VIP Clarksville Magazine May 2016

MAY 2 016 • 1

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in this issue even ts 10 12 14 20 26 30 33 40 45 49 56 60 65 66 68 70 73

Nashville Symphony: A Musical Celebration for Clarksville The Silver Cow and Co. Grand Opening Beachaven Vineyards & Winery Annual Poor Man’s Sale Paint Nite A Touch of Spring Shopping Expo Clarksville’s Extreme Open House Challenge Clarksville Academy “An Evening with Friends” Annual Steak Dinner Heritage Bank Scholarship Banquet Rivers & Spires Festival First Thursday Art Walk APSU Fortera Stadium Renaming Ceremony Day of Play The Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours 14th Annual Downtown Artist Co-op Art Auction Junior Auxiliary Cheers for Charity Oh Noir She Didn’t Mystery Dinner Theater Gateway Chamber Orchestra “Our City: Clarksville”

Clarksville Academy “An Evening With Friends”

Rivers & Spires Festival

Gateway Chamber Orchestra Rhapsody in Blue

Oh Noir She Didn’t Mystery Dinner Theater

depar tme n t s & fe a t u re s 16 22 24 28 36 42 52 58 62

The Good Life: Huntsville, Alabama — Rocket City on a Roll! Calendar of Events: May 2016 Travel: Cadiz, Kentucky — Unique Name, Unique Place May We Suggest: Harper Knit — Knit With Pride Travel: Oak Grove, Kentucky — Little Town, Big Fun Give | Care | Share: Roxy Regional Theatre Destination Downtown: Downtown Delights Locale Travel: Gaylord Opryland Resort, Nashville, Tennessee

ON THE COVER Jon & Melissa Strobel Oh Noir She Didn’t Mystery Dinner Theater at Belle Hollow Photography by Karen Parr-Moody

VIP Clarksville Magazine is a registered trademark. The entire contents herein copyright Sixteen Media, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in part or whole without written permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited. Opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those of Sixteen Media, LLC, VIP Clarksville Magazine, its employees and/or representatives. All information printed in this publication is compiled in such a way to ensure complete accuracy. However, Sixteen Media, LLC, VIP Clarksville Magazine and its agents assume no liability and/or responsibility for the accuracy of claims in advertisements, articles, etc. • VIP Clarksville Magazine is published ten times per year by Sixteen Media, LLC. www.VIPClarksville.com • info@vipclarksville.com

MAY 2 016 • 7

letter from the publisher VOLUME I

•

ISSUE IV

PUBLISHER ASHLEY MYNATT WATSON

VIP FOUNDER JEFF WATSON

EVENTS EDITOR STACY LEISER

t always amazes me to look the calendar and see how quickly the year has already slipped by; and as I watch my own kids get ready for summer, I realize just how fast travel and vacation season is approaching! In this issue we’re delighted to highlight some summer hotspots and fun events that will take the guesswork out of your summer planning. From a long weekend close by to an amazing adventure on the road, we have a few suggestions to make your summer a memorable one! May brings the first of the warm weather and outside festivals and events. It also brings us our annual Destination Downtown issue. Featuring everything from dining, retail and entertainment. This issue will hopefully encourage each of you to check out what Downtown Clarksville has to offer. Take a look and see what’s happening in our area — from the Rivers and Spires Festival that was a huge success, to the Clarksville Downtown Market that will be kicking into high gear, and the fun theatrical performances in production at the Roxy. There are plenty of activities, fun finds and tasty eats that keep our downtown community buzzing. Never to be forgotten are the members of the military community that pour their hearts and souls into defending our country. Clarksville is built strong on their sacrifice and dedication; and as we celebrate Memorial Day this month, we celebrate all of the men, women, and families who have served and still serve the nation everyday, selflessly going to work on our behalf and keeping us safe. As you plan the next few months of freedom — from work, from school, from whatever you may cast-off in summer — remember the bigger freedom you are given by our service members and offer them your thanks for all that they do!

ADVERTISING LYDA KAY FERREE STACY LEISER ASHLEY MYNATT WATSON

ART DIRECTOR LYDIA BOHS

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS/PHOTOGRAPHERS LYDA KAY FERREE JASON FRANKLIN STACY LEISER KAREN PARR-MOODY LIESEL SCHMIDT TAYLOR SLIFKO BAKER WARMATH JEROME WHALEY GREG WILLIAMSON

DISTRIBUTION

Ashley Mynatt Watson

JASON FRANKLIN

V I P C L A R KSV I L L E M AGA Z I N E EVENTS@VIPCLARKSVILLE.COM INFO@VIPCLARKSVILLE.COM VIP Clarksville Magazine is free to pick up at any of our numerous distribution locations. We’ll be on racks at many local restaurants, bookstores, hotels, banks, salons, boutiques — and the list is growing! Be sure to watch our website and Facebook page for a complete list of locations to pick up the next issue.

WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/VIPCLARKSVILLEMAGAZINE

MAY 2 016 • 9

CLARKSVILLE VIPs at First Baptist Church

NA S HVI LLE SYMPHONY a musical celebration for clarksville!

S t o r y & P h o t o grap h y by K are n Parr - M o o dy

T Alan & Jan Valentine

Hannah & Zack Vohaska

Johnny Piper, Dr. Mac Edington & Kevin Kennedy

Mike & Donna Rainey

Donna Huffman & Serena Bell

he Nashville Symphony isn’t averse to travel. In 2000, it traveled to New York City to make its Carnegie Hall debut under the late music director, Kenneth Schermerhorn. As a big tour bus sat in front of the First Baptist Church of Clarksville, it was clear the Nashville Symphony was on the move again, soon to fill the auditorium with its world-class musicians. The event was “Nashville Symphony: A Musical Celebration for Clarksville,” sponsored by the Rotary Clubs of Clarksville, Dillard’s, Dr. Michael C. Buchholz, Dr. Jacqueline R. Ansell, Dr. and Mrs. Ernest DeWald, Dr. and Mrs. E. Mac Edington and Cols. Steve and Julie Lomax. At the helm of the performance was Associate Conductor Vinay Parameswaran. The theme included patriotic music that paid homage to the community’s many veterans and military members. It featured works by composers Aaron Copland, Gioachino Rossini, Charles Ives and Felix Mendelssohn. Such forays are called “run outs,” according to Maribeth Stahl, the Nashville Symphony’s Senior Director of Development. They are for the specific purpose of moving the beautiful strains of the orchestra to markets beyond Nashville. “We do several of what we call ‘run outs’ to various communities,” Stahl said. “We’ve been to Columbia, Lewisburg, and Franklin. And we do our summer series of concerts out in public parks.” Stahl said the concert in Clarksville had a driving force behind it: Dr. Mac Edington, a dentist and Rotary member who has been a subscribing member of the Nashville Symphony for many years. Edington worked for two-and-a-half years to see this goal to fruition. Clarksville has around 200 members who subscribe to the Nashville Symphony, said Alan Valentine, the orchestra’s President and CEO. The Rotary Club made it easier to hear the orchestra by putting the event in downtown Clarksville. More than just members showed up; many had not even attended an orchestral performance before, Edington said. Edington explained, “I’ve been going forever to the symphony, even before they moved into the new hall at the Schermerhorn. So I’ve met several people, including the symphony’s President, Alan Valentine. I was at a reception two-and-a-half years ago and he said, ‘I hear you’re from Clarksville. We want to come to Clarksville. Would you mind being our guy to get us there?’ I said, “Of course.’” Edington had help from the Rotarians, the symphony staff and other Clarksville supporters. Soon after the planning began, the team realized it needed a concert hall with a large enough capacity to accommodate the many orchestra fans who were likely to attend such an event. Edington, who attends Madison Street Methodist Church, said, “I told them, ‘That big old boy next door to us, called the First Baptist Church, they’ve got a beautiful auditorium’.” Larry Riley, senior pastor at First Baptist Church, estimated about 1,200 people attended, based on how many pews were filled. While introducing the symphony before the performance, narrator Conrad Edington asked the audience to show, by raising hands, how many of the guests had never heard the symphony before. About three-fourths of the audience members’ hands went up. Hopefully that number will change, as Mac Edington says he will work to bring the symphony to Clarksville next year, around April again if the symphony’s schedule will allow them to make it that month. C

Helen Allen & Peggy Vaden

Linda & Mac Edington

Rev. Larry Riley

Conrad Edington

Denise & Don Wood

Akiko Rands

Cheryl Lankford

Gabriel & Susan Osoria

Melanie Scott

Sheila Michaels & Janese Cleary

Fred Sienkiewicz

Lauri Morrison & Steve Warren

Stephen Lomax & Dick Shipley

Cindy & Bill Summers

MAY 2 016 â&#x20AC;˘ 11

CLARKSVILLE VIPs at Silver Cow and Co. Grocery Store

Grand Opening Andrew, Crystal & Crystal McDowell

Angie Harris

S t o r y & P h o t o grap h y by K are n Parr - M o o dy

U Jahari Hunt & Joyce Cosby

Leigh Borden, Lillian Mendoza & Ema Borden

Ryan, Chelsea, Sam & Elijah Fulton

Kinley & Brittany Martinez

nder a cheery sun, the crowd at the Silver Cow and Co. grand opening event was big and bustling. Guests visited vendors’ tents, llamas milled about in a petting zoo and live music floated through the air. Guests had much to see. There were nearly 80 vendors at this event that was part county fair, part farmers’ market. Held in the parking lot of the First Baptist Church of St. Bethlehem, which is next to the Silver Cow and Co. store, the event was a smorgasbord of small businesses offering an array of foodstuffs. Some, including the popular My Oh My Fried Pies and Billy Bob Fudge, sold out of their products early. The event was the brainchild of Joni Lucas-Davis, the owner of Silver Cow and Co., a new grocery store at 110 Fairview Lane just off of Wilma Rudolph Boulevard. It was designed to celebrate the vendors who supply the store, which puts its emphasis on regional and sustainably created products. It carries produce, grains, handmade baked goods, foodstuffs and health products from independent purveyors in Tennessee and Kentucky. The vendors at the fair represented products that are sold at the store, including J’s Meats and More, Southern City Flavors and Lost River Creamery. Lucas-Davis was thrilled for the vendors that the foot traffic was high. “The response from the community has been outstanding,” she said. “I have no way to track how many people have been here, but I feel so emotional about it. I want my vendors to succeed.” Hosting an fair rather than a traditional store opening was an issue of space. “We decided to move our products out here, because we didn’t want to be holed up in the store,” Lucas-Davis said. “We wanted to be out with the people, answering questions.” The store will host a food truck rally during its official ribbon cutting on June 4. For more information, visit the store’s website at www.thesilvercow.com. C

Jenna, Mila, David, Ellie & Danny Bell

Joni Lucas-Davis

Dan, Ryan & Michelle Dickerson

Latoya Donley, Sheneka Williams & Madonna Garrison

Carissa Coker & Andrew Corum with Hayden

Lauren Brady & Maren Kieman

MAY 2 016 â&#x20AC;˘ 13

CLARKSVILLE VIPs at Beachaven Winery

A N N U A L

Poor Man’s Sale

S t o R y & P h o t o gR A P h y By gR Eg W I L L I A M S o n

B Elizabeth Ambrose & Madison Bishop

Jim & Ruth Ann Baldwin

Charles Hood

eachaven Vineyards & Winery founder, Judge William O. Beach, squeezed out his dream of crushing grapes 30 years ago. Beach and his family developed the idea for the vineyard after his champagne won Best of Show at a large competition in Atlanta. According to Louisa Cooke, Beach’s daughter, April 1st was kind of a founders day for the Winery. “My dad, his friends, and investors, dressed in their suit and ties along with city officials and women in heels, stood right here with shovels in hand for a groundbreaking ceremony” said a smiling Cooke. Cooke reflected on how the Winery was located in the middle of nowhere. Now, it is very visible from Interstate 24, just down the road from Tennova Healthcare (formally Gateway Medical Center) and part of Clarksville Business Park. Spring is bottling season. Cooke said they were thinking of ways to move some of the older wine to make way for the new bottles of wine. “We thought, why not have a tax day sale,” Cooke said, “but everyone has one of those.” They wanted something different and after brainstorming one person said “Uncle Sam takes all my money this time of year and I feel poor” So we came up with ‘Poor Man’s sale.’ “That was 25 years ago, and it just keeps getting bigger” Cooke said. There was a steady stream of new and old customers filtering in and out. They came from Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky and Tennessee. Wine and merchandise were all discounted. Jim and Ruthann Baldwin drove up from Nashville; frequent flyers of Beachaven Winery. They bought seven cases of the fermented grape beverage. “We just love their wine” Ruthann said, “Yeah, we’d buy more, but we don’t have the room for it” a joking Jim Baldwin laughed. Louisa Cooke’s husband, Ed, walked around with his front pockets pulled out, greeting customers and their kids. As part of this year’s milestone, Cooke said they made 500, 30th anniversary commemorative coins. The coins are good this year for discounts at the winery and VIP parking during their Jazz on the Lawn events, which kick off 6:30 p.m. May 14 with an outdoor concert by Randy Moore and the Fabulous Suedes. For more information about Beachaven Winery, including the full Jazz on the Lawn schedule, visit www.beachavenwinery.com. C

MAY 2 016 • 15

The Good Life

S t o R y By Ly dA K Ay F E R R E E , t h E S o U t h E R n L I F E S t y L E S L A dy P h o t o gR A P h y Co U R t E S y o F t h E h U n t S V I L L E / M A d I S o n Co U n t y Co n V E n t I o n & V I S I t o R S B U R E AU

here is a new energy in Huntsville, Alabama (City Population: 180,000). I was last in this lovely Southern city in 2008. Much has happened there since then. Huntsville, Madison and all of Madison County, Alabama is buzzing with activity. New construction like the City Centre project in downtown Huntsville, to be completed in 2017, will add retail, dining and accommodations to the core of the city. AC Hotels, a Marriott property, has been announced as the hotel in the project with the first phase slated for completion in 2017. Construction will begin immediately on Garage at Clinton Row, which will be an adaptive reuse development utilizing a small section of 16

the first floor of a garage and transforming it into retail space. Several adjectives come to mind when I visit Huntsville—friendly, hospitable, progressive and professional. “Huntsville is becoming a destination city,” said Charles Winters, Executive Vice President of the Huntsville/Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau, who graciously served as my guide for several days. What sets Huntsville apart from other cities, I asked Winters. “Our community benefits from a rather unique combination of history and high tech. Work is being done here on the next generation of rocket propulsion, which will eventually take us into interplanetary travel just a

delicious made-to-order pizzas, salads (I ordered the Caprese salad), calzones (yummy appetizer), desserts (tiramisu for me) and drinks. A tour of the Museum of Art, which has expanded since my visit in 2008, was delightful and informative. Fourteen galleries are filled with regional and national works plus there are two interactive galleries and a museum store. The Sellars Collection: Art by American Women offers an opportunity to discover contributions of female artists from 1850-1940. With over 250 paintings, it is the largest known collection of its kind in the U.S. On continuous view are outstanding collections of Buccellati Silver Animals and American Studio Glass. (www.hsvmuseum.org)

DRIVING TOUR OF DOWNTOWN HUNTSVILLE

few miles from where the constitutional convention was held to petition for statehood in 1819. Southern hospitality abounds where most of the population hails from other parts of the country and even from around the globe. The sciences and arts both thrive here. There’s so much to do and see, and yet it’s so easy to navigate throughout the community. We are truly blessed with diversity and an outstanding quality of life.”

HUNTSVILLE CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU I highly recommend that you begin your visit at the attractive and welcoming Huntsville Convention & Visitors Bureau. A friendly staff tends to your every need from offering bottled water to visitors to gathering brochures and maps of the area and recommending things to see and do in Huntsville. We began our tour of Huntsville at the lovely Museum of Art located in beautiful Big Spring International Park in downtown Huntsville. Lunch was delightful at Pane e Vino Cafe, a favorite Huntsville Italian eatery situated on the Plaza Level of the Huntsville Museum of Art with exquisite views of Big Spring Park and the lake. The restaurant offers

A redefined center city is emerging in downtown Huntsville! A thriving downtown area is brimming with sights, sounds and tastes for you to experience. Downtown Main Street is where Main Street meets high tech! Grab a craft beer at Below the Radar Brewhouse, Huntsville’s first brewhouse featuring good eats and a vast array of beer; experience City Center nightlife and world class art and performances at the Von Braun Center (VBC), the go-to entertainment venue; explore Big Spring International Park; tour historic (and sometimes haunted) homes; discover Park Place Plaza and A.M. Booth’s Lumberyard, Huntsville’s coolest shopping destination and event venue. Explore downtown public art. Go back in time at Alabama Constitution Village and head over to the EarlyWorks Children’s Museum. (www.downtownhuntsville.org)

HISTORIC DISTRICTS The Twickenham Historic District features homes in the Federal and Greek Revival architectural styles introduced to the city by Virginia-born architect George Steele. It contains the highest concentration of antebellum homes in Alabama. In addition, there are arts and crafts bungalows, Italianate and one with hints of English Cotswold. Many of these old homes were host to the families who poured in to support the space program in the 1950s and 60s. Huntsville’s additional historic districts include Old Town and Five Points. The Old Town Historic District contains a variety of styles (Federal, Greek Revival, Queen Anne, and even California cottages) with homes dating from the late 1820s through the early 1900s. Five Points, the newest historic district, consists predominately of bungalows built around the turn of the 20th century, by which time Huntsville was becoming a mill town.

LOWE MILL ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT: A T hriv in g Cre at iv e C o mmuni t y

I became nostalgic when I visited Lowe Mill, wishing that the Bemis Cotton Mill near Jackson, Tennessee, my hometown, had not been razed. When I toured Lowe Mill, I envisioned the former grand old mill being converted into shops, galleries and apartments. MAY 2 016 • 17

Lowe Mill is the largest independent arts facility in America with more than 200 working artists, makers, and creative entrepreneurs filling the walls of this beautiful three-story space. Located within the historic district in Huntsville, this massive former textile mill has been rescued from neglect to be restored into what it stands as today: an expansive collection of visual, performance, and culinary arts that continues to expand. I visited Tangled Strings Studios and Concert Venue, where I stopped long enough to play a baby grand piano; and Mill Village Woolery, among other shops in the mill located at 2231 Seminole Drive. (www.lowmill.net)

VILLAGE OF PROVIDENCE A bit weary, I was happy to sink into a cushy sofa at the Homewood Suites by Hilton in the Village of Providence, a lovely mixed use development consisting of hotels, restaurants, both fine dining and casual; retail shops; and residential . My Homewood suite was perfect for my needs after a long, busy day of touring. The staff was welcoming and accommodating and my suite was spotlessly clean and offered every amenity I needed. The complimentary breakfast buffet is quite good and bountiful! (www.huntsvilleprovidence.homewoodsuites.com)

GRILLE 29 in the Village of Providence Chef Steve Bunner greeted and welcomed me warmly. It was a rather chilly evening so we opted not to dine on the patio. My dinner was excellent and the ambiance comfortable, yet elegant. The service was perfect! The Grouper Oscar, which I ordered, has been featured in the “100 Dishes to Eat in Alabama Before You Die” and the Jumbo Scallops stuffed with Lump Crab, Filet “29,” and Sesame Seared Tuna Mignon are crowd favorites! My friends and I shared the Firecracker Shrimp appetizer, and I sampled the decadent Chocolate Souffle. (www.grille29.com)

U.S. Space & rocket center

Day two of my Huntsville trip began at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center at One Tranquility Base. My visit there 18

brought back memories of several years ago when I graduated from Media Space Camp. (I have a blue jump suit to prove it plus a photograph of me receiving my diploma and dining with astronauts!) The Center is a Smithsonian Affiliate and the Official Marshall Space Flight Center. Visitors relive the dramatic Space Race, NASA’s greatest achievement of putting mankind on the moon, with a Saturn V rocket — one of only three on display in the world! Guests learn about the development and evolution of the Space Shuttle program and International Space Station as well as NASA’s latest missions. From incredible artifacts of our nation’s space program to hands-on interactive exhibits and space travel simulators, visitors discover the enduring dream of life in space. There is a museum admission ticket, a movie ticket and a combination admission. Group discounts are offered. Space camps are quite popular. I was fascinated by the “Celestial Dreams: The Art of Space Jewelry” exhibit that featured precious gems, minerals and metals in jewelry. Artist Kathy Chan interprets the genuine awe of the cosmos and its vibrant oasis, Earth, in her jewelry. She has earned numerous accolades including 14 international awards. In the gift shop I purchased the book entitled “Dr. Space: The Life of Wernher von Braun” by Bob Ward and a CD entitled “The Rocket Man” The Man Who Took America to the Moon: His Weekly Notes: 19611969.” The U.S. Space & Rocket Center is the number one paid tourist attraction in the state. Each year over 600,000 people visit the largest space museum in the world to appreciate the past and take a peek into the future of space exploration and travel. (www.rocketcenter.com)

Blue Plate Café After spending about two hours in the Space Center it was time for lunch at the popular Blue Plate Café located at 32310 Governor’s Drive SW. I ordered chicken and dressing, the special of the day at this meatand-three café. The restaurant is always packed and now has two locations. (www.blueplatecafe.com)

STRAIGHT TO ALE BREWERY The craft brew scene is thriving in Huntsville. In fact, Huntsville has the highest concentration of craft breweries in the South. Home to 8 breweries countywide and growing, Straight to Ale Brewery is arguably among the most unique. It is known for its local brews that pay homage to Huntsville’s role in America’s space program. Brews like Monkeynaut IPA pay “tribute to those simian heroes of yesteryear” who paved the way for humans to explore space. Straight to Ale is home to a taproom open seven days a week and partners with several local food trucks for beer and food pairings.

systems for the Mercury, Gemini and Apollo manned space flight programs, which culminated in mankind landing on the moon; Jimmy Wells, co-founder of Wikipedia and American internet entrepreneur; John S. Hendricks, founder and chairman of Discovery Communications; singer Little Richard attended Oakwood College in Huntsville; and Tallulah Brockman Bankhead, an American actress, talk show host and bon vivant.

LIGHTS. CAMERA. ACTION! Among the movies filmed in Huntsville are “Constellation in 2006 and “Like Moles, Like Rats” in 2006 and “Space Camp” in 1986. After “Space Camp” was released, the Space Camp attendance skyrocketed.

LEADING ALABAMA INTO THE FUTURE

It was recently announced that Straight to Ale will join Rocket City brewery Yellowhammer at a soon-to-be renovated former middle school in West Huntsville that will feature an amphitheater, tap rooms and beer gardens. The much-anticipated Campus 805 development is set to be completed in 2016. (www.straighttoale.com)

Thanks in part to the aerospace and defense industries, Huntsville has one of the most diverse cultures, per capita in the country. The area has been recognized by Forbes magazine as one of the ten smartest cities in the world. It has been named one of “Fortune Small Business’s” top midsize cities to launch and grow a business. Supported by a culture of innovation, the Rocket City is poised to lead the state, and the rest of the South, into the next century. C

HUNTSVILLE BOTANICAL GARDEN The Garden, which opened in 1988, celebrates every season with a festival for the entire family. It is one of my favorite attractions in Huntsville. A charming male volunteer toodled a friend and me around on a golf cart in a light, chilly rain. The Garden is not only a great horticultural display for human and canine visitors; it also attracts large numbers and many species of birds, which I enjoy. In the spring the Garden comes alive with thousands of spring flowers. Huntsville Blooms celebrates the coming of spring with Garden Chats, floral displays and the region’s largest plant sale. Visitors enjoy tulips, daffodils, trillium, azaleas and dogwoods as they tour the Garden’s 112 acres. The Garden has a café and a charming gift shop. Ground has broken on a new Guest Welcome Center at the Garden, which is slated to open in the spring of 2017. It will be the new public entrance to the Garden. (www.hsbg.org)

DINNER AT 1892 EAST RESTAURANT & TAVERN In a driving rain, my party and I drove to 1892 East Restaurant & Tavern , a popular eatery located at 720 Pratt Avenue NE in historic Five Points. The restaurant attracts locals and out-of- towners like the couple who sat next to me. They had driven 100 miles round trip to dine there. We had excellent service and the restaurant was busy. In addition to a variety of specials, cheese plates, desserts like bread pudding, coffees and teas are served there. (www.1892east.com)

HISTORY OF HUNTSVILLE:

WHAT TO KNOW Huntsville/Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau 500 Church Street NW, Suite One Huntsville, Alabama 35801 (800)843-0468 | (256)551-2230 www.huntsville.org A Calendar of Events may be found on the website

F r o m B i g S p r i ng t o B i g D r e a m s

Huntsville’s namesake, John Hunt, was a frontier settler who is believed to have fought in the American Revolution. The rumor of a freshwater spring lured Hunt from his home to explore the North Alabama wilderness.

FAMOUS FACES A few of the famous folks from the Huntsville area include the following: Dr. Wernher von Braun led the team of rocket scientists who put the first American satellite in orbit, designed rocket propulsion

"Ou r commu n i t y b e n efi ts fro m a r ath er u n iqu e comb in at ion o f h isto ry and h igh t e ch… . We are t ru ly blessed wi th diversi t y an d an ou t s tan din g quali t y o f life. " — Charles Winter Executive Vice President, Huntsville/Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau

MAY 2 016 • 19

CLARKSVILLE VIPs at Kohana Japanese Restaurant

Michelle Nicholson, June VanHooser, Veronica Schlieber, Sabina Anderson & Angela Butler S t o r y & P h o t o grap h y by s tacy leiser

I Michele Clark & Courtney Clark

Cnanah Ransom, Angel Davis & Deondra Diggs

June VanHooser & Veronica Schlieber

Sara Wigal

t doesn’t matter if you haven’t picked up a paintbrush since you were 11. Paint Nite brings out the inner artist in almost anyone. Recently, this national trend appeared in Clarksville. A Paint Nite is now held once a month at Kohana Japanese Restaurant. The premise is simple: you go to a restaurant or bar that you like anyway. Instead of just eating or drinking or socializing, you create a painting from start to finish while doing all three. A teacher leads the painters through every step. And while each person’s painting is unique, the final result is an impressive approximation of the model painting, in this case a rainy fall forest scene. “Paint Nite invites you to break away from your typical night out with the perfect cocktail of creativity and conversation,” says the Paint Nite web site, www.paintnite.com. The Paint Nite motto is “drink creatively.” If you’re going to relax with a drink and some friends, why not create something cool at the same time? Friends Michelle Nicholson, June VanHooser, Veronica Schlieber, Sabina Anderson and Angela Butler got to enjoy spending two hours together, talking, laughing, and creating a fun souvenir of the night. Friends Cnanah Ransom, Angel Davis and Deondra Diggs unleashed their inner artists at Paint Nite, as did mother and daughter Michele and Courtney Clark. “They can bring a friend, or make a new friend,” Paint Nite teacher Sara Wigal said. Breaking the painting down into its many parts makes it accessible for people from any background, she said. “I love seeing people light up at the end of the night. How happy and surprised people are! They’re doing something totally different than usual,” Sara Wigal said. “Sometimes we get in our own minds, ‘I’m not talented. I can’t do that.’ When you actually try to do something creative, you can make something beautiful.” The next Paint Nite is 7-9 p.m. May 18 at Kohana, 120 Corporate Drive. Participants will be painting an African sunset. To get involved, visit www.paintnite.com. C

MAY 2016 • 21

CALENDAR OF EVENTS 5

Warrior Week Events Godfather Invitational Golf Tournament 1pm Shotgun Start Clarksville Country Club

yvonnep@clarksville.tn.us

Movie Night At Regal Cinema 7pm Showing Captain America

FREE for military ID card holders

6th Annual Car, Truck & Bike Show

Noon-2pm

Tobacco Stick Softball Game Clarksville-Madison County vs. Fort Campbell

2-4pm

Movies in the Park Showing Independence Day

6pm Heritage Park

www.cityofclarksville.com/warriorweek

13-14

6-7

Kiwanis Rodeo 7-10pm

Friday, May 6 A Night With our Patriotic Stars

Montgomery County 4-H Arena

Spring Fling - Downtown Cadiz 6pm

www.clarksvillerodeo.com

5:30pm Wilma Rudolph Event Center

www.cityofclarksville.com/events Downtown Market

Grand Opening Celebration

8am-1pm Downtown

The Gauntlet Trail/Obstacle Race 7:30-11:00am Rotary Park

(931) 647-2376

Jazz on the Lawn Joe Pouliot and the Rhythm Kings

6:30-9:30pm

Little Theater - Trigg Co. High School Saturday, May 7 Run for the Arts 5K

The Clarksville Flea Market 7am-2pm

www.beachavenwinery.com

8am

Clarksville Speedway

Military Appreciation Poker Run

www.ClarksvilleFleaMarket.com

JUNE

10am Cadiz Cruz-In 5-8pm www.gocadiz.com

Indoor Yard Sale 8am-2pm

Great American Cleanup Day 8am Millennium Plaza Courtyard

mcanderson@mcgtn.net (931) 648-5751 ext. 5510

(931) 648-1345

Free Saturday Family Day: Amazing Mammels! 10am-4:30pm

Warrior Week Event

www.customshousemuseum.org

5:30pm

Jazz on the Lawn

Clarksville Senior Citizens Center

Eternal Flame Ceremony 1 Public Square

www.cityofclarksville.com/warriorweek Adaptive Swim Day 10am-noon Indoor Aquatic Center 166 Cunningham Lane

(931) 472-3380

Queen City Road Race 8am APSU Foy Center

www.cityofclarksville.com/qcrr 9th Annual F.U.E.L. Fundraiser & Block Party 10am-2pm 115 Center Pointe Dr.

(931) 552-3567

Warrior Week Event 22

Customs House Musuem

Randy Moore and the Fabulous Suedes

6:30-9:30pm

Beachaven Winery

Cadiz Cruz-In 5-8pm Cadiz - Downtown Mainstreet

(270) 348-7718 www.gocadiz.com

22nd Annual Chamber Membership Golf Scramble 11:30am-6pm Swan Lake Golf Course

www.clarksvillechamber.com

Beachaven Winery

Beachaven Wineryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 30th Birthday Bash

www.beachavenwinery.com

Wine Festival, food trucks, music, games and FUN

17-21

12pm

Tuesday, May 17th Opening Reception

6:30pm

50+ Olympics

Jim Gibson performs Beachaven Winery

10:30am

www.beachavenwinery.com

Uffelman Estates See sidebar on next page for all events

www.cityofclarksville.com/events

DJ on the Docks 5-8pm

Beachaven Winery

DJ on the Docks 5-8pm

www.beachavenwinery.com

Jazz on the Lawn

6:30-9:30pm

50+ Olympics Closing Dinner

Al Green and the Hardtimes Beachaven Winery

www.beachavenwinery.com

50+ Olympics |

May 17-21

Tu e s d a y, M a y 1 7 Opening Reception

10:30am

Shuffleboard-Singles

12:30pm

Shuffleboard-Mixed Doubles

12:30pm

Uffelman Estates

Swan Lake Sports Complex Swan Lake Sports Complex

Horseshoes-Singles

3:30pm

Horseshoes-Mixed Doubles

4:30pm

Swan Lake Sports Complex Swan Lake Sports Complex

W e d n e s d a y, M a y 1 8 Pickleball-Singles 8:00am Austin Peay Foy Center

Pickleball-Mixed Doubles

9:30am

Bowling-Singles

3:30pm

Bowling-Doubles

4:30pm

T h u r s d a y, M a y 1 9 Track & Field

8:00am

Table Tennis-Singles

1:00pm

Table Tennis-Mixed Doubles

2:00pm

3D Blacklight Mini Golf

4:00pm

Austin Peay Foy Center Pinnacle Bowling Alley Pinnacle Bowling Alley

Rossview High School Track Austin Peay Foy Center Austin Peay Foy Center

D&D Blacklight Mini Golf

F r i d a y, M a y 2 0 Badminton-Singles 8:30am Austin Peay Foy Center

Badminton-Doubles

10:00am

Basketball

11:00am

Austin Peay Foy Center Austin Peay Foy Center

Bowling-Mixed Doubles Pinnacle Bowling Alley

1:00pm

S a t u r d a y, M a y 2 1 Cornhole-Singles 9:00am Wilma Rudolph Event Center

Cornhole-Mixed Doubles

10:00am

Ladder Ball

11:00am

Disc Golf

12:00pm

Wilma Rudolph Event Center Wilma Rudolph Event Center Wilma Rudolph Event Center

Closing Dinner

Wilma Rudolph Event Center

5:30pm

For event coverage or to have your event listed on our calender of events, please email all event details to events@vipclarksville.com

For more information visit www.cityofclarksville.com/events. MAY 2016 â&#x20AC;˘ 23

TR AVEL

Cadiz, Kentucky Unique Name, Unique Place

By L I E S E L S C h M I dt

P h o t o gR A P h y Co U R t E S y o F CA d I Z - t R I gg Co U n t y t o U R I S M

hen it comes to seeing Kentucky at its hometown best, Cadiz knows how to do their state proud. With the number of great little shops, restaurants, and galleries that this tucked away little treasure has to offer, you’ll want to make a visit to Cadiz top your list of things to do when you’re planning your next weekend getaway. Having celebrated nearly 200 years of existence, Cadiz is one of the oldest cities in the nation, but with all of the fun things to do and see, it’s hardly behind the times. The town itself is situated on Lake Barkley and the Cumberland River, which makes it the perfect spot for getting in touch with nature. At the Lowertown trails, you can play a game of I Spy on beavers getting busy on their dams, all kinds of bugs and wildlife just doing what they do, and take your pick of some pretty colorful wildflowers. There are 57,000 acres of water to put some splash in your life, and Lake Barkley boasts some of the best fishing in the Bluegrass State. Is shopping your favorite past time? Cadiz has you covered, with unique little shops and boutiques like The Blue Heron and The Wild Zebra, where you can get your fill of furniture and fashion that will make your heart go wild. Broadbent Food and Gifts is the perfect source for specialty gifts and tasty treats; and Cranberry Creek Rustics, 13 Marion, and the Prickly Peach will surely satisfy anyone on the hunt for primitive art and fantastic home décor. One of a kind, hand-painted furniture make Darling & Distressed and Queen Bee’s Marketplace a decorator’s dream; and Consignment World and Never Grow Up offer a an array of gently used items that might just become your next great find… Are you an old soul? Explore Cadiz’s claim to fame at Cadiz Antique Mall and Cherokee Antiques, well considered to be “the stars of downtown.” If you’re an artist at heart or an aspiring collector, make a stop in at Cadiz Comfort Zone, Fox’s Den & Gallery, or the Janice 24

Mason Art Museum to get your creative fix. They’re all an ideal way to get a feel for local culture and the ways that living life Between the Lakes can influence art. Naturally, a day out on the town would never be complete without some great food, so get a taste of what Cadiz has to offer at one of their most-loved local eateries. Whether you’re crazy for home cooking or looking for something a little more upscale, you’ll find satisfaction at places like Sunshine Café, Reva’s Place, and Cadiz Family Restaurant — all of which come highly recommended by folks in-the-know. C

Eat Up! Here are some stats on delightful places to eat like the locals do... Sunshine Café

7 Main Street, Cadiz, KY 42211 (270) 987-7675 Monday-Friday 11:00 A.M.- 5:00 P.M. Saturday 11:00 A.M.- 2:00 P.M. Reva’s Pl ace

65 Main Street, Cadiz, KY 42211 (270) 522-0806 Sunday-Thursday 7:00 A.M.- 2:00 P.M. Friday-Saturday 7:00 A.M.- 8:00 P.M. Cadiz Family Restaurant

324 Main Street, Cadiz, KY 42211 (270) 522-2249 Monday-Satuday 5:00 A.M.- 8:00 P.M. Sunday 6:00 A.M.- 2:00 P.M. For more information on Cadiz, call the Cadiz-Trigg County Tourist & Convention Commission at (270) 522-3892 or visit them online at www.gocadiz.com.

MAY 2016 • 25

CLARKSVILLE VIPs at Sango Event Center

S t o r y & P h o t o grap h y by K are n Parr - M o o dy

Lainy Kennedy & Brittany Cline

Deanne Compton & Arielle Maffitt

Genevieve Kruger

Sara Schacht

Maria Haycraft

Easton & Landon Castillo

rielle Maffitt and Deanne Compton, co-owners of the event company A Touch of This or That, created A Touch of Spring Shopping Expo to bring together small local businesses under one roof. While the duo was familiar with similar events, they wanted to make sure theirs addressed certain needs. In particular, they wanted to drum up some community involvement. Maffitt explained, “We wanted to really let the community know what’s out here so they can support a ton of small businesses.” The event’s vendors included pop-up boutiques, a food truck, crafters and small businesses. Women were there selling Mary Kay products, Rodan + Fields skincare, Pampered Chef items, jewelry, monogrammed accessories and more. Maffitt is a consultant for Perfectly Posh and Compton is an ambassador for Plexus Worldwide. Jeanna Cocke was one of the vendors inside the event center. A nurse by trade, she calls her small business of producing handmade jewelry “my therapy.” The jewelry line is called Eliza J. and it includes pieces that feature found objects, such as vintage keys and highway toll booth tokens from yesteryear. Waffle Time, a relatively new business, held court in front of the Sango Event Center. Owners Easton and Landon Castillo seemed constantly busy. It was the younger Castillo, 10-year-old Easton, who had the idea to start up a food truck business. “I just like food,” he said. Initially, he wanted to sell tacos. But then his mom taught him to make waffles, so he decided that would be his food product of choice. His father, Landon, was more than happy to take Easton up on his plan to operate a food truck. “I’m always looking for the next business opportunity,” he said. “It drives my wife crazy.” The Waffle Time menu includes both sweet and savory waffles. One savory waffle, called “The Sunshine,” includes a waffle topped by a sausage patty, a slice of cheese and two fried eggs. A sweet waffle, called “The B.O.M,” includes a waffle topped with strawberries, bananas and fresh cream. C

Denise Brant

Sara & Jaden Findley

Maria Williams-Diaz

Tamara Lochard & Keri Hamilton

Jeanna Cocke

Casey Long & Darin Kooyenga

Heather Nicholson

MAY 2016 â&#x20AC;˘ 27

may we suggest

Knit With Pride By L iesel S c h mi dt

P h o t o grap h y by Baker Warmat h

ome town pride is unmistakable in every piece made by Nashville, Tennessee-based clothing line Volunteer Traditions. Since its launch in 2006, the lifestyle brand has been making a name for itself with clients all over the country, garnering interest from high-profile press and capturing the eye of Hollywood celebrities and famous athletes for its signature quality and its unwavering declaration of love for the Volunteer State. That is, after all, what initially drove the concept of Volunteer Traditions when college friends Mason Jones and Brock Bosson decided they wanted a great way to show off their Tennessee pride. Their idea proved to be a hit; and after they began selling their Tennessee State Flag belt buckles to friends, family members, and countless other students on campus at the University of Tennessee, Jones abandoned his pursuit of a law degree and went on to run a full-fledged company, building a line of products centered on showing some good old Tennessee loving. Having gained such a following for making everything from classic knit collared shirts to key chains and beer can koozies, Volunteer Traditions has more than proven itself a success; and that success has fueled the growth of the company to expand outside its initial territory, launching a sister line called Harper Knit that focuses on getting in touch with the feminine side. “Volunteer Traditions is mostly designed for men; but when we decided to try expanding the company’s vision,

we really started to think about the people who are actually doing the buying,” says owner and CEO Jones. “The answer to that was women — women are the ones who are buying things for the men in their lives, for other women, for their children and their friends.” In keeping with the high quality so inherent to the Volunteer Traditions brand, Harper Knit offers women’s casual and athletic wear that is beautifully made of the best materials, ensuring that they wear well and will last through season after season of love. “We make our products as high-quality as we can, because we want these pieces to be things that we would be proud to wear ourselves,” Jones explains. Though the company’s roots might have formed on the college green, Harper Knit is hardly pigeon-holed with the student set. Their official launch in April showed they have mass appeal, and their online boutique has been attracting a fan base of women of all ages from young adulthood to business players. With their line-up of shorts, leggings, tees, and tanks all geared toward getting in gear and showing national pride, Harper Knit is keenly focused on the goals that got them off the ground — showing hometown pride, offering quality goods, and making every part of life a colorful expression of who you are and where you come from. For more information on Volunteer Traditions and Harper Knit and to shop from their full line of products, visit their online stores at www.volunteertraditions.com and www.harperknit.com. C

MAY 2016 • 29

CLARKSVILLE VIPs citywide in Clarksville

S t o r y & P h o t o grap h y by jas o n fra n kli n

E Jamie Shroyer & Robyn Neverdusky

Jessica Boettner & Josh Allen

Heather Damer, Amanda Dusenberry, Karol Hart & Charlotte McClellan

Nathan Bryant & Kelly Dennis

Leshan Moorehead & Jennifer Doney

verybody had their game face on at the Clarksville Association of Realtors for The Clarksville Extreme Open House Challenge. A $5,000 prize had everybody’s engines roaring, as the 47 teams of two strategized the perfect way to speed away with the cash prize. As the challenge was about to begin, all the teams gathered at the balloon arch waiting anxiously for Miss Austin Peay, Hannah Johstono, to sound the air horn to start the race. The racers took off at once, headed towards their vehicles for a safe and well-planned route to their first stop. Each team was provided a map with the challenge locations, and point system based on the activity at each stop. It was up to the individual pairs to take their own paths, and to make sure they made it to the finish line at the L.E.A.P Plaza on time. Cumberland Bank & Trust on Wilma Rudolph Boulevard was one of the stop locations on the map. The teams had to answer a math problem to complete the task and move on to the next challenge. At this location each group got a PayDay candy bar to help fuel them towards the real payday that awaited one lucky team. “What an ‘extreme’ honor to have the opportunity to participate in the production of our 1st Annual Extreme Open House Challenge,” said Valerie Dirks from Keller Williams Realty, “This was a huge teamwork of wonderful men and women from our Clarksville Association of Realtors — the agents, affiliates and administrative staff. They all did an unbelievable job in coordinating the event. I was blown away when I saw the enthusiasm and excitement from all the participants. I am also thrilled to hear how they can’t wait until next year to do it again. To date our proceeds are approximately $9,000, which will be donated to the L.E.A.P Organization.” Dexter George and Tonika Rizer finished the challenge with the highest score and the walked away with the prize money — $5,000 cash donated by F&M Bank. For more information on the Clarksville Association of Realtors, visit their website www.clarksvilleaor.com. C

Cheryl Blankenship, Kelli Farber, Beth Barns & Brittnee Bidwell

Dawn Mulloy & Whitlee Goosetree

Jade Wells & Debi Wells

Valerie Coffee & Tobi Quadros

Angel Johnson & Kathy Sensing

V.K. Gary & Beth Harvey

Sheldon Huber

Valerie Dirks & Deb Haines Kulick

Hannah Johstono

Nathan Bryant & Kelly Dennis

MAY 2 016 â&#x20AC;˘ 31

CLARKSVILLE VIPs at Clarksville Academy

Shannon & Suzanne Hogan

Adrienne & Scott Beasley

Grayson & Carolyn Perry

Elaina Johnson & Vanders Wilson

S t o r y & P h o t o grap h y by K are n Parr - M o o dy

moke billowed above the grills before the onset of Clarksville Academy’s “An Evening with Friends” Steak Dinner. But guests were not privy to the scene, as the fathers who manned the grills — while venerated for their status as grill masters — were kept behind the school in a prescribed niche. There the men focused on turning out steaks, grilled to perfection, for this fundraiser that has become a hot ticket since it began 27 years ago, the brainchild of a few parents. This year 451 people attended this event, which raises money for the private school’s annual fund. Guests walked into the school wearing their finery, then headed toward the gym, which was outfitted with tables topped by cloth tablecloths, floral arrangements and candles. While they ate, guests listened to the school’s choir students as they performed a medley of songs by musical legends, including Elvis Presley, Aretha Franklin, Michael Jackson, Dolly Parton and Frank Sinatra. Sally Allen, Clarksville Academy’s Director of Marketing and Development, said the dads work in tandem with the school’s kitchen staff to deliver the meals with perfect timing. “They’ve got it down to a science,” Allen said. “They know exactly what time to put them on. We tell them what time we need them in the kitchen so we can get them all plated.” This year the men grilled 400 steaks and about 75 portions of chicken. Chicken was added to the menu last year, and there are also three vegetarian options. Kay Drew, Clarksville Academy’s Head of School, said, “We actually put the entire thing on ourselves. That is what is so amazing about it, that we serve 451 people with both our food services people and our dads grilling.” Drew said it is considered an honor to serve on the grill team. Dads of students enrolled at Clarksville Academy look forward to it, she said, as do the students who want to become waitstaff. And nearly as soon as the event is over, it’s time to start again, Drew said. “We actually begin preparing for this next week with a review.” C

MAY 2 016 • 33

Clarksville Academy “An Evening with Friends” Annual Steak Dinner

Adam & Christy Welch, Jim & Tish Manning, Jessica Seay

Servella & Rev. Jimmy Terry

Kerry & Gordon Woodson

Harriet Mabry, James & Lucille Fletcher

Joyce McGuffin & Ben Stone

Hector, Sophia & Sophia Diez

Kendra & Rex Hawkins

Darryll & Cindy Griffy, Ted Weakley

Kay Drew

Fred Landiss

Jessica & Jaqua Weaver

Bernie & Pamela Harris

Connie & Mike Phillips, Michelle Mullins

Ruby Saucedo

Karen Connerth

Sally Allen

Frazier Allen

Billy & Carrie Daniels

Brianna & Caroline Bond

Rick Maples, Justin Hood & Karen Maples

Chongson Pyo

Mary Roberts

MAY 2 016 â&#x20AC;˘ 35

TR AVEL

Oak Grove, Kentucky Little Town, Big Fun

By L I E S E L S C h M I dt

P h o t o gR A P h y Co U R t E S y o F oA K gR o V E t o U R I S M & Co n V E n t I o n Co M M I S S I o n

ak Grove, Kentucky, might be a town small in size, but it’s hardly one that’s small on things to do, especially in spring and early summer. In fact, with the number of festivals and events that this community boasts, there are more than enough reasons to make going to Oak Grove a part of your family traditions — you’ll enjoy all the sights and sounds and tastes that this Land Between the Lakes has to offer and see just why the people who live here love it so much and take such pride in the place they call home. Now in it’s 9th year, Oak Grove’s annual Spring Into Summer Festival Salutes Fort Campbell has won both regional and international awards for the fun it offers, giving event goers the chance to enjoy carnival rides, pony rides, and even rides on the festival train — all for free. Stage shows including a rocking concert on Saturday evening, trampoline bungee jumping, vendors, and tons of eats to enjoy all make this festival a can’t miss — and things get even more patriotic when the festival’s Memorial Day weekend festivities kick into high gear as the FasTrax Veteran Parachute Jumpers glide down over the festival to display a huge American flag, fittingly accompanied by the triumphant tune of the National Anthem. And don’t forget the fireworks! Love butterflies? Oak Grove will make your heart flutter with happiness when it comes time for their award-winning annual Butterfly Festival, a free event full of educational fun for people of all ages and stages of life — from the littlest larvae lovers to the most mature Monarch mavens. The event is a full-on celebration of the Monarch butterfly’s seasonal migration to Mexico as well as a great time to learn all about the impact that 36

insects — butterflies in particular—have on the ecosystem. Stage shows keep the fun alive; educational booths including “Insect Road Show” and “Master Gardeners” teach interesting facts about different types of insects; and a walk through the butterfly house and the excitement of a live butterfly release all provide interactive ways to get more acquainted with these winged wonders that help make our world such a colorful place. For more information on festival activities, dates, and times, call the Oak Grove Tourism & Convention Commission at (270) 439-5675 or visit their website at www.visitoakgroveky.com. C

Spring Into Summer Festival

Oak Grove’s 9th Annual Spring Into Summer Festival Salutes Fort Campbell will be held Saturday, May 28th through Sunday, May 29th, 2016. The free event will begin May 28 at 12:00 P.M. Oak Grove War Memorial Park 101 Walter Garrett Lane, Oak Grove, KY 42262 but terfly Festival

The 8th Annual Butterfly Festival will be held September 24, 2016. The free festival will be from 11:00 A.M.- 4:00 P.M. Oak Grove War Memorial Park 101 Walter Garrett Lane, Oak Grove, KY 42262

MAY 2 016 • 37

MAY 2 016 • 39

CLARKSVILLE VIPs at James E. Bruce Convention Center

Scholarship Banquet S t o R y & P h o t o gR A P h y By JAS o n F R A n K L I n

H Mollie Gillespie & Kristie Gillespie

Lorraine Ridgley & Lisa Phillips

Nyria Rogers & Patience Rogers

Sherry, Shelby, & Matt Clark

Patty Shelton & John Peck

Allen McCampbell & John Peck

eritage Bank honored its 2016 scholarship recipients at the 13th Annual Heritage Bank Scholarship Fund banquet held at James E. Bruce Convention Center in Hopkinsville Kentucky. The convention center was filled with bright students, proud parents, school administrators and outstanding members of the community. Students from Clarksville receiving scholarship awards included: Jayson Halliday, Alexis Matthews, Jennifer Shearon, and Ryan Streeter of Clarksville High School; Tierra Chappel, Shania Green, and Aimee Turner of Kenwood High School; Cord Beck, Leslie Bradley, and Sierra Guzman of Montgomery Central High School; Payton Hall, Alecia Miller, and Allyson Robertson of Northeast High School; Abigail Mansfield of Clarksville Academy; Rebecca McFadden, Terica Porter, and Dillon Zites of Northwest High School; Sarah Grace Brown, Jesse Greer, Amber Miller, and Eugene Allen Sueiro III of Rossview High School; Haley Palmeri of Middle College at APSU; Brandy McCone, Joshua Neely, and Nyria Rogers of West Creek High School; and Caitlin Hertzendorf and Irish Manalang of Fort Campbell High School. John Peck, CEO of Heritage Bank, was the keynote speaker at the event. Peck awarded the graduating students with plaques and posed for pictures. He expressed his excitement for the students, and discussed how he looks forward to seeing them return to the community as educated professionals. “Our Heritage Bank Scholarship Fund is one of the largest investments we make to enhance the educational endeavors of students in western Kentucky and middle Tennessee,” said Peck. “Over the past 12 years, we have awarded more than $281,000 to 562 students. This year we awarded an additional 62 scholarships, bringing our total to 624 scholarships awarded.” Heritage Bank also awarded its annual Alumni Scholarships and Honorees. The Alumni Scholarships went to Miriam Eator (Murray State University) and Shaye Moore (Western Kentucky University). The Honorees included Dr. James D. Davis, Dan Cook, Charles Turner, Sally Ward, Allen McCampbell, Patty Shelton (in honor of Jim Shelton), Bryan Blount, Shannon Burcham and Elinor McCutchen Andrews. For more information about Heritage Bank and HopFed Bancorp, Inc., visit their website at www.bankwithheritage.com. C

Robin, Sara, & Willis Maxwell

Shaye Moore & John Peck

Shannon Burcham & John Peck

LeCharles Thomas, Adrienne Thomas, & Brandy McCone

Dr. James D. Davis & John Peck

Miriam Eator & John Peck

Paula Kibette, Kinsley Kibette, & Kylah Kibette

Charles Turner & John Peck

Elinor McCutchen Andrews & John Peck

Bryan Blount & John Peck

Sally Ward & John Peck

MAY 2 016 â&#x20AC;˘ 41

Give | Care | Share

More Than Playtime by liesel sc h mi dt & S tacy L eiser

ive theater productions have been a great way to appreciate the arts for centuries upon centuries, but because it can be prohibitively expensive to both put on a production and attend an event, it’s not something that all communities can fully explore to its greatest potential. Fortunately for the people of Clarksville and the surrounding areas, making the arts more accessible has become a community priority; and the Roxy Regional Theatre has been furthering that goal since 1983, when the theater took over an abandoned movie house to give art its very own place to thrive. Under the guiding hand of Executive Director Tom Thayer and Artistic Director John McDonald, the Roxy was established as a non-profit organization focused on promoting the arts and offering education in those arts, providing students in the area the chance to participate in programs designed to let them live and learn the craft from beginning to end, both backstage and in the spotlight. When it comes to giving culture a place to shine, the Roxy has the house lights turned way up. What is the Roxy’s greatest mission? Tom Thayer: The mission of the Roxy Regional Theatre is to produce professional live theatre and promote the arts, with an emphasis on education. Our vision is to create an opportunity for all of our citizens to explore and participate in every facet of the arts. What makes the Roxy unique? Tom: Apart from the fact that the Roxy Regional Theatre is Clarksville’s oldest and only professional live theatre, one other thing that really 42

makes us stand out is that we offer pay-what-you-can-previews, which give everyone in the community the opportunity to explore the live arts, regardless of whatever their financial limitations might be. That has greatly enabled us to reach a broad spectrum of this community, and that really ties into our mission. What impact has the Roxy made in the community? Tom: For over three decades, the Roxy Regional Theatre has provided educational, cultural and economic opportunities for the citizens of Clarksville, throughout Montgomery County, and beyond. In 1995, the Roxy established the Roxy Regional School of the Arts, which gives our young people the opportunity to present a production on the main stage each year and provides them with a great deal of education in the live arts. The workshops, classes, and performance productions have become a great source of enrichment for their young minds, and it’s truly an invaluable tool in giving them an outlet for their creativity. It’s amazing to see the way that that can empower a young life. We’ve also formed a partnership with the Clarksville Parks and Recreation Department to offer a Summer Theatre program, which is housed in the Roxy Regional Theatre for six weeks each summer. Would you say that the Roxy has made a difference in the city’s commerce? Tom: Most definitely. Because it’s become a cultural mecca, the Roxy has played host to thousands of tourists who have begun to consider the Roxy Regional Theatre and Clarksville as a destination, not a place to

simply stop by or pass through. That’s had the effect of giving the city an economic boost, as well, because those out-of-town guests will visit our shops and dine in our restaurants and stray in our hotels. Even though we’re a non-profit, we make a huge contribution to the profits of area businesses, simply by giving those people a reason to come here and support our local businesses. Has the Roxy gained any kind of national recognition? Tom: We’ve employed hundreds of actors from around the country, and they’ve really made Clarksville their second home — amazingly, that ready welcome we offer has gained Clarksville a national reputation for its support of the arts. In addition, the Roxy Regional Theatre has been recognized by the National Endowment for the Arts with grant awards for our productions of All Quiet on the Western Front; Bea(u)tiful in the Extreme; and The Red Badge of Courage, placing the Roxy and Clarksville in the national spotlight. C

Every year, the theatre programs available to Clarksville’s youth are changing their lives and shaping their futures. They’re given the chance to explore their creativity and find confidence in themselves that they will carry with them the rest of their lives… and that’s an impact that deserves a standing ovation. “This is really the one place that you’re relevant, and you’re important,” says Sidney McCarty, an 18 year-old student who was one of only six chosen to enter the theater program at the University of Evansville this fall. “Even when I don’t think that there’s anybody else that’s for me, the theater is for me. The Roxy is for me.” “There are so many ideas and types of people you can learn from,” adds fellow student actor Truman Jepson, who plans to study musical theater at the University of Memphis. “Working at the Roxy gives you the chance to see how a real theater operates and understand everything that takes to be a part of it.” There’s a confidence instilled that is crucial to life, in 16 year-old Marlon Cuevas’s estimation, a work ethic that is gained through the responsibilities that these students are given. For 15 year-old Lauren Mund, that work ethic would never have been learned at such an early age, were it not for the time she’s spent at the Roxy. 16 year-old Georgia Smith has found such a strong connection to theater that she decided to study abroad, applying to study theater at St. Stephens School in Rome. “This whole experience has made me think differently about my adult life and what my options are.” For more information on the Roxy’s Summer Theatre program and opportunities to participate in the Roxy Regional School of the Arts, call (931) 645-7699 or visit their website, www.roxyregionaltheatre.org

MAY 2 016 • 43

CLARKSVILLE VIPs at Downtown Clarksville

S t o r y by Jas o n F ra n kli n

P h o t o grap h y by Jas o n F ra n kli n & J er o me W h ale y

owntown Clarksville was booming for the 14th annual Rivers and Spires festival. Vendors lined the streets while crowds played games, shopped, and listened to live bands. Bouncy houses, face painting, and many other children’s activities make Rivers and Spires a super friendly family event. The roads downtown were transformed into five live music venues, where over 100 performers including Kristin Merlin from The Voice and Christian music artist Plumb provided the event with remarkable talent. Country music superstar and reality TV personality, Kellie Pickler, performed on the Public Square stage as the event’s headliner act. It takes around 600 volunteers and over 35 committees to bring this springtime festival to life each year. No wonder this event has received so many prestigious awards such as the State of Tennessee’s Tourism Spotlight Award and the Gold Grand Pinnacle Award from the International Festivals and Events Association. The festival received its name from the Clarksville skyline and the winding flow of the Cumberland River. In 1999 a F4 tornado hit the downtown area of Clarksville, leaving the area in devastation. The event was born in order to support the recovery efforts of the storm and provide historic downtown with the attention it deserves. This festival is more than just fun and games; it is also the celebration of the survival of Downtown Clarksville after the terrible storm. C

Kierstan Roop, Jenna Pry, Cameron Hosea, Mitchell Hosea & Lauren Boone

Rachel Henson, Jim & Sallie Eley

Brandi Phillips

Lyra, Rachel, Nikita, Kiril, & Ivo Robbrecht

Lauren Lambert & Christina Mann

Ben & Rhonda Corn

Susann Davis, Alicia & Doug Barber

Francis Orelup & Abby Jones

MAY 2 016 • 45

Rivers & Spires Festival

Joy Daniels & Kim Reynolds

Kelsey Hendrickson & Hannah Howard

Ola Bashoran

Kathy & Victor Gray

Nitzia Day & Myriam Rhor

Rhena McWhorter & Deborah S. Evans

Brian & Regina Lafleur

Jane Olsen & Will Renkl

Melina Ludwig & Brittany Morgan

Season & Blake Curry

Kristen Merlin

Alexis & Josh Gentry

MAY 2 016 • 47

Clarksville VIPs at Downtown Clarksville

S t o r y by S tacy L eiser

P h o t o grap h y by S tacy L eiser , K are n Parr - M o o dy & J er o me W h ale y

f you’ve never been to First Thursday Art Walk, you’re missing out on some of Clarksville’s essential nature. Unlike big-city art museums or even small-town crafts fairs, First Thursday Art Walk gives a taste of decidedly local flavor. Showcased in shops, restaurants and small galleries unique to downtown Clarksville, the art on display buzzes with the creativity of the Clarksvillian who made it. Held 5-8 p.m. the first Thursday of every month, First Thursday Art Walk usually includes 5 or more art shows, many with receptions attended by the featured artist. It’s a self-guided tour of venues on Public Square, Franklin Street and Strawberry Alley, plus The Framemaker, a 2-minute drive away on North Second Street. The Roxy Regional Theatre’s Peg Harvill Gallery, 100 Franklin St., showcased artist Peggy Bonnington’s “unfettered creativity.” Customs House Museum, 200 S. 2nd St., features fine art, history, and children’s exhibits, with free admission during First Thursday Art Walk. Couture Crush, 101 Franklin St., hosted local artist Jane Olson, who brings a fresh approach to watercolor painting with impressionistic and abstract styles. The Framemaker, 705 North Second St., hosted an opening reception for The Illuminating Past, New Work by Amy Dean. Dean, an Austin Peay State University student, said her photographs are inspired by and in conversation with earlier, historically significant artworks. “I am exposing, them turning them inside out and allowing their story to mingle with mine,” Dean said. Hops Road, 101 Strawberry Alley, and Hops Java & Juice, 100 Strawberry Alley, both featured artwork by a variety of locals. Downtown Artists Co-op, 96 Franklin St., presented the opening reception for “Sestina,” a collection of new art by Billy Renkl, who is renowned for his intricate paper collages. Of all the venues, the Downtown Artists Co-op (DAC) was the busiest during the First Thursday Art Walk. At least 100 patrons streamed in to see Billy Renkl’s work, which often features fragments of old texts and diagrams, with an emphasis on the botanical. “The simple fact of the matter is that I love paper, especially paper that has been around the block,” Billy Renkl said. “There is no substitute for endurance.” Artist Leo Adames said his favorite piece in “Sestina” is “That Blue Mountain on the Horizon. From a distance, it looks like an abstract. Up close, you get a sense of repetition, from hills to valleys, hills to valleys. You have the lower earth with the greens of the valleys, the middle earth of hills and mountains, and the upper earth — the horizon and the sky. It brings together an appreciation of creation: This is an awesome earth!” The artist teaches drawing and illustration at Austin Peay State University. The reception for his show was sponsored by Mitchell and Shelia Ross, Mark and Jane Olson, The Framemaker and Sango Fine Wines & Spirits. First Thursday Art Walk for May will be 5-8 p.m. Thursday May 5. For a view of what it has in store, visit www.artwalkclarksville.com. C

Ted Jones & David Jones

Daniela Thomas

David Majors

Beverly Parker

Richard Gildrie

Susannah Rourk

MAY 2 016 • 49

First Thursday Art Walk

Susan Bryant

Ken Killebrew & Dixie Dennis

David Smith

Hellen Kindell & Rollow Welch

Billy Renkl

Alison Hamilton

Zack Hovatter

HN James & Nicholas Coleman

Olasubomi Bashorun

Bob Ross

Ivan Colon & Margaret Adames

Leo Adames

Diandre Mosley

Karen Christy

Ryan Bowie

Cliff Whittaker

Mark Griggs

Glenn Edgin

MAY 2 016 â&#x20AC;˘ 51

son, who co-owns it with her husband, Jeff, because many downtown restaurants have come and gone. She says their philosophy has long been, “To provide the best quality food that we can afford to offer and still keep our price points reasonable.”

Edward’s Steakhouse

107 Franklin Street (931)906-8877 www.edwardssteakhouse.net This elegant restaurant boasts a classic menu that includes prime cuts of steaks, including filet mignon, bone-in rib eye and New York strip, as well as lamb chops, Ahi tuna and pork chops. Thursday nights draw in bargain seekers with a half-price appetizer special and there is live piano music on Friday and Saturday nights.

S t o R y & P h o t o gR A P h y By K A R E n PA R R - M o o dy

ith pedestrian-friendly streets and an eclectic mix of stores, Historic Downtown Clarksville is hospitable to those who want to spend a day shopping, dining and finding entertainment in a quaint setting. It’s also an area energized by the students and instructors of nearby Austin Peay State University. And with the historic buildings and Tennessee charm, it offers a uniquely Southern experience.

Dining Blackhorse Pub & Brewery

132 Franklin Street (931)552-3726 www.theblackhorsepub.net The lunch crowd here bustles with the downtown business crowd and other fans of the artisan pizza, fried green tomatoes and fresh craft beers from the on-premises brewery. The weekend brings classic brunch cocktails, biscuits and gravy, Nutella-filled French toast and shrimp and grits. Opened in 1992, this hotspot’s longevity surprises Sherri Robin-

College Coﬀee Company (C3)

113 Strawberry Alley 931-257-3733 Behind the Children’s Fountain on Strawberry Alley sits the café formerly known as Kooka’s Nest. Now twice its original size – and renamed College Coffee Company (C3) – this is a cozy nook for sipping smoothies, cappuccinos and more, paired with sandwiches filled with pimento cheese, barbeque or chicken salad. Krista “Kooka” Winstead, owns the café with husband Mike, and is a restaurant veteran who swore she’d quit the biz for good, explaining, “I confess: I wanted to go home and be a housewife.” Lucky for Clarksville, she’s still cooking.

Hops Road

101 Strawberry Alley (931)896-2972 www.facebook.com/hopsroad This casual dining spot offers a wide selection of craft beer, along with fried pickles, house-made kettle chips, sweet potato maple bacon fries and a variety of burgers made with certified Hereford beef (as well as veggie burgers). Specialties include the Hopyard Burger with a wild boar and beef patty and the Hop Devil, which the menu bills as the “best sriracha burger ever.”

Hops Road Java & Juice

100 Strawberry Alley (931)919-2599 www.hopsjavajuice.com What’s your favorite coffee? You’ll find that and more at Hops Road Java & Juice, where there is a long list of specialty drinks. The café offers espresso, caramel macchiato, latte, cappuccino, iced tea, chai, smoothies and more, as well 52

as homemade pastries and baked goods.

Johnny’s Big Burgers

428 College Street (931)647-4545 Founded in 1965, “old school” sums up this red-brick joint located across the street from Austin Peay State University. A standby for the college crowd, this is where to find the legendary “Bun and Cream,” a grilled honeybun with ice cream, along with burgers and fried chicken sandwiches grilled at an old-fashioned lunch counter. (Cash only.)

Thai Express Café

106 N. Second Street (931)338-1777 www.facebook.com/thaiexpresscafe Clarksville is not exactly known for its pad Thai. While the Eastern cuisines of Japan, China and Korea are found in restaurants across the city, Thailand’s is not. Thai Express Café fills that gap, serving pad Thai, drunken noodle and various curry dishes.

Tarboosh

117 Franklin Street (931)896-2112 www.tarbooshclarksville.com Pizza and Mediterranean food are featured here, as well as a broad selection of hookah tobacco that can be enjoyed through vaporizing it in elaborate hookah pipes. Tarboosh began as a lunch spot, but has turned into more of a dinner and late-night destination for those who enjoy deejay music and hookah tobacco.

Shopping Couture Crush

101 Franklin Street (931)802-8945 www.thecouturecrush.com This gem of a women’s boutique is owned and operated by Kaley Drew, a Clarksville native with exquisite taste. It brings big-city fashion brands downtown, including 7 For All Mankind jeans and the Tocca perfume line, and features sophisticated clothing, as well as a variety of gifts and paper goods.

Mildred & Mable’s

109 Franklin Street (931)802-6776 www.facebook.com/pages/Mildred-Mables/227548970593305 www.thebusybeeboutique.com Bridgewater Candles, Toyko Milk perfume and Alex and Ani jewelry are just some of the brands among the many specialty items in this thriving boutique. It also includes a hair salon, Isabella Sophia, as well as a children’s boutique, Busy Bee Boutique, where an array of Mud Pie items are sold.

Downtown Artists Co-op

96 Franklin Street (931)552-4747 www.downtownartistsco-op.com The Downtown Artists Co-op, known around town simply as “DAC,” is a collective of local artists dedicated to supporting the visual arts by selling art and artisan works in the gallery, as well as hosting art exhibits each month. It is the place to mingle with a bevy of artists during First Thursday Art Walk. MAY 2 016 • 53

Rogate’s Boutique

115 Franklin Street (931)645-3526 www.rogatesboutique.blogspot.com/ Brands such as Nic + Zoe and Not Your Daughter’s Jeans are carried in this store that caters to women who want to wear elegant and tasteful clothing. It also provides the convenience of shopping in a small boutique with great customer support.

Journey’s Eye Studio

131 Franklin Street (617)901-3374 This boutique features an array of interesting home goods, many of them vintage. It is a blend of Mid-Century Modern furniture with unique tabletop items and one-of-a-kind light fixtures created from vintage pieces. It is owned and operated by newcomer Jody Isaacs, who moved here from the Boston area, where she operated similar stores.

Bink’s Outﬁtters

111 Franklin Street (931)896-2114 www.binksoutﬁtters.com With its proximity to the fit gentlemen of Fort Campbell, it should come as no surprise that Clarksville is a city that teems with outdoor activities and general wellness (ultramarathon, anyone?). When Bink’s Outfitters, a high-end outdoors store, opened here, it brought the area’s active clientele the best in sports clothing. (There are also locations in Nashville, Franklin and Murfreesboro.)

The Framemaker

705 N. 2nd Street, Suite B (931)647-8290 www.theframemakerclarksville.com It’s a bit of a trek from the downtown nucleus, but artists and art collectors make the sojourn to The Framemaker for its broad frame selection and top-notch quality. Owner Glenn Edgin is a stalwart supporter of artists, as well, hosting one each month during First Thursday Art Walk and selling works of art by locals.

Entertainment The Roxy Regional Theatre

100 Franklin Street (931)645-7699 www.roxyregionaltheatre.org Locals simply call it “The Roxy,” and for 33 years it has been the heart and soul of Franklin Street. While it is a small theater in terms of space, it brings big talent to town from its roster of professional actors. Since it opened in 1983, more than 500 productions have enlivened the Roxy’s main stage. There is also a 50-seat black-box theatre located in the building’s balcony; this is where alternative productions take place.

The Gilroy Pub

140 University Avenue www.thegilroypubs.com Live music is the ticket at this neighborhood pub that features the largest stage downtown and a great lineup of performers. The menu includes wings, burgers, sliders and an assortment of potato wedges.

The Customs House Museum & Cultural Center

200 South Second Street (931)648-5780 www.customshousemuseum.org Part of this museum is located in an 1898-vintage Federal Post Office and Custom House, but it has gained more space through modern 54

additions. This museum is a true must-see for the young and old. It features multiple galleries through which history and fine arts can be observed, as well as an interactive children’s museum where youngsters can entertain themselves for hours.

Horsefeathers

94 Franklin Street (931)802-8282 www.myhorsefeathers.com Horsefeathers invites customers to paint pottery and canvases in its whimsically decorated space. While it is big enough for hosting children’s parties, mom’s nights out and more, lone artists can drop in to paint a piece of pottery during regular hours and return one week later to pick up the finished item.

Section 125 Sports + Spirits

125 Franklin Street (931)896-2710 This sports bar keeps its TVs full of action and its menu filled with some over-the-top nibbles, including a Krispy Kreme burger. Wings, potato skins and fried pickles are also in the assortment.

The Pea Patch

535 Franklin Street (931)919-3433 www.thepeapatchclarksville.com The calling card for this bar is the large outdoor patio, where patrons can sip inexpensive beer and nosh on hot wings. The wings go beyond mild, medium and hot; flavors include Caribbean jerk, Italian style and New Orleans style. C

MAY 2 016 • 55

CLARKSVILLE VIPs at APSU Fortera Stadium

FO R T E R A S TA D I U M

R e n ami n g C erem o n y S t o r y & P h o t o grap h y by Jas o n F ra n kli n

A Lauren, Emily & John Healy

Barry Klinikowski, Vanessa Hollis & Hadley Wood

Jamora Bond, Delora Bond & Demaveris Williams

Rob Healy & Tom Denny

Derrick Royer, Matt Nolan, Truman Morrison, Willie Morrison & Kevin Nolan

ustin Peay State University’s historic Governors Stadium has a brand new name — Fortera Stadium. The partnership with Fortera Credit Union includes a 25- year, 2.5 million dollar agreement. The stadium was built by the city of Clarksville in 1946 and was originally named Municipal Stadium. In 1993, APSU purchased the stadium and renamed it Governor’s Stadium. The day consisted of a noon baseball game, a tailgate party, football game, renaming ceremony and a free concert. The renaming ceremony took place following the red vs. white spring football game. The parking lot of the newly named stadium was filled with APSU student, teachers, alumni, coaches, and fans. Following the football game, APSU cheerleaders lined the front of the stage as Tom Kane, President and CEO of Fortera Credit Union, and APSU President Alisa White addressed the audience about the excitement of growth and change that this would bring. “First and foremost, thank you to Fortera Credit Union for entering into this new and exciting partnership with Austin Peay State University,” APSU President Alisa White said. “Fortera has been a part of this community for more than 60 years, and many of its leaders and employees have earned their degrees from the University. We are proud of their accomplishments and are celebrating our partnership and our shared values and goals. We are honored that Fortera Credit Union wants to be part of Austin Peay’s future.” After the renaming ceremony, Nashville recording artist Maggie Rose played a free concert. Men, women and children gathered around the stage to listen to Maggie Rose rock the stage. Following the concert was a grand fireworks display to celebrate the new partnership. C

Shelby Thrasher, Taylor Vanders, Taylor Brentari & Caroline Burchett

Susan Elrod & Donna Broyles

Suzy Griffen

Katie Klinghard & Kelly Ivey

Jonathan & Alexis Rodriguez

Donica, Charles & Reynolds Booth

Debi, Jade, Sara & Eden Wells

Dr. Sherry Hoppe & Mitch Robinson

Arenthia Davis & Tamiyah Baker

Wendell & Megan Hemmingson

Dean Elrod

Brenda Corlew & Charles Hall

MAY 2 016 â&#x20AC;˘ 57

LOCALE BENEFIT FOR ST. jules clinic Billy & Will Renkl Host Flash Art Sale to Raise Funds for St. Jules Clinic in Hati

Susan Bryant, Billy Renkl & Will Renkl

Billy Renkl’s new art show, “Sestina,” became the backdrop for a phenomenally popular fundraiser event put on by his son, Will Renkl. The March 19 flash art sale raised money for St. Jules Clinic, which offers life-saving medical care to a community of 65,000 people living in Petit Bourg du Borgne, a remote village in Haiti’s mountainous northern region. When a Clarksville Academy club required some volunteer hours of the high school student, Will Renkl decided to plan a benefit for St. Jules Clinic. He learned about the need from Dr. Tom and Kit Grabenstein, who have been organizing support for the clinic for 22 years. “The community there is really poor,” Will explains. “I learned that some of the people there earn only $85 per year. Not a lot of people there can afford health care, and people need medical assistance. Everybody deserves to live a healthy life.” Within minutes of opening Downtown Artist Co-op’s doors, dozens of donated artworks were sold to excited attendees, who took whatever caught their fancy off the walls and paid for it. The Renkls surpassed their goal of making $1,000 at the fundraiser: enough to pay the clinic’s staff and buy all of its medicine and supplies for two weeks. To learn more about the St. Jules Clinic visit www.stjuleshaiti.com. By Stacey Leiser

one en-route that looks like something you might see navigating the streets of Europe, rather than tooling downtown through Tennessee. Partnering with the team at Fast Signs of Clarksville, realtors Jim and C. Todd Little drew inspiration from designs common to London and Denmark to achieve a bus well worth running to catch, using the motorized mammoth as a great way to market both Fast Signs as well as their business at Clarksville Property Management. “We wanted to do something different that would make people smile and also effectively promote our brands out into the community,” Todd explains. “What better way to do that than the image of a gorilla tearing the bus in half? Kids love it, and it makes for great conversations about our marketing abilities…You might call this an experiment in gorilla marketing, or you could say that when it comes to real estate, we really go ape!” Todd says with a laugh. The new Clarksville Transit System bus, which was officially unveiled on April 13, will run on all of the current routes in a daily rotation. Joining in the celebration to recognize the many hard-working Transit System employees and the staff at Fast Signs of Clarksville, Mayor Kim McMillan made an appearance at the unveiling; and locals were given a chance to see the bus in action as it took a quick inaugural trip down Wilma Rudolph. “We wanted to see everyone’s reactions,” Tom says. Naturally enough, it can be said that everyone went just a little bit ape. By Liesel Schmidt

City buses may seem a dime a dozen, but when the city of Clarksville decided to add one more to the transit system’s line-up, they thought it might be fun to change things up a bit, putting 58

Premier medical Group Premier Medical Group Hold Ribbon Cutting for Newest Location

McKenzie & Smiley Jewelers McKenzie & Smiley Jewelers Add Aspiri Diamonds to Product Line

clarksville transit system Unique New City Bus Added to Transit Clarksville System

overall uniqueness and brilliance of their gorgeous center stone diamonds,” explains Vice President of Marketing Pamela Smiley. “Aspiri delivers a complete line of unique cushion cut diamonds that are set in fine quality halo mountings; and we believe that our customers will truly appreciate these pieces for their overall classic style and love being able to wear such an extraordinary-looking ring for an affordable cost.” Inherent to their desire to offer products with absolutely flawless quality, McKenzie takes particular pride in offering the entire Aspiri bridal line, providing their clients with beautiful, heirloom quality jewelry that they will treasure forever. Visit both Clarksville locations of McKenzie and Smiley Jewelry for the latest Aspiri designs. Open Monday- Saturday, 10:00 a.m.- 6;00 p.m. For more information, visit www.mckenziesmiley.com or call (931) 553-0555 for their location at 2794 Wilma Rudolph or (931) 553-8790 for their location at 2321 Madison Street. By Liesel Schmidt

With the world class caliber of jewelry designers that McKenzie and Smiley Jewelers offers its clientele, it only stands to reason that they would hold any product line they carry to equally high standards; and by adding Aspiri diamonds to their extensive collection of fine jewelry pieces, McKenzie and Smiley has raised the bar even higher. With the cutting technique used for each Aspiri diamond, the stones are given the appearance of greater size, providing a visual optimization that makes each diamond look 25 to 50 percent larger than stones of an equal carat weight cut using alternative methods; and the brilliant faceting of the stones provide breathtaking brightness and sparkle. “We decided to carry the Aspiri line for the

After much anticipation and a great deal of planning, Premier Medical Group of Clarksville has finally been able to open the doors to their newest location. This first stage of their multiphase expansion will combine the services of two of Premier’s previous locations, streamlining patient care so that the new 54,000 square foot facility can accommodate more than 400 patients per day. With its state of the art technologies, the new location features a walk-in clinic; a full pediatric department; family medical care; general surgery; imaging and laboratory services; and specialized dermatology and internal medicine departments. Having already made a name for itself as a leader in the medical industry, Premier Medical Group feels that, under the partnered guidance and leadership of newly appointed Chief Administrator Lloyd Matson and co-Chief Administrator Dr. Mike Carrigan, the expansion will greatly enable them to further their goal of offering the people of Clarksville and the surrounding areas the highest level of care for every need they may have and ensure that their health is being given top priority above all else. To celebrate the opening of the new facility at 490 Dunlop Lane, Premier Medical held an official

LOCALE ribbon cutting on March 22, giving members of the Clarksville Chamber of Commerce the opportunity to meet some of the skilled physicians and staff members who will offer their expertise at the new location. Plans for Phase II will incorporate the services of Premier’s six other locations and are slated for completion in 2018. For more information on all locations of Premier Medical Group facilities, call (931) 245-7000 or visit www.PremierMed.com. By Liesel Schmidt

and training that really give us the ability to guide them along.” Offering a wide range of classes in all types of dance, Dance Force is a studio that has something to appeal to all ages and skill levels, so aspiring dancers in the Clarksville area have more than ample ways to test out their own moves and tap into their talent. Dance Force, LLC, is located at 1955 Madison Street Suite B, Clarksville, TN 37043. For more information on class times, rates, and availabilities, call (931) 552-2223 or visit their website, www.danceforceclarksville.com. By Liesel Schmidt

Dance Force, LLC Dance Force Wins Best Studio at Applause Talent Competition in Atlanta

APSU Governors Basketball Governor’s Men’s Basketball Team Celebrate SEC Championship Win

When Lauren Ankersoe and Mary Lu Browder teamed up to start an instructional dance studio in 2008, their biggest goal was to give the people of Clarksville a place to learn the art of dance. Nearly a decade later, they’ve earned their place at the top, taking awards not only locally, but also regionally, having recently gone on to the Applause Talent Competition in Atlanta to compete with other studios from the Southeast, capturing total scores in each routine that ultimately won Dance Force, LLC, an award as Top Studio. The competition, which took place April 15-17, 2016, pitted teams from all over the region in precisely-timed routines that had each studio’s best dancers putting their moves on the line, shaking and shimmying and getting their groove on to prove that the rhythm really does move them. With so much talent on display, the pressure is enough to thrown anyone off beat; but the dancers at Dance Force showed it all off, taking the win in every level, from the tiniest tumblers to the senior tour de force. And the excitement of it all has everyone at the studio busting a move. “We’re so honored and so proud to receive this award, and our dancers couldn’t have been more thrilled,” says Ankersoe, co-founder and co-owner of Dance Force. “One of the things that makes it such an amazing experience for us is that this is such a large competition, with so much talent from all over; and we’re being recognized as the best. Our biggest mottos at Dance Force are ‘Train Insane or Remain The Same,’ and ‘Together & Strong.’ We proved them both out there on the floor, as a team,” she continues. “This studio prides itself on the level of commitment that our dancers have to their craft and the dedication they show in learning their routines. They want to learn and grow, and we have a fantastic team of professional instructors with years of experience

The champions were in the house on Monday, April 4. Players and fans alike gathered at River Golf Club and Learning Center to celebrate the Austin Peay State University men’s basketball team’s Ohio Valley Conference championship. The “Championship Gathering and Ring Fundraiser” allowed fans to socialize with Head Coach Dave Loos and their favorite Governors basketball stars, while raising funds to help the players get commemorative rings to mark the team’s thrilling victory. The Govs won four straight games in four straight days to become the first No. 8 seed in history to win the title. It’s an accomplishment Clarksvillians will not soon forget. By Stacy Leiser

• Children’s Village featuring Amare Montessori — Children used recycled materials, created their own art in the Art Garden and planted vegetable seeds. • Re-purposed Village featuring Habitat for Humanity — Attendes brought clothing, batteries, books, household items, pharmaceuticals to “Rubbish Wranglers” onsite. • Outdoor Living Village featuring The Food Initiative and Garden of Hope — Rain barrels, composting advice from master gardeners and the art of beekeeping were spotlighted. • Adventure Village featuring Clarksville Parks & Recreation Department — People got a move on while learning about active fun with Clarksville Runner’s Club, Run-A-Muck Outfitters, respresentatives from the marina and the new bicycle share program. • Market Village featuring Clarksville Downtown Market — Healthy eating was the focus of live cooking demonstrations, along with locally sourced and organic food from Tree of Life and TN Grassfed Farms. • Community Village featuring UTK Agricultural Extension — People had the chance to look at and touch police, fire, EMS and public transit vehicles, including a helicopter • Green Certified Village featuring TN Environmental Council — Clarksville Green Certified businesses showed off their adherence to high standards as stewards of our earth. By Stacy Leiser

VIP Clarksville Magazine would love to share your news too!

Earth Day Clarksville 2nd Annual Earth Day Clarksville Provides a Healthy Celebration for All Ages

Email us at editorial@vipclarksville.com

The 2 Annual Earth Day Clarksville brought out hundreds of locals intent on learning ways to live healthier lives while treading lightly upon the earth. Held April 23 inside Austin Peay State University’s Foy Fitness Center, the daylong celebration featured villages with different focuses. nd

MAY 2 016 • 59

CLARKSVILLE VIPs at Wilma Rudolph Event Center

S t o r y by s tacy leiser

P h o t o grap h y by greg williams o n

“P

Corbin Drawdy & Denian Guzman

Marcell Shannon

Martha Harper

Brenya Crowell & Zacoria Vaughns

Maryann Alshrnnan

Charlie Frank

Sharon Turner & Kay Martin

lay is the work of children.” That was the motto of Day of Play, held for the second year April 10 at Wilma Rudolph Event Center. For as far as the eye could see, children sprawled in different incarnations of glee. Some built tanks, tents and skyscrapers out of cardboard, while others made musical instruments or hammered nails into logs, while decked in full safety gear. “Dedicate some time for play to showcase how much children can learn through play — physically, intellectually, language, emotionally and socially,” says the Day of Play Facebook page. “The point of Day of Play is to play for the sake of playing, to challenge each individual, and to share in the joy of discovery and interaction for all ages from infants to grandparents.” Day of Play was an idea cooked up by Ellen McCollum, who refers people to local childcare options through the Mid-Cumberland Child Care Resource and Referral. Many parents complained to her that their children spent too much time playing. But as they play, children learn new skills that apply to everything else they do. The idea took flight, and Austin Peay State University’s Tennessee Early Childhood Training Alliance, Early Childhood Network and Two Rivers Association for the Education of Young Children got on board. Also helping make the day a success were dozens of volunteers, and the parents and grandparents who devoted an afternoon to celebrating play with some very special children. C

Jaden Bell, Candace Buckner & Amirah Young

Henry Shannon Jr. & Henry Shannon Sr.

Star Wars characters

Ari Wilson

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TR AVEL

gaylord opryland resort nashville,

tennessee

Staying at the Top of the Charts By L I E S E L S C h M I dt

P h o t o gR A P h y Co U R t E S y o F g Ay Lo R d o P R y L A n d R E S o R t

ith its proximity to downtown Nashville, Gaylord Opryland Resort would naturally have to accommodate the mind-boggling number of people who flood the city every year. But rather than just offering them a place to lay their heads at night, Gaylord Opryland hits every note, offering no shortage of on-site amenities that will make you feel as though you’re a VIP from check-in to check-out. It’s amazing what you can find all in one location, and Gaylord Opryland makes it a priority to exceed the imagination. It’s a true experience that begins the minute you walk in the door, where the fully redesigned Cascades lobby offers lush entrée into the resort and 62

provides just a hint of what’s in store. Right in the center of it all is the Cascades atrium, with calming waterfalls and lush plant life that drink in the sunlight pouring in from the expansive glass ceiling that towers high above it all, giving off the illusion of limitlessness. Winding its way through the space, an indoor river flows on by, offering guests the unique experience of a ride on the resort’s Delta flatboat to take in the sights and sounds all around them, so many are they that they seem almost too numerous to count. Mere steps away on the grounds at the resort is the Gaylord Springs Golf Links, with 18 holes of fairway heaven designed by renowned course architect Larry Nelson. Even if you’ve never tried out your swing,

Gaylord Springs can guide your shot, offering lessons and equipment rentals to make your day out on the green a hole in one. Dining options abound, and the resort offers cuisine of all kinds, from classic American diner fare at the Cascades American Café to Irish pub favorites at Findley’s Irish Pub. From sun-up to sundown and every hour in between, you can satisfy your appetite and even try out a few foods you’ve never tasted, all without ever having to step foot outside of the resort. After a night out on the town in Nashville, you might want a little pampering to recharge for a new day of adventure ahead; and the Relache Spa’s 20,000 square feet of space provides for every need, offering massages, facials, body treatments, and almost any spa service imaginable to get you looking your best for your stay in Nashville. The spa’s fitness center provides guests with access to state-of-the-art cardio equipment and free weights, and both indoor and outdoor pools dive right in to the depths of luxury. Of course, no trip to Nashville would be complete without seeing a show at the Grand Ole Opry, and guests at Gaylord Opryland will find themselves right next door to the historic venue. Offering its packed schedule of events with famous headliners from all over the country, Grand Ole Opry is a great taste of just what makes this Music City, and Opryland Resort plays in perfect harmony with that one-of-a-kind experience. Nashville is a town built on big dreams, so it’s only fitting that a resort of this caliber would set up an act right here in the midst of those big dreams. So whether you’ve planned to make a trip to Nashville for

just a day or for a full week, a stay at Gaylord Opryland will help make the memory of that trip last for a lifetime, hitting every high note to beckon you back for encore after encore. Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center is located at 2800 Opryland Drive, Nashville, TN 32714. For more information on amenities, room rates and availability, and event booking, call (615) 889-1000 or visit www.GaylordOpryland.com. C

g ay l o r d o p ry l a n d r e s o r t

With nine acres of indoor gardens and more than enough space to host a variety of large-scale events, Gaylord Opryland is a sprawling destination in itself. Among their many amenities, the resort boasts... 2882 guest rooms 17 on-site restaurants Spa services and treatments at the Relache Spa & Salon Fitness center access Golfing at Gaylord Springs Golf Links Three swimming pools 757,478 square feet of total event and meeting space Just a short walk away from the resort, you’ll find yourself caught up in the glow of the lights and legendary grandeur of the Grand Ole Opry, where chart-topping music has been performed for decades. Make your trip to Nashville worth a repeat performance by booking a stay at Gaylord Opryland and taking in a show… You’ll feel like you’ve hit the big time! MAY 2 016 • 63

CLARKSVILLE VIPs at Fortera Credit Union

Business

AFTER HOURS S t o R y & P h o t o gR A P h y By S tACy L E I S E R

Kimberly Wright, Anna Olson, Melyssa Rodriguez & Mollie Walker

buzz of excitement flowed around the room as people laughed with friends and new acquaintances alike. There was plenty to celebrate, as Austin Peay State University had announced that Fortera Credit Union would take the prestigious place as naming sponsor of Governors Stadium. When Fortera Credit Union hosted Clarksville Area Chamber of Commerce’s Business After Hours on April 21, the official naming ceremony was just two days away. Attendees at the festive gathering were treated to live music, food and drink and a visit with The Gov himself — Austin Peay’s monocled mascot — who gave away t-shirts to commemorate the event. Formerly Fort Campbell Federal Credit Union, Fortera is making a big splash on the scene, aiming to get the word out that anyone who lives, works, worships, or attends school in Montgomery, Stewart, Christian, Trigg or Todd counties is eligible to be a member in the credit union. The 25-year, $2.5 million agreement with APSU ensures Fortera’s name will be boldly seen in the community, atop the newly renamed Fortera Stadium. Tom Kane, President and CEO of Fortera Credit Union, stressed that while the name is new, the organization has been a vibrant part of Clarksville for the past 60 years. “We’re a community credit union. We live here, we work here and we give here,” Kane said. “At Fortera Credit Union, we believe it’s our responsibility to educate our members in order to help them make smart financial decisions. We are equally committed to making a positive impact in the communities we serve by investing in partnerships with organizations committed to doing the same. As we evaluated partnership opportunities, we found Austin Peay to be aligned perfectly with our own core values.” Fortera Credit Union is a not-for-profit financial cooperative, owned and operated by members, established in 1954. The Credit Union offers its services to more than 50,000 members and their families with branches in Clarksville, Fort Campbell, Oak Grove and Hopkinsville. For more information, visit www.ForteraCU.com. The next Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours event is 5-7 p.m. May 19 at Altra Federal Credit Union, 1600 Madison Street. C

Mary Wood & Tom Kane

Darwin Eldridge, Calendra & David Blanks

Dr. Larry Harris & Dr. Carmen Reagan

Norman Quirion, Bernadette Prieto & Kevin Kennedy

Theresa Nicholas & Brooke Kelly

Melinda Shepard, Tom Denney & Susan Dickinson

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CLARKSVILLE VIPs at F&M Bank

T David Majors, Tom Carne, Jackie Lewis & Diane Carne

Nancy Sneed

Dee Boaz

S t o r y & P h o t o grap h y by S tacy L eiser

he crowd was as vibrant as the array of art up for bids at the 14th Annual Downtown Artists Co-op Art Auction & Fundraiser. Held April 2 in the elegant Franklin Room at F&M Bank on Public Square, the event attracted longtime supporters of the Downtown Artists Co-op (DAC) as well as first-time attendees. Fitting in the latter category was the evening’s youngest art aficionado, Alorah Ness, 6. She beamed over the beautiful Bob Privett painting she added to her collection that evening. And that was just one of the dozens of matches made between art and art enthusiasts during the evening. Solie Fott was enamored of Nada Fuqua’s “The Backyard Morning,” but ultimately walked away with her “Colorado Panorama,” while Dave Farris bought Janet Felts’ lush watercolor waterscape to give to his grandson in Florida. “He has a lake house that looks just like that,” Farris said. Tom Carne didn’t even have to place a bid to walk away with a oneof-a-kind work of art. He won a door prize, a beautifully detailed wooden breadbox handmade by John Foote, husband of longtime DAC leader Leah Foote. The event featured both a live auction of 10 large original artworks and an extended silent auction of smaller pieces, including paintings, 3-D and multi-media works, fabric arts, photography and more. The annual auction is DAC’s only fundraising event each year, and raises money to support the DAC mission of promoting the visual arts in Clarksville. “The Clarksville DAC Gallery would not exist without its loyal supporters,” said the DAC’s web site. “This is the best opportunity every year to support DAC and for our members to show their appreciation to our supporters.” Food was whipped up by Catering by Margie and Helen Allen’s apricot roses set the scene. Beautiful music by Red River Breeze (www.redriverbreeze.com) was the finishing touch on a very special evening. Glenda Rohner is the President of Downtown Artists Co-op, having recently taken over after two years of leadership by Bob Privett. Her “goal is to continue moving DAC forward as an innovator of the arts in our community,” Rohner said. “Together we can create an understanding of how art can effect change and illuminate a common goal: to appreciate and embrace difference.” Downtown Artists Co-op operates a gallery and art boutique at 96 Franklin Street. In addition to celebrating First Thursday Art Walk 5-8 p.m. on the first Thursday of each month, DAC Gallery is open noon-4 p.m. Wednesdays-Fridays and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays. C

Shane & Jaime Moore

Tilly & Don Shrader

John Scaife

Linda & Mac Edington

Janet Felts, Cliff Whittaker, Leah Foote & Beverly Parker

Jim & Jane Diehr

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CLARKSVILLE VIPs at Sango Event Center

Junior Auxiliary

CHEERS FOR

CHARITY! S t o R y & P h o t o gR A P h y By S tACy L E I S E R

Kayla Cole, Kayla Corey, April Seay & Sarah Fletcher

Dominic Napolitan & Lucy Gonyea

Stephanie Bierkamp & David Russell

Michelle Main & Monica Gonzalez

Nicole Welch & Jessica Wallace

Melissa Garcia & Sallie Eley

Dee Adams & Wanda Hampton

t was a contest, a wine tasting, a feast and a live music show all in one. The Junior Auxiliary of Clarksville’s Cheers for Charity event at Sango Event Center was a lighthearted gathering of well-dressed wine enthusiasts. Attendees came in teams of two, carrying three identical bottles of wine of their choosing. Two of the bottles were “bagged and tagged,” concealing their identities, while the third was put into a massive wine-cellar-in-the-making grand prize package. Teams then made the rounds, tasting and scoring each wine. At the end of the night team that brought the highest-scoring wine won the third bottle brought by all of the other teams. Cheers for Charity revelers enjoyed a never-to-be-repeated assortment of wines brought in by friends, acquaintances and strangers alike. A glamorous Melissa Garcia looked right at home amid all the evening’s decadence, but she said the biggest thrill was raising money for children’s charities, right here in Clarksville. Junior Auxiliary is an association of like-minded women who render charitable services to children of our community, including providing Christmas gifts for hundreds of children over the years. “I want to take some time out to thank some folks that most definitely made Cheers for Charity a success,” Melissa Garcia shared on Facebook: “Billy Wooten with Wooten Custom printing for our awesome announcements. Sango Event Center for always going above and beyond for us. Flowers By Tara for the center pieces. Margie, Nicholetta and Bill’s Package Store for the awesome food. And last but most definitely not least everyone who came out, thank you for making this event a success!” C

Brenda Tyree, Beth Nytko & Cindy Mahan

Jessica Vanzant, Mindy Rudolph, Jamie Ponder & Heather Golden

Sarah Crandall

Erin Duvall & Megan Yingling

Sallie Eley & Margaret Anne Sumner

Allen Moser & Sarah Fletcher

The Rooted Wings, Samantha & John Winters

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CLARKSVILLE VIPs at Belle Hollow

Oh Noir She Didn’t m ys t e ry d i nn e r t h e at e r

Ramona Hill, Jordie Callis, Christine Roark, Valerie Burge, Sandy Wickham, Dani Warren & Janette Lundy

S t o r y & P h o t o grap h y by K are n Parr - M o o dy

P Jon & Melissa Strobel

Abigail Miller & Bo Crockarell

Izzy Leslie & Amanda Migliaccio

Jessica Difatta & Stephanie Gabriel

ass the salt — and the clues! That’s what the guests did during the “Oh Noir She Didn’t” mystery dinner theater at Belle Hollow, the chic event space behind Miss Lucille’s Marketplace. The interactive entertainment was provided by Nashville’s Murder Mystery Company, whose troupe of professional actors recreated a murder scene for guests at the fictitious Terry Bull’s Restaurant. While set in the Roaring ‘20s, there was no Prohibition for the guests, who began sipping on wine or beer as soon as they arrived (wearing outfits straight out of “The Great Gatsby,” naturally). During this celebration of all things 1920s, women wore flapper-style dresses and hairstyles and they carried the little beaded handbags that were so popular during the era. The upscale buffet included garden salad, rosemary garlic chicken, vegetable lasagna, stirfried green beans, roasted red potatoes, yeast rolls and Key Lime pie. Belle Hollow owner Dana Knott wore a handmade vintage gown that she found at an estate sale. Made in Hong Kong, the dress was created from sky blue silk and was covered in hundreds of clear bugle beads. Knott said, “It weighs about eight pounds!” Originally, Knott said, she had hoped to host a murder mystery dinner theater that took place on the evening of the Titanic’s sinking on April 14, 1912. But Belle Hollow’s calendar showed that the event hall been booked a year in advance for a convention on that date. “So I thought, well, if we can’t do the Titanic, let’s do something from that time period,” Knott explained. “Let’s do something from the 1920s.” Knott says that her production team at Belle Hollow tries to bring some interactivity to their various events through games and prizes. In the past, events have been created around the themes of Downton Abbey, Valentine’s Day and a Spanish fiesta. “We really like people interacting,” Knott said. “I feel like when people come to events, they may be sitting at a table with people they don’t know. So we get people moving around and doing things. It’s camaraderie.” C

Keycee Smith, Mary Strife & Kelly Shay

Skylar Sprague

Becca Isherwood & Ashton St. Amant

Barbara & Larry Goolsby, Kim Balevre

Brianna Roth & Angela Weidner

Peggy Scarborough, Alicia Vaillencourt, Kim & Kevin Knapp

Jamie Kilroy & Allyssa Black

Dr. Burton & Candice Coleman

Summer & Tyler Holloway, Emily Sansonetti

Dana Knott

Teresa Howell & Claudia Buchanan

Danielle Brookshire & Kristen Dickinson

MAY 2 016 â&#x20AC;˘ 71

CLARKSVILLE VIPs at Austin Peay State University

S t o R y By S tACy L E I S E R

P h o t o gR A P h y By gR Eg W I L L I A M S o n

ateway Chamber Orchestra broke new ground with its season finale, “Our City: Clarksville,” presented by Hand Family Companies and Budweiser of Clarksville. The performance, held April 10 in Austin Peay State University’s George and Sharon Mabry Concert Hall, featured prestigious guest performances and included a revealing examination of Clarksville, Tennessee by Black + Jones, a duo made up of artists Kell Black and Barry Jones. The show opened with a conversation about “Mannahatta,” a meditation on New York by Judd Greenstein. Greenstein’s original score was set to the poetry of Walt Whitman, delivered with exhilarating vocals by DM Stith. The final performance was Beethoven’s mighty Symphony No. 3 in E-flat Major, Eroica, which captured “the spirit of the GCO ranging from intimate sensitivity to inspirational exuberance,” said the orchestra’s website, www.gatewaychamberorchestra.com. “Beethoven was the first rock star,” GCO Music Director and Conductor Gregory Wolynek said afterward. “He was the first musician to say, ‘I’m an artist, and my emotions matter.’” Following the concert was a reception for Gateway Chamber Orchestra season ticket holders. Sponsored by Hand Family Companies, the lavish reception was held on the Club Level of Governors Stadium. Representing Hand Family Companies at the party were Charles and Faye Hand, Charlise Hand and Aim-ee Jo Hand. Austin Peay President Alisa White spoke to the assembled crowd. “This is such an amazing day. I’m very grateful to Clarksville for embracing what is the Gateway Chamber Orchestra,” she said, then added a squeal of praise for the day’s sponsors: “If your name is Hand, I love you!” Alisa White said the “brilliant” piece by Black + Jones reminded her of her arrival two years ago, when, feeling out her new home, she asked people, “What do you think of Clarksville?” She was disheartened to hear some say, “There’s nothing to do here.” But it didn’t take two weeks for her to realize how wrong they were. “Those folks are crazy!” Alisa White said. “If you’re bored here, you’re not looking.” At evening’s end, Charles Hand said Hand Family Companies is committed to the orchestra’s continued growth and success, and particularly to getting younger people, under age 50, interested in all that Gateway Chamber Orchestra has to offer. “We’re going to do it again next year!” Charles Hand said. C

Linda Crow, Connie & Bill Booth

Ellen Kanervo & Daniel Christian

APSU President Alisa White & Dee Boaz

Becky Moore, Charlsie Hand & Aim-ee Jo Hand

Carol Daniels & Derek Van der Merwe

Dick Shipley & Robbie Harris

MAY 2 016 • 73

gateway Chamber orchestra “our City: Clarksville”

Amy Helman, Carl Larson & Jessica Blackwell

Anne Black, Jacqueline Crouch & Shirley Hood

Grace & Daniel Park, Marlon Crow

Sherry & Evans Harvill

Robbie Harris & Pam Holz

David Winters, Denise Fuller & Faye Hand

Doug & JoAnn McIntosh, Kathy Bearden

Barbara & Guy Beeman

Dee Boaz, Karen Parr-Moody & Stacy Leiser

Rob & Kristina Waugh, Lisa Wolynek

Judd Greenstein & David Farris

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MAY 2 016 • 75