HOMETOWN HAPPENINGS

APSU RAISES MORE THAN $450,000 DURING FIFTH ANNUAL GOVS GIVE ONLINE GIVING CAMPAIGN

Austin Peay State University recently raised $456,077 during the University’s fifth annual Govs Give campaign, making this the most successful year for the online giving event. This total is double the amount raised during Govs Give 2019. Over the past five years of Govs Give, the University has raised more than $1 million for student success.

This year, APSU alumni and friends made gifts from 10 a.m. on April 20 to 7:27 p.m. on April 21. The time period of 1 day, 9 hours and 27 minutes honors Austin Peay’s founding year, 1927. The theme for Govs Give 2021 was “What If,” in honor of the “What If” Comprehensive Campaign for Austin Peay, the most ambitious fundraising effort in the University’s history.

“I am impressed with the generosity that our alumni and friends have shown during Govs Give 2021,” APSU President Mike Licari said. “Austin Peay is fortunate to have the faithful support of so many caring individuals.”

Funds collected during Govs Give will benefit the APSU colleges’ Funds of Excellence, athletics and Student Affairs. These innovation funds will allow deans and directors in academic and student areas to provide students with scholarships, updated facilities and hands-on learning opportunities.

PATRIOT AWARDS | CLARKSVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENT

Mr. Stephen Baird with the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) was at C.P.D. headquarters recently to present Patriot Awards to Sgt. Vince Duke and Sgt. Ray Carroll for their continued support for the Guard and Reserve. The Patriot Award that they received is based upon nomination by a Guard or Reserve employee. It is in recognition of their strong support of their respective employee’s military service. Employers/supervisors are critical allies in maintaining the readiness of our Reserve Forces, which supports the National Defense Strategy. Each sergeant had a team member that was recently deployed.

NEW DRONE PACKAGE ENHANCES CAPABILITIES FOR COUNTY’S EMERGENCY SERVICES A GIFT FROM WOODMENLIFE INSURANCE ASSISTS IN EMA OPERATIONS

Montgomery County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) recently acquired a drone package to enhance the capabilities in missing person searches, damage assessment and other search and rescue responses thanks to a $20,000 donation from WoodmenLife Insurance.

Chuck Phillips, local member and president of WoodmenLife Chapter 1069, reached out to WoodmenLife Member and Montgomery County Emergency Services Director Jimmie Edwards to discuss the need for a drone package.

“I was inspired by a story about a drone used by the Murfreesboro EMS to quickly locate a lost child. I couldn’t stop thinking about it so I brought the idea of purchasing a drone for Montgomery County EMA to our members who unanimously agreed to make the purchase. We feel like if it saves one life, it’s worth every penny,” stated Phillips.

Rodney Grimsley, assistant director of Montgomery County EMA said, “Chief Edwards tasked me with overseeing the project so I reached out to Austin Peay State University’s GIS Project Manager Doug Catellier for his expertise in selecting the specifications. The GIS Center has been instrumental in supporting EMA through weather events and search operations. We are grateful for this asset which will definitely be put to good use for the community.”

MOVIES IN THE PARK TO RETURN

Clarksville Parks & Recreation has announced the return of Movies in the Park, presented by Kyrstin Frate of Keller Williams Realty. The popular event series is set to feature a movie each month at dusk from May through September.

Last year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, each event was held at Liberty Park. This year, the event will include Heritage Park once again in its lineup.

Kali Mayes, Event Planning Specialist with Clarksville Parks & Recreation, said this season is primed to be one of the best.

“Movies in the Park was one of the events we were able to offer safely in 2020,” Mayes said. “We’re excited this year the event will return to multiple locations and even more normalcy with pre-show activities, food trucks, and more. We encourage everyone to follow our Facebook event page for the most up to date information about Movies in the Park.”

The first three events will be held on the following Saturdays at Heritage Park: • May 22 - “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” • June 12 - “Sing!” • July 24 - “Frozen 2”

The final two movies will be held on the following Saturdays at Liberty Park: • August 7 - “Remember the Titans” • September 25 - “Hocus Pocus”

Pre-show activities include live music, performances, giveaways, and more. Food trucks will also be on site for each event date.

Additional sponsors of Movies in the Park are Altra Federal Credit Union, Union Home Mortgage, Youth Villages, Allstate, and Premier Medical Group.

For more, visit ClarksvilleParksRec.com

JOHN PECK JOINS F&M BANK

John Peck has recently accepted a position of Executive Vice President with F&M Bank. “John’s vast experience in commercial and retail lending, strong leadership skills and exceptional knowledge of the communities we serve, make him a perfect addition to our leadership team.” said Sammy Stuard, President/CEO.

Peck has an impressive resume of banking experience spanning over a thirty-year career. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and is a graduate of LSU School of Banking. With an extraordinary background in financial services, organizational management and strategic planning, Peck stated, “I am proud to join the progressive team at F&M Bank. I look forward to working with everyone to continue the bank’s success in existing markets, while looking for opportunities to expand the institution’s footprint.”