Letter: Stones River Relay continues to draw

To the Editor:

Saturday April 5 was the 5th Stones River Relay. That event continues to draw folks from surrounding counties - this year's winner, Eston Mengelberg of Lebanon, had never been to Cannon County. He left with a smile his face and an amazing trophy sculpted by area artist William Kooienga

While in Cannon County, Eston got to see the Arts Center, an elementary school - Short Mountain - that helped out by being open on a Saturday, the top of Short Mountain from the Bible Camp's perspective, downtown Woodbury, and the Readyville Mill

He experienced the County Executive drive a trailer full of bicycles, many volunteers looking after his safety, and cheerful school bus drivers carting him across the county

I need to thank Redstone Federal Credit Union with a location in Murfreesboro for underwriting the costs of the Relay. I certainly want to thank Jackson Kayak of Sparta for donating a $500 boat which was given to one of the entrants - Mike West of Cookeville - after we drew his name out of a hat. I appreciate The Blue Porch and Short Mountain coffee for providing a gift of dinner and pounds of coffee to the first place team winner - Marc Larson, Travis Hickman, and Brian Elrod

Lastly, a thank you to the many moms, dads, kids grandparents, and spouses who supported their families during the Stones River Relay.

The event is always impacted by the weather and water level of the East Fork. The reason we have the event is to remind folks how vital that river is to our region. Clean water in a healthy river system makes our life possible. We are blessed with this resource.

Please come to (free) Boat Day on Saturday, June 14 at the Readyville Mill dam where we will provide boats and coaching for kids and adults who have never kayaked or canoed.

Neal Appelbaum
Treasurer, Stones River Watershed Assoc.