Melinda's Memos
Recertification If you live in Algood or on Willow Valley, Newman, Buffalo Valley or Coffelt and missed your recertification appointment, please call me as soon as possible at (931) 526-9793, ext. 220, to reschedule your interview.
Kathy's Corner
Bountiful Bread distribution will be Tuesday, April 12, from 10 a.m.-noon in the HRS main office community room. All residents are welcome to stop by for fresh deli bread items while supplies last. Remember to “like” us on our Facebook pages at Teens Need Training and Highlands Residential Services to check out all the great things happening.
Walnut Village Residents Great things are happening at Walnut Village! On Thursday, April 21, at 2 p.m., Sgt. Anthony Leonard of the Cookeville Police Department will share information on senior safety and the latest scams targeting not just seniors but adults of all ages. We’ll also have some light refreshments and perhaps some surprises! All Walnut Village residents are welcome to join us at Brenda’s Walnut Village office # R-5.
Don’t Quit, Just Come! Tobacco Cessation classes. April classes will be on the 12th and 26th from 2-3 p.m. at the HRS Main Office, 235 West Jackson St. Remember each class stands alone so you can attend one time or come on a regular basis. Plus, there’s no joining, commitments or expectations. Our instructor, Randy Todd, has been teaching Quit 4 Life classes for over 20 years. In addition to teaching about cigarettes, cigars and chewing tobacco, he now focuses on any nicotine-related products, including e-cigarettes and vaping. Come and learn how this latest nicotine trend is marketed and how it can affect your health.
House of Deliverance Church is hosting a kids outreach on April 2 & April 16 at 2 p.m at the HRS Algood homes. There will be games, puppet shows, crafts, music, food & fellowship. All residents invited.
Misty's Minutes
CAT transportation is available through UCHRA in Cookeville. CATS is bus transportation that runs a set route or loop around town at the same time, stopping at various locations to pick up or drop off passengers. There are two routes – green and purple — which have various times, most beginning at 7 a.m. They have great, friendly bus drivers who can help you follow the routes and get to the locations you want to go to. You can also flag down the bus from the curb for a ride. The cost is $1 each time you get on, or you can get an all-day pass for $3. For disabled persons and those age 60 and over, the cost is 50 cents. These buses come through HRS sites in the Pine Avenue area, Walnut Village, Willow Valley, Boatman Street, the main office and within a block of Buffalo Valley. I have personally ridden the CATS bus, and it is super easy to navigate and affordable. If you would like more information about this or any of the programs listed here, please call me at (931) 526-9793, ext. 212.
Eat Healthy – Be Active Community Workshop continues These free monthly nutrition workshops are continuing at the Putnam County Health Department, 701 County Services Drive, Cookeville. This month’s class, featuring “Healthy Eating on a Budget,” will be Thursday, April 14, and you can choose either the 10:30 a.m. or the 2:30 p.m. class. Call Katie at the health dept. (931) 528-2531, ext. 1046, today to register or for more information.
Community Garden. Longer days and warmer temperatures are here! Ellen and Sherrye from Sun, Seed and Soil Horticultural Therapy are back and ready to get the community garden going. Beginning April 1 and continuing every Friday through the growing season, Ellen and Sherrye will work with HRS residents at the community garden. You help grow the food, you eat the food! And there is no charge for this program. Transportation is available beginning at 8 a.m., as it’s best to work in the garden before the day gets too warm. Adaptive tools, shelter and support are provided. You may bring water, snacks, and sunscreen and wear garden clothes/ supportive shoes. To schedule a ride or for more information, call Sherrye at (931) 529-2427 or Ellen at (931) 261-2111.
Timely Tidbits
Safety Tips - Please keep children and pets away from the mowers and move any items in the yard out of the path of the mowers. Also, kiddie pools are not allowed. Drive carefully and obey the speed limits in all HRS developments. Children will be playing, and people are outside more. Parents, please teach your child about outdoor safety.