CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – The Montgomery County Veterans Coalition held its regular monthly meeting on Aug. 17 at the Montgomery County Veterans Plaza in downtown Clarksville.

There were members in attendance that represented various organizations, agencies and businesses that provide services to our local veteran population. The presenter this month was Ms. Janay Morland, owner of VIVID Mind, Body, and Soul.

VIVID, LLC Mind, Body, and Soul provides an artistic path to mental and emotional well-being through meditative visual art sessions. This program offers sessions for military members and veterans dealing with anxiety, grief and even PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder).

Ms. Morland provided a hands-on session for several of the Coalition members, while others observed the process. Those who participated in the hands-on session left the meeting with their own original painting. For more information on VIVID, contact Ms. Janay Morland (615-348-8296 or vividmindbodysoul@gmail.com).

The Coalition representatives held their first initial meeting to discuss which legislation will be supported this coming year at the Veterans Day on the Hill, which will be held on Feb 8, 2017.

Ms. Frances Manzitto, with Visit Clarksville, spoke to the Coalition about the upcoming Welcome Home Veterans’ Parade that will occur on Sept. 15. Everyone is welcome to come and join the parade and for veterans there will be a free lunch provided after in the Wilma Rudolph Event Center. Veterans Affairs representatives will be on hand during lunch to assist veterans in checking on existing benefit claims or to file new claims. For more information or for your organization to be in the parade, please contact Ms. Frances Manzitto at (1800-530-2487 or frances@visitclarksvilleth.com.)

The Montgomery County Veterans Coalition remains an active force in the community as it supports the various agencies and organizations that support our veterans and active duty soldiers. For more information contact Coalition Director Mrs. Sherry Pickering (931-801-0700 or spickeringvtc@gmail.com).