Photography by: Chloe Elizabeth Photography
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PUBLISHER + OWNER
BRANDY HAM
EXECUTIVE EDITOR
ROBYN WOODSIDE
PHOTOGRAPHERS
GRACIE FIELDER
LAURA LANE
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
JON BRITTON
ROBYN WOODSIDE
GRAPHIC DESIGN
BRANDY HAM
SALES
ROBYN WOODSIDE
BRANDY HAM
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
August is such a busy time of the year, and we are excited to share so much important information that is not only useful for local families but also to share some of the history of the places around us that make the 931 such a fun and positive place.
Our August issue shares places you can save money when eating out with your kiddos, how to spend time together and celebrate your family as school and all of the extracurricular activities begin up again, as well as the history of Ft. Campbell, the Grand Ole Opry, and the 19th Amendment, and how all of these have impacted our community. We hope this issue provides you support and connections within our community.
- Robyn Woodside
CONTENTS
Editorials
BACK TO SCHOOL TIPS
TIPS FROM A - Z FOR BACK TO SCHOOL | PG. 3 - 6
THANK YOU TO OUR SCHOOL FACULTY + STAFF | PG. 7
CLUTTER AWARENESS WEEK
TIPS FROM NEXT STEPS HOME ORGANIZING | PG. 9 + 10
KID-FRIENDLY RESTAURANTS
CERTAIN DAYS THAT KIDS EAT FREE | PG. 15 +16
NATIONAL RAINBOW BABY DAY
RAINBOW BABIES + LOCAL STORIES | PG. 17 + 18
LOCAL HISTORY
AMERICAN FAMILY DAY | PG. 11
GRAND OLE OPRY | PG. 21
NATIONAL AIRBORNE DAY | PG. 23
19TH AMENDMENT | PG. 26
SMALL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
BLOOM COUNSELING AND CONSULTATION | PG. 25
COMMUNITY LEADERS
EDUCATOR OF THE MONTH • JOY PARKS | PG. 7
SUPER MOM • ROSEMARY CALCESE | PG. 12
SUPER DAD • JAMES WALL | PG. 22
LOCAL EVENTS
LEGO NIGHT MOVIE | PG. 13 + 14
BULLS, BOOMS, & BURGERS | PG. 19 + 20
INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION | PG. 29 + 30
Photography Credit: Gracie Lynn Photography Northeast Faculty, Addysen Lopez, Noah, Nora, + Ethan Tant
C L A R K S V I L L E P A R K
W A D E B O U R N E N A T U R E C E N T E
W A D E B O U R N E N A T U R E C E N T E R
Rotary Park is a 111.3-acre nature park located on Rotary Drive, near Sango. It is easily accessible one block southeast of Highway 76/Highway 41 intersection. This park has over 5 miles of hiking/ biking trails, two playgrounds (one of which is ADA-accessible), picnic tables, grills, an 18-hole disk golf course, a horseshoe pit area, an exercise area, 25 acres of gorgeous open space and The Wade Bourne Nature Center.
2308 Rotary Park Dr, Clarksville, TN 37043 R O T A R Y P A R K
R O T A R Y P A R K
Story by: Brandy Ham
Photography by: Montgomery County, TN + D&R Hardscapes LLC
C L A R K S V I L G U I D
W A D E B O U R N E N A T U R E C E N T E R
The Wade Bourne Nature Center is a museum and event space located at 2308 Rotary Park Drive. Here, you can learn about Clarksville native Wade Bourne, who dedicated his life to hunting, fishing, and all things outdoors. The center features a nature discovery area where children can learn about the world around them.
R O T A
2308 Rotary Park
The center is open Tuesdays to Fridays from 10 am to 5 pm, and on Saturdays from 10 am to 3 pm.
BACK TO SCHOOL BACK TO SCHOOL
BACK TO SCHOOL BACK TO SCHOOL TIPS
BACK TO SCHOOL BACK TO SCHOOL TIPS TIPS
Story by: Robyn Woodside
AP and Honors Classes: If your child is in an honors or AP class, and has some summer reading or assignments, make sure they are on track to have everything finished by their deadlines.
Back-to-School Night/ Open House: If you’re able, attend your child’s back-to-school night or open house. It’ll help ease a lot of anxiety for you (and your kiddo) to meet your child’s teacher(s) and see the building, if they’re attending a new school this year.
Calendar & Important Dates: Grab a school calendar, if you like to have everything on paper. If you’re more of a digital person, put all of the school holidays and days off in your phone calendar.
Dapper and Dazzling: Before school starts back is a great time to schedule those clean-up haircuts, so everyone is picture-ready for the first day of school!
Expectations: Go over, not only the expectations the school has set, but your expectations for your child: their behaviors at school, what is expected of them when they get home from school, their before- or after-school routine, etc.
Fearless: As the summer comes to an end, now is a good time to talk with your child about any questions, concerns, or fears they have about starting school. So many kids will be starting school for the first time, entering middle or high school for the first time, or starting at a new school, because of a move, so having these important conversations with your child and easing any tensions they have before school begins will make for a smooth transition to going back to school.
G. G.
G. G. H. H.
H. H. I. I.
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Going to School & Going Home: Talk to your child about before and after-school transportation. Make sure they know how to get home or who they should plan to be with during those times.
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H. H. I. I.
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K. K.
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Handbook: Set up a time to sit down with your child and go over the school handbook. It is important that everyone is informed on expectations, consequences, and important information about your child's school.
Involved: As the school year begins, don’t hesitate to reach out to your child’s teacher(s) about how you can support your child’s learning and what resources you can use at home to help them practice or complete any homework they have to do.
Jam-packed: Help your child to understand that while the summer time and years before going to school are usually at a routine or pace you set in your household, most schools keep a specific schedule that usually leaves little time for relaxation. Having your child prepared for doing many things while they are at school will help them to transition smoothly.
Kind: Be Kind. Model kindness to your child’s teacher, and the staff at your child’s school, and help your child to find kind ways to express themselves to their classmates, their teachers, and the staff at their school.
Lunch: Decide if your child is going to take lunch from home or eat the lunch at school. This way, you can either have a lunch box and foods purchased and/or prepared, or go ahead and put money into their school account.
Meal Planning: Meal Planning, whether it’s prepping breakfasts, lunches, or dinners, or going over the school lunch menu to determine if your child is bringing a lunch from home for that day of the week, can really help ease the stress of back-to-school.
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N. N. O O
Neat: Practicing organization with your child will help once school starts, extracurricular activities are in full swing, and homework is piling up. It will help your child to locate the materials they need, and help to make sure you receive any communication or important documents sent home from your child’s teacher or the school.
O. O. P. P.
P. P.
P. Q. Q. R. R. S. S. T. T. P. P.
Orientations: If your child is starting middle or high school, make sure you check for orientation dates, so your child can familiarize themselves with the school.
Q. Q. R. R. S. S. T. T.
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Q. Q. R. R. S. S. T. T. O. O. P. P. Q. Q. R. R. S. S. T. T.
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Personal Information: With kids that are new to school, help them to learn their name, your names, your phone numbers, and your address.
Quality time: Don’t forget with all of the stress that back-to-school brings to spend as much time with your kiddos as you can! They are growing too quickly.
Routines: Go ahead and set a routine, including a sleep schedule. It’ll make going back to school easier for everyone!
Sports: If your child is going to play sports, check in with the school or team about requirements (i.e., vaccines, physicals, etc.) and make sure everything is up-todate. Also, if you need any equipment, make sure you have that, as well!
Tax-Free Weekend: Buy your child’s school supplies and clothes on Tax-Free Weekend! Yes, it’s busy, but you will save so much money. Check your child’s school for a specific list.
V. V. W W U. U. V. V. W. W. U. U.
Updates: If any of your personal information (i.e., address, phone number, etc.) has changed, make sure you update it with your child’s school. It is important that they can contact you in the case of an emergency.
Videos and Pictures: Don’t forget your 1st day of school pictures! Some local photographers are even doing back-toschool photoshoots if you’re interested!
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Wacky Wednesday: A lot of schools do spirit weeks (Read Across America Week, Red Ribbon Week, etc.), so it might be helpful during Tax-Free Weekend to go ahead and grab some materials, clothes, and accessories that could be worn during those weeks, so you’re not having to grab a bunch of things last minute and adding stress to an already busy time.
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X marks the spot: Make sure you have everything for school ready- backpacks packed, personal supplies labeled with your child’s name, first-day outfits picked out, and in a location that is easy to find and remember for you and your child.
Y. Y.
Z. Z.
X. X. Y. Y. Z. Z.
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Your feelings are important: It is important to talk with your child, especially those who are new to school or in a new setting, about their feelings, how to appropriately express those feelings, and how to advocate for themselves. For some kids, they are nearly never away from their parents before starting school, so it is important to help them learn to how express their feelings and needs in a productive way.
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Zzzz: Make sure your child is well-rested before the first day of school!
Joy Parks Joy Parks
Joy Parks is an English Language Learners (ELL) teacher at Stuart-Burns Elementary School in Dickson County Schools. Joy has taught for 32 years with 24 years of that experience in a Kindergarten classroom. She states, “I was ready for a change, and made the move to teach English Language Learners. I teach students in grades Kindergarten through 5th grade in a pull-out model for an hour each day.” The teaching philosophy Mrs. Parks lives by in her classroom is that she “believes that all students can learn when given the tools that are right for them, along with positive reinforcement and encouragement.” She also shares her most rewarding experience: watching her students succeed and make progress. She says, “I love to see the smiles on their faces when they accomplish something that they have been working towards.” As a positively motivating and hard-working teacher, what a well-deserved title!
We wanted to extend a big thank you to the educators and administrators at Northeast Middle School who so graciously provided their school and some volunteer staff members for our cover photo. We appreciate all of the educators, school staff, custodians, maintenance workers, and bus drivers who make the school day possible for all of these amazing students returning to the classroom this August! THANK YOU!
Photography by: Gracie Lynn Photography
NEXT STEP HOME ORGANIZING
Story by: Robyn Woodside
Next Step Home Organizing is a locally owned and operated organization company, owned and operated by Bethany Hansen. When Bethany isn’t working, she can be found wake surfing, exploring new places, indulging in laughter-filled girls’ nights with her friends, or trying new, healthy, and creative recipes at home.
Next Step Home Organizing specializes in taking any space in your home from cluttered and chaotic and transforming it into a highly organized, visually appealing space by implementing systems the whole family can maintain. They offer luxury organizing, unpacking, and moving-in services, as well as decluttering and downsizing assistance.
Bethany shares, “I like to treat each one of my clients like they’re family members. I have a lot of patience and am able to really take the time needed to go through personal items with my clients. I treat them like I would want to be treated. They’re not just a client- they’re family, and I want them to be comfortable with me when we’re going through their homes, not nervous about some stranger being there."
This organization company began when the world shut down, and Bethany’s spring break from teaching turned into an extended spring break, and then summer break. She was given the time that nudged her to explore her innate knack for organization. She adds, “With a surge of purpose, I embarked on a journey to transform cluttered spaces into havens of tranquility. What started as a what to just stay occupied, soon blossomed into a full-fledged passion. Before I knew it, I was trading dodgeballs and pickleball paddles in for drawer organizers and a label maker.” Since then, she has dedicated herself wholeheartedly to helping others embrace “the beauty of simplicity,” as she calls it.
nextstephomeorganizing
While Bethany’s most recent past involved a classroom and students, she also proudly served in the military for 13 years. She spent a lot of time traveling all across the United States during her service, and she learned flexibility and resilience. She says, “These experiences laid a solid foundation for who I am today, particularly in my passion for helping others.”Next Step Home Organizing offers turnkey move-in packages, where the team will unpack everything, assemble furniture, hang photos, mount televisions, organize every space, as well as all of the little details, down to making your beds. The majority of her work is spent in home and office organizing, but their experience ranges from playrooms to kitchens to garages, as well. They are able to come to workplaces, classrooms, warehouses, and storage units.
Bethany states, “You name the place- we can organize it beautifully!” Her mission is to empower individuals to simplify their homes, allowing them the freedom to pursue what they truly love. By transforming cluttered spaces into organized sanctuaries, they aim to facilitate a lifestyle where peace and functionality go hand-in-hand.
CLUTTER AWARENESS WEEK TIPS
The week of August 6th is Clutter Awareness Week, so if you’re saving for a home organizer, or maybe it’s just not a possibility in the near future, we worked with Bethany from Next Step Home Organizing to create a list, so everyone can get a head start on a cluttered area they have been avoiding in their home. Take a look at these tips:
• Start Small: Begin with one room or even one drawer. Focus on manageable areas to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
• Keep a Donate Bin in Your Closet: If you’re trying on an item and you don’t like it or it doesn’t fit, don’t hang it back up - put it in the donate bin.
• Follow the One-In, One-Out Rule: For every new item you bring into your home, let go of an old one to prevent accumulation.
• Utilize Storage Solutions: Invest in consistent storage bins, baskets, and organizers that fit your space to keep items neatly stored and out of sight.
• Minimize Paper Clutter: Go digital with documents and bills to reduce paper piles. Use folders and a filing system for essential physical documents.
• Practice Daily Habits: Make your bed, do a quick tidy-up, and put things back in their designated places each day to maintain order.
Good luck with any clutter you have to work on, and if you need professional help, or would just prefer an outside look for assistance, check out Next Step Home Organizing!
AMERICAN FAMILY DAY
Story by: Robyn Woodside
American Family Day is celebrated on the first Sunday in August. It's a day for families to take a break from the busyness of life and spend quality time together. With the start of the school year and the return of extracurricular activities, it's important to cherish the time spent as a family. Here are 10 great ways to celebrate American Family Day:
1. Volunteer in the community by cleaning up a public park, starting a pay-it-forward chain, or helping out at a soup kitchen.
2. Get crafty and create artwork as a family.
3. Have a game night with everyone choosing their favorite board or card game and preparing snacks for a night of fun.
4. Enjoy a scoop of your favorite ice cream or frozen yogurt.
5. Plan a trip to the grocery store and cook a meal together. Homemade pizza is a great idea as it involves the whole family.
6. Introduce your family to your favorite local spot, such as City Forum, Magic Wheels, or the Pinnacle.
7. Have a movie night by watching an old favorite or a new film either on Netflix or at the local movie theater. Don't forget the popcorn and candy!
8. Take some time to visit family members you don't often get to see and catch up.
9. Visit a local pool, or use a sprinkler, or make a slip-n-slide for some outdoor fun.
10. Explore one of the many parks that Clarksville has to offer. Check out our park guides for ideas!
M M S U P E R Rosemary Calcese
Story by: Robyn Woodside
Rosemary Calcese is our Super Mom for August 2024. Rosemary’s beautiful family consists of her son Aidan, her daughter Gigi, two dogs named Sarge and Millie, and one turtle named Michael Angelo. Rosemary is a managing partner at Calcese Law, as well as an owner at Transformation Title and Escrow. When she isn’t doing all of the requirements that come with being a parent, she can be found working or working out.
Rosemary shared that her favorite thing about parenting is “Hearing ‘I love you’. At the end of the day, it's hard to beat hearing those three words from your child.” Being a working mom can also come with challenges, though. The most challenging aspect of parenting Rosemary has faced is “time management. I’m a person who wants to do it all.” I am sure most, if not all, parents out there can agree that time management is one of the biggest challenges, especially as your child grows and enters sports and extracurricular activities.
Rosemary also shared wisdom to pass along to other parents: “It takes a tribe to raise children. Find your tribe, and make memories.” That is definitely an important piece of parenting: finding those that are there for you, there for your children, and you can always count on when needed. Definitely important advice! Congratulations, Rosemary on your Super Mom title!
M O C O M O V I E N I G H T
THE MOVIE
by: Laura Lane Photography
On July 13th, Montgomery County Parks and Recreation hosted Movie Night at Woodlawn Park, featuring The Lego Movie! This event was free to the public, and many families were able to enjoy a movie under the stars.
Montgomery County Parks and Recreation Movie Nights are sponsored by Altra Federal Credit Union and Kyrstin Frate, Keller Williams Realty.
Photography
The Nguyen Family Annabelle, Phoebe, Daniel, Benjamin + Adeline
Joseph, Suzon, + Lydia
Briana, Lola, + Finlee Harmon
James, Brittney, + Paris Eldridge
Holly + Kobie Hobbs + Kaman Coleman Angela + William
Ember W.
Hailey + Huxley King
Bella Roots + Amber Kimble
August Z. Katilyn, Brayden, + Stryker
Alexis Wider-Lopez + Jacovan Ashworth
Lyla + Emilie Dulay
Taylor Wright
Ryleigh Baumeier + Timothy Daniels
Marshedra + Zyan McDaniel + Jakobei Coleman
Levi, Jacob, + Tiffany Simon
Elizabeth, Shannon, Gracelynn, + Clayton
K y R E S T A U R A N T S
K i d - F r i e n d l y R E S T A U R A N T S
Story by: Robyn Woodside
In light of the ongoing rise of the cost of living, dining out has become increasingly expensive, especially for larger families. In response to this, we have put together a list of restaurants that provide discounted or free meals for children to help alleviate the financial burden.
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M o n d a y
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T h u r s d a y F r i d a y S a t u r d a y
F r i d a y S a t u r d a y
Clyde’s of Clarksville (Kids eat free with adult entree purchase), Fazoli’s (With the purchase of an adult entree, you can get kids meals for $1.99), Joe’s Garage (With the purchase of an adult entree, 10am-10pm), Huddle House (Free with adult entree purchase of $6+), Outback Steakhouse (Free with adult entree purchase)
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T A U R A N T S
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Ruby Tuesday (Free per adult entree purchase)
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S a t u r d a y
Pizza Artista
R E S T A U R A N T S
(Get up to 2 free kids' One-Topping pizzas with the purchase of a 10-inch or 14-inch pizza)
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K i d - F r i e n d l y
Dickey’s Barbeque Pit (One Free Kid's Meal with a $10 purchase per adult)
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Applebee’s (They offer Kids Eat Free Days; varies by location)
W e d n e s d a y T h u r s d a y F r i d a y S a t u r d a y
Restaurants that offer discounted or free kids' meals without a specific day assigned to the promotion:
Chili’s (Sign-up for the My Chili’s Rewards Program)
*Kids are referred to as 12 and under for this information unless stated otherwise.
NATIONAL Rainbow Baby
Story by: Brandy Ham
Did you know that National Rainbow Baby Day is celebrated annually on August 22nd to honor the joy and hope that comes with the birth of a "rainbow baby" after losing a previous pregnancy, The term "rainbow baby" is used by parents who have experienced miscarriages, stillbirths, or neonatal deaths and signifies hope, healing, promise, and remembrance. Subsequent pregnancies after such losses can bring a mix of emotions including anxiety, guilt, and fear, as well as joy, reflection, and healing.
While some parents feel that the symbol of a rainbow oversimplifies their experience and doesn't take away the grief they feel about their loss, for many others, rainbows symbolize hope and light after a dark time. If you need support, Share Pregnancy & Infant Loss Support is there to help. You can reach out to them via sharingofmiddletn@gmail.com or (615) 200- 6098. Plus, you can find more information on their website https:// sharingmiddletn.org, and they hold in-person support group meetings on the 3rd Thursday of each month.
Check out some heartwarming stories from local families who have welcomed their beautiful rainbow babies into the world.
The Cole Family
"My husband and I got married at 22 and 23, and wanted a family right away. After a year of trying, we decided to seek help with my ob/gyn and started our first round of Clomid. Our first round failed so we went on to try a second. We were so excited when we saw our first positive tests. We were 10 weeks along when I had an accident that sent me to the ER. Over the course of three agonizing days going back and forth to the ER for tests, we were told that our baby stopped growing around 6 weeks and my body was miscarrying. We were devastated. 6 months after our miscarriage, we unexpectedly found out I was pregnant again. This time only a week passed before I woke up to bleeding again. We took some time to heal and started our journey with a fertility specialist this time. This consisted of a lot of shots, medication, and even more tears in the process. We had three rounds fail back to back. My husband at the time joined the Army and left for 6 months to train so
we ultimately put our baby journey on hold. We ended up relocating to Kentucky for his first contract and started to settle in. After 45 months of heartbreak and loss I took a test that October on a whim fully expecting to see a negative. Much to my shock and surprise it was the darkest line I had ever seen on a test. There aren’t any words to explain the joy we felt, but that also brought all the anxiety, grief, and doubts right back. Every morning I would hold my breath just waiting to see blood. I am very grateful to have had the obstetrician that I did. She prescribed progesterone for me to take daily and had me come in on a weekly basis for monitoring and blood tests. It still all felt like a dream. One that I felt I would wake up from at any time. Flash forward to December, we ended up opting for a genetic test just to see if everything was normal for the baby since we had no idea what had caused our prior miscarriages. Two weeks later we got the results and found out we were having a very healthy baby girl. We got to announce to our family and friends in Disney World that our dreams were coming true. It wasn’t easy to say the least. I had a mild pregnancy, but a very hard labor that following June. But on June 21 after 54 hours of labor and close to 3 hours of pushing, our miracle daughter was laid on my chest. I’ll never forget that moment. It was truly the best day of my life and made every single thing I had been through completely worth it!" - Jessica Cole
The Messemer Family
"We found our we were expecting the last day of our honeymoon in '22. We had our first appointment and ultrasound at 8 weeksstrong and healthy baby. At our 12week check-up, we found out our baby had no heartbeat. By the end of the year, we found we were expecting again. We were nervous and excited. Multiple doctors appointment and she was showing slow growth. Our rainbow baby was due in July. In May, I went to the E.R. for a headache and within 24hrs I was told my baby needed to come out. I was induced at 32 weeks and 5 due to preeclampsia. Our daughter was born 3lbs 12oz and spent 49 days in NICU at 2 different hospital." - Brittany Messemer
The Smith Family
"4 years of unexplained infertility, I conceived in June of 2019. I miscarried in July of 2019 in conjunction with a traumatic ankle injury. Not being able to walk, run or drive made the grieving process all consuming and so lonely, but we survived. Our Rainbow baby born December 2020 ♥️ I didn’t want her life to be marked by our loss, so we didn’t really embrace the rainbow thing at first. But I am so grateful for her and the love and joy she brings every single day." - Courtney Jewell Smith
“After every storm a rainbow of hop
BULLS, BOOMS,
& B u r g e r s
Photography by: Laura Lane Photography
Bulls, Booms, and Burgers, hosted by Walker Farm & Ranch, returned this year, bigger and better than ever. The event featured top bull riders taking on wild bovines. The Ultimate Bull Fighters were back, along with live music, vendors, and a mechanical bull for testing your own bull-riding skills!
Clyde Cheek
Orlando Stricklen + Amber Tidwell Sabrina Croy
Kendall Odom + Leslie Walker
Anthony F.
Jen + Eli Forbes
Kye R. Marissa, Austin, Evalynn, + Waylon Bosecker
Kirsten Bickerstaft + Kathy Ochoa Tommy + Vicki Durham
Shania Kearns + Sara Stone
Scott Smith + Connor Cleveland
John, Melody, + Jax Jella
Kaylee Herman + Kyndle Bonecutter
Tripp R.
Brian, Ezra, + Jonah
Kinsley + Adelynn R.
Calvin, Tabitha, Arthur, + Ava Finzen
Cori Starnes + Cherrelle Alshemmari
Cheyenne Spencer + Harley Browning
Addison, Jade, Lakota, + Corey Walker
John Slough + Dakota Upchurch
Kenna Dyche, Amanda McBroom, Punchy + Piper
Greyson Hawkins, Ali Greene, + Kevin Brooks
Blake Clonch + Anna Travis
GRAND OLE OPRY
Story by: Jon Britton
Music City, Tennessee- the home of Country Music and the Grand Ole Opry. Many of us grew up listening to WSM radio on Friday and Saturday nights and watching the television specials.
The Grand Ole Opry has been a regularly scheduled broadcast show of Country music and talent since 1925. However, at that time it was called Hay’s Barn Dance and came on right after the music appreciation hour. Hosts and guests from Roy Acuff and Vince Gill to Dolly Parton and Travis Tritt have all graced the stage, with many more pioneers and up-and-comers. The Grand Ole Opry has been a place for pure entertainment and joy. For some, it’s nostalgic and brings back memories of the good days, sitting around the radio and singing along to the music.
RYFrom 1925 to 1974, the Grand Ole Opry called several buildings in Nashville its home; Ryman auditorium being the most famous, from 1943 to 1974, when it finally moved into the Grand Ole Opry House that you may know and enjoy today.
One question that gets asked a lot is “What’s an Opry?” Well, in 1927, after the music appreciation hour, which included classical music and music pieces from the Grand Opera, George Hays, the original and most famous host, said that since everyone had heard from the Grand Opera, now they would hear from the Grand Ole Opry, and the name stuck.
The Opry has been the milestone that many entertainers and songwriters have sought to perform at and become members of. Membership marks a career height that many consider the pinnacle.
You can still tune in and be part of this history every Friday and Saturday night at 7 PM. The Grand Ole Opry still starts the show on WSM Radio, as well as Sirius XM and Circle Country, and shows no sign of slowing down. In addition to the radio broadcast, you can purchase tickets to see the show live, plus the many events and tours that they have. A tour and show make an excellent Christmas gift during the holiday season! Also, as their website says, “The lineup is always changing, and it’s never the same show twice, so every night is the night to see the Opry.”
Another way you can experience the Grand Ole Opry is by signing up to take a tour of the famous building. There are a few options for tours: you can indulge in a daytime tour with stories and history given throughout the tour; a post-show backstage tour with tours of dressing rooms fit for the stars; a duo tour between the Grand Ole Opry and Ryman Auditorium; women of country music tour with mimosas, and tours of the women’s dressing room with exclusive photo ops.
S U P E R D A D JAMES WALL
Story by: Robyn Woodside
James Wall is our Super Dad for August 2024. James has been with his wife since 2004 and married since 2006. Their household consists of three sons of their own, as well as another son that is not biologically theirs, but they are raising and opening their home to. When James is not busy with the four boys in his household, he spends his time working as a School Resource Officer (SRO) with the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office or riding trails with his friends and family.
Raising four boys definitely keeps you busy. When asked what his favorite thing is about parenting, James shared, “Watching my boys grow into successful young men.” While watching your children grow into young people is such a rewarding experience, parenting of all kinds has its challenges, as well. When asked about the most challenging part of parenting, James said, “Balancing work schedules with kids’ sports and home life, trying not to miss out on too much.” Balance is such an important piece of parenting, but also so difficult to achieve. James was asked if he could share any advice with other parents, what would you say. He shared the following advice: “There’s never enough time with your kids and it goes by so fast. Don’t take it for granted; spend every moment you can making memories.” I think it is safe to say that most parents would agree! Way to go, Super Dad! Congratulations!
Do you know a dad who goes above + beyond to take care of not only his family but others? Each month we will spotlight a Super Dad in Clarksville!
NATIONAL AIRBORNE DAY
Sitting at over 105,000 acres, Fort Campbell is home to many local Clarksvillians and Kentuckians. The Fort is a city in its own right with over ten schools, including satellite schools, shops, restaurants, and entertainment areas for the soldiers and their families.
Fort Campbell, Kentucky is the Army base that sits between Hopkinsville, Kentucky, and Clarksville, Tennessee. Home of famed 101st Airborne Screaming Eagles, the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, and the 5th group Special Forces, as well as many others.
A fun fact is that while the majority of the base sits in Tennessee, it is the post office that sits in Kentucky and months of issues with mail delivery gave rise to the post becoming Fort Campbell, Kentucky.
Fort Campbell, originally known as Camp Campbell, was named for Union Brigadier General William Bowen Campbell. Built in 1942, Camp Campbell became a training ground for armored divisions and their support units until after World War II, becoming a permanent installation in 1950. Once Camp Campbell became permanent, the name was changed to Fort Campbell shortly after becoming the home to the reactivated 101st Airborne Division of World War II Fame.
The soldiers at Fort Campbell have been involved in every major and incidental conflict abroad since the Vietnam War, including the more modern Global War on Terrorism.
One place to learn more about the 101st Airborne Division and Fort Campbell is at the Pratt Museum located on post. There are many collections donated by retired generals and collectors to tell the public more of the Airborne’s story.
In 2025, another Museum will open called the Wings of Liberty; here the public can be educated on the role of Fort Campbell in domestic and foreign affairs, as well as their influence on the local communities.
Clarksville and Hopkinsville have both shared a great relationship with Fort Campbell and our communities have benefited from the soldiers that are still in service and those that have retired here.
Story by: Jon Britton
Small Business Spotl Small Business Spotl
Bloom Counseling and Consulta Bloom Counseling and Consulta
Story by: Robyn Woodside
Bloom Counseling and Consultation is dedicated to supporting clients from all walks of life who face barriers to becoming the best versions of themselves.
Founded by Corrie Larson, Bloom Counseling and Consultation aims to provide holistic mental wellness services to the Clarksville community.
Corrie, originally from Washington State, relocated to the Clarksville area two years ago. Despite her initial apprehension, she embraced the opportunity for a new chapter
In her life stating “Clarksville is a city brimming with warmth, community, and promise. Its vibrant downtown and the genuine kindness of its residents quickly made it feel like home”.
It was with this welcoming embrace that the dream of expanding Bloom Counseling and Consultation took root.
At Bloom Counseling and Consultation, Corrie and her team of clinicians believe in a holistic approach to mental wellness, encompassing personalized therapy, community engagement, and education. Through innovative programs and partnerships, they strive to create a supportive environment where individuals feel empowered to prioritize their mental health and thrive.
While Corrie specializes in working with women and women's issues, her clinicians are skilled in working with a wide variety of clients to include children and couples.
Corrie shares, "I am thrilled to announce our expansion into serving the vibrant community of Clarksville. I am grateful for the incredible team of clinicians who share my passion for mental health advocacy. Together, we are eager to serve the Clarksville community, offering a sanctuary of understanding, empathy, and empowerment. We believe that everyone deserves access to quality mental health services, and we are committed to making therapy more affordable and accessible by offering sliding scale rates as low as $65/session.”
When asked about giving advice to someone who may be uncertain about beginning therapy, Corrie advises “Therapy really is for everyone. Whether you’re dealing with a specific issue or just need someone to talk to, therapy can be beneficial. You don’t need to be in crisis to seek help. Often, people think therapy is about fixing you but it’s really about finding your strengths and using them to improve your life."
Bloom Counseling and Consultation is located at 1824 Memorial Drive in Clarksville. You can check them out on Instagram or at their website, www.bloomcounselingandconsultation.com | (253) 380-0038.
Story by: Jon Britton
19th Amendment
The landscape of Democracy in America changed in August of 1920 when the 19th Amendment was ratified. This amendment, which granted the right to vote to women, was the triumph of advocating, sacrifice, and perseverance of the suffragists after pushing for decades for equality.
Beginning in the mid-19th century, the suffragist movement saw many women, such as Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and Sojourner Truth as champions for their cause. While progress was slow and faced with significant opposition, the suffragists persevered on using tactics of peaceful protests, petitions, hunger strikes, and civil disobedience.
19th Amendment 19th Amendment
During World War II, the opinion towards the movement began to change. With many men at war, it was the women who had to take their spots in jobs often reserved as men’s work. By 1918, the President of the United States Woodrow Wilson announced his support for the movement as they pushed for the constitutional amendment. The 19th amendment was passed on June 4th, 1919, by the US congress and ratified August 18th of 1920 by 36 states.
While this amendment was a huge victory, it is important to remember that many women of color still faced opposition to these rights, especially in the South. These women would still fight for their constitutional voting rights until 1965 when the Voting Rights Act was passed and many of these obstacles were dismantled.
Tennessee played its own role in history, being the 36th state to do so. However, it wasn’t an easy path. Many of the senators didn’t agree with the amendment and stuck to voting no on it. On August 18th, the Tennessee General Assembly was tied,
which is exactly what he did, pushing the ratification, with certification by Governor Albert H. Roberts.
Every day it is important to consider the plight and push of our fellow Americans who had to take the rights guaranteed to them in our constitution, and the efforts, time, and sacrifices that have continued to grow us as a country.
In 1920, women gained the right to vote as part of the 19th Amendment. However, it would be another 45 years for our nation to begin to see equality in voting practices for all.
On August 6th, 1965, the Voting Rights Act was passed by the United States Senate and signed into law by Lyndon B. Johnson. This act was created to guarantee all Americans the right to vote, regardless of their “race, color, or previous conditions of servitude”. This act ensured the 14th and 15th Amendments in the United States Constitution. The 14th Amendment grants citizenship to all people born or naturalized in the United States, including formerly enslaved people. The 15th Amendment prohibited states from disenfranchising voters “on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude.”
The Voting Act outlawed practices, like literacy tests and helped to outlaw poll taxes that were implemented to prevent African Americans from voting. These were put into place to discriminate against racial and linguistic minorities. The act also required federal monitors to be placed in southern polling centers to help voters to register, as well as prevent harassment or intimidation. In addition, this act was put in place to ensure that states would not be able to make policy changes for voting without the approval of the U.S. Attorney General or the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.
The Voting Rights Act of 1965 was put into place as a step in the right direction toward equality. 1 9 6 5 V O T I N G
While the 15th Amendment was enacted in 1870 to guarantee the right to vote, Congress had to jump into action to put together and pass the Voting Rights Act, after protests led to some voting rights activists’ murders, to ensure these rights were given to everyone.
Story by: Robyn Woodside
Marchers with signs at the March on Washington, 1963 Image: Library of Congress LC-U9- 10344-16
Marion S. Trikosko, photographer
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Independence Day Independence Day Celebration Celebration
Photography by: Laura Lane Photography
The City of Clarksville celebrated Independence Day on July 3rd at Liberty Park. The event took place at 5 p.m. when the community could enjoy live music, food trucks, games, and a spectacular fireworks show later that night!
Miesha Walker + Dontaveous Curry
Ashley, Alaina, Anderson, Amber, + Noah
Zay Grimes + Hannah Wolfe
Amy, Madison, + Katie Dye
Mayor Joe Pitts + First Lady Cynthia Pitts
Susann, Noah, + Crosby Davis
Alexander, Jasmine, Karter, + Saint Davis
Elise + Abigail Allardice
Dominic, Erin, Sophia, Olivia, + Annabella Marinelli
The Catlett Family
Robert Bell + Dominic Miller
Grace, Jennifer, + Lucianna
Jared + Cali Burgess
Bonnie Townsend + Justin Norton
Jaren + Heather Miller
Joanny, Kayden, + Judy
Maureen Harrigan + Tom Bolla
Diego V. + Andres G.
Aspen + Hadlee P.
Marla, Zahra, Sofia, + Shar
Kinsley, Kiran, Kayla, Ayden, + Tristan Adamowich
Carol, Mackailah, Michail, Malachi, Makaiyah, Mickhi, + Julian
Shanna + Cole Connelly + Ivy
Melissa, Kaylei, Isabella, Rebekah, Tristan, + Parker
CALENDAR
AUGUST 2024
Thursday, August 1st, Come walk through Downtown Clarksville and stop by Sanctuary on Main to say hi and meet the featured artist and check out their work! This is a monthly event and will feature different artist(s) each month. Come check out their work and grab a drink from our Cafe and maybe even listen to or participate with our Happy Hour Choir.
Time: 5:00 - 8:00 pm | Place: 334 Main Street, Clarksville, TN 37040
Saturday, August 3rd, Back To School Bash - FREE Community Event!! Open to the publiccompletely FREE event for the children of our Clarksville community! Please join us for a day of FUN, FOOD, LAUGHTER! Gershman Mortgage-Clarksville will be giving away FREE backpacks filled with school supplies (while supplies last) for children attending K-12th Grade.
Time: 11:00 am - 2:00 pm | Place: 2150 Wilma Rudolph Boulevard, Clarksville, TN 37040
Tuesday, August 13th, Participants will learn the basics of composting via an educational presentation, then are invited to join for an optional tour of the outdoor community garden space where they can see the compost in action. Lupine seeds - a beautiful flower and soil nitrogen fixerwill be given away for participants to enjoy.
Time: 5:00 - 6:00 pm | Place: 2308 Rotary Park Drive, Clarksville, TN 37043
Saturday, August 17th, A farmer’s market run entirely by kids! www.childrensentrepreneurmarket. com. The Children’s Entrepreneur Market is an initiative of The Tuttle Twins — a children’s media project that teaches kids of all ages about entrepreneurship, free markets, money, personal responsibility, and more. We offer books, curriculum, a cartoon, and more!
Time: 8:00 am - 12:00 pm | Place: 1 Public Square Clarksville, TN 37040
OF EVENTS
Friday, August 23rd, Dress to Impress! Join Local Spotlight Business Awards - Clarksville for their Annual Small Business Awards Event! Meet & Mingle with local small business owners and supporters during a night to remember!
Time: 6:00 pm | Place: 2300 Gunn Road Adams, TN 37010
Saturday, August 24th, Bike Night at Appleton Harley-Davidson is back! Join them once a month from now to September for an evening filled with excitement. Browse through a variety of vendors, enter to win exciting giveaways, and grab a bite to eat from a food truck. Plus, some nights will feature stunt shows that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Time: 4:00 - 7:00 pm | Place: 2501 Hwy 41A Bypass, Clarksville, TN 37043
Saturday, August 24th, Join The Customs House Museum & Cultural Center as they commemorate a remarkable milestone in the history of the Customs House Museum & Cultural Center. This year’s Flying High will be an unforgettable evening of elegance and excitement – their biggest fundraising event of the year!
Time: 5:00 pm | Place: 15000 Fort Campbell Boulevard, Oak Grove, KY 42262
Saturday, August 24th, Grab your girlfriends, mothers and daughters and attend the FREE Women of Clarksville Expo. Shop, eat and learn something new. You will find everything from clothing and cooking to health screenings. The Expo is free although admission tickets are recommended so that we may accurately plan for the number of attendees.
Time: 10:00 am - 3:00 pm | Place: 2631 Hwy 41A Bypass, Clarksville, TN 37043
