14th Annual
Readers’ Choice Awards 2020 WINNERS
ELIZABETHTON STAR READERS’ CHOICE WINNERS
Accountant – Margaret Moses, CPA Appliance Store – Ritchie’s Furniture and Appliance Antique Shop – Duck Crossing Antique Mall Attorney/Lawyer – Regina Shepherd Auction Company – Russ Swanay Real Estate Auto Service – Hayworth Tire & Auto Service Auto/Car Dealer (New) – Grindstaff Automotive Auto/Car Dealer (Used) – Doe River Auto Sales Auto Collision Repair – Jeff’s Paint & Body Collison Center Bank – Carter County Bank Barber – Kay Vaughn Bakery – City Market Boutique – Lingerfelt Boutique Bridal/Wedding Shop – Dynasty Formals Building Supply – Lowe’s Home Improvement Carpeting/Flooring Store – Winchester’s Quality Flooring Caterer – J’s Corner Chiropractor – Dr. Howard Dennis Coffee Shop – The Coffee Company Cosmetic Retailer – Merle Norman Cosmetic Studio College/University – Milligan University Consignment Store – Baby-Go-Round Cook/Chef – Jennifer Hughes/City Market Credit Union – Northeast Community Credit Union Dance Studio – Watts Dance Studio Daycare – East Side Day Care & Learning Center Deli – Poor Trav’s Deli Dentist – Dr. Jack Holly, D.D.S. Department Store – JC Penney Doctor – Dr. Wesley Hanson/Rural Health Dry Cleaner – Quik Cleaners & Laundry Electrician – Ronnie McAmis Family Entertainment – Carter County Car Club Farm Equipment Store – Tractor Supply Company Favorite Cosmetics – Mary Kay Cosmetics Financial Company – Edward Jones Financial Planner – Jonathan Street Florist – Felty Roland Florist Fresh Produce – Farmer John’s Produce Funeral Home – Tetrick Funeral & Cremation Services Furniture Store – Cannon’s Fine Home Furnishings General Contractor – Dwight Treadway Construction Gifts & Collectibles – Cottage Boutique Golf Course – Elizabethton Golf Course Greenhouse – Evergreen of Johnson City Grocery Store – Food City Guns & Ammo – Tri-Cities Gun Depot Dog Groomer – Hair of the Dog Hair Salon – Irene’s Barber & Style Center Hair Stylist – Wendy Kelly Health/Fitness Facility – Anytime Fitness Hearing Aid Services – Nu Hearing Center Heat & Air Conditioning – Climate Controllers, Inc. Home Health Care – Silver Angels Home Care Home Decor Store – Cannon’s Fine Home Furnishings Hospital – Sycamore Shoals Hospital Insurance Agency – Farm Bureau Insurance Insurance Agent – Joe Alexander Industry – Snap-on Tools Jeweler – The Jeweler’s Bench Landscape Company – Mills Greenhouse & Landscape Lighting Store – Cline-Holder Electric Supply
Marina – Lakeshore Marina Massage Therapist – Luster Shell/Luster’s Massage Therapy Mattress/Bedding – Ritchie’s Furniture & Appliance Meat Market – H&H Meat Market Most Fun Place to Shop – Mahoney’s Outfitters Movie/Drive-In Theatre – Stateline Drive-In Moving Company – Bennett’s Moving Services Music Venue – Riverside Taphouse Nail Salon – Polished Nail Salon Nail Technician – Jessica Franklin Nursing Home – Ivy Hall Nursing Home Optometrist – Dr. David Mills, OD Pest Control – McClain’s Pest Control Pharmacy – Burgie Drug Store Photographer – Courtney Valentine Photography Physical Therapist – Dr. Justin Smith, PT Plumber – Bulldog Plumbing Propane Company – Blossman Gas Real Estate Company – Russ Swanay Real Estate Real Estate Agent – David Collins Recreational Vehicle Dealer – East Tennessee ATV Restaurant/Fast Food – Chick-Fil-A Restaurant/Chinese – Red Ginger Buffet Restaurant/Coffee – The Coffee Company Restaurant/Lunch – City Market Restaurant/Dessert – City Market Restaurant/Fine Dining – The Captain’s Table Restaurant Restaurant/Burger – J’s Corner Restaurant/Italian – Dino’s Restaurant Restaurant/Mexican – El Charolais Restaurant/Fried Chicken – Kentucky Fried Chicken Restaurant/Pizza – Greg’s Pizza Restaurant/Homestyle Cooking – Wayne and Nancy’s Restaurant/Korean – Red Chili Restaurant/Seafood – Mayflower Seafood Restaurant/Hot Dogs – Sammons Hot Dogs Restaurant/BBQ – Big Dan’s BBQ Restaurant/Breakfast – Southern Restaurant Restaurant/Sweet Tea – Pal’s Sudden Service Restaurant/Milkshakes – Chick-Fil-A Roofing Company – Lyon Metal Roofing Senior Living Facility – Sycamore Springs Assisted Living Facility Siding & Window Company – Big John’s Closeouts Shoe Store – Shoe Show Spa/Pool/Hot Tub Dealer – Neptune Pools, LLC Tanning Salon – Caribbean Sun Tanning Salon Tattoo Shop – Pioneer Tattoo Company Tire Store – Hayworth Tire & Auto Service Tree Trimmer – The Tree Trimmer Veterinary Clinic – Roan Mountain Animal Hospital Wedding Venue – Beck Mountain Wedding Barn Weight Loss Clinic – A New Image Weight Loss Clinic Western Store – Double C Western Supply Wine & Liquor Store – One Stop Wine & Spirits Wrecker Service – C&K Auto Sales and Towing
2 - STAR - SATURDAY-SUNDAY, JULY 25-26, 2020
(423) 542-4151 • www.elizabethton.com
Support Your Local Retailer! Felty-Roland Florist continues
to blossom in Carter County BY BRITTNEE NAVE STAR CORRESPONDENT
For decades, Felty-Roland Florist has been blossoming with business. Felty-Roland opened in 1963 at a location at or near the corner of Lynn and Broad St. The original owners were Eula Felty and Iva Lee Roland. “They were sisters that had worked at the plant who lost their jobs and decided to open up a florist,” said Richard Sharpin, the business’s current owner. When the current location became available they moved the florist to 302 East F St. They sold to Sharpin in 1975. As you enter the florist, flowers fill every corner, ranging in sizes and colors,
Star Photo/Brittnee Nave
Richard Sharpin purchased the florist from the previous owners in 1975. The business has won “Best Florist” from the Elizabethton Star’s Readers Choice Awards.
providing an unforgettable sight and smell. The florist is full service. They provide flowers, plants, silk arrangements, fruit baskets, snack baskets, balloons, keepsake items, and delivery service to Johnson City, Elizabethton, and Carter County. The business also has coolers at Franklin Woods, Sycamore Shoals, and Johnson City Medical Center that they fill up with flowers for visitors to purchase for those in the hospital. In the wake of the pandemic, the florist is open for customers, though face masks are required. Their delivery service is also still available but is now no contact. “We call the recipient and tell them we’re coming and where we are going to leave the delivery and then call after we left the delivery
Star Photo/Brittnee Nave
to make sure they got it,” Sharpin explained. In five to ten years, Sharpin says he hopes to continue the business and serving the people of this area. “We’ll continue to work on bringing new ideas into our designs and offering them to our customers,” he said. Employees of FeltyRoland Florist range from
working there one year up to over 40 years. They are as follows: Richard Sharpin, 46 years; Marcia Cadle, 45 years; Angie Edwards, 40 years; Sherry McIntosh, 34 years; Kathy Neely, 20 years; Leonard February, five years; and Jim Holdren, one year. The hard work of this florist has not gone unnoticed. n See FELTY-ROLAND, 8
SATURDAY-SUNDAY, JULY 25-26, 2020 - STAR - 3
(423) 542-4151 • www.elizabethton.com
Support Your Local Retailer!
Star Photo/Ivan Sanders
Double C has been selected as the 2020 Readers Choice winner for a Western store. Pictured (L-R) are Ruth Parlier, Doris Blevins, Will Hilton (six-months-old), and Diana Hilton.
Double C - a business birthed from kid’s love for horses, western tack
BY IVAN SANDERS STAR STAFF
ivan.sanders@elizabethton.com
For Diana Hilton, little did she know that a love for visiting western and tack stores and being involved in the horse industry through auctions, horse shows, and rodeos as a kid would eventually lead to her owning a store of her own in her adult life. But since 2009, Hilton has done just that as the owner of Double C which offers a place for friends to shop and visit. Double C has been selected as the 2020 Readers Choice Award for a Western store. According to Hilton, the readers recognize that the store tries to offer the best customer service and products available. Double C is a unique store that offers a variety of products for those who love western wear and
those who do not. Hilton added that over the next few years that she hopes to be able to expand their current inventory levels and add more products and brands as needed as the popular brands and styles change. She is assisted in the store by Ruth Parlier who has been working at the store for 10 years along with Samantha Hilton who has spent the past seven years at Double C. Melissa Williams (three years) and Leah Elsea (three months) round out the staff at Double C. Customers will find a variety of many different styles of western industry clothing, hats, and boot brands including Wrangler, Ariat, Cinch, Dan Post, Justin, Resistol, Stetson, and HOOEY for men, women, and children. “We have cowboy boots,
work boots, safety toe boots, casual shoes, and sandals from newborn sizes and up,” Hilton said. “We also have other popular mainstream brands such as KAVU, Simply Southern, and Chaco. Montana Silversmith jewelry, belts, socks, horse tack, and saddles are all also available.” Hilton was appreciative for all the readers who helped to make the Double C their favorite Western store and had a special message for each one.
“We would like to thank all of our customers and friends for voting for us and helping us stay in business for the past 10 years,” said Hilton. “Our dream would not be possible if not for our loyal customers and friends.” Double C is located at 500 Railroad Street West in Elizabethton. Their hours are from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday. The store is closed on Sunday and Monday.
4 - STAR - SATURDAY-SUNDAY, JULY 25-26, 2020
(423) 542-4151 • www.elizabethton.com
Courtney Valentine: A Life in the Lens BY BRITTNEE NAVE STAR CORRESPONDENT
Courtney Valentine records life through her lens. For Valentine, who has been a professional photographer for a decade this past March, photography has integrated itself into her life. “I always say I didn’t
choose photography. Photography chose me,” she said. ”Everywhere I look, I see life in pictures. Sometimes I have to stop whatever I’m doing to grab my camera.” During her decade of work in the Tri-Cities, Valentine has photographed everything from births to a sweet 100th birthday.
Photographs she takes include family portraits, weddings, anniversaries, birthday parties, newborn celebrations, and graduations. Valentine said she considers many of her clients to be friends and even family to her from relationships that have been built. “I cherish the lasting relationships I have built here through the years,” she Photo Contributed beamed. Courtney Valentine has been selected as the 2020 winIn a flash, Valentine enner for “Best Photographer” from the Elizabethton Star capsulates the very personalReaders Choice Awards. ity of her subjects. Of these unquiet personas, Valentine “This year I’ve seen a loves to capture in a session. loves capturing the future of huge surge in the Kingsport Along with photographour world — seniors. and Johnson City areas and ing those special moments, She said their distinct per- Valentine has expanded her I have expanded my services sonalities, their hopes, their to include videography and business to include other dreams are all things she drone footage for real estate,” aspects.
she explained. Besides her human subjects, Valentine loves to photograph scenery as well, noting the beauty of our area. “I do believe we live in one of the most beautiful places on earth,” she said. “It is such an escape to get lost in the beauty of this place with just my camera bag in tow.” From her past decade of work to the next decade, Valentine said she will continue doing what she loves — recording those special moments and the beauty around her. For her astounding work n See VALENTINE, 6
(423) 542-4151 • www.elizabethton.com
Star Photo/Brittnee Nave
Lindsey Crager is a specialist at the Nu Hearing Center’s Elizabethton location. Nu Hearing Center has been selected as a winner in the Elizabethton Star’s Readers Choice Awards under “Hearing Aid Services.”
Nu Hearing Center: A trusted winner
BY BRITTNEE NAVE STAR CORRESPONDENT
Despite the ever-changing hearing industry, one thing remaining constant is the recognition of extraordinary work from the Nu Hearing Center. Craig Haltom, the founder, explained the center’s unique qualities and services given to customers. “We have the ability to fit any hearing aid made anywhere in the world however, we specialize in the Widex brand, which is known for their best in class sound quality, and technology that no other hearing aid possesses,” he explained. According to Haltom, the center is unique both in technology and its aid to patients. Patients are given a free 30-day trial with no deposits required; during this period, hearing-aids can be tried to see what suits best. Patients
are regularly rechecked for their prescriptions as well. A proprietary rehabilitation system is also offered which aids in the background noise of hearing-aid wearers. Along with the services offered by the center come the promises. According to Haltom, the dramatically changing hearing industry is evolving in how products are delivered, with insurance companies and third-party providers entering the marketplace. Hearing aids and services are being separated and charged independently. Others are bundled. The changes can be confusing, to say the least. “Nu Hearing is prepared to help our patients navigate their insurance and which delivery method is the best match for their needs,” explained Haltom. “We ac-
n See NU HEARING, 8
SATURDAY-SUNDAY, JULY 25-26, 2020 - STAR - 5
6 - STAR - SATURDAY-SUNDAY, JULY 25-26, 2020
(423) 542-4151 • www.elizabethton.com
Star Photo/Ivan Sanders
Winchester Quality Flooring was selected as the 2020 Readers Choice winner for Best Carpet and Flooring. Pictured are (L-R) Larry Winchester (owner), Colton Winchester (1), Khloe Johnson (10), Rebah Winchester (owner), and Sophia Winchester (5). The children are the Winchester’s grandchildren.
Winchester Flooring hangs hat on quality flooring, great service BY IVAN SANDERS STAR STAFF
ivan.sanders@elizabethton.com
Whether one is building a new house or doing
a remodeling job on their current home when it comes time to pick flooring there is nowhere better to turn than Winchester Quality Flooring
in Elizabethton. Current owners, Larry and Rebah Winchester, have been serving the local area for the last 16 years while Larry has been in the flooring business for 37 years. Prior to being the owners, both had some experience in the store and when the opportunity came along to purchase the flooring store, with some encouragement from the previous owners, the Winchesters decided to open the business and to serve the community and surrounding areas. Not only does the store sell flooring, but thanks to a great group of installers who take pride in their work and have been installing floors for the Winchesters for the last 12 years, a quality floor installation can be as easy as 1-2-3 as the Winchesters hold their installers to a high level of work. The installation is one of the most important parts of putting down a quality floor. When asked why they felt the readers selected their store for the Best Flooring/ Carpet Store, Rebah Winchester said, “We believe the reason we were selected is because of our service and our quality products we sell. “We strive to keep a good relationship with the customers that we serve. We want them to be happy with
the work we do for them. We also try to stay competitive with our prices.” Winchester Quality Flooring carries most brands of flooring in the market including Mohawk, Shaw, and Dreamweaver carpets, Somerset, Bruce, Armstrong and Mullican hardwoods. Tile can also be found along with all the accessories needed to complete a quality flooring install. Custom showers and kitchen backsplashes are another service offered. The Winchesters wanted to share a message with those that took the time to select them for the Readers Choice Award. “We are proud to serve our community and surrounding areas,” said Rebah. “We would like to thank all of our customers and readers of the Elizabethton Star for your vote. “We take pride in our community and are thankful that you chose us as your flooring store. Thank you from all of us at Winchester Quality Flooring.” Winchester Quality Flooring is located at 110 West Elk Avenue in Elizabethton. Hours of business are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday - 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. The store is closed on Saturday and Sunday.
VALENTINE
munity, Valentine has been awarded “Best Photographer” as part of the Elizabethton Star Readers Choice Awards. “I cannot thank you enough for the honor to receive this year’s Reader’s Choice for Best Photographer,” she said. “I am privileged that you would allow me a part in your lives, families, and experiences. I hope to enjoy many years to come celebrating your memories and milestones with you!” For more information on Valentine, you can go to her Facebook page called “Courtney Valentine Photography,” or call 423542-0008.
n Continued from 4
and love from the com-
(423) 542-4151 • www.elizabethton.com
SATURDAY-SUNDAY, JULY 25-26, 2020 - STAR - 7
Tri-Cities Gun Depot meets the demand of guns, ammo need for customers BY IVAN SANDERS STAR STAFF
ivan.sanders@elizabethton.com
When it comes to guns and ammunition, there is one place that many throughout the Tri-Cities area and beyond have turned to when it comes time to make that next purchase. Serving the area since July of 2008, Tri-Cities Gun and Depot carries all sorts of guns and ammo to meet any consumer’s needs. It was a no-brainer for Tommy Isaacs and his family to open their present locaStar Photo/Ivan Sanders tion. When looking for guns and ammunition, the guys at Tri-Cities Gun Depot are waiting to “Our family has always serve you as winners of the 2020 Readers Choice for guns and ammo. Pictured (L-R) Brian had a small business in Isaacs (owner), Nicholas Buck, Tommy Isaacs (owner), and Steve Tipton. Elizabethton since the ‘70s the continued patronage they located at 1760 West Elk and we’ve been gun fans our the political climate. give us,” Isaacs said. “Hopefully even bigger, whole lives as others are in Avenue in Elizabethton. “Without the customers, but we will see what the this area,” Isaacs said. “It Hours are Monday through we would not be here and we Friday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 political climate holds for just kind of made sense to respect that.” open a gun store because we our product lines,” Isaacs p.m. The business is closed Tri-Cities Gun Depot is love the products so much.” commented. on Saturday and Sunday. Isaacs believes that the With a large number of repeat business, Isaacs can’t equation to having such a strong business and being carry the load alone and for recognized as a Readers that reason, he has brought Choice selection simply alongside a top-quality comes from applying the group to help all of the customers who enter the door Golden Rule to how each customer is treated. at Tri-Cities Gun Depot. “We treat everyone Andy Crockett has been the way we would like to employed as the manager be treated,” stated Isaacs. since 2014. Others who help “That equals good customer out in their spare time include Steve Tipton, Nicholas service. “That shows through as Buck, and David Shouse. our customers keep coming The business provides retail sales of guns, ammuni- back over and over again.” Being recognized by the tion, and firearm accessories. They also can install most of readers is something special and important for Isaacs and the products that are sold. Tri-Cities Gun Depot. When asked where he “We want to thank everywould like to see the business one personally for the time in the next five to ten years, they took to vote for us and Isaacs said a lot depends on
Elizabethon Johnson City Roan Mountain Always Here When You Need Us
www.BeMyCU.org
8 - STAR - SATURDAY-SUNDAY, JULY 25-26, 2020
(423) 542-4151 • www.elizabethton.com
Congratulations to all Readers Choice Winners!
Star Photo/Brittnee Nave
FELTY-ROLAND n Continued from 2
Awards over the years have been awarded to the florist for their hard work and this year is no different. Felty-Roland Florist has won “Best Florist” from the
NU HEARING n Continued from 5
cept all insurance companies and we routinely help people through this very confusing process.” Haltom said the Nu Hearing Center was established approximately 30 years ago and has won 44 first place Readers Choice Awards in the Tri-Cities. Among these awards is the 2020 Readers Choice Awards from the Elizabethton Star for “Hearing Aid Services.” On their latest win, Haltom had words of deep gratitude. “We would certainly like to take this opportunity to thank all of our friends
Elizabethton Star’s Readers Choice Awards. “We try our best every day to give fantastic, outstanding work to our customers and it appears they’ve recognized that,” said Sharpin. “For that we are grateful.” Felty-Roland Florist can be contacted at 423-543-1541. and neighbors who voted for us,” he said. ”We deeply appreciate your vote and the confidence that you have shown toward Nu Hearing and our staff. “We pledge to keep your trust by offering only the highest quality products at affordable fees and backing them up with award-winning service and best practices.” The locally owned business now has practices in Kingsport, Johnson City, Bristol, Elizabethton, and Greenville. For the exact contact information on these practices, one can go to www. nuhearingcenters.com. “Consumers need someone they can trust to help them through the process. They trust Nu Hearing,” said Haltom.
Voted Best Consignment Store
Baby-Go-Round was selected by Elizabethton Star readers as the Best Consignment Store in the 2020 Readers’ Choice Awards.
(423) 542-4151 • www.elizabethton.com
920 Broad Street Elizabethton, TN 37643
SATURDAY-SUNDAY, JULY 25-26, 2020 - STAR - 9
ELIZABETHTON
We’re proud you voted us
BEST GROCERY STORE
11-YEAR CHAMPION THANK YOU!
10 - STAR - SATURDAY-SUNDAY, JULY 25-26, 2020
(423) 542-4151 • www.elizabethton.com
WE’RE PROUD TO call this home.
We’re also thankful that you continue to vote us Best Bank in Carter County. Now, we need your support in another way - shop local businesses whenever you can. This community is our home. And our customers are our family. We’re dedicated to keeping our community strong, thriving, and open. And we hope you are, too. To learn more about how we support our community together, visit bankoftennessee.com/greenribbon.
Carter County Bank is a division of Bank of Tennessee. Member FDIC