"Children's Fountain" on Strawberry Alley - Photo by Mark Haynes
Publisher's Note
As we celebrate an incredible first year in business, we bring to you September’s issue with extra pages and a special cover, and reflect on the journey that has brought us to this milestone. Working with talented writers and creators has been at the heart of our success, fueling our growth and driving our passion. The creativity, dedication, and talent of our team have not only shaped our company but also created a vibrant community that inspires and challenges us every day.
We want to thank Paige, Christie, Alexandra, Rick and Cindy for their amazing contributions. We also want to welcome artist/writer/ photographer/graphic designer D.C. Thomas to the team, and introduce Jon Wheeler, our newest writer/photographer.
This year has been marked by rapid change and the constant challenge of never-ending deadlines. In a field where fresh content and perspective is key, the pace can be relentless. Yet, it’s in this fast-moving environment that we’ve found our strength. Each project, every deadline, and every unexpected turn has pushed us to think differently, adapt quickly, and grow in ways we never imagined. We’ve learned that this community continues to provide us with more great content than we can possibly cover.
Our community’s growth has been another source of strength. There’s so much happening around us—new businesses, ideas, collaborations, and initiatives that keep us all on our toes. Clarksville is among the 25 fastest growing cities in America, growing 15% in the last 5 years.
Being part of such a dynamic market has been instrumental in our success. We’ve grown together, learning from each other, sharing experiences, and building connections that go beyond business. It’s this sense of community that has helped us navigate challenges and celebrate victories, both big and small.
As we look forward to the future, we remain committed to nurturing the creativity that drives us, and sharing the accomplishments and milestones of our friends and neighbors that bring us all so much joy.
We know there will be more changes, more challenges, and many more deadlines. But with the talented people around us and the support of our community, we are confident in our ability to continue growing and thriving. Here’s to an amazing first year, and to many more ahead—filled with creativity, collaboration, and the unending pursuit of excellence.
A special thanks goes out to our family of advertisers - local businesses that believed in us, and our readers, who keep each issue flying off the shelves. Without all of you, none of this would be possible.
Thank you, Tony, Linda and Mark
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
Not Horsing Around at Clyde’s
Tea with Me Fundraiser
Bethel Community Church of Clarksville recently hosted its 3rd Annual Tea with Me fundraising and Christian women’s celebration event, a delightful and heartwarming gathering organized by Kathy Robertson and Vickey McCullum. This year’s event featured special guest speaker Brandy Luna, a renowned Christian pod-caster from Las Vegas, and Sherry Nicholson, the esteemed founder of the non-profit organization YaiPak.
The occasion served a dual purpose. Firstly, it was an important fundraiser for YaiPak’s new “Foster Hope” program to help children of trauma from within their homes, homeless children and child victims of sex trafficking. Secondly, it was also a cherished opportunity for Christian women to socialize, bond, and strengthen their faith.
As attendees entered the beautifully decorated hall, they were greeted by a stunning array of tables, each adorned with its own unique tea party theme. The meticulous attention to detail was evident in every corner, from the elegant floral centerpieces to the charming tea sets that promised an afternoon of fun fellowship.
Story by Linda Austin
tuna salads with crackers were laid out, catering to every palate. Most impressive was the extensive selection of teas from around the world, ensuring that everyone found something to their taste, making the event a true feast for the senses.
The festivities started with Jenny and Even Owens, along with Jess Hall, members of the Bethel Church band, wonderfully performing contemporary Christian music and leading all the ladies in songs and prayers of empowerment and gratitude, setting the tone for the moving afternoon of celebration.
A delectable variety of cakes, snacks, and mini chicken and
One of the most amusing moments of the afternoon was the best hat contest, which brought out the creative spirit of the attendees. Women of all ages donned their most imaginative and stylish headwear, vying for the coveted prize. The laughter and friendly competition added a lively touch to the serene atmosphere.
The first guest speaker, the indelible force of nature, Sherry Nicholson, shared her testimony of how she started her non-profit, once being a very young homeless mother of two children, and the significant moment, in her darkest moment, that God’s presence saved her life. She spoke passionately about YaiPak’s mission and the critical importance of their new foster care program. Her dedication to helping the most vulnerable members of the
Hat Contest (Cathrine Robinson)
Sally Moore. (Cathrine Robinson)
community, especially the homeless children and victims of sex trafficking was moving, and her appeal for support was met with generous contributions from the attendees.
Influential Christian pod-caster Brandy Luna flew in, all the way from Las Vegas, to share her testimony. She captivated the audience with her inspiring talk, sharing her amazing journey from running away from foster care as a very young teen, surviving on the streets, homeless, and finally the profound impact of faith in her life. Her words resonated deeply with many, offering encouragement, speaking of the incredible gift and healing power of forgiveness to others and to ourselves, and instilling a renewed sense of purpose.
As women, we juggle very busy lives, taking care of our families, work, and an unending list of responsibilities that leave very little time for introspection. The afternoon’s tea party is likened to a moment of “forgetting your hungry, ‘til you smell the food,” except it was a spiritual hunger that was brought to the forefront of attention.
Throughout the event, there was a sense of sisterhood and unity. Women from various walks of life, different races, ages, and diverse cultures all came together, not just to enjoy a lovely tea party but to support a noble cause and uplift one another through prayer and shared experiences. The communal prayers, singing in unison, and heartfelt conversations reinforced the bonds of faith, connections, and friendship, feeding everyone’s souls and leaving them feeling spiritually full, empowered, and revitalized.
The 3rd Annual Tea with Me was more than just an afternoon of tea and treats. It was a testament to the power
of community and compassion. The success of the event underscored the collective strength of women coming together for the greater good. As the attendees left, there was a shared sense of fulfillment and inspiration, as we were left eagerly looking forward to next year’s gathering.
I’d like to personally ask all our readers to get in touch with YaiPak and help support Foster for Hope either through donation, or volunteerism. The best way to empower ourselves is by helping and giving to others. Right now, the youngest and most vulnerable members of our community need all our help the most. Please visit www.yaipak.org/foster-hope to find more information on how to get involved. thank you.
Also, very special thanks to the amazing Jop Hall, a local real estate agent and insurance sales agent, for inviting me.
Sherry Nicholson. (Cathrine Robinson)
Sango Night Market
Arriving at the Sango Night Market, even at 4:00pm, you’re struck by how busy it already is. Market Manager Cassie Berger said, “We chose Mondays because some people just can’t get out on the weekends. This gives people something to look forward to.
As Jay Rin played music at the pavilion. Berger continued, “This is our first year and our 6th week. Sango Night Market runs from Memorial Day to Labor Day. This is one of our best crowds yet. So, we feel really blessed.
“I think our success comes from the community out here, word of mouth, and having a space for families to come where the kids can play at the park. We also have a lot of great food. It’s not just about come and go. We want people to hang out, bring their friends and family, and make it so there is something for everybody.”
Berger says the main focus is on farmers, but they have quite a few bakers and artisans as well. “We have 45 vendors today, and room for more. If the want and need is there, we’ll do more. And, we thank the church for letting us use their parking. We took a risk, but it’s working out great. We are definitely looking forward to coming back next year.”
Jenna Erikson, Izabel Hershey and Cassie Berger
Sarah Head, Sharon Cockarill and Jeff Wall
Rebecca Crowe, Christy Dougherty and Carder Henry
Brian Easley
Charlie and Chris Jordan Emily Hoff
Aden and Nona Howe
Cody and Jessica Jensen
Layla and Howard Castle, Lynley and Phillip Watson
Brianna Ramos, Cassidy and Weston Rayborn
Jay Rin Isabel Candler and Sarah Lancia
Michaela Ramos and Christina Balbe Allison Tomlinson and Henry
Flying High Gathering
The next Flying High is set for August 24th, 2024, with a Dinner Club theme. Recently, past and present organizers of the Customs House Museum’s premier annual event decided it was time for a little party to celebrate 40 years of success.
The Museum’s Channing Grimes was joined by present Guild Chair Christina Clark, one of the event progenitors Dee Boaz, and a couple of dozen long-time museum supporters. Boaz said, “When the museum started, Ann Marie Crozier, her mother Jean Gilbert, and Rachel Cotham, and I knew the museum needed something to help get it going. Jean said, ‘Why not throw a party? Everyone loves a party.’”
“Dee has been gracious enough to host us, and LaRae Davenport and Ann Marie have done such a great job of putting all this together,” Grimes said. “And Jim Vickers and Brian Schafer did this amazing catering for us.”
Museum director Frank Lott shared some memories and thanked the Guild for its important role and continuing support. “This has been an amazing ride these last 40 years,” Lott said. “I remember standing on the street the day they cut the ribbon on the museum in 1984. I told my wife Patti, my girlfriend at the time, that I wanted to be part of this. Being the Executive Director has been the thrill of my life. All of you have been just as dedicated as I have, and that’s exceptional.”
Brian Schafer & Jim Vickers
Allison Clouser & Marydith Young
Hansi Russell & LaRae Davenport Judy Landiss & Roberta Richardson
Ann Marie Crozier & Elizabeth Black
Dee Boaz & Anne Clark
Channing Grimes & Stacy Mobley
Laura Crow & Jamie Durrett
Alexandra Arnold
Alexandra Arnold graduated in 2022 from Austin Peay State University with a bachelor’s in communication with a concentration in print and web journalism. With her journalism, she loves writing about local businesses and events, pop culture, politics, and social issues. Aside from writing, Arnold loves playing and listening to music, crocheting, and snuggling up on the couch while watching one of her favorite animated series.
Cindy Podurgal Chambers
Cindy Podurgal Chambers has been a published author nearly all her life -- her first printed works included maudlin poetry banged out on a manual typewriter as an angsty teenager. Since then, she has written hundreds of articles for magazines, anthologies, and textbooks; served as Creative Director for an ad agency; worked as PR director for both a private K-12 school and a university; was a humor columnist for The Stars and Stripes international newspaper, and taught College Writing for nearly 15 years. A former Polish Linguist in Military Intelligence, she holds undergraduate degrees in Interior Design and Business Management, as well as an MBA and two years of a PhD in Social Psychology. She still doesn’t know what she wants to do when she grows up, but she’s pretty sure it will involve words.
After a 35-year career in marketing and finance, Christie Crawford retired and moved here with her husband Marlin, a native of Clarksville. A communications major in college, Crawford has always written, be it business articles, sales manuals, advertisements, or newsletters. Now, she gets to write about what she wants and what inspires her. Considering she is a Northern California native, it’s no surprise that her interests include food, wine, and travel — particularly places in the world that excel at all three.
Celebrating Our Writers: A Year of Inspiration!
Meet and celebrate our talented writing staff in this special 1-year anniversary issue.
Your dedication and creativity have enriched every issue and given so much value to our dear readers. We are so proud of each of you and so very grateful to be working with you. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and passions with all of us.
Sincerely,
Linda Austin, Mark Haynes, and Tony Centonze.
Paige Eisemann
Paige Eisemann has spent her career dedicated to education as a teacher, librarian, trainer, and educator coach who has worked with all ages, from preschool to adult professionals. Sharing a love of writing and research in the classroom led her to utilize her talents in writing for Clarksville Living for the past five years, being featured as a guest writer for several blogs and writing grants for various causes within our community. She is a devoted Mother, Wife, Daughter, and Friend.
Daniela Thomas
Daniela Thomas is an American photographer and writer with a Romanian childhood. Clarksville became her home eleven years ago. Since her formative years, history and myth have nourished art creation, shaping new channels for manifesting her consciousness and recollection of intricate dreams.
D.C. Thomas is the author of a published poetry volume titled “Her Suns and Their Daughters: Daughters Of The Universe Seen” (also known as the DOTUS volume). More info can be found at www.DCTHOM.com
Christie Crawford
Not Horsing Around at Clyde’s
Story Christie Crawford
According to Clyde’s of Clarksville’s General Manager Derek Hall, “you don’t need to go to Nashville to get good food.” The restaurant, barely open a year, features a casual fine dining experience, the type of food that you would expect with white linens but without the prices and formality.
Hall, whose lifelong career in the food industry includes 18 years at Morton’s Steakhouse in Nashville, brings his hospitality knowledge to Clyde’s, including a pledge of being “a step above” in menu and service from comparative restaurants.
Born in Nashville, Hall’s experiences were in food establishments there before he moved to McEwen, TN when he became a single dad, in order to give his children a better lifestyle. He found himself working at Cracker Barrel, where the hours were more conducive to raising children, when he met restaurant consultant David Wyatt who was working with Dock 17.
Wyatt, a former J. Alexander’s employee, immediately clicked with Hall and Wyatt bought him the restaurant opportunity at The River Club golf facility. Named for one of the owner’s father Clyde Purvis, the restaurant is locally-owned and is community focused - one of the key attractions for Hall.
What Hall emphasizes is that although the golf facility is held by private membership, the restaurant is open to the entire community, and has a meeting room ideal for company and or organization lunches and dinners. Through these events, Clydes’ has built its clientele, only relying on wordof -mouth advertising and online ratings such as YELP. Sales are still building as the one-year anniversary approaches.
Clyde’s menu is put together by both Wyatt and Hall and emphasizes Southern dishes with modern input. One of his
Clyde’s of Clarksville
Bar at Clyde’s
signature dishes that he was told “ would never do well in Clarksville” is seared yellowfin tuna dipped in sesame seeds and served in a ponzu or Japanese citrus sauce.
Derek added a strong steak menu including a new teres major cut of beef for a truly edible steak sandwich, and a buffalo cauliflower appetizer, which have both become restaurant favorites. The menu is always evolving and he hopes to add a charcuterie board item to enhance the typical fare in the near future.
When asked what new experiences could be expected, Hall mentions that he would like to work with a local bakery with a strong reputation for dessert and bread items. He would also like to fully utilize his large deck overlooking the golf course by weather conditioning it to make it available 365 days a year.
No expansion plans are in place, but Hall says that, if it were the right spot it could be feasible to the owners. He stresses that the restaurant maintain it’s small-town feel and that it be community oriented. Golfers are a priority customer and the bar will keep its attractive pricing for post golf activities.
Community Tuesday is an important event for Clyde’s as schools, sports organizations, and and an event dear to his heart - Rossview-After Prom, benefit from a donation of 10% of all proceeds from 4:00pm to closing.
As the anniversary date approaches (official date September 29th) Hall hopes to bring his family’s Clydesdale horses back for the community to enjoy.
These horses are especially friendly and excellent with kids, as they normally participate in local fairs in Tennessee.
Although the Clydesdales are set to visit at Clyde’s, it is clear that Hall is not horsing around when it comes to good restaurant fare.
Caleb Crutcher preparing a fries order
Kamaya Woodson constructing a salad
General Manager Derek Hall speaking to customers
Wings of Liberty Museum
Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Brian E. Winski kicked off the recent groundbreaking ceremony for the long-awaited Wings of Liberty Museum. He thanked local leadership, Mayors Pitts and Golden, Representatives Johnson and Glynn, Senator Bill Powers, and others. “And a special thanks to our most significant supporters over the years, Jack and Margie Turner,” Winski said. “If it were not for Jack’s leadership and generosity over the years, we would not be here today.”
The list of donors, organizations, and others who have contributed to the 20-plus-year trek that brought us to the groundbreaking of this $40-million project continued for several minutes.
“Wings of Liberty, a 40,000 sf museum on 33 acres, will be opening next summer,” Winski said. “It is more than a project, it’s a mission, a calling. We are building a museum that will educate, honor, and inspire, bringing the history and legacies of these great units to life.”
Exhibits will include artifacts and displays that are currently in the Pratt Museum, others that are in storage, and newer exhibits that will cover recent chapters in Iraq, Syria, and Afghanistan. Winski said new exhibits will better cover and focus on the history and legacy of the 5th Special Forces Group and the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment. He went on to talk about the numerous uses of the facility’s indoor and outdoor spaces, and the impact this museum will have on the community.
Jack Turner
Sen. Bill Powers & Rep. Jeff Burkhart
Sammy & Cindy Stuard
Representative Ronnie Glynn
Rep. Curtis Johnson, Charlie & Kris Foust
Julie Adams, MG Walt Lord (Ret.) & Meghan Williams
Deanna McLaughlin & Gabby Gardner Andrew Kester & James Halford
APSU President, Dr. Michael Licari & Carol Clark Montgomery County Mayor Wes Golden
Doug & Tina Englen
Charlie Koon
Boys & Girls Clubs of America Coming to Clarksville
Story by Tony Centonze
Boys & Girls Clubs of Middle TN CEO, Eric Higgs was in town recently for a B&G Clubs Coding Academy. He took time to talk about the program in middle Tennessee and the pending location in Montgomery County.
“We are currently in Williamson and Davidson counties. We are also in Fairview, TN,” Higgs said. “B&G Clubs of Middle Tennessee has been around since 1903, so we’re celebrating 120 years.” Higgs was a corporate executive for thirty years but heard a calling, one he knew he had to answer.
“The Lord was speaking to me, and now I’ve been doing this for four years,” Higgs said. “We set a midterm aspiration. I said, regardless of what’s going on, you have to know where you’re going, you have to have a north star. Ours was to double the number of young people that we serve to 10,000, and have each of them ready for their own great future.”
Higgs talked about defining five areas of readiness, which are ready to read, for class, to graduate, find a career, and thrive in the community.
“Our program is built around that,” Higgs said. “Two programs we needed were Coding Academy, which we felt to be relevant with these young people who will need to have digital fluency. We want to expose them to all things digital. That’s what will make them choose us. We now have a great partnership with Apple Inc., and they’ve generously donated 70 I-Pads.
“120 years ago, our founders saw a vision. We had to help young people. At the time, it was boys. They needed a safe after-school space with things to do, places to go, and positive role models around them. Those things are still needed today. We’re now for boys and girls, a safe place to get some
homework help, a place to stretch their legs, and run some programming. We mixed that in there. We like to call it edutainment.”
Higgs says each location’s core daily support is provided by staff. B&G Clubs try to staff appropriately to be able to accommodate the number of young people that each location serves.
“But, the community is what enriches all of our clubs,” Higgs continues. “Each community, each club has its own unique nuance. Just like the people and the needs of that community, each is different, and the programming has to be unique to serve that community. We’re in Clarksville this week doing a coding camp because we thought this would be a good way to introduce ourselves to Clarksville-Montgomery County.”
Higgs and his team are still having conversations on acquiring their own building in Clarksville. For now, they’ve set a timeline for summer of 2025.
“CMCSS has been a great partner,” Higgs said. “We’re here at Kenwood Middle School. It’s another sign for me that we’re on the right track. I graduated from a school in Chicago called Kenwood. One of our codes says we believe in their right to worship; however they believe, there is an acknowledgment that faith plays a role in our lives, including mine.
“The mission is to enable all youth, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring citizens. When I got involved, I said, how many young people are we talking about? It’s pretty broad.
First and foremost, it’s any young people who have unsupervised time, that’s a range of people that cuts through
Dakota Myers oversees about 20 summer coding events across Middle TN
socioeconomic status and all that, but a lot of our programs do serve in communities of financial need. About 80% of the kids we serve are in areas of high need. I did the math, looking at the economic challenges, and in Nashville alone, it was about 40,000 kids. We did a community assessment for Montgomery County. We will release that information going forward.”
Higgs said the goal at Clarksville’s first B&G Clubs’ coding academy was to engage 100 families. He also talked about some things that are happening with B&G Clubs of America.
“Usher was a club kid,” Higgs said. “He was recently at our national convention in Atlanta, where we had 5,000 people from clubs across the nation. He was talking about his independent philanthropic efforts and how they are going to intersect. So we’ll be doing some things with him in the future.
“When I hear stories from alumni, what stands out to me most is that it usually comes down to one caring adult in their life who made a difference. All types of academic studies confirm that. Many of them say, ‘It saved my life’.”
Higgs reiterates to young people in the program the importance of getting that high school degree.
“I tell them it’s the most time-rigorous learning of their lives. It’s thirteen years. And that during and after school are very important. They need to have a caring person that’s going to greet them after school, greet them at the door, say hi,
and make them feel welcome. They need a meal. They need some homework help, and a place they know they can count on, that’s Boys & Girls Club.”
Around the nation, B&G Clubs currently operate at a ratio of about one adult to fifteen kids. However, some programs have a 1 on 1, or 1 on 2 level of interaction.
“There are plenty of kids who develop mentor/mentee relationships with staff members,” Higgs said. “During power hour (the hour of academic support that we give them) they will tell these people what’s happening in their lives, and what they are struggling with.
“Our target is by summer of 2025 to have some type of formal established presence in Clarksville-Montgomery County. We want to begin working at a location starting that summer and carry on into the school year.
“Our mantra is ‘when schools are closed, clubs are open.’ We operate from 3:00pm – 7:00pm. That’s when the vast majority of crimes toward youth, or involving youth happen. There is data to support that need for out-of-school time.”
Higgs invites interested individuals to go to the website www.bgcmt.org He says that’s a great place to start. You can find profiles of BGCMT leaders and board members, and all the things that are happening. There are links to reach out to Higgs and his staff. Also, donations can be made at the site to help B&G Clubs continue, and expand these great programs.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Middle Tennessee hosts Coding Camp in Clarksville
Noah Higgs working with Robby Davis
Boys & Girls Clubs of Middle TN CEO, Eric Higgs
Congressman Mark Green Event
Fresh from his trip to Normandy, France, for the 80th anniversary of D-Day, Congressman Mark Green was in town to host his 6th Annual Red, White & Blues at the Ruby Cora Event Center, an evening filled with blues music and delicious BBQ.
Speaking on Normandy, Congressman Green said, “Throughout history, when you win a war you keep the land, not this nation. All we ever asked for was a place to bury our dead. Sitting there in Normandy are 9,800 crosses and stars of David. I tried to find as many Tennessee boys as I could as I walked around, … this is the Volunteer State, and since the very beginning, it has been standing in the gap for freedom.
“The 4th of July is coming up, and for me, it is about that one word: freedom. I will tell you that in D.C. right now, power continues to be concentrated in the hands of fewer and fewer people, and if we want to preserve freedom, we have to fight back. Stand up, put the right people in office, and take our country back.”
Chris & Mark Trawinski, Joe Smith
Joni Hargrove, Marie Tillman & Betsy Ligon
Harriet Bloodworth, Congressman Mark Green & Charles Bloodworth
Rob & Kim Shelton
Cindy Greene & Rep. Jeff Burkhart Autumn, Aubrie & Kamryn
Clarksville Regional Airport’s Toni Chambers recently welcomed Operation Homefront back for its annual Back to School Brigade, an event that provides school supplies and backpacks to local children of Veterans and active military families.
Chambers said, “These Operation Homefront events are hosted at cities throughout the country, and we are a proud long-time supporter of the program.”
Registration was limited to 600 students, which led to a waiting list of about 40 others. Families arrived at a scheduled time and made their way around the airport lobby. There, they saw multiple vendors handing out everything from school supplies to books, snacks, and more.
Operation Homefront’s Mandy Bloomingdale said. “Many military families struggle, and this program helps take some of that financial burden away, especially in this tough economy. Backpacks filled with school supplies are just one way we can help. Our mission is to build strong military families.”
Rocco Paz & Robertha Coello Alan Banda & Isaac Berlenger Miranda Wilson & Jeremy Turner Naomi Pinewood
Mandy Bloomingdale
Navy Federal Credit Union’s Sammie the Sea Otter with Maria Marzan
Steven Gyimesi & Matt Hutchison
Veronica Melton
Heather Tucker & J.R.Thompson
Melane Abarca
Chamber's Veteran Business of the Month
Grid Square Recon, an idea created by Chris and Sarah Lancia, was recently selected as the Clarksville Area Chamber of Commerce Veterans Business of the Month.
The website sums it up this way - “With eleven moves during our more than twenty-five years of military service, a lack of sense of belonging to our community was a common experience. It’s a reality shared by most military families. Grid Square Recon aims to change that.”
Chris Lancia, recently-retired from Fort Campbell, explained, “The idea behind this is to create a sense of belonging for military families who often-times have really shallow roots, because of all their constant moving. It has been hard to get information about where we are going to go next.
“Inevitably, when we get orders for our next post in the military, we’ll hear something from our friends’ group
about how “bad” the place is that we’re moving to. You go to look it up, and you’ll either find validation that a place is terrible or information that’s like ten years old, so you’re not sure about the accuracy.”
For the last 18 months or so, predating his retirement, Chris and Sarah have been working on this project. Their goal is to build out a digital community, focused on the actual community surrounding a military installation, that will allow folks to have fresh, current information.
“With our platform, when you search for answers, you’ll come up with information that is recent and hyper-local,” Lancia said. “For example, if your child is into gymnastics or ballet and worried about moving somewhere new, you can find places and people that will answer their questions and quell their fears about what to expect at the new location.
“We started work on this, paused for a bit, and now we’re hoping to launch soon. We’ve also found opportunities to partner with other local organizations like Blue Star Fam-
Chris, Cadence and Sarah Lancia
ilies, who are doing work in this space. We want to help bring existing networks together. In the Veterans sphere we have lots of people with great ideas who just strike out on their own, but there may be others in that space doing something complementary. By tying those things together, everyone can increase their impact.”
Lancia says they have slowrolled their efforts in Clarksville so far, likening some of their content to a travel blog, but are now ready to put this project into hyper mode and build out a resource for military families.
“Clarksville-Montgomery County has a great relationship with Fort Campbell,” Lancia said. “Sadly, there are other communities that don’t. This is a great opportunity to highlight the relationship we have here and showcase to other communities what it can look like.
I belong someplace, and my family loves it there, chances are I’ll keep my talents and my dollars there. Buck Dellinger recently said, ‘we want to make it sticky, we want military families to love it here, and see job opportunities, great schools, all that, so they say, heck, it just makes sense for us to stay here.’
“It’s a big win for local communities because those soldiers and their families are getting off the base, going out and engaging in the community. It’s a financial win, a resource win, just a lot of opportunities for everyone in the local communities.”
Lancia also talks about the benefits of converting retirees into Veteran families who stay in the community after service. “Long term, it can be a huge benefit. If I feel like
“Right now, Sarah and I are working with a couple of other folks. There are a lot of content creators in the military spouse community. This platform will allow us to tie into that network and provide these creators a way to continue to build their brand, keeping the content fresh and current while serving the community they’re living in. These are people who themselves have looked for information that was hard to find. They’re giving back to a problem set that they have lived through.
“Sarah and I want to do this in other communities as well. We’ll kick it off, then hand it off to military spouses in these other communities to help keep the train rolling. We’re hoping to launch this in a bigger way in October. If anyone wants to help out, we’re open to hear from them.”
Lancia gave thanks to Visit Clarksville for their help so far. He says Grid Square Recon will be able to cross-post and share content with them and others, that will benefit the community. Contact him at Chris@gridsquarerecon. com or find Grid Square Recon on IG and Facebook.
Sarah and Chris Lancia
Dotsonville Community Center holds Meet the Candidates
Dotsonville Community Center recently hosted its annual Meet the Candidates event, a chance for candidates from all parties to step up and share their platforms with constituents in the community on the edge of Clarksville in Montgomery County.
Excessive heat and the fact that other similar events were scheduled on the same day may have affected this year’s attendance.
Those who were there had a chance to talk to the candidates about the issues that concern them most.
Everyone enjoyed BBQ chicken and pork, with lots of great sides, desserts and political talk to quench the appetite.
Tony Eldridge
Jeff Burkhart
Montgomery County Mayor Wes Golden
Krista Kiepke and Jenni Comley
James Bagby and Mandy Lehman Rebecca Britt
Tiffany Cyrier
Gary Vanderlee
Jamie Peltz
Carl Eisemann
Ray and Jenni Comley
Jeff Bryant
Fun Facts about Clarksville, Tennessee
Past and Present
• The city is named after General George Rogers Clark, a Revolutionary War hero. General Clark was also the brother of William Clark of the Lewis and Clark Expedition.
• Clarksville was occupied by both Confederate and Union forces during the Civil War. Fort Defiance, a Civil War fort, still stands as a historic site.
• Austin Peay State University was founded in 1927 and was named after the former governor of Tennessee.
• Clarksville’s location on the Cumberland River also made it an important transportation and trade hub in the 1800s and as a result, the town grew very rapidly.
• Clarksville has been experiencing rapid growth again in the last 10 years because of the abundance of well-paying quality jobs, comparably affordable housing prices, reasonable cost of living, and great quality public education.
• Clarksville was listed as, “Best Place to Live in America” by Money Magazine in 2019 and making the list again in 2024. Clarksville’s 37040 was listed at the most desirable zip code in America in 2022 reported by Business Journal Magazine.
• Clarksville is one of the most affordable places in America to start a small business.
• Clarksville’s very own, Wilma Rudolph was an Olympic athlete who won 3 gold medals in track and field. Her story is especially miraculous, overcoming polio in childhood. Polio is a crippling virus that destroys the spinal cord, causing muscle waste, leaving most people paralyzed and unable to walk.
• Dunbar Cave is an extraordinary site that was used for thousands of years by prehistoric Native Americans and the cave includes ancient artwork on the walls.
The Joy of Food
Imap the joys of life through food.
Barbecue is when dad would make dinner on Sundays, garlic-flavored meals are those days when my parents cooked together in our kitchen, fried catfish brings back the fishing trips with my uncle and cousins, and spicy reminds me of my little brother’s fearlessness and the smiles he brings in everyone’s lives.
I am quite convinced I am not the only one who believes that food translates to all kinds of love. Food is culture, tradition, history, and identity.
Clarksville makes its own identity through its vast array of chefs, bakers, and dedicated food businesses: with established storefronts and newly opened locations that have already celebrated a year in the making, or will soon.
Restaurants such as Casa
D’Italia Ristorante, Official Wings (Franklin Street & Sango), Old Glory Distilling (OGD Restaurant), Shelby’s Trio (Joe’s Garage, Trattoria di Cat, Skyline 500), Nicoletta’s Catering (bakery in Sango) and La Costa Café (Franklin St.), have been making it their top priority to serve Clarksville the best meals and baked goods, allowing us to celebrate milestones in our lives around the food they bring to the table.
“I have a strong connection with food,” Edward Howard Jr. said (co-owner and co-founder of Official Wings). “I compare food to being next to joy, fellowship, and healing. The best foods can bring togetherness and smiles even in the worst situations.
I come from a large family in Memphis that celebrates all holidays. Throughout the good, bad, and ugly we have brought food to the table together to bring some joy and fellowship” he stated.
When I asked the same question
Story D.C. Thomas
Casa D-Italia patron eating Spaghetti with Meatballs. (D.C. Thomas)
OFFICIAL Wings. (Edward Howard Jr.)
to Burhan Murati (Casa D’Italia’s owner) he replied: “My connection to food is personal. It’s about bringing people together and creating memories. Every dish reflects my passion for Italian cuisine.” He even shared a lasagna recipe with Clarksville Living Magazine for our readers.
With ten years under the belt, perfecting recipes and feeding our city, Nicholas and Virginia Nicoletta opened a bakery in Sango in 2023 to further enchant Clarksvillians: “though we knew Clarksville needed a bakery, we didn’t anticipate how much Clarksville WANTED a bakery”, they said.
Clarksville’s food scene is an encyclopedia for all tastes and culinary preferences: sweet, salty, smoky, spicy, savory, bitter, and sour.
Multiple tastes and flavors harmoniously overlap in the same dish, making the experience utterly memorable, like the catfish, and the Wings Trio at Official Wings in Historic Downtown. Their Official seasoning complements the food made for all, including those who do not eat meat (delicious fried cauliflower alongside okra, fries, onion rings, and fried pickles).
Food avails multiple types of hunger: from the most ancient needs to modern and contemporary art levels achieved through innovation, curiosity, discipline, and courage.
and power of the community he serves, and added that the first year taught him “the importance of community.” He said, “Clarksville values authenticity, and building relationships with our guests has been key to our success.”
Food has always been one of the most intrinsic sources of developing all senses and bringing comfort to our minds. If the most basic dish could bring back childhood memories, imagine what a flavor-rich meal could do.
On a sweet note, “food is our love language at Nicoletta’s. We show our love to our customers and the community through food,” the Nicolettas wrote.
Casa D’Italia Ristorante and Official Wings’ impact on food culture in our communities is notable and worthy of appreciation and reward. Casa D’Italia is treasured
The first year is important in establishing a solid foundation for a restaurant business.
Official Wings’ Howard, Jr. said “the first year taught me strength, determination, and creativity. Clarksville has also taught me the strength of community, giving back, and networking. Without some of the community organizations, some of the small businesses in the city wouldn’t survive. It has been a struggle building our business in a town that’s growing, with so many new chain restaurants coming to our area, but we are doing our best to make a name for ourselves. We are not the cheapest, but we will always give good quality! My hope is for all small businesses to thrive and get the same grace that is given to chain restaurants.”
Casa D’Italia’s Murati also recognizes the importance
in our city with great attendance, extraordinary reviews, and the title of the “Best Italian Restaurant in Montgomery County” (2024 Montgomery County Main Street Awards).
Howard, Jr. shared with me that “Clarksville chose Official Wings. Clarksville supported us from the beginning when we started with our food truck in 2020. We have fostered great relationships with other business owners and community leaders. We hope Clarksville can be a forever home for our brand.”
Food is sacrosanct in countless cultures. That’s what Clarksville has to offer through the meals from these businesses, with others yet to discover and try: a
Buffalo Sliders at Skyline 500. (Mark Haynes)
Continued from page 25
window into the world of those who make it, and their drive to establish themselves in a community that is curious to take on a flavorful adventure.
As we joyfully head toward the most anticipated time of the year, with family dinners and holiday meals, these restaurants will update their menus with new food items.
Official Wings has “some great ideas on the way for the upcoming holidays” so follow them on social media for updates. Casa D’Italia’s owner also shared that they “plan to introduce seasonal specials using fresh ingredients to keep our menu exciting” and the Nicolettas remind us that their bakery menu changes weekly.
Bon Appétit, Clarksville!
Classic Lasagna
Courtesy of Casa D’Italia’s owner, Burhan Murati. (For their readers personal use only)
Ingredients
Lasagna noodles: 9 sheets (about 12 oz)
Ground beef: 1 pound
Onion: 1, chopped
Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
Tomato sauce: 2 cups
Crushed tomatoes: 1 can (15 oz)
Tomato paste: 2 tablespoons
Dried basil: 1 teaspoon
Dried oregano: 1 teaspoon
Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
Black pepper: 1/4 teaspoon
Ricotta cheese: 1 cup
Egg: 1
Parmesan cheese: 1/2 cup, grated
Mozzarella cheese: 2 cups, shredded
Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
Instructions
1. Prepare the Meat Sauce:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent,
about 5 minutes.
Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat. (Italian sauage is optional)
Stir in tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2. Cook the Lasagna Noodles:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and lay flat on a sheet of parchment paper or a lightly oiled baking sheet to prevent sticking.
3. Prepare the Cheese Mixture:
In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, and grated Parmesan cheese.
4. Assemble the Lasagna:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Place 3 lasagna noodles on top of the sauce.
Spread 1/3 of the ricotta mixture over the noodles. Sprinkle with 1/3 of the shredded mozzarella cheese.
Add a layer of meat sauce over the cheese.
Repeat the layers (noodles, ricotta mixture, mozzarella cheese, meat sauce) until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of meat sauce and a final topping of mozzarella cheese.
5. Bake:
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Let the lasagna cool for about 10 minutes before serving to allow it to set.
A bit of Christmas in June, When Santa’s Place Tree Farm hosted its inaugural Trees for Troops treed drive. “This is our first time doing this, Denise Picklesgill said. “We are becoming an official Trees for Troops location, so trees can be picked up here in December and shipped out to military bases across the country.
“To qualify, we need at least 100 trees to be donated. We’re sitting at about 70 right now. We’ll be doing this right up to the Christmas season. Today, we have lots of vendors, and Joe Padula is playing music for us. It’s a little warm, but it has been a lot of fun so far.”
Clarksville City Council’s Deanna McLaughlin said, “This is similar to Wreaths across America. Trees for Troops provides Christmas trees to military service members and their families at no charge. Santa’s Place will be the first farm in Tennessee to provide trees to the organization that distributes the trees.”
“FedEx is a partner. At Fort Campbell, MWR will distribute the trees that are donated there. Today, we aim to get as many trees pledged as possible. To donate, visit Santa’s Place Tree Farm’s Facebook page or my page (Deanna McLaughlin) on Facebook.
Santa & Joe Padula
Mary Ann Efron, Debra Clark, Cathy Kolb, Rebecca Britt & Corinthia Elder
Megan Hamilton & Cierra Felton
Deanna McLaughlin
Samantha & Gus Mortagua, Sherrie Barry
Jennifer & Brian Zacharias
Missi Boling
Wyeth & Ashley Lindeke
Mandy & Brandon Akers
Dawn Smith
Tony Melbourne
BeyondBob
Joe McLain isn’t your typical painter. He didn’t start young, train with a master or attend fine art classes. For Joe, it started with an obsession with Bob Ross, the beloved PBS painter who whipped up painting masterpieces within minutes. Joe started watching Bob in 1995 on PBS, then watched faithfully on YouTube in 2018 where he could view all the episodes on his own schedule.
Why Bob Ross? For McLain, it was how Ross “could take a blank canvas, throw paint on it and in 30 minutes it looked pretty good”. McLain has an artistic background as he drew caricatures when he was younger, and took drafting classes for perspective. He even sent a drawing at age 14 to the then-existing Art Institute of America, where he enrolled in a course. His final project was a Mexican scene where he earned a B grade and as a result McLain put away the easel.
In 2018 when he decided to get back into art, McLain bought the Bob Ross master paint sets, made paintings based on all the Bob Ross sessions and then after learning all that he could, considered leaving painting again. He then discovered former California but now local Palmyra artist Kevin Hill by reading his article on the Bob Ross-dedicated website www.twoinchbrush.com.
Hill’s article “Never Fear Wet on Wet” (for non-painters the term refers to painting an entire scene without letting the paint dry) helps master the skill of controlling the amount of paint. McLain has taken many workshops from Hill and works through his DVD series. Joe mentions Hill as his “art mentor” as they both paint with the same process and in the same style.
Joe’s work features landscapes based on historical or nature scenes which are his inspiration, or sometimes, abandoned places which feature an apocalyptic look based on video game designs.
Local spots where he has painted include Collinsville, Fort Donelson, and an 1850’s farmhouse, all part of a plein air art group from the DAC (Downtown Artists Cooperative ). Plein air art painting, which translates from the French to “open air” or painting outdoors, is challenging for him as the light reacts differently with his oil paints. This makes his work seem darker, and there is always interaction with people who are observing him as he works.
McLain has been a member of DAC not only for the plein art sessions but as a way to showcase and sell his work, which he considers a compliment, and as one fellow painter has told him, “you can’t keep them all.” Joe works out of a basement that serves as his studio and office space. His home is as you would expect, an array of his artwork,
Story Christie Crawford
Joe McLain’s abandoned places landscapes
Alfred Thune railroad track hallway mural
but surprising are his murals in bedrooms and hallways.
When asked about his artistic goals, he mentions that he is comfortable with his current work, but “a true artist’s eye views all mistakes”, and he’d like to raise his level by differing the use of light as well as refining his brush strokes.
McLain also would be open in the future to teaching oil classes for those interested in painting, but would need to develop assistants and carve out some time to do so.
He believes that oil is excellent to work with as it is “forgiving”. He states that there is always opportunity and time to start painting, as his own father started the craft when he was in his 40’s, the same age as Joe. He now has his father’s art supplies and some of his artwork.
Joe is modest about his artistry, although he received the People’s Choice Award at the DAC juried show last year, and an award in the Oil/Acrylic category at the Janice Mason Art Museum 2022 juried art show in Cadiz.
He still fits his painting in with full-time work with the Department of Agriculture, and finds painting time before and after his work schedule, and on days he telecommutes.
But, what he is not shy in saying to anyone thinking his approach is the best way to become a painter is, “Absolutely not!”, and he says it emphatically.
He instead encourages others to find someone’s artwork, someone who knows the process, then take a workshop and/or class from him or her.
It also helps to have such a big fan and supporter like his wife Caryn.
Despite McLain’s humble foray, there is no question that he has an eye for oil painting, and has found his way in the art world. As Bob Ross would say, “There are no mistakes, just happy accidents”.
Joe at work
Joe McLain’s Rowboat on the Beach
Joe McLain’s landscapes
Clarksville Regional Airport hosted July’s Clarksville Area Chamber of Commerce’s Business After Hours, which is always a great event.
CRA’s Toni Chambers said, “This will be our fourth year of hosting the Chamber’s Business after Hours. Today, as always, we have catering by Nicoletta’s, the best food in town. We also have a business expo this year. There are about twenty vendors that signed up through the chamber to be here, as well as our aviation sponsors, such as North Central Institute, Wings of Eagles, and Mid TN Aviation.
“A lot of businesses utilize our services, from the big chains such as Wal-Mart and Lowes, all the way down to smaller organizations that just love our location and the convenience it gives them to get where they need to go without having to go in and out of Nashville.”
Chambers estimated 100 – 150 people took part in the networking event.
Calvin White, Stefanie Miller & Chris Yow
Patty Bell & Tamela Taliento
John & Brooke Williams
Leah Smith, Jesus Fernandez, Kristen Jagger & Brandi Ficklin
July After Hours
Sally Allen & Sheena Carter
Toni Chambers & Nicholas Nicoletta at
Amanda Dixon, Regina Maloney & Chelsea Freeman
Michael Patterson & Kyle Marshall
Dr. Ty Haston & Michelle Harris
Downtown Commons Ace Party Band
The Ace Party Band, a regional favorite “top 40, variety band” that plays Pop, Rock, Hip Hop, R&B, Country, Jazz, and Motown hits, brought an exciting musical experience to Downtown Commons recently as part of the Downtown @ Sundown series of Friday night concerts that runs May – October.
Angela & Neil Rye
Danny Hutchinson & Mike Dean
Ace Party Band
Jeff & Sharon Bibb
Ricky & Terri Clements
Steve Wolff, Mitchell Hosea & Briana Salyers
Sherena Simmons & Mervin Pemberton
David Collins& James Bastien Todd & Janet Wallace
Don & Judy Scherzer
Rashidah Leverett & Linda Austin
Ace Party Band
Ace Party Band
At Home in Clarksville
Jennifer and Lloyd Hinote: A Marriage That Works
Story Cindy Podurgal Chambers
Lloyd and Jennifer Hinote say that when local visitors initially step into their home, they often gush, “Oh, I’ve always loved this house!” or “I grew up in Clarksville, and I’ve always wanted to see the inside!”
I may have stammered something similar when the Hinotes welcomed me in. After all, who hasn’t gazed at the bespoke brick home while cruising around the hairpin turn on Porters Bluff -- just before crossing the center line and nearly causing a head-on collision? Not me. Still, I offer this review in the interest of both architecture and public safety. No need to rubberneck; just keep your eyes on the page.
Built in 1940, the Hinote home defies convention and sidesteps architectural definition. Its solid rectangular shape suggests Colonial or even Federal design, but the curlicued wrought-iron balcony running the length of the second floor is reminiscent of New Orlean’s French Quarter. Perhaps renowned local architect Clarence Speight was hit with a fit of whimsy. Or
maybe the breathtaking view that the house commands -- the twinkling lights of Clarksville spread out below the bluff, with the Red River meandering around its base – called for a Mardi-Gras-like celebration.
Somehow, Speight managed to wed the disparate styles. And it’s a marriage that works. The same can be said for Jennifer and Lloyd. The couple married just three months after their first date; she was 19 and Lloyd was 23, and both were students at Western Carolina University. After 37 years of marriage, raising two sons, and multiple moves, “We’ve grown together,” says Jennifer. Indeed, the couple seems remarkably suited for togetherness – to include finishing each other’s sentences and tacitly agreeing to undertake the tasks that invariably come with the purchase of a vintage home.
Fortunately, this wasn’t their first foray into antique-home ownership. Their last house, located on Richland Avenue in Nashville, was built in 1920. Before that, they owned a home in Nashville’s Hills-
boro Village which dated back to 1934. Each required significant updates and an understanding that they are not just homeowners, but caretakers.
“I never want to appear disparaging to the people who came before us,” says Jennifer. “And we hope the people who come after us appreciate any changes that we’ve made –” “-- and make the house their own,” finishes Lloyd.
Jennifer was the head of Oak Hill School in Nashville for eight years before being hired as Clarksville Academy’s Head of School in 2018. For six long months, she made the frustrating commute north and south, while Lloyd, who works primarily from home for a Japanese valve company, held down the fort at their Richland Avenue residence. They knew they wanted to settle in Clarksville, and “we did the Zillow thing for a while,” which is where Lloyd first spotted the house on Porters Bluff.
they pulled into the circular driveway in the winter of 2019. But inside, they were greeted by 10-foot ceilings, a wrought iron balustrade flanking an elegant staircase, and original white-oak floors. “I warmed up to it pretty quickly,” she says with a smile. The house might need some updates, she decided, but “Lloyd is very handy, and we both have similar styles. I knew if the initial comfort level wasn’t perfect, we could get past that.”
He encouraged Jennifer to drive by and take a look before reaching out to listing agent Rob Holleman. It was the only house Rob showed them, and the only one they needed to see. Actually, Jennifer was leaning toward purchasing a new home in Sango when
Lloyd says, “We looked at the kitchen and knew we could make it our home.” Both enjoy cooking and entertaining, and the kitchen -- outfitted with everything a serious chef might need, from a professional-grade stove, to a wall-mounted pot-filler, to a built-in coffee bar, and everywhere, everywhere, gorgeous marble and tile – was already perfect. They knew any updates could be made elsewhere.
The couple ended up redoing two bathrooms, the roof, the HVAC system, and the plumbing, before painting nearly every wall in shades of silky, sophisticated gray. “But once we started digging in,” Lloyd says, “We learned there was more to do.” One of the first things they added was a tankless hot water heater in the basement, where the remnants of an ancient coal-fueled furnace, fed through cast-iron pipes painted fire
A 1945 physician’s ledger that once belonged to Dr. Wilson was found in the home’s attic.
Fountain-penned in impeccable script, its list of patients reads like a Who’s Who of Old Clarksville.
There are Batsons, Bellamys, Baggetts and Bumpuses; Halliburtons, Hollemans and Heimansohns; Moores, Meriweathers; and -- some things never change -- lots and lots of Smiths. While the patients’ medical treatments aren’t noted, the highest fee charged was $35 to a Mrs. Welker, who must have been at death’s door to receive such an outrageous bill.
Tucked inside the leather cover was a typewritten account of yearly expenditures, including a $20 contribution to the War Fund, $1,382.99 for a “business car,” $139 for an ultra-violet light, and $150 for a spittoon, because – let’s face it -- you just can’t skimp when it comes to spittoons.
engine red, remained. “In fact, the whole basement was kind of scary,” Jennifer admits. The washer and dryer were across the room from one another, making a hard job even harder. Lloyd undertook a significant basement reno which created several cozy rooms with space for everything from laundry to exercise.
There were other surprises, too. Before the Hinotes moved in, only three families had occupied the house, including Dr. and Mrs. Paul Wilson, the original owners. Lloyd’s renovations uncovered the fact that they had built the home with solid steel beams which reach well into the ground and support the second-floor porch nearly halfway into the structure.
Maybe the Wilsons were concerned about the house being bombed as the Second World War began to heat up overseas. Maybe they worried about an earthquake shaking it to its foundation. Or maybe, just maybe, they wanted to build a house that would stand the test of time and delight its future owners.
When I ask Jennifer and Lloyd to name their favorite thing about the house on the bluff, both reply, “Location, location, location.” Sitting on three-and-a-half acres, Lloyd at first wondered if he could tackle the lengthy lawncare, before finding a professional service with an affordable rate.
Jennifer loves the proximity to Clarksville Academy. “I can run home and let the dogs out over lunch,” she says. Despite being located on the aforementioned Porters Bluff hairpin turn (there have been three car accidents this month alone; please, people, stop rubbernecking), mature landscaping combined with their
own leafy additions provide a welcome buffer from traffic noise.
Still, they miss their walkable Nashville neighborhood with its meandering sidewalks and the hundreds of trick-or-treaters who used to ring their doorbell on October 31st.
But any downsides are upstaged by the remarkable view, which, during the evenings surrounding July 4th , alight with spectacular displays of fireworks bursting up from the neighborhoods below. Year-round, the sight of the rising sun parting the mists of the Red River compels them both to pause and soak in the scenery.
“As we look back now, all the houses we’ve owned have been projects,” Jennifer says, including the home on Porters Bluff. “Lloyd loves the journey, and I love the destination.”
“But,” adds Lloyd, “Wherever we go, and whatever we’ve faced, we’ve done it together --” “ – and we have faith that we’ll create the sanctuary home that we need,” Jennifer adds. It is, indeed, a marriage that really works.
Lloyd and Jennifer Hinote
Sunday on Strawberry
Ashley Sather of Pups & Plants started Sunday on Strawberry in 2023, a quaint street market with a diverse array of vendors. The popular outdoor market is back on Strawberry Alley this year, the first Sunday of each month from 10:00am - 2:00pm.
“Usually, we have between 25 and 35 vendors,” Sather said. “We like to have a mix of vendors to make it fun. We like to have vintage goods, farmers, bakers, and local artisans. We’re a cross between a farmers market and an artisan market.
The market runs until the first Sunday of November. Sather says she is already planning a Fall themed event with lots of ‘mums’. There is music each month, Ray Landrum was featured in July, fresh off her Independence Day performance at Liberty Park. “The whole point was to start something that would bring people downtown,” Sather said, “So they could see all the cool downtown shops.”
Ray Landrum
Will & Courtney Peacher
Liz Diaz of Citrus & Sage
Charlie & Chris Jordan
Abby Jewell, Rose Briggs & Cooper Jewell
Brandon Sather
LeAnne & Jeremy Smith
Cat Savaloa
Marisa & Teddy Tinajero, Sigrid & Anora Huggler
Dominic Scheele & Carly Dewland
Clarksville’s Filipino American International Association, also known as Kadiwa, recently held its annual Philippine Independence Day & Hometown Feast celebration. The beautiful event came alive with vibrant colors and rich traditions of Filipino culture during a festive celebration.
The event featured enchanting traditional Philippine dances, a charming children’s beauty pageant, and a feast of authentic Filipino cuisine. Local Filipino business owners and community members united in showcasing their heritage and sharing invaluable cultural diversity to our city.
The event also doubled as a fundraising event to support the local community and other nonprofit organizations in Clarksville. The celebration was a testament to the warmth and generosity of the Filipino community, highlighting their contributions to Clarksville’s multicultural tapestry.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all who participated and a special thank you to the gracious and lovely Ms. Marylou Mattingly and her team of hard-working volunteers for organizing and making this memorable celebration possible, adding a special richness to Clarksville.
Story by Linda Austin
Threshermen’s Association
Annual Steam Threshing Show
Along-standing event in Adams, Tennessee has been holding onto an important piece of history, and keeping it available for generations to come. It isn’t what you would normally associate with this town, known for its Bell Witch Cave stories or summertime canoe locations off the Red River.
Instead, this particular event gives attendees a chance to see into the past with machinery and techniques that propelled our nation’s farming into the advanced era we see today. This antiquity-preserving event right outside of Clarksville was the Tennessee-Kentucky Threshermen’s Association 54th Annual Steam Threshing Show.
The first thing that comes to mind is what exactly is a thresher? A thresher is a machine used in the farming process to separate wheat or grain. In the past, a large steam engine was required to generate the power needed to run the thresher. As spectators walked around near the entrance at this
year’s show, one of the main attractions was a 1924 Keck Gonnerman steam engine. It was on display and in use, to show how this threshing process was done.
On the grounds, there were displays and demonstrations, classic cars, functioning antique tractors, tractor pulling and horse pulling contests, a sawmill, vendors, antiques and more to pique the interest of spectators young and old. It is no wonder that the uniqueness of this exposition makes this annual steam threshing show one of the largest events of its kind hosted in the Southeast United States, with crowds for the multi-day event reaching into the thousands.
Story and Photos by Jonathan Wheeler
The 1924 Keck Gonnerman steam engine mentioned earlier is undeniably one of the main highlights of this show. In this particular year, this steam engine owned by the Bumpus family has been in service for 100 years. According to Nate Bumpus, this steam engine was originally bought in Indiana. It took weeks to get it back to Cross Plains, Tennessee, due to the fact that its max speed is 4 mph.
During transit, they stopped at farms along the way to help till fields, refill it with water, and earn some extra cash. Nate states that this two-cylinder steam engine was designed to work heavier loads, such as wheat threshing or saw milling, and that many steam engines at that time were actually only one cylinder.
Another interesting fact about the Bumpus’s steam engine is that theirs is the last serial number of that model ever made by Keck Gonnerman. This was the last steam engine manufactured before the company turned to innovations with gas and diesel power. As combines came to replace the steam engine and thresher combo, Paul Swann, the original owner in the family, made the switch as many others did.
ment.
Horse, mule, and pony pulls had many in awe as they watched how these resilient animals competed amongst each other throughout the 3-day show. Another interesting event that took place on two of the days was the antique tractor pull, which really put some perspective
into how machinery of the past can still be relevant and powerful today. Show-goers had an abundant of opportunities to experience life in the days of old, with glimpses at blacksmithing, and displays of wares from a bygone era.
However, he and his fellow farmers in the area understood the importance of the steam- powered thresher’s impact on farming, which led to them founding the Tennessee-Kentucky Threshermen’s Association in 1969. To this day, their family has not only kept this steam engine running, but has been a major part of this annual show’s leadership. Today, Charlie Bumpus is president of the association. His wife Mary, and sons Will and Nate can be seen operating the steam engine and helping out around the show.
The show had much more than steam engines and threshing. This year, participants could watch all kinds of events related to farming and other activities from rural America. Wheat threshing and sawmilling showcased not only the Bumpus’s steam engine’s power, but the amazing power of steam engines owned by others at the show. Throughout the fair, these engines could be seen putting plumes of steam into the sky, as spectators looked on with amaze-
Another intriguing highlight was the grand parade on Saturday, which included the classic cars, trucks, antique tractors, and special-build tractors arriving along the main roadway of Adams, Highway US 41. Crowds watched with joy as organizations, business owners, and political figures passed through the parade, waving and passing out candy to everyone.
Learning about the past can be as simple as an internet search. However, it’s rare to see history in action. What the Tennessee-Kentucky Threshermen’s Association puts together every year is a marvel of technical farming advancements at a time that shaped this nation’s ability to provide for itself.
With the steam powered engine, farmers were able to increase their yield, save time, and even create better techniques to do demanding jobs. The 27 men involved with the founding of this association saw this machine’s importance and put together something truly special for all to see.
This 54th annual show carried on that great tradition.
Great music, savory samples, and good weather were the highlights of the 2nd Annual KY Bands, Bourbon, and Wine Festival in Oak Grove, KY.
Oak Grove Tourism’s Traci Cunningham said, “This is the second year of this event. The weather is going to be beautiful. We already have people setting up on the lawn to watch the bands. The vendors are off to a good start. We have sixteen vendors, including local wineries, distilleries, and two brewhouses, so it’s bourbon, wine, craft beer, and, of course, great music.
“Right now, on stage, we have Mercury 7, and two other bands are scheduled to perform later. Last year was good, but this year is starting off even better. We had more than 1,000 people for our inaugural event, and we’re hoping to double that this year.
“It takes three or four years to really know how an event will evolve. We try to host great events. For example, spring into summer, we’ve hosted for 17 years, our Butterfly Festival is coming up on 16 years, and last year’s attendance was insane. We had no idea it was going to be that big. We’re so excited to have all these great vendors here with us today, and we look forward to building this event for years to come.”
Luke Jean
Sara Johnson-Richter
Leah Howard & Maggie Watson
Michael Henson & Melody Burgess
Loralee Childers
Noah Miller & Jazmyn Rayne
Nate & Niki Taylor
Jaylynn & Noah Seeger
Kady Fleet
Kate Russell & Joey Medeiros
at Oak Grove
RENEW PARTNERSHIP
LG and the Tennessee Titans recently celebrated the renewal of their partnership, which supports local businesses, provides family-friendly programs, and drives economic growth in the community. The event included a meet-and-greet for LG’s nearly 800 Clarksville employees with former Titans Jevon Kearse and Keith Bulluck.
After employees enjoyed lunch, catered by Mission BBQ, under the cover of two giant tents set up at the plant entrance, Clarksville plant President Son Chang-Woo kicked things off by saying, “I am proud of our team for making the best laundry appliances on the planet.”
Mayors Pitts and Golden were on site to congratulate LG on their contributions to the community. Kearse and Bulluck each made brief comments, then presented Chang-Woo with a Titans jersey and autographed football. They then took time to sign autographs and take pictures with Clarksville’s LG team members.
Keith Bulluck, Jevon Kearse & Son Chang -Woo
800 LG employees enjoyed lunch and a meet & greet with former Tennessee Titans Keith Bulluck & Jevon Kearse
Former Tennessee Titan Jevon Kearse
Former Tennessee Titan Keith Bulluck
LG CEO North America, Chris Jung, Montgomery County Mayor Wes Golden & Son Chang-Woo, head of LG’s Clarksville Plant
LG employees enjoy a picnic lunch catered by Mission BBQ
Clarksville Mayor Joe Pitts & John Taylor, LG Electronics U.S.A., Inc.’s Senior Vice President
F&M Bank Arena
A Successful First Year
Story by Tony Centonze
People in our city had mixed reactions when the $115 million downtown arena was announced, with many questioning the need of such a facility, its impact on parking, and in general, wondering if it were a good move for Clarksville-Montgomery County.
In its first year, the venue, which holds up to 6,000 spectators for events ranging from ice hockey to basketball to concerts, has proven itself to be a valuable asset to downtown. Lots of other investment, public and private has followed, bringing additional parking, restaurants, retail shops and hotels, some already open, some opening soon.
In its first year, Sabertooth Sports & Entertainment (SS&E), management company for the arena, has presented the magic of Disney on Ice, the power of the Predators, lots of APSU Basketball, Arena football with the Nashville Kats, many nights of great music, and more.
The first big-name performer to take the F&M Bank Arena stage was Justin Moore, with his You, Me & Whiskey Tour, featuring special guests Tyler Braden and Jake McVey.
In May of 2024, Clarksville fans were treated to an evening with American rock band Breaking Benjamin, supported by Daughtry and Keith Wallen.
Kylie Wilkerson, Vice President & General Manager, F&M Bank Arena, recently took time to answer some questions about F&M Bank Arena’s amazing first year.
F&M Bank Arena has hosted sports, music and entertainment events.
What are some of your favorite highlights from F&M Bank Arena’s first year in Clarksville?
The Grand Opening Celebration was one of my top moments – opening the doors to the Clarksville community for the first time was special and something I’ll never forget. Another highlight was five shows with Disney On Ice as it was wonderful seeing the venue full of families making memories in Montgomery County. Ultimately, Austin Peay basketball brought some of the best moments of the last year, from landslide wins to buzzer beaters, and most notably, an impressive postseason run by the men’s team.
How many large-scale events have you hosted? How many were sold out? What have been the biggest attendance events?
During our inaugural year, F&M Bank Arena hosted more than 50 ticketed events. Notable sell-out events included back-to-back nights with Leanne Morgan, an Adams, Tenn., native; Bert Kreischer, a preseason intra-squad game between the Nashville Predators called the Gold Star Showcase; and the Cory Rasch PBR Invitational.
How does being a partner with Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena help, and what does that mean for the quality of events you’re able to present?
As an affiliate of the Nashville Predators, SS&E is uniquely positioned to leverage the resources and reputation of our other facilities, including Bridgestone Arena. It opens doors to a wealth of industry connections and expertise that elevates the quality of events we can bring to our community. This ensures that we’re not only attracting top tier talent, but also delivering events with a high level of professionalism and exceptional guest experience.
Are you looking at who/what is trending, such as up and coming bands, or viral stars like Blippi? Will you continue to bring in established bands like Dwight Yoakam and Styx. Is our proximity to Nashville a help or a hindrance?
Yes, we’re definitely paying close attention to what’s trending and successfully selling tickets in similar markets. Our goal is to offer a diverse lineup that appeals to all segments of our community. Our programming strategy is to balance emerging talent with established favorites, ensuring that there’s something for everyone. Our proximity to Nashville is definitely a help. Being close to a major entertainment hub like Nashville allows us to attract performers who might not have considered our arena if it weren’t for the easy access.
What makes this venue unique?
The venue is designed to be versatile, hosting everything from concerts and sporting events to community gatherings and special occasions. This flexibility is a key factor in our ability to book events that resonate with the interests of our community. Our arena is integrated into the local community, the attached Ford Ice Center provides another layer of engagement and activities available to the community each day.
Will this coming year be even busier, are there some big surprises coming?
We’re certainly planning for another great year at F&M Bank Arena. We’re preparing to kick off another exciting basketball season with Austin Peay and aim to announce additional events regularly. Stay tuned, and be sure to sign up for our newsletter at myfmbankarena.com to be the first to hear about new events and exclusive offers.
With established artists like Styx, Moneybagg, and Dwight Yoakam scheduled to perform this Fall, it looks like Wilkerson and her team are planning to make year-2 at F&M Bank Arena even bigger and better.
What do you get when a small group of talented musicians come together who are dedicated to paying tribute to one of the greatest bands of all time? The Eagles Project has six amazing musicians who have been called “Simply the best representation of Eagles music and their solo work, period.”
Recently, the band returned to the stage at Downtown Commons and did not disappoint. Music lovers packed the venue, enjoyed great weather, and listened to glorious covers of timeless classics by Henley, Frey, Walsh, Schmit, the James Gang, and more.
The Eagles Project at Downtown Commons
Lynne Halliburton & Tina Bossard Terri Wilson
The Eagles Project at Downtown Commons
The Project
CALENDAR
September
13 friday
Dueling Pianos
September 13th | 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Price: Free
Downtown Commons is excited to bring Dueling Pianos to Downtown Clarksville! Join them on September 13th for a dueling night of sing-alongs and entertainment.
Downtown Commons
215 Legion Street | Clarksville, TN
43rd Annual Leslie W Watson
Memorial Toy Run
September 13th | 12:00pm
Price: One Toy or Cash Donation
Bikers Who Care presents the 43rd Annual Leslie W Watson Memorial Toy Run & Benefit Party. Line up to ride at noon at Governor Square Mall. Live music all weekend with bike shows, pit bike races, bikini contest, drag races, field events, tattoo contests and more. Plenty of food vendors and a swap meet for all your cycle parts and needs. Toy Run is Saturday, September 14th with free admission with toy or cash donation. Admission for party all weekend is $35 in advance and $40 at the gate. For more details on the Bikers Who Care, visit www.bikerswhocare. org
Clarksville Speedway & Fairgrounds
1600 Needmore Road | Clarksville, TN
14 saturday
Candlelight: Vivaldi’s Four Seasons
Saturday, September 14th | 6:30pm to 7:45pm
Price: $45 to $60
Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to aweinspiring locations like never seen before in Clarksville. Get your tickets now to discover the music of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons at Roxy Theatre - Clarksville under the gentle glow of candlelight. Get Tickets at www.feverup.com
Roxy Theatre
100 Franklin Street | Clarksville, TN
Candlelight: A Tribute to Coldplay on Strings
Saturday, September 14th | 9:00pm to 10:15pm
Price: $45 to $60
Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live,
multi-sensory musical experience to aweinspiring locations like never seen before in Clarksville. Get your tickets now to discover the music of Coldplay on Strings at Roxy Theatre under the gentle glow of candlelight. Get Tickets at or www.feverup.com
Roxy Theatre
100 Franklin Street | Clarksville, TN
Clarksville Out of the Darkness Walk
September 14th | 9:00am to 12:00pm
Price: Free
Suicide is something that affects all of us. Together we can all play a part in saving lives. Make a difference in your community by walking out of the darkness with us on Saturday, September 14th, 2024, at Austin Peay State University. Please join us to help spread awareness and understanding, and help send the message that help is available, and to raise funds for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Register today at www.afsp.org/ Clarksville
Austin Peay State University Campus
601 College Street | Clarksville, TN
15 sunday
4th Annual Hispanic Heritage
Clarksville Festival
September 15th | 12:00pm to 6:00pm
Price: Free
Celebrate the Hispanic culture with music, dances, and food for our community. This event is FREE and all ages are welcome.
Wilma Rudolph Event Center
8 Champions Way | Clarksville, TN
Chaeyoung Park Piano Concert
September 15th | 3:00pm
Price: $25
Chaeyoung Park has been praised as a passionate pianist who “does not play a single note without thought or feeling.” (New York Concert Review). Embracing a broad range of classical music literature, her programs feature works ranging from the early French Baroque by Rameau, to Beethoven sonatas, to new music by living composers including South Korean classical composer, Unsuk Chin.
Mabry Concert Hall
780 Marion Street | Clarksville, TN
Sunday Studio: Painting with Sarah Spillers
September 15th | 2:00pm | Third Sunday of each month | Ages 16+
Free, with registration required; does not include Museum admission
Teaming up with APSU’s Community School of the Arts, we present Sunday Studio—a workshop series for adults. This month, we’re celebrating National Dot Day by exploring the art of painting pointillism. This workshop is FREE and all materials are included, but registration is required. For ages 16+.
Customs House
200 South Second Street | Clarksville, TN
17 tuesday
Styx Concert
September 17th | 7:30pm
Price: $65.75+
The seven men comprising Styx have committed to rocking the Paradise together with audiences far and wide by entering their second decade of averaging 100 shows a year, and each one of them is committed to making the next show better than the last. Styx draws from over five decades of chart hits.
F&M Bank Arena
101 Main Street | Clarksville, TN
19 thursday
Storytime & Craft: Apples Picking Time!
September 19th | 10:30am | All ages, with adult
Free with membership or paid admission | Family Art Studio
Join us for a fun-filled Storytime & Craft session! This time, we’ll be reading Up, Up, Up! It’s Apple-Picking Time by Jody Fickes Shapiro, with illustrations by Kitty Harvill, as well as Ten Apples Up On Top! by Dr. Seuss. These delightful stories will whisk young readers away on an applepicking adventure. After the storytelling, we’ll get creative with a hands-on craft activity, where we’ll paint an apple tree using bubble wrap!
*All parents are expected to participate with and supervise their children.
Customs House
200 South Second Street | Clarksville, TN
20 friday
The Prince Experience at Downtown @ Sundown
September 20th | 7:00pm
Price: Free
Join Downtown Commons on September 20th to hear The Prince Experience live! Beer and other beverages will be for sale and a variety of independent food trucks will line up on Main Street. Chairs and blankets are welcome; however, pets, coolers, smoking/vaping, or outside alcohol will not be allowed on site.
Downtown Commons
215 Legion Street | Clarksville, TN
21 saturday
Historic Greenwood Cemetery Walking Tours
September 21st, October 5th & 19th | 9:00am to 10:00am
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/
Greenwood Cemetery
976 Greenwood Avenue | Clarksville, TN
Bands at the Brewstillery
September 21st | 6:00pm to 9:00pm Price: Free
The 1980 Band will be performing. Bring the lawn, bug spray, the kids, and the pups, but not the outside alcohol. Food will be available for purchase via “Campfire Grill”.
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
Run for the Fallen 2024
September 28th | 7:30am to 10:00am
Price: Free
Join us for the 2024 Run for the Fallen. Participants can choose between a short and long route, both of which are non-competitive memorial runs. The run will start and end at Fryar Stadium, where memorial displays will be set up to pay tribute to our Fallen.
Fryar Stadium
5666 Wickham Avenue | Fort Campbell, TN
3rd Annual Just Plane Fun Day
September 28th | 10:00am to 3:00pm
Price: Free
Family Friendly Event!! We are delighted to extend a complimentary invitation for you to join us at this exclusive event, featuring an array of captivating attractions. Enjoy bouncy houses, delectable food trucks, thrilling aircraft rides, and the opportunity to engage with local vendors.
Clarksville Regional Airport
200 Airport Road | Clarksville, TN
Family Art Saturday: Cotton Ball Tree Painting
September 28th | 10:00am to 12:00pm & 2:00pm to 4:00pm | Ages 3+, with adult Free with membership or paid admission | Family Art Studio
Join us at the Museum and enjoy a delightful day of creativity! This month, we invite families to explore their artistic side by using cotton balls as paintbrushes. Kids and adults will have the chance to create beautiful, textured tree paintings.
*All parents are expected to participate with and supervise their children.
Customs House
200 South Second Street | Clarksville, TN
October
4 friday
One Night in Memphis
October 4th | 7:00pm
Price: $24.00 to $59.00
One Night in Memphis features over 90 minutes of pure rockabilly, country, gospel and rock and roll in a very authentic and energetic presentation featuring nationally known talent. The show recreates that magical night of December 4th, 1956 when Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis and Johnny Cash found themselves jamming at Sam Phillips Sun Studios in Memphis, TN.
Oak Grove Racing Gaming and Hotel 777 Winners Way | Oak Grove, KY
Van Halen Tribute
October 4th | 7:00pm
Price: Free
Come out for Downtown @ Sundown on October 4th to hear Completely Unchained, a Van Halen tribute live! Beer and other beverages will be for sale and a variety of independent food trucks will line up on Main Street. Chairs and blankets are welcome; however, pets, coolers, smoking/ vaping, or outside alcohol will not be allowed on site.
Downtown Commons 215 Legion Street | Clarksville, TN
5 saturday
Jazz on the Lawn
October 5th | 3:00pm to 9:30pm
Price: $5 Ages 21+ | All guests under the age of 21 will get in free.
Jazz on the Lawn will be returning to Beachaven Winery for two dates for the 2024 season. They will be offering a longer music experience with two different bands playing at each event.
No outside alcohol (Beachaven Wine ONLY). Guests are welcome to bring chairs, blankets, etc for seating. Grills, tents, weapons, and pets are not allowed at Jazz on the Lawn.
