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A look inside...
Local Arts
Comfort Foods
Winter Reads
Winter Crafts
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
10 Things Within 4 Hours
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Happy New Year, everyone!! Editor Alex Zapetis
Contributors Dave Marshall OneCreativeMommy.com
Publisher
This issue kicks off the new year with an in-depth look at local arts available for us to discover and enjoy. We provide information about museums, art galleries, theatre, and local music locations. You will be surprised at the many opportunities that exist and the diversity of local arts in this area.
Creative ink
Creative Director Sears Hallett
Advertising Kristi Williams 270-484-0463 kristi@creativeinktn.com
Photography http://www.mixthatdrink.com Dreamstime Photo pg: Cover, 10, 11, 18, 19, 20, 21, 26 unsplash photo pg: 10 OneCreativeMommy.com
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We also offer fantastic New Years’ goals, some great winter reads, mouth-watering comfort food recipes, and much more. This issue is sure to help you keep busy and start your 2022 off perfectly. I can't wait to see what this year holds for everyone. See you soon!
Alex Zapetis, Editor alex@creativeinktn.com
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tThe power of the arts is an experience like no other. Music, art, and dance are key in the stimulation of the imagination at any and all ages. They are also perfect for entertainment and education, which makes viewing them the best past time. Gratefully, the Fort Campbell area is full of art, and it can be found at every turn.
Art and Galleries If you love to analyze paintings and try to figure out the meaning behind them, then you have some great choices to swing by and check out. Customs House Museum & Cultural Center 200 S. Second Street, Clarksville • 931-648-5780 https://customshousemuseum.org/ Located in the heart of Downtown Clarksville, is the state’s second-largest general history museum. It features rotating shows, art galleries, fine art, history, and children's exhibits. It is one of Clarkville’s most visited destinations. You can also visit their website to view the current exhibits that they have on display https://customshousemuseum.org/exhibitionscategories/current/.
The New Gallery 496 Marion Street, Clarksville • 931-221-6519 https://www.facebook.com/TheNewGalleryAPSU/ The New Gallery is a great gallery that promotes the mission and vision of Austin Peay State University. They achieve this goal by hosting phenomenal exhibitions of artworks. It is a white cube contemporary art gallery operated by the Department of Art+Design. It brings in nationally and internationally recognized contemporary artists for exhibitions, lectures, workshops, class visits, and studio visits with students.
River City Clay 115 Franklin Street, Clarksville • 931-542-6615 https://www.rivercityclay.com/ Not only does this gallery share beautiful pieces of clay artwork, but they also teach you to make your own ceramics through a 6-week course. 5
DBO Gallery 106 N. 2nd St., Clarksville • 615-947-0055 https://dbogallery.square.site/ This untraditional art gallery with owner Olasubomi Bashorun wishes to bring the community together through the power of art. He invites other artists to come in and teach workshops and teaches art therapy. Downtown Artists Co-op 96 Franklin Street, Clarksville • 931• 552-4747 https://www.dac.gallery/ The Downtown Artists Co-Op is an association of talented local artists that love to showcase their pottery, jewelry, paintings, drawings, and accessories for affordable prices. The first Thursday Art Walk is a monthly event sponsored by DAC and Arts & Heritage Development Council which encourages the public to visit downtown to shop, dine, view art, see a play. DAC hosts special events on these evenings which are free and open to the public. For more information on the Art Walk visit: https://artwalkclarksville.com/wordpress/
Live Theater If you love live music and shows, be sure to check out these wonderful theaters. They put on a wide variety of shows for guests to enjoy. The Roxy Regional Theatre 100 Franklin St, Clarksville • 931-645-7699 http://roxyregionaltheatre.org The Roxy Regional Theatre is a beautiful historical theatre located in Downtown Clarksville. It puts on so many remarkable performances for your enjoyment. In the month of January, they will be performing The Vagina Monologues, The Agitators, and Schoolhouse Rock LIVE! To purchase your tickets to these events, go to http://roxyregionaltheatre.org/season/ Campanile Productions 2208 Fort Campbell Blvd Bldg B, Hopkinsville https://www.campanileproductions.com/ Campanile was started by a group of theatre lovers who longed for their city to know the joy of the stage. They entertain the audiences by providing quality musical theatre performances and inspire by creating a cast that becomes family, and believes in its members. They host summer camps that are designed specifically for kids. Alhambra Theatre 507 S Main St, Hopkinsville • 270-887-4295 https://www.pennyroyalarts.org/ The Alhambra Theatre is a 650-seat historical theatre that is currently offering a variety of performances. Their next performance will be by the musical group ‘Black Violin’. They will be performing on February 4th, 2022. Tickets can be purchased on their website https://www.pennyroyalarts.org/events. 6
Live Music The Fort Campbell area has an abundance of venues for live local music. Be sure to check with locations for dates, times and performers. Austin Peay State University Music/Mass Communication 8th St, Clarksville • 931-221-7818 • https://www.apsu.edu/music/events/ The Austin Peay Department of Music hosts more than 100+ performances each semester. Events take place in the 600-seat George & Sharon Mabry Concert Hall, the newly-renovated Recital Hall, and the Heydel Hall in the Art & Design Building. Performances feature APSU student and faculty soloists, chamber, and large ensembles.
Gateway Chamber Orchestra 931-444-6240 https://www.gatewaychamberorchestra.com/ The Gateway Chamber Orchestra (GCO) is a nationally-recognized cultural institution performing innovative concerts. Conducted by Gregory Wolynec, the GCO is delighted to perform at the Mabry Concert Hall on the campus of Austin Peay State University in Clarksville. The GCO presents a four-concert Masterworks Series that combines beloved masterworks, overlooked gems and works by contemporary American composers. Old Glory Distilling Co. 451 Alfred Thun Rd, Clarksville • 931-919-2522 • https://www.facebook.com/OldGloryDistilling Are you in the mood for some live music, appetizer menu and craft cocktails? Then Old Glory Distilling Co is waiting for your visit! They also host regular dueling piano shows and Friday Night Live - an outdoor concert series during the sumer. Beachaven Winery 1100 Dunlop Ln, Clarksville • 931-645-8867 • https://www.beachavenwinery.com/ Beachaven Winery has the series called “This Weekend at the Winery”, that features live music on the compound along with unique food truck sand of course the portunity to try some great wine.
Nightclub Live Music Warehouse Concert Lounge & Event Center 20 McClure St, Clarksville • 931-647-7625 • https://www.facebook.com/thewarehouserocks/ This venue offers a wide variety of bands to d give a listen. To view who will be playing during your visit, check out their Facebook page. Star Spangled Brewing Company 1030 Progress Dr STE E, Clarksville • 615-398-1237 Great beer and great music. What is better than that? This place is locally, family and veteran-owned and operated. They offer seasonal beers, beer specials, live music, trivia nights, outdoor seating, holiday events, and much more. Revel House Pub and Eatery 140 University Ave, Clarksville • 931- 401-1116 • https://www.facebook.com/RevelHouseClarksville/ This gastropub is in Downtown Clarksville! They offer delicious food, a full bar, and a unique cocktail menu! They feature live entertainment on Friday and Saturday nights.
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Tina Brown Underground Lounge 110 Franklin St, Clarksville • 931-378-4809 • https://www.facebook.com/tinabrownundergroundlounge/ Are you a fan of R&B? Then swing by and check out this great lounge. They are praised for their excellent live music and delicious soul food. The lounge is open on Saturday nights and special occations.
O’Neal’s Bar and Grill 1979 Madison St, Clarksville • 931-802-5577 They feature live entertainment Friday and Saturday nights year round. During the sumer months you can enjoy music on the deck. O’Conner’s Irish Pub and Grill 1198 Tylertown Rd, Clarksville • 931-542-2540 https://oconnorsfun.com/ Irish-style joint featuring live bands on weekends, sports on TV & a large outdoor area with games. Mikes Bar & Grill 2207 Lowes Dr. Clarksville • 931-551-9395 https://www.facebook.com/mikesbarinclarksville/ This bar and grill features live country music entertainment on the weekends. The River Club 1150 Warfield Blvd Clarksville - 931-919-3200 https://theriverclubgolf.com/entertainment/ The River Club clubhouse overlooks the golf course. Sit out on the patio and enjoy live music every Friday and Saturday night. Main Street Tavern 801 S. Main St. Hopkinsville • 270-484-5066 https://www.facebook.com/mainstreettavern801 Located in Downtown Hopkinsville, they provide live music on weekends.
The cold chill in the air can bring the strong desire for some delicious comfort food recipes. Comfort foods truly help warm your soul, and fill your belly. If you are looking for some great dishes to make this January, jump in the kitchen and give these a try. Spaghetti 1 pound lean ground meat (like beef)• 3 tablespoons olive oil 1 cup chopped onion • 3 garlic cloves • 2 tablespoons tomato paste 1 ⁄2 teaspoon dried oregano • red pepper flakes • 1 cup water 1 can crushed tomatoes • Salt and fresh ground black pepper Pinch of fresh basil leaves • 1⁄2 cup shredded parmesan cheese 12 ounces dried spaghetti or favorite pasta shape Heat the oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the meat and cook until browned. Add the onions and cook until softened. Stir in the garlic, tomato paste, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Pour in the water and stir in the tomatoes, 3⁄4 teaspoon of salt, and a pinch of black pepper. Bring the sauce to a low simmer. Cook, uncovered, at a low simmer for 25 minutes. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, and then cook pasta according to package directions. Take the sauce off of the heat, and then stir in the basil. Toss in the cooked pasta, and then leave for a minute so that the pasta absorbs some of the sauce. Toss again, and then serve with parmesan sprinkled on top
Chicken Pot Pies Crust 1 1⁄4 cups all-purpose flour • 1 stick unsalted butter, cut into cubes Kosher salt • 3 to 4 tablespoons cold water Filling 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil • 1 large shallot • 2 garlic cloves • 1 large carrot • Kosher salt Freshly ground black pepper • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour • 1 1⁄2 cups chicken stock or low-sodium broth 1 cup shredded rotisserie chicken • 1 large egg, lightly beaten Make the crust In a bowl, blend together the flour, butter and 1/2 teaspoon salt with your fingertips until combined. Using a fork, stir in 3 tablespoons of the water. Gather the dough into a ball, then form it into a disk and wrap it in plastic wrap. Chill the dough at least 1 hour. On a floured surface with a floured rolling pin. roll the dough out into a 10-inch round. Using a round cutter, cut 4 3-inch rounds from the dough. Chill the rounds until ready to use. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Make the filling In a large cast-iron or heavy skillet, heat the oil over medium high then stir in the onion, garlic, carrots, 1⁄2 teaspoon salt and 1⁄4 teaspoon. Cook until golden. Stir in the flour and cook. Pour in the stock and bring to a boil, then stir in the chicken. Season the filling with salt and pepper to taste. Divide the filling between 4 ramekins. Place the pastry rounds over the ramekins and brush with some of the egg mixture. Cut a steam vent in each pastry round. Bake the individual pot pies for 20 to 25 minutes. 10
The new year is always an exciting and fresh start to life. You have an entire year to make and achieve some great things in your life. Everyone has different life goals and dreams, so we wanted to reach out to our readers so that they could share their 2022 goals with you. I don't know about you, but I think 2022 will be an eventful year for these goal setters. “I am going to go back to school to get my certification in coding. It has always been a dream of mine to attend a coding bootcamp, and I finally saved up enough for the tution. Hopefully by the end of the year, I will be employed by a cool tech company.” -Syndey A “My husband and I want to fix our credit, so that we can buy a house. We have already paid off two debts, and have three more to go. Fingers crossed for a better score by the end of the year.” -Emily T “We are PCSing in a few months, so I hope this year we make many new friends at our next duty station. Starting over again is always scary at first.” -Lisa F “I am going to ask my boss for a promotion or a raise in the next few months. In 2022, I am ready for growth in my career.” -Kay H “My husband and I plan on trying for a family this month. So a goal for us is to have our first child in 2022.” - Jeyce K “I want to go back to school and earn my Bachelors degree in Criminal Justice.” -Rachel D “My goal is to start volunteering in the community more in 2022. It is time to stop hiding in our houses and help our local community.” -Sara G “This is more like a goal for the entire world, but I hope Covid is something that does not consume this new year like the last two. -Catie J “My kids will be homeschooled for the first time this year, so my goal is to make this first year of homeschooling perfect for them.” -Holly D “One and only goal for all of 2022 is to convince my husband to let me get a dog. That is it.” -Mindy E “We are going to slowly renovate our home in 2022. We are going to start with the kitchen and then tackle the bathrooms. It is going to be a big project, but I am ready to jump on it.” -Nina V
Ladies and gentlemen, spouses of our wonderful military family: We are so excited to announce the return of Mock Dining In (aka MDI). Our MDI Advisor, Colleen Murphy, is here to tell us more about it. “MDI is a playful twist on the traditional military service member’s Dining In- a spouse-only event that is full of fun and laughter! (Dual military couples are an exception.) Its truly an amazing way to build community within your units and support our Spouses’ Club. I think we can all agree that after the last two years of hardships, we need to rebuild relationships and reconnect with friends old and new. As they say in show business…. The Show Must Go On!!” Who-All Fort Campbell Spouses. Dual military couples are an exception. (Strictly no children allowed. It's a night for us!) What- The Show Must Go On (Broadway & Movies) Dinner, Dancing, FUN! Where- Wilma Rudolph Event Center When- February 12, 2022 @ 5:30PM Why-To build unit camaraderie and support our FCSC! Theme: Each unit on Fort Campbell will get to choose a theme that falls under the overall theme, and this year’s theme is Musicals! Tickets: Our event will be capped at 350 people. • Open Ticket Sales- January 12th • Ticket Sales Close- January 26th Ticket Cost- $40 per person. The FCSC is a 501c3 charitable organization. Any monies left over will go towards scholarships and community grants.
The Golden Eagle Trophy: Winners of the 2022 MDI will earn a coveted spot on the Golden Eagle Trophy as well as bragging rights for the year! Judging will be scored on the following categories: Table Decor Costumes Musical Number/ Talent
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Hot Buttered Rum This is the simple, classic version, featuring rum, butter, lemon and cinnamon. 2 ounces of dark rum cinnamon stick 1 pat butter 1 slice lemon peel boiled water Put the cinnamon stick, lemon peel and rum in a mug. Fill it with boiling water (leave a spoon in the mug so the glass won't break from the heat). Float the butter on top, then stir it in. Or serve it with the butter floating and let your guests stir it in with their cinnamon sticks.
Drink recipes and photos courtesy of https://www.mixthatdrink.com
The Last Straw Well, this is it–the Last Straw. Cocktail, that is. The, um, Last Straw cocktail. Yeah. This is one of those drinks that is so rich, and sweet, and deliciously high-calorie, that’s perfect for when you’ve had enough and you’re ready to just let everything slide. 1 ounce Irish cream 1 ounce Cointreau 1 ⁄2 ounce creme de cassis 2 ounces heavy cream Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Pour in all your ingredients and shake. Strain into a martini glass. Optionally, garnish with a cherry.
Classic Bloody Mary The classic Bloody Mary recipe blends vodka with tomato juice, Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco, lemon juice and celery salt. This simple recipe tastes wonderful, but you can add more Tabasco if you want it hotter. 1 1⁄2 ounces vodka 1 ⁄2 cup tomato juice 2 tsps of fresh lemon juice 1-3 dashes Tabasco sauce 4-6 dashes Worcestershire pinch of salt and pepper 1 tsp celery salt celery stick lemon wedge Shake all ingredients together with a scoop of ice. Strain the mixture into a tall glass. Garnish with the celery stick and lemon wedge. Spicy Apricot Margarita The Spicy Apricot Margarita mixes the traditional lime and orange margarita flavors with apricot puree and muddled jalapeño pepper. It’s spicy and tangy and all things wonderful. 1 ½ ounces of tequila ½ ounce of triple sec ½ ounce of lime juice 1 ½ ounces of apricot puree Jalapeño pepper Muddle two jalapeño slices in the bottom of a cocktail shaker. Add the rest of the ingredients, along with ice. Shake until mixed. Pour into a small tumbler of highball glass. Garnish with a jalapeño round.
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Winter is the perfect time to look into new book releases. There is nothing like snuggling up with a cozy blanket near your fireplace and cracking open a fresh new book. If this is how you wish to spend these cold and chilly days, check out these awesome reads. Crying in H Mart: A Memoir by Michelle Zauner “In this exquisite story of family, food, grief, and endurance, Michelle Zauner proves herself far more than a dazzling singer, songwriter, and guitarist. With humor and heart, she tells of growing up one of the few Asian American kids at her school in Eugene, Oregon; of struggling with her mother's particular, high expectations of her; of a painful adolescence; of treasured months spent in her grandmother's tiny apartment in Seoul, where she and her mother would bond, late at night, over heaping plates of food.”
The Last Thing He Told Me: A Novel by Laura Dave “Before Owen Michaels disappears, he smuggles a note to his beloved wife of one year: Protect her. Despite her confusion and fear, Hannah Hall knows exactly to whom the note refers—Owen's sixteen-year-old daughter, Bailey. Bailey, who lost her mother tragically as a child. Bailey, who wants absolutely nothing to do with her new stepmother.”
Count the Ways: A Novel by Joyce Maynard “Eleanor and Cam meet at a crafts fair in Vermont in the early 1970s. She’s an artist and writer, he makes wooden bowls. Within four years they are parents to three children, two daughters and a red-headed son who fills his pockets with rocks, plays the violin and talks to God. To Eleanor, their New Hampshire farm provides everything she always wanted—summer nights watching Cam’s softball games, snow days by the fire and the annual tradition of making paper boats and cork people to launch in the brook every spring. If Eleanor and Cam don’t make love as often as they used to, they have something that matters more. Their family.”
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Razorblade Tears: A Novel by S. A. Cosby “Ike Randolph has been out of jail for fifteen years, with not so much as a speeding ticket in all that time. But a black man with cops at the door knows to be afraid. The last thing he expects to hear is that his son Isiah has been murdered, along with Isiah's white husband, Derek. Ike had never fully accepted his son but is devastated by his loss.”
Little Thieves by Margaret Owen “Vanja Schmidt knows that no gift is freely given, not even a mother’s love–and she’s on the hook for one hell of a debt. Vanja, the adopted goddaughter of Death and Fortune, was Princess Gisele’s dutiful servant up until a year ago. That was when Vanja’s otherworldly mothers demanded a terrible price for their care, and Vanja decided to steal her future back… by stealing Gisele’s life for herself.”
Lore by Alexandra Bracken “Every seven years, the Agon begins. As punishment for a past rebellion, nine Greek gods are forced to walk the earth as mortals, hunted by the descendants of ancient bloodlines, all eager to kill a god and seize their divine power and immortality. Long ago, Lore Perseous fled that brutal world in the wake of her family’s sadistic murder by a rival line, turning her back on the hunt’s promises of eternal glory. For years she’s pushed away any thought of revenge against the man--now a god--responsible for their deaths.”
The Cousins by Karen M. McManus “Milly, Aubrey, and Jonah Story are cousins, but they barely know each another, and they’ve never even met their grandmother. Rich and reclusive, she disinherited their parents before they were born. So when they each receive a letter inviting them to work at her island resort for the summer, they're surprised . . . and curious.”
Being trapped indoors while the temperature continues to drop outside is especially hard for kids. They have all the built-up energy and boredom that is just waiting to pour out. That is why our friends at OneCreativeMommy.com are here to share some fantastic winter craft ideas to do with your little one. Olaf Sock Snowman Tutorial Materials: 1 bobby sock • Approximately11⁄2 cups of rice • 2- 1-inch white pom poms Orange felt -- just a small piece • Large googly eyes Adhesive-backed black felt • 3 clear hair elastics • Hot glue gun and glue Printed off Olaf facial features Directions: 1. Pour just under ¾ cup of rice into the bottom of the sock, and squeeze and shake it down until you have the shape you want for Olaf's bottom. Make sure that the top of the sock is centered in the middle. 2. Using a clear hair band, secure sock tightly just above the rice. 3. Pour just over a 1⁄8 cup of rice into the sock, squeeze and shake down the rice, and secure the section with a second clear hairband. 4. Pour a little less than ½ cup of rice into the sock, and squeeze and shake down the rice. Shape the head so that it is taller than it is wide, and secure it with the third clear hairband. 5. Starting where the middle section touches the bottom section, secure the ball with hot glue so that Olaf keeps his shape. Repeat where the head and middle ball touch. 6. Cut out the felt Olaf pieces. 7. Starting with the mouth, peel the backing off the felt pieces (one at a time), and stick them to Olaf's face and body. (I did not provide a pattern for the nose, but any old triangle-ish shape will do.) 8. Glue the nose and eyes on with hot glue. 9. Add the arms and the pom-pom feet. 10. Don't forget the hair! Be sure to attach it at the bottom of the elastic hair tie, or it will look like it's floating.
Easy Terra Cotta Snowman Craft Materials: 3 terra cotta pots– painted white and distressed with sandpaper 1 small stick 1 toddler-size sock 1 white cotton ball or puff ball 1 small piece of scrap fabric • 3 craft buttons Sharpie fine tipped marker • Hot glue or strong craft glue Orange golf tee (optional) Directions: 1. Paint and distress all three pots. You don’t need to paint the bottom or inside. 2. Glue all three pots together with hot glue or craft glue. 3. Fold down cuff of toddler sock, squish the hat into shape, and sew or glue cotton ball to top. Place on the head so that you can see where to draw the face. 4. Use a black sharpie to draw a face just above the rim of the smallest pot. 5. Optional--saw off tip of orange golf tee and attach with hot glue to form the nose. 6. Glue on hat and glue or stitch down a few folds so the hat will keep its squished shape. 7. Attach three buttons to the front of the medium pot with glue. 8. Tie scrap fabric around stick and glue it to the rim of the smallest pot.
Are you wanting to get healthy in 2022? That is a goal that many Americans have for the New Year. If you do not know where to begin, here are a few goals to get you started. 1.
Eat more vegetables
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Cut down on your daily sugar consumption
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Drink more water
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Lighten your schedule and reduce stress
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Exercise frequently
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Join a gym
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Give up smoking
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Choose the stairs
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Eat more fiber
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Begin each day with a nutritious breakfast
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Try intermittent fasting
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Try new healthy recipes each week
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Get more sleep
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Cook at home more
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Learn meditation
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Be consistent with meal times
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Practice your favorite self-care regularly
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Practice intentional breathing
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Cut back on your alcohol intake
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Floss everyday
New Year. New You! Are you looking for a place where you can spend time giving back to the community? If so, check out volunteers.uso.org and become a USO Volunteer. Volunteers are the heart of their mission and here at Fort Campbell, keep the Center doors open! Volunteers also help during USO’s programs and at special events. If you are interested, log in to the website and sign up today! If you have any questions, please reach out to Center Operations Supervisor, MaLissa Harris (mharris@uso.org). The USO looks forward to you joining their team.
Spouses! Be sure to get connected this year with the USO. They have loads of spouse specific programming to get you connected to community and other spouses. The USO hosts a monthly Coffee Connections where they chat and invite local community partners in to lead us through activities and programs.
Soldiers! Did you know that each Wednesday we have free lunch at the USO? That’s right, join them for Warrior Wednesday every Wednesday starting at 1130. Meals are different each week and are brought to you by different community organizations each week. Registration is never required. Come early as lunches go fast.
Families! Don’t miss out on the monthly Gary Sinise Foundation sponsored family meal. Each month, the USO host a meal for families. They are continuing their grab ‘n go family dinners until it’s safe to dine together in large groups. Registration is required for these programs. Be sure to stay tuned to the Facebook page (USO Fort Campbell) for the latest information and how to sign up. Each program requires registration—you can find the latest information on their webpage (fortcampbell.uso.org) or on the Facebook page (USO Fort Campbell).
This year on January 17th, we are celebrating an incredible man that changed the world forever. Martin Luther King Junior was a Civil Rights leader that was born in Atlanta, Georgia on January 15th, 1929. This ground-breaking and earth-shaking leader never backed down and let the world know his stance 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. A few of his famous quotes that people around the world know and love are; “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.” “Free at last, Free at last, Thank God almighty we are free at last.” “The time is always right to do what is right.” If you are looking for a way to celebrate this day, there are a ton of informational and honorable ways to do so at home. One terrific idea is to dig deeper into a few of his speeches with your children. The ones listed above are just the tip of the iceberg. Sit down and explain to them who MLK was, and the impact that he had on the world through his fantastic speeches. A great one to start with is his 1964 Nobel Peace Prize address. He dedicated his entire life to helping people and making a change. January 17th is the perfect day to begin doing the same. Pass out food to the homeless, pay for someone’s gas, or take up donations for a local animal shelter or food pantry. One small act of kindness can really make an impact. Due to cold weather, you may be forced to stay indoors. If that is the case, cozy up with your family and watch a documentary on MLK. Two great options are the documentaries ‘Eyes on the Prize’ and ‘Selma’. Finally, this year, there will be a march in Nashville, TN celebrating 32 years as one of the oldest Martin Luther King Day commemorative marches in the country! It will be titled ‘The Legacy Continues: Lifting the Next Generation of Dreamers.’ For more information on this event, please visit: mlkdaynashville.com/
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It’s the sixth consecutive day of the staycation after the first of the year. The kids’ imaginations can only dream up so many games to play on the living room floor and mom and dad finished off the lastest episode of “Yellowstone” four days ago. It’s about time for a day trip before everyone goes stir crazy. Here’s a list of 10 ideas for day trips within four hours to help entertain the Always Check for Military Discounts! whole family. Be sure to check on advance tickets and COVID-19 restrictions
Tennessee Aquarium Chattanooga, Tennessee
Who doesn’t love checking out the amazing array of aquatic animals on the other side of the Tennessee River? Take the three-hour trek to Chattanooga and you’ll find there’s no shortage of fun at the aquarium with everything from otters and alligators to an IMAX theatre taking you on virtual tours of all kinds of fantastical locales.
If you go 1 Broad St, Chattanooga, TN 10am to 6pm daily Age 3 - 12 $21.95, Age 13 and up $35.95 www.TNAqua.org 800-262-0695
Louisville Slugger Museum Louisville, Kentucky
The most recognizable pieces of baseball iconography are located just a three-hour trip away in Louisville, Kentucky. As one of the most popular and storied bat-makers in sports history, the Louisville Slugger and its museum are sure to wow everyone in the family. The museum offers factory tours to show how all the bats are made and exploring the museum itself is one of the best parts of the experience.
If you go 800 W Main St, Louisville, KY Mon- Sat 9am to 5pm, Sun 11am to 5pm Kids 5 & under-Free, Kids 6 - 12-$9, Seniors 60+ -$15, Adults -$16 877-775-8443 www.sluggermuseum.com 27
U.S. Space and Rocket Museum Huntsville, Alabama
Why not take the little John Glenn and Buzz Aldrin in your life for a trip down to Huntsville, Alabama, where you can indulge in all things aeronautical? The U.S. Space and Rocket Museum has many different exhibits to explore from the Shuttle Park with the retired Pathfinder Orbiter on display to the Science on Orbit exhibit which gives visitors a true sense of what it’s like to work and live on the International Space Station. They also offer a week-long camp for true space lovers, but these are considerably more expensive and require reservations be made in advance.
If you go One Tranquility Base, Huntsville, AL 9am to 5pm daily Kids 5 - 12 – $17, Adults - $25 800-637-7223 www.RocketCenter.com
Discovery Park of America Union City, Tennessee
The Discovery Park is one of the premiere attractions in West Tennessee outside of Memphis, and there are enough exhibits and installations to explore inside with something for the young and young at heart. You can check out the earthquake simulator showing the magnitude 7.9 quake that created Tennessee’s Reelfoot Lake in the early 19th century and check out the preserved skeletons of the T-Rex and other dinosaurs inside the 50-acre park.
If you go 830 Everett Boulevard, Union City, TN 10 am to 5 pm Tue-Sun Kids 3 and under - Free, Kids 4 -12 - $12.95, $12.95, Adults - $16.95 731-885-5455 www.DiscoveryParkOfAmerica.com
USS LST-325 Memorial Evansville, Indiana
Docked in Evansville, this ship saw the beaches of Normandy during World War II’s infamous D-Day operations. Visitors can walk through a piece of history and see what it was like to work on a ship of this size during some of the largest conflicts in the history of the world. The USS LST-325 worked as part of the largest armada of ships during D-Day and helped deliver tanks and vehicles during the invasion. The history buff in your Family will definitely love this day trip.
If you go 840 LST Drive, Evansville, IN • 10am to 4pmWed-Sun • 812-421-2200 • Kids 6-17– $7.50, Adults – $15
Memphis Zoo Memphis, Tennessee
There are grizzly bears. There are sea lions. There are elephants. And they all live in Memphis where you can visit year-round. The zoo hosts daily feeding shows for many of the different animals and educational programs for all visitors to enjoy.
If you go 2000 Prentiss Place Memphis, TN 9am to 5pm daily Parking - $10, Kids 2 - 11 - $18, Adults - $23 901-333-6500 www.MemphisZoo.org
National Corvette Museum Bowling Green, Kentucky
There’s something about 2 tons of rumbling American muscle that everyone can appreciate. And that’s exactly what Bowling Green has to offer. The museum has more than 80 Corvettes from different periods on display and after you get your fill of the performance car’s history, head on over to the Motorsports Park to see them in action. You can even take your own car on the track for a few laps. Prices vary for Motorsports Park activities.
If you go 350 Corvette Dr. , Bowling Green, KY 10am to 5pm daily - closed Tue Kids 5 - 12 - $10, Seniors 62+ - $13 Adults - $15, Active-duty Military - Free 270-781-7973 www.CorvetteMuseum.org
Land Between the Lakes Golden Pond, Kentucky
Every now and then it’s good to unplug and find somewhere with a little less cell reception than we’re used to. The Land Between the Lakes recreation area does exactly that and provides a great escape for a day trip. Visitors can head out for a hike on any of the numerous trails or go fishing on the Kentucky Lake for bass and bluegill at the 170,000 acre playground in West Kentucky.
If you go 238 Visitor Center Dr., Golden Pond, KY • 9am to 5pm daily Military pass free for Active Duty & Dependents 877-861-2457 • www.LandBetweenTheLakes.us
Mammoth Cave Mammoth Cave, Kentucky
Let out your inner spelunker at Mammoth Cave, the world’s longest-known cave system. Tours of the system are offered with varying degrees of difficulty starting with a quarter-mile hike that takes around an hour to complete all the way up to a five-mile hike that takes six hours to complete. Despite the name, caving isn’t the only thing offered at the park. There are above-ground trails and horseback riding for visitors to enjoy after they’ve returned to the surface.
If you go 1 Mammoth Cave Parkway, Mammoth Cave, KY 42259 8:30am to 4:30pm daily Tickets for all activities range from Free to $66 270-758-2180 www.NPS.gov/MACA
Ark Encounter Williamstown, Kentucky
The largest timber frame building in the world sits just more than four hours away in Williamstown, Kentucky, where you can find the biblical Noah’s Ark. The ark is built to the specifications laid out in the Bible and houses exhibits about the flood that carried Noah’s Ark and how he kept the animals as the story describes. There’s even a zip line adventure that gives you an aerial view of the ark available to ride!
If you go 1 Ark Encounter Drive, Williamstown, KY Mon - Sat 9am - 9:15pm, Sun noon - 9:15pm Kids 5 - 10 - $14.95, Kids 11 - 17 - $24.95 Adults - $49.95 855-284-3275 • www.ArkEncounter.com