January Issue 2021

Page 1

Free Take One

Volume 7 Issue 1

Covering Monterey and Surrounding Communities

January 8, 2021

Monterey purchases property, discovers waterfall By Rebekah Beeler

Photo by Rafferty Cleary

Scribe publisher

Meadow Creek Park now offers even more natural features to the already beautiful area, including a newly discovered waterfall named Meadow Creek Falls.

At the Jan. 4 board meeting, Monterey Mayor JJ Reels announced that Monterey now owns lot 9 of the neighboring subdivision, Table Top West Estates, purchased for $43,500 from Plateau Properties to be added to the town’s Meadow Creek Park. “We made a deal. We have the deed. The property is ours,” Reels said. Approved by the board at the Dec. 7 board meeting, the purchase of lot 9 would allow for better access to the park and “The Crag,” a

popular rock climbing destination. Monterey purchased lot 10 last year, adding “The Crag” to the park’s features. The lot 9 purchase would also compliment the park scenery by expanding the horseshoe bluff-line and bring additional opportunities to extend the existing hiking trails for outdoor enthusiasts.

However, lot 9 also turned up an unexpected surprise with the discovery of an undocumented waterfall. “The neat thing about an undocumented waterfall is that you get to name it,” Reels said. The waterfall has been named Meadow Creek Falls and will be a beautiful addition to the benefit of the park. The property also includes a cave as well, although it was said to have been discovered some eight months before the purchase. The money used to purchase the property came from the Health Care Fund. Among other recommenda-

tions to purchase, the Health Care Board met and recommended the board to acquire the property to add to the park, encouraging visitors to partake in a healthy and active lifestyle, which coincides with the purpose of the fund. Monterey Cultural Administrator Rafferty Cleary also sought the board’s approval to apply for the Tennessee Department of Health Grant. Should Monterey be awarded, the 100% grant could award up to $48,000

ber. That means so much to me,” Carolyn adds. It wasn’t long after her admission that Raymond found himself hospitalized as well. “Fortunately, I didn’t seem as severe as Carolyn. The doctors and nurses did as much as they possibly could. I was discharged before Carolyn and they helped wheel me down the hall to visit with her for a little bit. It’s small things like that that mean the most to us.” The couple wants others to know that the virus is very serious and encourages everyone to do what they can to help minimize its spread throughout our communities. 
“I’m so thankful for the great spiritual atmo-

sphere and care we received at CMC; however I hope others don’t have to face what we did,” Raymond concludes. 
According to the Tennessee Department of Health, symptoms of COVID-19 include fever of 100 degrees or higher; coughing; shortness of breath; new loss of taste or smell; sore throat; nasal congestion; nausea/vomiting; headache; fatigue; body aches; and diarrhea. If you have mild symptoms, notify your primary care doctor. If you have these symptoms and come to the CMC Emergency Department, please call the hospital ahead at (931)

• See PROJECTS • Continued on 7A

Couple expresses COVID care gratitude with CMC Carolyn and Raymond Henry of Monterey are grateful to be home after their stay as COVID-19 patients at Cumberland Medical Center. “I originally thought I had a sinus infection,” says Raymond. “I had to call 911 for my wife because she became very disoriented and needed quick medical help. Turns out, her oxygen levels were getting extremely low.”
Carolyn stayed in the hospital a week. Although her memory during that time is vague, some things are very clear. 
“I was in an awful condition and didn’t think I was going to make it; however everyone was so nice and sympathetic throughout my care, I wasn’t treated like a num-

Photo submitted

Raymond and Carolyn Henry are thankful for their care from Cumberland Medical Center.

• See CARE • Continued on 7A

‘aCross Tennessee’ lights the way to true Monterey Food Bank among those chosen meaning of Christmas to receive books

By Rebekah Beeler Scribe publisher

Jesus is the reason for the season, so Robin Mullinax Underwood and Clete Underwood ignited a ministry movement to put Christ back into Christmas by lighting crosses from Nov. 27-Dec. 31. “My daddy is from Cumberland County so I grew up there,” Robin said. “That’s where my grandparents and all my aunts and uncles, which is the Mullinax family and the Welches, are from. A lot of my family lives up there. That’s sort of the second home where I grew up.” Now in its third year, aCross Tennessee Cross Lighting Ministry has registered lit crosses spanning over 33 counties and covering every boarder of the Tennessee and five states. “We’re very excited about the ministry,” she continued. “This is the third year and this year we went across Tennessee. “We’re excited to see the crosses and Jesus. It’s just a reminder of what Christmas is all about.” The ministry began as Robin saw Christmas lights adorning homes and yards, but none depicted the true

Photo by Rebekah Beeler/Scribe Matt Groover, who built the cross that shines brightly from 125 feet over Monterey from the water tower in the center of town, shared Monterey’s cross with “aCross Tennessee,” who reposted on their Facebook, “Town of Monterey has this beautiful 12-foot cross shining from the water tower. And he said to them, ‘Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation, Mark 16:15.’” meaning of Christmas. She had a vision for the ministry in late 2017. “I think the world’s forgotten what Christmas is all about,” Robin said. “I thought, ‘You’re on little Sykes Rd. There is nothing in our little community that says this is the birth of the savior of the world.’ There

was snowman, there was Grinches, there was lights and all the trees and shrubbery, but there was nothing that said, ‘This is about the birth of Jesus.’ So, it was laid upon my heart about a lighted cross.” She told Clete that she wanted to do something and wanted for people to

be able to drive along their road and see Jesus everywhere they look in hopes that they would see the crosses and be reminded why baby Jesus was born. She had the idea of putting up lighted crosses along the four-mile stretch of their road, Sykes Rd., in Smith County, TN. Clete called it “aCross Sykes” and their slogan was “from the manger to the cross, we celebrate the birth of our Savior– Jesus Christ.” By 2018, they were ready for their first year. They started to raise awareness for the “aCross Ministry” movement. They created posters, went door-to-door and she made posts on her Facebook page. That first year alone, they had over 30 crosses lit up along Sykes Rd. “We had people driving along our road just to see the crosses from other counties,” she said. “It was amazing. You couldn’t drive and not be moved or be reminded it was Christmas and what Christmas was about.” In 2019, the ministry was coming into its second

• See LIGHT • Continued on 6A

Paid for by Cameron Sexton for State Representative, Mark Elmore, Treasurer

In partnership with Amazon.com and in collaboration with Scholastic, the Governor’s Early Literacy Foundation (GELF) is giving the gift of reading to at-risk families in Middle Tennessee by donating more than 17,000 books to Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee agency partners. The pandemic has caused an increased need for community partnerships to support children and families with increased access to essential resources. • 1 in 6 children in Tennessee is food insecure • Third grade literacy scores are anticipated to drop by 50% across the state as a result of remote learning • 92,000 children have been impacted in Middle Tennessee, with 20,000 in Davidson County alone • 17,000+ books will be distributed in conjunction with holiday food distributions “We believe literacy is a basic human right,” said James Pond, president of GELF. “Every child should have access to food, shelter, and an education, and literacy is a key component

for ensuring strong health outcomes and educational success for children. We are grateful to Amazon and Scholastic for their generous support as we mobilize to give the gift of reading by delivering meaningful, relevant books to families and children during the holidays.” “The pandemic has deepened many challenges facing Tennesseans in areas like nutrition, literacy and education,” said Courtney Ross, Amazon’s Nashville Senior Manager of External Affairs. “Amazon is proud to partner with GELF, Scholastic and Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee to help address some of these pressing needs.” The Monterey Food Bank is thrilled and honored to be chosen as one of the five local agencies in Middle Tennessee to receive the books. Monterey Food Bank volunteers believe that reading is essential not only to children’s success in school, but also for becoming lifelong learners. Once the volunteers at

• See BOOKS • Continued on 7A

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Our Town

Standing Stone Scribe

January 2021

Sandwich Board Meetings may be suspended, canceled or postponed due to COVID-19. Check before you meet.

Monterey FBC offers ESL classes

For those who would like to learn English as a Second Language (ESL), free classes are offered at Monterey First Baptist Church, 106 N. Chestnut Ave., on Thursdays from 6-8 p.m. Call 8392971 for more information.

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.

Monterey Senior Center-CLOSED

Check out the Monterey Senior Center this month! • Exercise– Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 9 a.m. • Bridge– Monday and Thursday at 1 p.m. • Wednesday Socials: 10:30 a.m. • Thursday Extras: 10 a.m. • Friday Art: 10 a.m. 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 839-8053. 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.

Monterey VFW meet first Thursdays

VFW Post 6277 meetings are the first Thursday of every month starting at 6 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 Branch Library

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. 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.

Scribe Editorial Policy

Standing Stone Scribe is a monthly broadsheet publication covering news features regarding people, churches, schools, clubs, organizations, history, and events 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. Advertisements: Get the word out about your business, service or organization, increase traffic, expand your customer base, and communicate directly with the community you serve. Ad rates are $4.50 per column inch and with a monthly publication your advertisements have a longer shelf life. For information email editorstandingstonescribe@gmail.com or cal 931-265-9489.

Farmers Market still open for yard sales

Hike & Bike Meadow Creek Park

Monterey Lions Club hosts Saturday Turkey Shoots

Celebrate National Pie Day on Jan. 23

Though it’s the winter months and the farmers have packed in their crops for the long sleep, Monterey Farmers Market is still 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.

Come join the Monterey Lions Club for a good time and win nice cuts of meat and cash prizes. The turkey shoots take place on Hwy. 70 past the Bee Rock entrance at 10 a.m. For more information, call 267-2647 or 839-2350. Remaining Turkey Shoot dates are: Jan. 16 and Jan. 30.

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.

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.

Join Monterey Disaster Response Team

The Monterey Lions Club Disaster Relief is a non-profit 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 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 Municiple 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 direction 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 signin sheet for those who wish to speak and give time for them to bring up important issues for discussion.

Garden Club meets second Tuesdays

Join the Monterey Garden Club. All are welcome! Please join us! The Monterey Garden Club meets at the Monterey Methodist Church Fellowship Hall every second Tuesday of the month at 10:30 a.m. The Garden Club welcomes new members and visitors to come listen to guest speakers and demonstrators, get tips and develop a successful green thumb. For more information, contact Monterey Garden Club President Deborah Wolfe by calling 839-6756 or emailing dcwolfe52@ yahoo.com.

SSHS/Monterey Hometown Project meets

The Standing Stone Historical Society/Monterey Hometown Project meets at 6 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of the month at the Monterey Depot Museum. Standing Stone Day is a local holiday that is observed annually on the second Saturday in October. Monterey Hometown Project meets diretly 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. All are welcome!

UCDD offers caregiver support 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 toll free at 1-877-275-8233. A support group meeting will be held for relatives that are caring for relative children during the month of January 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 931-432-4111.

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.

It’s not bye-bye Miss American Pie, at least for those who celebrate this unique holiday. National Pie Day is on Jan. 23 every year, and the whipped cream on top is that this year, National Pie Day is on a Saturday. So break out your grandmother’s tried and tested recipes and make some family memories celebrating National Pie Day this year. The American Pie Council has wonderful tips on pie making, history of pie and more information at www.piecouncil.org. Take a slice out of life and have a happy National Pie Day!

The Cottage to reopen

The Cottage thrift store at the Monterey United Methodist Church reopened in July. They offer new inventory and new pricing and have so missed their friends and patrons. 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 COVID19 cases, The Cottage will remain closed.

Titus House wants to help

Need clothes? We can help! Titus House, 306 W. Crawford Avenue in Monterey, provides free clothing to anyone in need. Titus Hous is open the second Saturday of each month from 9 a.m. to noon except for September and October when it is 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.

SCV active in community

The Champ Ferguson- Standing 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!

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Monterey teachers acknowledged

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January 2021

Fund started for 2020 Tornado Memorial Park

In partnership with TennGreen, Putnam County and Cookeville City are now accepting donations toward a community memorial park in remembrance of Putnam County tornado victims and survivors. The park will be located near Hensley Dr. and North McBroom Chapel Rd., one of the worst hit areas. The goal is to purchase the land and dedicate the park

on March 3, the one year anniversary of the devastating tornado.

If you would like to donate, visit the website www.putnamcountytn.

gov and click on the donation banner. Each donation is tax deductible and 100% of the funds will go towards the creation of the memorial park. The project is a joint effort between Putnam County, Cookeville City and TennGreen. The park will be maintained in the future by our Putnam County Parks and Recreation Department.

State secretary launches ‘Protect Your Address. Protect Yourself.’ campaign

Photo submitted

A credit to their profession, Monterey High School would like to congratulate Mrs. Marcy Milligan for her nomination as Rotary Teacher of the Year and Mrs. Kelly Nixon as Monterey High School’s Teacher of the Year. Congratulations to both of these deserving educators.

In time for National Stalking Awareness Month and National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, which are recognized each January, the Secretary of State’s office launched the Protect Your Address. Protect Yourself. campaign promoting their Safe at Home address confidentiality program. “Protecting your address is a critical step for individuals or families to take to help protect themselves from becoming victims again,” said Secretary of State Tre Hargett. “This free program is available for Tennesseans of any age or gender who’ve been a victim of stalking, human trafficking, domestic abuse or any sexual offense.” Safe at Home, which launched March 1, 2019, prevents abusers from locating their victims through

public records by providing approved applicants a substitute address that may be used for legal purposes, including voter registration and government services such as a driver’s license and access to assistance programs. Under current Tennessee law, most state and local government records are

available for public review. These public records, which include identifying information, make it easy for abusers to track and find their victims. Participants must complete an application with one of our partner agencies. Safe at Home has partner agencies serving every county in Tennessee. Prospective

applicants can find a list of all our partnering agencies with Certified Application Assistants to guide participants through enrollment at SafeAtHomeTN.com. Find more information about the Safe at Home program, participant eligibility or becoming a partner agency, visit SafeAtHomeTN. com or call 615-253-3043.

State Fire Marshal urges Tennesseans to focus on fire safety While winter brings traditional holiday festivities such as Christmas and New Year’s Eve, the season’s cold weather also poses enhanced firerelated risks to Tennessee homeowners. During winter, fire deaths increase by almost 75% across the Volunteer State, according to state fire data. Heating equipment is the leading cause of home fire deaths nationally and the second leading known cause in Tennessee. The Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance (TDCI) and the Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) remind Tennesseans to focus on fire safety in order to help reduce home fires and save lives this winter. “Homeowners can stay warm and safe by remembering a few simple fire safety steps ahead of winter’s arrival,” said TDCI Commissioner and State Fire Marshal Carter Lawrence. “By focusing on fire safety, Tennesseans can reduce the risk to themselves and firefighters, emergency respond-

ers and hospital personnel who are on the front line in our fight against the spread of COVID-19.” A homeowner’s first line of defense against home fires in any season is a working smoke alarm. To help protect Tennesseans and save lives, the SFMO’s “Get Alarmed, Tennessee!” smoke alarm program continues to be a critical resource in helping Tennesseans reduce risk to home fires. Alarms installed through the “Get Alarmed” program now have 314 verified saves since the program began in 2012 and 27 verified saves in 2020. Over 21,000 working smoke alarms were distributed through this program to the SFMO’s fire service partners in 2020. “As a former firefighter, I know the difference that a working smoke alarm can make when it comes to a home fire,” said TDCI Assistant Commissioner for Fire Gary Farley. “The success of the ‘Get Alarmed’ program is due, in part, to local fire service partners. I want to thank

them for their dedication to their communities and to helping save lives.” To help raise awareness of fire safety, the SFMO launched a public service campaign with country music artist Tracy Lawrence who starred in a series of public service announcements (PSA) including a heating safety PSA. Ahead of winter, Tennesseans can reduce their risk of home fires this winter by following these consumer tips: • Keep flammable items like blankets or furniture at least three feet away from space heaters and wood stoves. • Never place your Christmas tree near heating equipment, fireplaces, candles or other sources of heat. Always keep your Christmas tree watered to prevent it from drying out. • Practice a home fire escape plan with your family. Everyone should know two ways out of each room. • Never smoke in a home where medical oxygen

is present. The increased presence of oxygen in the air makes fire burn hotter and faster. • Always turn portable heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed. • Never use your oven to heat your home. • Have heating equipment and chimneys inspected every year. • Burn only dry, seasoned wood in fireplaces and wood stoves. Never burn garbage or use flammable liquids to start a fire. • Make sure any fireplace has a sturdy screen to stop

sparks from flying out. • Install wood burning stoves following manufacturer’s instructions or have a professional do the installation. All fuelburning equipment should be vented to the outside to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. • If you smell gas coming from your gas heater, do not light the appliance. Leave the home immediately and call your local fire department or gas company.

• • •

About the Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance Fostering fair marketplaces, public safety, and consumer education that promote the success of individuals and businesses while serving as innovative leaders. Our divisions include the State Fire Marshal’s Office, Insurance, Securities, Regulatory Boards, Tennessee Law Enforcement Training Academy, Tennessee Emergency Communications Board and TennCare Oversight.

Do you want a bank with that small town feeling?

Member FDIC

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931-646-5501 firstvolunteer.com

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Grapevine

Dave Says Push the pause button

Dear Dave, I’ve been following your plan, but recently I experienced a medical emergency. I’m about halfway through Baby Step 2 and paying off my debts using the debt snowball system. Considering the circumstances, should I stop doing the debt snowballfor now? Brooke Dear Brooke, That’s exactly what you should do. But make sure you’re only pressing the pause button on paying off debt.I’m talking about temporarily stopping the debt snowball, and making only minimum payments on all non-mortgage debt for now. Cashis your umbrella when it rains, and you never know just long the rain will last. Even if you have great health insurance, youmight end up paying a chunk out of pocket. That’s why it’s important to save up and have plentyon hand. Things like this are often just a bump in the road, so don’t get discouraged. They can be expensive, and they’re part of life, but taking care of these kinds of issues doesn’t have to mean giving up on gettingcontrol of your finances. Emergency issues, especially a medical emergency, come first. Then, go back when things are better and pick up where you left off knocking out debt using the debt snowball system. You can do this, Brooke. God bless you! —Dave

You’re just not ready

Dear Dave, My husband and I just bought a small business with cash. My sister let

Dave Ramsey us live with her while we saved up the money for it, but things are starting to get a little cramped for everyone. The other day, my sister offered to co-sign on a house for us. Do you think this is a good idea? Cari Dear Cari, Ok, so you just bought a business. I love your entrepreneurial spiritand the fact you saved up and paid for it with cash. But at this point,you don’t know if the business is going to be successful or not. On top of that, you told me you’d need a co-signer for a home. If you need a co-signer for anything, it means you’re not financially ready for that purchase. I know you don’t want to hear this, but you guys need to just forget about buying a house for a while.If I were in your shoes, I’d find a decent, inexpensive place to rent, and spend two or three years getting the business up and running. Pay off any debt you have, while saving as much money as you can in the process. I want you and your husband to have a nice house someday. But rightnow, it would be a burden instead of a blessing. Dave Says

Only you can make it happen

Dear Dave, I’ve got so many things I

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want to address and change about my life, both personally and professionally, in the coming year. Do you have any advice or practices for helping people be successful and achieve their goals? Tim Dear Tim, Goals are dreams, but you can’t stop with just dreaming. Examining your goals inside and out, and by thoughtfully constructing small, achievable steps toward them is the key to creating change in your life. Remember, too, that it’s your responsibility— not someone else’s—to fix things in your life. If you’re waiting for someone or something else to make things better, you’re going to be disappointed. When it comes to setting and achieving goals, be specific about what you want to achieve. Vague, unspecified ideas will only cause you to feel overwhelmed, and this will likely lead to you giving up. Also, make your goals measurable. If you want to lose weight, don’t simply write down “lose weight” as a goal. How much weight do you want to lose? How many pounds would you have to lose per week in order to see the desired result in a specified amount of time? This one may sound silly, but are the goals you have in mind your goals? If a spouse or friend sets goals for you, you’re probably not going to succeed. Creating a goal, and taking ownership of it, will give you more incentive to meet your goal. Setting a time frame will help you develop more realistic goals, too. And last, always put your goals in writing. Write them down, and review them often. This will provide you with added motivation to make your goals a reality.

• See SAVE • Continued on 7A

An inkling... On Yule and yore: Kindling fires for Winter Solstice If the world seems cold to you, kindle fires to warm it. ~Lucy Larcom It’s been a horribly cold year. Cold, perhaps, not in the traditional sense of mercury rising or falling with the temperature necessarily, but cold as in callous and unsympathetic and arduous. We need to keep lighting our fires. On Monday, Dec. 21, Winter Solstice this year came with a celestial event 800 years in the making. While Jupiter, its four moons and Saturn converge about every 20 years or so, the last recorded visible alignment of these planets, known as the “Great Conjunction,” was recorded 1226 A.D. The most recent convergence of Jupiter and Saturn was recorded in 1623, but because it occurred during the day and its close proximity to the sun, it was nearly impossible to view. At least for us viewing in the Northern Hemisphere, the coincidences collided for us as the planets did. I am a believer. I believe in the mystical. I believe in the metaphysical. I believe in the convergence of energies. I believe in spiritual cleansing. I believe that there are signs, longings, intuition and premonitions. I believe in being directly related to the Earth; that it affects me and I affect it. I believe in reaping what I sow. I believe in the putting

Rebekah Beeler Scribe publisher

forth of my efforts to be returned to me tenfold. I am an Appalachian daughter and lifelong native of the Cumberland Plateau. I have the Celts and Cherokee behind me... always felt peculiar; always had a sensitivity to things of this nature. As far as I’m concerned, ”gut feelings” are words of knowledge and “cold chills” are breaths of caution to take heed. They are not to be dismissed. I teach those that are mine to pay close attention to those things. It is the body’s reaction and sensitivity beyond our sphere. If someone is in the back of my thoughts for two or three days, it’s best I check on them. I could feel the energy of the world humming as this rare celestial event hung in southwest sunset sky shining its light on the longest, darkest day of the year. I believe there is some substance to that. Some might describe that the Great Conjunction on the Winter Solstice as a happenstance, a coincidence or even an irony. I believe that it was purposeful. I believe it was a necessary rebalancing of the connections we have to our universe. I believe there was a reason for it. I’ve seen celestial events create windows in the veils of the dimensions. As Einstein said, the more he studied the world the more he

January 2021

believed in a higher power. I concur. Our spirits sense the things our human eyes and minds cannot see or comprehend. Those sensitive to it know without a doubt it’s there. Since before ancient times, Winter Solstice has been observed and celebrated by cultures around the world. Winter Solstice is the shortest day and the longest night of the year. After the solstice, the days begin to get longer. Many cultures observed Winter Solstice to bless and welcome back the light for the promise of the new growing season. Some cultures marked Winter Solstice as the return of the light or the rebirth of the sun. Many rituals and customs involved kindling fire and candlelight to signify the returning of the light. The Aniyunwiya (Cherokee) held Winter Solstice as the suhnoyi kanehelusgi, or the long night of storytelling in which they held a feast and a ceremony followed by the recitation of the history of their people and clans. The Celtic tribes would signify the Winter Solstice with fires, putting out old ones and starting new ones. The Celts and Cherokee also brought a tree inside to decorate and ceremoniously burn, like the Yule log tradition of the northern European countries. The Celts took the four bottom branches of their spruce trees and cut them to sweep out the old year in all four directions and then burned to take the old year up in smoke. According to their folklore, Winter Solstice was a battle for the light in which the Oak King (light) and the Holly King (dark)

• See SOLSTICE• Continued on 5A

The real secret to reaching your financial goals in 2021 January is here, and we all have high hopes for this year—especially after 2020. But here’s the thing about a new year: It’s still the same you. When midnight came on New Year’s Eve, there was no magic wand that transformed you and took all your problems away. The only way anything is going to change for you this year is if you do it yourself! The past couple years I’ve been researching what causes people to reach their financial goals. One of the things I discovered is that we all have the capacity to improve. We just

Rachel Cruz need a little self-awareness to make it happen. There are seven strengths and weaknesses everyone has when it comes to their money. I call them the 7 Money Tendencies. Knowing your personal

tendencies will help you reach your goals faster because you know what to expect. You can see a potential pitfall from a mile away. None of the tendencies are right or wrong, but they do have implications. I’ve identified these tendencies in my new book, Know Yourself, Know Your Money. They are: 1. Spender or Saver 2. Nerd or Free Spirit 3. Experiences or Things 4. Quality or Quantity 5. Safety or Status 6. Abundance or Scarcity 7. Spontaneous Giver or Planned Giver

You’ll lean toward one or the other of each tendency, but don’t overthink it. It’s a spectrum, so you might be somewhere in between. For example, let’s look at nerds vs. free spirits. Nerds love spreadsheets and budgeting because it makes them feel empowered— but rigidity and rules all the time might lead to burnout. Free spirits spend their money more freely, living life to the fullest. But if they aren’t intentional with their money, they’ll look up in a few years and wonder where it went. Or, take safety vs. status.

If you tend toward safety, you value the security money brings, but you’ll never reach your big goals if you make money decisions based in fear. If you lean toward status, you’re more likely to justify a large purchase if it makes you feel successful—but you need to remember that money doesn’t define you. The more you pay attention to why you spend (or don’t spend) money the way you do, the more you can course-correct when you need to. Having self-awareness around your money tendencies will help you to win with

money faster. • • • Rachel Cruze is a twotime #1 national best-selling author, financial expert and host of The Rachel Cruze Show. She has appeared on Good Morning America, TODAY Show and Live! With Kelly & Ryan, among others. Since 2010, Rachel has served at Ramsey Solutions, where she teaches people to avoid debt, save money, budget and how to win with money at any stage in life. Follow Rachel on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube or online at rachelcruze.com.

put into your time together, the more you’ll grow. Also, show up on time, and wrap up when you need to. One of my favorite examples of a mentor/ mentee relationship comes from Oprah Winfrey’s life. As a young news anchor, Oprah approached Maya Angelou, and asked for just five minutes of the great poet’s time. When they met, Oprah honored her original request and wrapped up the conversation after five minutes. Oprah’s integrity made a huge impression on Angelou, and sparked a lifelong friendship. Your mentor has conquered mountains. Accept that they can teach you, and approach them with a posture of humility, integrity, and respect. In every area of life, meeting the right people and develop-

ing genuine relationships is the key to changing the trajectory of your future. If you want to make your dreams a reality, you need to learn from people who are already living the dream! • • • Ken Coleman is the nationally syndicated radio host of The Ken Coleman Show and #1 national best-selling author. He has been featured in Forbes, appeared on Fox News, Fox Business Network, and the Rachel Ray Show. Since 2014, he has served at Ramsey Solutions, where he offers expert advice to help thousands of people every day discover what they were meant to do and how to land their dream job. Follow Ken on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook , and YouTube or at kencoleman.com.

Career coaching with Ken Coleman

Never stop learning and growing Each one of us needs someone we can look up to, learn from, and lean on for support. You’re never too successful, or too old, to benefit from a mentor. In fact, the moment you stop learning from others is the moment you stop growing. You might be thinking, Okay, Ken, I’m all in. But how do I find a mentor? I’m glad you asked! Here are a few things to consider, along with steps to finding a mentor: Are you ready to be mentored?

Ken Coleman Before you ask someone to commit to mentoring you, you need to make sure you’re ready to be mentored. The most important sign you’re ready for a mentor is if you’re teachable. Listening to podcasts, reading constantly and learning from your friends and peers are all indicators that you’re ready for a mentor. If you’re not hungry for growth, then a mentor relationship is a complete waste of time.

Find the right person As you start your search, look for someone who has disciplined daily habits and is committed to excellence. There are three specific qualities you should look for in a mentor. Mentors are accomplished. Look for someone who’s climbed a mountain that you want to climb— someone who’s willing to share tactical advice on how to navigate your own path. Mentors are also understanding. A good mentor will be empathetic and kind, because they’ve been down the same road you’re on. They know what it’s like to fail, get back up, and keep going. Finally, mentors are caring. A true mentor is both kind and honest—someone who treats you with compassion, but is willing

to share the hard truths you need to hear. Just ask! For most of us, asking someone to be your mentor is an opportunity to conquer fear and take a risk. You can’t predict how they’ll respond. But honestly, what’s the worst that could happen? There’s no proven way to ask someone to mentor you. You just need to be honest, kind, and respectful. You might feel nervous they’ll say no. That’s a possibility. You might need to have a few conversations before you find the right person. Be a good mentee A mentor/mentee relationship is a two-way street. Your mentor isn’t going to step into your life with a magic wand, and make your wishes come true. The more effort you

Our Town

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Standing Stone Scribe

5A

January 2021

Hunter education course now offered free online The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is offering a free online option to complete Tennessee Hunter Education. The National Rifle Association (NRA) course can be completed online with no in-person portion required. The NRA online course found on the TWRA Hunt-

er Education web page at https://www.tn.gov/twra/ hunting/hunter-education. html allows Tennessee students (ages 9 and up), who satisfactorily complete this online course to become certified Tennessee Hunter Education graduates. This option allows students to forego the previously re-

quired 4-hour field day. Students would have immediate proof of course completion and be ready to head to the woods. “With so many people able to enjoy the great outdoors during this pandemic we are excited to offer this new, free online option,” said Jason Maxe-

TWRA winter trout stocking resumes The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency’s 2020-‘21 winter trout stocking program resumes at selected locations as the New Year begins and will continue through the middle portion of March. The program provides numerous close-to-home trout fishing opportunities for anglers during the winter months. These

• SOLSTICE • Continued from 4A would fight for the light. Each year, the Oak King would arise victorious on the Winter Solstice, defeating the darkness of the Holly King and daylight would slowly return to them. The Celts would hold a ritual for Winter Solstice, or Alban Arthan meaning “Light of Winter” in Welsh, in which the priests would cut mistletoe from the sacred oak and blessed it as a symbol of continued life in the midst of the dark winter months. The Scandinavian and Germanic tribes of northern Europe would observe a 12-day winter solstice holiday called Yule, in which they would bring a tree in and set it in the fireplace to burn through the New Year called a Yule log. I wanted to observe the Winter Solstice this year with my children. We followed the sunset as I took my three kids to our farm property to set our sights to the southwest. I had told the kids about Winter Solstice, how other cultures observed it and how we would partake of several customs as a nod to the forefathers of Yule and yore. I will tell you now, there were so many things happening in the cosmos around us they could not be ignored. While the planets were high in the sky, we could see them with our naked eyes. Jupiter was slightly separated from Saturn and we could see them both but they were so close. From our vantage point, Jupiter looked like the sliver of a crescent moon concave

fisheries also provide a great opportunity to introduce children or first-time anglers to fishing. The trout will average about 10 inches in length. The daily creel limit is seven, but there is no size limit. Anglers are reminded that a trout license is needed in addition to the fishing license. Please note that the dates

and locations are subject to change. Updates can be found on TWRA’s website at www.tnwildlife.org in the fishing section and the 2020-21 Winter Trout Stocking icon. For areas not listed in this program, see the 2020-21 stocking schedule and tailwater schedule on the website.

from the left and open to receive the red star to the upper right that was Saturn. I could feel it. It was moving. I set up to build the fire in the fire ring as I have done a hundred times. The odd thing was while the star was high in the sky, even with the chilled December air the fire would not take despite the kindling and seasoned logs. It’s like it could not breathe, like there was not enough air for it to take in. I would get it going for a bit, resuscitating it by breathing for it, and then it would snuff itself out again. At the same time I was struggling to light the fire, not even 10 feet away my daughter was fighting the breeze that was hanging over the table and blowing out the lit tapers in the candelabra. Something didn’t want us to succeed in kindling our flames either with not enough air or too much. Still, we kept trying our best. Then I happened to look up and saw an ambitious shooting star streak across the dusky sky to the north making a beeline for the Ursa Minor, the Little Dipper. It was like there was just something; surrounding us, among us. It wanted us to notice. We noticed. I washed the kids and myself over with the smoke of burning sage, like my ancestors would have done. We watched the star sink closer and closer to the horizon alternately with our attempted flame keeping. As soon as the great star sunk beyond the line between

the short day and long night and we could no longer see it, I immediately noticed that the breeze picked up and a breath swept across the field. I attempted the fire again and got it going just enough. The four of us wrote down our wishes for 2021. The girls placed their wishes in the fire, then my son and me. The fire waited until all four were in place and then drank in the pieces of paper, flaring up for a few seconds as it consumed them. We watched in amazement that as soon as the wishes disappeared, the fire extinguished itself. It was like the earth swallowed the fire up along with the wishes, accepting our requests. The kids and I left the fire to its smoldering and gathered around the table with the candles flicking against the cold air. We toasted to the coming New Year with spiced tea and shared a portion of a sweet loaf bread. Unintentionally, but all the same significant, the loaf went around our table three exact times. We concluded our observance with the kids each bringing a cleansing herb for the fire; a bay leaf, cinnamon stick and handful of salt. They set them into the smoke of the smoldering ashes and the bitterly cold air swirled around us, a manifestation of the entire year, so cold and callous, and our attempt to keep kindled the fires of our kindness stoked with contentment and fortitude. On this longest night of the year, we observed that we will endeavor to pierce the cold world with our fires.

don, TWRA Deputy Director. “The new course is a quality online learning experience and educational opportunity for anyone wanting to learn about safe and ethical hunting.” The free NRA Online Hunter Education course

is designed to help new hunters of all ages learn how to be safe and responsible members of the hunting community. The NRA state-of-the-art course provides comprehensive online hunter education instruction. Tennessee is

the ninth state to offer the NRA course. Students ages 9 and over, who already are enrolled in a Hunter Education course, can switch over to this option to complete the course.

Church Directory Bible Holiness Church 144 Dripping Springs Rd. 839-6268 Columbia Hill Baptist 1226 Columbia Hill Rd. 445-3066 Church of God in Christ 2704 Muddy Pond Rd. 445-7782 Familia Dios 119 W. Commercial Ave. 839-7011 First Baptist Church of Monterey 106 N. Chestnut St. 839-2971 Full Gospel Assembly 9396 Monterey Hwy. 839-6411 Hanging Limb Baptist 1421 Hanging Limb Hwy. 445-3283 Hope in Christ Fellowship 315 E. Peter Ave. 833-315-4673 Mill Creek Baptist 5221 Mill Creek School Rd. 520-7801 Mineral Springs First Baptist Church 4038 Hanging Limb Hwy.839-3538 Monterey Apostolic Church

1109 Buckner Rd. 839-8416 Monterey Church of Christ 308 W. Crawford Ave. 839-2660

Pilgrim Christian Fellowship 3068 Muddy Pond Rd. 445-7160

Monterey Community Church 301 E. Commercial Ave. 839-2119

Primera Iglesia Evangel Jesus Baptist Church 200 S Chestnut St. 839-3399

Monterey First Assembly of God 1050 N. Chestnut St. 839-8103

Sand Springs Baptist 9388 Sand Springs Church Rd. 839-3131

Monterey Freewill Baptist 311 S. Elm St. 839-3433 Monterey First Church of the Nazarene 110 N. Poplar St. 839-2609 Monterey Wesleyan Church 300 E. New Ave. 584-0133 Monterey United Methodist Church 124 N. Holly St. 839-2597 Monterey Wesleyan Church Pastor Ted Stepp 9315840133 330 E New Ave

445-2140

Second Freewill Baptist Church of Monterey 855 E. Commercial Ave. 839-3752 Shady Grove Freewill Baptist 2175 Stamps-Shady Grove Rd. Standing Stone Baptist Church 914 N. Chestnut St. 267-5072 Standing Stone Church of Christ 385 N. Elmore St. Victory Christian Center 125 S. Oak St. 839-6068

Monterey Worship Center 120 E. Commercial Ave. 839-2702

Vine Ridge Baptist 602 Vine Ridge Rd. 445-3414

Muddy Pond Independent Baptist Church 3449 Muddy Pond Rd.

Woodcliff Baptist Church 13100 Woodcliff Rd. 839-8465

6A

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Mountain Times

Standing Stone Scribe

January 2021

Kid-Friendly Recipes for At-Home Learning

D

FAMILY FEATURES

uring a school year that’s sure to be a new experience for students and parents alike, many of the everyday necessities, like eating breakfast and lunch, remain. However, this year, many little learners will be enjoying their lunches from the comfort and safety of home rather than at school, meaning moms and dads are back in charge of keeping the kitchen running throughout the day. According to a survey conducted by OnePoll in conjunction with Sabra, 74% of caregivers expect this school year to be more chaotic than ever and 64% of moms and dads complain they are dreading becoming the “lunch ladyâ€? at home. You can improve those school day blues with quick, kid-friendly recipes that refuel children for their educational explorations. By providing a steady stream of balanced meals and snacks made with wholesome ingredients, you can feel good about boosting your athome students’ learning capabilities even during these tricky times. In the morning, try starting with this Chocolate Banana Cinnamon Toast recipe from Tabitha Brown, the actress and vegan foodie known as “America's Mom.â€? Sliced banana powers this breakfast with the rich, decadent taste of Sabra Dark Chocolate Dessert Dip & Spread to thrill chocolate lovers for a combination RI Ă€DYRUV NLGV ORYH For a lunchtime solution with easy prep and quick cleanup, a Hummus Flatbread Pizza takes just 10-15 minutes to make. 0DGH ZLWK HDV\ WR ÂżQG LQJUHGLHQWV \RX FDQ NHHS RQ KDQG OLNH pizza sauce and hummus, simply top with sweet favorites like pineapple for a fun boost for long days of learning. 7R ÂżQG PRUH DW KRPH UHFLSH LQVSLUDWLRQ YLVLW VDEUD FRP

Hummus Flatbread Pizza

Chocolate Banana Cinnamon Toast

Recipe courtesy of Tabitha Brown Prep time: 10-15 minutes Yield: 2 pieces toast 2 slices cinnamon raisin bread 3 tablespoons Sabra Dark Chocolate Dessert Dip & Spread 6 banana slices, plus additional for serving (optional) 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon powder 1 tablespoon maple syrup fresh strawberries (optional) powdered sugar Toast bread to desired doneness. 8VLQJ VSRRQ VZLUO WR VSUHDG WDEOH spoons chocolate spread on each slice of toast. Add banana slices to one slice of toast and sprinkle with cinnamon. Top with second slice of toast. Slice in half diagonally. Add to plate with extra sliced banana and fresh strawberries, if desired. Drizzle toast with maple syrup and sprinkle with powdered sugar.

Hummus Flatbread Pizza

Recipe courtesy of Tabitha Brown Prep time: 10-15 minutes <LHOG ÀDWEUHDG 4 teaspoons pizza sauce UHFWDQJXODU ÀDWEUHDG 3 tablespoons Sabra Classic Hummus 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, divided 1/3 cup pineapple tidbits or fresh pineapple pieces strawberries chopped romaine lettuce English cucumber slices Preheat oven to 500 F. %UXVK SL]]D VDXFH WR HGJHV RI ÀDWEUHDG 6ZLUO WR VSUHDG KXPPXV WR HGJHV RI ÀDWEUHDG 6SULQNOH WHDVSRRQ JDUOLF SRZGHU RYHU ÀDWEUHDG ,I XVLQJ FDQQHG SLQHDSSOH WLGELWV GUDLQ DQG SDW GU\ ZLWK SDSHU WRZHO $GG SLQHDSSOH WLGELWV WR ÀDWEUHDG and sprinkle with remaining garlic powder. %DNH PLQXWHV RU XQWLO ÀDWEUHDG LV OLJKW JROGHQ EURZQ &RRO DQG FXW ÀDWEUHDG 6HUYH ZLWK VWUDZEHUULHV DQG PL[ FKRSSHG romaine lettuce and English cucumber slices for simple salad.

Chocolate Banana Cinnamon Toast

• LIGHT • Continued from 1A year and the initiative had caught flame. Robin created a Facebook page for the ministry for it to have its own presence on social media. As more and more people heard about it, the more people began to message Robin about taking the ministry across Smith Co. With so much interest, the ministry had outgrown its “aCross Sykesâ€? namesake and became “aCross Smith County,â€? with over 1,200 registered lighted crosses, and even more in several other Tennessee counties and nine other states. “I had people say, ‘Make it go across America. Make it go across Tennessee. Our world needs this.’ I told my husband, ‘If God wants us to do something more with it, He’ll provide a way.’

And I got a phone call out of the blue to be a guest speaker at Christian Day on Capital Hill.� In early 2020, Robin spoke at the Christian Day on Capital Hill about the ministry, along with other dignitaries and guest speakers, such as Dr. Ming Wang. “I thought this is our opportunity, because all the state dignitaries were there, to announce ‘aCross Tennessee.’ And we did,� she said. This year, they were thrilled to have expanded to become “aCross Tennessee,� as more and more Tennessee counties joined in the ministry with a mission to “let your shine for all to see the love of Christ this Christmas season.� Farm Bureau Home & Land, Wilson Living Magazine and Tennessee Baptist Association and several

newspapers have reached out about the ministry. “We’re so thankful,� she said. “We do not have a budget. Everything that is done is done by us or a newspaper helping spread the word. So, we’ve been very blessed with people that’s supported this ministry.� She has developed a website where people who’d like to participate can register their lighted crosses. “The hardest thing is probably half the crosses are not registered,� she said. “That’s where it’s hard to get a true number. Like, last year we had 1,200 registered but there were way more than 1,200. In Smith Co., I will tell you to give you an idea of how many crosses there were, that’s one cross in every 6.3 homes. You’re talking about the most beautiful landscape you have ever

seen to drive and you can’t look to a hill, you can’t look to a valley, a barn, you cannot look and not see a cross.� She added that the sight is more moving than she would have imagined. “I find myself sometimes driving down the road and just crying and praising him,� she said. “And I think, ‘If these crosses just allow the praises that I know they create in me, I can’t imagine. To me, it’s so worth even if it just reminds us to stop and praise Him.� She keeps a running total of the crosses that are registered on the Facebook page with a coverage map. Robin suspects there’s more crosses than are registered this year as there have been in the past. She said some participants may not realize they need to register their crosses every

year. Of those registered, she is certain most of them are the new crosses. “It’s not about how many,� she said. “My goal is to spread the love of Christ and for Christians to unite. To me there’s been so much joy in seeing Christians uniting across the state. I think it gives us hope. It shows us the greatest love story ever told.� Touching stories have reached Robin that have centered around the aCross Tennessee Ministry. Some participants have kept their lit crosses out through Easter and others even all year long. Some participants have reported people stopping to pray at the crosses. Others have said there are many driving in to see the crosses from all over the state. One story told to Robin was a little 8-yearold girl who’d been saved the year before. When she

and her family were driving along to look at the crosses, she told her family that God spoke to her and told her she needed to be baptized and the crosses helped her listen. “To me, this is what this ministry is all about,� she said. She hopes, eventually, that this ministry will become the standard at Christmas standard and be a regular part of the season. She said, “Our world needs hope right now and we need uniting. That cross unites. I think the cross is something we can all gather around.� For more information about aCross Tennessee or to register a cross, visit the Facebook page at www. facebook.com/acrosstennessee and the website at www.aCrossTenn.com.

Entertainment

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It’s January, the start of a brand new year. Hopefully, this year will bring a sense of renewed hope and the semblance of normalcy that was missing in 2020. As the saying goes, “Out with the old, in with the new.” In keeping with that spirit I wanted to try something new with my first column of 2021. If you’re a loyal reader, you know I review movies and television with a critical eye, often advising you on what you should spend your downtime watching or avoiding. This month, however, I have decided to review an Animal Planet documentary about elephants in Africa. I think we all could use a bit of an escape from the world around us, so this seems like the perfect way to kick off 2021. With all the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season, I missed Animal Planet’s premiere of the docu-series “Walking with Elephants” when it first aired on Dec. 15. But, fortunately, I was able to watch it on demand this week. For years I have been fascinated by elephants and the efforts to preserve them in the wild. As “Walking with Elephants” details, the ivory trade is about a $20 billion a year industry. This leaves elephants extremely vulnerable to poachers who kill them for their tusks. These smart and sensitive creatures are on the verge of extinction and could be gone in less than 20 years if something isn’t done to save them. “Walking with Elephants” follows Levison Wood, an explorer, author, and elephant conservationist, through Botswana along with local guide Kane Motswana as they walk in the steps of elephants in their yearly migration to the Okavango Delta for food.

• SAVE • Continued from 4A Successful people examine and reassess their lives on a regular basis. When they realize changes need to be made, they start living intentionally, in writing, on paper, and on purpose! —Dave

• CARE • Continued from 1A 484-9511 so the team can coordinate your arrival and minimize potential spread of germs. If you begin to experience symptoms that are life threatening, call 911 immediately.

• BOOKS • Continued from 1A the Food Bank have gone through the thousands of books that were received, they will determine the best way to distribute them to the many children in

• PROJECTS • Continued from 1A towards building Meadow Creek Park trails. Reels updated the board that the Diabetes Trail work, including the work on the sidewalks at Burks Elementary, would be suspended for 90 days for winter weather. Bee Rock installations have also been suspended due to weather. The box culverts for the drainage alleviation projects on Railroad Ave.

In their footsteps

Paula Tudor Columnist

Wood and Motswana travel more than 600 miles, giving audiences a glimpse of what elephants may encounter in their journey. As you can imagine, the footage in this documentary is remarkable. Wood and Motswana have some amazing encounters with African wildlife, including some close calls with elephants and hippos. Aside from the wildlife footage, what I found so fascinating about this documentary were the interviews Wood and Motswana had with the locals whose lives are impacted by elephants. Most elephant documentaries I have watched in the past only illuminate the plight of the elephants, leaving out the human factor. But, as “Walking with Elephants” shows, this issue is complex and will likely require multiple solutions. Many of the locals that Wood and Motswana talked to had been negatively affected by the presence of elephants. Their livelihoods, and in some cases their lives, had been threatened by elephants, making it almost impossible to co-exist with them. Some people told stories of loved ones who had been killed by elephants. And although they acknowledged that elephants are good for tourism, many locals are never able to reap the rewards of that tourism. While most people might view this as an in-

Standing Stone Scribe

7A

January 2021

convenient truth toward helping the elephant population, I think it is important to look at this issue from all sides so a solution can be reached. The real problem, it seems, is the fact that people and wildlife are living closer to each other than ever before. This is the real threat to the elephant population. And until someone finds a feasible way for both people and wildlife to coexist in the same environment, many animals are going to become endangered and extinct all over the planet. This documentary goes along with a book that Wood wrote called The Last Giants: The Rise and Fall of the African Elephant, detailing his experiences following the elephant migration. I haven’t read the book yet, but after reading several articles about Wood’s experiences I plan to. If the book is anything like these articles, there are many more fascinating details about Wood’s journey that the Animal Planet special left out. If you missed “Walking with Elephants,” it is available on demand and online for free at https://www.animalplanet. com/tv-shows/walkingwith-elephants/. • • • 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 paulassoapbox.blogspot.com and at paulatudor.com.

• • • Dave Ramsey is a seven-time #1 national bestselling author, personal finance expert, and host of The Dave Ramsey Show, heard by more than 16 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.

Everyone can do their part. Please be mindful to help reduce the spread of germs through hand washing, social distancing, and wearing a mask as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Blood donations with Medic Regional Blood

Center in Crossville are in critical need to support COVID-19 convalescent plasma transfusion and other ongoing blood bank needs. Call (931) 337-0800 to make an appointment to donate blood locally. Medic is CMC’s sole blood bank provider.

Monterey. It is their hope to distribute them starting yet this month and continuing through January. Books are intended for children from pre-school through 12th grades. Monterey Food Bank is dedicated to serving

the children and families in the community. Please stay tuned for more information about this fantastic opportunity for the ommunity’s kids!

have been ordered and will resume when those are received and the weather allows, upon which the subsequent paving projects will resume. The board also approved to bid out the railroad improvement project at Elm and Poplar Streets. The project will be funded by a 90/10 grant, but Monterey would have to put up the estimated $80,000 up front and would be reimbursed about $70,000. Reels rec-

ommended that the project be scheduled to be budgeted for the next fiscal year. The board has also approved to hire and post a part-time officer position for Monterey Police Department to help with staffing issues due to illness. Monterey has also hired, as so approved at the December meeting, two part-time city employees to assist with sanitation collection and other city maintenance.

STATEPOINT CROSSWORD THEME: FAMOUS DUOS ACROSS 1. *Timothy Q. Mouse’s friend, in Disney classic 6. River in Germany 9. Bridle parts 13. Whatsoever 14. Like tuna tartare 15. Forearm bones 16. Plural of #3 Down 17. Hardware store 18. “Gladiator” setting 19. *Ferb Fletcher’s stepbrother 21. *Mr. White’s unfortunate student 23. Welcome spot for weary traveler 24. It shall, for short 25. Cul de ____ 28. Young herring 30. Dieter’s cuisine, for short 35. Gator’s cousin 37. French “place” 39. Chunk of iceberg 40. St. Louis monument 41. Like new TV set 43. Front of ship 44. Singular of loci 46. Additional 47. Reality TV’s Spelling 48. *Assistant to regional

manager Michael Scott 50. Missing a limb 52. More, in Madrid 53. Like acne-prone skin 55. Pimple fluid 57. *Shirley’s roommate and fellow bottle-capper 61. *Rory Gilmore’s mom 65. Make an effort 66. Legal org. 68. Long stories 69. Scottish valleys 70. Doctor Dolittle, e.g. 71. *One of The Carpenters duo 72. Bone-dry 73. Opposite of WSW 74. Red or orange announcement DOWN 1. Slightly wet 2. *Malone and Stockton of the ____ Jazz 3. Skirt length 4. Shrovetide dish 5. *Mary-Kate and Ashley 6. Geologists’ studies 7. *____ and cheese 8. Moved under the rug 9. “All ____, no bite” 10. Footnote word 11. *Amy Poehler’s comedic partner 12. Welsh alternative to Siobhán

15. Was almost out of gas, e.g. 20. Source of indigo dye, pl. 22. “____ Be Home For Christmas” 24. In the best possible way 25. Coffee burn, e.g. 26. *Bow and ____ 27. Spherical bacteria 29. *Corona’s main squeeze? 31. What willow did 32. Read-only chip 33. Greek bazaar 34. *Clark’s fellow traveler 36. College party chant 38. Celestial bear 42. Dancer’s beat 45. Daisy dukes, e.g. 49. “Wizard of Oz” man 51. Archimedes’ exclamation 54. Furlough 56. Flower part 57. Frog delicacy 58. Wheel shaft 59. Swerve 60. European sea eagle 61. *David and Paul on the “____ Show” 62. Italian currency, pl. 63. Maple genus 64. Negative contraction 67. *Jerry’s fellow treatmaker

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Life on the Mountain

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Standing Stone Scribe

January 2021

Monterey student to USS Monterey serviceman

Photo submitted

The USS Monterey is home away from home to Navy serviceman Zachary Schonborn, who was raised in Monterey and graduated from Monterey High with the class of 2020.

Schonborn continues family legacy

By Cassidy Imes Scribe intern

CSSA Zachary Schonborn was born at the San Diego Naval Base but was raised in Monterey and graduated with the class of 2020. He came from a long line of Navy sailors, so when Schonborn turned 18, he decided to sign up for the Navy. “I just kind of picked up where they left off in a way,” he said. His enlistment made him the fourth generation of his family to join the Navy. He said his biggest influencers were his mother and grandfather, who both worked in the engine rooms. They encouraged him with their fun stories and experiences. “I wanted to join and live that life,” he said. He had planned to go to boot camp after graduation. However, COVID-19 put a damper on things. Graduation was postponed and Zachary was forced to

went on through basic training. While in basic training, Schonborn was given the nickname Bourdain. He was given this nickname because of a book he brought with him by renown chef Anthony Bourdain. Schonborn said, “I was taught to be the best sailor I can be.” Then he was off for culinary training where he earned the Superior Culinary Award. During his time in culinary school, he looked to his idol, Anthony Bourdain, for culinary guidance. He decided to be a culinary specialist because he loves cooking, but he still wanted to carry on the family’s tradition of serving in the Navy. Photo by Rebekah Beeler He considers it a great honNavy serviceman Zachary Schonborn is proud to continue his family or that he can serve in the Navy legacy serving in the U.S. Navy. as his family members before him. make a decision between staying sic training. Ultimately, he chose “There is a lot of pride I get evfor graduation or leaving for ba- to let his heart guide him and he

ery day putting on the uniform,” he said. He hopes to be a good role model for his siblings and he gently encourages them to join the Navy as well. He plans to be a career Navy serviceman. As a 19-year-old, he struggled to leave his family behind. Although he misses them to a great extent, he is eagerly waiting for his first voyage aboard the ship he was assigned, USS Monterey CG61. The ship was commissioned in 1987, the same year his mother, Shannon, aunt and grandparents moved to Monterey. Being assigned to a ship with the same name as his childhood home is a privilege for him. “It feels great,” Schonborn said, “like I never really left Monterey.” Although Schonborn is away, stationed in Virginia, he remembers his roots and is proud to be aboard the USS Monterey- his home away from home.

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