The chant begins and the drums follow, dancers enter the circle clad in bright colors, with open honest faces. They circle around once, twice, three times each dancer projecting their own clearly palpable welter of emotions. They exit the circle and the crowd gathers around them, it is a celebration. Welcome to the 12th annual Clarksville Native Cultural Circle Intertribal Powwow.

The Powwow showcases the culture, heritage, and traditions of all Native Americans. This years powwow is being held on October 10th and 11th . Located on Highway 238 in Port Royal, just past Port Royal State Park. The festivities start around 9:00 am on Saturday, and 10:00 am on Sunday. The Grand Entry which officially opens each day begins around Noon.

Everyone is welcome, it does not matter if you are a Native American or not! Being your family out and share in the fellowship that is such a huge part of Native American culture. Let the tranquility of the powwow grounds refresh your spirit.

One of the many traditional dances from the 2008 NCC Intertribal Powwow

NCC 2008 Powwow Head Lady Loretta Howard

The Head lady this year is Jill Smith, the head man is Chris Crosby. Faron Weeks is the Master of Ceremony. Charles Page is serving as the Head Vet. Shawn Longfeather is the arena master. This year’s Powwow Princess is Christa Koontz. The host drum is The White Horse Singers from Alabama. This year the guest drum is Southern Echo which hales from East Tennessee.

Traditional dances are part and parcel to powwows, there will be special children’s and young peoples dances as well. Scheduled performers include the Hui Hawaii O Tenesi Hawaiian Civic Club, a storyteller and flute players. Like all festivals, vendors will be on hand, however Native vendors at powwows offer only authentic Native American jewelry, arts and crafts and clothing. There will also be vendors offering food and beverages for sale. The Host Drum, The White Horse Singers have their first Album available on CD for purchase.

Members of the Hui Hawaii O Tenesi Hawaiian Civic Club perform at the 2008 NCC Powwow

There is a small admission fee: Adults are 5$; Active duty military- with ID, and children, 15 years of age and under, are admitted free; Senior citizens 65 and older pay only $2. there is no charge for parking. Proceeds from the Powwow are used to purchase Native American textbooks which are donated to area school libraries. The NCC is an charitable education non-profit organization. Charitable donations are appreciated, and are tax deductible. Visitors are reminded to wear comfortable shoes, bring a lawn chair and wear sun cover and sunscreen.

NCC Trail of Tears Memorial Walk

Be sure to come out early on Saturday October 10th, and take part in the 3rd Annual NCC trail of Tears Memorial Walk which will begin at 10:00am. The walk remembers the forced removal of the native tribes from their homelands to the Indian Territory in what became the State of Oklahoma. Diary records of the removal mentioned Port Royal, the last stop before leaving Tennessee, as an encampment site where the Cherokee stayed to re-supply, grind corn and rest. Hundreds of Cherokee died during their trip west, and thousands more perished as a consequence of relocation.

Schedule of Events

A small note these times are approximate. Native Americans typically operate on what is jokingly known as “Native American Standard time,” which basically means “it happens, when it happens”.

Saturday

• Gates open – 9 a.m.
• Port Royal Memorial Trail of Tears Walk – 10 a.m.
• Welcome – 12 p.m.
• Grand Entry – 12 p.m.
• Posting the colors and Flag Song
• Demonstrations, dancing, and storytelling
• Retiring of the colors
• Activities end at 6 p.m.
• Dinner for Drums, Dancers, Vendors, and Staff

Sunday

• Gates open – 10 a.m.
• Welcome – 12:30 p.m.
• Grand Entry – 1 p.m.
• Posting the colors and Flag Song
• Demonstrations, dancing, and storytelling
• Retiring of the colors
• Activities end at 5 p.m.

Sponsors are appreciated

The Native Cultural Circle wishes to thank all of their sponsors again this year for their support in the festival booklet. Individuals, organizations and local businesses are encouraged to show their support for this local cultural celebration. Super 8 Motel, Huntco Drive and M.L.K. Pky, just left from I-24 Exit 11, is serving as honorary guest hotel.

For more info, email inquiries to: or .

Thursday, Governor Phil Bredesen announced that eight small urban transit agencies will receive $9.7 million in funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The funding is to be used for transit services in Tennessee’s small urban areas of Bristol,  Clarksville, Cleveland, Jackson, Johnson City, Kingsport, Lakeway,  and Murfreesboro.

“Many Tennesseans, particularly those with limited mobility, already rely on public transportation for their daily needs and many others would like to see expanded transit options,” said Bredesen in the TDOT press release.  “The Recovery Act funds announced today will help our small urban transit providers in Tennessee improve service and replace aging fleets with safer, more reliable vehicles.”

TDOT Commissioner Gerald Nicely, “Many of the vans and buses in the state’s transit fleets have accumulated hundreds of thousands of miles over the years and have outlasted their useful life.  “Replacing these vehicles will allow transit agencies to provide safer, more dependable service to their customers and will generate manufacturing work for the companies providing the vehicles.”

Federal Recovery Act Transit funds are administered by TDOT’s Division of Multimodal Transportation Resources.  Tennessee received a total of $72 million in Recovery Act transit funds.  Of those funds, $42.2 million was directed by the federal government to the state’s four large urban areas, Memphis, Nashville, Chattanooga and Knoxville.

The Clarksville Transit System (CTS) will receive $1,550,795 in funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for transit services in the Clarksville area. CTS operates seven fixed routes within the city of Clarksville and one trolley route serving the area around Austin Peay State University. CTS plans to use the dollars to purchase two 30-foot hybrid buses, a 30-foot diesel bus, support vehicles and for associated maintenance services.

For more information on TDOT’s Division of Multimodal Transportation Resources visit www.tn.gov/tdot.  For more information on the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, visit www.recovery.gov.  For TDOT specific information on the Recovery Act visit www.tn.gov/tdot/recovery.

The Tennessee Department of Transportation has identified 111 bridges across the state which will be either replaced, repaired or rehabilitated as part of a new initiative to reduce the number of structurally deficient bridges in the state.

TDOT’s Better Bridges Program is a four-year program approved in the General Assembly’s 2009 session that will issue bonds to pay for the repair or replacement of more than 200 structurally deficient bridges in the state.

TDOT has presented its list of bridges targeted for inclusion in this first year of the program to Governor Phil Bredesen and leaders of the Tennessee General Assembly. This action is required of TDOT by Public Chapter 552. Governor Bredesen stated that the projects slated for this year of the program will improve safety and reliability on more than one hundred Tennessee bridges.

The Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that steel and scrap prices fell nearly 57 percent from June 2008 to June 2009. Cement prices also declined 15 percent over the same period. Governor Bredesen further stated that undertaking these projects now, rather than later, allows the state to take advantage of today’s lower construction material costs.

Tennessee Department of Transportation Commissioner Gearld Nicely

TDOT Commissioner Gerald Nicely stated that without this program, much of this critical structural repair work on deficient bridges would have to be deferred for many years. Future generations will reap lasting benefit from bridges rebuilt today with this investment. These bridges can be expected to serve the state for decades to come.

The 111 bridge projects selected for this first year of the bonding program are spread evenly across the state’s three grand divisions and include five projects costing $4 million each and one project that costs over $20 million separately.

Projects costing over $4 million include: rehabilitation of Cocke County’s E. Broadway bridge on SR-9 (over the French Broad River), originally built in 1928; replacement of a Perry County bridge built in 1952 that crosses the Buffalo River on SR-13; replacement of the Montgomery County bridge, built in 1931, over the Red River on SR-13/US-79 (Wilma Rudolph Blvd.); replacement of a Shelby County bridge, built in 1932 on SR-14 (S. Third St.) over the Illinois Central Railroad; and replacement of a bridge built in 1956 in Sevier County on SR-53 (Chapman Hwy) that crosses Gists Creek.

The $20 million project will replace a bridge in Union County built in 1936 on SR-33 (Maynardville Hwy) over the Clinch River (Norris Lake).

TDOT also today identified four large bridges that will be funded during the second year of the program.  They are: SR-33 (Henley Street) over the Tennessee River in Knoxville; SR-73 (US-321) over the Tennessee River in Loudon County; SR-109 over the Cumberland River in Sumner & Wilson Counties; and SR-57 (US-72) over SR-23 and the CSX & ICG railroads in Shelby County.

A complete listing of bridge projects in available pdf format:

• List of Tennessee bridges affected by this announcement

According to TDOT’s Communications Office, Commissioner Gerald Nicely said, “Each of these winners is setting an example for others through their leadership, dedication, persistence and overall commitment to excellence.”

TDOT Aeronautics Division

The Tennessee Department of Transportation today recognized five Tennessee Airports with Awards of Excellence in aviation. The awards were presented at the 24th Annual Tennessee Airports Conference in Nashville. The Awards of Excellence recognize outstanding achievements and contributions to aviation in five categories: Airport of the Year, Most Improved Airport, Governing Body of the Year, Airport Manager of the Year, and Career Contributions to Aviation.

The Fayetteville Municipal Airport was selected as Airport of the Year. To receive this award, the airport’s commission has demonstrated a long term commitment to the operation, appearance, maintenance and level of service at their airport.

The Tennessee Aeronautics Commission recognized Winchester Municipal Airport as Most Improved Airport of the Year for their efforts to improve the facilities, service and overall operation of the airport.

The Excellence Award for Governing Body of the Year was presented to the Portland Airport Authority for demonstrating superior leadership in the field of aviation.

Danny Collins with the Rockwood Municipal Airport was awarded the Excellence Award for Airport Manager of the Year. TDOT Aeronautics Director Bob Woods said, “Danny Collins sets the bar for all other airport managers through his steady leadership, dedication, persistence and an overall commitment to excellence.”

Montill Warren of Savannah, Tennessee was honored for his many contributions to the aviation industry by presenting him with the Excellence Award for Career Contributions to Aviation. Warren is the manager of the Savannah-Hardin County Airport.“Montill Warren has set an example for others in our industry through his impressive leadership, dedication, persistence and overall commitment to excellence in the field of aviation,” said TDOT Aeronautics Director Bob Woods.

“The Aeronautics Commission recognizes the combined, cooperative and ongoing efforts of many people and groups to continue to improve our aviation industry,” said TAC Chair Ronald Cooper. “These awards, whether to an individual, organization or airport, recognize all who have contributed to aviation.”

For motorists planning to go to Nashville this weekend, a word of caution. Road closures will be in effect. TDOT has issued a traffic advisory regarding closure of a section of I-440 for concrete repair and rehabilitation.

According to TDOT’s Communications Office, Tennessee Department of Transportation crews will once again close a short section of Interstate 440 in Nashville this weekend as a major concrete rehabilitation project continues.  This weekend’s closure is part of the I-440 rehabilitation project which will last for several months to come.

Contract crews will close I-440 Westbound from the Interstate 65 junction to Interstate 40 on the west side of Nashville at 8:00 p.m. on Friday, September 11, 2009.  I-440 will reopen no later than 6:00 a.m. Monday, September 14.

Motorists will be advised of the traffic situation via TDOT message boards and broadcasts on the TDOT SmartWay Highway Advisory Radio. TDOT will use its many overhead message boards across the city to direct motorists around the closure. Several portable message boards will also be placed at strategic points on Nashville interstates to alert drivers of detour routes.  Most of the traffic will be diverted to Interstate 40 through downtown Nashville. In addition, information on the closures will be broadcast on the TDOT SmartWay Highway Advisory Radio station (1680 AM) and on 511.

For more information on TDOT construction project activity visit the TDOT SmartWay web site .  Travelers can also dial 511 from any land-line or cellular phone for travel information or can follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/TN511 or www.twitter.com/Nashville511.  As always, be responsible behind the wheel and have a passenger call 511 or use Twitter, or pull to the side of the road to access these services.

In accordance with state water pollution control and environmental protection laws, today, the City of Clarksville’s Gas, Water, and Sewer Department has applied to the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation for an Aquatic Resources Alteration Permit, (ARAP). The permit is sought as part of the utility’s plans to perform preparatory infrastructure work at the Hemlock Semiconductor project site.

With the application for the ARAP being formally posted on TDEC’s website, the public comment period is officially in effect. Any persons or parties interested in the details of the permit application or wishing to make comment on the proposed site alteration or wishing to request a public hearing should visit the TDEC website, for more information.

The permit application announcement

NRS09.187 – The City of Clarksville Gas and Water Department proposes to install 14,305 linear feet of gravity sewer line for the Hemlock Semi-Conductor Industrial site and future forecasted growth that will require five crossings of Spring Creek and four tributaries; Clarksville, Montgomery County.

The application described above has been submitted for Aquatic Resource Alteration Permits under The Tennessee Water Quality Control Act of 1977, T.C.A. §69-3-108. In addition, a federal permit may be required from the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers or from the Tennessee Valley Authority under §404 of the Clean Water Act and §26a of the Tennessee Valley Authority Act , respectively. Section 401 of the Clean Water Act requires that an applicant must obtain a water quality certification from the state when a federal permit is required. These notices may cover applications subject to §401 or navigation permitting (Rule 1200-04-08).

No decision has been made whether to issue or deny these permits. The purpose of these notices is to inform interested parties of this permit application and to ask for comments and information necessary to determine possible impact to water quality. Persons wishing to comment on a proposal are invited to submit written comments to the department. Written comments must be received within thirty days of the date that the notice is posted. Comments will become part of the record and will be considered in the final decision. The applicant’s name and permit number should be referenced.

The permit application, supporting documentation including detailed plans and maps, and related comments are available for review and/or copying at the department’s Natural Resources Section.

To comment on this permit

The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation- Division Water Pollution Control can be reached by writing:

TDOT’s communications office issued a press release reporting Governor Bredesen and Transportation Department Commissioner Gerald Nicely announcing $17 million in transportation enhancement grants for projects in 39 Tennessee communities and one statewide grant. The grants will be used to assist local communities in developing a variety of projects designed to enhance the state’s transportation infrastructure.

“The Enhancement Grant Program provides an opportunity for the state to work with local agencies to fund projects that enrich Tennessee communities in a variety of ways,” said Bredesen. “Many will use these funds to build new sidewalks and bike trails that support healthier lifestyles, while others utilize the program to save historic structures for future generations. All of these are worthwhile projects that truly enhance the quality of life in local communities.”

Pictured from left to right: (bottom row) Fred Mudge, TDOT Commissioner Gerald Nicely, Mayor Johnny Piper, Governor Phil Bredesen, County Mayor Carolyn Bowers, Ed Davis, David Moss (top row) Representative Curtis Johnson, Representative Joe Pitts, Senator Tim Barnes

Locally, the state will provide Montgomery County with an enhancement grant of $945,926 to assist with the development of the RJ Corman Railroad Bridge Rehabilitation Project – Phase I. The bridge is located on Riverside Drive in downtown Clarksville, near the historic Clarksville Welcome sign. The rehabilitation project will greatly enhance the aesthetic visual quality of the Clarksville River District, improve the bridge’s structural integrity and safety, and will further economic development and urban renewal efforts.

“This bridge is an important piece of Clarksville’s past and its future,” said Governor Bredesen. “I’m pleased we could provide the funds necessary to rehabilitate the bridge and transform it into a beautiful gateway into the city’s historic river district.”

Senator Tim Barnes added, “I’m pleased to support a project that will preserve an important piece of Clarksville’s history for generations to come.” “I’m pleased Governor Bredesen and TDOT are providing these funds for the continued improvement of Montgomery County,” said Representative Joe Pitts. “This project will encourage more people to visit and enjoy another of the historic sites our city has to offer.”

“Clarksville is committed to making the river district a wonderful area for residents and visitors,” said Representative Curtis Johnson. “I thank the state for making this investment in Montgomery County.” “This bridge is so unique and rich with history,” added Representative Phillip Johnson. “A project to preserve this structure for Montgomery County has my full support.”

“Through the Transportation Enhancement Grant Program, TDOT has helped fund approximately $205 million in transportation related projects,” said Nicely. “The program was established by Congress in the early 1990’s to fund activities designed to strengthen the cultural, aesthetic and environmental aspects of the nation’s transportation system.”

A variety of activities such as the restoration of historic facilities, bike and pedestrian trails, landscaping and other non-traditional transportation projects are eligible for grant funds under the federal program.

The Montgomery County project will include construction engineering, the sand blast cleaning and painting of the bridge’s steel components, and the rehabilitation of the swing span control building.

The grant is made possible through a federally funded program administered by the Tennessee Department of Transportation. For a list of grant recipients and detailed information on each grant please visit: www.tdot.state.tn.us//news/2009/enhancementgrants.htm. For more information, contact TDOT Communications Office, 615-741-2331.

Presentations included readings of their works to workshops focusing on elements of writing, style, character and story development. A new feature at this year’s conference is the opportunity for writers or other interested participants to meet with professional literary agents to discuss any aspect of the literary trade, and their own works or projects.

Austin Peay State University’s  Morgan Center’s third floor served as the hosting location of the annual two-day conference. From the opening hours where participants picked up their conference credentials packet at the registration table, attendees gathered to await the beginning of the conference’s first sessions with eagerness. Breakfast snacks were enjoyed in the break room as authors and participants arrived and were shown to their perspective presentation rooms. The APSU Bookstore set up a table featuring the works of the conference authors.

Registration attendants await conference participants check-in

Authors appearing at this year’s conference included

• John Egerton, a self-proclaimed “professional South-watcher”
• Bernis Terhune, poet, playwright, storyteller and author
• P. M. Terrell, author of the suspense/thrillers Exit 22 and Ricochet
• Christopher Burawa, poet, translator and author of Small Mystery of Lapses and director of the APSU Center of Excellence for the Creative Arts
• Susan Gregg Gilmore, journalist and author of “Looking for Salvation at the Diary Queen”
• Katherine Sands, NYC literary agent and author of “Making the Perfect Pitch: How to Catch a Literary Agent’s Eye.”
• Darnell Arnoult, author of “Sufficient Grace,” and the poetry collection, “What Travels With Us: Poems.”
• Earl S. Braggs, poet, University of Chattanooga Foundation professor of English, author of “Hat Dancer Blue,” and “In Which Language Do I Keep Silent.”
• George Singleton, author of often humorous stories of the rural South including “Work Shirts for Madmen,” “Pep Talks,” “Warnings,”  “These People Are Us,” “The Half-Mammals of Dixie,” and “Why Dogs Chase Cars.”
• James O’Connor, president of O’Connor Communications- a marketing  company specializing in book promotions and author of “Cuss Control: The Complete Book on How To Curb Your Cursing.”
• Lynda O’Connor, executive vice president of O’Connor Communications, a principal of O’Connor Communications specializing in book and author promotions.

Author Darnell Arnoult explains the 'Sublime Fiction Triangle.'

The first sessions set the tone for the conference with two instructional  workshops and appointments with a literary agent.The O’Connor’s  spoke on how to maximize benefits from your book tour. Darnell Arnoult gave a guide to writing quality fiction titled, “The Sublime Fiction Triangle.” Literary agent Katherine Sands was available for appointments. Potential writers and budding writers alike were engaged in lively discussions that delved into the mechanics of writing as an endeavor and the means of gaining beneficial representation in the literary arena.

While sitting in on Ms Arnoult’s session,  she recommended that writers should write every day. She said that the ‘Sublime Triangle of Fiction’ consisted of Character, Action and Language. Character gives the reader someone to care about or be curious about, Image gives the writer and the reader an opening to walk through, Action makes the story live on the page. Additional elements also include Energy which keeps us engaged, Language makes the experience rich and evocative, Shadow makes the story stay with us, Plot gives the story a shape and Theme is the last thing you worry about.

James and Lynda O'Connor, literary agents.

The second round of sessions saw the O’Connor’s give a presentation on, “How to sell Oodles of Books by Promoting Yourself and Your Books.” Ms Arnoult spoke on “Writing Prompts: How to Get Them and How to Get the Most Out of Them.” Ms Sands continued with scheduled private appointments with conference participants.  Both of these sessions were well attended with many participants continuing on from the first sessions, respectively and being joined by later arrivals.

Ms Arnoult again provided guidance for authors in creating their writing. She provided a handout of using applied characterization (term from Noah Lukeman’s The Plot Thickens). The guide urges the writer of fiction to use short assignments to get your characters moving, doing or saying. See what they do, how they interact with space, place, other characters, their fears, etc.

Here is a small sample from her list of writing prompts for fiction:

• List all things your character loves to do. List something he or she loves to do but can’t. Why?
• List things your character would never do or hates. Write about the character doing something from the second list. (Instant conflict!)
• Write about your character from another character’s point of view.
• Write about your character from a child’s point of view.
• Write about your character from an elderly person’s point of view.
• Have your character do a physical activity he or she has never done before.
• Write a scene where your character touches five things.
• Write about hunger. Write about something your character hungers for.
• Write about a mistake your character made.

Susan Gregg Gilmore, journalist and author of “Looking for Salvation at the Diary Queen” speaks at the luncheon during the 2009 Clarksville Writer' Conference

A catered lunch was served in the Morgan Center’s Ballroom, where author Susan Gregg Gilmore was the keynote speaker. Ms Gilmore is a Nashville native who has written for the Los Angeles Times, The Christian Science Monitor and the Chattanooga News-Free Press. Her writing has focused on ‘Life in the South’ and the quirks that are peculiar to living in the South, its hardships and its unexpected surprises and simple pleasures.

Listening to James O'Connor

The afternoon sessions opened with James and Lynda O’Connor conducting the literary agent appointments while Katherine Sands spoke on what writers can do to attract the attention of literary agents. She drew upon her own book, ‘Making the Perfect Pitch: Catching a Literary Agent’s Eye,’  a collection of pitching wisdom from leading literary agents. She likes books that have a clear benefit for the readers’ lives in categories of food, travel, lifestyle, home arts, beauty, wisdom, relationships, life challenges or popular culture.

Susan Gregg Gilmore spoke on “From Twittering to Blogging: A Novelist Online,” where she shared her experiences as a novelist discovering how to utilize the modern digital communication world as a means of increasing her exposure and awareness among the reading public. Authors are being caught up in the online  world of personal communication that uses the phenomena of Twitter and Facebook.

Images from the 2009 Clarksville Writers’ Conference

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[Uncredited photos by Turner McCullough Jr.]

Outgoing Project Vote Smart national director Sara Brady has announced her replacement to be  Robin Parkinson, the current Key Votes Director. Prior to joining Project Vote Smart, Ms Parkinson earned her bachelor’s degree in International Affairs from Sweet Briar College and her master’s in Economics/Politics from the University of Wales, Aberystwyth.

In January 2007, Ms Parkinson started her career at Project Vote Smart as a legislative researcher. Following the 2008 elections, she was promoted to department director. Brady said that over the years, she has distinguished herself as a smart, creative and exceptional manager. Brady is leaving Project Vote Smart for a position in Boston.

James Neeley, Commissioner of Tennessee’s Department of Labor & Workforce Development, announced that U.S. Zinc, Trane and Bridgestone Metalpha USA, Inc.  have been awarded State Safety Awards. U.S.Zinc and The Trane Company received the Governor’s Safety Award. Bridegstone Metalpha received the Commissioner’s Safety Award. The awards were presented at the 32nd Annual Tennessee Safety and Health Congress held at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel in Nashville.

Commissioner Neeley attested to the fact that each of these companies have demonstrated a strong commitment to maintaining a safe and healthy workplace when the presentations were made to each company. “The evaluation criteria for this award are challenging”  Each of these companies, by their efforts, has worked extremely hard to meet and exceed the standards the award requires.

In its press release, TDL&WD noted that the Governor’s Safety Award honors Tennessee employers and employees who meet a required number of hours without workplace injuries serious enough to cause an employee to miss a day of work or restrict normal job activities. The number of hours required is based on the size of the company.

U.S. Zinc manufactures zinc-oxide and zinc-sulfide inorganics. The facility qualified for the Governor’s Award by working more than 250,000 hours without a lost-time or restricted duty incident.

The Trane Company, a business of Ingersoll Rand, improves the performance of homes and buildings around the world. Trane solutions optimize indoor environments with a broad portfolio of energy-efficient heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems, building and contracting services, parts support and advanced controls for homes and commercial buildings. For more information, visit www.trane.com. The facility has qualified for the Governor’s Award by working more than 400,000 hours without a lost-time or restricted duty incident.

Bridgestone earns Commissioner’s Safety Award

Bridgestone Metalpha USA, Inc. employs nearly 400 people in the manufacturing of steel tire cords and tire cord fabrics. The facility has qualified for the Commissioner’s Award by working more than 800,000 hours without a lost time or injury. This company also received this award in 2005, 2006 and 2007.

The Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development Safety Awards Program is designed to stimulate interest in accident prevention and to promote safety. The program recognizes manufacturing and construction firms throughout the state that achieve and maintain a safe and healthful workplace.

To obtain application or more information on the Governor’s Safety Award or additional information on the Tennessee Occupational Safety and Health (TOSHA) Safety Awards Program, contact the safety grant manager in Nashville at (800) 325-9901 or (615) 741-5281 or other TOSHA award programs contact TOSHA’s Consultative Services office at (800) 325-9901.

To obtain an application or additional information on the Tennessee Occupational Safety and Health (TOSHA) Safety Awards Program, contact the safety grant manager in Nashville at (800) 325-9901 or (615) 741-5281.

Tennessee Economic and Community Development Commissioner Matt Kisber announced that Governor Phil Bredesen and Hemlock Semiconductor Group President and CEO Rick Doornbos  will be the keynote speakers at this year’s Governor’s Conference on Economic and Community Development, September 14th and 15th. The conference will be at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel in Nashville, Tennessee.

“Governor Bredesen and I are pleased a nationally recognized business leader like Rick Doornbos has agreed to take part in our upcoming conference,” said Commissioner Kisber. “As we position Tennessee for the nation’s economic recovery, conference attendees will have a valuable opportunity to hear from a range of business leaders and site selection consultants about what industries will drive job growth and investment in the years ahead.”

Rick Doornbos, Hemlock Semicondutor Grp President & CEO

In a press statement, Doornbos said, “Because of the vision of Governor Bredesen and Commissioner Kisber, I believe Tennessee is poised to play a leadership role in the development of jobs related to clean technologies. I’m looking forward to sharing my perspective on how we can maximize the creation of good paying jobs in this sector in the years ahead.”

In June, the Pew Center for the States named Tennessee one of the top three states in the nation for potential creation of future clean energy technology jobs, according to Kisber’s press release. In addition to Doornbos, the conference will feature breakout sessions with Dr. Thom Mason, director, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Robert Pittman, senior principal, Janus Economics, Ed McCallum, senior principal, McCallum-Sweeney, Michael Cutri, managing director, Cushman & Wakefield, Bob Robers, VP, Jones, Lang, LaSalle and Mark Williams, president, Strategic Development Group.

Mr. Doornbos will keynote the Commissioner’s Luncheon on September 14th at noon while on September 15, Governor Bredesen will keynote the Governor’s Luncheon at noon. Following the Governor’s Luncheon there will be a photo session with ECD’s 2009 Three-Star and Tennessee Main Street certified communities.

Among the topics for this year’s Governor’s Conference on Economic and Community Development are:

• How Green Are My Incentives — a look at incentive programs for clean technology jobs
• Do Prospects Notice When I Tweet? — using social media to communicate in economic development
• Clean Energy Heats Up the Job Market — how investing in the clean energy sector will create jobs and transform our  economy
• The ABC’s of IDB’s — a legal framework for setting up more effective industrial development boards and megasite authorities
• How Site Selectors Use Data Mining — making sure your Web site draws attention when site selectors search
• Your New Jobs May be Homegrown — supporting entrepreneurs in your community

A full list of conference topics is available, along with registration information on the ECD home page at www.tnecd.gov. Advance registration is $200 ($175 for spouses) with early registration closing September 4th, 2009. Hotel accommodations at Gaylord Opryland Hotel can also be handled through the conference website.

About the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development

The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development’s mission is to create higher skilled, better paying jobs for all Tennesseans. The department seeks to attract new corporate investment in Tennessee and works with Tennessee companies to facilitate expansion and economic growth. To find out more, go to www.tnecd.gov.

About Hemlock Semiconductor Group

The Hemlock Semiconductor Group is comprised of two joint ventures: Hemlock Semiconductor Corporation and Hemlock Semiconductor, L.L.C. The companies are joint ventures of Dow Corning Corporation, Shin-Etsu Handotai and Mitsubishi Materials Corporation. Hemlock Semiconductor is a leading provider of polycrystalline silicon and other silicon-based products used in the manufacturing of semiconductor devices and solar cells and modules. Hemlock Semiconductor began its Michigan operations in 1961 and broke ground at its Tennessee location in 2009.

“Celebrating America ’s Health Centers: Where ACCESS and QUALITY CARE Begin” is our theme for National Health Center Week 2009, according to Dell Johnson, director of marketing. It highlights the record of Health Centers in providing affordable, high quality, cost-effective health care to all people, regardless of ability to pay.

Community Health Centers serve 18 million people at more than 7,000 sites located throughout all 50 states and U.S. territories.  MWCHC serves over 28,000 residents in Middle Tennessee, including its Clarksville facility.

The Clarksville Center, in conjunction with the Nashville Center, will mark National Health Center Week by hosting Patient Appreciation Week.

Schedule of Events

• Back-to-school Physicals Monday – Thursday, 8am to 4pm
• Immunizations Monday – Thursday, 8am to 4pm  (Please bring most recent shot records.)
• Blood Glucose Screenings Monday – Friday, 8am to 4pm
• Blood Pressure Screenings Monday – Friday, 8am to 4pm
• Cholesterol Screenings Monday – Friday, 8am to 4pm

In Clarksville, Matthew Walker Comprehensive Health Center is located at 230 Dover Road. For more information about MWCHC, contact Dell Johnson,  Director of Marketing, 615-491-2740.

Rossington-Minor House at corner of Chapel and Beech Streets

Day Two of the annual Tour of Historic Homes took participants to divergent parts of the city in celebration of its Tobacco Heritage. Participants again gathered at the Riverview Inn parking lot at nine o’clock. Once abroad the tour bus, they crossed the Red River and traveled to the New Providence area where hidden treasures of the tobacco era where visited and their heritage made known. First stop on the tour was the Rossington-Minor House at the corner of Chapel and Beech Streets. Next was the Wider-Pettus House at 411 Beech Street followed by the Herndon-Cunningham House at 501 E. Street.

Upland Hall, 149 Plum Street

By 9:45 AM the tour stopped at Upland Hall, 149 Plum Street and retracing its steps back across the Red River, continued on to Colonel Forbes’ House at 610 N Second Street at 10 AM. Next stop on tour was the Gracey-Tarpley House at 331 Franklin Street.  The history of these homes belies the state of their present surroundings, astounding many of the tour participants. Leaving the Gracey-Tarpley House, participants dined on lunch at the Customs House Museum.

The tour resumed at 12:45 PM with a stop at the Old Clarksville High School at the corner of Greenwood Avenue and Madison Street. Robert Penn Warren graduated from this school in 1921. He would go on to wrote the novel, Night Rider, which depicted the battles of the Black Patch Tobacco Wars. This was followed with a stop at the Johnson-Hach House at 403 Greenwood Avenue. This home once served as the boys dormitory for Clarksville High School. Next on the tour was the Johnson-Tyler House which sits at 409 Greenwood Avenue.

The Johnson-Tyler House, 409 Greenwood Avenue

Shortly after 2 PM the tour visited Tip Top Mansion at 15 Trahern Terrace. Then it was on to the grounds of the former Hachland Hills Bed and Breakfast Retreat for the relocated log cabin of Mary Neely who was taken captive by Shawnee Indians at Fort Nashborough in 1780. Tour participants were treated to a period actress welcoming them to the grounds and talking about the history of the cabin’s famous namesake. From here the tour proceeded to the last stop, the Smith-Trahern Mansion at the corner of Spring and McClure Streets. The Smith-Trahern’s view to the Cumberland River provided a refreshing backdrop to the story of its richly steeped history.

With the conclusion of the Smith-Trahern visit, the participants ended the day with the return to Riverview Inn parking lot. The next day would see the start of the two-day Writers Conference at Austin Peay State University.

2009 Writers Conference Tour Photo Gallery

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The Legal Aid Society is marking its 35th anniversary, receiving high praise and recognition from our nations capitol. The nation-wide organization known as the Legal Aid Society is organized under the Legal Services Corporation and has as its mission, to provide legal assistance to those less able to afford needed assistance, and those who would otherwise go without vital representation.

Here is the Presidential Proclamation issued in celebration of the 35th anniversary of the founding of the Legal Aid Society.

The White House
Office of the Press Secretary

35th  Anniversary of the Legal Services Corporation, 2009
By  The President of the United States of America
A Proclamation

President Barack Obama

Every day the Legal Services Corporation (LSC) breathes life into the timeless ideal, “equal justice under law.” It reaches those who cannot afford the assistance they need and those who would otherwise go without vital representation. Today we recognize the 35 years during which the LSC has moved our Nation and our legal system towards greater equality.

The LSC brings legal counsel to every corner of the Nation. As the largest provider of civil legal aid to the poor, it supports programs that touch families in every State. Persons of all ethnic and racial backgrounds know its great work, and women, who represent 75 percent of LSC-supported clients, especially benefit from its expertise.

The Legal Services Corporation’s work helps improve lives. It allows more people to access the public benefits they deserve, more domestic violence victims to secure the protections they desperately need, and more workers to receive the compensation they have been promised and earned.

During an economic crisis, the work of the LSC is especially important. When families face foreclosure, eviction, or bankruptcy, or when communities are targeted by predatory lenders, they need the help of legal professionals. These scenarios are far too common today. Fortunately, the LSC stands ready to meet these demands.

Because economically vulnerable communities continue to face an unmet need for legal services, my Administration has supported increased funding for the LSC. I have also recommended lifting several unnecessary restrictions on funding so that more people can receive assistance. These changes are critical to the organization’s mission and work.

We have made great progress in protecting the legal rights of our citizens, and the Legal Services Corporation has played a vital role in this story for more than 3 decades. With continued support, it will serve those in need and help our Nation live out its highest ideals.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim July 25, 2009, as the 35th Anniversary of the Legal Services Corporation. I call upon legal professionals and the people of the United States to honor the contributions of this vital organization.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-third day of July, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth.

BARACK OBAMA

Historic Homes Tour participants leaving the Frech-Buck House at 102 Union Street.

Two days of presentations and visits of historic homes of the area raises the bar. Despite the rainy weather, the fifth annual Clarksville Writer’s Conference opened to a warm and welcoming flourish with its Historic Homes Tour. This year’s historic homes tour is completely sold out, a first for the Arts and Heritage Development Council annual event that opens its annual writers’ conference.

Attendees assembled at the Riverview Inn parking lot and were transported to the Customs House Museum and Cultural Center. Sign-in, registration and name tag pick-up were accomplished in the lobby. Dr. Howard Winn gave a lecture with slide show and power point presentation on the Tobacco Heritage of Clarksville.

Leaf Chronicle Enlargement of Tobacco Heritage History used by Dr. Winn during his lecture

Attendees were also treated to portraits, tobacco displays and a discussion on the heritage of Robert Penn Warren and his novel, Night Rider, about the tobacco wars. The homes listed on this year’s historic homes tour all relate to that era and the people made prominent by Clarksville’s tobacco past and the Black Patch War.

Lunch was served at the Museum and participants spent the afternoon visiting the tobacco heritage sites scheduled for Day One of the Heritage Tour. Sites visited included the Grange Tobacco Warehouse at Riverside Drive and Adams Street, the Oneal-Townley House at 103 Union Street, the Frech-Buck House at 102 Union Street, the Cooper-Howell House at 202 Madison Street, the B. O. Keesee House at 502 Madison Street; the Winn-Williams House at 1123 Madison Street and the Magnolia House Inn at 1231 Madison Street.

The Magnolia House Inn, 1231 Madison Street

Participants were returned to the Riverview Inn parking lot at the end of the day’s tour. The Riverview Inn is serving as the guest lodging host for the Tobacco Heritage Tour and the Writers’ Conference. For more information on the tour or the conference, visit their web site.

This is the first of several articles to come on the ongoing Clarksville Writers Conference.

Tour Photo Gallery

Photos by Turner McCullough Jr.

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