As the air begins to cool and the days grow shorter, we find ourselves at the doorstep of fall—my favorite season of the year. There’s something undeniably magical about this time, a season that brings not only a refreshing change in weather but also a shift in the atmosphere, a sense of warmth and comfort contrasted by the crispness of the air.
Fall has a way of inviting us to slow down and savor the little things. The vibrant colors of the leaves, cozy evenings spent by the fire, and the comforting smell of something delicious baking in the oven remind us that joy can be found in even the simplest moments. The earlier sunsets bring with them a kind of calm, offering the perfect excuse to snuggle up with a good book or gather around the table with loved ones.
Of course, with fall also comes the excitement of Halloween, a holiday where creativity runs wild and community spirit shines. Whether you’re carving pumpkins, decorating your home, or planning the perfect costume, Halloween brings a playful, spooky energy that we can all enjoy.
And just beyond Halloween, the holiday season begins to peek over the horizon, ready to fill our hearts with joy and togetherness. It’s a time of gratitude and celebration, of sharing warmth with family and friends, as we look forward to the festivities ahead.
In this issue, we embrace the beauty and joy of the fall season, and hope that you, too, find comfort and inspiration in its arrival. Here’s to making the most of these shorter days, and to all the magic they bring!
Warmly, Tony Centonze
Publisher, Clarksville Living Magazine
This month's find-a-word puzzle for clues about what's inside this month's issue! Find the following words in the puzzle. Words are hidden g i and m
AFive People You should Meet at Greenwood Cemetery
place to relax, socialize, and learn about local history - If you were in the late 1800s in Clarksville, the place that would come to mind first is Greenwood Cemetery on Greenwood Avenue.
The idea of Greenwood Cemetery grew from the needs of families who wanted their loved ones interred in a park-like setting, complete with beautiful landscaping and options for elaborate monuments and headstones.
This was also coincident with the Victorian Age’s notion of mourning and the growth of the Rural Cemetery Movement.
Before this time, burials were done in old churchyards and on family farms. As development across Tennessee grew, these older burial grounds were lost forever, as churches were moved, buildings were left
to ruin, and farms were sold.
When Greenwood Cemetery was opened, the town of Clarksville and its surrounding areas experienced post-Civil War prosperity as a result of the tobacco industry. Many of the existing cemeteries and church sites were at capacity, signaling the need for a new cemetery to be created.
In 1872, the concept of Greenwood Cemetery was born, and in 1873, the cemetery was soliciting burial plots. It quickly became the popular place to rest in peace. The cemetery also became a setting for notable and wealthy citizens to be immortalized with elaborate tombstones and mausoleums.
At 125 acres, the cemetery has all appearances of a park with
Story by Christie Crawford
Austin Peay Memorial
Greenwood Cemetery
rolling hills and trees, typical for the time frame, where places of rest were landscaped to that of a rural garden setting.
The cemetery opened to great fanfare, and even the Clarksville Trolley made frequent stops for residents to stroll and admire the scenery. It became a suitable place for ladies to meet up with friends and picnic, as downtown Clarksville was viewed as rough and dirty and not the safest place to visit.
Today, besides funeral attendees visiting, there are regular walking groups, as well as volunteers helping with events such as Wreaths Across America, a Laying of Wreaths each December where veterans’ graves are decorated with a wreath. Easter Sunrise Service occurs regularly at the Veteran’s Memorial and local Boy and Girl Scouts plant flags for a Memorial Day commemoration, making Greenwood still a place of honor for those who are resting there.
County historian and author of Greenwood Cemetery: A History, Carolyn Ferrell, also will be conducting tours on Sundays in September. Check out Greenwood Cemetery’s Facebook page for more information on these tours, or come visit yourself.
The cemetery is located at 976 Greenwood Avenue, Clarksville, and its hours are from 8:00am until dusk.
And, if you come to the cemetery, be sure to visit these top interesting residents of Greenwood Cemetery:
1) Austin Peay IV
Former Governor of Tennessee from 1923-27 and namesake of Austin Peay State University, Governor Peay, died unexpectedly of a cerebral hemorrhage in Nashville in 1927. He was known as the governor who ushered in modern Tennessee with his overhaul of taxes, improved state schools and championed the expansion of the state highway system.
Last fall I had the opportunity to take the Greenwood Cemetery Walking tour hosted by the Customs House Museum, and to learn the history of the cemetery itself, as well as the wonderful stories of those who rest there.
There are many beautiful and interesting graves at this site of repose, including old tombstones with well-worn inscriptions, touching epitaphs, impressive carved memorials, and interesting examples of death’s symbolism through motifs.
On Saturdays from late September through late October you can experience this historic place yourself, through the Customs House Museum’s tours. Clarksville-Montgomery
2) Cave Johnson
A lawyer and part of the military militia that served under Andrew Jackson in 1813. A one-time attorney general and state representative, Cave is best known for serving as the Postmaster General from 1845 to 1849 and introducing the postage stamp system.
3) Frank Spencer Sutton
Best known as Sergeant Carter on the long-running series “Gomer Pyle U.S.M.C.” Sutton was born in Clarksville and served in the Army during WWII in the South Pacific, where
Continues on page 8
Brenda Runyon
Greenwood Cemetery
he attained a true sergeant’s rank. Using his GI bill, Sutton moved to New York to attend Columbia University’s School of Drama. He went on to star in other hit shows, such as “Maverick” and “The Twilight Zone” as well as two soap operas. Sutton died of a massive coronary at age 51.
4) Brenda Runyon
The wife of a physician, Bryce Freeman Runyon. Brenda was not satisfied by merely living the life of a doctor’s wife. Her persistence helped her start the first American Cross chapter in Clarksville, as well as pioneer the public library and city hospital. But, it was her business acumen that led to her role in the creation and operation of the first woman-owned and staffed bank in the United States. First Woman’s Bank of Tennessee was located in the former Arlington Hotel building downtown and lasted for nine years before merging into the First Trust and Savings Bank.
5) Nannie Tyler
Greenwood’s beloved angel. Born in 1881, the daughter of a local judge and financial officer, Nannie’s grave is the most visited in the cemetery. Her death from diphtheria at age 4 aspired her grieving parents to commission a marble statue from Italy in the likeness of their little girl based on a recent portrait. Her incredibly life-like statue was a victim of theft in 1996 when the statue was taken and recovered from a Missouri antique store. Her statue, unfortunately, has been a victim of vandalization, but to date, the statue is intact and adorned with numerous beads and toys that have been left at her feet.
Nannie Tyler
River City Clay opens Gallery on Strawberry Alley
River City Clay, the art gallery and studio located at 115 Franklin Street in downtown Clarksville, well known for offering pottery classes for all skill levels, and displaying beautiful ceramics that can be admired and purchased, has now added a second gallery area.
Recently, owners Ken and Melody Shipley decided it was time to expand. The couple began actively participating in the First Thursday Art Walk more than a year ago. Now, they have struck a deal to take over the back half of the building, allowing them to open a gallery with a Strawberry Alley entrance.
The Shipleys posted this invitation for The Gallery at River City Clay’s grand opening on August 1st, 2024. ‘We will be open during Art Walk with our debut show “Ken and Melody Shipley: A Retrospective’. Enter through our new gallery space at 116 Strawberry Alley.” Other artists will be featured each month, with shows debuting each First Thursday.
Dee Boaz, Melody Shipley & Jacqueline Crouch
Ken & Melody Shipley
Grand Opening of the gallery at River City Clay, accessible from Strawberry Alley
Emancipation Day Celebration 2024
This year’s Emancipation Day Celebration in Clarksville brought hundreds to Dixon Park for food, music, dancing, and some historical perspective on African-American history in our community.
Clarksville Mayor Pro Tem Wanda Smith organizes the event each year and brings to the stage a variety of speakers and entertainers. Mayor Joe Pitts made remarks at this year’s event, as did Dr. Joe Ann Burgess, and storyteller Tammy Hall.
Smith told the audience about local leaders in the community, like long-time educator Helen Long and Civil Rights Leader Virginia Martin-Hatcher, a member of the Commission on Religion and Racism from 1980 to 2011.
The celebration was filled with live music, DJs, comedians, dancers, and a lot of history.
Burt Steppers
Dr. Joe Ann Burgess
Mayor Joe Pitts & Wanda Smith
Naomi Jerkins & Dr. Anderson Grant
Tammy Hall
Wanda Smith & Mayor Joe Pitts
Jamie Peltz & Josh Beale
BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF CLARKSVILLE
Big Night of Bourbon
Sandra Brandon, Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Clarksville, shared her thoughts on the recent Big Night of Bourbon. “This is our second year,” Brandon said. “Last year, we ran out of space and had to stop selling tickets, so we chose to move to a larger venue this year.”
Five different distillers brought their products to the Wilma Rudolph Event Center for the tasting event, which Liberty Grill provided catering for. There was also a silent auction.
“We had great ticket sales and support from the community, our vendors, and all our sponsors,” Brandon said. “The ticket price included dinner and unlimited bourbon. Rides were provided, and many of our guests had designated drivers.
“During the event, we were able to spotlight the overall success of BBBS. We’ve actually doubled our number of matches, for which we received an award from the national office recognizing that growth. We recognized some of the “Bigs”, like O’Neal Wiggins, who has been in our program for more than three years, and Ronnie Glynn, who has been a mentor for over five years.
“BBBS Clarksville is going great. We’re growing, but we always need more mentors. We encourage anyone who has a few hours a month to donate and spend time with children to join us. The best way to contact us is through Facebook at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Clarksville.”
Jackie and Vasili Kapogianis, Travis and Lanora Rolph, Denise & Chris Pickett
Nikki Falencik, Taylor Reynolds & Mary Beth Hawkins
Shanon & James Chalk
Melanie Brayden & Tony Overton
Sara Golden & Montgomery County Mayor Wes Golden
Jake Fendley & Senator Bill Powers Jimmy Brown & Chris Lanier
Michelle Newell & Mark Harris
Amber & Casey McKinnon
Nichole & Corey Dingman
Candace & Sean Ruth
History, Myth, Folklore & Fun
Story by D.C. Thomas
Happy All Hallows, y’all!
Throughout every spirited October, we rejoice in all activities, food, fashion, candy in bulk and décor that lead to the culmination of the most fang-tastic of all holidays: Halloween night.
As we indulge in Halloween-themed events and treats, we also return to literary and cinematic favorites: Bram Stoker’s Dracula, Walt Disney’s Hocus Pocus, Tim Burton’s Beetlejuice and Wednesday (Netflix TV Series), Alice Hoffman’s Practical Magic, Universal Pictures’ Dracula Untold, Anne Rice’s Vampire Chronicles, J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series and many more.
During this season, Halloween’s fictional universe is at the center of a multi-billion-dollar industry, on a global scale, sparked by history, myth and folklore that shaped many cultures for thousands of years: mummies, ghosts, zmeu, balaur, witches, vampires, ghouls, the Kraken, the Gorgons, werewolves, zombies, banshees, goblins, etc.
Quickly, what’s the first thing you associate with Halloween? For me, it’s Dracula: all the cultural spin-offs and the historical character, the Prince of Wallachia, on which many vampiric figures were based and developed in popular culture, besides the Moroi (Strigoi). You see, being raised in Romania – ground zero for our beloved fanged master of all monsters – I became acquainted with Vlad Dracula (aka Vlad the Impaler, Draculea, Vlad III, Vlad Tepes) early in my life while studying the history of my maternal country. In my Media and Culture class at the University (APSU), a classmate reacted with amazement during our conversation:
“Dracula is real?” she asked. I nodded then clarified that historically speaking Vlad Dracula was a Voivode of Wallachia (a prince of Southern Romania) and not Count of Transylvania with immortal fangs, an edgy cape and parched for human blood.
I like to think that he loved red wine as many Romanians do. Also, there is no historical record suggesting that Vlad the Impaler would mutter the phrase “Bleh, bleh-bleh!” as Count Dracula in the Hotel Transylvania animated film does.
As funny as this Count is in Hotel Transylvania and as well as Count Chocula® cereals (General Mills) mix with milk, Vlad the Impaler’s reputation for cruelty is a significant part of his legacy; this is tied to his dreadful acts of impaling his enemies and traitors. Do take it with a grain of salt when you read about his acts. Or hold onto a garlic braid.
His contemporaries exaggerated numerous stories and poems to damage his image and weaken his stance in the world, yet he’s considered a national hero by many Romanians as the core of his entire rule was to protect his people against the Ottoman Empire.
In the overall Halloween scheme, Count Dracula is accompanied by bats, other vampires and acolytes who operate in a world whose background sounds are provided by werewolves riled up by a full moon, spine-chilling gales and wraith-like cries.
Romania’s ancient land was occupied by many throughout the millennia of mankind’s existence. In the richness of its geography – the Carpathian Mountains, leafy hills striated
by rivers and over 12,000 caves – many mysteries and beliefs have been passed on from one generation to another. Fun fact, Vlad Dracul’s name was received when he became a member of the Order of the Dragon. In addition, Dracula’s existence preceded Stoker’s fiction (maybe detrimental to Romanian history) with the etymology of this ancient word being rooted in Greco-Latin words meaning dragon (drakon, draco). Hence, Vlad the Dragon.
Bram Stoker’s Gothic horror novel added weight to the usage of the word drac (meaning devil) in the Modern Romanian language and established Vlad Dracula as more of a demonic presence in the world’s pop culture – the quintessential vampire.
Here, I am leading you to another insight into Romania’s vast history where myth and ancient beliefs were placed in the military standard known as the Dacian Draco. This wolf-headed serpent is depicted on Trajan’s Column in Rome, Italy, in the Romano-Dacian war scenes. This “heavenly dragon” was carried into battle by Dacians, people inhabiting the ancient lands of today’s Romania known as Dacia or the Dacian Kingdom, during a time when they believed in Zamolxis
All Hallows’ Eve is a universal celebration of many cultures merging paths in the same land. During my time spent in Clarksville these past eleven years, I’ve had many opportunities to see how people here celebrate Halloween and embrace figures from various sources. The diversity of each year’s Halloween celebration stands out during the trick-ortreating tradition that starts after sunset. Honoring this tradition, children and adults who are in pursuit of sweet treats and fun, wear costumes inspired by supernatural characters, historical figures, myths, pop culture villains, heroes and contemporary mashups that are difficult to categorize.
But it doesn’t all need to be macabre and scary.
Many of the cutest outfits one could see roaming the streets for candy during these dark hours, lit by bright carved pumpkins, can also be costumes depicting bumblebees, angels, animals, royalty, jobs from various industries and more. We want to have fun and celebrate the cultures of this world.
Halloween is part of a global web of well-known and obscure traditions; for example, the Day of the Dead, Samhain, Allantide, Luminatia (Romania’s Day of the Dead) – these holidays are rooted in ancient celebrations of cultures that continue to merge in today’s world. Whether rooted in pagan practices or Christian observances, Halloween may be an ever-growing fun precursor and opportunity for many diverse communities to gather and share joy.
Our annual Fright on Franklin does that successfully in Historic Downtown Clarksville. It is in the November 1 – 6 interval of each year (depending on each community) that we see the culmination of people’s veneration of the dead, visiting the cemeteries, lighting candles and honoring the departed as they align with All Saints’ Day or All Souls’ Day Going back to the fun activities for the night of October 31st, Halloween – a holiday that’s celebrated worldwide – is an opportunity for people in many countries to celebrate in the ways they relate to it through their costume choices and how they observe its customs and traditions, either old or new. Even though many Halloween products nowadays prevail
from marketing strategies and a strong spirit of
neurship, Monster Cereals® and media content like Count Chocula® and Tim Burton’s Wednesday appeal to my inner child, as the former was inspired by Vlad Dracula and the latter was filmed in Romania.
In towns on hills, where forests change their leaves, Jacks lit the porches and the wind has many voices.
Verses by D.C. Thomas
entrepre-
A woodcut depicting Vlad on the title page of a German pamphlet about him, published in Nuremberg
Full-size portrait of Vlad Țepeș in the Gallery of Ancestors of the House of Esterházy, 17th century, Forchtenstein Castle.
Tailgate Alley Thrills
APSU
Fans Bring Energy, Excitement Before Kickoff Story and Photos by Mark Haynes
It’s football season in Clarksville, and the air is buzzing with excitement! Tailgate Alley is the place to be before an Austin Peay State University football game, where students, alumni, and fans unite to celebrate their beloved Governors.
As soon as Tailgate Alley opens, a sea of tents and grills pop up in the parking lot between Fortera Stadium and the Dunn Center. The scent of sizzling burgers, hotdogs, and brats fills the air, tempting everyone who walks by. Fans stroll past food trucks like Kadi’s Tacos & More, Windy City Vibes, and Kelly’s Big Burger & BBQ, each offering its own mouthwatering specialties. From the taste of perfectly grilled chicken to the crunch of BBQ-loaded fries, there’s something for every tailgater to indulge in.
“The tailgating has been awesome. So many great and excited people cheering on Austin Peay football. We’re glad for football to be back, and we’re excited to watch the Govs bring home another conference championship this season,” said Jacob Knight, Assistant Director of Alumni Engagement.
Tatiana, Maddy, and Savannah Gary Good and Lettie Good
Marcela Spearman and Madison Spearman
Delbert Falloway, Dana Brown, and Becky Falloway
Austin Peay Cheerleaders
Ibn and Alani
John Farris Bruce Hartman, and Tami Hartman
Lone Oak Picnic
Hundreds came to Cunningham, TN for the 116th annual Lone Oak Picnic, a much-celebrated day that allows citizens of Montgomery County the chance to meet the candidates and hear first-hand their positions on policies that affect us all.
While politics are on the schedule, many come out for some amazing BBQ, live music from the Back Lot Pickers, and the classic car show. The event is hosted each year by the Central Civitan Club.
Another element of the annual event is to hold a fundraiser that benefits Montgomery Central Elementary School. Funds raised this year from the silent auction will be used to purchase new playground equipment for the school.
Megan Barry
Jodi & Darrell Vaughn
District AG Robert Nash & Misty Nash
Lucian & Donald Greene
Karen Reynolds
Joe Smith
Jeff Burkhart
SYAIPak–YouAreImportant!
herry Nicholson started YAIPak after seeing an elderly homeless woman in Nashville while having dinner with her husband. She was haunted by that moment and felt desperate to help because she knew first-hand exactly how it felt to be homeless, but she didn’t know what to do.
She prayed to God to help the elderly woman that fateful evening, and she could hear Him asking her if she would step up. She felt God urging her to take the lead. Feeling a little apprehensive and completely unqualified, Nicholson surrendered to God’s calling, and her life’s purpose.
The next morning, still not exactly sure what to do, Nicholson just started with what she knew she could do to take action right away. She pulled from her closet every purse she owned, and stuffed each of them with items she knew would be helpful; a few aspirin to alleviate the aching pains from not being able to sleep in a bed, disposable travel wipes, and a comb to feel somewhat decent and clean for a bit, because a shower is a luxury. Also, a few pieces of candy to help kill the taste of hunger for a few moments.
Nicholson’s husband drove her to Nashville so she could find the elderly woman she had seen the day before. She didn’t find the lady, but she passed out her purses to every homeless woman she met that day.
Fast forward eight years, and YAIPak has grown into something even she couldn’t have foreseen. Today, YAIPak is helping countless people around the world. She’s been grateful for and humbled by the outpouring of generosity from those who have supported this cause. She has diligently done her utmost to be a dutiful steward and devoted conduit,
giving all the blessings received to those who are the most vulnerable, the most in need.
Following is a Question & Answer with Sherry Nicholson.
What is YAIPak’s mission/vision - How has it evolved since you first started?
OH goodness… So, we are reaching the world by impacting communities, and our projects are unique because we’re not government funded. We don’t get all the big grants. We are only donation-based, and so in that, we must steward really well all our projects. We work with lots of people in trauma. That’s really our mission, helping anyone dealing with severe trauma, like those who have survived natural disasters. The children we help, are dealing with different types of trauma, such as being pulled from their homes, from foster care, or being rescued from trafficking, those types of situations.
Are there people/organizations you’ve worked with that have contributed to your success?
Absolutely! The folks at the Millan Foundation have been extraordinary in their kindness. They have a tremendous heart to see people’s lives changed, especially because of their own story, which began in poverty. They’ve been very instrumental in being a part of who we are. The Dave Ramsey Family Foundation has been an extraordinary part of our success, too. Oh gosh! Convoy of Hope has been very instrumental in helping us to expand these projects, because of their giving, and that’s been huge. Laser Weld is another company, in Texas, they’ve been extraordinary in helping our expansion. Thanks to them, we now have a Texas ware-
Story by Linda Austin
Sherry Nicholson. (D.C. Thomas)
house. F&M bank has been another one, for the advice that they give us on the advisory side of things, and their support, but specifically, their council, has been huge for me especially. Their board advisory team has helped me to stay on track and give me wisdom in areas where I have questions. Some of the leaders at F&M have been invaluable in their guidance and help.
What would be the most impactful ways for individuals and businesses to get involved. What is the greatest need YAIPak has at the moment?
I think for those that want to help, a great way would be to become a monthly sponsor. We are donation-based only. We’re a very small team. So, the majority of our money genuinely goes into all our projects, and I think just being that monthly/bimonthly supporter, whatever they choose to do, allows us to use that money strategically and put it where we may have a lack. For example, when we need to purchase teen clothing for our Riley’s Room, that’s really important. People love to give baby items, but not so much the teenager stuff because it’s more expensive.
Donated items, are they gently used or brand new?
Some are gently used, some are brand new. The gently used items are used for all our other projects, but not our “Riley Room”. That’s where these babies, little children, and teenagers get to come and shop for free, all new items. They have dealt with so much trauma. You wouldn’t believe some of their stories, heartbreaking! That’s why we want to give them everything brand new. We really want them to have an experience they’ve never had before. Not a lot of these
children have ever walked into a fancy boutique or high-end store and just got whatever they wanted. We get to give them that experience.
What are your long-term goals for YAIPak?
So, one of the long term goals that we’re looking at is the purchase of land. We want to develop a children’s facility for children who have been rescued from trafficking. It’s something that we will work on with the state. We want to have a place where these kids can become a child again, while healing and growing. There will be an on-site facility with counseling, doctors and holistic care, all the things that the young child will need. We want fields for them to run in. We want them to go fishing and to ride horses and have pets, all the things that are offered as therapy, so that not only will they feel safe and loved, but they’ll have a place just to simply be a child again.
“It never feels like work. I absolutely love what I do. It’s been a privilege.” ~ Sherry Nicholson.
Please visit Yaipak.org to find out more information about becoming a sponsor/volunteer/donor. Follow this link to see the rest of this interview with Sherry Nicholson, in which she talks about the personal experiences that led her to start YAIPak, how it has changed her as a person, and what advice she would give to others considering starting their own.
Scan to Read the Full Story
Montgomery County Republican Women’s Club had a very special guest at their recent monthly luncheon at the Tanglewood House on Madison Street, retiring TN State Representative Curtis Johnson.
MCRW President Tina Englen welcomed everyone to the event and, after lunch, invited Johnson to the podium to make a few remarks. “I’ve served as State Rep. for District 68 for the last 20 years,” Johnson began. “We’ve accomplished a lot. Crime in our state has steadily declined since 2009. Last year we achieved the lowest overall crime rate in this century. Statewide, we’ve had a net increase of private sector jobs by 475,000 over the last ten years. In May 2024, we reached a record-low unemployment rate of 3%.
“We have passed 45 separate tax cuts since 2015, totaling more than $3.3 billion in savings for Tennesseans. All, while continuing to make historic investments in transportation and education. I’m also proud of the legislation I’ve been able to pass to help our Veterans. It matters who governs.
“Over the decades, we’ve been able to accomplish a lot, but what I cherish the most is being able to serve as your State Representative. God bless you, our state, and our nation. Thank you.”
Marsha & Rep. Curtis Johnson
Tina Englen, Jamie & Josh Peltz
Representative Curtis Johnson, Pat & Jimmy Dunn
Rep. Jeff Burkhart & Cindy Greene
Tina Englen, Brenda Graham & Rep. Curtis Johnson
McClure Poland & Brenda Graham
Rick & Gail Longton
Una & John Smith
Laura Adcock & Janette Atkins
Montgomery County Mayor Wes Golden & Marsha Johnson
Michael Lankford
Opal Kennedy, Cheryl Chapin & Elyse Rasmussen
Rep. Curtis Johnson & Marie Tillman
Pumpkin Spice Lattes’ A Sign of Fall?
For some, it’s a change in the leaves. For others, it’s the coolness in the air and the timing of dawn and dusk. And for many, it’s the advent of PSLs or Pumpkin Spice Lattes. Love it or hate it, the drink has surpassed 20 years since its roll-out, and the pumpkin spice explosion has trickled down into mainstay foods without waning. The spice can be found in every type of food imaginable, from yogurt to pretzels to ice cream and cereal. And it’s not just coffee beverages as the craze has continued to include pumpkin spice rum, pumpkin spice espresso martinis, and craft brewers offering vanilla pumpkin ales.
It all started in spring 2003 when Peter Dukes, product manager for Starbucks, was working on a new seasonal beverage for the coffeehouse giant. The chain was responsible for the very popular seasonal drinks, Eggnog Lattes and Peppermint Mochas, and was looking for more. Holed up in the Liquid Lab, Starbucks top-secret tasting lab in Seattle, Dukes was trying out different taste combos by eating pumpkin pie and drinking espresso.
After many sessions, he and his team drilled down to pumpkin and spice to mimic the taste sensation of a mouthful of pumpkin pie. The first attempt involved a syrup concoction called a Fall Harvest Latte. The name and the drink just didn’t hit the mark. Then a sauce was formed, and the name Pumpkin Spice Latte was born. After testing successfully in Vancouver, Canada, and Washington, DC, the drinks were rolled out in 2004. Who knew after 20 years that this flavor sensation would be sticking around. And if you think it’s just humans who enjoy the trend - think again. Chewy has introduced pumpkin spice dog treats, and Petco has the same,
Story by Christie Crawford
Silke’s Bakery
including a plush dog toy shaped like a pumpkin spice latte.
Starbucks wasn’t the first coffee chain to create the flavor. There were other coffee establishments across the country with the drink, but what Dukes did was take it mainstream. It has brought the company over $1.4 billion in sales to date, and it remains its top-selling seasonal beverage of all time. Even restaurants are getting in the game with new versions of pasta, curries, soups, and vinaigrettes, all utilizing the spice. Major players in the hot and cold beverage game offer their take on the PSL.
Here in Clarksville, PSL’s can be found at many coffeehouses, both independent and chain. I was able to try the beverage here in town at coffeehouses Plumb Line Coffee and Silke’s Bakery, as well as Dunkin’ and Starbucks. If sweet is your flavor, I give the nod
to Silke’s and Dunkin’s versions. If you like the additional complexity of graham cracker taste, I would recommend the versions at Plumb Line and Starbucks.
McCormick Spice company predicted in 2010 that the spice would be a craze. The firm describes its Pumpkin Pie Spice blend as combining the sweetness of cinnamon, the earthy nuttiness of nutmeg, a peppery kick of ginger and the unique flavor quality of allspice to create a warm, earthy, sweet, irresistible flavor. There’s no doubt that what these spices do is invoke the fall mindset and bring up those warm experiences and memories of the season.
A nice pairing with that latte would be to serve up a pumpkin spice cheesecake, one of my tried-and-true fall recipes from The Frog /Commissary Cookbook - based on the cuisine from a legendary regional restaurant in Philadelphia.
Pumpkin Sour Cream Cheesecake
Ingredients
Crust:
2/3 cup flour
3 tablespoons sugar 4 tablespoons cold butter
1 tablespoon pumpkin spice
Filling:
2 lb cream cheese, at room temperature
1 cup sugar
4 eggs
4 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups pumpkin puree
2 1/4 teaspoons pumpkin spice
Sour Cream Topping:
1 1/2 cups sour cream
2 tablespoons sugar
Instructions
1. To make crust
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In food processor or with a pastry blender, blend ingredients until very fine crumbs are formed. Press into bottom of 9 X 3 1/2 springform pan (removable bottom cake pan). Bake for 15-20 minutes or until done. Cool completely.
2. To make filling:
Beat cream cheese with electric mixer. Add sugar until well blended. Add eggs one at a time. When smooth, add all other ingredients just to combine. Preheat oven to 275 degrees. Pour filling into pan with crust and bake for 2 hours and 15 minutes. Remove from oven (pie may seem under-cooked but will firm when chilled). Run a knife around edges to loosen cheesecake and prevent cracking. Cool on cooling rack. When cake is at room temperature, cover with plastic wrap flush against cheesecake and refrigerate overnight or at least 6 hours.
3. To make topping:
Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Whisk together ingredients. Spread the mixture over chilled cheesecake. Bake for seven minutes, watching so that the sour cream will not brown (tiny bubbles will appear all over the top surface when done). Cool 2 hours or more before serving. To store, wrap with plastic wrap tightly but not flush and refrigerate.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Plumb Line Coffee
Clarksville Chamber Business After Hours at Beachaven Vineyards
Clarksville Area Chamber of Commerce’s Business after Hours was held at Beachaven Vineyards & Winery, one of Clarksville’s landmark businesses, and Beachaven’s Abby Scurlock took the opportunity to share the news about upcoming events at one of Tennessee’s oldest wineries.
“We’re now doing smaller music on the lawn events throughout the season,” Scurlock said. “Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday we’ll be featuring more local artists and solo artists, and there will be food trucks. We’ve also introduced something this year we call Dinner with Trucks on the Lawn. We’re really excited to be partnered with Shirley Brown, and so far those events are drawing big crowds.”
Scurlock says Beachaven has always been a member of the Chamber, and has proudly hosted three Chamber events over the last couple of years.
“We’re all about the community, and we want to involve anyone and everyone,” Scurlock said. “We welcome families, businesses, everyone. We love to collaborate with Clarksville and our business community. Working with the chamber is a great way to get people out, and say, have you been here before, have you seen what we do, have you tried our wines?”
Kimberly & O’Neal Wiggins Walt Lord & Kiley Hinton
Crystal & Leo Rowe, Kerrie & Don Martin
Lisa Baggett, Kaily Meyer & Melissa Suss
Rebecca Cooke, Abby Scurlock & Kyla Arent
Keshia Hicks & Arlinda Baxter
Keri Lovato & Terri Wilson
Melissa Shepard & Regina Maloney Brandy Robertson & Thomasa Padilla
Emily Tardiff, Sydney Myers, Rachel Coffelt & Shani Simms
Tim Sims, Sean Jones, Mike Rainey & Jeremy Phillips
Rocks Clarksville: A Night to Remember Story
Styx, alongside the rising southern rock band Jet Black Roses, brought the house down at the F&M Bank Arena in Clarksville, delivering an unforgettable night of music. Jet Black Roses opened the show with a commanding performance, captivating the audience with their rich vocal harmonies and electrifying guitar riffs. Their Southern rock sound shone through in songs like “King of Fools,” energizing the crowd and leaving fans eager for more.
When Styx took the stage, the arena erupted. Performing a setlist packed with timeless hits like “The Grand Illusion,” “Crystal Ball,” and “Too Much Time on My Hands,” the legendary band kept the audience on their feet, singing along to every word. David Kells, Chief Officer for F&M Bank Arena, noted the band’s universal appeal, saying, “If you’re in the arena tonight, you sat down, and you knew 26 songs.”
Highlights of the night included Lawrence Gowan’s dynamic keyboard performance, Tommy Shaw’s masterful guitar work, and the band’s flawless sound and lighting production. With an encore featuring “Come Sail Away” and “Renegade,” Styx proved why they remain one of rock’s most enduring acts, leaving fans buzzing with excitement long after the final note.
and Photos by Mark Haynes
Styx
Jet Black Roses
Tommy Shaw
James (JY) Young
Flying High Reflecting on 40 years of Tradition and Growth
by Christina Clark,
In 1998, I attended my first Flying High event, and from that moment, I knew I wanted to be a part of the museum’s growth and contribute to the arts in Clarksville. After several years of volunteering, I was honored to receive an invitation to join the Customs House Museum Guild—a prestigious group of women deeply passionate about preserving and promoting the arts within our community. Although my tenure with the Guild eventually came to an end, I continued to attend Flying High every year, having missed only one over the span of twenty-six years.
Three years ago, at the 37th Flying High, Frank Lott presented an enticing opportunity to me, along with Beth Mabry and Julie Johnson. Frank, who had recently taken on the role as executive director of the Customs House Museum, asked the three of us to return to the Guild for a second term. Frank sought our extensive fundraising experience, diverse talents, and broad community connections to help breathe new life into Flying High. This endeavor was not just about maintaining the event’s legacy. It was about pushing it forward for future generations while honoring the traditions set by those who preceded us. We eagerly accepted the invitation and the challenge.
We met several times, reflecting on how much Flying High had evolved over the past forty years. Initially a quaint dinner club, the event gradually expanded to a larger outdoor gathering held at a museum member’s home. As it grew from intimate dining rooms to sprawling outdoor tents, challenges arose. There were years when torrential rains left volunteers scrambling to wipe down drenched tables and chairs or broken generators, leaving flowers and guests to wilt under extreme heat. While many people miss the exclusivity of the “garden party,” there is such joy in knowing that Flying High’s impact is exponentially growing. Bigger is better in this case.
As the event grew in size, issues related to A/V technology, catering, locations, and other logistics prompted the Guild to seek an indoor venue. Today, there is no venue that exemplifies the elegance and prestige of Flying High quite like the Oak Grove Racing and Gaming Center. For the past three years, the Museum Guild has
chosen to host our annual fundraiser in Oak Grove, Kentucky. Guests have praised the convenience of staying at the affiliated hotel and making a weekend out of this community event, further enhancing the experience.
This year, it was especially important to honor the traditions of Flying High while advancing the experience to reflect the growth of the past four decades. Having chaired several events in Clarksville, I deeply value the contributions of the women who came before me. Their vision and dedication are instrumental in any event’s development and success over the years.
To acknowledge those volunteers’ efforts, the current Guild hosted a past Flying High chair reception at the home of Dee Boaz, one of the first to chair the event. This gathering was a tribute to the extraordinary women who laid the foundation for Flying High from its inception over the forty years. It was a moment to celebrate the legacy they created and to recognize their role in shaping the event.
With the museum celebrating its “Museum at 40” milestone, it was fitting that this year’s Flying High theme mirror the museum’s anniversary. We envisioned a Frank Sinatra-inspired atmosphere, complete with white tablecloths, black table lamps, and elegant white flowers provided by Cecy the Flower Girl. To elevate the experience, we included a champagne toast for the first 150 guests, generously donated by Anne Marie and Ted Crozier in honor of Jean Gilbert, one of the event’s pioneering chairs. Guests enjoyed a delectable plated meal served under candlelight, complemented by elegant table lamps and the ambiance of jazz music. We contracted with a production company to enhance the audio/visual elements, sound, and lighting. Matt Rogers, the announcer of the TN Titans, served as our auctioneer, bringing his unique and dynamic presence to the Live Auction. The synergy and collaboration between Kell Black’s artful narration and Matt Rogers’ enthusiasm added a vibrant energy to the auction. The evening concluded with the Signature piece, “Cumberland Morning Serenity” by Kay Drew, who was also our Signature Artist in 2002.
Past Guild President & Chair of the 40th Flying High Event
A standout highlight this year was the inaugural Title Sponsorship by Joan and Ernie Dewald of Clarksville Dental. Their remarkable generosity, long-standing membership, and steadfast belief in our museum’s mission exemplify the power of community, support, and partnership. Their commitment significantly elevated our Flying High 40th Anniversary celebration, making it a truly memorable occasion. I am profoundly grateful for their thoughtfulness and generous donation, which were instrumental in the success of this momentous occasion.
Chairing the 40th Anniversary of Flying High for the Customs House Museum has been an incredible honor. This year’s event stood as a pinnacle of elegance and a testament to the exemplary stewardship of our beloved museum.
This extraordinary success would not have been possible without the tremendous team effort of our dedicated museum staff and Guild members. It has been a true privilege to collaborate with such talented and passionate individuals. I am especially proud of the remarkable fundraising achievements of the Museum Guild. Over the last three years, we have consistently surpassed previous records, with Flying High’s net profits rising from $60,000 to impressive figures between $120,000 and $180,000.
This outstanding progress is a testament to the exceptional partnership among the Guild, Museum staff, and our community.
The Museum Guild is on an impressive trajectory, and I am profoundly grateful to have had the opportunity to work with these dedicated women. I am also deeply appreciative of the steadfast support from our donors, patrons, artists, and volunteers. Their unwavering generosity is crucial to advancing our mission. Witnessing the convergence of history and art and seeing these elements come to life to inspire and educate our community has been a privilege. Receiving the Gracey Award this year as both the current and past Guild members was a profound honor. It reflected our collective dedication to the Guild’s purpose and our commitment to continuing the traditions that have made Flying High a cherished and impactful event reinforcing the Guild’s mission.
Together, we have made the 40th Flying High celebration a resounding success. I am deeply grateful for everyone’s contributions and for the opportunity to continue serving the community. I eagerly anticipate the next Flying High, the ongoing success of our beloved museum, and celebrating the arts in Clarksville.
Christoph Hrdina & Kitty Harvill Tammy Miller & Marydith Young
Christina Clark & Casey Tenholder Dee Boaz & Terry Morris
Rhonda & Kevin Kennedy
Jane & Jim Diehr
Julie & Ray Runyon
Jax Hollow & Jon Duncan Lisa & Brad Martin
Chris Travis, Josh & Jamie Peltz, Stephanie Travis
Black Clarksville’s Tiffany Perkins recently hosted the 3rd Annual Black Excellence Brunch, a garden party-themed event featuring live music, interactive photo displays, and awards for local black-owned/led businesses and organizations.
“Today, we are highlighting and honoring black-owned/led businesses and organizations,” Perkins said. “Our legacy honorees today are Kimberly Wiggins, Monica Meeks, Harold Evans, Jr., and Nick Nicholson. This is a great time to come together, highlight businesses, and connect.”
BLK Clarksville has been around since 2019, and it’s the third year of this event, which pre-registered more than 100 people. “We’re excited and grateful for everyone here to celebrate with us,” Perkins said. “August is Black Business Month. This annual BLK Clarksville fundraiser helps us with our mission. A lot of people may not know some of these businesses, but they are now being recognized as the best in their field.
“A lot of people from here have let us know that customers have found them because of our awards and our black-owned business directory. We hope to continue to provide a platform for them. This community is very friendly to minority businesses, but we can always do better, especially with support and education from platforms like ours.”
Jacqueline Porchia
Kendall & Shannon Kitchen
Malik & Keymonta Epps
Tramayne, Monica & Jared Meeks
Conchetta Willis Brendalyn Player
James Parham & Dr. Shona
McLaurin-Parham
Kia & John Rediker
Teneka & Monell Kennedy
Reginald & Debbie Moore
Chamber's Veteran Business of the Month
Jodi’s Cabinet Sales is a family business that in one iteration or another has been doing business in Clarksville since the mid 1970’s. For the last several years, it has been run by Joe Smith, a Montgomery County Commissioner, former Firefighter, and United States Marine Corps Veteran.
Smith, a Clarksville native, says he is honored that Jodi’s Cabinet Sales has been named Clarksville Area Chamber of Commerce Veteran Business of the Month.
“I did five years in the Marine Corps from 2002 – 2007,” Smith said. “I joined when I was 17. My full time was from September 2001 to September 2009. I left active duty in 2007 and got in to Clarksville Fire Rescue in 2008. I did that for twelve years. I was with Emergency Medical Response and handled everything from fires to wrecks to medical calls.
“Jodi’s is a family business. I loved serving in the military and with the fire department, but we have five kids,
so I’ve always been involved in this business to take care of them the way I wanted.”
Smith’s Grandfather started Whitlow’s Cabinet Shops in Clarksville, which he operated from the mid 70’s to the late 90’s. That’s when Smith’s mother Jodi started Jodi’s Cabinet Sales.
“I grew up in the custom shop, running hand tools when I was 10,” Smith said. “I’ve always been in the business. Even when I was in the military, I would come home and help out. I took a few years off while I was at CFR. My grandfather got sick in 2010, and soon after that, I came back into the business full-time.
“I would say our business has grown 700 - 800 % over the last dozen years or so. We operate mostly in Montgomery County but also provide services to surrounding counties. We’ve been able to streamline the processes and make a name for ourselves by getting the cabinets quickly and doing quality work. Now, our reputation, our name stands for itself.”
Jodi’s Cabinet Sales has about a dozen regular payroll employees on the team and another half-dozen 1099 employees.
“We sell five brands from one parent company, Master Brand Cabinets,” Smith said. “New construction is about 65% of our business. Remodeling makes up a big part of our business as well. Our new location has really made us more accessible to homeowners. We’re seeing great growth on that side of the business because we now have a very visible facility on a 5-lane highway in a commercial area. When we were on Riverside Drive people didn’t notice us as much because we were tucked in behind another business.”
The new location has 21,000 sf, which includes 4,000 sf of showroom and offices. The shop is open Monday –Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm. Weekend appointments are also available, depending on the designer.
“We really appreciate this honor,” Smith said. “We love supporting all our Clarksville neighbors, our Veterans, and our Veteran organizations here in Montgomery County. I’m a lifetime member of the Marine Corps League and the VFW. We give back to the community and try to make sure that our Veterans here are well taken care of.”
Jodi’s Cabinet Sales is located at 3109 Highway 41 A South. Call 931.542.9815.
Find them on Facebook at Jodi’s Cabinet Sales or at their website www.jodiscabinetsales.com
Joe Smith
The Bell Witch
The Bell Witch haunting in nearby Adams, TN, is one of the most famous ghost stories in American folklore. The Bell family was tormented by a malevolent spirit named “Kate,” who focused her wrath on John Bell and his daughter, Betsy. The witch allegedly killed John Bell, and strange occurrences such as disembodied voices, objects moving on their own, and ghostly apparitions have been reported for years, especially near the Bell Witch Cave.
The Roxy Theater
The historic Roxy Theater in downtown Clarksville is known for more than just live performances. Employees and guests have reported sightings of a ghostly figure on the upper balcony. Some believe it’s the spirit of a former projectionist or an actor who never left the stage. Cold spots and strange sounds have been common occurrences during rehearsals and performances.
Dunbar Cave
Clarksville’s historic Dunbar Cave is not just a natural landmark but is also believed to be haunted. Visitors have claimed to see shadowy figures moving within the cave and hear strange whispers. Some believe the cave holds a spiritual significance and might be a portal to another dimension. The eerie darkness and unsettling atmosphere contribute to its ghostly reputation.
Port Royal Ghost Town
The abandoned town of Port Royal is steeped in haunted lore. Once a bustling river port, it’s now known for paranormal activity. Visitors have claimed to hear phantom footsteps and the sound of horses’ hooves along the old streets. Ghosts of soldiers from the Civil War are also believed to haunt the area, and strange lights have been re ported along the riverbanks.
Governor’s Mansion at Fort Defiance
he Governor’s Mansion at Fort Defiance is said to be haunted by the spirits of Civil War soldiers. This historic location was once a key military outpost, and a few of the soldiers who fought and died there are believed to still roam the area. Visitors have reported hearing ghostly cannon fire and the sounds of soldiers marching late at night.
Greenwood Cemetery
The historic Greenwood Cemetery in Clarksville is the final resting place of many residents of the past, but it’s also said to be a hotbed for paranormal activity. Visitors report seeing ghostly figures walking among the graves and hearing unexplained whispers and cries. Some have claimed to see strange orbs of light floating through the cemetery late at night, adding to its eerie reputation.
Fun Facts! Haunted Clarksville
Austin Peay State University Ghosts
Austin Peay State University has several buildings rumored to be haunted. The university’s Harned Hall is said to have a ghostly woman who roams the halls, turning off lights and opening doors. Students have also reported strange occurrences in other older buildings, including flickering lights and whispering voices from nowhere.
The Bellamy Cave
Located on the Austin Peay State University campus, Emerald Hill Mansion is said to be haunted by the ghost of a woman in white. Students and faculty have reported seeing her roaming the grounds, especially on foggy nights. Some believe she’s searching for someone, or something lost long ago.
These ghostly tales make Clarksville a perfect place for paranormal enthusiasts, especially for those brave enough to explore these haunted spots!
by Linda Austin
Clarksville’s First Baptist Church
Clarksville’s Downtown Public Square
One of the oldest churches in the area, First Baptist Church in downtown Clarksville, is rumored to be haunted by former members of the congregation. Paranormal investigators have reported hearing organ music playing by itself and seeing strange, shadowy figures in the sanctuary. Some believe the spirits are watching over the church they loved in life.
William Morrow who had confessed to the Bellamy Cave Murders, was found guilty and hung at the downtown public square area where the Parks and Recreation building stands. Through the years, many locals have stated they have seen and felt the presence of ghostly figures in the area, Bill Morrow’s ghost is believed to be one of them.
The Bellwood Mansion in Indian Mound
The Bellwood Mansion is an aban doned mansion in the middle of the woods in the Dover area. It is a magnet for local legends and ghost sightings, and rumored to be cursed by a witch.
Emerald Hill Mansion
4th Annual Taste of Clarksville
Clarksville, TN - The 4th Annual Taste of Clarksville, an event that has been touted as a food-focused, family-friendly, fun-filled day to celebrate the best of Clarksville’s food scene was located inside APSU’s Foy Center, with food trucks and trailers set up in the adjoining parking lot.
Inside, attendees enjoyed dozens of vendors offering a variety of products, food, and otherwise, provided by local artisans, craftsmen, and bakers. Hundreds were in attendance, enjoying a variety of foods and activities.
Organizers presented awards for Best Burger –Gordon’s Sauce Kitchen, Best Fries – Lew’s Colorado Chile Kitchen, Best Dinner Plate – Island Jerk Flava, Best Dessert – Classic Gourmet Sweets, Best Vegan Dish – Island Jerk Flava, Best Meat & Three – All in the Family Catering, Best Hot Dog – LA Street Dogs. Wings – Dream Wingz, and more.
Linda Fentress
Travis, Tra & Todd Pettis
Sheena & Melina Dixon
Iyanna Dixon & Starr Clayborn
Jayden Estrada & Karelyn Jusino
Sonya Blade
Reggie, Lyndia & Elijah Farrior
Hummingbird Festival
at Wade Bourne Nature Center
The Wade Bourne Nature Center was recently the site of some serious bird watching as the Southeastern Avian Research Group and the Warioto Audubon Society sponsored a day of hummingbird trapping and banding with master bander Cyndi Routledge.
“My wife Cyndi is one of the few master banders in the United States. I’m just here to help,” Steve Routledge said. “What we do is remove the feeders that have been here, and hopefully, the hummingbirds will come to the feeders that we’ve set up inside these traps. Once they’re in, we use a remote control to close the door, we put them in a soft mesh bag and take them to Cyndi where she measures and weighs them, checks for sex, and age, puts a band on them and lets people feel their heartbeat.”
Routledge says they weigh about 3 grams, about the weight of a nickel. One primary variety is found in this area. “Most in the East and a little West of the Mississippi are Ruby-throated hummingbirds,” Routledge said. “Wintertime we get some of the western hummingbirds that winter here, and a few other varieties.
“Our birds from Tennessee generally winter in Mexico and Central America as far as northern Panama. I think they can travel as fast as 40 mph. They come back north in the spring to breed. They take a meandering route south, but they come back directly.”
Hundreds came out to try their hand at bird watching, arts and crafts and other activities throughout the day.
If you haven’t been to Parlor doughnuts, you’ve probably heard of it. If you haven’t heard about it, it’s time you did. The little shop on Madison Street is baking layered doughnuts fresh every day, and they have quickly become one of Clarksville’s favorite sweet indulgences.
Chris Block, Director of Operations for the franchise group that owns stores in Clarksville and Bowling Green, and rights to several other markets recently sat down to talk about the company, the customers, and the product.
“Chris Proctor came up with the idea while he was on a vacation in Destin, FL.,” Block said. “He wanted some coffee, but was in the wrong lane for Starbucks. He saw a big line for a place called Parlor Doughnuts, so he and his family tried the doughnuts and coffee that morning, then ate there every day for the rest of the week.”
When Proctor got back from vacation he talked to his business partner Stephen Oaks, and said ‘I’ve found the franchise we need to open’.
Parlor Doughnuts started franchising in 2021. The company began in Evansville, IN. “And now, here we are,” Block
said. “We have two restaurants now and seven territoriesGatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Asheville, NC, Chattanooga and Cleveland, TN, and Bowling Green, KY.
“The Clarksville store opened on June 11th, 2023. We had to do a lot of work to convert this space into what you see now. They had to pull up concrete and add plumbing and electricity. It took a lot of money and a lot of time.”
Parlor Doughnuts offers specialty doughnuts you can’t get anywhere else. “Our coffee is roasted by Parlor Doughnuts in Evansville, IN, and shipped to us within two days,” Block said. “It’s fresh and proprietary. All our coffees come from beans that they roast themselves. At Christmas we offer something called a Sleigh-rider that we also sell in cans. We also sell bags of coffee.”
Block says Parlor’s coffee business is picking up. “People see the doughnuts and don’t understand that we have awesome coffee, amazing coffee,” Block said. “We have iced lattes, hot lattes, hot chocolate for the kids made from the espresso machine. Everything is made from scratch, which you don’t often find anymore.”
Parlor’s signature dough is tied, fried, rolled in sugar, and
Story and Photos by Tony Centonze
glazed in-house. Block continued, “We don’t mix our dough on site, but it is our recipe that is made specifically for us. Parlor offers between twenty and twenty-four flavors at a time, depending on the season.
“We change up the menu for Fall and Winter. On special holidays, like Halloween, we might add sprinkles, and we do free minis if you show up in costume.”
The base is the same for all the flavors. There are keto and gluten-free options as well. “That’s also something that sets us apart,” Block said. “We have people with Celiac disease who haven’t been able to eat doughnuts for years. I’ve had people cry when they eat the first doughnut they’ve had in years, or maybe ever, because they can’t have gluten.”
Team members have to show up at 4:00am to get the doors open by 6:00am. “We have a lot of people who stop in early before work, teachers coming to get doughnuts for their classrooms, things like that,” Block said. “Summertime, it’s a later start, we don’t start getting busier ‘til later in the morning. During the school year, sometimes people wait in the parking lot with their lights on.”
day long. If you don’t see it, just ask, and they will make it for you.
Nothing is used the next day. It’s all fresh every day. “We do small batches all day,” Block said. “Right now, we have two trays of base doughnuts ready to go in the back. If we’re going through them we’ll just ready another couple of trays.”
Around 12:00pm each day they take the display case down, but Block says you can still get any doughnut you want, all
Each morning they fill the display cases with a huge variety of flavors, once the early rush is over they make doughnuts to order.
“Our most popular flavors are French Toast and Strawberry Shortcake with fresh fruit,” Block said. “Maple Bacon and Peanut Butter Cup are my faves, and the Raspberry Jelly Doughnut is so good!! At the end of the day we hardly have anything left. But we’ll take them and donate them to places like the police station or a local business, or to someone who hasn’t tried them before. We’ve taken several to EMS stations and fire stations, and that’s what we do. We don’t waste anything, and people get to try them that might not have had them before.”
The stores stay busy, but each location has a relatively small staff of just eight to ten employees. The Madison Street location’s hours are currently 6:00am – 3:00pm, seven days a week. Nationwide, the company has
Continues on page 40
General Manager, Emilee Davis making doughnuts
Crystal Blough enjoying a chocolate doughnut at Parlor Doughnuts
Chris Block, Parlor Doughnuts Director of Operations making coffee
Parlor Doughnuts
expanded to about 60 stores, and steadily opening more.
“The economy can be rough on small businesses, so its tough to be growing in this economy,” Block said. “We’re thankful. I Just say to everyone, come try us. It’s an awesome environment.“
“We have a wonderful staff. It’s something different than you’ve tried before, and it could be addictive.”
“And we’re not just doughnuts. We’re a coffee shop and a breakfast shop. We have wonderful breakfast food. We have sausage biscuits, breakfast tacos, spinach pesto sandwiches, bacon, egg, and cheese sandwiches, avocado toast, and more. We are way more than just doughnuts.”
A lot of Parlor’s business is carryout and online. General Manager Emilee Davis says thatit could be as much as 25% at times.
“Friday, Saturday, and Sunday are our busiest days,” Block said. “We’ll start with about 480 doughnuts on a regular day and about 960 on the busier days. And our doughnuts are a lot cheaper by the dozen. The shelf life is pretty good, you just have to be careful with whipped topping and fresh fruit and make be sure to put them in the refrigerator.”
Block recommends popping them in the microwave for a few seconds, saying, “They’re perfect. These are layered doughnuts, fluffy and airy. They fill you up but they’re not dense. They don’t make you tired. It’s the perfect balance in the French style.
“We have a lot of regulars; some come in daily, and some come primarily for the coffee. Parlor’s founders, a preacher and his son, were in a Christian band. They were experiencing coffee shops and doughnut shops across the country, and they decided they should open one of their own. In Evansville, IN they started the coffee shop, then the doughnut shop, then merged the two, and here we are.”
Parlor Doughnuts
Clarksville Women’s Expo 2024
The Women of Clarksville Expo returned for its fourth year, and responded to the event’s steady growth by moving to a new venue, The Emerald, located on the Highway 41A Bypass, which allowed for more vendors and expanded parking with shuttle services.
“We are excited to see the growth of the Women’s Expo, where over the years we have highlighted and featured hundreds of women and their business enterprises,” Clarksville First Lady Cynthia Pitts said. “We are also excited to be holding this year’s event at The Emerald, one of Clarksville’s newest event venues and a woman-owned and operated business.”
More than 900 were expected to attend, and more than 70 primarily women-owned businesses were featured at this year’s event. “Our theme is, We are Stronger Together,” Pitts said. “This is a networking event. It’s all about women supporting each other. We have new vendors here, including Clothes Mentor. We also have our women firefighters and women police officers here.” Clarksville Mayor Joe Pitts added, “and we are currently hiring for positions with both those departments.”
This year’s event featured many popular vendors and services from past years. Guests enjoyed food vendors, free health screenings, cooking demonstrations, and of course lots of shopping opportunities.
Clarksville Mayor Joe Pitts, First Lady Cynthia Pitts & Clarksville Women’s Expo 2024 team
Gina Johnson, Angela Moody & Makayla Hubbard
CPD’s Sgt. Tina Slaven & Det. Kristen Ashford
Aminah Perkins
Patricia Leist & Earline Williams
Jessica Johnson
American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life
Clarksville, TN - This year’s American Cancer Society Relay for Life was held at Clarksville Regional Airport with a few new twists like a car show, members of Bikers Who Care leading the survivor lap, and more. Relay for Life is a fundraiser that honors survivors and raises awareness and funds for continued cancer research.
Alex Stewart, Senior Development Manager with The American Cancer Society in Middle Tennessee said, “We’ve been holding the Relay for Life here for more than 20 years, and it’s the Relay’s 40th year overall. We run with a limited staff, because we direct as much of our funding as possible to cancer research. So, we are very thankful for all our volunteers.”
This year’s event brought together 30 fundraising teams, lots of vendors and about 20 sponsors. There was also a table filled with items to be raffled.
“We’re expecting a couple of hundred supporters; of course, that depends on the heat,” Stewart said. “We have live music, lots of food, fun, and games for everyone.
“This year’s goal is to raise $60,000 in Montgomery County for cancer research, and we are already about 75% o the way there. The actual fundraising will continue through the end of the year. The top team up to the day of this year’s Relay for Life was Waste Connections.”
Alex Stewart & Tonya Sherman Ana Guin & Kenzie Powell
Christy Arms & Crystal Jenkins Asia Dubose & Courtney Frederick
Lanika McClendon Tiffany & James Kauffman
Liverpool Legends
at Downtown Commons
Clarksville’s Downtown Commons was the scene of a recent British invasion when Liverpool Legends, a Beatles tribute band, took the stage, then took the audience back to the 60’s for what felt like an evening with the Fab Four themselves.
The band is comprised of four lads who were hand-picked by Louise Harrison, sister of the late George Harrison of the Beatles. They have toured the world, performed at the Rose Bowl, and the world-famous Carnegie Hall in New York City.
The show began with the four wearing the slim-cut suits, leather Chelsea boots, and mop-top haircuts popularized by the Beatles in the early 60’s. After the intermission, the late-60’s were brought to life with psychedelic outfits, hinting of India and Tibet, reminiscent of the Magical Mystery Tour era.
Downtown Commons Program Event Manager Elizabeth Quinton said, “We are so excited to have them here for Downtown @ Sundown. We have a great crowd, probably 2,000 or more, which is amazing.” After the show, Quinton posted just one sentence - “The Liverpool Legends did not disappoint!”
CALENDAR
12 saturday
Tennessee Horror Fest
October 12th, 2024 | 10:00am to 5:00pm
Price: $20 | Kids Under 11 Free
The Tennessee Horror-Fest is a Horror mecca convention located in the beautiful City of Clarksville, Tennessee. Striving to be Tennessee’s best and truest Horror convention featuring fandoms of multiple genres. As a longtime collector of horror and pop culture items, the promoter brings Tennessee an event that will satisfy any fandom!
Quality Inn - Exit 4
3095 Wilma Rudolph Boulevard | Clarksville, TN
Historic Riverview Cemetery Walking Tour
October 12th | 9:00am to 10:00am $20 ticket | $15 member ticket | Artifact Talk: $5, ages 5+
The Riverview Cemetery, established on February 23rd, 1800—back when Clarksville was just a village—rests on land donated by Valentine Sevier. Join us for a 1-hour guided tour of the cemetery, where you’ll uncover its rich history and learn about the notable figures buried there.
Following the tour, our Curator of Collections will present a 30-minute talk on select items from our collection. This additional session costs $5 and can be added during checkout.
Please note that tickets for the tour must be purchased in advance, as space is very limited.
Registration is available at https:// customshousemuseum.org/events/list/page/2/
*The grounds of Riverview Cemetery are not handicap accessible. The terrain is bumpy with few paved paths.
Riverview Cemetery
635 North Spring Street | Clarksville, TN
Happy Meow-loween Adoption Event
October 12th, 2024 | 12:00pm to 4:00pm
Price: Free
Calling all ghouls and goblins! Join us for a hauntingly good time at Three Rifles Distillery’s Meow-loween Celebration! This family-friendly event is packed with spooky fun for all ages.
Three Rifles Distilling Company
614 North Spring Street Ste B | Clarksville, TN
13 sunday
Blippi: Join the Band Tour
October 13th, 2024 | 2:00pm
Price: $34.05+
Join Blippi to make music in your hometown in the brand new live Blippi: Join the Band Tour! Blippi will be joined onstage by Meekah, their singing and dancing buddies and LIVE musicians to explore what makes music, including sounds, rhythms and instruments, through all your favorite Blippi hits. Get your tickets at www.Ticketmaster. com
F&M Bank Arena
101 Main Street | Clarksville, TN
Clarksville Halloween Market
October 13th, 2024 | 11:00am to 7:00pm
Price: Free
Mark your calendars for the 3rd Annual Clarksville Halloween Market! This is a FREE, family-friendly indoor event at the Wilma Rudolph Event Center with vendors, food trucks, and more. Presented by Velvet Ghost Boutique. More info visit www. clarksvillehalloweenmarket.com
Wilma Rudolph Event Center 8 Champions Way | Clarksville, TN
Beetlejuice (the movie)
October 13th, 2024 | 2:00pm Price: $5
A happy couple (Geena Davis and Alec Baldwin) with a lovely country house die in a car accident and must haunt their old home while waiting to be processed into heaven. Too nice to be scary, they befriend the new tenants’ daughter (Winona Ryder).
Roxy Theatre
100 Franklin Street | Clarksville, TN
17 thursday
Dwight Yoakam Concert
October 17th, 2024 | 7:00pm
Price: Ticketmaster
Dwight Yoakam has sold more than 25 million albums worldwide, and he is a 21-time nominated, multiple GRAMMY Award winner. He has 12 gold albums and 9 platinum or multi-platinum albums, with five of those albums topping Billboard’s Country Albums chart and another 14 landing in the Top 10. Get your tickets at www.ticketmaster.com
F&M Bank Arena
101 Main Street | Clarksville, TN
18
friday
The Rocky Horror Show
October 18th, 19th, 24th, 25th, 26th, 31st, November 1st 2024 | 7:00pm
November 2nd | 11:59pm
Price: $35 adults
That sweet transvestite and his motley crew are back for the 12th year, so prepare to do the “Time Warp” like you have never done it before! In Richard O’Brien’s cult classic, sweethearts Brad and Janet, stuck with a flat tire during a storm, discover the eerie mansion of Dr. Frank-N-Furter. As their innocence is lost, Brad and Janet meet a houseful of wild characters, including a rocking biker and a creepy butler. Through elaborate dances and rock songs, Frank-N-Furter unveils his latest creation: a muscular man named Rocky.
Roxy Regional Theatre
100 Franklin Street | Clarksville, TN
STEAM DAY: Backyard Birds & Beyond
October 18th, 2024 | 10:30am to 3:00pm | All ages, with adult Free admission
Join us at the Museum for an event-filled day of discovering birds and ways to keep them safe! In partnership with Montgomery County Parks and Rec, we will identify and explore our backyard birds and learn about threats to the birds and ways to protect them and their environment. Start the day with bird watching at Rotary Park before joining the events at the Customs House Museum.
*All parents are expected to participate with and supervise their children
Customs House
200 South Second Street | Clarksville, TN
19 saturday
International Festival
October 19th, 2024 | 12:00pm to 10:00pm October 20th, 2024 | 12:00pm to 4:00pm
Price: Free
Come join us on Sat, October 19th, 2024 and Sunday Oct 20th at The Immaculate Conception Church grounds for a day filled with cultural celebrations from around the world. Experience a variety of traditional foods, music, dances, and crafts that showcase the diversity of our community. For more information: Festival Director, iccommunications@immaconception.org 931.645.6275.
Join us for our popular historic walking tour of Greenwood Cemetery, one of Clarksville’s oldest active burial grounds. Take a spine-tingling stroll through the winding paths as we share captivating tales of local history and intrigue. This 1-hour tour will reveal the cemetery’s rich past and highlight the notable figures laid to rest there. Afterward, our Curator of Collections will present a 30-minute talk on select items from our collection. This additional session is $5 and can be added during checkout. Tickets must be purchased in advance, as space is extremely limited. Register now at https:// customshousemuseum.org/events/list/page/2/
Price: $20.00 | Kids Under 11 Free - One per Adult
Join us for our next show in town on Saturday October 19, 2024. It’s fun for the whole family. Come see Vendors, Guests and Attractions. Plus High Video Game & Cosplay Contest. For more information please visit www.clarksvillecon.com
Join us for an unforgettable evening at the Best In Black Benefit Gala and Awards Show – The Coming to America Experience. Theme & Attire: Inspired by the movie “Coming to America,” wear your finest cultural attire (or just a nice formal look) for a vibrant experience.
For more info contact Juanita Charles, juanita@ manifestmagicbgc.org www.manifestmagicbgc. org/bib or call 931.624.3915
The Emerald Clarksville 2631 Hwy 41A Bypass | Clarksville, TN
Bands at the Brewstillery
October 19th, 2024 | 6:00pm to 9:00pm
Price: Free
Distiller Take Over. Bring the lawn chairs, blankets, the kids, and the pups, but not the outside alcohol.
Food available for purchase via “Campfire Grill”.
The Star Spangled Brewing Company
614 North Spring Street | Clarksville, TN
20
sunday
Hocus Pocus (the movie)
October 20th, 2024 | 2:00pm
Price: $5
Halloween night will never be the same after three 17th century witches (Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy), hanged for their murderous crimes, are accidentally conjured up in present-day Salem, where they brew a hilarious cauldron of mischief and mayhem!
Roxy Theatre
100 Franklin Street | Clarksville, TN
25 friday
The Awakening Tour
October 25th, 2024 | 7:00pm
Price: #23.15+
Ignite your soul at The Awakening Tour this fall! Join F&M Bank Arena as they welcome Casting Crowns, Mac Powell, Terrian, David Leonard, and more for an evening that will leave you feeling refreshed, inspired, and encouraged.
F&M Bank Arena
101 Main Street | Clarksville, TN
26 saturday
Rotary Park Fall Fest
October 26th, 2024 | 11:00am
Price: Free
Join us at Rotary Park for our fourth annual Fall Festival from 11am to 3pm, sponsored by Fortera Credit Union. This family-friendly event will include pumpkin painting, trick-or-treating, Halloween crafts, interacting with creepy crawlers and much more! Food trucks will be on-site and costumes are encouraged.
Rotary Park
2308 Rotary Park Drive | Clarksville, TN
Fright on Franklin
October 26th, 2024 | 3:00pm to 6:00pm
Price: Free
Join us in Downtown Clarksville as it transforms into a frightfully fun event for the entire family. There will be safe trick-or-treating from more than 50 local businesses and organizations.
Downtown Clarksville
102 Public Square | Clarksville, TN
27 friday
Used Book Sale
October 25th–26th, 2024 | 9:00am to 5:00pm
October 27th, 2024 | 1:00pm to 4:30pm
Price: Free
The Friends of the Clarksville-Montgomery County Public Library’s Fall Book Sale is coming October 24-28, 2024.
The money raised will go to support the library’s programming for its youth, teen, and adult collections.
Clarksville-Montgomery County Public Library
350 Pageant Lane | Clarksville, TN
30 wednesday
Halloween Spookfest
October 30th, 2024 | 4:00pm to 7:00pm
Price: Free
Halloween themed vendors, along with food, music, tarot and psychic readings, giveaways and more. Located in the courtyard of the Customs House Museum.
Customs House
200 South Second Street | Clarksville, TN
November
7 thursday
First Thursday Art Walk
November 7th, 2024 | 5:00pm to 8:00pm
Price: Free
Be inspired by the works of local artists in a community-wide, self-guided tour of artistic displays at a variety of downtown businesses. This event is produced by the Downtown Clarksville Association, and admission is free.
The Customs House Museum & Cultural Center is open with free admission during each First Thursday Art Walk from 5:00pm-8:00pm.
