DeKalb Health Department to Offer Free Flu Shots

The DeKalb County Health Department will participate in the statewide Fight Flu ’23 effort on Nov. 1, 2023, and provide free flu shots to all Tennesseans who are eligible, six-months and older. Free flu shots will be provided on Nov. 1, 2023, at the DeKalb County Health Department, 254 Tiger Drive, Smithville, from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM. An appointment is not needed to receive a free flu vaccine at the DeKalb County Health Department’s Fight Flu ’23 event. Also, the flu vaccine will remain free to anyone eligible to receive it at all local health departments across the state throughout flu season. For more information about the flu virus and Fight Flu ‘23, visit tn.gov/health/fightflu. For information about getting a free flu shot, contact the DeKalb County Health Department at 615-597-7599.

Womens Conference, Nov. 4

The Priority of Praying Together, Saturday, November 4, 2023 at Banks CP Church, 2933 Banks Pisgah Rd., Smithville, TN 37166. The time will be 9:30 a.m. until noon. Lunch will be provided. Speaker: Tracey Gholson and special music by: Dessa Ray.

53rd Annual Chamber Prayer Breakfast

The 53rd Annual Chamber Prayer Breakfast will be held on Thursday, November 16th, from 7 AM to 8 AM at the Smithville First Baptist Church Life Enrichment Center, located at 101 W. Church Street, Smithville. The doors will open at 6:30 AM, welcoming all who wish to attend. The guest speaker will be State Senator Janice Bowling. The event will feature special music and prayers led by members of our community. As an added treat, the Smithville First Baptist Church’s Men’s Group will prepare a pancake and sausage breakfast for all attendees. The Leadership DeKalb Class of 2024 will be on hand to help serve. Tickets for the Prayer Breakfast are available at a nominal cost of $5 per person. To secure your tickets, please contact the Chamber via email at swilliams@dekalbcountychamber.org or send a text message to 615-464-7760 with your name and the number of tickets you need. Payments can be made at the door, ensuring a hassle-free and convenient registration process.

DeKalb County Neighbors Helping Neighbors Blood Assurance Drive

A DeKalb County Neighbors Helping Neighbors Blood Assurance Drive will be November 20 from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. at the County Complex in front of the Senior Citizens Center at 718 South Congress Boulevard. The blood drive will be on the mobile. All donors will receive a pair of “Turkey and Football” socks inspired by Friends! (while supplies last). To schedule an appointment, go to Bloodassurance.org/dekalbco or contact Jimmy Poss at 615-464-7426 or jimposs72@yahoo.com. Please remember to EAT A GOOD MEAL and drink additional water, avoid energy drinks, and bring your ID. Blood Assurance is the SOLE blood provider for our local hospitals. One donation can save three lives.

Justin Potter Library, Fri. Oct. 27

Will host a Halloween Storytime at the library on Friday, October 27 at 10 a.m. The library will participate in the Smithville Boo Bash on October 31 from 12p.m. until 5 p.m. We hope everyone will join us for these special events.

Veteran’s Day, Nov. 10

A Veterans Day observance will be held Friday, November 10 at the DeKalb County Complex auditorium sponsored by The American Legion and Ladies’ Auxiliary Post 122. Patriotic music by Susan Hinton will be featured at 9:30 a.m. with the program following at 10 a.m. The ceremony will start with the presentation of colors by the 1377th Bobby Ray Detachment Marine Corps; Pledge of Allegiance led by Susan Hinton; National Anthem and performance by the DCHS Band under the direction of Don Whitt and the DCHS Chorus under the direction of Josh Gulley; and Prayer by Larry Green. Jerry Hinton, Commander of the American Legion #122, and Adjutant Ronnie Redmon will pay tribute to all DeKalb County veterans. Judy Redmon, President of the American Legion Ladies’ Auxiliary will introduce the guest speaker, Dr. Patrick McClellan, 4th District Commander of the American Legion. Following the program, the group will gather at the courthouse downtown for the placement of a wreath by Commander Hinton and fellow veterans, prayer by Don Rigsby, and the playing of “Taps” at the site of the Veterans memorial monument. Lunch for veterans, their families, officials, and program participants will be served after the ceremony thanks to Senior Citizens Director Pam Redmon; the American Legion Post 122 and Ladies Auxiliary, and the Woodmen of the World represented by Tom Bumbalough and Bill Rutherford. A special thanks to Jan Thomas and committee for decorations, Director of Schools Patrick Cripps, School Transportation Supervisor Myron Rhody, and bus driver Danny Washer for authorizing transportation from the county complex to the courthouse for the veterans,

UCDD

Are you raising a relative child or need housing assistance? For more information on assistance and support, please contact Melissa Allison at the Upper Cumberland Development District toll-free at 1-0800-275-8233. A support group meeting will be held for relatives caring for relative children during the month. Please contact Melissa Allison at 931-476-4127. If you are interested in attending this meeting. For housing assistance, while caring for a minor child, please contact Myra Walker.

Veterans Service Officer Ready to Assist

Are you a veteran in need of assistance? DeKalb County has a Veteran's Service Officer ready to help you, not only with filing claims, but for conversations about your service.

Retired military service officer Bill Rutherford is located on the first floor of the DeKalb County Courthouse and is ready to offer assistance. He is available for in-office visits each Tuesday and Thursday or can be reached by telephone at any time at 615-560-3610. DeKalb County appreciates the service of all veterans and is proud to provide this service.

Al-Anon & AA meetings

Meetings on Tuesday and Thursday nights at 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church 105 Edgewood Avenue, McMinnville, TN 37110