February marks Black History Month, a time to reflect on the profound contributions and resilience of Black individuals throughout history. This annual observance celebrates trailblazers who have shaped culture, science, politics, and the arts, while acknowledging the ongoing fight for equality and justice.
From pioneers like Harriet Tubman and Martin Luther King Jr. to contemporary leaders such as Amanda Gorman and Barack Obama, Black history is an integral part of the nation’s fabric. It serves as a reminder of the struggles overcome and the achievements earned despite adversity. Locally, we celebrate through art exhibits, educational panels, and community gatherings that honor the strength and creativity of Black voices. Let us use this month not only to learn but to amplify and support Black excellence year-round, striving for a future where diversity and inclusion thrive.
Black history is American history—worthy of celebration every day.
Celebrating Love on Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day, celebrated every year on February 14, is a time to express love and appreciation for the special people in our lives. While traditionally associated with romantic love, this day has expanded to include gestures of kindness and gratitude toward friends, family, and even ourselves.
Whether it’s a handwritten note, a bouquet of flowers, or a thoughtful gift, small acts of love create lasting memories. Local shops and restaurants often offer unique gifts, heart-themed menus, and experiences to make the day extra special. Don’t forget that Valentine’s Day is also about self-love. Treat yourself to a relaxing activity, indulge in your favorite dessert, or spend time doing what makes you happy.
No matter how you celebrate, Valentine’s Day is a reminder of the joy that love brings into our lives. Let’s spread love, kindness, and warmth this February 14th!
With love to all, Tony, Mark and Linda.
“ … And in the end, The love you take is equal to the love you make.” - Lennon/McCartney
This solve month's find-a-word puzzle.
Find the following words in the puzzle. Words are hidden g i and m
Artist D.C. Thomas
WeavingHeritageandMythintoMasterfulPortraits
In a quiet studio filled with the hum of creativity, artist D.C. Thomas sits at her easel, surrounded by paints, brushes, and canvases in various stages of completion. Each piece tells a story—not only of her subjects but of the artist herself. Her work reflects a deep connection to history, myth, and the universe’s intricate patterns. But above all, it speaks to her matrilineal heritage, a wellspring of inspiration that flows through her art.
“Nothing is random. Everything is passion,” Thomas often says, a mantra that encapsulates her approach. Her curiosity drives her to explore a multitude of techniques and media, guiding her through the repetition of symbols that awaken memories. These symbols often emerge as constellations of meaning, a visual language that bridges the seen and unseen.
“Sometimes it’s jolting,” she admits, “sometimes meditative. But always, it’s a way of claiming my story—or the story of someone who trusts me to render them in paint.”
One of her most profound influences is her mother, whose life Thomas describes as a tapestry woven with both pain and love. Her mother’s
resilience and creativity shine through many of Thomas’s portraits, as does the influence of her grandmother, Maria. “They’re at the center of my work,” she explains. “Their faces, their stories, and the patterns of
Story and Photos by Mark Haynes
D.C. Thomas
“Cumberland River in Tennessee” painting by D.C. Thomas
their lives are the foundation of what I create.”
Thomas’s portraits often bear a striking resemblance to these women, as if their essence is etched into her brushstrokes. Even when painting others, echoes of her lineage appear, a testament to the indelible mark her ancestors have left on her.
Thomas’s journey as an artist began in the rural landscapes of Romania, where art was often practical and utilitarian. In a world where homesteading took precedence, creativity found its outlet in embroidery, knitting, and crafting items that served a purpose. Her grandmother taught her to cross-stitch at six years old, passing down techniques that had been honed through generations. “I made my own traditional Romanian blouses,” Thomas recalls, “and learned to knit, crochet, and even make soap from scratch.”
ularly Post-Impressionism, inspired Thomas to create original works alongside her assignments. His encouragement lit a fire that has never dimmed.
In middle school, her talent caught the attention of a teacher who saw the spark of something extraordinary. This teacher encouraged Thomas and her classmates to replicate the works of masters, introducing them to art history and color theory. “We couldn’t afford oil paints,” she remembers, “so we used tempera. My paintings would crack and flake, but my teacher never marked me down for it.” His enthusiasm for art, partic-
Years later, that fire burns brightly in Thomas’s current body of work, which blends abstract symbolism with a deeply personal narrative. Her portraits are not mere representations; they are explorations of spirit and memory. “Abstract oil portraiture draws me in the most,” she shares. “It’s a safe space to reflect on my life and the lives of the women I paint. Through colorful brushstrokes, I reveal their essence while protecting their secrets.”
Her recent exhibit at the Roxy Regional Theatre for the Clarksville Downtown ArtWalk, titled “Past, Present, and Future,” exemplifies this approach. Inspired by the theatre’s production of “A Charles Dickens Christmas,” the exhibit featured portraits paired with Dickensian quotes. Among the standout pieces were portrayals of Miss Havisham and Estella from Great Expectations, alongside original works that delved into themes of resilience and legacy. “It was a perfect pairing,” Thomas notes, “bringing together the timelessness of Dickens’s characters with the stories I’ve inherited and imagined.”
Thomas’s artistic process is as much about discovery as creation. Her fascination with patterns—both cosmic and human—fuels her imagination. She sees connections between the microcosm and macrocosm, the personal and the universal. “When I paint, I feel a delicate balance,” she says. “It’s as if I’m glimpsing the bigger picture of what I need to understand.” This sense of connection extends to her exploration of myth and folktales, which often find their way into her work as visual motifs or narrative undercurrents.
In her painting “Customs House Snow Globe,” for the Customs House Museum and Cultural Center that was
D.C. Thomas’ “Past, Present, and Future’ exhibit at the Roxy Regoinal Theatre during December’s ArtWalk.
“Customs House Snow Globe” painting by D.C. Thomas
turned into a Christmas ornament, Thomas blended her love of history and whimsy. Inspired by the museum’s architecture and a wintery theme of blue and silver, she envisioned the building encased in a snow globe. The result was a piece that captured the magic of the season while honoring the museum’s legacy. “It’s a nod to the past and a celebration of the present,” she explains, “a way to encapsulate the joy and wonder of this time of year.”
“We love D.C. because we sell her items in the store and we thought she would be a perfect fit for the ornament this year,” said Laura Cagaoan, Visitor Services Manager at the Customs House Museum.
“DC is an amazing local artist who creates beautiful, sensitive renderings that invite a fresh perspective. With this piece, she transformed the museum into an ice palace, making it appear encased in ice through her choice of colors. Her unique approach always offers a fascinating and intriguing take on things,” said Frank Lott, Customs House Museum Executive Director.
As an artist, D.C. Thomas’s work is deeply rooted in her Romanian heritage and the creative lineage of her family. Her parents, both artists in their own right, instilled in her a love of expression and an appreciation for beauty. Her father’s caricatures and her mother’s tempera paintings provided an early education in the transformative power of art. “My mother had a magical red diary with blue ink writings,” Thomas recalls. “She yearned to create, even when the supplies
were scarce.”
Today, Thomas carries that legacy forward, blending traditional techniques with contemporary insights. Her paintings are windows into a world where history and myth converge, where the past informs the present, and where the personal becomes universal. Through her art, she seeks to understand, to connect, and to find the light— both within herself and in the subjects she portrays.
In her own words: “My stream of consciousness achieves a state of tranquility through the repetition of symbols in art. Nothing is random. Everything is passion.”
For more on D.C. Thomas visit www.dcthom.com
“Isabela” painting by D.C. Thomas
King Iron Exhibit
In the late 18th century, brown-iron ore deposits were found on the Western Highland Rim. The Rim is a geographic region in middle Tennessee that extends into Western Kentucky and Northern Alabama.
Iron entrepreneurs from Pennsylvania and New Jersey flocked to Middle Tennessee to exploit these iron deposits. One of these men was Montgomery Bell. According to the Tennessee Encyclopedia, Montgomery Bell moved to Dickson County in 1802.
Bell bought James Robertson’s iron works and 640 acres of land and quickly became a legendary figure in middle Tennessee. He helped develop Dickson County’s industry and was appointed a justice of the peace. Bell died in 1855 and donated money that eventually helped create the Montgomery Bell Academy in Nashville. Bell’s legacy, according to the history books, is of a canny entrepreneur who was passionate about quality education for common men.
However, wealth is never earned alone. It always comes at the cost of someone else.
We remember the names of wealthy businessmen, but what about all of the names of those who built that fortunes for them?
“King Iron” is a traveling exhibit by the Tennessee African American Historical Group (TAAHG). Funded by Humanities Tennessee, the project tells the story of enslaved iron furnace workers in middle Tennessee. TAAHG president Frederick Murphy and historian Tracy Jepson built the exhibit.
It includes artifacts donated by the Cumberland Furnace Museum, the Houston County Archives, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Library.
The artifacts include, but are not limited to, a piece of pig iron produced by men enslaved by Montgomery Bell, ledger books, and goods forged in the 19th century
“King Iron” also includes a diorama built by retired Customs House Museum Exhibit Preparator Randy Spurgeon. Detailed miniatures depict a limestone furnace operation and the back-breaking skilled labor required to keep the fires burning at around 3,000 degrees fahrenheit 24/7, 365 days
Yellow Creek Iron Furnace Ledger from Montgomery County.
Story and Photos by Kyle Watts
Model of a Limestone Furnace.
a year. Slaves were overworked and constantly at risk of losing life or limb in the name of profit.
“There was no compassion or care for the human rights of the workers,” Jepson said.
Furnaces required anywhere from 100 to 200 slaves to operate. Women worked in support roles - cooking, cleaning, etc. Men could work as quarrymen, colliers, teamsters, guttermen, moulders, firemen, blacksmiths, forgemen, or wood setters.
Working in scorching temperatures, miserable weather conditions, and poor air quality took its toll. Back-breaking labor grinded slaves down physically, and the constant dehumanization by slave masters wore them down mentally and physically.
“A lot of the men didn’t live past fifty years old,” Murphy said.
King Iron is personal to Murphy. His fourth great-grandfather, Ferdinand Jackson, was enslaved at Louisa Furnace in Montgomery County. Jackson was leased from The Forks of Cy-
press plantation in Florence, Alabama. Jackson was forced to work six days a week and at least 35 to 40 Sundays per year. Slaves were paid $0.50 for working Sundays. Slaves bought shoes, clothes, and other necessities.
It could only be spent at the stores kept by the furnace masters. The money slaves “earned” went right back into the pockets of men like Montgomery Bell.
Jackson had a family while he was enslaved in Clarksville, but they were separated before the onset of the Civil War. Jackson was sent back to The Forks of Cypress, a precautionary move by James and Sarah Jackson, owners of the plantation, to protect their “property.” Ferdinand Jackson and his Clarksville family were never reunited. “He had to forget that whole life,” Murphy said.
After he was emancipated, Jackson worked at Forks until Sarah Jackson’s death in 1879. He married two more times. He never spoke of the family that was taken from him in Clarksville. “Where do you gain a
Montgomery Bell Ledger.
Yellow Creek Iron Furnace Ledger from Montgomery County.
Continued from page 9
sense of humanity when you have to be as hard as the steel that you’re making?” Murphy said.
Paranoia was rampant among slave masters in 1856. They were afraid that a Republican president would spell the death of slavery in the South. Democratic nominee James Buchanan defeated Republican John C. Fremont, assuaging the fears of slave owners. At least until Abraham Lincoln was elected in 1860. This led to the South seceding from the Union and the outbreak of the Civil War.
This paranoia cost Henry King, a slave in Stewart County, his life. A rumor was spread that furnace slaves were planning an insurrection in 1856. While there was no definitive proof of this, it didn’t stop county officials and slave-masters from making an example of King. King was accused of being the leader of this supposed rebellion. He was beheaded and used as a warning to other slaves.
Four years after the murder of Henry King, the Civil War broke out. Three years after that, the Emancipation Proclamation declared that all enslaved people in the South were free. The proclamation also allowed black men to join the military.
The 101st United States Colored Troops (USCT) has a rich history in Clarksville.
The Howard Pettus Home, located where the Dunn Center is now on Austin Peay State University’s campus, housed 1,364 black soldiers. Many of these troops were former iron slaves, including Alfred Ramsey, who enlisted with the 15th infantry in Nashville, Tennessee in 1864.
When Union forces arrived in Middle Tennessee in 1862, they destroyed many of the limestone furnaces. This crippled the already paltry industrial capabilities
of the Confederates. The Cumberland Furnace was one of the few to continue operation into the 20th century. Cumberland Furnace was eventually dismantled in 1943, and in 1988, it was listed as a historic district.
The “King Iron” exhibit has traveled to Charlotte (TN), Franklin county, and Dickson county so far. Murphy and Jepson have been working hard to bring the exhibit to Clarksville, but there is no firm date for its arrival at this time.
The exhibit is currently at Promised Land in Dickson county. Its next stop is Montgomery Bell State Park in spring 2025.
For more information, please visit: www. tnafricanamericanhistoricalgroup.com
February gets its name from the Latin word “februum”, meaning purification, tied to an ancient Roman festival of cleansing.
February was the last month added to the Roman calendar.
The celebration of Valentine’s Day on February 14th dates back to ancient Roman traditions and the martyrdom of St. Valentine.
February is Black History Month, dedicated to recognizing and celebrating great achievements and important contributions of African Americans in American history. February was specifically chosen to honor the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln.
Groundhog Day is celebrated on February 2nd, this uniquely quirky American holiday has its roots from ancient European weather forecasting lore, except they used a badger to predict the weather. February 2nd is significant because its the half way point between the winter solstice and spring equinox which had spiritual significance.
Presidents’ Day is celebrated on the third Monday of February, it honors the birthdays of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. All federal workers get the day off to celebrate by going shopping for household appliances, furniture and new cars during the traditional President’s Day Sales.
February’s birthstone is the amethyst, symbolizing peace, balance, purification and inner strength.
Astrological Signs of people born in February are : Aquarius, January 20th – February 18th, and Pisces, February 19th – March 20th.
February is the only month that will sometimes lack a full moon.
JODI’S CABINETS
holds Ribbon Cutting for New Facility
More than 100 guests showed up for a Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting at Jodi’s Cabinets, a long time Clarksville business that has just expanded into a new 21,000 sf. building on 41-A.
Owner/Manager Joe Smith officially welcomed everyone after the ribbon cutting. “First of all, I want to thank everyone who came out today,” Smith said. “We’ve had people coming and going all day long. Jodi’s Cabinet sales isn’t technically new in the area, but this is our new building. We are blessed to have this new facility and to be able to make this investment back into the community because of the hard work of all our people.
“When Jodi started this business in her garage, it was just Jodi. Now, we are blessed to be able to provide jobs to people in this community and to take their family in, and hopefully make them feel like they are part of our family.
“We want to keep this legacy going. We want to branch out in Tennessee and throughout the Southeast, and I couldn’t do it without the hard work of all these good people every single day.”
He mentioned Gary, Scotty, and others who helped do the build-out. “We did this, with our own hands. That makes it even more special. These folks put their blood, sweat and tears, and a lot of heartache and long nights into this.
“Jodi’s legacy continues through me, and now our fourth generation has joined us. My daughter Heidi and my wife Una. We are so blessed to have all these people in our life who push us to do better. We are hopeful for the future. Thank you all for coming out. Enjoy some food, thanks to Wilsonart. Take a goody bag. We want to say thanks to all of you, our customers, and our parent brands for all their support.”
Check out the new Jodi’s Cabinets facility at 3109 US-41 Alt, or at www.jodiscabinetsales.com
Lillie Millan, Jodie Vaughn, Sara Golden, Michael & Aubre Rios
Joe & Una Smith
Sara Golden & Jamie Peltz Alex Conley & Lee Harrell
Rose Melton, Erin Yow & Shannon Kitchen
The Meaning and Origins of
Valentine’s Day
by Linda Austin
February 14th, Valentine’s Day is a day dedicated to expressing love and affection through cards, flowers, chocolates, and heartfelt gestures. While modern Valentine’s Day is associated with romance, its origins are rooted in ancient traditions and historical events that span centuries. The holiday has drastically transformed from a pagan religious observance to the celebration we know today.
The origins of Valentine’s Day can be traced back to ancient Rome and the pagan festival of Lupercalia, celebrated from February 13th to 15th. This festival honored Faunus, the Roman God of agriculture, as well as Romulus and Remus, the legendary founders of Rome. Lupercalia was marked by rituals aimed at promoting fertility and warding off evil spirits.
One notable ritual involved priests, known as Luperci, sacrificing goats and a dog, then using the hides to strike women. Apparently, the young maidens couldn’t wait to be publicly spanked with goat skin by priests, believing it would enhance their fertility. The festival also encouraged “matchmaking”, where young men and women paired off for the duration of the festivities that sometimes resulted in June marriages.
The transition from paganism to Christianity in the Roman Empire brought changes to many traditional celebrations, including Lupercalia. By the 5th century, Pope Gelasius
abolished the festival and replaced it with a Christian feast day honoring Saint Valentine. However, the identity of Saint Valentine remains shrouded in mystery, as there are several martyrs named Valentine in Christian history. Valentine was a popular name during those times.
One legend suggests that Valentine was a priest in third-century Rome who defied Emperor Claudius II. The emperor had banned marriages for young men, believing single soldiers were more effective in battle. Valentine secretly performed marriages for couples, earning the emperor’s wrath. He was arrested, imprisoned, and ultimately executed on February 14th. A part of that story claims that Valentine healed the blind daughter of his jailer. Before his execution, he wrote her a note signed “From your Valentine,” a phrase that endures as a symbol of love.
Valentine’s Day gained romantic associations during the Middle Ages, particularly in England and France. February 14th was believed to mark the beginning of the mating season for birds. The tradition of exchanging love notes emerged during this period, with handwritten letters and poems becoming a common way to express affection. Nobles and royals often participated in these romantic exchanges, solidifying the day’s connection to love and courtship.
The commercialization of Valentine’s Day began in the 19th century with the mass production of greeting cards.
Esther Howland, known as the “Mother of the American Valentine,” popularized ornate, lace-embellished cards in the United States. By the 20th century, the holiday expanded to include flowers, chocolates, jewelry, grand romantic gestures and giant teddy bears that take up half the loveseat.
Valentine’s Day has evolved from its ancient, ritualistic roots to a universal celebration of love. Its blend of history,
mythology, and cultural adaptation serves as a reminder that love is a timeless and cherished human experience.
Whether you celebrate with modern grand gestures or celebrate it in quiet private seclusion with your sweetheart in old school Roman style involving goat skin leather. Valentine’s Day invites us all to share and spread love—a sentiment that never goes out of style.
Lupercalia, detail, oil on linen, Madrid, Museo del Prado
History on the Rocks
The Winter 2024-25 issue of Second & Commerce was adorned with a beautiful cover based on A Touch of Spring, an oil on wood piece created in 1997 by artist Tony Biagi.
Inside, the magazine was filled with interesting and informative articles, and once again the general public was invited to join the authors of those articles for an edition of History on the Rocks, a discussion hosted by Second & Commerce managing editor Shana Thornton.
Thornton spoke with Dr. Richard Gildrie on the subject of the Sevier Station Massacre, Laurina Lyle PhD on Water Proverbs, sculptor Jammie Williams on his bas-relief portraits for the Country Music Hall of Fame, and Nashville artist Alison Fullerton on her encaustic wax portraits of the Women Air Force Service Pilots, (WASPS).
Guests at the event, which took place at Strawberry Alley Ale Works enjoyed appetizers, refreshments, trivia with prizes, and a lively discussion with the authors.
Richette Cole, Haley Davis, Robin Burton &
Teresa Richmond
Love is an Art Form – Sarah and Lorenzo Swinton
Togetherness and harmony on a January’s Monday night in Clarksville. ‘Love one another,’ Lorenzo reminded us after dinner as the night of the Wolf Moon was coming to an end.
I arrived at Lorenzo and Sarah Swinton’s home right after sunset. Here, I shyly rang the doorbell under a red brick arch. It was my first time visiting and walking into their home.
There was Bella, too, a 15-year-old rescue dog greeting me with happy barks and tail wags. Lorenzo was cooking chicken with spinach and tomatoes with a side of jasmine rice. This delicious meal was shared by four at a table filled with good wine, laughter, and good conversations about this amazing couple sitting across from me.
Sarah shared, “So we have this unspoken rule when I’m preparing a meal he is off limits to helping and vice versa. I suppose we both accept the idea of cooking for one another and the family. I do know his favorite is my jambalaya and my favorite is his air fryer chicken with a flavorful spinach salad but his chocolate chip pancakes steal my heart.”
Sarah and Lorenzo are one of the most inspiring couples I know in Clarksville. They connected through art.Sarah was looking for artwork that would convey her special relationship with her sister. That’s when Lorenzo’s ‘Marbles’ painting from 2020 propelled these two spirits onto the path they walk on today, married.
At the table, they recounted the day of their first date at a local bookstore. They were looking at each oth-
“I arrived before Lorenzo but I had given him a description of what I was wearing, so when he arrived he found me easily. We ‘Marbles’ by Lorenzo Swinton
er and described the beginning of their story together.
Story & Photos by D.C. Thomas
talked about what I like to read, how I have a growing book collection, what books he was looking to read, and then he told me about the style of art he creates. We had coffee and realized that we liked the same one, caramel macchiato,” Sarah told me. “Four hours later we knew a little more about each other, laughed a lot, enjoyed each other’s company more than we expected, and decided we should do it again soon.”
An artist and a bibliophile, Sarah depicts emotions and processes life experiences through the safe language of abstract art, resulting in riveting paintings.
The colorful flexibility in Sarah’s paintings evokes the willingness to communicate the blessings of life and the lessons we learn along the way. “Abstract is more freeing,” she said to me.
When she doesn’t paint, Sarah commutes for her job as a radiologic technologist, supports Lorenzo with their gallery, and immerses herself in novels.
“I have more books than I have wall space or shelves. Lorenzo likes to tease me about being a nerd. He is right, I can’t deny it. I love a good mystery or suspense novel. I enjoy the ‘edge of your seat’ excitement of guessing what will happen next. Reading is one of my happy places,” she said. Many in our community know Lorenzo and Sarah for building the beacon of light that the Lorenzo Swinton Gallery is for many artists in the area.
Located at 106 N. 2nd Street in Historic Downtown Clarksville, this art gallery brings forth the original works of artists from Clarksville, Nashville and other surrounding areas.
At his gallery, Lorenzo curated art for complex exhibits that have made news in Nashville, featuring works that were broadcast on television as he collaborated with art galleries from the Music City.Here, with Sarah’s support, friends, and community, he installed art shows highlighting the voices of women, diversity, and celebration of heritage, which has led to the elevation of the cultural scene in Clarksville since the gallery’s opening in November 2023.
“One thing that I love about Lorenzo is his creative mind
and ele-
ment of surprise when it comes to curating for artists and exhibitions,” Sarah said.
When I asked her about living in this city, she said, “As we all know Clarksville has been growing exponentially and as the city continues to grow, we’ve really appreciated all of the relationships and conversations that we’ve encountered with people from all backgrounds of life. It’s a blessing to share testimony, stories and engage in community. I also love the green spaces we have to walk in. I appreciate the time to quiet my mind and enjoy the world we have around us.”
Sarah and Lorenzo share a vivid appreciation for life and art that could help one see the light and ponder the complexities of life in a guiding manner. More so, ever since Lorenzo’s car accident, hospitalization, and period of recovery in February 2023.
“The accident put a lot of things into perspective, making us realize that we are all on borrowed time, and we did not want to waste another moment without solidifying our commitment and love to this blessed life we are building,” Sarah shared.
Lorenzo and Sarah will be celebrating their second marriage anniversary this month, in addition to Valentine’s Day.
“I’m sure for Lorenzo it’s quite the task juggling both occasions. Honestly, I would be perfectly happy to save the festivities for our anniversary. Simply because it’s a special moment for us to remember our love and the second chance at life God granted Lorenzo. I feel that is a gift in itself,” she said.
Sarah added, ‘We love celebrating at home. We make dinner together and enjoy each other while relaxing. We love the uninterrupted one on one time. We listen to each other during the year so we always have ideas for gift giving on holidays. I’m always excited to see what surprises he comes up with.”
Find Sarah and Lorenzo’s art on Instagram at @abstractsbysarah & @lorenzoswinton and @lorenzoswintongallery
Sarah Swinton at Lorenzo Swinton Gallery in Historic Downtown Bella, the couple’s 15-year-old rescue
Detail - art by Lorenzo Swinton
Great attendance at this year’s Mayors’ Power Breakfast, which allows Clarksville Mayor Joe Pitts and Montgomery County Mayor Wes Golden a chance to address concerned citizens, and apprise them of the important progress that is being made in our community.
The event, hosted by the Clarksville Area Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by Clarksville Christian School, drew hundreds to the Wilma Rudolph Event Center for a Choppin’ Block catered breakfast and about 60 minutes of information on ongoing and upcoming projects.
Mayor Pitts began by saying, “I want to call your attention to the future.” His theme this year, ‘Growing Forward Together’, focused on city/county as well as city/private sector collaborative efforts. Concerns included population growth, a steady decline in crime, the importance of strategic planning, progress on the Transportation 2020 Plus plan, upcoming projects, and much more.
Mayor Golden talked about a number of projects that are scheduled to be completed in 2025, including the North Branch Library, the Animal Control Building being built on Jordan Road, the new parking garage at F&M Bank Arena, the Highway Department’s new facility, road widening projects and new additions to Clarksville’s Greenway.
Montgomery County Mayor Wes Golden & Clarksville Mayor Joe Pitts
Sheena Dixon
Rashidah Leverett
The Legends Bank team
Cassie Wheeler, Erinne Hester, Judge Katy Olita & Rudy Johnson
Montgomery County Mayor Wes Golden
Erin Yow
Clarksville Mayor Joe Pitts & First Lady Cynthia Pitts
Brad Moser, President, Clarksville Christian School
Cheryl & Mike Hood
Chamber's Veteran Business of the Month
Pigtails & Crewcuts: Haircuts for Kids was just named Veteran Business of the Month by the Clarksville Area Chamber of Commerce.
Navy Reservist Alda Bryant, an Indiana native, was on active duty for five years, 2009 – 2014. She was living in Arizona when she decided to enlist. “ Thankfully, I do not get seasick; of course, I did not know that until after I joined,” Bryant laughed.
Bryant moved here in 2014 with her husband who was born and raised in Clarksville. “He brought me here to meet his family, and I really liked it,” Bryant said. “We love it here, and now we have two kids – 6 and 8 years old.”
Bryant, a supply officer, was reactivated in 2021. She spent all of 2022 in Djibouti, East Africa, and finally returned home in March 2023.
“I wanted to make changes,” Bryant said. “I still work full-time for the Dept. of Energy, but I wanted to do something that would give me some work/ life balance. I stumbled across this while researching
opportunities. I had been sacrificing a lot, and I didn’t want to keep missing things with my kids. I love the military, but this is a different chapter of my life. I was looking at business ownership and I found this amazing franchise.”
Having not heard of Pigtails & Crewcuts before, Bryant called for information. Soon she met with the company’s VP in Atlanta. “I saw some salons. They currently have about 70 or 80,” Bryant said. “I always had difficulties finding a place to get my son’s hair cut. Like a lot of kids, he likes it long and doesn’t like people messing with it. It was a struggle, and that’s a common thing for parents.”
It turns out, according to Bryant, that it is really hard to find a place to take your kids for haircuts. “My daughter wanted an adult haircut,” Bryant said. “But, we had a hard time finding the right place. We struggled for years.”
When Bryant opened the business bank account, the lady at the bank said, ‘please tell me when you open. We’ve been looking for a place’.
Bryant now has nine people working at the salon.
“We’re Closed on Tuesdays, open Saturday 9:00am – 4:00pm, Sunday 11:00am - 4:00pm, and 10:00am –6:00pm the rest of the week.
We do adult haircuts but specialize in kids cuts. Dads are more likely than moms to get their hair cut here. We don’t offer a full line of services, but we do offer ear piercing.”
Bryant opened Pigtails & Crewcuts in Clarksville on October 16th, 2024. “The response has been great,” Bryant said. “People love it. We have a train station for the kids and Disney + streaming on all the TV’s. Our waiting area has toys and a paper-covered table where kids can create with crayons. Kids can also play video games. It’s all meant for kids.”
There is also a chair at each station that allows the parents to face their child while they get their haircut.
“We’ve had some so tiny that the parent has to hold the child while they get their hair cut,” Bryant said. “We’ve done cuts while the kids were playing with trains. We deal with sensory issues, and plan to have our entire staff trained for that.”
“Of course it all depends on the child. We have fidget toys, stuffed animals, and little cars for them to play with. We also have snacks, like animal crackers at each station. Everyone gets a lollipop, and when they’re done they get to pick out a treasure from the treasure chest,” stated Bryant.
Bryant opened the salon in the Sango area, near where she and her family live, but says she would be interested in opening more stores.
“This is more than just a business, our kid even help out by providing input on toys and decor,” Bryant said. “We want to give back to the community. We’ve hosted toy drives, and a coats for kids event.
“Clarksville has a small-town feel, even though it’s a large city. People are principled, they are nice, they support small businesses. I’ve made a lot of friends and connections here. It’s a family business. This is definitely my future.”
The salon offers quieter clippers an other thing to make the kids feel more comfortable. The also offer a First Haircut package, that includes a picture and a lock of hair.
“We offer discounts for military and first responders,” Bryant said. “We’re trying to make an enjoyable experience for everyone. We want people to come back. Sometimes, the kids don’t want to leave after they are done.”
For information, go to www.pigtailsandcrewcuts.com/ clarksvilletn, Pigtails Clarksville on Instagram and Pigtails & Crewcuts: Haircuts for Kids .– Clarksville,
Pigtails & Crewcuts is located at 2720 Madison Street, Clarksville, Tennessee.
Packing it Up - Is it Right For You
(Part 2)
Story by Christie Crawford
In Part 1 of our article Packing It Up, we discussed reasons for relocating outside the United States, countries looking for American immigration, and places that are a perfect match for retirees.
In Part 2 we discuss Visa considerations, dual citizenship, and all other considerations for making your move abroad.
So what is the catch to moving abroad? There can be quite a few, depending on where you choose to relocate. The first is the immigration process, which can be quite lengthy. If you have deep pockets, this may not be an obstacle due to the global citizenship programs or its nickname the “Golden Visa”.
In simple terms, you invest your way in. Countries, in exchange for a minimum investment, offer residency rights. These rights allow travel freedom, access to healthcare and less restrictions on taxes or business dealings. For example. in order to obtain Italian residency, you will need to purchase 2,000,000 Euros in government bonds.
But what if you can claim dual citizenship? Most countries have rules as to whom can live and work within their borders. Obtaining a second passport can be a way to live, work, or study without strict visa requirements or having to leave if the situation demands it. Getting an additional passport is not easy, and it’s
best to consult an immigration attorney before embarking on this path. The additional passport process can be document intensive, expensive, and lengthy in time, with administrative hurdles and thousands in fees. Some countries prohibit additional passports or make it extremely difficult to get one. Others require long residency requirements or language fluency before taking consideration.
Still, there are some that require direct descent or as mentioned previously large investments through the Golden Visa program. Egypt is one of the few countries that allow citizenship through direct investment rather than preferred visa status. Ireland and Italy are two countries that allow for citizenship through proof of lineage. About 10% of all US citizens have Irish ancestry, and another 5% have family hailing from Italy. Others include Germany, Poland, France, India, Spain and Mexico.
Given that you’ve made it through the many barriers to allow your residence outside the US, what else do you need to consider to have a reasonable lifestyle?
Banking: You may need to have dual bank accounts at least while getting started. Finding local banking institutions to be be able to handle your local expenses and cash needs can be tricky. IRS rules on banking outside the US require reporting overseas accounts on an annual basis or being faced with penalties, especially for accounts with over $10,000. Accessing these accounts
without triggering fraud claims need to be considered, so check the rules carefully. And don’t forget about currency fluctuations, which may work for or against you at times.
Taxes: Double taxation may be a risk to you as your host country may require payments, and in the US, citizenship, (not residency), dictates whether taxes may be levied. Your state may even require filing if income taxes are normally paid. It’s best to speak with a tax consultant familiar with international tax issues.
Health Care: Depending on what country you choose, you may qualify for national health care. But, if you are at retirement age and Medicare eligible, note that overseas expenses are not covered by regular insurance; however, Part A and B coverage could still be applicable. And you will still need to sign up at 65 regardless of where you reside if you are a US citizen. If private insurance is your choice, note that Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Cigna offer coverage to overseas residents. So, be sure to take your health records, including immunizations, or have access to them on the internet.
Estate Planning: Should something happen to you while you are abroad, you will need to put into place a will that accommodates the rules of estate inheritance and asset distributions in your choice of country. Some states and even countries recognize an international will so you will need to do your research. Consult an
attorney familiar with your countries’ estate planning wills to avoid the disaster of high taxes and unplanned transfer of assets.
The Little Things: The emotional stress of moving to another country without family, friends or even common language is a big challenge. In recent news, San Francisco residents Joanna McIsaac-Kierklo and her husband Ed moved back to California from France after an experience they coined as “too much grief and not enough joy.”
The Kierklos were experienced travelers and even lived a time in London, but found the French Visa process exhausting, getting a French bank account very difficult and even simply transporting their cat expensive, costing them an extra $5,000. Finding a doctor proved challenging, as well as finding comfort foods other than cheese and bread.
The hardest of all was their struggle with language and cultural customs, which created barriers to new relationships. Added to that was the French bureaucracy which is what the Kierklos were supposedly moving away from. Luckily they had an alternative plan, which was an available apartment in San Francisco to which they will be moving back.
Not all moves end up in misery as the Kierklos, but it does give one pause to pack it all up. Or at least incentive to have a Plan B.
Mykonos Greece. (Tony Centonze)
In early December, supporters of Crisis 211 gathered at Edward’s Steak House for the second annual “An Angel’s Share Affair” to enjoy hors-d’oeuvres, cocktails, music, a silent auction, and a live auction that included an exclusive private tasting at Whiskey House - Nashville.
“Tonight is called our ‘Angel’s Share Affair’,” Crisis 211 Executive Director Terrie Williams said. “We’re just trying to help with some funding. We’re a partner agency with United Way, we have been for 36 years, but, like so many, our funding has been cut quite a bit.
“Our funding comes from United Way and private donations. We get no government funding. I’m full-time, we have two part-time people, but we run 24/7 and always answer the phone. We have some interns from Austin Peay State University, as well as social work interns. It’s amazing that a lot of people don’t want to or don’t know how to deal with people in crisis.”
The silent auction featured 36 items, a wonderful variety of sought-after bourbons and whiskeys, all of which were donated for the event.
“This is a way to have some fun and do some good,” Williams said. “Crisis 211 is about crisis intervention, suicide prevention, and managing our 211 community hotline.”
211 is a free, confidential, 24/7 hotline that connects people with local community services, basic needs, health and mental health services, work support and financial assistance, and crisis and emergency services.
“Today, we had someone call who needed food,” Williams said. “Others need utility bill assistance, rent assistance, prescriptions refilled, gas cards. Some need help with shelter. I share any information I can find that might benefit people in the community.”
Scott Ford
Willie Celestine
Terrie Williams
Art Conn, Terrie Williams & Terry Smith
Torie Stacker Art Conn
Stefanie Miller, Holly & Daniela Martinez
Tommy Bates Denise Skidmore
Melanie Thompson & Wanda Agee Ray & Julie Runyon
Zakikya Collins & Valarie Harris
Terry & Kathy Smith
Say YES To Recess
Agroup of parents of Clarksville Montgomery County Schools’ students are working together to positively impact the educational experience of all children throughout the state of Tennessee. Since meeting as parents of children in the Spanish Immersion program at Barksdale Elementary School in 2022, Rachel Bush, Morgan Garner, and Kathryn Thurman have promoted the cause through the advocacy group Say YES to Recess Tennessee, which is now known as “The Recess Moms”.
The Tennessee Board of Education currently requires elementary school-age students to have at least one 15-minute period of physical activity per day and 130 minutes per full school week. Middle and high school students must have a minimum of 90 minutes of physical activity per full school week. The first steps toward positive impact came in July 2024, after a successful negotiation with CMCSS the school system increased recess time from 20 minutes to 30 minutes.
This collaborative effort was constructed by engaged parent volunteers (including “The Recess Moms”) and district administrators. All three “Recess Moms” shared that CMCSS admin and educators were helpful,
cooperative, and understanding throughout the process. They also noted that they understand that school districts and individual schools must navigate a plethora of demands to remain in compliance, but all the district leadership that they collaborated with demonstrated the importance of doing what was best for the children of our community.
CMCSS leadership states, “Although the state and federal requirements and academic expectations for each school are consistent, each school’s schedule is unique. School administration worked with their leadership teams and educators to make modifications to existing schedules to increase recess time while still adhering to curriculum and
Photos by Rachel Bush, Story by Paige Eisemann
service requirements such as RTI, high-dosage tutoring, state-required teacher planning time, special education services, arts, literacy blocks, etc.”
“ The Recess Moms” are currently focused on elementary school children’s access to recess, but see this only as a starting point. They plan to work towards advocating for an increase for middle and high school students as well. The group points to problematic issues with the current requirements, advocating instead for a new law that would require two 30-minute periods for elementary school students — one in the morning and the other in the afternoon — and at least one 30-minute break for middle school students.
“If adults can be given time to rest and recharge during their workday, why aren’t we providing the same for our children, who spend between 6.5 – 7 hrs a day in school?” the group said in a press release.
Within our own state, more and more parents like The Recess Moms are advocating for increased recess times for their children. As recently as November 2024, a group of parents went before the Williamson County School Board asking for changes to their children’s schedules to allow for more physical activity time. Parents in Grainger County are concerned that their children’s schools are breaking state law by not allowing ample time for physical activity.
Say YES to Recess Tennessee has become the hub for parents across the state to collaborate and share resources for advocacy. The movement reaches far beyond the borders of Tennessee, as well. Groups in Texas, Arkansas, South Carolina, District of Columbia, and others are now speaking out and campaigning on behalf of recess time within their own communities.
CMCSS is becoming a leader in providing for the physical activity needs of students through their continued efforts to increase recess time
and focus on the importance of physical activity.
All elementary schools work to be in accordance with CMCSS’ Coordinated School Health policy and guidelines, which state that “Teachers and other school and community personnel will not use physical activity (e.g., running laps, push-ups) or withhold opportunities for physical activity (e.g., recess, physical education) as punishment.
If a parent/guardian is aware of this policy being violated, they should contact their child’s teacher or school administration.” The Recess Moms also support the preservation of recess time even on bad weather days, which they request that school leaders consider and collaborate to improve as well.
Rather than students being sedentary and spending time on their laptops, they recommend finding ways for children to move and learn through both large and small motor movement even when indoor recess is required. They recognize that this can mean providing classroom teachers with space, equipment, and more to bring to fruition.
The largest step toward progress happened very recently, with the introduction of Tennessee House Bill 85. Sponsored by Representative Scott Cepicky, of TN District 54, this bill as introduced, seeks to amend TN Code Annotated Title 49. The bill seeks to increase
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required physical activity time from 130 minutes per full school week to 60 minutes per school day, the minimum amount of physical activity required for elementary school students; establishes additional requirements for the minimum amount of physical activity required for elementary school students. If passed, this could be a monumental victory for the children of Tennessee.
Research shows that increased physical activity positively impacts multiple areas of child development. “Study after study after study shows that if you add in play and you add in social development, it increases soft skills,” Morgan Garner with Say YES to Recess said. “It helps with anxiety and depression. It helps with obesity, it helps with just about everything.”
Rachel Bush said their initiative has faced pushback by concerns over cutting into math and reading time in the classroom. The Moms pointed to several studies, which suggested more recess time would only improve math and reading scores.
“We’re not talking about cutting math and reading in half, but really just looking at shaving a little bit here and there to increase recess to then help every other subject in the classroom,” Bush points to research from Fort Worth, TX, stating.“There was a county in Texas that increased their recess to an hour. In the first year after doing that, their math scores went up 10 percent and their reading went up seven percent. It drastically affects everything they’re doing.”
The research backs up their argument, with many schools who have markedly increased physical activity time showing not only improved test scores to measure academic success, but also reports by educators of numerous positive outcomes including children’s increased ability to focus and reduced disciplinary issues overall.
The American Academy of Pediatrics states that “recess and physical activity are a critical component of a child’s physical and mental development.”
The LiiNK project: Center for Healthy Play is a program focused on bridging the gap between academics and the whole child. Sponsored by Texas Christian University, the program conducts ongoing research to develop implementation strategies for PreK-12 schools to impact positive mental and physical health as well as character development in children.
If passed, House Bill 85 could impact children across the state of Tennessee. This bill came to be through the tireless efforts of the local “Recess Moms” and now others like them across the state. The research, advocacy, and the partnership with CMCSS to positively impact the education of our children has not always been an easy road, but it remains a vitally important endeavor.
As their message spreads, the Recess Moms work to register their group for non-profit status, build their website, connect with interested parents via their social media pages, and make connections to promote their mission. Say YES to Recess Tennessee continues to grow and partner with other states as the impact of physical activity on childhood development becomes more understood, with Clarksville Montgomery County leading the way.
For more information, follow The Recess Moms on socials @ Say YES to Recess Tennessee. For more information about the LiiNK project, visit https:// liinkproject.tcu.edu/
Letters from Leaders: An Essay by Clarksville Mayor Joe Pitts
“Real leaders don’t require a title”. - Unknown
My grandfather, on my mother’s side, had a way about him. Though I was a mere 8 years old when he passed, I noticed something in his quiet demeanor that caused people to take notice, listen, and, yes, follow.
Whether it was the guys who worked with him at BF Goodrich, the farm hands who helped with the tobacco, or his three sons-in-law who hung onto his every word, he was a leader.
His brand of leadership was not cloaked in titles but in actions – quiet actions. Throughout my lifetime, especially now since my former years are greater than my latter, I have often reflected on those fading memories on the farm watching “Nicky,” as his friends called him, lead in an unassuming way.
I recall his measured gait, the right hand always in his pocket, and his felt hat (never a cap) sitting atop his head, which was a staple of his everyday wardrobe. He said so little that I can scarcely remember the sound of his voice.
What made people want to follow him? What were the words he would speak to them that caused them to listen so intently and follow so closely? What were the lessons of leadership that I observed and remembered
or are in my DNA that shape my leadership style? The answers to these questions may never be definitive, but there are valuable lessons I learned and try to follow.
I know that leaders work hard. Sun-up to sundown, leaders are the first in the office or field and often the last to leave. That one trait drives me more than anything else. I’ve said during my many political campaigns that “my opponent may outsmart me, but they will never out-work me.”
My hard work isn’t for me, but to support those who are under my supervision, or those who depend on me.
Leaders persevere. Leaders, especially good ones, learn to overcome difficulties and challenges by remaining calm and keeping a positive attitude. The old adage, “tough times don’t last, but tough people do” applies here, especially to leaders.
Kindness. Going back to my grandfather, I remember vividly one day watching an old beat-up truck come down the gravel road leading to the farmhouse, and watching a man, slumped shoulders, get out of the truck and sit on the ground next to my grandfather.
After a few words were exchanged, my grandfather reached in his pocket and gave him some cash, shook his hand and walked him to his truck. No paperwork. No stern lecture. Just a handshake and pat on the back, and the man went on his way.
“As honest as the day is long”. Honesty should be the foundational principle of every leader. Sadly it has gotten lost in the swirl of lies that are often told by those in leadership positions in order to make someone else look bad, or protect their image.
I can assure you that being honest will give you greater peace in the long run, than protecting a false image that will eventually fade like the memories of your past.
And finally, respect for others. I frequently muse that those who can’t or don’t respect others deep down have no respect for themselves. The leadership landscape is littered with people who belittle, cheat or mislead others. What does it say about you if your words and deeds belie and undermine your position as a leader?
These are just a few of the many more characteristics I try to follow in my roles. As the leader of this city, my family, or just every time my feet hit the floor each morning, my mind is firmly fixed on being true to myself.
Nicky Marshall gave me a great example to follow.
I’ll leave you with this quote:
”A leader without followers is just a man taking a walk.” – John Boehner
Clarksville
Mayor Joe Pitts
Art in Bloom
Clarksville’s Customs House Museum & Cultural Center recently hosted its inaugural Art in Bloom, a reception/fundraiser at which local floral artists selected a painting and created an arrangement to echo its style, colors and feel.
“This is our first Art in Bloom project that we’ve done,” Customs House Director Frank Lott said. “It replaces our traditional Champagne and Chocolate. It has been wildly successful. I think the public is really enjoying something different. The way the florists have interpreted these works of art is just beyond words. They all have their own distinct interpretations, but all relate beautifully to the original works of art.
Members of the Museum Guild worked for several months with museum staff and local floral artists to bring this together. Fourteen local florists chose works from the museum’s collection to be their inspiration.
Retired florist Audra Langley was inspired by a diptych (two paintings on a hinge) by Max Hochstetler, “So, I created two designs to interpret that, and used a willow branch that emulates the trees that frame the garden path in the painting.”
In her arrangement, she used blues and oranges, and moss to bring Hochstetler’s painting to life. “My mother also did an arrangement,” Langley said. “This was a very creative idea. We were excited to participate and would love to do it again.”
Artwork included pieces by Richard Hogan, Hunt Slnem, Jim Diehr and others. Floral artists included Helen Morris, Sandy Watson Cecy Rocconi, Laura Malley and others. Sponsors included Kim Kiel, Meg and John Manning, Melinda and Chad Byard, Ajax Distributing, Lisa and Brad Martin, Tropical Smoothie Cafe, and others.
Frazier & Sally Allen, Judge Katy Olita
Larry & Cecy Rocconi, Kevin Kennedy
Members of the Museum Guild
Shirley & Leah Foote
Allison & Kellie Clouser
Ellen & David Kanervo
Brendalyn Player & Roberta Richardson
At Home in Clarksville
Photos by Tony Centonze, Story by Cindy Podurgal Chambers
Clarksville’s Historic Homes Tour
dazzled and delighted participants on December 15, jingling back to life after an absence of some 25 years. Presented by the Montgomery County Preservation Coalition, the tour ushered in the season by welcoming ticket-holders to seven of the city’s most historic homes, each beautifully bedecked for the holidays.
One of the tour’s organizers, Brenda Harper, called the event “a great success on so many levels. Its purpose was to focus attention on the positive impact, feasibility and necessity of preserving Clarksville’s history, and it did that. Just as importantly, everyone – including the generous homeowners and volunteers – seemed to enjoy the day.”
More than a century ago, paying “social calls” on neighbors during the Christmas holidays would have been de rigueur for Clarksvillians. Then, as now, these same homes would have been adorned in their holiday finery, says County Historian Carolyn Ferrell. Candles would glow and flames would flicker in every fireplace, while mantels and staircases draped with fresh greenery would scent the air with evergreen. Back then, Christmas trees were usually of the smaller, tabletop variety – but certainly just as thrilling to youngsters as the grand trees on display during the recent tour.
This year’s event was far more than just a lovely way to celebrate the holidays. According to the Montgomery County Preservation Coalition’s official guidebook, the city has lost more than half its historic properties over the last 40 years, highlighting the need to protect and preserve those that remain. In fact, the threatened demolition of the Dunlop-Miller house on Madison St. was the major impetus for renewed efforts to strengthen historic preservation awareness and advocacy. Emphasizing the tour’s vital mission, the guidebook goes on to state that tour-goers “will see what can be done to save and repurpose our historic buildings that tell the story of our heritage. Whether used as a home place or business, these structures represent successful preservation efforts.”
One of the tour’s many success stories is the Kimbrough-Denton House. Built in 1903, it’s been the home of David and Debbie Denton for the past 30 years.
“David and I first fell in love with the idea of owning an old house after going on several historic home tours in various towns,” Debbie says. “So when Don Sharpe [past president of the Montgomery County Historical Society] said one of the goals of the tour was to show people what could be done with these old homes, we felt like we were just paying it forward.”
The couple’s renovation efforts have resulted in a marvelous marriage of old and new, seamlessly blending much-loved antiques with modern furnishings and finishes. The home’s state-of-the-art kitchen now features bespoke cabinetry and an eye-catching range hood which fronts a large window, soaring 11 feet to the ceiling above. Under the guidance of Don Sharpe himself, the couple added 1,100 square feet of living space to the house by transforming a dark attic into a charming guest suite, its original heart-pine flooring now reflecting dreamy pastel walls, light-filled alcoves, and spun-sugar fabrics.
“Being part of the tour was just incredibly gratifying, Debbie says. “We’ve put our heart and soul – not to mention a lot of our resources – into making this house a wonderful place to live. And to have so many people
say that it was beautiful, or warm, or inviting, was just absolutely amazing.”
For Debbie, one of the best parts of the tour was having Mr. Ben Kimbrough in attendance. Born in 1928, Mr. Kimbrough grew up in the house. “He answered several questions about the history and original structure of the home and shared memories of his childhood here – including being responsible for building fires in the house’s coal-burning fireplaces as a youth.” Best of all, she adds, “he seemed so pleased to see that the house was being well cared-for and is very much loved.”
Each stop on the tour reflected the same delightful devotion to past and present: They show that historic structures can become beautiful, comfortable homes and businesses without sacrificing modern convenience. Other historic buildings showcased were:
The Forbes/Mabry House - This Italianate home was built by Confederate colonel William Forbes, a tobacconist and professor at Stewart College. Owned since 1987 by Don Sharpe and his artist wife, Patsy, the home has been lovingly returned to its Victorian glory, earning it a listing on the National Register of Historic Places. A peek into Patsy’s vibrant art studio, located on the sunny second floor, shows some of the creative spirit that helped breathe new life into the old home.
The Lurton House (“Purple House”) - This Queen Anne beauty, constructed in the late 1800s by Edmond B. Lurton, once housed the family of Sallie Hurst, future wife of Austin Peay, Tennessee’s 35th governor. Now the site of Solutions 21, a business-consulting firm specializing in succession planning and leadership development, the historic house is lovingly cared for and managed by Patricia and Rob Salome.
The Judge Tyler House (“The Pearl”) - Formerly the antebellum home of esteemed Judge Charles Tyler and his family, the sedate exterior of this 1850’s gem belies the exuberance contained within. Now the home of former international investment banker Christoph Hrdina and renowned artist Kitty Harvill, the lively and livable space is filled with bright and whimsical artwork, colorful furnishings from around the world, and frequent nods to the pair’s dedication to global conservancy. When Christoph promised Kitty he would have the time-worn house “looking like a pearl within two years,” it earned both a new nickname and the gratitude of local history-lovers.
The Dozier House - This Colonial Revival house was built in 1928 and was once the family home of Richard Dunzlemann, who emigrated from Germany to become a leading Clarksville tobacconist. It was purchased by former Clarksville mayor William Barksdale, Jr., in the 1950s and later housed the Roy and Mary Jo Dozier family. A painstaking renovation by current owners Cody and Taylor Dahl transformed it into the stately and functional law offices of Taylor R. Dahl and Associates.
The Conroy Place - Constructed at the turn of the 20th century, this hip-roofed gem was once the home of the John Joseph Conroy, Sr., family. After being purchased by Hubert Griffey in 1974, its upper floor became a real estate office while its downstairs was used as an apartment. New owners Ladonna and Michael Dowdy embarked on a comprehensive renovation, and they now house their business, Dowdy Roy Financial, on the upper floor. The downstairs serves as a cozy space to host out-of-town business partners during the week,
while operating as a warm, welcoming Airbnb on the weekends.
Tip Top - Arguably Clarksville’s most storied and recognized family home, this columned Greek Revival was built to impress in 1859. Sitting on the highest crest in Clarksville at that time, Tip Top was built for wealthy tobacconist Joseph Williams and was notably occupied by Union officers during the Civil War. It later became home to the Dunlop family, who sold it in 1908 to Tennessee Governor Malcolm Patterson for use as a summer home. It was then purchased by Joseph Trahern, who passed it on to his Patch family descendants. Elwyn and Rubye Patch raised their family in the historic home, replete with 14-foot ceilings, seven working fireplaces, and portraits of erstwhile ancestors in nearly every room. Today Tip Top is occupied by daughter Margaret Patch Ward and her husband Jim, whose extensive renovations have brought stunning style and modern convenience to the mansion – without sacrificing a smidgeon of historic heritage.
Trinity Episcopal Church - First constructed in 1835, the original building was demolished in 1873, and a new one was completed in 1877. Victorian-Gothic in style, it’s one of the five oldest Episcopal parishes in Tennessee and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. For nearly a century-and-a-half, Trinity Church and its Rectory have supported Clarksville families by facilitating rites of passage and hosting memorable events like the afternoon reception that followed the December tour.
The Tour Committee is grateful to James Neville Vickers, who not only proposed the idea of a post-event reception but provided the refreshments. Attendees lingered over finger foods, Clarksville’s famous “Fuss Cookies,” hot spiced tea, and a variety of wines courtesy of Beachaven Winery. One lucky attendee won the reception door prize, an original framed painting of a poinsettia generously donated by artist Kitty Harvill.
Participant Debbie Underwood has fond memories of attending local events like this one in the past, and says the tour provided the perfect venue for friends to gather during the busy holiday season.
“I loved that I got to visit with so many people I haven’t seen for a while,” she says. “It was nice that there were enough styles and tastes on the tour to satisfy everyone, and the fact that it was self-guided allowed everyone to enjoy each home at their own pace.”
Debbie added that she hopes this is the beginning of a trend here in Clarksville. “I definitely don’t want to
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The Dozier House
wait another 25 years to do this again.” She’s in luck: Louisa Cooke, one of the event organizers, says, “We plan to grow this, and hope to offer similar events moving forward – maybe as early as this spring.”
In addition, the Preservation Coalition has and will continue to provide information about local preservation issues through public meetings and email distributions.
Send your name and email to mc.preservation.coalition@gmail.com to receive meeting notices and updates on issues.
Preservation Coalition Director Jennifer Rudolph adds that through continued partnerships with both the Arts & Heritage Council and the Montgomery County Historical Society, “we’re working toward preventing ‘demolition by neglect,’ which has happened far too often in our city’s history.”
To do so, they want to offer greater guidance and grant money to those wishing to purchase and restore a historic home, and to advocate for stronger protection of historic structures and places.
As the December Historic Homes Tour proved, preserving pieces of our past is a bright – and beautiful – idea.
Bird Dozier Petersen, Joel Wallace & Sissy Dozier Rankin
Joe Filippo and Carmen Reagan
The Kimbrough-Denton House
The Kimbrough-Denton House
The Kimbrough-Denton House
Tip Top
The Judge Tyler House - “The Pearl”
Black History Month
Every February, Black History Month invites us to reflect on the incredible contributions of Black Americans to the fabric of our nation. It’s a time to recognize not just the struggles they have endured but the triumphs that have profoundly shaped American history and enriched our shared culture. For those who love this country, this month serves as a powerful reminder of the ideals we strive toward: liberty, justice, and opportunity for all.
In the words of Frederick Douglass, “If there is no struggle, there is no progress.” These words echo across generations, speaking to the resilience of a people who have faced unimaginable adversity and emerged stronger, leaving an indelible mark on our nation. Black History Month is not about dividing us into categories but reminding us of the ways we are united through a shared heritage and a common destiny.
America is not a perfect nation, but the beauty of our history lies in its capacity for growth. By learning about the contributions of Black Americans, we don’t rewrite history, we enrich it. We see more clearly the sacrifice, the ingenuity, and the faith that have driven our country forward.
Few figures embody the spirit of freedom like Frederick Douglass. Born into slavery, Douglass overcame staggering odds to teach himself to read and write, eventually escap-
Honoring the Legacy of Courage, Perseverance, & Progress
by Linda Austin
ing to freedom. He became one of the greatest orators and abolitionists of his time, fighting tirelessly for the end of slavery and for the equality promised in America’s founding documents.
Nearly a century after Douglass, the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. carried the torch of justice into a new era. Dr. King challenged the nation to live up to its highest ideals, a vision of a country where people are judged not by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.
Dr. King’s leadership in the Civil Rights Movement brought real change, including the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, but his greatest legacy may be the moral clarity he brought to a divided nation, reminding us that justice is not a gift from the government but a right given by God.
While figures like Douglass and Dr. King loom large in history, Black Americans have contributed to every field imaginable, from science and medicine to art and business. Their achievements reflect not just individual excellence but a collective spirit of perseverance that embodies the American dream.
Booker T. Washington, born a slave, rose to become an educator, founder of the Tuskegee Institute, and an advocate for self-reliance and economic empowerment.
George Washington Carver transformed agriculture, prov-
ing that even the humblest beginnings can lead to groundbreaking contributions.
Harriet Tubman, the “Moses” of her people, risked her life to lead others to freedom, proving that courage is the foundation of leadership.
Dr. Charles Drew pioneered methods for storing blood plasma, saving countless lives and laying the foundation for modern blood banks.
Katherine Johnson, a brilliant mathematician, calculated trajectories for NASA’s early space missions, including John Glenn’s historic orbit, proving that science knows no gender or color.
Garrett Morgan invented the traffic signal and a safety hood, a precursor to the gas mask, innovations that continue to save lives today.
Madam C.J. Walker, the first self-made female millionaire in America, created a line of hair care products that empowered black women and set a precedent for entrepreneurship. Maya Angelou, poet and author, gave voice to the Black experience in works like I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, inspiring generations with her wisdom and courage.
Reginald F. Lewis, one of the first Black billionaires, built a global business empire and shattered stereotypes about Black excellence in the corporate world.
Thurgood Marshall, the first Black Supreme Court Justice, fought for civil rights and justice, paving the way for generations to come.
Barack Obama, as the first Black president of the United
States, inspired hope and symbolized the power of perseverance and leadership.
These individuals, and countless others, remind us of the boundless potential within each person to contribute to the greater good.
At its core, Black History Month is a celebration of what makes America exceptional and great: resilience, creativity, courage, and the desire to make the world a better place. It reminds us that progress is possible, even in the face of unimaginable challenges. By appreciating the contributions of Black Americans, we honor their achievements, and most importantly, the indomitable spirit of what it means to be an American. After all, the spirit of Black history is ingrained into the beautiful fabric of America’s story.
Managing Clarksville’s Growth (Part 2)
As the interview continued, David “Buck” Dellinger, President/CEO of the Clarksville-Montgomery County Economic Development Council, used IKEA as a hypothetical. “Say they announce they want to build three stores in the U.S. next year,” Dellinger said. “Someone has to go out and make a deal with them. There might be 100 Market-Approved communities, now these places have to compete.
“They have questions; how will my access be, will you build this or that for me, how is the power coming in, what about the landscaping, who will put in the pavement. They’re going to look at the cost of building, and they are looking for the community to help defray part of that cost.”
Dellinger explains why it’s a big deal to recruit regional retail. “So, that means you’re not just serving your own community. Now you’re attracting people from other communities to come here and shop. Every time another Publix or Kroger comes in, they are actually cannibalizing the current grocery stores. They’re not building additional sales in the market. E.g., now I drive five minutes to the store instead of fifteen. With an IKEA the sales tax revenues are a big deal. The local sales tax option means 2-1/2% of that money stays in the community. Most of that goes to the school system. It helps fund the growth of our schools, and that’s a big deal. So, increasing tax revenue with regional sales tax is something we seek to do.”
Dellinger shared the statistics that show tourism puts Montgomery County at number 9 out of 95 counties in the state of Tennessee. “But, we are the first county in the lineup that doesn’t have a true destination. The
counties around Nashville are ahead of us, and in Knoxville, you have Sevier and Blount, then Chattanooga and Memphis with Hamilton and Shelby counties. So, that’s pretty good.”
Dellinger praised our sports marketing team. “They are fantastic. We’re going to have upwards of 60 sports marketing events in our community, and these are things that most people don’t see. You might laugh but the corn-hole regional championships were here last April, and we have hockey. Two weeks ago we had the Junior College women’s volleyball championships that brought in the top 16 teams from 10 different states. All the teams, all the families, were here from Tuesday to Saturday. That’s a lot of revenue. For every dollar spent in a hotel, we get $1.50 spent on retail, eating out and other sundries while they are here.”
Dellinger discussed Tax Incremental Finance (TIF) districts. “We have three of them that are moving the needle. All of the construction around this building, the 55,000 sf. retail upgrade at the hotel, the Vulcan property, and the other multi-family development that’s coming up, all that is related to TIF districts.
“We’re taking land that is difficult to develop or land that needs a first-mover, - someone to come build a Class A multi-family building with 100 – 200 units, when everyone else is going to say what are the comps. That first-mover is the one who takes all the risks for projects on difficult land. We are in a flood zone area ,and it’s very dense downtown, that makes it more expensive to build.
“On the Vulcan property, which was formerly industrial, it has its own challenges. All the development downtown is being spurred by being in these TIF districts. The phrase we use is ‘rooftops lead retail’.
Story and Photo by Tony Centonze
Downtown Parking Garage
Retail works, but it becomes sustainable when you have people living in a downtown area who are visiting the retail on a daily rather than an episodic basis.”
Dellinger talked about plans to bring 1,000 rooftops into our downtown corridor, with grocery, retail, and boutiques. “All that works, but not to its fullest potential, until you have a living daily population that can make it sustainable.
“We have a 160-unit project, Vulcan will be 320. There are others we can’t talk about. Go to Dog Hill and cross Crossland Avenue, there are some nice little 2-story town-homes being built. They have great views, and we are connecting them with the Clarksville Greenway. People are walking, and those rooftops are close enough to downtown for folks to use the restaurants and shopping centers that is being planned. The new city garage is gorgeous, and it has the bridge to Franklin Street, and that’s huge. That bridge and these 500 spaces are going to make that all so much more convenient.”
Dellinger says industrial park, downtown development, and tourism development are the three big drivers right now. The Economic Development Council includes the Tourism Department, the Chamber of Commerce, the Industrial Development Board and the Industrial Development team. “The board is appointed,” Dellinger said. “It is comprised of folks from the city and county who approve what we do. Josh Ward and his team are the staff in the conomic Development Council who are doing the work.
“F&M Bank Arena put us on the map in a lot of ways. We think it’s a key performance indicator, how many people are visiting the arena daily, and those numbers are looking great. Hockey, Austin Peay State University basketball, concerts, the rodeo, etc. We can track where those people are coming from, what they’re spending, etc. We’re still figuring out all that data. We are trying to figure out where we are, where we should be, and how to continue that growth.” Dellinger says F&M Bank Arena is another entity that is moving the needle in a big way. “As we go through the year we’ll have more data. It’s helping out restaurants. When APSU basketball moved into the arena, the Dunn Center became available. That does two things, it helps APSU with exposure recruitment and income, and it helps our hotel/motel economy.
“We have an advocate that works with us now. We’re working with the city and county on whatever interest there is in expanding our transportation. Most of our overused roads are state roads, so, we’re at their mercy, and on their timeline. Until we can get Trenton Rd. widened, expand the interstate, and expand Rossview Rd. on the East side - until those are completed we will continue to be constrained.”
Dellinger admits that his foot is on the brake a little. “That’s for a couple of reasons. Our workforce capacity needs to stay in line with the jobs we are creating. We can’t set these companies up for failure, and transportation is bottle-necked. What isn’t bot-
tle-necked is our utilities. We know our water, power and sanitary systems will have to grow in the next ten years, but in general our utilities are good.”
The good news is the state is aware of our transportation network constraints. Mile marker 12 to the state line is in TDOT’s 10-year plan to be expanded, along with Trenton Road. “So, our Representatives are very important right now, including Congressman Mark Green and Senators Blackburn and Hagerty. I was recently in D.C. talking about what we need, and these folks are working on it.
“These are things the city and county can’t handle by themselves, even though they are committing as many dollars as they can to do our part and make these projects more attractive to the state. The other thing is housing. A new housing study just came out. We need to create I think 1,500 houses over the next five years. “Jeff Tyndall and the Regional Planning Commission are working with us to make sure we have enough lots and enough multi-family developments planned to support the growth. We are in-sync to stay on pace with housing. “Low-income housing tax credit projects have been recruited. One new project will open in July of this year. It’s housing that’s available through federal grants and other developers at a less-than-market rental rate, for those making less than 60% of AMI. These are good things for the community. We have more than a dozen of these across the county, and we continue to compete for those.”
Before coming to this position, Dellinger was Chief of staff with the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell. Colonel Dellinger served as Fort Campbell’s Garrison Commander for three years, during which time he worked with Mayors Bowers, Durrett, and McMillan, as well as other local leadership.
“After that, I went to Nashville and worked in public housing and development housing for four years, so I learned all the techniques and tactics for that,” Dellinger said. “We don’t want to be Nashville. We have our own value system. When Nashville started their growth spurt 25 years there were some things there that were really good for the community. We are in that same place now, where they were 25 years ago. When you go to Huntsville, AL, Greenville, SC, those communities were 10 – 15 years behind them.
“We are an exurb of Nashville. We have our own MSA (Market Support Area). We are experiencing a lot of people moving from Rutherford County and Nashville. Every month I talk to Mark Holleman and Lawson Mabry who tell me an inventory of 1,500 on the real estate market is a good place to be from a supply and demand perspective.
“We’ve also had a lot of multi-family approved, and all that infill that is taking place. The Mayors are doing a good job of managing all this. Growth brings more revenue, and more commercial revenue which is assessed at a rate of 40% vs residential’s 25%. More commercial means you outpace the cost to the community. I’m extremely positive about Clarksville’s future.”
Stained Glass WORKSHOP
There is never a shortage of opportunities for learning and creativity at downtown Clarksville’s ArtLink. Stained glass workshops are one of the popular offerings that are open to anyone interested in picking up a new skill. Though there are a lot of steps, e.g., sketching, cutting, painting, assembling, glazing, and more, Emily Worrick can guide you through the process.
Worrick is a second-generation stained glass artist, who is proud to carry on the legacy of her grandmother, Cher Tuskey, an artist who has been honing her craft at Stained Glass Works for over 40 years.
“Growing up surrounded by the vibrant colors and intricate designs of stained glass, I developed a deep passion for this unique art form,” Worrick said. “The joy of transforming light and glass into something both functional and beautiful is a connection I cherish, and it drives me to continue her legacy of craftsmanship and creativity. Through my work, I aim to honor the tradition she helped build while also forging my own path within the world of stained glass artistry.”
In addition to creating her own pieces under the name “Refracted Rays”, Worrick finds great fulfillment in sharing her knowledge with others.
“I teach stained glass workshops where participants can experience the process of creating their own sun-catchers from start to finish,” Worrick said. “These workshops are a fantastic opportunity to dive into the craft, whether you’re a beginner or have some experience.
“Classes typically last 2-3 hours, and you leave with a one-of-a-kind piece to display. To sign up, simply visit www.artlink.com select the stained glass workshop tab, and choose your desired date. It’s a wonderful way to learn and create something truly special while connecting with a community that appreciates the beauty and skill of stained glass.”
Ashley Sidebottom
Mike McDonald
Contributed by Emily Worrick
Melinda Draper
Teresa Lee
Contributed by Emily Worrick
Emily Worrick
Heather Cheatham
Wintertime Soup-er Stars
By Linda Austin
On a cold winter day, a delicious bowl of warm thick homemade soup can feel like a hug for your soul. These recipes are going to be like bear hugs from an Italian Nonna and a Texas cowboy. The best part is, you can meal prep into portions to freeze and warm up on those days you don’t feel like cooking.
Italian Zuppa Toscana Soup
Ingredients
1 lb Italian mild sausage
4 slices bacon, chopped,
1 small onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
4 cups chicken broth
3 cups kale chopped (or spinach for the kale-averse)
3 medium potatoes thinly sliced
1 cup heavy cream
salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1) In a large pot, cook the sausage over medium heat until browned. Remove and set aside.
2) In the same pot, cook the bacon until crispy. Add the onion and garlic, cooking until fragrant.
3) Pour in chicken broth, scraping the bottom to deglaze. Add potatoes and bring to a boil.
4) Reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender (about 10 minutes).
5) Stir in cooked sausage, kale, and heavy cream. Simmer another 5 minutes.
6) Season with salt and pepper, serve hot and prepare for compliments.
Classic Beef Stew
Ingredients
2 lbs beef chuck cut into 1-inch cubes
3 tbsp flour
2 tbsp olive oil
1 large onion chopped
3 garlic cloves minced
4 cups beef broth
1 cup red wine (optional, but who skips wine?)
3 carrots sliced
2 potatoes diced
2 stalks celery sliced
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp thyme
1 bay leaf
salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1) Toss beef cubes in flour with a pinch of salt and pepper. Heat oil in a large pot and sear beef in batches until browned. Remove and set aside.
2) In the same pot, sauté onions and garlic until fragrant. Add tomato paste and stir.
3) Pour in wine (or broth if skipping), scraping up browned bits. Return beef to the pot.
4) Add broth, carrots, potatoes, celery, thyme, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil.
5) Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours until beef is tender.
6) Remove bay leaf, adjust seasoning, and serve with crusty bread.
CALENDAR
February
9 sunday
Super Smash Bros UltimateUnsanctioned
February 9th | 12:00pm to 3:00pm
Price: $10
Super Smash Bros Ultimate. Cash Prizes Tournament. Cash prizes are dictated by the number of entries. Tournament play will start at 1:00pm. Bring your own controller.
Graceful Gaming
1507B Fort Campbell Boulevard, Clarksville, TN
11 tuesday
Tuesday Trivia w/Joe Padula
February 11th, 18th, 25th | March 4th, 11th | 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Think you’re the smartest one in the room? Prove it at Trivia Tuesdays with the one and only Joe Padula, starting at 7:00pm! Get ready for an evening of brain-busting questions, hilarious banter, and of course, Joe’s signature phrase: “Absolutely!” Cash prizes are up for grabs, so bring your A-game (and maybe that one friend who knows way too much about obscure movie quotes).
Come early to fuel up with our award-winning menu—because nothing says “trivia champion” like wings, burgers, and Irish nachos from Clarksville’s Ultimate Fun Pub. Don’t worry, we won’t judge if you need liquid courage from the bar. So round up your crew, flex those mental muscles, and join us for a night of laughs, food, and fun. Be there—or regret it while scrolling through everyone else’s victory photos on Wednesday morning. Absolutely!
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 to 4:00pm
Our model train exhibit is open daily, and themes change every season – so stick around, because you never know what they’ll have in store next.
Customs House
200 South Second Street | Clarksville, TN
13 thursday
Galentine’s at Beachaaven February 13th | 5:00pm to 8:00pm
Price: Free
Rowdy Patch will be on site for custom trucker hats and Pigtails & Crewcuts will be providing hair tinsel!
We will have happy hour pricing, raffle prizes, and a chance to win a $100 gift card to the winery. Grab your girls for a fun night of wine and shopping!
This is a free event!
Beachhaven Vineyards and Winery
1100 Dunlop Lane | Clarksville, TN
14 friday
A Streetcar Named Desire
February 14th, 15th, 20th, 21st, 22nd | 7:00pm February 16th, 22nd, 23rd | 2:00pm
Tickets: $35 (adults) and $15 (10 and under)
Fading Southern belle Blanche DuBois moves to New Orleans where her sister Stella and her brother-in-law Stanley Kowalski barely live above squalor in the French Quarter.
The play reveals to the very depths of Blanche, a woman whose life has been undermined by her romantic illusions, which lead her to reject—so far as possible—the realities of life with which she is faced and which she consistently ignores.
The pressure brought to bear upon her by her sister and intensified by the earthy and extremely “normal” young husband of the latter, leads to a revelation of her tragic self-delusion and, in the end, to madness.
Roxy Regional Theatre
100 Franklin Street | Clarksville, TN
Valentine’s Day at Hooper Bowling
February 14th | 5:00pm to 8:30pm
Couples Special: $30
Celebrate love and “STRIKE” up some fun this Valentine’s Day! Join us at Hooper Bowling Center for a special evening filled with good times, great deals, and love in the air.
Hooper Bowling Center
5380 Kentucky Avenue | Fort Campbell, KY
15 Saturday
Martini Night
February 15th | 6:00pm
Tickets $50
Treat your valentine to an unforgettable evening, featuring libations at 6:00pm followed by the 7:00pm performance of Tennessee Williams’ A Streetcar Named Desire!
Ticket includes two martinis and the show. Please RSVP by Monday, February 10th.
Roxy Regional Theatre
100 Franklin Street | Clarksville, TN
Anti Valentine’s Day Party
February 15th | 10:00pm to 3:00am
Not today, Cupid! We’re going Anti-Valentine’s Day on Saturday, February 15th. Join us upstairs in the Taproom for drink specials and music from DJ Chemical X. Doors open at 10:00pm. No cover charge. Must be 21+ to enter.
Blackhorse Taproom
132 Franklin Street | Clarksville, TN
Bikers Who Care Valentine’s Party
February 15th | 7:00pm
Coast: $10 per person | $15 per couple
Join us for a Valentine Party! Everyone is welcome. Live DJ playing your favorite dance tunes. Food & Snacks.
Bikers Who Care
201 Providence Boulevard | Clarksville, TN
Black Tie Ball
February 15th | 5:00pm
Tickets: $70
Come out and have a good time with the Local Buffalo Soldiers.
Join the Local Buffalo Soldiers for an unforgettable evening at the Black Tie Ball on February 15th at 5:00pm. Enjoy a night of elegance, camaraderie, and entertainment while supporting a meaningful cause.
Quality Inn Exit 4
3095 Wilma Rudolph Boulevard | Clarksville, TN
16 Sunday
Sunday Studio: Painting with Sarah Spillers
February 16th | 2:00pm | Third Sunday of each month | Ages 16+
Free, with registration required; does not include Customs House 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 celebrating Valentine’s Day by painting love-bird
flamingos. Perfect for couples or friends, each will paint a flamingo and when put together, form a heart. This workshop is FREE, and all materials are included. Register today at www. customshousemuseum.org
Customs House
200 South Second Street | Clarksville, TN
18 tuesday
Valentine Heart Mugs Clay Workshop
February 18th | 6:00pm to 7:30pm Prices #45+tax | Ages 10+ | Pre-Registration Reguired
Looking for a unique VALENTINE’S activity? What could be more fun than making your own mug starting from a ball of clay? Call the studio at 931.503.3024 or stop in to register. Spots are limited, so sign up today!
Slab-building pottery is one of the three most commonly used methods of making ceramics (the others being a potter’s wheel and coilbuilding).
Participants taking the class will learn the basic techniques required to create a clay mug.
What’s included: Cost of the class includes class instruction, clay to complete a project, firing in the kiln and returning to paint after 2 weeks.
The Pottery Room
110 Needmore Road | Clarksville, TN
20 Thursday
Storytime & Craft: Love Your Pet
February 20th | 10:30am | All ages, with adult Free with membership or paid admission | Family Art Studio
Join us for a fun-filled Storytime & Craft session! We’ll kick things off with the delightful books Some Pets by Angela DiTerlizzi and Not
That Pet! by Smriti Prasadam-Halls—two charming stories that explore the joys and surprises of having pets.
After the stories, kids will get creative as they make their very own Paper Plate Pets! Choose to create a cat or dog face and bring your furry friend to life with fun art supplies.
*All parents are expected to participate with and supervise their children.
Customs House
200 South Second Street | Clarksville, TN
22 saturday
Surrender of Clarksville
February 22nd | 10:00am to 3:00pm
Join us for a living history event that brings 1862 to life, commemorating the surrender of Clarksville and Fort Defiance during the Civil War. Experience the sights and sounds of the past with uniformed soldiers, cannon-firing demonstrations, and immersive storytelling. Don’t forget to explore our indoor exhibit and watch the powerful film “Crossroads of Change.”
Fort Defiance Civil War Park
120 Duncan Street | Clarksville, TN
Jubilee - A Celebration of Black History
February 22nd | 1:00pm to 4:00pm
Jubilee-Celebrating Black History is an event dedicated to celebrating the rich history, culture, accomplishments, and achievements of African Americans in Clarksville and beyond.
This event will feature a variety of performers, artists, and local historians, all coming together to highlight the significance of Black history and culture.
The goal of this event is to honor the legacy of African Americans and create a space for community members to come together to learn, share, and celebrate. The event is free and open to the public, inviting all to participate in this powerful celebration.
Clarksville-Montgomery County Public Library
350 Pageant Lane | Clarksville, TN
Family Art Saturday: Tissue paper collaged mittens
February 22nd | 10:00am to 12 pm & 2:00pm to 4:00pm | Ages 3+, with adult Free with membership or paid admission | Family Art Studio
Join us for Family Art Saturday, a fun and creative event for kids and families! In this hands-on craft session, families will work together to make colorful tissue paper collaged mittens.
This simple, yet creative activity will inspire imagination and teamwork as everyone adds their unique touch to their mittens.
*All parents are expected to participate with and supervise their children.
Customs House
200 South Second Street | Clarksville, TN
22 saturday
Cumberland Winds: Songs without Words
February 28th | 7:00pm
Tickets $20
Join us for the Cumberland Winds’ fifth annual Black History program titled “Songs Without Words: Traditional American Spirituals and Folk Songs.” This event will feature the Cumberland Winds Quintet in a wonderful program consisting of folk songs and spirituals from the heart of the Americas to honor Black History Month.
Charming and moving chamber music by Florence Price, William Grant Still and more will be the order of the day at the Roxy Regional Theatre on this special evening.
Roxy Regional Theatre
100 Franklin Street | Clarksville, TN
March
15 saturday
ClarksvilleCon
March 15th | 10:00am to 5:00pm
Price: $20 | Kids under 11 are FREE - 1 kid per adult
ClarksvilleCon is a collectors’ mecca convention located in the beautiful City of Clarksville, Tennessee.
Striving to be Tennessee’s best and truest comic convention featuring fandoms of multiple genres.
As a long-time collector of comics and pop culture items the promoter brings Tennessee an event that will satisfy any fandom!
ClarksvilleCon will have over 100 exhibitors that cater to a wide-spectrum of interests including: comic books, magazines, toys, video games, movies, wrestling, sci-fi, sports cards, anime manga, cosplay, artwork sketches and apparel. Get tickets at www.clarksvillecon.com
Quality Inn Exit 4
3095 Wilma Rudolph Boulevard | Clarksville, TN
Submit your event to events@clarksvillelivingmag.com by the15th of the month for the next issue.
