Standing Stone Scribe March 2023

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MHS Players present ‘Rock of Ages’

See more photos on pages 6-7.

Monterey minutes:

By Rebekah Beeler Scribe publisher

Despite public input against, with Ward 2 Alderman Mark Farley as acting mayor, the Monterey Board of Alderman voted to move forward with the electric vehicle charging station grant from Tennessee Tech at the March 6 meeting.

Ward 3 Alderman Jim Wolfgram entered the only no vote.

“I made a point during the meeting before the vote that people understand the bigger picture here,” Wolfgram said, “that a proposal is in the works for remodeling the parking lot just south of the Depot that will also include one or more larger EV charging stations in it as well. And should this be accepted by TDOT for funding, we would then have two or even three EV charging stations within around 100 feet of the Depot, all paid for at taxpayer expense as the consumers of the charging stations wouldn’t be charged for the service.”

Alex Garcia, Ward 1 alderman, made a motion to approve the proposal from TTU, seconded by Ward 4 Alderman Bill Wiggins.

Impact awardees recognized

When Cleary first addressed the board regarding TTU’s proposal to install EV charging stations should they receive grant money to do so, he reported that it would be at no cost to the city.

At the January meeting, Cleary said, “We had proposed the Depot Museum property, perhaps. Since that conversation, we have learned that there are going to be some costs associated as far as prep and site work - not anything extravagant – [I] don’t have a number on it. It’s just hard to say until we look at where we want to put it and what type of charge station we would want. But they’re ready to move forward.”

Wiggins suggested Cleary establish a work session to invite the project leaders to “stake it all out for us.”

At the February meeting, resident Robin Gregg addressed the board during public comment.

“By the end of 2021, only 12,160 electric vehicles were registered across the entire state,”

Photo by Rebekah Beeler/Scribe

Monterey Impact Award recipients Josh Mee, David Farley and Thomas Hargis are recognized for their hard work and dedication to volunteering in Monterey by Monterey Cultural Administrator Rafferty Cleary at the Monterey Board meeting

Photo by Rebekah Beeler/Scribe

School Players perform their epic spring show, “Rock of Ages,” in a two-weekend, six-show run straight from the Dupree Room rock club at the MHS Auditorium.

Our Town

Sandwich Board

Make Blue Star Mothers donations at Monterey Farm Bureau

Monterey Farm Bureau is Monterey’s collection site for military care packages for Upper Cumberland Blue Star Mothers. They hope to have 100 care packages to ship on March 25. For more information, visit www.bluestarmothers. org and like their Facebook page at “Upper Cumberland Blue Star Mothers”

Join Monterey Lion’s Club Disaster Response Team

The Disaster Response Team is a non-profit organization meeting the needs of those faced with natural disasters and also assists with searches for Amber and Silver alerts. 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 team leader and Lions Club Presidnet Ken Hall at 2393318 to become a team volunteer.

Garden Club meets second Tuesdays

The Monterey Garden Club meets the second Tuesday of each month. This month, the club looks forward to welcoming Don Hazel, president of Tennessee Blue Bird Society to speak at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 14, at Monterey United Methodist Church fellowship hall. The Garden

Standing

Club invites members and guests to come and listen to guest speakers, watch demonstrations and get tips for successful gardening every month. The club is active in the Monterey community and offer scholarships to Monterey High School graduates. For more information, please contact Monterey Garden Club President, Jan Stansell at (214) 208-5243 or email montereytngardenclub@ yahoo.com. They look forward to seeing you there!

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. Each board meeting begins with public comment. Sign up prior to the meeting with Cultural Administrator Rafferty Cleary to address the board.

Monterey Lions to hold pistol drawing

Monterey Lions Club is holding a pistol drawing. Tickets are $20 each, available from any active

Stone Scribe

Rebekah Beeler, Publisher

Standing Stone Scribe is a monthly publication covering news and features in Monterey and surrounding communities from Mayland to Rickman, Calfkiller to Crawford.

Editorial Policy: Standing Stone Scribe encourages event and news submissions and letters to the editor. Submissions should not be libelous and must bear the author’s name, complete address and telephone number. Anonymous submissions will not be accepted. 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 first Monday of the month. Standing Stone Scribe publications are set to be printed generally on the Thursday following the first Monday of the month, with the exception of Monday holidays in which the Scribe will be printed the following Thursday.

The Scribe welcomes electronic submissions at editorstandingstonescribe@gmail.com.

Advertising: Get the word out about your business, service or organization, increase traffic, expand your customer base, and communicate directly with the community you serve. Let Standing Stone Scribe tell everyone your business by advertisting in Monterey’s ONLY newspaper. For more information, specs and price sheet, email editorstandingstonescribe@gmail. com or text 931-265-9489.

Monterey Lions Club member. There is a 54-ticket limit. The drawing is to be held Saturday, April 15. For more information call Mike at 839-2350.

Stay active at Monterey Senior Center

Monterey Senior 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. If schools are closed due to inclement weather, the Monterey Senior Center will also be closed.

VFW meets first Thursdays

Standing Stone Memorial Veterans of Foreign Wars

Post 6277 is looking to bolster its membership. Membership is at a critical level. According to Post 6277 Commander Jim Wolfgram, the roster lists 55 members, but only about half a dozen are active. Post meetings are held on the first Thursday of every month at 7 p.m. VFW Post 6277 is located at 45 S. Poplar St., Monterey, TN, and is open to all veterans who have served in a war or conflict. For more information, email Wolfgram at jwolf2521@hotmail.com.

Hanging Limb Horse Ring meets first Thursdays

Become a sponsor of the Hanging Limb Horse Ring. Banner spaces are available for the year to hang on the Hanging Limb Horse Ring fence and can be renewed yearly. Banner prices range from $90-$175. Sponsors must provide original artwork designs in PDF format. Should sponsors need artwork made, the cost is

$25/per hour. Please make checks payable to Hanging Limb Horse Ring. Hanging Limb Community Center group meets on the first Thursday of the month at 6 p.m. at Mountain Volunteer Fire and Rescue, 204 Floyd Padgett Ln. in Crawford. For more information or to learn how to volunteer, contact President Jesse Bowman at 931319-1227.

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.

Check out Monterey Branch Library

Friends of the Monterey Library Book Sale is set for the first Saturday of every month from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Used book donations are accepted during normal library hours. Lunch and Learn Series is offered on Thursdays at noon. Order and pre-pay for your lunch or feel free to bring your own lunch!

A monthly quilting class is held on the third Tuesday of the month at 2 p.m. Bring your quilting project, learn from experienced quilters and enjoy the company. Download the Libby app and use your library card number to download ebooks, audiobooks and magazines to use at home. Using personal computer? Go to https://reads.overdrive.com/. Please come and support the library and join Friends of the Monterey Library The library is located at 401 E. Commercial Ave, Monterey. 839-2103.

Monterey Pet Food Bank holds distributions, takes donations Monterey Pet Food Bank is now handing out dog and cat food on Tuesdays from 8:30-11:30 a.m. at

The Monterey Food Bank at 400 W. Crawford Ave. in Monterey, TN. Cat and dog food donations can be dropped off at Monterey Farmer’s Co-Op located at 202 S. Holly St. during regular business hours. For more information, contact Donna Herbert by emailing dherb9@gmail.com.

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.

Titus House wants to help Need clothes? We can help! Titus House, 306 W. Crawford Ave. in Monterey, provides free clothing to anyone in need. Titus House is open the second Saturday of each month from 9 a.m. to noon, except for October when it will be open the third Saturday. Titus House accepts donations of clean, dry clothing in bags or boxes. These may be dropped off at Titus House. Please put donations underneath the carport at the end of the Titus House driveway. Titus House appreciates your donations! Titus House is an outreach program of the Monterey Church of Christ. Questions regarding Titus House please call (931) 252-7676.

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.

Monterey Hilltop Chorale holds rehearsals Monterey Hilltop Chorale, an all volunteer choir under the direction of Francis Eldridge meets at Monterey United Methodist Church at 6 p.m. on Mondays. New members are always welcome. The Chorale performs free concerts for the community and supports local causes with love offerings collected at the door. They are also seeking sponsorships to help with the cost of sheet music, supplies and professional pianist. Sponsorships are yearly and sponsor logos will be featured on the concert programs. For more information about becoming a sponsor, contact Kathy at kradel1010@gmail.com or Joy at cedesigners@outlook.com.

SSHS/Monterey Hometown Project meets

Resuming in February, the Standing Stone Historical Society/Monterey Hometown Project meets at 6 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of the month at the Monterey Lions Club. The Society forwards and protects the Native American history of the monument and community, plans the annual Standing Stone Day celebration, sponsors the annual Miss Standing Stone Beauty Pageant to benefit a Monterey High School program, hosts the Standing Stone Essay and Art Contest and publishes an annual magazine featuring stories about the Standing Stone Monument, the community and its people. Standing Stone Day is a local holiday that is observed annually on the second Saturday in October.

Monterey Hometown Project (not affiliated with the Monterey Hometown Project Committee created by

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BOARD • Continued on 5

Empower Upper Cumberland enrollment begins

Empower Upper Cumberland is now accepting applications for the program. Applications can be filled out atwww.empoweruppercumberland.org or by calling 1-833-EMPWRUC. Through community and collaborative partnerships, Empower UC is designed to lift children and families out of generational poverty by working together. This collaboration focuses heavily on developing interagency coordination so that not only families of our region have more aligned services, but the staff administering the programs have a clear understanding of the services available as well, including universal onboarding that will provide new members of the collaborative with information about the services provided and the structure of the continuum of care and poverty alleviation system.

In order to be eligible, the household must have a child in the home, be considered a low-income family, and cannot be considered “in crisis” at the time of applying. Once a family completes the application and begins the enrollment process, they will be randomly assigned into one of two service groups. Empower UC is part of a study funded by the Tennessee Department of Human Services which is being conducted to determine how these pilot programs help people improve their economic well-being. During the study, all new eligible applicants will be randomly selected into one of two groups that receive a different mix of program services “It is completely random, it is not based on the way they answer certain

Too tweet!

questions or anything like that,” said Megan Spurgeon, Director of Empower Upper Cumberland.

In December 2021, the Upper Cumberland Human Resource Agency (UCHRA) received a $445,000 TANF, or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, planning grant to work with state leadership, the Families First Community Advisory Board, the Tennessee Department of Human Services, research partners, and professionals, and collaborations of community partners that see firsthand the challenges that vulnerable Tennesseans face.

In May 2022, the Upper Cumberland collaborative aimed at alleviating poverty in the region – Empower Upper Cumberland – was been selected to receive $25 million in TANF Opportunity Act funds to implement its plan. This project is funded under a Grant Contract with the State of Tennessee Department of Human Services.

About Empower Upper Cumberland:Forged from the collective, region-wide mission to lift children and families out of generational poverty, Empower Upper Cumberland – also known as Empower UC – is com-

prised of key community and regional partners. Led by Upper Cumberland Hu man Resource Agency (UCHRA), the designated backbone organization, Empower UC is tasked with serving the most vulner able populations of the 14county Upper Cumberland region with a core objective of lifting 1,600 children and their families out of genera tional poverty by 2025.

About the Tennessee De partment of Human Servic es, Tennessee Opportunity Pilot Initiative

The Tennessee Opportu nity Pilot Initiative (TOPI) is brought forth by the Ten nessee Department of Hu man Services and TANF Opportunity Act. This ini tiative will help individu als, families, and the state of Tennessee by creating a new vision for the Tennes see social safety net and is dedicated to helping low-income families grow beyond their vulnerabilities. TOPI empowers all Tennesseans by partnering with local organizations to reach deep into their communities and work shoulder to shoulder with individuals and families, growing their capacity to take on life’s challenges and reduce their dependence on the social safety net.

Photo submitted

Two bluebird boxes have been installed at Monterey’s Whitaker Park as part of a partnership between the Monterey Garden Club and Tennessee Bluebird Society, Cookeville Chapter. Garden club members have agreed to monitor the boxes throughout the nesting process and report findings to the local bluebird society chapter. Several bluebird boxes have been placed across Putnam County, but these were the first installation in Monterey. The boxes were installed Wednesday with assistance from Tennessee Bluebird Society, Cookeville Chapter President Lynne Maddux. Pictured from left are Tennessee Bluebird Society, Cookeville Chapter President Lynne Maddux, Monterey Garden Club member Rafferty Cleary and Monterey Garden Club President Jan Stansell.

Whenever a movie or a television series comes out that is based on a book I’ve read, I’m always a bit hesitant to check it out. I think most people would agree with me on that score. What we see on the screen rarely manages to live up to the book version. A descriptive book with lots of imagery gives us such a clear picture in our heads of what the characters look like and how they move and interact with each other, that anyone else’s vision just falls short. It is rare that you ever hear anyone say that the movie was better.

A few years ago, I joined a book club. A woman I had interviewed at one point for my YouTube channel created a series of videos inspired by Reese Witherspoon’s book Whiskey in a Teacup . The idea behind this series was to try out recipes and things mentioned in the book, including reading from a list of books that Reese recommended. This is how the book club was formed. Every so often this woman gets a group of us together on Zoom where we talk about a book that is either mentioned in Whiskey in a Teacup , or one that has the “Reese’s Book Club” stamp of approval. One such book was Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid. Since I enjoyed reading this book, I had mixed feelings about it becoming a series. But, I ultimately decided to watch it given the fact that it is co-produced by both Reid and Witherspoon. I figured that if these two were involved in the project, there was a good chance it would stay true to the book.

The series, “Daisy Jones and the Six,” premiered on Amazon Prime on March 3, with the first three episodes. Future episodes are to be released on a weekly basis.

“Daisy Jones and the Six” is about a fictional band set in the 70s that rose to stardom with their hit album “Aurora,” and fell apart soon after. The book reads like an episode of “Behind the Music,” with members of the band being interviewed

Dave Says

Sometimes Helping Means More Than Just Giving

Dear Dave,

By Paula Tudor Scribe columnist

years after their break up. Likewise, the show is set up in pretty much the same way. As members of the band are answering questions, we see flashback scenes of the time and places they are talking about.

Honestly, I am surprised that VH1 didn’t pick up this show, but Amazon will probably do a better job with it, given their track record.

So far, the show is pretty much what I expected. The characters are not, for the most part, how I pictured them in my head. My biggest complaint is that I think they made the main male character, Billy Dunne, look a little too old for the part. In my opinion, the actor who played the younger version of Billy should have been the one in this role throughout the series. Daisy Jones is played by Riley Keough, the daughter of the late Lisa Marie Presley. Keough does a good job as Daisy Jones, but she looks so much like her mother that it is hard to see her as this character from a book. Aside from that, the show has taken the task of recreating the 70s vibe seriously, with a solid soundtrack of songs right out of the gate. Even better than that is the fact that you can now purchase the Daisy Jones and the Six “Aurora” album, featuring songs mentioned in the book, on Amazon along with a lot of other band merchandise, clothing and nail polish inspired by characters from the show, as well as Reid’s book Daisy Jones and the Six and Witherspoon’s Whiskey in a Teacup I highly recommend both.

• • •

Paula Tudor graduated cum laude from Tennessee Technological University with a bachelor’s in interdisciplinary studies, emphasizing English and communication. She is a freelance writer and a distinguished blogger/online correspondent, with more than 3,000 followers on twitter. The bulk of her work can be found at paulas-soapbox. blogspot.com and at paulatudor.com.

How do you handle a situation where someone needs financial help, but has misspent money you’ve given them in the past? My wife and I have been trying to help a young man we recently met. He told us he was trying to get his life together after a divorce and job loss, and he just needed a little money for groceries and household items. He has asked us a couple of times since for more money, but we discovered he was buying alcohol with most of the cash we gave him. We learned from friends what he said about losing his job and being divorced was true, but we are unsure what to do next.

Andrew

Dear Andrew,

This young man’s problem sounds as much like a mismanagement of money as it is a lack of money. He seems to have an issue with lying, and possibly an addiction problem, too. I’ve never been against helping people who have good hearts and just need a break. But if someone is bold enough to ask for your money, you have every right to attach requirements to the help you give—especially when it’s for their own good. If he really needs food or household things, you can just buy them for him. At least that way, you’d know you were providing necessities.

But in many cases, truly helping someone is a lot more work than just giving them money. Sometimes,

Dave Ramsey

you have to get down in their mess, get real with them and walk with them. If you haven’t been put off by what has already happened, and you still really want to help, I’d suggest getting to know this young man and his situation a little better. Be straight with him, and let him know you’ve learned he hasn’t been honest with you in the past. Hopefully, as a result he’ll apologize and start making better choices. If he does, you might even offer to arrange for him to talk to a good pastor or counselor.

This whole situation is much bigger than helping someone with a little cash. This guy needs someone who cares enough to help him get his life back together.

— Dave

I wouldn’t do it that way

Dear Dave, I have an uncle who wants to gift some property to one of his sons, myself and my sister. The property is about two-and-a-half acres, and it’s probably worth around $125,000. My wife and I are trying to pay off debt in Baby Step 2 of your plan, and we’re not sure how we feel about

Speaker Sexton’s Capitol Conversations

Tennessee is a national leader in fiscal stability, and it’s because of the conservative budget principles we have implemented over the last 12 years. They have resulted in the Volunteer State being the lowesttaxed state, the least indebted state, and the state with the best economy in America!

This year, we will continue focusing on fiscally responsible solutions that benefit citizens and businesses through the budgetary process. The governor’s

new proposal once again provides tax relief and cuts for all Tennesseans, prioritizes rural and urban infrastructure improvements, andinvests heavily in education.

Over the last 12 years, the General Assembly has cut more than 90 different tax-

es totaling $2.1 billion in total relief — including the Hall Income Tax, the inheritance tax and the food tax. In the weeks ahead, we’ll continue focusing on returning more money to all Tennesseans. This includes another sales tax holiday on food, small business tax cuts of $137 million and beginning a three-year transition to lower the franchise and excise tax; this solution will enhance Tennessee’s chances of competing with other southeastern states as we renew our focus on recruiting new businesses to our state. Small businesses are the backbone of our local economies, and we will always stand strong and support them!

Additionally, we will address critical needs within our existing infrastructure to alleviate congestion and improve the overall quality of Tennessee roads; through a $3.3 billion strategic investment, the General Assembly will continue addressing the backlog of projects on the books — easing congestion and building new rural roads.

This investment includes $750 million in funds foreach of our four TDOT regions and $300 million directed to our road superintendents to better address infrastructure needs within their respective communities.

The General Assembly has added $3 billion in new

the situation. What do you think?

Dave

Dear Dave,

If your uncle asked me if he should do this, my answer would be no. The thing is, you’ve got three different sets of people with different lives and very different situations. Not only that, but these three potential co-owners probably have differing ideas about the land and what should or shouldn’t be done with it. To me, the whole thing sounds like a big family fight just waiting to happen.

If I were in his shoes, I’d just sell the property and split the money equally between the three of you. It’d be a lot easier that way, and you’d avoid the chance of hard feelings between you and your relatives down the road. Don’t get me wrong, your uncle sounds like a kind and generous man. He’s trying to be a blessing to all three of you, but it has a very real possibility of causing unintended problems he may not see coming.

That’s the way I’d handle it, Dave. A couple of acres of dirt split between three people isn’t worth all the squabbles and bad feelings it could cause.

— Dave Roll with it

Dear Dave,

The other day, my wife and I discovered a Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) we’d forgotten about for over 10 years from my time in the Army. There’s a little over $3,200 in there. We’re

Continued on 10

education dollars since 2011. This funding raised per-pupil average spending by more than $3,000 and resulted in $861 million for our educators in salary increases. While this has led to significant improvement in academic achievement across the state — moving us to 33rd in the nation — we must do more for Tennessee to reach its overall goal of being number one in the nation in education. Through the new TISA formula, this year, we’ll provide $350 million in additional state funding to our schools — including another $125 million for teacher pay raises. This will not only increase per-pupil average spending in Ten-

nessee, it will also enhance our efforts to recruit and retain the best and brightest educators in the nation. Tennessee is leading on many different levels; our work in the days, weeks, and months ahead will ensure we remain responsible stewards of Tennessee taxpayer dollars, invest in solutions that address both our immediate and emerging needs, and continue saving for the future. A fiscally conservative budget for Tennessee by Tennesseans will solidify and continue the state’s status as a national leader in fiscal responsibility that all other states will continue following.

You’re a ‘Daisy’ if you do...

Speaker Cameron Sexton

Our Town 5

Sandwich Board

the city board) meets directly following the Standing Stone Historical Society meeting. Monterey Hometown Project is a group organized under the Standing Stone Historical Society to raise funds to make improvements to the Town of Monterey. Email standingstoneday@gmail. com. Like their Facebook page at Standing Stone Day, Monterey, Tn.

UCDD Offers Relative

Caregiver, Housing Assistance

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 1-877275-8233.

A support group meeting will be held for relatives that are caring for relative children during this month. Please contact Me-

lissa Allison at 931-4764127, if you are interested in attending this meeting.

Free ABCs of Medicare classes offered

If you have Medicare and have questions, join in for free classes at local locations to learn more about how your coverage works. Registration is required. Call UC SHIP directly at 931-432-4150 or the statewide number at 1-877-801-

0044 to save your seat. Millard Oakley Library, 107 E. Main St., Livingston- 10 a.m.-noon on March 27 and April 24.

Upper Cumberland Development District, 1104 England Dr., Cookeville- 10 a.m. to noon on March 14 and April 11.

Art Circle Public Library, 3 East St., Crossville- 9 a.m. to noon on May 1 and June 16, and 1-4 p.m. on March 16, Aug. 24 and Oct. 7.

Celebrate St. Patty’s Day with Lucky Shamrock Cookies

(Culinary.net) It’s your lucky day because you don’t have to search for the pot of gold under the rainbow for this winning recipe. Throw out the old Irish classics and sweeten things up this year with some mint chocolate chip fun.

If you’re in a crunch for St. Patrick’s Day and need something glowing with green, here is a dessert that is sure to have everyone coming back for seconds (and more).

These Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies are as green as four-leaf clovers and have delicious chocolate chips mixed throughout for some extra sweet flavor. Served beside a big glass of milk, they are perfect treats for any St. Patrick’s Day party or virtual gathering.

To start the recipe, whisk together flour, baking soda and salt in a large mixing bowl. In a separate bowl, add butter, sugar, eggs, green food coloring and peppermint extract for that crisp mint flavor. Beat

Wildfire Community Preparedness Day May 6

The National Fire Protection Association and State Farm announce that Wildfire Community Preparedness Day will be held on Saturday, May 6. The national campaign, which began in 2014, provides an opportunity for groups and individuals who live in wildfire-prone areas to come together on a single day to complete projects that can help make their homes and communities safer from wildfire. This year, the campaign is focused on what residents can do to help their home survive a wildfire.

Years of scientific research support the prescription of removing fuel sources from the area around the home – known as the “home ignition zone” – and is a key component to making a home safe from embers and radiant heat from wildfires. Simple, low-cost home improvement projects such as clearing dead leaves, debris, and pine needles from roofs and gutters, keeping lawns and native grasses mowed to a height of four inches, removing anything stored underneath decks or porches that could burn, and other similar actions are being actively supported by NFPA and State Farm on Preparedness Day and can be easily undertaken by the majority of homeowners.

Gregg said. “That’s 2% of the vehicles statewide. Tennessee is rated no. 30 on the list of best states to own an EV, and there’s likely good reason for that when we realize that the state ranked no.

1 is California. With this information at our fingertips, I find myself wondering why the town of Monterey, with a population under 3,000, is looking to install EV charging stations.”

Gregg continued, “I know the grant money for this installation is touted as free, but I learned long ago that nothing is truly free. And at

with a hand mixture and combine the ingredients in both bowls together. Add chocolate chips to the mixed cookie batter. Scoop onto a baking sheet and bake at 375 F for 1124 minutes until the edges of the cookies are light brown. Cool on a wire rack before devouring. With so much mixing and scooping to be done, this is a great recipe for kids to get involved in the kitchen, too. One of the best parts is the eye-catching color. Watch children’s smiling little faces as the batter turns from light brown to dark green for a priceless reaction.

After being perfectly baked, these cookies are bright, fun and will be the hit of any celebration. Soft in the middle, a little crisp on the edges and as green as can be. You can’t ask for much more on St. Patrick’s Day.

Find more recipes, celebration ideas and dessert favorites for every occasion at Culinary.net.

Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies

Servings: 24-32

2 1/2 cups flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup butter, softened

1 1/4 cups sugar

2 eggs

30 drops green food coloring

1 teaspoon peppermint extract

1 package (12 ounces) chocolate chips

Directions:

Heat oven to 375 F.

In large bowl, mix flour, baking soda and salt until blended. Set aside.

In medium bowl, beat butter and sugar until combined. Add eggs, food coloring and peppermint extract; beat until combined.

Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients; beat until combined. Stir in chocolate chips. Drop spoonfuls of cookie dough onto baking sheet. Bake 11-14 minutes, or until edges are lightly browned.

Cool on wire racks.

“The threat of wildfire is becoming increasingly prevalent and dangerous, posting greater risks to people and property than ever before,” said Lorraine Carli, NFPA vice president of Outreach and Advocacy. “In preparation for a future with more wildfire activity, homeowners need to understand their role and take action in reducing wildfire risk. We encourage people to use and share NFPA’s wildfire safety resources with others in their community to not only make a difference in safety on Preparedness Day, but all through the year as well.”

According to the National Interagency Fire Center, some 71.8 million properties in the U.S. are at some level of risk from wildfire. This number is predicted to grow by 11 percent over the next 30 years. In the past five years wildfires have destroyed nearly 63,000 structures, the majority of which were homes. This number is poised to grow as increased wildfire activity encounters the substantial number of homes and communities located in wildfire-prone areas. For more information about Wildfire Community Preparedness Day, project ideas, and free resources to download and share, including a Preparedness Day toolkit, please visitwildfireprepday.org.

last month’s meeting, Mr. Cleary brought to light some originally unknown expenses that would be borne by Monterey.

“Don’t ‘California’ this beautiful town and don’t waste our tax dollars on something that few, if any, Monterey residents will benefit from.”

After Garcia made the motion to move forward with the EV charging stations by TTU, Wolfgram chimed in for discussion and clarification.

Wolfgram asked, “They’re all taxpayer funded?”

“Correct,” Garcia said of the level two charging sta-

tions.

Wolfgram asked, “We’re not charging for the service?”

“Correct,” Garcia answered.

Other action by the board included:

• Voting to apply for a Community Development Block Grant

• Approved the children’s playground equipment purchase for Whitaker Park within the budgeted amount of $230,000 from Monterey’s share of the American Recovery Program grant from Tennessee Department of Transporation. The adult fitness park equipment did

not fit into the budget and was not approved in the purchase. The remaining grant money of $47,784 is allocated toward the new soccer complex at black bottom field.

• Voted to close Meadow Creek Park from sunset to sunrise, with Monterey Police to oversee enforcement, and city employees to assist.

• To write up a lease agreement with Heather Call of Outdoor Experience for the use of kayaks and bikes at Meadow Creek Park.

Ward 1 Alderwoman Amy Martin was not present at the meeting.

MHS players ROCK!

Photos by Rebekah Beeler/Scribe

ABOVE: Don’t stop believin’! The cast of “Rock of Ages” performs 80s rock anthems the audience knows and loves.

LEFT: Sister Christian, oh, the time has come. Sherrie Christian (Megan Erickson) takes the stage by a storm with her performance for “Rock of Ages” at Monterey High School.

RIGHT: Drew Boley (Samuel Clark) proves his mettle as a rock musician, and as Sherrie Christian’s love interest.

BELOW: Save the strip! The Dupree Room is threatened by developer Hilda Kilnemann (Kaydence Phillips) and son Franz (Austin Bowman), and Dupree Room followers won’t go down without a fight.

Rock on!

Bad boy rockstar Stacee Jaxx (Carter Callahan) gets Sherrie Christian (Megan Erickson) to swoon, against her better judgment, despite her feelings for up-and-coming rocker, Drew Boley.

Hilda Kilnemann (Kaydence Phillips) and son Franz (Austin Bowman) persuade the mayor (Megan LaFever) with a proposal to tear down the Dupree Room, until city planner and rock n’ roll fan Regina (Jada Bowman) convinces the mayor otherwise.

Rocking around, Lonny Barnett (Lucas Walker) dances with Justice Chariler (Kairen Phillips).

We built this city on rock n’ roll! Monterey High School Players turn out to save the Dupree Room rock club in “Rock of Ages.”

Highland Sports

MHS Anglers place in regional tourney

The Monterey High School Anglers participated in the Tennessee Bass Nation North Central Regional Tournament on past Saturday on Center Hill Lake. The high school division had a total of 88 teams competing from all over Tennessee. MHS had five teams compete, with every team weighing in fish. The anglers are ranked by points standings for the year, and the top 30 teams in each region gets a seat to the State Championship which is on Douglas Lake this year. MHS Anglers’ next tournament is the North Central Regional Championship scheduled for April 29, on Dale Hollow Lake out of Sunset Marina. Weigh-in is at 2 p.m. for the junior teams, and 3 p.m. for the high school teams. Everyone is invited to come to the tournament to cheer on the MHS Anglers.

Standing Stone Scribe

Photos submitted

The team of Jeffery Stewart and J.W. Holloway place 22nd with four fish weighing a total of 12.08 pounds.

The team of Aiden Roberson and Hayden Peters place 31st with three fish and a total of 9.32 pounds.

The team of Wade Mackie and Daniel Lowhorn place 33rd with three fish and a total of 8.69 pounds.

The team of Landon Harris and Maddux Harris place 69th with one fish and a total of 1.34 pounds.

The team of Jeffery Stewart and J.W. Holloway win Big Fish honors with a 5.65pound largemouth bass.

Queen, please!

TPAC announces magical 2023-‘24 Broadway season

Pick up ‘Six’ on tour

By Rebekah Beeler

Scribe publisher

There once was a time when “Slay, Queen” literally meant “off with her head.”

Divorced, beheaded, died, divorced, beheaded, survived – after 500 years, the six Tudor queens finally get to have the last word.

“Six” is the ultimate “she said.”

The Tony Award-winning hit musical and worldwide sensation, “Six” made its Nashville premiere at Tennessee Performing Arts Center Feb. 21. What initially began as Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss’ collegiate theater project as Cambridge University students, “Six” has now garnered 23 awards in the 2021-’22 Broadway season, including the Tony Award for Best Original Score (music and lyrics) and the Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Musical.

The modernized musical history depicts Henry VIII’s six wives as pop stars in concert in this pastto-present performance.

The half-dozen girly pops spill the tea as the girl group sings their truth, illuminating the conjecture, the politics and their relationships with the Tudor king – stories of their past, being passed over or passing away.

“History’s about to be overthrown,” the queens sing in the opening number.

Now, it’s no longer history – it’s “herstory.”

Like rounds in a sixshooter, the queens go off like a shot, each with unique songs portraying their individuality, per-

sonalities, qualities and experiences. Packing a powerful punch, they compete with each other about which queen endured the most hardships as one of Henry VIII’s wives for the honor of being “Queen of the Castle.”

The “Six” North American Tour Boleyn Company Cast are Gerianne Pérez as Catherine of Aragon, Zan Berube as Anne Boleyn, Amina Faye as Jane Seymour, Terica Marie as Anna of Cleves, Aline Mayagoitia as Katherine Howard and Sydney Parra as Catherine Parr. Alternate cast members are Aryn Bohannon, Jana Larell Glover, Taylor Pearlstein and Cecilia Snow. For the TPAC opening, alternate Jana Larell Glover performed the role of Catherine of Aragon and alternate Cecilia Snow as Anna of Cleves.

It was seamless. As Catherine of Aragon, Glover was posh and strong, absolved and absolute in her performance. Her vocal range and fervor set the energetic tone to the show. Berube was an instant crowd favorite and made waves as Anne Boleyn with her sing-songy voice and Baby Spice vibes. Amina Faye’s hipoperatic contribution to the program as Jane Seymour was tender and soulful, a washing, gentling influence on the impactful, highvelocity production. Anna of Cleves was performed by Snow, and the audience found out why Snow also serves as dance captain in

Enchantment abounds in a magical 2023-‘24 HCA Healthcare/TriStar Health Broadway at Tennessee Performing Arts Center season, presented in partnership with Nissan and filled with the hottest titles direct from New York and on tour. Featuring six Nashville premieres, including a two-week engagement of the Tony-nominated best musical, Disney’s “Frozen;” “Mrs. Doubtfire,” based on the beloved film and directed by four-time Tony Award winner Jerry Zaks; “Funny Girl,” featuring one of the greatest musical scores of all time; the Tony Award-winning re-imagination of Bob Dylan’s legendary songs in “Girls from the North Country;” the inspiring story of the queen of rock n’ roll, “Tina– The Tina Turner Musical;” and “Beetlejuice,” the Broadway smash hit based on Tim Burton’s dearly beloved film.

The 2023-‘24 Broadway at TPAC lineup also includes the highly-anticipated return of “Wicked,” the sensational untold true story of the Witches of Oz, and the Tony Awardwinning musical comedy “Hairspray.”

In addition, TPAC will have two limited engagement presentations, including “The Cher Show,” the Tony Award-winning musical featuring 35 of her hit songs, and “Annie,” the timeless classic that has reminded theatergoers for decades that sunshine is always right around the corner.

shows individually. They also enjoy other exclusive benefits such as easy exchange privileges, savings on additional single tickets and flexible payment plans that allow them to spread the cost of a season package over up to eight months.

To purchase season tickets and review the full benefits, pricing and seat map, visitTPAC. ORG/Broadway, or call TPAC Patron Services at 615-782-6560.

TPAC 2023-’24 Broadway season:

Wicked – Oct. 11-29, 2023

Mrs. Doubtfire – Nov. 7-12, 2023

Funny Girl – Jan. 2-7, 2024

Girl from the North Country – Jan. 30 - Feb. 4, 2024

Tina – The Tina Turner Musical – Feb. 1318, 2024

Beetlejuice – March 12-17, 2024

Disney’s Frozen – May 7-18, 2024

Hairspray – June 11-16, 2024

Special Add-On Presentations (not included in the season package):

The Cher Show – Jan. 19-20, 2024

Annie – March 27-30, 2024

Institutional partners are Amazon and Nissan North America. TPAC is funded in part by support from the Tennessee Arts Commission and the Metropolitan Nashville Arts Commission. NewsChannel 5 is the media sponsor for Broadway at TPAC.

a big way. Snow was dynamite on stage, carrying herself with an awe-inspiring confidence and vitality that was so much fun to watch. She was the glue that held the show together. Mayagoitia was fierce and mighty in her delivery as Katherine Howard. Her energy yielded her fabulously capable voice. Parra played Catherine Parr, and it has to be said that her dusky, bluesy voice surprised and delighted.

They each wholly owned it. They were girl power incarnate.

Just like an epic concert event, a live four-piece band accompanied the “Six” on stage, providing the soundtrack. The product was the masterfully mixed arrangements of deep base hip hop, dubstep and trap, influenced by the cultural sounds from each queen’s homeland and minstrel themes of the 15th century, with nods to the Spice Girls and Beyoncé.

It is powerful, catchy, dynamic and currently playing in my CD player on repeat.

The 85-minute performance zipped by, fast-forwarded by the quick-paced delivery, dynamics and brief interludes of quippy dialogue. As each presented their tune of trauma, the audience heard about their sacrifices and losses and how some lost more than others (especially from the neck up.) As the com-

“Over the past 42 years, TPAC has presented a variety of compelling, inspiring and entertaining performances, and we are proud to offer this uplifting Broadway lineup of powerful stories of hope, self-discovery and the importance of family and friends,” says Jennifer Turner, TPAC President and CEO.

“We’re so grateful to our growing Broadway community and the record-breaking turnout for our 2022-‘23 season in which we sold out of season ticket packages for the first time,” added Turner. “Their love for Broadway has captured the attention of the touring industry and put TPAC on the map as an essential hub for touring Broadway.”

After current season ticket holders renew, season tickets will be available to the public starting March 13. Purchasing season tickets allows theater lovers to lock in the best seats at the best price compared to purchasing

Since 1980, the nonprofit Tennessee Performing Arts Center has welcomed more than 14 million audience members and served more than 2 million children and adults with performances at TPAC, teacher resources, professional development opportunities, classroom residencies, and enrichment programs. Each year, TPAC serves several hundred thousand audience members with the HCA Healthcare/TriStar Health Broadway at TPAC series, a variety of special engagements, and the productions of three resident artistic companies – Nashville Ballet, Nashville Opera, and Nashville Repertory Theatre. TPAC’s mission is to lead with excellence in the performing arts and arts education, creating meaningful and relevant experiences to enrich lives, strengthen communities, and support economic vitality. For more information, visit TPAC.org.

Photos by Joan Marcus

Sydney Parra as Catherine Parr (center) in The North American Tour Boleyn Company of “Six.”

Amina Faye performs as Jane Seymour in The North American Tour Boleyn Company of “Six.”

Life on the Mountain

Fun Easter ‘Egg-turnatives’ 4 creative alternatives to decorating eggs this Easter

FAMILY FEATURES

While decorating eggs for Easter is a tradition that dates back centuries, the high cost of eggs may creative ways to keep the season special and create memories with loved ones.

With more than 140 years of experience, the Easter egg decorating experts at PAAS® are sharing some ideas and inspiration on fun things to do with your Easter decorating kit. These “egg-citing” alternatives to using traditional eggs can help keep those simple moments of connection and creativity alive:

Pretty in Plastic

Dyeing plastic eggs is an activity perfect for all ages with less stress and less mess since they don’t crack or break when dropped. Dyeable plastic eggs also typically come in packages creativity. Another added bonus: You can decorate your home garland, hanging ornaments, place settings or gifts that can be used for years to come.

Baked Easter Decor

Instead of buying eggs, you can make your own baking soda dough eggs using 1/2 cup corn starch, 1 cup baking soda and 3/4 cup water. Combine the ingredients, roll into egg shapes and bake in the oven for 1 hour at 175 F then simply dye them as you would real eggs using your favorite PAAS egg decorating kit. Fun for all ages, these eggs can be turned into a variety of decor and mementos with kids taking the lead on mixing the dough batter and shaping the eggs before an adult helps with the baking.

Creative Kitchen Canvases

make perfect canvases for Easter decorating and naturally take centerpieces, papier mache eggs, artwork to frame and more.

Repurposed Treasure from Nature

Kids often love to hunt for fun-shaped and colorful rocks when exploring outdoors or collect seashells while on vacation or taking a walk on the beach. Now, rather than storing them in a “treasure box” or throwing them back outside, they can be creatively decorated for Easter using paint, stickers, glitter, accessories and other add-ons. Some seashells can even be dyed. Using rocks alternative that allows children to use their imaginations for creative play once they’re done decorating.

For more tips and ideas to make Easter “eggstra” special this year, visit paaseastereggs.com. •

Continued from 4

both in our thirties, and we’re trying to save up our starter emergency fund in Baby Step 1 of your plan. We were wondering if we should withdraw the money and use it toward Baby Steps 1 and 2, or just leave it in there.

Todd Dear Todd,

The best thing to do is roll the money over into an IRA. Otherwise you’re going to be hit with a 10% penalty—plus your tax rate—and end up paying 30% to 40% of it to the government. That’s kind of like asking, “Would it be a good idea to borrow $3,200 at 30% interest to pay off debt?” Of course not! That would be a really dumb idea. And in a sense, that’s what you’d be doing by just taking the money out of the TSP.

It’s not a ton of money, but conceptually, I hate the

idea of giving the government 30% to 40% of my money just to get my money out. So yeah, do some research, find a good investment professional near you—one with the heart of a teacher—and roll it into an IRA.

Congratulations to you and your wife for deciding to take control of your money. And thank you for your service to our country, Todd. I hope this helped.

— Dave

•

• •

Dave Ramsey is an eighttime national bestselling author, personal finance expert and host of “The Ramsey Show.” He has appeared on “Good Morning America,” “CBS This Morning,” “Today,” 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 of Ramsey Solutions.

Sustainable Tips to Avoid Egg Waste

If you plan to keep the tradition of dyeing eggs alive this year, you can take steps to avoid food waste once you’re done decorating. Consider these sustainable tips from the experts at PAAS:

Make Deviled Eggs: As long as you refrigerate the eggs shortly after dyeing them, you can use them to make deviled eggs – an Easter brunch staple – for your family meal.

Create Centerpieces: Dyed eggs can be used to make a beautiful centerpiece for your family dinner. Simply spread them over your table runner

Serve a Salad: Eating the eggs saves you from food waste, and eggs can be used in a variety of salads, including egg salad, potato salad or chef’s

Start a Compost Pile: If you don’t plan to eat the eggs once you’re done decorating, you can create a compost pile near your garden. Hard-boiled eggshells are a rich source of calcium and other essential nutrients plants need.

WCTE to hold Biscuits and Jam event

Do you love biscuits? Do you love live music? If so, get ready to indulge in the best of both worlds: WCTE PBS’s “Biscuits and Jam.”

On March 30, biscuit lovers, music lovers and public television lovers will convene at The Saltbox Inn for “Biscuits and Jam” to enjoy dinner (including warm, fresh-baked biscuits) while listening to the soulful sounds of talented singersongwriters Darrell Scott, Verlon Thompson and Jay Clark.

“With this lineup of amazing singer-songwriters, you will either be enjoying old favorites or discovering new favorites,” said Craig LeFevre, WCTE PBS Station Manager. “You will be able to get up close and personal with the performers and with the biscuits.”

The music and dining event is all part of WCTE’s Annual Meeting, a celebration of the station’s successes and an opportunity for the station to recognize those responsible.

“We’re thrilled to bring together two of life’s simplest pleasures -- biscuits and music -- for a truly memorable evening,” said Avery Hutchins, CEO and general manager of WCTE PBS.

“These are top-tier, Nashville musicians, and we’re bringing them in to celebrate the top-tier of station supporters, staff and volun-

Think pink

teers.”

To purchase your tickets and for more information visit wcte.org/annualdinner or contact WCTE PBS at 931-528-2222 or membership@wcte.org.

WCTE has served the Upper Cumberland for 40+ years as the region’s premier storyteller, and is the only television station in a 75-

Apartment for Rent

1 bedroom. CHA. Newly renovated. Monterey, between exits 300 and 301. No pets, smoking or washer and dryer. Upstairs with private entrance. $425/mo. First, last plus deposit. 839-3514.

Planning

Pink Gala set for April 1

One of our region’s premier events, The Pink Gala, will be held at the Leslie Town Centre from 6-11 p.m. on Saturday, April 1. The elegant evening will include fourcourse meal, cocktail hour, silent auction, and dancing with returning talent “8 South Band.”

The event benefits the Upper Cumberland Pink Ribbon Program, which provides free mammograms to hundreds of local residents who cannot afford one. Pink Ribbon is one of many charitable programs operated by Cookeville Regional Charitable Foundation.

To reserve a table, please call 931-783-2003

• QUEENS •

Continued from 9

petition heated up, insults flew and the girls came to a precipice. They didn’t need to compete with each other as much as they needed to change the rhetoric.

Other than an incredible night of entertainment, the

or purchaseonline at www.CookevilleRegionalCharity.org. The event will sell out quickly.

The Pink Gala is presented by Cumberland Imaging Associates. Additional sponsors include Journey Financial Planning, Cherokee Distributing and The Property Company. Cookeville Regional Medical Center Foundation is a 501c3 non-profit organization leading the Upper Cumberland in providing charitable aid for struggling patients and supporting charitable-health community programs. Learn more about the Foundation at www.CookevilleRegionalCharity. org or call 931-783-2003

takeaway from “Six” is this:

Queen, please! Straighten your crown, and don’t step on the train of the queen in front of you.

Catch the Tudor wives’ reprise while you can. The

“Six” North American Tour will move on (just like Henry VIII did) before

mile radius of Cookeville, TN. WCTE is a proud strategic partner with educators, health services, government, arts and music organizations across the Upper Cumberland. WCTE is a 501-(c) 3, and is owned and operated by the Upper Cumberland Broadcast Council. WCTE is one of only 350 PBS member stations nationwide.

STATEPOINT CROSSWORD

THEME: COLLEGE BASKETBALL

ACROSS

1.

you can say, “Off with her head!”

With some adult language, references, double entendres and innuendos, the show is recommended for ages 10 and older. Catch “Six” with these tour dates, available online at https:// sixonbroadway.com/northamerican-tours.

29. *Org.

31. Witty Coward

32. Dress up or deck out (2 words)

33. Blue-Green scum

34. *Easiest shot?

36. Location

38. Hero shop

42. Never say what?

45. Abduction of the ____ Women, Roman myth

49. Farm call

51. Bewitch

54. One step to success?

56. Close call

57. Elliot Page’s 2007 role

58. Home of Jazz

59. Unacceptable, to a baby

60. Gravy holder

61. ACL location

62. Short for “and elsewhere”

63. Small amounts

64. Selfie, e.g.

66. *Qualifying ____, eligibility criterion

Photo submitted

committee members are getting ready for the Pink Gala. In back are Amanda Scott, Norma Moore, Ben Danner, Jill Moore, Dr. Daryl Henderson, Misty Smith, Rachel McCarter, and Brent Young. In front are Beth Davidson, Cheryl Moore, Michelle Roberts, Amy Ayers, Amanda Bain and Nora Cooper.

Reba Bacon Art winners announced

The 45th annual Reba Bacon Memorial High School Art Competition announced its winning artists. Monterey High School winners were Daisy Hernandez, Bryleigh Walker, Reign Merrell and Eva Tisdale. Hernandez won first place in fiber arts. Tisdale took second in pen and ink. Walker came home with first place in watercolor, second in pastels and honorable mention in acrylic/oil painting. Merrell placed third in watercolor.

Winners from Upper Cumberland high schools also represented at the competition were: Cookeville High School- Charlie Herren, Morgan Herron, Abigail Russell, Madison Smith, Grace Krug, Jackson Roe, Blake Burke, Brook Swallows, Katie Green, Jean Peters, Fiona McKelvie, Selah Akfaro and Sam Cutright; Highland Rim Academy- Lilly Montgomery, Macie King, Olivia Werries, Maddison Neal and teacher Paula Pardue; Stone Memorial High School- Kaylee Vardy, Alyona Fordice, Norah Daly, Katherine Perez, and Hannah Kirby; Clay County High School- Sarah Anderson; Peachtree Learning Center- Lydia Love and Tehya Howell; Upperman High School- Garrett Bohannon. Student artwork is on display at the Cookeville Art Society gallery, 184A S. Walnut Ave., Cookeville, TN, through March 25. This is a judged show with monetary awards for any students in grades 9-12 in the Upper Cumberland area. Seven high schools are represented. The Cumberland Art Society sponsors this competition and encourages everyone to support these students by visiting the gallery during the month.

The public is encouraged to view the exhibit Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Photos submitted

Pictured with art teacher James Watts are Monterey High School students Daisy Hernandez, Bryleigh Walker and Reign Merrell, who are named winners at the 45th annual Reba Bacon Memorial High School Art Competition. Not pictured is Eva Tisdale.

Eva Tisdale

Bryleigh Walker

Reign Merrell

Daisy Hernandez