PLEASANT SHADE, TN — Shoppers and sellers alike will have something to look forward to this fall as the Pleasant Shade Community Center prepares to host its annual Large Fall Consignment Sale. The event will take place over three days, beginning Thursday, October 16, and running through Saturday, October 18, 2025.

Doors will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, and from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday.

This popular community sale offers an opportunity for individuals to both shop for bargains and sell gently used or new items. Items eligible for sale include kitchenware, bath items, tools, machinery, furniture, clothing, toys, jewelry, and much more—as long as they are in good working condition.

Organizers emphasize that while a wide variety of goods will be available, the Pleasant Shade Community Center is not responsible for any items that are lost, damaged, or broken during the event.

For those interested in becoming consignors, a seller number is required to participate. Community members can contact either of the following organizers to receive instructions and a tagging number:

• Ann Gregory at 615-670-9845
• Wesley Rigsby at 615-677-6514 or 615-683-7525

The sale promises to be a great way for people to declutter, earn extra money, and find hidden treasures—all while supporting the local community.

The Smith County Health Department of the Tennessee Department of Health will be providing fee flue shots from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 21, 2025 at Crump Paris Park, 132 Gordonsville Highway, Carthage, TN participating in the statewide 2025 Flight Flue prevention effort.

“Receiving the annual flu vaccine is the best way to protect you and those around you from the worse outcomes of the flu virus,” said Director Michael Railing Smith, Smith County Health Department. “The flu vaccine is safe and effective and can help prepare your body to fight against the flu virus and prevent it from spreading.”

Anyone six months or older are eligible to receive the flu vaccine and appointments are not required on the October 21st event.

The flu virus can move easily from one person to another and spreads through respiratory droplets in coughs and sneezes. The virus can be present on surfaces, such as doorknobs and countertops and tissue paper for up to two days.

Pregnant women, infants, the elderly and those with chronic medical conditions are at the highest risk of getting the flu and facing its severe complications. Flu symptoms can include mild to severe cough, fatigue, fever, headache, muscle aches, sore throat and stuffy or runny noses.

Precautions to prevent the spread of the flu virus include proper handwashing with soap and water, covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or the bend of an elbow and staying home if you are sick.

More information is available on TCH’S Fight Flu webpage. For additional information about taking precautions against respiratory viral illnesses, like the flu, visit the TDH wepage at tn.gov/health/rvi

The mission of the Tennessee Department of Health, tn.gov/health, is to protect, promote, and improve the health and well-being of all people in Tennessee.

The Smith County Amateur Radio Club will be meeting Monday October 20 at the Smith County Chamber of Commerce at 6PM. Our presentation will focus on the Fox Box, the newest and most comprehensive radio fox hunt transmitter. Anyone is welcome to attend. For information visit our website https://smithcountyamateurradio.com/ .

Carthage, TN – A new initiative is making waves in the local community by providing a safe, supportive, and empowering space for teen girls to grow, connect, and thrive. The Girls to Women program invites all girls ages 12 to 18 to join a vibrant community focused on building character, confidence, and lifelong skills.

The next quarterly meet-up will take place on October 25th from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (or “1:00-ish,” as the organizers warmly note) at The Spot, located at 108 Ward Ave, Carthage, TN. The event is entirely free and includes lunch for all attendees, fun workshops, games, and mentorship opportunities designed to uplift and inspire.

More Than Just an Event

Girls to Women is more than a one-time gathering—it’s a movement to nurture the voices, values, and visions of young women in the community. Each session is structured around the core mission:

To uplift and empower young women through discussions that build character, life skills, self-respect, and self-confidence.

With an emphasis on real conversations and meaningful connections, Girls to Women encourages participants to:

• Make genuine friendships
• Discover their voice and power
• Learn practical, real-world skills
• Most importantly, have fun while growing strong

Every girl who attends will receive a topic-themed gift bag—because, as the flyer says, “Cheap is good, FREE is better. Woohoo!”

A Place to Belong and Grow

In a world full of pressure and uncertainty, Girls to Women offers something powerful: a place where young women are seen, heard, and supported. The group understands that “strong women aren’t born, they’re built—one skill, one step, one belief at a time.”

Whether you’re a teen looking to find your people, a parent wanting to support your daughter, or a community member interested in youth development, Girls to Women is an inspiring and essential program helping shape the next generation of confident, capable leaders.

Get Involved

To learn more, visit the official website: https://girlstowomen.net
For questions or to RSVP, email: gtw@girlstowomen.net

A unique art exhibition is coming to Carthage Junction Depot on October 11, 2025. This one day event celebrates the creative legacy of one Tennessee family whose artistic talents span generations. The exhibit brings together the works of Wilma Riley Draper, George Mack Draper, and their daughter, Mary Draper Hager, in a moving tribute to family, heritage, and the enduring power of art. A pillar of the Riddleton community since 1798, the family has long encouraged excellence in academics and encouraged perseverance and problem solving that the arts require.

Wilma Riley Draper, the matriarch of the family, was known for her bold and colorful abstract paintings that radiate energy and emotion. Her husband, George Mack Draper, created striking portraits that captured the essence of his subjects with sensitivity and precision. Their daughter, Mary Draper Hager, carries forward their artistic spirit by blending her mother’s vibrant abstraction with her father’s refined portraiture. Her work honors both parents while establishing her own distinct voice. In addition to her paintings, Mary is the founder of a successful stationery company Mary Draper Design, where her whimsical card designs have gained recognition for their charm and creativity. This exhibition will feature both her fine art and selections from her stationery line, offering a full view of her artistic range.

“This show is more than an exhibition—it’s a story of love, family, and the way creativity can be passed down and transformed across generations,” said Mary. “Visitors will see how each artist’s work stands on its own, while also speaking to one another in a dialogue that only a family could create.”

The exhibit will be on view at the Carthage Junction Depot on October 11, 2025 where you can meet Mary Draper Hager and experience the collection firsthand.

Exhibition Details

Exhibit Title: Generations in Art: The Draper Family Legacy

Artists Featured: Wilma Riley Draper, George Mack Draper, Mary Draper Hager

Location: 185 Gordonsville Highway, Carthage, TN 37030

Date: Saturday, October 11, 2025

Exhibit hours: 10:00 am- 4:00 pm

About the Artists

Wilma Riley Draper: Known for her bold, colorful abstracts that celebrate movement and emotion.

George Mack Draper: A portrait artist whose works capture the depth and humanity of his subjects.

Mary Draper Hager: A painter and designer who blends her parents’ styles into a unique artistic voice, while also running a stationery company featuring whimsical cards.

ARISE is a free faith based gathering geared toward young adults (21-35 years old). This free event will be happening at the Smith County Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday 9/30 from 6-9pm. This event will include dinner, spiritual encouragement and fun with a goal to connect and encourage a rising generation of believers in their faith.

The Community Wellness Alliance invites the community to join the Third Annual Glow Walk for Recovery on Thursday, September 25, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. at the Rails to Trails walking trail in South Carthage.

This free event is held in recognition of National Recovery Month and is open to participants of all ages and fitness levels. The walk will begin at the Rails to Trails gazebo and participants are encouraged to walk at their own pace and distance.

To celebrate the occasion, glow sticks and battery-operated vigil candles will be available. Attendees are also welcome to bring flashlights to help light their path. A shaved ice truck will be on site for participants to enjoy. In addition, a free T-shirt will be provided for each participant while supplies last.

The Glow Walk offers a chance to enjoy fresh air, get active, and show support for individuals and families in recovery.

For more information, contact 615-588-1622 or email Tammy@SmithCoDrugPrevention.org.

This project is funded under a grant contract with the State of Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services.

Lace up your boots and get ready to make a difference! Saturday, September 27, 2025 volunteers will gather at Cordell Hull Lake to celebrate National Public Lands Day (NPLD), the largest single-day volunteer event for public lands in the United States.

This year, Friends of Cordell Hull Lake, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and local community members will focus their efforts on the newly established Storybook Trail along the Periwinkle Hiking Trail. Volunteers will help improve the trail by moving mulch and spreading mulch along the trail to enhance families’ visitor experience.

“We’re excited to have the community come together for National Public Lands Day to care for this beautiful area,” said Park Ranger Stone Fagan. “The Storybook Trail is a fantastic resource for children and their families of all ages, and this project will ensure it remains a welcoming space.”

Event Details:

· Date & Time: Saturday, September 27th, 8:00 a.m.

· Location: Wildwood Marina, 7316 Granville Hwy, Granville, TN 38564

· Tasks: Volunteers will assist with moving and spreading mulch along the Storybook portion of the Periwinkle Hiking Trail.

· Sign-Up: Please arrive a few minutes early for volunteer check-in, safety briefings, and group assignments.

· Lunch: A free lunch will be provided at the end of the event for all volunteers.

· Event link: https://www.neefusa.org/npld/periwinkle-hiking-trail/national-public-lands-day-periwinkle-hiking-trail

NPLD is the largest volunteer event for public lands in the country, with over 130 national parks participating and more than 9,000 volunteers contributing 54,000 hours of service nationwide last year. This year’s efforts at Cordell Hull Lake will continue that tradition of community involvement and environmental stewardship.

The William Walton Harvest Festival is set to return on Saturday, September 27th from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, bringing a full day of fall-themed fun, entertainment, and community spirit to the heart of Smith County. This family-friendly event attracts visitors from across the region.

Festival goers can look forward to a wide variety of activities and attractions throughout the day. Local vendors will line the streets offering handmade crafts, unique gifts, seasonal décor, food and much more. Live music and entertainment will provide a festive backdrop as guests explore everything the festival has to offer.

A highlight of the day will be the Harvest Queen Pageant, scheduled for 4:00 PM on the festival stage. This tradition will showcase participants of various age groups competing for the title of Harvest Queen. It’s an event that draws a big crowd each year, celebrating grace, personality, and community pride. Those interested in participating in the pageant can pick up registration forms at the Smith County Chamber of Commerce or the Register of Deeds Office. For more information about participating, call 615-735-2093.

Mark your calendars for September 27th and bring the whole family for a day filled with music, shopping, food, pageantry, and fall fun at the William Walton Harvest Festival. For more details, contact the festival organizers at 615-735-2093.