The Plateau Corvette Club made their annual Christmas donations to two local charities. Each year two charities are chosen by the club members. This year they chose Friends of the Art Circle Library and Friends of the Trails. Thanks to Lee Goldkopf and Laurie Kay for doing the research on local Charities and the two articles.

Lee Goldkopf presenting a check to Dolores Schwartz President of Friends of The Library, on the right is Mike Ingrassia Club Treasurer

Mission Statement: The Friends of the Art Circle Public Library foster fellowship among persons interested in books and libraries, support the facilities and services of the library by working with the Library Director and staff, and enrich cultural opportunities in the community.

Basic Facts: Formed in 1984, the program staffs the Book Store in the library, which sells donated books, and holds a twice-yearly book sale, again with donated books, to raise funds for the various library projects. In the past, these included additions to the Young Adult book collection, Reading Readiness kits, Library Technology enhancements, notable speaker events, and support for the Children, Teen, and Adult Reading programs. The Friends of the Art Circle Public Library also receive additional funding through several hundred personal and business memberships, Kroger Community Rewards, Amazon Smile, and community donations. In 2011,the organizations received the “Friend of the Year” statewide award, sponsored jointly by the Tennessee Library Association and the Friends of Tennessee Libraries.

Lee Goldkopf presenting a check to John Conrad Founder of Friends of The Trails, on the right is Mike Ingrassia Club Treasurer

Friends of the Trails

Mission Statement: To promote the construction, maintenance and enjoyment of the trails in Cumberland County, Tennessee.

Basic Facts: The Friends of the Trails is a 501(c)3 Corporation that operates according to a set of Bylaws and a Board of Directors. The Friends of the Trails are a non-profit organization that promotes the construction, maintenance and use of walking and hiking trails. They recruit and organize volunteers to build hiking trails as community projects. The volunteers also construct bridges, signs, benches, and other amenities along the trails using materials provided. Once the trails are constructed volunteers help with their maintenance. They also organize events to promote the community’s use of the trails. They are located in Cumberland County, Tennessee, and operate primarily within the county, but may expand into surrounding areas as opportunities arise.

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