For almost 29 years, Woody Deutsch has been the owner and operator of Woody’s Bicycles, rolling out rides to the community.

On June 1, new owner Robert McKee takes over to keep the bicycle community going.

McKee, who grew up riding bikes here, said “the community needs a bike shop. We need to keep it open and keep it running as it is the closest traditional bike shop within a 50 mile radius.”

McKee said everything at Woody’s Bicycles will remain the same, right down to the exceptional customer service that is the hallmark of the business.

“The business plan remains the same for the shop,” said McKee. “There are so many trails for mountain biking and for road riding here. We will do some more marketing and community outreach. We will get back to pre-COVID activities such as group rides, community bike tours and rentals. As the Mountain Goat Trail expands there will be an opportunity to have outposts along the Trail for people to pick up and drop off bike rentals.”

“The best part of being the owner of the bike shop is solving problems and fixing bicycles to help people get out and ride. I want to be a part of that,” said McKee.

What began in October 1995 as a satellite of Tullahoma’s then J&M Bicycles, Deutsch opened Woody’s Bicycles on 2nd Avenue in Winchester. The timing was right, and Deutsch, who has always been an avid cyclist, said he had some ideas of his own about how to run the kind of bike shop he wished he could frequent himself.

“At the time, there was no notion of me being the sole owner of a retail business. I was the mechanic and the salesperson, and J&M Bicycles provided all the goods — the bicycles, clothing, accessories and parts, and they did the bookkeeping. This was the perfect way to start to learn the business,” he said. Deutsch said it was about a year into his running the Winchester store that the owners of J&M decided to sell, and Deutsch went all in.

Deutsch operated the Winchester store for 13 years and in 2008 made the move to the Sewanee location. Brian Schaefer, who started working with Deutsch in 2000, also made the move up the mountain. Deutsch said the shop owes a lot to the innovation, imagination, and the pure magician-like talents of Schaefer. During the pandemic, Deutsch stopped going in on a regular basis, and Schaefer was instrumental in keeping the shop open and highly successful. When Schaefer died Feb. 3, 2023, Deutsch went back to the shop full-time.

“Every morning, I wake up and say ‘Oh boy! I get to go to the bike shop.’ This shop is an extension of my house. I am at home at the shop,” said Deutsch. “The best part of the shop is the customers. It will be the people I will miss the most day to day.”

“I want to spend more time with my grandkids and go to their sporting events and school activities. I want to read more, bike and hike more, learn to cook better, and help more with Rotary. There will be Saturdays I want to take off. But sixty percent of the time I will still be here at the shop,” said Deutsch. Deutsch said Speed Baranco will also continue working at the shop three days a week.

Woody’s Bicycles is located at 90 Reed’s Ln., in Sewanee. Hours of operation are Tuesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Get in touch with Robert and Woody by calling (931) 598-9793, or stop by. For more information on repairs, biking trails, sales, rentals and more, go to

http://www.woodysbicycles.com

. —reported by K.G. Beavers

The Fourth of July Committee is proud to announce our theme for the 2024 celebration: “Red, White, Blue — Thankful for You!” The theme can encompass all things red, white, and blue — patriotism, flags, independence, giving thanks, and anything and everything in between. We are thankful for our community and your support to coordinate an outstanding event.

We invite everyone to join us on Wednesday, July 3, and Thursday, July 4, to commemorate the formation of the United States of America and celebrate with fun, food, family, and friends.

Start brainstorming your ideas for a celebration like no other with creative parade floats, imaginative cakes, and artistic costumes for you and your dogs. Visit our website

http://www.sewanee4thofjuly.org

for more information announcing event registration, the grand marshal, and upcoming schedule details.

The legacy of John G. Bratton, a beloved figure in the Sewanee community, continues to resonate through the establishment of the John G. Bratton Scholarship for the Sewanee Summer Music Festival (SSMF). Bratton, a dedicated supporter of the arts and a cherished member of the Sewanee community, passed away in late 2023, leaving a profound impact on the festival and its attendees.

Throughout his life, Bratton demonstrated unwavering support for the Sewanee Summer Music Festival, culminating in a significant gift for scholarship in 2020. His estate has further solidified his commitment by endowing the John G. Bratton Scholarship, aimed at nurturing young, talented instrumental and vocal students. This scholarship offers opportunities for those who would most benefit from a transformative summer experience in Sewanee, fostering artistic growth and personal development.

In recognition of Bratton’s lifelong dedication to the festival, the Sewanee Summer Music Festival has designated the final Cumberland Orchestra concert as the John G. Bratton Concert. Bratton’s involvement with the SSMF dates back to its founding, and he has remained a steadfast presence, attending nearly every festival concert since its inception. He contributed as a supporter and served as a vital part of the festival’s operations, helping to manage the volunteer program and advocating for its expansion, including the addition of the opera program in 2021.

John Kilkenny, Festival Director, expressed his gratitude for Mr. Bratton’s enduring impact, stating, “John Bratton never sought public recognition for his generosity during his lifetime, but his passion for music and dedication to the Sewanee Summer Music Festival was unmistakable. We are thrilled to honor him perpetually through this new endowment, made possible by his estate’s support and his family’s consent.”

As the 67th season of the Sewanee Summer Music Festival approaches, set to launch on June 16, anticipation builds for another unforgettable summer of music and community. A full season announcement is scheduled for May, offering further details on this year’s lineup and events. For more information, please visit https://ssmf.sewanee.edu/

The Sewanee School of Letters will host a series of public events during its summer session in June and July. You are invited to attend these conversations and readings with visiting faculty and guest authors.

Readings are at Gailor Hall in the newly-named Naylor Auditorium at 4:30 p.m., unless otherwise noted, with a reception following in Gailor Atrium. Most readings are on Wednesday. Go to https://letters.sewanee.edu/literary-community/guest-lectures/; for more information and the complete schedule.

On Monday, June 3, at 5:30 p.m., at the University Bookstore, there will be a reading and book signing with Ryan Chapman and Justin Taylor.

Ryan Chapman’s latest novel “The Audacity” was released April 2. Described as “a bracing satire about the implosion of a Theranos-like company, a collapsing marriage, and a billionaire’s philanthropy summit,’’ this book is perfect for fans of Hari Kunzru and The White Lotus. School of Letters Director Justin Taylor’s new book, “Reboot” was released April 23. Penned as “a raucous and wickedly smart satire of Hollywood, toxic fandom, and our chronically online culture, following a washed-up actor on his quest to revive the cult TV drama that catapulted him to fame.” Join the School of Letters for a public reading and book signing.

The first faculty reading will be at 4:30 p.m., Wedensday, June 5, at Naylor Auditorium. Reception to follow in Gailor Atrium.

Adam O’Fallon Price is the author of two novels: “The Grand Tour” (Doubleday, 2016) and “The Hotel Neversink” (Tin House Books, 2019). “The Hotel Neversink” won the 2020 Edgar Award for Best Paperback Original. His short fiction has appeared in the Paris Review, Granta, Harper’s, VICE, the Iowa Review, the Kenyon Review Online, LitHub, Joyland, and many others. He also writes essays and criticism, which appear in many places including Ploughshares, Electric Literature, Paris Review Daily, The Millions, where he is a staff writer, and many more.

Meera Subramanian is an award-winning independent journalist whose work has been published in national and international publications including the New York Times, The New Yorker, Nature, Virginia Quarterly Review, and Orion, where she serves as a contributing editor. Her book “A River Runs Again: India’s Natural World in Crisis, from the Barren Cliffs of Rajasthan to the Farmlands of Karnataka” was short-listed for the 2016 Orion Book Award.

The School of Letters offers an MFA in creative writing. Please visit the School’s website for more information on the program.

by Leslie Lytle, Messenger Staff Writer

At the May 13 meeting the Franklin County School Board approved the 2024-2025 budget, with one board member abstaining. In response to the legislative update, Director of Schools Cary Holman weighed in on the new law allowing teachers to carry guns.

Deputy Director of Finances Jenny Phillips presented two budget scenarios: a 3 percent raise versus a 5 percent raise for teachers and support staff. The district is required by law to offer a starting teacher salary of $50,000 by the 2027-2028 school year. For the 2023-2024 school year, the starting teacher salary was $44,660. “Over the next three years there will have to be a 12 percent increase in salaries,” Holman said. County employee wages were expected to increase 3.2 percent in the coming year, Phillips said. Both budgets will require a significant withdrawal from the reserve fund balance, $2,456,868 and $3,147,226 respectively.

“We might as well get there [to the $50,000 goal] sooner instead of later,” said board member Sarah Marhevsky. “We continually talk about the teacher shortage.” The larger increase would help with retaining current staff and attracting new teachers, Marhevsky pointed out.

“I’d rather go to them [the county commission] and say, ‘we have to be at X,’” argued Vice Chair Lance Williams. “Three years from now the county commission can’t say no.”

“[The 5 percent budget] will come right back to us,” said Board Chair Cleijo Walker. “You can’t keep dipping into the fund balance until it’s gone. You can’t live out of a savings account.”

Holman reminded the board under the new TISA funding formula only 70 percent of the per-pupil allocation came from the state. The budget asks the county commission for an additional $308,000 from property taxes. County Mayor Chris Guess cautioned, “People think property tax is a windfall.”

Marhevsky abstained from the budget vote.

Alerting the board to another financial concern, Holman said the state had not updated its funding formulas since 2017. “As a result, some districts were overpaid, and some were underpaid. We were overpaid. The state has instituted what it calls a ‘smooth payback.’ For the next seven years we will be decreased by $25,000 in Title I funds and $10,000 in IDEA funding.”

The law allowing school faculty and staff to carry concealed handguns on school grounds stipulates permission be granted by the chief of local law enforcement, the director of schools, and the building principal. “No teacher in Franklin County School District will be allowed to carry guns in our schools,” Holman insisted. “We will continue to rely on the support of our sheriff’s department and other trained professionals in that line of work. Our teachers will continue to have only instructional expectations.” Mayor Guess, a former law enforcement officer, voiced support for Holman’s position.

Marhevsky provided an overview of two other legislative actions impacting public schools. The Freedom Scholarship Act was tabled. The Senate and House versions of the bill “were too far apart,” Marhevsky speculated. The legislature left money funding the program in the budget to avoid the need to revote the financing if the bill passes in the next session.

Another bill provided a process enabling students retained in the fourth grade to move on to fifth grade. “The parents, principal, and teachers can meet and if they feel like there’s enough evidence this child will be fine in the fifth grade, he or she can move on,” Holman explained. High density tutoring will be required in the fifth grade. The bill has not been signed by the governor yet.

Human Resources Supervisor Roger Alsup announced the district would initiate an “exit survey” for teachers not renewed, retiring, or resigning. Teachers not renewed will have the option of requesting a meeting to discuss the decision.

by Leslie Lytle, Messenger Staff Writer

At the May 7 meeting the Monteagle Planning Commission revisited a February request to allow a campground on property zoned commercial C-3 and a new request to rezone C-3 property to commercial C-2 or to change approved uses in C-3 to allow a Dollar General Store to locate there. All three requests were denied but prompted long discussion and the decision to hold a two-hour workshop July 2 to weigh zoning questions.

Monteagle only allows campgrounds in C-2 zoning and in residential R-3 zoning as a “special exception” decision which falls to the Board of Zoning Appeals, explained town planner Jonathan Rush. The commission deferred a decision on the February request for a campground in C-3 zoning pending insight from the American Institute of Architect (AIA) planners scheduled to visit in late April. “They seemed more focused on downtown and the business district,” said Commissioner Katie Trahan who spoke with the planners. Rush recommended if the commission decided to allow campgrounds in C-3 it be as a “special exception.” Rush also proposed, since the town was engaged in land use planning, campgrounds be by “special exception” regardless of the zone. Vice Chair Richard Black said once the BZA approved a “special exception,” the tendency was to allow all future “special exception” requests. Commissioner Alec Mosley referenced an ordinance stating approval by the BZA “upon determining conditions or requirements for the special exception had been met.” Mosley recommended defining those conditions for campground special exceptions. Trahan said the conditions should take into account nearby neighborhoods density and size. Rush will work on identifying the conditions and an amendment making campgrounds a “special exception” in C-2 for commissioners’ review at the June meeting.

Providing background on the Dollar General proposed for the corner of Dixie Lee Highway and Sampley Street, Rush said “retail commercial” was only allowed in C-1 and C-2 and the property was zoned C-3. Susannah Rote, representative for the developer Turner Realty, asked why the Dollar General did not qualify as a convenience store, pointing out convenience stores were allowed in C-3. “Convenience stores are typically associated with gas stations or truck stops,” Rush said. Not allowing a Dollar General at that location “doesn’t wash,” objected Commissioner Dan Sargent. “This was commercial property all my life.” Rush explained C-3 zoning was intended for businesses drawing interstate traffic. Mosley said, although the original town plan had been lost, the C-3 zoning “likely reflects” the original plan. Monteagle Alderman Nate Wilson said the AIA planners envisioned the location as part of the “civic zone,” perhaps a park, adjacent to the city hall, library, and community center. Wilson acknowledged, though, city hall was zoned C-3. To avoid spot zoning, the commission would need to rezone the entire area to C-2, not just the parcel in question, Rush said. “Rezoning to C-2 might be more palatable with the local residents in that area, but it would take a whole lot more conversation and involvement with what we got from the AIA people,” Black insisted.

The commission voted unanimously not to rezone the tract. Sargent voted against not allowing retail of the Dollar General variety in C-3. Mayor Greg Maloof abstained from the vote. The commission agreed about the need for a workshop. Rush pointed out some municipalities distinguished between small mom-and-pop retail and big-box retail in zoning rules. “We need to determine if there is another use for the property the city has in mind,” Black said. The commission will have the full land use proposal from the AIA planners by the July 2 workshop. “In their presentation the AIA gave us some broad-brush ideas,” Wilson said. “The proposal will give us more detail, but it’s going to be up to us to think about what we want where and have our zoning map reflect that.”

by Leslie Lytle, Messenger Staff Writer

Late on the evening of Thursday, May 3, a cohort of students self-named “Sewanee for Palestine” ended their three-day occupation of All Saints’ Chapel. The protest began with a march and rally on the morning of April 30. By day three, with tension mounting, the student encampment on the rooftop had attracted national media attention and the students’ numbers had grown from five to eight.

“Wednesday, we talked with the vice chancellor and agreed if he would meet with us here at 11 a.m. today, Thursday, we would remove the banners so the seniors could have their photo taken at the chapel,” said senior Erin Wilcox giving a timeline of events. Vice-Chancellor Rob Pearigen agreed. The traditional senior group photo in front of the chapel showed no signs of the dis-ease fomenting behind the scenes.

At 11 a.m., Thursday, Pearigen read from a prepared statement responding to the students’ demands that the university “disclose … all University investments and endowment holdings” and “divest University money from all direct investment in weapons manufacturing.” The students already had some knowledge of University investment in weapons manufacturing. “We know part of the money is going to Boeing and Honeywell because Green’s View Capital, our student run investment, releases a tiny amount of information,” said freshman Sarah Emery Bettis. “We also learned a vice president of Lockheed Martin is on the board of regents.”

Pearigen said transition to a new investment manager was underway and the University would disclose all endowment investments by Jan. 1, 2025, and, going forward, annually. The Investment Management Committee would invite a delegation of students to meet with them to discuss investment strategies during the June meeting of the Board of Regents, one student representative from Green’s View and the other five selected by students. The University would adopt “an Environmental, Social, and Governance framework … to align University investments with University values and principals.” Student stakeholders would have an opportunity to provide their “perspective” and “input” on the “direct investment in weapons.”

Students responded they wanted “to see a little deeper” into the current investment allocations and were concerned the student voice “wouldn’t be heard” in investment decision making. “You have my word,” Pearigen said. He asked students to be “respectful of the process that needs to play out” with the transition to the new investment management and adopting new practices.

In response to the third student demand, a commitment of “solidarity with the people of Gaza and students around the United States who have experienced violence for exercising their first amendment rights,” the University statement affirmed the “respect for the dignity of every human being and the free expression and exchange of ideas” and made reference to “the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.”

Students wanted a statement condemning the “genocide” and asked if the University would “demand a cease fire.” “We’re not getting into the politics of what’s happening around the world,” Pearigen replied. “We don’t do that. I want to focus on what you asked us to focus on … I’d like to have this concluded by four o’clock today.”

“You’re asking us to move without our demands actually having been met,” a student objected. The students on the Chapel roof complained they were unable to hear and requested a written copy of the University’s response. Pearigen agreed to provide the document, but he stressed, “It’s time for us to get back to business … what’s happening up there is not good. It’s not safe. I share liability. I cannot continue to allow this behavior.” He cited the Code of Conduct which prohibited “disruption” of events and specifically forbid being on rooftops and balconies of the Chapel. “If things don’t move quickly, there will be the possibility of suspension or expulsion … I’ll be back at two … I want you off the roof by four.”

At the two o’clock meeting, Pearigen apologized for his “time to get back to business” remark, conceding “This [situation] building a better world is our business.” The students still had not received a written copy of the University’s commitments. Pearigen said he would release the statement to the entire community and would extend the deadline to five o’clock. He also offered to let the students relocate to the lawn of Spence Hall reiterating his safety concerns. “The level of tension is increasing. Tragic circumstances are playing out on campuses across the country.”

“We need guaranteed amnesty for everyone on the roof,” said Wilcox, “A guarantee in writing … We appreciate you extending the deadline, but a few hours is not enough time [to review the University’s statement of commitments]. And we’d like to review the amnesty document with our lawyer. We ask you to extend the deadline to 8 p.m.” Provided the students agreed with both documents, the students would “begin coming out” at eight.

Pearigen, again, agreed. “I have no intention of taking any disciplinary action if nothing else happens,” he said.

Throughout the afternoon visitors stopped by to pass along their support, including an antiwar Vietnam War veteran, Tennessee State Representative Aftyn Behn from Nashville. “I was in a group chat, and someone said you started an encampment,” Behn told the students. “I had to come down here.” Asked about how things were going for the Vanderbilt protestors, Behn replied, “Not so well,” unoptimistic about the outcome. “It’s not about antisemitism,” observed one supporter. “It’s about genocide,” replied another. The remarks echoed the comment of rooftop protestor Max McCloud, a University sophomore, in a statement to WKRN News, “This is not an anti-war protest, this is an anti-genocide protest.”

A student who stopped by said he had heard the request for amnesty would not be granted. “I want to walk the line at graduation,” senior Erin Wilcox insisted.

Late that afternoon, the rooftop protestors received both the statement of commitments and an email addressed to the entire student body from Dean of Students Erica Howard granting the protestors amnesty if they left and cleared the building of signs and banners by eight.

Shortly after 8 p.m., the banners came down and the students came out. Their public statement on Instagram declared the protest a “victory.” “The All-Saints’ occupation ended tonight after University administration agreed to a partial meeting of protestor demands, as well as full legal and disciplinary amnesty.”

Said Vice-Chancellor Pearigen, “We’re making some substantial changes in our policies, and I appreciate the fact this situation has moved us toward making these commitments.”

by Leslie Lytle, Messenger Staff Writer

The Sewanee Civic Association closed out the year celebrating multiple blessings at the May 6 meeting. The Community Chest fund drive came in significantly over the goal. The membership unanimously approved a long overdue and much needed increase in dues. And the highlight of the evening came with honoring Community Service awardees Leslie and Dale Richardson and Lifetime Achievement awardee Dr. Tom Phelps.

Said Leslie Richardson in receiving the award for creating a garden at the entrance to Abbo’s Alley, “This is what we want to do. We’re being thanked for what we want to do anyway.” For Abbo’s Alley visitors and passersby on the way to the football field, the Ticket Booth garden created and maintained by the Richardsons offers a splendor of blooms from February to late fall. The SCA honored retired physician Dr. Tom Phelps for his commitment to caring for the local uninsured and establishing a free clinic for the underserved in Tracy City. Phelps praised his staff, especially Maggie Parmley “who knows everyone in Tracy City” and has helped with overcoming suspicion of outsiders. “The Tracy City community has been wonderful in giving of their time, money, and support. I echo Leslie. I’m doing what I enjoy doing. Thank you.”

The SCA has been doing what it loves to do for 115 years. The Community Chest funds projects and initiatives that make Sewanee and the Plateau a better place to live. This years’16 grant recipients include Sewanee Elementary School, the Senior Citizens Center, the Sewanee Children’s Center, and Marion Animal Rescue League. The $120,000 goal, the largest goal ever, was bumped up to $123,335 to meet an emergency need. Cochairs April and Stephen Alvarez and Emily Puckette and John Benson raised $127,714, leaving a surplus of $2,599 after expenses to go toward next years’ grants or emergency requests. “People want to support this,” said Puckette. “We just need to get the word out about what the Community Chest and Civic Association does.”

The SCA also sponsors School Supply Drives to collect school supplies for children in need and Nonfood Supply Drives in conjunction with the Community Action Committee to collect household necessities the financially challenged cannot purchase with SNAP benefits. In other projects, the SCA partners with Folks at Home, this past year hosting a vaccine clinic.

President Kiki Beavers updated the membership on the most recent project, the Mountain Goat Trail Welcome and Heritage Center located at the former Hair Depot site, the last remaining Mountain Goat Railroad depot. Benches and bike racks are already in place. When refurbishing the building is complete, the Center will feature historic displays, have an exterior water-bottle filling station and an ADA compliant public restroom. For work to commence, the MOU with the University stipulates the SCA must demonstrate having the funds both to complete the project, estimated cost $127,000, and for operation and maintenance expenses once the Center opens. The SCA has received $97,000 in donations for the refurbishing work, mostly from the Class of ’73, and has applied for several grants. Community partners have pledged $5,000 annually toward operating costs, leaving the SCA with a $5,000 annual commitment.

Presenting the budget, Beavers said the $10 dues had not increased in longer than anyone could remember. This past year, the revenue would have been insufficient to meet expenses without being boosted by carryover revenue from prior years. Inflation has resulted in insurance, software, and website costs increasing. Following the recommendation of treasurer Husnain Ahmad, the membership voted to increase the dues to $20 annually, an amount sufficient to cover inflation and the SCA’s $5,000 commitment to the Welcome and Heritage Center’s operating costs. As a bonus, members receive a free subscription to Sewanee Classifieds, the community email bulletin board. Dues come due Sept. 1–30.

The membership also approved the slate of officers for 2024-2025: President, Kiki Beavers; Vice President, Ken Taylor; Members at Large Carl Hill, Chris McDonough, and David Michaels; Director of Classifieds, Bentley Cook.

by Leslie Lytle, Messenger Staff Writer

In his opening remarks at the April 29 Monteagle Council meeting, Mayor Greg Maloof offered advice to residents about late water bill payment and use of the Convenience Center. In a discussion with Police Chief William Raline, the council weighed options for how to curtail speeding. In regular business, the council approved the first reading of three ordinances.

Maloof urged residents to “pay your water bill as promptly as you can.” The time it took payments to reach the office varied depending on the method of payment, credit card payment versus payments sent by mail, for example. “We have to follow our system and treat everyone the same,” Maloof said. Allowances could not be made for payments late due to the method of transmittal used.

The Convenience Center has recently had problems with commercial contractors dumping roofing, building materials, and brush. “No commercial dumping is allowed,” Maloof stressed. “The waste and recycling industry is under pressure everywhere.” The town is investigating using window stickers to identify who is allowed to bring trash to the Monteagle site.

Chief Raline reported the department worked 12 non-injury crashes in April. He expected the number to increase due to increased traffic in warmer weather. Monteagle has more serious speeding and traffic problems than neighboring small towns due to its proximity to the interstate, according to Raline. Alderman Nate Wilson said the town planners who visited last week suggested narrowing Main Street in some areas to slow traffic. “Speeders are going to speed,” Raline said. “That just gives them more opportunity to hit someone.” He suggested solar-power speed signs that told motorists how fast they were going or increasing the fine for speeding in congested areas. The police plan to increase patrol to monitor speeding in the areas of Summerfield, Laurel Lake, and traffic coming from Sewanee.

The Fire Recovery ordinance approved by the council authorizes a third-party organization to collect insurance claims on the fire department’s behalf. The Parking ordinance, to curtail parking on shoulders and side streets, allows for ticketing offenders with a possible $50 fine plus court costs. The police requested the ordinance, Maloof said. He expected offenders to receive a warning and only to be ticketed if they did not move their vehicle. The Fire Grant ordinance authorized moving forward with the grant received for purchase of a Cascade System to fill firefighters air tanks.

The mayor and council thanked Wilson for his leadership in facilitating the visit by the Community by Design planners. The Community by Design group charges no fee to communities who qualify for their assistance in drawing up a town plan. Wilson estimated the town’s only expense, transportation costs, would be less than $2,000. He expressed gratitude for the “tremendous outpouring of support” from the steering committee who helped coordinate details and from the businesses and individuals who donated food and lodgings.

Wilson said the planners’ final report will rank suggested projects on a short-term versus long-term scale and by cost. He expects the town will receive the report in six to eight weeks. In the interim, Wilson will convene the steering committee to adapt the vision statement suggested by the planners “to make it our own.” A standing room only crowd attended the April 27 presentation by the Community by Design team. Wilson emphasized the importance of “keeping the momentum going.” Marci Dusseault who served on the steering committee will head up community-led projects. To get involved contact Marci at <mldusseault@gmail.com>.

Monteagle will host Sparkle Week May 6-10. Residents can put unwanted household items at curbside for pickup and disposal.

The council meets next on Monday, May 20, a week earlier than usual to avoid conflicting with Memorial Day.

by Leslie Lytle, Messenger Staff Writer

Patrick Dean’s new book, “Nature’s Messenger: Mark Catesby and His Adventures in a New World,” recounts the life and work of Mark Catesby who found himself on a career path as a celebrated 18th century artist and naturalist largely by virtue of coincidence and serendipity. Equally enchanting are the circumstances which led Dean to find Catesby. In 1712, Catesby traveled from England to Virginia with his family. “He didn’t have in mind he wanted to be a naturalist. He didn’t have a career plan. It was just something he was interested in,” said Dean. In the mid-1990s, Dean stumbled on a thumbnail sketch about Catesby in the magazine Garden Design accompanied by one of Catesby’s illustrations. Following up on his interest in early southern naturalists, Dean tried to learn more. “There was nothing. It was the day before the internet,” Dean joked. He gave up the pursuit. But Catesby was in Dean’s future, just as being a naturalist was Catesby’s destiny.

Catesby’s sister married a prominent Virginia physician. Catesby visited, spending from 1712-1719 in the colonies, and while there sent back illustrations and descriptions of animals and plants, as well as seeds and seedlings. The Enlightenment and aura of intellectual firmament offered up an era ripe for Catesby’s gifts. “By the time Catesby returned to England in 1719, he’d earned a reputation as a brilliant artist and respected naturalist,” Dean said. Coffee houses where intellectual discussion flourished welcomed Catesby, especially groups devoted to botanical studies. Colonization of the British empire prompted the well-heeled to finance exploration. “They sent people like Catesby to find out what was there,” Dean explained. Funded by nobles enmeshed in international trade and other influential men, Catesby returned to the American colonies in 1722, landing in what was then known as Charles Town, South Carolina.

“Catesby wasn’t an agent of empire,” Dean said. “For him it was about his own curiosity and his own scientific passion.” His pursuit took him to Augusta, Georgia, then the frontier. Constantly shifting alliances between Native American tribes and between the Native Americans and settlers fomented strife and danger of attacks. “Catesby was one of the first ethnographers in the new world to talk about the Native Americans and enslaved Africans who were here,” Dean stressed. Catesby not only hired Native Americans as guides and helpmates to build bark shelters to shield his equipment; he drew on Native Americans’ rich knowledge of local flora and fauna and credited them in his research. Likewise, Catesby relied on enslaved Africans as a rich source, in one account citing “an esteemed negro doctor” for his knowledge of medicinal plants.

Dean’s first book, “A Window to Heaven,” the story of the first successful summit of mount Denali, consumed nearly a decade of Dean’s life.” The book came out in 2021. I hadn’t even had the discussion with myself about whether I was going to write another book, much less what the topic might be,” Dean said. “Then one day out of nowhere Mark Catesby came into my brain.” Dean revisited his abandoned search. Since the mid-1990s, a wealth of research and academic studies had focused on Catesby and the University of South Carolina hosted a Mark Catesby Center. Yet, curiously, no one had written a book about the man and his life.

Dean could find no physical image of Catesby, but Catesby’s letters back to England offered much insight into his person and travels. In one, Catesby, recently ill, asks for money to purchase a slave for a helpmate. Catesby’s masterpiece and lifework, likewise, provide a rich resource. During his stay in the Americas from 1722-1726, Catesby also ventured into Florida and the Caribbean. “A Natural History of Carolina, Florida, and the Bahama Islands,” published in 1731, features over 200 illustrations, each accompanied by a description and anecdote, often crediting and referencing the nonwhite sources who were Catesby’s teachers. Heralded as “curious and magnificent” and praised by the Royal Society, the book is dedicated to King George II’s wife. Linnaeus would use over 100 hundred of Catesby’s species in his taxonomy, renaming them by the genus-species classification system he devised. A second edition of Catesby’s Natural History recently sold for $240,000.

“Catesby is now better known now as an artist than a naturalist,” Dean said. Dean’s “Nature’s Messenger” includes 16 of Catesby’s color illustrations and the cover is a montage of Catesby’s art. Within the covers lives the story of a man and era ripe for coincidence to leave its mark. Gratitude to coincidence and Patrick Dean for bringing that fascinating tale to life. Look for “Nature’s Messenger” at the University Bookstore, Amazon, and book outlets nationwide. For those who prefer to listen, an audio book is available, read by Dean.

by Leslie Lytle, Messenger Staff Writer

“A community that has hope cannot be stopped,” said team member Lenise Peterman at the Community by Design presentation to the town of Monteagle. A standing room only crowd filled the city hall conference room April 27 to hear the recommendations of the Community by Design planners who spent three days in Monteagle learning the town. Nearly 200 residents attended the April 25 Imagine Monteagle event to meet one-on-one with the team members. The planners will spend the next couple months drafting a report to offer guidance to help Monteagle get to where it wants to go. Saturday evening the planners offered an overview of what they learned about what the residents want, what the town’s strengths are, and what is lacking.

In talking with the planners, residents expressed concerns about outdated regulations and permitting; lack of character, identity, and continuity reflecting Monteagle’s historic past; and insufficient affordable housing. Residents wanted a “walkable” downtown with more restaurants, activities, and safe crosswalks; improvements to the library and community center; and public access to bluff views.

Citing assets, the planners pointed to the library and community center, unusual in such a small community; the Mountain Goat Trail; the Plateau setting surrounded by state parks; the historic character of the Assembly; and the regional connectivity of the three communities, Monteagle, Sewanee, and Tracy City.

“Everyone is friendly,” said Virginia architect Terry Ammons. “This project will succeed because you do it.”

Ammons summed up “what needed some addressing” based on the planners’ impressions of the town. The downtown area lacked character, identity and a true “town center. There is ‘no there.’” Main Street services were “disconnected and spread out along the road.” There was a lack of shared public use space between the town and Assembly. On arriving, a visitor’s first impression was of “interstate highway stuff.” There was “no gateway” to the town and “as a visitor proceeded down Main Street, that didn’t change.” There was no readily available information and signage enhancing the visitor experience. And Main Street had traffic safety issues. Concurring with residents, the planners also cited lack of affordable housing and outdated codes and regulations.

Commenting on zoning, planner Wayne Feiden from the University of Massachusetts said, “Monteagle has had six zoning changes in past three or four years. You’re always tinkering. Sometimes we couldn’t’ tell where [zoning changes] came from. There are some weird messages in the zoning map … Development has spread all over. Roads are clogged. There is competition for downtown.” Feiden recommended residential and low traffic commercial in the outlying areas along Highway 41; concentrating local and tourist business in the downtown area; multifamily housing set back from the Main Street corridor on both sides; and limited highway service businesses at both exits with the goal of drawing people downtown. Hotels were good, truck plazas less so.

The planners conceived of the Main Street corridor as three parts: Downtown proper; the Greenway from CVS to Monteagle Elementary School; and the Civic Center area (city hall, the library, and community center).

Ammons said, for downtown, the planners’ report would focus on strategies for attracting new business: making downtown more “pedestrian friendly”; connecting both sides with crosswalks; improving parking; having “a shared public space”; and “adding housing to the mix” with infill behind businesses. For the Civic Center area, Ammons suggested improving the appearance of the amenities already there, perhaps a glass front at the library; a community garden and information gazebo along the Mountain Goat Trail in the green space between DuBose Conference Center and city hall; public restrooms for the trail; and a “gateway” entrance sign and possibly public art or sculpture when motorists transferred from the highway service area at the interstate. Along the Greenway, opportunities for businesses and shops existed where the restaurant burned down, in the “wide-open” area before the bank, and at the entrance to the Assembly; opportunities for new housing existed behind businesses.

Taking up the Greenway corridor details, California landscape architect and planner Pat Smith wanted to see improved “walkability,” crosswalks at every intersection, and more “drought tolerant” trees, grass, and plants. Smith recommended parking behind or at the side of businesses to allow for sidewalks and streetside parallel parking; a kiosk featuring “wayfinding” information about the town; and a public restroom in the area of the police station.

Feiden advised Monteagle’s regulations for developers needed to be clearer on “design and environmental standards.” Rules needed to be easy for both developers and residents abutting proposed development to understand. “Developers hate uncertainty,” Feiden insisted. Asked what “affordable housing” meant, Feiden explained there were two definitions: subsidized housing and market rate housing affordable to residents. “Market rate affordable housing is what I heard people asking for,” he said. Looking at demographics, Feiden noted “Monteagle has very few people between 19 and 36, and those are the ones you need for your service workers.” He cited lack of affordable housing as a possible cause. Feiden’s recommendations included increasing the sizes of Accessory Dwelling Units to accommodate two bedrooms and allowing tiny homes but not for short-term rentals. Acknowledging the community’s concerns about short-term rentals, Feiden stressed the need for a “balance.” On the one hand, short-term rentals decreased affordable housing, but on the positive side, short-term rentals boosted tourism.

Taking a question about getting new businesses to come, Ammons said businesses found towns actively engaged in planning attractive by conveying the town supported development and the business would be a welcome “part of a business community.”

Closing out the presentation, Peterman advised the residents, “You’ve got to get started. Don’t wait for our report. Step up and take on a project.” Mayor of Helper, Utah, Peterman brought the firsthand experience of a town revitalized by Community by Design planners who offer their services free of charge to small communities who qualify. She recommended appointing a citizen steering committee with subcommittees taking on small projects like a community cleanup, beautifying Main Street, benches, and plantings. Multiple resources, from grants to bake sales, offered funding opportunities. Starting a 501(c)(3) nonprofit would facilitate receiving donations. “Many people brought up wanting a community garden. Start one now,” Peterman said. “You want to show progress even if it’s small. The hard work is going to fall right here. If you have hope and belief, you can get it done.” The audience applauded.

To get involved in citizen led projects email Marci Dusseault at <mldusseault@gmail.com>.