Arts Build Communities (ABC) is a program funded by the Tennessee Arts Commission and administered by the Clarksville Arts & Heritage Development Council (AHDC) in cooperation with the Tennessee Arts Commission (TAC). ABC grants offer financial support for arts projects in all disciplines such as dance, music, opera/musical theater, theater, visual arts, design arts, crafts, photography, media arts, literature, interdisciplinary, and folk arts.

A free grant workshop and information session for interested applicants will be held in the auditorium of the Customs House Museum (200 S Second Street, Clarksville) on Thursday, May 30, 2013, at 3:30pm. While this workshop is not mandatory for applicants, first-time applicants are strongly encouraged to attend.

Funds awarded to a single organization in this grant category range from $500 to $2,000.  Eligible organizations in the counties of Cheatham, Dickson, Houston, Humphreys, Montgomery, Robertson and Stewart can apply for these grant funds.  In order to be eligible, applicants must be state-recognized, 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations or government entities (including public schools and libraries) and must be able to provide a dollar-for-dollar match toward the single proposed project. In addition, the proposed project must occur between August 16, 2013, and June 15, 2014. Any organization currently receiving Major Cultural Institution, Cultural Education Partnership, or Partnership Support funding for FY2014 is not eligible to apply. 

Applications must be submitted online through the Tennessee Arts Commission’s eGrant system by 4:30pm (CST) on July 1, 2013. The ABC online application can be accessed beginning at 8:00am (CST) on May 31, 2013, at www.tn.gov/arts. Once there, scroll over “Grants” on the left side of the home page, and click on the eGrant button to access the ABC application. Faxed, mailed, or hand delivered applications will not be accepted.

A representative from the applying organization should be present at an open panel review beginning at 9:00am on August 6, at the Customs House Museum in Clarksville to answer questions that may arise about the application or proposed project.  Awards will then be announced in mid-August.

The Arts Build Communities grant program was recently reinstated, following a year-long hiatus due to state budget cuts.  All events sponsored in part or entirely with ABC funds must be open to the general public.  Community involvement is an important component in the planning and implementation of ABC projects.  Since ABC awards are not restricted to arts organizations, this grant program brings the arts to a larger segment of the community through arts projects at public schools, libraries, and other service organizations.

For more information, please contact Ellen Kanervo, Executive Director of the Clarksville Arts & Heritage Development Council, at (931)551-8870 orartsandheritage@cdelightband.net. 

City and county officials, as well as MCVSO staff will give remarks, with the keynote address given by LTC (Retired) Norman “Greg” Lane, US Army Reserve, who currently serves as the Battalion Executive Officer of Austin Peay State University’s ROTC.  Musical selections will be presented by Stella McKnight and the 101^st Airborne Division Band, with posting of the colors by the Montgomery Central High School JROTC. Area Veterans Service Organizations will conduct a wreath- laying ceremony.

Special tribute will be given as we honor the family of Sgt. Jacob Michael Schwallie, who was killed in action in Afghanistan in 2012, as his name is added to the Montgomery County War Memorial.

Veterans Memorial Park is located at 1300 Madison Street, at the rear of the Montgomery County Health Department, with parking available at Veterans Plaza. In case of inclement weather, the ceremony will be held inside the William O. Beach Civic Hall, Veterans Plaza.

For more information, contact the Montgomery County Veterans Service Organization at 553-5173 or srhopwood@montgomerycountytn.org.

Any dog-related businesses or organizations who would like to have booth space at Doggie Palooza may reserve space by providing a door prize valued at $25.  For more information on booth space, please contact Paula Harrington at 645-7476.

For more details on Doggie Palooza and full schedule of events, please contact the Clarksville Parks and Recreation at 931-645-7476 or visit:  www.cityofclarksville.com/events.

Soldier in Silhouette at Ft. Defiance Center

The Fort Defiance Interpretive Center, located at 120 Duncan Street, will host a Civil War medical display May 25 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The exhibit will feature presentations by Mark Britton and include a collection of medical items used during the 19^th century to include necessary tools for blood-letting, various surgical procedures and preparation of period medicinal products.  The display will include information regarding use of indigenous herbs used in medical practices, based upon the book “Resources in Southern Fields and Forests,” by Dr. Francis Peyre Porcher of the Confederate States of America Surgeon General’s Office.

In addition, visitors can also tour the permanent exhibit which includes the 18-minute film, “Crossroads of Change 1861-1865”.

This one-day exhibit is free and open to the public.

For a more information, please visit www.cityofclarksville.com or call 931-472-3351.

TDOT initiated an emergency contract last Monday, and cleanup began immediately.  Paving operations were completed late Tuesday afternoon, allowing contract crews to reopen SR 25 three days ahead of schedule.

For more information on TDOT construction project activity visit the TDOT SmartWay web site at www.tn.gov/tdot/tdotsmartway/.  Travelers can also dial 511 from any land-line or cellular phone for travel information or can follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/TN511 for statewide travel information or www.twitter.com/Nashville511 for traffic information in the Nashville area.

Motorists are reminded to use all motorist information tools responsibly.  Drivers should refrain from texting, tweeting or using a mobile phone while operating a vehicle.  TDOT advises drivers to “Know before you go!” by checking traffic conditions before leaving for their destination.

“Suspending construction-related lane closures during the busy Memorial Day weekend will lessen congestion and delays on Tennessee’s major highways. “We want to do our part to help everyone have an enjoyable and safe holiday weekend and keep traffic flowing as smoothly and efficiently as possible,” said Commissioner John Schroer.

Motorists may still encounter some lane closures or restrictions on long term construction projects. Drivers should be aware that reduced speed limits will be in effect in work zones. Slower speeds are necessary in work zones due to the temporary layout of the roadway. Drivers convicted of speeding through work zones where workers are present face a fine of up to $500, plus court fees and possible increased insurance premiums.

“If you’re traveling during Memorial Day weekend, be sure and buckle up and avoid driving distracted or impaired. “We want everyone to be able to enjoy this unofficial kickoff to summer and arrive at their destinations safely,” said Governor’s Highway Safety Office Director Kendell Poole.

AAA estimates 34.8 million people will travel more than 50 miles this Memorial Day holiday, reflecting a slight nationwide decrease from 2012.  Of this number, AAA predicts nine out of ten travelers, or 89%, will travel by car. In Tennessee, AAA projects 640,150 will travel by automobile and 55,759 by air.

Updated travel and construction information can be found on the TDOT SmartWay website at www.tn.gov/tdot/tdotsmartway or you may call 5?1?1.  You can also receive traffic alerts via TDOT’s multiple Twitter feeds, including statewide traffic tweets @TN511 or any of TDOT’s other Twitter pages.  Smartphone users can download the TDOT SmartWay mobile app from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store for Android to access TDOT’s SmartWay cameras, messages displayed on overhead Dynamic Message Signs, and information on construction related lane closures and incidents on interstates and state routes.

As always, drivers are reminded to use all motorist information tools wisely and Know Before You Go! by checking travel conditions before leaving for their destination.  Drivers should never tweet, text or talk on a cell phone while behind the wheel.

Clarksville Parks & Recreation invites everyone to celebrate National Trails Day on June 1. Parks & Recreation will mark the day with a clean-up at the Clarksville Greenway.

The Greenway is located at 1101 Pollard Road, off of Peachers Mill Road in North Clarksville. The clean-up will be from 8 to 10 a.m.

National Trails Day, organized by the American Hiking Society, is celebrated across the country as a way to inspire the public to discover and learn about our nation’s trail system. Those interested in volunteering can contact Melissa Adkins at 645-7476.

For more details on the Greenway clean-up, please contact the Clarksville Parks and Recreation at (931) 645-7476 or visit www.cityofclarksville.com.

Tennessee was named the best place to retire in the entire country. How did the state garner such an honor?

The Volunteer State earned this distinction from Bankrate.com based on several criteria: second lowest cost of living in the U.S.; third lowest tax burden; some of the best access to medical care; and warmer than average weather.

Tennessee beat out other southern states that made it into the top ten including Alabama, Louisiana, Kentucky, Mississippi, West Virginia and Virginia.

ECD offers the “Retire Tennessee” program, which promotes Tennessee as a great place for retirees to call home.  Tennessee communities participating in the program are Cumberland, Franklin, Hamilton, Hardin, Henry, Jefferson, Loudon, Maury, Putnam, Roane, Robertson, Sullivan, Warren and White.

National Kids in Parks Day

Saturday is a special outdoors day for kids as May 18 is National Kids in Parks Day!  The Clarksville Parks & Recreation Department is celebrating with two events that can get children out of the house and having a ball.

The Spring Family Campout will be held Saturday, May 18 at Billy Dunlop Park, located at 1930 E. Boy Scout Road. Families can camp overnight at the park for only $20 per family, up to six members, or $5 per individual. Dinner and breakfast will be provided and pre-registration is required at recpro.cityofclarksville.com.

Additionally, boys and girls ages 9 to 14 may participate in the local Hershey Track & Field competition, to be held at the Rossview High School Track at 9 a.m.  Kids may compete in various track and field events and will be given the opportunity to advance to higher levels of competition, leading up to the national competition in Hershey, PA.  This event is free to participate.

Clarksville Downtown Market to Open May 18

The 2013 Clarksville Downtown Market opens Saturday, May 18, with 70 vendors offering local fresh produce, baked goods, local honey, milk, décor, seasonal flowers and more. The Clarksville Downtown Market will be open Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. through October 19 on Public Square.

Opening Day of the Market will feature musical performances by Eric Compton & Brio, cooking demonstrations by Kristina Waters, Arts and Crafts for Kids by Cynthia Bellar and Chalk, Paper, Scissors, Market bags to the first 500 in attendance and prizes!

Summer Pool Passes

Did you know that pool passes are on sale year round? If you’re preparing for your summer pool visits, don’t forget your pool pass!

Want to save some time in line?  Here are tips to cut your wait time.

•  Create or update your family’s account online at http://RecPro.CityofClarksville.com.
•  Email a photo of each family member on your pool pass (with their names) to ParksRec@cityofclarksville.com.  We can add them to your account before you arrive.
•  Bring your completed form with you.  A printable registration form is available at http://RecPro.CityofClarksville.com under the “Links” section.

Civil War Summer Camp

The Fort Defiance Interpretive Center, located at 120 Duncan Street, will host the City’s first Civil War Summer Camp for 5^th and 6^th graders. Students will learn about the people, events, vocabulary, songs, food, drills, clothing and flags associated with the War.

Civil War Summer Camp will be June 17 through 21 from 8 a.m. until noon at the Fort Defiance Interpretive Center.  Cost to participate is $50 per student.  Pre-registration is required and available through June 1 at For Defiance, the Parks & Recreation Main Office or online at recpro.cityofclarksville.com.  Classes are limited to 12 participants so sign up today!

Zumba Returns to the Crow Center

Bored with the workout tedium? Stressed out over gym routine? Clarksville Parks & Rec has just the answer for you.

Join the Zumba fitness party at the Crow Community Center, located at 211 Richview Road.

Beginning May 29, Crow will once again offer Zumba fitness classes on Wednesdays from 6 to 7 p.m.

“I appreciate Xtend Healthcare recognizing Tennessee’s exceptional business climate and choosing to expand in Sumner County. “Incumbent industries continue to drive job creation throughout the state, and we are focused on doing all we can to position them for growth and success,” Hagerty said.

Xtend Healthcare offers revenue cycle management services to hospitals and doctors, which includes patient admitting, medical record consulting and coding, billing, and collections. The company, located at 500 W. Main Street in Hendersonville, provides support to clients in the healthcare industry nationwide.

“We are very gratified that our business continues to grow in Hendersonville. “Our goal is to have the best trained and qualified workforce that provides our comprehensive array of solutions, including business office, consultation, coding and accelerated recovery services to our customers,” Xtend Healthcare President Howard Kirshner said.

“It is great that the Xtend corporate headquarters continues to expand here in Hendersonville as it provides its services throughout the United States. “We are excited to see another corporate neighbor invest their time, money and efforts in Hendersonville,” Mayor Scott Foster said.

Xtend Healthcare is currently seeking qualified candidates to help expand their Hendersonville call center operations. Interested persons should contact Vickie Harris at vharris@xtendhealthcare.net.