Free Take One
Volume 7 Issue 2
Covering Monterey and Surrounding Communities
FEBRUARY 5, 2021
O, say does that Star Spangled Banner yet wave...
Photos by Rebekah Beeler
In an effort to restore Old Glory to the Monterey Municipal Building, members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6277 proudly raise and salute a brand new flag on Tuesday, Jan. 26. VFW Post 6277 members presenting and dedicating the American flag were Cmdr. JJ Reels, Bill Radel, Jim Wolfgram, Danny Phipps and Jason Yung.
Tennessee begins COVID-19 vaccinations of adults age 70+
Monterey Board meeting postponed
Tennessee receives increased vaccine supply
Due to inclement weather, the February Monterey Board meeting was postponed and rescheduled for Feb. 8. The meeting will take place at its regular time at 7 p.m. Monterey Police Department conducts temperature checks at the door. Among the board’s agenda items: Consulting engineers to provide project updates; Consideration of bids for ARC pavement for water system improvement project; Discussion concerning Industrial Park property; Discussion of computer software update; Discussion regarding the Live Well Medical Clinic building. The beer board will hold a meeting at 7 p.m. prior to the regular session board meeting.
Tennessee will begin administering COVID-19 vaccinations to Tennesseans aged 70 and older this week as the state has begun receiving increased allocations of COVID-19 vaccines. Tennesseans aged 70 and up began registering for COVID-19 vaccinations on Feb. 2. Tennesseans can find information on the phases eligible for
vaccination in their county and, when eligible, register for vaccination through their county health department at https:// covid19.tn.gov/ covid-19-vaccines/ county-vaccine-information/. Due to their independent operations and larger populations, Tennessee’s metropolitan counties may have different instructions, so residents in these areas
should check with local authorities about their plans. TDH estimates there are about 300,000 Tennesseans in the 70-74 year old age group. Tennessee can expand COVID-19 vaccination access to this age group after an increase in the state’s allocation of COVID19 vaccines. Tennessee is expecting about 93,000 doses of these vaccines this week, a 15% increase in the state’s previous weekly vaccine allocations.
Tennessee’s COVID19 Vaccination Plan prioritizes those most at risk of illness and death from COVID19. People aged 70 to 74 have a 70% higher rate of death and a 40% higher rate of hospitalization from COVID-19 as compared to those aged 65 to 69. Tennessee will continue to move through phases of the state’s COVID-19 vaccination plan as vaccine • See VACCINE • Continued on 3A
Snow days
Photo by Pamela Norrod
After the recent snowfall, Byron and Layah Howard, above, build an epic snowman and enjoy the snow day. Photo by Donna Crisp
A beautiful pastoral scene, left, with mountains lording in the background is quieted by a soft layer of snow.
See more photos on 8A.
Paid for by Cameron Sexton for State Representative, Mark Elmore, Treasurer
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Our Town
Standing Stone Scribe
February 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.
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.
Suicide prevention resources available
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255) 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
Farmers Market still open for yard sales
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
UCHRA Commodity Distribution Feb. 18
The Upper Cumberland Human Resource Agency (UCHRA) will hold a commodities distribution for Putnam County on Thursday, Feb. 18, from 9 a.m. until noon at Trinity Assembly of God Church “The Nest.” Sign up will be available at the distribution site. The Upper Cumberland Human Resource Agency 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. About Upper Cumberland Human Resource Agency: The Upper Cumberland Human Resource Agency (UCHRA) was established by the Tennessee General Assembly in 1973 to be the delivery system for human resources in the fourteen counties of the region. The programs operated by UCHRA initially included job training and transportation. During ensuing years, the UCHRA has expanded to supply a wide range of services that use a combination of funds from federal, state, and local organizations.
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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3A
February 2021
Overton 4-H announces public speaking contest results
This year’s speech contest was one to remember! Since the pandemic, just like our members, 4-H has had to grow and change to become accustomed to a virtual world. The community truly understands the importance of learning how to communicate effectively from an early age. A special thanks goes to the Livingston Rotary Club for donating $600 and to Judge Darryl Colson for donating $500! Since this year’s contest went from a whole day affair to a virtual contest, Overton County 4-H dispersed the money donated and gave our youth cash prizes. They would like to thank each school, its educators, and their staff members for helping 4-H make this event possible. Over 90 students from Overton County participated in the contest. 4th Grade Results: 1st Place, Mahala Lantry, WES; 2nd Place, Aubrey Brandy, RES; 3rd Place, Brenna Gore, RES; 4th place, Aubrey Garrett, AES; 5th place, Braxton Burr, RES. 5th Grade Results: 1st Place, Willow Wright, LMS; 2nd Place. Nevaeh Skelton, LMS; 3rd Place, Diamond Randolph, RES; 4th Place, Zoey Flowers, LMS; 5th Place, Kealee Gilbert, LMS. 6th Grade Results: 1st Place, Jackson Clouse, AES; 2nd Place, Elisabeth
Ledbetter, RES; 3rd Place, Aubry McLearran, AES; 4th Place, Abbigale Huckeby, HES; 5th Place, Grady Garett, AES. 7th Grade Results: 1st Place, Tatum Pendergrass, RES; 2nd Place, Karlee Strong, HES; 3rd Place, Calla Pierce, RES; 4th Place, Ava Phillips, RES; 5th Place, Eliana Tudhope, HES. 8th Grade Results: 1st Place, Leah Cross, HES; 2nd Place, Colton Robbins, RES; 3rd Place, Carlie Alberson, HES; 4th Place, Abby Garrett, HES; 5th Place, Allie Reagan, RES. 11th Grade Results: 1st Place, Sarah Waites, LA; 2nd Place, Cora Duke, LA; 3rd Place, Mahalah Boone, LA.
12th Grade Results: 1st Place, Michaela Bianco, LA; 2nd Place, Madison Bowman, Home School. Overton County 4-H is so proud of all the participants. More photos and videos are located on the Overton County 4-H Facebook page, www.facebook. com/oc4htn starting Feb. 12. First and second place participants will be representing Overton County at the sub-regional contest in March. If your child ordered a public speaking contest shirt, they are now available for pick up at the UT Extension Overton office, 312 W. Broad St, STE 6, Livingston, TN 38570. Email nmarrero@utk.edu to schedule a pickup time.
Overton 4-H 12th grade public speaking contest winner
Wilson Elementary 4-H public speaking winners
Rickman Elementary 4-H public speaking winners
Take time to train to save a life February is National Heart Month – American Red Cross CPR and AED Training Offered February is National Heart Month and the perfect time to take training from the American Red Cross. You can learn how to perform CPR, use an automated external defi-
• VACCINE • Continued from 1A supplies increase. TDH expects the state may be able to expand vaccination to Phase 1b groups and those aged 65 and older as soon as March if vaccine supplies continues to increase, as expected. It is important to note Tennessee counties may progress through vaccination phases at different times, depending on supply of
brillator (AED) and help save lives. “Cardiac arrest claims thousands of lives every year, so it’s important to know how to recognize and what do during a cardiac emergency,” said Joel Sullivan, regional executive director for the American Red Cross Tennessee Region. “Red Cross CPR/AED classes take just a few hours and are recommended for everyone including parents, grandparents, teachers and
frontline workers. What you learn can save a life. It is time well spent.” Take a class A variety of courses are available. Provisional certification courses in First Aid/CPR/AED let you go through the online content now and then an in-person skills test within one year. Online-only options are also available if you don’t need certification for a job requirement. If you are taking a course to fulfill a job requirement, check
with your employer so you know exactly which course you need. Download our app Download the free Red Cross First Aid app for instant access to information on handling the most common first aid emergencies, including how to perform CPR and use an AED. Those with Alexa-enabled devices can also activate the Red Cross First Aid skill. Stock up Be prepared for emergen-
cies at home, at work and on the road. First aid kits, emergency preparedness kits and supplies are available through our online store. Engage with us Keep up to date with our American Red Cross Training Services Facebook and LinkedIn accounts.
the COVID-19 vaccines and demand for them. To learn what phase your county is in, visit https:// covid19.tn.gov/ covid-19-vaccines/ vaccine-phases/. TDH reminds all Tennesseans that in addition to vaccination, wearing a face mask, maintaining social distance and getting tested when exposed or sick are critical to controlling the pandemic.
Tennessee’s COVID- improve the health and in Tennessee. Learn vices and programs at 19 Vaccination Plan prosperity of people more about TDH ser- www.tn.gov/health. is available online at www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/health/ Do you want documents/cedep/ novel-coronavirus/ a bank with that COVID-19_Vaccinasmall town feeling? tion_Plan.pdf. Find answers to frequently asked questions about COVID-19 vaccination at https://covid19. Member FDIC tn.gov/data/faqs/. The mission of the Tennessee Depart931-646-5501 2 offices in Putnam County ment of Health is to firstvolunteer.com 2 offices in Fentress County protect, promote and
• • • The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; sup-
plies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross. org or cruzrojaamericana. org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.
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Speaker Sexton’s capitol conversations The 112th Tennessee General Assembly officially convened on Jan. 12. During our first organizational day in the House chamber, my colleagues and I were officially sworn into office. I was also re-elected by our body to continue serving as House Speaker for the next two years. In my address to our members, I challenged them to continue answering the call to serve their citizens, their communities and this state. Our time in office is not infinite, and we should always ask ourselves what
Camerson Sexton
Speaker of the House
we will do with our time in service to Tennessee? As leaders, we must rise above anger, frustration and division this year and continue to come together
An inkling... Combating cabin fever
Whether you’re under the weather or just plain over the weather with COVID19 quarantines, virtual school days and Jack Frost at every turn, it’s the perfect recipe for cabin fever. Local families, parents and caretakers are taking great strides to keep their homebound family members entertained and engaged. Balance of space and time First, one of the keys to combat cabin fever is balance; balancing time together and time apart. In close quarters, this is especially difficult. With everyone at home all the time to make a mess, the dishes pile high and, ironically enough, there’s an amazingly huge pile of laundry to do for a houseful of people who wear the same sweats and hoodie every single day. Close quarters can be stifling; the siblings quarrel, the parents hide and pray and everyone has the potential to get on everyone else’s nerves. It can get quite tense in the house even if everyone is just doing the best they can. Though technically you’re “together” all the time, there can be clearly defined windows of time as together time and alone time. The balance of this is important to combat cabin fever and keep peace amongst occupants. In a family with children, when it is together time it helps that parents commit to being completely engaged and give their full attention to this time. Much the same, commitment to designated alone time needs to be equally respected. But, just because it is alone time it doesn’t mean that you can’t be with, visit or share things with each other. However, the concept does lend itself to a certain amount freedom that can be had within the space of your four walls allowing family members to choose and enjoy their own activities, together or apart. Time together: • Family dinners- Of course, cook together and eat together, but also plan your menus together, grocery shop online together and try new, interesting and weird foods together. • Movie nights- Everyone contribute a favorite movie title and have a drawing. Pop the popcorn and push play. • Game nights- Dust off those board games and have the Monopoly marathon of the century or have a digital game night with a massive MarioKart tournament or Just Dance. Make it competitive. Make it fun. No sore losers allowed.
Rebekah Beeler Scribe publisher
• Bake off- Choose sweet or savory and have a baking competition. Everybody wins. Alone time: • Social hour- With everyone missing their friends and non-immediate family members, it’s ok to take some of your alone time to connect with those outside the home. Take advantage of all the communication technologies available, or go the classic route and make them feel special with handwritten cards to mail out. Everybody loves getting good things in the mail. While you’re at it, you could revive an old favorite pastime and write to a new “pen pal.” • Binging/Gaming- Now is the time you can play your favorite game or chug your favorite Netflix jam. No sharing– unless you want to. • Self-maintenance- Take time out for the things you need or want for yourself. Do for yourself what makes you better, feel like you’re more and invigorates and boosts your esteem and mood. After all, if you feel better about you, you will be better for those around you. Build your muscles. Check. Take a bubble bath. Check. Dye your hair. Check. Shave your legs (after all, No Shave November ended a while back). Check. Paint your nails. Check. Read that book you’ve been trying to get around to. Check. Start a personal health journey. Check. Check. Check. Did somebody say, “Bored?” It is incredible that anyone, anywhere and at any given time can be “bored.” There is so much to do all the time and so much to be constantly entertained by that it is actually quite impossible to be bored. Bored implies there is literally nothing to do or nothing that needs to be done. What it really means, though, is that the “bored” person is actually just uninspired and their motivation to be creative or contribute isn’t mustered. Boredom is a direct byproduct of cabin fever, but it can be easily dissuaded. A marvel of this mindset is that one of the major issues of boredom and deciding on things to do is that there are actually too many choices available. It’s like people who can’t possibly choose where they want to eat or what they want to eat.
and put the immediate and emerging needs of all Tennesseans ahead of individual goals and personal aspirations. If we all choose a path forward that makes us more effective servants and better people for our families, our constituents, and this state, we will make the most of our time in service, and we will leave Tennessee better than when we first arrived in Nashville. After the organizational session concluded, we gaveled into regular session, and we renewed our focus on the creation of
But in this case, it’s simply because there are too many choices. By limiting choices, and perhaps even going the extra mile to provide a few creative alternatives, it can actually keep household members from being overwhelmed by the exorbitant amount of choices available, lowering expectations and resistance. This boredom mindset actually provides a rather clean slate for optimal solutions. If someone says they are bored, there is certainly the suggestion of a chore or something productive to do. Somehow, it always seems to inspire them to muster that creativity and the motivation to find an activity they’d rather enjoy when their choice is suddenly taken away to include work. This can quickly be discerned by a quick game of “Would you rather…?” Boredom mimics aboulomania, people who are pathologically indecisive due to stress, anxiety and depression. However, that being said, being stuck at home and not being motivated can also be byproducts of and contributors to the vicious cycle of depression. For those with depression, combating these issues can be even more difficult, but still very doable. The key here is motivation and incentive. Recognizing the cause and effects of your household’s mindset and mood and the correlation between that and productivity vs. reward are essential to defeating boredom. Cures for boredom: • Volunteer- Even if you can’t donate your time to a non-profit that doesn’t mean your volunteer spirit can’t help someone in your home. Be the one to offer assistance with no one having to ask. Volunteer to help a family member with their project, a chore that has been neglected or to be the supportive “extra” in a sibling’s TikTok video. Don’t walk on by. When there is something out of place, pick it up. When there is someone struggling with something, be the extra hands. If you can help with anything at all, then do. • Craft it out- There is a world of handmade and hand fashioned items out there and tutorials on how to do them. Make all the things and, if you’ve got hot glue, there is nothing standing in your way. If you don’t have hot glue, order some. • Chorin’ ain’t borin’ party- Holler at Alexa, request a station and crank up the volume to blast the music and dance out the household to-do list. Work doesn’t have to be quiet and chores don’t have to be boring or dreaded. Get your house in order out loud and
• See TIME• Continued on 5A
a health care system that puts Tennessee patients first through conservative solutions like TennCare’s shared savings plan. This groundbreaking legislation gives the Volunteer State flexibility to have a Medicaid program for Tennesseans created by Tennesseans — not Washington bureaucrats. The waiver agreement between the state and the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) focuses on improving overall health outcomes, not just providing health care. TennCare
is a national benchmark for fiscal responsibility, saving the federal government tens of billions of dollars in recent years. However, we’ve had to return this savings back to Washington, instead of utilizing it here in Tennessee. The shared savings plan rewards us for our efficient fiscal management by enabling us to keep a share of this savings, which can be reinvested into the program for enhancements or additional services for maternal health, needy populations, eliminating the waiting
Dave Says There are other ways Dear Dave: I really don’t have any established credit, because I’ve never taken out a loan or had a credit card. What will happen when I’m ready to get a mortgage loan and buy a home? — Jillian Dear Jillian: There are basically two ways to be in a position to get a home loan. One is to have credit at lots of places and a huge FICO score. This is kind of dumb when you really think about it, but it will get you a home loan almost instantly. When you have no credit, a lender has to do what’s called a manual underwriting. It’s something lots of banks did back in the day, when they actually used common sense when it came to making loans. Fortunately, a few places will still work with you in this manner. They take a look at your work history to see if you have a stable job and a good income. They want proof you pay your bills on time, too. This can be as simple as showing them several utility bills, rent statements, and other receipts. They’re basically looking for a long history of proof that you honor your financial commitments. Remember, buying a house with cash is always the best way to own a home. But I don’t beat
Dave Ramsey people up over having a mortgage, as long as it’s on a 15-year, fixed rate note. Do your very best to save up for a down payment of at least 20%, too. That way, you’ll avoid the added expense of private mortgage insurance. Great question, Jillian! First, define long term Dear Dave: What is your advice when it comes to investing a one-time, lump sum of $4,000 for a long period of time? I recently received an inheritance from an uncle who passed away, and I want to make the money work for me. I’m 33 and my home is paid for, plus I have no debt and an emergency fund of six months of expenses. I am also maxing out my 401(k) at work. Thank you for your advice. — Pat Dear Pat: I’m sorry to hear about your uncle, but I’m sure he was proud of the responsible young man you’ve become. You’ve
February 2021
list for intellectual and developmental disability services, and other state specific health crises. Ultimately, it may enable us to eventually serve more populations and provide a better quality of care without federal approval — Tennesseans making decisions for Tennessee. January culminated in a momentous week for education. During a special session, we focused on addressing learning loss caused by COVID-19.
• See SPEAKER • Continued on 7A made some very mature decisions where your finances are concerned, and as a result you’re at a great spot in life. When it comes to investing, I consider a “long period of time” to be 10 years or more. If this is the case with you, I’d suggest a good mutual fund with a solid track record of between 15-20 years. I know some folks like to take chances and play single stocks on a one-time investment like this, but I don’t think that’s a good idea. Single stocks just don’t consistently generate the kinds of returns a good mutual fund will over time. Do some of all three, and enjoy the ride Dear Dave: I was talking to a friend the other day, and I couldn’t remember what you said about the three good uses for money and why each is important. Would you go over them again? — Albert Dear Albert: I’ve been doing this for a lot of years, and after all that time studying finance and teaching people about money, I can still find only three good uses for money — spending, saving and giving. You should be doing all three while you’re working your way out of debt and toward wealth, and after you become wealthy. The kid in us likes the
• See FINANCES • Continued on 7A
New Year, Old You: How to Find Yourself in 2021 Last year, I got to go to my sister-in-law’s wedding. At the reception, as people were finishing up their dinner and cake, the DJ got the music going and everyone made their way to the dance floor. I grabbed my 5-yearold son’s hand, walked onto the floor, and started to twirl him around. We danced and danced and danced. I felt a spark of joy that I hadn’t felt in years and thought, There you are. You love to dance. It was like finding a part of me that had been missing for a long time. Life is so busy that it can often feel more like business than life. In the day-today grind of fixing lunches and changing diapers and running from errands to meetings to appointments, it’s easy to wonder, Where am I? Who am I? We lose ourselves in our own lives and even forget simple things—like how much we love to dance. If you’re feeling the same way I am, you’re tired of the rush, the exhaustion, and the jam-packed calendar. You’re missing the person you used to be before life got so stinking busy. And the truth is, we can
Christy Wright rediscover the passion, the joy and the fun that makes us feel alive. You aren’t going to find yourself by accident, so here are two important truths that will help you reconnect with who you are in 2021: To find yourself, you must choose to pause and reset. Our lives are so busy that we need to intentionally schedule time to be still and reflect. Translation: Put it on the calendar. We both know that if it’s not on the calendar, it’s not going to happen. Carve out space for yourself to be still, to journal and think and dream. Listen to the questions your heart is asking and commit to rediscovering who you are this year. Taking the time to find
yourself is not selfish or wrong. In fact, it’s one of the best gifts you can give your family or your friends. If you’re living fully alive, with the joy and fun and spark of being you, you’ll be able to be a better sister, brother, friend, wife, husband, mom, dad, employee—you get it. By taking care of yourself, you’re taking care of others, too. No matter what’s headed our way in 2021, I hope this is the year you rediscover who you are and find your spark again! • • • 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. You can follow Christy on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube or online at www. christywright.com.
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Standing Stone Scribe
5A
February 2021
Nashville Predators team up with Red Cross The American Red Cross is continuing the partnership with the Nashville Predators Foundation to host a multi-city blood drive Feb. 22 to Feb. 26. All presenting donors who pre-schedule an appointment will receive a Predators foam hockey puck, while supplies last. All presenting donors will be automatically entered into a drawing to win an official American Red Cross logo puck signed by a current Nashville Predators player from each blood drive location. Additionally, as a thank-you for helping ensure a stable blood supply, those who come to give in February will receive a $5 Amazon.com Gift Card via email, courtesy of Amazon. (Restrictions apply. Additional information and details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/Together.) “The Red Cross supplies about 40% of all blood product in the United States to hospitals in need,” said Garry Allison, regional donor services executive with the Red Cross Tennessee Valley Blood Services Region. “What many do not realize is that 80% of that blood is acquired from blood donations made at blood drives hosted by our corporate partners, schools and community organizations.” “We are so thankful for this partnership with the
Preds and their commitment to the community to fill this need during these unprecedented times. They realize the impact this pandemic has put on blood drives and took steps to provide a convenient way for donors to give blood. This enables our organization to fulfill our lifesaving mission in helping area hospital patients.” How to donate blood Simply download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, sponsor code: PREDS19 or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also must meet certain height and weight requirements. Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass® to complete their pre-donation reading and
health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood. org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App. The Red Cross typically has a tough time keeping the blood supply strong during the winter months when inclement weather and seasonal illnesses can impact donors. This year the pandemic adds in another challenge in meeting the constant need for blood products. Important COVID-19 information for donors The Red Cross is testing blood, platelet, and plasma donations for COVID-19 antibodies. The test may indicate if the donor’s immune system has produced antibodies to this coronavirus, regardless of whether an individual developed COVID-19 symptom. Red Cross antibody tests will be helpful to identify individuals who have COVID19 antibodies and may now help current coronavirus patients in need of convalescent plasma transfusions. Convalescent plasma is a type of blood donation collected from COVID-19 survivors that have antibodies that may help patients who are actively fighting the virus. Plasma from whole blood donations that test positive for COVID-19
antibodies may be used to help COVID-19 patients. COVID-19 antibody test results will be available within one to two weeks in the Red Cross Blood Donor App or donor portal at RedCrossBlood.org. A positive antibody test result does not confirm infection or immunity. The Red Cross is not testing donors to diagnose illness, referred to as a diagnostic test. To protect the health and safety of Red Cross staff and donors, it is important that individuals who do not feel well or believe they may be ill with COVID-19 postpone donation. Each Red Cross blood drive and donation center follows the highest standards of safety and infection control, and additional precautions– including temperature checks, social distancing and face coverings for donors and staff – have been implemented to help protect the health of all those in attendance. Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at the drive and are required to wear a face covering or mask while at the drive, in alignment with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention public guidance. Blood donation is essential to ensuring the health of the community and blood donors of all types are needed at the Nashville Predators drive Feb. 22–26. While a
vaccine has been developed to fight COVID-19, there is no certain end date in this fight, but the need for blood products is constant. Local Nashville Predators Foundation blood donation opportunities Feb. 22–26: Feb. 22, 2021 Mt. Juliet- Celebration Lutheran Church 3425 N Mt Juliet Rd. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. NashvilleVanderbilt University Medical Center 2215 Garland Ave. 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Lebanon- Faith Lutheran Church 1655 Main St. noon 6 p.m. Celina- Celina Church of Christ 300 Church St. 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Feb. 23, 2021 Gallatin- Gallatin Civic Center 210 Albert Gallatin Ave. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. NashvilleVanderbilt University Medical Center 2215 Garland Ave. 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Donelson Fellowship 3210 McGavock Pk. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. McMinnville- Caney Fork Electric 920 Smithville Hwy. 1 to 6 p.m. Feb. 24, 2021 Mt. Juliet- Courtyard by Marriott Providence B 1980 Providence Pkwy. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Brentwood- Brentwood Baptist Church 7777 Concord Rd. 3 to 8 p.m. Franklin- Christ Community Church 1215 Hillsboro
Rd. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 25, 2021 Chattanooga- Southeast Tennessee – American Red Cross 4115 S. Access Rd. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Franklin- Natchez Trace American Red Cross 129 West Fowlkes St. Ste. 100 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 26, 2021 HendersonvilleHendersonville Community Church 381 West Main 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Smyrna- Gold’s Gym Smyrna 567 S. Lowry St. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. NashvilleVanderbilt University Medical Center 2215 Garland Ave. 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. CrossvilleCrossville Community Complex 1398 Livingston Rd. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. • • • The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-forprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @ RedCross.
• TIME • Continued from 4A
continue to get up and get dressed, ready for the day. That being said, everyone needs to exert a certain amount of energy every day to be able to maintain their routine time patterns and feel “good and tired” and ready to get a restful night of sleep at the end of the day. This is where spontaneity can be especially useful. When you’re bound up in the home for days on end, dull can become the color of your days. Give yourself something to look forward to. Make an effort to change your scenery, exert some energy and swap out the habit of recreating yesterday’s yesterday and a month of Sundays before that for a truly different day altogether. Make it different. Go by the seat of your pants. Surprise yourself. Structure: • Routinely productiveAfter the luxury of vegging out has lost its luster and you find yourself on the unproductive side of the day, start your get up and go just like you would if you had to get ready for work or school outside the home. There
is comfort and stability in a healthy and productive routine that keeps you goal oriented and motivated. Accomplish! Spontaneity: • Go, go, gadget-lessFreeze! Put the screen down and put your hands above your head! Walk slowly. You’re being un-housearrested. You have the right to remain active. Anything you do can and will be used for your betterment in the court of outdoors. The fact is, screens don’t challenge our bodies and bodies need to be challenged. So, get out of the house. Seriously, get out of the house, even if just to venture out into the front yard or walk around the block. Go to the park, play on an outdoor basketball court, hike a trail, and tap a maple tree. You can’t let the long dark nights or the cold limit you. Get around it, get creative and get out. Mind games While the world may not be able to be your oyster right now, your mind is a vast expanse that craves information, entertainment, stimuli and relaxation. Re-
strictions, albeit physical or mental, are a preventative to exercise the muscle that is the mind. Undo this conditioned response by challenging your mind. • Lookit- If there is anything in the wide world that you aren’t proficient in or know how to do, “lookit” up. There’s always something to learn. You have the time, so get to it. Make, learn, read, do, build, know and enjoy. And if you don’t have a book available on the subject, there is a YouTube video for everything.
• Workit- Playing games, making decisions, reading, coloring, designing, puzzles, planning, strategizing, and quizzing all work this magnificent muscle of our brains. Unlike our faces, the more wrinkles for our brains the better. • Doit- The world is playing a lot of mind games right now with all the restrictions and unfortunate circumstances. There may be a lot of “can’ts” surrounding you, but there a lot more “cans” if you take it upon yourself to do it. If there’s something you need
to do, just do it. Don’t procrastinate. Don’t over think. Don’t stare a hole through it. Just get it done and get it over with. Mark that as a “done it” and move along knowing you don’t have any mental blocks preventing you from being productive. No matter what is keeping you homebound, be sure to keep living your utmost within those four walls and help make it a memorable time, rather than a miserable one, for everyone in your family.
with panache. What you get done today won’t pile up on your tomorrows. Structure is to succeed, spontaneity to thrive While experts and parents agree that structure and stability in the household are the building blocks of synergy within the home, spontaneity plays an important role, too. With the constant lack of exertion within the setting, household members tend to become stagnant which can directly affect sleep patterns and, subsequently, mindset and mood. Structured time standards from wake up to sleep down can keep everyone sufficiently sustaining their regular patterns and decision making, with regular meals and activities easier to manage during the day. The best thing about structure is that you can implement your daily strategies and routines as though nothing has changed or affected you. You can actually almost pretend like everything is “normal” and
6A
editorstandingstonescribe@gmail.com
Mountain Times
Standing Stone Scribe
February 2021
Photos by Hunter LaShea Photography
High school sweethearts, Cody Charlton and Grace Lowhorn, are engaged and looking forward to planning the day they become husband and wife.
My forever Valentine By Cassidy Imes Scribe intern
Grace Lowhorn and Cody Charlton are Monterey’s latest high school sweethearts. Grace has been a cheerleader for Monterey since she was five, but little did she know, she was cheering for her soul mate the whole time. While Grace had been cheering Cody on for years, they never officially met until the beginning of her freshman year at Monterey High. He was in the class a year ahead of her in school but they met at one of the youth football practices in the summer of 2015. After seeing Grace, Cody mentioned her to one of her friends asked for her phone number. They grew closer over the span of four months then Cody finally asked her out. Grace said, “In those four months, I spent any and all my free time with Cody.” Before Cody asked her to be his girlfriend, he kept the age-old tradition of
Photo submitted
Cody Charlton is cheered on by Grace Lowhorn, from the football field to their lives together. asking her father’s permission first.
“Which I think is really sweet,” Grace said.
She claims she knew he was her true love ever since they met when she was 13. They grew up together. She was voted MHS 2019 prom queen and was also voted most attractive in her class superlatives. When asked what her favorite memory with Cody was, she said, “I feel like a big sentimental moment for me would be all the Friday nights spent cheering Cody on at the football games.” They have now been together for 5 years. He proposed in August of 2020 on the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel. Originally, he planned to propose at the top of Clingmans Dome, but after the half-mile hike up the mountain, it was too foggy to see. He decided to forego the proposal atop Clingmans Dome and spent the rest of the trip secretly planning the perfect moment to propose. He finally popped the question on the Ferris wheel.
She said, “Yes!” The couple are now engaged and planning their wedding. Grace said, “I never once doubted that I’d marry him, as cheesy as that sounds.” When asked how she knew he was the one, she said, “Honestly, I don’t think it’s about being ‘the one.’ It’s about finding the
person you’re willing to do or go through anything with.” She is a full-time student majoring in elementary education and he works for her family’s business in construction. They plan to be married the day after their 6-year anniversary and will spend the rest of their lives together.
Red velvet for pour ton amour Make your love a Red Velvet Mug Cake for Valentine’s Day
(Culinary.net) On the sweetest day of the year, a day full of flowers, love and sweets, Valentine’s Day is the ultimate opportunity to try a different dessert meant for two. It’s hard to resist a perfectly blended, rose-red, luscious Red Velvet Mug Cake. It’s the perfect size, with just a handful of instructions, and it’s easily cooked before your eyes in the microwave. That’s right, the microwave. This mug cake is a simple way to make something delicious and keep the portions small. Whether you have a small party, just you and your loved one or just simply want something easy and small, this quick treat is designed just for you. Start by mixing all the dry ingredients into a large mug, including flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt. Then add milk, melted butter, vanilla and red food coloring. Use a spoon and stir the ingredients together until blended. Mix powdered sugar and cream cheese then drop the mixture into the cake batter and mix once more. Microwave the mug for up to 3 minutes until your cake is baked. Valentine’s Day means sharing with someone how much you care, and it’s difficult to find a better way than to share
something sweet. This dessert has Valentine’s Day written all over it, however, it can be enjoyed anytime throughout the year and is perfect for a late-night snack if you’re craving something sugary-sweet. Find more recipes and dessert ideas for every celebration at Culinary.net. Red Velvet Mug Cake Servings: 1 6 tablespoons flour 2 tablespoons sugar 1 teaspoon cocoa powder 1/4 teaspoon baking powder 1/8 teaspoon salt 1/3 cup milk 2 tablespoons butter, melted 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 30 drops red food coloring 3 tablespoons powdered sugar 1 tablespoon cream cheese, softened In 12-ounce mug, whisk flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt. Add milk, butter, vanilla and food coloring; mix until blended. In small bowl, mix powdered sugar and cream cheese until smooth. Drop cream cheese mixture into cake batter. Press into batter until covered. Microwave up to 3 minutes until cake is done.
Entertainment
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It’s February and you know what that means: cold weather, Valentine’s Day, and midseason television premieres. Though premiere dates do not really seem to be that significant anymore since streaming and binge watching took over, the networks are still cranking out shows yearround. This is an impressive feat considering the effect that COVID-19 has had on production. I wish I could say that in the month of love television was offering us something we could feel good about, but, unfortunately, that is not really the case. In January, ABC premiered a new multi-camera sitcom. I love multi-camera sitcoms. In my opinion, they are so much more enjoyable than the shows that use only a single camera. The difference in these two formats, in case you were wondering, is the shakiness you see in a single camera show. These shows have a documentary type feel to them, as if someone is filming on an old camcorder. Sometimes using the single-camera format is a creative decision, but, ultimately, these shows are just cheaper to produce. Given my fondness for the multi-camera format, I am always eager to watch a new multi-camera sitcom, so I was really looking forward to watching “Call Your Mother.” “Call Your Mother” is a show about single mother, Jean, played by Kyra Sedgwick. Jean’s husband died when her kids were young and now that they have moved away, Jean is feel-
• FINANCES • Continued from 4A spending part of this equation, because it’s so much fun. The problem with most people is they can’t really afford the fun they have. You should have some fun no matter where you are on the financial scale, but it should be inexpensive fun in the beginning. Then, the fun can get bigger, better and more frequent once you’re out of debt and building wealth. The grown-up part of us likes investing and saving, because that’s what can prepare you for retirement and make you wealthy. After a while, though, investing can feel a little bit like Monopoly. You can be up, or you can be down. Sometimes the market fluctuates, but a mature investor will ride out
• SPEAKER • Continued from 4A Our legislative body drew a line in the sand, and we all said we can no longer accept the fact that only one third of our students are proficient in reading and math. This state expects to be number one in the entire nation in education, and through the passage of several critical measures, we are moving Tennessee forward in that direction. Our priorities during this special session were to improve student literacy and address the learning loss that we have seen throughout the pandemic. The Literacy Success Act requires local school
Call me, maybe.
Paula Tudor Columnist
ing the pangs of having an empty nest. The show’s first episode begins with Jean traveling to Los Angeles to check on her son, who she hasn’t heard from in four days. Her son, of course, is fine, but her responsible and dependable daughter is going through a difficult break up and is having an affair with her much older boss. In addition, she discovers that her kids are no longer speaking to each other. As Jean tries to help her kids sort out their problems, she discovers that they need her as much as she needs them and decides to leave her home in Iowa and move to Los Angeles. The casting on “Call Your Mother” could be better. There is nothing really wrong with any of the cast members, but the pieces just don’t seem to fit together as well as they might. For instance, Jean’s best friend Sharon, played by Sherri Shepherd, is mostly only seen on video chats because she still lives in Iowa. I think it was a mistake to cast Shepherd in this role. I think she would’ve been better suited for the role of Jean’s best friend in Los Angeles, especially since I see this show focusing
Standing Stone Scribe
on Jean’s new life. In fact, eventually I think “Call Your Mother” will become less about Jean’s relationship with her kids and more about her adventures in L.A. Ultimately, I think the show will need to go in this direction, especially since the strongest comedic moments come from what Jean observes about her new city. This show has promise, but it definitely needs a re-tooling of sorts. Like a lot of sitcoms in recent years, “Call Your Mother” tries too hard to be funny. After watching all three of the already aired episodes, I have yet to laugh out loud at any of the jokes, which were already featured in the show’s promos anyway. This doesn’t bode well for its future. If audiences aren’t laughing after the first few episodes of any show they will likely move on to something else because there are too many other choices out there. “Call Your Mother” airs Wednesday nights on ABC at 9:30|8:30C. In addition, you can watch any missed episodes at https://abc.com/ shows/call-your-mother or on Hulu. • • • 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.
the waves and stay in for the long-term. If you have quality investments with long track records of success, they will come back up. Start investing 15% of your income for retirement once you’ve paid off all debt except for your home and you have three to six months of expenses saved for an emergency fund. The most mature part of you will meet the kid inside when you give. Giving is the most fun you’ll ever have with money. Every financially, mentally and spiritually healthy person I’ve ever met has been turned on by giving. I’ve met and talked with thousands of millionaires in my career, and one thing all the healthy ones have in common is a love of giving. Someone who never has
fun with money misses the point. Someone who never saves or invests money will never have any. And someone who never gives is holding on too tight. Do some of each, and enjoy the ride! • • • Dave Ramsey is a seven-time No. 1 national best-selling 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, Ramsey has helped people regain control of their money, build wealth and enhance their lives. He also serves as CEO of Ramsey Solutions.
districts to provide foundational literacy skills through phonics-based instruction. The Learning Loss Remediation Act will create intervention programs and supports for struggling students — including after school learning mini-camps, learning loss bridge camps, as well as summer camps, which will begin in 2021. Additionally, we passed legislation that ensures teachers, schools and districts do not have to use test scores for their evaluation purposes, unless they want to use them. However, end of the year testing must remain in place with a minimal participation rate of 80 percent. This will help us better deter-
mine the adverse effects of COVID-19 on education in Tennessee. I appreciate Gov. Lee, Commissioner Schwinn, our Department of Education and the House and Senate for their partnership throughout special session. We have truly made a difference in the lives of Tennessee children. We accomplished a lot this month, and we have much work ahead. When we return for regular session on Feb. 8, we will focus on the budget, criminal justice reform, health care, and keeping Tennessee the best place in the entire nation to live, work, and retire. Thank you for the opportunity to serve you.
STATEPOINT CROSSWORD THEME: U.S. PRESIDENTS ACROSS 1. Newton’s first name 6. Part of smog 9. Hissy fit 13. Human trunk 14. Form of “to be” 15. Illegal booze 16. Editorial changes 17. Crematorium jar 18. #56 Down, alt. sp. 19. *One of six Presidents named James 21. *First President previously divorced 23. Civil War’s Johnny 24. Manage without help 25. Military procedures 28. Cone-shaped quarters 30. MLB bench 35. Cowboy’s necktie 37. A whole lot 39. *Whig, e.g. 40. Resembling wings 41. Nightly necessity 43. Experience emotion 44. Large ray 46. Glacier’s deposit 47. “Watch out!” on a golf course 48. Traditional sock pattern 50. Reduced Instruction Set Computer
52. Knight’s title 53. Bypass 55. Foot digit 57. *President Chester ____ 60. *He signed legislation to create Medicare 64. Fauna, Merryweather and ____, fairy godmothers 65. Expert 67. Convex molding 68. Bumpkins 69. Café alternative 70. Car ways 71. Trans-Siberian Railroad city 72. Piercing part 73. Slightly drunk DOWN 1. Any thing 2. *Trump had button on desk to order his favorite one 3. Desertlike 4. Up and about 5. Coddle 6. Half-man, half-goat 7. Legendary NHLer 8. Tragedy, or comedy, or satire 9. Cheap form of payment? 10. Before Scotia 11. Clickable picture 12. Olden day “your” 15. Be in charge, two words
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February 2021
20. Newspaper notices 22. What all of #70 Across do 24. Painting or poetry 25. *He beat McCain and Romney 26. Kind of cap 27. Colloquialisms 29. *First “dark horse” 31. Gamecock’s spur 32. Dessert sandwiches 33. Wombs 34. *#29 Down predecessor 36. Creative 38. 18-wheeler 42. Green pasta sauce 45. Big Island greetings 49. Australian flightless bird 51. Group of people, often in research 54. Extremely angry 56. Concluding stanza in poetry 57. *G. W. Bush to Yale, e.g. 58. Schneider and Lowe, e.g. 59. Major bike maker 60. Audience’s rejection 61. Sold in bars 62. Auto pioneer 63. Like a busybody 64. Back, to a pendulum 66. Latin dance three-step move, once
8A
Life on the Mountain
editorstandingstonescribe@gmail.com
Standing Stone Scribe
February 2021
...and Snowwhere to go Photo by Matt Murphy
A magnificent aerial photo shows the snowfall surrounding the Twinton Fire Lookout Tower, recently nominated among those to be considered by the State Review Board for the National Register of Historic Places. Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1933, the tower stands on an acre of land with a crew cabin that is believed to have been built at the same time.
Photo by Donna Crisp
Photo by Regina Buckner
It is said that when a cardinal appears in your yard, it is a visitor from heaven. Cardinals have long since been considered a symbol of renewal in the midst of winter, beauty standing firm in the darkness and hope during trying times and grieving.
An obliging tree offers to hold what it can of the cool clean snow up off the ground, creating a snowy halo outlining each and every limb.
Photo by Pamela Norrod
Byron and Layah Howard are at the edge of beyond on a brisk wintry day enjoying the sight of a freshly fallen snow. Photo by Gary Bowman
The prince of the forest, a large deer grazes along in the hardwood forest covered in snow.
Photo by Lindsey Zachary
Do you want to build a snowman? Lindsey Zachary and daughter, Evie McCowan, answer the question and root for the home team with a wonderful snowman outfitted as a UT Volunteers fan.
State parks help visitors stay active CMSP wins My TN State Park campaign February is a time to keep exploring and Tennessee State Parks can help. Are you looking for places to engage with Black History Month in February? From celebrating the legacy of Booker T. Washington, to remembering the struggle for freedom at Fort Pillow, these six parks allow you to honor and learn about African American History in spaces that preserve it. As we celebrate Black History Month, we’re reminded of the many civil rights activists who fought and continue to fight for
Photo by Rebekah Beeler
A view of Byrd’s Creek at Cumberland Mountain State Park inspires visitors to keep exploring.
equality. As one of these activists, skilled journalist Ida B. Wells-Barnett shed light on the conditions of African Americans throughout the South. Spend this Valentine’s weekend connecting with loved ones surrounded by natural beauty. From romantic getaways at our resort-style lodges to delicious meals for two, Tennessee State Parks is offering a variety of overnight packages and dining options. Whether you’re looking to stay active or set a personal best, these upcoming races offer the perfect motivation to meet your goals. Run a 5k or 1-mile race with your dog and log your time from anywhere with the Hearts & Hounds
Virtual Race. Experienced runners can sign up for the toughest marathon in the South East, the Savage Gulf Marathon. Cumberland Mountain State Park is the winner of the My TN State Park fundraising campaign. The park received over $14,000 in January as supporters cast their votes for the state park that “kept them going” in 2020. The top three parks for donations raised include: 1. Cumberland Mountain State Park – Crossville, TN 2. Frozen Head State Park – Wartburg, TN 3. Seven Islands State Birding Park - Kodak, TN Donors pledged over $96,000 to Tennessee State Parks in the campaign. Nearly 3,000 dona-
tions came in to support every state park in Tennessee. The idea behind the My TN State Park 2020 campaign was simple: every dollar donated represented a vote to support a favorite state park. Individuals and communities rallied around the campaign as a chance to show appreciation for the outdoor spaces that were so crucial to weathering 2020. Each park receives 100% of the funds donated through the My TN State Park fundraiser and will use them to enhance their parks and the visitor experience through unique projects. Stay active all winter and keep exploring Tennessee State Parks. Visit tnstateparks.com.