Common Grounds, Crossville’s only 501(c)3 nonprofit coffee shop, is teaming up with award-winning local author Rita M. Reali for a special community fundraiser on Saturday, July 25, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

The free public event will take place at the shop’s location at 152 West First Street. Guests are invited to enjoy a beverage while participating in a live book reading, Q&A session, and book signing with Reali.

Event Highlights & Details

• Featured Works: Reali will read selections from her Sheldon Family Saga—six standalone novels that can be read in any order—and may preview excerpts from her upcoming seventh and final book. Her two Purringest Kitty children’s books will also be available.

• Direct Impact: Autographed copies of Reali’s novels and children’s books will be available for purchase, with 20% of all sales donated directly to Common Grounds.

• Community Cause: Common Grounds provides meaningful employment to more than two dozen physically and intellectually disabled adults across Cumberland County.

“Common Grounds does great work, and I know how important fundraising is,” said Reali, noting her personal connection through local service organizations. “I’m proud to back Common Grounds’ efforts.”

Coffee shop owner Sara Bakker hopes this event sparks a ongoing trend of supporting local literature and community causes simultaneously.

“This is such a great opportunity—for Rita and for the community, as well as Common Grounds,” Bakker said. “I’d love to have other authors come in to do similar events in support of what we do here. It’s a win-win for everyone.”

Upper Cumberland SHIP to Host FREE Welcome to Medicare Classes in Cumberland County Are you eligible for Medicare and curious about your plan options? Upper Cumberland SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program) is conducting a series of FREE Welcome to Medicare! Classes across the Upper Cumberland. In Cumberland County, classes will take place at the Art Circle Public Library from 9 a.m. until noon on the following dates:

• Feb. 17
• Apr. 11
• June 25
• Aug. 13
• Oct. 1

Each class will consist of training on Parts A, B, C & D, as well as Medigap policies and ways to prevent Medicare fraud. SHIP is a federally funded program administered through the Area Agency on Aging & Disability (AAAD). Please call SHIP at 931-432-4150, visit the Upper Cumberland SHIP Facebook Page at facebook.com/UCSHIP, or email [email protected] to register or learn more. SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program) and SMP (Senior Medicare Patrol) are administered locally by the Upper Cumberland Development District and cover all 14 Upper Cumberland counties. SHIP/SMP representatives provide free and unbiased Medicare counseling for any questions, abuse, or concerns; they will also screen Medicare benefi ciaries for Low-Income Assistance Programs. Got Medicare? Got Questions? Call SHIP at 1-877-801-0044 or 931-432-4150. AAAD, a division of the Upper Cumberland Development District, connects older adults and adults with disabilities in the 14-county Upper Cumberland region with services and resources to improve their quality of life. Find