America’s celebration of the New Year is a vibrant expression of hope and renewal. Across the nation, from Times Square in New York City to Clarksville’s Downtown Commons, millions gather to watch fireworks, attend parties, and participate in countdowns.
For many, it’s a moment to reflect on the past and embrace the possibilities of a fresh start. The symbolism of new beginnings resonates deeply, especially in a booming area like middle Tennessee, where the energy of progress and ambition is palpable.
In the streets of booming cities, optimism is evident. Young professionals chase dreams, entrepreneurs launch ventures, and communities come together to celebrate shared milestones. The American spirit— defined by a belief in reinvention and possibility— shines brightest during this time of year.
While challenges exist, the collective mindset is one of hope, reflecting the nation’s enduring resilience. As fireworks light up the sky, it’s a reminder that no matter the hurdles, the promise of a brighter tomorrow is always within reach.
As we welcome the new year, we at Clarksville Living Magazine want to extend our warmest wishes to our readers, contributors, and partners. May this year bring you unparalleled success, abundant prosperity, and endless joy in every endeavor.
We look forward to continuing this journey with you in the year ahead. Let’s embrace new opportunities, celebrate milestones, and build a brighter future. Here’s to a year filled with growth, creativity, and shared success. Thank you for being part of our community, and cheers to a remarkable new year!
Tony, Mark, and Linda
P.S. And, speaking of new beginnings – I want to say welcome to my grandniece, Annie, and congratulations to my nephew Daniel and his wife Ashley.
This solve month's find-a-word puzzle.
Find the following words in the puzzle. Words are hidden g i and m
Managing Clarksville’s Growth (Part 1)
Clarksville-Montgomery County is one of the fastest growing communities in America for a variety of reasons, including available land, cost of that land, Tennessee’s friendly tax structure, the strengths of our work force, etc. As we enter 2025, still riding high on a wave of growth and prosperity that has had dramatic effects on this community, both good and bad, we sat down with David “Buck” Dellinger, President/CEO of the Clarksville-Montgomery County Economic Development Council.
Upon entering Dellinger’s downtown office, I found him standing next to a window that overlooks a multiblock swath of the city that contains the new F&M Bank Arena, the newly renovated Double Tree by Hilton Clarksville, and several lots that are currently in development.
“That’s the site of the new county garage, which will be comparable size-wise (500+ parking spots) to the city garage that just opened,” Dellinger said. “Once that’s done construction will begin on what is now the parking area in front of the hotel. It will be turned into a 50,000 sf retail space, a plaza/market area featuring one or two stories of retail and restaurants, similar to 5th and Broadway across from Bridgestone Arena in Nashville.”
The first topic of discussion was the industrial park that sits on the northern border of Montgomery County. Dellinger says that, area-wise, the industrial park is equal in size to the city of Mt. Juliet.
“Since June 2021, some big things have happened, two
of which that have really driven change. We were able to buy the Allensworth property, which added about 420 acres of contiguous land to our industrial park, with great power and water access. That helped us bring in LG Chem, which is bringing in at least 200 6-figure engineering jobs, 800 employees in total, and of those, another 200 highly technical positions that with overtime will become 6-figure jobs.”
According to Dellinger, from a salary perspective LG Chem moved the needle for Clarksville-Montgomery County in a big way. He also said negotiations with Hankook have led to plans for phase 2 and phase 3 of that company. Once completed, the new phases will take Hankook to more than 2,100 employees locally.
Dellinger continued, “These types of jobs are highly technical, so there will be training through the companies, along with TCAT (TN College of Applied Technology) and APSU (Austin Peay State University) and all our education and workforce development partners. We are going to add a lot of opportunities for very good salaries within our community.
“Amazon is coming in with 1,500 – 1,900 jobs; I negotiated that one, and right across the street, we brought in FedEx with 300 new jobs. Since 2021, we’ve added 5,000 jobs to our community, which will all be here by 2030. And they’re all good-paying jobs, like Kewpie Mayonnaise, a Japanese company.
“We know jobs are important, but right now we have a tremendous amount of companies from around the world looking at our community, and moving forward we only want jobs that are gong to move the needle,
Continues on page 6
Story and Photos by Tony Centonze
David “Buck” Dellinger
and make salaries more attractive for our community.”
Local leadership’s goal is to create competitive salaries that will encourage college graduates and soldiers leaving the military to stay in the community, not move away for better paying jobs.
“In November 2023, we went to South Korea with TCAT APSU, Workforce Essentials, and Nashville State,” Dellinger said. “We took representatives there to meet with our partner companies and talk to them about how to integrate their training and their needs into our workforce and our workforce training pipeline. That’s all in an effort to keep workers flowing into these businesses that we’re recruiting.
“We have a great Korean team, people who live here and who are related to the military. For instance, Terri Jalinsky is a great partner. We took her with us to help navigate through the community, but also she is a great ambassador for the US, the state of Tennessee, and this community. She is such a great personality that it puts everyone at ease. She’ll be talking to CEO’s of LG Chem, LG Electronics, Hankook, like she has known them all her life.
“So, that’s a lot of what is happening in the industrial park, and that’s great for our community. When you include mile marker “8” to the Kentucky state line, that’s about seven miles, and it’s about three miles wide. From Jim Johnson Road all the way down Guthrie Highway, roughly, we are somewhere between twenty and twenty-four square miles of industrial park. For perspective, Mt. Juliet is 24 square miles.”
Dellinger says that for the larger industrial pieces, probably 90% of our prospects come through the state funnel, and that’s one of the reasons Clarksville is a big deal.
“What makes us special from a national or global perspective is what Tennessee does,” Dellinger said. “So, Tennessee is the first magnet. When people, businesses, and industries are looking nationally and internationally, they start with Tennessee, the Carolinas, Florida, Texas, and Georgia. Those are the areas that they look at first.
4,400 soldiers every year. So that’s about 1,500 soldiers a year, more than 100 a month who stay in Clarksville-Montgomery County.” Determining factors for separating soldiers include job and education availability, affordable housing, etc. With the changes in the real estate market over the last several years, many realize that ‘house for the money’ and overall cost of living in Clarksville stacks up pretty well against other parts of the country.
“So, why move?” Dellinger said. “It’s affordable, and we have a great school system. Clarksville is a good fit for these folks, by a long shot.”
While almost everyone is enjoying the positive benefits of CMC’s rapid growth, there are questions about the sustainability of that rate of growth. Proper growth management is certainly a sliding scale.
“We’ve got our foot on the brake a little bit,” Dellinger said. “We have to catch up with these 5,000 new jobs by 2030, and that’s just the jobs we’re creating. Our success does allow us to be more selective. We may have as many as seventy companies looking at Clarksville right now. We’ve submitted offers on about 40% of those – that’s just on the industrial, national or international recruitment.
“We work with big industrial companies, Trane, Lg, Lg Chem, OEM suppliers for vehicles, Fed Ex and Amazon. Then you have businesses that come here because it’s a good market, and it just works. Whataburger, Walmart, Aldi, Publix, are all looking at it from a different perspective, as the community continues to grow it becomes a great fit for them.
“Company leadership want to see what properties/ communities are best for them, and then a lot of them end up in middle Tennessee. There is a great attraction for Nashville and the great quality of life in middle Tennessee. Then they ask, what’s the status of the workforce - the utilities, where is the available land, then they end up in Clarksville.
“We are able to maintain 36% of the soldiers who are leaving the Army from Fort Campbell, that’s about
“The space that we are now in, because we’ve grown to over 200,000 people and our median income has now risen to a certain level, is called ‘market approved’. We are attractive to almost every type of retail business out there. We were on the edge of that approval when I arrived in 2021.
“We’re not at the high end of market approval, but we’re in the bandwidth. Our median income is still a little bit lower than we would like it to be. We are talking to lots of companies right now, but we have non-disclosure agreements, so I cant give you any names.”
All this information came during the first sixteen minutes of a forty-five-minute conversation. Dellinger shared much more on managing our growth, working with other local leaders to make the process as painless as possible, and other challenges and concerns that are being addressed.
So, please look for Part 2 of this article in Clarksville Living Magazine’s February issue.
David “Buck” Dellinger
DAR 110th Anniversary
DAR Chapter Regent Marie Tillman welcomed Clarksville Mayor Joe Pitts, Montgomery County Mayor Wes Golden, MG (Ret.) Walt Lord and APSU Professor Emeritus Dr. Dewey Browder, along with other special guests, as the local Captain William Edmiston Chapter DAR celebrated its 110th anniversary
After welcome comments, Tillman and her team opened the meeting with a prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, the American’s Creed, and the preamble to the U.S. Constitution. This ritual was concluded with a salute to the flag of Tennessee.
DAR TN State Regent Emily Robinson addressed the audience, saying, “I bring you greetings on behalf of the more than 6,800 members of the TN Society DAR. Congratulations to each of the members of the Captain William Edmiston Chapter on the celebration of your 110th anniversary. For 110 years, your chapter has worked together to achieve the DAR objective of historic preservation, education, and patriotism.
”Tillman and Brenda Graham then presented Mayors Pitts and Golden, MG Lord – accepting for APSU President Dr. Michael Licari and Professor Browder accepting on behalf of MG Brian Winski, President and CEO of the Fort Campbell Historical Foundation with the DAR America 250 Commendation Medal and a certificate of recognition given to individuals and groups that have demonstrated extraordinary efforts to not only honor the men and women who have achieved American independence but also to educate others about their service and sacrifice.
Mayors Pitts and Golden then presented the local DAR Chapter with a joint proclamation, making November 7th, 2024 Captain William Edmiston Day.
County
Marie Tillman, DAR Chapter Regent
Montgomery
Mayor, Wes Golden, reads a joint proclamation
Mayors Golden & Pitts present DAR Chapter Regent Marie Tillman with a joint proclamation in honor of the Chapter’s 110th Anniversary
Jenkins & Wynne Ribbon Cutting
Don and Casey Jenkins recently hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the newest facility on Jenkins & Wynne’s 41acre complex, the only Ford Pro Elite Center in the state of Tennessee.
Casey Jenkins said, “This has been in the works for several years. We started talking about it when we realized the opportunity to serve owners of campers, heavy-duty vehicles, fleet vehicles, and businesses that have several vehicles. There is really nowhere for these companies to service their vehicles in a mass way. We’re the only one in town, and we’re the only Ford Pro Elite Center in the state of Tennessee.”
The new state-of-the-art center has 24 bays with capacity for more. This addition has shortened the wait time for people bringing vehicles to the main shop.
“We have moved 15 techs to the new building, and we still have 15 techs at the main shop,” Jenkins said. We’re very excited about this expansion. Our brand-new standalone Lincoln building finishes in January, and our collision expansion finishes at the end of December. We’re adding 15 additional bays, and that’s to keep up with capacity in Montgomery County.”
Also coming soon is a dedicated building for commercial fleet vehicle sales.
“We have been so blessed,” Jenkins said. “While we have almost 42 acres of capacity to serve this community and great facilities, it’s our people who truly make a difference. We are beyond blessed with the nearly 300 team members that work here.”
Montgomery County Mayor Wes Golden, Don Jenkins & Larry Schulz
Buck Dellinger, President, CEO of the Clarksville-Montgomery County Economic Development Council
Buck Dellinger & Mark Kelly
Jenkins & Wynne celebrates the opening of its new Ford Pro Elite Service Center
Jenkins & Wynne’s new Ford Pro Elite Service Center
Danny Taylor
Don Jenkins
Jenkins & Wynne celebrates the opening of its new Ford Pro Elite Service Center
Montgomery County Mayor Wes Golden
Education Foundation Bash to Benefit
The CMC Education Foundation recently held its fourth annual Bash to Benefit, a fundraiser that provides dollars that are earmarked for many of CMCSS’s ancillary needs.
Clarksville-Montgomery County Education Foundation Executive Director, Robin Burton said, “The money we raise each year is used to fund things such as morale grants, class room grants for our teachers, our teacher’s warehouse, and things like big idea and great idea grants, academic awards such as teacher of the year, and other various needs as they arise.
“I am proud of this foundation because we are one of the largest in the state of Tennessee. We are established. We’ve been here for 40 years, and with that we’ve been able to do a lot to grow the foundation and offer a lot of support.”
The Education Foundation event included a casino night, with supporters winning raffle tickets and a chance for door prizes. There was also a silent auction featuring custom artwork by local artists and many items donated by local businesses. PSR Events handled all the set up and catering, The Foundation’s goal for the night was $30,000.
CMCSS Director of Schools, Dr. Jean Luna-Vedder said, “It is so heartwarming to see everyone who has come out to support our students and teachers. The CMC Education Foundation really helps fill the gaps of those needs in the classrooms, things that are above and beyond, that our teachers want to do. This enables so much, like our morale grants and those extra things our teachers need.”
Anita Greene & Tracy Bettencourt
Matt Vedder & Dr. Jean Luna-Vedder
Lexi & Jim Jobe
Tricia & John Wallace, Tina Augustine
Richette Cole, Haley Davis, Robin Burton & Teresa Richmond
Cody Browning & Kalli Harris
Chris & Caitlin Untiedt
Emily & Kate Medvecky
Emma Stewart, Tricia Partlow & Joey Beech
Kacey Hempel & Dee Colburn
Shannon & James Chalk
Building Beyond with Clarksville Academy Maynard Academic Center
On December 10th, 2024 a new era officially began at Clarksville Academy. Students, families, stakeholders and local dignitaries celebrated alongside school leadership as our city’s preeminent private independent school held a ribbon cutting ceremony for the newly constructed Maynard Academic Center, which is affectionately called the MAC.
Positioned along North 2nd Street, the beautiful new building boasts over 24,000 square feet. The sixteen classrooms within are designed and furnished with modern education in mind. Each classroom provides ample space for flexible classroom learning environments, substantial technology integration, and abundant safety features. Designed primarily to house upper school classes including Sciences, Math, History and World Languages, the building is also home to Fine Arts classrooms for all students grades PreK - 12.
Head of School Jennifer Hinote stated that faculty and students are settling into the new facility on campus that promises innovation, learning and growth for years to come. Student Body President, senior student Ella Childers shared that the opening of the MAC is a milestone for all current and future CA Cougars. Joe Maynard, the project’s lead donor, spoke of the meaningful purpose behind his family’s commitment to this building. “This is about legacy, not only for my family but for the Clarksville Academy family for generations to come.” Chairman of the Clarksville Academy Board of Trustees, Jay Smith expressed appreciation for everyone involved in the project as well as the Maynard family when he stated that the new building “is an investment in the lives we touch, the education we provide, and the excellence we foster”.
While the MAC building ushers in a new era, it also
continues the Clarksville Academy tradition of honoring the past to build the future. Within the main lobby of the building are two special spaces specifically for remembrance of school history. The Alumni Hallway features composite photos of every graduating class including the class of 2025, and the “Mr & Miss CA” Hallway honors the students chosen for this honor by faculty and staff since the school’s establishment in 1970.
Areas such as these specifically draw on the cherished connection to the past that provides the foundation for growth and excellence in the future of the school. These spaces, as well as many classrooms and other common areas, are sponsored by families, alumni, and donors who have supported this project. Guests at the event enjoyed the building ribbon cutting as well as individual ribbon cuttings for sponsored spaces and classrooms.
Clarksville Academy strives to be the most comprehensive college preparatory school in our area, offering students a unique blend of academic and athletic opportunities that utilize both the main campus at 710 North Second Street as well as the Athletic Complex on Highway 48/13. As our area’s oldest and largest private school, Clarksville Academy is now home to nearly 600 students in grades PreK - 12. Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and holding membership in the Tennessee Association of Independent Schools as well as the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association, Clarksville Academy strives to promote academic excellence, moral integrity, physical growth and civic responsibility. The opening of the Maynard Academic Center continues their pursuit of these goals in a new era of growth and expanding legacy.
For more information visit: www,clarksvilleacademy.com or follow on socials @cacougarstn
Story by Paige Eisemann
Clarksville Academy ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Maynard Academic Center. (Tony Centonze)
SeasonalFunAcrossClarksville
Clarksville celebrated the holiday season with a series of festive and community-driven events. The 4th Annual Holiday Bazaar showcased over 60 local vendors, emphasizing the importance of shopping small and supporting local businesses.
Meanwhile, Christmas on the Cumberland brought thousands together for a magical experience, featuring a German-inspired market, cultural performances, and a spectacular drone light show. The Turkeys for Troops event provided 1,500 turkeys to veterans and military families, with support from local businesses and volunteers.
Additionally, the annual Pass the Turkey 5K raised funds for local charities, and Small Business Saturday promoted downtown shopping through fun activities like Shop the Block Bingo. The holiday festivities culminated with the 65th Annual Christmas Parade, complete with marching bands, festive floats, and performances that brought the community together in celebration.
Scan the QR code for more details and photos of these events and others.
4th Annual Holiday Bazaar Christmas on the Cumberland
Turkeys for Troops Pass the Turkey
Bourbon & Businesses
Clarksville Social Club founder Danielle Stack keeps finding new ways to put together fun, interesting and beneficial business networking events. She recently hosted Bourbon & Business, an evening event at Skyline 500 Bar on the top level of Shelby’s Trio.
“Tonight, we’ve partnered with Shelby’s Trio and Leatherwood Distillery,” Stack said. “Everyone is getting samples of some great food and bourbon. I would say we had 50 or more people here so far tonight.
“We started in January 2024, and we’ve already hosted 20 or more events. We’re hearing great feedback from people who come to our events. It’s positive. They enjoy it, and we get a different set of people almost every time. We have some regulars, but we try to offer lunchtime and afternoon events. We’ve also hosted some breakfast events, but not as many came out for that one.
“It’s all about fellowship and being positive and just getting people together. There are lots of new businesses in town. This is a great way for business owners, old and new, to get to know each other.”
Danielle Stack, Stephanie Bilderback
Becky Diaz & Casey Haughenbury
Bri Baird, Laurel Judd & Terri Wilson
Jan Holleman & Chantal Tucker
Tiffany & Chad Sisson Davis Stack & Tim Johnson
Noel Night
The Customs House Museum & Cultural Center hosted its annual Noel Night, transforming the space into a festive haven for the community. Coinciding with the Downtown ArtWalk, the event offered free admission, drawing families and individuals of all ages for an evening of holiday cheer. Executive Director Frank Lott emphasized the event’s focus on highlighting local arts and crafts, celebrating the talent within Clarksville and Montgomery County.
The evening featured a live performance by Red River Breeze, whose holiday melodies created a warm and inviting atmosphere. Guests enjoyed complimentary hot chocolate and treats, while children engaged in crafting holiday keepsakes under the guidance of museum staff. The F&M Bank Huff & Puff Model Trains captivated visitors with their detailed designs, adding an element of nostalgia and wonder to the celebration.
Santa Claus made a special appearance, delighting children with photo opportunities and spreading holiday magic throughout the museum. Families explored exhibits, enjoying a relaxed and joyful start to the Christmas season. Noel Night provided a perfect blend of community spirit, creativity, and festive fun for all who attended the event.
Rhonda and Kevin Kennedy
Santa spending time with children.
Jack Mitchell and Frank Lott
Joe Filippo and Carmen Reagan
Laura Cagaoan and D.C. Thomas showcasing the Customs House Christmas Ornament inspired by Thomas’ painting.
Loaves & Fishes: A NIGHT OF HOPE
This year’s Loaves & Fishes Masquerade Dinner was attended by approximately 200 supporters of the organization, which each month serves nearly 5,000 hot meals and distributes more than 7,000 pounds of food to local pantries.
Guests at this year’s dinner, themed A Night of Hope, enjoyed live music, live and silent auctions, festive food and beverages, and messages of thanks to L&F’s many supporters. L&F Director John Durnell said, “Tonight, we celebrate the incredible impact each of you has made in nourishing the Clarksville community. Through your support, Loaves & Fishes is empowered to provide food, hope, and compassion to those who need it most.”
After Director Durnell shared the story of L&F’s humble beginnings, he directed everyone to the buffet. As guests finished dinner, it was time for keynote speaker Mike Burnette, Pastor of LifePoint Church. “I love what God is doing in our city,” Burnette said. “It’s through partnerships with great organizations, churches, local businesses, and individuals like you that we are able to make a real difference.”
Charlotte Bevard, Marie Chelette & Gina Patton
Lola Rebels & Mark Mosley Rashidah Leverett
Shannon & James Chalk Chantel & Jacob Dowell
Nancye Britton, Wendy Foster & Kim Santiago
Charlie Keen, Sally Peterson, Jeri Allensworth & Rhonda Davis
GoingDryin2025 WillYouBeFreeSpiritedThisJanuary
The concept of Dry January emerged from the organization Alcohol Change UK in 2012. Since then the idea has jumped the pond and in the US, as much as 35% of our population have followed suit. What is it and why is it important?
The idea of Dry January is to abstain from alcohol for the entire month and the purpose is to re- examine one’s relationship to alcohol and to re-engineer your body and mind around it.
From Dry January emerged the newest buzzword and trend among Generation Z called intermittent sobriety or practicing short periods of alcohol-free time (rather than abstinence for 30 days). Close to 61% of this group now view an alcoholic drink as a once- in a while treat. Gen Z is fueling the popular growth of the mocktail and zero-proof beverage industry, which has been growing steadily at 30% per year.
During the COVID pandemic, the (NIH) National Institute of Health saw the largest spike in alcohol consumption in 50 years. This followed an upward trend in drinking amount among older adults and a heavy drinking pattern among men and women ( 5 or more per day for men and 4 or more for women).
These statistics align with the promotional push for Dry January and intermittent sobriety as well as support the health initiative from the Center for Disease Controls (CDC) to lower drinking habits. The CDC warns that alcohol increases the risk of cancer in the
mouth, throat, esophagus, liver, colon and breast. Besides lowering your risk for these cancers, being alcohol- free can lead to better sleep, weight loss and more energy.
If you take part in Dry January, you will probably experience a 75% success rate by following these tips :
Find a substitute non- alcoholic drink. Sparkling water, soda or mocktails can fill in when you’re craving that happy-hour go-to drink. There are also non-alcoholic beers and wines available but you will need to watch the sugar levels as these extra carbs can be used to enhance the taste.
Avoid temptation by removing alcohol in easy reach. And if you’re planning to attend a party, bring along a satisfying beverage that you can enjoy.
Create a support group of others like you that want to stick to their goals, and let your friends and family know so they can be supportive to your intentions.
If you’re into apps, use the Try Dry app with useful information and motivational tips.
Don’t be too hard on yourself. Should you slip, you can always get on track the next day.
Dry January can be a time to re-evaluate your health goals. Besides the obvious health benefits, there is also the financial side of alcohol intake. With an average price of a cocktail that can set you back $10.00 -
Story by Christie Crawford
$15.00 dollars, alcohol reduction can be easier on your wallet.
Should you want to try an alcohol-free drink at home, try taking your favorite carbonated drink, and adding juices and natural sweeteners for flavor. Muddle fruits, herbs, and spices and top it off with a sugared rim and/ or fun garnish. And don’t forget the fancy glass.
Virgin
Here are some timeless classics to consider adding to your alcohol-free bartending repertoire,Virgin Cosmopolitan and Margarita Mocktail, as listed below.
Cosmopolitan (From the Mindful Cocktail)
Ingredients
3 ounces cranberry juice ( reduced sugar an option to lower carbs)
1 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
2 ounces sparkling water
1 ounce orange juice
Instructions
Place cranberry juice, lime and soda in a cocktail shaker or similar (a mason jar works great!).
Add plenty of ice and shake gently. ( Be careful not to over-shake as sparking water can really fizz).
Pour into a martini glass.
Add a splash of orange juice and serve. (Fancy rim option:)
Grate lime zest into sugar mixture; 1 part lime to 2 parts sugar.
Line the glass rim with lime juice and roll into saucer with lime sugar mix sprinkled equally in a circle.
Margarita Mocktail (Courtesy of The Spruce Eats)
Ingredients
Flaky sea salt, Tajín seasoning, lime zest for rimming
Lime wedge , for rim and garnish
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice, from 2 medium
limes
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice, from ½ medium lemon
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice, from ½ small orange
1 tablespoon agave nectar
1/4 to 1/2 cup seltzer , or club soda, to taste
Instructions
Wet the rim of a tumbler or double old-fashioned glass by wiping a lime wedge around the edge.
Roll the rim in a small dish of flaky sea salt (or mix with lime zest or Tajín)
Fill the glass with ice cubes and add the lime, lemon, and orange juices along with the agave nectar or use a shaker instead filled with ice and shake for 10 seconds, then strain over ice.
Stir well for at least 30 seconds.
Top the margarita with seltzer or club soda.
Garnish with a lime wedge.
APSU MILITARY ALUMNI Chapter Dinner
Joe Shakeenab recently emceed the annual APSU Military Alumni Chapter Dinner at the Morgan University Center Ballroom. “This is a special evening as APSU Continues to support our military Govs by providing scholarships and funds to make an impact on their Austin Peay experience.”
This Alumni Chapter, which formed about 10 years ago, has now created 8 scholarships.
“Our main goal was to raise money for scholarships,” Shakeenab continued. “That way, we could make a lasting contribution to the university. We didn’t want to just raise a few thousand dollars a year, so we decided to build a scholarship endowment for $25k, something that would last as long as this university exists.
“We just initiated our 8th scholarship in the name of BG Scott Brower. We didn’t have a speaker this year, but we did have more than 200 people. We try to vary the scholarships to attract a broader audience, so we’ve done the 160th and 5th Groups. Coming up, we’re working on a scholarship in the name of Phyllis Smith for her work at Mt. Olive Cemetery. This will also be the first female service member that we’ve honored.”
Information on supporting or applying for the scholarships is available at www.alumni@apsu.edu
Cynthia Pitts & Mayor Joe Pitts
Ronnie Glynn & Joe Shakeenab
Kirsten & Dr. Michael Licari
Joe Shakeenab
Rashidah Leverett & Shana
Thornton
Kris Phillips & Erin Morton
Sam Nienow, Lt. Col. Mark Barton & Katie Barton
Busiwa Asinga & Emily Evans
Rick Canady & Angie Adams
Theresia & Walker Woodruff
Thomas & Emily Whenham
Emanuel & Marva Azan
Ivan Adames & Denise Dudley
MANNA CAFÉ GOLDEN GALA
“I’m incredibly excited about it,” Executive Director Vicki York said. “We have a bigger crowd than ever, and we have a new chef, so the food is going to be absolutely delectable. We also have a live band and an auction that just gets better every year.”
Golden Gala’s auction has become well known for its offering of beautiful and unique hand-painted chairs. “We have more chairs than normal,” York said. “Manna Café is doing great. We’re helping and serving as many people as ever, maybe more. Our hot meal numbers are going up, and that has something to do with Chef Maxwell. We will be announcing a big transition in our food distribution program. We’re doing something unique that I think will help us serve people even better.”
York said Manna Cafe’s donations are down and that summertime is always hard. “The economy is bad, and people are nervous, so I understand. But we don’t want to pull back any of our services. We want to keep doing what we’re doing. As the economy gets harder the need increases, so we don’t want to cut anything.”
Sara Golden & Montgomery County Mayor Wes Golden
Mayor Joe Pitts, Cynthia Pitts, Brian & Jennifer Zacharias
Manna Cafe recently held its annual Golden Gala, this year with a Hollywood theme, at Wilma Rudolph Event Center.
Kevin Kennedy, Jr. & Adonia Kennedy
Emmalyn, Erin, Elyza & Eric Yow
Laura Montgomery & Doretha Minor Angel Johnson & Cody Holbrook
It may be your fantasy to pick up and move to a new place, to experience a new culture, get in touch with your ancestral roots or find a culture with matching values. But what it does it take and where should you go to have your move embraced with open arms? There are many considerations to make an international move, including possible financial and social barriers, as well as international bureaucracy.
But would you believe there are destinations that may offer your financial incentives to relocate there? There are countries experiencing declining populations and shortages of skilled labor that may have you in mind. These incentives can include living expenses, funds for education, and even grants for business start-ups. There are no common rules among countries but all require residency for some period of time.
Although these incentives may be enticing, it is important to look at other aspects of living in a new country, including visa requirements, healthcare, language barriers and whether the possibility of digital nomadism exists, or remote work visas can be obtained. Today there are 18.1 million Americans who work remotely.
A number that has doubled since 2019. Several countries have relaxed residence permit rules, or even digital visa requirements, which are a perfect fit for
self-employed individuals and remote job seekers. These include Germany, Portugal, Croatia, Iceland, Greece, Malta, Estonia, Romania, Spain, Montenegro, and Italy.
Once such-country, Chile, even has program Start-Up Chile offering monetary grants for start- up development. The Tuscany region of Italy has renovation funds for those who are willing to move to one of 76 mountain towns and purchase a residence. The areas of Calabria and Sardinia have like-type programs. Greece, through its Greek Orthodox church, has monthly stipends for young families to move to the island of Antikythera. Our Living Islands is a policy Ireland has adopted to provide moving incentives to move to one of 30 coastal towns requiring a purchase of a rundown property built before 1993.
But what if your income-producing years are over and you just want to retire elsewhere? Not everyone wants to settle down with the golf carts and condos in warm areas but want instead to embark on a new adventure. There are perfect areas for you as well.
Cook Islands in the South Pacific with its plentiful lagoons and uncrowded beaches, along with a political tie to New Zealand offers an unspoiled Polynesian lifestyle.
Costa Rica with its slogan of Pura Vida or “Simple
Life” has long been known as the place for happy Canadian and US expats. Its endless beaches and cloud forests offer reasonable real estate along its coastal and mountain towns.
Greece with its ancient ruins and turquoise waters of the Aegean and Ionian seas are popular for those looking for affordability, friendly culture and excellent climate.
If Asia is alluring, Malaysia, with its British colonial roots and English speakers is an area with many small towns inductive to slow living and close proximity to Thailand, and Indonesia.
Malta, another English speaking Mediterranean island has been popular for British and European retirees since the 1960’s.
New Zealand, although more expensive than other areas is popular due to its southern hemisphere locale (opposite seasons to the US and Europe) allowing for those in search of the endless summer. Natural beauty is bountiful with mountains and beaches in close proximity.
Portugal, with its safe cities, affordability and abundant golf courses, makes it attractive for the newly retired.
Find out in our next issue called Packing Up (Part 2)
about Visa considerations, dual citizenship and all other considerations for making your move abroad.
Murano, Island in Venice, Italy. (Tony Centonze)
Clarksville-Montgomery County Public Library Director Christina Riedel was dressed as Squirrel Girl for this year’s Sci-Fi and Fantasy Expo. “Squirrel Girl is not a well-known superhero, but she is well-loved,” Riedel said. “This is our annual sci-fi expo. We’re having a great time doing science experiments with APSU. We have some crafts time and some sci-fi bingo, and I just saw some Storm Troopers walkthrough.
“The hit of today’s session - we have someone in the glass study room who works at NASA and does planet profiling. It’s interesting. He is looking for life on other planets and is also helping discover other planets. We’re mixing science, science-fiction, and fantasy, just wonderful things for the whole family.”
Throughout both floors of the library, including the Children’s Library, guests were playing games, participating in science experiments, learning new things and meeting characters from Star Trek, Star Wars, Ghostbusters and other great universes.
The CMC Public Library has applied for a grant that will hopefully allow them to do more with NASA.
Laura Hoffman
Christina Riedel
Brian Gaither demonstrating the Singing Tesla Coil, ionizing the air & igniting a hydrogen filled balloon
501st Legion Misdouth Garrison
Jessica Hartley
Rowan, Matt, Callum & Amanda Schorr
Amanda Taylor & Joanna Katz
David Graham with TN Ghostbusters Anna Romero
Brian Gaither & Elijah James
Chamber's Veteran Business of the Month
Libertas Cryo, owned by Steven Price and Jeff Pifer, is a wellness center in Clarksville that offers its patients therapies in pain relief and healing, immunity boosting, muscle recovery and more.
“We’re like a wellness and recovery center,” Price said. “We offer cryotherapy, cold plunges, traditional and infrared sauna, halo therapy - also known as salt therapy, red light therapy, and compression. We’ve been open about four months now, in Sango,”
Price did twenty years in the military, retiring as an E8, Master Sergeant. His final duty title was 18 Zulu. He was a Special Forces senior leader in 5th group from the end of 2008 until he retired.
‘In general, I was always interested in fitness and wellness,” Price said. “Jeff and I got into this over the last couple of years. Before I retired I started going to doctors. They were putting me on pain medications, and trying to put me through surgeries, and it was going horribly. So, I started looking for alternatives, and I found these therapies were something I could use to manage my pain, instead of being on a handful of different pain medications. They also helped me with my mental health and general wellness. That’s how I got started, and I thought, I want to turn this into a business.”
Libertas Cryo offers numerous services, and Price says many of them can be claimed using FSA (Flexible Spending Account) and HSA (Health Savings Account) dollars.
“We have something for almost anybody,” Price said. “If they want better skin and don’t want to spend outrageous amounts, a lot of our services are really good for their skin. If somebody has congestion or respiratory issues, our salt therapy is a great fit.
“For someone with chronic pain, looking for alternative holistic solutions, we offer a lot of options there as well. If somebody just hurt themselves or has some type of acute injury we have services that can help them heal better. In fact, our services are very beneficial for athletes.
“Professional athletes have access to these types of treatments, many of which have been widely used for years. Basically, you can start using our treatments in conjunction with the medications you’re on, and you will begin to notice a decrease in the need for medication. You may even be able to replace those medications entirely. Many of our treatments work well in conjunction with traditional medications.”
Price says Libertas Cryo’s services work not just for athletes but just about anyone, men, women, as well as children.
“We have a lot of families bringing their children in for salt therapy,” Price said. “It’s called salt therapy or halo therapy. We have medical-grade salt that is ground up in a halo generator that disburses it into a cabin. We have two different booths for halo therapy. The salt is really good for your skin. It can help with all types of conditions: acne, eczema, rashes, or dry, itchy skin. It can enhance your appearance, add youthfulness, and detoxify your skin.”
Price says there are internal benefits to salt therapy as well.
“I think it’s awesome that salt therapy is so versatile,” Price continued. “It’s anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and anti-microbial. As you breathe it in, the salt enters your nasal passages and respiratory system, so people who are congested can find breathing relief.
with your meds or help you reduce or eliminate your need for meds.
Price says nobody else is offering salt therapy in Clarksville. “All the treatments we provide in the shop come from personal experience,” Price said. “These are things that I sought out myself, spent money on, and would drive all over to get. When we opened, I knew there was a large population of people like me, but these services weren’t available here. That’s why we brought them here.
“Prior to these therapies, I was in constant pain. On a scale of 1 – 10, my average daily pain was about a 6, and when aggravated, maybe an 8. Now, with the use of these treatments, my daily pain is maybe a 2. When aggravated, my pain can spike, but these treatments help me get it back down pretty quickly.”
“It’s very good for people with respiratory issues. There is an overarching category of COPD, which covers a whole host of conditions, asthma too, all those types of ailments. Again, it can work in conjunction
Libertas Cryo is located at 1101 Meadow Hill Lane, Suite F. You can find them online at www.libertascryo. com, or on Facebook @libertascryo.
Jeff Pifer and Steven Price
The 2nd Annual Cory Rasch Invitational PBR Touring Pro Division competition was a huge success, returning to a sold-out F&M Bank Arena and once again pitting the world’s top bull riders against some amazingly athletic bulls.
An enthusiastic Clarksville crowd watched as hometown bull-riding champion Rasch, now a Clarksville firefighter, delivered a world-class evening of entertainment and excitement.
Rasch said, “This was the first event of the 2025 season. It’s part of the PBR (Professional Bull Riders) Series, meaning all the money and points earned will count as riders try to make the 2025 PBR World Finals”.
Rasch, his wife Amanda, and his entire team are already looking at organizing a 3rd Annual event in 2025. “Hosting this event in Clarksville is a great feeling,” Rasch said. “It’s like a homecoming. Everyone is already asking about next year, so I guess we’ll take a couple of days off and get started on the next one.”
Jesse Willis on Hi Jinx
Luke Kaufman
Four soldiers from the 101st Airborne Division rapelled from the rafters to start the show
Parking Garage Ribbon Cutting
Clarksville Mayor Joe Pitts was joined by dozens of folks ready to cele brate the grand opening of the long overdue Downtown Parking Garage at 131 South First Street.
“We’re opening the First Street garage, a long-awaited project that will add more than 500 parking spaces to our historic downtown,” Pitts said. “We’ve had a deficit for many years. This will help solve that and hopefully spur even more development. The pedestrian access directly to Franklin Street should help merchants along that corridor as well, and it will keep customers from having to walk uphill.”
Pitts named other benefits of the project, such as the upgrading and burying of utilities, which will provide better service to the area and improve the overall look. This also clears the way for the upcoming Performing Arts Center, for which there will be a groundbreaking next summer.
“This garage was truly built for the people and by the people,” City of Clarksville’s Michael Palmore said. “There was not a slab of concrete poured, not a parking space striped during which we did not consider the people who live and work in this downtown every single day. We listened to your concerns and have addressed them, safety foremost among them. We’ve installed enough lighting that this garage can be seen from Nashville, as well as speed bumps to keep everyone safe. All handicapped spaces are near the elevators, and there are other security measures to ensure your safety as you walk through this state-of-the-art parking garage.”
Darla Knight, Montgomery County Mayor Wes Golden, Jody Isaacs & Andrea Herrera
Clarksville Fire & Rescue Chief Freddie Montgomery, Jr.
CPD Chief David Crockarell
Clarksville Parking Manager Michael Palmore
Fun Facts about Everything New Year
by Linda Austin
The Top 3 Resolutions for 2025 are get healthy, save money, and travel more.
January 14th is called “Quitter’s Day”. It’s officially the day most people give up on their resolutions. Only 9% of people actually keep their resolutions, so don’t feel bad.
Ellis Island opened its doors on January 1, 1892, welcoming hopeful immigrants. It was the original, “New Year, New Me” starting line.
January is named after Janus, the Roman god with two faces — one looking forward to the new year, and the other side-eyeing you with low key judgment for unfinished resolutions from last year.
The Babylonians started the New Year’s resolution trend over 4,000 years ago. They were the OG of self help and personal development.
In Scotland, the first visitor of the year is known as the “first-footer”, who is believed to bring luck, especially if they come bearing gifts like a great bottle of Scotch.
In Korea and Japan, January 1st, kids honor each elder in the home with a deep bow to express respect and gratitude, followed by a blessed wish of good health and fortune for the New Year. In return the kids receive “seed money”. It’s like Christmas Part 2!
In Spain, people eat 12 grapes at midnight on New Year’s Eve — one for each stroke of the clock. The faster you eat, the luckier your year. Wonder if 12 quick shots of wine would be an appropriate substitution? FUN!
In Greece, it’s tradition to bake a coin into a cake called vasilopita. Whoever finds the coin is said to have good luck for the year. Whoever bites it accidentally not so lucky.
In Denmark, smashing plates against your friends’ doors is a New Year’s tradition to ward off evil spirits. Unless you use great- grandma’s fine China, she’ll be coming from the dead to haunt you.
In some cultures, it’s believed a dream on January 1st predicts the year ahead. So before passing out, think of all the things you wish for so they stay in your thoughts as you nod off to dreamland.
2025 is the Year of the Wood Snake — symbolizing wisdom, intuition, and transformation. In Chinese culture, snakes are seen as a sign of good luck and protection, so if you see one in your garden this year, consider them very good luck.
Happy New Year!
Miss Lucille’s HOLIDAY Sips & Strolls
As Miss Lucille’s began to fill up with holiday shoppers, Ashton St Amant took a minute to talk about what, in recent years, has become one of the first big holiday shopping events of the season.
“This is our Christmas Sips & Strolls event, so it kind of kicks off the holiday shopping season,” St Amant said. “It has gotten pretty big. Tonight, we have four bars, and you can get alcohol in the coffee shop or in the cafe. Last year, we had more than 1,000 people, so this year, we are doing a 2-night event.
“We encourage all our vendors to decorate their booths for the holidays and to add new inventory as well. This one is a lot of people’s first launch into ‘now it’s time to Christmas shop’, so we tell our vendors to get everything they have on display for this event.
“Each S&S features a different set of cocktails. In preparation for this year, we’ve increased the number of open registers. We have parking attendants so that people can park in the back. We’re ready.”
Shoppers enjoyed a relaxed evening of shopping and cocktails as they perused more than 200 booths offering vintage, homemade, and unique gift items.
Angelica Stafford & Desiree Lucero
Ashton St Amant & Ella Dowdy
Ben & Elizabeth Granger with Remi
Becky Drum & Trinity Rains
Ella Dowdy, Mia Epps & Lexi Williams
Jennifer Peterson & Arianna Olguin Eric & Joy Bost
The Beckhams
Adrian Bruce & Lily Bruce Jimmy & Angela Bosma
Mary Crabbe & Connie Nalley
Keri & Annie
Rylee Catano & Olivia Meholic
Amanda Coleman & Lindsey Cheben
CHAMBER BUSINESS
AFTER HOURS
The Clarksville Area Chamber of Commerce held its Business After Hours at Rooms for Less, a local furniture retailer owned and operated by David and Susan Gardner that has been operating for 44 years.
“We’ve been in this location for bout 15 years,” David Gardner said. “We also have a store on Fort Campbell Boulevard. We’ve done well in Clarksville, and we wanted to say thank you to our customers and our potential customers. At the same time, it’s a way to get people in the store who haven’t seen us before. We met a man this evening who has lived here for 31 years and didn’t know we were here. Another lady walked in and said, ‘wow, this is way bigger than I thought’. So, this is a great way to let people know we are here, who we are, and what we sell.”
The Gardners own and operate three locations and a warehouse in the area. “We sell lots of name-brands, including Ashley,” Susan Gardner said. “We offer a good, better, best approach. We have introductory lines for families who are just starting out. We go up from there to lines that offer better warranties, and then we do custom orders with companies like Craft Master, and top-of-the-line bedding companies. We buy everything in volume and warehouse locally, so we try to deliver next-day to our customers.”
Andrew White, Angie Ogles & Chad Sandman
Lisa Baggett, Melinda Shepard & Mike Rainey
David & Susan Gardner
Bob Belvin & Stephen Hellman Christina Cowart & Crystal Allen
Heather Johnson & Trisha Counterman Delmetria & Darryl Grant
T.J. Binkowski, Christian Heinbockel & Rashidah Leverett
Lola Rebels & Mark Mosley
Terri Wilson Jaylah Stubblefield
Rob Holleman Tina Parker
T.J. Binkowski, Christian Heinbockel & Rashidah Leverett
Mike Craig, Monty Powers & Mercy Neysmith
TimeforGoodLivingAPerspective
Cheers to the New Year!
After 2024’s December, here comes the quieter month when the winter caroling and loud jingle bells fade away in storage bins or memories we made with loved ones. Not to worry – this year’s December will demand an encore of the Christmas classics and new productions for the Winter Holiday season.
Until then, let us ponder the beauty of peaceful days, no matter how crisp, and the floral months that’ll adorn our lives’ course. Every January promises retakes on life cycles, a melting pot of welcomes and goodbyes, goals, and (Oh!) so many sales that won’t make shopping feel like a sprint.
This first month of the Gregorian year brings opportunities for us to follow up on those past plans we might have made yet paused: taking that trip, making that call, wearing that dress, applying for that job, going back to school, or continuing the work we started in the previous year. After all, isn’t consistency the key to good progress?
Because here comes another Spring, another Summer vacation, another Fall to bake multiple batches of cookies while debating the phenomenon of the pumpkin spice latte; a plethora of holidays we can observe
alongside friends and colleagues who can teach us or remind us about the importance of good relationships and making new memories. Especially when the health of our lifestyle is connected to the health of the community we live in.
We contemplate our past choices in the present and how they’ll mold the future, the beholder of our hopes and dreams. We are three-dimensional beings on a loud planet in the silent vacuum of space.
Through this prism, we build and contemplate our lives within one of the most intriguing dimensions that rivet our lives in a web beyond this Earth: time.
Here’s my reflection on it – a recurring feeling becomes stronger with each passing year while living through December; each year, this month straddles endings and beginnings while holding one in the powerful grasp of the present because the celebrations enthrall all senses into a mesmerizing awareness.
And so, we contemplate our achievements throughout the year as we anchor ourselves in the towering seasonal celebrations of these 365 days and readying ourselves for the repetition of the months we have just lived for a while now. Yes, each living of the same month has been different, no matter how many similarities one can draw. We grow not only in our own lives but others’ as well.
Story and Photos by D.C. Thomas
In December of 2024, I had an exhibit at the Roxy Regional Theatre’s Peg Harvill Gallery in Historic Downtown – a nod to the ‘A Charles Dickens Christmas’ production – and I titled it ‘The Past, the Present, and the Future.’
It was during the time of installing my art on the gallery walls that the promising feeling of contemplating time plays an empowering role in one’s way of being. A similar sentiment would occur each year as I take the Christmas decorations out of storage and place them throughout the house before December 25th .
This time, however, was the most impactful as the art I painted strongly reminded me of family and happenings that echoed throughout the years and steered me in directions I didn’t consciously choose. The faith and love nestled in the deeper parts of my brain oftentimes prompted my subconscious to choose for me.
Through this experience, I found myself being placed, heart and mind, at the convergence of time’s relative facets: past, present and future. A striking alignment of elements that only summoned hope and clarity – a reassurance that being present also nestles the past you lived and the dreams you assign to your future. Did this ever happen to you?
These three forces made way for an acute feeling of being at the intersection of time’s branches by celebrating a colorful Christmas and painting portraits and symbols through compelling acts of repetition. One’s aware of personal experiences but also others’ rituals that could prompt dormant memories from childhood, culinary experiences that stir peculiar curiosity, and understandings that evoke comforting lessons of the past for the betterment of one’s future self.
ment allows for multiple occurrences and encounters simultaneously. One must only pay attention and not freeze in front of them or get stuck in the spin.
I found life in Clarksville to be diverse and that it grants many opportunities to pair with one’s dreams and preferences for one’s ways of living. I watched hundreds of people gather in Historic Downtown for the Christmas Parade in December. I observed how many of them were mindfully enjoying the passing of the floats and costumed participants who shared candy with their audience cozily settled on the sidewalks of each street.
The pure joy of holding one’s spot to see what’s next reminded me to pause and experience the present and stop running around to photograph the parade from multiple angles. It wasn’t a task anymore. It was living. A joyous one at that. The taste of the candy transported
me to caroling in Romania without taking me away from Clarksville or where I wanted to go next.
A flood of memories could break through while the oven’s timer reminds you to take out the shortbread cookies and stay ahead of future deadlines. It’s at the apogee of December that we sing, bake, connect, exchange more than gifts and gather through diverse activities that heighten the sense of being and the direction of where we want to go. This time, stowing more wisdom or friendships to help us along the way. Or perhaps more solitude to accomplish the projects without social distractions.
While living in Clarksville, life has felt like an entertaining ride through a revolving door, and it often prompted me to contemplate time from many beneficial angles. I love revolving doors – their spatial move-
The merger of past and future through the present can sweeten life and give us a sense of direction no matter how fast the door spins… the lessons from the past prepare us to plan for our dreams and carefully step outside at the right moment.
I have lived most of my life navigating the urban and the rural and I found that joie de vivre in both worlds. Throughout the 11 years spent here, my perception of time has changed in the most intriguing way and continues to do so as I travel between these two worlds. I found that the balance between the fast-paced city life and the slow living in my home is the answer to fulfilling one’s being on this planet. The choice to live here has been, without a doubt, one of the best choices I have ever made.
Carpe Diem, and cheers to Clarksville living!
YaiPak Dinner
Hundreds were at The Emerald recently for YaiPak’s 6th Annual Be the Hope Banquet, celebrating the amazing growth of one of Clarksville’s most giving organizations.
Christian Christenson shared some information as guests sat down to dinner. “This year, we’ve provided over 1,000,000 pounds of food and other items to people in need, but what’s most important is in 2024, YaiPak has served 1,395,475 people. That’s what you’re supporting tonight.
“Obviously, people are being impacted all across the state of Tennessee, as well as other states and even other countries. In one month, our home team packed 422 community packs, each one of which served four people. That’s 1,688 people being served.
“Our Patriot Home Team helped provide everything a Veteran needs to set up a home. We also had teams that responded to storms and tornadoes. They are out there on a moment’s notice. We also have teams working with children who are going into the foster program. To everyone, we say, we see you, and we thank you.”
Always humble, YaiPak Founder Sherry Nicholson took the podium to deliver her remarks. “I have a tiny staff and an extraordinary, dedicated team of volunteers,” Nicholson said. “These people show up for long hours just to make sure that this community’s children are getting what they need and our Veterans are being taken care of
“I want to say thank you to all our donors. You have given not just money but your time and kindness to see that we keep going and see lives reached and touched and changed. … Thanks to all of you for being here to hear the stories of what we’re doing and where we’re headed.”
Sara Golden & Montgomery County Mayor Wes Golden
Adonia Kennedy, Rhonda & Kevin Kennedy
Sammy & Cindy Stuard, Traci & Charlie Koon
Chris & Jennifer Reneau
Mike & Emily Himes
Toni & Emlyn Thomas Melanie Garcia & Kacie Bryant
Carmen Ladd & Estella Cuarez
Joshua Rosales, Tommy & Caroline Valejos, Lupita Howel
Veterans Day
Veterans Day in Clarksville-Montgomery County is filled with events, all of which are very well attended, as this community is home to more than 30,000 Veteran families, thanks in part to our proximity to Fort Campbell, KY.
Clarksville-Montgomery County’s Veterans Day Parade may now be the city’s largest parade of the year, thanks to the numerous Veterans organizations, large local JROTC programs, and a community that is filled with businesses and individuals that have close ties to our Veterans, active duty military, and their families.
In Clarksville, popular Veterans Day activities include the Clarksville Area Chamber of Commerce Veterans Day Breakfast at APSU, the Veterans Day Ceremony held each year on the steps of the Montgomery County Courthouse, and lastly, a parade that includes way more than 100 entries.
MG Brett G. Sylvia, Commanding General, 101st Airborne (Air Assault) BA Fort Campbell, was the keynote speaker at this year’s Chamber breakfast. Dr. Andrew Kester, 1st Sergeant (Ret.) spoke on the courthouse steps, then was joined by Montgomery County Mayor Wes Golden for the laying of a wreath at the Blue Star Memorial marker. Thousands came out for this year’s parade, which featured many American heroes, both in the parade and lining the route.
Veterans Day Ceremony on the steps of the Montgomery County Courthouse
Clarksville-Montgomery County Veterans Day Parade
Kirsten Licari & Dr. Michael Licari, APSU President
Clarksville Chamber’s Veterans Day Breakfast at APSU
Clarksville Chamber’s Veterans Day Breakfast at APSU
Clarksville Chamber’s Veterans Day Breakfast at APSU
Clarksville-Montgomery County Veterans Day Parade
Clarksville-Montgomery County Veterans Day Parade
Veterans Day Ceremony on the steps of the Montgomery County Courthouse
Prime Rib, and Au Jus Recipes
By Linda Austin
The Perfect Prime Rib
Ingredients
1 prime rib roast (6-8 pounds, bone-in or boneless)
1/2 cup softened butter
Salt
Ground black pepper
4-6 garlic cloves, minced
1 whole yellow onion, minced
Fresh rosemary, thyme, and sage (optional)
Instructions
Prep the Prime Rib Roast
1. Pat the roast dry with paper towel, Season roast on all sides with salt and pepper. Let the roast sit at room temperature for 1-2 hours so it will cook evenly later.
2. Cover exposed bone handles on roast with foil.
3. Preheat your oven to 500°F.
4. Mix minced garlic and minced onion together in soften butter
5. Spread garlic onion butter mixture all over roast.
Cooking the Prime Rib Roast
1. Place the roast on a roasting rack in a roasting pan, boneside down. (A large well-seasoned deep cast iron pan can be used instead of roasting pan set.
2. For the initial high-heat sear, Roast at 500°F for 20-25 minutes to create a golden, crispy crust.
3. Reduce the oven temperature to 225°F, add desired herbs on top of roast at this time and continue roasting.
Slow and low roasting takes about 2-3 hours, depending on the size of roast. After 2 hours, check the center of the roast’s internal temperature with thermometer every 15 minutes until center reaches desired doneness.
120°F for rare
125°F for medium
130°F for medium well
Cooking Tip: Investing in a digital blue tooth thermometer would be very helpful to avoid opening the oven and preventing heat loss while checking meat temp while roasting.
4. Remove the roast from the oven, carefully pour dripping in bottom of roasting pan into a measuring cup and place dripping in refrigerator for 5 minutes to separate fat from juice to use in Au Jus recipe.
5. Cover Prime Rib loosely, tenting with foil. Let it rest for 20-30 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Do not skip this step. The roast is Still continuing to cook as it rests, bringing the center of meat temperature up another 5°F-10°F to cooked perfection.
5. Removed roast from pan to cutting board. Set aside roasting pan with the browned bits to make au jus recipe. Slice and serve prime rib roast. End cuts will be more done than middle cuts.
The recipe serves 6-8 adults. Leftovers make excellent prime rib sandwiches for later.
Cooking Tip: A well-done prime rib roast is tragic! If someone insists on w well done, use an end piece with a dash of blackening seasoning and sear in frying pan on medium high heat with a dab of butter for 2 minutes on each side to salvage the prime rib from complete travesty.
Easy Red Wine Au Jus
Ingredients
Beef drippings (from the prime rib roast)
1 cup beef broth or stock (use low sodium if possible)
1/2 cup red wine (optional, for added depth, alcohol will be cooked off)
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 sprig fresh thyme or rosemary (optional)
Salt and ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Immediately after taking Prime rib out of the oven, while roast is resting, gather the drippings from bottom of roasting pan, carefully pour all of the liquid into measuring cup. Allow drippings to settle in refrigerator for 5 minutes as the fat separates to the top of the cup. after separation, skim off most of the fat from the drippings and save the juice for sauce.
2. Deglaze the pan by placing the roasting pan on the stovetop over medium heat.
3. Pour in the red wine (if using) and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan, cooking until the wine is reduced by half.
4. Use the beef broth stock to deglaze instead of red wine, but do not cook the stock to reduce the water content like the red wine.
5, Add the cup of saved drippings, Worcestershire sauce, and herbs, stirring well.
6. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes until slightly reduced and flavorful. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
7.Strain the au jus through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any solids.
Serve Au Jus sauce warm in individual ramekins for dipping or in gravy boat to pour over prime rib.
CALENDAR
January
10 friday
F&M Bank Huff & Puff Express Model Trains
Exhibit open daily | Trains run Sundays 1:00pm to 4:00pm, Wednesdays 10:00am to 12:00pm, Fridays 10:00am to 12:00pm and the last Saturday of each month 1:00pm 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
Free Game Fridays at Hooper Bowling Center
January 10th | 5:00pm to 7:30pm
Join us at Hooper Bowling Center every Friday for our “Free Game Friday” Special.
Hooper Bowling Center 5380 Kentucky Avenue | Fort Campbell, KY
The Vagina Monologues
January 10th, 11th, 17th, 18th | 7:00pm January 12th, 19th | 2:00pm Tickets $35 (adults)
Funny, outrageous, emotionally affecting and occasionally angry… Eve Ensler’s series of monologues about women and performed by women is back for the 22nd year!
Roxy Regional Theatre
100 Franklin Street | Clarksville, TN
Art in Bloom: Sponsored by Planters Bank
January 10th | 6:00pm to 8:00pm | $75 Tickets
Celebrate with us at the Customs House Museum’s premier winter fundraiser, where creativity and elegance come to life in a spectacular evening event.
Experience striking floral displays inspired by timeless works of art from the museum’s collection, each one a masterful fusion of nature and artistry crafted by talented local floral designers.
Bring your date or gather a group of friends for this sophisticated soiree and savor a delicious array of savory and sweet bites. Enjoy a selection of wines from our bar and sample a
variety of bourbons. Live music will set the tone for an enchanting night, while a bourbon and tequila pull adds a touch of excitement to the festivities!
Secure your tickets now by visiting www. customshousemuseum.org or calling 931.648.5780 ext. 2039. Don’t miss this unforgettable evening of art, beauty, and celebration!
Customs House
200 South Second Street | Clarksville, TN
Mingle with LOCAL
January 10th | 12:00pm to 1:00pm
Price: $7.18
Are you ready to take your business connections to the next level? Join us for an exciting and impactful networking event for Clarksville’s local business owners.
1225 Paradise Hill Road | Clarksville, TNN
11 Saturday
A Walk in the Garden: A Blossoming Weekend for Our New Exhibit
January 11th- 12th | Crouch Gallery
Free with membership or paid admission
Step into a world of beauty and inspiration at the Customs House Museum during A Walk in the Garden. This weekend-only event features an exquisite display of floral and fauna themed art from the museum’s collection, enhanced by stunning floral arrangements crafted by talented local florists.
Weekend events will include story time sessions and a family-friendly paper flower quilling craft for beginners.
Customs House
200 South Second Street | Clarksville, TN
A Walk in the Garden: Storytime in the gallery
January 11th | 10:30am
Free with membership or paid admission
Join us for a special Storytime in the Gallery, part of our Blossoming Weekend for Our New Exhibit. Gather around to hear Spring Walk by Virginia Brimhall Snow and Rose’s Garden by Peter H. Reynolds. These beautifully illustrated stories explore the wonders of nature and the joy of growth, perfectly complementing the gardenthemed art and floral displays featured during the weekend.
Customs House
200 South Second Street | Clarksville, TN
A Walk in the Garden: Paper Flower
Class
January 11th | 11:00am – 1:30pm
Price: $10
Join us for a special beginner’s hands-on quilling lesson. We’ll make unique paper flowers during this family-friendly class. Registration required for anyone attending. Recommended for ages 7 and up. Max of 40 registration. Register today at www.customshousemuseum.org
Customs House
200 South Second Street | Clarksville, TN
A Walk in the Garden: Storytime in the gallery
January 11th | 1:00pm
Free with membership or paid admission
Join us for a second Storytime in the Gallery, part of our Blossoming Weekend for Our New Exhibit. Gather around to hear Wildflower by Melanie Brown and The Curious Garden by Peter Brown.
These beautifully illustrated stories explore the wonders of nature and the joy of growth, perfectly complementing the garden-themed art and floral displays featured during the weekend.
Customs House
200 South Second Street | Clarksville, TN
12 sunday
Super Smash Bros UltimateUnsanctioned
January 12th | 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
16 Thursday
Storytime & Craft: Penguins
January 16th | 10:30am | All ages, with adult Free with membership or paid admission | Family Art Studio
Waddle into a cool adventure with this fun-filled Storytime & Craft! Listen to Tacky the Penguin by Helen Lester and A Penguin Story by Antoinette Portis. After the stories, let your creativity take flight as you paint your very own penguin. It’s the perfect way to celebrate these charming, chilly birds!
CALENDAR
*All parents are expected to participate with and supervise their children.
Customs House
200 South Second Street | Clarksville, TN
18 saturday
Southern Soul Concert Series
January 18th | 9:00pm
Price: $25
Southern Soul Concert Series featuring live performance by Kami Cole.
Good People Lounge
1018 Franklin Street | Clarksville, TN
25 saturday
Family Art Saturday: Snowball
Process Art
January 25th | 10:00am to 12:00pm & 2:00pm to 4:00pm | Ages 3+, with adult Free with membership or paid admission | Family Art Studio
Get ready to toss, roll, and create! This Family Art Saturday, explore the fun of snowball process art. Using paint and “snowballs,” you’ll create unique, colorful patterns while experimenting with movement and texture. It’s a hands-on, creative activity the whole family will enjoy!
*All parents are expected to participate with and supervise their children.
Customs House
200 South Second Street | Clarksville, TN
101st Ruck and Run 10k
January 25th | 7:30am to 12:00pm
Price: $35 per person
Get ready for the 101st Ruck and Run—a challenging and rewarding endurance event! Participants will be bussed to the kickoff location at Angels Gate, where the journey begins.
From there, you’ll ruck your way back to Cole Park Commons, testing your strength and determination every step of the way.
Schedule:
7:30am: On-site registration opens at Cole Park Commons
9:15am: Buses depart for Angels Gate 10:00am: Run kicks off
Cole Park Commons
1610 William C. Lee Road | Fort Campbell, KY
Paint n Sip
January 25th | 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Price: $50.51 | 21+
Sip some wine and paint a masterpiece with ArtLink’s Paint N Sip workshop! Led by the talented host, express yourself and enjoy an evening of conversation and creativity - use the included materials to make a beautiful work of art. Unwind and relax in a fun, social setting!
Workshop includes all materials for painting and a glass of wine.
Tickets: www.artlinkclarksville.com/painting
ArtLink Studio
98 Franklin Street | Clarksville, TN
31 friday
Harlem Globetrotters 2025 World Tour
January 31st | 7:00pm
Price: $46.85 to $105.10
See your favorite Globetrotter stars and their renowned rivals, the Washington Generals, LIVE as they challenge themselves and each other to new moves, new shots, and new innovations!
F&M Bank Arena
101 Main Street | Clarksville, TN
February
1 saturday
2nd Annual Comedy for Cops
February 1st | 5:30pm | 18+
Price: $30
Join us for our 2nd Annual Comedy for Cops! Our last show was a sold out event, so get your tickets now! There will be Live Auctions, Raffle Auctions, 50/50 Drawing, and Concessions
program designed to welcome new library card holders! Join us for a brief tour to explore the library’s many resources, meet our friendly staff, and get an inside look at everything your library offers.
This program aims to help new members feel comfortable navigating the library and excited to discover new materials, programs, and services.
Whether you’re new to the area or just starting to use your library card, Rediscovering The Library will make you feel right at home.
Clarksville-Montgomery County Public Library 350 Pageant Lane | Clarksville, TN
6 thursday
Jeff Dunham Artificial Intelligence
February 6th | 7:00pm
Price: $79.55
Jeff Dunham’s Artificial Intelligence tour is a comedy show featuring the comic ventriloquist and his characters Peanut, Walter, Achmed, and Bubba J.
F&M Bank Arena
101 Main Street | Clarksville, TN
7 friday
Kids Kreate Workshop
February 7th | 6:00pm to 8:00pm | Ages 8-12yrs
Price: $28.06
Revel in the fun of art every Friday night from 6-8pm! Our club offers an opportunity for your kids and teens to create something special that will look great on their bedroom wall. Drop off the aspiring artist and let them explore new practices and make something totally unique.
** We do background checks on all staff members for everyone’s safety.
Tickets: www.artlinkclarksville.com/just-for-kids
ArtLink Studio
98 Franklin Street | Clarksville, TN
Submit your event to events@clarksvillelivingmag.com by the15th of the month for the next issue.
