Clarksville City Councilwoman Candy Johnson

On November 3, 2009, around 7:38 am, a two car collision resulted in two people being sent to the hospital.  A 2003 Jeep Cherokee, driven by Michelle Wylie, 34, of Clarksville  was traveling west on the 101^st when a 2002 Mercedes, driven by Ward 5 City Councilwoman Candy Johnson, who was making a left from Ringgold Rd onto the 101^st Parkway to head east (toward Wilma Rudolph Blvd).   The vehicles collided at the intersection of 101^st Parkway and Ringgold Rd.  Candy Johnson was transported by Lifeflight to Vanderbilt and Michelle Wylie was transported by ambulance to BACH Medical Center.  There were no other passengers in the vehicles.

CPD Public Information Officer Jim Knoll stated that the Police Department would have to speak to Councilwoman Johnson before determining exactly who was at fault in this accident.

The investigation is ongoing and charges are pending.  The lead investigator is Officer David Colvin, 931-648-0656, ext. 7064.

This has to be one of the funnest events to watch during the entire festival. The shoreline was packed with people all on hand to cheer on their favorite teams.

Here’s how it went down. The teams were called out and their boats carried down to the courtesy boat dock. Once all boats were in place they were gingerly placed into the water and team members carefully boarded their vessels. Once all three boats were situated at the starting line the horn sounded and the teams feverishly paddled their boats down river towards the McGregor park Boat ramp. The first boat to reach an orange flag placed on the shoreline near the boat ramp was the winner of that heat.

The boats  are raced in individual heats of three boats per run. The following Prizes are awarded

• The Ship Shape Award for the most creative boat design
• The “Cardboard Queen” Award which goes to the prettiest boat in the Regatta
• The Team unity Award for most spirited and most organized team (Looks don’t matter here!)
• The Team Attire Award for the team with the most creative costumes
• The Titanic Award which is awarded on the basis of the most spectacular sinking of the day.

This was in addition to the first, second, and third place awards for each heat. Regatta results are at the bottom of the article below the photo gallery.

The City Council Boat

A can of Whoop Ass

The City council boat featured a catamaran hull, and they brought along a secret weapon a case of whoop ass. Council Members David Allen (Ward 8), Joel Wallace (Ward 9), Bill Summers (Ward 10), and James Lewis (Ward 3) crewed the boat, seeing them off were Councilmembers Geno Grubbs (Ward 7), Candy Johnson (Ward 5), and Deanna McLaughlin (Ward 2).

For the last few years the Parks and Rec Department and the City Council have been swapping out the cardboard City of Clarksville Regatta Trophy. This trophy is exclusively for City Department participants as they are ineligible for the other awards offered in the Regatta. This year, Parks and Rec Department took the Titanic award because as Kevin said during the awards, “We get the award because we had the only boat that sank, and the plaque is dated so he had to get rid of it.” Better luck next year!

Missy Graham looks on as the Parks and Rec crew is fished out of the water

The Clarksville PD boat

The Police Department’s boat was crafted into the form of a giant beaver and was named Leave it to Beaver. The crew members including Chief of Police Al Ansley all wore beaver 100.3FM t-shirts.

Other organizations that raced included Clarksville High School, The Riverview Inn, Clarksville Highs Junior Civitan Club, The Kennedy law firm and their boat the Legal Eagle, the Hilldale Kiwanis Club, the Clarksville Fire Department Explorer Troop, the energetic Paco’s Taco, The Actus team represented Fort Campbell which took home several awards. There were too many teams to recognize them all here but they all did a great job on their boats, showed great sportsmanship during the races, and hopefully everyone had a really great time!

The Kennedy Law firm boat Legal Eagle

Following the Regatta the rest of the days’ entertainment beckoned.

The inflatables

As you walked from the Regatta towards the performance stages you passed through the kids area with its multitude of inflatables. Early in the day there was almost no lines, but by evening time you had to spend a bit of time waiting in line at each of them. There were tables and bleachers provided to allow the worn out parents to relax, as their children enjoyed the activities.

Around inflatables’ area you found other things for the kids to enjoy. A booth offering caricatures, another Airbrush tattoos. Booths offered many free games some with prizes for the kids. Then of course always a crowd favorite is the petting zoo, and pony rides.

Katherine Kolodzie and the Roxy Theatre booth

The Roxy Regional Theatre was on hand in the children’s area and ably represented by its new Director of Public Relations & Development Katherine Kolodzie, who told Parents about the Theatre, the shows suitable for young people, and their “School of the Arts”, and in the process she raised awareness about this fount of culture in our community. Some of the great Children’s shows that the Roxy has put on include “A year with Frog and Toad”, “Seussical the Musical”, “Cats”, “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast”, and they will soon be showing the hilarious “25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” starting on September 18th. The show features six young people competing in a spelling bee, with parents who barely managed to escape childhood themselves, in the process the children learn that winning isn’t everything, and that losing doesn’t necessarily make you a loser.

Now we move on to the River of Culture!

Clarksville Family Magazine sat on the border of Toddler town and the River of Culture, and this was quite fitting. They introduced and sponsor the Toddler Town area which provides age appropriate activities for the younger children. Clarksville Family Magazine has left their mark on the yearly Riverfest Festival, and that deserves special recognition! Their high quality magazine is aimed at parents and families, and the businesses which want to reach them. Clarksville Family Magazine is published by Carla & and Cliff Lavergne. They started publication in April of 2007, and currently publish and distribute 10,000 issues a month, which are available free of charge at various locations around Clarksville. If you are interested in advertising with them you can contact Rachel Phillips at (931) 216-5102.

Riverfest is fast becoming the place to highlight the diverse mix of cultures that make up our community, and to allow the attendees to discover first hand the benefits that our city gains from them. This amazing diversity brings new ideas, new talents, new visions, and perhaps best of all new foods to try into our city. Toreros Fine Mexican Foods gave Riverfest visitors free samples of Churros, a tasty pastry item that originated in Spain. This dish is popular in Mexico, and is becoming popular in the United States. The pastry is fried into long ribbons and frequently topped with a light dusting of sugar and cinnamon.

The colorful Ballet Folklorico Viva Panama dancers

Clarksville Online has frequently identified the colorful Ballet Folklorico Viva Panama dancers as area favorites, and they didn’t disappoint at Riverfest. Joining them in that very selective favorites list are the Jezzebellies with their lithe and exotic dances, and the Hui Hawaii O Tenesi Hawaiian Civic Club with their graceful hulas.

Chris Monhollen

After a bit of midday break, We returned to the Festival in time to catch the Beaver’s Country Idol competition. Featuring 17 very talented local singers, the competition had the crowd singing along to the tunes, dancing in the aisles, and all in all having a great time. Chris Monhollen ended up taking home the $1000 dollar prize for the 2009 Beaver Country Idol contest.

The Beaver broadcasts with 100,000 watts at 100.3 on the FM dial, and features some of the best in country music. They are part of the 5 Star Radio Group which also operates Q108 107.9FM, The Eagle 94.3FM, Everything that Rocks Z97.5 FM, & The Fan 540 AM.

After the Beaver Country Idol Contest was over, it seemed as if time began moving twice as fast.

Clarksville Online was fortunate to attend a meet and greet for the headlining performers for the evening, The Trailer Choir , and Jack Ingram. Both of whom graciously allowed us to take the photos used in this story.

The Trailer Choir

Clarksville Mayor Johnny Piper with Country Singer Jack Ingram

Following that we made our way back through the River of Culture catching the start of the Hui Hawaii O Tenesi Hawaiian Civic Club’s last performance of the evening. As time was growing short we could not stay long, but grabbed a couple of quick shots. We were also lucky to run into some of the Ballet Folklorico Viva Panama dancers, and got a great picture of them as well.

The Pistols

We made it back to the Budweiser stage just before the end of the Pistols performance so we were able to catch a couple minutes of their show before heading on up to the Gateway stage to catch a bit of the Atmoic Blonde performance. They were tearing that stage up, and had the audience all the way up to the front edge of the stage, forming what was to all extents a mosh pit. It was nice to see an audience so engaged in the performance.

We returned to the Budweiser Stage and caught the introduction of The Trailer Choir by Fletch and Bailey from the Beaver 100.3 FM. On the Trailer Choir let me say this, you have to see that big man strut his stuff on the stage. The group mixed humor along with down home country jams. One of their songs facetiously invited the audience to head on down to the Waffle House with them after the performance.

The Trailer Choir performing

After listening to their couple of songs, we headed down to the Gateway stage and caught the first act in the Step Exhibition. Step is a form of dance where teams of dancers directly compete with each other each group trying to out perform the other.

As flash photography and video were not permitted of the headlining acts after 8:00pm we headed back to the Budweiser stage and was able to catch the lighted boat parade before heading out for the evening.

Many of the groups that performed during the 2009 Riverfest have music that is available online or on services such as Amazon’s Mp3 Store or iTunes, You can personally say thank you for coming to Clarksville and performing at Riverfest, by buying some of their songs. We have already purchased Off the Hillbilly Hook by the Trailer Choir on iTunes, and are looking forward to purchasing a couple of Jack Ingram albums in the next day or so as well!

Photo Gallery

The pictures from Saturday start on Page 2 of the gallery

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Regatta Results

With the vision from the Director of Schools, Michael Harris, The Education Foundation searched for an additional partnership to complement the Pass and Go event to provide additional incentives for the students who qualified for the car. Premier Medical came on board and agreed to give-away 12 laptop computers to provide students another chance to win, in addition to the car. Premier will also provide flash drives to every student participant in the program so that everyone will walk away with something.

“Education is such an important facet to healthcare and we are very excited about the opportunity to partner with the Clarksville Montgomery County School System as a sponsor of the Pass & Go event,” says Cathy Hayes, Premier Medical representative. “This program provides an opportunity to recognize and reward students for their academic achievement which we see as an investment in the youth and ultimately the future of this community.”

William Beach from Beach Oil Company recently came on board to give students a chance to also win gas cards.

Mike Harris, Director of Schools says, “I am thankful that we have so many businesses and individuals in our community who are willing to help us recognize students for their hard work and also support our district programs.” Without the support of our community we would not be able to have such events and rewards.”

For information about how your business can become a business partner with CMCSS please contact Candy Johnson at 931-920-7955 or candy.

Candy Johnson, City Council Ward 5

I received some emails from people who expressed concerns abut the city council opting out of the state guns in Parks bill,  which I along with some of my constituents think is a good decision for our community. The theme amongst those who are in favor of allowing guns in parks seems to be that they are worried about safety in our parks. This is not backed up by the statistics, so I have attached a list of the crimes committed in parks as reported to the Police Department since January.

In 11 of our parks there were no crimes reported, and in the others there were just a few. I think providing some information on the safety of our parks will provide some relief to those who are concerned. I will continue to oppose allowing guns in our parks, as a matter of ensuring the safety of our children. I would hate to see a permit holder get into an argument at a park with someone,  and then instead of calling the police  take matters into their own hands, and innocent bystanders get hurt. Our public safety department is here to help citizens deal with these situations. Of the type of incidents reported, very few involved weapons. Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.

Parks with no crimes

The following parks had no reported crimes from January 1st – July 14th, 2009

• Billy Dunlop Park
• Bel-Air Park
• Burchett Park
• Coy Lacy Park
• Dixon Park
• Ft. Defiance
• Mericourt Park
• Lettie P. Kendall Park
• Patriot Park
• Sevier Park
• Sherwood Forest Park

Parks with crimes

The following parks had incidents of crime reported between from January 1st – July 14th, 2009

• Airport Park had one incident of vandalism
• Ashton Park had a case of assault
• Burchwood Park had a theft
• Dalewood Park had an incident involving drugs, and a misc offense on another date.
• Edith Pettus Park had one incident of vandalism
• Fairgrounds Park had a vehicle theft, vandalism, and a theft.
• Heritage Park had two incidents of vandalism, one incident of burglary, and one misc offense
• McGregor Park had three incidents of vandalism,  one drunkenness, one intimidation, and two misc offenses
• Smith Ballfields had one assault, and one misc offense.
• Stokes field had one assault,  one intimidation, one theft from buildings,  and two misc offenses.
• The Swan Lake Sports Complex had a case of theft of motor vehicle parts.
• Trice Landing Park had a misc offense.
• Valleybrook Park had the most serious incidents including, two incidents involving drugs, three involving alcohol, one robbery, one arson,  and one misc offense.

Candy Johnson, City Council Member for Ward 5

For several years the condition of this Park originally funded through a grant for the low-income area has been overlooked for repairs. The city owns and is responsible for this park, but has failed to upkeep the proper lighting, ball field and pool. The residents haven’t had full access to this park in over 4 years.

I have noticed that several other parks in poor condition receiving preventative maintenance measures such as lighting in amounts of of $80,000 to $125,000 have been allocated funds for improvements in this budget. I have supported the Heritage park improvements in my Ward and also some others in other Wards.  I agree that parks are about a good quality of life for our citizens but I am confused as to why we never consider fixing this particular park after several request to do so?

The responses I have received are as follows;

1. We don’t make any money off the pool.
2. It would not be a wise management decision to reopen the pool in that area.
3. The usage of this park is low.
4. Little league teams do not want to play there.

I do not feel that we have properly addressed the needs of the citizens in that area, nor have we gathered relevant and up-to-date data to back up these assumptions. As I am on the parks and recreation committee I have requested the cost to repair the once heavily attended pool, and was given an estimated cost of around $50,000 to repair the liner due to leaks in the pool. I am sure it may need some additional repairs, but before APSU built their new fitness center, they rented the pool from the city and did just fine maintaining it. I understand bottom lines, but is that what quality of life activities are really about?

When we talk about kids getting into trouble in the summer when there is nothing to do and the causes of low-income housing areas generating crime… We can keep talking about it, because when they have nothing to do they will unfortunately make trouble or possibly join gangs. If we can spend $40,000 on curtains and blinds, we can certainely afford an additional $80,000-$100,000 to invest in a park that has been overlooked for many years.

Many of these kids don”t have the transportation to get to the other pools and additionally can’t afford to pay $3-4 for admission. This pool is in their neighborhood and is in walking distance. On another note, the field and lighting is in such poor and unsafe condition I have no doubt as to why little league teams would not want to play there.

I have shared this information with you in order to let you know that the request I proposed for $80,000 to be allocated to begin fixing this park along with the other parks that were approved for funding failed (5-6) at the budget hearings. I not only support the growth and progress of this city, but also have a heart to make sure we are providing for the all the areas that need attention in our city as a parks and recreation committee member. If you feel this is something that should be given consideration please contact your City Council members to express your concerns.

Thank you!

Candy Johnson
Ward 5 City Councilwoman

The primary goal of the conference is to help minority and low income women with self esteem issues, and to instill in women the knowledge that they are not alone, that other people are out there willing to help them.

Denise Thomas giving a presentation on proper dress

While the event was targeted primarily at minority and low income women, it was is open to all. Those who attended the conference were provided access to free health screenings, nutritional information, educational and empowerment classes.

Sponsors included the The Matthew Walker Clinic, Americhoice, Carlos Murgas from Honeycutt Realty, and the City of Clarksville.

Organizational attendees included the Montgomery County Health Department, WIC, TennCare, The Community Health Initiative, AARP, Hope Pregnancy Center, The Legal Aid Society, Centerstone, Montgomery Care and Rehab Safe House, UT Extension Nutrition Education, Victim Advocate for Army Community Services, YWCA, APSU,  Angel Wings, and other local vendors.

Miyo Katchi from the Maxwell Clinic provided a free massage to interested attendee.

Clarksville H.O.P.E. looks forward to your attendance next year.

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Michael Harris, Director of the Clarksville-Montgomery County Schools System, will disseminate important information about upcoming changes about the school district during the month of June, in a series of community forums. Director Harris believes it is imperative to speak face to face with parents, faith-based groups and community leaders and individuals about the changes that will take place in the next school year. These changes will have an direct impact on students achievement.

Michael Harris, C-MCSS Director

The public is invited and encouraged to attend one or more community presentation forums scheduled for the month of June. These forums will focus on the new high school redesign for Montgomery County, the new state standards and district budget. Please mark your calendars for one of the presentations near your community. All meeting times will be from 6:30-7:30 PM.

The dates are as follows:

* June 10th at the Crow Community Center
* June 11th at Burt Cobb Community Center
* June 12th at Kleeman Community Center

Some of the questions that will be addressed are as follows:

1. What are the new state standards (K-12)?
2. What significant changes will take place next school year that parents need to be aware of for the success of their students?
3. Does the school system have programs available to help my child succeed?
4. What is the basic budget make-up? How does it support my student?
5. Why is it important for the county to support the school budget?

Public participation and attendance is vital so that all parents, grandparents, pastors, community leaders, or educators can gain insight on what you can do to help the student in your life and our communities succeed.

Contact Candy Johnson, CMCSS Community Relations Coordinator, 931- 920-7955, for questions regarding these events.

The Color guard approaches

It’s always a solemn occasion when a nation gathers to honor its soldiers, those who lived to come home, but even more importantly those who did not. There are 33 missing POW/MIA’s from the State of Tennessee. Each one was honored in a ceremony on Public Square in Clarksville this Sunday evening.

The Memorial Day Candle light vigil is held by the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 396. This is the 20th consecutive year for the ceremony. It was first held in 1989, the same year the local chapter was chartered. The initial list contained a total of 43 names, since that time 9 comrades have found their way home, the latest in 2005.

The colors were posted as an honor guard of Montgomery Central High School JROTC Students stood a silent vigil around the war memorial on public square. Then a single chair representing all of the POW/MIA’s nationwide was placed in a position of honor before the audience. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited, and a moment of silence was held. Then Rev. Elijah Oliver of delivered the invocation.

State Senator Tim Barnes was introduced and spoke a few words.

State Senator Tim Barnes addresses the crowd

Thank you, I just want to say what a honor it is to be here at this occasion. That we mark the contributions of so many, who gave so much.

I was about 8, 9 years old when my older brother went to this foreign land that I had never heard of before. It was about at that time that I and the rest of this nation were learning the names of these places. Like Đà Nẵng, Long Bien, and Palku. And it seems like forever ago that I remember that time. And I remember hearing about all those who did not come back. And that is what we are here for.

Ah! My brother did make it back, but unfortunately about two months after he got back he was killed in a car wreck.

And that was my first opportunity to see a military funeral, and I can tell you as 11 year old child and it’s something to, to watch as a child, to see that salute, to hear the bugler in the distance which I am convinced is the saddest sound on the face of the earth. And to have that, in this case an airman with white gloves on, turn and bend down to my mother and hand that flag and say, “On behalf of a grateful nation”.

And I know during that time 1970 it was July of 1970. All across the country there was so many mothers who were receiving those flags, on behalf of a grateful nation. And the only thing I have to say here is that I will never forget that, and I hope that indeed, we are a grateful nation.

Then State Representative Joe Pitts was introduced…

State Rep. Joe Pitts Addresses the crowd

Thank you Gary, and thank you to all who are here this evening, on this solemn occasion. This is one of my favorite, favorite times during our Memorial Day holiday, just primarily because we pause, and call out those names individually those, who have served but never returned. I also want to say thank you to Rev. Pastor Johnny Conway and Robert Warren his wingman, and brother Elijah oliver and others who continues to serve with the Veterans Temporary Assistance program. Your service gentlemen should not go unrecognized.

I won’t sit here and try to recite a bunch of dates because we all know the genesis, and the beginning of Memorial Day. I just want to tell a couple of stories if I could. I had a speech prepared but I am just gonna put that aside.

I remember much like Sen Barnes being an 11 year old child in December of 1969 when the mother of one of my classmates in sixth grade, came to the classroom and took out my classmate, his name was Mark. And she took him out and uh told him his father had been killed in Vietnam. And I remember that crystallized the war for me. Because I remember that Mark was gone for a couple of weeks, and when he came back, he was never the same.

Something that I want to recall those who served, and those who were wounded. My father’s in the audience tonight he’s a Korean war purple heart veteran and when he speaks of that experience which is not very often. He speaks with great reverence, but also with great reservation, because as he says “the purple heart club is a club you don’t want to be asked to join”.

We are pausing tonight to recognize those who are missing, those who are unaccounted for, those who served and did not return.

It was my honor to speak on Friday at the opening ceremonies in Oak Grove for the traveling wall, the Vietnam memorial wall thats so beautifully displayed in that park setting, in Oak Grove. And there are more than 58,000 names on that wall. But among the 58,000 names there are over 1,200 which represent those who didn’t return, or are unaccounted for. We are stopping tonight to recognize and pay tribute to them. So to those families who still have question marks in their lives, we just want to say thank you for your service. We also want to say thank you to these men and women who are going to be bringing the chairs as we call the names forward tonight. And I think that is the most telling part of this particular ceremony is when they come with great reverence and awe and respect for their fallen and missing comrade, that we stop and pause.

So this weekend, at this moment, and at this time, and in this place lets never forget those who didn’t come home, and those who went, but didn’t come home alive. God Bless you and God bless America!

Members of the Vietnam Veterans Motorcycle Club, Legacy Veterans Motorcycle Club, and the 2nd Brigade Motorcycle Club prepare to do their duty to their comrades

During the ceremony, The thirty three names were slowly read aloud, the bell pealed, as someone in the background intoned “Absent, but not forgotten.” The flame was lit. The empty chair, draped with a POW/MIA shirt and a placard, identifying the missing solider that it represented, was carried forward by a fellow veteran, who once it was in place stepped up before it, and rendered a silent salute.

A chair is put into place as the crowd and color guard looks on

One final note. Ward 5 City Council Member Candy Johnson was the only City Representative to show up, the rest were not in attendance.  She is to be highly commended.

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The POW/MIA’s

Below are the names of the missing Tennesseans. We offer our fervent hope that they too all find their way home once more.

Major Howard V. Andre Jr.
USAF
Memphis, TN
July 8^th 1969

1^st Lieutenant John R. Baldridge Jr.
USAF
Memphis, TN
November 20^th 1969

Lance Corporal James A. Benton
USMC
Daisy, TN
April 27^th 1967

Specialist 4^th Class Dwight A. Bremmer
U.S. Army
Oakland, TN
December 14^th 1971

Specialist 4^th Class James A. Brown
U.S. Army
Humbolt, TN
August 12, 1970

Lieutenant Colonel Donald F. Casey
USAF
Chattanooga, TN
June 23^rd 1968

Sergeant Echol W. Coalston Jr.
U.S. Army
Memphis, TN
January 21^st 1968

Corporal James B. Conway
U.S. Army
Franklin, TN
April 13^th 1966

1^st Lieutenant Larry W. Cotton
USAF
Nashville, TN
March 9^th 1970

Lieutenant Commander Carroll O. Crain Jr.
U.S. Navy
Memphis, TN
March 8^th 1967

Lance Corporal Richard H. Dallas
USMC
Memphis, TN
April 27^th 1967

Private First Class Joe L. Delong
U.S. Army
McMinnville, TN
May 18^th 1967

Specialist 4^th Class Billy J. Ellis
U.S. Army
Elizabethton, TN
January 3^rd 1968

Sergeant Donald P. Gervais
U.S. Army
Clarksville, TN
May 1^st 1968

1^st Lieutenant Gary A. Glandon
USAF
Powell, TN
May 26^th 1966

Seaman Apprentice Thomas A. Goetsch
U.S. Navy
Memphis, TN
September 17, 1972

Captain Lucius L. Heiskell
USAF
Memphis, TN
February 6^th 1967

Specialist 4^th Class Jerry A. Hiemer
U.S. Army
Memphis, TN
November 11^th 1965

Private First Class James D. Hunter
U.S. Army
Portland, TN
October 29^th 1968

Major Dale A. Johnson
USAF
Elizabethton, TN
November 27^th 1966

1^st Lieutenant Richard C. Lannom
USMC
Union City, TN
March 1^st 1968

Captain William T. McPhail
U.S. Navy
Chattanooga, TN
May 22^nd 1968

Petty Officer 1^st Class James C. Newman Jr.
U.S. Navy
Knoxville, TN
February 6^th 1968

Sergeant Calvin A. Norris
U.S. Army
Monterey, TN
November 3^rd 1970

Specialist 4^th Class Marvin E. Phillips
U.S. Army
Gruetli-Langer
September 26^th 1966

Chief Warrant Officer Kenneth L. Stancil
U.S. Army
Chattanooga, TN
December 28^th 1965

Major Lawerence B. Tatum
U.S. Army
Chattanooga, TN
September 10^th 1966

Lieutenant Colonel James A. Treece
USAF
Memphis, TN
October 7^th 1966

Major Woodrow W. Vaden
USAF
Clarksville, TN
December 10^th 1964

1^st Lieutenant John T. Welshan
USAF
Oak Ridge, TN
March 3^rd 1968

Colonel David R. Williams
USAF
Memphis, TN
April 1^st 1967

Captain William C. Woods Jr.
USAF
Paris, TN
September 2^nd 1972

Staff Sergeant Lawerence Woods
USAF
Clarksville, TN
October 24^th 1964

Junior Govs Summer Camp for kids 5-12, put on by Austin Peay University Recreation, which will be in its 3rd year this summer, is specifically geared towards APSU faculty, staff, and students, but is open to everyone including Fort Campbell families who are looking for something different for their children this summer.

Staff members Mequel Logan and Cherelle Caldwell lead the campers in a dance on camp field day

The camp has several attributes that make it an affordable choice for families as well as something different for families to experience. The camp is designed to fit a family’s schedule for vacations, summer school, return from deployment, or other camps. University Recreation actually encourages parents to send their kids to the Austin Peay athletics camps while coming to Junior Govs camp on the other weeks. Camp registration is made on a week-by-week basis and does not require a full summer commitment.

Also, the camp hours span the entire day so that a parent can drop their kid off before going to work or going to class and can pick their child up at the end of the work day or classes. Austin Peay student Susan McDuffie, when asked about the convenience of having her children in camp on campus while she was in class, said:

“I was able to take summer classes and not feel guilty about leaving them alone while I was at school. I was also able to easily check in on them between classes. Everyday was a new adventure for them, we look forward to coming back this summer.”

The camp is centered around the Foy Fitness and Recreation Center on the Austin Peay campus and the camp uses many of the building’s features for camp activities. Some of these include a 25 foot indoor rock climbing wall, basketball courts used for several team sports and activities, an outdoor pool for swimming days, an indoor running/walking track, racquetball courts, and a racquetball court transformed into an arts and crafts room.

Dr. Charles Pigott, of Tupelo, MS, talks to campers about how a surgeon can help them in the hospital.

Besides the normal physical activities, Junior Govs also offers an educational aspect in a “non-school” setting that teaches campers about community, life skills, and also introduces them to several aspects of the University at a young age. Speakers from both on and off campus taught the campers about science, the environment, culture, safety, sports, and health.

Lynette Taylor, Assistant Director of Disability Services at Austin Peay, added that :

“I had the opportunity to present a session on disability awareness and also have my son attend the camp. The camp staff made sure the campers were engaged in learning  and ensured a sense of belonging. My son is already asking about going to camp in 2009.”

The camp this past summer also took field trips to the Clarksville Science Museum, Dunbar Cave, and the Nashville Adventure Science Center. Other special camp events were a camp talent show, a family field day, and a carnival day filled with inflatables and carnival midway games for prizes.

Campers dress up as doctors during the camp’s field trip to the Adventure Science Center in Nashville.

Newly elected Clarksville city councilwoman Candy Johnson also commented that:

“My daughter never  wanted to leave when it was time to go home.  The opportunities this program offers for children can not be matched by any other summer camp that I know of!”

For more information about Junior Govs Summer Camp, contact Greg Pigott at (931) 221-7564 or . Also, you can visit University Recreation’s website at www.apsu.edu/recreation for more information. Camp fees include camp t-shirts, field trips, snacks, and most lunches.

Campers taking part in arts and crafts

]]> http://www.clarksvilleonline.com/2009/01/07/apsu-offers-summer-programming-in-junior-govs-camp/feed/ 0 http://www.clarksvilleonline.com/2008/11/21/justice-department-hud-hear-citizen-concerns-on-development-urban-renewal/ http://www.clarksvilleonline.com/2008/11/21/justice-department-hud-hear-citizen-concerns-on-development-urban-renewal/#comments Fri, 21 Nov 2008 08:00:07 +0000 Christine Anne Piesyk http://www.clarksvilleonline.com/?p=12703

CPRC member Don Sharpe speaks out against redevelopment at "fact-finding" community meeting

“Sued for a half million dollars for speaking out…”

“This ordinance is detrimental to the community…”

“The City Council ‘rubber stamped’ the mayor…”

“I don’t think they have a plan…”

“Our Leadership doesn’t want to listen to us….”

“CHA is a shadow, not a voice…”

“Preying on minority communities…”

“I’ve never been to a public forum where the public couldn’t speak…”

This is what representatives from the United States Department of Justice, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, and the Institute for Justice  heard when they came to Clarksville Thursday to listen to community concerns about the about the city’s controversial redevelopment plans. Seventy people participated in a fact-finding meeting at the New Providence Community Center on Oak Street sponsored by the NAACP and the Urban Resource Center.

Walter Atkinson, Senior Conciliation Specialist with the U.S. Department of Justice Community Relations Service (Southeast Region IV), in stating that the meeting was “to hear community concerns,” said his role was in part to try and avert “litigation.”

“I am here to listen and observe,” Atkinson said, noting that it was letters from NAACP Chapter President Jimmie Garland and Terry McMoore of the Urban Resource Center that focused federal attention on this local issue. Atkinson had been “in communication” with Mayor Johnny Piper and with the Downtown District Partnership Board. Piper, DDP members and most sitting City Councilors did not attend this meeting. Jim Doyle, who was not re-elected to his Ward 8 seat, along with newly elected councilors Candy Johnson, David Allen and Jeff Burkhart did attend the meeting and spoke with the Ward 6 constituency.

The origin of the issue and the center of the controversy, which exploded in November, 2007, is a city ordinance that was quietly developed and passed by the City Council; at its core was section that designated two square miles, 1825 homes and small businesses in the downtown area, including City Hall and the Courthouse, as “blighted,” with the exception of property owned by Austin Peay State University. The ordinance also included an assemblage clause that would allow eminent domain to be used in “assembling” a group of properties to be transferred to private developers who would “maximize” the potential of the land involved.The land in question lies in Ward 6, the city’s only major minority ward, which, according to Garland, may be protected under the Civil Rights Acts of 1964.

In response to the passage of the ordinance, a grassroots activist group was formed: the Clarksville Property Rights Coalition, who staged an initial Standing Room Only meeting at the Hope Center on Legion Street in November, 2007, which attracted 50 people. Several weeks later, a second meeting at the Train Station on 10th Street was not only packed with concerned citizens but had the overflow crowd of 300 spilling out the doors. A postcard campaign was organized and specialists including representatives and lawyers involved in historic preservation and litigation became involved. Subsequent meetings, including one at APSU where the CPRC and others were not allowed to speak or make a presentation to city officials, and another meeting at the Burt School on Eighth Street where a last minute change in building capacity left nearly a hundred people standing in the parking lot, signs in hand, but unable to speak out to officials or hear what being said inside. Piper later admitted that of the written comments from the concerned residents were destroyed.

Joyce Vanderbilt of Kelly's on Riverside Drive displays the controversial ad on redevelopment

With city officials squaring off against Ward 6 residents and business owners, the redevelopment plans became the supercharged issue of 2008; an ad placed in a local newspaper by the CPRC made a case against the ordinance and proposed development, and The case, borne of a highly controversial ordinance passed by the Clarksville City Council in November, 2007, that “blighted” some two square miles of downtown Clarksville, culminated in a libel suit over a newspaper ad taking some city officials to task for their actions in supporting the ordinance that potentially opened the door for taking of properties by eminent domain and for private development.

In that case, Richard Swift, a developer who is a member of the Clarksville City Council, and Wayne Wilkinson, a member of Clarksville’s Downtown District Partnership, sued the CPRC because its members criticized them for supporting Clarksville’s controversial redevelopment plan, which authorizes the use of eminent domain for private development. In a newspaper ad, the CPRC noted that both Swift and Wilkinson are developers and said, “This Redevelopment Plan is of the developers, by the developers, and for the developers.” Virginia’s Institute for Justice represents the CPRC in the case.

Christine Walsh of the Institute for Justice

Becky (McMahan) was sued for a half million dollars for speaking out,” said Christina Walsh, Director of Community Organization for the Institute for Justice. “The Clarksville Center Redevelopment and Urban Renewal Plan violates the rights of home and business owners in the redevelopment area. The saga of how it was passed illustrates perfectly why the abuse of eminent domain is wrong. This plan would not pass muster in many states.”

“We do have the right to speak. We are not a Third World Country. Wake up, Sleeping Clarksville, and realize that this is our community. Question the ordinance and the need for the ordinance, and the potential use for the ordinance… even some of the city councilors did not understand this ordinance, and if they didn’t understand it thow can they vote on it.” — CPRC member

NAACP Chapter President Jimmie Garland Sr.

Jimmie Garland charged the City Council with “rubber stamping” the mayor on this issue and asked where “the plan” for development. “Knoxville showed us a plan and invited the community in; that’s not how it was done here There is no plan here.” Garland said that Clarksville’s present leadership does not want to represent us and “does not want to  listen to us.” (Ed: garland excepted Ward 6 Councilor Marc Harris, who opposed the plan). “Our legislators don’t listen to us.”

“Clearly, the confluence of bad law and politically connected developers here does not bode well for the citizens of Clarksville, who have been virtually abandoned by the very political officials they elected to represent their best interests…Local governments very often disguise their intentions of transferring perfectly fine properties to private developers, declaring so-called “blight removal,” “urban renewal,” or “slum clearance” as the justification for eminent domain. … they hide behind this “public use” concept in their quest to acquire property for the private use of developers.” ~~ Christine Walsh

Walsh noted that Piper himself said the plan “was not written in strict accordance with state law,” at which point the city amended rather than rescind the plan, and took a trip to Knoxville to view that city’s redevelopment  process.

Turner McCullough Jr. speaking about a state law that requires that community bodies must reflect the diversity of the community they represent.

Turner McCullough Jr. said “the mayor himself said there is no plan.” After the APSU public forum in which the “public” could not actively participate, and “when (the public) asked for information, we were told to shut up. We  were not considered.”

Wanda McMoore noted that the ordinance assesses what terms “underutilage” of land, which the Institute for Justice and the CPRC read as property that could rake in more profit and more taxes if uses for something other than what it is (i.e., three homes vs a strip mall, five homes versus and apartment complex, a family-owned restaurant vs waterfront condos).

Edward Vanderbilt of Kelly’s on Riverside Drive questioned why, under eminent domain his land and business could conceivably be taken for a minimum of money that wouldn’t even buy a plot of land somewhere else  while “the mayor sells his land and gets millions” (Mayor Piper owns land along Riverside Drive that is in the redevelopment and marina area).

Kevin Johnson of Veterans Services of America discusses the make-up of redevelopment committees

Kevin Johnson of the Veterans Services of America suggested that beyond stating what they do not want, the residents of the area and members of the CPRC, along with local community leaders, should assess what they do want, what kind of growth and positive change they would like to see in their community, and what they would use in lieu of the present ordinance.

It was noted that legislation passed in 2006 can withhold federal funds to communities that use public money to fund private development.

A theme that ran through many of the statements offered by concerned citizens included the following:

• The assemblage clause is of serious concern
• Eminent domain should not be used for private development. (”Take eminent domain out of this plan.”)
• Elected officials simply do not listen to or want to hear from dissenting constituents
• Developers and real estate people with properties in the affected area should recuse themselves from voting on issues which may benefit them (conflict of interest, ethics)
• The actual authors of the ordinance should be disclosed. (”Who wrote this damned thing?”
• According to law, redevelopment plans in Tennessee must be overseen by a housing authority. A determination of Kevin Johnson of the Veterans Services of America participation in the development and execution of the ordinance and redevelopment efforts should be disclosed (Wanda Mills of the CHA has said publicly the CHA did NOT do a study for this plan)
• Demographics (ethnicity, gender etc) of development and advisory boards should be disclosed and appointees to these public posts should be present at meetings when their appointments are confirmed, rather than simply being “a name on a piece of paper.”
• What are the qualifications of the people who created the ordinance?
• Why aren’t more members, if not all members, of the board from the areas impacted by this law?
• What have HUD and other federal monies really been spent on? Has HUD funding been redirected to other projects outside of the designated districts or parameters?

Walter Atkinson, Senior Conciliation Specialist, U.S.D.O.J.

In summing the comments accumulated during the fact finding meeting, Atkinson asked the audience to consider the following?

• If the plan is dropped, what do you want (in your community)?
• What qualifications do you feel people need to participate on redevelopment and related boards?
• What kind of oversight (and by whom) do you need for your community?

As the meeting closed, Terry McMoore noted that he had sent “many, many emails and invitations to people about this meeting, including city officials and Mayor Piper. Given the Mayor’’s lack of response and absence from this session, McMoore requested that Atkinson himself ask the Mayor to attend the next meeting on this issue.

Also attending were Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Representative David H. King, Director, Knoxville Field Office; , Louisville, HUD Fair Housing Equal Opportunity;  County Commissioner Lettie Kendall; CPRC spokesperson Rebecca McMahan; and Tim Harvey, former City Attorney.

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Tennessee stayed Red, selecting John McCain as its presidential choice over Barack Obama, 30,167 to 25,702, a disappointment to the Clarksville for Obama organization, which ran a strong and well-organized Democratic effort on Obama’s behalf.

Republican Lamar Alexander retained his U.S. Senate Seat handily with 32,006 over his closest challenger, Democrat Robert D. Tuke, with 16,329.

Marsha Blackburn (R) comfortably held her seat in the U.S. House of Representatives, 22,573 to 13,150 over challenger Randy G. Morris.

John Tanner held his U.S. House of Representatives 8th District seat with 97% of the vote, or 6,420 votes.

Democratic Challenger Tim Barnes took the District 22 State Senate Seat, ousting incumbent Rosalind Kurita, 27,996 to 15,700.

Joe Pitts easily retained his Tennessee House of Representatives 67th District seat with 12,519 votes (97,26%).

Tennessee House of Representatives 68th District seat was retained by Curtis Johnson with 18,172 votes (97.94%).

The much touted Wheel Tax Referendum was soundly defeated, 32,924 to 18,353.

With 99.085 (28,282 votes), Judge Charles Smith retained his judiciary seat.

City Council races are as follows:

Ward 3: James Lewis, 1243; Vincent S. Kruk 345.

Ward 4: Wallace Redd, 1358; Edward Fowler, 672.

Ward 5: Candy Johnson, 1501; Gary K. Brown, 611, Aaryn Coyle, 268.

Ward 8: David Allen, 2517;  Jim Doyle, 1359, David Cutting, 633.

Ward 9: Joel Wallace, 2035.

Ward 12: Jeff Burkhart, 2297; Wayne Harrison, 1981.

Montgomery County Democratic Party

The Montgomery County Democratic Party will host a “get out the vote” rally Saturday at 10 a.m. at Veteran’s Plaza. State legislators  and local candidates will join the event in an effort to energize and encourage early voting, which if the first day of early voting is any indicator, will be encouragement falling on willing ears.

After the rally, the group plans to enter the Election Commission as a group and vote for the candidates of their choice.

On Wednesday, the early voting line extended out the door and down the covered walkway, with as many as 60-80 people in line at any given time.

For more information on this MCDP event, call  931-552-5523

Pre-presidential debate event is well attended with diverse community population. Hispanic/Latino community activists speak out on election, progress, and issues facing all voters.

The Montgomery County Democratic Party Headquarters, 534 Madison Street, served as the host site for the Latinos For Obama House Party. As a prelude to the 2nd presidential debate, the gathering was a well attended affair that drew participants from beyond just the Latino/Hispanic community.

Fabian Bedne, making a point...

Fabian Bedne, an architectural engineer, was the guest speaker for the event. Bedne is a founding member and President of the Middle Tennessee Hispanic Democrats, founding member of the Middle Tennessee Chapter of the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals, the Tennessee Hispanic Voters Coalition PAC, and member of the Executive Committee of the Davidson County Democratic Party.

Bedne has been featured various times in news print, television and recently spoke to Latino Democrats from around the country as an Obama delegate to the Democratic National Convention.

Fabian Bedne addresses voters at MCDP headquarters

Bedne is also a board member of Habitat for Humanity, a founding member of Metro schools’ Comité de Padres Latinos (COPLA) Committee of Latino Parents, member of the Community Relations Committee of the Nashville Jewish Federation, and member of the Tennessee Delegate Selection Plan Committee of the Tennessee Democratic Party. He has also mentored students in the YMCA Hispanic Achievers program.

Parents listen intently as Bedne speaks.

Bedne stated that he is a supporter of educational achievement and economic development. In the past, the Black community and the Latino/Hispanic communities have both received the same political consideration in American politics, namely that of being ignored or taken for granted, marginalized.

“Like the Black community, we know what it is to only see or hear from politicians during an election cycle and after the election, they disappear for four years and forget your name until the next election rolls around.”~~ Fabian Bedne

During his address he noted that issues of concern to the Latino/Hispanic community are the same as with the Black community. He stated that many assume that immigration is the top concern of Latinos and Hispanics but that is incorrect. “We care about the economy, education, the war and then immigration, in that order.”

He also told the gathering that “Hispanics being seen as the largest minority in the United States has resulted in efforts targeting Latinos and Hispanics for specialized intimidation and voter suppression.” Flyers and rumors pour into the communities with misinformation and untruths designed to scare Latinos and Hispanics from seeking to register or go to the polls to vote. Bedne stated that many Latinos and Hispanics come from a background where law enforcement is not an true agent of public service for the common citizen but rather an extension of the power structure to suppress the people.

“It takes an intensive education effort to undo that kind of conditioning. Sadly there are political operatives here in this country who prey upon the immigrants ingrained fears of police to discourage our community from fully participating in the American system of government.” ~~ Fabian Bedne

Bedne stated that education is important, on many levels. “You can’t educate the child if the parents aren’t involved. Yet many Latinos/Hispanics have many issues which prevent them from being involved in their children’s education. Lack of English language proficiency and the quest for profitable employment are chief among these issues.”

“This is a great country. For us, prior to coming here, we only know what we see in the movies. But when we get here, we stay here because we see just how great life is in the United States. The Latino/Hispanic community is not trying to tear down this country, quite the opposite.”~~ Fabian Bedne

They recognize the promise that is America and seek to participate in that ideal.

During the question and answer session that followed his address, an audience member asked, ” “How do you answer someone who tells you vote your biblical heritage?” Another individual responded saying, “I would tell them, my biblical heritage tells me to vote for someone who will help the poor, who will feed the hungry, who will shelter the homeless and clothe the naked and drive the moneychangers out of the temples. Someone who will do unto his fellowman as he or she would wish done for himself.” This response was soundly applauded.

Other Latino community activists in attendance were also introduced to the gathering.

Yoland Echezarria (at left), a Fort Campbell Middle school teacher, is also a voter registration volunteer in the Hispanic community, indicating the value she places on the rights and responsibility of individuals to not only register to vote but to show up at the polls and vote.

Angel Natal, (at right with Frankie DeJesus), is a member of the Clarksville Fire Department and is also active in voter registration activity, promoting educational achievement and community organizing.

Frankie DeJesus is a student at Austin Peay State University, a member of the APSU College Democrats, and Director of Minority Affairs for the State Federation of College Democrats Outreach to the Minority Community.

Candidates for public office were then acknowledged.

Candy Johnson (at right), candidate for City Council Ward 5, David Cutting, candidate for City council Ward 8, Tim Barnes (above right), Democratic candidate for State Senate District 22 and State Rep. Joe Pitts, State House District 67 were presented to the gathering. Socializing followed with refreshments being served as everyone waited for the second presidential debate, live from Belmont University to begin.

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]]> http://www.clarksvilleonline.com/2008/10/09/latinos-for-obama-house-party-is-a-full-house/feed/ 0 http://www.clarksvilleonline.com/2008/09/19/clarksville-for-obama-fund-raiser-invigorates-supporters/ http://www.clarksvilleonline.com/2008/09/19/clarksville-for-obama-fund-raiser-invigorates-supporters/#comments Sat, 20 Sep 2008 01:00:04 +0000 Turner McCullough Jr. http://www.clarksvilleonline.com/?p=9449

Local fund raiser highlighted by enthusiastic crowd and lively speakers. Montgomery County Democratic Party partners with Clarksville for Obama to stage the event. Democratic State Senate District 22 nominee Tim Barnes shares in event spotlight.

Clarksville for Obama, with an assist from the Montgomery County Democratic Party, held a fund raiser Thursday night  at the IAM Local # 129 Union Hall on 1296 Union Hall Rd.

U.S. Senate Candidate Bob Tuke and Senate District 22 candidate Tim Barnes were among the guest speakers, a roster that included candidates for state and national offices on the November ballot, and representatives of both the Democratic Party and Labor Unions.  Approximately 155 people attended the event.

Gene Lewis, MCDP chair, stood in for Kim McMiillan, who was unable to attend, as moderator for the event. He introduced each of the program’s speakers to address the gathering.

Bob Tuke (center, left), candidate for 7th US Senate District, commended Clarksville for Obama and the Montgomery County Democratic Party. He praised the county for its strong Democratic Party tradition. He additionally hailed State Senate District 22 nominee Tim Barnes.

Tuke then cited Senator Barack Obama as a “great candidate” and declared he would make a fantastic president. He declared the current financial crisis, “is not an accident, it isn’t cyclic. It’s the result of mismanagement.” He noted that “President Obama” will need a supportive Senate and that means having at least sixty democratic votes in the Senate.

“I want to be that 60th vote that will end the Republicans filibusters. Barack and I need your help to make that happen.” — Bob Tuke

Tim Barnes , State Senate District 22 nominee, “To my many supporters, from the bottom of my heart, Thank You!” He declared that:

“There is nothing more powerful than a group of people dedicated to a cause. I stand here before you as living proof of that you can make a difference. It is essential we take this fight to the people. Senator Obama has the opportunity to straighten out the mess of George W. Bush and Dick Cheney.”

He added that the unique thing about Senator Obama is that, “He’s not telling us what we want to hear, he’s telling us what we NEED to hear!”

Randy Morris, candidate for US Congressional District 7, spoke out about Rep. Marsha Blackburn, regarding her 90 percent track record of voting with the Bush administration: “Poor Marsha, she never got it an she never will!” He supports Senator Obama’s energy program, saying, “We are going to have to get off our oil dependence. ‘Drill, baby, drill,’ sounds cute but it’s not the answer to our energy problems. We have to go with renewable resources.”

Wade Munday, communications director of the Tennessee Democratic Party, told the crowd of looking forward to seeing Bob Tuke retire Lamar Alexander in the US Senate and Tim Barnes sitting at the District 22 seat in the State Senate. He declared that with Barack Obama in the White House and Bob Tuke in the US Senate, Democrats are ready to take control and change this nation for the better. Jerry Lee, president of AFL-CIO Tennessee State Council, spoke next. He told the gathering that “our country must turn around. We must change our nation’s direction. We must elect Barack Obama as president.”

Tyrone Taylor (left), communications director for Clarksville for Obama, enthralled the gathering, saying that “Barack’s message of change, of empowerment was simply too powerful to resist. The Republicans view our situation as natural. It’s no big deal. They represent the past. We democrats represent the future.”

Jerry Martin, director of Tennessee for Obama, told the crowd that Montgomery county is going to be blue in November. Martin noted that “Tennessee is counted as a red state but in reality that is only a superficial cover. Our everyday politics are invariably blue. In June 2006, there were 3.5 million registered voters in Tennessee. In June 2007, that number had grown to 3.8 million registered voters.” He urged the group by October 6, 2008, (ed: the deadline to register for the 2008 election) to make that number more than 4 million.

Martin also spoke of various attempts to disparage Senate Obama, false attacks on his name, his religion, and his character. He urged everyone to refer to the website, <www.stopthesmears.com> for factual information and counter arguments to refute these false attacks being circulated by his opponents. He told the supporters to respond to these untruths by referring the doubters to “stopthesmears.com” and ask if they know that Senator McCain (a) voted against the Women’s Fair Pay Act and (b) wants to tax their health care benefits. Martin said that September 30 will be celebrated as “Obama Blue Day,” a day when all Barack Obama supporters are asked to wear the color blue and register two unregistered voters.

Refreshments for this popular event included a variety of deli sandwiches with condiments, chips and pastry desserts and soft drinks. The serving line, manned by Clarksville for Obama volunteers, moved the procession along smoothly and efficiently. Additionally, Campaign Obama t-shirts and yard signs were available for purchase. These tables were well visited.

Obama bumper stickers, buttons, t-shirts and yard signs, along with material for other campaigns, are also available at the party headquarters. Volunteer campaign workers are welcome. The next General Membership meeting of the Montgomery County Democratic Party is Tuesday, September 23, at party headquarters at 534 Madison Street, located at the corner of Madison Street and University Avenue, across from United Church of Christ. All Democrats and Democratic supporters are encouraged to attend.

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