CROSSVILLE —
Neighbors Together is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that was established in 2001. Their programs assist with food, utilities, education and other needs. Their services cover a wide area in both western Cumberland County and eastern White County. Their board members and volunteers come from these areas as well as the Uplands Village in Pleasant Hill.
This past year, Neighbors Together leased a house at 10005 West Main Street in Pleasant Hill. Much work needed doing to whip the premises into shape. Many hours by local volunteers were spent cleaning, painting, hammering, building and organizing until they were able to move the offices and food pantry into this site. In July, junior and high school students from Missouri provided young strong muscles to help their effort. On Nov. 16 an open house was held with lots of tasty goodies so that its clientele, new neighbors and volunteers could tour the facilities.
The food pantry provides those in need with an emergency three-day supply of food. The food boxes are distributed once each week through the work of volunteers. Items include non-perishables such as canned fruits and vegetables, cereal and soups as well as fresh milk, bread, and eggs.
The B4Books program monitors early cognitive, emotional and language development of infants. A parent trainer distributes toy kits, meeting with the parents to instruct on how the items in each kit can be used to nurture their child’s development. If delays are identified, referrals are made to appropriate community services.
The May Cravath Wharton Association provides funds for outreach into the surrounding areas. Through the Neighbors Together Office requests for assistance with utilities such as gas, water and electricity are verified.
Holiday programs provide gifts to children during the season. The Dollar General Market in Crossville provides space for an old Victorian Saint Nicholas and Mrs. Claus to sit for photos. These pictures can be purchased with money or donations of toys to be used in the other holiday projects.
A Santa’s Workshop Christmas Party was held Dec. 23 for local children in the Pleasant Hill Community House. Santa's Workshop is fun for all and allows children a visit and photo with Santa, a special gift and lots of activities and treats. Traditionally, on Christmas Eve, Santa and his elves go door-to-door to visit local children and families in their homes bringing gifts and stockings full of goodies. Santa and Mrs. Claus often visit the “elders” in Fletcher House and Wharton Homes as well.
Easter baskets and other holiday meals are provided when needed. A special program called Neighbors Helping Neighbors provides a supply of household items, clothing or bedding for emergency situations. The main goal of Neighbors Together is to build community. Often people do not have money to give but of far greater value is their time through volunteering. Another important aspect of Neighbors Together services is providing support to community members in need by linking them to available community resources in the county or state.
The Neighbors Together office is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Contact them by calling 277-5088 or on Facebook at www/facebook.com/pages/Neighbors-Together/395578857170149.
Margaret Mead once said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."
Lifestyles
Related Photos
-
Some of the board members at the Neighbors Together Open House in Pleasant Hill are Ziggy Stampfl, president and treasurer; Marie Stampfl; Maggie Gooding; Mandy McCullough, executive director; Jeri Abbott; Connie Waidmann; Vicki Mathews; and Bob Waidmann.
PLEASANT HILL RAMBLINGS: Neighbors come together to make a difference throughout the year
- Lifestyles
-
-
PLATEAU GARDENING: Watch for rhododendron borers and carpenter bees
Inspect rhododendron shrubs showing wilted or dead branches. In early February I noticed one of the main stems on a rhododendron by my driveway had broken off. Thinking a photo might make a good illustration for an article on pruning to remove damaged limbs, I took a picture with my digital camera. However, when enhancing the image, two oval holes with the longer part aligned lengthwise on the stem caught my eye. One was right at the break, the other further down. Those holes looked like borer damage.
-
Veterans a big part of Fair Park
The week before Veterans Day, Fair Park Senior Center interviewed some of the folks at Fair Park Senior Center who had served the country in the service. Over 70 men stated they had served and one woman. Giving up a lot to serve, sharing that common bond, only they can understand. No matter which branch or which war, they all share a deep passion for this country.
-
PLEASANT HILL RAMBLINGS: Neilson in concert May 31
The award-winning folk singer Tom Neilson will be bringing his message of “Music for Social Change” to Pleasant Hill, on Friday, May 31, at 7 p.m. in the Pleasant Hill Community Church, UCC.
-
Events planned at Cumberland Mtn. State Park
Cumberland Mountain State Park has several special programs planned. All programs are considered PG-13, which means parental guidance is recommended.
-
Lots of choices promised for Roan Mtn. hike
The Plateau Chapter of the Tennessee Trails Association holds a leaderless hike every Wednesday morning. These are typically five to seven miles in length. For additional information, contact Bill Harris at 484-9152 or visit the Plateau Chapter Blog at http://ttaplateauchapter.blogspot.com.
-
AROUND THE TOWN: Welcome summer with a few good books
The unofficial start to summer begins this weekend with the Memorial Day Holiday. Although summer does not officially begin until June, for most of us, this first warm weather holiday is the preview of about three months of boating, fishing, camping, vacationing, picnics, family reunions and cook outs.
-
Schatz named May artist of the month at PCAC
Jessica Schatz, the artist of the month at the Plateau Creative Arts Center, has been an artist for as long as she can remember. She also remains busy as an interior designer, specializing in staging and new construction, and is also a pet portrait photographer. In addition, she donates her photography services, photographing homeless pets in order to help them find homes.
-
Folksinger to perform May 31 in Pleasant Hill
The award-winning folk singer Tom Neilson will be bringing his message of “Music for Social Change” to Pleasant Hill, on Friday, May 31, at 7 p.m. in the Pleasant Hill Community Church, UCC. The Shalom Center for Continuing Education, a non-profit educational center is sponsoring this appearance of the nationally well-known artist.
-
127 Seniors plan for annual picnic
On May 17, the members of the 127 South Senior Center had an enjoyable time socializing and playing bingo, dominos and billiards. Numbers were called by John Bohrman, with the prizes furnished by Dr. M. Stewart Galloway, M.D.
-
Pleasant Hill Ramblings: Pleasant Hill Elementary honors volunteers
Mary Ann Kotus-Huff, principal of Pleasant Hill Elementary School (PHS), recently welcomed volunteers to the annual Volunteer Tea. It was held in the gaily decorated new all-purpose room of the new annex. Volunteers were treated to sandwiches, fruit, cheese and crackers and cupcakes.
- More Lifestyles Headlines
-
Mayor: Person Killed in San Antonio Flooding
Raw: Apple 1 Computer Sells for More Than $650k
Hagel Urges Cadets to End Scourge of Sex Assault
Raw: Gay Rights Activists March in Ukraine
Bus Fire Kills 16 Children, Teacher in Pakistan
Raw: Pakistan Election Results Protested
Raw: Trucker Bumps I-5 Bridge Before Collapse
Raw: Texas Deputy Shot by Colo. Suspect Honored
Major Detours Following Wash. Bridge Collapse
American Held in Grisly Czech Murders
Raw: Jersey Shore Reopens for Summer
UK-bound Pakistan Plane Diverted, 2 Men Arrested
Officials: Tsarnaev Friend Linked to Slaying
Obama:Sexual Assault Threatens Trust in Military
Bridge Collapse Survivor: 'Rough Day'
Jersey Shore Open for Business
Raw: Memorial Day Flags Placed at Arlington
New Wheelchair Lift Promises More Access
First Person: Mom Discusses Famous Tornado Photo
Raw Video: Washington State Bridge Collapse
