A look inside...
Winter Fun
Super Bowl Party Recipes
New Eats
Declutter
Credentialing Assistance Program
Top Book Choices
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Editor Alex Zapetis
Happy New Year!
Contributors
Can you believe it is 2020? A brand-new year comes with new goals and a fresh start. It is a great time to take a step back and focus on what you want to change in the next 12 months.
Dave Marshall Joyce Ann Acosta Callie Bryan Katie Walton Kalan Phelps Jennifer Hartman
Publisher
That is why we have some awesome budgeting advice and some fun things to do to start off the year.
Creative Director
We even have some tasty and unique Super Bowl recipes, and much more.
Creative ink
Sears Hallett
Advertising
Kristi Williams 270-484-0463 kristi@creativeinktn.com
We hope you enjoy this issue and I will see you again next month!
Alex Zapetis, Editor alex@creativeinktn.com
Photography
mixthatdrink.com Deposit Photo pg: Cover, 5, 14, 16, 20, 21, 22, 27, 32 3
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If you do not like the chill in the air, don’t fret. You don’t have to stay hidden away in your home all winter long. The Fort Campbell area has so many fun and memorable things to do this season. So, load up your entire family, or make it a date night with your spouse, and check out these fun winter activities.
Family Fun Creations These walk-in paint your own pottery studios are awesome fun for the entire family. Your family will be able to create amazing works of art that you will cherish for a lifetime. Nothing can replace these special little creations made by your favorite people. The Pottery Room • 110 Needmore Rd, Clarksville • thepotteryroom.com Horsefeathers Pottery Sudio • 94 Franklin St, Clarksville • myhorsefeathers.com
Throw Some Axes Around Forget throwing darts. Throwing axes is now the way to go. This fun activity is perfect for a night out with your spouse. Not only do you get to release some anger, but you get to see who has the best axe throwing skills as well. Who do you think will hit the target the most? Red Axe Throwing Company • 307 Providence Blvd, Clarksville redaxethrowingcompany.com The Axe Throwing Place • 592 Fire Station Rd, Clarksville • axethrowingplace.com
Decorate Your Home The Blank Slate by Blue Cord allows you to come in and get crafty. This is a great DIY hotspot to check out. Not only can you make beautiful home décor, but you can drink and listen to music while working hands on with instructors. The Blank Slate • 1812 Memorial Circle, Clarksville • facebook.com/TheBlankSlateTN
Become an Ice Skater A go-to winter activity is going ice skating! Here in Clarksville, downtown Clarksville turns a large open lawn into a winter wonderland that can accommodate 150 skaters at a time. The ice rink will be open until January 21st. Downtown Commons Skating Rink • 215 Legion St, Clarksville downtowncommons.org
Everybody Jump! Planet 3extreme Air Park is a thrilling indoor trampoline park that has over 15,000 square feet of interconnected trampolines. They also have extreme dodgeball, a trapeze, launch pads, foam pits, dunk zones, and even a ninja obstacle course. Planet 3extreme Air Park • 310 Needmore Rd, Clarksville • planet3clarksville.com 5
Black Light Mini Golf Do you love to putt putt the day away but it’s been too cold? Then this is the place for you! This indoor mini golf center is Fantasy Forest themed and is decked out with black lights! It also offers 3D glasses to every golfer. D&D Mini Golf not only offers 18 holes of fun, they also have a lazer maze and an arcade room. D & D Mini Golf • 211 Holiday Dr, Clarksville • ddminigolf.com
Paint Baby Paint Create really cool masterpieces while you share a few laughs with loved ones. It is the perfect way to spend a cold and chilly day. Swirlz Art Studio • 329 Warfield Blvd, Clarksville • swirlzart.com Horsefeathers Pottery Studio • 94 Franklin St, Clarksville myhorsefeathers.com
Reading is Fun Have a child that loves to read? R.F Sink Library has more than 7,700 books to keep your little one entertained all day. There is a story and craft time every Thursday at 10:30am and 1:30pm for your preschoolers. On Wednesdays at 10:00am there is also a baby lap sit for you and your infant! R.F. Sink Library • 38 Screaming Eagle Blvd, Fort Campbell • campbell.armymwr.com
Create Away Want to get in touch with your creative side? Guenette Arts & Crafts Center offers workshops, classes, and other services for all artistic skill levels. Come in and create the day away! They offer services in ceramics, pottery, leather, and upholstery. They also have a wood working area for all to enjoy. Guenette Arts & Crafts • 89 Screaming Eagle Blvd, Fort Campbell campbell.armymwr.com
Get That Strike Bowling is one of America’s favorite indoor sports. Come grab some rental shoes and your favorite bowling ball and bowl the night away. There are so many bowling alleys in the area to pick and choose from for your night out! The Pinnacle Family Entertainment Center •430 Warfield Blvd, Clarksville • pinnaclebowl.com Hooper Bowling Center • Tennessee Ave. Bldg. 5380, Fort Campbell • campbell.armymwr.com Skyline Lanes • 201 Kraft St, Clarksville • facebook.com/skylinelanestn 1st Frame Bowl • 3001 Canton St, Hopkinsville • 1stframebowl.com
Skate Date Roller skating has always been a great indoor activity for anyone to enjoy. It can be such a blast to skate around to the beat of the music as lights flash all around you! Plus, it can be a great way to get some exercise and energy out! Rainbow Skating Center • 2631 41 A Bypass, Clarksville • rainbowskatecenter.com Magic Wheels Fun Center • 1671 Fort Campbell Blvd, Clarksville • Magicwheelsfun.com Roller Dome Fun Plex • 1230 Skyline Dr, Hopkinsville
City Forum Fun The City Forum is a one stop shop for all things that are fun for families! They have high-speed go-carts, laser tag, a bowling lounge, an arcade, and a play escape all in the same building! The City Forum • 2231-T Madison St, Clarksville • thecityforum.com 6
Learn Some New Moves There is no better time to learn some new moves and take dance classes than in the winter! You will have some amazing moves to show off at those summer pool parties! Dance lessons are also an awesome way to keep your little one entertained all winter as well. S.T.A.R.S Dance Studio • 388 Warfield Blvd, Clarksville • stars-dance-studio.com Clarksville Dance Club • 430 Warfield Blvd, Clarksville theclarkvilledanceclub.com Infinity Dance Academy • 305 N. Riverside Dr. Suite 600, Clarksville infinitydancefa.org Kreative Impact Dance Studio • 109 Bostick Dr, Hopkinsville Brooke Bailey Dance • 2507 Fort Campbell Blvd, Hopkinsville brookebaileydancegym.com Carr Dance Academy • 3131 Canton Pk. Hopkinsville • facebook.com/carrdance
Connect to Culture Located in downtown Clarksville is the Customs House Museum and Culture Center. It is the state’s second largest general museum. It is over 35,000 square feet of some cool hands-on activities that people of all ages can enjoy and learn from. Customs House Museum • 200 South Second St, Clarksville customshousemuseum.org
Visit the Theatre The Roxy Regional Theatre opened in 1983 and has been offering great live shows and cultural experiences ever since. Always keep an eye to the theater’s calendar so you know what days they will be putting on a show. Roxy Regional Theatre • 100 Franklin St, Clarksville • roxyregionaltheatre.org
Moonshine and Whiskey? Yes Please The Fort Campbell area is home to amazing distilleries with selections of moonshine, vodka, rum and bourbon. They also all have tasting bars and tours. Old Glory Distilling Company • 451 Alfred Thun Rd, Clarksville oldglorydistilling.com M. B. Roland Distillery • 137 Bakers Mill Rd, Pembroke • mbroland.com Casey Jones Distillery • 2815 Whitty Ln, Hopkinsville • caseyjonesdistillery.com Leatherwood Distillery • 6381 US 41 Alt, Pleasent View leatherwooddistillery.com
Grab a Glass If whiskey isn’t your cup of tea, there are also places that allow you to sample some fantastic wines in the area! Come out and taste what delicious things a grape can do! Beachaven Vineyard and Winery • 1000 Dunlop Ln, Clarksville • beachavenwinery.com
Cheers and Chugs Want a place to grab a delicious brew? You are in luck because Clarksville is home to some amazing places to grab a cold one. Tennessee Valley Brewing Co. • 2088 Lowes Dr, Clarksville • tnvalleybrewing.com The Blackhorse Pub & Brewery • 132 Franklin St, Clarksville • blackhorsebrews.com Strawberry Alley Ale Works • 103 Strawberry Alley, Clarksville • saaleworks.com Kings Bluff Brewery • 128 University Ave, Clarksville •kingsbluffbeer.com Star Spangled Brewing Company • 1030 Progress Dr, Clarksville starspangledbrewingco.com Hopkinsville Brewing Company • 102 E 5th St, Hopkinsville hopkinsvillebrewingcompany.com 7
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The best part of Super Bowl parties is always the food. Who doesn’t love snacking on some delicious appetizers while watching two football teams battle it out? But, year after year creating the same old recipes can get a little tiring. That is why we wanted to bring you some unique and delicious recipes to try out at this year’s big Super Bowl bash. Your guests are sure to be blown away. Deviled Potatoes by Joyce Ann Acosta 8 potatoes, about 2 inches in diameter 5 tbsp mayonnaise 1 tbsp relish 1 tsp mustard 1 ⁄4 tsp cayenne salt and pepper paprika for dusting chopped green onions for garnish Bake potatoes for 20 minutes at 400 F or until soft. Cut the potatoes in half. Remove the flesh from the potato halves leaving 1⁄4 inch of flesh on the skin. Transfer into a bowl. Add the mayonnaise, relish, mustard, cayenne. Mash and mix well together. Season with salt and pepper. Spoon the mixture back into the potato shells. Dust lightly with paprika and garnish with chopped green onions.
Deep Friend Shrimp Bites by Callie Bryan 1 pound shrimp 1 ⁄2 tsp. salt 1 ⁄2 cup oil for frying 1 ⁄2 cup all-purpose flour 1 ⁄4 cup cornstarch 1 tsp.. baking powder 1 ⁄2 tsp. baking soda 2 ⁄3 cup cold water Begin by shelling the shrimp, but make sure to keep on the tail. Remove the veins as well, and then rinse and dry with shrimp. Season the shrimp with salt. In a medium-size bowl, mix together the remaining ingredients to make batter and set to the side. Heat the oil on medium heat. Coat your shrimp with the batter and deep-fry them for 2 to 3 minutes or until golden brown. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
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Chicken Cheese Stuffed Peppers by Katie Walton 4 large poblano peppers 2 medium onions 3 cloves garlic minced 1 pound chicken meat, cooked 2 Italian plum (Roma) tomatoes ½ teaspoon salt ½ cup mushrooms 4 ounces Monterey Jack cheese 2 teaspoons canola oil 1 tablespoon olive oil Preheat your oven to 350 Wash and prep each pepper. Make a cut from top to bottom. Clean away the seeds and membrane inside each pepper. Place your cleaned peppers to the side. Heat 2 teaspoons of oil over medium high heat. Cook the chopped onions and garlic until the onions are translucent. Add the diced chicken, tomatoes and mushrooms into the mixture. Spray a 2-quart casserole dish with cooking spray. Oil the outside of the poblano peppers with olive oil and place them cut side up in the casserole. Place the chicken mixture and stuff into each pepper through the slit. Top the peppers with cheese. Cover and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. Remove the cover for the last 10 minutes of cooking. Charcuterie Board by Kalan Phelps Two Different Salamis Asiago Parmigiano Cheese Sharp White Cheese Caprese Salad on a Stick grape tomatoes fresh basil mozzarella pearls 1 loaf marble bread sliced Spicy trail mix Dried fruit Parmasean Artisan Crackers Chipped Beef Bread Dip 1
⁄2 cup sour cream 1 ⁄4 cup mayonnaise 1 jar dried beef chopped Prepare the dips and caprese sticks, and then arrange neatly on a serving platter.
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With a new year comes many other new and exciting things. Of course, some of those things involve food. Tasty food brings so much joy to millions of people across the globe, and it can really bring people together. That is why in 2020, it would be a fun goal to check out all of the new restaurants opening up around the Fort Campbell area. There are plenty to select from. Which one will you try first?
Delectable Sweets 397 Tiny Town Road Suite A, Clarksville •facebook.com/delectablesweets777 This cute little bakery just opened its doors in December 2019 and is bringing some mouth-watering baked goods to the table. They are known for their keto friendly desserts, as well as their classic sweets. Give them a try the next time your sweet tooth needs a fix.
Yada on Franklin 111 Franklin Street, Clarksville yadaonfranklin.com This popular coffee stop has spread its wings and is now offering a great dining experience to guests. At their new location, they will not only be serving delicious coffee and baked goods, but they have a full bar and dinner menu as well. It always smells phenomenal when you walk by, so swing on in and give their new menu a try.
Thai Bowl 1761 Tiny Town Road Suite E, Clarksville facebook.com/ThaiBowlClarksville/ This Thai spot offers an intriguing atmosphere alongside unique and fresh cuisine. Their delicious dishes will have you coming back for more. Stop by and give this brand-new restaurant a taste. You will not regret it one bit.
Salvadorian Authentic Restaurant 939 Tracy Lane Suite A, Clarksville facebook.com/salvadorianauthenticrestaurant This family-owned business is dedicated to bringing you some of the most authentic Salvadoran cuisine the area has to offer. They serve everything between fried corn tamales, chimichangas, pozole, and so much more. 11
West Coast Taco Shop 2485 Fort Campbell Blvd Suite 104 facebook.com/wctacoshop This California style Mexican food joint took Clarksville by storm when it opened its first location on Wilma Rudolph. It is now opening its doors at its second location on Fort Campbell Boulevard to bring these tasty burritos a little closer to Fort Campbell.
Pbody’s at Clarksville Country Club 334 Fairway Dr, Clarksville • facebook.com/PbodysCCC
If you are on the hunt for some great all-American cooking, then you are going to want to give this place a try. It serves up some awesome gourmet burgers, juicy ribs, and tender steaks. You are sure to leave with a very happy tummy.
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January 20 is a day that is dedicated to a man that changed the world forever. It is a day to stop and remember Martin Luther King Jr and thank him for all of his life-changing work. This unforgettable man truly changed how the world views things. MLK was a civil rights leader that was born in Atlanta, Georgia on January 15 , 1929. This ground-breaking and earth-shaking leader never backed down and let the world know his stand against racism. He dedicated his entire life to his cause. His mission was to achieve equality and justice for all Americans of all colors. MLK believed in peaceful refusal and protest to obey unjust laws was the best way to bring change. th
This man’s words and work will never be forgotten. Here are a few amazing quotes that have gone down in history.
“ Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” “Every man must decide whether he will walk in the light of creative altruism or in the darkness of destructive selfishness.”
“ We are not makers of history. We are made by history.” “We must use time creatively, in the knowledge that the time is always ripe to do right.” Going out and volunteering is an amazing way to celebrate this holiday as well as honor this great man. He dedicated his entire life to helping people and making a change. January 20 is the perfect day to begin doing the same. th
The Fort Campbell Spouses’ club is starting the new year off with a bang. This month’s amazing luncheon is Hollywood Glamour themed. Isn’t that just so much fun? It is time to gather up those pearl necklaces. It is scheduled to take place on January 15 from 10:30am until 1pm at the Joe Swing Event Center. They are asking attendees for nonperishable foods and canned food donations to help benefit the Chaplain’s Food Pantry. The Fort Campbell Chaplains office is here to support soldiers and their families through many of life’s unpredictable obstacles. The Chaplain services states on their website “From its birth our national heritage has been firmly founded on religious freedom. In fact, the existence and support for freedom of religion is guaranteed in the First Amendment to our Constitution - and the presence of Chaplains in the ranks of the military since 1775 is a testimony to the central role faith, has, is, and will continue to play in helping Soldiers and their Families deal with the deepest needs of their lives and the challenges of military service.” The donation of nonperishable foods and canned goods can mean the world to a local military family that is in need. Your donation can help fill the stomachs of struggling soldiers post wide. For more information Fort Campbell Chaplain services, call 270-798-6124 or visit their office at 3108 Indiana Ave, Fort Campbell, KY 42223 To gain more knowledge on Fort Campbell Spouses’ Club and all that they do, please go to fortcampbellspousesclub.org/
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Eagle Viewing Van Tour Land Between the Lakes • 1:30pm landbetweenthelakes.com/events Winter is peak season for bald eagle viewing in Land Between
the Lakes! Discover favorite bays, shorelines, and roosting spots of bald eagles. Search for these majestic birds, as they soar through the sky and perch in the trees, and maybe even catch one in action hunting for fish!
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Zoolumination Nashville Zoo • 11am nashvillezoo.org Visit the country’s largest Chinese lantern festival with over 500 custom-made silk lanterns across 60 acres, featuring the favorite zoo animals, a 200 foot long dragon and much more.
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Heros & Villains Fan Fest Williamson County Center • 10:30am fanfestevents.com/nashville Fans of sci-fi, horror, comics, and greater pop culture together for one great weekend. From The Walking Dead to the Marvel Comic Universe, we’ve got it.
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Nashville Boat Show Music City Center nashvilleboatshow.com The region’s largest boating event, providing a one-stop marketplace to escape cabin fever and prepare for summer on the water. The show features hundreds of new boats for sale, from cruisers, to fishing boats, pontoons and watersport boats, plus the latest in outdoor gear and accessories.
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Epiphany Concert at Music at Grace Grace Lutheran Church - Clarksville • 4pm eventful.com/clarksville/events/epiphany-concert-music-grace-series-/E0-001131003198-3 The Grace Lutheran Church Choir with soloists and instruments climax the Advent, Christmas, & Epiphany season with a concert of sacred music. This is one of the premier choral events of the region & a Grace Lutheran tradition.
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Art & Soul Red Black & Blue Edition Makeda Street - Fort Campbell Blvd. • 6pm facebook.com/events/1885-fort-campbellblvd-clarksville-tn-37042-5138-united-states/artsoul/443788603183358/ Locally talented artists tell the audience of their shared experiences using original material and content that makes you feel happy to know somebody else gets you.
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Champagne & Chocolate Customs House Museum - Clarksville • 6pm customshousemuseum.org/temporaryexhibits/champagne-chocolate-2020 Join us to sip champagne and savor delectable treats at the Customs House Museum & Cultural Center’s premier winter fundraiser, Champagne + Chocolate. This exciting evening will include champagne, wine, sweet + savory delights, a silent auction, live music & more.
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The Emperors New Clothes Alhambra Theatre - Hopkinsville • 4pm fpennyroyalarts.org/event “Dress for success” is good advice that the Emperor takes, wanting to impress new friends. But where to stop? When the clothes become more important than the people of the kingdom, trouble brews. The performance by the Missoula Children’s Theatre includes local children.
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2020Tuckassee Outdoor Show Wilma Rudolph Event Cntr Clarksville tuckesseeoutdoors.com The great outdoors is calling. We’ve got an event that will get you ready for the upcoming Boating and Hunting seasons. Join us for a day filled with boats, RVs, animals, children’s activities and so much more! It’s perfect for the whole family!
Nashville Auto Fest Nashville Fairgrounds nashvilleautofest.com The 23rd annual Nashville Auto Fest is the area’s largest and longest running classic car and truck show. The festival features a show, swap and car corral. The festival has been moved to an all new indoor building.
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Nashville Restaurant Week Nashville Originals Association nashvilleoriginals.com/nashville-restaurant-week Originals member restaurants will be serving up special menus, dishes and deals all around town. Our locally owned and operated members range from coffee shops to steakhouses, from beloved staples that have been serving Nashvillians for 35 years to new arrivals making their mark on our city’s flourishing culinary scene.
Hot Chicken Week fwpublishingevents.com/hot-chicken-week Nashville put hot chicken on the map, now we want to put it on your plate during Nashville Scene’s 4th Annual Hot Chicken Week. All week long we're partnering with local restaurants to dish up hot chicken. Strategize your #HotChickenWeek20 plan with descriptions of each restaurant’s dish, then go eat local for lunch or dinner with different dishes every day that week.
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Gran Partita Gateway Chamber Orchestra APSU Concert Hall - Clarksville gatewaychamberorchestra.com • 4pm The Masterworks Series programming philosophy combines beloved masterworks, overlooked gems and works by American composers. This concert includes Felix Mendelssohn – Nocturno, Jacques Ibert – Cello Concerto , Wolfgantg Amadeus Mozart – Serenade in B Gran Partita
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Antiques & Garden Show Music City Center antiquesandgardenshow.com Outstanding designers, architects and gardeners from around the world and informative lectures, plus over 150 extraordinary antique, art and horticulture dealers and magnificent gardens to create the go-to design event. Roxy Regional Theatre Junie B. Jones • Jan 24, 25, 31
It’s Junie B.’s first day of first grade, and a lot of things have changed for her: Junie’s friend, Lucille, doesn’t want to be her best pal anymore and, on the bus, Junie B. makes friends with Herb, the new kid at school. Also, Junie has trouble reading the blackboard and her teacher, Mr. Scary, thinks she may need glasses. First grade has never been more exciting!
Alhambra Theatre Travis LeDoyt • Jan 14
Using the New Year to get motivated to declutter your home is a very popular resolution. When your home begins to get overrun with clutter and chaos, it can begin to affect your daily mood. It has been scientifically proven that a messy and unorganized living space can raise anxiety levels and lower your mood. When an area is neat and tidy, it can completely change the entire vibe of the room. Deciding to declutter your house can seem daunting, but with a few helpful organizational tips, your home will be nice and tidy before you know it.
Start in One Place When you decide to organize your home, you may have multiple spaces in mind. It can be extremely tempting to jump from room to room. This may cause you to get easily distracted. When you start and focus on one room at a time, you can see the results of your hard-work a lot quicker, which is great motivation to keep going to the rest of the home.
Set Realistic Goals If your home needs a lot of TLC and decluttering, give yourself plenty of time to achieve this goal. Instead of giving yourself 3 days to get organized, give yourself 3 weeks. Giving yourself more time cuts back on stress and makes the mission a little less daunting.
Use Vertical Space Homes only come with so much square footage, and sometimes it can feel like you are running out of it. When an area is overcrowded, it can feel cluttered and chaotic. Utilizing vertical space is a game-changer for small spaces. Install shelves, bookcases, and other tall storage units to help clear up some floor space.
Determine a Special Paper Place There are so many forms, papers, and other letters that tend to build up all over the home. If they are important or may be useful later, put them in a special folder or container. Having an assigned paper area can declutter your desk, countertops, and tables in seconds.
Load Up Donations Right Away
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When decluttering, there is always a donations pile. You may feel accomplished when you bag it all up, but then find it sitting in the corner of the room for weeks on end. Make it a goal to load up your donations into your car as soon as a bag gets full. You are more likely to drop it off at a donation center if it is taking up your entire trunk.
Saving money and learning how to budget the families’ income is a common goal for many every new year. It can be very stressful living paycheck to paycheck and saving a few dollars here and there can really add up. There is a wide variety of things that anyone can do in order to save extra money here and there. Give these super simple things a try this year to see how much money you can save. Meal Plan If your family does not plan out weekly meals, this is a great first step to try out. Make it a goal to only visit the grocery store one time a week. In that weekly trip, stick to your premade grocery list. When you plan ahead and stick to a set list, you are less likely to purchase unneeded snacks and sweets. Shoppers have reported that they slice their grocery shopping budget down by 1/3 when they started to meal plan. Utilize Coupons Couponing does not have to be taken to extreme levels like they have been portrayed on our TVs. Search through the papers that end up in your mailboxes weekly and start there. If you see a product that your family typically uses, clip that coupon and take it with you to your next grocery trip. Even if you only find a few that would be useful to your family, that is still more money in your bank account than before. Fun tip, there are also coupons to restaurants as well. Who doesn’t want to save money the next time you eat out? Useful Apps If you can’t see yourself clipping coupons, there are many apps out there that can help you save a few extra bucks. A few apps that are worth the download include Ibotta, Swagbucks, and Ebates. After making purchases, you can earn cashback by simply scanning your receipt of products through Ibotta and Swagbucks. It is super simple, and a great way to cut back on your grocery bill. With Ebates, you just start your normal online shopping trip through their website, and you will receive cashback on your entire purchase. It is a great way to earn money back on things that you were already going to purchase anyway. Always Watch for Deals There are many Facebook groups and websites out there that are dedicated to saving you money on online purchases. For example, there is a group online that post great Amazon deals daily. If you see a great deal on household products such as toilet paper, trash bags, or laundry detergent, jump on the deal. You may not need it at that exact moment, but you will always need it in the future. Check Out Discount Shops First Did you know that the Fort Campbell area is home to many discount stores such as Ollie’s, Bargain Hunt, and Dirt Cheap? These stores often carry everyday items such as diapers, snacks, and other household needs for a fraction of the cost. It is worth the trip just to see what they have. Always make sure to check expiration dates when purchasing food from these stores though. Use Your Tax Return Wisely Around this time, families start getting excited for their annual tax return. It can be very tempting to use the extra money on vacations, new clothes, and other fun things. But, if used smartly, it can save you a ton of money in the long run. For example, use the money to pay your car insurance for 6 months at a time. Many insurance companies offer awesome discounts when you pay ahead of time instead of monthly. Also, using your tax return to pay off debts such as a car loan not only ensures you get that car title quicker, but it can also save you so much money on interest. The trick to saving money is simple. It is all about planning and thinking ahead. Retailers thrive on last second spending and quick decisions. Taking a second to stop and plan things out can be a major game-changer for your family. Don’t worry, you got this.
Cherry Fizz 2 ounces cherry brandy ⁄ ounce lemon juice Carbonated water 1 2
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Pour in the lemon juice and cherry brandy. Shake until chilled. Put two ice cubes in a highball glass. Strain the mixture into it. Fill the rest of the way with the carbonated water and stir. Garnish with a cherry.
Blue Skies 1 ounce cointreau 1 ounce blue curacao Fizzy lemonade (or lemonade with club soda) Pour the cointreau into a cocktail glass, followed by the blue curacao. Fill it up the rest of the way with lemonade, and garnish it with a slice of orange.
New York Cocktail 2 ounces Canadian whiskey (Crown Royal) 3 ⁄4 ounce lime juice 1 ⁄2 ounce simple syrup 1 teaspoon grenadine syrup Shake everything together in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Fill a chilled old-fashioned glass three-quarters filled with cracked ice. Strain the mixture into the glass and garnish with an orange twist.
Strawberry Sombero 1 ounce Kahlua 2 teaspoon strawberry syrup 3 ounces milk Pour all three ingredients into a cocktail glass and stir. Garnish with a strawberry. If you want to make a stronger version of this drink, just add a half-ounce to an ounce of vodka, which won’t change the flavor at all. Or you may want to try adding rum, which is the basis of Kahlua and therefore works very well in Kahlua based drinks.
Drink recipes and photos courtesy of mixthatdrink.com
Career Training with Army Credentialing Assistance Program by Jennifer Hartman, ProTrain, LLC
The Army Credentialing Assistance (CA) program provides up to $4000 in funding to active duty Soldiers for courses and exams leading to an industry-recognized academic or vocational credential. This voluntary program allows current soldiers to pursue civilian credentials, licenses, and certifications to enhance skills in an area beyond their military occupational specialty (MOS). Credentialing is important for career advancement while serving in the Army, and a smooth transition into civilian employment once a military career has ended. Credentials, which come with a certificate, license or certification, combine military training and experience into opportunities that improve Army readiness, enhance career advancement, and provide Soldiers with skills that translate into civilian occupations. Dr. Pamela Raymer, Chief of ACES said, "The CA program is a wonderful new program to expand learning opportunities for Soldiers. It adds value to the Army while Soldiers serve and also prepares them for civilian life." (Source: US Army Human Resources Command) Credentialing Assistance will pay up to $4000 for all necessary books, supplies, and associated materials required for an approved training course. Soldiers may use both Federal Tuition Assistance (TA) and Credentialing Assistance (CA), not to exceed the allowed $4000. Funding is provided for courses leading to an industry-recognized credential, those of which can be found on the Army COOL website. The following chart maps the Army installations and states where CA is available and the timeline for each phase:
(Source: http://home.army.mil) To be eligible to participate in the Credentialing Assistance Program soldiers must: • •
meet basic Federal Tuition Assistance eligibility requirements cannot be flagged under provisions of AR 600-8-2
•
cannot be a contracted ROTC scholarship cadet or Green to Gold ROTC program cadet
•
must have enough service time remaining to complete the credential before separating from the Army
Austin Peay State University (APSU), one of the well-known education providers for Ft. Campbell, is heavily involved in supporting the CA program. They are already set up to support military spouses through the MyCAA program to get high demand, stackable industry credentials. Adding the credentialing program to support Active Duty Soldiers is a step to making jobs more accessible to the military. APSU, in partnership with ProTrain, is offering Soldiers thirty-eight (38) HRC ACES approved credential courses with their certification exams. The flyers for these 38 programs have been distributed to Ed Center counselors, showing what each program offers, as well as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data for job growth potential and average starting salary. All 38 approved programs offered by APSU align with Army COOL high demand occupations. This led to APSU’s approval by HRC ACES, because their programs are aimed at some of the most sought-after credentials in the workplace today. Approved courses include programs in Healthcare, Information Technology, Office Administration, and more. Soldiers with questions about the CA program and eligibility should contact their servicing Army education center/office. You can find a list of centers/offices at the GoArmyEd Education Center or visit: cool.army.mil. 25
VALENTINES DAY CARE PACKAGE If you have a loved one that is overseas or is currently deployed, creating care packages is extremely important. For many, it is a way to feel connected on special occasions, such as Valentine’s Day. Even though this love filled holiday is still a month away, it is crucial for you to send it a few weeks early so it arrives before February 14th.
Creating a Valentine’s Day box can be very fun for both you and your soldier. Thankfully, delicious treats like chocolate and cakes can be shipped since the weather is still cool enough to do so. If you are at a loss about what to send the love of your life in their Valentine’s Day care package, here are a few fun and simple ideas. Virtual Date Night Due to technology, having a virtual date through Facetime or Skype is a super special idea to consider. Send your solider a candle, tablecloth, a fake rose, a vase, and some shelf-stable foods. Grocery stores carry canned hams, instant mashed potatoes, and canned vegetables. These three things together can create the illusion of a fancy dinner. Make sure to buy yourself the same set up, and get ready for an amazing virtual date. Special Notes and Pictures When your loved one is away, nothing beats those irreplaceable handwritten letters and pictures from home. Create a scrap book filled to the brim with old pictures and love letters. This unique present will be cherished for the entire separation period. Classic Valentine’s Day box For many people, the cheesy little gifts can really bring a smile to your significant other’s face. Take a trip to your local Walmart or Target and go down the seasonal aisle. Buy as many stuffed animals, heart shaped chocolates, and sweet cards as your heart desires. When you pack them away in your Valentine’s Day box, it will make this holiday seem a little less lonely. Always remember that many care packages can take 2 to 6 weeks to arrive to your service member. Planning ahead and being prepared is key to sending unforgettable boxes of love. Creating and receiving care packages is always a ray of sunshine during those hard deployment days.
Attention all runners. The USO has some exciting news that you aren’t going to want to miss. The 9th Annual USO Ten Miler, 5K, and Free Fun run will be here soon. Can you believe it? The race will be held on Saturday, March 14 and the start/finish line will once again be at the Fort Campbell’s Division Parade Field. If you are interested in joining this fantastic event, registration for all three runs is at runsignup.com/Race/KY/FortCampbell/USOTenMiler. Until Febuary 4, the Ten Miler and the 5K are only $25. The Fun Run is always free, but registration is required. The money raised in the event supports the programs and services at USO Fort Campbell and USO Nashville. Strollers are welcome in these races, so bring future fun runners a long for the ride. Finishers in the 10 Miler and the 5K will receive a medal, and of course there are always fun surprises. There are many opportunities to volunteer, cheer, and sponsor the race. Anyone wishing to participate without running is encouraged to email Kari Moore at. To be a part of the race conversation, follow the event on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/events/2371694623083171. All USO events are for our Active Duty/Guard/Reserve Service members and their families and are offered FREE of charge. The USO says the events are their way of saying thank you to them for their service. 30
Getting warm and cozy with a great book is a perfect way to spend a cold winters day. You can escape from the freezing temperatures to just about anywhere in the world, all depending on the book you select. With so many books on the market, it can be difficult to find the right one. That is why we are here to provide you with a list of must-reads this season.
“Twisted Twenty-Six”
“The Guardians”
By Janet Evanovich
by John Grisham
One of the story’s main characters Grandma Mazur has decided to remarry. This time around it was to a problematic local gangster named Jimmy. The tale gets really interesting when the groom drops dead of a heart attack 45 minutes after the two wed. This heartbreaking day for Grandma Mazur turns extremely dangerous when the husband’s former “business partners” are convinced that Mazur is keeping the keys to a great treasure all to herself. But the one thing these criminals didn't see coming was the widow's bounty hunter granddaughter, who'll do anything to rescue her.
This tale begins in a small town in north Florida called Seabrook. Keith Russo, who was a local lawyer was shot dead at his desk. The mysterious killer left no evidence behind. The trail went cold when no witnesses and no real suspects were discovered. Frantically, the police soon settled on Quincy Miller, a young African American man who was once a client of Russo’s. Quincy was sent away for life after he was framed and convicted. He was left to rot in prison with no lawyer and no help on the outside. This all changed when he wrote a letter to Guardian Ministries.
“Face It”
“Olive, Again” by Elizabeth Strout
by Debbie Harry
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Debbie Harry is a musician, activist, icon, as well as the frontwoman of Blondie. You may know this band as the group that created a new sound that brought together the worlds of rock, punk, disco, reggae and hip-hop. This fusion created some of the most beloved pop songs of the century. After years of keeping things under wraps, she is now ready to share her tale.
This is the story of Olive. Olive struggles to understand herself and others that live with her in a small town in Maine. Tag along on her journey to come to terms with the loss of her father, discover a young woman about to give birth during a funny moment, runs into a nurse who confesses a secret high school crush, and so much more.
“The Institute” by Stephen King One quiet night in a small town in Minneapolis, robbers silently murder Luke Ellis’s parents and whisk him away into a black SUV. This horrific event takes less than two minutes. The young boy finds himself at The Institute. It is a room that looks just like his own, except there’s no window. It is discovered that The Institute is home to other kids with special talents, such as telekinesis and telepathy. They were kidnapped just like Luke. Kalisha, a girl he meets along the way says. “You check in, but you don’t check out.”
“The Testaments: The Sequel to The Handmaid's Tale” by Margaret Atwood
If you were sucked in by The Handmaid’s Tale on Hulu or the original story by Atwood, you are going to love this sequel. It takes place more than fifteen years after the events of The Handmaid's Tale. It follows the Republic of Gilead as it attempts to hold onto its grip on power, but there are signs it is beginning to crumble. Three radically different women converge to take down this horrible society, and they have explosive results.
If none of these books catch your eye, there are thousands of other ones waiting for you at the local libraries. Go in and check out your next great read. You will keep coming back for more. Montgomery County Public Library 350 Pageant Ln #501, Clarksville • 931-648-8826 R F Sink Memorial Library 38 Screaming Eagle Blvd, Fort Campbell • 270-798-5729 Hopkinsville-Christian County Public Library 1101 Bethel St, Hopkinsville • 270-887-4262
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The Armed Services YMCA has so many amazing programs for military spouses and active duty soldiers to enjoy. As many women know, buying formal dresses can get expensive. It is sometimes hard to justify and budget for these gowns when they are only going to be worn one time. That is where the ASYMCA is here to save the day. With prom season right around the corner, and military balls going on all year long, this is the place to be. The Dress Boutique has lots of beautiful prom, gala, ballroom dresses etc. all for only $20. With such a wide selection, you are sure to find the perfect one. Please email jcooey@asymca.org to set up a time to shop. The Dress Boutique also offers the unique opportunity for a dress party. This exciting event is where a group of ladies can come in after hours to shop. The boutique turns on some of your favorite tunes and makes it a lady’s night out. It is a night you and your friends will not soon forget. The Dress Boutique is at 3068 Reed Ave, and it can not wait to assist you in the finding of your special dress. 33