Last Edited: June 13, 2023 @ 7:45 am

A tribute to the lives lost on 9/11 now stands at Veterans Plaza

Montgomery County, TN — On the afternoon of September 11, 2022, approximately 75 members of the community, including volunteers with Arts for Hearts, local sculptor Jim Diehr, and APSU Ceramics Arts Associate Professor Ken Shipley, gathered at Veterans Plaza to celebrate the completion of Pillars of Hope. This vision started 20 years ago with former Arts for Hearts Director Rita Arancibia. 

The ceremony began with the Pledge of Allegiance led by Arts and Heritage Board member Col. Arthur Nicholson and was followed by the Star Spangled Banner by the Cumberland Winds Brass Quintet.

Arts and Heritage Council Executive Director Ellen Kanervo shared powerful remarks commemorating the tragedy of 9/11. 

“Today marks 21 years since the 9/11 terrorist attacks killed almost 3,000 people and injured many more at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and Somerset County, Pennsylvania. We will never understand why 3000 people were killed that day in New York, at the Pentagon, and in a farm field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. We mourn the hundreds of first responders and clean-up workers who were sickened or died. We despair at the subsequent thousands of dead civilians and soldiers and the millions of refugees displaced in the fight to stop further terrorist activities. Although 21 years have passed, 9/11 remains one of our communal “Where were you?” moments. We believe these Pillars will be a way for Clarksvillians to keep a memory of that day alive – and to find pride in the way our country pulled together to mourn those who died and to comfort those left behind.”

Sculptor Jim Diehr remarked on the significance of having 360 tiles placed on the sculpture. He also thanked his family, who assisted him throughout the process during some sweltering days.

Following Diehr’s remarks, Carolyn Ferrell expressed heartfelt emotion as she read September 11: A Poem written by Kevin Powell in 2001.

Montgomery County Mayor Wes Golden shared his gratitude to all those involved in the project and thanked Rita’s daughter, Patricia Arancibia Wilkinson, for attending on behalf of her mother.

“This project is unique because it is a community effort by hundreds of people from all age groups who expressed their emotions from the tragedy of 9-11. It is a hands-on testimony of the good that can come from tragedy when we put the recognition of others before ourselves. Montgomery County Government is proud to have this project on display at Veterans Plaza,” added Mayor Golden.

City Mayor Joe Pitts added his appreciation to the people and organizations who were involved in the project. He said, “We are always better when we work together.”

City Mayor Pro Tem Wanda Smith offered a prayer at the end of the ceremony.

To view the Pillars of Hope sculpture at any time, visit Veterans Plaza located at 350 Pageant Lane.

Last Edited: June 13, 2023 @ 7:45 am

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 2, 2022

South Guthrie Community Center 100-Year Celebration  

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Tenn​. – Montgomery County Parks and Recreation will celebrate the 100th anniversary of Warfield School, presently known as South Guthrie Community Center, from Sept. 8 through Sept. 10. 

On the first day of the 100-year celebration, Sept. 8, from 5 - 7 p.m., Executive Director of the Customs House Museum and Cultural Center Frank Lott will share his extensive knowledge of the architecture of Rosenwald Schools and the renovation to revive the South Guthrie Community Center.

Dr. Mary S. Hoffschwelle, an Associate Provost at Middle Tennessee State University, will lead a discussion on Sept. 9 from 5-7 p.m. about the history of Rosenwald Schools and their contribution to Montgomery County. Dr. Hoffschwelle. has published numerous publications on the topic of Rosenwald Schools.

Finally, on Sept. 10, from 11 a.m. through 2 p.m., the County Parks and Recreation Department will host a 100-year celebration with food trucks, inflatables, games, and more.

“We love welcoming new institutions into our community, but it is important to stop and reflect on where we have been. This celebration is a perfect opportunity to honor the role of education in our County’s history,” said Montgomery County Mayor Wes Golden.

“We are excited to honor and celebrate the anniversary of a building that has meant so much to so many over the century. I want to welcome everyone to come out and celebrate with us!” said Montgomery County Parks and Recreation Director Sally Burchett. 

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Last Edited: December 29, 2022 @ 8:52 am

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Tenn​. – This Friday, September 2nd, Downtown @ Sundown will feature Beatles vs Stones! Starting at 7 p.m., the two greatest rock n' roll bands of all time will face off in a once-in-a-lifetime show! They will engage in a musical “showdown” of hit songs from the 60’s like ‘Satisfaction’ ‘Paint It, Black’ and ‘Here Comes the Sun.’ Be ready to sing and dance during this rock battle!   

Local food trucks will also be set up before and during the shows. Burgasm, Kadi’s Tacos and More, Heather’s Homemade Icecream, Kona Ice and TN Kettle Corn are all expected to be on site. Tater Headz will also be open at the walk-up eatery on Legion Street and Third Street. Beer and other beverages will be for sale, with all proceeds benefiting our featured non-profit, United Way of the Greater Clarksville Region.

Main Street will be blocked off between Second Street and Third Street beginning at 4:30 p.m. to make room for the food trucks. Downtown @ Sundown Concerts are free and open to the public and take place the first and third Fridays of each month through October. Chairs and blankets are welcome; however, pets, coolers, smoking/vaping or outside alcohol will not be allowed on site.

Downtown @ Sundown is title sponsored by TriStar Beverage and Shelby’s Trio and sponsored in part by Waste Connections of Clarksville. 

To stay up to date with events happening at the Downtown Commons, visit our Facebook page at Downtown Commons and our Instagram page @downtowncommonstn.

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Last Edited: December 29, 2022 @ 8:52 am

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, TN – Montgomery County Government Offices will be closed Monday, September 5 in observance of the Labor Day federal holiday. All County offices will reopen on Tuesday, September 6 during normal operating hours.

Although County offices are closed on Labor Day, some services are available through the Montgomery County, Tennessee website through the Gov tab.

Last Edited: December 29, 2022 @ 8:53 am

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Tenn. – The prestigious Nashville Symphony will perform a free concert for the community on the lawn of the Montgomery County Downtown Commons on September 6. 

Beginning at 6 p.m., the community can participate in an Instrument Petting Zoo hosted by the Nashville Symphony. An Instrument Petting Zoo is a time when guests can go from instrument to instrument, touching and playing with them, just like we would with animals in a petting zoo! Following, at 7 p.m., the community will have the opportunity to listen to some of the country’s most talented musicians, the Nashville Symphony! The Nashville Symphony will have over 60 musicians in attendance to make this the best yet! Chairs will be available for the first 500 guests in attendance.

The Nashville Symphony has been integral to Middle Tennessee and Music City since 1946. Performing over 150 concerts annually, they are an established leader in Nashville’s growing arts and cultural community. 

This free community concert is sponsored by Benefits, Inc. and Jack B. Turner and Associates.

Local food trucks: Burgasm, Big Kahunas, and Heather’s Homemade Icecream, are scheduled to be on Main Street before and during the show. Tater Headz will also be open at the walk-up eatery on Legion and Third streets. Beer and other beverages will be for sale by Ajax Distributing Company, with all proceeds benefiting United Way of the Greater Clarksville Region.

Chairs and blankets are welcome; however, pets, coolers, smoking/vaping or outside alcohol will not be allowed on site. 

To stay up-to-date with the Downtown Commons, visit the Facebook page at Downtown Commons and our Instagram page @downtowncommonstn.