8/23 Fort Campbell Life

A look inside...

Contributors

Dave Marshall

Bob Stack

Publisher Creative ink Creative Director Sears Hallett Advertising Kristi Williams 270-484-0463

kristi@creativeinktn.com

Can you believe that summer break is coming to a close? School is right around the corner, which is why we are bringing you an issue full of back to school tips and tricks.

But have no fear, there are still a ton of fun events going on in the area to help you wrap up a memorable summer.

Bye for now!

Encourage your child to meet their new teacher. If possible, attend an open house or back-to-school night. You could also look up the teacher's picture on the school's website or in a yearbook. If your child receives a welcome letter, read it together.

Connect with familiar friends.

Tour the school with your child. If there is an open house, definitely go. Being familiar with the environment can help calm any nerves. If you can't attend, try talking through what your child might see and do.

Reach out to parents from last year's class and find out who will be in your child's class this year. Schedule a play date or carpool to help refresh these relationships.

Shopping for school supplies.

Check the class supply list and allow for a few splurges, like a cool notebook or favorite-colored pen. This will help your child feel prepared and excited for the upcoming schoolwork.

Ease into the school routine a few days in advance. Establishing a solid routine will make the first day of school go much smoother.

Starting a new school year can be both exciting and nerve-wracking for kids. To help ease any fears your child might have, try these teacher-approved tips.

Packing a nutritious lunch for kindergarten and beyond just got easier with these ideas that don’t need reheating. Follow the simple formula below for a well-balanced lunch box that your child will love!

Peanut butter and banana roll ups

Chicken Ranch Wrap

Pizza quesadilla

Waffles

Bean and cheese quesadilla

Pancake sandwich

Muffins

Sun Butter, Strawberry, and Banana Quesadilla

Turkey & Cheese Pinwheels

Mini Chicken Tacos

English muffin pizza

Dry cereal with cheese or eggs

BLT

Deconstructed tacos with meat or beans, cheese, salsa, & tortilla

DIY lunchables with meat or tofu, cheese and crackers

Pesto pasta

Ham & Cheese Skewers

Veggie nuggets

Bagel and cream cheese

Plain Greek yogurt and granola

Meatballs

Dinner leftovers

Ensure your student is fully prepared for the upcoming school year with these essential items. From a high-quality laptop that’s perfect for academic pursuits to a sturdy backpack that can handle all their books and supplies, these must-haves will help set your student up for success.

InfinityLab InstantGo 5000 power bank

It seems like phones have become an essential part of most students’ lives. It’s either for communicating with friends or checking out homework assignments. To ensure that their phones have enough juice, a power bank is a perfect solution for easy charging while on the go.

The North Face Recon Backpack

A reliable backpack is essential for any student. It should be spacious enough to fit all of their supplies and sturdy enough to handle daily wear and tear. Look no further than the North Face Recon Backpack for a quality option. It provides ample room for a laptop, books, water bottle, and more, all while being durable enough to last through the school year.

Baggu Duck Bag

If you’re a student who carries your notebooks or laptop to school every day but prefer not to use a backpack, a tote bag is an excellent alternative. Baggu, a popular accessory brand, is known for its unique prints, and their Duck Bag is a great option. This bag is made from recycled cotton canvas and comes in 11 vibrant patterns. Plus, it’s machine-washable, which is an added bonus.

Apple AirPods Pro

For a student, I highly recommend the Apple AirPods Pro. They have an amazing design and fit, providing excellent sound quality and effective noise canceling. The spatial audio feature is perfect for enjoying movies and TV shows, and they’re also great for making phone calls with their top-notch transparency mode. It’s worth mentioning that they’re also splash-proof, making them perfect for sports activities.

Hydro Flask

It’s important to stay hydrated throughout the day to help keep your mind sharp and focused during school. If you’re looking for a reliable water bottle, Hydro Flask is a great option that has become increasingly popular among students in recent years. One of the reasons for its popularity is its double wall vacuum insulation, which keeps liquids cool for up to 24 hours and hot drinks warm for up to 12 hours. Additionally, it’s durable enough to withstand the daily wear and tear of campus life and being carried around in a backpack.

Palomino Blackwing 602 Pencils

It’s always a good idea to have a sufficient supply of pencils before the start of the school year, regardless of the grade level of the student. To make your student feel extra special, consider upgrading from the classic Dixon Ticonderoga No. 2 pencils to the premium Palomino Blackwings. Although they may be more expensive, the quality of these pencils is unparalleled. Once you experience the smooth writing and durability of these pencils, it’s hard to imagine using anything else.

Jall Wake Up Light Sunrise Alarm Clock

Mornings can be a struggle when the days start getting darker and it’s time to get up for school. However, there are ways to make the mornings a little more peaceful. One such way is by using a sunrise alarm clock. Studies have shown that exposure to simulating light in the mornings can improve cognitive performance throughout the day. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, the Jall Wake Up Light is a great choice. With seven colors and 20 brightness levels, as well as seven natural sounds to accompany the light, it's our top pick for a sunrise alarm clock under $40.

1. Hang school bags on hooks behind the front door.

2. Get everything ready the night before and have a place somewhere that houses everything needed to get out of the door.

3. Make a healthy breakfast the night before that is grab-and-go.

4. Carpool with other parents in your neighborhood.

5. Build a homework space for your child to complete specific tasks for when they get home.

6. Create go bags to simplify after-school activities that way they will always be ready for that quick afternoon transition.

7. Have the kids read to you while you cook dinner.

8. Keep a separate hamper for school clothes so you can keep them together throughout the wash cycle.

9. Buy the kids an alarm clock and put them in charge of their own mornings.

10. Have a calendar in your home where your child can write down all of their school events.

Are you on the hunt for some ways to get organized this school year and make the weekly school routine a little easier?

If so, you are in luck because we have brought you 10 super easy hacks to make this transition a breeze.

Did you know that National Ice Cream Sandwich Day is in August?

Who doesn’t love a good ice cream sandwich?

They are the perfect treat for a hot summer day.

The combination of creamy ice cream and a soft dessert is simply irresistible. It is especially fun trying out different flavors and combinations of ice cream and treats. If you don’t know where to start, give these two recipes a try.

Classic Chocolate Chip Cookie Sandwich

1 Pouch of Cookie Mix • Butter and egg called for on the cookie mix pouch • 4 cups ice cream

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Then, follow the instructions on the cookie pouch, using butter and egg. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto an ungreased cookie sheet, making sure to leave 2 inches of space between each cookie. Bake for 11 to 13 minutes, or until the edges are a light golden brown. Let the cookies cool for 1 minute on the sheet before removing them. Allow them to cool completely for about 30 minutes. Once the cookies are cool, scoop 1⁄3 cup of ice cream between 2 cookies, and gently press them together. Make sure that the ice cream spreads to the edge of the cookies. Alternatively, if you want to save them for later, wrap each sandwich individually in plastic wrap, place them in a resealable freezer bag, and freeze them until you're ready to eat.

Donut Ice Cream Sandwich

8 ounces semisweet chocolate bars, broken up into pieces • 8 glazed donuts

2 pints salted caramel ice cream, softened • 1 cup rainbow sprinkles

Place the chocolate in a glass bowl and melt it in the microwave until completely smooth. Set aside. Slice the glazed donuts in half. Add a large scoop of the ice cream to the bottom half of each donut and use an offset spatula to spread the ice cream to the edges. Press on the top halves of the donuts and roll the sides in the sprinkles. Drizzle the sandwiches with the melted chocolate. Place the sandwiches on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until the ice cream is firm at least 4 hours.

For more information about the FCSC, you can visit their website at https://www.fortcampbellspousesclub.org

3 Ice

F & M Bank Arena Clarksville

myfmbankarena.com/events/detail/3ice

Hummingbird Festival

Woodland Nature Station LBL facebook.com/WoodlandsNatureStation

For die-hard hockey fans or casual sports watchers, grab the family, pick your team and get ready to have a fun-filled night! 3ICE is overtime all the time. Based on the 3-on-3, full-sized rink, overtime format, 3ICE is uniquely designed to give fans the speed, skill and excitement they love 100% of the time. 8 Teams, Hall of Fame coaches and hungry players, all chasing the Patrick Cup.

Big Machine Music City Grand Prix

Downtown Nashville

musiccitygp.com

Over 100,000 race fans are gearing up for the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix. This festival-like experience will feature IndyCar racing, live music from top artists, food, a Fan Zone, and much more! The three-day event will take place on the streets of Downtown Nashville. The route passes Nissan Stadium and over the Korean War Veterans Memorial Bridge.

Khemistry Live Experience 1yr Anniversary

Customs House Musuem Clarksville

facebook.com/brewsforthebrave/

Celebrate one year of success with Khemistry for a one night only live band experience! Khemistry celebrates its one year anniversary with the concert of the year. This show kick’s off their tour.

Bon Voyage! It’s 1,086 miles from here to the Yucatan. This weekend marks the beginning of the great hummingbird migration through Land Between the Lakes to Central America. You can see as many as 250 in a day at the Nature Station. Join us to celebrate this natural spectacle and watch these backyard beauties buss around native plants and feeders, fueling up for the next leg of their journey.

Tomato Art Fest

Five Points East Nashville

tomatoartfest.com

The essence of Tomato

Art Fest can really be found in the array of wacky and hilarious contests, and the Push, Pull & Wear Parade kicking off tomato weekend, full of floats and costumes. The Tomato Art Show showcases

over 300 tomato-inspired pieces throughout the weekend. The Fest and official kickoff events are free including inspired art, wacky contests, great live music, unique vendors, creative kids activities, favorite local food trucks, and more.

Dance in the Park Liberty Park Clarksville

cityofclarksville.com

The grand finale of the Summer in the Park Series will be Dance in the Park, at Liberty Park from 3-6 pm. This energetic and exhilarating event will honor the beauty and diversity of dance in all its forms.

One Night of Queen by Gary Mullen

Oak Grove Gaming

oakgrovegamiing.com

Come see Gary Mullen & The Works pay tribute to Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee’s, Queen at Oak Grove Gaming’s Moonshine Amphitheater!

Women of Clarksville Expo

Wilma Rudolph Event Center Clarksville facebook.com/WomenofClarksville/ This free event invites everyone to shop, eat and learn about women’s health issues and will include cooking workshops, home & garden demos and even free health screenings. Food trucks and other local vendors will also be in attendance.

Titans Foundation 5k

Nissan Stadium Nashville tennesseetitans.com/5K/

The Titans Foundation 5k is presented by SeatGeek.

Starting at 7am at Nissan Stadium. Run with former players and Titans cheerleaders, then mingle on the 50-yard line when you finish. Each runner receives a t-shirt and a ticket for a game of their choice—against the Texans on December 17, 2023, or against the Seahawks on December 24, 2023.

Montgomery County Heritage Day

Historic Collinsville Clarksville visitclarksville.com

Join Historic Collinsville at the annual Montgomery County Heritage Day from 10am until 4pm. This event includes demonstrations of historic skills and 19th-century crafts. There will also be reenactors portraying Montgomery County Citizens of the 1800s placed throughout the settlement.

Brews for the Brave Wilma Rudolph Center Clarksville

facebook.com/brewsforthebrave/

The Fort Campbell Steel Mags are hosting the 6th Annual Brews for the Brave to benefit the Green Beret Foundation (GBF). From 2pm-6pm our main event will be held at the Wilma Rudolph Event Center at Liberty Park, and will feature local brews, wine, heavy appetizers, live music and a silent auction.

Hoptown Summer Salute

Downtown Hopkinsville facebook.com/SummerSalute

Hoptown’s biggest party of the summer is back! The Hoptown Summer Salute Festival, friday night’s headliner is Starship, featuring Mickey Thomas. After a night of classic rock hits on Friday, join us on Saturday evening as Motown’s own Commodores wrap up the festival with their funk and soul hits.

Sea Breeze Drink

1 1⁄2 ounces vodka

1 1⁄2 ounces cranberry juice

4 ounces of grapefruit juice

Option 1: Stirred

Pour the vodka into a highball glass over ice.

Pour in the grapefruit juice. Stir them both together. Pour in the cranberry.

Stir until the drink is all one color.

Garnish with a lime wedge.

Option 2: Shaken

Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice.

Pour in all the liquid ingredients. Shake well until chilled.

Strain the mixture into a highball glass with ice.

Garnish with a lime wedge.

Mojitarita Recipe

2 ounces silver tequila

1⁄2 ounce lime juice

1⁄2 lime, cut into 4 wedges

About 5 fresh mint leaves

1⁄2 ounce agave nectar

Fill with soda water

1⁄2 cup crushed ice

Put the mint leaves, lime wedges and lime juice into a cocktail shaker. Muddle them with a mortar or something similar to release the aroma. Now add the tequila and 1⁄2 cup of crushed ice and shake well. Pour into a rocks glass, top with soda water and garnish with mint sprigs.

1 (46-ounce) can pineapple juice

4 cups Malibu Original rum

2 cups coconut ice cream

2 cups mango sorbet

8 cups Canada Dry ginger ale

In a punch bowl, very large pitcher, or drink dispenser (the vessel should hold at least 1.5 gallons), stir together the pineapple juice and rum. Add the ice cream and sorbet in scoops. Pour the ginger ale over the top. Mix gently, ladle or pour into individual glasses, and serve.

Zolezzi Cocktail

1 shot Midori

1 shot Blue Curacao

1 shot Absolut vanilla vodka

1 shot Bacardi white rum

pineapple juice

Sprite

Orange twist Cherries

Fill a hurricane glass halfway with ice. Add the shots: blue curacao, then Midori, then the vodka and rum. Add equal amounts of pineapple and Sprite to the top. Garnish with a cherry and an orange twist, and be sure to actually twist the orange over it to release some aromatic oil.

Drink recipes and photos courtesy of mixthatdrink.com

Pop-Up Paradise Rum Punch

Hey all you butterfly enthusiasts! Have you ever heard of the Butterfly Festival happening every year in Fort Campbell's backyard? You won't want to miss the annual Butterfly Festival, taking place on September 2nd from 11am-4pm in Oak Grove, Kentucky. This event is completely free and perfect for the whole family.

This year the festival is bringing back arts & crafts, face painting, a balloon artist, photo booth, the bubble zone, and more.

A Family friendly stage will feature the Wild World of Animals with 3 shows during the festival.

All activities are completely free! No cost for admission or parking.When you get hungry you can purchase food from one of the food trucks parked on site.

Come and interact with live butterflies in the Butterfly House.

If you have never attended this festival before, we encourage you to do so. This festival is one of a kind and is sure to take your breath away with the beautiful live release of over 2000 butterflies at 4pm on the Viceroy berm. The butterflies will hang around for a little while before beginning their migration to Mexico.

The Oak Grove Tourism Butterfly Festival is one of the most popular events in the region. 2023 will mark the fourteenth year for the annual festival, and word has spread quickly about this fun, free, educational event.

There is something for everyone to See, Do and LEARN! There are free, nature focused arts and crafts for the children to create and take home. Head out to 101 Walter Garrett Lane and join in all the free family fun at the 14th annual Oak Grove Tourism Butterfly Festival.

For more information visit: visitoakgroveky.com

August is National Son and Daughter Day, and here to showcase the love of their

the amazing parents of Fort Campbell are lives! Everybody say cheese.

As a veteran, returning to civilian life can be a challenge, especially if you are dealing with a disability. According to the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA), approximately 30% of veterans suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder or other disabilities resulting from war or assault. However, there is hope in the form of a Service Dog or an Emotional Support Animal (ESA). There is no better time to shed light on how to get a service dog than International Assistance Dog Week, which is August 6th-12th.

To qualify for a Service Dog, you need to follow three steps:

1. Meet with a Health Provider. Before applying for a service dog, you must be diagnosed with a physical or mental disability. You can work with a VA health provider or a medical provider outside of the VA to determine your need for a service dog. If a service dog is recommended, the local Prosthetic and Sensory Aids Service will make the final decision.

2. Adopt and Train a Service Dog.

Once your application is approved, you need to adopt and train a service dog that can assist with your diagnosed disability. The VA may refer you to accredited agencies like Assistance Dog International (ADI) for assistance with training or give you the option to train your own service dog. Either way, the dog must meet the same standards required of an agency-trained dog.

3. Apply for VA Veterinary Health Benefits.

After enrolling your service dog, you can apply for VA Veterinary Health Benefits. This covers comprehensive treatment, wellness checks, and emergency care for your service dog. The VA provides the necessary equipment, such as a harness or vest, but does not cover medications, food, or grooming that is unrelated to the dog's health. Service dogs are not just pets, but working animals that can make a significant impact on the lives of veterans with disabilities. They provide a sense of comfort, safety, and independence that is life-changing.

While not all dogs can become service dogs, those that do can be a game-changer for veterans in need.

The Clarksville Riverfest celebrates it’s 33rd and last year as a festival. On average, the event brings in over 30,000 people to the banks of the Cumberland River in an arts and recreation extravaganza.

What is Riverfest? It is an annual three-day music and arts festival held in Clarksville that is fun for the entire family. The event is free for all to attend, and features delicious food, live entertainment, as well as activities for kids in every age group. Other notable activities that you are sure to love is the Riverfest Regatta, Rally on the Cumberland, and more. This year the festival will be held September 9-10 at McGregor Park on Riverside Dr. in Clarksville. To stay up in the loop with the latest news on the festival happenings, visit their website at clarksvilleriverfest.com, or check out their Facebook page @ClarksvilleRiverfest

For questions please call 931-645-7476 or visit www.cityofclarksville.com.

Mark your calendars for August 25-26. 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.

This year’s headliner that will be performing on Saturday night is The Commodores! One of the greatest Motown and R&B / funk artists of all time, The Commodores’ Walter “Clyde” Orange, James Dean “JD” Nicholas and William “WAK” King have influenced both artists young and old and in all genres with their classic songs. Walter Orange's son, Cody, is joining WAK and JD as the third member. The Commodores brand is bigger than ever as they continue to blaze trails all over the world, including the mid-south fans who will enjoy them on the Justice Center Main Stage.

On Friday night to listen to Starship, featuring Mickey Thomas with a night of classic rock hits on Friday. It's music. It's food. It's rides and games. It's music galore. It's family fun in a party wrapper – Summer Salute!

Are you ready to celebrate International Beer Day? It is August 4th, and lucky for you, there are so many amazing local breweries in the area.

Clarksville

Tennessee Valley Brewing Co.

125 Franklin St, | 931-320-9192 | tnvalleybrewing.com

“Absolutely a comfortable, quaint place. We always have an amazing time there! The owners/staff are fantastic and attentive. They are extremely knowledgeable about their craft and great at recommending their beers according to your taste.” -Ester

The Blackhorse Pub & Brewery

132 Franklin St | 931-552-3726 | blackhorsebrews.com

“Not a typical pub. All the food was great, better than expected. The setting is an older pub that has been restored. Fast-friendly service with good drinks. Great spot for a dinner with friends.” -Clinton

Strawberry Alley Ale Works

103 Strawberry Alley | 931-919-4777 | saaleworks.com

“Clean, fun restaurant/microbrewery in Clarksville. A solid variety of beers that are unique but not so far out that any beer drinker couldn't find something to enjoy.” - Don

Star Spangled Brewing Co.

1030 Progress Dr. Suite E | 614 N. Spring St. | 931-398-1237

starspangledbrewingco.com

“Great place, beer, and people. My wife and I stopped in while we were in town for our anniversary. This will be a regular stop for us from now on whenever we are passing through or spending time in town. Not only are the beer and people great, but as a USMC Vet with 4 combat deployments, I can’t think of a better place to do my business than with this one.” - Hank

Kings Bluff Brewery

128 University Ave 931-237-7406 | kingsbluffbeer.com

“By far our favorite brewery in town! The beer is amazing and they’re always releasing new beers we love to try! The brewers and their crew are awesome and we just love the whole atmosphere there!

- Kimberly

Evill Nash Brewing Co

232 S 10th St | 931-320-9294 |evillnashbrew.com

“Great place if you are looking for a yummy selection of beers! They go out of their way to find you what you like within their variety of beers! Love that all of their beers do not taste alike.”- Samantha

Hopkinsville

Hopkinsville Brewing Co.

102 East 5th St 270-987-3115 | hopkinsvillebrewingcompany.com

“I found the first beer I ever liked here! I am a gin, fruity cocktail drinker and was meeting some friends here so I decided to try their strawberry mango beer. It was delicious! I actually finished the whole glass.”- Ericka

For the most up to date information on USO programs, visit our website: https://fortcampbell.uso.org/events