Free food distribution sites

The following locations offer free food to all those in need: Abundant Life Church, 3310 Cowan Hwy., Winchester, on the second Thursday of each month at 1:30 p.m.; First Baptist Church, 218 N. Main St., Estill Springs, on the second Saturday of each month from 9-10 a.m.; First Baptist Church, 108 S. High St., Winchester, on the first Saturday of each month in February, May, August and November; Campora Resource Center, 900 S. Shepherd St., Winchester, every Thursday from noon to 1 p.m.; Huntland United Methodist Church, 108 Methodist Ave., Huntland, on the third Saturday of the month at 2 p.m.; Good Samaritan Ministries, 1725 Decherd Blvd., Decherd, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; The Table, 106 Roger St., Cowan, every Saturday from 3-7 p.m.; Journey Church, 916 Dinah Shore Blvd., Winchester, every third Thursday.

Free income-tax assistance

Income-tax assistance is available free for those who made $60,000 or less and are 60 and older. Make an appointment at betterfi.co/vita at the Franklin County Senior Citizens Center, located at 74 Clover Dr., Winchester, on Feb. 9 and Feb. 16 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Call the Senior Center at 931-967-9853. Income-tax assistance is also available at the Franklin County Library, located at 105 S. Porter St., Winchester, on Feb. 11 and Feb. 25 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Feb. 16 from 2-5 p.m. Call the library at 931-967-3706.

Help with addiction

If you have a loved one struggling with drug or alcohol use, Narconon can help you take steps to overcome addiction in your family. Call today for free screenings or referrals. 1-800-431-1754. To learn more, visit www.narcononnewliferetreat.org/blog/the-dangerous-waiting-game.html.

NA meetings

Narcotics Anonymous meetings are held Wednesdays and Saturdays at 7 p.m. at Decherd United Methodist Church, 300 E. Main St., Decherd. Call 866-801-6621.

AlAnon meetings

AlAnon meetings for family members or friends struggling with problem drinkers are held on Thursdays at 7 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 100 S. Jefferson St., Winchester. In Tullahoma, meetings are held at Serenity House, 313 Collins Ave., Tullahoma, on Mondays at 7 p.m. For information, call 931-327-2165.

AA meetings

Alcoholics Anonymous meetings are held Mondays and Thursdays at 7 p.m. at 100 S. Jefferson St., Winchester. For information, call 866-641-9190.

Feb. 9

Friends of the Library

Friends of the Library of Sewanee: The University of the South and the Department of English invite everyone to attend an event tonight at 7 p.m. in the meeting room of the McGriff Alumni House featuring Dr. Robin R. Bates, professor emeritus of English at the University of the South, who will discuss the importance of card-playing in Jane Austen’s novels and will instruct attendees in how to play Speculation, one of the card games played in “Mansfield Park.”

Feb. 11

Pet Wellness & Awareness Fair

Animal Harbor, in collaboration with the Animal Care Center, Town & Country Veterinary Hospital and Midtown Veterinary Services and Hospital, will host a Pet Wellness and Awareness Fair Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon at the shelter, located at 56 Nor-Nan Road in Winchester. Proof of income and Franklin County residency will be required for free services for up to three household pets that include: free spay/neuter and rabies appointments scheduled (not given on site); dog and cat vaccines; pet pantry food (by need); information; Trap-Neuter Return service applications (no income required); and more. A link to register for the fair can be found on Animal Harbor’s website, animalharbor.org.

Chocolate Walk

Everyone is invited to Downtown Winchester’s Chocolate Walk Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the Winchester Square featuring live music, artists, vendors, retail sales and free chocolates with the purchase of a ticket for $15 each. The ticket will include a custom tote. Get tickets at eventbrite.com/e/493818633827

Feb. 14

Senior Valentine’s Day dance

A Valentine’s Day dance will be held for the public Tuesday from 6-9 p.m. at the Franklin County Senior Citizens Center located at 74 Clover Dr. in Winchester. Cost is $5 per person. Enjoy refreshments and drinks.

Feb. 14 & 16

Beginner Beekeeping

Beginner Beekeeping School will be held Feb. 14 and Feb. 16 at 6 p.m. at the Franklin County Extension Office, located at 330 Joyce Lane, Winchester. Cost is $20. Register by Jan. 30 by calling John Ferrell at 931-967-2741.

Feb. 15

ABC’s of Medicare class

A free ABC’s of Medicare class will be held on Feb. 15 at the South Central Tennessee Development District building located at 101 Sam Watkins Blvd. in Mt. Pleasant. Topics include:  How do I pick a Part D Plan? When do I enroll in Medicare?  Can I get help with Medicare costs?   How do I know when I am being scammed?  Are Medicare rules difference if I am under 65? Register in advance by calling 1-931-379-2927 or email sctn.ship@sctdd.org. The Tennessee State Health Insurance Assistance Program provides free, unbiased counseling and assistance to Tennessee’s Medicare-eligible individuals, their families and caregivers.

Feb. 16

SCHRA Head Start/Early Head Start

South Central Human Resource Agency Head Start/Early Head Start Policy Council meets Feb. 16 at 10:30 a.m. at the SCHRA office in Fayetteville.

Feb. 18-19-20

Tims Ford/Elk River weekend cleanup

All individuals, organizations, clubs, teams, HOA’s, TN Promise students, TN Achieves students and civic groups are urged to participate in the Tims Ford/Elk River Presidents’ Day weekend cleanup on Feb. 18-20 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day. The weigh-in location is Rock Creek Boat Ramp in Estill Springs where there will be a supply of gloves and trash bags. Bring trash by truck, trailer or boat. For more information, contact Jake Davis at 615-613-2382, email sctnbassnation@gmail.com or visit timsfordcouncil.org.

Feb. 20

County-wide spelling bee

The Franklin County Democratic Party is hosting a spelling bee at the Sewanee Community Center on Feb 20 from 6-8 p.m. for all students and adults. The event will feature a free, all-you-can-eat soup, sandwich and salad buffet. There will be three categories: lower elementary grades, upper elementary with middle school and an American-history bee for adults and ambitious students. The Center is located at 39 Ball Park Road in Sewanee. Signups starts at 5:45 p.m. Cash prizes include $50 for the top winners in the lower elementary and upper elementary or middle school. The winner of the American-history bee will get dinner for two at Fiesta Grill in Cowan. For information, email Helen Stapleton at hfstaple@yahoo.com.

Feb. 20, 22 & 23

Free hands-only CPR training

Southern Tennessee Regional Health System is offering free hands-only CPR classes on Feb. 20 from 6-7 p.m., Feb. 22 from 10-11 a.m. and Feb. 23 from 6-7 p.m. at 1397 South College St., Winchester. Contact Denise Hambrick at 931-967-8394 to reserve a spot.

March 2

Cowan RR Museum annual meeting

The Cowan Railroad Museum will hold its annual membership meeting on March 2 at 6 p.m. at the Cowan Center for the Arts, 300 Montgomery St., Cowan. Participation requires annual dues of $20 per person or $10 for students. No payment is required for lifetime members. The agenda includes an election for the board of directors, goals for the year and approval of a new operating budget. For information, leave a voicemail at 931-967-3078.

Spring Soiree

The Franklin County Chamber of Commerce will hold its 73^rd annual membership award banquet Spring Soiree on March 21 at 5 p.m. at Monterey Station, 104 Monterey St., Cowan. Wine-tasting, hosted by Beans Creek Winery, and the social hour starts at 5 p.m. followed by dinner, the program and awards at 6 p.m. Cost is $75 per person. Get tickets by calling 931-967-6788.  

March 25

Father Daughter Dance

The United Way of Franklin County Father Daughter Dance will be held on March 25 from 6-8:30 p.m. at Monterey Station in Cowan. Photos begin at 4 p.m. Tickets are $40 per person at Citizens Community Bank in Winchester. Only 400 tickets will be sold.

April 8

Mountain Goat Trail Race

Registration is open for the Mountain Goat Trail Race set for April 8 featuring a 5-mile run, 2-mile walk and half-marathon. Register and learn more at mountaingoattrail.org/run.

April 21-23

Trails & Trilliums

Trails and Trilliums will be held April 21-23 at the Beersheba Springs Conference Center. Register for hikes and other nature events starting in mid-February. Learn more at trailsandtrilliums.org or email event chair Margaret Matens at margaretmatens@gmail.com.   

Send community events to Lstacy@heraldchronicle.com by 2 p.m. each Monday.