Clarksville, TN – Welcome to the third installment of our series about downtown businesses!

We have already heard about Ingredients and The Roxy Regional Theatre. Now we are happy to share a great member of our downtown team – Planters Bank.

I am excited to share all these with you, and hope you enjoy getting to know your downtown merchants, restaurant owners better.

Planters Bank

Owner: Elizabeth McCoy is the CEO.

Tell us about your business: Planters Bank offers five full-service branches and a mortgage office in the Clarksville area, plus another three full-service branches in Hopkinsville. We deliver a full range of products and services that provide timely solutions to consumer and business financial needs and opportunities.

What products/services do you offer to your customers: We offer a full gamut of financial products and services including checking, savings, CD’s, and money market accounts, trust and cash management services, and loans.

How long you have been open: Planters celebrated its 15-year anniversary in 2011.

Why did you open downtown?

From the beginning of its days in Hopkinsville, the founders of the bank always had plans to locate in Clarksville. Downtown, the financial center of Clarksville-Montgomery County, was simply the obvious place to start.

The emphasis on rebuilding downtown after the tornado provided the perfect opportunity from a timing standpoint. So, we were one of the first businesses to commit to build after that event, and one of the first to open anew in the post-tornado downtown Clarksville.

Most challenging part of being downtown?

We are a block or so off of the highest-traffic roads, so visibility has been a bit of a challenge. The 100 block of Franklin Street has been promoted as “Clarksville’s historic downtown,” but that’s much more to the downtown landscape beyond that single block.

Most rewarding part of being downtown?

Unlike our suburban branches, our downtown branch experiences a fair amount of pedestrian traffic from neighboring businesses. The physical proximity to a variety of other retail and service organizations makes a downtown location a rewarding experience. As well, employees have the opportunity to walk, visit customers and prospects, shop and dine, without having to drive.

Favorite part of being part of the downtown business community:

We love being involved opportunities and events that promote and create awareness for downtown Clarksville. It is the heart of our community and we hope it always will be. Many of our employees are native Clarksvillians, or spent our “growing up years” here and have wonderful memories of downtown retail, entertainment and events from decades past.

We’re thrilled to be part of the resurgence of that quality atmosphere so that our children can have those same types of experiences and memories.

Clarksville, TN – The Historic Downtown Clarksville Association (DCA), is proud to announce the First Thursday ArtWalk for February, 2012.

This months artwalk will be held on February 2nd, 5:00pm until 8:00pm, and as always will be held in the shops and galleries on Franklin Street, Strawberry Alley, Main Street and Second Street. Participating merchants include The Framemaker, Ingredients, New South Coffee, ARTifacts, Hodgepodge, and many more.

APSU Downtown Gallery

Austin Peay State University Downtown Gallery, Strawberry Alley, will open “Serenade: the works of Kim Balevre and Danisha Stallings”. Kim’s photographs are taken using a standard 50mm lens and focuses on the visual relationships between light, line, texture, shape and value in Montana’s Paradise Valley. Danisha’s work features poster-like images that focus on the presence of music in her life. Her love of music was influenced by her uncle, Robert Earl Smith, to whom she dedicates this body of work.

Both Kim and Danisha are graduates of the APSU Department of Art.

ARTifacts Emporium

ARTifacts Emporium, 124 Strawberry Alley, will feature artist, Gail Meyer, and craftsperson, Sheri of G Wizz Expressions.

Gail Meyer has been painting since she was 9 years old. She prides herself by being diverse in her painting from miniatures to very large scale paintings. Her main medium is acrylics; but, she has been experimenting with watercolor and pastels and plans on creating a collection of works featuring Clarksville and surrounding areas in the near future.

Sheri joined ARTifacts as a regular vendor before Christmas, and has been expanding her inventory and product line constantly since day one. Specializing in all hand made fashion accessories for woman, she has formed a collection of hair bows, headbands, infinity scarves, and more. The most amazing part is that she has made them all, and kept the costs so amazingly affordable that there is something for all budgets.

Downtown Artist Co-Op

Downtown Artist Co-op, 96 Franklin Street, will feature Richard Hogan. Richard will be opening a new exhibit at Downtown Artists Co-Op on the First Thursday ArtWalk.

Called Lots of Red Dots it will feature forty pieces of Richard’s most recent work, including both framed art and sculpture. The reception will be from 5:00pm-8:00prem.

Fleur de Lis

Fleur de Lis, 100 South Main Street, Lynne Griffey is the featured artist. Lynne is known for her watercolor and oil paintings of historic Clarksville landmarks and nature subjects. She has contributed original art to Clarksville Rotary Club, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Salvation Army, Gold Star Wives, Austin Peay State University and the American Cancer Society for fundraising. Her work and the photography of prize winning visual journalist for the Leaf Chronicle, Greg Williamson, can be seen at several Premier Medical clinics. Greg”s photography will also be available.

The Framemaker

The Framemaker, 705 North Second Street, proudly presents work by Philippe Pirrip (Philip Hyojung Kim). The exhibit will remain on display at the Framemaker throughout the month of February during normal business hours (Mon. through Friday 10:00am – 5:00pm). Philippe Pirrip works both as a student and art exhibit curator at Austin Peay University. According to the artist, “My process is often provoked by visible appearances of ideas. The ideas here are mostly composed of numbers and figures; some that are recognizable, some enigmatic.”

The Framemaker is located at the corner of North Second Street and Georgia Avenue, across from The Clarksville Academy.

Hodgepodge

Hodgepodge, 125 Franklin Street Paige Thomas King, owner of Hodgepodge, will be demonstrating the easy, yet artistic qualities of her new line of paints, Annie Sloan Chalk Paints.

Paige has been painting furniture for approximately 20 years—moving through a variety of techniques and products—and is delighted to offer this wonderful paint product to Clarksville-Montgomery County. Stop in to see a demonstration and be inspired to become a furniture artist, too!

Ingredients

Ingredients, 100 Strawberry Alley, is hosting Kimberley Moore along with showcasing their own food products.

One day while walking along the creek bed Kimberely found a fossil with a hole in it and thought she could make a necklace out of this, so she did. She has come a long way since then and enjoys making people happy with jewelry that makes them feel pretty.

Each piece of jewelry is made with love so most pieces are attached with a tag that says, “made with love” or beads and charms shaped like hearts. No two pieces are exactly alike. Kimberely is happy to do “special requests”.

New South Coffee

New South Coffee, 110 Franklin Street, will feature Stev Berzolla and David Smith. Stev Berzolla ” Metronome” will be our featured musician, Metronome plays progressive jazz with his saxophone while using a combination of foot peddles to incorporate a mixture of sound without the use of a full band and other instruments. He is a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom, and had lived in the Clarksville area for the last 2 years.

David Smith will be our featured photographer. David Smith is a retired U.S. Army Still Photographer, who came to the Clarksville area in 1976 as a member of the 101st Airborne Division. He returned to Clarksville with his family after his retirement from the military. He has just recently started shooting photographs again. He is a member of The Friends of Photography here in Clarksville. Most of his photographs are of landscapes and scenery. “I also try and take photographs of the Clarksville area, I feel that it’s important for a photographer to help preserve the history in photographs.”

Rogate’s Boutique

Rogate’s Boutique, 115 Franklin Street, will feature Tara Neal. Tara has recently been focused on small scale ink and watercolor series inspired by the fanciful joy of her children and friends with themes including aviation, local produce, and whimsical fashions. Neal is a local artist and Army wife who received an MFA in Painting from the Savannah College of Art & Design

Roxy Regional Theatre

The Roxy Regional Theatre, 100 Franklin St., Peg Harvill Gallery showcases the work of over 30 artists from the Middle Tennessee area (Windy Mitchell , MikeWindy, Barbara Hampton Herrick, Bruce Childs, Susan Bryant, Billy Renkl, Charles V. Bennett, Megan Kelley, Tiffany Dyer, Brian Allison, Nathan Parker, Travis Stanley, Brandt Hardin, Olivia Molinaro Landry, Chad Spann, Terri Jordan, Pablo Tomas Scruggs, Chip Boles, Connie Livingston-Dunn, Susan Tomi McGolrick, Ed Milburn, Glenn Edgin, Michael McKelvey, Roly M Viruez, Erin Crissey, Gabriele Wardeiner, Clare Coyle Taylor, Rachel Hall Kirk, August Brian Christopher Hampton, Jeff Bertrand, Melanie Collins, Miranda Herrick, Carla Guerra, and Kim Radford).

Each artist has submitted a small piece of two-dimensional art that is their take on the subject of love — happy, sad, bittersweet or hilarious — to complement the Roxy’s musical I LOVE YOU, YOU’RE PERFECT, NOW CHANGE, opening Friday, February 10th, at 8:00pm.

Clarksville, TN – As a manager of a downtown business, I get asked all the time about my shop, and other downtown shops and why we choose to be part of a downtown community. Why did we decide to be here versus a strip mall, independent building or in the mall. Well, I know what the owner of ARTifacts, Paige King, would say. But I can’t say for sure what the reasoning for the other business owners in downtown would say.

So I decided it was time to ask! I thought it would be a good idea to ask all the members of the Downtown Clarksville Association (DCA) all the questions we get asked daily and share them with you here. Starting with Ingredients – and continuing with all the businesses who decide to participate in this segment of feature articles. I hope this gives you insight of the downtown shops, restaurants and businesses. I know it has helped me!

Ingredients, for the gourmet in you

Owner: Monica Drake and Mitchell Ketchens

Tell us about yourself!

After traveling around for the Army several years we decided to make Clarksville our home and have lived here for 18 years. Mitchell teaches ROTC at Kenwood High School and Monica retired from the school system after 15 years in the business office.

What made you open a shop/restaurant? We talked about owning a business together almost from the first day we met and we followed our dream.

What is your favorite part of running your business? Meeting people.

What inspires you? Our fellow small business owners. Their guidance and encouragement helps us carry on.

Tell us about your business. What products/services do you offer to your customers: We offer kitchen items from pots and pans to textiles; spices to dipping oils; cutting boards to tableware and items in between!

How long you have been open: We opened July 2009.

Why did you open downtown? We have always shopped in the downtowns of the cities we lived in and never thought about opening anywhere but downtown. Each city we left, we left behind friends we got to know who were owners or managers of the boutiques and restaurants downtown. Downtowns are unique and cannot be duplicated in a mall or a strip mall. Just look around at the of the history!

Most challenging part of being downtown? People coming in and saying “I never shop downtown”. Most rewarding part of being downtown? Helping to bring downtown “back to life”, seeing new businesses open and watching established business succeed.

Favorite part of being part of the downtown business community: Being part of the downtown family. We have developed friendships that are very important to us.

Where are you located?

Ingredients is located at 100 Strawberry Alley, on the corner of Strawberry Alley & South 1st Street.

You can contact Ingredients at 931.542.6935, on the web at
www.ingredientsclarksville.com
or find us on Facebook

Clarksville, TN – Welcome to the second installment to introduce Clarksville to members of your downtown business community. Our first post featured Ingredients, and we will continue with these post until all the DCA business who wish to participate have been featured.

I am excited to share all these with you, and hope you enjoy getting to know your downtown merchants, restaurant owners better.

The Roxy Regional Theatre

Owner: The Roxy Regional Theatre Board of Directors owns the theatre as we are a non-profit 501(c)3 organization.

The Staff of the Roxy includes:

John McDonald, Artistic Director
Tom Thayer, Executive Director
Ryan Bowie, Director of Fundraising and Development
Adam Kurtz, Production Stage Manager and Company Manager
Katie Kennedy, Box Office Assistant

Ryan Bowie

What made you open a shop/restaurant? Our artistic director, John McDonald has a funny quote, “We were doing so much bad theatre in New York, we thought we could do some bad theatre, too.” But in all actuality the need for a live theatre was recognized by Tom and John and they pursued their dream of running a live theatre and made it a reality.

What is your favorite part of running your business?
The best part of this business for me is the amount of people we reach each season. Last year, over 90,000 patrons came through our doors to see a production. Within that, 26,000 school children came for daytime performances throughout the school year. We have the honor and privilege of fostering the growth and education of the arts.

A Tale of Two Cities at the Roxy Regional Theatre.

The Roxy Regional Theatre. Real Theatre. All the Time.

What products/services do you offer to your customers: We are a fully operational, live, professional theatre. We are open year round and this year are offering over 19 different productions for our patrons to enjoy.

We are also offer our Saturday School of the Arts to children 10 years of age and older. This includes acting, dance and voice.

Yoga practice has also been integrated in our program Monday through Friday from 8:00am-9:00am, taught by certified yoga instructor, Travis Kendrick. Please call our box office at 931.645.7699 or visit our website at www.roxyregionaltheatre.org for complete information and tickets.

How long you have been open: We are currently celebrating our 29th anniversary. The Roxy Regional Theatre is also the oldest business located in Downtown, Clarksville.

Beehive: The ’60s Musical Sensation.

Why did you open downtown? After looking at several potential buildings in Clarksville, the then mayor, Ted Crozier, suggested the Roxy Theatre which was slated to become a parking lot. Through negotiations we saved the building and the rest is history.

Most challegning part of being downtown? The most challenging would be all of the other events that take place downtown. We try our hardest to be involved in anything and everything Downtown, but with such a rigorous schedule it is sometimes difficult. We are also such an icon downtown, that we always have to “be on” for anyone and everyone. There can be no “bad days” at the Roxy.

Most rewarding part of being downtown? The Roxy has been called the cornerstone of Downtown Clarksville and that is a reward in itself. Being able to be in the heart of our community and serve so many people in a centralized location is very rewarding.

We also have the honor of being surrounded by so many other supportive business owners. We all collectively support one another and recognize that a good day of business at the Roxy means a good day of business downtown and we want nothing more than for downtown Clarksville to continue to succeed and grow.

Favorite part of being part of the downtown business community: We are our own little family. We work hard together, to make sure as a collective group we are making progress and continuing to grow and evolve. I encourage everyone to take in all of what downtown Clarksville has to offer. Don’t just stop at the corner of 2nd and Franklin Street or at the corner of 1st and Franklin Street, take some time and take in everything that makes up Historic Downtown Clarksville.

Roxy Regional Theatre
100 Franklin Street
Clarksville, TN 37040
www.roxyregionaltheatre.org
931.645.7699

Clarksville, TN

The event kicked off with the Jingle Bell Jog 5K Road Race in the morning, followed that afternoon by Christmas Caroling on the steps of the Montgomery County Court House along with free hot chocolate for the kids. The evening closed out with the 5th Annual Lighted Christmas Parade.

Santa Claus closes out the 2011 Lighted Christmas Parade

In the parade 72 entries were judged in the corporate or civic category. The winners in the corporate category were:

1. CDE Lightband
2. F&M Bank
3. Kennedy Law Firm

The winners in the Civic Category were:

1. Bikers Who Care
2. Roller Derby Girls
3. Montgomery County EMS.

After the parade was finished, over 1000 people went down to visit Christmas on the Cumberland, making it one of their busiest days of the holiday season.

Clarksville, TN – You’re invited to join the merchants of Historic Downtown Clarksville for The monthly Art Walk, on November 3rd, from 5:00pm–8:00pm.

Kendall Welsh from ARTifacts, sent us this information about November’s artistic extravaganza. Participating merchants include Ingredients, Edward’s Steakhouse, Couture Crush, ARTifacts, Fleur de leis, Hodgepodge, and many more.

ARTifacts, an Arts & Antiques Emporium

ARTifacts Emporium, 124 Strawberry Alley, will feature the sewing talents of Jessica Clark of Sew Sweet Child. Sew Sweet Child’s clothing is not only designer quality and style but handmade and practical. Jessica’s ability to place fabrics together and her eye for color, make her childrens clothes POP! You wont be able to resist dressing your Sweet Child in these fabulous clothes!”

ARTifacts Workshop Space

ARTifacts Workshop Space also at 124 Strawberry Alley, will host the Art Society of Montgomery Central High School Students. “Our Art Society promotes the arts in our school and community. We host an annual “FUEL” supper that has supported the elementary school FUEL program and recently started supporting our MCHS FUEL program. Art Society students also collect and donate art supplies to add to the Christmas Angels adopted at Montgomery Central Elementary School. Last year Art Society students helped with a first ever Elementary Art Camp for 15 elementary students at MCES. Members also are a resource for teachers helping them create bulletin boards and other creative items for their classrooms. All members have participated and/or entered local and regional art exhibitions. Several have placed in exhibitions and also have sold some of their artwork already.”

Couture Crush

Couture Crush, located at 109 Franklin Street on Second Floor above Mildred and Mabels, will be featuring two local artists during November’s First Thursday Art Walk. Scott Wise and Kay Drew will have selections of their art on display for viewing and for purchase. Both artists are Clarksvillians who have full time professional careers but continue to produce art also.

Scott Wise is a local sculptor and artist who has many stone, clay, and bronze pieces in private and public collections in Tennessee and across the United States. Scott is also a firefighter and art teacher in Clarksville. Couture Crush will have a selection of Scott’s smaller sculptures for the Art Walk visitors including his stone birds. These hand carved stone images are favorites of Kaley Drew, owner of Couture Crush. “I have several birds that were given to me as gifts in my home. I love the way Scott captures the beauty of a birds form in limestone. The form is slightly abstract but accentuates the graceful curves and lines of a resting bird.”

Couture Crush will also have a selection of watercolor and acrylic paintings by Kay Drew on display. Kay Drew is the Head of School for Clarksville Academy but she is also an artist. Kaley Drew is the daughter of Kay Drew. “This summer my Mother painted a mural on the back wall of Couture Crush for me. I described to my vision and explained the colors I wanted incorporated into it. She painted exactly what I had dreamed. She has been creating art for as long as I can remember.” Kay Drew’s art that will be on display will include framed illustrations of familiar scenes and places in Clarksville that have been featured in local books and new originals.

Edwards Steakhouse

Edwards Steakhouse, 107 Franklin Street – Lynne Griffey will be the featured artist at Edward’s Steakhouse. Lynne will be featuring her donated painting to the American Cancer Society’s Love Lights a Tree campaign. Patrons are encouraged to participate in the silent auction for this beautiful watercolor. Giclee prints will be available for purchase to support this worthy cause. Lynne continues to donate paintings for the Big Brother Big Sister Community Calendar, Salvation Army, Clarksville Rotary, the Gold Star Wives and the preservation of Smith-Trahern Mansion among others.

Fleur de Lis

Fleur de Lis, 100 South Main Street – Fleur de Lis will give your avid reader an awesome opportunity to meet and have your copy of ColorBlind personalized just in time for Christmas!

Melanie Meadow is the local author of ColorBlind, a Southern Christian fiction novel set in 1960s South Carolina. Its time period is similar to that of the current popular movie, The Help, but its spotlight on a preacher’s daughter and her dairy farmer friend takes the story of racism and church planting down a different sort of path. Meadow’s book is on sale at Fleur de Lis and is available on e-book through amazon.com.

The Framemaker

The Framemaker, 705 North Second Street – Foresight: Photography by Barger, Chisholm, Clark, Flowers and Griffin. The Framemaker proudly presents artists Rian Barger, Jon Chisholm, Synthia Clark, Amanda Flowers and Kathryn Griffin as part of Clarksville’s First Thursday Art Walk. The exhibit, titled “Foresight,” will remain on display at the Framemaker throughout the month of November during normal business hours (Monday through Friday 10:00am – 5:00pm).

Each year, the Austin Peay State University photography students are showcased at the Framemaker. The theme of the 2011 exhibit celebrates the person as a photographic subject. The group show explores a variety of visual and psychological themes: from the stranger as subject to the body as abstract figure. Artist Rian Barger states, “I took over a thousand photos of eyes…the five I chose (for the show) have a different feel, a different look, a different meaning.”

Hodgepodge

Hodgepodge, 125 Franklin Street – Sharon Cockrill and Sarah Head met seven years ago and, much to their husbands’ chagrin, soon realized they shared a passion for fiber arts. They had both been creating for years and have now joined forces to create Knit One Weave Too.

Sharon and Sarah enjoy knitting, weaving, felting, spinning and creating hand-tied yarns. They even throw in a little quilting every once in a while. Sarah had been a life-long knitter and Sharon had been crafting and creating for 30 years. They have enjoyed learning from each other as well as learning new skills and techniques.

Ingredients

Ingredients, 100 Strawberry Alley, will feature A. Heron Designs. “Creating beautiful, quirky pieces, in the hopes that someone will hold them dear, will always be one of my motivations. Jewelry has been worn for centuries, and I relish the thought that some of my pieces could stand the test of time. Every bit of the jewelry-smithing process fascinates me, whether it is the pages of sketches that I draw for one special cabochon or a precarious soldering job. Despite all the work, the greatest moment is polishing up a ring or pendant and realizing it was all worth it.”

Mildred & Mable’s

Mildred & Mable’s, 109 Franklin Street, has will have artist, Charlotte Nelms. Charlotte Nelms was born and reared in Oregon however, as a military spouse has lived and continued her art studies all over the North American and European continents. She received her Associate in Arts Degree from City Colleges of Chicago, Europe. Recently, returned from Germany she has now chosen to settle in Clarksville and is excited to portray in her favorite mediums of pastel and watercolor the American landscapes that she loves. She says of her work:
“I enjoy painting in soft pastels on sandpaper. The texture of sandpaper holds fast the many layers I use of brilliant pastel pigment. My style is realistic with a splash of impressionism. I want to portray the peace, play of light and excitement of color found in the natural landscape.

New South Coffee

New South Coffee, 110 Franklin Street, will feature Alan Goldstein. Alan Goldstein has been a professional photographer for over 40 years and has won many awards for his photography: In 1986 Alan was bestowed the honor of Master of Photography by the Professional Photographers of America for his photographic excellence and in 2006 Alan was bestowed the honor of Photographic Craftsman by the Professional Photographers of America for his contributions to the profession of photography though continuing education and the sharing of knowledge with fellow photographers to promote excellence in imagery and business practices. Alan continues to do portraits but is also involved with making fine art images specializing in large wall prints.

Rogate’s Boutique

Rogate’s Boutique, 115 Franklin Street, will feature the culinary talents of Stephanie Moore, truffle maker. “ I began making chocolate truffles for holiday treats and special desserts. Then after I started experimenting with all my different versions, my sister suggested I sell them. People soon discovered they make easy and wonderful gifts for anything from Christmas, Valentine’s Day to even a special way to say Thank You. They are available in Chocolate, Peanut Butter, Red Velvet, Strawberry, French Vanilla, Pumpkins Spice & Coconut flavors and can be purchased by the dozen. Truffle*Licious is now also available for birthday parties, showers, wedding receptions and dinner parties.”

The Roxy Regional Theatre

The Roxy Regional Theatre is located at 100 Franklin Street. The Roxy Regional Theatre’s Peg Harvill Gallery features paintings by Nathan Parker, accompanying THE WAR OF THE WORLDS, in addition to the artwork of illustrator Michelle Duckworth, complementing A TALE OF TWO CITIES, opening on Friday, November 4th, at 8:00pm.

This weeks highlights include:

• Christmas on the Cumberland
• Christmas Parade
• Downtown for the Holidays Christmas Cookie Bake-Off
• Register now for the Jingle Bell Jog 5K
• Downtown Decorating Contest
• Swimming Lessons at the Indoor Aquatic Center
• Adult Volleyball League Seeks Players

Christmas on the Cumberland

Come enjoy the popular Christmas on the Cumberland walk-through event now through January 1st. Event hours are 5:00pm-10:00pm, Sunday through Thursday and 5:00pm-11:00pm on Fridays and Saturdays.

Children of all ages are sure to love Christmas on the Cumberland. For more information, visit www.cityofclarksville.com.

Christmas Parade

Register today for the 52nd Annual Christmas Parade, hosted by The City of Clarksville and the Montgomery County Government. This year’s theme is “Home for the Holidays” and is scheduled for December 3rd starting at 5:00pm.

Parade entry forms are available at the city’s three community centers, the Parks and Recreation office, and online at www.mcgtn.org. You can also log on to recpro.cityofclarksville.com to register and to find out more information.

Downtown for the Holidays Christmas Cookie Bake-Off

It is once again time to gather your favorite recipes and begin preparing for the 3rd Annual Christmas Cookie Bake-off. Bake your favorite holiday treat and submit your entry to Ingredients, located at 100 Strawberry Alley by 5:00pm on December 4th.

Entry fee is 5 samples for judging along with 2 dozen treats which will be donated to Manna Café. Entries will be judged according to taste, presentation, and originality.

Register now for the Jingle Bell Jog 5K

As part of our Downtown for the Holidays Celebration, December 3rd, the City of Clarksville and Run for a Reason has partnered to host the Jingle Bell Jog 5K with all proceeds benefitting Manna Café.

The race will begin with a one mile fun run at 8:00am, followed by the 5K. You can register now at www.active.com. Deadline to register is December 1st.

Downtown Decorating Contest

The contest, presented by the City of Clarksville and Montgomery County Government, is a continued tradition in the 5th Annual Downtown for the Holidays celebration. Downtown businesses from University Avenue to Riverside Drive show their holiday spirit while vying for the title of Best Window and Door Display, Most Creative Use of Lights or People’s Choice.

The People’s Choice is a new addition this year. The community is invited to visit the Downtown for the Holidays Facebook page to view photos of the decorated store fronts and then “like” their favorite.

Voting is open now through December 3rd. Winners will be announced during the parade.

Swimming Lessons at the Indoor Aquatic Center

The second session of swimming lessons are set to begin December 5th at the newly opened Indoor Aquatic Center. Five comprehensive course levels are offered to teach you, your child or other family member how to swim skillfully and safely.

Cost is $15.00 per session with a pool pass or $35.00 without. Visit recpro.cityofclarksville.com for course level descriptions, times and to register online.

Adult Volleyball League Seeks Players

This new league is open to anyone ages 18 and up and costs $20.00 per player. Individuals or teams can register at any of our three community centers or at the Parks & Recreation office, December 5th through January 6th.

All games will be held at the Kleeman Community Center. For more information, please call 931.647.3056.

This weeks highlights include:

• Community Thanksgiving Feast
• Quick Silver Social
• Christmas on the Cumberland to Begin this Month
• Christmas Parade
• Downtown for the Holidays Christmas Cookie Bake-Off
• Register now for the Jingle Bell Jog 5K
• Swimming Lessons at the Indoor Aquatic Center

Community Thanksgiving Feast

Staff at the Burt-Cobb Community Center, located at 1011 Franklin Street, will serve a free hot meal to the community from 5:30pm to 7:00pm, November 17th.

All are welcome. Meal is served on a first come, first serve basis, up to 75 people.

Quick Silver Social

Everyone ages 50 and up, join the Distinguished Steppers Unlimited, LLC. at the Kleeman Community Center, Saturday, November 19th as they host this month’s event, “Hats Off to Old School” – everyone is encouraged to wear the hat of their personality!

Doors open at 5:00pm with refreshments and celebration beginning at 6:00pm.

Christmas on the Cumberland to Begin this Month

The Christmas on the Cumberland Grand Opening Celebration is set for November 22nd at McGregor Park. Join us at 6:30pm to watch the entire RiverWalk come to life with over one million lights! This popular Christmas on the Cumberland walk-through event will be open through January 3rd.

Event hours are 5:00pm-10:00pm, Sunday through Thursday and 5:00pm-11:00pm on Fridays and Saturdays. Throughout the event, there will be several weekend opportunities for children and their families to participate in family oriented activities. Children of all ages are sure to love Christmas on the Cumberland. For more information, visit www.cityofclarksville.com.

Christmas Parade

Register today for the 52nd Annual Christmas Parade, hosted by The City of Clarksville and the Montgomery County Government. This year’s theme is “Home for the Holidays” and is scheduled for December 3rd starting at 5:00pm.

Parade entry forms are available at the city’s three community centers, the Parks and Recreation office, and online at www.mcgtn.org. You can also log on to recpro.cityofclarksville.com to register and to find out more information.

Downtown for the Holidays Christmas Cookie Bake-Off

It is once again time to gather your favorite recipes and begin preparing for the 3rd Annual Christmas Cookie Bake-off. Bake your favorite holiday treat and submit your entry to Ingredients, located at 100 Strawberry Alley by 5:00pm on December 3rd.

Entry fee is 5 samples for judging along with 2 dozen treats which will be donated to Manna Café. Entries will be judged according to taste, presentation, and originality.

Register now for the Jingle Bell Jog 5K

As part of our Downtown for the Holidays Celebration, December 3rd, the City of Clarksville and Run for a Reason has partnered to host the Jingle Bell Jog 5K with all proceeds benefitting Manna Café.

The race will begin with a one mile fun run at 8:00am, followed by the 5K. You can register now at www.active.com. Deadline to register is December 1st. Pre-register by November 16th to guarantee a free event t-shirt.

Swimming Lessons at the Indoor Aquatic Center

The second session of swimming lessons are set to begin December 5th at the newly opened Indoor Aquatic Center. Five comprehensive course levels are offered to teach you, your child or other family member how to swim skillfully and safely.

Cost is $15.00 per session with a pool pass or $35.00 without. Visit recpro.cityofclarksville.com for course level descriptions, times and to register online.

The event kicks off with the Jingle Bell Jog 5K hosted by the City of Clarksville and Run for a Reason. The race will begin with a one mile fun run at 8:00am, followed by the 5K. You can register now at www.active.com. Deadline to register is December 1st. Pre-register by November 16th to be guaranteed a free event t-shirt. All proceeds will benefit Manna Café.

At 4:00pm, join the City of Clarksville and Montgomery County Government as they host activities for the whole family. Come out to enjoy cookie decorating for kids, free hot chocolate and caroling on the County Square.

Once again, the City of Clarksville and Ingredients have partnered together to host this year’s 3rd Annual Christmas Cookie Bake-off. To participate, bake your favorite holiday treat and submit your entry to Ingredients, located at 100 Strawberry Alley by 5:00pm, December 3rd. Entry fee is five samples for judging along with two dozen treats which will be donated to Manna Cafe. Entries will be judged according to taste, presentation, and originality.

This hometown celebration will come to a close with the much anticipated 52nd annual Clarksville Lighted Christmas Parade at 5:00pm. This year’s theme is “Home for the Holidays”.

Downtown for the Holidays is presented by the City of Clarksville and Montgomery County Government and is sponsored by US Bank, The Leaf-Chronicle, Lamar Advertising, Clarksville Family Magazine, WJZM, The Hassell Family, C&S Auto Repair, and Clark & Associates Architects, Inc.

For a more information, guidelines, and entry forms please visit www.downtown-for-the-holidays.com or call 931.645.7476.

This weeks highlights include:

• Aqua Zumba
• Winter Gym
• Community Thanksgiving Feast
• Christmas on the Cumberland to Begin this Month
• Christmas Parade
• Downtown for the Holidays Christmas Cookie Bake-Off
• Register now for the Jingle Bell Jog 5K

Aqua Zumba

Join us every Wednesday evening from 6:00pm to 7:00pm, at the new Indoor Aquatic Center for Aqua Zumba! This class integrates the Zumba formula and philosophy with traditional aqua fitness disciplines. Cost is $3.00 per class.

All fitness levels are welcome, no dancing or swimming skills required.

Winter Gym Opens Tomorrow

Every year, the Parks & Recreation Department and the Clarksville-Montgomery County School System partner to provide a free winter gymnasium program for recreational basketball free play.

The program is offered Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays at Byrns-Darden Elementary School Gymnasium from 6:00pm – 9:00pm from November 7th, 2011 through March 30th, 2012. Children under 13 must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

Community Thanksgiving Feast

Staff at the Burt-Cobb Community Center, located at 1011 Franklin Street, will serve a free hot meal to the community from 5:30pm to 7:00pm, November 17th.

All are welcome. Meal is served on a first come, first serve basis, up to 75 people.

Christmas on the Cumberland to Begin this Month

The Christmas on the Cumberland Grand Opening Celebration is set for November 23rd at McGregor Park. Join us at 6:30pm to watch the entire RiverWalk come to life with over one million lights! This popular Christmas on the Cumberland walk-through event will be open through January 3rd.

Event hours are 5:00pm-10:00pm, Sunday through Thursday and 5:00pm-11:00pm on Fridays and Saturdays. Throughout the event, there will be several weekend opportunities for children and their families to participate in family oriented activities.

Children of all ages are sure to love Christmas on the Cumberland. For more information, visit www.cityofclarksville.com.

Christmas Parade

Register today for the 52nd Annual Christmas Parade, hosted by The City of Clarksville and the Montgomery County Government. This year’s theme is “Home for the Holidays” and is scheduled for December 3rd starting at 5:00pm.

Parade entry forms are available at the city’s three community centers, the Parks and Recreation office, and online at mcgtn.org. You can also log on to recpro.cityofclarksville.com to register and to find out more information.

Downtown for the Holidays Christmas Cookie Bake-Off

It is once again time to gather your favorite recipes and begin preparing for the 3rd Annual Christmas Cookie Bake-off. Bake your favorite holiday treat and submit your entry to Ingredients, located at 100 Strawberry Alley by 5:00pm on December 4th.

Entry fee is 5 samples for judging along with 2 dozen treats which will be donated to Manna Café. Entries will be judged according to taste, presentation, and originality.

Register now for the Jingle Bell Jog 5K

As part of our Downtown for the Holidays Celebration, December 3rd, the City of Clarksville and Run for a Reason has partnered to host the Jingle Bell Jog 5K with all proceeds benefitting Manna Café.

The race will begin with a one mile fun run at 8:00am, followed by the 5K. You can register now at www.active.com. Deadline to register is December 1st. Pre-register by November 16th to guarantee a free event t-shirt.