Fentanyl is a Schedule II controlled substance that is similar to morphine but about 100 times more potent. Under the supervision of a licensed medical professional, this drug has a legitimate medical use.

Illicit fentanyl, primarily manufactured in foreign clandestine labs and smuggled into the United States through Mexico, is being distributed across the country and sold on the illegal drug market. Because of its potency and low cost, drug dealers have been mixing fentanyl with other drugs including heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine, increasing the likelihood of a fatal interaction.

This drug is a killer, and is common in drugs or medications bought illegally, from heroin to Adderall. And there is no leeway with it. Fentanyl kills 200 people a day.

Charlotte Gallant was a natural beauty. Blue-eyed with dark hair, eye cheekbones and a dimple, she had the kind of face you see in beauty magazines.

Charlotte grew up on Signal Mountain, attending Thrasher Elementary and SMMHS. She loved music, animals and binge-watching Netflix. Athletic, she played recreational soccer, basketball and softball. She swam for the Green Giants and was on the diving team her sophomore year of high school. She took to the stage at the Signal Mountain Playhouse, performing there for two summers, and took horseback riding lessons, as well.

Two cross country family trips were highpoints for both her and her parents, Leah and Thomas Gallant and her siblings Taylor, Clay and Greyson.

A happy little girl, she had the idyllic childhood, planning to get married one day and live on a farm. But she said she would never let her kids get on social media. Clearly social media took its toll on this beautiful girl.
In middle school and high school, Charlotte began to spend hours on her make up, although she didn’t need any of it. Did she not think she was pretty enough? She began to struggle in school. Her mom said she was bullied. She had her own style, and wore baggy sweatshirts with bands on them and loved to make videos of herself. The former sunny little girl was rarely happy anymore and began having difficulty with her schoolwork. Her grades were an issue, and graduation was a team effort; but she graduated.

Leah warned her daughter about street drugs, knowing about the fentanyl epidemic. Charlotte scoffed, telling her a fentanyl overdose would never happen to her.

“She thought she was invincible,” Leah said.

Charlotte chose to take a gap year after graduation. After several months, she decided to take classes at Chattanooga State and was planning to enroll. Her parents were hopeful their beautiful girl’s struggle was coming to an end and she was starting a new chapter, one that was happy and hopeful and full of good things.

However, her boyfriend found a drug dealer on the Telegram app who was selling ketamine. Unbeknownst to them, the drug was fentanyl. It was not ketamine laced with fentanyl; it was 100% pure fentanyl but there was no way for anyone to know. The pills look like something your doctor would prescribe.

Charlotte died from the dose she took, and her boyfriend was left physically disabled.

The drug dealers are behind bars, but that is no consolation for the death of this beautiful young woman.
“Please look at her, please remember her. One of my biggest fears is that she will be forgotten,” Leah said.
In her beautiful daughter’s honor and memory, Leah is on a mission to educate the community and beyond about this heinous drug. She is organizing a march, Sweet Charlotte’s Firecracker Run, a one-mile run before the traditional Fourth of July parade on Signal Mountain.
​
by Ferris Robinson

Looking across the room at all of the talent before me, I began to wonder how such a community exists. Each artist promotes one another in a heap of warmth as they stand up courageously to share their wisdom and thoughts. I took a seat near the back to not disturb the commitments and drifted into the words of our local creatives. Many stood bravely at the microphone and spilled their fears and hopes. Some poets brought a darker take on our reality, while others found the whimsy of our world. I was happy to see some old faces as well as new voices. The mix of community and art is always welcoming, and I had a fantastic time listening. As each poet read their works, I immersed myself into their lyrics and fell heavily into each one.

The Poetry and Spoken Word evenings are hosted by Wandering Poetry People each Tuesday night from 7-9 p.m. at the Chattanooga Brewing Company. The information can be found on the Facebook group, Wandering Poetry People. This was my second appearance, and I plan to make many more. After some laughter, clapping, and snapping, my friend Sophia Rowe gathered her bravery and walked up to the mic. She shared a picturesque poem about nature and friendship. It was a hit, and she was very happy to have mustered up the strength.

Encouraged, I stood from my chair and decided on a whim to present a poem of my own. Reading there at the mic was nerve-racking and I feared I was shaking. I tried to read slowly and steadily, as the room was quiet, but full. The experience was thrilling and terrifying. Sharing my inner thoughts with the room in front of me, I even forgot to share my name. But the happiness and encouragement I received after shook all my nerves away. Everyone was very kind and welcoming. The community welcomed me with open arms and sparked my passions more than I thought possible.

I used to have trouble with poetry. I hated writing it, reading it was a pain, and dissecting it was too much. But recently I fell in love with the smooth rhythm of spoken words, the ones in which you are left wondering about your perceptions. I started to dive a bit more into poetry after my first open mic attendance. I learned to love the freedom of the writing, with no rules to weigh the words down.

Similar to poetry, the open mic is open to anything. There are no themes or prompts; you are invited to just read what you want - no matter how silly or serious. There’s not really a method to the madness; when you see a break at the mic, head towards it. I highly encourage any creatives out there to take a chance on their local poets and join us next time.

by Page Jenkins


Big Gray Chair
by Brittany Clements

Even when I’m old
and can’t remember anything else,
I think I’ll still remember
the back and forth motion
of the big gray chair.
 
I’ll remember
the times spent rocking
back and forth, back and forth.
 
Your eyes peeking up at me,
making sure you’re safe,
and your slight smile
as you doze off into dreamland.
 
I’ll remember
the nights spent rocking
back and forth, back and forth.
 
My body glued to the chair,
resisting to put you down and leave you,
despite how exhausted I am.
 
Instead, I stay there with you in my arms,
as we glide together,
back and forth, back and forth.
 
I’ll remember
the afternoons spent rocking
back and forth, back and forth.
 
The sun shining in through the window,
the hustle of the world outside,
while we just sit in that big gray chair,
back and forth, back and forth.
 
Even when I’m old
and can’t remember anything else,
I’ll still remember
the back and forth motion
of that big gray chair. ​


​Impressions Inside/Outside
by Barbara Seals

Inside Merle stands rigid by the wall,
carefully painted face
sadly grim beneath a hennaed wig.
She wears electric-blue high-top Reeboks.
Soon, Merle believes, she will bear the child of God.
A fake-fur seal coat hides her pregnancy.
Holy Merle, bizarre black Theotokos,
life inside a dream is still-born.

I sit beside him and Roland whispers hoarsely,
“I am the Christ.”
Huge albino eyes, pale as winter
tide-pools,
stare at me.
His face is framed by whitest hair,
like soft-spun hoarfrost.
Roland is an arctic Christ, sovereign
of a frozen land,
a chronic schizophrenic.

Schizophrenia is a disease of the brain.
DSM III-R, Axis I: 295

Lucy has a chronic brain disease.
Born to a mother who never wanted her,
raped by an uncle when she was five,
Lucy slipped from her axis when she was sixteen
and dangles in a loveless void.
Did the madness outside somehow creep inside?
Curled now in a corner of the chair,
she pleads with dark voices that berate her
and does not hear me.

On the bench Rebecca smiles at me politely,
her steady gaze, unsettling.
Last year she plucked out her eye to please an angry god.
Her left eye now is made of clear blue glass.
30 mg of Haldol daily have exorcized her demon.
She could live outside,
but Rebecca feels much safer inside.

Outside I gulp cold, sharp air
and watch a hawk circling high above
in sky so blue it burns my eyes.
Reality is a tender, tenuous thread
separating inside from outside.


​Shards of Light
by Jann Sullivan
 
Blinded by the darkness
of night, sleepless and 
alone.   Mind churning with
nothing and everything.  
Pacing the house
 
my eye catches a bowl resting 
on the kitchen table, filled with 
thousands of shards of the
glass I dropped on 
the hard ceramic floor. 
 
If I swallowed them, would the pain 
inside be more real?   Picking it up, 
running outside and tossing them into 
the darkened sky, the shards 
turn into stars
 
that glimmer and fill
the night with cones of light.  
Breathing again,
I see clearly.


Carousel
by Hollie P. Stockman

Life is like a carousel
It has its ups and downs
And may just take you ‘round
Enjoy it while the music still plays
Love, laugh, and embrace the day


​The Right Word
by David Demro

To the kind person
I crossed paths with
at Mabbitt Spring Trail:

when I described
the cold weather
as acceptable,
 
what I really meant to say
was tolerable,
before wandering off
 
seemingly lost
searching for
the right word.

Signal Mountain is a town with a deeply rooted veteran community, rich in historical ties to the Nation’s Armed Forces. Signal Mountain has even been extremely fortunate to have had two recipients of the Medal of Honor, the Nation’s highest award for bravery and heroism in combat, Captain Larry Taylor and Tech Sgt. Charles Coolidge, call home. A group of talented veterans (former, and even some currently serving, from all eras and branches of service) took it upon themselves to formalize the formation of a group with State and National affiliation, the American Legion, and are looking to get involved and make an impact on our community. In just a few short months they have met and devised several different opportunities to serve the veterans within the community. They have been working with local and state leadership, as well as local business owners to foster a positive and lasting impression on the community, and ultimately to help the veterans know within the community that there is mutual respect, honor, and gratitude for each and everyone. In keeping with the tradition of honor, the Post has been graciously provided the opportunity to honor the recently departed Captain Larry Taylor, and name the Post in his honor. The date of the official presentation of the charter post has yet to be announced, but will be open to veterans wishing to join the celebration, leadership within the TN Department of the American Legion, as well as local business owners and stakeholders within the community. An extra special extension of an invitation goes out to all Vietnam War/era veterans to attend this presentation ceremony as well. The regularly scheduled meetings will be held on the 3rd Tuesday of every month at 6:30pm, and while the Post is based out of CF Signal Mountain at 4201 Taft Highway #100, the meetings will typically be held at the Bachman Community Center. The exception will be this next meeting, which will take place on the 25th of March at 6:30pm at Bachman Community Center.

The American Legion was chartered and incorporated by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic veterans organization devoted to mutual helpfulness. It is the nation’s largest wartime veterans service organization, committed to mentoring youth and sponsorship of wholesome programs in our communities, advocating patriotism and honor, promoting strong national security, and continued devotion to our fellow servicemembers and veterans.

Hundreds of local American Legion programs and activities strengthen the nation one community at a time. American Legion Baseball is one of the nation’s most successful amateur athletic programs, educating young people about the importance of sportsmanship, citizenship and fitness. The Operation Comfort Warriors program supports recovering wounded warriors and their families, providing them with “comfort items” and the kind of support that makes a hospital feel a little bit more like home. The Legion also raises millions of dollars in donations at the local, state and national levels to help veterans and their families during times of need and to provide college scholarship opportunities.

The American Legion is a nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization with great political influence perpetuated by its grass-roots involvement in the legislation process from local districts to Capitol Hill. Legionnaires’ sense of obligation to community, state and nation drives an honest advocacy for veterans in Washington. The Legion stands behind the issues most important to the nation’s veterans community, backed by resolutions passed by volunteer leadership.

The American Legion’s success depends entirely on active membership, participation and volunteerism. The organization belongs to the people it serves and the communities in which it thrives.
​
by Andrew Flor

​In the whimsical world of backyard biodiversity, a new trend is hopping its way into gardens everywhere. If you’ve ever dreamed of transforming your outdoor space into a natural wonderland, you’re in for a treat. Let’s dive into the delightful art of creating frog bogs, toad abodes, insect decks, and lizard loungers - because why shouldn’t your backyard be the hottest hangout for critters?

Frog Bogs: A Splash of Nature
First up, the frog bog. It’s essentially a backyard spa for your amphibian friends! To create a frog bog, dig a shallow hole in a shady spot and line it with a pond liner. Fill it with water, toss in some aquatic plants, and voilà! You’ve got a lovely lily pad paradise. Frogs will flock to your yard, serenading you with their nightly croaks. Just imagine the symphony of ribbits under the stars!

Toad Abodes: Cozy Amphibian Homes
Next, let’s talk toad abodes. These charming shelters are as easy to make as they are adorable. Simply turn a clay pot with a hole on the side for an entrance on its side and bury it halfway into the soil. Add a few leaves for extra coziness. Toads will appreciate the cool, moist hideaway, and you’ll have some new garden companions to keep pests at bay.

Insect Decks: Buzzing with Life
For those who want to roll out the red carpet for insects, consider building an insect deck. Stack logs, twigs, and leaves to create a layered structure. This natural hotel will attract beneficial bugs like ladybugs and bees, ensuring your garden stays healthy and vibrant. Plus, it’s a great way to teach kids about the tiny wonders of the insect world.

Lizard Loungers: Sunbathing Spots
Finally, we have the lizard lounger - a sunbathing spot fit for a king. Place flat stones in a sunny area and watch as lizards bask in the warmth. These adorable reptiles control the insect population, making them a gardener’s best friend. Who knew a few rocks could bring so much life to your yard?

Why It Matters
Creating these wildlife havens isn’t just about adding charm to your garden; it’s vital for the ecosystem. By providing safe habitats, you’re supporting biodiversity and promoting a healthy balance of species. This helps control pests naturally and encourages pollination, which is essential for plants - and ultimately, us! So, let your garden become a sanctuary for all creatures, great and small. Grab a shovel, gather the family, and start building these backyard retreats. Your garden will thank you, and so will the planet!

by Kara Hayton

Retired, yes, but not forgotten.
​
After nearly 25 years as a chess coach in our community, a serious illness that zapped his strength and focus caused Bill Cheal to give up those semi-weekly lessons and tournament weekends.

During peak years, approximately 75 students were involved off and on in chess clubs each year at Thrasher and Nolan elementary schools. Many of them also met Monday evenings at the library for additional practice sessions. A few continued their hobby, and several newcomers were picked up when Chess Club was introduced at Signal Mountain Middle/High School.

Cheal started down this path as a favor to Jean Trohanis, a neighbor and former principal at Thrasher, where his wife, Phyllis, had just retired as a teacher. One of Bill’s early teams there included grandson Sam Wickizer, who is now 23 years old and a University of Alabama grad working as a civil engineer.

Taking a cue from his granddad, Wickizer used rainy-day recesses to teach fellow classmates how to play the game. “[This group] went on to be one of the best chess classes I ever had,” Cheal noted with pride.

Although neither a Signal Mountain team nor an individual player was a state champion in the Scholastic competitions that include public and private schools, one of Cheal’s pupils was runner up in the state individual contest, and one team placed third at state. Many players and teams won at regional competitions.

Cheal said it was a huge accomplishment when Signal’s students competed against those who play chess daily (with weekly mini tournaments) at magnet and private schools from Memphis and Nashville.

He is proud that at least one of five possible Signal Mountain teams advanced to State most years, with two or three going some years.

Tournaments usually lasted all day.

Cheal’s advice to “take your time before making a move” led to both longer tournament matches but also more wins, recall SMMHS grads Thomas and Oliver Nimon, brothers who were among his star pupils.

George Andreescu, another star pupil and college grad, valued similar advice.

“Mr. Cheal taught me early on the value of patience and evaluating multiple options through his catchphrase of ‘sit on your hands,’” Andreescu said. “This quote’s meaning of rationally thinking before moving went on to enhance my chess journey, especially when I was younger and prone to blitzing out moves. It especially helped me advance in tournament chess. Even now, it stays with me in my current state of recreational chess and tutoring kids at better understanding the game.”

Andreescu assisted with the chess club at SMMHS and occasionally drops in at the local library when in town.
Former Thrasher student JJ Massey said Cheal was “always patient and gave thoughtful guidance to each of us, no matter how good we were.” “He encouraged us to think strategically and solve problems, and his kindness made him so approachable. He wasn’t just our chess teacher,” Massey said. “He was a mentor. He helped us develop focus and perseverance, both on and off the chessboard.”

Former Nolan student Nicholas Barrett agreed, saying, “Some of the lessons we learned in chess were good for real life - like always having to think at least three moves ahead.”

Like in sports, the game of chess also created close bonds among students from different schools.

Massey said, Cheal “created a real sense of community among us students, and we all became friends because of him.”

Massey, Barrett and other former chess students who joined the SMMHS band program often played chess during “down time” at band competitions and on breaks during the long days of band camp.

Many of Cheal’s pupils not only earned chess trophies but also excelled in math and music, where studies have shown a close correlation.

History and Progress
Cheal started playing as a youngster in second grade due to his father playing chess at West Point Military Academy. As a “military brat,” Cheal continued to play chess in many states across our nation as well as in Berlin, Germany.

At one time, Signal’s chess community included students with Egyptian, Romanian, Japanese, Chinese, Filipino, Taiwanese, Korean, French and Iraqi roots. Cheal joked that, “We have a mini U.N. in our chess clubs up here.”

Cheal was thankful to have others assist him over the years.

Retired physician Jim Dodds, now deceased, was one of the first to start helping after a grandson joined the club. Sam Harrelson evolved into one of Signal’s best players.

After Dodds left, retired businessman Joe Kodsi came on board, followed by Rick Rogers and others.
Faculty sponsors were necessary at the schools, especially after chess had to move from an activity during free period or study hall to an after-school club.

Mary Ferguson and Matt Sentef have served as club sponsors at Thrasher, where chess is still being played. Diane Huseman, Nancy Gill, and Laura Dowd were sponsors at Nolan, which needs both a new sponsor and coach. Anyone interested in serving in those roles, which entails a couple of hours one afternoon a week, should contact Principal Ashley Wilson.

Jamie Brock still sponsors Chess Club each Monday at SMMHS, where math and physics teachers occasionally drop in to challenge the students.

Chess teaches discipline as well as cause-and-effect thinking, Cheal said, because “we play both offensively and defensively at the same time.”

Unfortunately, both Covid and then death of the state’s executive director for Scholastic Chess had a devastating impact on participation locally and at tournaments.

Cheal said membership had dwindled to a handful of students at our local schools after the pandemic and just before he had to retire following a cancer diagnosis last winter.

Coach Cheal hated having to give up chess but chemotherapy and other meds have zapped his strength and cause him to doze off often.

Cheal hopes others will continue to assist so that chess can continue to be offered as an extra-curricular activity to local students.

In addition to school clubs, both kids and adults are invited to play chess each Monday from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Signal Mountain Library, where Josh Davies graciously volunteers his time. Join them!

by Melissa Barrett