Scribe May issue 2023

Photos by Rebekeh Beeler

Sutton Hargrove shows her brand new bike she won after scooping up the prize egg at the annual Monterey Easter Egg Hunt at Standing Stone Monument Park on April 8.

Colton Abston is proud he secured the prize egg at Spring in the Limb Easter Egg Hunt at Wilson Elementary School on April 8.

The youngest egg hunters bravely face the weather, gathering eggs at the Monterey little league baseball field.

Hunter Cantrell enjoys eating an Easter treat at the first-ever Spring in the Limb community Easter event at Wilson Elementary School.

Sandwich Board

Hilltop Chorale Elvis tribute concert June 2

Get ready to get “all shook up!” The Monterey Hilltop Chorale is excited to present its spring concert, an Elvis tribute and dinner concert, on Friday, June 2. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and dinner is at 6 p.m. The ticketed event will be held at Hope in Christ Fellowship Church, 315 Peter Ave. in Monterey. Advanced ticket sales only. Tickets are $20, and can be purchased through any chorale member and at the Monterey Depot Museum.

Middle/Burks basketball tryouts May 26

All rising 4-8th grade students interested in playing basketball for Monterey

Middle/Burks Elementary should make plans to attend tryouts on May 26 at Burks Elementary. Tryouts begin at 10:30 a.m. and end at 12:30 p.m.

Players must have the required paperwork and physical exams to attend tryouts. Paperwork is available online at the TSSAA website or in the front office of Monterey High School and Burks Elementary. There is a limit of available placements on the roster for each team. Everyone who attend the May 26 tryout is not guaranteed a spot on the final roster.

Farmers Market open

Monterey Farmers Market is open. Vender permits are available at the Monterey Historic Depot. Call 8392111 for more information.

Monterey Farmers Market is also open and available for yard sales. Hours are Thursday evenings 3-6 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Call the Monterey Depot Museum for a permit at 8392111.

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 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 informa-

Standing 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.

tion, 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.

Stay active at Monterey Senior Center Monterey Senior Center is located at 105 N. Elmore, Monterey, TN. Contact the Senior Center by calling 8398053. Membership is free for those 60 and over. Come and see what we are all about. Please stop by the center to see what new adventures have been added. Regular center hours are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Thursday. 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 931-319-1227.

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 8:3011:30 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) 2527676.

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.

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 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,

VanWinkle named MHS Teacher of the Year

McCloud earns SkillsUSA State Champ

Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Livingston is proud to announce that student, Jordan McCloud, won first place in the SkillsUSA Carpentry division for the state of Tennessee. The event was held at Chattanooga in April, with competitors across the state. McCloud will compete in the National SkillsUSA Competition at Atlanta in June. McCloud will graduate from the Building Construction Technology Program in the fall of this year. For

the past two years, TCATLivingston Instructor Jack Dale has had two students win first place in this competition.

SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers and industry working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce. A nonprofit national education association, SkillsUSA serves middle school, high-school and college/ postsecondary students preparing for careers in trade, technical and skilled service occupations.

Kids Korner Bentley Bear is Jealous

By Amy Swafford

One day in the Enchanted Woods, two friends, Bentley Bear and Freddy Fox, were going fishing. Piney Creek has water so crystal clear you can see yourself. The creek was refreshing and cool on this warm sunny day, and the friends were enjoying the sun and cool water. Bentley and Freddy had not caught any fish yet but they were not really trying, either. They were having fun playing around in the water and goofing off.

All of a sudden, out the clear blue sky, came a big, beautiful and graceful eagle. Emma Eagle swooped down and quickly wrapped her sharp claws around a big fat fish and flew away. Bentley and Freddy were both amazed at what they had just witnessed.

Freddy said, “Did you see how easily Emma caught that fish? I wish I could catch fish that easily.”

Bentley started thinking it wasn’t fair that Emma had caught a fish and they hadn’t. He started feeling angry and told Freddy, “That isn’t fair, she took our fish. We were fishing here first!”

Freddy looked surprised. His fox ears bent at hearing Bentley so angry and saying those things.

“But, Bentley,” he said, “we have just been playing around and not even trying to catch a fish. How can you say that?”

Bentley thought for a moment and said, “You’re right. I guess I was feeling jealous that Emma had a fish and we didn’t. Let’s stop goofing off and really try to catch a fish.”

So, the friends quit playing and concentrated on catching a fish. Before long they both had a nice big juicy fish to enjoy for lunch.

Forest animal fun facts: North American Black bears can run up to 30 miles per hour. A fox uses its tail as a warm cover in cold weather and as a signal flag to communicate with other foxes.

Bald eagles can soar over 10,000 feet high, and their great eyesight lets them see fish up to a mile away. When they attack, they drop down at up to 100 miles an hour! Then they glide just above the water, snag a fish with their feet and fly off to eat it.

Photo submitted

Pictured are SkillsUSA Carpentry first place winner Jordan McCloud and TCAT-Livingston Instructor Jack Dale.

Photo submitted Putnam County School hosted its annual Teacher of the Year Luncheon to celebrate their teachers. Congratulations to Blake VanWinkle on his accomplishments and being named Monterey High School Teacher of the Year!

Coming up with something to review every month can be more challenging than you might think. With so many things to watch on so many different platforms, finding something timely that might be of interest to a large audience can be difficult. Sometimes, however, a movie or a show drops in your lap at just the right moment. It has been a while since I reviewed a documentary. It is not something I do very often because documentaries don’t usually appeal to a wide audience, but I believe Amazon’s latest documentary will.

Very few people, particularly women, probably escaped childhood without reading at least one book by Judy Blume. Even if you never read one of her books, you have undoubtedly heard of her. Growing up, I never realized that most of the books I read by her were written years before I was born because they covered topics that were timeless and relevant. I was probably first introduced to Judy Blume by a teacher in elementary school who read Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing and Superfudge for story time. Later, I would check out Blume’s books in the school library. I can still remember the hardback books in their crinkly, once clear covers, torn from years of reading; a sign of a well-loved book. I would eventually purchase the paperback version of many of these books at the school book fairs. Obviously, this was decades before amazon.com.

All of these years later, Amazon has released a documentary about Judy Blume called “Judy Blume

In Blume

By Paula Tudor Scribe columnist

Forever.” The title is a nod to her book Forever

Growing up, I never realized that this, along with several of her other books, were controversial. In the absence of the internet and social media, my friends and I were more than likely in the dark about such controversy or even that these books existed. The documentary covers this controversy extensively. It also shows current and past interviews with Blume, addressing her books being banned and the issue of book banning in general. I suspect there will be strong opinions on both sides of this topic, and I would surmise this was probably the point of the whole documentary.

Apart from the controversy, there are many other things that can be taken from this documentary. My favorite feature was the interviews that were conducted with fans of her books. Some even read letters that they received from Blume decades ago. Apparently, readers would often write to her with questions and the author would write them back with advice or encouragement. Many children who wrote to her didn’t have anyone else in their lives to talk to and felt that she was someone they could trust. One reader, for example, had experienced abuse by a family member and Blume offered to research places where the teen could get the help she needed. Again, this was well before the internet, so research would’ve likely involved phone calls and letter writing. The fact that Blume took the time and initiative to do this for a fan

shows how connected and dedicated she was to her audience.

Blume’s last published work was an adult book called In the Unlikely Event. In the documentary, she says this will likely be her last. She has written several books geared toward adults over the years but, of course, most people will remember her for her coming-of-age novels like Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. This book is now a movie, starring Rachel McAdams, and is currently showing in theaters.

At 85, Blume is still seeing the fruits of her labor, with fans coming to visit the bookstore she and her husband own in Florida. Apparently, the author goes there frequently and interacts with her readers who remember her books fondly as part of their childhood. Many of these books are talked about in “Judy Blume Forever,” with excerpts being read by various fans. So, if you were one of her readers, you will find this to be a nice stroll down memory lane.

“Judy Blume Forever” is now streaming on Amazon Prime.

• • •

Paula Tudor graduated cum laude from Tennessee Technological University with a B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies emphasizing English and Communication. She is a freelance writer and a distinguished blogger/online correspondent, with more than three thousand followers on twitter. The bulk of her work can be found at paulassoapbox.blogspot.com and at paulatudor.com.

Dave Says

Pay Off My Home or Buy a Rental?

Dear Dave, I’m going to sell a rental cabin I own, and the sale should a Dave Says Is the Threat of De-Dollarization Real?

Dear Dave, I’m hearing more and more about “de-dollarization” and how several countries are moving away from the U.S. dollar as their basis of international trade. Will this affect the strength of the dollar, and should I be concerned about how I’m saving and investing because of this?

Zack

Dear Zack, First and foremost, I care enough about you to say you may be spending way too much time on the internet, buddy. You’re drifting into the realm of conspiracy theories here, so let’s slow down and take a look at some facts.

China, Brazil and Russia are the three main players in all this. They already don’t use the U.S. dollar as their basis of international trade—all three have their own currency, and there’s a conversion rate between all those currencies and the U.S. dollar. Those three countries, along with some of the oilproducing countries from the Middle East they’re trying to get on board with the idea, are talking about developing one currency they all use. In international trade, that currency would be converted back and forth to dollars— much like what Europe did with the euro. Which, by the way, really hasn’t worked out so well.

Are those countries going to be able to devalue the dollar by doing that? No. Why? Because while those countries take up a lot of land mass, they don’t take up a lot of the gross domestic

Dave Ramsey

product (GDP) of the world. The United States still represents the vast majority of the world’s GDP. Sure, China’s big in that regard. But Russia doesn’t bring much to the table, and Brazil is barely scraping by in a failed economy. Plus, they’re tiny as far as economics are concerned.

I mean, Texas probably has a larger GDP than Brazil.

In other words, they just don’t have the muscle to take down the dollar mathematically speaking. Now, if they do manage to put this idea together, it still won’t end in “de-dollarization.” The dollar will not be done away with. Even if they create their own currency, they’re still going to have to trade with the 800-pound gorilla, which is America. And they’re going to have to trade with us in dollars.

Am I worried about this, Zack? Not one bit. And you shouldn’t be either.

— Dave

Control the Controllables

Dear Dave,

I’m a senior in high school, and I’m enrolled in a personal finance class. From your perspective, should I be worried about the national debt being over $30 trillion, and should this affect a person’s overall personal finance strategy?

Chris

Dear Chris,

5 ways to show your support this Military Appreciation Month

(StatePoint)

U.S. military service members are ready to be called upon at any time to protect the country, and May, which is Military Appreciation Month, is the perfect opportunity to express gratitude for their sacrifices.

Military Appreciation

Month was initially recognized by a U.S. Senate resolution in 1999. Although the entire month is designated to honoring past and present military members and their families, there are several holidays sprinkled throughout the month that honor service members, including Loyalty Day, VE Day, Military Spouse Appreciation Day, Mother’s Day, Armed Forces Day and Memorial

Day.

“This year in particular, many more service members are overseas supporting

NATO due to war in Ukraine. These deployments should be a reminder to all Americans of the importance of

expressing our gratitude to the men and women in the military who sacrifice so much for us,” says Christo-

I’m sorry you have to worry about such things at your age.

I, personally, have a long history of fretting about, and alternately being angry about, the national debt being out of control. This is mainly because it represents a Congress that’s out of control, and the fact that the American people don’t seem to have enough backbone to vote these clowns out. So, they keep spending like there’s no tomorrow. There’s probably a tipping point somewhere, but the good news is it hasn’t happened yet.

I’m with you on this when it comes to being concerned, though. I think the entire situation represents a lack of discipline on the American people’s part and on the part of our elected officials. It’s pitiful, and it’s outrageous. Now, does it affect my investing? Not one bit. I invest based on good long-term track records, because the national debt has been out of control for as long as I’ve been alive.

Here’s the thing. If everything did finally fall in on itself, there’s nothing at all you could’ve invested in from a financial point that would protect you. So, if I were you, I wouldn’t worry too much about it, or walk around scared that I was suddenly about to lose everything. In my mind, it’s going to take more than a crop of inept, or dishonest, politicians—and there have been bunches of those, from both sides of the aisle—to sink this thing called America. I believe the country, and its people, are much more resilient than that.

You’re a thoughtful young man, Chris. But I want you to remember one very im-

• See MONEY•

Continued on 5

pher Plamp, United Service Organizations (USO) senior vice president of Operations, Programs, and Entertainment and an Air Force veteran.

With its long history of keeping America’s military service members connected to family, home and country, the USO is providing five ideas for how to honor and support service members and their families.

1. Say “Thank You.” The simplest way to support service members is to thank them for their service. According to the Blue Star Families 2022 Military Family Lifestyle Survey, only one-third of activeduty families feel a sense of belonging to their local

civilian community. You can send a message of support and encouragement to service members through the USO’s website.

“Acknowledging the immense challenges of military life can have a real, positive impact. The simple act of thanks can show military members that their work is valued and appreciated,” says Plamp.

2. Send a Care Package. Sending care packages with items such as snacks and hygiene products lets service members know that the American people are thinking of them, even

Photo courtesy USO Photos

Sandwich Board

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 Melissa Allison at 931-476-4127, if you are interested in attending this meeting.

Be an Ombudsman volunteer

Do you want to make a difference? Are you concerned

• MONEY •

Continued from 4

portant thing. What happens in your house carries much more weight in your life than what happens in Washington, D.C., or the White House. That means being personally responsible for yourself and your money. Live on a written budget, save money and stay away from debt. If you do those things, I think you’re going to be okay!

— Dave

Just Pile Up Money, and Go Do It

Dear Dave, I plan to buy another investment property with cash in the next year or two. Currently, I have $83,000 sitting in a high-yield savings account at 4% interest. My goal is to save another $50,000 to $70,000 in the upcoming months. Right now, 4% is good, but I want to make sure I’m maximizing my returns. Should I be doing something else with the money?

Brett

Dear Brett, I like the way you’re doing things. Right now, you’re simply parking the money short term for a purchase a few months down the road. If you invest it, you might make a little more, but you’re taking more risk too. If I’m you, I’m parking the cash.

Here’s the deal: The money you’ll have to purchase another property won’t come

about the needs of older people? Can you work with all types of people? Do you like to follow problems through to resolution?

Aging Services for the Upper Cumberland, Inc. is looking for people who are empathetic, diplomatic, and skilled communicators to be volunteer Ombudsmen.

As a volunteer ombudsman, you will be assigned to a specific long-term care facility, working to ensure that the resident’s rights are being protected. You will help residents with problems they are unable to resolve alone.

Volunteer ombudsmen dedicate three hours per week to this job. On-going training and support are provided. This could be the most challenging and rewarding volunteer opportunity you may ever have.

Training is scheduled for May

from a return on the investment. It’ll come from you putting money in the account. The investment isn’t the secret sauce in this scenario— you are. If you invested the money and made 10% rather than 4% over two months, let’s say, that amounts to about a 3% difference. That’s nothing in your case. You’re not within a couple thousand dollars of doing a deal at the moment. Your deal is a $150,000 deal. Your return on investment isn’t going to make this happen, or keep it from happening. See what I’m saying?

Just keep doing what you’ve been doing and park the money. That’s what I’d do. People who are math nerds, like

9-11, at the UCHRA office located at 580 S. Jefferson Ave. Suite B in Cookeville. For more information, please call (931) 432-4210.

Upper Cumberland SHIP to host free Medicare class

Are you eligible for Medicare and curious about your plan options? Upper Cumberland State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) is conducting a series of free Welcome to Medicare classes this month! A class will be held on Monday, May 22, from 10 a.m. until noon at the Millard Oakley Library located at 107 E. Main St. in Livingston. Each class will consist of training on Parts A, B, C & D, Medigap policies, and ways to prevent Medicare fraud. Registration for both classes is required!

SHIP is a federally funded program administered

us, always look for things to fix an investment. But sometimes the thing that fixes the investment is you. You are the one doing the investing. You are the one putting money in the account. So, in this case, don’t try to fix it. Just pile up money and go do it.

Great question, Brett!

— 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 take control of their

through the Area Agency on Aging & Disability (AAAD). Please call SHIP at 931-4324150, visit the Upper Cumberland SHIP Facebook page at facebook.com/UCSHIP, or email ship@ucdd.org to register or learn more. SHIP and Senior Medicare Patrol are administered locally by the Upper Cumberland Development District and cover all 14 Upper Cumberland counties. SHIP/SMP representatives provide free and unbiased Medicare counseling for any questions, abuse or concerns. They will also screen Medicare beneficiaries for low-income assistance programs. Got Medicare? Got Questions? Call SHIP at 1-877-801-0044 or 931-4324150. AAAD, a division of the Upper Cumberland Development District, connects older adults and adults with disabilities in the 14-county

money, build wealth and enhance their lives. He also serves as CEO for the company Ramsey Solutions.

STATEPOINT CROSSWORD

THEME: AT THE AIRPORT

ACROSS

1. Foundation

6. Dashboard acronym

9. Bonny one

13. Pleasant smell

14. Metal-bearing mineral

15. Salk’s nemesis

16. Kidney-related

Christopher Lloyd’s ____

*Something to claim

*Declaration station

TLC

propeller

woolen

restaurant soup

Upper Cumberland region with services and resources to improve their quality of life. Find the AAAD on the

web at www.ucdd.org and facebook.com/UCDDconnect.

ride

55. Scheduled to arrive 57. *”____ for takeoff”

61. *Frost removal 65. Luxurious sheet fabric 66. It would 68. Synagogue scroll 69. Barely sufficient

70. General Services Administration

71. Movie “Home ____”

72. Reason to cram 73. Negative vote 74. Washer setting

DOWN

1. Prickle on a fence

2. Equal to pi times r squared

3. Cheap form of payment?

4. Insect in adult stage

5. Dar es ____, Tanzania

6. Traveled on a horse

7. Not

Down the bunny trail...

A good haul, Easter egg hunters take their filled baskets back to the gym before enjoying more Spring in the Limb activities.

Vayda Jane Hyso is enthralled with her windup spring chick.

Let the annual Monterey Easter egg hunt begin as the 9-12 age group races to scoop up all they can.

Anthony Lisk is excited about his basket full of Easter eggs after the Spring in the Limb Easter egg hunt.

Photos by Rebekeh Beeler

Monterey Anglers place

Sunset Marina on Dale Hollow Lake was the site of the Tennessee Bass Nation North Central Championship on April 29. Monterey Anglers had five teams competing in this event on a day that proved to be tough on these seasoned anglers. The North Central point race is very tight, and the top 30 teams in the points get the honor to fish the TBN State Championship on Lake Douglas on June 2-3.

The Team of Wade Mackie and Daniel Lowhorn had a limit of bass that tipped the scales at 12.82 pounds and gave them an 8th place finish in a field of 72 boats. Jeffrey Stewart and JW Holloway placed 24th, with a weight of 9.59 pounds. Closely behind in 26th place was the team of Garrett Wessels and Caleb Farley with 9.47 pounds.

Aiden Roberson fished solo and had one bass for 2.19 pounds and a 58thplace finish. The team of Emma Hicks and Allison Clark had a good practice day on Friday, but was unable to land a keeper fish

on Saturday.

The teams of Mackie/ Lowhorn and Wessels/Farley had a strong finish for the regular season and are right on the points cutline to get a seat to the TBN State Championship. The teams will find out if they made the State Champion-

ship in the next few weeks. Wish them luck!

Stewart/Holloway secured a seat to the State Championship.

Monterey Anglers would like to thank all of their sponsors and support from the community! The Monterey Anglers are ex-

TWRA to partner up for kayak classes May 20

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, along with Tennessee State Parks and the Tennessee chapter of the American Canoe Association, are partnering to offer low-cost kayaking instruction on Saturday, May 20.

Instruction will be held at 13 state parks and the event is part of the 2023 National Safe Boating Week which launches the same day.

All instructors are Tennessee volunteers who are nationally certified to give paddling and rescue training and are supported by experienced safety teams. Each park’s event will be limited to 15 people. A limited number of kayaks, paddles, and life jackets will be available.

said TWRA Executive Director Jason Maxedon. “We are excited to be joining this great partnership to highlight outdoor recreation opportunities and paddling safety skills.”

cited to have their team grow and is open to students in grades 2-12. Each student will need a partner, access to a boat and an adult to serve as a boat captain. Call Coach Tony Waters with any questions at 931-510-6461.

MHS vollyball clinic, tryouts May 22-26

Monterey High School volleyball will hold clinics prior to tryouts for those interested in playing on the team. The following clinics will be held on May 22-24 as extra practice and help:

• May 22- Passing clinic 3:30-5 p.m.

• May 23- Setting clinic 3:30-5 p.m.

• May 24- Hitting and serving clinic 3:30-5 p.m.

All are welcome to tryouts. Clinic days are not required, but it is a great opportunity to get extra practice before tryout day. There will be no makeup tryout. Please come prepared with shoes, knee pads, water and physical exam paperwork. Parent meeting is to be announced in the summer prior to the season opener. A team roster will be posted Thursday night after tryouts on the front doors of the school.

• May 25- Tryouts 3:30-6 p.m.

• May 26- Mandatory player meeting noon-1 p.m.

delivered 200,000 of these care packages globally.

from thousands of miles away. The USO Care Package program simplifies the process of sending military care packages, which can be complicated. You can support this program by making a monetary donation to the USO. Another option is to check out the USO Wishbook, where you can select a symbolic gift, such as a USO Care Package, from a catalog to be sent to service members. In 2022, the USO

3. Support Military Spouses. Deployments are challenging for military spouses.

Aside from being separated from their loved ones, military spouses must also shoulder householdresponsibilities alone. For military families with children, this can be even more difficult.

Offer to cook a family dinner or pick up groceries.

Even simply reaching out to ask how they are doing can make a difference.

4. Volunteer. There are

many challenging, but rewarding volunteer opportunities that serve the men and women in uniform, including with the USO, where you will see the impact of your support firsthand. Many USO locations need volunteers who can facilitate programs and events, and help ensure the military community has the resources and support they need to carry out their missions.

5. Donate. Show your support through the annual USO T-shirt campaign, which raises funds for the USO’s

TWRA wildlife officers will be present at various locations to emphasize and encourage paddlecraft safety on Tennessee waters.

Participating Tennessee State Parks include: Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park, Chickasaw State Park. Harpeth River State Park, Long Hunter State Park, Fall Creek Falls State Park. Seven Islands State Birding Park, Big Ridge State Park, Harrison Bay State Park. Hiwassee/Ocoee Scenic River State Park, Davy Crockett Birthplace State Park, Cove Lake State Park, Warriors’ Path State Park, and Booker T. Washington State Park. Adaptive kayaking will take place at Booker T. Washington State Park for paddlers with physical disabilities.

“We want all Tennesseans to be safe while enjoying the state’s beautiful waterways,”

Classes are made available with volunteer support and equipment donations from 20 organizations including: Appalachian Paddling Enthusiasts, Blues City Kayaks, Bluff City Canoe Club, Catalyst Sports, Chota Canoe Club, East Tennessee Whitewater Club, Nolichucky Outdoor Learning Institute, Ocoee Watersports, Outdoor Chattanooga, Sunseeker Outfitters, Sunshine’s Adventures, Tennessee Kayak Anglers, Team River Runner-Atlanta, Team River Runner-Chattanooga, Tennessee Scenic Rivers Association, Tennessee Valley Canoe Club, Tennessee RiverLine, and the West Tennessee Canoe and Kayak Club. This effort is also supported by Pyranha US, headquartered in Erwin, and the Jackson Kayak Foundation, headquartered in Rock Island.

Classes cost $15 per person and in-person spaces are limited, so an alternative, free online class is available. However, in-person training with a certified instructor and experienced safety team is strongly encouraged. Instruction will be 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. local time. To register, go to the Tennessee State Parks website at tnstateparks.com, and the Activities and Events section.

Black bear sightings imminent

Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency receives an increase in calls regarding black bear in spring and early summer. Bears just over a year old leave their mothers and move into new territory in search of food, water and shelter. Outdoor activities such as hiking and camping also increase the potential for humans to spot a bear.

some simple tips can ensure the safety of humans, pets, and wildlife.”

• Never follow a black bear. Give wildlife plenty of room to vacate an area. Following an animal for photos can unintentionally put wildlife or humans in harm’s way.

mobile and center operations, programs and entertainment, transition services and more. The campaign also builds awareness and understanding of military families. To learn more, visit https://www.uso.org/ tshirt.

“From simple words of gratitude to hands-on volunteering, there are many ways to let service members who selflessly put their lives on the line every day know we value their service,” says Plamp.

Humans unknowingly attract and provide for wild animals including black bear, around their homes. Attractants include birdfeeders, trash, birdbaths, and pet food bowls with leftover food. These things can unintentionally lure bears and other unwanted wildlife closer to people. Following a few guidelines can decrease negative interactions and help deter bears.

TWRA Wildlife Biologist, Casey Mullen shared, “We want to make sure bears don’t linger around homes or neighborhoods. Following

• Never intentionally feed bears and look for unintentional food sources around homes. Trash, birdfeeders, unpicked garden vegetables, greasy grills and outside pet food can attract bears.

• Secure food, garbage, recycling, and grills in areas not accessible to bears and other wildlife. Place trash in bear-proof containers and place out the morning of pick up.

• Alert neighbors to bear activity and make noise when exiting your home to alert wildlife and provide time for them to move away.

• Find more info, including hiking and camping in bear country at bearwise.org.

Photo submitted Monterey Anglers team Wade Mackie and Daniel Lowhorn reel in 8th place with a catch of 12.82 pounds during the Tennessee Bass Nation North Central Championship on April 29.

Dixie Elrod Valedictorian

Darien Hargis Salutatorian

Michael Scott Allred Aviel Asael Ardiano

Brandon Fletcher Atkins Gaspar Baltazar Juarez

Oscar Leonardo Barrera Ramirez

Allison Elizabeth Benjamin

Makayla Reneigh Blaylock

Byron Alexander Borjas Castillo

Kadence Layne Bowman

Mason Cade Bowman

Johnny Howard Brown

Liza

Beth Buckner

Carter Alan Asher Calahan Cassie Abigail Callahan

Yoana Guadalupe Casas Cantu

Pedro R. Chandler

Hannah Renea Clark

Jonathan Samuel Clark

Cora Jade Toms Third Honors

Monterey High School Class of 2023

Kimberly Alyia Domingo Maria McKyinze Dyson Megan Miriella Erickson

Matthew David Farley

Andrea McKenzie Fox Miguel Angel Francisco-Moreno

Riley August Franz Judith Garcia Ramirez Zoey Ollie Madison Gore

Donna Jean Diana Hamrick

Shea Lee Harris Gracie Lynn Hastings

James Dean Henry Daisy Jennifer Hernandez Mejia

Adriana Elizabeth Hernandez

Allie Grace Hite

Jonathan Winson Holloway

Sarah Alexis Hood

Konner Jace Clark Brayden Lee Graves Coe Hannah Alexis Crabtree

Austin

Michael Daniels

Haley Reena Davis

Brandon Dawson Dillon

If you can dream it, you can do it.

~ Walt Disney

Madison Jade Horn Trevor Ethan Johnson

Avery Delane Jones

Jaden Marie Lane Ashland Jade Lewis

John Severson Looney

Gracie Marie Lynch

Ethan Blake Maddle Sally Jane Marcum

James Luke McCormick Zayra Leti Mejia Mendez Venancio Gilbardo Mendez-Sanchez

Myra Brianna Meredith Israel

Miguel Sebastian

Tre Gavin Monette Eduardo Alexander Montejo Lopez

David Matthew Montgomery

Marcus Burton Mote

Hope Elizabeth Murphy Jenny Alison Pelico-Juanta

Laken Cole Pemerton

Jhanelly Madai Perez Reynoso

Daniel Isaias Perez Yarisseth Grace Perez

The future is always uncertain, but we who celebrate what you have done, who celebrate all of your acheivements, we are certain of one thing on this day: you will not let us down.

Monterey High School Class of 2023

-Fred DeVito

Madisen Ansley

Underwood

Denys Omar Urizar Rivera Abbigail Morgan Webb

Mason Gage Womack

Dakota Lauren Worley

Lindsey Paige Wright

Shelby Lynn Swallows

Brenda Alejandra Tautiu Saloj

Meliza Rosmery Temaj Felix

Hudson Cayd Thompson

Eva Mae Tisdale

Madison Anne Toms

Amy Carolina Salvador Cardona

Abigail Elizabeth Sasser Eli Timothy Saylors

David Michael Smith Lissy Rosario Soberanis Hernandez

Jeffery Mason Stewart

Abby Sue Phillips Bailey Elizabeth Phillips Kairen Olivia Phillips

Ester Ramirez Cano

Katrina Leanna Rex James Peyton Romines

Not pictured Andrew Phillips

If it doesn’t challenge you, it doesn’t change you.

Monterey High School Top Honors

Valedictorian Dixie Elrod

Daughter of Jeff and Lisa Elrod, and sister to Colt, Dixie has received such honors and awards as the 2023 DAR Good Citizen Award, Miss MHS 2023, UCA All-American Cheerleader, Miss Standing Stone 2022, Cookeville Rotary Student of the Month December 2022 and Exceptional Service Award. Her biggest influence during high school was her friends. “They always pushed me to be the best version of myself and always knew how to make bad days good and the good days better,” she said.

In the fall, she plans to attend the University of Tennessee Knoxville to study audiology and speech pathology.

“Before deciding what I wanted to major in I shadowed at some local pediatric clinics. Knowing that I wanted to work in the medical field with children, I originally thought I wanted to go into physical therapy,” she said. “But after

sitting in on some speech sessions, I knew that was what I wanted to do. I believe this career is the perfect for me because I have always connected with children, and having the opportunity to truly improve a struggling child’s life seems like the perfect fit for me.”

Her long-term goals include obtaining her masters degree in speech pathology, and working as a speech pathologist in either a pediatric clinic or in a school system.

If she chooses to work in the school system, she hopes she could also coach a softball team or cheer squad.

“I hope to build a stable life and environment for myself and a family,” she added.

Her favorite things about high school were travel softball, competing in pageants, baking and hair and makeup design.

“The thing I look forward to the most

once high school is over is not having to be in a classroom for seven hours a day and having more independence,” she said.

At the same time, she said what she’ll miss most is, “Getting to see my friends everyday, playing softball and cheer.” Dixie was a Monterey High School Wildcat Softball team member, playing pitcher and first base, was a cheerleader, student body vice-president, Beta Club secretary, a member of the Family Career and Community Leaders of America and choreographer for the Drama Club.

To her fellow students, she offered, “My advice to fellow students is to stay out of drama, and never let anyone tell you you can’t do something because you can do anything you set your mind to.”

Salutatorian Darian Hargis

Son of Shane and Shannon Hargis, and brother to Savanna and Mistica, Darien’s honor is being ranked second in his class. He also received the presidential and HOPE scholarships.

Other than being what he described as a “passive” Future Farmers of America member, Darien said he didn’t participate in any other clubs.

Of all those who influenced and encouraged him throughout high school, Darien said, “My dad influenced me the

Third Honors Cora Toms

Daughter of Tashia and Craig Pyle, and sister to Katelynn Pyle and Madison Toms, Cora has received such honors as Rotary Student of the Month, Girls State and Presidential Scholars for Tennessee Technological University.

Madison is her twin sister and Cora said she has influenced her the most.

“My twin sister, Madison Toms, had been my biggest influence during my high school years. Her dedication towards knowing the unknown and her will to succeed and do her absolute best drives me to become a better student and person,” she said.

She plans to attend Tennessee Tech University in the fall, majoring in mechanical engineering with the concentration of aerospace engineer-

ing.

As she explains, “The ability to solve complex problems hands on moves me towards a field in engineering.”

Her long-term goals include working on aircrafts or managing a corporation in the next decade.

In short, she said, “Being successful is my goal.”

Her favorite course she took during high school was criminal justice, a new course that was recently added to Monterey High School’s course offerings.

“Mr. Johnson has been a great teacher, informing students of the techniques and issues behind law enforcement and the criminal justice field,” she said. “It is a fun and

engaging class where you will go in knowing nothing but come out feeling a bit more ready to face the real world.”

Her hobbies and interests include spending her time working or hanging with friends, helping her dad around the farm or at her job.

“The experiences and friendships I make while working are hobbies I enjoy,” she added.

As for the future, she looks the most forward to being able to make her own schedule and create a new chapter in her life.

Her advice to her fellow students is, as she said, “Put your ideas and self first, and don’t worry about following the ideal crowd. Make your own crowd!”

most. He is a hard worker and slaved away for his family.”

Darien plans to attend Tennessee Technological University and major in finance.

“So, I can have a degree that deals in business,” he added.

Darien continued, “I would like to start my own business in life, and get a good financing job that would allow me to live a comfortable life.”