JUST UP THE ROAD - HISTORY OF ELKMONT, PART 9

The bear was gone but Ma and Herman weren't quick to move.  They sat there; thinking about what could have happened.  A short time later they both heard the sound of a gun shot coming from down in the bottom. A minute or so later they heard the second shot. Herman knew then Pa had killed something cause that second shot was to finish him off. Ma had finally collected herself. she realized the bear left their supper alone. She picked up the hind quarter, wiped it off and hung it back up in the cabin. Herman stayed around the cabin with Ma until Pa and Andrew arrived. They had killed a monster elk.

Herman couldn’t wait to tell Pa and Brother what him and Ma experienced. Pa got excited at the possibility of killing a bear so he took off with his loaded musket. If he could find and kill it, they would have some much needed bear grease for cooking and other things. Bear would be good eating too. Levi didn't go far until he ran up on the bear. The bear was still in a bad mood but couldn’t get around very well. One shot finished him off and Levis went back to camp to get Old Bully and drag the bear home. When Old Bully got close to that bear, Levi knew things might get out of hand . Bully went into the attack mode. He whirled around and about tenderized the bear with his hind feet before Levi could settle him down.

Old Bully reluctantly dragged the bear down the hill to the cabin. They strung up their game by the hind legs removing the entrails and skinned them out. Levi fed and watered Old Bully and tied him out next to the carcass. He was their guard for the night. They would let the meat chill out over night before cutting it up and salted it down. They washed up in the branch and carried a jug of water from the spring to the cabin. everyone set down for a great meal.

Silence came over everyone when Pa begin to offer thanks . "Lord, we all know you been watching over us and I want to thank you for your protection . We thank you for this land where we live and the abundance you provide for us. We pray that you will continue to guide us thru this life. I thank you for the joy we have with each other. Bless this food and always remind us to give you the thanks for everything you give us. Continue to watch over Gretchen, Herman and Andrew. Oh yes, thank you for "Old Bully" and keep him safe too. AMEN"

GARY COMPTON

STORM SHELTER INFORMATION

Limestone County Community Storm Shelters
(Will open when Limestone County is under a Tornado Watch)

PETS ARE NOT ALLOWED IN SHELTERS!

(WITH THE EXCEPTION OF REGISTERED SERVICE ANIMALS)

ARDMORE CITY HALL 25844 Main St., Ardmore, Tennessee 38449

ARDMORE COMMUNITY SHELTER 29910 Park Avenue, Ardmore, AL 35739

ARK OF PROMISE COMMUNITY SHELTER (Ark of Promise Church) 15159 Browns Ferry Rd., Athens, AL 35611

CLEMENTS COMMUNITY SHELTER (Clements Volunteer Fire Dept.) 9158 U.S. Hwy. 72 W., Athens, AL 35611

COWFORD COMMUNITY SHELTER (Corner of Cowford Rd. and Grover Dr.) 14008 Grover Dr., Athens, AL 35611

ELKMONT COMMUNITY SHELTER (Elkmont Volunteer Fire Dept.) 19663 Sandlin Rd., Elkmont, AL 35620

GOOD SHEPHERD UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 1418 Old Railroad Bed Rd., Madison, AL 35757

GOODSPRINGS COMMUNITY SHELTER (Goodsprings Volunteer Fire Dept.) 33634 AL Hwy. 99, Anderson, AL 35610

LESTER COMMUNITY SHELTER (Lester Post Office) 30306 Lester Rd., Lester, AL 35647

OWENS COMMUNITY SHELTER (Owens Volunteer Fire Dept.) 17196 Glaze Rd., Athens, AL 35611

OWENS SHELTER (Former Owens Elementary School) 21465 AL Hwy. 99, Athens, AL 35611

PINE RIDGE COMMUNITY SHELTER 10078 Settle Rd., Athens, AL 35611

PISGAH COMMUNITY SHELTER (Oak Grove-Thach Volunteer Fire Dept.) 27718 McKee Rd., Toney, AL 35773

PLEASANT GROVE COMMUNITY SHELTER (Pleasant Grove Volunteer Fire Dept.) 9080 Upper Snake Road, Athens, AL 35614

WEST LIMESTONE HIGH SCHOOL SHELTER (Open to the public after school hours only) 10945 School House Rd., Lester, AL 35647

WOOLEY SPRINGS COMMUNITY SHELTER (Wooley Springs Baptist Church) 26069 AL Hwy. 251, Elkmont, AL 35620

DO YOU KNOW YOUR COLORS?

Often you will see prediction maps with different colors and many of us aren't sure what they mean. 

To help us figure out what the map means below, Hill Spirit found a graphic that does a good job of explaining the bands of color. A risk for severe weather exists for across the entire region.  Damaging winds will be the biggest threat. Please review your severe weather safety plans and have multiple ways to get warning info. 

The projections have changed since yesterday and have ramped up, rather than down. Be aware of the weather today.

Today's Projection


Saturday's Projection

And this last table illustrates the meaning of storm color maps in a funny but still true way for many of us.

ELKMONT STORM SHELTER INFORMATION

When the clouds gets threatening, people start looking for a safe place to weather the storm.  We are fortunate that historically tornadoes go around the town of Elkmont. 

As you go east toward Elkton Road and I-65, the land gets lower and the chances go up. Tornadoes typically run in the valleys. Even though Elkmont is more protected by the hilltop, we are blessed with two places to seek safety in times of need.

NEW COVID INFO:
Some towns will not be opening their shelters if the need arises but Elkmont is. Take personal responsibility, if you come, you need to provide your own gloves and mask.  A reminder: NO PETS

WHAT TO EXPECT:
The storm shelter is not a hotel and is not furnished with the comforts of home. It is a bare bone facility designed with one purpose in mind, your safety.  Bring your own chair, sleeping bag, snacks and source of entertainment. Hill Spirit doesn't think a tv is available so don't count on it. 

Animals are not allowed except for service ones.  You need to decide to leave Toto at home or leave him in the car.

Leave your stuff in the car until you check with the volunteer firefighter on site to see if it can be brought in. The shelter doesn't have unlimited space. 
 

ELKMONT STORM SHELTER
19667 Sandlin Road

*Left:   Aviagen
*Right: Fire Department
*Rear:  Storm Shelter

The safe room will be opened immediately when a Tornado Watch is issued for Limestone County.

 
*We will establish communications with EMA upon activation. We will keep occupants updated with current weather information. Occupants shall adhere to Safe Room Rules which will be posted in Safe Room  If the Safe Room is in the vicinity or path of a tornado the doors will be locked, should residents attempt to enter the Safe Room they will be allowed and the doors locked back.        

*The Safe Room will be opened by someone in the Elkmont Vol. Fire Dept. that person will be there until the threat of bad weather is gone or is released by another member of the Fire Dept. 

*another place to shelter is the basement of the United Methodist Church at 25444 Children Street*

WHAT JESUS CHRIST DID ON EASTER

After Christ was placed in the tomb on Friday, Mary Madalene and other women came early in morning. They had come to care for His body.

 

They found the tomb empty. The women ran to tell the Apostles of what had happened. After two of the Apostles run to the tomb, they saw that He is indeed gone and leave to tell the others but Mary Madalene stays. She is not alone.  A man speaks to her, a gardener, she supposes.  He says her name, "Mary." She sees; He is Jesus. The Christ lives.





Jesus Christ overcame death and was resurrected, and because He lives, all of us will live again.  Because He lives, not just on the third day, but this day, every day, we can find him.

WHAT JESUS DID ON SATURDAY

The night before, Jesus Christ's body had been placed in the tomb.  The scriptures are mostly silent on the day after His crucifixion. 




Likely, this was a day of deep reflection for His followers and their families.  Likewise, you and your family might want to take time to truly think about what Christ went through and why He was willing to do so.

WHAT JESUS DID ON FRIDAY - GOOD FRIDAY

In the early hours of the morning, Jesus is betrayed into the hands of the local authorities.  


 


 

After a series of one-sided trials, He is sentenced to death by crucifixion. He dies on the cross that afternoon, with disciples and accusers present as witnesses.



Because Jesus Christ experienced such profound suffering, He has perfect empathy for when we are in pain, be it physical or spiritual.  Because He overcame death to live again, He has the power to help us rise above the challenges in our lives, no matter how dark and difficult things may seem.

WHAT JESUS DID ON THURSDAY

Something happened almost 2000 years ago that affects your life today.Jesus observes the Passover with His Apostles in what is often referred to as the Last Supper. He shares His love for them, through both His words and His actions. 




Then together they depart to a quiet garden called Gethsemane. But what happens next Jesus must endure alone. He prays and is overcome by unfathomable agony. This is the beginning of the end of Jesus Christ's sacred mission. He takes upon Himself the sins and sufferings of the world. 




Even though He lived a perfect life, Jesus Christ paid the price for all our sins. It was a sacrifice only He could make, and He did so willingly- for me, for you, for all of us.

SPRING ON THE RICHARD MARTIN TRAIL

During this time of shelter in place, it is a great opportunity to walk on the Richard Martin Trail and see all the beauty in nature. Spring is such a perfect time to see wildflowers and all the new growth that has been missed all winter long. It will certainly lift your spirits!

BUY MORE FOR LESS

Food is expensive.  The average family spends just over 10% of their household income buying groceries–over $6,000 a year–and even while average wages have gone down, the price of food keeps going up.   When you are just trying to feed your family, that is a pretty scary prospect.
That said, as more and more people are beginning to realize, coupons can be a great way to save money on food.  If you’ve ever watched TLC’s Extreme Couponing, you probably already know that sometimes those savings can be quite dramatic.  The problem is that those dramatic savings often come from seasoned coupon users who have spent countless hours clipping & sorting coupons and searching for the very best deals.

Quite frankly, who has time for that?

Like anything in life, you have to find the right balance.  That balance won’t be exactly the same for everyone, but here are 5 tips that everyone should know:

1.  It’s not about the coupons
 Extreme grocery savings do NOT, for the most part, come from the coupons.  The bulk of your savings will come from the store sales.  The better the promotion, the bigger the savings, so the FIRST step in saving money on your grocery bill is to SHOP THE SALES.

Don’t assume you know which store has the best deals until you’ve actually checked–you may be surprised at what you find.  Many people assume Publix is the “expensive” store, but when you compare sale ads you will find that Publix consistently has the best sales week after week.  Many people also automatically assume that Walmart has the best prices, but most sale prices at a traditional grocery store will beat Walmart’s “everyday low price.”



2. Stockpile, stockpile, stockpile
3. Eat less meat
4. Change the way you meal plan
5. Learn to match coupons to store 

Details at link: SAVE MONEY

ANNUAL BOSS HILL STEW IS CANCELLED

Another of our historical events have fallen prey to the Virus of 2020.  

From Marcus Hobbs: After much discussion and consideration, we have decided to cancel the Annual Boss Hill Stew Day this year. With all that is going on with the COVID 19, we feel this is in the best interest of our community. This is not a decision that we have taken lightly. It saddens us not to be able to do this for the community, but we just feel we have no choice at this point. We, as many of you, look forward to this day each year. It’s a great time for the community to get together and fellowship on a positive note. We look forward to seeing you all on Stew Day 2021!  Thanks for your understanding. Take time to enjoy your family during these trying times. My prayer is that each and every one of you will remain healthy. Have a great evening!  

Each year Boss Hill held his community goat and chicken stew that drew 1500 people a year. The colas were iced down in a trough. The goat, chicken and beef stews were heated in waist-high black kettles while men stirred them with something akin to a boat paddle. Political signs sprouted like dandelions along a roadside. It was the place to be the first Wednesday in May for more than 30 years. After Hill's death, Greg and Marcus Hobbs decided to continue the tradition of their uncle.
 

This year's annual Boss Hill Chicken and Goat Stew will be Wednesday, May 1 starting from 11 am-2 pm.  The best time to be there is about 11:30 am. Look for the tents at Lockes Cross Roads... Please bring a dessert and join us at 11:00 AM for lunch. This is NOT a fundraiser; it is strictly an opportunity for the community to get together...looking forward to seeing you there.. A look back to a stew when the Boss was still here.

JUST UP THE ROAD - HISTORY OF ELKMONT, PART 8

Out the door came a huge black bear with what appeared to be a hind quarter of deer in its mouth. Ma picked up a piece of railing while charging at the bear, screaming at the top of her lungs. The bear reared up on its hind legs preparing for a fight. Ma Gretchen never checked up, getting closer and closer. The bear began to bristle. It dropping the meat and began showing his teeth. Ma took a swing hitting the bear right square in the nose. The bear was stunned momentarily but showed no signs of leaving. She whacked him across the back this time. he went down seeming to be paralyzed in his back legs. 

By this time Herman had made it up to them, he was screaming "Ma, Get Back". By now, Ma Gretchen was saying things that no child should hear. The bear apparently realized he had met his match, wobbled off into the brush, letting out a low rumble. Ma and Herman stood there waiting to see if he would come back.-------- After things settled down a bit, Ma fell to her knees crying. She only now became frightened about what had happened.

Herman consoled her the best he could. He really didn't know what to say but he blurted out "Ma, the bear didn't have a chance, he didn’t' have a chance. You whipped him fare and square. He ain't coming back because he is ah hurting too bad."

Gary Compton

WHAT DID JESUS DO ON WEDNESDAY?

The past several days have been a rush of tension and anger for Jesus’s opponents—and of unflinching resolve for Jesus. Words have been his currency, and he’s spent piles of them. But on the Wednesday before his death, Jesus is still. 

Traditionally this day was called “Spy Wednesday” for it was on this Wednesday before the crucifixion that Judas conspired to hand Jesus over. For this he was paid thirty pieces of silver. 

WHAT THE LORD DID ON TUESDAY

Jesus's presence in Jerusalem did not go unnoticed by the authorities.  Seeing Jesus as a threat, they seek to find a way to put him in prison. On the Temple Mount, they question Christ in hopes of finding something they can use against Him.  But Jesus's inspired answers reveal no crime, and His enemies only discredit themselves.

He teaches using parables (stories that illustrate a concept). There are the parables of the vineyard, the wedding banquet as well as others. 




 

Despite the persecution, the work of Jesus Christ moved on.  Because of His great love for us, we don't have to face life's obstacles alone. When we see His help, we can overcome even the greatest of challenges.

WHAT THE LORD DID ON MONDAY

According to Matthew 21, Mark 11 and Luke 19, Jesus returns to Jerusalem today and, seeing shameful practices in the Temple area, he cleanses the Temple. John’s Gospel also records that he rebuked the unbelief of the crowds. Mark 11:19 records that he returned to Bethany that night. 

 

The cleansing of the temple at Jerusalem was an act of bravery. We can take courage knowing that Jesus Christ did what He knew to be right, whether it was popular or not. When we follow Him, we receive the strength to do the same.

PALM SUNDAY

Take a moment to think about what this means. How it impacts your life...




Jesus Christ rides triumphantly into Jersusalem, His followers reverently laying down cloaks and palm fronds in His path. It is not the first time He has entered the city. His three-year ministry took Him across the Holy Lan, where He taught, worked miracles, and spread the light of His gospel. But this time, Jesus Christ is preparing to perform His most important miracle of all. Like everything He did, Jesus Christ's entrance fulfills prophecy. His arrival in Jerusalem is powerful evidence that God keeps His promises to His children. Our Heavenly Father provided a way for us to overcome sin and death-through His Son, Jesus Christ