Standing Stone
Volume 7 Issue 8
Scribe Covering Monterey and Surrounding Communities
Moving forward
FREE Take One
August 6, 2021
LCDRT returns to ground zero
Photo by Rebekah Beeler/Scribe
Monterey Board Law Committee meets with Mirtha and Mike Kopec at The Garden Inn to discuss Bee Rock Park concerns in an effort to move forward after three years of court battles.
Law committee discusses security at Bee Rock By Rebekah Beeler Scribe publisher
The Law Committee held a special called meeting at The Garden Inn on July 27. In an attempt to work together and move forward with the development of Bee Rock Park, the meeting was held at the inn with owners Mike and Mirtha Kopec. The Kopecs, whose Garden Inn Bed and Breakfast neighbors the Bee Rock property, have sued
Monterey, disputing property lines and easement rights to the Bee Rock property in several lawsuits against Monterey since 2017. After another voluntary dismissal of their third lawsuit in June 2019, the Town of Monterey counter sued for a summary judgment to prevent the Kopecs from continuously filing suits against Monterey and entangling Bee Rock Park in further litigation. The summary judgment was handed down in September 2020,
granting Monterey control over the 50-foot easement leading to the trail to Bee Rock. “I’m the type person that what’s happened in the past has happened in the past, let’s work from this point forward together,” Monterey Mayor JJ Reels. “That’s our goal is to make Monterey better. That’s our goal, everybody work toPhoto by Rebekah Beeler/Scribe gether, help each other and Monterey Lions Club Disaster Response Team member Dianne Hall gives instructions to youth volunteers from a local church after a call out was sent to help clean up and as• See LAW • sist residents at ground zero who are rebuilding their homes and lives a year and a half after the deadly E4 tornado touched down. Continued on 4 See full story on 12.
Board passes alcohol ordinance, creates new committee By Rebekah Beeler
Scribe publisher
At the Aug. 2 regular session meeting of the Board of Mayor and Aldermen,Ward 4 Alderman Bill Wiggins made a motion, seconded by Charles “Pokey” Looper, Ward 4, to create a contractor-hiring committee consisting of Alex Garcia, Ward 1, Farley, and Nathan Walker, Ward 3, to hire a codes enforcer.
The motion followed the Board majority’s refusal to acknowledge Reels’ recommendation to appoint sole applicant Micheal Watson as the Town’s codes enforcer at a May meeting, and the subsequent stalemate regarding the Mayor’s authority to appoint contractors versus the Board of Aldermen and Civil Service Board’s authority to hire city employees, which
has left Monterey without a codes enforcement officer. The position remains vacant after former codes officer Chad Harris stepped down in April. Monterey Attorney Will Mullins informed the Board of the idea to look into the potential hiring of a codes enforcement officer in conjunction with Baxter and Algood, in which each municipality would only
pay for their share of time they used and could save the Town money as well as entice a good codes officer with a nice contract offer between the three entities. The motion to create the contract-hiring committee carried, with a lone no vote entered by Alderwoman Amy Martin, Ward 1. The Board also passed the first and second readings of an ordinance amend-
ing a previous ordinance to allow for on-premises consumption of alcohol for special events. The motion to approve the ordinance was made by Garcia and seconded by Martin. After a roll call vote, the motion carried 6-2 with no votes entered by Farley and James “Coonie” Foster, Ward 3. Also approved was an additional $1,500 for OLIN Studio, a landscape design and
INDEX
1 section, 8 pages News...................1, 3 Community.....2, 4, 12 School....................5 Opinion...................6 Puzzles...................7 Paid for by Cameron Sexton for State Representative, Mark Elmore, Treasurer
architectural studio specializing in parks and urban design based in Philadelphia, PA. The $1,500 was what OLIN was charging for them to create a 3x3 foot, 3-D model as a visual representation of the Meadow Creek Park master plan design which not included in the original contract cost for the project. There will be a meeting with OLIN set for 6:30 p.m. on Aug. 23.
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Our Town
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Standing Stone Scribe
August 2021
Sandwich Board Meetings may be suspended, canceled or postponed due to COVID-19. Check before you meet.
Monterey Board meets on first Mondays The Town of Monterey holds monthly board meetings open to the public every first Monday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Monterey Mu-
niciple Building. It is important for residents to see how the city is being managed and to take advantage of the opportunity use their voices. Everyone who has a vested interest in the town, its direc-
Standing Stone Scribe
Rebekah Beeler, Publisher Standing Stone Scribe is a monthly Berliner publication covering news and features in Monterey and surrounding communities from Mayland to Rickman, Calfkiller to Crawford. Editorial Policy: Standing Stone Scribe encourages event and news submissions and letters to the editor. Submissions should not be libelous and must bear the author’s name, complete address and telephone number. Anonymous submissions will not be accepted. The Standing Stone Scribe newspaper reserves the right to accept, reject or edit any and all submissions and advertisements intended for publication. Copy deadline: All submissions must be received by the Friday before the first Monday of the month. Standing Stone Scribe publications are set to be printed generally on the Thursday following the first Monday of the month with the exception of Monday holidays in which the Scribe will be printed the following Thursday. The Scribe welcomes electronic submissions at editorstandingstonescribe@gmail.com. Advertising: Get the word out about your business, service or organization, increase traffic, expand your customer base, and communicate directly with the community you serve. Let everyone around know your business by advertisting with Standing Stone Scribe. For more information, specs and price sheet, email editorstandingstonescribe@gmail.com or call 931-265-9489.
tion and prospects, as well as the necessity to understand city processes, programs and issues is encouraged to attend. The town hall meeting will have a sign-in sheet for those who wish to speak and give time for them to bring up important issues for discussion. Join Monterey Pickers on Tuesday nights Come out and enjoy some good ol’ mountain music with the Monterey Pickers on Tuesday nights at about 6 p.m. at the Monterey Farmers Market on Holly St. Weather permitting. Monterey VFW meet first Thursdays VFW Post 6277 meeting time has changed. Post meeting will remain on the first Thursday of every month but will now begin at 7 p.m. VFW Post 6277 is located at 101 South Poplar St., Monterey, TN, and is open to all veterans who have served in a war or conflict. Monterey Senior Center plans programs The Monterey Senior Center has announced it intends to reopen in May. Make plans to check out the Monterey Senior Center. • Exercise– Chair exercises Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. • Bridge– Monday and Thursday at 1 p.m. • Bingo- Thursday at 10 a.m. • Wednesday Socials: 10:30 a.m. 30-attendee maximum for special guest presentations. Make reservations to attend. • Thursday Extras: 10 a.m. BINGO • Friday Art: 10 a.m. June 11 and June 25 If schools are closed due to inclement weather, the Monterey Senior Center will also be closed.The Center is located at 105 N. Elmore, Monterey, TN. Contact the Senior Center by calling 8398053. Membership is free for those 60 and over. Come and see what we are all about. Please stop by the center to see what new adventures have been added. Regular center hours are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Thursday. The Cottage Thrift Store open The Cottage thrift store at the Monterey United Methodist Church offers new inventory and new pricing. They ask for everyone to exercise precautions, use gloves and masks and will have some available for their shoppers’ safety. Note: if there is a spike in
local COVID-19 cases, The Cottage will remain closed. Suicide prevention resources available The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800273-8255) is one such free resource that is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for anyone who is in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. Farmers Market open Monterey Farmers Market is open. Vender permits are available at the Monterey Historic Depot. Call 8392111 for more information. Monterey Farmers Market is also open and available for yard sales. Hours are Thursday evenings 3-6 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Call the Monterey Depot Museum for a permit at 8392111. SCV active in community The Champ FergusonStanding Stone Sons of Confederate Veterans (SCV) Post 2014 Help preserve Southern Heritage and join in the Capt. Champ Ferguson-Standing Stone #2014 Sons of Confederate Veterans (SCV). For more information, contact Jack Looper at 445-2050 or Rooster Barnes at 510-2211. God Save the South! SSHS/Monterey Hometown Project meets The Standing Stone Historical Society/Monterey Hometown Project meets at 6:15 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of the month. The Society plans the annual Standing Stone Day celebration, a local holiday that is observed annually on the second Saturday in October. Monterey Hometown Project meets directly following the Standing Stone Historical Society meeting. Monterey Hometown Project is a group organized under the Standing Stone Historical Society to raise funds to make improvements to the Town of Monterey. FCE Club meets fourth Monday The Monterey Family and Consumer Education Club meets on the fourth Thursday of the month at the Monterey Senior Center at 6:30 p.m. Civitan Club meets third Tuesdays The Monterey Civitan holds monthly meetings on the third Tuesday of the month at 6 p.m. at the Monterey Methodist Church fellowship hall. Anyone interested in joining the Monterey Civitan Club is welcomed and encouraged to come to the meetings.
Lions Building for event rental Starting in July, the Monterey Lions Club will be renting out the Club’s building for parties, events and gatherings. The cost is $50 for a 3-hour slot and $100 for an all day event. For those who would like to rent the Monterey Lions Club building for their event, call 931-839-2350. Contact Mike Callahan at 839-2350 for more information. Forms are available at 108 E. Commercial Ave. Join Monterey Disaster Response Team The Monterey Lions Club Disaster Relief is a nonprofit organization meeting the needs of those faced with natural disasters. The team needs donations of water, canned goods and money to make trips to and from disaster areas and also welcomes volunteers to help in relief missions. Contact Ken Hall at 239-3318 to help. Monterey Branch Library open Saturdays Monterey Branch Library is now open on Saturdays 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Stop by and check out our latest reading materials. On your visit, stay connected, stay well-read and stay active in the community. There is something for everyone at Monterey Branch Library, whether it’s for family leisure time or homeschooling resources. Book Sale- Friends of the Monterey Library Book Sale on the first Saturday of the month from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Used book donations are accepted during normal library hours. Story time Wednesdays 11 a.m. Come visit with us at the Monterey Branch Library (MBL) this month and stay connected, stay well-read and stay active in the community. There is something for everyone at Monterey Branch Library, whether it’s for family leisure time or homeschooling resources. 401 E Commercial Ave, Monterey. 839-2103. Titus House wants to help Need clothes? We can help! Titus House, 306 W. Crawford Ave. in Monterey, provides free clothing to anyone in need. Titus House is open the second Saturday of each month from 9 a.m. to noon, except for October when it will be open the third Saturday. Titus House accepts donations of clean, dry clothing in bags or boxes. These may be dropped off at Titus House. Please put donations
underneath the carport at the end of the Titus House driveway. Titus House appreciates your donations! Titus House is an outreach program of the Monterey Church of Christ. Questions regarding Titus House please call (931) 2527676.
Hike & Bike Meadow Creek Park Continue your active lifestyle during the cold months at Meadow Creek Park. Meadow Creek Park now boasts two miles of completed trail builds for scenic hiking and biking in Monterey, thanks to the UC SORBA volunteer trail builders. The park is located at four miles east of Monterey along Hwy. 64 at 19195 Clarkrange Hwy.
Garden Club meets second Tuesdays The Monterey Garden Club meets the second Tuesday of each month. Come and listen to guest speakers, watch demonstrations and get tips for successful gardening. The clubs is active in the Monterey community and offer scholarships to Monterey High School graduates. They would love to have you join them. For more information, please contact Monterey Garden Club President, Jan Stansell at (214) 208-5243 or email montereytngardenclub@yahoo.com. They look forward to seeing you there!
Relative caregiver support group meeting Are you raising a relative child or need housing assistance? For more information on assistance and support, please contact Melissa Allison at the Upper Cumberland Development District tollfree at 1-877-275-8233. A support group meeting will be held for relatives that are caring for relative children during the month of June 2021. Please contact Melissa Allison at (931) 476-4127 if you are interested in attending this meeting. For housing assistance, while caring for minor child contact Myra Walker at 931432-4111. About the Upper Cumberland Development District: The Upper Cumberland Development District provides regional planning and assistance to the 14-county Upper Cumberland region to promote economic growth and community enhancement. Find UCDD on the web at www.ucdd.org and at facebook.com/UCDDconnect. • SANDWICH BOARD•
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Our Town 3 New Monterey police Festivity lineup announced for Standing Stone Day officer sworn in editorstandingstonescribe@gmail.com
Standing Stone Scribe
By Rebekah Beeler Scribe publisher
Photo by Rebekah Beeler/Scribe
Monterey Mayor JJ Reels swears in new Monterey Police officer Chris Clayborn at the Aug. 2 Board of Mayor and Alderman meeting.
VFW installs officers
Photo submitted James Wolfgram and Jason Yung are sworn in as Junior Vice Commander and 2nd Year Trustee, respectively, by Jim McCracken at VFW Post 6277’s June meeting.
Experts hosting free virtual outdoor skills classes Tennessee Wildlife Federation’s Hunting and Fishing Academy is offering free virtual classes for those wanting to learn new outdoor skills or brush up old ones. To see a full list of upcoming classes and sign up, visit tnwf.org/virtual. The Academy’s virtual classes are hosted live throughout the year, revolving through seasonal topics. Learn from experts on a range of outdoor topics
August 2021
including hunting and fishing best practices, camping essentials and more. “We’re happy we’re able to offer flexible online classes for people who want to get more engaged in the outdoors,” said Taylor Martin Hunting and Fishing Academy manager. “The Academy’s virtual classes are a great way to learn from highly trained experts on your own time and in the comfort of your own home.”
Hunting and Fishing Academy is a program of Tennessee Wildlife Federation, a nonprofit dedicated to the conservation of Tennessee’s wildlife and natural resources. In addition to virtual classes, Hunting and Fishing Academy also provides hands-on instruction in the art of being an outdoorsman to beginner hunters and anglers of all ages. To see upcoming experiences near you visit tnwf.org/interest.
Hosted by Standing Stone Historical Society, Standing Stone Day will be observed on Saturday, Oct. 9. Come share the day, the history, the fellowship, the stories, the music, and the celebration with us! This year the festival theme is “Coming home to Standing Stone” and will highlight the unique and wonderful amenities that Monterey offers. The theme will also be featured through stories in the 2021 Standing Stone Day booklet. Miss Standing Stone Beauty Pageant The Miss Standing Stone Pageant is set for Saturday, Sept. 18, with categories for young ladies ages newborn to 21. This year the pageant will benefit the Monterey High School Cheerleaders Forms are available online at the Miss Standing Stone Beauty Pageant group page on Facebook. SSHS Essay and Art Contest The 2021 Annual Essay and Art Contest will be open to students either enrolled or homeschooled and zoned for Monterey High School, Burks Elementary, Wilson Elementary and Rickman Elementary. Students may only have one entry, either in essay or art. Names and contact information, school and grade must be submitted with each entry. First and second place prizes will be awarded in each of the essay and art categories for elementary (K-4th grade), middle (5th-8th grade) and high school (9th-12th grade) age groups. Entries are due Sept. 17. Standing Stone Day Festivity lineup: • Craft show- beginning at 8 a.m. at Monterey Branch Library. • Parade- 10 a.m. along
The Standing Stone
Photo by Rebekah Beeler
Commercial Ave. from Poplar Ave. to Crossville St. • Ceremony- 10:45 a.m. at the Standing Stone Monument, followed by a Native Nation cultural presentation with singing, music, dancing and drumming. • Standing Stone Selfie Scavenger Hunt- noon to welcome to home at the Stone, at 10 landscape points all over the community. The first 20 back get a prize. • Live music- 3-5 p.m. at Whittaker Park amphitheater with Tom Sandlin. There will be food vendors for hungry attendees. More details to come as the festivity lineup is finalized.
Join in and visit Monterey on Oct. 9 for the annual Standing Stone Day celebration as the community’s history, centered around the iconic Standing Stone Monument, comes to life. Since 1979, Monterey’s very own holiday, Standing Stone Day, has been celebrated annually observed on the second Saturday in October; a day Monterey cherishes, embraces and celebrates its unique Cherokee Nation heritage. For updates and festivity information, visit and like the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/StandingStoneDay.
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Mountain Times
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Standing Stone Scribe
August 2021
Sounds of Monterey Photos by Rebekah Beeler/Scribe
All God’s creatures got a place in the choir, some just clap their hands or paws or anything they’ve got, now. At right, enjoying the Monterey Pickers’ live music on Tuesday evenings at the Farmers Market is not limited to only two-legged appreciators.
Willard Miller sings a lively number with the Monterey Pickers to the delight of the crowd that assembled at the Farmers Market on July 27. The Monterey Pickers play that good ol’ moutnain music on Tuesday evenings.
Chris Cochran brings good tidings of great summer squash and shares with fellow music lovers, Carol Buckner and Connie Nichols, at the Farmers Market.
Join in with the Monterey Pickers on Tuesday evenings around 6 p.m. at the Farmers Market and accompany or just bring a lawn chair and have a listen at the sounds of Monterey Mountain, singing and stringing, humming, harmonizing and harmonica-ing.
• LAW • Continued from 1
then we could be an asset to everybody.” The Bee Rock property was donated to the Town of Monterey by Bobby Walker in December 2018, and Monterey dedicated Bee Rock Park in June 2019. Bee Rock Park is now a protected Tennessee State Natural Area. Law Committee chair, Ward 1 Alderman Alex Garcia, opened the meeting to discuss concerns the Kopecs had regarding Bee Rock Park and security measures. Mike Kopec said the parking area was being used day and night for inappropriate and illegal behavior and that he’d experienced vandalism at the old KOA building he owns adjacent to the easement west of the parking area.
The committee agreed to request Volunteer Electric Cooperative install a new light to illuminate the area and look into cellular cameras to monitor the parking area. Monterey Police Chief Bill Randolph said MPD officers regularly patrol the
area and respond whenever dispatched. Safety at Bee Rock Park was the final concern discussed, particularly accurate and appropriate signage, access and park hours. Kopec requested the city put a gate back up with a lock and requested that he
be given a copy of the key. The committee decided to put a chain up to keep cars from driving past the parking area until the new ornamental gates are finished and ready to install. “I think we’ve got some good things here,” Garcia said.
Despite the judgments handed down, Mike Kopec said, “There’s a grand misconception now from the public that the city owns the parking lot, the city owns the walkway out behind our building and straight out.” He continued with the claim that the parking lot
area, the walkway along the easement from the gate past the old KOA building all the way out to the pavilion where the park restrooms are were still his private property. Bee Rock Park is open to the public and the hours are daylight to dark.
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Bowman, Bianco and Mountain S a n d w i c h are Vol State Award winners Monterey to host Movie in the Park series The Town of Monterey kicked off their summer Movie in the Park series and will continue through September. Movies in the Park are held on the last Saturday of the month. Showtime is 8:15 p.m. at Whittaker Park. Come early and enjoy the splash pad and playground! Admission is free. Next Movie in the Park is Saturday, Aug. 28.
Photo submitted
Madison Bowman of Rickman, Tucker Mountain of Livingston, and Michaela Bianco of Monterey are three of four Overton County 4-H members to earn the Vol State Award in the last 12 months. Recently, 83 4-H members were recognized with the Vol State Award at the University of Tennessee at Martin during State 4-H Roundup. The Vol State Award is the highest level of recognition a Tennessee 4 H member may achieve. The award is presented to high school juniors and seniors in recognition of excellence in all phases of 4 H work, as well as service and leadership rendered in their communities.
Bianco named Rural Peace Memorial Scholarship recipient
Photo submitted Michaela Bianco of Monterey received the Rural Peace Memorial Scholarship at the recent Tennessee 4-H Roundup held at the University of Tennessee at Martin. Bianco was awarded the $1,000 scholarship based on her 4-H accomplishments, academic achievements and financial need.
Monterey Hilltop Chorale resumes After suspending activities due to COVID-19, the Monterey Hilltop Chorale is ready to resume on Aug. 2 with rehearsals on Monday nights at 6 p.m. at Monterey United Methodist Church downstairs fellowship hall. Anyone with a passion for singing may join. The Chorale is always looking for new members! Monterey Hilltop Chorale will be featured in two free concerts this year, a concert to honor our veterans as well as a Christmas concert. Monterey Senior Center to hire new Director Monterey Senior Center is looking to hire a new Director upon the resignation of current Director Saundra Gilmore. The job is a parttime position, with hours set for Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. If you have a sincere interest in the betterment of Monterey’s senior residents, have Word and Excel skills, as well as experience in payroll, quarterly and yearly finance reporting, some grant writing experience and are community oriented, then please call Saundra at (931) 839-8053 by Monday, July 19.
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August 2021
Board
UCHRA Putnam Commodities Distribution The Upper Cumberland Human Resource Agency will hold a commodities distribution for Putnam County on Thursday, Aug. 19, 9 a.m. to noon at Trinity Assembly Church, The Nest. Sign-up will be available at the distribution site. Volunteers are also needed during the event. Please call 931-528-1127 to learn more about volunteering. UCHRA does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, sex, color, national origin, religion, or disability in admission to, access to, or operations of its programs, services or activities. This project is funded under a grant contract with the State of Tennessee. Green Pond Church Homecoming and Revival Aug. 8-13 Green Pond Church, 115 Murphy Ln., in Crawford, is holding its Homecoming on Sunday, Aug. 8, with special singing by Jeremy and Candy followed by dinner with service. Their Revival begins Aug. 9, at 7 p.m. with a special singing each night and the word of God delivered by Brother Josh Zellner, Brother Greg Wright and Brother Freddie Melton. Pastor Kenny Pierce and the Green Pond Church congregation would like to welcome you and your family to attend. Fishin’ with a Mission angler tournament Saturday, Aug. 7 Fishin’ with a Mission Tournament is set for Aug. 7 to raise funds with a one-of-akind event to benefit Upper Cumberland Advocacy Center. Contestants must make a $25 donation to the Upper Cumberland Advocacy Cen-
ter to be able to compete in the contest. The donation can be made on site or online ahead of time at www.mightycause.com/.../ Upper-Cumberland-Child... There will be a tagged fish in the lake and upon catching the tagged fish, that angler will take home $25,000. The tournament will be held at Monterey’s Meadow Creek Lake, 19195 Clarkrange Hwy. Fishing licenses are required. For more information, visit www.mightycause.com/organization/Upper-CumberlandChild-Advocacy-Center.
Monterey to host Labor Day celebration The Town of Monterey is excited to hold a Labor Day Celebration on Saturday, Sept. 6. The festivities will be held all day long at Whittaker Park, with a flea market, vendors, food, and live music by Slick Nickel. A live auction will begin at 1 p.m.
Hunter Education Course Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency officer Tim Singleton has announced he will instruct a youth Hunter Education Course set for Aug. 12-14 at Monterey Church of Christ. The class times are Aug. 12 and 13 from 6-9 p.m., and 7 a.m.-2 p.m. on Aug. 14. Students taking the course must be at least 10 years old on the first night of class, must attend every class session and must register online at tnwildlife.org.
Woodcliff Baptist Singing set for Aug. 21 A Singing will be held at Woodcliff Baptist Church on Saturday, Aug. 21, at 4 p.m. The free event will feature The Kirbys. Woodcliff Baptist Church is located in Monterey at 13100 Woodcliff Rd.
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Grapevine
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Dave Says
Does my mom need long-term care insurance? Dear Dave, My dad passed away about a year ago, but he left my mom in really good shape financially. They never had any consumer debt, the house is paid for, and they had about $1million in assets. Dad also left her a $500,000 trust. Mom is going to be 60 next year. She is in good health, but considering her age and financial situation, do you think she needs long-term care insurance? Darby Dear Darby, I’m so sorry to hear about your dad. Losing a spouse, or a father, is tough at any age. The good news is your dad did a great job of planning to take care of your mom. He left her in fine shape money-wise, but yes, she needs long term care insurance and a good estate planner. You need to help your mom do everything possible to handle her situation wisely. I usually suggest folks wait until age 60 to buy long-term care insurance, because the likelihood of filing a claim before then is very slim.In fact,about 95% of long-term care claims are filed for people over 70. That’s why,in most cases, it doesn’t make sense to get long-term care insurance earlier than age 60. Insurance isn’t a one-sizefits-all kind of thing, though. If someone has a family history of illness or other health
Dave Ramsey issues at a younger age, they may need to get long-term care insurance earlier.But you shouldn’t buy long-term care coverage at a young age just because you’re paranoid of what might happen, or because you think you’ll save money. That’s just not true. In the event your mom becomes unable to take care of herself at some point, longterm care insurance would be an absolute necessity. The cost of nursing home care these days is astronomical. Again, your mom is in a great place financially, but a prolonged stay in a nursing home somewhere down the road could eat up her nest egg in a hurry. Long-term care insurance is a wise part of any good asset management plan. —Dave If you need a co-signer, you’re not ready Dear Dave, My fiancée and I want to make an offer on a house. She has a lot of late payments and a bad credit record, though, but she is working hard to manage her money better and get out of debt. I don’t make enough money to get a home loan by myself, and I have some debt to pay off, too.In order to help us out, my aunt and unclesaid they are willing to co-sign a mort-
Standing Stone Scribe
gage loan for us. What do you think of that idea? Evan Dear Evan, Here’s a simple, solid piece of advice for anyone looking to make a purchase of any kind. If you need a cosigner, you’re not ready to make that purchase—period. I’m not trying to beat you up or anything, but it’s way too soon for you two to be thinking about buying a home. I mean, for starters you’re just engaged right now. When a lender requires a co-signer, it basically means they don’t believe you’ll pay back the money. And besides, you two don’t need a house now or right after you get married. The two of you should get married, and live in adecent, inexpensive apartment for a while. During that time, you both need to work hard on paying off all your debt. After that, save up an emergency fund of three to six months of expenses. Then, start setting aside cash for a down payment on a modest home. When it comes time to buy a home, I recommend a 15year, fixed rate loanwith a down payment of at least 10%. Twenty percent is better, because it will help you avoid having to pay PMI (private mortgage insurance). Make sure the monthly payments on the loan are no more than 25% of your combined take home pay. Keeping the payments at 25% or below will make it easier to address other important financial issues, like saving and investing. Your aunt and uncle are obviously generous people,
• See SAVE • Continued on 7
The inkling... Perks of the job
If you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life. -Marc Antony Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life. -Confucious It is true. I do. There’s a song that I adore by Dirty Heads that says, “Aa-ay, I’m on vacation every single day, ’cause I love my occupation.” I’m after more than a paycheck, I want to make a living. After all, living is about experiences and making memories. As intangible as they may be, they are literally the only things you can add to yourself and actually take with you to the other side. There is a comfort in that. There is a confidence in that. If the rule of writing is to write what you know, you have to have the adventures first to write about them. And my work has added more experiences to me in my life and to my family than I could have ever paid for. Lucky for me, I’ve been able to make memories a huge part of my “work.” The thing is, I’m going to write anyway; work or no work, job or no job, paycheck or none. I can’t help it. I can’t stop myself. I write down everything. It’s a part of me.
Rebekah Beeler Scribe publisher
It’s an inclination that I have never been able to outrun. Among the 40 pounds of “things-I-might-need” in the heap that is my purse are ample stationery supplies. I’m never without a writing utensil or paper. I know better. There’s always a story, a memory, an experience, a quote, something that I want to write down and keep forever. I want to remember everything. I don’t want to forget things; things I saw, felt, tasted, experienced — I don’t want to forget my living. But, just as the premise is true that if you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life, then it is also true that if you turn everything into work, you’ll never be off the clock. It is true. I do. I work all the time. Sometimes it would be nice to not be on the clock, distracted by the endless to-do list, and let holidays just be holidays and weekends be weekends. Then again, I can and do just about turn anything and everything into work; be it an event, hobby, a simple outing, or a funny circumstance into a story. It doesn’t matter what it is, I make it work.
A recipe for life balance
I love making chicken salad, and I have about 27 different ways I do it. Some with pecans and some with almonds, some with green onions and some with red. But regardless of which combination I choose, there are a few staple ingredients that I add to every batch. After all, if you don’t have chicken, nuts, sauce, fruit and onion, it’s not going to be chicken salad! Life balance works the same way. As a business coach, speaker and author, I’ve been studying and writing about life balance for over a decade. And I’ve found that these five things are nonnegotiable if you want to feel balanced. 1. Rest Feeling balanced starts with getting enough sleep.
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Kristy Wright The average American gets far less than the necessary seven to nine hours every night, and the consequences of “being tired all the time” are devastating to our mental and physical health. Being rested, on the other hand, allows you to be present, energetic and alert. You’ll be able to get more done, have space for relationships, and enjoy your life. Do what-
Your Good News
ever it takes to make sleep a priority—starting tonight. 2. Relationships We were created to be in deep, life-giving relationships. Social connections improve the quality of your life, and they also have a direct correlation with reduced health issues, less depression and a longer life-span. But you don’t need research to tell you something you already know: People matter! If you want to have balance, you have to be intentional about connecting with others. 3. Help Whether it’s family helping with childcare or team members helping with work projects, we all need help if we want to feel balanced. No one can do it all on their
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own. If you don’t have family nearby or room in the budget for childcare, there are still creative ways to get help. For example, two of my friends swap babysitting nights so the other couple can have a date night. Look to your community for resources, and don’t be too proud to ask for help. 4. Work you enjoy According to a poll done by Gallup, 85% of employees worldwide aren’t engaged in their jobs. That’s crazy! If you dread your job, I want you to hear me: You will never feel balanced if you’re spending your one life doing something you hate. What is one step you can take today to get closer to doing work you love? Take
Your Good News
it today. If you’re wondering where to start, I recommend listening to The Ken Coleman Show on podcast or YouTube. It’s hosted by my good friend and career coach Ken Coleman. 5. Time alone Alone time is critical to our overall health and well-being. If you’re around people all day every day, whether at work or home or both, you need to create time to be alone. Maybe that means waking up before everyone in the house to have 15 minutes to yourself. Maybe it means going for a short walk by yourself each day. If you want to maintain your balance—and your sanity— you’ve got to have some time alone. Friend, you don’t have to
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Your Good News
August 2021
I never know when that inspiration will hit, either. It’s as surprising to me as anyone what I will turn into work. The power once went out, and I wrote a column about lamplight. When I went skydiving for my best friend’s birthday, I turned that into work and wrote a feature. Because of my work, I’ve gotten even more involved in the community, supported causes, helped people, told heroic stories about our veterans, shared inspiring stories of cancer survivors, and shown the good and wonderful side of humanity. I’ve had the opportunity to write about so much, from traveling to camping, gardening to foraging, adventures and memories and life. Thankfully a lot of my work includes doing things that I not only enjoy, but that I can bring the whole family, our friends, the kids’ friends and whoever else to enjoy with me. We’ve gotten to do so many wonderful things, made so many wonderful friends, met some incredible people, shared some exceptional moments and made some awesome memories. Some of my work has brought me opportunities that I may not have had otherwise, like piloting two airplanes. People often ask me how I keep up and do everything I do and go everywhere I go. I always tell them, “I’m not going to lie, I’m busy. But it’s better than being bored.” Sometimes I can’t tell if I’m working or living because my living gives me plenty of work to write about. Then again, maybe that’s how it’s supposed to work.
feel busy and burned out all the time. When you’re intentional about creating life balance, you’ll start to enjoy your life. I hope you take the time to try this recipe for balance this week. You’re worth it! • • • Christy Wright is a #1 national best-selling author, personal development expert, and host of The Christy Wright Show. She’s been featured on Today Show and Fox News, and in Entrepreneur and Woman’s Day Magazines. Since 2009, Christy has served at Ramsey Solutions, where she teaches on personal development, business, and faith. Follow Christy on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube or online at christywright.com.
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Entertainment
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Amazon brings a ‘Jolt’ of entertainment
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By Paula Tudor, Scribe columnist
If you haven’t yet started streaming shows and movies to your television from something like an Apple TV, Amazon Fire Stick, or a Roku, you might want to consider it. This seems to be the future of home entertainment as we know it. Furthermore, with COVID-19 apparently sticking around, streaming may soon replace going to the theater as many movies that are supposed to be exclusive to theaters are available to rent at home the same day they premiere. Amazon, in particular, has been cranking out new content faster than the Hallmark Channel in December. Of course, you have to be an Amazon Prime subscriber to access their original movies and shows, but you just might find that
between that and fast, free shipping, the $100 or so a year is worth it. Last month I reviewed Amazon’s “The Tomorrow War.” Since then, another movie has premiered on Amazon called “Jolt.” “Jolt” is an interesting film, but honestly, I’m still trying to decide how I feel about it. It’s definitely not the same caliber as “The Tomorrow War” in terms of story or cinematography, and if it came out 20 years ago it would have likely been a straight-tovideo release or a box office flop. In other words, it’s not a movie that people are going to fall all over themselves to see or be talking about for weeks to come. However, that doesn’t mean the film is bad. In fact, I would still say that it is worth watching at least once, maybe twice. “Jolt” stars Kate Beckinsale (Underworld) as Lindy, a
Craig Morgan set to play Monterey
s s e e m t By Rebekah Beeler mScribe publisher e y Monterey Mayor JJ Reels announced the ncountry music recording artist headlining the sTown of Monterey’s “Mountain Rhythms” concert. “It will be Grand Ole Opry member and country superstar Craig Morgan,” Mayor JJ Reels said at the Aug. 2 meeting. “He’s coming to Monterey to do a concert right downtown. We’re going to shut it down, put a big stage up and have a good time.” Reels said the concert event would be the inaugural Mountain Rhythms concert, affirming Monterey Cultural Administrator Rafferty Cleary’s earlier mention to the Scribe that they hope to make it an annual event. The Board held a special called meeting on June 24, deciding to hold the concert and front the $30,000 for the event from the general fund. Reels expressed gratitude on behalf of the Town for Chris Landers, owner of Magna 1 Lubricant, for helping organize and connect Monterey with Morgan to secure him for the Mountain Rhythms concert event. The concert has been set for 7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 7. While the concert will be free to the public, 200 VIP tickets will be available for purchase at First Volunteer Bank in Monterey.
• SAVE • Continued from 6 Evan, but they’re a little misguided in their offer. At this point, helping you two buy a house—something you obviously can’t afford—would be a huge burden instead of a blessing. —Dave • • • Dave Ramsey is a seventime #1 national best-selling
author, personal finance expert, and host of The Ramsey Show, heard by more than 18 million listeners each week. He has appeared on Good Morning America, CBS This Morning, Today Show, Fox News, CNN, Fox Business, and many more. Since 1992, Dave has helped people regain control of their money, build wealth and enhance their lives. He also serves as CEO for Ramsey Solutions.
woman who was diagnosed with something called Intermittent Explosive Disorder when she was just a child. Intermittent Explosive Disorder sounds like a made-up condition, with its abbreviation being IED, but it’s actually quite real. Basically, it’s someone who experiences frequent periods of uncontrollable rage. After Lindy was diagnosed, she was locked away and given a variety of treatments over the years to see if anything could help her. As an adult, Lindy is out of the psychiatric hospital, but still sees a psychiatrist on a regular basis. As part of her continuing treatment for IED, Lindy has electrodes attached to her body and carries a remote around with her everywhere she goes. If she feels an attack of anger and rage coming on, Lindy presses a button on the remote and
she is given a shock or jolt. Whether this shock therapy is supposed to have long-term effects or if it’s just a temporary fix to keep her from acting on her anger at the moment is unclear. Ultimately, Lindy decides whether she wants to suppress her anger or act on it anyway. It all depends on the situation. It does seem, however, that what sparks her anger the most is when she sees someone else being mistreated, particularly someone she cares about, and therein lies the plot of the entire film. Lindy decides to embrace her rage when she learns that someone she was dating has been murdered. She then decides to put that rage to good use and take matters into her own hands, finding her friend’s killer or killers and making them pay. Lindy still makes the conscious decision not to hurt anyone innocent while she is tracking down her friend’s killers so she continues to give herself jolts when the situation calls for it. Otherwise, Lindy lets
her rage go unchecked. It becomes her superpower of sorts as she seeks justice for her friend. In her quest, Lindy seems to transform into a would-be superhero and we are left to question whether those who were called upon to help her all those years ago are actually her kryptonite. “Jolt” is streaming now on Prime and is free to watch for Amazon Prime subscribers. • • • STATEPOINT CROSSWORD THEME: TV THEME SONGS ACROSS 1. ____’s razor 6. Credit card-related acronym 9. Goes with rave 13. Garlic mayo 14. “Jack and the Beanstalk” exclamation 15. Echo sounder 16. Beauty shop 17. European Economic Community 18. Falstaffian in body 19.*”Scooby-Dooby-Doo, where are you? We got some work ____ ____ ____” 21. *”So no one told you life was gonna be ____ ____” 23. Pocket watch chain 24. Uncouth one 25. Place to get a massage 28. Boozer 30. Pie nuts 35. Sharpen 37. Orange powder drink mix 39. Tennis-affected joint 40. Bright thought 41. Reputation-damaging gossip 43. Symphony member 44. Famous Beethoven symphony 46. Microsoft browser 47. “Young Frankenstein” leading actor 48. Dines at home 50. Telephoned 52. Up to present time 53. Neat 55. Diamond stat 57. *”Gee, our old ____ ran great, those were the days” 61. *”Let’s ride with the family down the street through the courtesy of Fred’s ____ ____” 65. Loosen laces 66. Opposite of vend 68. Kind of artery 69. One Beatle 70. Recipe amt. 71. Opposite of atonal 72. *”Where the kisses are hers and ____ and his, Three’s company too” 73. Sigma Alpha Epsilon 74. Rosetta Stone, e.g.
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August 2021
Paula Tudor graduated cum laude from Tennessee Technological University with a B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies emphasizing English and Communication. She is a freelance writer and a distinguished blogger/online correspondent, with more than three thousand followers on Twitter. The bulk of her work can be found at paulas-soapbox.blogspot.com and paulatudor.com. DOWN 1. Brewer’s kiln 2. “Ta-ta!” in Italy 3. *”If you’re out on the road feeling lonely, and so ____” 4. Remote in manner 5. S.S. ____ of “Gilligan’s Island” 6. Not many (2 words) 7. *”Movin’ on up to the east side, we finally got a piece of the ____” 8. Right-hand page 9. Schneider and Reiner 10. Afresh 11. Astronaut’s insignia 12. Three pointer 15. Evening party 20. Sad newspaper notices 22. Goes with skip and a jump 24. Without a trace of moisture (2 words) 25. *”Everybody’s got a special kind of story, everybody finds a way to ____” 26. Podium, pl. 27. Concerning, archaic 29. *”Sometimes you wanna go where everybody knows your ____” 31. Heidi’s “Magic Wooden Shoe” 32. The Beatles’ “____ Road” 33. Not a soul (2 words) 34. *”Sunny day, sweepin’ the clouds away on my way to where the air is ____” 36. “Good ____” cooking show 38. Lady née Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta 42. Extend subscription 45. Infamous German leader 49. Naught 51. Barley kernels 54. Financial woes 56. Where there’s trouble? 57. Verdant 58. Initial stake 59. Hollywood Walk of Fame honor 60. A snob puts them on 61. Use a keyboard 62. Marine eagle 63. Bibliographical abbr. 64. *”Just sit right back and you’ll hear a ____” 67. *”Oh boy it’s swell to say, Good morning ____!”
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Life on the Mountain
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Here I am, send me
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August 2021
Photos and story by Rebekah Beeler/Scribe
The Lions Club Disaster Response Team began calling up their volunteers starting July 17 for a series of dates to return to ground zero at the McBroom Chapel area of Putnam County where the deadly EF4 tornado touched down last March, claiming 19 lives. Severely damaged and forever changed by the storm, the neighborhood is being rebuilt. LCDRT volunteers were joined by about 30 youth conference volunteers from a local church to clean up construction debris, assist with landscaping of newly built homes and cleaned up the site where Hope Park memorial is set to be built in honor of those who were lost in the storm. Lauren Farmer and her husband were among those rebuilding their homes that the LCDRT volunteered to help. The Farmers and their German shepherds, Shadow and Xena, were home during the March 3, 2020, tornado. The four were hunkered down together when the tornado hit their home with terrifying winds so strong that Shadow was pulled from the home and catapulted across the neighborhood. They all survived, including Shadow, though she continues to demonstrate behaviors directly related to the trauma of the tornado. The whole of the Upper Cumberland Region, the community, people, and businesses came together and chipped in where their expertise and experience allowed helping those affected by the storm. Johnson’s Nursery offered to dig up the shrubs, lilies and hydrangeas and nurse them at their garden center until the couple could rebuild their home. “Johnson’s Nursery cared for them and kept them alive for over a year for us,” Lauren said. When she picked them up, the lilies and hydrangea bush were in full bloom, a testament to their care. “Now the house is done and we’re ready for them to be brought home,” she said. The plants mean a lot to her, given to her by her beloved patients. In the aftermath of the tornado, they meant even more. They represented the veil between a not-so-distant
Youth members of a local church volunteer to work with the Lions Club Disaster Response Team at ground zero where the deadly tornado touched down and leveled the McBroom Chapel area neighborhood in Putnam County on July 17. memory of their survival and their present hope. “They are so special to me,” she said tearfully, putting her hand up to her heart. As LCDRT and the teen volunteers worked hard to incorporate them into the landscaping of the Farmers’ new home, the plants took on a whole new meaning. There, anchoring the cornerstone of the home and bridging the past to the present, the white hydrangea blossoms began to represent the future the Farmers can still have. They are expecting their first child this fall. The LCDRT and teen volunteers continued their work to assist the neighborhood, gathering up the construction de-
bris for another newly rebuilt home had just been completed. They also cleaned up the 2-acre property at the corner of McBroom Chapel Road and Hensley Drive in anticipation of the building of Hope Park. Three families, the Asantes, the Barnetts, and the Pitts, who lost their homes in the storm, sold their land to Putnam County to become Hope Park. The park site was dedicated March 3, on the first anniversary of the tornado. The LCDRT has continued to respond to clean up efforts and assist families rebuilding at ground zero, the next call out set for Saturday, July 31, at 8 a.m. The team will meet at Kohl’s in Cookeville on Jackson Street. To join the team, contact Ken Hall at 931-239-3318.
Lions Club Disaster Response Team leader Ken Hall organizes and manages the volunteer efforts to continue to be of service to those impacted by the March 3, 2020, tornado.
Lauren Farmer’s beautiful blooming daylily is ready to be replanted at her newly rebuilt home. Above, youth volunteers assist Farmer with the return of the hydrangea so it can once again grace the yard of the Farmer home.
Left, Lauren Farmer walks with her German shepherds, Shadow and Xena, who also survived the tornado, across the yard of her newly rebuilt home to admire the return of the white hydrangea.
Father and son team, Zeke Bohannon and Alfred Beeler, volunteer with the Lions Club Disaster Response Team and work together to help beautify a newly built home by planting vibrant hibiscus for the homeowner.