ETOWAH — The Etowah Friendly Garden Club is preparing for its Annual Plant Sale on Saturday, May 1, on the grounds of the Historic L&N Depot in the heart of Downtown Etowah.  … more

Girls on the Run’s Marathon in a Month planned Challenging you to move while raising funds for girls in Bradley, Hamilton, and Polk Counties   more

Abu and Chuck Swafford are coming up on the two-year anniversary of starting their business that fits into their lifestyles and some others in the community.On April 12, 2019, the two opened the … more

by National Social Security Advisor at the AMAC Foundation, the non-profit arm of the Association of Mature American Citizens ______________________________________________________   Social Security Matters Should I claim Social Security now or wait until I’m 70? Dear Rusty: I'm currently 67 years old and still working full time. I took a big financial hit in 2008, which is why I'm still working, and I expect to continue working until I'm 70. My question is: should I take Social Security now, bank it until I’m 70, and then pay it out to myself upon retirement? Or would it be better to hold off until I’m 70 to claim. Longevity of about 85 seems to run in my family. Signed: Working Senior Dear Working Senior: I’m afraid there’s no simple answer to your question, but I’ll give you some points to ponder.  If you don’t need the money right now, and you expect to enjoy at least average longevity (about 85 for a man your current age), then waiting until you’re 70 will give you the maximum monthly benefit and the most in cumulative lifetime Social Security benefits if you meet average longevity. And if you live beyond the average, your cumulative lifetime benefits will be correspondingly more. Since you’ve already delayed past your full retirement age (66) you are already earning delayed retirement credits (DRCs) at the rate of 8% for each full year you delay (the maximum Social Security benefit is reached at age 70).  Can you do better than an 8% annual increase by claiming now and saving or investing the money? That would be the main point to evaluate, and only you know your investment options. But you should also consider that - if you should die before your wife and she has reached her full retirement age – your wife will get 100% of the benefit you are receiving at your death. If you claim earlier (e.g., now), your wife will get that earlier smaller amount as your widow. Compare that to what she’ll get by you waiting until age 70 to claim, when your benefit will be about 24% more than it is now. Again, something for you to consider.   If you claim at age 70 you will have collected about the same amount of money at age 82 as if you had claimed now. That is your “breakeven” point, which is where your expected longevity comes into play. If you think you will beat the average and you do, you’ll collect much more in total lifetime Social Security benefits by waiting until you are 70 to claim. Of course, no one knows how long they will live, but if your family history suggests a long life and you’re in good health now, delaying is usually a prudent choice. That is, however, a decision only you can make.  This article is intended for information purposes only and does not represent legal or financial guidance. It presents the opinions and interpretations of the AMAC Foundation’s staff, trained and accredited by the National Social Security Association (NSSA). NSSA and the AMAC Foundation and its staff are not affiliated with or endorsed by the Social Security Administration or any other governmental entity. To submit a question, visit our website (amacfoundation.org/programs/social-security-advisory) or email us at ssadvisor@amacfoundation.org. ### _______________________________________ more

Dear Annie: You recently asked readers to write in to respond to the question "What do you love most about your partner and why?" I am a pretty lucky lady! Sometimes, I feel like pinching myself to … more

Jennifer Cornett, associate lecturer in mathematics at Lee University, has been named the recipient of the 2020 Janet Rahamut Award. This award is given in recognition to the faculty member that … more

If you live in the South, you are very familiar with the unpredictable weather that nature blesses us with. Students across our school district get excited when they get the phone call that school … more

The Royal Family Kids Camp is committed to making positive memories for youngsters in the foster care, according to Lance Colkmire, director of the local camp. The RFKC movement began in 1985, when a California church decided to provide a camp for kids in foster care. The movement has spread across the United States. Since 1999, South Cleveland Church of God has sponsored the camp for youngsters in foster care, group homes and some of the kids have been adopted, Colkmire said. more

LIBRARY CORNER February 28 – March 6 The Cleveland Bradley County Public Library has entered Phase 4.5 of our 5-Phase Reopening Plan. Face coverings are required to enter the library, and reservations may be required depending on the time of day that you plan to visit. To make a reservation for computer use, please call the Non-Fiction Desk at 423-472-2163, ext. 126. For all other reservations, please call the Administrative Assistant at 423-472-2163, ext. 110. For more information, please see the sections titled CURBSIDE PICK-UP and 5-PHASE REOPENING PLAN. SUNDAY | February 28 Quaran-STEAM - THE EXPERIMENT - with Mr. Mike Join us at 1 p.m. for an experiment with Mr. Mike on Facebook and Instagram. For stories linked to Mr. Mike’s experiment, join us on Friday at 2:30 p.m. for Quaran-STEAM with Mr. Mike. MONDAY | March 1 Monday Wiggles more

He spent many years instructing youth as a teacher, a coach and a principal. Now, Ken Phillips is teaching adults (and possibly still some young people) about different areas of the United States and … more

In honor of International Women’s Day (IWD) on March 8, Lee University’s Cultural Diversity Committee will host a series of events during the week of March 1-5 celebrating International … more

COOPER TAYLOR, son of two-time breast cancer survivor, shows off his pink ribbon-themed bowtie — the accessory he’s sporting as a Pink Tie Guy fundraiser to support Susan G. Komen® Central Tennessee. more

It happened this week in 1942 more

Dear Rusty: I am a retired Texas teacher receiving my state pension. I retired in February 2009, before the end of a “loophole” which affected my future Social Security. I had earned enough … more

Alpha Theta Chapter donates to Ronald McDonald House Alpha Theta Chapter held an in-person and zoom meeting on Feb. 8, at Las Margaritas.  The February altruistic project was collecting art supplies for the Ronald McDonald House. Members donated crayons, markers, chalk, water color paints, construction paper and coloring books.  The generous donation was delivered by Jill McGuire, altruistic chair.  Other altruistic committee members are: Vivian McCormack, Angela Gardener, and Adelia Hall.  Alpha Theta Chapter of Alpha Delta Kappa, is an international honorary sorority for women educators. more

LIBRARY CORNER February 21 – February 27 The Cleveland Bradley County Public Library has entered Phase 4.5 of our 5-Phase Reopening Plan. Face coverings are required to enter the library, and reservations may be required depending on the time of day that you plan to visit. To make a reservation for computer use, please call the Nonfiction Desk at 423-472-2163, ext. 126. For all other reservations, please call the administrative assistant at 423-472-2163, ext. 110. For more information, please see the sections titled CURBSIDE PICK-UP and 5-PHASE REOPENING PLAN. SUNDAY | February 21 Quaran-STEAM – The Experiment — with Mr. Mike Join us at 1 p.m. for an experiment with Mr. Mike on Facebook and Instagram. For stories linked to Mr. Mike’s experiment, join us on Friday at 2:30 p.m. for Quaran-STEAM with Mr. Mike. MONDAY | February 22 Monday Wiggles Baby story time, 3:30 p.m. on Facebook live, for ages 2 and under includes stories, finger play and other activities to be tried at home with your babies. Monday Night LIVE. & Project Pack Pick-Up For a fun time with stories, family challenges, crafts, and more go to Facebook LIVE at 7 p.m. Project packs for all of this week’s programs will be passed out starting at 7:30 p.m. on the 8th Street Loading Dock. TUESDAY | February 23 Story Time with Dewey Story time for ages 3 to 5 years, with crafts, music and stories, is on Facebook Live at 10:30 a.m. on the Cleveland Bradley County Public Library page ... with special guest Dewey the Library Dragon. Dramatic Readings If you're an adult who misses being read to, then join Facebook Live at 3 p.m. for dramatic renditions of selected short stories, essays, and poetry. Please note that readings may include adult themes and language. Teen Gaming Teens 13-17 can join us for a gaming session on Jackbox through Discord at 5 p.m. Please email teenzone@clevelandlibrary.org for access to the Discord server. WEDNESDAY | February 24 Crafts for Everyone At 3 p.m. on Facebook Live is a crafting time for all ages. Grab a project pack on Monday night at the 8th Street Loading Dock or take a look through your household items and craft box. You may already have what you’ll need to craft with us. THURSDAY | February 25 Baby Book Worms Story Time for ages 3 years and under with crafts, music and stories will be streamed on Facebook Live at 10:30 a.m. Origami Folding Explore the art of folding pages on Facebook Live at 4:30 p.m. Follow along for a detailed tutorial of our most recent designs. To request instruction on a specific design, email kshorthouse@clevelandlibrary.org. Teen RPG Teens ages 13-19 are invited at 5 p.m. on the Discord app to continue adventures with characters based on the Dungeons and Dragons 5th edition. This program encourages critical thinking, skill building, and teamwork to solve puzzles and complete quests. If you have any questions or concerns, or need information on accessing the Discord server, please contact teenzone@clevelandlibrary.org. FRIDAY | February 26 Story Time in the Garden Lively story time for ages 3 to 5 years with crafts, music and stories, all set in a garden, is at 10:30 a.m. on Facebook Live. Crossover Book Club This club is for adults interested in crossing over to YA fiction and reading g stories written for teens. Due to the cold weather of January and February, we are returning to the Zoom app where you can join us at 7 p.m. for a rambling discussion about what we've been reading. This month, we will discuss “Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You” by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi. Please email kshorthouse@clevelandlibrary.org for Zoom access. SATURDAY | February 27 Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) in the parking lot The VITA program offers free tax help to people who generally make $54,000 or less, persons with disabilities, and limited English-speaking taxpayers who need assistance in preparing their own tax returns. IRS-certified volunteers provide free basic income tax return preparation with electronic filing to qualified individuals. VITA will be operating in the library parking lot as a curbside service this year, every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. through April 10. Appointments are not needed or accepted; this is a drop-in service only performed on a first-come, first-served basis. Qualifying patrons will need to bring a copy of their photo ID (and spouse's if filing jointly), copies of Social Security cards of dependents, a copy of their 2019 tax filing if possible, and copies of the appropriate 2020 income documentation, e.g. W-2 Form. VITA will process all documents and have completed tax paperwork available for pick up on the following weekend. Teen Zone After Hours Teens ages 13-17 are invited to join us from 7 to 9 p.m. on the Discord app for a late night session of movie streaming and gaming. Please email teenzone@clevelandlibrary.org for access to the Discord server. Other resources, services and programs more

Ramp Tramp Festival canceled; more

For approximately 30 years, the Trinity Trio has been filling churches and special events in the surrounding areas with Southern gospel songs. The Trinity Trio began singing in 1988 with Debbie Boyd Huttenhoff, Belinda Cline Sherlin and Cheryl Higgins McDonald. Over the years, the group has included Faye Sipe, Debbie Moody, and Tonya Reynolds. The trio today is composed of Debbie, Donna Lloyd and Connie True. more

Dr. Bill Seymour, CSCC president, and friends at a previous Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss event held at CSCC. This year marks 17 years the college has been celebrating this event that promotes literacy to the community. CSCC’S ECED Program Celebrates 17 Years of Dr. Seuss in Drive-Thru Style more