Advisory Board Chair Jill Crow names new Salvation Army shelter to be named in honor of volunteer contractor James D. Amos

The Salvation Army officially opened the doors to its new $500,000 Kraft Street Shelter on Sunday in a ribbon-cutting ceremony that also named the facility after its volunteer contractor, James D. Amos. Amos, in a very brief statement, said he saw the need for the building, but “God was the power” in getting the job done.

Majors Grady and Shelly Pearson greeted over one hundred city and  business leaders, along with the general public, gathered for tours of the building, a “dream” that became reality because of strong community support.

“Finally, Clarksville has a new shelter. It’s a blessing to the community, and there is indeed a need for this,” said Advisory Board Chairman  Jill Crow in opening the dedication ceremony. “Because of all of you, dreams do come true.”

With a snip of the red ribbon, officials open the Salvation Army's new James D. Amos shelter

Kentucky/Tennessee Division Commander John Needham, standing in sunny but near-freezing, windy air, said it “fitting that we stand here in the cold to dedicate a place of respite for the weary and the homeless.”

Clarksville Mayor John E. Piper and Montgomery County Mayor Carolyn Bowers  each spoke briefly, mentioning that both city and county each contributed $100,000 toward the cost of the shelter.

The homeless shelter is “Phase 1″ of the Salvation Army’s plan for the Kraft Street campus. Phase 2 will be the construction of a combined chapel, office and classrooms on the lot immediately fronting the shelter, a space currently topped with fresh sod to create a spacious lawn.

Inside, guests were shown well lit rooms that will accommodate up to 24 men, 18 women, and four families of up to five members each. In each of these rooms, colorful patchwork quilts covered the beds; each of 55 quilts were made by Jo Cameron, who according to reports, stitched “a quilt a day.”  One of the quilts in the men’s  hall was a beautifully blended array of creme, brown and gold, with one of the chosen fabrics a subtle print of angels, apropos for the guardianship the shelter will afford its needy occupants.

In the dining area, visitors could view photos and a slide presentation documenting shelter construction.

Trio Verlaine will perform a classical concert with flute, harp and viola on Friday, March 6,  at 7:30 p.m.  Trio Verlaine will perform a classical concert with flute, harp and viola.

The members of Trio Verlaine are drawn together by friendship and a strong desire to further this unusual instrumental combination first dreamed of by Debussy. Members are Heidi Krutzen, principal harp CBC Radio Orchestra and Vancouver Opera, David Harding, professor of viola and chamber music, UBC, and Lorna McGhee, former co-principal flute BBC Symphony Orchestra, London.

They have appeared at many of North America’s finest chamber music festivals and series, including the Oregon Bach Festival, Music in the Vineyards, Sitka Summer Music Festival, Strings in the Mountains, Music in the Morning and Festival Vancouver. Trio Verlaine can be heard frequently on NPR in the U.S. and CBC radio in Canada. In addition to standard repertoire, Trio Verlaine’s exploration will include arrangements of works suited to this rare combination and the commissioning of entirely new works.

Trio Verlaine recently had the honor of being granted a commission from Seattle Chamber Music Society. The new trio by American composer, Jeffrey Cotton, will be premiered at the Seattle Chamber Music Festival in 2008. Other upcoming highlights include a BC tour with guests Jonathan Crow (former Montreal Symphony concertmaster) and Matt Haimowitz (international cello soloist) as well as numerous summer festival appearances.

The Clarksville Community Concert Association is a nonprofit organization dedicated to presenting musical performances of high artistic merit and promoting interest in and enjoyment of live concerts throughout the community.

Advanced tickets may be purchased for any of the concerts listed. Subscriptions for up to five concerts are also available for individuals of groups. For more information about advanced tickets, contact Sharon Nass, (931) 647-7288.

In a reception held Thursday evening at the Dunbar Cave Visitor’s Center,  the Friends of Dunbar Cave premiered a new 15-minute documentary on the history of the cave. the film will be run every on days when the center is open.

Over 25 people were filmed and interviewed by the Friends group, but Clean Cut used only four of them in this short introductory film. Cathy Lee and Jason Bagget were on hand  to meet those attending this event.

A few years ago Friends of Dunbar Cave made an agreement with Cathy Lee of Clean Cut Productions at Austin Peay, to make a short introductory film for the park. In exchange for a scholarship donation, Clean Cut took on the job of producing an 8 to 15 minute film about Dunbar Cave, the kind of film that someone coming to the park can watch to get an idea of the wondrous place he/she has entered onto.

Click here to view the embedded video.

A few years ago Friends of Dunbar Cave made an agreement with Cathy Lee of Clean Cut Productions at Austin Peay, to make a short introductory film for the park. In exchange for a scholarship donation, Clean Cut took on the job of producing an 8 to 15 minute film about Dunbar Cave, the kind of film that someone coming to the park can watch to get an idea of the wondrous place he/she has entered onto.

A Cave "friend" converses with producer Cathy Lee. In the background is Jason Bagget.

A few years ago Friends of Dunbar Cave made an agreement with Cathy Lee of Clean Cut Productions at Austin Peay, to make a short introductory film for the park. In exchange for a scholarship donation, Clean Cut took on the job of producing an 8 to 15 minute film about Dunbar Cave, the kind of film that someone coming to the park can watch to get an idea of the wondrous place he/she has entered onto.
Park staff and Friends wanted the film to have three parts: How the cave was made, the cultural history of the park and the importance of it being a natural area. Anyone who knows just a little about the cultural history of the park knows that to fit it into a short film is quite a request.

For many years the Friends of Dunbar Cave support Dunbar Cave State Natural Area in ways that protect the park, educate the public and raise money for projects that help the park. They are able to help the State Park in ways that the State of Tennessee has limited spending capabilities. The Friends group rallied to keep the park a natural area and in the hands of the State with that purpose. Under the direction of Park staff, the Friends group originated Trees to Trails and with the help of CDE they recycle Christmas trees to make the trails better.

The group originated Spring Fling, a day of free programs showing everything from hike in camping, birdhouse making, flower and bird watching, wild animals, snakes, lizard and raptor shows to canoeing on the lake. The staff at Dunbar help with several of the programs and arrange to get canoes from another park.

Two years ago the Friends brought back Cooling at the Cave, on a day in July, which invites all to come sit by the cool cave entrance, listen to music, play board and card games and drink lemonade. The group also does fundraisers to make money to help the park. For instance a donation from Wal Mart that Shirley Berardo attained went to buying professional trail map signs that are installed along the walking trails.

The Friends group hosts the annual Haunting History event as its major fundraiser. Skits are performed in the cave by young actors. Volunteers bring the public into the cave every 20 minutes or so to see the skits. As many as 30 volunteers plus the actors work to make it an exciting and safe event.

These events thrill the public. Thousands of people have enjoyed them through the years.

The recent carbon dating of Indian drawings inside the cave makes Dunbar Cave an even more valuable asset to our history and community. To allow the public to see the art, a better gate had to be built and the Friends helped.

Sometimes the Friends members speak at clubs and events. It’s a lot to do for a group of already incredibly busy people. When the public gets just a whiff of how exciting the history of Dunbar Cave is, the Friends group usually hear a lot of “you oughtas”. But the small group of people who make things happen somehow know they can’t take on too much and how to fit the things they do take on into their busy schedules.

The Friends work with the Park staff to make sure that everything they do is educational and pertinent to the park. One of the driving forces behind the Friends efforts is the desire to see an Interpretive Center at the park. The group has met with State of Tennessee officials on many occasions to plan and dream about an Interpretive Center for Dunbar Cave. Many times the Friends group has played an important role in assuring the State of Tennessee that they are serious about this goal, and that the history and artifacts of the park tell a fascinating story.

Shari Billger, International Teacher/Healer

A Flower of Life Workshop will be offered at Visions Metaphysical Boutique, 101 Franklin Street, in downtown Clarksville on March 27, 28, and 29 from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

A free introductory lecture will be offered Thursday, March 26  (contact Hector A. Jusino at 931-552-3850 for details).  The cost of  advance booking of the Energy Exchange is $288, ($333 after March 11). A $100  deposit required to reserve space.

The Flower of Life, MER*KA*BA and Sacred Geometry is found in ancient sacred sites all over the world. The Flower of Life is considered to be the basic unit necessary for the creation of all material substance; one can experience profound changes at every level of life. The workshop is presented by Shari Billger, certified facilitator for Flower of Life workshops as taught by Drunvalo Melchizedek.

The MER*KA*BA, used to create this Waveform Universe, is a rotating, geometric, crystalline Light-Energy field that extends around the body. It is a visualization and breathing technique that activates the Human Light Body.

By reactivating your MerKaBa you will achieve unparalleled awakening – both now and as the planet goes through its transformation.  Learn to control your light body & create a personal MerKaBa that can transcend time-space and dimensional boundaries.  Experience the key -interconnected consciousness & breathing – of using the MerKaBa correctly. (This process was practiced on Earth over 16,000 years ago).

Sacred Geometry has been called the “Language of God.” (This is NOT the math you learned in school). It is a universal language that allows one to access ancient knowledge contained in cellular memory. Sacred Geometry is replicated in every cell of the body, throughout all nature, the solar system and the universe. It leads to an evolution of consciousness and an opening of the heart that is a next step in the process of human evolution. It is the key to understanding the nature, the value and the significance of colors and sound.

As an experienced Facilitator and trained healer in many modalities, Shari assists individuals in experiencing the importance of the integral relationships of one’s personal healing process, the opening of the heart to unconditional love for all life everywhere, and the dynamics of powerful, sacred group interaction. She leads her listeners on a journey to the center of the heart.

Also included in the three day workshop:  The world is a field of pulsatin energy.  Where your mind goes – energy follows.  Learn how to use this energy to stop creating what you don’t want.  Learn how to redirect your energy to create the reality your soul and heart desires.  Higher-Self, the “Kogi” heart connection; manifestation; Holographic Re-patterning; Human Design grounding; clearing and keeping your field clear; Dahn Hak Qi Gong exercises, healing and group processing, experiential and some surprises!.  You will leave this workshop with many tools to assist you in changing your life on every level.

Flower of Life Research Inc., receiving numerous written and verbal praises from Flower of Life graduates over the years about Shari’s loving,  light-giving abilities as a Facilitator, released the following statement: “Shari is one of our best and we are very proud to have her represent the Flower of Life!”  Shari is the chairperson of the international facilitator council and teaches internationally.  Shari can be contacted at: 719.748.3412 or  719-332-3947 (cell) e-mail ., website: www.sharibillger.com

The event is coordinated by Hector A. Jusino, who can be reached at   931-552-3850 or by  Email at  hector.

Facilitated by Shari Billger.  Shari  is an international teacher of Flower of Life, Reiki, Relationship/Tantra, Disconnecting From the Fear Matrix, The Secret – People Manifest Differently.  She assists people in healing while swimming with the dolphins and leads sacred site tours. The New York Times did a three page article on her Egypt trip in 2007.  She is a certified Human Design Teacher/Specialist and is the Chairperson of the International Flower of Life Facilitator Council. As a spiritual teacher and certified healer in many healing modalities, she leads you on a journey to cosmic consciousness helping you to remember that love is all there is, ever was, and all there ever will be.  She can be reached at  and invites you to visit her website at http://www.sharibillger.com

Contractor James D. Amos joins Majors Shelly and Grady Pearson in turning the "future home" of the Salvation Army into reality

The Clarksville Salvation Army  will celebrate the completion of its new Emergency Shelter on Kraft Street with an Open House on Sunday, February 22, from 1-4 p.m., with a special program at 1:30 p.m.

Clarksville Online toured the facility Thursday with Majors Grady and Shelly Pearson, and the shelter’s volunteer  contractor, James Amos. The Pearsons are  on their second tour in the Queen City, having been stationed here from 1997 through 2000.

Pearson said the new facility is “Phase I” of the Salvation Army’s project, noting that the new lawn in front of the building is “temporary.”

“Phase II is a church that will also be used as a multipurpose facility for the Salvation Army’s social services, children’s activities  and programs, and more.”

Major Grady Pearson is proud of the fact that the new shelter is “100% paid for; no debt.” At a total of $502,000 for the energy-efficient building and all its furnishings and equipment, the bill came to $56 dollars a square foot.

Rev. Charles Moreland and Major Grady Pearson tour the finished shelter

Pearson said the shelter has already begun housing homeless individuals  in need of emergency, and by 4 p.m. on Thursday had 21 of its beds booked for the night, which promised to be another unseasonably cold one in Clarksville.

The new shelter has 24 beds for men (six men to a room in bunk beds), 18 for women (six women to a room in bunk beds), and four rooms that can accommodate a family of five, for a maximum capacity of 68 guests per night. The men’s quarters are housed toward the back of the building, the women’s quarters to the front, and the family rooms tucked in at the front end of each of those hallways.

Client’s are allowed to stay in shelter for only 30 days, and during that time must actively seek employment. Anyone who does not participate in activities leading to self-sufficiency may asked to leave as early as two weeks into the program. At the same time, if someone is really trying, is putting in the effort, their stay “might” be extended. They also assist families in obtaining child care if that is a barrier to employment.

The shelter is open from 6 p.m., overnight to 7 a.m.  Potential residents may come to the shelter during the day to request a bed for the night, but no one is allowed in prior to 6 p.m.

While the rooms are compact and fitted with lockers for the individuals, there is a unique element of comfort awaiting each guest: handmade quilts.

Working at a rate of a quilt a day, Jo Cameron donated 55 hand-stitched quilts to the new shelter

Jo Cameron of Clarksville “made a quilt a day, 55 quilts in all, in the shelter,” Major Pearson said, pointing to the carefully folded quilts on the foot of every bed. While the individual squares were machine-stitched, the quilt top and back with a batting fill were hand quilted with 1/8 inch stitches — a lot of hand work when measured in terms of one quilt a day. “A labor of love,” Pearson said of Cameron’s work.

Upon entering the shelter, one is immediately facing a registration and security window, where, on this day, Scott Mead, social services director for the shelter, is sitting at his desk tracking the images from multiple cameras keep track of activity and access to the building. All common areas are monitored; actual bedrooms and bathrooms are not. A waiting area is simply but comfortably furnished with durable brown leather sofas, as are the men’s and women’s living rooms, each of which holds two sofas and a television set. Furniture was donated by Furniture Connection.

As the shelter is readied for its formal opening on Sunday, they still have a wish list: additional twin fitted sheets,toiletry items in small or travel sizes, food, cleaning supplies and more pots and pans. Volunteer opportunities include working at the family thrift store, fundraising, meal preparation, and the holiday Angel tree and bell ringing. Donations can be made in the form of money or donations to the family thrift store.

An industrial size washer and dryer that handles linens for the shelter, and is capable of washing all the linens in use throughout the facility in a single load. A commercial Whirlpool washer/dryer combination, another gift from a patron,  is used by shelter residents can be operated by tokens obtained at the front desk.  A donor provided all the linens for use at the shelter.

The new shelter kitchen is ready to serve

A new stainless steel commercial kitchen is ready for the supper and breakfasts served to residents.  For the time being, the spacious dining area doubles as a chapel on Sundays. The shelter’s freezers are outside; commercial grade structures at the back of the building, protected by security fencing and monitoring. One step from kitchen door to two state-of-the-art walk-in units.

Even the water connections are innovative: a small walk-in corridor houses all the connections. A plumber can select whatever line may have a problem or leak and work on that section without disrupting water use to the rest of the facility.

Major Pearson noted that the Salvation Army, in addition to having paid off the new building in full before it opened, also has approximately $250,000 earmarked for the new church building, with an additional $250,000 yet to be raised.

“We won’t break ground until we can pay for what we build. No debt,” Major Pearson said. The sale of the old Greenwood Street property will be applied toward new construction costs as well as operating expenses.The Salvation Army requires between $140,000-$180,000 to operate for a year. “People don’t understand the working part.” Major Pearson noted that salaries must be paid to the small but necessary staff and the store, while it also generates some revenue, must also be maintained.

“People don’t realize that we do not receive national funds for this. In fact, we tithe 10% back,” Major Pearson explained.

Major Pearson said that the closing of the old Greenwood shelter “opened up the city’s eyes to the need for shelter services in Clarksville.”

A 2004 US Stamp honored the imagination of Theodor Geisel (Dr. Seuss)

The Cat in the Hat. Green Eggs and Ham. And to think I saw it on Mulberry Street.  Dr. Seuss’s ABC. Fox in Socks. Horton Hears a Who. If I Ran the zoo. Lorax.

These staples of children’s literature, created by author  Theodor Seuss Geisel (a.k.a. Dr. Seuss), were created in the mid 1950′s as a response to concerns about  literacy in young schoolchildren.

Youngsters can join in a birthday celebration of Dr. Seuss at the W. G. Rhea Public Library in downtown Paris, on Saturdsay, February 28, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

Here are a few fun facts about Dr. Seuss:

• In 1936 on the way to a vaction in Europe,  he came up with And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street, which was rejected by the first 43 publishers he showed it to. Eventually in 1937 a friend published the book for him, and it went on to at least moderate success.
• In May of 1954, Life (magazine) published a report concerning illiteracy among school children. The report said, among other things, that children were having trouble to read because their books were boring. This inspired Geisel’s publisher, and prompted him to send Geisel a list of 400 words he felt were important, asked him to cut the list to 250 words (the publishers idea of how many words at one time a first grader could absorb), and write a book. Nine months later, Geisel, using 220 of the words given to him published The Cat in the Hat, which went on to instant success.
• In 1960 Bennett Cerf bet Geisel $50 that he couldn’t write an entire book using only fifty words. The result was Green Eggs and Ham. Cerf never paid the $50.

His first wife, Helen Palmer Geisel, died in 1967. Theodor Geisel married Audrey Stone Diamond in 1968.

Theodor Seuss Geisel, who was born on March 2, 1904, died  September 24, 1991.

Architectural rendering of APSU Education Center at Fort Campbell

APSU faculty, staff and students are invited to attend the grand opening at 9 a.m., Wednesday, March 18 at the new classroom/office building across the street from the SSG Glenn H. English Jr. Army Education Center, Bastogne Avenue, Fort Campbell, Ky.

Several dignitaries, members of the Fort Campbell command group and APSU officials will be present for the ceremony.

If your vehicle is not registered on post, you will need to obtain a visitor’s pass from the welcome/registration center inside Gate 4. For the pass, you will need your driver’s license, proof of insurance and vehicle registration. The process will take approximately 45 minutes, so allow yourself time.

To get to the new Austin Peay Center @ Fort Campbell, travel on Fort Campbell Boulevard. Enter Gate 3 (Air Assault Street). Turn right at first traffic light onto Bastogne Avenue. On the right-hand side is the new facility.

The project, approved by the State Building Commission in 2007, is unique in that, as far as can be determined, it marks the only time in history a state university has been granted permission to build an educational facility on federal property through a 25-year, long-term land lease with the U.S. Army, with an option to renew for an additional 25 years.

At the English Education Center, APSU—which has the highest enrollment of the four institutions offering classes on post—had filled to capacity all of its available classroom seats.

Although APSU will use the same number of rooms in the English Education Center, the new facility will provide six additional classrooms, laboratory space and faculty offices.

Architects with Rufus Johnson Associates designed the new $3.4 million building. The University paid for the construction with bonds from the Tennessee State School Bond Authority. A&K Construction, Paducah, Ky., built the facility.

For more information, contact University Advancement, 221-7127.

Repairing a power line severed by flying metal roofing

Clarksville Department of Electricity and Street Department crews are continuing the work of cleaning up and restoring power after a hefty line of storms and high winds swept through Middle Tennessee.

After repairing primary lines and transformers, crews are now working to restore power to individual homes and businesses affected by the storm.  That work should be completed by Friday.

A line of severe weather  slammed into Clarksville Wednesday with a mix of brief but torrential rain and winds in excess of 60 mph, causing widely scattered power outages, downed tree limbs and some structural damage.

In downtown Clarksville, Street Department crews in wet weather gear worked to clear a fallen tree from College Street even as winds continued to howl and rip roofing shingles off the “Biscuit Company” building. Throughout the downtown area smaller branches were riding the winds, and traffic lights and street signs were battered and bent. In some areas, roofing shingles were fluttering like flags and being ripped from rooftops. Several globes on some of the city’s ornate street lamps off College Street were shattered. A stockade fence was partially blown down.  At the Goble Law Firm, awnings on both sides of the building were shredded.

Surveying a carport blown from one yard to another

Residents at Vanleer and Ford Streets heard a deep, rumbling roar of wind and a solid thump, followed by a second road and thump: a quick check revealed a neighbor’s carport upended by wind and deposited over power lines, a fence and clotheslines.  Police, power crews and the fire department responded to that call, along with many others over the course of the afternoon.

“I was on the phone, and I heard a roar and crash. I told my caller “I think the roof is coming apart.” I was partly right — it was the neighbor’s carport roof landing in my yard.”

The storm left the intersection of Madison and the Bypass, and the KMart Plaza, without power at rush hour, requiriing police assistance in directing traffic

According to the National Weather Service In Nashville, a long thin line of storms which stretched from Indiana to the Gulf states, a narrow band with a big punch. The NWS issued a high wind warning as forecast with the expectation of sustained winds of up to 35 miles per hour and gusts to 57 mph. In fact, wind gusts of as much as 72 mph were officially  reported across the north Middle Tennessee area. Just before 11 a.m., the sirens at Fort Campbell and across the city rang out with a severe thunderstorm warning. Within 20 minutes, torrential rain swept across the city, departing as quickly as they arrived but leaving a swath of damage behind. As predicted, an afternoon of high winds followed. To the north and east of Montgomery County, tornado watches were in place during the afternoon.

One police officer reported a traffic light on Madison Street blown from its mooring. A downed tree lib effectively barricaded a driveway at 423 Madison Street. At Madison and the 41A bypass, traffic lights were damaged and power was out at the K-Mart/Food Lion Plaza and at several neighboring businesses at the height of rush hour. Three police officers pulled traffic duty to keep the flow of cars moving through that area at peak time.

Power crews continue to work at restoring power t0 homes and businesses.

Photos by Bill Larson and Christine Anne Piesyk

Gatti’s Pizza, located within the Great Escape Commercial District on Trenton Road, past the Tiny Town Road intersection, is a family-friendly pizza/pasta/salad emporium that has been open just over five weeks. Business hours are Sunday to Thursday: 11 AM to 8 PM; Friday and Saturday: 11 AM to 9 PM. It is also accessible from the Tennessee Exit 1 on I-24.

The restaurant presents a new concept for the eatery chain formerly known as Mr. Gatti’s. That name change happened about a year ago. The new concept focuses on providing a family -friendly oriented buffet smorgasbord with Sports TV, Kids Theater and Video Arcade. The central entrance presents the buffet bar with its dinning area oriented to adult patrons with large monitors offering Sports TV coverage. The Kids Theater is a dinning area with large TV screens set to children programing. The third open area is an video arcade plaza. Each area is spacious and well lighted. The seating is comfortable and welcoming.

Karen is the manager, with staffing of eight to ten per crew. The staff keeps patrons and the dinning areas well attended.

Patrons are presented with a single price for the entire array of buffet offerings. The offerings include the following pizza varieties: Pepperoni, Italian sausage, salami, ham, chicken, bacon, ground beef, peppers, cheese pizzas, meat combos, veggie combos, thin crust, thick crust, Hawaiian pineapple and ham. Patrons can also request special pizza combinations in addition to the various pizza offerings set out on the buffet bar. Smoked provolone and cheddar cheeses are used for the cheese sticks. Also making regular appearances on the buffet are Dutch Apple Treat dessert pizzas and cinnamon sticks.

The pasta section boasts SpaGatti, linguine, egg noddles, Marinara sauce with chunky vegetables, a meat sauce, a creamy white sauce, macaroni and cheese, minestrone soup and stuffed potato soup. The salad bar is well stocked with crisp lettuce, grape tomatoes, black olives, carrot slivers, green peppers, red onions, cauliflower crowns, broccoli crowns, baby corn, pickled okra, sliced mushrooms, banana peppers, diced eggs, sliced ham sticks, with salad dressings ranging from oil and vinegar, to French, Honey French, Italian, Ranch, Blue Cheese and a House Special Peppercorn Ranch dressing.

Beverage selections include iced tea, coffee, and Pepsi products including Sierra Mist, Cherry Pepsi, Diet Pepsi, Mountain Dew, Pink Lemonade and Pepsi and Root Beer. All this is to be had for the modest price of $6.99 per adult. Children, senior citizens and military personnel receive a discount.

Gatti’s ‘all-you-can-eat buffet’ is also suitable for booking for group events. Reservations for civic group meetings, client appreciation parties, reunions, team building events, church groups, lock-ins, birthday parties and many other types of gatherings are available. Additionally, Gatti’s offers specials for school outings, field trips or team celebrations or club meetings. There is a $25 reservation fee. Reservations can be made for anytime during the week and after 2 PM on Sundays. Reservations must be made in advance of your event.

Gatti’s also accepts To Go/Carry Out orders. Call Karen at 931-802-5500 for more info or visit their website .

The CPSIA calls for any children’s product exceeding the amount of 600-ppm (parts per million) lead content cannot be sold in the United States.  Items that fall under this Act are children’s toys, cribs, pacifiers, children’s jewelry, baby bouncer seats, walkers and jumpers. Any product that can be mouthed, or ingested by a child under the age of twelve must be tested for safety.

This Act will begin today. One year following this date the lead count will drop to a strict 300-ppm, then continues down to 100 ppm. This law will also prohibit against children’s items containing PVC (polyvinyl chloride ) and the chemical phthalate.

This is exciting for parents in that with in the year we will be able to purchase toys and products for our children and have peace of mind that it will not cause long term health problems or that a favorite, beloved toy will have to be taken from our children because of another recall.

However, shortly after the Act was passed, some local business owners begin to worry about how the CPSIA would affect them. Local consignment stores such as Once Upon a Child, Sweet Repeats, and Little Lambs and Ivy are all small businesses who would not have the funds to possibly control and test every item of clothing or toy that came through their store. Other stores in the community that provide a service of clothing and toys at a lower cost such as the Salvation Army and Goodwill feared how they would continue to provide a service to children and families that needed them the most. Feeling that their hands were tied, they braced for the worse and prepared to shut their doors after February 10th, and be left with a large inventory of product that would not be accepted anywhere.

January 8th, 2009, an amendment was issued by the Consumer Product Safety Commission stating to all resale shops of children’s merchandise:

“…. Sellers of used children’s products, such as thrift stores and consignment stores, are not required to certify that those products meet the new lead limits, phthalates standard or new toy standards.”

“The new safety law does not require resellers to test children’s products in inventory for compliance with the lead limit before they are sold. However, resellers cannot sell children’s products that exceed the lead limit and therefore should avoid products that are likely to have lead content… Those resellers that do sell products in violation of the new limits could face civil and/or criminal penalties.”    -Consumer Product Safety Commission, January 8th 2009

That’s great news for local resellers as well as consumers. Once Upon a Child’s director, Susan Baustian issued a response to the amendment on the OUAC website saying they are still committed to buying and selling good quality children’s products but will not accept the following:

• Recalled Children’s products
• Children’s jewelry containing lead
• Wood painted or metal toys
• Flimsy toys that can be broken down into small parts
• Dolls, stuffed animals that have buttons eyes or noses or other small parts that can come off and become a choking hazard.

Cindy Corlew of Sweet Repeats also had something similar to say in response to the Jan. 8th amendment:

“Its business as usual we will still accept clothes and toys three years old or newer and are not on the recalled list.”

She says she is committed to staying on top of all recalled items listed. She will also not be accepting any wood painted surfaces, unless the product was hand made and hand painted using lead free paint.

As a parent, I can’t resist the huge consignment sale of Little Lambs and Ivy that is set up twice a year by Jeanette Smith. If you have ever been to this event you would know that she has wall-to-wall merchandise that is priced by individual consigners. I was curious as to how this new amendment would affect this years’ sale occurring in March.

She commented that she would know the items on the recall list, as would her volunteers.

If any merchandise is spotted, it will be removed and not sold at that sale. If you plan on being a consigner for this sale, please check out the Little Lambs and Ivy website www.tnconsign.com where there will be posted links and addresses of sites where you can obtain a list of all recalled items including cribs, car seats, bouncy seats and other children’s products.

While it would seem that all the confusion over this Act is now cleared up there are still other battles occurring. The American Library Association was approached by the General Council of the Consumer Product Safety Commission saying that it was their “opinion” and “interpretation” of the CPSIA that all books intended and used by children under the age of twelve be pulled off shelves.

In response the ALA has requested that America’s libraries send letters of intent to the CPSC urging them to release an opinion to the General Counsel to send out a statement that more closely reflects Congress’ true intent for the law.  The Act states that books and other non-book, paper-based printed materials should not be subject to the lead, phthalate, and applicable ASTM standards that are referenced in CPSIA because they do not present any of the health or safety risks to children that the law intended to address.

The Clarksville Montgomery County Library said that as of now they do not fear that any thing will happen, and they will wait until after February 10th, 2009 to see if the new law will affect them.

This item was originally published in the February issue of Clarksville Family.