130 Stonehenge Drive, Fairfield Glade.  The telephone number is 707-8420.

CAPTION: Water Work class members exercise to develop strength, cardiovascular endurance and flexibility.  Their instructor is Gloria Lusk, who took four gold and two silver medals at the Senior Olympics of Tennessee last year.

CROSSVILLE-It’s hard to believe another four-year election cycle has rolled around, but it has.

2010 is the year of the quadrennial county elections, with virtually every office on the ballot, but there are also some very interesting other races that will be on the slate–most notably the City of Crossville elections in November and the race for governor.

Countywide, voters will be casting ballots for every major elected office except two in May primaries and in the quadrennial county general election in August.

Local races

Local offices to be contested this year are:

• county mayor,

• trustee,

• sheriff,

• circuit court clerk,

• county clerk,

• register of deeds,

• road superintendent,

• all 18 county commission seats, and

• both school board seats in districts 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9.

Tax assessor and general sessions judge, which has an eight-year term, are the only major offices not being contested in 2010.

All the countywide offices in Cumberland County will have May primaries, but the races for commission and school board seats are held in the August county general election only.

There are several different qualifying deadlines for the various races:

• May primaries – February 18,

• August county general – April 1, and

• November Crossville City elections – August 19.

City of Crossville races

City voters will cast ballots for mayor and two city council seats in November. See the VISTA for more details on the city races as that election draws near.

District, statewide races

On a statewide and district level, voters will cast ballots for governor, the Congressional seat held by Lincoln Davis, the state Senate seat held by Charlotte Burks, and the state House seat held by Eric Swafford.

Primaries for those seats will be held at the same time as the county general election in August, with the general election for state offices set for November.

The race for governor is already being hotly contested. Phil Bredesen is in the final year of his constitutionally-limited second term, and a host of candidates are looking to replace him.

Three Democratic candidates are actively seeking the nomination, with six Republicans running for the GOP nomination. At least four independent candidates could be on the November ballot.

Davis, a Democrat from Pall Mall in Fentress County, will be seeking a fifth term in Congress representing the 4th District. As many as five Republican candidates could seek that party’s nomination.

Burks, a Putnam County Democrat, was first elected to the state Senate in 1998, and was re-elected in 2002 and 2006. She serves the 15th District.

Swafford, a Bledsoe County Republican, has represented the 25th District in the state House, which includes Cumberland County, since 2004.

Judicial races

Two State 13th Judicial District seats are up for election, both to fill out unexpired terms.

Attorney General and Circuit Judge Part I will both be on the ballot, with primaries in May and a general election in August.

Cumberland Countian Randy York was appointed attorney general by the governor in 2007 until the next election. The winner of this race will fill out the unexpired term of former DA Bill Gibson.

Part I Circuit Judge Amy Hollars was also appointed by the governor to fill the spot vacated by the retirement of her father, Judge John Turnbull. The winner in this race will fill out Turnbull’s unexpired term.

The 13th District serves Clay, Cumberland, DeKalb, Overton, Pickett, Putnam, and White Counties.

Calling all Cumberland County artists!  The Art Guild at Fairfield Glade will host the first county-wide judged and juried Art Show at the PCAC in early April 2010. First National Bank of Tennessee, Cumberland County, has underwritten the show, providing prize money for show winners in many categories.

Funds from the bank will be used to provide prize money to artists whose work wins a show award based on an evaluation by well-known professional judge Victoria Boone of Belmont University, Nashville. Fine artists throughout Cumberland County are eligible to present their 2 and 3 dimensional work for entry into the month-long April show.  Entry forms and additional details regarding the exhibit are available at First National Bank locations in Crossville and Fairfield Glade or from the Art Guild website at  www.artguildfairfieldglade.net.

Victoria Boone is a nationally recognized artist, a teacher and administrator, a juror, a curator and a consultant to many in the art world. She received her BFA in Painting and Sculpture from the University of Alabama and her Masters in Museum Administration from the University of Oklahoma. She also studied photography for several years. Among numerous other events, Victoria has served as a Juror for the Cheekwood Museum in Nashville, the Hunter Museum of American Art in Chattanooga, the Oak Ridge Art Center, Tennessee Artists and Crafts Association, and Alabama’s Festival in the Park.

The April event at the Plateau Creative Arts Center, Fairfield Glade, begins Thursday, April 1 and continues through Thursday, April 29.  An opening reception is scheduled for the evening of March 31 at the PCAC. This first of its kind exhibit is free and open to the public during regular gallery hours, 9am-4pm Monday through Thursday and 1-4pm Saturday and Sunday.

The Art Guild is a not-for-profit 501 ©(3) organization and an equal opportunity provider dedicated to the promotion of the arts in and around Cumberland County.

The band will also be a part of the community events marking Memorial Day (May 31st), Veterans Day (November 11th) and the expanding Welcome Home Vets Celebration (June 5th).

In addition, the band has again been invited to perform at the Tennessee Community Band Festival in Nashville, Tennessee.  This year, ten groups from across the state will be participating in this all day event.  The festival will be held on March 27th at Hillwood High School in Nashville and is open to the public.

The tradition of community bands in small towns across the country is a piece of our American history that continues today. The CCC Band   is very happy to be a part of this heritage and thanks all of our loyal supporters.  The reason we play is our love of music and you, our audience!

Here is a list of upcoming events at the Art Guild.

*   Fine Art Painting Classes taught by Mara Trumbo.  Students will be painting an acrylic “Polly Parrot” on a 12 X 16 gallery canvas on February 27 from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm.  Cost is $45 for members of the Art Guild and $50 for non-members.  A 16” X 20” “Goldfish” oil painting with a back ground of blue and white will be completed during the class on March 12 from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm with a cost of $55 for members and $60 for non-members.  All materials are included in the cost for each project.

*   The Art Guild of Fairfield Glade will hold its monthly meeting on March 16 at the Plateau Creative Arts Center.  Social hour will begin at 9:00 am and the general meeting will start at 9:30 am.  The meeting is open to, not only members, but anyone who is interested in becoming active in the practice and/or promotion of visual arts in Cumberland County.

*   Every Monday from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm, the Art Guild will have a do-it-yourself art session.  Bring your own project and a lunch.  Come and paint with an experienced artist on duty, who will give you pointers on your painting and conversation.  A small nominal charge will be assessed to non-members for use of supplies.

*   Le Voss to Teach Flower Classes in Watercolor.  Individual classes on painting flowers in watercolor will be offered on March 4, 11, 18, and 25 from 9:30 am – 12:30 pm.  The fee is $15.00 for members and $20.00 for non-members.  Bring your watercolor paint, brushes, and ¼ sheet of watercolor paper.

The Art Guild at Fairfield Glade is a not-for-profit 501 © (3) organization and is an equal opportunity provider.  See their Web Site www.artguildfairfieldglade.net/.  Plateau Creative Arts Center is located at 451 Lakeview Drive (off Peavine), Fairfield Glade.  To register for any of the above classes or for information about the Art Guild, call the center at 707-7249.

Continuing the excellent programs at RHA, members and guests will enjoy The Clarion Brass Quintet on Monday, March 22 at Legends. This instrumental quintet has been organized by Dwight Wages of Fairfield Glade and is comprised of 2 trumpets, french horn, trombone and tuba.  The Quintet musicians draw from a wide background of performing ,in orchestra, concert and brass bands, swing bands and other small ensembles. The musicians are all members of the Southern Stars Symphonic Brass.  The Quintet musicians are Dwight Wages on trumpet, John Bohlen on trumpet, Bill Boyd on french horn, Carroll Gotcher on trombone and Cory Allen on tuba. We know the wonderful Southern Stars Symphonic Brass and the Quintet promises the same excellent performance.

To make reservations  for the dinner, please e-mail Mike and Kay Bowen at mbowen180@aol.com  or call them at 484-6645 by March 17.  If you made an early reservation at the February meeting, cancellations must be made by the 17thto avoid being charged for the dinner.  The cost of the dinner is $17 per person.  If you have not paid the annual dues please mail a check for $12 per person to RHA, P.O. Box 2017, Fairfield Glade, Tennessee, 38558.

The menu for the March dinner is Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes, Vegetable and dessert.  If you prefer the “Heart Smart” meal, it will be Grilled Chicken and Pasta.  Please make sure you choose the Heart Smart meal, if desired, when you make your reservation.

RHA (Resident Homeowers Association)  the oldest organization in Fairfield Glade, began as a way to meet new neighbors and welcome new residents.  This would be a perfect time for you to come to RHA and make some new friends!

Men are requested to wear jackets and ladies dressy casual.  Don’t forget your name tag!This is an important part of your wardrobe for RHA.  It really helps one make some new friends and acquaintances.If you have friends who would like to sit together, just let Mike and Kay know when you make your reservation.  They will be happy to accommodate your wishes.

Get your reservation in early for this great RHA evening, March 22 at Legends.  The Clarion Brass Quintet will be playing music which will have wide audience appeal and cover many musical genre such as Big Band Swing tunes, Ragtime, Classical Baroque, Marches, Broadway and TV, Dixieland and Popular songs. The music promises to pep you up and maybe bring back some great memories. What a deal…dinner, entertainment, Fairfield Glade friends to enjoy! You can’t beat it!

CAPTION: Clarion Brass Quintet is (l-r)  John Bohlen on trumpet, Dwight Wages on trumpet, Carroll Gotcher on trombone, Cory Allen on tuba and Bill Boyd on french horn.

Wurth will speak at 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. in the City Room. The event is presented by the Roane State Coffey Library, located on the Oak Ridge campus.

Each spring for the last several years, Wurth has taken Roane State students to Haiti to obtain credit for a social science class. Each eight-day trip includes a variety of service projects.

Wurth began traveling to Haiti in 2003, and she has made 10 trips there.

Given that their founder and lead singer has been a professor for many years, it is no surprise that this band has come to be known as “the thinking person’s Celtic Rock band.” Coyote Run headlines and performs in major Celtic festivals, concert halls, clubs and pubs throughout the United States, as well as tours of Ireland and Scotland.

“If the Red Hot Chili Peppers wore kilts…they might sound something like this band,” says Mike Farragher of the Irish Voice. Gene Shay of Philadelphia’s WXPN commented after hearing the band that they represented the “take no prisoners approach to Celtic music,” and Art Ketchen of the magazine Celtic Beat, writes that “Listening to Coyote Run makes me think of a large library, where every book you open gives you a view of something fascinating.”

Coyote Run is David Doersch, Catherine Hauke, Doug Bischoff, and Michael Kazalski. The band’s webpage has photos, upcoming dates and bio information on the band members. You can find their websites at: www.coyoterun.com and myspace.com/coyoterunband.

This concert, presented by the Performing Arts Alliance (PAART), is the perfect way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.  Get your reserved seating tickets now at Crossville’s historic Palace Theatre.  Ticket prices are $15 for adults and $8 for students.  For all upcoming event information visit www.performingartsalliance.org and www.palacetheatre-crossville.com.

Mark your calendar for March 1, 2010 for the next Fairfield Glade Lions Club Travelogue presentation. Your journey will go by land and sea to some of the most colorful countries of Western Europe. It all starts at 7:00pm in the Palace Theater. Tickets are available at the door for $6.00 per person.

Rick Howard has been one of our regular Travelogue presenters. His great film work and narrative has been a long-time favorite of our Cumberland County audience. He has entitled this adventure as “The Real World of Western Europe”.

You will visit France, Spain, Italy, East and West Germany, Switzerland, The Netherlands and Greece. Along the way you will meet some of the most famous artists. In Paris and the south of France Paul Gauguin and Vincent Van Gogh lived in poverty and passion while creating a new art form,”Impressionism” with their paintings. Then Mark Chagall re-invented it a few years later.

In Barcelona an architect, Gaudi created some of the most unusually beautiful buildings in the world. In Salzburg, Mozart composed music that will live forever. You will not only get to know their art but a glimpse into the fascinating private lives of these geniuses.

These stories, as well as modern day adventures will unfold as you travel through these countries visiting the cities of Paris, Rome, Venice, Amsterdam, Geneva, Salzburg, Barcelona and Athens.

You will visit castles, cruise the canals of Venice, drive through breath-taking country side of French and Swiss Alps, then turn back the clock and chip away at the Berlin Wall, along with thousands who had just gained their freedom after a half-century of oppression.

Experience an evening of enjoyment and adventure with Rick Howard in the “Real World of Western Europe” on March 1, 2010 starting at 7:00pm in the Palace Theater.

CAPTION: This is Salzburg, Austria home of Mozart. This is just one of the countries, cities and artists you will visit in the March 1st Lions Travelogue with Rick Howard

The concert is at 7:00 p.m. at the Palace Theatre in downtown Crossville. Tickets are on sale now at the Palace box office. $10 for adults and $5 for students

“This concert is representative of what PAART is striving to do; to bring various types of live performances to Crossville,” says PAART founder Debra Mendenhall. “There is a whole world of entertainment out there and we want to bring as much as we can to our community.”

The Cambia Flute Ensemble is a professional performing group based in the Tri-Cities (Johnson City, Kingsport, and Bristol) region of Tennessee. The group is made up of four professional flutists from the Upper East Tennessee area: Dana Bellino, Eileen Butler, Elisa Wardeska and Emily Webb.

The opportunity to explore the limitless possibilities of the flute repertoire is the guiding force in Cambia’s formation. Adding to the arts culture, both regionally and beyond, by presenting quality music and striving for excellence in sound is another benefit from their endeavor.

Cambia’s repertoire encompasses a broad range of musical genres, including music written specifically for flute ensembles as well as transcriptions and arrangements for other instruments. Their music features added depth and breadth of sound by using the piccolo, alto and bass flutes, in combination with the more familiar concert flute. Member Dana Bellino adds to the group’s repertoire with her own original compositions.

“Music played on the flute is some of the most beautiful sounding music that exists,” states Regina Hurst, one of PAART’s directors. “When I first heard this ensemble I thought, ‘This is the soundtrack to Heaven.’ It is that beautiful.”

The Performing Arts Alliance of Rural Tennessee is a non-profit 501 (c) 3 corporation and an equal opportunity provider.  See their web site www.performaingartsallinace.org for more information about this concert and other First Friday events.

CAPTION: The Cambia Flute Ensemble is a professional performing group based in the Tri-Cities (Johnson City, Kingsport, and Bristol) region of Tennessee. The group is made up of four professional flutists from the Upper East Tennessee area: Eileen Butler, Elisa Wardeska, Dana Bellino and Emily Webb.

While competing for such coveted awards as Ms. Congeniality and Best Stage Presence, each contestant will also be aiming to hold the top honor, being crowned as Ms. Avalon. Some of the participants in the Parade of Beauties have taken weeks to prepare their on stage costumes and persona, all for the delight of the crowdand to raise money for a good cause.  Derith Skipworth, President of the Avalon Center Board of Directors, remarked “It is truly rewarding to see so many of our good natured male community members poke fun at themselves in front of hundreds of people. All of us associated with the agency appreciate how hard they have worked to raise funds for the clients of the Avalon Center.”

Contestants take their Parade experience most lightheartedly while taking their work to raise sponsorship funds for Avalon quite seriously.  Like last year, many of the participants are employees of government agencies such as the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Department and the Crossville Police Department.  The participation of these individuals parallels their on-duty responsibilities where they work to help victims of domestic and sexual violence.

Last year the event was virtually a sell out and the $10 tickets are available only at the door.  Be sure to get to the show early to ensure a seat.  Have an evening of fun and merriment while supporting the work of the Avalon Center. For more information about the event please call 456-0747, TTY 337-5824.

The Avalon Center provides emergency shelter, a 24-hour crisis line, a children’s and school outreach program, professional counseling, and court advocacy support to individuals and families that have suffered domestic and sexual abuse. If you or anyone you knows needs assistance regarding domestic or sexual violence please call the Avalon Center Crisis Line at 1-800-641-3434, TTY 337-5824.

At 455 miles in length, Tennessee is home to the longest stretch of Interstate 40 in nation and, for the fourth straight year, the nation’s truckers have rated it the best stretch of roadway in America. In addition, truck drivers rated Tennessee’s overall roadway system third best in the country for the eleventh year in a row according to a recent survey of truck owners and operators by Overdrive Magazine.

“Tennessee’s roadways are a major economic asset in our work to attract opportunities for growth and development in our communities,” said Governor Phil Bredesen.  “I’m pleased to see this consistently high ranking of the state’s transportation system from some of the people who use it the most – our nation’s truckers.”

Overdrive Magazine polls more than 300 truck drivers across the nation each year asking them to rate the nation’s roads and drivers, state by state.  The survey includes opinions about the quality of the roads, the smoothness of the riding surface, road markings, construction detour availability and more.   Overdrive Magazine began surveying truck drivers across the nation 13 years ago.

Trucker Stan Bloom from Grimes, Iowa told the magazine he’s driven I-40 in Tennessee more than 40 times, “It’s a pleasant drive through there. The road surface is good and they use a lot of blacktop. They keep it up well.”

Tennessee’s roads are consistently ranked as some of the best by the nation’s truckers and by the Asphalt Pavement Alliance, who have awarded seven Perpetual Pavement Awards to TDOT, the most awarded to any other state except Minnesota.

“For more than a decade the nation’s truckers have ranked Tennessee roadways among the best in the country,” said TDOT Commissioner Gerald Nicely.  “This speaks volumes about the commitment to quality from TDOT employees and contractors. The strong support from the Governor, the Tennessee General Assembly, our local government partners and the citizens of our state also contributes to our quality roadway system.”

“This is another great honor for TDOT and for the contractors who help build and maintain our roadways,” added TDOT Chief Engineer Paul Degges.  “But we cannot rest on our past work. We must continue to look for more ways to improve not just our roadways but our entire transportation system.”

The best and worst roads as mentioned by Overdrive Magazine are:

BEST ROADS

1. Florida

2. Texas

3. Tennessee

WORST ROADS

1. Pennsylvania

2. Michigan

3. New York and California (tie)

The best and worst roads as mentioned by Overdrive Magazine are:

BEST HIGHWAY SEGMENT

1. I-40 Tennessee

2. I-75 Florida

3. I-10 Florida

WORST HIGHWAY SEGMENT

1. I-10 Louisiana

2. I-95 New York

3. I-40 Arkansas

Overdrive Magazine is a monthly magazine distributed to trucking industry representatives around the country.  More information about the annual survey can be found at http://www.overdriveonline.com/the-good-the-bad-the-better/.

Valentines Day came early for the residents of Wharton nursing home in Pleasant Hill as Helping Hands Ministry on Peavine Road delivered 84 handmade shawls and lap robes to provide a caring hug. Winter weather is lingering on the Cumberland Plateau, and the need for warmth is now rather than mid February.

The picture shows a resident at Wharton enjoying his knitted orange shawl while he sports a U.T. football helmet. The shawls and lap robes were knitted and crocheted in various designs and colors by Helping Hands many volunteers with donated yarn. This effort followed the knitting and crocheting of more than 250 Christmas scarves. Two thousand and nine was a very productive year for Helping Hands Ministry with more than 300 adult bibs made, 150 baby bibs sewn, and 300 blankets of various sizes and styles. This is an increase from 2008 of 20% more bibs, 25% more blankets, and 10% more shawls. Altogether 1538 hand made items were distributed in 2009. These figures do not include any number of handmade items “in stock”  for delivery later

in 2010.

The mission of HHM is to provide handcrafted, donated and some purchased items to babies, children, the homeless, the ill and residents of nursing homes and the community in need. We also assist other local groups to feed the needy. HHM has about fifty volunteer members who sew, knit, crochet and craft hundreds of items for the 13 agencies we serve.

Helping Hands Ministry, located at 4166 Peavine RD. in Crossville,  is NOT a thrift store — we do not take used clothing except infants to 2T. We do not accept household items. We are not a craft store, but do hold craft sales both in the spring and fall to raise money for items we need to purchase. Any donations to us in goods or money are tax deductible as we are a 501(c ) 3 public charity registered with the IRS.

We are open 10 AM to 3 PM Monday through Thursday to accept donations of fabric, new hand towels, yarn and other items—and for some volunteers to pick up resources to handcraft shawls, bibs, tote bags, chemo hats, blankets etc. as well as to drop off completed items.  Call 707-8606 for more information.

CAPTION: Pictured clockwise are Bill Winston, Barbra Leach, Jean Sohnley, Sally Winston, Lee Skinner, (Wharton Activities Director),  Dick Leach,Wilma Roth, and Carol Beyer, HHM Board President.

“We are delighted that with this funding increase UCHRA will be able to serve more than  3,400 additional households across the region, bringing the total that can be served to over 10,000 for the year,” stated Michael Nesbitt, Chairman of UCHRA’s Aging and Community Services Committee.  “However, with the current economic conditions there are more eligible families that will need to be served,” he continued.

“The UCHRA Board of Directors is pleased with the additional LIHEAP funding allocated to the 14-county area,” commented Stephen Bilbrey, Board Chairman.  Of the total funding approximately $617,477 will be allocated to Cumberland County to serve 1,503 households.  “I am pleased to announce additional funding to provide energy assistance to low-income residents of Cumberland County. It is so important to help those people most in need during these difficult times,” Brock Hill, Cumberland County Mayor and UCHRA Finance Chairman stated.

“The additional $322,411 is designated by the State as “leveraging funds,” meaning that for every $1 of non-federal funds UCHRA can generate and document as having been spent to assist LIHEAP-eligible households, the agency will receive $2 of LIHEAP leveraging funds to be used to serve additional households,” explained Lee Webb, Community Services Director.  In other words, if UCHRA is able to document the expenditure of $161,206 in non-federal funds used to assist income-eligible households with energy assistance it will be receive the $322,411 of LIHEAP funds, which will serve almost 1,000 additional households.  “It would be a shame to not be able to draw down all of these funds when so many families are suffering,” Webb stated.

Some utility companies provide cash contributions that can be used as matching funds,  collected through “round-up” and similar programs, directly to UCHRA for the provision of emergency energy assistance.  However, non-federal funds do not have to flow directly through UCHRA in order to be used as match.  For example, if a church, civic club, or local charitable organization assists households in paying utility bills and will provide the names of the recipients and amounts of assistance, UCHRA will determine if the expenditures can be utilized as leveraging match.  Additional LIHEAP funds earned will be used to assist families in the counties where the matching funds were generated.

Organizations and individuals who are interested in assisting UCHRA to generate the matching funds necessary to earn an additional $322,411 to assist low-income families with heating expenses this winter are encouraged to contact UCHRA’s Cumberland County office at 931-456-0691.

CAPTION: Members of the Aging/Community Services Committee review the contract for additional funding for the Low-income Home Energy Assistance Program totaling $1.6 million.  Pictured from left to right:  Phyllis Bennett, UCHRA Executive Director;  Brock Hill, Chairman of Finance Committee; Michael Nesbitt, Chairman of Aging/Community Services Committee; and Stephen Bilbrey, Chairman of Board of Directors.

February 11 is the Chapter Meeting.  Art Circle Public Library Community Room.  6:30 PM CST.  Chocolate and dessert social.  Let’s plan our spring hikes while sampling the potluck of desserts.

February 13 is a hike to Stinging Fork and Piney Falls, Grandview and Spring City.  These two hikes are being combined to give a total hiking distance of about 6 miles.

Piney Falls is a 3 mile round trip hike that features the 80 foot tall Upper Piney Falls.  The trail goes to the bottom of the falls along a sandstone cliff.  If you want to get close to the bottom of the falls, be prepared to do some rock hopping.

Stinging Fork State Natural Area is about 10 miles from Piney Falls and features a 35-foot waterfall and cascade at the end of a 1 ½ mile trail.

Due to the elevation changes and possibility of slick rocks, the hike is rated moderate.

Meet at the Meet at the visitor center at Cumberland Mountain State Park at 8 AM CST.   For more information and to register, contact Ginger Cass at 931-788-1466.

February 20.  Laurel Falls, Dayton, TN.  5 miles roundtrip, moderate.   This section of the Cumberland Trail follows an old railroad bed along Richland Creek and gradually gains elevation until the trail forks.  The east leg leads to 80-foot high Laurel Falls.  The trail gains elevation and requires a steep climb, including climbing over and around rocks, in order to get to the falls.  Meet at the visitor center at Cumberland Mountain State Park at 8 AM CST.  For more information and to register, contact Karla Miller at 931-707-5502 or by e-mail at karla2957@gmail.com.

The band will also be a part of the community events marking Memorial Day (May 31st), Veterans Day (November 11th) and the expanding Welcome Home Vets Celebration (June 5th).

In addition, the band has again been invited to perform at the Tennessee Community Band Festival in Nashville, Tennessee.  This year, ten groups from across the state will be participating in this all day event.  The festival will be held on March 27th at Hillwood High School in Nashville and is open to the public.

The tradition of community bands in small towns across the country is a piece of our American history that continues today. The CCC Band   is very happy to be a part of this heritage and thanks all of our loyal supporters.  The reason we play is our love of music and you, our audience!