With the rapid approach of Thanksgiving, we are reminded the “good” in our Cleveland and Bradley County community far outweighs the “bad.”

Bank of Cleveland mortgage lenders were honored by the Chattanooga Bankers Association for volume of loans closed. Tammy Self was awarded highest honors, achieving Diamond level status. Traci Hamilton achieved Platinum level status and Joe Collins achieved Gold level status.

Contributed photo

BETH ALEXANDER of Capstar Marketing, presented Lynn Thompson, Athens Federal Foundation's chairperson, with the first $500,000 of a $1.5 million commitment to the foundation. Capstar is a partner of Athens Federal Community Bank.

HABITAT WORKERS all banded together to trim the trees at the Habitat ReStore this past week, including Finance Director Rick Smith and volunteer chair Deborah Flower.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

JOSEPH PEAGLER, the grandson of Col. Joseph Peagler, wears his grandfather's military medals with pride. After a box containing these medals was donated to Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland, Re-Store volunteer Dale McClure researched the medals and gave them to Peagler's family, who had no idea of their existence.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

THE STAFF of Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland stand in front of their newly redesigned entrance wall, which was designed using recycled pallet planks. From left are Dave Williams, ReStore manager; Meta McGuire, community engagement manager; and Tammy Johnson, executive director.

BANNER PHOTO, COLBY DENTON

STUDENT LEADERS present a check for $1,408.63 to Tammy Johnson, Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland executive director, as part of their 2018-19 service project. Youth Leader student representatives shown, from left front, are Courtney Rogers, Bradley Central; Hannah Hawkins, Walker Valley; back, Mason Taylor, TCPS; and ASA Blake, Cleveland High School.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

A CHECK was presented to Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland for $1,233 on Tuesday. Funds were raised by Russell Cellular Verizon stores in the area, which asked for $10 donations throughout the month of June. In attendance in no particular order are: Ron Wallace; Kelby Canty; Amy Little; Holly Fain; Jason Foster; Jon Costilow; Drickson Toussaint; Tammy Johnson; Chris Benalli; Jasmine Evans; Ryan Lemme; Juliana Warner; Scott Reader; Carey Urquilla; Matt Beal; and Jason Powers.

BANNER PHOTO, COLBY DENTON

CUTTING THE RIBBON on its Re-Store, Habitat of Cleveland encourages everyone to come check out what the store has to offer. Store manager Dave Williams stressed the "cycle of blessing" created through Habitat. First, people bring lightly used items to the store, the items are then reasonably priced and sold and money from these sales goes to build homes in the community.

BANNER PHOTO, COLBY DENTON

Home Depot is partnering with Habitat for Humanity  of Cleveland to provide a free building workshop for kids ages 4-10 on July 14th from 8:00am to 9:00 am in the Grove Ave. ReStore.