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Pictured: Lana Snyder, Cooper Snyder and Carson Atkinson
Corner Nest Antique Mall
W W ishes you a Happy Thanksgiving and please remember our Veterans on Nov. 11th.
Corner Nest Antique Mall: Vendors adding seasonal items daily Elizabethton, TN. --- Fall of the year at Corner Nest Antique Mall is always a “hustle and bustle” time of the year as the 90+ vendors inside this massive mall 30,000 square foot building are busy restocking their booths with seasonal items. Vendors Robert and Sandra Davis have been at Corner Nest for about a year and a half and are quite the experts when it comes to unusual pieces of high-end glassware. You’ll find well-known brands and an array of different types of glass at their booth including well-known names such as: Fenton, West Moreland, as well as Cash Family, Shawnee and Hull Pottery. “We began collecting unusual pieces of glass and when we filled up four curios’ in our house we realized our collection just outgrew itself so we moved into the Beehive Antique Mart [in the old Franklin Clinic building] and we enjoyed that for about a year until we had to move because there were some problems with the building,” she says. “We find our pieces at auctions, estate sales, moving sales and from referrals. We get calls from people who are downsizing and need to rid themselves of certain items and
Corner Nest Antique Mall 100 West Elk Avenue Elizabethton, TN 423-547-9111 Hours: Monday-Thursday 10 am-6 pm Friday & Saturday 10 am-8 pm Sunday 10 am-6 pm
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we try to work out a deal if it’s affordable and reasonable.” One example of a piece the Davis’ bought was a “big cereal bowl” which actually turned out to be a very old and valuable piece of Victoria Ware. “We just love the color and brilliance of glassware,” she adds. “We find it quite intriguing and beautiful.” Besides glassware and furniture the Davis’ collect animal related crystal art glass and they have a lot of vintage Pyrex, and old vintage crock pots, cookie jars and King Crown Murano glass. If it’s anything to do with glass, we love it!” she chuckled. So if you’re looking for glass antiques, collectables gifts and “something nice” Sandra Davis says her items fit the bill especially during the holiday season. Down the hall from the Davis’ display we spied a beautiful vintage buffet on display at Bobbi Szynaka’s booth. She has transformed her booth into a spectacularly decorated display surrounded with useful items for the home dazzled in fall colors. “We always have a mixture of things in our booth you never know what you’ll find,” Bobbi says matter-of-factly. Her booth consists of furniture and other items she purchases at auctions and refurbishes in her woodwork shop. “For example, we make candlesticks from recycled furniture . . . parts of [say]
a table that is no longer useful. With the buffet you saw it was purchased at an action and was in really bad shape but we added a little TLC and hard work and it became a beautiful and useful piece of furniture. We love being inside at the Corner Nest. For a while we traveled to the festivals and Corner Nest is just a better fit for us.” When you visit Corner Nest Antique Mall be sure to stop by the Davis and Szynaka’s booths but don’t forget to give yourself plenty of time because there is so much to see and browsing is encouraged.
ANNUAL CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION DECEMBER 1ST
Robin Blackwell, owner of Corner Nest, wants everyone to mark their calendars for December 1st which is the date for the annual Christmas Open House at the Corner Nest Antique Mall. Plenty of holiday food and entertainment will be provided. “It’s just our way to say thank you to all our customers and kickoff the Christmas season,” says Robin. “There will be plenty of great buys and special offers so bring a friend and come on down. It is the most magical time of the year and one in which we always look forward to. Old friends gather and meet new friends and it’s again, just our way to thank our customers and vendors and kick off the holiday season in style.”
Corner Nest Café Inside Corner Nest Antique Mall 100 West Elk Avenue • Elizabethton, Tennessee 37643
Downhome Cooking Hours: 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday Special Orders Available Phone: 423-543-6378
Out ‘ N About Magazine
promises made. promises kept. Our Promise to Unicoi County: in. • Your new hospital will be built in Erw enough beds to • Your new hospital will have more than opportunity to meet the community’s needs with the easily expand as the needs grow. me MSHA team • Your hospital’s employees will all beco enefits. members with the same great pay and b ll continue as • Your Unicoi physician relationships wi of service. they always have, without interruption cluding Surgery, • Your current services will continue, in services. Emergency Room and long-term care as Cardiology, • You will receive expanded services such Telemedicine as Cancer, Urology, Gastroenterology and we bring new physicians to the area.
would “They said there ices, be enhanced serv e and now we hav es.” enhanced servic Gary Peacock
ard member k, former bo tal Gary Peacoc unity Hospi mm Co ty Smyth Coun
November 2012
“Everything Mountain States told us they would do, they have done.” Otey Dudley
Otey Dudley, board member Johnston Memorial Hospital
Conceptual architectural drawing of what your new Unicoi County Memorial Hospital could look like.
We’rePlealissetecallning. 423-431-5739 or e-mail
ourpromise@msha.com For more information, please visit us online at www.msha.com/ourpromise
“Even a little comm unity like us, even through th e years we operated in the red, they never walked away from us.” Minnie Miller Minnie Miller , former boar d member Johnson Coun ty Community Hospital
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Out ‘ N About Magazine
November 2012
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Up close with Kent Williams Our Tennessee State Representative
My Mom and Dad instilled in me the importance of duty to my fellow citizens. Dad served in WWII and Mom helped our community every day and she continues to do so now. As Carter County natives struggling to raise 5 children, they taught me to honor God, the value of hard work and respect of human life. With Gayle, my wife of 44 years, we have raised 4 sons and are Grandparents of 6. Living by the guidance of God, hard work, budgeting and compromise have been my life. Government needs to be run efficiently and effectively with compassion and care toward the citizens. I bring these abilities to the job as your State Representative. As a small business owner, most of my life, and as your State Representative for the past 6 years, I have learned the important issues involved in maintaining a balanced budget. I also know the value of saving money for a rainy day. Carter County has reaped the benefits from my service and will continue to do so.As Representative for the new 4th District that now includes all of Unicoi County, I look forward to helping more people in both counties and Northeast Tennessee. During my tenure, I have been able to successfully bring several
new projects to Carter County including new bridges, highway projects, grants to charitable organizations, more funding for schools and the list goes on. I will be honored to use those same skills in bringing Unicoi their fair share as well. I have already begun to work on the railroad project
and was instrumental in keeping the Erwin Fish Hatchery open. I know that improvements to our counties will compliment each other, even though they have many unique needs that I will address. I consider myself a
conservative republican with a conservative voting record. My greatest ability is identifying problems and solving them regardless of party affiliation. I represent ALL the people, not only a few or special interest groups. I’m not a ‘yes’ man but a voice for unity that serves the public. I’ve been productive during my first three terms and expect to be the same during my fourth. Carter County has held me accountable and I expect no less from Unicoi County.
— Paid Pol. Adv. by Kent Williams Campaign, Judy Veeneman, Treasurer —
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Out ‘ N About Magazine
Help! Come and get me out of here!
Like all small animal shelters Unicoi especially needs your help
Erwin, TN. --- Even though Unicoi County Animal Shelter Director Jessica Blevins has only been on the job four months her obvious enthusiasm and twinkle in her eye confirms she is the right person for the job. “It blows my mind that this shelter didn’t exist four years ago,” she says. “Animals deserve a safe place to be and a chance to be adopted in a loving environment.” The Unicoi County Animal Shelter sits down the road from the local McDonalds’s in Erwin just off Interstate 26. Previously, the only place stray animals could be taken was to a small, cramped cinderblock building that sits near the present shelter. That building will soon be renovated in an effort to separate the many homeless cats from the many homeless dogs.
With help from several Eagle Scouts, renovations of the building began last month and by Thanksgiving the shelter cats will have their own place to roam. “We certainly are fortunate to have the scouts providing the labor for us for
November 2012
free,” Blevins said with a smile. “By renovating the holding facility for the cats they will soon enjoy taller kennels, cat trees, play pens and room to get some exercise which is very important.” While [technically] the Unicoi County Animal Shelter is not a non-kill animal shelter the organization takes pride in keeping the strays there longer than most shelters and Jessica and her team are aggressive in placing the majority of animals. “We do our absolute best to find every animal a home,” she pointed out. “All you have to do is go on Pet Finder enter your zip code and you will see what animals we have available and you get the chance to see them [in pictures] before you take a trip over here. And, when you meet your new friend in person, we have you fill out a short application.” Blevins stays in constant contact with animal rescue groups both locally and as far away as New York. “I want all our animals to end up in a loving home . . .in a safe atmosphere. They have a chance here.” If you find an animal you want to take home [and we hope you do] the charge for adopting a cat is $70 and dog adoption is $85. That includes its vaccination and micro placement chip. The population ratio of cats to dogs at the Unicoi County shelter varies. “We have many of both,” Jessica explains. “Cats are harder to find homes for and many times we receive an entire litter. I’d say right now we have 75% dogs and 35% cats. . .all kinds, colors and breeds.” Previously Jessica worked for the American
Cancer Society and the Johnson City Animal Shelter and calls her work, “my calling in life.” She stresses the need for donations. “We are a small shelter with a small budget and we depend on volunteers to help us walk the dogs, clean the building, answer the phone/clerical support, help us with bathing and grooming, and provide transportation for the animals,” she said. “Obviously, we need monetary donations but we also need treats, non-clumping kitty litter, toys, cleaning supplies, office supplies and of course, food [especially wet food for the cats].” Lastly, Jessica wanted to tell the thousands of readers of Out ‘N About Magazine to: “Please help us help the animals of Unicoi County.” Animal Welfare Board Members include: Kari Pfaender, Chairman; Sue Wilson, Dwight Bennett, Brunhilde Tober-Meyer, Lester Bailey, Linda Mathes and JoAnn Tatro.
Factoid: Unicoi County Animal Shelter Open from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday Phone: 423-743-3071 Located at 185 Industrial Drive; Turn right near McDonald’s off I26 Donations Appreciated Volunteers Needed www.unicoihumanesociety.org
Shelter Director Jessica Blevins with one of her favorite Pit Bulls.
Jessica with a black cat in need of a family.
A cute kitten is looking to be adopted.
Website: www.outnaboutmagazine.com Composition and Printing by Star Printing, a Division of the Elizabethton STAR. Send news and photo items to: publisher@outnaboutmagazine.com Send advertising to: advertising@outnaboutmagazine.com
Ron Scalf, Co-Publisher/Owner Lynne Ogle, Co-Publisher/Owner Jon Ruetz, Associate Editor Jeri George, WQUT Music & Concert Information Congressman Dr. Phil Roe, Featured Columnist Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey, Featured Columnist Mary Ellen Miller, Featured Columinist
Volume 3, Issue 6
Carrie Williams, Featured Teen Columnist Ken Lewis, Accountant, Featured Columnist Suzy Cloyd, Featured Columnist Special Contributing writers/editors/photographers: Christine Webb, Kevin Brown, Mike White, Sara Hackers, and Mike Shoulders
For Advertising and Editorial Call: 423-930-0505 All free-lance material submitted becomes the property of Out ‘N About Magazine. Out ‘N About Magazine is not affiliated with any other newspaper or magazine published in the USA.
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November 2012
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Teen Talk with Carrie Williams
Stay clean with The Traveling Couch Gang Everybody has that couch in their family room. You know the one your mom wouldn’t dream of letting company sit on. The couch she wears a hazmat suit to vacuum, muttering, “What in the world is this?” as she furiously scrubs at some unidentifiable stain. The family couch has a history, character. Recently I met four friends from Unicoi County High School who appreciate such a couch. Jeremy Tipton, Jonathan Ponce, Nardo Meza, and Kayne Hughes were on their way home from school when they noticed a decrepit looking couch on the side of the road.
Carrie Williams Being teenage boys, they thought how funny the look on Mrs. Tipton’s face would be when she looked out the kitchen window to find an old tattered couch sitting in the middle of her front lawn. What they didn’t know was that in the same afternoon, they would be struck with an idea that
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would soon make them local celebrities. What if they could drive the couch around to interesting places in the Tri-Cities and capture their journey on film? Since then the boys have taken the couch on various “adventures” around the area, traveling to places like football games, museums, the ETSU campus and even the middle of a cow pasture. But don’t worry; no cows were harmed in the making of those photographs. Then there was the time with the Erwin Police Department, but they proved to the officer that the couch did indeed belong to them, no charges were pressed, and thus ended another adventure of the Traveling Couch. The Traveling Couch Adventures has developed a fan base of all ages in less than two months, and the numbers continue to grow. The boys say that their motivation for all this is that they can be an inspiration to other teens and encourage them to have fun while staying above the influence. So why is it that young people should be interested in a story like the Traveling Couch Adventures? “In a world where there’s so much complication I think they enjoy seeing something as simple as us traveling around with an old grungy couch having clean fun,” the boys explained. “For older people we think it reminds them of their younger years when things were much simpler.” I think this is a great example of teenage vision and ingenuity. The boys are currently accepting donations for their adventure fund, so that they can take the couch to places like the World of Coke in Atlanta, Washington D.C. and even the Statue of Liberty. You can “like” their page on Facebook, the Traveling Couch Adventures, and message them with feedback. Anyone can help out with the fundraising, and every little bit helps. Just check for some change under your couch cushions at home!
When friends get scammed: Facebook’s dark side By Mary Ellen Miller
If you spend any time on Facebook sooner or later you or a friend of yours is going to get hacked. Just recently a friend of mine, Carly Johnson, a REALTOR with Keller Williams Realty in Johnson City got hacked on her personal Facebook page. I found out because I received what seemed like a very odd message from Carly on Facebook. The note seemed so out of character for Carly that I immediately messaged her asking if the note was really from her. Carly has kindly provided me with the following information in order to keep this from happening to you!
Mary Ellen Miller
MarketingMel: Carly,tell us what happened. Carly Johnson: I recently received a text from a friend asking if I had sent him a Facebook message regarding a picture he needed to look at. Almost instantly, I received a similar text from another friend, and then my iPhone began showing several Facebook notifications of friends sending messages saying they were unable to find the picture. I went into my account, only to find that it appeared as if I had sent this message to every single Facebook friend. “hey, go to album32 dot com and search for “name of friend” then click on the first photo. I bet you didn’t remember that, eh?” I knew I did not send the message, so I began responding as quickly as possible to every friend who messaged or texted me to make sure they did not try to go there. After sending about 20 messages, I decided to update my status to alert people that I did not send the message and that they should not do as requested. Thankfully, Marcus Ledbetter saw my post and posted that it was a phishing scheme designed to steal passwords. MarketingMel: Carly, what have you learned from this? Carly Johnson: I changed my passwords on as many different accounts as I could think of, and I updated my status again to alert others that they may need to change their passwords as well. I continued to send messages to friends who were responding throughout the evening, and some are still trickling in. The terrible part is
that the message is authentic looking enough to make people think it is from the supposed sender. Unfortunately several of my friends attempted to view the picture and put their passwords in. I have been trying to determine exactly how my account was hacked, and I cannot even remember a time that I clicked on anything unusual. That just means that it is way too easy for them to get in. MarketingMel: Carly, any takeaways for others? Carly Johnson: I am on high alert now and am being overly selective with regards to my accounts. One lesson I definitely learned from this experience is not to have the same password for multiple accounts. If I had used the same password for my bank account, it would have been very easy for them to research my account to find out where I bank, and they would have known my password. Lastly, it saddens me that people who have the intelligence to make a scheme like this one work, would not have a desire to help others instead of stealing and making people’s lives difficult. Many thanks to Carly for sharing a story that could happen to any of us! Next issue I’ll interview Marcus Ledbetter of ITD Interactive and Andy Mitchell of Holston IT as they share tips on how to prevent these scams from happening! Mary Ellen Miller is founder and President of MarketingMel an innovative marketing, public relations and social media strategies firm for business professionals. You can link to her on one of her numerous social media channels and read more business/social networking stories on her blog at www.marketingmel.com. You can also email her at maryellen [AT] marketingmel. com or call her at 423-335-7267.
Out ‘ N About Magazine
Let’s go to the movies! Erwin Theatres introduces the most comfortable theatre seat you’ll ever sit in Erwin, TN. --- You can’t accuse Jan Hendren Bradley of sitting on her laurels. The Unicoi County businesswoman is at it again at Capitol I & II movie theatres she owns on Main Street in downtown Erwin. After successfully upgrading the theatres this past summer by investing thousands of dollars installing the latest state-of-the-art digital projection with realD 3D, she decided an upgrade to the seating was in order as well as refurbishing the theatre’s original 1938 oak flooring which had been hidden by carpet for years. “I call the project my comfort upgrade,” Jan said with a smile. “The hard wood flooring [as you enter the theatre] turned out beautiful and the new seating enhances your movie experience. The new comfortable leather ‘rocker seats’ compliment Jan’s previous upgrades by allowing patron’s a wider seat with a moveable durable arm rest/cup holder and at the same time present eight more inches of leg room. Brightly colored carpet was also added to the steps going up to Theatre II and it was also added down the aisles giving the theatres a bright panoramic festive look. Extra lighting was also added inside the theatres. “We lost 60 seats in the upgrade but I’ll trade that for more leg room and we now offer the most comfortable seat in any theatre anywhere,” she says. “Our rocker/recliner seats make the movie experience ‘extra nice’ and some of our customers don’t want to leave when the movie is over. . .they are that comfortable,” she adds with a chuckle. Jan says the recent upgrade was much more difficult than the ones in the past because the window to finish was much shorter. “We had to complete the work within three weeks when before we had two and a half months,” she explained pointing out she had made commitment to show new fall movie releases. “I was fortunate to get a lot of cooperation from family, friends, carpenters and carpet layers who had to accomplish much of the work after hours. The new seating, along with the state-of-the-art digital projection with realD 3D, makes us the most modern movie theatre in the Tri-Cities. I think people will really be surprised and quite comfortable when they visit us. And, on November 15th we’ll be showing the much-anticipated Breaking Dawn II for the first new release showing at 10 p.m. We are pre-selling tickets to that [most] anticipated film of the fall right now.” Jan believes Tri-Cities movie goers will soon discover her “diamond in the rough” just
November 2012
a short drive from Johnson City especially students attending ETSU. “It’s a really quick and beautiful drive from Johnson City and I truly believe once you experience our theatre you’ll want to come back time and again,” she said. “We have the most affordable prices anywhere [$5 for children, Senior Citizens and Military and only $7 for adults with a $3 upgrade for 3D]. It’s the best movie experience going and the most modern.” Jan points out that her ticket prices remain consistent while other theatres change prices on all levels depending on movie times and what night it is showing. “During the winter months we will also offer weekday specials so watch for those on our web site. We are trying to make going to the movies affordable especially in this economy.” Other upgrades at Capitol I & II include new decorative tile in the box office and tile flooring in Theatre II. The front entrance door was stripped down to its original all-aluminum hardware and repainted. “I enjoyed mixing the old with the new to give the place a nostalgic feeling with modern technology; that’s a really nice combination.” Last but not least, the theatres marquee also received an upgrade with 366 LED new bulbs added. From the road, it looks like Las Vegas type signage. “You really can’t miss the marquee especially at night,” Jan points out. “It is a really beautiful theatre and I know my late grandfather and father who ran the theater for years would find it hard to believe.
Capitol Cinema I & II
105 North Main Street Erwin, TN. 423-743-4931 Web: www.erwinmovies.com Lowest admission & concession prices around!
Upcoming Shows at Capitol Theatre I & II Ratchet Ralph in 3D Taken II Sky Fall Breaking Dawn II Rise of the Guardian Hobbit
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Visit www.jcpb.com/yourHome for details or scan a QR code to apply for these convenient Johnson City Power Board programs.
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WQUT Concert Schedule Freedom Hall in Johnson City: Nov 10 Brantley Gilbert Dec 4 Mannheim Steamroller Dec 9 John Michael Montgomery
Bijou Theatre in Knoxville: Dec 9 Keb Mo
Dec Dec
Thompson Boling Arena in Knoxville: Mar 1 George Strait and Martina McBride (On Sale Now)
Bridgestone Arena in Nashville: Dec 2 The Who Quadrophenia and more Dec 13 Aerosmith and Cheap Trick Dec 14 Toby Mac Dec 26 Trans-Siberian Orchestra Jan 18 Justin Bieber (2013) Mar 2 Pink (2013) Mar 10 Lady Gaga (2012) June 19 One Direction (2013)
Time Warner Cable Arena in Charlotte, N.C.: Nov 3 Carrie Underwood Nov 15 Madonna Nov 29 Trans-Siberian Orchestra Dec 31 Widespread Panic Jan 22 Justin Bieber (2013)
Tennessee Theatre in Knoxville: Nov 7 Buddy Guy and Jonny Lang Nov 9 John Prine with Willie Nelson Nov 17 Lyle Lovett Nov 25 Jelani Eddington Dec 31 The Dirty Gov’nahs Jan 5 Ron White
Ryman Auditorium in Nashville: Nov 5 Snow Patrol & Noel Gallaghers High Flying Birds Nov 8 Styx Nov 19 Charlie Daniels Dec 9 Brian Setzer Orchestra Dec 31 Old Crow Medicine Show
Knoxville Civic Auditorium: Dec 3 Mannheim Steamroller
U.S. Cellular Center (formerly Asheville Civic Center):
Viking Hall in Bristol: Nov 16 Chris Young with Thomas Rhett And Joanna Smith
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Willie Nelson Warren Haynes Christmas Jam
Greensboro Coliseum in Greensboro, N.C.: Nov 9 The Who Quadrophenia and more Dec 2 Trans-Siberian Orchestra Jan 19 Justin Bieber (2013) Harrah’s in Cherokee, N.C.: Nov 9 Straight No Chaser Dec 15 Scotty McCreery Jan 18 Styx (2013) House of Blues in Myrtle Beach, S.C.: Nov 11 Social Distortion Nov 24 Megadeth
Dec Dec Mar
8 31 2
Blackberry Smoke Corey Smith Buddy Guy and Jonny Lang
Bilo Center in Greenville, S.C.: Nov 8 The Who Quadrophenia Nov 30 Trans-Siverian Orchestra Philips Arena in Atlanta: Nov 17 Madonna Jan 23 Justin Bieber (2013) April 22 Rihanna (2013) June 21 One Direction (2013) The Arena at Gwinnett Center in Duluth, GA: Nov 5 The Who Quadrophenia and more Dec 19 Carrie Underwood For more details visit our website, look for our listing in Out ‘N About Magazine or call us at WQUT!
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November 2012
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“On the Run Out ‘N About” (Reflections of a Runner)
Run Along: Let’s Talk Turkey
By: Suzy Cloyd This time of year you hear about turkey feathers, turkey dinners, turkey leftovers, and turkey trots. As traditions go with family get togethers, holiday meals, and extra snacking, athletes should have a traditional “holiday” running schedule in place and ready to use while enjoying turkey and all of the trimmings. A traditional Thanksgiving dinner can put on some pounds, however with some careful planning the holiday eating season can be positive and enjoyable as long as you keep your eating and exercise routine in balance. Everything in moderation makes a difference. Pay attention to portion sizes during the holiday eating season and add some extra miles to your run to keep calorie intake under control. Knowing the nutritional value of your Thanksgiving meal is helpful as well. So let’s “talk turkey.” Turkey – Meat at any meal should be thought of as one item, rather than the central focus. A serving of turkey has 150 calories and 5 grams of fat and also 25 Gms protein and 20% of the days supply of minerals such as Zinc that boost the immune system to ward off colds and
Suzy Cloyd others virus conditions. Stuff the turkey with some healthy fiber items such as wild rice, celery, onions, water chestnuts, nuts, and whole grain breadcrumbs. Sweet Potatoes – A must-have dish for Thanksgiving. About ½ cup provides 300% of the daily requirement for Vitamin A as beta-carotene, a plant product that fights off cancer. Their cousin, Yams have somewhat less beta-carotene. Cranberry Sauce – A source of antioxidants to fight cancer, fiber to lower cholesterol, and vitamin C. Mashed potatoes - Be sure to wash
thoroughly and leave the skin on. A ½ cup will supply 100 calories and a large dose of potassium, which is good for blood pressure control. Cook with pre-roasted garlic cloves instead of adding gobs of butter and salt. Pumpkin Pie – This dessert ranks at the top-of-the-list - good-for-you desserts. Mashed pumpkin oozes with beta-carotene and lutein, to fight off macular degeneration, which afflicts millions of older Americans. If you make your own pumpkin or any other cream pie use nonfat evaporated milk to reduce saturated fat calories. Green Vegetables & Fruit- Add your favorite green vegetable or mixed vegetable dish choosing from such foods as broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, brussel sprouts, etc. to complete your nutritional needs for the day. Like most things in life, moderation is the key. Moderate your food intake while staying active with your workout routine. Look in your area for Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trots and long distance runs to keep your holiday festive and healthy. Until next month: Run Along: gobble, gobble!
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Server Angel greets Emily, Jeff and Evan Jackson from Jonesborough.
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www.netta.com November 2012
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The Buc Stops here!
ETSU President is moving the university to the next level By: Ron Scalf
Johnson City, TN. --- East Tennessee State University President Dr. Brian Noland has only been at the helm less than a year but he has “hit the ground running” so-to-speak after taking the reins from Dr. Paul Stanton, Jr. who served as ETSU President for 15 years. Noland, a former Chancellor of the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission, seems to be everywhere these days beating the regional drum for one of the state’s most successful higher learning facilities. “I’m one of the luckiest people in the world to be able to tell the ETSU story every day,” Dr. Noland says. “It is an honor and a privilege to be ETSU President.” Dr. Noland points out the economic engine ETSU presents to the region. “We have a 683 million economic impact and we employee 5,200 people. We also represent $50 million in sponsored research and our health services are the most comprehensive in the nation.” In these tough economic times, ETSU has consistently remained an educational bargain and the student population has remained robust. “Tuition wise we’re in about the middle of the pack [compared with other state tuition]. It cost a student about $6,800 a year to attend ETSU,” he said. “However, twothirds of our students receive assistance through the lottery scholarship and other financial aid which dramatically drops the cost of receiving a first-class education.” Dr. Noland said the best advice he could give high school seniors interested in attending ETSU is to begin planning early. “Assuming you are ready for college as a prospective freshman planning early is essential. Should you need financial aid [after determining family income] applications for financial aid need to be submitted early so that there is no gap in your attendance expectations.” Because of its affordability and excellent reputation, Dr. Noland explained more and more students residing in neighboring states are coming to ETSU thus, the “educational region” of Northeast Tennessee now technically includes Virginia, North Carolina, Kentucky and beyond. “Our student population is finding that ETSU is the best investment in themselves and their future.” These days there is a lot of construction work occurring on campus. In June, Dr. Noland launched a 20,000 square foot expansion to the Wayne G. Basler Center for Physical Activity and two months later he tackled the need for additional student parking by announcing the construction of a 1,224 student four-level parking garage across from the Mini-Dome. And, a plan is in place to add more “green space” around campus. The new baseball complex is scheduled to open in 2013 with new seating and score board. A new tennis facility is also being built for the varsity tennis teams and will also be open to the public in 2013. “I think another project ‘to come’ is a Performing Arts Center,” Dr. Noland said matter-of-factly. “We are allowing our staff and faculty to dream about the possibility of building such a facility that would attract world-class shows and at the same time celebrate the arts of our region and our institution.” Dr. Noland’s management style is not to micro-manage people. “I think [my role] is to hire great people, empower those individuals to do their jobs and hold them accountable in their performance. And, in the spirit of governance you have to lead. As ETSU President, Dr. Noland says he and all ETSU employees “pay attention to details.” “We’re not perfect but we are getting there,” he smiled. “When you look around and see we pay attention to the grounds [for example] that sends a message to parents who are thinking if they are doing such a good job with that then they will take good care of my kid.” Since ETSU just celebrated its 100th year in existence, Dr. Noland thought it would be prudent to begin looking toward the future of ETSU. In October, he announced the formation of six task forces to help guide the visioning effort for the university as the institution progresses towards its 125th anniversary in 2036. The task forces include: Academics [both in Health Sciences and other program opportunities], Athletics [and yes, the possibility of a football team], Culture & Outreach, Extramural Resources, sponsored programs, research and instruction, and student life and services. “These six task forces will begin the process by asking ‘what if’ questions and engaging in conversations about the future of ETSU,” Noland said. “During the upcoming weeks, the members will suggest and evaluate a broad range of ideas and determine priorities for ETSU for the next five, 10 and 25 years.”
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ETSU President Brian Noland.
FACTOID - Dr. Brian Noland Enjoys family time especially playing basketball with his son Enjoys hiking and running Is a sports fan Enjoys a variety of music Is an admitted workaholic
Noland in his office next to a water color of the ETSU campus.
Out ‘ N About Magazine
Spotlight on Veteran’s Day: 90 year-old World War II veteran still going strong By Ron Scalf
Johnson City, TN. --- John Rominger has traveled all over the world in his 90 years on earth and can recall details like it was yesterday. That’s not surprising because he is, after all, a Navy veteran. “Not many of us left,” he says with a smile during a recent interview. “I was 20 years old and didn’t want to be drafted into the Army because I was so enamored with the stories and memorabilia that I was exposed to as a kid through my uncle. I knew I wanted to be in the Navy just like him.” But, John’s dad wanted him to file for deferment so that he could continue to work on the family farm and he was quite adamant about his stance. “You had to get permission if you weren’t 21 [years old],” he points out. “Mom said she would sign the papers but dad wouldn’t. I did end up getting to join the Navy after my dad realized I’d be drafted anyway. My first assignment was working in the photo lab and stationed in San Diego where I took photos and made badges for our recruits. But I got itchy and wanted to be in the action.” In 1942, John and a buddy put in a request to be shipped out and they were appointed as part of the “armed guards” sailing on merchant ships protecting cargo throughout the Pacific. He visited dozens of ports from New Zealand and Australia to Chile and other parts of South America picking up supplies and other cargo including copper, heavy machinery, explosives and hundreds of previously empty oil drums that were to be refilled and brought back to the west coast. “One time we were sitting ducks off the coast of Chile because our ship ran aground,” he remembers. “We had no sonar or radar, only our eyeballs. We sent out an SOS and received word back from New York that a tug boat was being sent from Panama and they would be there in three days to pull us off the reef. Fortunately, another ship two hours away picked up our distress call and said they could be there in two hours. The tide eventually came in and we were able to back up and get back to port with a 16 foot gash and another smaller one. . .we were very lucky and relieved. We had been shot at plenty of times and we were required to be on watch 4 hours on [and] 4 hours off. We just tried to get a meal in and get the supplies to port safely.” After some time, he was reassigned to Portland, Oregon to replace a crew on another merchant ship. “This time we were guarding heavy equipment and supplies to make a runway; that was really unusual. There were also many engineers on the
November 2012
ship and everything was secretive,” he said. “Turns out the supplies were used to build the runway that launched the B29 that dropped the bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki!” Nearing the end of the war, John and a select handful of other sailors were recruited to join a secretive mission that is now considered to be a prelude to the Navy Seals. He became a member of SACO, the Sino American Cooperative Organization, and his early training was 12 weeks in the swamps of the Everglades near Fort Pearce, Florida, living in a Quonset hut Navy veteran John Rominger is a world traveler. and getting little to eat. “They wanted to see if you could take it,” he laughs. “They also taught us a little Chinese as well.” His and the others’ service in the “Seals” was kept secret for 50 years and so were their missions.” John said he was very honored when he saw his name engraved on one of the walls of the Navy Seal Museum in Fort Pearce, Florida on a recent visit there with his family. “It was so secretive that when we were discharged to New York in 1945 we were told we were in the wrong place when we disembarked from the ship, and to go to the Army station”. “We wore khakis instead of Navy uniforms and there was no paper work explaining what our mission was. I was rather surprised,” he says with a shrug. “Finally Washington called and we were issued new Navy uniforms and told to go home. The war was over!” Once back home in Elizabethton, John became interested in electronics and after stints with “the plants in Elizabethton, the TVA and ENTWC as a trucker for a couple of years I went on to work for 31 years in electrical maintenance for the Sperry plant in Bristol.” He and his wife of nearly 60 years, Helen, had two children, Cathy Campbell and Tony Rominger. Helen passed away 4 years ago. His son, Tony added, “My dad is still called all the time to fix things. He doesn’t look or seem to be ninety. He has the biggest and best garden in the neighborhood. . .and the biggest heart. And, after this interview, he’s going back home to finish a retaining wall, he can’t stand not being John, pictured with his son, Tony, a local musician and businessman. busy”
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A New Image Weight Loss Clinic and Spa: Working with you to meet your individual goals
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A New Image Weight Loss Clinic & Spa services has been serving the area’s weight loss needs since 1995. A New Image Weight Loss Clinic & Spa is a full-service weight loss clinic and spa offering an array of services and products. Over the years, our services have expanded as new weight loss techniques have been discovered. It is our pleasure to offer the listed services to help you reach your weight loss goals. A New Image Weight Loss Clinic & Spa has five conveniently located offices in Johnson City, Elizabethton, Erwin, Roan Mountain and Mountain City. “I certainly appreciate the loyalty of our customers who throughout the years has enabled us to tremendously expand the company,” says Connie Hicks, owner of A New Image Weight Loss Clinic & Spa. “We have be able to become more than [just] a weight loss clinic because we have kept up with the changing times and by doing so are able to offer an array of new and approved products our customers want whether it be through our innovated weight loss programs or our many spa and cosmetology services.” Hicks opened her first store in Johnson City and then expanded to Elizabethton and into Mountain City, Roan Mountain and most recently, Erwin. “I’m really looking forward to working in the North Carolina area soon,” she said. “It’s really rewarding to work with people who want to look and feel better.”
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November 2012
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Out ‘ N About Magazine
President praises fall report while impending fiscal cliff threatens economic growth The International Monetary Fund (IMF) revised its World Economic Outlook on Tuesday, which found that our already sluggish economic growth has further slowed. Carlo Cottaralli, director of IMF’s fiscal affairs department, said in an interview that the automatic spending cuts and tax hikes set to take effect in Congressman January, which has been referred to as Phil Roe the “fiscal cliff” by some, would be “very negative and very bad for the U.S. economy.” Cottaralli went on to
suggest that if America fails to adopt a plan to reduce the deficit and avert the fiscal cliff, we will face another recession. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) sounded similar notes in its most recent economic forecast. The CBO report, like the IMF report, stated that pending spending cuts and tax increases set to take effect on January 1, 2013 could send the U.S. economy spiraling into another recession. The CBO warned that this would send the unemployment rate soaring above 9 percent by the end of 2013. Federal debt held by the public would reach 73 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) by the end of this fiscal year, its highest level since 1950. The individual income tax alone would rise by $1.1 trillion in 2013. The Bureau of Labor Statistics released
its latest jobs report on Friday, and buried beneath the headlines of the lower unemployment rate was a more concerning statistic: there are 23.2 million underemployed Americans who cannot find any or enough work. To make matters worse, the number of able Americans seeking employment has plunged to near a 32-year low. We shouldn’t celebrate lower unemployment numbers since people have stopped looking for work, and we shouldn’t continue to settle for the status quo when it clearly isn’t working. Before adjourning for August work period, House Republicans passed H.R. 8, the Job Protection and Recession Prevention Act. This legislation would prevent another recession by stopping the tax hike and replacing the automatic spending cuts to
Presidential election most important of our lifetime
Every few years, activists and partisans from both sides of the aisle solemnly declare the upcoming election the most important election of our lifetime. It is an axiom of civilization. Mothers love their children, the sun rises in the east and every four years people shout from the rooftops that the coming election is like no other before it. Lt. Gov. It is with that Ron Ramsey recognition and at the extreme risk of being cliché that I must tell you that this election truly is, in fact, one of the most important in recent memory and, yes, possibly the most important of our lifetime. At a national level, the evidence is clear. President Obama took a country in serious debt and teetering on recession in 2008 and plunged it deeper in debt. It is no exaggeration to assert that President Obama has presided over one of the worst economic downturns since the Great Depression. Those arguing that this is not a time for change are a dwindling few. Even the editorial page of Tennessean, a paper which has endorsed every Democratic Presidential nominee since George McGovern could not bring itself to endorse Mr. Obama.
November 2012
With our federal government writing checks future generations can’t cash, the phrase “we can’t take another four years of this” has seldom been used so literally. While the outcome of the presidential election is crucial for the future of our nation and often occupies my mind, I have personally put my energies into our legislative races here in Tennessee. And for good reason. Despite a congress that refuses to pass a budget and a president who tells our nation’s job creators that “they didn’t build that” we in the Volunteer state are doing pretty well. I can come to no other conclusion than our success as a state throughout this Obama recession has a lot to do with our Republican Majority. Slowly, but surely, after decades of Democratic rule in Tennessee, Republican ideas have permeated policy in Tennessee. And we are seeing the results. Republicans have given the people of Tennessee what they have asked for: more jobs, less spending and smaller government. The legislature has begun to work more efficiently and adjourn earlier. We have cut taxes while balancing a budget in tough economic times. With the elimination of the gift tax and the death tax, this past General Assembly cut taxes by more than $50 million. According to the Tax Foundation, the total tax burden Tennessee residents pay to state and local governments ranks third lowest in the na-
tion trailing only Alaska and South Dakota. Our low tax burden and our lack of a state income tax is a major driver of our economy and integral to our success. The nation has taken notice as well. Currently Tennessee has triple-A credit ratings from Moody’s Investors Service and Fitch Inc. and a double-A-plus rating from Standard and Poor’s. These solid ratings are inextricably linked to the low debt we carry as a state. Quite simply, when Tennessee borrows money we pay it back. Period. This is to say nothing of the advances this legislature in education reform and government reform. This Republican majority has succeeded in ways that seemed unfathomable just a few years ago. That, ultimately, is why this election is so important. This is why I am traveling the state helping candidates spread the message of more jobs, less spending and smaller government. We need to make sure Tennessee stays on the trail we have just started to blaze. We have many successes under our belt but there is still much left to do. We need a powerful Republican majority to ensure that the entrenched special interests that ruled the halls of legislative plaza do not rise again. In a few days, after a lot of hard work, I believe we will have that new, expanded majority. I look forward to my role in leading it.
defense with savings that target waste, fraud and abuse in our entitlement programs that are on autopilot. During the worst recovery in 70 years, the president is once again failing to lead by allowing a small business tax increase the will destroy an additional 700,000 jobs. House Republicans have also passed nearly 40 jobs bills that will get Americans back to work, but
the Democrat-led Senate refuses to consider them. America deserves better, and you can rest assured I will continue to fight for progrowth, job-creating policies. Please feel free to contact my office if we can be of assistance to you or your family. You can contact my office by mail, email or phone. Our contact information can be found on our website, www.roe.house.gov.
Bits and Pieces From All Over By Ron Scalf I was listening to my good friend Steve Hawkins the other morning on Super Talk WFHG 92.9 FM in Bristol and I thought I’d share the meat of his particular show that morning. He invited listeners to call the station and discuss, “What are some of the most annoying things we deal with on a daily basis?” Here’s what some of them said: •People who drive in the left lane on the interstate below the speed limit. •People who use the drive through at local fast food restaurants and upon receiving their order, go through the bag’s contents [piece by piece] while you sit in line waiting your turn. Then they recount their change. •Same thing as #2 but this time you’re at the local bank. •People in the line for “12 items or less” at the supermarket and they have [more like] 25 items. Then they write a check. •People talking on cell phones in movie theatres. •Boisterous people in restaurants. •People who take dogs to festivals even though they are asked not to. •Parents who take their screaming kids to the grocery store on the busiest day of the month. •People who smoke in designated non-smoking areas. •People who cough in public and don’t cover their mouth. How true. Thanks Steve for a fun morning show. By the way, you can catch the Steve Hawkins local news and talk show every morning from 6 a.m. until 10 a.m. You may remember Steve from his years as news anchor at WCYB. He left there to
become News Director for the family of stations at the Bristol Broadcasting Group. ----I’d add to the list of annoying things previously mentioned in this column as one of my observations: Can’t we get through Labor Day, Halloween and Thanksgiving without being reminded that Christmas is just around the corner? I also don’t go along with people saying Xmas. You may add to the list by sending me your “annoying item” to publisher@outnaboutmagazine.com. I’ll mention those next month [space permitting]. ----I love Major League Baseball and make it no secret that I’m a huge New York Yankee fan but I’ve got to agree with ESPN commentator Colin Cowherd the season is entirely too long. And, so is the NBA’s season. . . .on and on and on! ----From all reports, last month’s Apple and National Storytelling Festivals enjoyed record crowds even though the weather was only moderately cooperative. I remarked last month that, in my opinion, they should not be held on the same weekend. However, I’ll take that back as it was pointed out to me that the two festivals actually compliment one another. “Visitors visit the Apple Festival and then settle in for some storytelling,” a local tourism expert said. “Or vise-versa.” ----Don’t forget Daylight Savings Time ends November 4th. If you’re like me, you’re not looking forward to it turning dark at 4 o’clock. You might want to circle March 10, 2013 on your calendar. That’s when “Standard” time ends.
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Out ‘ N About Magazine
Highlighting history in film By: Toby Laek, Producer, Daytime Tri-Cities Now that Halloween has come and gone and we change out our jack-o-lanterns and spiders for pumpkins and stalks of maize, we start to gear up for Thanksgiving. History and tradition are two of the bedrocks of the holiday so this is the time of the year that I trade out horror films for historical epics. With that in mind, let’s look at some films that celebrate and capture history. Often, Hollywood can botch historical films…and they can do this a myriad of ways. You have your cases of blatant miscasting (the very anglo Elizabeth Taylor playing the Egyptian queen Cleopatra comes to mind), and then you’ve got a director who gets so caught up in the minutia of the past that that he forgets to tell a story that makes any sense (Oliver Stone’s Alexander is a great example of this). Sometimes, however, historical films are done right. Here are a few for my Out ‘N About Magazine readers:
Tom Hanks in Saving Private Ryan.
Saving Private Ryan – Stephen Spielberg’s World War II epic hits all the right notes. It’s unflinching look at the violence of war coupled with the underlying story of the group of soldiers tasked with finding a Private (played wonderfully by Matt Damon in a small, but crucial role) after three of his brothers had already been
Voted Best Local TV Personalities November 2012
killed in action combine to create my favorite war film of all time. The Normandy scene, with its shaky camera and whizzing bullets is breathtaking – maybe the best of Spielberg’s career, and that’s saying a lot. Kingdom of Heaven (Director’s Cut) – When Ridley Scott’s Kingdom of Heaven debuted in theaters, it was met with terrible reviews and a low take at the box office. It was painfully obvious that lots of crucial footage was excised in the editing room. Apparently, the studio thought that people would rather see a shorter, action-themed film than a longer, more ponderous take on the Crusades of the Middle Ages. As per usual, the suits at the studio were wrong and fortunately their damage was undone when Scott was able to restore his vision of the film on dvd. Everything that was wrong with the theatrical version of the film was corrected – the gaping plot holes were now given meaning. Scenes that once seemed Kingdom of Heaven (Director’s cut). illogical and out of order now made complete sense. Orlando Bloom’s performance was even elevated due to the added context. If you’ve only seen the shorter, theatrical version of this film, do yourself a favor and seek out the director’s cut. It’s the best example of how a film can be strengthened or weakened (in this case killed) in the editing process. The New World – This Terrence Malick-directed film is definitely not something that I would recommend to everyone. Actually, I’ve never seen so many people walk out of a theatrical screening in all my years of film-going. In terms of pacing, linear storytelling, and scripting, it’s far from conventional, but, in my opinion, it works perfectly in capturing that amazing time in American history. Colin Ferrell plays Captain John Smith who is first taken prisoner by Native Americans, then assimilated into their tribe as he falls in love with Pocahontas. The film lyrically (some might say extremely slowly) explores the culThe New World. tural differences and tensions between the English settlers and the Native Americans. If you can leave your preconceived notions about conventional films behind and fall into the flow of the film, the artistry on display is amazing. Lawrence of Arabia – Peter O’Toole’s brilliant take on the conflicted, real life character TE Lawrence remains one of the best performances in film history. Director David Lean, who basically wrote the book on huge scale historical films (Doctor Zhivago, Bridge on the River Kwai…), has never been better. The set direcLawrence of Arabis. tion, photography, and costume design are unrivaled – even by today’s expensively realized standards.
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November events at the Paramount from page 11
NOVEMBER 9TH AND 10TH AT 8PM
PARAMOUNT CENTER FOR THE ARTS
Enigma
Down Home Pickin’ Parlor Schedule Thursday, November 1 8:00pm Jim Hurst Friday, November 2 9:00pm The Honeycutters Saturday, November 3 9:00pm Marshall Chapman Sunday, November 4
7:30pm Joseph Sobel CD release concert Saturday, November 10 9:00pm Wendy Howard Friday, November 16 9:00pm South Carolina Broadcasters Saturday, November 17 9:00pm
Newfound Road Saturday, November 24 9:00pm Ed Snodderly Band Friday, November 30 9:00pm Shawn Camp Saturday, December 1 9:00pm Lou Reid & Carolina
Pickin’ Porch schedule
Nov. 1 Tommy Rose Appalachian Trail
“2 Chairs, No Waiting” Enjoy great music and free cake
Nov. 8 Mountain Roads Recording Artists Siamese Cousins CD Rel
Nov. 15 - VW Boys Bob Smallwood
Nov. 8 Mountain Roads Recording Artists Siamese Cousins CD Release Party for
Nov. 22 No ShowHappy Thanksgiving
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Friday, Nov.9th 8:00pm and Saturday, Nov.10th at 8:00pm Junior League of Bristol presents Ballroom Blitz Dance, singing, and comedy are all incorporated in this production. You may purchase tickets from any Junior League of Bristol member, at the door, or by e-mailing info@jlbristol.org. The JLB is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable. We believe in women building better communities. Please see the JLB website for more info at http://www.jlbristol.org Saturday, November 17th at 7:30pm AN EVENING WITH DARRELL SCOTT Darrell Scott is a Grammy-nominated performer and recording artist, a highly demanded multiinstrumentalist (he plays 13 instruments!), and an ASCAP songwriter of the year. Darrell delivers his soulful performances in solo, duo, trio, band, and string quintet configurations, all equally dynamic and powerful. Darrell will be touring in 2012 in support of his new CD “Long Ride Home.” Songwriting credits include the Grammy Award winning “Long Time Gone” and “Heartbreak Town.” When not on tour with his own shows, Darrell plays in Robert Plant’s Band of Joy. Tickets: $20 in Advance, $25 at the Door PARAMOUNT SEASON SHOW! Monday, Nov.19th at 7:30pm MARK TWAIN AT -LARGE A one-man theatrical tour de force that seemingly channels the seventy-plus year old Clemens on e stormy night from his home called Stormfield in Connecticut. Racing in from thunderous rains, Clemens (aka Twain) invites the audience, his imaginary, captured guests, into his private study for an intimate face to face conversation filled with stories and anecdotes taken directly from the literary pages. Tickets: $24.00 Adult, $22.00 Senior, $15.50 Student, $20.50 Groups of 6 or more.
Out ‘ N About Magazine
Old Farm Reclaimed Lumber Works:
Putting people to work crafting beautiful, useful items for the home Johnson City, TN. --- Whether we want to admit it or not the holiday shopping season has started. Old Farm Reclaimed Lumber has been making homemade items for the home and business for over seven years. We have been concentrating on kitchen items such as cutting boards, lazy susans and dining room table accents. We are thankful for the generous retailers that carry our homemade reclaimed wood products. Our products are those “one of a kind” crafted items that make that hard to find unique gift easy to find. If you are looking for a different and unique gift this holiday season look no further than Mike Snapp’s assortment of hand crafted wood items made right here in our region. Mike is the owner of Old Farm Reclaimed Lumber. He and his crew’s handy work and craftsmanship has resulted in the making of items ranging from fine end grain cutting boards, pizza, peels, table tops, island tops, lazy Susan’s, and special orders from local restaurants. Some of his work is laced with exotic lumbers from around the world. Snapp came up with the idea back in the mid-1970s when he and his dad, P.C. Snapp took down an old barn in Hawkins County. “My dad and I got 1,000 board feet of wormy chestnut out of that old barn in Caney Valley with the help of my uncle Mike Grindstaff and friend Henry Derrick,” Snapp remembers. “Dad and I made picture frames, clocks, post office door banks, and bookcases for people. Now, as you can tell, we have a wide assortment of items and you can pick them up locally at five locations throughout the Tri-Cities: •The Honey Baked Ham and Café, 3101 Brownsmill Road, Johnson City, TN. 37604. •Corner Nest Antiques, 100 West Elk Avenue, Elizabethton, TN. 37643. •Boones Creek Potters’ Gallery, 2362 Boones Creek Road, Johnson City, TN. 37601. •Jonesborough General Store, Main Street, Jonesborough, TN. 37659
November 2012
Mike’s beach signs.
•Stock Pot, 3215 Hanover Road, Johnson City, TN. 37604.” “I guess I am most proud of the fact that I’ve been able to put several local people to work and at the same time offer durable cutting boards and other products from our workshop located right here in East Tennessee at an affordable price,” says Snapp. “And the materials used in our products are hand selected and we only use the best premier wood available. Our partnerships with the businesses listed above enables us to showcase the craftsmanship of our products that are available locally” he added. “The items are not only practical but they also present the beauty in locally grown lumber. We take pride in keeping the natural beauty of the wood grain in our products whether it be a lazy Susan or flooring for someone’s house.”
Factoid
Jennifer Reece, owner, Boones Creek Potters’ Gallery.
Penny Fuller, owner of Honey Baked Ham & Cafe.
Dean Chestnut and Joe Bush, owners, Jonesborough General Store.
Old Farm Reclaimed Lumber Works, LLP Michael R. Snapp, Owner 332 E. Springbrook Drive, Suite 600 Johnson City, TN 37601 Phone: 423-773-8970 oldfarmreclaimedlumber.com Michael.oldfarm@gmail.com
Lana Snyder and Carson Atkinson at Corner Nest Antiques Mall.
Cathy Utsman, Manager of Stock Pot.
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Attention All Singers:
Karaoke now in full swing at Country Club Bar & Grill Thursday nights Bristol, TN. --- Michelle Smith Gibson, owner of Country Club Bar & Grill, is bringing Karaoke to her club on Thursday nights after receiving a ton of requests from her customers. “I took some time to look into this opportunity and have entered an agreement with Missy and Brian Clouse, owners of Absolute Entertainment, and we are excited to be teaming up to open the doors to singers from all over the Tri-Cities who enjoy singing or just want a place to go to hear their friends sing and at the same time enjoy some good food and cold drinks.” Clouse is no stranger to Karaoke having been in the business for over 20 years. “I’ve always been a singer and was a member of the ETSU Bluegrass Band,” she said. “I worked with Leigh Ann Leonard at Star Tracks for about a year and then went out on my own forming Absolute Entertainment.”
Clouse is excited about the opportunity to be at Country Club Bar & Grill on Thursday night. “Before Damon’s closed in Bristol there would be 150 people going there for Karaoke every Thursday.” she says. “I really believe the Country Club will fill a void and give people in Bristol a first-class place to go on Thursday nights to sing and to be with friends. It’s all about having a good time. ” In the “old days” Clouse shared equipment with a friend who owned a local club. Nowadays her business has grown to the point of having two entire systems with the ability to literally be two places at once. Besides offering Karaoke at several Tri-Cities clubs throughout the week, Absolute Entertainment is also involved in weddings, private parties and offers a D.J. service. Clouse said her company will “hit the ground running” with the new opportunity in Bristol. “We have changed with the times. In the
past we used a disc-based system,” she explained. “Now, we use all certified computer based systems. Brian [her husband] and I have a motto which is ‘Have a successful show.’ Everyone is welcome to come out to the Country Club Bar & Grill on Thursday nights. It’s all about audience participation. You don’t have to be a professional singer but we have had many people start out in Karaoke and before you know it they are members of bands.” For example, Clouse points out that Mike Jones of the M.J. Experiment credits her for having the courage to start his own band. “The Karaoke experience took his fear away. He, like a lot of people got hooked and loved it.” Clouse said you never know who’ll walk into the door at “Karaoke night.” “Patty Loveless came out one night and Blessed Union of Soul; that was really cool,” she said. Two other friends, Amanda Gilreath and Dove Bush [does Dolly Parton routine] “are also fabulous singers and have talent and a fabulous following.” Clouse credits her in-laws for her and Brian’s success. “We have four shows this week and without them helping with the children we couldn’t do this,” she laughs. “And, our other employee, Markus Miller has been alongside us for over 17 years. We hope to see everyone Thursday nights at the Country Club Bar & Grill in Bristol. I guarantee a good time will be had by all!”
Factoid:
Country Club BAR & GRILL 3080 WEST STATE ST. (Old Hwy 11W) BRISTOL, TN - 423.844.0400 JOIN US ON FACEBOOK!
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Out ‘ N About Magazine
Homeward Bound Singer revisits roots, coming to ETSU T
Singer/ songwriter Kathy Mattea will perform at ETSU Sunday, Nov. 11.
wotime Grammy winner and Country Music Association female vocalist of the year Kathy Mattea will perform at ETSU, Sunday, Nov. 11 at 7 p.m. in Martha Street Culp Auditorium. The much-honored singer and songwriter with 16 Top 10 songs in her repertoire, is also a dedicated arts and education advocate, as well as a social and environmental activist, especially for issues regarding Appalachia. Signing with Mercury Records in 1983, the West Virginia native released her first No. 1 single, “Goin’ Gone,” in 1987 and a year later, “Eighteen Wheels and a Dozen Roses,” which won both the Country Music Association’s and Academy of Country Music’s Single Of The Year award. Mattea now has produced 18 albums, including the 2008 release, Coal, which paid tribute to, she says, “my place and my people” and the humane and environmental issues surrounding the coal mining in-
dustry in Appalachia. ‘‘Mattea owns a unique smoky alto with a tremendous amount of timbre and flexibility,” says reviewer Jeffrey B. Remz in the Country Standard Time. “She was equally at home on country, folk, soul and gospel numbers ... Mattea may not be riding high on the charts these days, but as long as she keeps putting out music like Coal and bringing it on stage, she need not have any worries.’’ Mattea, she says, listens to her musical conscience. Her newest release, Calling Me Home, that came out this fall, takes her back to her folk and bluegrass roots. It’s a very good place for Mattea to be, her website says. “I feel like I just made the album of my life; I articulated something I was put here to say. It’s my childhood and life experience of a sense of place and culture and history and family, and of all the music that I’ve learned and all I’ve learned performing all rolled into one thing.” Tickets are $5 for all students with ID, $25 general admission and $20 for seniors 60 and over. For information or tickets, call ETSU Mary B. Martin School of the Arts at 423-439-TKTS (8587) or visit www. etsu.edu/cas/arts.
Film probes ‘plastic’ culture with humor Try going a day without plastic. Plastic is everywhere and infiltrates modern-day lives in subtle ways. Bag It is a touching and humorous film that follows everyman Jeb Berrier as he embarks on a global tour to unravel the complexities of our plastic world. The Mary B. Martin School of the Arts presents Bag It with narrator and actor Jeb Berrier as part of the South Arts Southern Circuit Tour of Independent Filmmakers on Monday, Nov. 5, at 7 p.m. in ETSU’s Martha Street Culp Auditorium. Following the film, Berrier and the au-
November 2012
dience will engage in a discussion about the film. A reception with the actor will follow. The event is free. Bag It shows how our crazy-for-plastic world has finally caught up with us, and what we can do about it. “Bag It is a great example of a film that not only entertains an audience, but changes hearts and minds,” said Emily Verellen, programs director of The Fledgling Fund, which supports innovative media projects addressing social issues. Visit www.etsu.edu/cas/arts for information on the film and its sponsors.
Silver Cornet Band combines nostalgia, humor, musicianship
Summer evening picnics visiting with friends and enjoying tunes by the hometown brass band in the vine-covered gazebo are things of the past. But Mr. Jack Daniel’s Original Silver Cornet Band takes its listeners traveling back in time to the early 1900s, before jukeboxes, television, stereos, computers and iPods. The band, affectionately patterned after a hometown band started in 1892 by Jasper Newton “Jack” Daniel in Lynchburg, Tenn., will brush off the gazebo and rocking chair and present its dozen musicians for another live performance, at ETSU’s Martha Street Culp Auditorium on Thursday, Nov. 1, at 7:30 p.m. The group has been weaving its old-time musical magic since the 1970s, and by 1978, Mr. Jack Daniel’s Original Silver Cornet Band had made three albums and two PBS specials. After that, “the pride and joy of Lynchburg, Tenn.” packed up its gazebo and period costumes and horns – plus percussion, guitar and banjo – and took its “Hometown Saturday Night” tour on the road, performing year-round for audiences of all ages in the U.S. and Canada. “This is a group from the very beginning of the Mary B. Martin School of the Arts, we’ve wanted to bring to ETSU – one because they’re from Tennessee, and two, because they’re lots of fun,” says MBM SOTA Director Anita DeAngelis. The show is more than just a concert, says band manager and cornet player Bernie Walker. “People who come to the show are in for a unique treat. There’s nothing else like it -- great music, humor, nostalgia, all in one show.” For tickets, visit www.etsu.edu/cas/arts.
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So Many PoSSibiliTieS!
Two UniqUe STageS . . . November is an exciting month, isn’t it?
The folks at Barter Theatre, a professional live theatre in Abingdon, Va., sure do think so. Rehearsals for their Christmas shows are well underway and there’s still time left in the fall repertory, but the clock is ticking. Through November 10 at Barter Stage II, you’re invited to the prom; the “Zombie Prom,” that is. Also, through November 11, Barter can take you to a modern day farm in the world premiere of “The Wind Farmer.” At Barter Theatre Main Stage through November 17, there’s the world premiere of “October, Before I Was Born” and the regional premiere “Tarzan: The Stage Musical” which is based off the Disney film. Right now, the artists are gearing up for one of the most anticipated shows in recent history: “A Christmas Story,” based on the Jean Shepherd film, opens on November 23. The story has been watched time and time again by all ages, and now you can see it like never before, on the Barter stage! Make time this Christmas season for your family to enjoy this holiday classic—complete with all your favorite scenes from the movie: the triple-dog dare, the bunny suit, the leg lamp, the Little Orphan Annie decoder ring and more.
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Playing across the street at Barter Stage II is a brandspanking new play by the comedic duo that brought us “Don’t Cry For Me, Margaret Mitchell,” “Elvis Has Left the Building” and “Dracula Bites.” Duke Ernburger and V. Cate have penned “Sherlock Holmes and the Christmas Goose” based on Arthur Conan Doyle’s “Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Blue Carbuncle.” The game’s afoot beginning November 20 as Sherlock and Dr. Watson go on what may be a wild-goose chase in search of the mysterious Shropshire Slasher. Christmas time is the perfect time for a trip to downtown Abingdon, Virginia. Barter Theatre gift certificates and Season PassBooks make a great gift for everyone, and Abingdon is also home to many fine shops like Abingdon Olive Oil Company with infused olive oil and balsamic vinegars and nothing can stand up to a sweet tooth like Anthony’s Desserts. To plan your trip to Barter Theatre in Abingdon, Va., call 276.628.3991 or visit BarterTheatre.com. Ask about the special package discounts with tickets, dining and lodging. Here’s to a fabulous fall wrapup and a jump start on spending some special time with the ones you love this holiday season. Call Barter Theatre’s Box Office at 276.628.3991 or visit BarterTheatre.com for more information.
Out ‘ N About Magazine
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November 2012
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Out ‘ N About Magazine
Powering the Future
It’s about investing in where we do business... where we live and where we raise our families. Hitomi grew up in Unicoi County, raised her family here and contributed to making our county even better in her 32 years as an NFS employee. She is just one of hundreds of NFS employees who call Unicoi County their home. For Hitomi and her fellow NFS employees, it’s not just about a job — it’s about seriously
“After 32 years here, I can say there’s no place like home.”
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November 2012
11/22/10 2:22 PM
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Gold Rush Get Your Holiday Cash Now!!
Paying Top Price for Your Unwanted Gold, Silver, Platinum and Coins
Jeremy Clemens Johnson City, TN. — Conveniently located in North Johnson City across from Kroger and next to Java Rush, Gold Rush is locally owned by Jeremy Clemens. “We buy gold, silver, platinum and coins of any karat, condition or age,” Clemens said. “We pay top price. Cash on the spot. No Checks!” Some of the many items that Clemens will purchase from you include: watches, rings, bracelets, necklaces, earrings, broaches, pins, and he is also a coin dealer. “I guess we all have some old
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jewelry and coins lying around that we don’t wear anymore and really don’t have any use for. Why not turn those items into instant cash?” Clemens said. Gold Rush is open Monday through Saturday and they even have a drive through window for your convenience. Clemens will also help coordinate your gold party and pay you for hosting it in the privacy of your home or office. “You can call and make an appointment and I will come to your house or office and evaluate your gold, silver or platinum,” Clemens explained. “And we also buy and deal in coins and coin collections.” Clemens and his family have over 34 years of experience in the business. Other family members own the Ideal Cards & Coins Company, in Ohio. “I’m a local businessman that you can deal with face-to-face instead of mailing your gold or jewelry off to people you don’t
know and may not be getting nize me on the field,” he said the best deal for what you are with a laugh. “I enjoy coachselling,” he said matter-of-fact- ing year-round and it gives me time to spend with ly. my kids.” Jeremy is married to Melissa and they have three children: Maddie, 8; Josh, 12; and Joey 5. They attend St. Mary’s Church Clemens and his family live in Johnson City. “I really enjoy working with in Washington County and he is an active coach of the Junior the public every day and giving people the best deal possible when they are selling their gold, silver, platinum or coins,” he added. “I invite the readers of Out ‘N About Magazine to come by and get the best deal possible on their gold, silver, platinum or coins. And, if you’d like to make an appointTopper football team and he ment away from the store, just also coaches baseball, T-Ball, give me a call. We are all about and soccer. “You might recog- customer service.”
Convenient Drive Thru Service
Out ‘ N About Magazine
New menu item:
Alta Cucina offers affordable gourmet pizza pies Johnson City, TN. --- Not only did Out ‘N About Magazine readers select Alta Cucina as their favorite authentic Italian restaurant, they are now discovering a new delightful addition to its menu: affordable gourmet pizza. “After getting several requests from customers wanting gourmet pizza pies to take home after work or to eat while watching football or other sporting events, and [after I did a lot of research], I decided to add it to the menu,” Chef/Owner Moe Aliabadi said. “Right now, we offer six different gourmet pie selections or you can choose to create your own gourmet pie from our extensive 21item menu.” Moe explains that only the freshest ingredients are used in Alta Cucina’s gourmet pizza pies and you can even select them gluten free. The ingredients on Moe’s 12 inch pizza lay on a fresh hand tossed crust. Customers have the choice of any sauce and any cheese and can add any topping for only $2 as they build their individual pizza pie. On our visit, we selected the Alta Cucina Pie consisting of eggplant, fresh tomato, red onion, homemade fresh mozzarella cheese, grilled beef tenderloin and fresh basil. The pie was hot, delicious and piled high with ingredients. At just $15, it was a bargain and much larger than expected forcing us to ask for a “go box.” Next time we plan to order the Milano or Margarita pie. The Milano consists of: portabella mushroom, garlic, roasted eggplant, goat cheese, hamburger, and fresh basil in a tangy marinara sauce. The items listed for the Margarita pie include: fresh tomato, red onion, feta cheese, buffalo cheese, and fresh basil in olive oil balsamic sauce. The other delightful gourmet pies offered with a variety of items from the 21 item topping menu include: Roman Pie, Spinach White Pie, and the Vegan Pie. Call ahead and your gourmet pizza pies will be waiting for you to pick up or sit and enjoy your pizza at one of the many comfortable tables inside [or out] of the restaurant. If you choose to build your our gourmet pizza pie the toppings are as follows: grilled beef tenderloin, portabella mushroom, sun dried tomato, crimini mushroom, goat cheese, feta cheese, spinach, roasted red pepper, red onion, eggplant, Italian sausage, ham, peperoni, Alta Cucina hamburger, homemade fresh mozzarella, fresh garlic, button mushroom, jalapeno, fresh tomato and black or green olives. Bar none, in our opinion, Alta Cucina’s new gourmet pizza pies are the freshest, most affordable gourmet pizza meal you’ll find anywhere in the Tri-Cities. Eat in with friends or family or pick up your gourmet pizza tonight. Just be sure you bring your appetite!
November 2012
Crazy Cupcake owner Allison Winfield with Reader’s Choice plaque. Alta Cucina servers present gluten free pie to a customer.
Chef /owner Moe Aliabadi pours wine to go with a pizza for a customer.
FACTOID Alta Cucina Authentic Italian Restaurant 1200 North Roan Street Johnson City, TN. 37601 423-928-2092 www.altacucinajc.com Chef/owner: Moe Aliabadi
Crazy Cup Cake is a winner with readers Jonesborough, TN. --- There are many places in the Tri-Cities to purchase bakery goods, cupcakes and desserts. But the readers of Out ‘N About Magazine recently picked The Crazy Cupcake in downtown Jonesborough as the “Best of the Best” in both the Best Bakery and Best Dessert categories. “Our cupcakes are beautifully decorated according to flavor, but if you’re looking for something a little more special, customized cupcakes are available,” says owner Allison Winfield. “The Crazy Cupcake is a gourmet cupcake bakery. All of our cupcakes are baked fresh every morning and throughout the day as needed, in small batches so they are always fresh. They are made with the best ingredients such as whole Madagascar Vanilla beans. We use varying local ingredients depending on the season. Combine our cupcakes with a great cup of coffee and a fun atmosphere and where else would you want to be? We also offer free wi-fi. A wide variety of made-fromscratch unique cupcakes are offered; both sweet and savory varieties. In fact, 60 varieties are offered to the public on The Crazy Cupcake website. And, Special Orders are welcome. “If you want to call ahead we’ll have the cupcakes waiting for you,” adds Alli-
son. “And, we welcome the opportunities to help to prepare for that special event.” FACTOID The Crazy Cupcake 135 East Main Street Jonesborough, TN. 37659 Phone: 423-913-4497 www.The-Crazy-Cupcake.com faceboook: The.Crazy.Cupcake.TN. Hours of Operation: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m. Sunday- Thursday Closed Tuesday 12 p.m. – 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday Special Orders Welcome! Cupcakes so good they make you go crazy!! Voted the Best of Tri-Cities 2012: Best Dessert and Best Bakery.
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Country Club BAR & GRILL
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423.844.0400 JOIN US ON FACEBOOK!
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LIVE BANDS: Friday & Saturday
NOW OPEN 7 P.M. - 2 A.M. THURSDAY - SATURDAY New
Ladies Night & Karaoke Thursday with Missy Clouse and Absolute Entertainment Drink and Food Specials AVAILABLE!
Country Club Bar & Grill Band Schedule for November Friday, Nov. 2 That 80’s Band Saturday, Nov. 3 7 Mile Ford (back after 2 1/2 years) Friday, Nov. 9 Retroville Saturday, Nov. 10 Road Tripp Friday, Nov. 16 Hillbilly Outlaws (1st time playing the country club) Saturday, Nov. 17 James Meadows & The Country Mile Drifters Friday, Nov. 23 & Saturday, Nov. 24 Turkey Jam with Acoustifried Fri & Sat 11/30-12/1 A weekend with Thomas Taylor
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