Community Table’s Extended Free Meal Program
Community Table serves free meals on the fourth and fifth Thursday of each month at 1916 McArthur Dr., Manchester. Starting in August, they will also serve on the first Thursday of every month. They also have a free clothing shop at 1936 McArthur St., open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3-5 p.m., and providing food boxes and hygiene items for those in need. GN
Becky Buller and Ned Luberecki Nominated for Prestigious IBMA Awards
Local songwriters Becky Buller and Ned Luberecki have received nominations for the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) awards. Buller is nominated for Gospel Recording Of The Year and Album Of The Year, while Luberecki is up for Banjo Player Of The Year. The award show will take place on September 28 in Raleigh, NC. For more information and a full list of nominees, visit IBMA.org..GN
New Era Farms’ Eco- Friendly Warehouse to Store Bonnaroo Festival Equipment
Bonnaroo Farm’s subsidiary, New Era Farms, plans to enhance infrastructure by building a 17,500 square foot storage warehouse for festival equipment. The structure features solar panels and a dry sprinkler system. The project is estimated to be finished in January. GN
Communities and Health Departments Participate in Red Sand Project Combatting Human Trafficking
The Tennessee Department of Health and community partners will join the Red Sand Project from July 25-31, 2023, for the fifth year, raising awareness about human trafficking. Participants will pour red sand into sidewalk cracks, symbolizing how trafficking survivors fall through society’s gaps. Events across the state will include art installations and educational activities to support survivors and prevent trafficking. If you need help or information on resources, contact the Tennessee Human Trafficking Hotline at (855) 558-6484 or the National Human Trafficking Hotline at (888)-373-7888 or text 233722. Learn more at humantraffickinghotline.org. GN
Lexington Resident’s 7-Foot Cross Trek Reaches Manchester
Lexington resident Gregory Jones has been on an incredible journey since 2019, carrying a 7-foot cross and spreading the message of God across the United States. His journey brought him to Manchester in August. He has already traveled to Georgia and California, and his goal is to bring the Gospel to every state in the country. GN
Manchester City School’s WeCARE Event Empowers Students with School Supplies
Over 50 volunteers gathered at Westwood Elementary School’s WeCARE event on July 29, providing assistance to underprivileged students and families. Organized by the Manchester City School Family Resource Center and community partners, 178 students received new backpacks, clothes, hygiene items, school supplies, and shoe vouchers. The following weeks saw support extended to almost 300 more students. GN
Excitement Builds as Athletes Gear Up for Fall Sports in Tennessee
High school fall sports in Tennessee commence practice on July 24, with Coffee County Red Raiders football following TSSAA heat acclimation guidelines and hosting scrimmages. Lady Raider volleyball records impressive playday results and gears up for the regular season starting August 14. GN
Manchester Music Series: Tyler Braden Concert
The Manchester Coffee County Conference Center and Igniter Productions joined forces for the “Visit Manchester Music Series.” Alabama-native Tyler Braden headlined the outstanding outdoor event, drawing from influences like Eric Church and John Mayer. Igniter Productions is renowned for its Lynchburg Music Festival featuring major country acts. GN
Fifth-Generation Farmer Becomes Entrepreneur to Fund College Education
Callie Roper, a Tennessee Tech sophomore and fifth-generation farmer from Hillsboro, has turned her family’s vegetable patch into a business to support her college education. Roper sells a variety of locally grown vegetables, including corn, green beans, tomatoes, and okra, at local farmers markets and wholesale markets. She plans to expand her business and grow vegetables year-round and eventually sell wholesale throughout Tennessee. GN
Coffee County Central Lady Raiders Dominate the Diamond.
Coffee County Central Lady Raider softball players received prestigious All Midstate honors from Main Street Preps. Kaitlyn “Lil Girl” Davis, a talented pitcher and 2023 graduate, secured a spot on the All Midstate Second Team with her impressive 24-5 record, 1.43 ERA, and 181 strikeouts. Junior Chesnie Cox earns a spot on the All Midstate Third Team with her outstanding .488 batting average, 38 runs scored, and 17 stolen bases. GN
Manchester Rotary Club Welcomes Roxanne Patton as President
The Manchester Rotary Club is pleased to announce Roxanne Patton as its new president, along with the appointment of board and committee leaders. Patton, who was previously a city alderman, has expressed excitement for the club’s service projects and values. Outgoing President Douglas has emphasized the fulfilling experience and positive community influence of Rotary. GN
Local Pharmacy Celebrates 45 Years of Serving Manchester
Marcrom’s Pharmacy hit a milestone that called for a parking lot celebration in late August. For 45 years they have been serving the Manchester community. Marcrom’s originally opened in 1978 in a small building on McArthur Street and in 2009, the pharmacy moved to its current location at 1277 McArthur St. At the celebration, Marcrom gave thanks and appreciation to the community for continuing to make his pharmacy a success through the more than four decades. GN
Southern Tennessee Primary Care Now Open to Serve Local Community
Manchester residents now have another option when seeking a primary care doctor’s office. The community gathered to welcome Southern Tennessee Primary Care to Manchester with an open house and ribbon cutting ceremony. The office opened at the beginning of June, and the ceremony welcomed crowds in August at the facility located at 1911 McArthur St. The Primary Care Facility has three providers and they said their mission is to make the community healthier. GN