The Smith County Drug Prevention Coalition will host a Veterans Luncheon on Wednesday, November 15th at 11:30 a.m. at the Smith County Chamber of Commerce, 939 Upper Ferry Road, Carthage.

The guest speaker will be Rob Pharris, an army veteran who will share his inspiring story.

The Smith County Amateur Radio Club will hold its organizational meeting Monday, November 13 at 6:30 PM  in the Community Room of the Smith County Chamber of Commerce Building at 939 Upper Ferry Rd in Carthage.

Anyone with an interest in amateur radio is invited to attend.   We will have updates on  the new Smith County amateur radio repeater, and the Amateur Radio Emergency Services training.  We will also discuss a potential club project, building a seismograph.  Other potential club activities are radio Fox Hunting, and Parks on the Air events.

Visit the Smith County TN Amateur Radio Operators Group Facebook page for  further information.

Santa’s Shoppers creates an exciting Christmas experience for children in need and fosters connections between children and law enforcement that can last a lifetime.

If you would like to apply for your child to participate, you must apply in person at the Sheriff’s office at 322 Justice Drive in Carthage. Proof of income, Smith County Residency, Statement of Benefits and Custody documentation (if applicable) are required.

Applications will be received on

Tuesday, November 14th 4-6 p.m.

Wednesday, November 15th 4-6 p.m.

Thursday, November 16th 4-6 p.m.

Participants approved will be contacted at a later date. Participants in the program must be able to participate in the shopping event on December 19th

Through generous donations over the past several years, the Santa’s Shoppers program has been able to take over 1000 Smith County children to shop with local law enforcement.

If you would like to contribute to the Santa’s Shopper’s program, please make checks or money orders payable to Smith County Living, Inc. for SCSO Santa’s Shoppers Program. Contributions can be mailed or hand-delivered to the Smith County Chamber of Commerce, located at 939 Upper Ferry Road in Carthage, Tennessee.

Please mail contributions by December 1, 2023. For more information, contact Beth Davis, Smith County Jail Administrator/Program Coordinator at 615-735-2626.

The Friends of Cordell Hull Lake, in partnership with the United States Army Corps of Engineers and the Cordell Hull Lake Community, would like to invite you for an exciting lakeshore cleanup day. On November 11th, please lend a hand to help preserve the beauty and health of our beloved lake. Afterward, enjoy a complimentary lunch, where the FOCHL will present their accomplishments and plans for 2024. This public meeting and luncheon are open to anyone interested in the FOCHL or those who volunteer for the cleanup day. To register, please visit http://friendsofcordellhulllake.org/

David Rasmussen, a board member of the FOCHL and a Defeated Creek resident, expressed his hope for a robust turnout from the community on November 11th. “I encourage everyone to join in on making our lake cleaner. Bring a friend, gather the family, and invite your church or club. If you can’t attend the lakeshore cleanup, please take a moment on Veterans Day in your own community and pick up some trash from our roadways. Everything we see on the side of the road leads to our creeks and finds its way into our beautiful lake. Every small thing we do matters.”

As part of the necessary preparations for winter and spring rains, each October, the USACE lowers the water in Cordell Hull Lake, which often results in plastic bottles and trash washing up on the shores. The cleanup event will be held at the Defeated Creek recreation area, starting at the large picnic shelter at 9:00 a.m. Participants will be divided into groups to focus on specific coves in the area. You are welcome to bring your boat or kayak and aid from the water. Trash bags and gloves will be provided.

The Community Lakeshore Cleanup will begin at the main picnic shelter at the Defeated Creek Recreation area on 140 Marina Lane, Defeated, TN.

• 9:00-12:00 – Lakeshore Cleanup 
• 12:00-12:45- Luncheon and FOCHL Presentation

To register, please visit http://friendsofcordellhulllake.org/

About the Friends of Cordell Hull Lake
The FOCHL non-profit (501c3) is a collaboration of citizens, businesses and community leaders that are organized to protect and preserve Cordell Hull Lake and its environment. The FOCHL mission is to support the recreational and educational use of Cordell Hull Lake, to bring attention to the natural beauty and friendliness of the communities and businesses around the lake, and to protect and care for the lake and its surroundings for the benefit of generations to come. To learn more or to become a member of the friends group visit http://FriendsOfCordellHullLake.org.

American Legion Post 57 will be conducting its annual Poppy Drive on November 3^rd and 4^th. Members will be located at Walmart and SavWay in Carthage, and at the Key Stop/BP and El Corral in Gordonsville. Come and say hello to some of Smith County’s Veterans and get a Poppy. Donations are welcome.

American Legion Post 57 will hold the 2023 Veterans Day parade on Saturday, November 11th, on Main Street in Carthage, TN. The parade is scheduled to begin at 2:00 pm.

All veterans are welcome to walk with fellow veterans. If you have an antique car, we encourage you to come out and drive one of the veterans who are unable to walk. Other veterans are also able to ride on one of the parade wagons stationed on Carmack. The line up for the parade begins at 1:00 pm in front of Powell Meadows Insurance Company along Carmack Avenue. The parade will proceed down Main St. from Carmack Ave to the Historic Smith County Courthouse.

A ceremony will be held on the Historic Smith County Courthouse steps following the parade.

You are invited and encouraged to come out and line the streets of Carthage in honor of our Veterans! If you are unable to attend the parade, you can watch live coverage of the parade on Smith County Insider’s Facebook Page.

The Pleasant Shade Community Center will host the 13th Annual Fall Festival on Saturday, November 18, 2023 from 4-8 p.m. A Turkey Dinner with all the “fixins” will be served. Additional concessions will also be available. Dine in will be available from 4-6 p.m. and Take-out will be open from 4-5 p.m. A cake walk will be hosted at 6 p.m.

Riverview Regional Medical Center will hosts a benefit luncheon for Emmanuel House on Tuesday, November 7, 2023 fro 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

The dinner will include Spaghetti with a choice of meat or veggie sauce and/or parmesan Cheese, side salad with croutons and ranch dressing, garlic bread and a cookie for $5.

They are currently taking pre-orders until October 31st. Orders can be delivered to Carthage and Gordonsville. You can call 6`5-735-5250 to place an order or fax a request to 615-735-5143.

Take-out lunches will be available from 11:30 a.m. -1 p.m.

The Gordonsville United Methodist Church will host an Amazing Grace Market Place on Saturday, November 4th 2023 from 8 a.m. – 1p.m. The free event will offer lots of family fun, vendors and crafts.