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Text or call Linda Austin: (931) 220-4835 info@clarksvillelivingmag.com
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Publisher
Tony Centonze
Executive Editor
Mark Haynes
Editor
Linda Austin
Graphic Design
Mark Haynes
D.C. Thomas
Staff Writers
Christie Crawford
Paige Eisemann
Tony Centonze
Linda Austin
D.C. Thomas
Alexandra Arnold
Photographer
Tony Centonze
D.C. Thomas
Publisher's Note
Dear Readers,
As the end of summer approaches, a bittersweet feeling often settles in. The days grow shorter, and the once vibrant green leaves begin to hint at autumn's arrival. Summer vacations, filled with sun-soaked memories and adventures, slowly wind down. Families reminisce about beach trips, camping under starry skies, and carefree days spent at amusement parks. The rhythm of life, temporarily slowed by the leisurely pace of summer, begins to quicken.
For students, the end of summer signals the impending return to school. The excitement of new beginnings mingles with the nostalgia for summer's freedom. Backto-school preparations kick into high gear as parents and children rush to gather supplies, new clothes, and the latest gadgets. There's a unique blend of anticipation and apprehension in the air. New classes, new teachers, and, for some, new schools promise fresh challenges and opportunities for growth.
As the first day of school approaches, the lazy mornings of summer give way to early alarms and structured routines. The transition can be jarring, but it also brings a renewed sense of purpose. The end of summer marks a time of change and adaptation, a return to learning, and the pursuit of academic and personal goals. It's a season of transformation, where the relaxed, carefree spirit of summer is gradually replaced by the disciplined focus of the school year.
In this transition, there's a quiet beauty—a reminder that every ending leads to a new beginning. The end of summer and the return to school together form a cyclical journey of rest, rejuvenation, and renewed effort. Warm regards,
Tony Centonze, Publisher Clarksville Living Magazine
This month's find-a-word puzzle for clues about what's inside this month's issue!
The annual Fourth of July celebration at Fort Campbell is a remarkable blend of patriotic fervor, family fun, and community spirit. This event attracts thousands of visitors each year, making it a cornerstone of summer festivities in the region.
This year’s celebration was made even more special with a free concert by the acclaimed rapper Ludacris. This was a very special opportunity for not only Fort Campbell but the surrounding communities to enjoy worldclass entertainment right in their own backyard. Adding to the excitement and grandeur of Fort Campbell’s 4th of July event were the return of the carnival and one of the most spectacular fireworks shows in the south.
Story by Linda Austin
How many attended this year's event? How does the success of this year's change of musical genre inform future July 4th booking goals?
Over 25,000 people attended this year’s concert and fireworks show. It has been several years since we hosted an Indie pop group and hip-hop/rap artists at Fort Campbell. We were excited to bring a different genre for the community to experience. Echosmith and Ludacris did not disappoint!
MG Brett G. Sylvia
Clarksville Living Magazine interviewed Lisa Taylor, one of the event organizers at Fort Campbell's MWR. Lisa was kind enough to share a behind-the-scenes glimpse into how all this was made possible.
How long does it take to put something like this together; the artist selection process, number of people working on it at MWR, volunteers, etc?
We started planning last year when we planned our budget. Artist selection started in January. When MWR looks to book artists of Echosmith and Ludacris’ stature we contact Army Entertainment to help us get connected. It is nearly impossible to capture accurately the total number of hours put into planning and executing an event of this size.
It takes coordination and manpower from numerous directorates to plan and host the July 4 concert, fireworks show, and carnival. Between MWR, DPW, DES, DPTMS, BACH, Safety, Garrison Leadership, Division Leadership, tenant brigades, and volunteers, over 400 people were involved in the success of 4th of July.
How does the recycling program work to fund this and other events? How many events do you guys host each year? Is July 4th the biggest?
Fort Campbell is a leader in the Army’s recycling program. The Qualified Recycling Program has funded over 50 large projects on Fort Campbell, one of them being the annual July 4th concert and fireworks show.
Fort Campbell MWR Installation Wide Recreation Events partners with many other MWR programs to host an array of events and activities each year, at least one per month.
July 4th is definitely our biggest event, followed by our annual Tree Lighting event, Month of the Military Child KidsFest, and Fort Campbell's Week of the Eagles concert.
How excited are you guys when you get big names like Ludacris and Echosmith or last year's lineup with Stone Temple Pilots and Lynyrd Skynyrd?
It’s super fulfilling to be able to reward our Soldiers and Families with highly sought after top talents and worldclass entertainers when we can. Every year we strive to find performers that we feel our community will enjoy.
Is Major General Sylvia really a big Luda fan? What do these performers say about having the opportunity to play Fort Campbell's Fourth of July Fest?
Participants who were at the concert heard MG Sylvia introduce Ludacris, so they know what a big fan he is. It was definitely a memorable moment for MG Sylvia.
Ludacris made a point to share with the crowd during his performance that there was “no other place he would rather be on the 4th of July than with the Soldiers and Families of Fort Campbell.”
What is the feedback on getting the carnival back for the first time since 2019?
Patrons were thrilled at the return of the carnival! This year, we partnered with a new company called Kissel Entertainment, and they did not disappoint.
Not only were their safety standards top-notch, but their concessions were super clean. They served all the carnival favorites and more.
How big is Fort Campbell's fireworks display, how long does it run, 20 – 30 minutes?
Fort Campbell’s fireworks show is a 22-minute long explosive display of dazzling vibrant lights
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Ludacris
Continued from page 7
choreographed to popular patriotic, dynamic, emotionally stirring music.
How long have you worked with MWR? How rewarding is that?
I have worked with Fort Campbell MWR since 2008. It is an honor to be able to give back to the Soldiers and Families who sacrifice every day to protect our way of life. MWR is “Another way to serve!”
When will you decide next year's lineup? When will it be announced?
We have already started planning next year’s festivities. We're analyzing this year’s event and tracking what was successful and where we can improve.
We have also started planning the budget for next year, finding ways to maximize our savings and leverage partnerships in the community.
The announcement of next year’s performers will depend on who we select and when we receive approval from the artist’s management group.
How hard is it to keep the secret once you know who will be performing?
When Ludacris came on stage with Usher during the Super Bowl half-time show in February, we knew Ludacris was going to be our headliner. I was surrounded by all these people who were just going crazy about
Ludacris, and I couldn’t tell a soul! It was definitely tough, but in the end, it was well worth it when we saw the community’s reacation to the announcement.
Thank you, Lisa Taylor, for taking the time to share your thoughts with Clarksville Living Magazine. A lot of hard work and countless hours of dedication went on behind the scenes for almost a year to make the annual Fort Campbell 4th of July Celebration come together as a world-class event. Clarksville has been a great beneficiary of Fort Campbell and all its contributions.
Thank you to Fort Campbell, the soldiers who serve our nation, their families, MWR, and all the volunteers who gave their time generously so we could celebrate our nation’s birthday in epic style.
Fort Campbell's Fourth of July Fest
There was a huge turnout for BLK Clarksville’s 4th annual Juneteenth Block Party.
Organizer Tiffany Perkins said, “We’ve got seventy vendor participants, lots of live music with everything from Country to Soul. We also have NAACP Image Award artist Tim Gent about to perform. He’s a local artist who has been working with lots of big names.
“We appreciate everyone coming out despite the heat. They’ve been supporting all the vendors, and this is a great location. There is plenty of space for people to enjoy the shopping and entertainment, and it’s all close to parking.
“The purpose of today is the community supporting, promoting, and empowering black people, black culture, and black togetherness. We have a diverse group of people here, both on the vendor side and the attendees. Juneteenth should be for everybody, and we appreciate that we can do this for the community.”
LATANYA COLE
BERNARD CARTER
AZARIA ANTHONY & HAKEEM WALTON
JOYCE MORRIS & RAMARI GRAHAM
SHAYLA MCGRADY
BRI REEVES & KANAH POWELL
JACKIE KELLEY
TERRY ROBERSON & TIFFANY PERKINS
TONIAH ANDERSON, CONCHETTA WILLIS, ARIA WILLIS & DRE SHIPP
At the annual Daughters of the American Revolution’s (DAR) Flag Day Luncheon, which was held at Madison Street United Methodist Church, scores gathered to celebrate our nation’s flag, including members of Quilts of Valor (QOV), who presented several handmade quilts to local Veterans.
Chapter Regent Cindy Smith welcomed everyone to the event, which included catering by Mission BBQ, saying, “We’re here today to honor our Veterans and their service in defending the freedoms and privileges that this great flag represents.”
The Valentine Sevier SAR Color Guard presented the colors, and QOV’s Roberta Samuels presided over the presentation of quilts. The luncheon concluded with Marie Tillman, DAR’s new Chapter Regent, being installed.
OFFICERS OF DAR’S WILLIAM EDMISTON CHAPTER ROBERT STURDIVANT
DAR OUTGOING CHAPTER REGENT CINDY SMITH
SUSAN ROSE & FAYE HAND
ASHLEY JOHNSON & BRENDA GRAHAM
Paul Brock Irish Band
Sunday, November 3, 2024
3:00pm
Chaeyoung Park, Piano Sunday, September 15, 2024
3:00pm
Finalist, 2023 Rubinstein International Piano Competition
“Traditional Band of the Decade”-Irish American News
Maharajah Flamenco Trio
Sunday, March 16, 2025
3:00pm
Chanticleer
Sunday, January 26, 2025
3:00 pm
“an orchestra of voices”
Nuevo flamenco: jazz, classical, and world music fused Bobby Watson Group (64th Annual Mid-South Jazz Festival)
Saturday, April 5, 2025
7:30pm
“Always brings the sparks”
Scan for more information
POLLY PARKER & AMELIA WALLACE
THE SAR COLOR GUARD PRESENTATION OF COLORS
MIKE & PAIGE EISEMANN, PAM PICKARD
MARIE TILLMAN, INCOMING DAR CHAPTER REGENT
ELAINE & JULIETTE ROAKE, JAN THOMPSON
Clarksville Community Concert Association
ChaeyoungPark
Clarksville Community Concert Association has a wonderful 73rd season on tap, beginning with a program on Sunday, September 15th at 3:00pm featuring renowned concert pianist Chaeyoung Park.
CCCA President Ann Silverberg said, “We have a season full of delightful music that will be really diverse and family-friendly. The concerts take place on Sunday afternoons, and everyone will find something they that will love. We are already getting phone calls about this year's performers.”
Park, this season's first performer, has most recently been featured on the Gilmore Rising Stars series, Bravo! Vail Music Festival, and Carnegie's Weill Recital Hall as a soloist. She was the winner of the 2022 Young Concert Artists Susan Wadsworth International Auditions and Finalist at the 2023 Arthur Rubinstein International Master Piano Competition.
Park has been praised as a passionate pianist who “does not play a single note without thought or feeling.” (New York Concert Review). Embracing a broad range of the classical music literature, her programs feature works ranging from the early French Baroque by Rameau, to Beethoven sonatas, to new music by living composers including South Korean classical composer, Unsuk Chin.
“We're so excited to have Chaeyoung Park perform in this year's CCCA series,” Silverberg said. “She has won prizes at the big international competitions, and after her performance on Sunday, she will hold a master class here at APSU on Monday.”
“Our second concert of the season will take place on November 3rd at 3:00pm and feature one of Ireland's finest bands, the Paul Brock Band. CCCA Vice President,
Cody Richardson will be giving a pre-concert talk. She actually studied at the University of Limerick. We're also hoping to have the band cross paths with APSU's own folk music ensemble.”
“Paul Brock is a champion button accordion player who lives in Athlone, Ireland,” Richardson said. “I first learned about him with his album Green Grass Blue Grass, a combination of traditional Irish sounds with Bluegrass. During our concert, audiences can expect to experience traditional music played on the button accordion, fiddle, Irish flute, and potentially others. During the pre-concert talk, I look forward to talking with audience members about their sounds and the roles these instruments play within Irish traditional music.”
A beacon of passion and precision, integrity and diversity, Paul Brock Band is steeped in the Irish musical tradition and yet manages to seamlessly, effortlessly blend and fold in elements from American old-time and bluegrass, French-Canadian, and other Celtic traditions to create something accessible, recognizable, beautiful, and entirely unique. The band and its members have been the recipients of numerous awards, including 'Best Instrumental Band of the Decade' (Irish American News).
The Clarksville Community Concert Association (CCCA) is a non-profit 501( c) 3 organization dedicated to presenting music performances of high artistic merit in Clarksville-Montgomery County and promoting interest in and enjoyment of live concerts through community outreach and education. The CCCA concert series presents high-quality artists of national and international renown in the critically acclaimed George and Sharon Mabry Concert Hall on the campus of Austin Peay State University, at the corner of Eighth and Marion Streets in Clarksville, Tennessee.
Photo by Ann Dean Story by Tony Centonze
AFTER HOURS
chamber business LEGENDS BANK
Legends Bank hosted over 100 guests at June’s Clarksville Area Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours. Though the event was outside, they found ways to beat the heat with a pavilion, tents, fans, and many icy cold beverages.
Mike Rainey of Legends Bank said. “We just love giving back to the community, and this is an opportunity for us to do just that. These Chamber Business After Hours events are always a great networking opportunity, and we love being an active Chamber member by hosting.”
PSR Events handled the catering, setting up a grill for burgers, an extensive toppings bar, and lots of other treats.
CHAD WINN & KEVIN KENNEDY JR.
D E A NNE WILLIAMS, MICHELLE ROBERTSON, CHERYL LANKFORD & JOY COOPER SENSING
DEOMETRIA MELVIN-ELDRIGE & SUSAN SINNEY
JESSICA TODD & AMELIA MAGETTE
JOSH HASKIN, DILLON TURNAGE & JEFF PEDERSEN
KATRICE BUTLER & POLLY PARKER KIERA HAMILTON & CHEYENNE SCHLUETER
TYLER GUY & RACHEL COFFELT
DEBRA CLARK
UNITED HOME LOANS VETERANS EVENT
Cleared for Takeoff, recently hosted by Veterans United Home Loans of Clarksville at Clarksville Regional Airport, brought hundreds out for an industry networking event.
Amanda Dusenberry said, “We are hosting a realtor and affiliate event just for fun. It has been a long couple of years. We wanted to do something a little bit lighter, and treat everyone to a nice night out. We have realtors, folks from insurance companies, title companies, and lots of friends.”
“We are here at the airport, which is fun. Upstairs, we have catering by The Chopping Block, whom we love. They offer Mexican, Thai, and Italian food stations, giving everyone a variety of choices.
Outside, we have the folks from APSU’s Aviation Science program and one of their helicopters. We also have the people from Wings of Eagles. One of the prizes being given away tonight is a Discovery Flight.”
RICHARD & GINGER HUNLEY
JENNIFER CANDLER & KAROL HART
BETH TERRY, KAROL HART & BRENDA DANIEL
SARAH ELLIOTT & JENNIFER SHIRES
KATIE BAINE & MARION JEWELL ALI STRADER & MIA SCIMECA
PAUL GRISE, SHEENA DIXON, LEXI & CHARLY BARNETT
AMANDA DUSENBERRY & BRITTANY BROWN
TERRA MORRIS, PAULA TOWNE, CAMILLE JONES & TANYA ROBERTS
Ed Larson Tony Nave Tom Creech
KATHERINE ROBERTS & JESSICA VANZANT
LAURA STASKO, SANDY & TED KEARNEY
GLORY GORHAM, BERT SINGLETARY & MEAGAN MILLER
VETERANS UNITED HOME LOANS HOSTS CLEARED FOR TAKE OFF AT THE CLARKSVILLE REGIONAL AIRPORT
Writing Backwards: One Author’s Path
Story by Christie Crawford
For close to 20 years the Clarksville Writers Conference has been held at Austin Peay State University in celebration of the rich writing tradition of the area. Considered the birthplace of Southern Renaissance writers, Clarksville and its surrounding area have been home to such writers as Robert Penn Warren, Evelyn Scott, Caroline Gordon, and Allen Tate to name a few. Similar to New York’s Algonquin Table, these writers meet at the Ben Folly homestead on the Cumberland (Tate and Gordon’s home) to review and critique each other’s work.
This year’s conference, named Tell Us a Story, featured Spartanburg, SC’s Susan Beckham Zarenda, an English teacher for 33 years whose book Bells for Eli was published in 2020. Bells for Eli was a Gold Medalist in Best First BookFiction at the 2021 Independent Publisher Book Awards and received many other accolades. The conference featured presentations and workshops with fifteen authors. The four-day event began June 5th with a banquet, reception, and book signings.
One writer with whom I'm personally familiar is fellow Third Thursday online book club member Janis Daly. She is a historical fiction author who traveled from Boston to present on two subjects: Paths to Publication and Great Great Grandfather, Tell Me A Story - An Examination and Celebration of Family History. Daly, a former marketing and sales executive, stumbled onto her book The Unlocked Path after a genealogy search revealed that her great-great-grandfather, William S. Peirce, Esquire, was one of the founders of the Women’s Medical College in Philadelphia - the first of its kind in the country.
Although a book had been published on the history of
the college, Daly was able to uncover further research, including letters and information on the exceptional students at the college. What inspired Daly was the courage and discipline it took these female students, many of whom left their home countries, to attend schooling for a career in medicine, at the time a traditionally-male profession.
Daly’s presentation gave clues on how to conduct genealogy research, how to be true to a time period, and how to create depth in characters in order to create a good story. An interesting part of the reviewing process is to include sensitivity readers, which can be fellow writers or particular readers who represent a profession or culture. Daly mentions that a reader should pick up a historical fiction novel to “learn much about history not taught in schools” and to read books that are “pulling
Janis Daly during the Clarksville Writers Conference
pieces of history out of the shadows”.
Daly’s book received much acclaim. It was named #1 Release in Historical Fiction, received an Honorable Mention for General Fiction from the New England Book Festival Awards, and was also a finalist for the Goethe Award for Late Historical Fiction from the Chanticleer International Book Awards. Why she chose historical fiction as her genre was three-pronged.
First, to write what you know - the old adage of all writers. In this case, Daly used her research to create as she says “a platform to reach readers looking to escape into different eras, where they can experience sights, sounds, and sensations of the past. And not only escape but learn.”
Second, the popularity of the historical fiction genre. Peruse any of the major book sales rankings. You will find historical fiction right up there. Look at the success of Kristin Hannah, who started out as a purely romance writer but turned to historical events with her works The Nightingale, The Four Winds, and her latest, The Women. Other popular novels include Lessons in Chemistry, All the Light We Cannot See, and Daisy Jones and the Six. Many of these have translated into successful movies and series because of their compelling storytelling and historical depictions.
And it doesn’t stop there. Pulitzer Prizes in Fiction have squared themselves in the genre with Trust by Hernan Diaz and Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver. The genre itself has been awarded winners over time, including classics like Gone with the Wind, Beloved, and Les Miserables. Daly states that more books in the genres are being introduced to many schools’ curriculum.
For instance, Jamie Ford’s Hotel on the Corner of Bitter
and Sweet is currently being used in discussions of Japanese internment camps during WW II.
Third, she wanted to challenge herself. Not merely satisfied with writing a fictional account on the women’s medical college, Daly rose up to the challenge of presenting a compelling story, along with the attention to detail necessary to stay true to historical fiction.
The actual definition of historical fiction is a category of book in which a fictional plot exists but in the setting of historical events. In her experience with editors, keeping the line between fact and fiction is one that an author must decide in order to “help the story move forward, as well as consider its impact on the character.” She says she often pauses and asks the question, 'are the facts relevant to the story'.
Besides her book writing, Daly also championed a 31-title list of books that honor women who are lesser known in history books. She released this book list in March during Women’s History Month and made library presentations with the list all over the United States. A specific set of characteristics determine her list, including that the authors are women themselves writing on women, and the list be made up of of diverse authors and subjects.
Daly quotes fellow writer Lisa Wingate that “society suffers from a history deficient disorder.” She explains that many events that have been “glossed over, while being minor aspects of history, helped shape it.” We, as a society, haven’t learned about them, and there have been recent troubling events to erase history, also part of the disorder.
Her favorite authors include Kristin Hannah, Kate Quinn, Lisa See, and Martha Hall Kelly, not only for their extraordinary abilities to craft a story but also for their equally strong skills in researching their books. Whichever author you choose to read, remember the distinction that in history, you read to understand, but in historical fiction, you read to be moved.
Next year’s Clarksville Writers Conference will be held June 4th-6th, 2025, featuring Nashville author Margaret Renkl along with her brother - APSU art professor Billy Renkl.
Keynote speaker Susan Beckham Zarenda
Historical Fiction writer Janis Daly
The largest fireworks display in the area, outside of Nashville, takes place at Fort Campbell, KY. The annual Fort Campbell Fourth of July Fest brings thousands to the 101st Airborne Division parade field each year.
In addition to the fireworks, another reason for Fort Campbell’s great turnout each year is the always-anticipated concert. Last year, MWR brought Lynyrd Skynyrd and Stone Temple Pilots to the stage. This year, thousands enjoyed music by Echosmith and Ludacris.
The very popular carnival was back for the first time since 2019, running from July 3rd – 6th. Even heat and a late afternoon threat of severe storms couldn’t deter thousands who braved the elements to attend this year’s Fest.
A few minutes of heavy winds brought much cooler temperatures, and the crowd was able to enjoy all the festivities, dozens of food trucks, great music and a very patriotic celebration.
SCAN FOR MORE PHOTOS
David Freeman, Campaign Chair for Middle Tennessee United Way, presented awards to this year’s top ten fundraisers. The list included Regions Bank, Planter’s Bank, Cumberland Electric Membership Corp., F&M Bank, CMCSS, and Legends Bank.
“And this year’s top three fundraisers,” Freeman said, “Were Montgomery County Government, The City of Clarksville, and let me say when you notice two of the top three fundraising organizations are the city and county governments, and see both mayors sitting here today, you know you all are in good hands. Our top fundraiser in Montgomery County is Publix stores.”
Valerie Guzman, executive director of UW’s Clarksville Montgomery County Region, said, “We merged with the Nashville Region to assist with our expansion. We needed this because our city is growing faster than we can raise dollars. We needed administrative help; our team of three or four people couldn’t handle it anymore. Now, we have access to HR and IT and a much greater ability to serve our community.
“With UW, where the money is raised is where it is put to use. We can bring more programs and fundraising to the community, and that’s what we’re all about.”
UNITED WAY OF GREATER NASHVILLE CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE CHAIR, DAVID FREEMAN
ANIJAH HATTEN & SARAH SADLER
BRIAN TAYLOR & PATRICK CHESNEY
JULIE BROWN & ANNA JAMES
TENEKA KENNEDY & DALECIA LARGIN
UNITED WAY OF GREATER NASHVILLE 2024 BOARD CHAIR, FORMER ATTORNEY GENERAL ALBERTO GONZALES
ALEX NORSWORTHY & HEATHER HILL
VALERIE GUZMAN
CLARKSVILLE MAYOR JOE PITTS & FIRST LADY CYNTHIA PITTS
SYDNEY MYERS & ASHLEY JACKSON
Madison Street UMC Honors Tornado Anniversary with Arts Focus
The 25th anniversary of the devastating F3 tornado in January 1999 has brought about a new focus on the arts for Madison Street United Methodist Church. The historic church at 319 Madison Street has been a part of the Clarksville downtown community since 1882.
When the tornado partially destroyed the original sanctuary, it was rebuilt into the beautiful landmark we now know. The building itself is truly a work of art, marrying the old with the new in a testament of the permanence of our downtown community. It is only fitting that this anniversary be celebrated with the creation of a new ministry, “Art for Faith’s Sake.”
Fall 2023 began a new season of ministry for the church, with a unique group gathering to envision ways that the church could expand outreach programs. Rev. John Collett, Jr. led a group called IMAGINE, which allowed people from all ages and stages of life to share ideas. From this gathering of minds came the idea to strengthen the church’s involvement in the downtown art community.
Congregation member Regina Edelmann and Rev. Dr. Tim Sharp, Pastoral Associate for the Arts, began working to plan future events, and the church became a member of the Downtown Artists Co-Op. The church will now be a part of the popular monthly Art Walk, utilizing the Commerce Street entrance to welcome guests into the first-floor Sid Johnson Gallery.
As a grand beginning to a focus on downtown arts, the “Art for Faith’s Sake” Art Fair was held on May 2nd as a celebration of the reopening of the church after the
Story by Paige Eisemann
1999 Madison Street United Methodist Church after Tornado
rebuilding process with artists from within the past and present congregation of Madison Street UMC and throughout the community. “Art for Faith’s Sake” continued to grow, and on July 4th a fabulous event entitled “Red River Revival” was held, featuring The Chuck Nation Bluegrass Band & Tim Sharp as well as The Madison Street Festival Singers.
These free events are examples of great things to come from the “Art for Faith’s Sake” ministry, with future events being planned to feature painting, drawing, sculpting, digital art, sewing, jewelry making, quilting, photography, writing, music of all sorts, and many other types of art. Aside from a plethora of current artists being showcased, works from numerous noted artists of the past are always on display in the Sid Johnson Gallery, including works of Dan Hanley and Peg Harvill.
Guests will also enjoy the artistry that is the beautiful building itself, showcasing the work of Gary Everton, of EOA Architects Nashville. The distinctive stained glass, the work of Dennis Harmon at Emmanuel Studio in Nashville also highlights the marriage of old and new. Artifacts from the original church building are on display, such as the twisted pipes of the original organ.
The current instrument, the Rieger-Kloss, Opus 3717 organ was built in the Czech Republic and installed in the sanctuary at Madison Street in 2001. According to the church website, “The magnificent organ case stands three stories tall above the choir, and includes 32' pipes in the facade, each of which weigh nearly 850 pounds.
The fabulous instrument was designed to be uniquely distinct. For instance, the inclusion of the ‘Grand Choir Resonance Division’ is highly unique, appearing on only one other instrument in the Southeast and on
only a handful of instruments in the entire United States.”
The church building itself is a landmark in the downtown community, but the congregation and ministries are what has “woven the church into the fabric of Clarksville”. On September 26th, 1882 the cornerstone for the church was laid at the intersection of Madison and Hiter Streets. The building stood and grew as the congregation and city grew throughout the years, until the morning of January 22nd, 1999.
The devastation from the F3 tornado that swept through in the early morning hours left a mark on the downtown area, but many recall seeing the destroyed sanctuary and being moved by the sight. “Seeing the back wall of the sanctuary standing there, exposed and laid open without the roof and side walls, it took your breath away,” recalls one church member. The images of the massive damage to the church building were circulated across both local and national media.
A steadfast group of church members, community members, and professionals began the monumental task of rebuilding the historic landmark. Architect Gary Everton collaborated with many talented artisans to maintain the historic look and feel of the church while integrating modern construction techniques to marry the old portions of the church that were able to be salvaged with the newly constructed elements.
Dennis Harmon, the glass artisan, researched and worked tirelessly to recreate the ornate glasswork throughout the building, including the famous Rose Window that adorned the
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Organ and Pulpit
Steeple
Chapel Window
Continued from page 21
front wall over the narthex of the building. Church members and people from all over Clarksville worked together to recreate the many facets that make up a church building, with everything from the new stained glass to the handembroidered kneeling rail pads.
Nestled among the other beautiful images that were lovingly sewn into those pads is an image of a tornado bearing the words “The Church is the People Not a Building”. The new building, which reopened in 2000, bears a strong resemblance to the original structure but it is uniquely different. Great care was taken to honor the past but move the building into the future. One well known example of this is visible from virtually all the downtown area.
Where the steeples of the original Victorian Gothic-style building once stood, there are now copper-clad structural
steel outlines of the original shapes. These spires are lit from underneath, within the towers. Many say this is to symbolize the spires pointing to heaven above but incorporating heaven within. The spires are often referred to by passersby as “ghost spires”, but for many church members they are a symbol that the church remembers the past but will never stop growing and building.
The memory of the devastation to the city of Clarksville on January 22nd, 1999 can be seen in many areas downtown, but Madison Street UMC is celebrating 25 years of rebuilding, enjoying the arts, and blending the old with the new, through the implementation of “Arts for Faith’s Sake”, participating in downtown standards such as Art Walk, and the Downtown Artists Co-Op. Our city is learning even now about overcoming the effects of tornadoes and severe weather, and Madison Street United Methodist Church celebrates 25 years of growing and thriving, marrying the old with the new as a testament of permanence.
Mexican Fruit Popsicles Recipe
Ingredients
1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
1 cup fresh mango, peeled and diced
1 cup fresh pineapple, peeled and diced
1 cup sweetened condensed milk
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup plain Greek yogurt
1/4 cup lime juice
2-3 tablespoons honey (optional, adjust to taste)
Popsicle molds and sticks
(Ideas for other favorite fruit options: cherries, honeydew mellon, lychee, lemons, peaches, etc.)
Instructions
Prepare the Fruits. Peel, Wash. Slice, Dice fruits into tiny bite size pieces.
In a blender, combine the sweetened condensed milk, heavy cream, Greek yogurt, lime juice, and honey. Blend until smooth.
In separate bowls mix equal parts each fruit separately and creamy base mixtures. Gently fold in the fruit.
Carefully spoon the mixture into the popsicle molds, distributing the fruit evenly. Insert the popsicle sticks.
Place the popsicles in the freezer and freeze for at least 4-6 hours, or until completely solid.
Sanctuary
Local Celebrity Joins Alpha Dental Team
Alpha Dental is excited to announce a new dentist is now part of our amazing team - Dr Collin Bryant is joining Dr Zach Meyer here at Alpha Dental! Both dentists were born and raised in Clarksville and chose to help care for their hometown patients. Being local is important because they know many people from this area and are invested in giving their neighbors the best care possible.
Alpha Dental is a privately-owned (not corporate-owned) practice, so, the individual matters here. We see your appointment with Alpha Dental as an opportunity for us to give you the best service possible for your personal needs. Our doctors, hygienists, assistants and front desk staff take the time to make sure our patients understand any treatment recommendations, and provide you with all the options that will work best for you. Our goal at Alpha Dental is to ensure you have a healthy mouth, and the best smile possible.
Meet our Doctors:
Dr Zachary Meyer – has been practicing in Clarksville since 2016 with his dad and brothers. He loves helping patients smile more by improving the health of their mouths, which can include replacing missing teeth with dental implants to enhance their smile, giving them the ability to eat a wider variety of foods, and preventing bone loss in the jaw.
Dr Zach is an avid soccer fan (and player), enjoys a fun game of golf, will gladly meet anyone at a new restaurant to try their food, and can often be heard yelling, “Go Vols”. His favorite thing is family time – he is fortunate to live near much of his family here in Clarksville, along side his beautiful wife and adorable son.
Dr Collin Bryant – recently moved back to Clarksville after practicing in Memphis for several years. His parents are a huge part of the Clarksville community, and he and his wife are looking forward to continuing that legacy. His lovely wife will be working as an Optometrist at Sango Eye Care – so they are both providing outstanding care to their Clarksville neighbors. Dr Bryant’s favorite aspect of dentistry is helping our emergency patients get out of pain, then continuing their care to create healthy smiles.
Dr Bryant loves to fish, wake surf, and hike. He truly enjoys helping others and can easily be found volunteering at various local charity events.
Dr Collin Bryant Dr Zachary Meyer
Ch ew on This, Cl arksville!
You might recognize him with his vast array of tattoos, spiky bleached hair, and combustible personality, but you won’t forget Guy Fieri and his love for all things food. I got to experience him in 1996 when he opened up Johnny Garlic’s restaurant, an immediate hit with the Santa Rosa, CA community, where I’m from.
But it took another ten years after winning the second season of The Next Food Network Star before the whole nation took notice. His show Guy's Big Bite, launched in 2006, became an immediate hit, and recently, he chose Clarksville to showcase the culinary talent found here.
The Big Bite show evolved in April this year to a competition among chefs in restaurants in medium to small communities around America called Best Bite in Town. Because of his hectic schedule, Fieri wanted to give air-time to his friend and celebrity host Noah Cappe to scope out “some killer small-town dishes.”
Guy and his producers vet locations to select restaurants. The chefs themselves don’t know exactly how they are selected. It may be that a customer has
Story Christie Crawford
Cafe 931’s Quesa Birria Tacos
Jamaal Bradley with a wood-fired pizza
emailed the show, or the restaurant itself personally may have contacted the show, but what is clear, Guy says, is the establishment must have “food, story, and character,” with scratch cooking an essential part of the formula.
The process begins with producers contacting the restaurants during a series of interviews with recipes and food photos submitted. As expected, there is a lot of skepticism and hesitancy as the chefs may not know where the final destination of the submittals is or whether the process will truly develop into a show. The interviews begin 14 months in advance of airing, and actual filming is about eight months before the show’s debut. All this is done with sworn secrecy.
Once the restaurants have been selected, national guest host chefs called the Bite Club are selected by Cappe, who select two items to try from each site. Then, the host chefs nominate three restaurants, putting up one dish for competition. The winner receives $5,000 for the restaurant and an additional $5,000 for a charity of choice.
Clarksville's Six Big Bite Contestants with selected menu items were:
Four Brothers Pizza Margherita Pizza/BokBok It Like It’s Hot Pizza
Legends Smokehouse & Grill
Black Mamba Burger w/ Sweet Blueberry BBQ Sauce/ Pork n’ Roll
B’s Cheesecakes Caramel Praline/Raspberry White
Chocolate Moscato/ Banana Pudding Cheesecakes
Cafe 931 Queso Birria tacos/ Biscuits and Gravy Burrito
Taco Loco Jerk Chicken Tacos/Spicy Thai Steak Taco
Yada on Franklin Italian Sausage Bolognese Pasta/Tiramisu
Guest hosts that selected the dishes were:
Tiffany Faison; (based in Boston, James Beard and Top Chef finalist - her restaurant Sweet Cheeks Q was named Boston’s Best Barbecue). Faison visited Four Brothers Pizza and Legends Smokehouse.
Noah Cappe; (Canadian actor and TV host- star of Food Network’s Carnival Eats) Cappe visited B’s Cheesecakes and Cafe 931.
Jet Tila; (Celebrity chef and author - Tila has AsianContinues on page 26
Four Brothers Margherita Pizza
Continued from page 25
themed restaurants in Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Henderson, NV, and was recently named Culinary Ambassador for Thailand). Tila visited Taco Loco and Yada on Franklin.
The competition culminated in a showdown with three restaurants/items: Four Brothers Pizza's BokBok It Like It’s Hot pizza, Cafe 931's Biscuits and Gravy burrito, and Yada on Franklin's Tiramisu, competing for the top prize. The dishes were presented to a separate panel of judges at Downtown Commons.
Judges were Hunter Fieri, Guy’s son and TV celebrity on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives (known as the Triple D), Maneet Chauhan, Culinary Institue of America graduate and Nashville restaurateur, Pat Martin from Martin’s BBQ - a multi-state barbecue empire including six locations in Middle Tennessee, and Star Maye, Chopped champion, and owner of Anzie Blue restaurant in Nashville. The winner was Yada on Franklin’s Tiramisu. $5,000 was awarded to the establishment. The other $5,000 was donated to the Urban Ministries Safe House program.
If you have any inkling why these dishes were chosen, it’s because they had a Southern bent to them. Four Brothesr’s pizza selection is created with Nashville Hot Chicken sauce, roasted chicken, spicy chicken sausage, pickle, and cheddar cheese, topped with a seasoning that adds even more heat. Cafe 931’s burrito contains homemade biscuits and gravy with sausage, and Yada on Franklin's tiramisu includes Tennessee sipping cream in their dessert. The cream is a spin on Irish cream with charcoal-aged Tennessee whiskey, a key ingredient.
Although the show aired live on May 3rd, you can still view the Clarksville and other town episodes streaming on Max/Hulu. If you’re wondering what impact the show has made on the restaurants, Cafe 931’s owner, Claudia Oakes, says that “it was an amazing experience.”
The Saturday after the show aired, she planned on doubling her business but instead ran out in just over 2 hours of opening. She stated that Midwesterners on their way to and from Florida stopped by to try the nominated dishes as well as others.
Oakes, as a child, remembers cooking at home, pretending to be her cooking idol Rachel Ray and says that it has been a dream come true.
I’ve had the fortune of trying five of the six restaurants, and I challenge you to try them as well. No matter who was crowned the winner or made the finals, Clarksville can take a bow and say that its culinary talent has not gone unnoticed.
Four Brothers Pizza, Madison Street Location
Some decided to take their Independence Day Celebration inside, as the heat index topped 100 degrees on July 3rd. One of downtown’s best options was the Firecracker Feast at Skyline 500 Bar, a rooftop bar where guests enjoyed an ‘all-youcan-eat’ cookout and a view of Clarksville’s fireworks display.
The sold-out event featured burgers, brats and hot dogs, a great selection of side items, as well as cookies and brownies. Tickets to the event also included two drink coupons per person.
Inside, live music was provided by Chris Monhollen until 9:00pm, at which time people moved to the patio to watch the Clarksville-Montgomery County fireworks display.
Parade & Celebration
Clarksville saw multiple events leading up to June 19th this year, as Juneteenth, which became a legal holiday in 2021, was celebrated throughout the city.
The holiday known as Black Independence Day has been celebrated since 1866. Local group Manifest Magic Black Girl Cooperative (MMBGC) held two events this year, which brought hundreds of celebrants to two locations. First, Downtown Clarksville, where people lined the streets for a parade with nearly three dozen participating groups and organizations, that started and ended at the Burt-Cobb Recreation Center,
Next, was an even larger event, themed ‘Family Reunion’, that was held at the Clarksville Speedway.
“We’re just trying to empower our community,” MMBGC President K’Prience London said. “We have food trucks, games, activities and a kid zone. We also have dozens of vendors, many of which are local black-owned businesses. There are also Spoken Word performers, and a Living Library. Our hope is to make this the city’s largest Freedom Day event.”
August is here! For Montgomery County, that means back to school. Every parent can relate to stressing the last couple of weeks of summer break to make sure their child is ready to start the school year. Making sure their child gets the proper education is one of the top priorities of parents. Jessica Goldberg, the Director of Communications and Marketing of Clarksville Montgomery County School System, told Clarksville Living Magazine her tips to make sure parents can ensure their children have a great school year.
What are some basic things parents can do to help ensure that their children (K-2nd) have a good school year?
The first thing I recommend for families with young students is starting the conversations early. The month before school is a great time to learn how they feel about school, talk through any concerns, and share your excitement about the upcoming year! Our children respond to the attitudes and emotions around them, so modeling positivity goes a long way. Families can also ensure their child's confidence in the classroom by practicing basic skills. Simple tasks such as opening their own juice box, cutting with scissors, helping to clean
up after a craft, or using the restroom alone can help alleviate some moments of anxiety for children.
What are some basic things parents can do to help make sure that their children (3rd-5th) have a good school year?
For families with older elementary students, helping your child get back into the school routine is so helpful at the beginning of the year. Consider starting your morning and bedtime routine a few weeks before school begins. This makes the first early morning much easier! If they are not daily readers, encourage them to spend 15 – 20 minutes daily with their favorite book. This is also a great opportunity to speak with them about what they are reading and ask them about the book. Learn about the characters, plot, and why they enjoy the story. Having these conversations helps children learn to think critically, and confidently share their thoughts.
What can parents do nightly to make sure their children (K-2nd) are ready for school the next day?
Children thrive on a routine. Setting a regular bedtime, limiting electronics while going to sleep, and reading with your child before bed are all wonderful additions to an evening routine. For young children who are not used
to the early wake-up calls, invite your child to help pick out their outfit for school the night before, set out their toothbrush, or even practice packing their backpacks. Taking care of these simple tasks the night before helps avoid the rush of emotions in the morning.
What can parents do nightly to make sure their children (3rd-5th) are ready for school the next day?
This is the perfect age to begin practicing selfmanagement. Encourage your child to make choices to help them prepare for school the next day. This may include packing their lunch the night before (with your supervision), selecting their clothes, getting their backpack together, and checking their ‘take-home’ folders for any paperwork or school information.
What should parents make sure their children (K-2nd) have for the first day of school?
photos, principal newsletters, and district information. It’s often a lot of information to digest in the beginning of the year, and ParentSquare provides an easy-to-use tool to find communications all in one place.
What do you suggest parents of 5th graders do this year to help get their children ready for middle school?
The transition from 5th grade to middle school is almost as hard as entering kindergarten! Families can set their students up for success today, and the foundations they learn this year will help them as they move into middle school and, later, high school. Some examples of self-
Daughters of the American Revolution Reading of Declaration
In recent years, the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) have hosted a gathering on the steps of the Montgomery County Court House, at which the Declaration of Independence is read. This event has become a favorite Independence Day Celebration.
This year, DAR was joined by the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR), who, dressed in 18th-century attire, displayed the colors, fired muskets, and fired the cannon on the lawn of the Court House. Cumberland Winds provided live music.
Scores of people lined up on the lawn and sidewalk to listen as the Declaration of Independence was read in its entirety.
Chamber Honors Veteran-Owned Businesses with Monthly Spotlight
For many years, the Clarksville Area Chamber of Commerce has each month selected a Veteran Business of the Month, putting a spotlight on local businesses that were started by U.S. Army Veterans, a group of men and women who contribute greatly to our local community.
Past winners include Clarksville favoritesWaterdogs Scuba, MB Roland Distillery, Tropical Smoothie, Rage'N Axe, Wiggins Medical Transport, Poppin' in the City, Star Spangled Brewery, and many more.
Veteran Business of the Month.
“We went through the transition of officers at the beginning of July,” MG Lord said. “We will be meeting in August to name the next in a long line of Chamber Veteran Business of the Month award recipients.
Chamber President Mark Kelly recently passed the gavel to incoming President Mike Rainey, and Major General Walt Lord, U.S. Army (Retired) has been selected to be part of the Chamber's Military Affairs Committee, the group that chooses the
“What we're hoping to do is feature two kinds of businesses. One, if there is a new business in the community, this would be a great way to promote them. Two, if there is an established business that is doing a lot in the way of community support and engagement, we certainly want to promote those businesses as well.”
MG Lord named as an example Star Spangled Brewery, owned by Josh Romaker. “Josh is always doing something big in the way of engaging and supporting the community, especially the military community. We want
to recognize those types of businesses/business leaders for the great work they are doing.”
MG Lord says he is very excited to be part of the Chamber. For two years now he has been part of a group called Citizens for Fort Campbell. “We take the priorities of the Fort Campbell Commander and Garrison Commander and descend upon our legislators in Washington, D.C. for a couple of days.
There, we educate them on issues and advocate for the things that our Fort Campbell leadership is looking for. Legally, the Commander of Fort Campbell can't lobby Congress for funds or support, but we as citizens can.
“The Chamber's Military Affairs Committee Spearheads that effort. General Sylvia and his Garrison Commander have been very quality-of-life focused. Taking care of things like living conditions, barracks and family housing, but also upgrading motor pools and aircraft hangars where they spend their work days, therefore giving them a better quality of life at work. I'm looking forward to that aspect of the job as well.”
Andrew Kester, Director of the Montgomery County Veterans Service Organization says Veterans and their families make up about 25% of the ClarksvilleMontgomery County population.
“We have 34% of separating soldiers choosing to stay in the area,” MG Lord said. “Fort Campbell separates about 400 soldiers a month. That number, 34%, blows the doors off other Army post communities' retention. That says a lot for this community. When a soldier comes here, regardless of where they're from, we want them to build their next lives, and take care of their families here.”
MG Lord was never stationed at Fort Campbell. After his retirement, he and his wife Grace came to check out Clarksville as they began the search for their “forever home.”
“We came here on a house-hunting trip, really more of a town-hunting trip,” MG Lord said. “On day one we spent a long day driving around, walking around, talking to people, going to shops and restaurants, and at the end of that day we said, this is it.
“We got the feel that there was a genuine love of our military and Veteran communities here in Clarksville, and that's something we wanted to be part of. We are thankful to Clarksville Living Magazine and Rich Holladay for putting a spotlight on these Veteranowned businesses. Rich epitomizes what we do. He was stationed here, fell in love with the community, and stayed after retirement. He does a lot for the Veteran community.”
The Clarksville Area Chamber of Commerce recently hosted hundreds inside the Wilma Rudolph Event Center for its 119th Annual Dinner & Gala, an event that ‘brings together esteemed individuals, business leaders, and community members to celebrate excellence and foster meaningful connections.’
Throughout the evening, local business and community leaders were honored for their contributions, and Chamber officers/members were lauded for their efforts over the past year. Outgoing Chairman Mark Kelly gave special thanks to his Board of Directors for their service, then passed the gavel to incoming Chairman Mike Rainey.
Chairman Rainey thanked Kelly for his service to and accomplishments with the Chamber, talked about his vision moving forward, then introduced the new Board of Directors.
MIKE RAINEY & MIKE LANKFORD
KEVIN KENNEDY & SCOTT DONNELLAN TREY & BRANDY ROBERTSON
VALECIA LARGIN, JASMINE SCOTT & KIMBERLY ROGERS TODD HARVEY, VANESSA HOLLIS & JEFF BURKHART
LINDA AUSTIN, MARK KELLY & DARLA KNIGHT
JOE SMITH, CURTIS JOHNSON & JAMIE PELTZ
Annual Dinner & Gala
SCAN FOR MORE PHOTOS
JOSH & LISA SYKES
LISA & STEVE KEMMER
MAGGIE SMITH & JODEE WRIGHT
BRIAN TAYLOR & JOE SHAKEENAB
SA’NEALDRA, O’NEAL & KIMBERLY WIGGINS
JUDGE ROB BATEMAN & JUDGE (RETIRED) TED CROZIER
Artwalk Clarksville
There is a name for the social phenomenon in Historic Downtown Clarksville when people stroll the streets to multiple venues to see the featured artists and listen to local musicians: ARTWALK.
The First Thursday of every month, this social event bears under its umbrella the work of artists, volunteers, small business owners, and art collectors who gather to celebrate and immerse themselves in experiences that strengthen and expand our community.
Many are involved in the inner workings and various stages that comprise the success of the Artwalk to amplify the artists' voices, generate revenue for Historic Downtown small businesses, and recognize the never-ceasing efforts of local nonprofit organizations (Arts & Heritage Development Council, Customs House Museum & Cultural Center, ArtLink, etc.).
Enter Blossom Robertson, Chair of the Artwalk Committee, and Mehgan Jernigan, the Artwalk logo’s graphic designer, pen and ink artist, writer, marketing
coordinator, and mother.
Blossom has been living in Clarksville since 1996, she is a painter and a Certified Yoga Teacher at Shangri-La Hot Yoga. She will exhibit original paintings at Edward’s Steakhouse during the August Artwalk, and mentioned she plans to show something interactive.
I have recently discussed with both artists (who befriended each other at the Yoga Studio) about current endeavors for the Artwalk and how this event unfolds in our community. This summer’s Artwalks seem to have highlighted more live painters and musicians than ever at businesses on both Franklin Street and Strawberry Alley.
July’s Artwalk was special as it officially launched its new logo, website, and re-branding efforts, and formed its own Committee.
Meghan’s choice of comforting and bright colors brings forth Artwalk's vibrant mission, a subtle nod to the primary colors, yet nostalgic and inspired by the 70s and the museums the artist looks up to. “I wanted to keep it simple. When you see certain fonts and certain colors I want you to think ARTWALK”, Mehgan explained.
Story by D.C. Thomas
Lorenzo Swinton Gallery during the Clarksville Artwalk. (D.C. Thomas)
The new logo has been enthusiastically praised by many artists and art patrons since its reveal.
I have been living in Clarksville, Tennessee for almost eleven years. I've seen the Artwalk withstand many challenges from many vantage points: as a newcomer, as an emerging artist, as a Gallery Coordinator and President, a volunteer, as an art collector, as an art donor, and beneficiary of small businesses’ appreciation for my art.
To see the Artwalk expand at the same time as our city’s growth brings the hope of new friendships and opportunities.
“We’re trying to make it better, but it’s going to take time, and it’s going to take the whole community to make it work for the future”, Blossom explained. “Some of the people who have had the biggest commitment are not even artists. Laura (Cagaoan) at the Museum! She’s been fantastic! She’s doing so much work! She is not a business owner, and she wants to help. She works Downtown, and she is part of the community,” Blossom continued. “We welcome anyone who wants to come in.”
“The drive behind Artwalk is artists wanting other artists to succeed,” added Mehgan. “I’m in a show in Lorenzo’s gallery (Reshape of Etymology at Lorenzo Swinton Gallery), and I was so nervous bringing stuff in because of how much I look up to him as far as his work and his gallery and to have an artist like him say 'These are amazing'! – to have another artist hype you up like that is invaluable!”.
Artwalk has been growing in diversity for over a decade. More ground than ever needs to be mapped and better defined for many who move into our city to help them explore what local artists and businesses have to offer. The discovery of new places and social events is thrilling. At times, it can be confusing, especially if you're new to our city.
“I think that as humans, in general, we want to feel like we belong somewhere. So, if you’re coming from outside, you’re looking. We’re all looking for some kind of community. It’s good to have a community”, Blossom said.
“Let’s go to Artwalk, let’s walk around, talk to people. Maybe you get a good vibe from somebody; maybe you don’t. It doesn’t matter, you’re out there, you’re in it. There’s room for everybody. Every level. Every style. Every background. We’re all outsiders. We’re all from somewhere else,” stated Blossom.
Mehgan, who moved to Clarksville almost two years ago,
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Clarksville Artwalk. (Tony Centonze)
Art Work by Blossom Robertson
shared her viewpoints: “I feel that if you’re creating art, you need to be around other artists. There’s not much support for creativity if you’re not constantly with your peers. Blossom is good at pulling people out of their boxes!”Mehgan exclaimed. “We needed a 'Blossom' for Artwalk,” she added while recognizing Blossom’s splendid artistry and leadership skills.
The new logo, designed by California transplant artist Mehgan Jernigan, and the Artwalk Committee’s re-branding work aim to cohesively organize and promote this event for all those who monthly embark to showcase their artistic talents, nurture local culture and enrich life in Clarksville through collective and collaborative efforts.
The Artwalk phenomenon does not belong to one business or artist but is the result of its Committee and a community’s efforts, the willingness of their people to consistently work together to define it, to cultivate participation and engagement - to cohesively maintain it.
Mehgan didn’t have an Artwalk in her California community, and she’s even more so appreciative of the one we do have here. “We were in a like art-deprived little area where I was living, so when I came here, I got excited that they do an Artwalk”, she recalled. “I thought, this is amazing! I want to be a part of it!”.
Besides Mehgan, Blossom, Laura Cagaoan (co-chair and Secretary of the Artwalk Committee), and Matty Parson (Artwalk’s website creator), a very long list of names could be compiled to recognize the building of the Artwalk to what it is today and propel it into the future with a strong foundation, mission, and representation.
There is a lot of work in progress.
Further, the Artwalk Committee, with the help of its volunteers, sponsors, and participating venues, diligently applies resources to make every Artwalk memorable, ever-expanding, and vitalizing to our community. Every month, art galleries and downtown small businesses highlight the rich landscape of our rapidly growing city.
Artwalk has been an ever-growing and changing organism due to the work of many artists, volunteers dedicated to our community, entrepreneurs, sponsors, and art lovers who have full-time jobs yet continue to steer their efforts towards enriching the cultural web that is Clarksville Tennessee.The Artwalk takes place on the first Thursday of each month from 5:00pm until 8:00pm in Historic Downtown Clarksville.
For more information about volunteering, art updates, and/or becoming an Artwalk participating venue or artist visit www.clarksvilleartwalk.com
You can find Mehgan Jernigan on Instagram @ mehganrose.art, and Blossom Robertson @ robertsonwildflower.
Art by Mehgan Jernigan
Alexis Goines and her organization, Goines to Rise, recently held its inaugural Drive Out Disaster Golf Scramble at Clarksville Country Club to benefit the American Red Cross Clarksville Chapter’s Disaster Relief Fund.
“This is our first Drive Out Disaster golf scramble,” Goines said. “We have 64 players out here today and the weather is perfect, we couldn’t ask for a better day. We want to thank our title sponsor, Dry Medic, and all our sponsors who made this event possible.
“Goines to Rise is proud to host today’s event for the Red Cross, and we’re so happy with the turnout. We’ve been able to raise more than $20,000 our first time out.”
Loriann Tinajero, Executive Director of the local Red Cross Chapter, said, “We are so grateful to our Board and Alexis. This community support is just amazing. We’ve had a lot of disasters in our community and are just so thankful for everyone’s efforts out here today.”
ALEXIS GOINES & STEFANIE MILLER
MIA LINDSEY, SHANNON STEWART & BONITA CASH
ROSE MELTON & ERIN YOW
LISA RUIZ, L a R ance PARDUE, CHRIS SNAPP & DAVID MINNIS
LORIANN TINAJERO
Clarksville’s 2024 Downtown Market is back, continuing its mission ‘to provide access to local food choices, and serve as a community-gathering place with a positive atmosphere, while offering area farmers, producers, and local artisans sustainable business opportunities’.
The Downtown Market, which was established in 2009, has gained much acclaim, being voted the #1 Farmers Market in Tennessee through the American Farmland Trust’s 2023 Market Celebration, and it continues to grow and flourish.
Organizers say the Downtown Market will continue to connect local producers and artisans with local shoppers every Saturday from May through October. Clarksville Downtown Market is located on Public Square in Historic Downtown Clarksville.
Catherine Conn & Connor Seay
Rachel, Bailey & Jax Ojeda posing with their lemonades
Frankie Purdie
Jennifer Ford & Paige Jonas
Mary Beth Hallmark
Bethany Barrs
Courtney Peacher
Danielle Keelty
Janis Mosley
Sherri Larson & Pat Wenzler
William Roof & Emma Butler
Susan Herrington & Richard Nelson
Mickenzie & Dylan Fitch
GarthArneson
Mary Arneson
at Tap House 57
Tap House 57 recently hosted Dog Days of Summer in conjunction with the Humane Society of Clarksville-Montgomery County, and Mikaela’s Mutt Motel.
Mikaela Lambert said, “We’re chipping 120 dogs today, 60 here and then 60 at Bahama Buck’s later today.
When dogs are lost or stolen they can get scanned and the chip will assure that they are returned to their rightful owner, and not sent to a shelter. We want to keep dogs safe and with their owners.”
CMC Humane Society’s Amy Shaver said. “We want to thank Tap House 57 for hosting today’s event. We’re selling $5.00 bandannas, with all proceeds going to our Spay it Forward program. We’re also collecting yellow Pedigree brand dry dog food, that will be going to Animal Control. Mikaela’s Mutt Motel is offering free micro-chipping, and that’s something that costs about $70.00 at local veterinary clinics. For more information, go to www.mikaelasmuttmotel.org
Amy Thrasher & Jobie Aldrich
Holly & Tom Roussell, Mikaela Lambert & Samantha Knight
Kathy & Sophie Smith
Azalea & Crash Kelly
Dallas & Callie McFarlin
Zoey & Ellie Johnson
Tap House 57 owner, Joseph Baker
Maddie & Mason McFarlin
Cathy & Leroy Latham
Jenna, Gunner, Shelby & Dexter Paisley
August
8
thursday
Veteran Creative Arts Festival
August 8th, 2024 | 10:00am to 3:00pm
Price: Free
The annual Tennessee Valley Healthcare System (TVHS) Creative Arts Festival. The competition includes categories in the visual arts division that range from oil painting to leatherwork to paint-bynumber kits. In addition, there are categories in writing and the performing arts of dance, drama, and music.
Clarksville VA Clinic
782 Weatherly Drive | Clarksville, TN
F&M Bank Huff & Puff Express Model Trains
Exhibit open daily | Trains run Sundays 1:00pm to 4:00pm, Wednesdays 10:00am to 12:00pm, Fridays 10:00am to 12:00pm and the last Saturday of each month 1:00pm – 4:00pm
The circus is still in town! Come and explore one of the region's largest model railroad layouts, featuring a miniature castle, a UFO, scenic landscapes and an engaging circus display. Interact with this tiny world by activating carnival rides and flying elephants. Our model train exhibit is open every day, with themes that change each season.
Customs House Museum
200 South Second Street | Clarksville, TN
10 saturday
Historic Collinsville’s Quilt Show and Tell
August 10th, 2024 | 10:00am to 4:00pm
Price: $14 per adult, $8 per child ages 3-12, under 3 free with a paying adult
Quilting is pure Americana! Join in a site-wide quilt show and tell. Browse through the settlement and the Weakley Museum to see both handstitched and machine-made quilts from utilitarian to show-quilt quality. View the quilts and hear the stories connected to the artwork. Docents will be in the cabins, refreshments will be available to purchase.
Historic Collinsville
4711 Weakley Road | Southside, TN
MoCo Movie Night: Cars
August 10th, 2024 | 7:30pm
Price: Free
The Downtown Commons is excited to host its fourth annual MoCo Movie Nights for a family fun night in Downtown Clarksville! Once a month through August.
Downtown Commons
215 Legion Street | Clarksville, TN
Bands at The Brewstillery
July 13th, 2024 | 6:00pm to 9:00pm
Live Music on the Side Stage outside featuring Skipper Grace. Food will be available for purchase via "Campfire Grill".
The Star Spangled Brewing Co.
614 North Spring Street | Clarksville, TN
15
Thursday
Summer Concert Series
August 15th 2024 | 6:00pm to 9:00pm
Price: Free
Join Clarksville this summer from 6:00pm until 9:00pm on the third Thursday of the month from May to August for a free concert series featuring local music and food trucks in its neighborhood parks.
Barbara E. Johnson Park
240 Outlaw Field Road, Clarksville, TN 37042
Storytime & Craft: Hungry Dragons!
August 15th, 2024 | 10:30am | All ages, with adult Free with membership or paid admission | Family Art Studio
It's time for another fun Storytime & Craft here at the Museum! We will be reading Uh-Oh! My Dragon's Hungry by Katie Weaver and Dragons Love Tacos by Adam Rubin.
After enjoying these delightful dragon tales, kids and families can get creative with a unique craft activity, making their own coffee filter tacos.
*All parents are expected to participate with and supervise their children.
Customs House Museum
200 South Second Street | Clarksville, TN
16 friday
Downtown @ Sundown
August 16th, 2024 | 7:00pm
Price: Free
Join Downtown Commons with all your friends to party with the Liverpool Legends, The Complete Beatles Tribute, live!
The Downtown @ Sundown Concert Series will be held on select Fridays May through October. Beer and other beverages will be for sale and a variety of independent food trucks will line up on Main Street. Chairs and blankets are welcome; however, no pets, coolers, smoking/vaping, or outside alcohol.
Downtown Commons
215 Legion Street | Clarksville, TN
Bird Watching
August 16th, 2024 | 8:30am to 9:30am
Price: Free | Suitable for 8+
Join us to learn the basics of bird watching, or hear from the pro's on their tips! This is intended for birders of all abilities, weather brand new to watching birds or seasoned pros. We will meet at the nature center and get an idea of where people would like to walk to for the day from a selection of birding sites.
Montgomery County Parks and Recreation 2309 Rotary Park | Clarksville, TN
17 saturday
Bands At The Brewstillery
August 17th, 2024 | 6:00pm to 9:00pm
Price: Free
The Olys Band. Bring the lawn chairs, bug spray, the kids, and the pups, but not the outside alcohol. Food will be available for purchase via “Campfire Grill.”
The Star-Spangled Brewing Company 614 North Spring Street | Clarksville, TN
Hummingbird Festival
August 17th, 2024 | 8:00am to 1:00pm
Price: Free
Join us on August 17th for an unforgettable day of birdwatching magic! Sponsored by the Southeastern Avian Research Group and the Warioto Audubon Society, this FREE event features LIVE hummingbird trapping and banding,
Montgomery County Parks and Recreation 2309 Rotary Park | Clarksville, TN
CALENDAR
18 sunday
Sunday Studio: Painting with Sarah Spillers
August 18th, 2024 | 2:00pm | Third Sunday of each month
Free, with registration required; does not include Museum admission
Teaming up with APSU’s Community School of the Arts, we present Sunday Studio—a workshop series for adults. This month, we’re exploring the art of painting food and snacks. This workshop is free and all materials are included, but registration is required. For ages 16+. Registration going on now at www.customshousemuseum.org
Customs House Museum
200 South Second Street | Clarksville, TN
19 monday
Bob Ross Painting Workshop
August 19th, 2024 | 6:00pm to 8:30pm Tickets: www.artlinkclarksville.com/painting | Ages 13+
Bob Ross® Wet-on-Wet Landscape Oil Painting. Join Certified Ross Instructor ® Quintin Burlingame as he leads students of all skill levels through the Bob Ross Wet-on-Wet technique ®. All materials needed to complete the painting are provided by the instructor.
ArtLink Clarksville
98 Franklin Street | Clarksville, TN
23 friday
Matilda The Musical
August 23rd, 24th, 29th, 30th, 31st | 7:00pm August 25th, 31st, September 1st | 2:00pm Tickets $35 (adults) and $15 (10 and under)
Matilda, a little girl with astonishing wit, intelligence and psychokinetic powers, is unloved by her cruel parents but impresses her school teacher Miss Honey. During her first term at school, the two forge a bond as Miss Honey begins to recognize and appreciate the little girl’s extraordinary personality. Matilda’s school life isn’t completely smooth sailing, however, as the school’s mean headmistress, Miss Trunchbull, hates children and just loves to punish those who don’t abide by her rules.
Roxy Regional Theatre 100 Franklin Street | Clarksville, TN
24
saturday
Women of Clarksville EXPO
August 24th | 2024 | 10:00am to 3:00pm
Price: Free
Join the City of Clarksville for the 4th Annual Women of Clarksville Expo! Admission is free and the Expo will feature health screenings, vendors and food trucks.
The Emerald Clarksville 2631 Highway 41A Bypass, Clarksville, TN
27 tuesday
Clarksville Social Club Networking Lunch
August 27th, 2024 | 11:00am to 1:00pm
Join us for another fantastic networking lunch! Bring a friend and make new connections while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere at Strawberry Alley Ale Works.
Strawberry Alley Ale Works
103 Strawberry Alley | Clarksville, TN
31 saturday
Family Art Saturday: Cloud Painting
August 31st | 10:00am to 12:00pm & 2:00pm to 4:00pm | Ages 3+, with adult Free with membership or paid admission | Family Art Studio
Bring the whole family to the Museum for Family Art Saturday this August! We invite families to participate in a cloud painting experience. Let your imagination soar as you paint beautiful cloud scenes together. Imagine that you are looking up into the sky, finding pictures in the clouds. This hands-on activity is perfect for children and their families to explore their artistic talents and enjoy quality time creating art.
*All parents are expected to participate with and supervise their children.
Customs House Museum 200 South Second Street | Clarksville, TN
September
5 thursday
Scriptless in Seattle
September 5th, 6th, 7th | 7:00pm
September 8th | 2:00pm
Price: $25
The nationally-touring improvised musical sensation is coming back to Clarksville for four one-of-a-kind shows! With a style reminiscent of the beloved show “Whose Line Is It Anyway,” they offer a unique blend of hilarious sketches, improvised musicals, game shows, film noir, and so much more.
Roxy Regional Theatre
100 Franklin Street | Clarksville, TN
6 friday
F2CON
September 6th to 8th, 2024
Get excited for the return of F2CON, for its fourth year! You don’t want to miss a weekend jampacked with fierce competition, and family fun. F2CON is amping up the excitement with a range of tournaments featuring a $10,000 pot bonus spread across top titles like Dragon Ball, FighterZ, Street Fighter V, Super Bros SMASH Ultimate, and more.
Wilma Rudolph Event Center 8 Champions Way | Clarksville, TN
7 saturday
Clarksville Bacon Festival
September 7th, 2024 | 11:00am to 7:00pm
Price: Free
Family-friendly event! Bring the whole family to discover all things bacon! Unique bacon menus from over 30 food trucks. Bacon home decor, t-shirts, baked goods, jewelry, soap, and much more from small business vendors. Bacon eating contest, FREE inflatables, Face painting, Live music. There is no alcohol at the event.
Clarksville Speedway and Fairgrounds 1600 Needmore Road | Clarksville, TN
4th Annual Pints & Paws Fundraiser September 7th, 2024 | 3:00pm to 7:00pm
Join us for our 4th Annual Pints & Paws fundraiser! We will have a the best pints�� a silent auction, food truck, games, and kitties!
The Fallen Brewery 1761 Jardco Drive | Clarksville, TN
