40th Annual Older Americans Day Celebration on May 9
The month of May is recognized nationally as Older Americans Month, a time when we acknowledge the vast contributions older adults make to their families, communities and the nation.  Justin Potter Library will partner with the Alexandria and Smithville Senior Centers as we participate in the national celebration by hosting Older Americans Day.  The event will be held at the DeKalb County Complex Theatre area located at 712 S Congress Blvd in Smithville on Wednesday, May 9 at 11 a.m. This year’s theme is “Engage at Every Age”. The featured entertainment will be noted author and storyteller, Charles Maynard.  There will be displays that open at 10:30 a.m., door prizes, goody bags and sack lunches for the older adults to enjoy. Everyone who is an older American is invited to this free event. Justin Potter Library will be closed from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. for the program. For more information, call the library at 615-597-4359 or visit us on Facebook.

Ribbon cutting at Retreat May 12
The Retreat at Center Hill Lake will have a ribbon cutting at their newly renovated lodge on Saturday, May 12 at noon. Lunch to follow. RSVP required. VIP overnight packages also available. Call 615-597-4298 for more information and to reserve your spot. 358 Relax Drive, Smithville.

The DeKalb/Cannon County Amateur Radio Club May 12
Radio Exam Session on Saturday, May 12 at 1 p.m. (Walk-ins are allowed) at the Smithville Fire Department 104 East Main Street in Smithville. Contact Jeffrey Kemper - KV4VV at (615) 364-3913 or check out the club’s website at http://www.dccarc.org.

Back to the 80s on May 12
Warren Arts will present Back to the 80s at the DeKalb Community Complex on May 12 at 7 p.m. Cost is $15. Call 615-597-2122 for ticket information.

Deadline for cheerleader camp
The DCHS Football Cheerleaders will be having a mini cheer camp May 21-23 at Smithville Elementary School for ages 5-13. It will be from 3:30-5:30. Cost is $50 per child with $10 off for each additional child. A snack will be provided and each camper will receive a T-shirt. There will be a performance for the parents to watch on Wednesday after practice. Applications available at schools, Infinity Athletics and Family Care Chiropractic. Deadline to submit completed application with payment is May 14

Gospel singing May 19
An all-day gospel singing will be held May 19 at the DeKalb County Fairgrounds from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. If you would like to perform or for more info call 615-683-9606.

Bluegrass and Craft Festival on May 19
The Smithville Lions Club Inaugural Bluegrass and Craft Festival will be held Saturday, May 19 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. at Greenbrook Park. Craft and Food Booths and bands throughout the day.  Bring a lawn chair. If you pick, bring your instrument and join in the fun.

Cook Family Reunion on May 20
The Cook family reunion will be held Sunday, May 20 from 12:30 under done at the Liberty Community Center. Please bring enough food, drink and dessert for your family to share. Lawn chairs and old photos would be nice. Please tell and invite anyone who belongs to the Jim (Dunk) Cook and Sarah Julie Ann Millstead Cook family.

THP roadblocks coming this month
The Tennessee Highway Patrol will be conducting a Sobriety Checkpoint on May 25 on U.S. 70 Highway.  They will also be conducting a Seatbelt Checkpoint, May 30 at SR 146.

School Art Exhibit May 26
DeKalb County Schools will hold an art exhibit May 26 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the DeKalb County Complex featuring art from local students.

Trip to New York planned for June
Judy Redmon has taken over Wanda Poss’ traveling group since her passing. Judy is planning a trip to New York. The trip is in June from 7-13. She needs at least six more people. The cost is $637 which pays rooming, 10 meals and transportation. Judy has had several years of experience in this kind of activity. Please call her at 615-597-6240 and make plans to go. There will be a meeting in May at the Senior Citizens Center. You may save up your money and meet her there or call her and she will come and get it.

Jones Hill decoration May 27
Jones Hill Decoration Day Service will be held on Sunday, May 27 at 2:30 p.m.

Neddy Jacobs Days June 8-9
Fiddlers Grove is preparing for Neddy Jacobs Days June 8-9 in the James E. Ward Ag Center in Lebanon. The event will go from noon until 8 p.m. on the 8th and 10 p.m. to 4 p.m. on the 9th with vendors and music. Admission is $5 and children under 10 are free. Those wanting their child to perform beside an established musician may make the request by calling 615-547-6111. Deadline to book booth space is May 31 and may be done by calling the above number.

Fiddlers Grove Kidz Kamp
Kids Camp will be hosted at Fiddlers Grove in Lebanon from 10 a.m. to noon, June 9 and July 7 for ages six through 16. Cost to cover materials is $25 and will include events like wood burning, quilting, weaving, basket making and many others. Call 615-547-6111 to pre-register.

Adcock Cemetery donations for upkeep
Anyone with family buried at Adcock Cemetery is asked to make donations for mowing. Make checks payable to Winnie Petty at 235 Petty Road, Smithville, TN 37166.

Home fix-up offered by work camp
Smithville Church of Christ is offering their work camp for less fortunate residents who can use help fixing up and beautifying their property and homes. Those who would like to have their residence considered should contact the church at 615-597-4159 by June 8 to get an application and sign a release form.

Local Help Center Needs Help From the Community
His Love Help Center has been providing free clothes, shoes, medical items and etc. for over three years to people in our community. They serve all walks of life, such as single parents, the elderly, fire victims, and more. At the current location (1100 S. College St.) the Help Center has to pay rent, phone, water, gas and electric.  In order to stay open and to continue serving our community it needs your help. If you feel you are able to provide financial help, have a building they can use or a one-time donation please stop by the help center or call 615-597-(love) 5683

Help Wanted – Be a Caris Hospice Volunteer today
Do you enjoy giving support and being a good listener to those around you? If your answer is yes, then becoming a Caris Hospice Volunteer could be for you. Please contact Gail Evans, Volunteer Coordinator at 888-537-3430 or visit the website at www.carishealthcare.com for more information or to apply.

Earn your High School Equivalency Diploma through Free Classes
There are free classes held at the DeKalb County Complex, Room 119 Monday – Thursday from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Registration is Monday 3:30 – 7 p.m. and Tuesday 9 a.m. to noon. Don’t see a time that works with your schedule? Ask about special appointments. Call 855-516-0160 for more information or to schedule an appointment. Classes are funded under a grant with the State of Tennessee and the Department of Labor and Workforce Development.

Al-Anon Meetings
The McMinnville Alanon group meets Tuesday and Thursday nights at 7 p.m. at St. Catherine’s Catholic Church, 1024 Faulkner Springs Road in McMinnville. Local meetings are held at Haven of Hope, 301 West Main Street in Smithville on Fridays at 11 a.m. For more information call 615-597-4673.

Domestic Violence Support Group
A Domestic Violence Support Group is held for women in the community at Haven of Hope in Smithville. For more information, please call 615-597-4673.

DeKalb Animal Coalition
The DeKalb Animal Coalition meets monthly on the first Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at the former Senior Citizens room on the second floor of city hall. The shelter is now open and running well.  Everyone is welcome to attend and learn more about the shelter and how one can help.”

Smithville Head Start Center
L.B.J. & C. Head Start is currently accepting applications to provide free comprehensive child development services to children three- five years of age from low-income families in a full-day program. Services are also offered to meet the special needs of children with disabilities. L.B.J. & C. Head Start helps all children succeed. L.B.J. & C. Head Start provides children with activities that help them grow mentally, socially, emotionally, and physically. For more information contact the Smithville Head Start Center at 615-597-5168.