Tips for Getting Your Event or Story in Clarksville Living Magazine
Being in our magazine (CLM) can be a great way to boost event attendance, spread the word about your business or organization, and connect with your community. To share your story, or have your event covered or promoted, keep these tips in mind. Just know that some months we’re desperately searching for things to cover, other months (May, September) we can’t begin to cover it all:
Start early - CLM works with longer lead times than newspapers or online outlets. We plan content one to three months in advance, so be sure to pitch your event well ahead of schedule. For larger seasonal events, even earlier is better. Example - all the event content for our November issue was procured by September 20’ish.
Know your audience – Check out our past issues to understand what types of events we feature. We love events that focus on family/community activities, food, art, music, culture, or business networking? Tailoring your pitch to our audience makes your story more compelling. We strive to be diverse in our coverage, but timing/not being made aware of events hampers our efforts.
Craft a strong pitch - Your press release or email should answer the “who, what, when, where, and why” clearly and concisely. Highlight what makes your event unique—whether it’s a special guest, community impact, or creative theme. Include high-quality images. It’s great to have strong visuals to accompany a story.
Get to know Us - Don’t wait until you need coverage to introduce yourself. Follow our editors and writers on social media, say hello at community gatherings, or message us. A personal connection can make your pitch stand out. Most of our content comes from our connections in the community.
Offer exclusivity or access - If appropriate, invite one of our team members for a behind-the-scenes preview, an interview with a key speaker, or early access to event details. Exclusive opportunities can make your event more appealing to cover.
Follow up—respectfully - Editors are busy, so a polite reminder a week or two after your initial pitch is acceptable. Keep it professional and brief. Also, things can slip by us. I love reminders!!
With good timing, clear communication, and relationship-building, your event is much more likely to shine on the pages of CLM. So, send us your press releases, let us share your story or cover your event. Our team would love to help you share your story with Clarksville!!
See you soon, Tony Centonze
Solve this month's find-a-word puzzle.
Find the following words in the puzzle. Words are hidden g i and m
Sydney Young
La Costa Cafe
Flag Day 10 Historic Collinsville Quilt Show
Haunted Clarksville
Clarksville is probably best known for its connections to Fort Campbell and Austin Peay State University, its geographic location beside the Cumberland River, and, no doubt, its share of folksy, Southern charm.
It also, however, has a wealth of chilling legends and folklore, with accounts of paranormal activity and unexplained phenomena. Spectral apparitions, phantom noises, and more illustrate an eerie history in tales passed down over the years.
What follows are a handful of local ghost stories and haunted locations throughout the area. With Halloween on the horizon, they can make our otherwise unassuming hometown a thrilling destination for anyone in search of the supernatural.
But I urge you to use caution. Sometimes when seeking things that go bump in the night, those things may end up finding YOU instead…
Resthaven Memorial Gardens Cemetery
Ghosts have a long history with cemeteries. By their very nature as a final resting place for the dead, cemeteries are prone to tales of wayward spirits and paranormal happenings. From wandering hitchhikers who asked to be dropped off at the grounds
before disappearing to mysterious figures seen lurking among tombstones, gravesites are no strangers to supernatural reports.
Resthaven Memorial Gardens Cemetery, located at 2930 Highway 41 A South, has its own wandering specter, with a story that dates back all the way to pre-Civil War times.
Local legend has it a house once stood behind where Resthaven now sits. The owner, whose name was lost in the sands of time, owned a number of slaves. The exact number, whether it was many or just a few, isn’t known.
According to the legend, though, one of those slaves forced himself upon the owner’s daughter. As a result, she became pregnant.
The slave owner was furious, and so he killed the slave for this. To this day, the ghost of the murdered man is said to roam the area, searching for the child that he never knew.
Greenwood Cemetery
Another cemetery rumored to be home to lingering spirits is the historic Greenwood Cemetery. Some visitors claim they saw ghostly figures walking among the graves, as well as the sounds of unexplained whispers and cries.
Others claimed they saw strange orbs of light floating
Story and Photos by Matt Schorr
Clarksville’s Public Square
Resthaven
Greenwood Cemetery
through the cemetery late at night.
Dunbar Cave
Dunbar Cave in Clarksville is also rumored to be haunted, perhaps due to its history dating back more than a thousand years when Native Americans used it for ceremonial purposes. In later years, it was a community gathering place.
Pictographs and other artifacts found within the cave suggest its spiritual significance
Some visitors reported seeing shadowy figures, hearing whispers, and experiencing other paranormal phenomena within the cave.
Tennova Healthcare’s brush with the macabre is, in a way, older than the hospital itself. The supernatural encounter took place before Tennova purchased the facility located at 651 Dunlop Lane, back when it was still known as Gateway Medical Center.
As the story goes, someone spotted a person walking past an open doorway and into a hall on the hospital’s first floor. Not so strange at first, but the witness noticed the individual had no legs below thigh level.
Amanda Drive
There’s a bit of mystery around the reported hauntings on this street.
Amanda Drive is located on the northern side of Clarksville, intersecting with Peachers Mill Road near 101st Airborne Division Parkway. It’s a short road, a couple of miles long at best, with only a handful of buildings and homes on it.
A building once stood there that has since been demolished. Its purpose – whether a home, business, or something else – is no longer clear, but the street once held a neighborhood built as far back as the early nineteenth century.
Those who experienced the paranormal there said they heard a woman wailing somewhere in the building, although where exactly they never knew. Whether the woman’s cries were of pain or pleasure was also unclear.
This happened every other day at or around midnight. Naturally.
Some claimed to even see the form of a woman, but that was when the long-demolished building was still there. Whether or not this vocal spirit remains in the area has yet to be confirmed.
The Smith-Trahern Mansion
The Smith-Trahern Mansion, located at 101 McClure Street, was built in 1858. The house includes a widow’s walk, a small balcony, and a view of the Cumberland River.
Christopher Smith, a riverboat captain who made his fortune raising tobacco, had it constructed for his bride, Lucy.
Unfortunately, in 1865, Christopher died from yellow fever while in New Orleans. The tragedy was compounded when the boat’s crew tried to return his body to his family, and their ship went down, killing about 1,200 people.
Christopher’s body was lost at sea.
When news reached Lucy, she refused to accept his death. According to local folklore, she spent the rest of her life walking alone through the mansion, waiting for her husband’s return, until her own death in 1905.
Tennova Healthcare
Dunbar Cave
Tennova Healthcare
Smith-Trahern Mansion
Her spirit, some say, remains in the home even more than a century later, perhaps still looking for the return of her lost husband. Some visitors claimed they saw a white, flowy figure staring out of the upper windows and walking the widow’s walk.
Bellamy Cave and Public Square
Bellamy Cave once harbored some horrific secrets. A portion of the cave known as “Hell’s Hole” bore the remains of two murdered men. This and the subsequent execution of their supposed murderer are a dark point in Clarksville’s history, and it’s resulted in possible paranormal activity in the Public Square.
On June 20th, 1885, William Morrow was hung in what is now the Public Square for the murder of Dick Overton in 1883. Morrow’s brother-in-law, Dr. Bellamy, discovered Overton’s body in the cave, which was located on Morrow’s property. It was a deep ditch inside the cave known as “Hell’s Hole.”
Morrow confessed to his friends he killed Overton and another man – Jim Brown – five years prior, and upon discovery of Overton’s body, Morrow was taken into custody and tried for murder.
The public, however, believed Morrow was innocent. Quite a few were convinced his father, Ransom Morrow, and brother-in-law used him as a patsy due to his limited intelligence.
In his final confession, Morrow claimed the two men tried to rape his loved ones, and that’s why he murdered them.
Clarksville’s Parks and Recreation offices now sit on the Public Square, and over the years, many employees say they feel the building is haunted. Some believe that the side of the building where the brick is newest may be where the gallows once stood.
The Trahern Building
The Trahern Building is home to the Department of Theatre and Dance and, legend has it, a mischievous ghost named Margaret.
Unexplained occurrences in the building, like stage lights failing to work or things going wrong on stage, are often blamed on her. Some even believe they’ve spotted a woman’s apparition in the building.
“Margaret” could be one of two actual Margaret Traherns with ties to the campus.
The first graduated in 1921 from what was then Southwestern Presbyterian University. After the institution relocated to Memphis a few years later, the Clarksville campus became Austin Peay. This Margaret married William G. Patch, and she could be the one haunting Trahern’s halls.
The other possible poltergeist was an English teacher at Austin Peay in the 1950s. She and her husband, Joseph Trahern, were patrons of the arts and the building’s namesake. If she’s the resident ghost, it would seem she still feels the pull of the theater.
Harned Hall
The tale of Harned Hall’s ghost is an unfortunate one, one of unrequited love, tragedy and, of course, death.
Today, Harned Hall is home to the College of Arts and Letters, the Department of History and Philosophy, and the Department of Languages and Literature. A century ago, however, it was a women’s dormitory.
Sometime in the twentieth century, a young woman died within its walls. Speculation on this is rampant, but the prevailing theory is she took her own life after someone she loved didn’t share those feelings.
Public Square
And so, she lingers within the building’s walls.
Most of the alleged activity takes place on the third floor. Doors may close without warning. Fire alarms may sound by themselves. The elevator sometimes may not work properly.
Also, some even say they hear noises coming from an empty bathroom.
The Roxy Theater
The historic Roxy Theater, located at 100 Franklin Street in bustling Downtown Clarksville, has a haunted reputation.
Several employees and guests report seeing a ghostly figure on the upper balcony. It’s suggested this apparition could be the spirit of a former projectionist or an actor who never left the stage.
Also, some say sudden icy cold spots and strange unexplained sounds are common occurrences during rehearsals and performances.
The Felix G. Woodward Library
Many consider the lower level of Austin Peay’s Felix G. Woodward Library one of the creepiest locations on campus to be alone. They say items go missing, and people experience phantom phone calls or even hear voices.
The paranormal activity seems to be strongest in the Printing Services area.
Previously, the library was a men’s dormitory called Stewart Hall. During the Civil War, this was converted into a makeshift field hospital for injured soldiers. This followed the Union occupation of Clarksville after the battle at Fort Donelson in 1862.
Numerous men died within its walls, and even more suffered through grievous injuries. Their spirits, it seems, still linger within the building.
Clarksville Living
Matt’s Decorated House
Matt’s House Matt’s House
Matt’s House
Roxy Theater
Spotlights
For nearly half a century, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Clarksville has been a guiding light for local youth, providing mentorship, friendship, and the encouragement every child deserves. As part of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America — the nation’s oldest and largest youth mentoring organization — the Clarksville chapter is continuing a proud legacy that dates back to 1904.
Since its founding in 1975 by a community-led initiative sparked by the Harriet Cohn Mental Health Center and Grace Lutheran Church, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Clarksville has helped hundreds of local children grow into confident, capable young adults. Today, a dedicated volunteer board of directors and a passionate Executive Director lead the organization, overseeing the careful matching of youth with caring adult mentors.
Sisters is more than a program—it’s a promise. A promise that every child in the program will have the opportunity to achieve higher aspirations, build stronger relationships, and experience personal growth in a safe, supportive environment. The organization is firmly committed to helping youth avoid risky behaviors while fostering educational success.
“We believe every child has incredible potential,” said a spokesperson for the agency. “Our mentors help unlock that potential by simply showing up, listening, and being a consistent, caring presence in a child’s life.”
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Clarksville welcomes new participants and volunteers year-round and invites anyone with a heart for service to join their life-changing work. Whether as a mentor, donor, or advocate, there are countless ways to make a difference.
The organization’s headquarters is located at 401-A Tiny Town Road in Clarksville, TN. To learn more about becoming a Big Brother or Big Sister, or to support the mission through donations, visit www.bbbclarksville.org
Rooted in the mission “to create and support one-toone mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth,” the program serves children ages 6 to 15 across Montgomery, Houston, Stewart, Humphreys, Hickman, Perry, and Decatur counties.
Each match made through Big Brothers Big
In a world that often moves too fast, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Clarksville remains a steady source of connection and hope—proving that one positive relationship can change the trajectory of a young life forever.
Upcoming Event
3rd Annual Big Night of Bourbon set for November 7th
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Clarksville Raises $68K at Bowl for Kids’ Sake
Historic Collinsville QuiltShow
Historic Collinsville came alive with color, history, and heartfelt storytelling during its Second Annual Quilt Show and Tell, held on August 9th just outside Clarksville. Visitors were treated to a vibrant celebration of craftsmanship and heritage as quilts — both timeworn treasures and freshly stitched masterpieces — adorned cabins, fences, and museum halls across the pioneer settlement.
From the moment guests stepped onto the grounds, they were whisked back to the 1800s. Period-dressed interpreters shared warm smiles and fascinating insights into 19th-century life, while the scent of fresh grass and the creak of wooden porches added to the immersive charm.
Each quilt had a story — stitched by hand, sewn by
machine, or spun from wool on-site by one of the attending artisans.
Wandering through the historic cabins and the Weakley House Museum, attendees encountered everything from rugged utilitarian bedcovers to dazzling showpiece quilts. Quilters stood proudly beside their work, recounting the inspirations, families, and histories behind every carefully placed stitch.
What made the event truly special wasn’t just the artistry on display — it was the connection between past and present. Guests didn’t just view history; they felt it.
Historic Collinsville’s Quilt Show and Tell has quickly become a must-attend tradition — a joyful fusion of storytelling, heritage, and hands-on history.
Those who missed it this year will want to mark their calendars early for next time.
Story and Photos by Christie Crawford
Antique Quilt from Collinsville’s Executive Director Jeremy Harris’ Collection
Quilt from Mrs. Susie Sutton Quilts along a barn
David Bidleman, historical educator, with an antique quilt from Homeplace 1850’s Working Farm and Museum
Aly Marvin demonstrating hand wool spinning
Quilts from the Weakley Museum
Chamber's Veteran Business of the Month
LLTA Tech Services is a full-service IT company located right here in Clarksville that provides specialized services ranging from cutting-edge security solutions to robust managed IT services, and it is led by US Army Major (Ret.) Len Tharpe.
“LTA stands for Len Tharpe & Associates,” Tharpe said. “We mainly do IT, manufacturing services, cybersecurity solutions, and website design & development. We also offer AI services, data management, and data analytics.
“LTA currently employs just a handful of people, but we’re looking to grow in the Clarksville area. I moved the company here from the Gallatin area a few years ago.”
This is Tharpe’s second IT company. He started his first cybersecurity company in 2001, in the Washington, DC area, moved to Middle Tennessee in 2007, and then came home to Clarksville a
few years ago.
“I was actually in one of Austin Peay State University’s first computer science graduating classes back in 1982,” Tharpe said. “I’m originally from Paris, Tennessee. I was in the Army from 1976 to 79, got out, and got my BS in Computer Science at APSU.”
“I also went through the university’s ROTC program. At that point, I got commissioned and went back into the Army. I did a lot of IT work with the Army, especially in the latter years of my service. I finished my military career with the Army’s Artificial Intelligence Center, where from 1995 to 99 I was a data analyst,” continued Tharpe.
Tharpe also received a graduate degree from USC in Management of Information Systems, as well as a Masters in Computer Science from the Naval Postgraduate School.
He has over forty years of IT experience with the military and as a contractor with the Department of De-
US Army Major (Ret.) Len Tharpe
fense. Tharpe has continued to give back, teaching and training students all over the country. He has taught at Strayer University and Tennessee State University and has been an adjunct professor at APSU for eight years.
“I like to help kids get access to STEM programs and coding classes,” Tharpe said. “I don’t sit back and wait for opportunities to help out in the community. On the business front, we’re still building here in Clarksville.
“My first contract was 2.5 people, and over time I grew that business to almost 100 people, with employees servicing contracts in different states. Consumer culture is different here in Middle Tennessee. I’ve been trying to figure out this market for twenty years now. I have a lot of experience with government and the DOD, but would love to get into other industries.”
Tharpe has family here, in Nashville, and in Henry County. “That’s more important than the business side of things,” Tharpe said. “The business allows me to employ, train, and help people. I also get a great deal of satisfaction and purpose from teaching at APSU, where I run into a lot of veterans trying to get out of the service and change careers. I use my lab office here to tutor and mentor as many as I can. I like doing a lot of that stuff.”
Check out Tharpe’s website - www.lta-services.com to find out what this month’s Clarksville Area Chamber of Commerce Veteran Business of the Month can do for you.
Len Tharpe
Jaqueline Crouch & Tonia Mills
O’Neal & Kimberly Wiggins
Clarksville Mayor Joe Pitts & First Lady Cynthia Pitts
Misty Nash & AG Robert Nash
Clarksville Living
$40,000. “We want to thank all our sponsors, as well as the businesses and in dividuals who generously donated, and provided auction items. The money we raised will help Imagination Library provide books to approximately 10,000 children in our community for at least the next four months.”
Sydney
Sydney Grace Young competing in the 2025 Miss Tennessee USA Pageant
Grace Young’s
Miss Tennessee USA Dream
Clarksville’s own Sydney Grace Young has been on a mission for the last few years, to become Miss Tennessee USA, and now the 25-year-old APSU Graduate finds herself just one step away as she, after her third attempt at the title, is 2025’s Miss TN USA First Runner-up.
“I started doing this mostly for the opportunity, and for the exposure,” Young said. “Miss USA is one of the most prestigious organizations. It really stood out to me. I was really inspired by Rachel Smith. She won Miss Clarksville, then Miss Tennessee USA, and went on to be crowned Miss USA 2007. Now she is the host of Entertainment Tonight. She is such an inspiration to me.”
Young has a picture of herself and Smith that was taken during a meet and greet at the Court House when Young was just seven years old. But, she wasn’t one of those pageant kids. It wasn’t until later in life that she entered her first pageant.
“I was reluctant to compete at first, because I didn’t grow up doing pageants,” Young confessed. “I did one in high school, but this is huge, it’s like the Super Bowl of pageants. At first, I just wanted to see if it was possible, if I was up to the challenge of getting ready, finding sponsors, and being involved with a worthwhile initiative.”
Young says that once she got in, she saw the worth of it, and now she’s hooked. She competed in 2023 and 2024, but didn’t make the final rounds. This year she actually finished as 2nd runner-up then became 1st runner-up when 1st Runner-up Mattie Barker competed in and then was named Miss Kentucky USA 2025.
So, what was the key to her success this year? ”I didn’t underestimate my interview prep, this year,” Young said. “In prior years, I was spending most of my time in the studio. I was spending hours every day working on things like perfecting my walk. I really neglected the interview part of the competition.
“There was always a question of why. Why do you want to win? Why do you want to be a title holder? What can you do with the title? My organization, Pappy’s Promise, was my ‘why’ this year. When I started my journey, I just wanted to be Miss Tennessee. I didn’t have a true mission to undertake if I won. I think that was the real difference for me this year. There was something I really wanted to do, pushing me.”
Pappy’s Promise is named for Young’s grandfather, George Michael “Mickey” Jerles, a U.S. Air Force Veteran, who was diagnosed with stage 4 small cell lung cancer in January. Her organization, “advocates for improved Veteran care, [while] educating the public and serving those who served with urgency, dignity and the respect they deserve.”
Throughout Mr. Jerles’ journey the family dealt with the Veterans Administration. “Getting the most out of his care was very hard to figure out,” Young said. “We had to learn how to deal with the system, figure out all the gaps, and determine what resources are provided for Veterans. We had to carefully figure out all the bureaucracy that Veterans face after receiving a devastating diagnosis.”
“When you go into the interview with the judges, it’s all about strategy. The pageant runs Thursday through Saturday. Day 1 is all about the interview. I found a wonderful coach that changed everything for me this year, Jimmy Langhoff. Together, we worked on confidence. That was something I really wanted/needed to work on.
“He had family to help him, but we all were dealing with work and life. Pappy’s Promise is advocating for Veterans to be informed about available resources outside the VA - how/where to get assistance with groceries, or a ride to a doctor’s appointment. Caretakers only show up for 10 minutes a day. I’ve been trying to connect volunteers with Veterans who need help, or just companionship, just someone to talk to. I felt that’s what Pappy needed when he was sick. We were able to be there for him, but there are so many people who don’t have anyone. This experience really opened up my eyes.
“That experience was something I really wanted to share with the judges. I had never really had a why, but my perspective and focus had changed. I was honored to share that.”
Madison Kunst from Madison, TN, is Miss Tennessee USA 2025. Young is excited to be 1st Runner-up and takes the responsibility seriously, knowing that if, for some reason, Kunst cannot fulfill her duties, she will be called upon.
“It’s crazy to think about,” Young said. “I’ve worked
Sydney Grace Young, Miss Clarksville
for this dream for so long, and now I’m this close. I hope Madison has a great year. And, I’ve already decided that I’m going to compete again in 2026. I want to have my moment, I want to be crowned, and I want to earn it. I took some time off after the ‘24 pageant, and didn’t start getting ready for this year’s competition until after the holidays, but this year, I’m not taking a break. I’m going for it. I’m not quitting until I get that crown!”
Young got engaged this past October to a man she says is very supportive of her and her dreams.
“It has been a learning curve for him,” Young said. “He’s there for all of it. Because of my schedule, there are some compromises. I work out for at least 30 minutes every day, even if it’s just walking. I push myself to get better each day. I go to a fitness class in Nashville called Solid Core. I do Lagree Pilates, and it’s very intense on muscle movement and core development. It’s a workout that really fits, I love doing it, and it always makes me want to come back.”
Young had nothing but praise for the Miss USA organization and Director Kim Greenwood, who for more than two decades has overseen the pageants in Georgia, Mississippi, and Tennessee.
“The organization has changed my entire perspective on empowerment and creating change in the community,” Young said. “I never focused on that kind of thinking until I started pageants. Kim Greenwood was so inspirational. She treated the girls like they were her own. You could call if you needed anything. She wasn’t above it all. She is a former Miss Tennessee, and she has been doing this for 30 years.”
Young was sad to hear that Greenwood recently stepped down from her position. She talked about
what life will be like for the next year, as she holds the title of 1st Runner-up, builds on what she has started with Pappy’s Promise, works a full-time job as Marketing Manager for general contractor POWCO, LLC., and prepares for another run.
“I don’t have any appearances or anything, but I’m not letting up on anything,” Young said. “I want to come at it as strong as I can next year. People were saying, ‘What are you going to eat when it’s over?’ but I wasn’t thinking about that. For me, it was all gas, no brakes. Maybe I’ll make time for some chicken tenders, though.”
The wedding is scheduled for October, 2026 “I tell him that he might be marrying Miss Tennessee next year,” Young says with a hopeful smile. “If I won, I would be visiting every county in Tennessee and doing appearances. I would want to visit Veterans homes and VA hospitals and talk to Veterans about what we can change.”
The day before this interview, Young was contacted by a modeling agency and invited to attend Fashion Week in New York. “Walking in NY Fashion Week is a huge dream of mine,” Young said. “I booked my flight last night. It’s crazy.
“My mom and I were a little overwhelmed at first. We didn’t know how all this worked. But, we learn something new every year. I was born and raised here. This is my city. I’ve run every road and been everywhere in Clarksville. It has grown and changed so much. I thank my mom a lot. She has been so involved in the community my entire life. She has helped me work with great people, like Kevin Kennedy. I just want to say to everyone, thanks for supporting me. I want to bring the title back to Clarksville, that’s my dream!”
Sydney Grace Young part of the Top Five at the 2025 Miss Tennessee USA
BLINKER LIGHT FLUID
PRODUCTIONS
Jun Espinosa is kind of an amazing guy. When I met him, he was still in the army and used to show up at the open mic at Revel House in Clarksville, armed with an acoustic guitar. I was always struck by his BIG voice. It still blows my mind. This dude can belt out some vocals, and they are gorgeous. He’s also a songwriter, a great photographer, a filmmaker, a music producer, and has a podcast.
Blinker Light Fluid Productions, which has just opened in downtown Hopkinsville, Kentucky, and has all of those things in one place… Photo studio, Film studio, podcast set up with room for his podcast partner, Jay Ammo, and guests.
Oh, and did I mention music production? I did? This is a place that does it all! Dave Hulslander and Josh Darnell, as well as long-time friend Jay, of course, have been instrumental in getting the new place together. Jun’s wife, Bethany, has been along for this fantastic endeavor as well.
There are also plans for a kids workshop for film production, which Jun has been studying since his time in the military. A music video for Trace Adkins is also in the works!
Jun decided on Hopkinsville for a couple of reasons: one, he lives there, and two, Hopkinsville
is steadily growing. The cultural exchange between the two towns (Clarksville and Hopkinsville) is very important to Jun. “The idea is to build a bridge between cities with music and art.” He says, “I started this in Clarksville, TN, and will be working closely with people in those communities and others as well.”
Jun is a fixture in Clarksville’s music scene as a performer, host of the ‘Tap the Mic’ open mic show at Revel House for the last year, and many other aforementioned talents. He’s also hilarious!
To say this man is living the dream would be an understatement. To have all these services in one space that adhere to his talents that once faced the world separately and are now all right here. Pretty cool.
In addition to all the things mentioned, this place also has an office and a kitchen.. The place is legit! Whether you are looking for professional photos and head-shots, music video or commercials, any kind of film and music production, Blinker Light Fluid can do it!
They are at 205 East 9th Street, Hopkinsville, KY. Or contact them at 931.919.9874
James Cargill - villemagazine@gmail.com
August Art Walk
August was a busy month for art in downtown Clarksville, with several local venues hosting events and receptions.
Customs House Museum opened new exhibits featuring artists James Threalkill, Arline Mann, Marty McConnaughey, and Frank Lott.
Downtown Artists Co-op held a closing reception and awards presentation for the 2025 Annual Juried Art Expo, which featured dozens of local artists.
The Lorenzo Swinton Gallery featured artists Ria
Massey, Anna Wise, and our own D.C. Thomas in an exhibit called “Ethereal Beauty”.
Those are just a few of the highlighted venues. Exhibits were also seen at Pups Plants and Goods, Tattoo Technique, Mug Shots Coffee, First Presbyterian Church, The Gallery at River City Clay, Edward’s Steakhouse, and many others.
The First Thursday Art Walk is a monthly event, free and open to the public, that showcases the work of dozens of artists at various venues throughout downtown Clarksville.
ART Walk at the Customs House Museum & Cultural Center
Anna Wise with her art at Lorenzo Swinton Gallery
Artist Ria Massey with family and friends at the Lorenzo Swinton Gallery
“Ethereal Beauty” opening reception at Lorenzo Swinton Gallery
Art enthusiast & Lorenzo Swinton
Art by James Threalkill at the Customs House Museum & Cultural Center
Peggy Bonnington at DAC
Art at the Gallery at River City Clay
Ken & Melody Shipley at River City Clay
Christie Crawford & William Huddleston
Artist Paz Suay at DAC
Joe Filippo & Dr. Carmen Reagan
Flying High 2025
“Pop the Bubbly” was the theme of this year’s Flying High, the annual fundraiser that benefits Clarksville’s Customs House Museum & Cultural Center.
Nearly 450 people attended an evening of dinner and dancing at Oak Grove Racing, Gaming & Hotel, celebrating local artists and the museum’s history, with spirited bidding on a large number of unique and impressive live and silent auction items.
Customs House Museum Director Frank Lott said, ”Tonight we begin our fifth decade of service. We are grateful that
you are here celebrating with us, and we greatly appreciate your support. Enjoy your evening, and make some new memories, knowing that what you do here tonight will impact many lives in this community.”
Lott offered special thanks to this year’s title sponsor, Legend’s Bank, as well as the Museum Guild, and all the volunteers and donors who made the event so successful.
Mark Holleman was presented with this year’s Gracey Award. Presenter Channing Grimes said, “This award recognizes exceptional and loyal friendship to the community and the museum.
The value of this is manifested in a variety of ways, primarily through gifts of time, treasure, and talent.
[He] reflects these values across every dimension of community service and generosity with a heart that is deeply rooted in Clarksville.”
The Holleman family
Ted & Marydith Young and family
Jacqueline Crouch & Dee Boaz
Kimberly Wiggins & Joey Smith Bill & Cindy Summers
Amanda Pettey & Will Wyatt Joe & Una Smith
Kay Drew, Larry & Roberta Richardson, Wesley Irvin
Billy Atkins, Mary Ann Harris & Phillip Anderson
Customs House Museum’s Channing Grimes presented this year’sGracey Award to long-time museum supporter Mark Holleman
The Rebels in Riverview
It was once a Native American gathering spot, a place for ceremonies and a tribal burial mound, high on a hill overlooking where the Red and Warioto (now known as Cumberland) rivers met. If you stroll along the Riverview Cemetery grounds, off Spring Street, there are no signs of any tribal gatherings, only a warbler or two resting on a marble tomb.
It evolved into the place once called ” City Cemetery” or, in modern times, Riverview Cemetery because of its overlook of the Cumberland River. But it still remains the oldest known burial ground in Montgomery County, and there have been sightings of hauntings as you would imagine from such an old place of entombments.
Riverview Cemetery at one time was the final resting spot for many early Clarksville pioneers, prominent citizens and settlers in the area. Opened in 1800, it was located strategically on a hill to avoid possible Native American attacks. The land was donated by Valentine Sevier, Revolutionary war hero and brother to John Sevier, Tennessee’s first governor. Sevier’s tombstone is a modest affair marked
Not too far away lies Robert Nelson, Revolutionary War hero, lawyer, surveyor, and county clerk for Stewart County. Up the hill lies in honor Christopher “Kit” Smith (former resident of the Smith-Trahern Mansion) who made his fortune in tobacco, first in Clarksville and then in New Orleans. Smith contracted yellow fever in Louisiana and consequently died. While his body was in transit on the Mississippi River back to Clarksville by steamboat, the boat exploded and his remains were never found.
There are many attractive marble tombstones including that of Evie Brown, whose tableau is depicted as a woman draped in cloth and grief, Susan B. Willman, whose tomb is underneath a majestic magnolia, and Engelbert Gaisser, who owned an ironworks facility in Clarksville and was responsible for most of the ornamental ironwork manufactured in the area. His grave features an iron cross, an ornamental gate, and a fence to the family burial site.The narrow lanes built strictly
with a wooden stake and a recently placed Sons of the Revolution marker.
Story and Photos by Christie Crawford
as horse paths make way to the most significant part of the cemetery, which is the site of the 303 dead Confederates interred on March 24th, 1867. This was not the original burial spot for these individuals. A makeshift hospital was converted from the Female Academy on Madison Street. The newly built L & N railroad brought sick soldiers to the hospital from training camps as far away as Texas and Arkansas, many of them passing away from measles before going into a battle.
On February 16th, 1862 an influx of soldiers were brought from the battlefield of nearby Fort Donelson. Dr Joshua Cobb, himself buried at Riverview, was in charge of the hospital and burial procedures. Coffins were in short supply during the war so many of these persons were buried in shrouds with wooden stakes as name markers which did not survive over time.
Cobb remained hospital head during the Union occupation. Patients at the hospital were taken as prisoners of war and paroled if medically possible to do so. After the war, in 1866, the school reopened, but there always remained the issue of the soldiers remains still in place on the property.
A somber ceremony took place on March 24th, 1867 which removed the remains to Riverview Cemetery on a slope in the area, Section 5. The expenses were covered by Gymnasium Society members who held sever-
al fundraisers to acquire the money. Children from the Confederate Orphan’s Home decorated the graves.
The brass plaque that now remains honors the names of those dead, including two dedicated black nurses and sisters that were the primary caregivers at the hospital; Mary and Susan Bibb. There is a somberness when approaching that slope with its drooping branches of Eastern black walnut trees, almost seeming to cover those below. There is a small obelisk constructed by the Confederate Veterans Forbes Bivouac chapter to commemorate the spot along with a small statue and cannon. Although there have been no sightings of any of these deposed 300, there have been nightly reports of a man shouting, supposedly the voice of Dr. Cobb as he was frantically attending to the dead.
If this has piqued your interest in knowing about the individuals who made Clarksville what it is, then visiting Riverview Cemetery is a must. Sign up for one of the tours held each fall by the Customs House Museum to visit the cemetery, or read Riverview Cemetery: A History by Carolyn Stier Ferrell, or the Montgomery County Historical Society’s book on the cemetery. Better yet, just walk the narrow paths to observe these unforgettable people of Clarksville.
Riverview Cemetery
635 North Spring Street, Clarksville Open every day 8:00am -sunset
2025 National Night Out
At National Night Out, an annual community event held to strengthen police-community partnerships, dozens of local organizations were handing out school supplies, several food vendors offered treats from BBQ to cones of flavored ice, and representatives of our police, fire and medical services took time to meet and greet with the public.
Red Cross’, Jay Lovendusky shared information on fire safety, saying, “Home fire safety is critical knowledge for all families. Most people don’t know that you only have 2 minutes to get out of the home once it catches on fire. So, it’s very important to have a fire escape plan and practice it.”
The Red Cross is looking for volunteers and has lots of projects coming up. Call them at 1-800 Red Cross.”
Kimberly Vick with Clarksville Urban Ministries Safe House, Montgomery County’s only domestic violence shelter, was on hand sharing information,
spreading awareness, and offering school supplies, stickers, and treats for the kids.
Future FBI hopeful Mackenzie Havens was representing the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office’s Public Safety Cadets program. MCSO Sheriff John Fuson was also on hand. “Sometimes it’s hot, sometimes it’s raining, but the community always comes out to support us, and we support them. This event lets them see what we’re all about, and it gets us closer to the community, so that we can take better care of them.”
CPD Lt. Arthur Bing is over the Community Services Division, which encompasses a juvenile engagement team, a community relations unit, and a special events team. National Night Out is a nationwide event where police and first responders can connect with the community and show them that we’re here to care and help them out. This is the 42nd year, and we have a great turnout, 50 + vendors, food, haircuts, wellness checks.”
CPD’s Fatal Accident Crash Team
Great Commission Christian Church members handing out books bags, and school suppliesnutrition
MCSO Public Safety Cadets
The Mission BBQ Team
Christina Riedel & Laura Hoffman
Andrea Connors, Jericah Guillermo, Eva Salcedo, Mary Locket & Jay Lovendusky
Karin Prins & Mariah Cason
Manna Cafe Team Clarksville
EMANCIPATIONDAY CELEBRATION
Councilwoman Wanda Smith once again returned to Dixon Park to host Clarksville’s annual Emancipation Day celebration, an afternoon and evening of activities and performances that Commemorate August 8th, 1863, the day that slaves in Tennessee finally got their freedom.
The first Emancipation Day celebration, organized by Sam Johnson, was held in Greenville, TN, in 1871. Smith welcomed everyone to this year’s event, saying, “We have a great show planned, with many talented artists and performers who will celebrate with us, and help us all to be joyful.”
The program got underway with Rev. Stephanie Jenkins offering a prayer, Jackie’O Kelley singing the Black National Anthem, and Mayor Joe Pitts delivering welcoming remarks of his own. Sharon Smith and Nettie Thomas also took the stage, inspiring the crowd with their words.
A crowd of hundreds enjoyed music and dancing, as well as a variety of great food offerings from local vendors, well into the night. Brian Myree and Tyriece Jackson, Giovanni Graves, DJ Folley, and the Nate Jackson Band 24/7 entertained.
Several vendors were on hand, offering a variety of beverages and food, from BBQ and Soul Food to Caribbean and Jamaican treats.
Jackie’O Kelley
Charlie Outlaw & Dale Warfield
Zakiya Johnson & Christina Avila getting some Jamaican food from Omar Gooden
Clarksville Mayor Joe Pitts & First Lady Cynthia Pitts
Tracie & Valerie Coleman
LA COSTA CAFÉ & LOUNGE Taste Puerto Rico in Clarksville
Just off Wilma Rudolph Boulevard, tucked away inside Furniture Connection, you’ll find an especially unique dining experience that is – you’ll forgive the hyperbole – unlike any other in town.
It’s cuisine from the Caribbean, brought by way of La Isla del Encanto. It’s the sweet and rich scent of coffee, intermingled with the savory fragrances of beef pastrami, criollo bread, and mallorcas. It’s La Costa Café Borikén. And it’s right here in Clarksville.
Given our town’s expansive list of restaurants, I can’t say with absolute certainty that La Costa is the one and only Puerto Rican eatery in town, but I can say it’s the first I’ve visited. Ever.
It was a chance to peruse a menu with offerings altogether new, to study each plate’s individual tastes and wonder. How would this combination of flavors strike me? Would they be sweet? Would they be savory? Fruity? Spicy?
I don’t often get to sample the flavors of a culture for the first time, so this was an exciting prospect.
An outlandish fusion of them all? It would be a culinary adventure. And I love culinary adventures.
La Costa Café Borikén promises authentic coffee and culture from the island of enchantment, Puerto Rico, touting rich and bold flavors not just in coffee, but also in sandwiches, signature drinks, and more.
For the uninitiated, coffee is both an agricultural and a historical pillar of Puerto Rico. It’s a major economic driver for the island, and a cornerstone of several cultural traditions. The resurgence in specialty coffee production of recent years celebrates Puerto Rico’s heritage and diverse flavors, reflecting a commitment to preserve the island’s mountainous coffee-growing regions.
Story and Photos by Matt Schorr
Of course, the cultural significance of coffee in Puerto Rico goes beyond economics. It serves as a symbol, representing family and social gatherings. Every sip, some might say, tells a story, recounting experiences of lush mountains and bustling cafes.
So, for La Costa Café Borikén – located at 115 Merchants Boulevard inside Furniture Connection – coffee is a big deal.
Like, a really big deal.
All told, there are more than a dozen caffeinated beverage options, most of them specialty blends unique to La Costa. Iced Strawberry Mocha. Rosa del Valle. Boricua.
It’s an extensive list. Like I said, coffee’s a big deal. A really big deal. But it’s not La Costa’s only deal. The menu also showcases Signature Teas, Mixed Specialty Drinks, and Caribbean Sandwiches.
Puerto Rican cuisine – or cocina criolla – is a blend of Spanish, African, and indigenous Taíno influences. It’s been described
in some circles as less about spice and more about comfort. It’s vibrant and flavorful, with mixes of garlicky tastes, savory fragrances, and indulgent seasonings.
The flavors celebrate the island’s cultural history, with many dishes deeply rooted in tradition … and, of course, comfort.
La Costa’s el Criollo – fried eggs, turkey, American cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and House Pink Sauce on a criollo bun – is
a sandwich born of this cultural melting pot. It’s a tour de force of flavor combinations, a mixture of savory and sweet that rivals … dare I say …the Monte Cristo. (Yes, I dare.)
The toasted criollo bread brings the buttery crunch, with a crispy crust and soft interior, while a sprinkling of powdered sugar accentuates the bun’s touch of sweetness. Meanwhile, the sandwich contents provide a gustatory journey for your taste buds … savory, buttery, cheesy, and – thanks to the House Pink Sauce – smoky and tangy. Seriously, this is an awesome sandwich. A little messy, but awesome.
If you’re concerned about finding La Costa, no need to worry. In addition to GPS, Google Maps, Mapquest, or whatever travel app you use, the good folks at Furniture Connection are happy to direct you. “Just follow the aroma,” they’ll offer, while pointing the way.
You then need only follow that unmistakable scent of coffee. It’s warm, rich, and inviting, with the Puerto Rican distinction of sweet and fruity fragrances, along with prominent notes of chocolate and nuts.
Kelly Fuentes manages the location, which means wearing multiple professional hats. Cashier. Waiter. Server. Cook. Even culinary tour guide.
In my case, she also served as temporary Spanish tutor. I’m ashamed to admit that, even after three years of Spanish in high school and college, I forgot the pronunciation of two l’s in Spanish was “yuh.”
Unlike my former teachers, Kelly offered this reminder kindly, with no judgement. But I felt it, nonetheless. Not from Kelly, but from Señora Arrillaga back at college. And rightly so. I studied really hard in her class. I almost feel her frowning at me.
But anyway, my own post-collegiate traumas notwithstanding, I urge you to jump at this opportunity to experience a cuisine we’ve yet to see in Clarksville (again, so far as I can tell). Take a sip of Cubana Espresso or Blueberry Chai Tea. Savor the taste of Empanadillas and Mallorcas.
And tell Kelly I promise to remember how “Criollo” is pronounced.
Clarksville Chamber of Commerce’s August Business After Hours
Beachaven Downtown recently hosted the Clarksville Chamber’s August Business After Hours, and the intimate little wine bar was overflowing with Chamber members looking to network.
Beachaven’s Abby Scurlock said, “This is the first time we’ve hosted at this location. Normally, we host at our main location on Dunlop, but we had our Thursday night market tonight, so we felt like this would be a great time to highlight our downtown location.
“It’s packed, what a great turnout. We’ve had a lot of people asking if the two are associated, so it has been a good way to help people understand the connection between the winery and this location, and see what we do here.”
Britt Dignan was providing the mu-
sic, and Trey Robertson was handling the food with his food truck “3 Sizzle Grill”.
“Trey is offering an assortment of Paninis, so smoked chicken, caprese, buffalo chicken, and a bacon chick ranch,” Scurlock said. “We are allowing people to try four of our wines tonight, Sparkling Jazz, Barrelhead Red, a blend, our Golden Rose is a sweet red and a bestseller for 30 years, and also our Budbreak Blush. Beachaven Downtown has a capacity of about 30 people. We are open Friday, 4:00pm - 10:00pm, and Saturday, 11:00am – 10:00pm. We do live music from 6:00pm – 9:00pm, and for food, we partner with Yada on Franklin. People can order from a limited menu, and it will be delivered here.
The location can also be rented out for private events Sunday – Thursday.”
Abby Scurlock & Grayson Nicholson
Bob Upton & Monty Powers
Britt Dignan
Nolan O’Shoney, Hana Hyams, Peter Minetos, Curtis Recker & John Gannon
APSU President, Dr. Michael Licari & VP for Military and Veterans Affairs MG (Ret.) Walt Lord
Jessica and Jonathan Curri Terri Brisendine & Rose Melton
The Bubba Langford Memorial Poker Run
“This is our 13th Annual Bubba Langford Memorial Poker Run,” Bill Langford said. “They (Bikers Who Care) started doing this a year after my son died, and bless their hearts for keeping it up.
“We’re going to raise a little money for the kids, and have some fun. We’re going to run down to a friends place in Dover and hang around. Then tonight, we’re going to come back to the clubhouse where we’ll enjoy a big band, some hot food and maybe a little cold beer.”
This was a BWC event. The local group, an organization of motorcycle enthusiasts founded in 1982 with the very first Leslie W. Watson Memorial Toy Run, donates
a substantial amount of money to local children’s charities every year.
“We’ve had some people come all the way from Florida to help us out today,” Langford continued. “We should have close to 100 riders today. Bubba was a mess,” Langford said with a smile, “but he was everybody’s friend. I’m glad everyone still remembers him like they do.”
Donna Langford joined in, “I’m so grateful that his brothers and sisters are keeping his memory alive with this event. It warms my heart. He was a special person, even if I did raise him. I miss him every day. Today is going to be a great day!”
Pumpkin - Fall’s Flavor
Fall just wouldn’t be fall without a little pumpkin flavor added to your seasonal menu. It is a true symbol of what fall means and there are lots of recipes out there to help celebrate the coming of autumn. The cooling of temperatures just heats up our desire for all things made with pumpkin.
The oldest pumpkin seeds ever unearthed by archaeologists came from the Oaxaca region of Mexico. Over 7,500 years ago, pumpkins were known to be grown in Central America, but you would not recognize them from what we know today.
Those ancient varieties were small, hard and bitter. Seeds were used strictly to grow, not to consume, and the flesh was a great stock to boost a winter pantry.
One of the earliest American pumpkin recipes was in 1670 from the cookbook John Josselyn’s New-Englands Rarities Discovered.
The recipe called for a ripe pumpkin to be peeled,
cubed, and cooked down slowly over the course of a day, mashed with herbs and butter to create a tasty side dish. It wasn’t until the 1800’s when pumpkin recipes became part of dessert courses and when pumpkin pie became standard fare at the Thanksgiving table.
If you happen to be in Circleville, Ohio, 25 miles south of Columbus, you can visit the Circleville Pumpkin Show, known as one of the largest in the world. In 1903, the town was a center for a pumpkin cannery and held its first fall festival celebrating the pumpkin.
The cannery shut down during the Great Depression, but the festival still continues to this day on the 3rd Wednesday through Saturday in October. This year, it is October 15th-18th and features pumpkin weigh-ins, beauty contests, pumpkin-eating contests, and lots of food, music, art, and parades.
Pumpkin is one of those flavors and ingredients that inspires more recipes in this season than any other type. Here’s four recipes that are sure to be a success for your fall cuisine:
Story by Christie Crawford
Aunt Celia’s Pumpkin Soup with Brandy (Courtesy of my aunt Celia Jones)
1/4 cup salted butter
3/4 cup finely chopped onion
2 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp ground nutmeg
2 1/2 cups canned pumpkin
2 1/2 cups chicken broth or stock
1/4 cup brandy
fine sea salt to taste
freshly ground black pepper to taste
1/2 cup heavy cream, optional
Garnishes:
Freshly chopped chives, Croutons, Sour cream or crème fraiche
Sauté in large 2 qt pan the butter over medium heat. Add onion and cook for 4-5 minutes, until translucent. Add ginger and nutmeg and cook for 2 minute. Add brandy and cook for 2-3 minutes to cook off alcohol. Stir in pumpkin and broth. and Remove from heat. Puree soup in blender or processor. Put back on stove, whisk in cream then bring soup to a boil then simmer until thoroughly heated. Season with salt and pepper.
Serve with garnish of choice.
Pumpkin Pie Martini (1 serving, recipe from No Spoon Necessary)
3 ice cubes
2 oz regular, vanilla or pumpkin spice vodka
1 oz dark rum
2 tbl pumpkin puree
1 oz maple syrup
1/4 tsp vanilla extract
pinch pumpkin pie spice
(optional)
1/2 oz half and half
Rim Options:
Finely crushed graham crackers
Maple syrup
1/4 tsp each pumpkin pie spice and ground cinnamon
1 tbl granulated sugar
To make rim: dip rim in maple syrup or dab napkin to line the rim with the syrup. Mix crackers with spices and roll the rim with the mix.
In cocktail shaker, combine ice cubes, vodka, rum, pumpkin, maple syrup and vanilla extract. Shake vigorously until shaker is chilled. Add in cream and swirl. Strain and pour into martini glass. Can garnish with a cinnamon stick, dollop of whipped cream or sprinkle with pumpkin spice and/or nutmeg.
Tita’s Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread (courtesy of Mireya Abney, Clarksville resident and avid baker)
1 1 2/3 cup all purpose flour
1 cup white or brown sugar
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
1 cup pumpkin puree
1/2 cup butter, melted, at room temperature
2 eggs
1-2 cups chocolate chips, your preference 1/2 cup apple sauce
Mix all ingredients thoroughly in a bowl.
Pour into loaf pan or desired baking pan.
Bake at 350 degrees for 40-45 minutes, watching to see that it does not burn.
Penne-Wise Pumpkin Pasta (Recipe from Rachael Ray)
1 l lb whole wheat penne pasta
2 tbl extra virgin live oil
3 shallots, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, finely grated
2 cups chicken broth
1 15 oz can pumpkin puree
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 tsp hot pepper sauce
2 pinches ground cinnamon
1 pinch nutmeg
black pepper and salt
7 leaves fresh sage, thinly sliced or 1 tsp ground
Grated parmigiano-reggiano to serve on top
Bring a large salted pot of water to boil, add pasta and cook al dente (according to package directions). Drain.
In large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add shallots and garlic; cook for 5 minutes. Stir in the chicken broth, pumpkin, and cream. Add the hot sauce, cinnamon and nutmeg; season with salt and pepper.
Lower the heat and simmer until thickened, 5 minutes. Stir in half the sage then the pasta; toss.
Top with remaining sage and cheese.
Dotsonville Community Center (DCC) recently saw a great turnout of all ages at its annual Ice Cream Social. In addition to the ice cream, families enjoyed a community yard sale/outdoor market and lots of other activities.
“Cub Scout packs sponsored by the DCC held a ‘Welcome Back from Summer’ event that same day,” DCC’s Jenni Comley said.
“The Scouts got to learn how to launch rockets. While that was going on, local residents had the opportunity to speak with several candidates vying for Congressman Mark Green’s seat.
“Outside, about a dozen families and vendors, including Patterson Place and Wood Lily’s beef and lavender farm, offered a variety of products to choose from.”
ice cream social Dotsonville Community Center
Leadership Clarksville Gathering
Leadership Clarksville’s alumni engagement committee Co-Chairs Kimberly Wiggins and Cheryl Lankford recently hosted the first-ever Leadership Clarksville Gathering, a chance for graduates from all years to come together in a social setting.
“This is our first ever, and we’re excited to have such a great turnout of these very busy people,” Wiggins said. “Our graduates are making things happen in the community. So, how about an easy low-key event where we could just love on each other. That’s how this was dreamed up.
“We’re introducing Michael Kasitz, former APSU Chief of Police, LC’s new director, and we hosted it here at Yada Cafe because Darla Knight, a Class of
2022 graduate, has been an amazing alumni supporter. We are intentional. We want to give back to members of our community who are doing great things.”
Executive Director Michael Kasitz, Class of 2021 said, “I’m looking forward to seeing where we can take the program. We’ll be working to support the current class, figuring out how we can make the program better in the future, and building on that, year after year. We want to make LC, which was started in the late 1980’s, something that everyone wants to do. We do Fort Campbell Days, Health Days, and Government Days, so classmates can learn about what goes on in the community. Our goal is to figure out how we can improve on that, provide more information, help them network, and make new contacts.”
Le Neeca Williams & Erin Yow
Pamela Holz & Dee Boaz
Stefanie Miller, Petra Roush, Renee Bruens & Jimmy Wiesner
Emily & Ben Tardif
Erin Poland Nolder & David Smith
Gina Holleman, Ken & Andrea Gobel
O’Neal Wiggins, Dee Boaz, Ross Hicks & Betty Burchett
David Smith, Gen. Walt Lord, Leonard Clemons & Teneka Kennedy
Stefanie Miller
Darla Knight & Dr. Karen Meisch
Pam Powell, Rashidah Leverett & Renee Bruens
CLARKSVILLE Flag Day Celebration
The Captain William Edmiston Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) gathered for its annual Flag Day celebration at United Methodist Church, and in what has become a tradition in recent years, members of Quilts of Valor (QOV) performed a “Wrapping of Veterans” ceremony.
Rebecca Zuercher worked with members of both organizations to coordinate the event which had nearly 100 guests in attendance.
Music was performed by harpist Patty Ritter and the invocation was given by Diana Anderson, Chapter Chaplain. Members of the Valentine Sevier Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) Color Guard presented the colors.
This year’s luncheon was catered by Mission BBQ. Mission BBQ’s Angela Pike was presented a Certificate of Appreciation and a DAR Appreciation Medal for her “exceptional service to and involvement with SAR’s yearly Flag Day luncheon”, by Chapter Regent Marie Tillamn.
Regent Tillman and Rebecca Zuercher then presented Certificates and Medals to Roberta Samuels and Dawn Wilcox for
their community leadership roles with Quilts of Valor, and their leadership roles as women in the Army. Both are retired veterans living in Clarksville, TN.
Samuels and Wilcox presented DAR with a quilt made from a previous QOV member from Quilting in Clarksville. The handmade quilt will be placed in the Post House, which is a historical building owned by the 174 members of the Captain William Edmiston Chapter.
The quilt presented, is in honor of George Washington, and recognizes June 19th, which marks the 250th anniversary of the Continental Congress commissioning George Washington as commander in chief of the Continental Army.
In total, 14 Veterans received hand-made quilts at this year’s “Wrapping of Veterans” ceremony. Gift bags were given to everyone who helped DAR celebrate Flag Day and the Army’s 250th birthday.
To conclude the luncheon, a group picture was taken of everyone holding up their gift bags to show their support to our military troops, military family members, our veterans, and to our country on Flag Day 2025.
Photos by Samantha Fanelli and Steve Zuercher
Rotary’s Home Run Derby
Rotary Club’s Melanie Thompson and other club members recently welcomed big-hearted baseball enthusiasts of all ages to the inaugural Home Run Derby at APSU’s Raymond C. Hand Park.
“Today, the Rotary Club is here to raise money for Kiana’s House, which currently has one location in town, so this will be used to re-purpose that one, or maybe even add a second home. Kiana’s House is for kids who get pulled from their home and have to go into foster care. It’s a transitional home, so they don’t have to sleep at DHS while they are awaiting foster placement.”
This is a new relationship for the Rotary Club. “We had contact from Patricia Stewart at Mosaic Church, who started the first one, and that’s why we want to do a second one.”
The original Clarksville Rotary Club has been active in our community since 1917. There are two satellite clubs, Sunrise and Sun-
set. The organization has seven areas of focus, including maternal health, the environment, business, etc.
“Last year we funded the scanning station at animal control,” Thompson said. “We’ve done Parks & Recreation projects like Rotary Park, the Avenue of Flags, playgrounds, and splash-pads, all with a focus on ADA accessibility.
Patrick Wilkinson came up with the Home Run Derby idea. Participants register and pay to bat, and trophies are given to the winners in each division. APSU Baseball legend Ryne Harper took on pitching duties for the day.
“I’ve thrown batting practice, but I’ve never done anything like this.” Harper said. “Patrick is a good friend. He asked me to pitch today. The Rotary Club is a great thing, so I’m glad to be able to help in any way.”
Tripp, Daniel & Tilman Tenholder
Autumn Toles & Andrew Goletz
Ryan Harper
Wes & Paul Sumner
CALENDAR
October
10 friday
BBQ Fest Across the River
October 10th | 5:00pm to 10:00pm October 11th | 10:00am to 3:00pm
This community-focused event brings together BBQ lovers, live music, food trucks, football, and family fun in one unforgettable weekend. Whether you’re a seasoned pitmaster or just hungry for great food and good times, this is the event you won’t want to miss.
RichEllen Park
1455 Highway 149 | Clarksville, TN
11 Saturday
Ag History Day
October 11th | 10:00am to 3:00pm | Customs House Museum | Free to the public
Enjoy the Customs House Museum’s AG HISTORY DAY with demonstrations and a celebration of Clarksville-Montgomery County’s agricultural heritage. Bring the whole family, check out the vintage tractors and antique steam engines, as well as the exhibit inside the museum. We’ll have kids’ activities, food truck vendors, and demonstrations. In cooperation with the Montgomery County Antique Tractor and Engine Club, this day of festivities will take place at the Customs House Museum, 200 South Second Street, in Downtown Clarksville. Customs House 200 South Second Street | Clarksville, TN
Old Glory’s Birthday Party
October 11th | 12:00pm to 9:00pm
We’re turning 9, and we want to celebrate with the community that has grown with us every step of the way. From our very first batch to today, Old Glory wouldn’t be what it is without you. Live music and tours. Family friendly, all ages welcome.
Old Glory Distilling Co.
451 Alfred Thun Road | Clarksville, TN
Historic Riverview Cemetery Walking Tours
October 11th | 9:00am – 10:00am
Price: $20 ticket | $15 member ticket
The Riverview Cemetery, established on February 23rd, 1800—back when Clarksville was just a village—rests on land donated by Valentine Sevier. Join us for a 1-hour guided tour of the cemetery, where you’ll uncover its rich history and learn about the notable figures buried there.
Following the tour, our Curator of Collections will present a 30-minute talk on select items from our collection. Please note that tickets for the tour must be purchased in advance, as space is very limited. Registration is available at www. customshousemuseum.org
*The grounds of Riverview Cemetery are not handicap accessible. The terrain is bumpy with few paved paths.
Riverview Cemetery
635 North Spring Street | Clarksville, TN
12 sunday
Beetlejuice
October 12th | 2:00pm
Price: $5
A happy couple (Geena Davis and Alec Baldwin) with a lovely country house die in a car accident and must haunt their old home while waiting to be processed into heaven. Too nice to be scary, they befriend the new tenants’ daughter (Winona Ryder). But when they fail to prevent the girl’s parents from ruining the house, they ask a devilish spirit (Michael Keaton) for help in Tim Burton’s spooky comedy classic.
Roxy Regional Theatre
100 Franklin Street | Clarksville, TN
Hispanic Heritage Festival
October 12th | 11:00am to 7:00pm
Price: Free
Come and join us for our 5th Clarksville Hispanic Heritage Festival 2025. This day we are celebrating our Hispanic culture with performances,food,and craft and vendors from our local community.
Wilma Rudolph Event Center
1190 Cumberland Drive | Clarksville, TN
14 Saturday
Tuesday Trivia w/Joe Padula
October 14th, 21st, 28th
November 4th, 11th 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Think you’re the smartest one in the room? Prove it at Trivia Tuesdays with the one and only Joe Padula, starting at 7:00pm! Get ready for an evening of brain-busting questions, hilarious banter, and of course, Joe’s signature phrase: “Absolutely!”
Cash prizes are up for grabs, so bring your A-game (and maybe that one friend who knows way too much about obscure movie quotes).
Come early to fuel up with our award-winning menu—because nothing says “trivia champion” like wings, burgers, and Irish nachos from
Clarksville’s Ultimate Fun Pub. Don’t worry, we won’t judge if you need liquid courage from the bar.
So round up your crew, flex those mental muscles, and join us for a night of laughs, food, and fun. Be there—or regret it while scrolling through everyone else’s victory photos on Wednesday morning. Absolutely!
O’Connor’s Pub
1198 Tylertown Road | Clarksville, TN
16 thursday
Storytime & Craft: Getting Ready for Halloween
October 16th | 10:30am | All ages, with adult | Free; museum admission not included
The spooky season is upon us! We’ll read two stories to get you in the mood for Halloween. Then, we’ll make a splat spider together so you can take home a Halloween craft.
*All parents are expected to participate with and supervise their children.
Customs House
200 South Second Street | Clarksville, TN
17 Thursday
The Rocky Horror Show
October 17th, 18th, 23rd, 24th, 25th, 30th, 31st | 7:00pm
October 31st | 11:50pm
Price: $35
That sweet transvestite and his motley crew are back for the 13th year, so prepare to do the “Time Warp” like you have never done it before! In Richard O’Brien’s cult classic, sweethearts Brad and Janet, stuck with a flat tire during a storm, discover the eerie mansion of Dr. FrankN-Furter.
Roxy Regional Theatre
100 Franklin Street | Clarksville, TN
Bikers Who Scare Haunted Car Wash
October 17th, 18th, 24th, 25th, 31st | 7:00pm to 11:00pm
Bikers Who Care presents the 6th Annual Haunted Car Wash. Bring the family down to Screaming Eagle Express car wash on Warfield Blvd for a clean car with a scare!!
Each night will begin around 7:00pm and will last till the last car is in line. Enter at your own risk and keep your doors locked!!
Screaming Eagle Car Wash
370 Warfield Boulevard | Clarksville, TN
CALENDAR
18 SATURday
Historic Greenwood Cemetery Walking Tours
October 18th | 10:00am – Noon
Price: $20 ticket | $15 member ticket
Join us for our popular historic walking tour of Greenwood Cemetery, one of Clarksville’s oldest active burial grounds. Take a spine-tingling stroll through the winding paths as we share captivating tales of local history and intrigue. This 1-hour tour will reveal the cemetery’s rich past and highlight the notable figures laid to rest there. Tickets must be purchased in advance, as space is extremely limited. Register now at www. customshousemuseum.org
Join us for our next show in town on Saturday October 18, 2025. It’s fun for the whole family. Come see Vendors, Guests and Attractions. Plus High Video Game & Cosplay Contest.
Quility Inn Exit 4
3095 Wilma Rudolph Boulevard | Clarksville, TN
19 sunday
Sunday Studio: Bookbinding with Patrick Vincent
October 19th | 2:00pm to 4:00pm | Ages 16+ Free, with registration required; does not include Customs House Museum admission.
In partnership with APSU’s Community School of the Arts, our Sunday Studio class is a creative workshop series for adults. The long stitch is a traditional binding style originally from Medieval Germany, often used for making journals. In this workshop, Patrick Vincent will lead you through making a book from beginning to end—involving folding and sewing. The workshop is free and includes all materials. Registration open at www. customshousemuseum.org
Customs House
200 South Second Street | Clarksville, TN
Little Shop of Horrors
October 19th | 2:00pm Price: $5
Quiet, shy flower shop employee Seymour (Rick Moranis) pines for co-worker Audrey (Ellen Greene) and is berated by his boss daily in this outrageous dark comedy movie-musical. It looks like Seymour’s luck is changing when he
discovers an extraordinary plant which attracts a great deal of business for the previously struggling store — until he learns that the strange plant he has been nurturing has an insatiable appetite for blood!
Roxy Regional Theatre
100 Franklin Street | Clarksville, TN
24 friday
Fall Used Book Sale
October 24th | 9:00am to 5:00pm
October 25th | 9:00am to 5:00pm
October 26th | 1:00pm to 4:30pm
The Friends of the Library Used Book Sale returns to the Clarksville-Montgomery County Public Library.
Clarksville-Montgomery County Public Library
350 Pageant Lane, Ste 501 | Clarksville, TN
25 saturday
3rd Annual Hats & Heels
October 25th | 10:30am Price: $40
Join us for an unforgettable fundraiser and fashion show featuring the latest men’s and women’s fashions from Dillard’s. Hosted by the GFWC Clarksville Women’s Club, the event’s proceeds will benefit the APSU Nursing scholarship program, the Roxy Theatre school student scholarships among other children and women’s initiatives. Indulge in a delectable brunch catered by P’Body’s with a cash bar available. Wear your most elegant hat and heels for chance at a prize for best hat. We will also be accepting gently used business attire for a contribution to non-profit Bella’s Closet.
Reserve your spot by visiting Clarksville Women’s Club website at www. gfwcclarksvillewomensclub.com
Clarksville Country Club
334 Fairway Drive | Clarksville, TN
Cumberland Winds Fall Concert
October 25th | 1:00pm
Price: Free
The Cumberland Winds Concert Band will return with its Fall concert at the downtown location of the Public Library on Saturday, October 25th at 1:0 pm. The performance coincides with the Friends of the Library’s Fall Used Book Sale, also taking place inside the library.
Clarksville-Montgomery County Public Library
350 Pageant Lane, Ste 501 | Clarksville, TN
Fright on Franklin
October 25th | 3:00pm to 6:00pm
Price: Free
Downtown Clarksville transforms into a Halloween haven during Fright on Franklin. Families are invited to trick-or-treat with a variety of local businesses and organizations in a safe, spirited setting.
Costumes are a must—especially for those entering the crowd-favorite costume contest for all ages. Spots fill up fast, so come dressed and ready for a frightfully fun time!
Downtown Clarksville 1 Public Square | Clarksville, TN
Jazz on the Lawn (Halloween Theme)
October 25th | 3:00pm to 9:30pm
Price: Free
Join us for our iconic Halloween Jazz on the Lawn event featuring two live bands. This event is FREE and family friendly. Come dressed in your Halloween Costume and parade across the stage during half time for a chance to win best dressed.
Beachaven Vineyards and Winery
1100 Dunlop Lane | Clarksville, TN
November
6 Thursday
First Thursday Art Walk
November 6th | 5:00pm - 8:00pm
Price: Free
Clarksville’s Downtown ArtWalk promises an immersive experience for art enthusiasts. The event features an impressive lineup of artists and venues, providing a diverse range of artistic expressions.
