BusinessWeek’s fourth annual survey calculated information from several categories. Affordability, safety*, and school test scores were given the greatest weight.

“It makes sense. We have beautiful parks, Greenways and a Riverwalk. Families can afford to buy a home in safe neighborhoods. They have easy access to jobs, with more on the way through HSC. Clarksville really is Tennessee’s Top Spot” said Mayor Johnny Piper.

Parents pushing their children on the swings at one of Clarksville TN's may Parks

Other criteria included number of schools, household expenditures, air quality, job growth, family income, museums, parks, theaters, other amenities, and diversity.

Recently, Clarksville was also named by CNN as the fourth best city in the country to start a business and .

Clarksville is Tennessee’s fifth largest city and the ninth fastest growing city in the U.S.

This year the parade theme is “Honoring all who served,” a tribute to veterans past and present. The parade will begin at 10 a.m. at the corner of N. Eighth and College Streets, next to the Sundquist Science Building at Austin Peay State University, with the reviewing stand at Public Square in front of City Hall. The deadline for parade entries is Wednesday, Oct. 28.

Entry forms and maps of the parade route can be obtained from the Veterans Service Organization in Veterans Plaza, 350 Pageant Lane, Suite 308, Clarksville.

A Veterans Day breakfast, 7:30 a.m. at the Morgan University Center at APSU, will kick off the day’s celebration.

For more information, contact the Veterans Service Organization at 553-7173.

Yes folks, Oktoberfest which is brought to you by the Clarksville Edelweiss Club is a grand event held in the best old world German traditions. Oktoberfest was created to recognize German heritage and culture. This year marked the 29th year the festival has been held.

The atmosphere was filled with plenty of song and dancing, including the always popular chicken dance. The person wearing the chicken outfit was something of an instant celebrity with people posing for pictures throughout the night with the famous chicken All evening the dance floor was so crowded we were packed in elbow to elbow; the sweet sounds of the band, the laughing and friendly mood of all in attendance made for a great time

Dancers at the 2009 Clarksville Edelweiss Club's Oktoberfest

One can not talk about Oktoberfest without discussing the wonderful  food and drinks!  The Chicken and Schnitzel was very tasty and was seasoned  just right. The Bratwurst booths to take care of the hungry attendees and all of the lines remained full all night long. Whatever choice you made it was complimented nicely by whatever variety of beer, coffee, or soft drink that you were drinking.

For those over 21, there was a selection of twelve different German and American brews each served in a souvenir Oktoberfest mug.

The busiest lines of the evening seemed to be the dessert section of the festival.  Adults and kids a like feasted on German baked favorites like Black Forrest Cake, Chocolate Cake, German Cheese Cake, Apple Strudel, Carrot Cake, and moist Cupcakes or Brownies. Also available were giant Funnel Cakes served piping hot one covered in powder  sugar. The funnel cakes  were cooked by Rob Brown, the general manager of the Clarksville Fox Woman’s Full Contact Football Team.

For those looking for a more excitement, there was a carnival with rides and other activities that gave the kids both young and old something to get the heart moving.

Security at the event was strictly enforced, but the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Deputies were very courteous and extremely polite, even with some of the attendees that might have had just a little to much brew.

This writer who is an advent beer drinker and connoisseur, was in seventh heaven, and enjoyed the entire event so much that I gave it a rating of five mugs and a giant Wunderbar!

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When: August 28, 2009

Address: 1850 Memorial Drive Clarksville, TN

Time: 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Come Support Quality Affordable Health Care For All! Bring your signs, comments and let’s do our part to help get this bill past!

We are the change that we seek – President Barack Obama

For more information contact Terry McMoore at 931-378-1999

Clarksville Community Organizers is part of Organizing For America.

Click here to view the embedded video.

In 2008, the City of Clarksville introduced the new mascot for the Riverfest Celebration. The animated fish character will serve as the face of Riverfest again this year and for years to come.  Each year the mascot will be doing a different Riverfest activity.  Now, we need the public’s help in naming the Riverfest fish.

We are inviting the public to help us choose a name for our festive fish. If you have a suggestion, we would like to hear it.  If your name is chosen, you will receive an exclusive 2009 Riverfest V.I.P. Package that includes a framed 2009 Riverfest poster, Hospitality room passes and Meet & Greet opportunities for available performers.

You may submit your entry in a few different ways.  You can fill out and submit the online entry form at www.clarksvilleriverfest.com or www.cityofclarksville.com.  You may also call the Parks and Recreation Department at 931-645-7476 or mail your entry to 102 Public Square Clarksville, TN 37040.  Please include your name, address, phone number and e-mail address.

There are a few contest guidelines for you to follow:

1. Limit one entry per person
2. Inappropriate names will be not be considered.
3. In the event that the same name is submitted more than once, the first entry received will qualify.
4. Deadline for entry is August 3.

The winning name will be announced at the 2009 Riverfest press conference on August 13.

• Summer Youth Programs
• Downtown Market
• Movies in the Park
• Independence Day Celebration

Summer Youth Programs

Participants in the Summer Youth Program are having a blast so far! Kids are learning new things, making new friends and most importantly having fun! According to Burt-Cobb Community Center site director Laconza Gilliam, students at her location are enjoying the daily activities. Gilliam says “We have had great fun so far with group games and dodge ball.” Gilliam says her site will also be having a Beach Party in the Park next week for the younger kids.

Students at the other eleven Summer Youth Program sites are having a great time, as well. Site directors are working hard to see that this year’s Summer Youth Program is the best yet.

Downtown Market

Niki Crowe the manager of the New Downtown Market

This week the Downtown Market is celebrating businesses in Downtown Clarksville. Lovin’ Spoonful Cafe will be this week’s guest vendor offering samples of their delicious cuisines to Downtown Market patrons.

The market will have information on and directions to Downtown Clarksville establishments. You never know what you might find when you discover Downtown Clarksville.

As always, the Downtown Market will host a variety of vendors again this weekend. It is the perfect place to find one of a kind homemade jewelry to match that summertime outfit or the fresh fruits for that homemade dessert.

Movies in the Park

Movies in the Park

It is time to enjoy another Movie in the Park this weekend! Get out your lawn chairs and call all your friends for a night of fun and relaxation. Pre-movie activities begin at 6p.m. with games for children to enjoy. Concessions will be available, but you are welcome to bring your own picnic baskets for your family to share. The movie will begin at dark. As the summer nights get longer, it is difficult to know exactly when the sun will set. But, don’t worry. There will be plenty to keep you preoccupied before it begins.

This month’s movie is a favorite among both kids and adults. You will have to wait until the night of the show to find out what movie will be playing. But, we can offer you this clue: Travel to Africa with a group of New York Zoo animals in this animated sequel to the block-buster feature from 2007. Any guesses?

We hope you will join in on the fun activities and adventurous movie!

Independence Day Celebration

Fireworks from 2008 Clarksville, TN Independence Day Celebration

Even though it is still a few weeks away, the City of Clarksville is already gearing up for its annual Independence Day Celebration. Friday, July 3 McGregor Park will be filled with food, fun and entertainment for the entire family.

Activities begin at 6p.m. Live music from performers such as Diana Pelham, Traci Koon, The Groove Fellas and the 198th Army Band will be played throughout the night. The night will finish with a spectacular fireworks finale, the largest in Clarksville.

If fireworks are not your thing, the food is reason enough to come to the celebration. Several vendors will offer a variety of favorite foods including kettle corn, hotdogs, smoothies, homemade ice cream, cheesecake on a stick, shaved ice, schnitzel and more.

Bring your friends, family and appetite for an Independence Day Celebration you won’t soon forget.

• Movies in the Park
• Senior Games
• Kids on Crafts
• Pools
• Downtown Market
• Softball Leagues

Famous American writer Edwin Way Teale once said, “The world’s favorite season is the spring. All things seem possible in May.”  At Parks and Recreation, we couldn’t agree more. May has a way of drawing us out of our shells to enjoy the outdoors, as well as bringing the joy of knowing summer is right around the corner. It is our hope that you will join us as we take pleasure in the final week of this beautiful month.

Movies in the Park

Our first Movies in the Park event on May 30 is the perfect opportunity to frolic in spring’s nighttime air.   Events will begin at Heritage Park Soccer Field at 6p.m. with the movie beginning shortly after dark.  Bring picnic baskets, friends and a blanket for this night under the stars.  The first movie this season will take you on a wild ride to the center of the earth in this 3D version of the movie.  And of course, the 3D glasses will be provided.  Any guesses?  Join us to find out.  We promise you will not be disappointed!

Senior Games

Local seniors were fortunate enough to have that lovely May weather this past week during Clarksville Senior Games.  Seniors competed all over town in events such as horseshoes, shuffleboard, golf, basketball free throw, badminton, bowling, miniature golf and table tennis.  They finished out the week with a closing ceremony followed by a dinner and dance.

We want to congratulate all of this year’s winners and medal recipients.  We cannot wait to see you next year!  Parks and Recreation also plans to offer classes and events for seniors throughout the year.  So, stay tuned.

Kids on Crafts Spring Art Show

We would like to send a special thank to everyone who stopped by the Kids on Crafts Spring Art Show Friday to view the artwork these students have created this season.  Also, congratulations to the winners!  We hope to see everyone again when the program resumes in October.

Pools

As kids, we all looked forward to schools ending in and May.  Filled with anticipation, we could hardly wait for summer to begin… and the local pool to open.

Don’t let your children miss out on that same excitement.  Purchase your pool passes now, and get ready for city pools to open their doors on May 30.  Pool passes will be available at all three of the community centers until June 6 and at the Parks and Recreation Office all summer.

Downtown Market

The City of Clarksville’s first Downtown Market is still looking for vendors wishing to sell their homemade or homegrown items.  The Downtown Market is set to kick off on June 6 and will continue to take place every Saturday from 8a.m.-1p.m. on Public Square.

Items such as fresh cut flowers, potted plants, homegrown produce, art, handmade crafts and other goods can be sold at the market.

If you would like to participate as a vendor, please visit our website www.cityofclarksville.com.  You will find a printable copy of the market guidelines and a vendor application.  Fill it out and return it to the Clarksville Parks and Recreation Office.  Approved vendors can reserve 10 ft. by 10 ft. booths at no cost. Larger booths are available at a nominal fee. Vendors from outside Clarksville are also invited to participate.  For more information contact the Parks and Recreation Department at 645-7476.

Softball Leagues

Coaches for the Tuesday night church league softball and Thursday night women’s league softball teams may pick up their coaches’ packets at the Parks and Recreation office (104 Public Square) on May 29.  The church league games begin June 9, and women’s league begins June 4. 

Nashville – Business, governmental and community leaders including Clarksville Mayor Johnny Piper and Montgomery County Mayor Carolyn Bowers will gather in Nashville on May 27^th for the annual “Convening the Region” Summit focusing on regional transportation system development in the ten-county Middle Tennessee area.

Cumberland Region Tomorrow (CRT), in partnership with Nashville Mayor Karl Dean, the Nashville Area MPO and the Tennessee Department of Transportation, will co-host the event as leaders work to gain collaboration and consensus on the development, funding and operations of a Regional Transit System.

“Ask any citizen in the middle Tennessee area what our top challenges are and I can assure you that traffic, congestion and gridlock will be right at the top of their list,” said Pat Emery, co-chair of CRT. “But this issue is about more than inconvenience; it’s a matter of economic competitiveness, quality growth and development and working to maintain our quality of life here in middle Tennessee. The only way we’re going to solve it is by working together – all ten counties – in a collaborative manner to turn these challenges into opportunities.”

Organizers of the event pointed to a recent survey by Nashville-based Prince Market Research on regional thinking and issues that found overwhelming support for middle Tennessee communities and governments to work together (81%) on top quality of life and economic vitality concerns in the region over the next ten years. These include regional transportation and other infrastructure, land development, air quality and economic growth.

The survey also found that citizens and community leaders expect the top benefits of a Regional Transit System to include reduced traffic congestion, improved environmental health and more transportation options. The top barriers to such a system include lack of funding, lack of connectivity between transportation modes and lack of understanding of transit options.

In addition to the event organizers, U.S. Representative Jim Cooper (D-TN), and representatives from the cities of Austin, Charlotte and Denver will be on hand to discuss federal legislative activities with regard to national infrastructure improvement and case studies of regional transportation development.

“This really is an unprecedented time and opportunity for us to turn talk into action while preparing for the future growth and sustainability of this place we call home. But we can only do it if we all work together, to harness the ‘Power of Ten,’ and develop a regional system we can all be proud of. We hope this Summit will put us on that path,” added Emery.

Convening the Region Summit

WHAT: Cumberland Region Tomorrow Convening the Region Summit
WHEN: Wednesday, May 27, 12:30-5:30 p.m.
WHO: Business, governmental and community leaders from ten-county region
WHERE: War Memorial Auditorium, Nashville, Tenn.

For more information or to register, visit www.10power.org.

About Cumberland Region Tomorrow

Cumberland Region Tomorrow is a private-sector regional 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization working with the public sector to support and encourage growth planning, with an emphasis on land use, transportation, and preservation of the rural landscape and character of the region’s communities.

Sir Virtue & Lazarus of the Street Poets

Clarksville Tennessee is home to a vibrant rap and hip hop scene. One of the reasons is Fort Campbell which continues to bring people in from all over the world. Another is Austin Peay State University which brings in many people from the Memphis Tennessee area, the largest hotbed for rap and R&B artists in the state.

But one only has to do an search of YouTube, Facebook or MySpace to see the abundance of talent that the city of Clarksville has to offer. On these same social networks you can find Jose Toro aka Lazarus and Chris Baladad aka Sir Virtue whom together make up a rap group called Street Poets.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Catching up to do an interview with Street Poets was a real chore because this group is doing all the things they need to do to get to the top. Constant marketing, networking, studio development and just hitting the streets, hustling and grinding their way to the top. We finally managed to get them to take some talk time out of there busy schedules, and Clarksville Online author Terry McMoore sat down with the Street Poets for a very personal and hard hitting interview.

What are your names?

Jose Toro & Chris Baladad

What are your stage names?

Lazarus (Jose) & Sir Virtue (Chris)

How old are you?

Jose: 23, born on August 17, 1985

Chris: 27, born on April 26, 1982

Where were you born, or what state or city do you claim?

Jose: I was a military brat living. I have lived around the US and in other countries including Germany. I was born in Lawton, OK. My parents were raised in Puerto Rico, and I have lived in the South for 14 years (TN for 9 years currently and GA for 5 years).

Chris: I was born in the west coast, Monterey, CA to be exact. I have lived all around the US and even Germany. I’ve been in TN for about 14 years now. I have connected with so many different types of people so you can say that I’m on a worldwide level reaching from coast to coast.

What are your nationalities?

Jose: Puerto Rican
Chris: Filipino with 1/3 Caucasian

What are your educational backgrounds?

Jose: Northwest High School graduate, APSU Bachelor’s Degree
Chris: Kenwood High School graduate; few years experience at APSU

Are you registered to vote and do or did you vote?

Yes, we both are registered and have voted for Obama.

Have you done any traveling and if yes to where?

As far as music performing, only Nashville…But this summer we have plans to travel to Memphis, Chattanooga, Atlanta, Orlando, Houston, and St. Louis.

How long have you been in the game?

Jose: Writing since 14, and started recording at the age of 16.

Chris: Began writing poems and songs at 14 and started recording a demo at 16.

How did you both get your starts?

Jose: I started rapping songs when No Limit Records was getting big in Savannah, GA in the 8th grade with a Puerto Rican classmate. Then we started freestyling cover songs. At 14, I began writing poetry and turning them into lyrics on paper. At first I tried to sing them, but it didn’t work for me.So I changed them into verses and rapped the lyrics. I can’t remember what my first alias was, but it wasn’t until 2000 when I moved to TN and got serious with the music and came with the alias “Lazarus.” I used the name to define my resurrection of real Hip-Hop music from the dead, as the name and meaning from the Bible inspired me to come with the name. Eventually, in 2006, based on my personal mistakes and bad habits, I changed my alias to Manuel (my middle name) to reform myself as a music artist. However, it only lasted for a short stint, as I reverted back to “Lazarus” in 2007 realizing it’s the alias I feel Hip-Hop needs and for me to express myself disguised as the artist I was born to be. Other nicknames I go by are Laz, Laz-O, and P.K.S. (Puerto Rican King of the South).

Chris: I have been listening to music since I was a little kid so the art has always been my fascination. I got Dr. Dre’s “The Chronic” album when I was in the 5th grade and what stood out to me was the way they were using their vocals to make a melody to flow with the beat. That’s when I really became interested in hip hop and learning my own way to perform the raps. I wrote my very first rap song with a friend when I was in the 6th grade.

It was a really short song about basketball. When I was around 14, I started writing out all types of “freestyles”, poems, and songs and eventually began posting them on online message boards using different aliases. I began to think more serious about the music when I started going with my friend Alpha Omega to the Rec Center on Ft. Campbell’s base to record a short demo.

This was when I started the transformation into Virtue, the lyricist/artist. I chose the moniker Virtue because it means excellent quality and that’s what I try to bring with my music, as being the virtue of music. I added the Sir to the beginning to signify a sign of royalty and respect and to personify my character.

How did Street Poets come together? Was it the original name? If not what was it before? Was it always just you two?

Chris Baladad AKA Sir Virtue and Jose Toro AKA Lazarus first met in the Austin Peay Morgan University Center early February of 2004. Jose was sitting on a sitting couch located by the big windows that used to be a layout of the University Center. Chris eventually went from walking around and settled on a sitting couch that was directly next to Jose. It wasn’t too long until Jose interacted with Chris based on music, seeing that Chris pulled out a little black notebook writing lyrics. They started getting to know each other more often and it wasn’t too long until Chris invited Jose to join him on a performance that him, gospel singer, Alpha Omega, and former singer and dancer, Jamal Jones AKA Correohype, was scheduled to perform in April of that year. Jose was later incorporated into the performance rehearsal with featured appearances on Virtue’s and Correohype’s performance sets. Shortly later into the rehearsals, Yatin Patel, now part of Fatalistik Entertainment, joined with the group. DJ Exile was soon joined in to the group to help with the music rotation. Soon, the gentleman contemplated on a simpler name to unify the group instead of individual aliases. The group was decided to be known as Kustom Profile. As performance day came, so did an average Austin Peay audience curious to listen to Kustom Profile.

The performance lasted well under an hour, outside in cold weather. As time progressed, the members of Kustom Profile soon withered. DJ Exile moved, Yatin Patel moved at the end of 2004 to pursue into his family business (although still attached to the indie label Fatalistik Entertainment), and Correohype moved back to his hometown, Houston, TX, based on insufficient funds for college. Virtue, Lazarus, and Alpha Omega were the only ones left in Kustom Profile. However, Alpha Omega decided to concentrate more on his gospel music rather sticking to R&B.

So as Virtue and Lazarus were the only concentrating MCs left, they scrapped the name of Kustom Profile, and soon went with their own duo alias of Street Poets. The two chose the name Street Poets because the music that they delivered was both poetic and urban related. They crafted intricate songs which consisted of unique rhyme schemes and wordplay to club bangers that contained rhymes of boastfulness and street life.

By mid 2005, they recorded an unreleased mixtape in Sir Virtue’s home using a microphone, computer, and Cakewalk software. The mix tape was tentatively titled “Street Poets: The Mixtape Vol. I”. Although never released, the mixtape was a good learning experience for the two artists. They kept writing music, creating beats, and kept on perfecting the craft of recording. However, they wanted better recording quality. In late 2007, they hooked up with Toby Entertainment’s recording engineer, I.R. Skillz, and began production of an EP. However, the music was getting too good, the recording became a fascination, and they had too much lyrics and supplied beats to just record an EP. So, as recording progressed, so did the material of a potential first album for the two MCs. For a period of nine months, twelve original tracks were completed by the Street Poets.

On May of 2008, the tracks were completely mixed. Photos were taken; an album cover was created from conceptual ideas from Lazarus and Virtue. While Lazarus added the concept design to the cover, Street Poets delivered the final draft of the artwork to Joseph “Young Holla” Long for final modifications and publishing. In June, the album was sent to be mastered. On July 24th, the first copy was sold. Soon enough, more copies were being distributed for only five dollars per album. On occasion, the albums were sold for donations to prove that Street Poets are in it for the passion.

However, the Street Poets have much more in store for Clarksville, TN, the South, and all other regions. The first album was just the beginning of what Street Poets has to offer.

Do you belong to a click, crew, posse, etc?

It’s just Street Poets, as in the future we plan to grow locally as a movement for Hip-Hop.

How would you describe your music?

Hip Hop in it’s essence. A collection of our thoughts and feelings put into words to provide the listener with an enjoyable and hopefully influential experience. We tend to be poetic with our lyrics while at the same time incorporating other elements of hip hop into the mix, such as adding witty punch lines and rhyming with multi-syllables. We do all types of songs: street anthems, storytelling tracks, club bangers, lyrical showcases, and those special songs for the ladies. We like to think of new and different concepts when it comes to lyrical content and the overall sound of the music.

Which music artists influenced you and your music?

Jose: 2Pac, Nas, Jay-Z (Hard Knock Life was the first hip-hop CD I received), Biggie, Big Pun, Eminem, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, The Fugees as far as relating to Hip-Hop artists.

Chris: 2Pac, Nas, Jay-Z, Eminem, Outkast, Wu-Tang, Canibus, Biggie, Fabolous, Lupe Fiasco, Kanye West as far as strictly hip hop artists. Music is my passion so I like to listen to all kinds of music so I pull influence from all kinds of artists/groups from rock to R &B.

What albums have you released?

• Street Poets: The Mixtape Vol. I in 2005 (Never been released)
• The Movement (First Original Album) in July 24, 2008
• Appeared on Coast 2 Coast Volume 18 hosted by DJ Khaled with the track “1 Luv”
• Appeared on DJ Antomattei of Tokyo’s mixtape titled “East Coast Bad Boyz” for Coast 2 Coast with the track “Classic”

What are some of your new and upcoming releases?

• I Am Street Poetry (The Mixtape) in May 23, 2009
• Sir Virtue: The Virtuoso in the Mid-Fall of 2009
• Lazarus: Son of Made-Line: December 2009
• Street Poets: This Is Music – 1st quarter of 2010

Where are some of the places that you have performed?

• Clarksville: Austin Peay (multiple times)
• Nashville: Soul Food Poetry Café, El Diamante’s, Café Coco’s on 4/30/09

What was your biggest performance to date?

AP Apollo in Clement Auditorium of Austin Peay on October of 2008

What do you hope people get from listening to your music?

We hope that people can enjoy the form of art that we express ourselves through and that it influences them to work towards achieving their goals and aspirations. We want to be remembered for our lyrical abilities and for being passionate about bringing good music to the ears of the people. We hope that people see us as being artistic and being ourselves and making music that people can have a good time and party to or just think and appreciate the talent of creativity.

What does the future hold for street poets?

In the future, the Street Poets name and music is going to be very popular in the Underground scene and to be a future SEA nominee, along with the music spreading from California to New York…because our style is so versatile that a West coast or East coast music fan will enjoy the music we bring to the table. We hope to have our own recording labels and studio where we can record freely and have other talented artists join our roster.

Where do you see yourselves ten years from now?

We hope to see ourselves with a collection of great music that succeeded being distributed to people who likes music and has a Hip-Hop head on them. We also like to see ourselves CEO of Street Poets ENT (Virtue) and Made-Line ENT (Lazarus), branching from Street Poets ENT….(Take out the hyphen and you get Madeline (which is my mother’s first name, that’s how the label name derived).

We look to do what Sean Combs, Russell Simmons, Shawn Carter, and Brad Jordan did to the game, to be dominant representatives of Hip-Hop music.

What do you like to do when you are not making music?

Jose: Film production such as editing (example is Final Cut or Avid), directing, and scriptwriting, Multimedia Design such as Adobe CS3 (example is Photoshop), Sports especially Basketball & Football, thinking of my next moves with the music, and networking.

Chris: Listen to music, spend time with friends and family, go out to the club/parties, watch movies and sports, work out, play games (pool, bowling, basketball), play video games, everything else that involves the progression of an artist: networking with other people, maintaining a webpage, designing graphics, video directing, etc.

Please give me your MySpace address and Facebook or wherever your music can be found.

• www.myspace.com/streetpoetsent
• www.myspace.com/madelinestreetpoets

How can we find or contact street poets?

You can email us at . On Facebook search “Sir Virtue” and “Jose Toro” or Contact them via their MySpace websites.

]]> http://www.clarksvilleonline.com/2009/05/19/clarksville-look-out-here-come-the-street-poets/feed/ 0 http://www.clarksvilleonline.com/2009/05/07/hi-im-new-here-sort-of/ http://www.clarksvilleonline.com/2009/05/07/hi-im-new-here-sort-of/#comments Thu, 07 May 2009 14:00:59 +0000 Nicole Kelly http://www.clarksvilleonline.com/?p=19097

Nicole Kelly

You guys? This is hard.

I haven’t spent any significant amounts of time here since high school, my old friends have scattered to various parts of the country for one reason or another, and so I really feel as if I’m starting over in a new city. In the short time that I’ve been back I’ve managed to find two jobs and procure myself this column, but I’m still trying to figure out how 20-somethings new to the area meet people and get involved in the community.

And oh, it pains me to admit it, but meeting people in Clarksville has so far proved surprisingly harder than I thought it would. And I just don’t understand it.

When I got here about three weeks ago, fresh from 2 weeks in my most recent home of New York City and nine months of gallivanting around Latin America, I had high hopes for a summer—the first in about 5 years—spent in my surrogate home town, the place where I went to middle and high school, the place I swore I’d never live in again.

No offense.

It’s just that I like cities. Big cities. I like art and music and literature and feminist activism and multiculturalism. For these reasons, I like New York. I like Barcelona. I like Oaxaca and Mexico City—all cities where I have lived or spent much time in since graduating from Northeast in 2003 and heading north of the Mason-Dixon/south of the border.

After nine months with no job I was very very broke. For two weeks I slept on the couch of a friend in Brooklyn, but, just after my cash flow dropped into the teens, I was forced to reassess my choice of residence. I charged a plane ticket to Nashville and came home.

I can admit that small cities have their perks too. A small city is…conquerable. Whereas in New York I will never be able to eat in every restaurant, will certainly never visit every museum, and will only ever manage to be friends or acquainted with a tiny microcosm of the city’s inhabitants, all of those things are more or less doable here in Clarksville. A small city is accessible.

So I thought when I arrived, and shortly thereafter when I expressed my interest in writing this column. I thought, this is a college town. This is a transient town. This is—as my parents keep insisting—a growing and developing and evolving town. But so far I’ve just been baffled by the lack of youthful activity.

On my first night out on my first weekend back I drove down to Franklin Street, where I used to like to hang out when I was underage, and where some students from APSU were holding an art show.

It was warm out, though not yet uncomfortably hot. It was so quiet—the sounds of acoustic guitar and voices were released onto the street and reigned in again when the doors of the Blackhorse and the Front Page opened and closed. There was the scent of something sweet and floral in the air. Magnolias, I thought to myself, having no idea what I was talking about (magnolias just seem southern to me). It was nice. I was excited to be back. I was ready to conquer yet another city.

And then nothing happened.

The bars were more empty than not. “What’s the nightlife like around here?” I asked a lot of people, all of whom exhibited the familiar pleasant willingness to talk to strangers that I missed in New York, and the same attitude of apologetic resignation (Shrug. “This is pretty much it.”) that I hadn’t.

I made a friend—a recent Army recruit who grew up in Long Island, New York and has only been here a month—who was equally baffled. “There’s a university right down the road!” I cried in disbelief. “Where IS everyone?”

And I’ve more or less been asking that question ever since, as I search for coffee shops to write in and events to go to and continue to fail to have meaningful encounters with anyone my age.

But you know what? I like a challenge.

My first week here I used the usual mediums—Facebook, Craigslist, Google, asking around—to find out where to go and what to do. With aforementioned results. So I just spent my second Saturday night—it was rainy and cold and I was frustrated and lonely—back on the computer.

With renewed resolve I recalculated my plan for re-creating a life—a social one, let’s hope—that doesn’t rely on the apparently flailing bar scene. I joined a 20-somethings meet up group, I found somewhere to volunteer, I resolved to start a pick up kick ball league (they’re big in New York).

I’m determined to make the most of this summer. Meanwhile, I’m taking suggestions.

• Pool Passes
• Wood Crafting
• After School Program
• Senior Games
• Upcoming events

Pool Passes

It is getting warmer outside, and school is winding down for Clarksville students. That means it is almost time for the pools to open and summer fun to begin! Pool passes go on sale Monday, May 11. You can purchase your 2009 pool passes at the Parks and Recreation Office or any of the three community centers.

Passes are based on the number of people you have on your pass. A ten percent fee will be added to any passholder who lives outside the Clarksville city limits. Any utility bill can serve as proof of residency. Non-residents cannot be added to a resident’s pool pass.

Pool pass prices for residents (add 10% for non-residents) are:

1. $60
2. $100
3. $110
4. $120
5. $130
6. $140

For a complete swim lesson schedule and more information on city pools, visit www.cityofclarksville.com/parksandrec or call the office at 645-7476

Wood Crafting

The Clarksville Chapter of the Tuckasee Woodturners Association will host a wood crafting seminar at Burt-Cobb Community Center on May 9. The class is 1-4p.m. and requires an activity fee of $10. This class is open to everyone, but the number of participants is limited to ten. Sign up today at the Burt-Cobb Center. The Woodturners will provide everything else needed for the course. All you have to do is show up in something comfortable and be ready to create beautiful pieces of woodwork with some local pros.

If you are not able to attend this workshop, the Woodturners will host another at the Crow Community Center on May 23 from 10a.m.-1p.m. This class is also limited to ten participants. You can sign up now at the Crow Community Center during regular hours.

After School Program

Students, are you working hard to finish up the school year with endless hours of studying and tough final exams? With all the brain exercise you have put in, you deserve some fun and exercise for the rest of your body.

The Burt-Cobb Center is hosting the After School Program each weekday afternoon from 4-6p.m. The basketball courts, weight lifting room, racquetball courts, computer lab and game room will be open for you to enjoy. So when you finish hitting the books, head over to the Burt-Cobb Center to enjoy some time with your friends and other youth in the community.

Senior Games

This year’s Senior Games features badminton, basketball free throw, bowling, golf, horseshoes, miniature golf, shuffleboard, tennis and track. Events will take place at various locations throughout Clarksville May 18-21. Senior Games is for active adults ages 50 and up.

This year’s theme is Back to Basics: Staying Active. This is a great time to do just that. Get back to the basics of staying active and having fun with other seniors from Montgomery County and surrounding areas.

Registration forms are available at the Ajax Turner Senior Citizen Center, The Pinnacle Bowling Center and the Parks and Recreation Office. Registration forms and fees must be turned in to the Parks and Recreation Office no later than May 11. Stop in today! For more information, call 645-7476.

Upcoming Events

May 15 Jammin’ in the Alley Concert at Strawberry Alley in Downtown Clarksville at 6p.m.
May 16 Concert in the Park at McGregor Park-Riverwalk 6p.m.

The Tennessee Coalition of Health Care for America Now (HCAN) hosted a prayer breakfast on Saturday April 25 at Erza Emmanuel Ministries. Thirty local leaders of various faiths were in attendance. The event highlighted the campaign for quality, affordable health care reform and began the process of awareness about the additional resources coming to Tennessee as a result of the Economic Stimulus Package (American Recovery and Reconstruction Act) passed earlier this year by the congress.

“We can no longer afford to wait to fix health care in our country. Too many families, too many businesses, too many of you are struggling to make ends meet. No one should have to choose between seeing a doctor when they’re sick, and putting food on the table, or paying rent,” said Rico X, TN organizer for HCAN.

Overseer Danelle Stephens, the Pastor of Erza Emmanuel Ministries believes that the faith-based community can play an extremely important role in achieving health care reform. “If there ever was a time to come together, it is now. The faith-based community must seize this opportunity to help and enhance our community.”

Health Care for America Now is the nation’s largest health care campaign. It is made up of more than 850 organizations representing more than 30 million people nationwide. President Obama and more than 190 members of Congress have expressed their support for the campaign’s principles for reform, which include quality coverage that people can afford with comprehensive benefits that meet your needs, the choice of private or public health insurance plans, and equal access to care in all communities.

Clarksville Greyhounds Youth Football League

The Clarksville Greyhounds Youth Football League is forming teams for the 2009 football season. The League has  four age groups: 7-8, 9-10, 11-12 and 13-14. There will also be cheerleaders for each age group.

The Clarksville Greyhounds are a member of the Tennessee Youth Football Alliance. They are traveling teams and will play teams from various areas throughout Middle Tennessee.

The TYFA is a very competitive league and have had players and cheerleaders recognized nationally for academics and athletics. This program includes opportunities to compete in regional and national competitions.

If you are interested in  administrating, coaching, or being a cheerleader supervisor, please send an email to or call 931-472-6101 for more information.

Update: There will be an information booth at Governor’s Square Mall on April 25th from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.

The streets are densely packed for the final day of Rivers and Spires

The third day of Rivers and Spires dawned clear and sunny. As the day rolled by, the clouds rolled in. Luckily the rain held off for most of the evening as was expected. However just before the 9:00 p.m. John Michael Montgomery concert festival goers suffered through a sudden downpour.

The Clarksville Online crew arrived between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m., and promptly divided our efforts. Our videographer Mark Haynes went off to record the acts at the Strawberry Alley Stage with his high definition video camera. Reporter Turner McCullough Jr. disappeared in the direction of the International Streetfest, while I meandered throughout capturing images of people enjoying the festivities.

Around 11:30 we gathered together to watch the MCES Honor Choir perform. Their performance was an auditory treat. It was clear that the students had put a lot of work towards preparing for this performance, and their efforts paid off.

The Montgomery Central Honor Choir performs

Mark Haynes remained at the Strawberry Alley stage to record performances until roughly 2:30pm. At which point he left to capture videos of other areas of the festival.

Paige King at Hodgepodge assists one of her customers

In the mean time I covered the action on Franklin Street, including a visit to Paige King at Hodgepodge. She reported doing good business during the three day run of Rivers and Spires. Leaving Hodgepodge my next destination was to check in with Linda Cain at Visions Metaphysical Boutique. She also reported doing exceptional business. They were busy doing Tarot Readings for people passing by.

Turner McCullough Jr headed towards the International Streetfest with the intention of catching Flutist JJ Kent’s show. I followed shortly thereafter. In spite of becoming distracted by various photographic opportunities I arrived just in time.

I have seen JJ Kent perform during last years IOC International Festival, the 2008 Rivers and Spires, and at the NCC Powwow. I have enjoyed his performance every single time. His flute playing is very ethereal. Today he played as he told the parable of the thin Chief and the fat Chief.

We returned to Strawberry Alley to catch the outstanding Northeast High School Exit One Show Choir perform. Their show consisted dance acts and show tunes from throughout the history of Broadway. They are leaving soon to perform in Branson, Missouri. If you get the chance to catch one of their shows, the I highly recommend you do so. This stunning choir never ceases to amaze!

Once their show was done, I headed towards the International Streetfest. I still wanted to check out the Jezzebellies Belly Dance Troupe, the Baize School of Karate demonstration, and to see the ever colorful Ballet Folklorico Viva Panama dancers perform at the Courthouse Stage.

The Jezzebellies are also frequent performers at area festivals. Their dances and the sound of the bells they wear help to entice the audience, male or female. The Baize students were in fine form. After capturing some photographs of their demonstration I turned my attention to the Folklorico dancers. Some of the best pictures I have taken have been of their performances. They are also one of the performers I always look forward to seeing.

Ballet Folklorico Viva Panama Dancers

Reporter Turner McCullough Jr had headed to the Jazz’N Wine area, so I followed him there. Located next to Trinity Episcopal Church, 16 wineries had gathered to offer samples of their best vintages. Turner was quite taken with several Beachaven Vintages including their Riesling. As he spent some time in Germany, this was not surprising.

Citrus and honey aromas lead into green apple, lemon, and nectarine flavors. Off-dry like a German Rhine wine. Rich and Flavorful! Excellent with spicy cuisine!

The Beachaven Riesling has won several awards, including the Double Gold Medal at the Florida State Fair International this year. It also won the Bronze Medal at the Indy International in 2008.

The Beachaven Winery Booth

Christopher McConnell of Legacy Caviar

Since I seldom drink, I did not expect to do much more than take photographs while I was at the Jazz’N Wine area. Instead I found myself trying a bit of some great Pork Loin cooked by the Chef mart and HGTV Hosts.

I was then treated to some wonderful caviar sold by the Clarksville company, Legacy Caviar. Spokesman Christopher McConnell was very entertaining as he discussed the merits of their product. Their caviar is salty with a butter like accent flavor, I quite enjoyed the taste. The caviar topped delicious Sushi provided by Kohana Japanese Restaurant.

The band Rodeo Pony started playing and upon hearing their sirens call, I was lured in their direction.  This all woman band played heart stirring country music featuring two of my favorite instruments the Banjo and Fiddle. After taking a few moments to listen and snag a couple of photographs I headed out of the area.

Passing through the Teen Zone I headed to pay my first visit to the Third Street stage. The band Hometown was playing. They had a nice mix of young and old clustered around the stage area listening to their performance.

Heading back to Franklin Street I moved down towards the Public Square stage. It was approaching 6 p.m. By this time I had taken nearly 800 photos, and with my energy fading fast I realized that that I had gone as far as I could for one day, I would have to miss John Michael Montgomery’s performance. So I tracked down Turner and we headed home for the evening.

Photo Gallery

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