Tag Archives: Clarksville

More than OK

On a cross country road trip, just wanting to get through the state of Oklahoma on a trip out west, we randomly pulled off the highway and into a state park to sleep. We had no expectations of the state and was in a hurry to get through it painlessly. Upon waking we were met with the most beautiful and wonderful surprise. Red Rock Canyon State Park was the first of many incredible sights in Oklahoma. I had similar expectations about the musical, set over a hundred years ago and wondering what relevance it could have for me. Derby Dinner Playhouse’s production of Oklahoma was similarly full of beauty and surprise. The seventy-eight-year-old Pulitzer prize winning Rogers and Hammerstein musical is timeless in its universal themes of love and jealousy, intrigue and danger set in the Oklahoma territory in the time leading up to statehood. The director addressed the audience before the play began relating the themes of warring cowboys and farmers in Oklahoma to the world today at large and the need for people with different backgrounds to find common ground and work together, regardless of what you believe or who you love. That statement resonated through the cornfields and the prairie in the love story of Curly and Laurey (Ryan Skerchak and Kaitlyn Sage), and the anger and rage of Jud (played menacingly by Bobby Conte), whose powerhouse voice filled the playhouse. Aunt Eller (Mandi Elkins Hutchins) is the elderly, wise matriarch of the little town outside of Claremont, Oklahoma. Played with wit and humor expertly by Mandi Elkins Hutchins, last seen as a gorgeous and flamboyant divorcee in Mamma Mia. Derby Dinner Playhouse consistently does so many things right from the plentiful salad bar and delicious buffet to the dessert selection. Southern home cooking featuring fried chicken and fish, turkey tetrazzini and carved ham and turkey with all the fixings was almost enough to fill us up, but the temptation was too great to not partake of a new dessert item, the pecan pie cake. The theatre attracts amazing talent as servers who double as footnotes, opening the show and showcasing desserts, drinks and future shows. Some of the servers pull triple duty as footnotes and cast members and never miss a beat in any of them. Oklahoma is chock full of traditional folk type music, Rodgers and Hammerstein songs, square dancing and even lasso tricks all performed exceptionally well. Combined with authentic period costuming, the viewers are transported to a different time in American life. Aesthetically, my favorite part of Derby Dinner Productions are the creative uses of space and set design. Theatre in the round presents unique opportunities for set pieces. The audience was literally on Aunt Eller’s porch and in the blink of an eye (with the help of creative lighting and dropped set pieces) we found ourselves transported to Jud’s frightening and steamy smokehouse. Corn stalks appeared and disappeared from the ceiling and lighting let us know that Laurey was having an intense, dark dream about Jud and Curly. One of my favorite moments came just as Laurey inhaled the smelling salts that would give her the answers she was seeking. Illuminated by a spot light as the rest of the stage slowly melted away in darkness, Laurey reaches back before sleeping. Her pose struck me as an exact replica of a favorite famous painting, Christina’s world by Andrew Wyeth. It was either an incredible coincidence or a bit of directing brilliance. I tend to

think the latter, as so much of Derby Dinner Playhouse’s production was brilliant. Like the diverse and wonderful state, the musical astonishes and delights from one end to the other.

Oklahoma runs through May 27, 2018 For show times and ticket information visit https://derbydinner.com

Derby Dinner Playhouse
525 Marriott Drive, Clarksville IN 47129
812.288.8281

Rodgers & Hammerstein’s “OKLAHOMA!”

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Derby Dinner Playhouse will present Rodgers & Hammerstein’s timeless musical OKLAHOMA!, opening April 11 and running through May 27, 2018. For ticket information please call 812-288-8281 or visit

OKLAHOMA! is set in the Western Indian Territory in 1907 and tells the romantic tale of farm girl Laurey and her courtship by two rival suitors, cowboy Curly and the sinister and frightening farmhand Jud Fry. This Broadway musical favorite brings the west alive with jubilant dance numbers, enchanting songs, and features some of the most memorable music ever written. Musical highlights include “Oh, What A Beautiful Mornin”, “The Surrey With The Fringe On Top”, “People Will Say We’re In Love”, “Kansas City”, and more!

OKLAHOMA! is based on the play “Green Grow the Lilacs” by Lynn Riggs. It was Rodgers & Hammerstein’s first collaboration and remains their most innovative, having set the standards and established the rules of musical theatre still being followed today. OKLAHOMA! debuted on Broadway in 1943 and the popular film version debuted in 1955, starring Shirley Jones and Gordon MacRae.

OKLAHOMA! is under the direction of Lee Buckholz with choreography by Heather Paige Folsom and Musical Direction by Scott Bradley. The cast will include DDP newcomers Kaitlyn Sage as Laurey and Ryan Skerchak as Curly. Other cast members are Matthew Brennan, Cami Glauser Bibelhauser, Mandi Elkins Hutchins, Bobby Conte, and more!

LifeSpan Resources Promotes Active Living for Seniors with 12 Week Program

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Date: February 13, 2018
Clarksville, Indiana
For Immediate Release

LIFESPAN RESOURCES PROMOTES ACTIVE LIVING FOR SENIORS WITH 12 WEEK PROGRAM

LifeSpan Resources has partnered with Clarksville Parks to host a 12 week program promoting active living for seniors. Even though the strong association between physical inactivity and health problems is well documented, 60% of the population is inadequately active or completely inactive. Traditional methods of prescribing exercise have not proven effective for increasing and maintaining a program of regular physical activity.

The Active Living Every Day Program uses facilitated group-based problem solving methods to integrate physical activity into everyday living. The goal of the program is to help people ages 55+ make positive changes that improve their health and well being.

The program will be on Mondays beginning March 5^thand will run until May 21^st. Start time is at 10:30 am and goes to 11:30 am at the Clarksville Community Center 2311 Sam Gwin Drive. LifeSpan can also assist with transportation for those ages 60+ who would like to attend.

There is a $20 fee for the 12 week program. If you are interested in registering please call 812-283-5313.

For more information please contact LifeSpan Resources at 812- 948-8330 or email Lucy Koesters at LKoesters@lsr14.org.

THE WIG SHOPPE OPENS SOUTHERN INDIANA LOCATION

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Family-owned business offers help and hope

From left to right: Kelsey Spaulding, Jessi Slade and Candyce Slade.

The Wig Shoppe has offered high-quality service in Louisville since 2002 with a mission of providing one of Kentuckiana’s largest selection of wigs – synthetic and natural – along with wig products, extensions, turbans, sleep caps, hats, scarves, gift cards and caring, personal attention.

screen-shot-2017-09-25-at-5-34-01-pm Recently, founder Candyce Slade, her daughter Kelsey Spaulding and daughter-in-law Jessi Slade expanded to Clarksville with a shop that is located off Veterans Parkway just off 65 near Chuy’s.

“The Wig Shoppe is a family-owned and -operated business,” said Kelsey. “We service women who have experienced hair loss due to chemotherapy, alopecia or thinning hair. We also work with women who just want a change of style or the ease and comfort of being able to put a wig on. We like to help provide alternative hair (solutions) for women in need.” screen-shot-2017-09-25-at-5-34-05-pm

The environment at The Wig Shoppe is warm, welcoming and nonjudgmental. Tears and emotions of all variations also are embraced.

“. I consider The Wig Shoppe a service business, a boutique for woman who could feel comfortable coming in without judgment,” explained Candyce. “My family had a wig shop business in the 70s in Evansville, which is where I’m from. Decades later, after having children and seeking a return to work, I didn’t want just any job, I wanted to do something meaningful.”

And she has and continues to do so, say the numerous clients who both frequent and recommend The Wig Shoppe to others.

To learn more, go to TheWigShoppe.com

The Wig Shoppe Indiana

1401 Veterans Pkwy, Suite 1000

Clarksville

812.704.6911

TheWigShoppe.com

The Wig Shoppe Kentucky

1253 S. Hurstbourne Pkwy

Louisville

502.412.8810

TheWigShoppe.com

Worth The Wait: Clarksville Cove Makes Huge Splash

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By the Extol Team | Courtesy Photos

After a full year of being closed for renovations, Clarksville Cove Family Aquatic Center has opened once again.

Talk about worth the wait: The Southern Indiana family fun destination now features three splash pads with interactive spray ’n‘ play equipment, a body slide, tube slide and swimming pool, all of which are heated. This will allow the center to stay open until October, said Ken Conklin, communications director for Clarksville Parks & Recreation.

Plus, there’s a full-service Toucan Café and the addition of a party zone that offers a semi-private area sectioned off and available for rent.

Party packages vary in price and amenities, but all offer admission for up to 20 people. For example, the Ripple Package ($175) includes use of the Special Birthday Party Zone for 90 minutes; a Clarksville Cove T-shirt for the birthday child; a Clarksville Cove “Free Fill” Cup for the birthday child that allows free refills of any concession beverage for the day; 20 Clarksville Cove party invitations; a Happy Birthday announcement over Clarksville Cove’s public address system; plates, napkins and forks for birthday cake; and the ability to bring your own cake (so long as it isn’t an ice cream cake).

The Splash Package ($250) includes everything in the Ripple Package along with hot dogs, chips and juice pouches for 20. The Wave Package ($300) includes everything in the Ripple Package plus cheeseburgers, chips and juice pouches.

The Hurricane Package includes everything in the Ripple Package plus five large pizzas and 20 juice pouches. Clarksville Cove is also available for rent to host a private event. Prices ranges from $500 to $700.

The renovations and improvements include extended hours – 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Sunday – as well as improvement on energy costs, Conklin said.

Swim lessons for adults and children three and older are also offered at the aquatic center. Classes occur in the evenings during the week or on Saturday mornings.

Low-impact water aerobics and Aqua Zumba are also offered. Drop-ins are welcome at $6 per class.

Clarksville Cove

800 S. Clark Blvd Clarksville
812.280.2095
www.ClarksvilleCove.com

Hours of Operation
May 27-July 30
Open daily 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
July 31-Sept. 4
Weekdays 4-7 p.m.
Weekends & Labor Day 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sept. 9-Oct. 1
Weekends only 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Daily Admission Prices
General Admission $7

After 4 p.m. $5

2 years old & under Free

Group rate (20 or more) $6

*Group reservations must be made at least one week in advance. Day care, summer camps and other child care groups may only schedule visits on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

SoIN Summer Fun

Clarksville Cove isn’t the only

RIVER RUN FAMILY WATER PARK

224 W. Daisy Lane
New Albany
812.948.5380
www.nariverrun.com

New Albany’s River Run Waterpark is a state-of-the art aquatic center for the whole family. Enjoy getting wet and wild on the waterslides, relax on innertubes around the lazy river or get soaked on the steamboat water feature. There’s even a poll for the littlest ones. You also can get your workout on with water walking and lap swimming before River Run opens and from 5 to 7 p.m. Cost is $3 per visit. Swim lessons are $30 per swimmer per session. Admission to the waterpark is $7 for Floyd County residents, $9 for Indiana residents and $15 for people who live out of state.

ATLANTIS WATER PARK

515 Marriott Drive
Clarksville
812.285.0863
www.atlantiswaterpark.net

Atlantis Water Park in Clarksville is located next to the Clarion Hotel Conference Center Louisville North. Highlights include Tsunami Sea, a wave pool; Mount Olympus, a towering 43-foot maze of water slides; and King’s Neptune Cove, the perfect place for little kids. Admission is $8 Monday through Friday, $10 on weekends and holidays and kiddos under 1 year old are free. Season passes are $70 per person.

JEFFERSONVILLE AQUATIC CENTER

2107 Middle Road
Jeffersonville
812.282.7946
www.jeffparks.org/aquatic-center

The Jeffersonville Aquatic Center features a six-lane, 50-meter competition pool, zero depth entry family play pool, sprayground, two water slides, full-service concessions and a skate park. There’s also a development swim team for ages 5 to 18 and swim lessons, too. Admission is $6 for Jeffersonville residents, $7 for Indiana residents and $12 for out of state residents.

CHARLESTOWN FAMILY ACTIVITIES PARK

1000 Park St.
Charlestown
812.256.3422
www.cityofcharlestown.com/parks/family-activities-park

Charlestown Family Activities Park has a variety of options for young and old. Admission to the pirate-themed splash pad and playground is $3 for ages 2 and up. Miniature golf is $5 per person per game. Rollerskating is $5; skate rental is $2. There is ample seating and a variety of treats at the concessions. Party room and park rentals are also available. Tuesdays are family nights in June and July. Admission is $3 per person from 5-8 p.m. and includes mini golf, roller skating, splash pad and playground. Magic shows by Perry Warren the Magical Entertainer occur at 7 p.m. June 13, June 27 and July 11. The shows are free with paid admission. Boy Scout Troop 80 hosts its annual BBQ Dinner Fundraiser 5 to 9 p.m. July 8. Admission is $3 for unlimited skating, mini golf and splash pad use. The Paul Boggs Band will take the stage 8 to 10 p.m.

One Southern Indiana | Sales & Marketing Success Series: Allan Howie – Idealogy

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Photos by Extol Staff | Info below photos provided by www.1si.org and www.idealogy.biz

Pastries provided by www.cakestoday.com

Friday January 20 marked the night of One Southern Indiana’s event, in partnership with Ideology for an expose on how to get more sales this year than last year. Attendees learned how to acquire more profitable customers or clients.

Author, speaker and Idealogy founder Allen Howie shared a wealth of practical ideas for making your marketing work harder in 2017, regardless of your marketing budget. Large companies, small businesses and individuals all left with new ways to make their marketing more effective and brand more powerful.

If you missed the event, be on the lookout for more, as this idea-packed session only kicked off our revamped, revitalized, re-imagined Sales & Marketing Success Series.

INFORMATION BELOW TAKEN FROM www.1si.org on their Sales & Marketing Success Series:

Friday, January 20, 2017 8:30 AM – 10:00 AM

Baptist Health
1850 State St. Paris Health Education Center
New Albany, IN 47150

Mailing Address
P.O. Box 293
Georgetown, IN 47122-0293

Street Address
6500 State Road 64
Georgetown, IN 47122

Phone: 812.399.1400 Fax: 812.399.1405

Email: allen@idealogy.biz

www.idealogy.biz
“Many a small thing has been made large by the right kind of advertising.”

– Mark Twain

Service Above Self

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By Stacy Thomas | Photos by Danny Alexander

Every day, the Rotary Club of New Albany puts its mission into motion

According to Webster’s Dictionary, the definition of the word “rotary”’ is: of motion; revolving around a center or axis; rotational. In the case of the Rotary Club of New Albany, the organization is a group of members in constant motion with a mission revolving around serving their community.

“Rotary Club is an international service organization with 1.2 million members. There are multiple clubs in Southern Indiana, including Clarksville, Corydon, Jeffersonville and Salem. Here in New Albany, our club just celebrated our 100th year of serving our community,” said Chad Dimmitt, president of the New Albany Rotary Club who has been a Rotarian for six years.

“I was originally invited to a Rotary meeting by my friend Bryant Hanson, a fellow Rotarian,” said Dimmitt. “It didn’t take long to want to become involved in our many community service projects and programs. When you work alongside so many service-oriented individuals, like I get to do through Rotary, you are quickly inspired to serve as well.”

The New Albany Rotary Club is involved in numerous current and past service projects, which include preparing meals for families staying at the Ronald McDonald House; The Angel Tree Program, where funds are raised to shop for children during the holidays; Rotary Readers who spend time each month reading to students in area schools; and the annual Scholars Banquet honoring top graduating seniors in Floyd County.

In addition, the Rotary Club of New Albany also partners with other Southern Indiana organizations, including Hope Southern Indiana, New Albany/Floyd County Habitat for Humanity and Exit 0, the Jeffersonville-based homeless outreach.

The Rotary Club also gives grants and raises money for donations to benefit community organizations like the Louisville Youth Group, Floyd County Veterans Court and Open Door Youth Services. The Club also was involved in raising funds to benefit the hurricane relief effort in Haiti and the rehabilitation of a school in Jamaica.

“Our overall goal as Rotarians is to continue pursuing projects and programs that make our community, our country, and the world a better place to live,” said Dimmitt. “Locally, our club just partnered with the City of New Albany to install a public drinking fountain in Bicentennial Park.”

And, the club’s annual Community Toast and Benefit Banquet recognizes a community member for best exemplifying the Rotary Club motto of “service above self.”

“Each year the event proceeds are split between our club for local grant programs and a charitable beneficiary of the honoree’s choosing,” Dimmitt said. “Over the past 23 years, more than half a million dollars have been raised to benefit local community causes through this annual banquet.”

The Club houses members of all ages and occupations – some have been Rotarians for over 50 years, some are brand new – but all members share the same goal – working together to improve the world in a variety of ways that are important to each individual.

“We are a great mix of business professionals, community leaders, and educators who come together to serve more effectively than we could individually,” Dimmitt said. “I think the most common misconception about a Rotary Club is that our purpose is for business networking. The truth is, being a Rotarian connects you to a world-wide network of partners with the common goal of serving humanity. I was blessed to attend this year’s Rotary International Conference in Seoul, South Korea.”

There, Dimmitt was inspired by meeting other Rotarians from around the globe who are actively promoting peace, fighting disease, such as polio, providing access to clean water, supporting education and helping to grow local economies.

“Rotarians here in New Albany and Southern Indiana have the opportunity to make a direct impact in their local communities, as well as have a hand in improving lives all over the world,” said Dimmit. “I invite anyone who is interested to come join us. The best way to learn about us is to visit us for our weekly meetings, or join us for one of our many community service projects.”

Rotary Club of New Albany www.rcna.us | Meetings Thursdays at noon at The Calumet Club, 1614 E. Spring Street in New Albany | For more information, contact Chad Dimmit at 502.396.3384 or cdimmitt@centra.org

Other Southern Indiana Rotary Clubs

Rotary Club of Jeffersonville: Meetings Tuesdays at noon, Clarion Hotel, 505 Marriott Drive in Clarksville

Rotary Club of Clarksville: Meetings first and third Wednesdays of the month, Clarion Hotel, 505 Marriott Drive in Clarksville

Rotary Club of Corydon: Meetings Tuesdays at noon, Kindred Transitional, 150 Beechmont Drive in Corydon

Rotary Club of Salem: Meetings Mondays at noon, The Steven’s Museum, 307 E. Market St. in Salem

PRESS RELEASE | Clarksville Little Theatre’s “Miracle on 34th Street”

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Based on the 1947 classic film starring Maureen O’Hara, Natalie Wood, Edmund Gwenn and John Payne, the story revolves around an elderly gentleman who believes he is the real Santa and a little girl who learns to have faith in the magic of the Christmas season.

In this Christmas classic, Kris Kringle fills in for an intoxicated Santa in the famous Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade. Kringle soon gains both popularity and love with children and adults alike at the chain’s main store in midtown Manhattan. When he insists, however, that he really is Santa Claus, a competency hearing is held to determine Kringle’s sanity and on whether he could possibly be who he says he is.

Rachel Allen plays Doris Walker; Kara Marchant plays her daughter, Susan Walker. James Ballard plays the defense attorney, Fred Gayley; Richard Seng plays the psychiatrist, Mr. Sawyer, and Tom Morton plays the lovable Kris Kringle.

Directed by Rita Hight the cast ensemble also includes Lynda Arkwright, Denver Bays, Adelaide Bingham, Kearstie Burke. Kinsley Carter, Gary Crockett, Grace Cummins, Brylee Deuser, Shannon Frazier, Amber Gillenwater, Alice Haynes, Owen Kane, Dashiel Leonard, Kinsey McClure, Joyce Miller, Mike Miller, Evelyn Minton, Richard Seng, Aiden Singleton, Sophia Singleton, Autumn Smith, Debbie Smith, Charles Swarens, Terrence Thomas, Alan Weller, and Caitlin Wheat.

Shows are November 11, 12, 13, 18, and 19 at 8:00 p.m. and November 20 at 2:00. Tickets range from $10 for children, $15 for teens and seniors, and $18 for adults. Tickets can be reserved by calling 812-283-6522 and are also available at the door.