8/22 Fort Campbell Life by Creative ink

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PRSRT STD ECRWSS U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 7 FORT CAMPBELL KY

A look inside...

Gas, Grocery & Home Saving Tips

Back to School

USA Bacon Day

Romance Awareness

Summer Salute

Editor Alex Zapetis

Contributors Dave Marshall Arica Urena

Publisher Creative ink

Creative Director Sears Hallett

Advertising Kristi Williams 270-484-0463 kristi@creativeinktn.com

Photography http://www.mixthatdrink.com Dreamstime Photo pg: Cover, 5, 6, 7, 8, 21, 23 Unsplash photo pg: 21, 22 Deposit Photo pg: 11, 12

Hi everyone! Summer is coming to a close, and it is time to get the kiddos back into school. Are you all prepped and ready to go? This month we have a wide variety of topics for you to enjoy. One being how to save money throughout your life. Who doesn’t love saving money on food, gas, and household expenses? We also have some delicious bacon recipes because let’s be honest, bacon makes everything better. Hopefully this issue helps you in your day to day, and I look forward to seeing you all next month!

Alex Zapetis, Editor alex@creativeinktn.com

Like us and share on Facebook facebook.com/fort-campbell-life-70573806215846

With inflation at an all-time high, families across the nation are really feeling the pinch in their wallets. Increased pricing is bringing increased stress. This month we wanted to share some tips and tricks on how to save money at the gas pump, the grocery store, and inside your home. Practicing all of these amazing ideas can really add up when it comes to saving some extra money within your budget.

Gas Gas station filling tips: Fill up your tank first thing in the morning. Gas becomes denser when it is cool, you will get more gas per gallon. Fill up slowly. The faster you pump the more gas turns into vapor. You get charged for vapor that returns to the holding tank. Skip filling up when there's a delivery truck at the station. The truck can stir up sediment, which can clog your fuel filter. Don’t wait until you are on E before filling up. Driving on a nearly empty tank makes the remaining gas evaporate more quickly. After you are done filling up, make sure the gas cap clicks three times. Did you know that unsealed gas caps allow fuel to vaporize? 5

Driving tips: Properly inflated tires can actually improve your gas mileage by more than 3% per tire. So don't ignore that tire light on your dash. Open windows can cause aerodynamic drag, so be sure to keep them up when driving down the highway. Gas mileage usually decreases rapidly over 60 mph, so avoid putting the pedal to the metal. Both acceleration and deceleration waste fuel. Try to drive at a constant speed on your adventures. Rough roads are a no-go if possible. Dirt and gravel can cost you up to 30% of your gas mileage. Avoid the gas stations near major highways. They often charge more for gas. Stop at your local station instead. Be sure to cut down that AC. Operating the air conditioner on the maximum level can reduce your mpg by 5% to 25%. Keep it on low if it is not too hot. Take out all of that extra weight from the trunk or inside of the car. Extra weight reduces mileage, especially when driving up inclines. Keep the strollers and goodies at home until you need them. Yes, even idling burns gas. It burns one gallon of gas per hour. Be sure to turn off your engine when your car is just sitting. Anticipate traffic. By watching ahead you can see what is coming and keep your speed as steady as possible and use less fuel. Remove roof or bicycle racks. With them off the vehicle you can increase fuel consumption by as much as 20% on the highway. 6

Groceries Go in with a list and stick to it. It is easier to stay on track and spend less money on random items when you plan out your meals a week at a time. Buy the items on sale! Switch up your go-to snacks and produce and try something new when things are on sale. Who knows, you may find your new favorite treat. Avoid pre-packaged items like shredded cheese and cut produce. They may be more convenient, but you are paying for it. Buy the generic brands. Trust me, you really can't tell the difference 90% of the time. They are just as delicious. Use a rebate app like Ibotta or Rakuten to clip virtual coupons and try free items. Nothing tastes better than free. Plan meals that use the same ingredients. Buying a bigger pack of chicken to spread across multiple meals can save you a ton. If you have available storage, shop at Sam’s or Costco. Buying in bulk will save you up to 40% Is your favorite fruit out of season? Buy it frozen. Your wallet will thank you. Buy a rotisserie chicken when you go by the deli. They are super affordable, and versatile, and they cost less than if you were to buy one and make it on your own. Services like Walmart Pickup are great for families to plan meals, compare prices, and avoid impulse shopping. It is great to see your total before you hit the register. If you live in Tennessee make the journey to Kentucky or the Commisary for groceries and save on sales tax. 7

Home Close closet doors. You can keep your energy costs lower by closing closet doors. Use energy efficient lighting. Grab LED lightbulbs. The total lifetime savings from these energy-efficient bulbs will surprise you. Make your own cleaners. Skip the expensive cleaners and start using things like vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice, and other common items. Wash clothes in cold water. Save energy costs and switch to cold when you can. Don’t worry, your clothes will still be smelling fresh! Change/clean your filters. Keeping screens clean or replacing them on schedule will help appliances run more efficiently and economically. Run full loads of wash or dishes. You can save significant amounts of water and energy by running full loads of clothes in your washing machine or dishes in your dishwasher. Use ceiling fans. Using your ceiling fan can help save a good amount on cooling and heating costs. Adjust your water heater. Did you know that it is estimated that you can save up to $30 annually for every 10-degree reduction. Start by reducing it to 120 degrees.

It’s officially

back-to-school season! by Arica Urena The time has come for students to embark on brand new educational adventures and create memories that will last a lifetime. Back-to-school season can be quite an exciting time, however it can also bring forth a certain level of anxiety between both children and parents alike. The reality that summer is coming to a close may leave children feeling bummed out. For some children the root of the anxiety can be based in the fear of the unknown such as; a new teacher, a new school, making new friends, etc. If you prepare your child for the upcoming school year in advance, you can possibly alleviate a few of those back to school woes.

Preparation is key!

Now is the perfect time to reestablish those back to school routines. For example, establish a set bedtime and wakeup routine. Implement a bedtime routine that will allow your child to get between 8-10 hours of sleep. This will ensure that your child will be well rested and will have a great start to his/her day. In an effort to prevent morning chaos, it is best for either you or your child to place all items that will be needed the next morning in a readily available location. This is a useful practice that can be employed year-round. Schools often offer a back-to-school night prior to the start of the school year or an open house at the beginning of the school year. During this time, you will be able to ask your child’s teacher questions and learn more about classroom expectations. Equally, your child will be able to meet his/her teacher, visit their classroom, and interact with classmates. This also provides your child with some sense of familiarity prior to the first day of school.

Elementary school often proves to be a big adjustment for a lot of students. Here, your child will learn the value and the importance of routines. Students typically will have one teacher who will guide them through their day ensuring that they stay on task. Usually within a couple of weeks, most children have settled into their school routines. If you have questions or concerns regarding what routines will be implemented, you may be able to contact your child’s teacher prior to the start date in order to address those concerns. Try to find ways to allow your child to get involved in the back-to-school planning process. For example, allow your little scholar to go back-to-school shopping with you. Your child will feel included in the process and like a “big kid”. Just imagine how your child’s face will light up when they realize that they are able to choose their very own book bag and lunchbox. Because this is a major milestone in your child’s life, it is better to include them rather than exclude them in the preparation process. In middle school, your child will spend the next three years learning how to be responsible and independent. Instead of having one primary teacher, students will typically have multiple teachers and attend several classes. Based on their schedule, students will be required to attend all classes on time. If your child is one who has a hard time completing tasks within a certain timeframe, now is the time to begin working on that skill with him/her. One of the coolest things about middle school is that students will be assigned lockers. Most schools will assign students a locker prior to the start of school and provide the student with the combination during back-to-school night. This is particularly helpful as students will be able to practice opening their lockers prior to the first day of school. Talk to your child about the importance of safeguarding their locker combination and organization.

High School students will embark on a journey that will prepare them for their future. What career path is your high schooler interested in pursing? Will your child take the ACT or SAT? Take the time out to sit down and discuss your child’s goals for the future. For example, if your child has decided to attend college, both you and your child should schedule a meeting the school’s guidance counselor. The school’s guidance counselor will be able to provide assistance in ensuring that your child’s academic schedule aligns with future career goals. This will also be the perfect time to discuss if your child’s schedule should be changed. Extracurricular activities can also prepare your high schooler for the future by teaching valuable skills such as leadership and teamwork. Colleges typically favor those applicants that have participated in some form of extracurricular activities. Have your student make a list of extracurricular activities that he/she is interested in and then narrow your choices down to those activities that will benefit your student in the future. In addition to some of the tips previously mentioned, here are a few additional tidbits that can assist you preparing your child for the 2022-2023 school year:

Preparation, communication, and organization are some of the key elements in ensuring that your child has a successful school year. Talk to your child regularly about his/her feelings on the upcoming school year. Remind your child that this is a fun and exciting time! Reassure them that they will have a support team that is behind them both at home and at school. So let’s get ready to start the 2022-2023 school year off with a bang!

-Visit the school’s website -Download the school’s student handbook -Discuss an inclement weather plan with your child -Discuss your child’s mode of transportation -Will your child bring lunch or purchase lunch? -Does your child have all required immunizations? -Download the 2022-2023 Parent Calendar -Review school’s bell schedule -Print off school supply list

Nashville Rock and Roll 5K Run Centential Park Nashville nashvilleguru.com/136440/nashville-rock-and-roll5k-run The National MPS Society will host a timed 5K Run and 1-Mile Family Walk at Centennial Park! Registration for the race begins at 7am. Start time is 8am for the 5k run. The 1-Mile Family Walk will begin at 8:15 am and will be open throughout the morning. The run will take place on a paved walkway around Centennial Park.

6-7 Hummingbird Festival Woodlands Nature Center L BL facebook.com/WoodlandsNatureStation Hummingbird banding demonstrations will be ongoing all weekend as biologists catch, tag, and release hummingbirds as part of a long-term research project. Discover how you can help hummingbirds and other migrating wildlife such as monarchs, bats, dragonflies, and songbirds right at your own home! Plan on spending the whole day by bringing a picnic! Attend our native plant sale, expert-led programs, and backyard wildlife demonstrations. Kid's activities are also available.

12-13

Tomato Art Fest Five Points Nashville tomatoartfest.com The 19th annual Tomato Art Fest’s 2-day celebration welcomes everyone to East Nashville for a fun and wacky day of art, music, food, costumes, contests, shopping, kids activities, & more! The free, costume-encouraged event provides a wildly entertaining, fun-filled day for everyone. True to the namesake, the ART gets a big part of the tomato spotlight, with over 300 tomato-inspired pieces throughout the weekend.

Riverfront Jerk Festival Wilma Rudolph Event Cente r beaver1003.com/events/the-riverfront-jerkfestival/ Jamaican Jerk & Caribbean food along with local and international craft vendors sponsored by Grace Foods and Budweiser of Clarksville. Enjoy family entertainment, kids face painting or you can opt to the 21 and over “Aprés”, The Limited Inclusive Evening Caribbean Party Experience featuring the world renowned Reniassance Sound live from Kingston Jamaica with DJ Delano. Zzzoofari Slumber Nashville Zoo facebook.com/events/716804312928650 The Nashville Zoo is hosting Zzzoofari Slumber, an overnight camping experience under the stars for families and escorted children, on Saturday, August 13 starting at 4pm and ending the following morning at 9am. This camp session event is geared towards children ages 4 to 12 years old, featuring a wide range of activities during the evening.

18-27

Tennessee State Fair Wilson County Fairgrounds wilsoncountyfair.net Tennessee State Fair will be an exciting year.

There will be livestock shows, motorsports events, music on 9 stages, over 60 carnival rides for children and adults, and all kinds of entertainment located all over the Fair, yard and garden art, burger & steak cookoff, 4-H & FFA Events, wine & home brewing, antique car show, robotics challenge, brick olympics (Legos) and much more Fiddlers Grove Historic Village where you can step back in time and see demonstrations of years past.

Crooked Eye Blues Fest Robertson County Fairgrounds facebook.com/crookedeyebluesfest

Crooked Eye Tommy is pleased to announce that he is bringing his new Signature Blues Event to The Robertson County Fairgrounds. This years festival includes Markey Blue Ric Latina Project, Crooked Eye Tommy All Stars, Cara Being Blue, Jim Gustin & Truth Jones and more. Food and beverages available. Nature Festival Wade Bourne Nature Center mcgtn.org/parks/wade-bourne-nature-center This day-long festival features hummingbird banding demonstration in the ‘backyard’ of Nature Center, children’s scavenger hunt and hummingbird activity under the tents in the field, and children’s arts and craft activities at the pavilion at back of parking lot, and Hal Hassall will talk ‘BEES’ in the Nature Center classroom. Master Gardeners will be on hand to discuss native plants for pollinators. There will be a kid friendly hike, a short nature walk on a gravel trail. Learn how to prepare for exploring the park and how to discover nature around you. Summer Salute Downtown Hopkinsville hoptownsummersalute.com A fun filled 2-day live entertainment music festival with national headliners, children’s rides/activities, food and merchant vendors and a variety of attractions that make this event a true gem of the south. The Jimmy Church Band headlines Friday night, 6pm Sat. night headliner will be KC and The Sunshine Band. Admission is FREE with a new youth expanded ride option for a nominal fee. It’s family fun!

26-27

Deep Tropics Music, Art & Style Festival Bicentennial Park Nashville deeptropics.org Deep Tropics will feature a wide range of programming, including artists, musicians, muralists, and tastemakers. Attendees can expect two full days along with a multitude of pre-parties and after-parties surrounding the festival.

Women of Clarksville Expo Wilma Rudolph Event Center facebook.com/WomenofClarksville/ Grab your girlfriends, mothers and daughters and attend the FREE Women of Clarksville Expo. Shop, eat and learn something new. You will find everything from clothing to cooking and yoga to health screenings. There really is something for everyone, even the guys in your life, so bring everyone to the Expo. The Expo is free although admission tickets are recommended so that we may accurately plan for the number of attendees.

Barks&Brews 260 B Needmore Road,Clarksville facebook.com/events/716804312928650 A day of fun filled with live music, contests, giveaways, crafted brews, raising money for charities, all along side your favorite dog(s)! Barks & Brews is a dog friendly event that raises funds to donate towards animal friendly charities such as The Caledonia Forest Conservation Program & The Montgomery County Angel Fund. A day filled with pet contests such as owner/dog lookalike, live music, pet friendly vendors, and this year we are even featuring a live meet and greet with some of the forest animals of The Caledonia Forest! 18

Fresh Watermelon ‘Rita’ 2 chunks of watermelon (each the size of your thumb) 2 ounces of silver tequila 1 ounce of fresh lime juice 1 ounce of simple syrup Dash of Cointreau Coarse sea salt (optional) Use a shaker top to crush the watermelon in the bottom of a pint glass. Fill the glass up with ice and add the rest of the ingredients. Shake vigorously for five to ten seconds. Rim a pint or margarita glass with salt and fill it with salt. Strain the mixture into the glass and garnish with a small watermelon wedge.

Spiced Watermelon Cooler 1 ounce Midori 1 ounce vodka 1 ⁄2 ounce creme de fraises 1 ounce Captain Morgan’s spiced rum 1 ⁄2 ounce grenadine 4 ounces cranberry juice Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice and pour in the ingredients. Shake until chilled and pour into a highball glass, ice cubes and all.

Watermelon Mint Tequila Pop 1

⁄4 cup water • 1⁄4 cup sugar • 1⁄3 cup fresh mint, torn coarsely 4 cups watermelon, cubed • juice of 2 limes 1 ⁄3 cup tequila In a small saucepan combine water, sugar, and mint. Bring to a boil, to dissovle sugar, and boil 60 seconds. Remove from heat and let steep 30 minutes. Strain through a fine mesh sieve and set syrup aside. With a stick blender, regular blender, or food processor, puree the watermelon with the lime juice. Strain through a fine mesh sieve to remove any seeds and bits. Stir in tequila and mint syrup. Divide the mixture between popsicle molds, freeze for 30 minutes before adding sticks–contine to freeze until solid 12-24 hours.

Drink recipes and photos courtesy of mixthatdrink.com 20

Bacon! Who doesn't love bacon? It is an iconic flavor that can turn any plain dish into a show-stopping one. If you are wanting to impress your family with a savory mouth-watering dinner, then you are going to want to run to the store, grab a pack of bacon, and give these recipes a try

Creamy Carbonara salt • ground black pepper 2 room temperature large eggs and 2 large yolks 1 ⁄3 packed cup of grated pecorino Romano 1 ⁄3 packed cup grated Parmesan 1 tablespoon olive oil • 3 ½ ounces of bacon 2 ounces spaghetti Place a large pot of salted water to a boil. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, yolks and pecorino, and Parmesan. Season with a pinch of salt and generous black pepper. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat, and cook your bacon. Set aside. Add pasta to the water and boil until a bit firmer than al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain pasta and add to the skillet over low heat. Stir in your cheese mixture to your noodles, adding some reserved pasta water if needed for creaminess. Serve immediately, dressing it with a bit of additional grated pecorino and pepper. .

Loaded White Cheddar Cheese Fries 24 ounces Queso Cheese Dip 3 3⁄4 pounds of French fries 1 pound of cooked bacon Desired Garnish | Cooked Mushrooms and Cilantro Heat Queso Cheese Dip using the desired method to 165°F for 15 seconds. Keep Hot Cook your bacon, and chop to the desired size. Cook mushrooms if wanted with salt and pepper to taste. Chop cilantro. Layer your cooked fries on a sheet pan, and top with your hot cheese, bacon, and toppings. Serve Immediately.

Do you already have your favorite bacon recipes and are just searching for a new way to cook this delicious meat? Then why don't you try a few new ways to cook it instead? It is always fun to try out new cooking methods.

Broil: For that quick and crispy bacon! Move the top oven rack to about 3" from the broiler. Pre-heat oven to broil. Place bacon on a sheet pan and cook for about 5-6 minutes. Be sure to turn it around at the 3-minute mark. Drain slices on absorbent paper towels before serving.

Pan-Fry: For the slightly chewy bacon! Lay bacon slices in an ungreased pan over medium heat. Cook for 8-12 minutes, turning often to achieve even crispness. Drain slices before serving

Baking: For the large families! Preheat the oven to 400° F. Lay slices of bacon directly on a roasting rack. Be sure to set the rack on a shallow pan to avoid grease spillage. Bake for 10-15 minutes, until bacon is crispy.

Microwave: For those crazy mornings! Place your slices of bacon on a microwave-safe plate and cover completely with paper towels. Cook on HIGH for 1 minute per piece of bacon. Check bacon. If more crispiness is desired, cook in one-minute additional intervals. Pat dry the bacon and move it to a clean plate.

Air Frying: Perfect for fewer dishes Lay bacon in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Set the air fryer to 400° F. Check bacon at 5 minutes and flip. Cook for 8-10 minutes until desired crispiness is reached.

Romance Awareness Day is celebrated on August 14th, and it is important to stop the hustle and bustle of the every day and remember to put sparks back into your marriage. It is very easy to get out of the habit of doing the small things in a relationship that keeps those sparks flying. Luckily there are simple daily tasks that you and your spouse can do to keep the honeymoon stage rolling. That is why we wanted to know what you and your spouse do when you want to feel that little spark.

“We will start doing small things like hugging and kissing more often. It is crazy that just a small kiss when you see each other can make you feel closer.” - Franny D “I try and compliment my husband more often when we are needing an extra spark of romance. I feel like the longer you have been with someone, the less you compliment them on a daily basis. It shouldn't be that way.” - Ivie A “We wil try out new date night ideas that we see online. It is fun to do activities that you have never done together before.” - Kendra T “I grab our old wedding video and we watch it together. It always leads to us taking a fun little walk down memory lane together.” - Hayleigh C “Before we both start our work day, we send each other messages about how much we love and appreciate each other. Those sweet love letters should never stop in your relationship.” - Rebecca V “I still try and get ready every day and do my hair and makeup. It lets my husband know that I still want to look good for him and I am still willing to put in that effort for him.” -Taylor J “We do couch time. It is 30 minutes of no phones, no TV, and no distractions. We just talk about our week and our needs. We give each other undivided attention.” -Marla H “Go on dates at least once a month. That should be the minimum. You need to make time for your spouse, and alone time is very important.”

- Zoey M 23

Don't hesitate. Mark your calendars for August 26-27, 2022! The Summer Salute, also known as the multiple award-winning annual festival is back for its 6th year. It is an action-packed event that features over 100 vendors, 2 days of live music, a kids zone, and more. The 6th Annual Summer Salute Festival in downtown Hopkinsville is a fun filled 2-day live entertainment music festival with national headliners, family fun, children rides/activities, food and merchant vendors and a variety of attractions that make this event a true gem of the south. The Jimmy Church Band headlines Friday night, 6 p.m. Admission is FREE. They have also modified the festival footprint for max vendor space all along 9th Street and expansion of the Kids Zone as it moves to Founders Square. Nothing will heat up this summer quite like this expanded festival. Saturday night headliner will be KC and The Sunshine Band. Remember, music and kids activities are FREE with a new youth expanded ride option for a nominal fee this year. It’s music. It’s food. It’s rides and games. It’s family fun in a party wrapper – Summer Salute! See you for Hopkinsville’s largest party of the summer and biggest event of the year!

We are partnering with the Spouses Club to host their annual sign SUPER SIGN UP event. Be sure to stop by and learn more about the USO and the Fort Campbell Spouses Club. Warrior Summer is in full swing! We still have events that you can participate in—be sure to scan the QR code to register for the fun!

Warrior Wednesdays- Did you know that each Wednesday we serve complimentary lunch to the service members at Fort Campbell? No registration required. Lunch starts at 11:30 until gone. This program is supported by local businesses and organizations who bring in catered lunches. If your business/organization would like to be a part of our Warrior Wednesday, please contact Ann Jarvis (ajarvis@uso.org).

We are looking for volunteers to join our team! You can go to volunteers.uso.org to get started. Be sure to follow along with our USO Mobile App for even more programs. It’s also the fastest way to check in when you arrive at the Center! For more information and how to register for our programs, stay tuned to our Facebook page (USOFortCampbell) and website (https://fortcampbell.uso.org/events).

Be sure to follow along with the USO Mobile App for even more programs. It’s also the fastest way to check in when you arrive at the Center! For more information and how to register for programs, stay tuned to our Facebook page (USOFortCampbell) and website (https://fortcampbell.uso.org/events). 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.