DEADLINE: The deadline for submitting Area Happenings, Church Events, Reunions, Society items or Cemetery News is Thursday at noon.

Basket Workshop

The UT/Claiborne County Extension Service is sponsoring a basket workshop on March 16. Anyone wishing to learn the art of basket weaving may register. Participants will be learning the heritage skill of basket making as they make a Penobscot Market Basket. This generous market basket with gentle cats head base and accent weaving with two handles can be used for many purposes. The class will meet at the Tazewell Senior Citizens Center from 10 a.m. until finished. The cost for the workshop is $35, which covers the handle and reed to make the basket. Space is limited to the first 15. Call 626-3742 to register. Participants need to bring, a dishpan, 7-8 spring-type clothespins, old scissors, tape measure, pencil, knife, an old towel, your lunch and snacks to this workshop.

Bee Friends

Interested in beekeeping and meeting beekeepers? Whether you are looking for information, want to get started or have been beekeeping for 30 years, you are welcome to attend BEE FRIENDS. a local beekeeping group meeting monthly on the first Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at the auditorium of the Tazewell campus of Walters State. For more information call 865-617-9013.

Beekeeping Short Course

The Clinch Valley Beekeepers Association will offer a Beekeeping Short Course on March 21 at 7 p.m. and March 22 at 6 p.m. The course will be at the Treadway Fire Hall, 189 Clinch Valley Rd., Treadway, Tenn. On Thursday, Mike Studer, the Tenn. State Apiarist from the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, will be the speaker. “Honey bee disease and pests” and “what new beekeepers need to know as they get started in beekeeping” will be among the topics discussed. He will also have a question and answer session. Friday will be the second part of the Short Course. CVBA members will have educational and demonstration tables set up for guests. Come and bring a friend, meet and talk to our beekeepers and bee inspectors.

You can learn the following: What the Clinch Valley Beekeepers Association is all about, how to get started in beekeeping, how to put together a hive, different bee diseases and treatments for mites, the different equipment necessary to start a bee hive, cooking with honey, how to catch swarms, how to extract honey and much more.

There will also be information on the Tennessee Beekeepers State Association and how to register your hives with the state. There will be door prizes, a drawing for TBA Grant Hives to be given away to three brand new beekeepers on Friday night (winners must purchase bees for the hive and bee present to win). Email Debbie Clayton for more info on applying for the drawing at debbiehoneybee9@gmail.com.

Refreshments will be served and equipment will be there for purchase. There will be a raffle for a package of bees and there will be CVBA honey bee calendars and cookbooks, shirts, hats for sale. The Clinch Valley Beekeepers club meets the third Thursday night of each month at 7 p.m. in the Treadway Fire Department.

For more information contact: Lloyd (Jr.) Snelson (Tazewell) - 423-626-5538; Tom Ramey - 423-944-3223; Ted Lewis (Thorn Hill) - 423-733-4359; Wanda Coleman (Eidson) - 423-944-3230; email clinchvalley_beekeepers@yahoo.com or visit them on the web at www.clinchvalleybeeclub.org.

Beginning Beekeeping Class

Attend a free beginning beekeeping class on March 16 from 9:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. The class will be held at the Well-Being Foundation in Tazewell. A hearty lunch will be provided, as well as door prizes. The lunch is co-sponsored by Bee Friends and Well Being Foundation. Everyone is welcome. To register or for more information call Julianne at 865-617-9013.

Broken Spur Dance Club

A beginners line dance class at the Broken Spur Dance Club has begun. Classes are at 7 p.m. Also offered are kickboxing classes and Zumba classes. Call 423-489-9829 for more information. The club is located at 335 Fulkerson Rd., Tazewell, on the top floor of the American Legion Building.

Claiborne County Animal Shelter

The CCAS provides a Spay and Neuter Clinic each Thursday. The cost is dogs $60, cats $45 and rabies shots $10. CCAS is required to administer a rabies shot prior to surgery if no certificate of rabies vaccination is provided by the owner. Please call 423-489-3389 for an appointment or more information. CCAS is located at 674 Ritchie and Lewis Drive in New Tazewell.

Claiborne County Board of Education

The Claiborne County Board of Education has changed its meeting time to 6 p.m. for each regular monthly meeting. The next meeting is March 14 at 6 p.m.

Claiborne County Commission Change of Meeting Time

The Claiborne County Commission meets at 6:30 p.m. Meetings are held on the third Monday of the month in the large courtroom in the Claiborne County Courthouse, located on Main Street in Tazewell. The next meeting will be March 18. The public is welcome to attend.

Claiborne County High School Class of 1993

Planning has begun for the 20th class reunion of the CCHS Blue Devils class of 1993. If you are interested in helping with the organization or if you would like more information, contact Elizabeth Buis at 423-839-5987, Tammy Venable Givens at 423-489-6217, David Painter at 423-526-1917 or Melanie Carter at 423-526-8697. A current mailing address is needed for invitations.

Claiborne County Historical and Genealogical Society

The Claiborne County Historical and Genealogical Society (CCHGS) research volunteers will not be available during the March. If you have research requests please email to cchgs_info@yahoo.com as researchers are working from home this month. Regular hours will resume in April which are Monday-Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at our building at 1280 Old Knox Rd.

For more information call the office 526-5737. CCHGS is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the history of Claiborne County. Please mail tax-deductible contributions or annual membership dues to: CCHGS, P.O. Box 32, Tazewell, TN 37879.

Claiborne County Hospital Board Meeting Change

The board of directors meeting for the Claiborne County Hospital and Nursing Home originally scheduled for March 19 will be held March 14 at 6 p.m. in the hospital conference room.

Claiborne County Hospital Lunch and Learn

The Claiborne County Hospital is sponsoring a Community Lunch and Learn on March 13 at noon in the hospital’s conference room. CCH Rehabilitation Director Lieven Cox will do a presentation on “Assessing Your Risk for Falls and Fall Prevention.” Lunch will be provided. If you would like to attend, please call Betsy Maples at 423-526-2192.

Commercial Vegetable Growers

Dr. Annette Wszelaki from the University of Tennessee will be in Tazewell on March 19 to present a talk on small commercial vegetable production. The meeting will be held in the Claiborne County Chamber of Commerce meeting room at 6 p.m. Soup will be served. Call Kelley Frady at the UT/TSU Extension Office at 626-3742 for questions.

Commodity Distribution

ETHRA Community Action Agency, funded in part by an agreement with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, will distribute commodities for Claiborne County on: March 14 at Model Valley Office in Clairfield, from 10 a.m. to noon; and March 15 at Tri-State Growers (Farmers Market) in Tazewell, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. You will need a commodity card to pick up the commodities. The current commodity cards are GOLD. Call the office at 423-626-8187 extension 0801 to make sure staff is available to take commodity applications if you don’t have a card. The ETHRA staff will be working out of the office the week of the commodity distribution and may not be available for applications. Staff will be at the distribution site during the above hours or until the food supply is gone. Tazewell distribution will be on Friday only. Please bring a box or bag.

Concealed Carry Classes

PATHFINDERS – Tri-State Firearms announces the 2013 schedule for Tennessee & NRA Certified Safety Classes for Concealed Carry Permit Applications at the Powell Valley Conservation Club, 212 Well Springs Rd., Lafollette, TN 37766. Class dates are as follows: First Saturday of the month through March, 2013; second Saturday of the month April – September, 2013; first Saturday of the month October – December 2013. For more information please call Rodger Moore 865-585-6539.

Cumberland Gap BMA Meetings

The regular monthly meetings for the Board of Mayor and Aldermen of the Town of Cumberland Gap for the Fiscal Year 2012-2013 will be conducted at Town Hall, 330 Colwyn Street, the first Monday of each month at 7 p.m. A monthly planning session is conducted each month at Town Hall on Monday prior to the scheduled meeting of the board at 6 p.m. The public is invited to attend.

Cumberland Gap Budget Meeting

The Board of Mayor and Aldermen of the Town of Cumberland Gap will conduct a budget meeting for the 2013-2014 fiscal year at 6 p.m. on March 18. The meeting is open to the public. Residents are encouraged to attend.

Cumberland Gap Planning Commission

The regular monthly meetings for the Cumberland Gap Planning Commission will be held the second Thursday of every month at 6:30 p.m. in the Cumberland Gap Town Hall meeting room, 330 Colwyn Street. The public is invited to attend.

Divorce Care at Pump Springs

Divorce Care will be meeting Tuesdays at 7 p.m. at Pump Springs Baptist Church. Divorce Care is a special weekly support group seminar conducted by people who understand what you are experiencing. Most importantly, you’ll learn how to deal with the pain of your past and look forward to rebuilding your life. Call 423-869-8323 or visit www.pumpsprings.org for more information.

DIY Sewing 101

If you would like to learn to sew or improve your sewing skills, the UT/TSU-Claiborne County Extension is offering sewing classes for the beginner or less experienced to learn basic skills needed to complete projects for your home or projects to wear, or improve the skills you have. Any youth or adult age 10 and up who would like to learn basic sewing skills is welcome to enroll in this course. This course will take place over several weeks. The first day is March 18 at the Tazewell Senior Citizens Center from 5-8 p.m. There is a $20 registration fee for this class. Registration is required by March 15. For more information, call Carol Brandon at 626-3742.

Dog Grooming

Claiborne County Animal Shelter is now offering grooming from a professional groomer. A portion of the earnings will benefit the shelter. The grooming will be done on Tuesday and Thursday, but additional days will be added based on demand. For a list of services and fees, call the shelter at 423-626-2686 Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Don’t Keep Your Heap!

The economy is showing signs of recovery, even with the rising cost of gas. Many people who held on to their car during the recession are now looking to replace it with a more fuel efficient one. An alternative way to get rid of your old vehicle is to donate it to charity. Cars4Charities will take your old car, no matter what shape it is in. In return for your generosity, you will get a tax deduction of $500 or more. They have hundreds of charities that can be helped by your car donation. For details, please go to http://www.cars4charities.org/ or call 866.448.3487.

Foster Parents Needed

Youth Villages is looking for caring people in Tazewell and Claiborne County to become foster parents to children who have suffered abuse, neglect, abandonment or other issues and need a home. More than 50 children in East Tennessee are currently in need of a home. These children desperately need families who will care for them until they can return to their birth families or an adoptive family is found for them.

If the children become available for adoption, foster parents often have the first right to adopt, and adoption through Youth Villages is free. Youth Villages’ foster parents receive a monthly stipend to help them offset the costs of adding a child to their household.

Candidates should be single or married adults over the age of 25 and living in the Claiborne County area who are interested in becoming foster or adoptive parents.

For more information about upcoming open houses or how you can change the life of a child, contact Jamie Hughes, foster parent recruiter at 423-283-6554.

Free Computer Classes

Free computer classes will be offered at the Claiborne County Board of Education. The classes will include basic computer, Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel. For more information contact Jammie Mullins at 626-8222 ex. 2222.

Grief Support Group

Amedisys Hospice will present “Pathways Through Grief,” a six-week grief educational and support group. Sessions will be held each Tuesday through March 26 from 10 a.m. until noon. The group will meet at the Senior Citizens Home Assistance Services Office, located at 1720 Church St., Tazewell. The group is free to any adult who has experienced the death of a loved one. For more information or to register, call 423-587-9484 or 1-800-659-2633.

Harrogate BMA Meeting

The regular meetings for the Board of Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Harrogate for the Fiscal Year 2012-2013 will be conducted at City Hall, 138 Harrogate Crossing, the fourth Monday of each month at 6 p.m. The next scheduled meeting is March 25. A monthly planning session is conducted each month at the city hall on Tuesday prior to the scheduled meeting of the board at 6 p.m. The public is invited to attend all meetings of the Board.

Harrogate Book Station

The Harrogate Book Station has recently increased its hours to 25 per week. The Book Station is located at 310 Bristol Road in Harrogate. The hours are Tuesday. and Thursday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m., Wednesday from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. The Book Station has been adding new items each week including new books and also new DVDs. They provide two public Internet accessible computers. They also provide monthly children’s programs.For more information, call 423-869-9777.

Heart of Hope Pregnancy and Rescue Center

The Heart of Hope Pregnancy and Rescue Center in Harrogate is need of donations. Crib and baby mattresses, toddler beds, diapers in sizes two through five and other baby items are needed. Contact 423-869-9060 for donation information.

Hospice Volunteers Needed

Amedisys Hospice Services needs volunteers. Training is free and available at your convenience on an individual or group basis. If you would like to make a difference in the lives of the terminally ill, contact Gina Lane, volunteer coordinator, Amedisys Hospice Services. 423-587-9484 or 1-800-659-2633.

New Tazewell BMA Meetings

The regular monthly meetings for the Board of Mayor and Aldermen for the Town of New Tazewell for the fiscal year 2012-2013 will be conducted at City Hall, 413 First Avenue, on the second Tuesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. A monthly BMA workshop is conducted each month at city hall on the second Tuesday prior to the scheduled meeting of the Board at 7 p.m. The public is invited to attend all meetings of the board.

New Tazewell Soccer Clinic

A New Tazewell Soccer Clinic will be held on March 22 and 23 from 2 until 4 p.m. at New Tazewell City Hall, 413 First Ave., New Tazewell. Everyone wishing to participate in the soccer program should be present for the clinic. The fee for the clinic is $15 per person. For more information call 423-626-5242.

North Tazewell Volunteer Fire Department

The North Tazewell Volunteer Fire Department is open for new volunteers. You don’t have to be a firefighter to play a major role. Firefighters are needed, but drivers, pump operators, fundraisers, and supporters of all kinds can be a big help. Call at (248) 292-9647 or email JFULTZ13@Yahoo.com for more information.

Organic Gardening Classes

The following is a schedule of remaining classes to be taught at the Garden Center/ Kitchen Classroom on the LMU campus. Classes begin at 6 p.m.

Mar. 18 - Preparing sweet potato plant beds by Stacy White, Bell County Extension Agent. (This will be a hands-on demonstration taught in the greenhouse.);

Mar. 25 - Part 2 of Learn about Soil by Ameil Jarstfer;

April 1 - Planting by the signs by Kathy Sturgill;

April 8 - Heart Healthy Cooking by Carol Brandon of UT Extension;

For more information about the LMU Organic Garden call Bill Clayton at 423-441-9133 or email at organichillbilly_lmu@yahoo.com; Sue Granger at doglovercaery@netscape.net or Debbie Clayton at debbiehoneybee9@gmail.com

Red Cross Accepting Donations

If you are interested in donating to The American Red Cross, call 1-888-578-7531 or visit redcrossnetn.org.

Road to Recovery Drivers Needed

Every day, people with cancer need transportation to treatment. To become a volunteer driver through the Servolution Ministries partnership with the American Cancer Society’s Road to Recovery program, you must own a safe and reliable vehicle, have a current and valid driver’s license, have proof of adequate automobile insurance, a good driving record and attend a local volunteer training through ACS. Call 865-558-4044 for information.

Springdale Volunteer Fire Department

The SVFD (Howard’s Quarter & Lone Mountain Substations) will have the annual ham dinner on March 24 from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. at Springdale Elementary School. Dinners are adults $8, children (12 and under) $4, children 3 and under free. Dinners will include baked ham, salad, mashed potatoes, green beans, sweet potatoes, rolls, dessert and drink. Just as your cost of living has been rising steadily, so has the operating cost of your fire department. Also, consider joining your fire department volunteering to help your neighbors and the community.

Tazewell BMA

The board meetings for the Board of Mayor and Alderman of the Town of Tazewell for the Fiscal Year 2012-2013 will be conducted at Tazewell City Hall at 1830 Main Street, the second Tuesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. The BMA workshops are on Wednesday, prior to the scheduled board meeting at 6 p.m. as needed. The public is invited to attend.

Tazewell Planning Commission

The regular meeting of the Tazewell Planning Commission will be the first Tuesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at the Tazewell City Hall. The public is invited to attend.

TENNderCare

The TENNderCare program wants babies, children, teens and young adults to get the health care they need. Good health begins at birth, so it’s important to “Check In, Check Up and Check Back” with your doctor every year. The program continues to increase the rate of children receiving health care services. Call to set up a TENNderCare visit with your doctor or go to the Claiborne County Health Department. For information call 1-866-311-4287 or visit www.tennessee.gov/tenncare/tenndercare.

Tennessee Firearms Association

The March meeting of the Tennessee Firearms Association Lakeway Chapter will be held March 19. Captain Chris Wisecaver of the Morristown Police Department will describe the activities and role of the Citizens Academy. The meeting will be at the Shoney’s Family Restaurant at 1933 West Andrew Johnson Highway (Hwy. 11E), Morristown. This restaurant is located 1/2 block east of the West Andrew Johnson highway (Hwy. 11E) and Morris Boulevard intersection. A pre-meeting social hour is from 6-7 p.m. The meeting will be from 7-8 p.m. Opportunity will be given to ask questions. Membership is not required. Gun owners, Second Amendment supporters and interested persons are urged to attend. For more information contact Tim Nunan at 423-586-8459 or email bentcreek@lcs.net or Bill Kaylor at 423-586-9121 or email w9dsm@charter.net.

Tennessee Right to Life

The Tennessee Right to Life Claiborne Chapter meets at Dogwood Heights Baptist Church the third Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. For more information, contact John Woods at 423-259-1385.

Threads of Hope

Threads of Hope at Meyers Grove Church will have formal attire for the prom. Donations of formal wear are being accepted. Call and make an appointment for Monday through Friday from 5-8 p.m. and Saturday from noon to 6 p.m. if you are interested in the formal attire. Please call Elphida Sweet at 423-259-0604 or Lillian Workman at 423-489-8962 or 423-626-9696.

Wrestling Available

Wrestling practice is being held from 5:30 until 7 p.m. at Heritage Christian Academy. For information, call 423-626-1931.