Out ‘N About MAGAZINE®
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MAY 2012
Happy Mother’ Sunday s Day! , May 13 th Remem Memori ber al Day! Monday , May 28 th Corner Nest Antique Mall presents its new Garden Center
We Guarantee $300 Below Their Best Price!
Here’s what competitive owners are saying about Ford.
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After comparing all brands of economy sedans it was clear to me that the new Focus was the overall best value.
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My new Ecoboost F150 has all the power of a V8 with the gas mileage of a V6!
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Bobby & Elva Chambers Elizabethton, TN
Trooper William Collier Rogersville, TN
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Traci McPeek Jonesborough, TN
1 EPA-estimated 28 city/40 hwy/33 mpg, SE with SFE Package. 2 EPA-estimated 16/ city22 hwy/18 combined mpg, 3.5L V6 4x2. Class is Full-Size Pickups under 8,500 lbs. GVR, Non-Hybrid 26-gallon tank. 21 hwy mpg 4x4 shown. 3 Optional. 4 Based on EPAestimated 30 hwy mpg, 18-gallon tank. 7 Based on CYTD sales, 11/11.
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Out ‘ N About Magazine
Mimi Lucille Boutique:
New Elizabethton Fashion Store Welcomes Women of All Ages & Offers Latest Styles Elizabethton, TN. --- Lindsay Taylor, the eighteen yearold owner of Mimi Lucille Boutique is a hard-working young business owner that has done her work when it comes to presenting fashionable clothes and accessories to women of all ages. A student of the fashion industry, Lindsay’s boutique is on the cutting edge of offering stylish women’s fashions that you can’t find anywhere else in the Tri-Cities. “The items you find here you won’t find at the mall,” Lindsay says. “I offer stylish clothing of all types for women of all ages and at the same time offer shoes, jewelry, purses and accessories to compliment any wardrobe.” Lindsay opened her store in August of 2011 in an effort to offer comfortable but stylish clothing to the women of the Tri-Cities at a reasonable price. You could call her a student of the fashion industry and her
age does not reflect her knowledge of her craft. “You’ll find the latest fashion trends here at Mimi Lucille Boutique,” she said matter-of-factly. “I travel to Las Vegas, Atlanta and New York City on buying trips to the apparel marts. Those experiences enable me to present a professional boutique to the women of our area who are always looking for the latest fashions and trends that heretofore you really couldn’t find.” Lindsay says she enjoys the hands on experience with her customers. “I give people a personal shopping experience that fits their everyday lifestyle,” she said. “No matter what your taste might be I offer women in our area a trendy fashion look with a personal touch.” Lindsay’s long-range goal is to complete her studies at the world-renowned LIM College of Fashion in New York City with a degree in fashion and marketing.
Store Owner Lindsay Taylor welcomes women of all ages and from all over the Tri-Cities to visit her boutique.
Factoid
Mimi Lucille Boutique
106 Broad Street Suite 1 Elizabethton, TN 37643 Hours: 11 a.m. 6 p.m. Saturday 10 a.m. 3 p.m. Phone: 423-707-4351 Fax: 423-297-1216 Welcome All Fashionistas
May 2012
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Maine Attraction:
New East Coast chef at Corner Nest Antique Mall has exciting things planned for lunch, dinner and special events
Elizabethton, TN. — The new chef at the Corner Nest Café not only comes armed with years of experience but he is also an honors graduate from the prestigious Culinary Institute of America located in Hyde Park, New York. Norman Brillant, who is originally from Maine, ran a bakery there for 10 years after [also] graduating from Dunwoody Institute for Bakers. In the late 1980s, he headed south to Charleston, South Carolina working in management at a nursing home as well as a Sams Club before taking a job as executive chef at an orphanage. Last September, he accepted a teaching job at the South East Culinary College in Bristol, Virginia as its pastry chef. More recently, he became friends with Robin Blackwell,
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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the owner of Corner Nest Antique Mall and the rest, as they say, is history. “Robin offered me this great opportunity to come in and expand the daily menu and at the same time offer people the opportunity to have large or small parties [here] including baby showers, bridal showers and weddings. Everybody is so excited and so am I!” Brillant laughs when he admits he, “was the first boy in high school to take ‘Home Economics.’ I also had a pet cow and was raised on a farm. I ended up in the south to escape the harsh winters of the north and I have never looked back.” One of the first things Brillant plans to do is expand the hours at Corner Nest Café to seven days a week. The restaurant had previously been closed on Mondays. “We’ll be open daily from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. for lunch and I am looking into expanding our hours to offer dinner on Friday and Saturday nights if there is a demand,” he said matter-offactly. “I have given up the teaching position for this opportunity which means I’m now self-employed and will devote all my time and effort in presenting a great restaurant for our customers to enjoy.” Brillant points out that his food will be made from scratch. “I will be roasting my own turkey breast so the tur-
key sandwiches will be fresh to order and not processed from a package. I am also offering made-from-scratch cakes, pies and pastries with special ordering available with a simple 24 hour notice. I can take the worry out of that need for a special occasion or wedding cake. Or, should you need pastries for a party or business meeting I’m your guy.” Planning a diversified menu for lunch, Brillant will offer daily specials including grilled sandwiches, omelets, and speciality items. On Sunday, his menu will be of a special variety offering three or four choices of entrées not just one or two.
“Everything is happening fast and I can’t wait to get started,” he said. As a matterof-fact, the interview took place while he was on the road back to Charleston to retrieve his equipment. By the time you read this
story Brillant would have already opened his café inside Corner Nest Antique Mall. Let’s welcome him to the area by going by there for lunch or dinner [soon] or by buying one of his signature pies or cakes.
Factoid: Norman Brillant Corner Nest Café Inside Corner Nest Antique Mall 100 West Elk Avenue Elizabethton, Tennessee 37643 Open Daily from 11 a.m. 3 p.m. 423-543-6378
Made from scratch sandwiches, omelets, deserts. Specialty cakes, pies, and pastries to order.
Major credit cards accepted.
Out ‘ N About Magazine
Tax Season is over! Greetings from the IRS!!! Now that most of you have filed your form 1040 for 2011, many will receive a letter from the IRS. At this time of the year, the most common letter is for claiming the wrong estimated tax payment. The IRS will match their records with your tax return. Hopefully they will agree. Many times they do not as a result of transposing a number or claiming the wrong amount paid. When we prepare tax returns, the most common error related to estimated tax occurs when a client gives us a payment made in the current tax year that was actually designated for the prior year. Also, the IRS is just now getting around to matching the 2010 form 1040 tax returns with pension and annuity distributions reported on form 1099-R that were sent to them by the trustee of the IRA or pension plan. Form 1099-R is the form sent to you that explains any distribution from a qualified retirement plan or annuity. This could be an IRA, 401(k) plan, annuity or many other types of deferred compensation plans. In addition to the amount reported, the form describes the nature of the distribution and whether it is subject to regular income tax and the 10% penalty for premature distribution. Distribution codes are often wrong. Always check to be sure the code is correct. If the code is not, ask the Trustee to correct it. A common mistake we are finding for the tax year 2010 is related to distributions that are rolled over to a Roth IRA or a rollover or distribution that consists of IRA contributions that include nondeductible contributions. If you have made contributions to an IRA that were nondeductible, you will have basis to claim upon filing your tax return for the year of the distribution. You should include a form 8606 with the tax return to claim the basis as nontaxable income. We have had multiple instances where the IRS has failed to process the form 8606 correctly. Anytime you get a letter from the IRS, please be sure to share it with your tax preparer. Do not pay or sign an agreement with the IRS without seeking advice unless you are absolutely sure that the IRS is correct.
&
Lewis
Associates, P.C.
Certified Public Accountants Kenneth L. Lewis, C.P.A., President John F. Hunter, CPA T. Craig Ratliff, CPA Wayne Turbyfield, CPA Jeff Jennings, CPA Jennifer C. Penix, CPA Michel G. O’Rorke, CPA Karen Glover, CPA Princeton Professional Building •136 Princeton Road • Johnson City, TN 37601 Johnson City: 423.926.6475 • Kingsport: 423.246.1356 • Erwin: 423.743.8692 • Elizabethton: 423.547.3795 Toll Free: 1.877.CPA.4241 • Fax: 423-926-3949 or 423.282.3191 • www.LewisCPAs.com Members: American Institute of Certified Public Accountants • Tennessee Society of Certified Public Accountants • Virginia Society of Certified Public Accountants
&
Lewis
Associates, P.C.
Certified Public Accountants
Kenneth L. Lewis, C.P.A. Certified Public Accountant/President
423-926-5138
CPA
TM
136 Princeton Road • Johnson City, TN 37601 America Counts on CPAs Toll Free: 1-877-CPA-4241 • Fax: 423-926-3949 Email: KenL@LewisCPAs.com • www.LewisCPAs.com Members of American Institute Tennessee Society and Virginia Society of Certified Public Accountants
Celebrates its 2nd Year Anniversary May 2012
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, Publisher Lynne Ogle, Vice President & General Manager Jon Ruetz, Associate Editor Kristi Curtin, Advertising Sales Consultant Robert D. “Bob” Murray, Vice President/Promotions Jeri George, WQUT Music & Concert Information Congressman Dr. Phil Roe, Featured Columnist
Volume 2, Issue 12
Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey, Featured Columnist Mary Ellen Miller, Featured Columinist Ken Lewis, Accountant, Featured Columnist Special Contributing writers/editors/photographers: Leah Prater, Chandra Shell, Christine Webb, Kevin Brown, Mike White, Matt Laws, 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.
Advertising contained in this publication is accepted by the publisher upon the representation that the individual, agency or advertiser is authorized to publish the entire contents and subject matter contained in the advertisement. The individual, agency or advertiser agrees to indemnify and save and hold harmless from any loss of expense resulting from claims, legal action or suits based upon contents or any advertising, including any claims or suits for defamation, copyright infringement, libel, plagiarism or right of privacy. We reserve the right to edit or reject any copy or ads not germane to the spirit of this Magazine. Publication of advertising in this publication does not constitute endorsement by the Publisher/Editor.
May 2012
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TONY SKOLE BUCCANEER BASEBALL CAMP JUNE 11-14 AND JULY 9-12 • 9AM-NOON AGES: 5-14 (BOYS) • THOMAS STADIUM
BUCCANEER SOFTBALL SKILLS CAMP JUNE 11-14 • 9AM-4PM JUNE 19-20 • 10AM-3PM AGES: 7-18 (GIRLS) • BETTY BASLER FIELD
LADY BUCCANEER BASKETBALL CAMP
MURRY BARTOW BUCCANEER BASKETBALL CAMP
JUNE 18-21 • 9AM-4PM AGES: GRADES 3-12 • MSHA ATHLETIC CENTER
JUNE 25-28 • 9AM-4:30PM AGES: 5-15 (BOYS) • MSHA ATHLETIC CENTER
ETSU MEN’S SOCCER ACADEMY DAY CAMP
ETSU MEN’S SOCCER ACADEMY ELITE RESIDENTIAL CAMP
JUNE 11-14 • 9AM-4PM AGES: 6-14 (BOYS) • SUMMERS-TAYLOR STADIUM
JULY 18-21 AGES: 12-18 (BOYS) • SUMMERS-TAYLOR STADIUM
LADY BUCS SOCCER ACADEMY DAY CAMP
LADY BUCS SOCCER ACADEMY ELITE RESIDENTIAL CAMP
JUNE 4-8 • 9AM-4PM AGES: 5-14 (GIRLS) • SUMMERS-TAYLOR STADIUM
JULY 15-18 AGES: 10-18 (GIRLS) • SUMMERS-TAYLOR STADIUM
BUCCANEER VOLLEYBALL INDIVIDUAL CAMP
BUCCANEER VOLLEYBALL TEAM CAMP
JULY 8-11 AGES: 10-18 (GIRLS) • BROOKS GYM
JULY 12-15 • BROOKS GYM
FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT WWW.ETSUBUCS.COM/FANZONE/CAMPS
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Out ‘ N About Magazine
From the ashes of the Phoenix:
After 0-8 start ETSU tennis team prevails
Johnson City, TN. --- “You just never give up,” ETSU men’s tennis coach Yaser Zaatini said with a smile when confronted with the question, ‘How in the world do you start the season 0-8 and come back to win a championship?’” The veteran Venezuelan coach however, pulls no punches in assessing his team in the early days of the season. “I told them, ‘You know what? You’re playing like crap and you are better than that’. There were four or five matches we should have won on the last point but we didn’t. I also reminded them of one of the many sayings I have on my wall, ‘Saying you can win and actually winning are two different things.’” Even with nearly a dozen championships under his belt and an astonishing six A-Sun tennis titles in a row, Zaatini says A-Sun Conference tennis is brutal competition-wise. “On any given day any team can beat the other,” he says. “Our three seniors are the soul of our team and when we were experiencing the losing streak some people thought they could be the worst looking team in the history of ETSU and highly doubted whether they would leave their mark at ETSU. I knew they were better than that and I encouraged them to send a message to the competition and they rose to the occasion.” No one beats the drum louder than Zaatini when it comes to ETSU tennis. The standout former player admits that the program has come a long way since he played at ETSU years ago. “Coach [Dave] Mullins, [current ETSU Athletic Director] was my coach and we had no equipment or uniforms; in fact we only had two pairs of tennis shorts,” he chuckles. “But he did everything in his power to make the program successful and it was. But, we don’t raise any
May 2012
ETSU Tennis Coach Yaser Zaatini with the 2012 team championship trophy.
money for the university. We are however, great ambassadors and advertisers . . . salesmen for the university for our tennis program and the Johnson City community. That is something of great value that I think is difficult to put a price on.” Zaatini has been pushing for new facilities since he stepped into the head coaching role in 1992. His dream is to someday see ETSU build indoors tennis courts. But, being a realist, “that’s just a dream of mine,” he admits and for now he says he’ll be satisfied with the new outdoor courts scheduled to be completed by September. “The monster of the beast is we graduate players and we have to re-
build the team seemingly every year. We have only 4 [and1/2] scholarships and it’s not personal but I want the cream of the crop,” he said matterof-factly. “I am fortunate to have the absolute support of the administration who provides us with the tools to travel, outfit our players, feed them and give them the opportunity to travel to places they’ve never been before. They support us whether we are winning or losing. From my boss, Barbie Breedlove, to Dave Mullins to the president. They are fair with all the coaches here at ETSU.” Zaatini is an ardent taskmaster when it comes to competition. “Even if you are on scholarship there is no
guarantee you will play. You have to earn the spot. I’ve had top 100 players in the country sitting on the bench. I’m 41 [years old] and I guess I’m old school. To me every loss feels like the end of the world. And, because we are ETSU with a winning tradition I see other teams in the conference trying their best against us when they don’t play nearly as hard versus other teams. I take that as a tribute and a compliment to our team and our school.” Last month, ETSU beat rival North Florida 4-1 at the Bristol Racquet Club turning their rock bottom start into an improbable championship and thus, earning them a berth in the upcoming NCAA championships.
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Treasurer Hunter:
Erwin antique dealer discovers historical railroad ledgers
seven volumes of turn of the century railroad ledger books at an estate sale. The one-of-a-kind financial ledger books present the fascinating activities of local railroad building from 1905 to 1910. “How they kept up with the men’s time and pay was unbelievable,” Hashe said in an exclusive interview with Out ‘N About Magazine. “The more I look at these books the more fascinating they become. They kept the books balanced right down to every penny. In fact, they even wrote some checks for a penny or [just] John Hashe and friend Pat Hughes examine one of the books. several cents. They are historical Street Antique Mall for decades treasurers and I’m very excited to By Ron L. Scalf Erwin, TN. — John Hashe has been home to an array of odd, have come across them.” The ledgers paint a vivid fifinds and sells old things. Some interesting and eclectic items. nancial picture of the companies Recently, John hit the “mother items are more valuable than that built our local railroads as others but his downtown Main lode” so-to-speak when he bought well as the Clinchfield Coal Corporation. The documents present what appears to be painstakingly calligraphy-like pen strokes on onion thin paper manufactured by Mann’s Genuine Japanese Paper Company [as stamped on the inside cover of the books]. Hashe pointed out several recognizable names listed in the books including Summer Parrot, A.R. Brown’s store, located on Gay Street, which he said was the local Wal-Mart of the day and Union Bank which was eventually bought out by Erwin National Bank. According to a Clinchfield newsletter obtained by Hashe, in 1905George L. Carter bought the property owned by the Ohio and Charleston railroad companies in bankruptcy court. He then started the South & West Railroad Company and was responsible for the Clinchfield [a household name in these parts] section route to
Old photographs John purchased depicting days gone by at Embree Iron Works Company.
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n See HASHE, 16
John points out the names of local business leaders contained in one book.
An inside page of one of the ledger books listing certain accounts.
Factoid If you’re Out’N About in Erwin and want to take a look at John Hashe’s railroad artifacts and historical books you can find him most days at: Main Street Mall 100 South Main Avenue Erwin, Tennessee 37650 423-743-7810
Out ‘ N About Magazine
WQUT Concert Schedule Tennessee Theatre in Knoxville: May 1 Death Cab for Cutie May 8 Megadeth May 9 Vince Gill May 14 Bonnie Raitt May 25 Janes Addiction June 1 Styx June 12 Alice Cooper Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival in Manchester, TN: June 7-10 Red Hot Chili Peppers, Radiohead, Phish, Alice Cooper, The Beach Boys and many more! Greensboro Coliseum in Greensboro, N.C. Aug 1 Rod Stewart & Stevie Nicks The Arena at Gwinnett Center in Duluth, GA: Jun 22 Lady Antebellum Ryman Auditorium in Nashville: May 6 Levon Helm May 12 Bonnie Raitt May 15 & 16 Jack White May 18 Trace Adkins May 30 Bob Weir, Chris Robinson & Jackie Greene July 7 Ringo and his All-Starr Band (Birthday Show) July 10 The Jacksons July 27 Crosby, Stills & Nash Oct 30 Ian Anderson
May 2012
Bridgestone Arena in Nashville: May 5 Eric Church, Brantley Gilbert and Blackberry Smoke May 11 Staind and Godsmack May 19 Miranda Lambert, Chris Young & Jerrod Niemann June 12 & 13 Michael Jackson The Immortal Tour by Cirque du Soleil Jun 19 Roger Waters - The Wall live Jun 20 ZZ Top, 2 Doors Down and Gretchen Wilson July 3 Def Leppard July 12 James Taylor July 24 Rod Stewart & Stevie Nicks Sept 4 Kiss and Motley Crue Time Warner Cable Arena in Charlotte, N.C.: July 3 Coldplay July 10 Roger Waters - The Wall live Nov 15 Madonna Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre in Charlotte: May 17 Reo Speedwagon, Styx & Ted Nugent May 23 Dave Matthews Band June 9 Lady Antebellum June 21 Iron Maiden and Alice Cooper July 25 Kiss and Motley Crue July 27 Nickelback, Bush & My Darkest Days PNC Center (formerly RBC Center) in Raleigh, N.C.: July 9 Roger Waters - The Wall live
Harrah’s in Cherokee, N.C.: Jun 2 KD Lang Jun 6 Foreigner
Thomas Wolfe Auditorium in Asheville, N.C.: Sept 28 Ian Anderson (of Jethro Tull)
Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park in Alpharetta, GA: May 2 & 4 Eagles May 20 Reo Spedwagon, Styx and Ted Nugent Jun 10 ZZ Top, 3 Doors Down & Gretchen Wilson July 14 Crosby, Stills & Nash
Cobb Energy Perofrming Arts Center in Atlanta: Sept 27 Ian Anderson (of Jethro Tull)
House of Blues in Myrtle Beach, S.C.: May 12 Big Head Todd and the Monsters May 14 Uncle Kracker May 17 Theory of a Deadman with Pop Evil Philips Arena in Atlanta: May 2 Nickelback with Bush, Seether and My Darkest Days June 6 Neil Diamond June 13 Roger Waters - The Wall live July 2 Coldplay Chastain Park Ampitheatre in Atlanta: May 19 Steve Winwood Jun 7 Sting Jun 15 Willie Nelson July 3 Sarah McLachlan July 24 Chicago and The Doobie Brothers
Time Warner Pavilion at Walnut Creek in Raleigh, N.C.: July 22 Kiss and Motley Crue
Variety Playhouse in Atlanta: Aug 3 Little Feat Aaron’s Amphitheatre at Lakewood in Atlanta: May 22 Dave Matthews Band Jun 23 Iron Maiden Jun 29 Def Leppard July 24 Kiss and Motley Crue Oct 6 Journey, Pat Benatar & Loverboy For more details visit our website or look for our listings every month in Out ‘N About Magazine or call us at WQUT!
PUZZLE ANSWERS PAGE 27
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ANNOUNCING
Out ‘N About Magazine’s
General Rules: •Vote for Local Businesses in the Main Categories. Out ‘N About Magazine’s The Best of the Tri-Cities Reader’s Poll aims to showcase the institutions that make the Tri-Cities unique. That means locally owned or created businesses. •Fill out most of the categories otherwise your ballot will not be counted. In the Best of the Best categories, three of the five must be filled out. •SUBMIT YOUR BALLOT EITHER ON LINE OR IN THE MAIL. Only one ballot per person will be allowed. If you vote online – only one verified e-mail address per ballot is allowed and a viable email address is required. For print – photocopying the blank (completely blank) ballot is allowed. Paper ballots must include your name, address, and phone number. Address for mailed ballots is Out ‘N About Management, PO Box 368, Milligan College, TN 376820368. •Deadline for Out ‘N About Magazine’s The Best of the Tri-Cities is May 28th, 2012. •We reserve the right in any category where there appears to be irregularities in the voting process. •NOTE: Out ‘N About Magazine’s “Best of the Tri-Cities” is an opinion poll of our readers. It’s not a statistical representation of the Tri-Cities. But we believe Out ‘N About Magazine readers really do know what’s best!
____________________________ Best Martini ____________________________ Best Bloody Mary ____________________________ Best Happy Hour ____________________________ Best Wine Selection (Restaurant) ____________________________ Best Liquor Store ____________________________ Best Beer Market
DRINKS
________________________________ Best Margarita ________________________________ Sweet Tea ________________________________ Best Beer Selection (Restaurant) ________________________________ Best Bar or Pub ________________________________ Best Wine Store ________________________________ Best Sports Bar
NAME: ____________________________________________________________ ADDRESS: __________________________________________________________ PHONE NUMBER OR EMAIL ____________________________________________ ____________________________ Best Overall Restaurant ____________________________ Best New Restaurant ____________________________ Best Breakfast ____________________________ Best Brunch ____________________________ Best Business Lunch Spot ____________________________ Best Ribs ____________________________ Best Pizza ____________________________ Best Hot Dog ____________________________ Best Barbecue ____________________________ Best Sushi ____________________________ Best Home Cooking ____________________________ Best Asian ____________________________ Best Appetizers ____________________________ Best Patio ____________________________ Best Doughnuts
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FOOD
________________________________ Best Bakery ________________________________ Best Ice Cream ________________________________ Best Deli ________________________________ Best Salad ________________________________ Best Steak ________________________________ Best Wings ________________________________ Best Hamburger ________________________________ Best French Fries ________________________________ Best Seafood ________________________________ Best Desserts ________________________________ Best Italian ________________________________ Best Sandwich Shop ________________________________ Best Chef (Include Restaurant Name) ________________________________ Best $5.00 meal ________________________________ Best Coffee
HEALTH and MEDICAL SERVICES
____________________________ Best General Practitioner ____________________________ Best Dentist ____________________________ Best Physical Therapy Center ____________________________ Best Cosmetic Surgeon ____________________________ Best Medi-Spa ____________________________ Best Fitness Center ____________________________ Best Veterinarian
________________________________ Best Chiropractor ________________________________ Best Optometrist ________________________________ Best Walk-In/Urgent Care ________________________________ Best Dermatologist ________________________________ Best Yoga Studio ________________________________ Best Licensed Massage Therapy
Education and Media
____________________________ Best College ____________________________ Best Cosmetology School ____________________________ Best TV Station ____________________________ Best Radio Station
________________________________ Best Technical/Business Service ________________________________ Best Private School ________________________________ Best TV (local) Personality ________________________________ Best Radio (local) Personality
Out ‘ N About Magazine
“The Best of the Tri-Cities� Goods and Services
____________________________ Best Overall Business ____________________________ Best Gift Shop ____________________________ Best Jewelry Store ____________________________ Best CD/Record Store ____________________________ Best Foreign Food Grocery ____________________________ Best Grocery Store ____________________________ Best Outdoor Sports Store ____________________________ Best Furniture Store ____________________________ Best Thrift/Consignment Store ____________________________ Best Dry Cleaner ____________________________ Best Bank or Credit Union ____________________________ Best Tanning Salon ____________________________ Best Bike Shop ____________________________ Best Place to Board your Pets ____________________________ Best Local Hotel ____________________________ Best Car Dealership ____________________________ Best Tire Store ____________________________ Best Auto Parts Store ____________________________ Best Marina
________________________________ Best New Business ________________________________ Best Antique Store ________________________________ Best Bookstore ________________________________ Best Hair Salon ________________________________ Best Health Food Store ________________________________ Best Caterer ________________________________ Best Skate/Snowboard Shore ________________________________ Best Clothing Boutique ________________________________ Best Convenience Store ________________________________ Best Eyewear Shop ________________________________ Best Place To Sell Gold/Silver ________________________________ Best Auto Service ________________________________ Best Pet Supply Store ________________________________ Best Car Wash ________________________________ Best Local Motel ________________________________ Best Foreign Car Dealership ________________________________ Best Landscaping Company ________________________________ Best Architect ________________________________ Best Nail Salon
Arts and Entertainment
____________________________ Best Museum
________________________________ Best Gallery (Place to Buy Art)
Best Local Artist ____________________________ Best Local Rock Band ____________________________ Best Americana Band ____________________________ Best Blues Band ____________________________ Best Concert Venue ____________________________ Best Live Comedy Venue ____________________________ Best Country/Western Club
Best Local Dance Company ________________________________ Best Local DJ ________________________________ Best Jazz Band ________________________________ Best Cover Band ________________________________ Best Karaoke ________________________________ Best Rock Club ________________________________
HOME AND GARDEN
____________________________ Best Garden Store/Nursery
________________________________ Best Interior Design
____________________________ Best Kitchen and Bath Design ____________________________ Best Plumber ____________________________ Best Realtor ____________________________ Best Replacement Window Company
________________________________ Best General Contractor ________________________________ Best Flooring Store ________________________________ Best Paint Store ________________________________
NATIONAL CHAINS
____________________________ Best National Chain Department Store ____________________________ Best National Chain Home Stores
________________________________ Best National Chain Restaurant ________________________________ Best National Chain Drive-thrus
What is the best thing about the Tri-Cities that is not found anywhere else. ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ .
May 2012
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11th Season of Storytelling Wise to kick off summer event series with Rhythm and Roots concert Live! Kicks off May 1 Jonesborough, TN. — Storytelling Live!, the International Storytelling Center’s renowned teller-in-residence series, kicks off its new season on May 1st. Storytelling Live! features 26 of America’s best-loved storytellers, one each week May through October. Each teller will appear in matinee performances Tuesday through Saturday at 2 p.m. at the Mary B. Martin Storytelling Hall. Special evening performances, children’s concerts, and Christmas holiday shows will also be offered. Storyteller Bil Lepp, of West Virginia, begins the season May 1-5. Lepp is an internationally-known teller and humorist with a style that has been described as a satisfying blend of Bill Cosby and Jeff Foxworthy. Known for his outrageous tall-tales and witty stories, he was recently featured at Comedy Central. Lepp will also appear in an evening concert, Lost in the Maze, on Thursday, May 3, at 7:30 p.m. Patrick Ball, of California, will appear during the second week of Storytelling Live, May 8-12. One of the premier Celtic harp players in the world, he blends music and stories to create hauntingly beautiful performances. An award-winning artist, Ball has performed throughout the U.S., Ireland and the United Kingdom. im Stowell, from Minnesota, performs
as Storytelling Live’s resident storyteller May 15-19. A professional actor, director, playwright and storyteller for over four decades, Stowell’s work has been compared to or with Lewis Carroll, Walt Whitman, Jack Kerouac, John Steinbeck, Harper Lee and the Marx Brothers. He has written and performed eleven one-man plays. Pennsylvania’s Megan Hicks will appear as teller-in-residence May 22-26. Hicks brings the Civil War, World War II, and personal stories to life with characters that live and breathe long after the telling ends. Her extensive work has taken her from Australia to Argentina, and from juvenile detention centers to the FBI Academy. Rounding out the first month of Storytelling Live! will be Jackson Gillman of Massachusetts. Dubbed a “stand-up chameleon” for his quick-change characterizations, physical comedy, and treasure trove of voices, Gillman’s performances are seasoned with song, dance, mime, and sign language. Gillman will perform May 29-June 2, with a special children’s concert on June 2 and 10:30 a.m. For more information about Storytelling Live!, visit HYPERLINK “http://www.storytellingcenter.net” www.storytellingcenter. net, or to purchase tickets call (800) 9528392 ext. 222 or (423) 913-1276.
Lighting strikes at Tri-Cities Bacon Fest Bristol, TN --- Ordinarily lighting is unexpected, but thanks to Ole Smoky Moonshine who will be one of the Title Sponsors for inaugural event, lighting will definitely strike on September 1, 2012 at Bristol Motor Speedway. “During the process of brainstorming for the TriCities Bacon Fest, my Wife and I took a trip to Gatlinburg where we had the opportunity to visit Tennessee’s first licensed moonshine distillery,” explains Travis Woodall the 2012 Festival Director. “After enjoying a few samples of their seasonal and featured products, we knew we had to have their moonshine and products at our event!” In addition to the seasonal varieties and corn whiskey, Ole Smoky Moonshine
produces their own “White Lightnin” made from 100% grain. White lightning is made for mixin, and so the TriCities Bacon Fest attendees will be enjoying a few signature drinks during this year’s event. “We are so proud to announce this partnership because we now have a product that represents the heritage of the mountain families in our region,” said Woodall. TriCities Bacon Fest is produced by the local event planning company Positive Approach Events with a portion of the proceeds benefitting the Bristol Chapter of the Speedway Children’s Charities. For more information on the festival, visit the website at “http:// www.tricitiesbaconfest.com” or like them on facebook http:// www.facebook. com/TCbaconfest.
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Wise, VA --- Don’t try to say there’s nothing to do around here. The Town of Wise has such a busy summer planned, you’ll be hard pressed to find time to make it to every event. First up in the Town’s schedule, which spans from May to October, is the first installation of a concert series organized by Bristol Rhythm and Roots – the fourth such series the annual festival has sponsored in Wise County. Organizers say this year’s series, set for 6 p.m. on the first Saturdays of May, June, July and August at Big Glades Community Square on East Main Street in downtown Wise, is the biggest ever.
“We are very excited about our concert series at Big Glades. We are bringing in more bands than ever and will be offering a great mix of Americana - country and bluegrass, folk and jazz, and even some rock and roll. It’s going to be a great summer of live music in Wise,” says Dave Stallard, a Wise County resident and Bristol Rhythm and Roots official who helped plan the series. “Big Glades is a fantastic new venue and we are happy to be putting on concerts there.” The Wise concerts, he explained, will help promote bands that will appear at the annual Bristol Rhythm and Roots reunion this September. Featured groups, like the line-up of the main festival, span many genres. “Our first two bands - The Whiskey Gentry and J.P. Harris & The Tough Choices - will be kicking our series in style. A little rock and roll mixed with some two steppin’. Both equal fun,” Stallard said, adding, “We want downtown Wise To be rocking.” Other dates in the Bristol Rhythm and Roots series line-up include: Saturday, June 2: Todd Grebe & Cold Country, Wise Old River Saturday, July 7: Dave Eggar, Jonathan Scales Fourchestra
Saturday, Aug. 4: Last Train Home, Erin McDermott. Sponsors for the Rhythm and Roots series include Alpha Natural Resources, Walling Distributing Company, the Town of Wise, Cavalier Pharmacy, Pro-Art, Dr. William C. Horne Jr. DDS, The University of Virginia’s College at Wise and The Inn at Norton. In addition to those shows and a weekly farmer’s market set to occur at Wise Town Hall every Thursday, 4-6 p.m. starting June 14, Wise plans a variety of other free concerts throughout the summer at Big Glades, along with a series of free Family Movie Nights at the amphitheater sponsored by Sykes.
Here’s a line-up of what’s coming:
Monday, June 4, 8:30 p.m.: Sykes Family Movie Night “Kung-Fu Panda II” Saturday, June 16, 7 p.m.: Jaded Image, Big Gun AC/DC tribute band Event also features a motorcycle show at Farmers and Miners bank, and is a fundraiser for the bELIevers Relay for Life team. Monday, June 18, 8:30 p.m.: Sykes Family Movie Night – “Puss in Boots” Saturday, June 23, 5 p.m.: WNVA’s “Summer Jam” local music show, featuring feature Generation Undeclared, Lethality, If Birds Could Fly, We Killed Vegas, The Craig Street Ramblers and Cornbread Mafia.
Monday, July 9, 8:30 p.m.: Sykes Family Movie Night – “Zookeeper” Friday, Saturday, Sunday, July 13-15 Battles at Wise Civil War Re-enactment in downtown Wise Saturday, July 21, 7:30 p.m.: Dressed to Kill (KISS tribute band), sponsored by Wise/Dickenson County Healthcare Monday, July 23, 8:30 p.m.: Sykes Family Movie Night – “The Adventures of TinTin” Saturday, July 28, 7 p.m.: The Collegians (long show, no opening act set) Monday, Aug. 6, 8:30 p.m.: Sykes Family Movie Night – “The Wizard of Oz” Saturday, Aug. 18, 7 p.m.: We Killed Vegas, Quarter Bounce Saturday, Sept. 1, 6:30 p.m.: Ron Short & The Possum Playboys, The Barefoot Movement Saturday, Sept. 29, 7 p.m.: T-Bone/Scratch River Telegraph Company, Last in Line 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 6, 6 p.m.: MECC Mountain Music School Grads, Wise JAMS students, UVa-Wise bluegrass band Oct 13-14: Wise Fall Fling For more info: Jodi Deal, Special Projects Coordinator, 276-328-6013.
Out ‘ N About Magazine
May 2012
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130
Years!
ELIZABETHTON
TENNESSEE
June 7th, 8th & 9th Schedule of Events
Taste of Carter County
Sponsored by Carter County Bank June 6 at 5:30 p.m. tickets $10 @ Elizabethton High School Cafeteria
THURSDAY JUNE 7TH Ribbon Cutting Ceremony & Auction Celebrating 130 Years 3:00 p.m. Covered Bridge Park Dennis Cove Band
Entertainment on the Bridge
Sponsored by East TN Sports Complex GOSPEL/ BLUEGRASS NIGHT 3:30-4:30 Dennis Cove Band playing in park 4:40-5:05 East River Baptist Church 5:20-5:40 The Gathering 6:00-7:00 The Brotherhood Quartet 7:15-8:10 Jeff Sharp Band Cooking with Grass 8:30-10:00 Russell Moore and IIIrd Tyme Out
Food City Ice Cream Social
5:00 p.m. in the park, free while supplies last
FRIDAY JUNE 8TH Entertainment on the Bridge
COUNTRY NIGHT Sponsored by Lonestar Steakhouse & Saloon 4:50-5:20 Dandyline Dancers 5:30-6:30 Retroville 7:00-8:15 CMT Recording Artist Jamie O’Neal 8:30-10:00 Hillbilly Bad
SATURDAY JUNE 9TH
Kids Fishing Day
Beginning at 10 a.m. at Kids Island sponsored by USDA Forest Service and TWRA
Little Mr. & Miss Hillbilly Contest Sponsored By Walmart at 11:00 a.m. @ Main Stage
Cruise-In
5- 9 p.m. Carter County Car Club Elk Avenue
Entertainment on the Bridge
ROCK NIGHT Sponsored by Tri-Cities Beverage 2:50-3:20 Mountain Rythem Cloggers 3:30-4:00 Watts Dancers 4:15-4:45 Trailblzers Cloggers 5:00-5:45 Acoustifried 6:00-6:45 Bullseye Band 7:00-8:10 Jerry Pierce Band 8:30-10:00 Collegians
Fireworks
Sponsored By BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee at 10:00 p.m.
Food Vendors & Arts and Crafts June 7-9
Market Place
5K Run and 3K Walk
June 7-9 mass produced items/retail
Yard Sale
Sponsored by Sycamore Shoals Hospital June 7-9
Register at 6:30 a.m. across from Picket Fence Antiques (Contact Sharon Sheppard 542-1338) Beginning at 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. (East E Street) rain location Boys and Girls Club
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Aerial Flights
From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. sponsored by Elizabethton Municipal Airport $20 per person
Kids Island
Community Storytelling June 7-9 Bonnie Kate Theatre
Out ‘ N About Magazine
Powering the Future
If you want to learn about excellence, just ask Rachel. She is one of more than 1,000 employees at NFS who are focused and committed to be the best in nuclear fuel manufacturing. Keeping America safe and energized and doing it with excellence is their daily mission. For more information on NFS, visit www.nuclearfuelservices.com
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May 2012
“To me, there’s no such thing as good enough.” - Rachel Research & Development Chemist
1/26/11 9:11 AM
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Hashe n Continued from 8
Presenting Sponsor
Wellmont Health System invites you to
American Cancer Society 2012 Hope Gala Venue at King Centre in Downtown Johnson City Saturday, May 12, 2012, 6 p.m.
Silent and Live Auctions Latin-inspired fusion fare Signature drinks: Sangria and Mojito Please make your reservations today.
Call Cara Ledbetter at 423-975-0675. Cost is $150 per person. Tickets are limited and will not be sold at the door.
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become a reality. Apparently, the books Hashe has come across follow the activities started by Carter in 1905 through 1910. Salaries of the men who worked on the railroad varied from a few dollars a week to nearly $20. Hashe points to one entry and says, “Look at the check to that man. It’s for $19.25. If you were making $19.25a week in 1905 you were in high cotton!” One book lists 27 voucher items everything from the purchase of horses and mules to telephone poles, wagon, carts, and explosives. “Back then they used all of those items to cut through the hills and mountains as they built the railroad,” Hashe surmises. “It blows my mind to think, ‘Where in the world did they get millions of dollars as listed in these books to do what they did?’” On another matter, Hashe presented original photos from 1914-1915 that he purchased from another fellow that depicts life in and around the Bumpass Cove community [around the same period] highlighting the activity of the Embree Iron Works Company. “The men worked on big mines in this area back then,” he said. Along with the photos he produced a wage time book and pay envelopes in remarkable good condition. It was interesting to spend the afternoon with John and take a walk back in the time when things were a lot slower over 100 years ago. According to one local civic leader, she said she hopes John sells the historical books locally or they end up in the Erwin library or in a museum for others to see and enjoy. And, he doesn’t seem opposed to that. We’ll keep you posted.
Out ‘ N About Magazine
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May 2012
Page 17
We’ve made changes so you can too. Now you can decide when your power bill is due with the all new Flexible Due Date program from Johnson City Power Board!*
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Page 18
Out ‘ N About Magazine
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Out ‘ N About Magazine
Toby’s top summer movies of all time By: Toby Laek, Producer, Daytime Tri-Cities
In last month’s issue of Out ‘N About Magazine, I ran down the films that I’m most looking forward to this summer. This month, I’ll give you my top five favorite summer films of all time. While the summer season is known to be the financial make-or-break time for most studios (ask the now-former Disney chief about his John Carter debacle), I’m not going to use box office receipts as the basis of my top five – so no bad films like Armageddon that made a boat load of money at the expense of artistic integrity. Just big, fun summer tent pole movies. I also apologize in advance if most of these movies are from the past 30 years – I’m judging most of this on my own experience as a filmgoer. So without further ado, here is the list: •Jaws – The year was 1975. Universal Pictures had hired a young and talented, but inexperienced Steven Spielberg to helm Jaws, the film based on the popular novel written by Peter Benchley. After a year’s worth of production delays and millions of dollars (at that time, millions still meant a lot) of budget overages, the studio was ready to dump the film and move on. Boy, would that have been a mistake – upon its release Jaws was an immediate success and is now credited with being the first summer blockbuster. It is, to this day, the quintessential summer film. After all these years, it still has people scared to go back in the ocean.
is still swimming in the money made off of the first Star Wars film (let alone the five subsequent films), Scrooge McDuck-style. Star Wars is the perfect storm of film – great acting, a fun story, good direction, and one of the most memorable scores in film history. Empire Strikes Back might be the better film, but the original Star Wars is probably the most influential film in history. •Jurassic Park – When Jurassic Park was initially released in the summer, Steven Spielberg had grown from the young, wunderkind director of Jaws to the filmmaker most associated with summer blockbuster films. In addition to Jaws, he had introduced the world to one of film’s best known characters, Indiana Jones, not to mention his ‘friendly’ alien films, Close Encounters of the Third Kind and E.T. With a c.v. like that, it might be hard to top ones’ self. He did just so with Jurassic Park. When I think of ‘movie magic’, I think of the first time I saw the dinosaurs in Jurassic Park on the big screen. The special effects (fun fact: the effects were done by an early iteration of everyone’s favorite animation studio, Pixar) were absolutely breathtaking. It’s one of those rare films that both family friendly and genuinely scary.
Arnold Scharzenegger’s acting weakness, the fact that he’s extremely robotic in his voice and mannerisms, and turn it into the film’s strength - he plays a robot. Great action set pieces and a soundtrack led by Guns N’ Roses, who was still at the top of their game set the stage for a great summer film. •Ghostbusters – Remember when Dan Akroyd and Bill Murray still did comedy? Remember when Ivan Reitman was making classic funny movies (Stripes, Meatballs, Kindergarten Cop) as opposed to whatever it is he’s been making recently (Six Days, Seven Nights, Evolution)? Those were good times. There’s more fun to be had in the runtime of Ghostbusters than in the past four snarky, hipster films that Bill Murray has done. It’s infinitely quotable (“So, she’s a dog…”)and it features great performances all around.
Thank You Greene County for making us the #1 Volume Dealer in Tri-Cities!
3 Years in a Row Final Numbers for 2011 are in...
•Star Wars – When George Lucas came to 20th Century Fox with his vision of Star Wars (he wanted a throwback to the Flash Gordon-ish serialized science fiction that he grew up on), they were skeptical of his ability to pack the theater. They were so skeptical that they allowed him to keep the rights to all of the subsequent Star Wars merchandise, thinking that the film wouldn’t be popular enough to make their money back off of the production of t-shirts and action figures. Billions of dollars later, George Lucas
May 2012
•Terminator 2 – There’s lots of industry buzz right now with rumor that Apple is making a ‘liquid metal’ casing for its upcoming iPhone 5, but any film nerd worth his or her salt still thinks of Robert Patrick’s portrayal of the chillingly unstoppable T-1000 from Terminator 2 when they hear the term liquid metal. James Cameron has had films that were more financially successful (Titanic and Avatar), but I don’t think any of his films have had a bigger buzz than Terminator 2 when it was initially released. One of the most brilliant things that Cameron did was take
Rank Description City State YTD
1 Ramey Ford Lincoln Johnson City TN 707 2
Fairway Ford
Kingsport
TN
412
3
Friendship Ford
Bristol
TN
421
4 Gateway Ford Lincoln
Greeneville
TN
337
5
Elizabethton
TN
290
Grindstaff Ford, Inc.
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Popular band headlines Country Club Bar and Grill Bristol, TN. --- It’s Saturday night at the Country Club Bar & Grill and both the parking lot and the dance floor are packed. On this night, the popular Bob Lowery Band [formerly Stoker] is rocking in the house and the crowd loves it. “You know the Country Club Bar & Grill is the most lively and upbeat place to come for a night out with your family and friends in the Tri-Cities,” says front man and band leader Bob Lowery, inbetween sets. “We love playing to a full dance floor. We have played a lot of places and this is by far the best place to perform.” Bob Holley, the band’s keyboard player echoed Lowery’s sentiments. “Michelle [Smith Gibson, the club’s owner], has really improved this place,” he says. “That’s why she gets huge crowds. It’s all been re-done inside. It’s clean, bright and the sound system is state-of-the art. That’s really important to a band, and of course, to the people we play in front of.” Rounding out the performers of the Bob Lowery band includes: Bana Willis on drums, Dale Elswick on bass and backup vocals, and Victor Lawson on lead guitar and backup vocals. Lowery is the lead singer and plays a mean rhythm guitar complimented by Holley’s rocking keyboard. “We are all old veteran performers who want to make sure people have a good time,” Lowery adds matter-of-factly. “We all started playing in different bands and when we got together we just meshed. Our personalities mixed and we truly enjoy playing with one another. While all of us have years of experience we’re still a
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Michelle Smith Gibson, owner of Country Club Bar & Grill, is pictured with the Bob Lowery Band.
work in progress. In music, you can never grow enough or learn enough to be perfect. “And, it was encouraging to us to be able to play before over 400 people at a New Year’s Eve gig. “We love playing for people and we are always anxious to play requests and we don’t care if they want to hear Louie Louie or Mustang Sally. We are here to entertain.” “We may pick three or four rock songs to get the crowd excited but we can also go country too if need be,” said Holley. “From
Merle Haggard to the Blues to hard rock we can play it all. And, we do that only if it works. We’re very mindful that people have a choice who they seek out to listen to for four hours. It’s a pleasure when they pick us.” This particular Saturday night at the Country Club Bar & Grill [April 28th] it certainly worked as the band played a full range of songs both upbeat and slow for hours on end. The crowd seemingly didn’t want to leave. And neither did the Out ‘N About crew.
Factoid
Country Club Bar & Grill
3080 West State Street Bristol, Tennessee 423-844-0400 Updates and schedule also on facebook Open: 7 p.m until 2 a.m. Thursday – Saturday Dinner & drink specials available
Out ‘ N About Magazine
Regional Leaders:
Introducing you to Homer G’Fellers Johnson City, TN. --- Homer G’Fellers, Johnson City Power Board’s CEO and President has seen a lot of changes in his 38 years of employment at the utility. Even though we are introducing him to our readers his accomplishments and community involvement for decades needs no chronicling. He began his career at the Johnson City Power Board as a meter reader in 1974 armed with a route book and #2 pencil and while he chuckles at this fact he is very proud of his humble beginnings with the local utility that he now leads. “I guess from the inside [early on] I saw the strong and weak points of the Johnson City Power Board (JCPB). I think in those early days of my career we were a good public utility but we did not always make the best business decisions. When deregulation came along nationwide we were suddenly presented with the possibility of competition. This was a world we’d never been exposed to. So, we embarked on the need to structure ourselves and adopt the ideology that we were and are in a competitive market and we began to change technology-wise to demonstrate our competiveness.” The former mayor of Jonesborough talks with passion about the JCPB “family.” “We may fight and squabble as brothers and sisters among ourselves from time-to-time which is normal but at the end of the day we are unified in our mission,” G’Fellers says. “The JCPB is not a building but an organization made up of our greatest assets which are our customers and employees.” G’Fellers is extremely proud of the community involvement exhibited by JCPB employees while they
May 2012
er service and technology. “We are in a new age where ‘time and use rates’ have become the norm. Meaning, you can save money by using power during off peak times which enables all of us to save money and gives us the ability to market our product to others based on need and inventory. We are entering a new age where you can monitor your electrical usage by cutting things off, like your water heater while you are on vacation, or determine during the month what your consumption has been. We want you to use all you want but need what you use. “Recent technology has empowered us to offer that service and we are involved in a new pilot program where we assist customers in scheduling when they use their power and when they might like to schedule things to be off when they are not Homer G’Fellers JCPB President & CEO home. A cheaper kilowatt hour is one not used; especially at peak times.” are not necessarily prodded to do so. Board of Mayor & Aldermen. “I was tive in local politics. Lastly, G’Fellers explained that the But you can tell he has a great JCPB has instituted the newest and “We receive so many requests from approached by two businessmen worthwhile organizations asking us friends who encouraged me to run love for Jonesborough and the role he latest technology when it comes to to get involved in their fund raisers, and I lost by 13 votes. I was both re- played as mayor and alderman for billing. “We want to give our customG’Fellers explains. “As a public util- lieved and satisfied by the outcome many years. ers options so you can mail in your “I was there when we built the bill, pay on-line, pay by bank draft or ity [by the rules] we aren’t able as a because I was running for the wrong company to get directly involved. But reason. . .to satisfy my two friends. [Wetlands] water park --- the most by budget billing which allows for a we have established a committee of Subsequently, I ran again in 1992 for unique park and recreation place monthly ‘constant’ billing cycle.’ As a JCPB employees to field those benev- the right reasons and was elected and in our area with walking trails and community utility we want to be able olent requests and as an employee I was re-elected in 1994 and was then much to offer including providing to give our customers first-rate service volunteer group they determine in- elected mayor in 1996 when [for- jobs for many of our local youth at the most affordable price possible.” terest among employees. Many of our mer] Mayor Kevin McKinney urged during the summer. It was an excitemployees donate their own money me to seek the mayor’s post when he ing time for the town because when and time to various causes which, I didn’t seek re-election and in 1998 I I grew up in Jonesborough we had • Homer G’Fellers think, makes us a better corporate was re-elected unopposed and then I only one ball field. That’s not the Married to Regina citizen and they are make a lasting dropped out of local politics for sev- case today. The town has grown so for 13 years much and it’s been a pleasure for impact. We are particularly proud of, eral years for health reasons.” • Has a grown A few years later, G’Fellers made JCPB to be a partner recently with the for example, our involvement with son and daughter a comeback and was re-elected again town’s upgrading of the downtown the Special Olympics every year.” • Has 5 [spoiled] G’Fellers moved to Jonesborough on the Jonesborough Board of Mayor infrastructure that will last for degrandchildren: in 1958 when he was 5 years old and & Aldermen only to have a promo- cades to come.” 3 boys and 2 girls When he talks about JCPB’s cusin 1990 offered himself as a candi- tion to the Director of Marketing at • Loves to play golf date for a seat on the Jonesborough JCPB caused him to become less ac- tomers, G’Fellers is all about custom& enjoys fine dining
Factoid
Page 23
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The “Karma” of Social Networking: It pays to be helpful By Mary Ellen Miller
One of the first tips that anyone, with even a small amount of experience in social networking learns, is the karma effect of it. The more you give the more that comes back around to you. I’ve come to the conclusion that personalities and true colors really shine when people are online. When I give my social networking for business talks I always compare social media to a cocktail party. Everyone has seen the loud, obnoxious guy who shows up at every after-hours event. You know the one wearing too much cologne and talks in your face? A thought comes to mind: Your posts have the same look and feel you do. If you’re loud, obnoxious and pushy…. well, enough said. Contrast that with the helpful guy. When you ask a question, need a referral or some other assistance, that guy is always there. We all know folks like this too. Just last week I was chatting with a friend “IRL” (in real life ) at our
May 2012
church café about that pit we get in our stomach when we allow someone in to be our “friend” on Facebook or other channels only to instantly be asked to take part in their fundraisers, event, survey, etc. Ugh. I’m thinking, “I’ve just been used to get your numbers up!” To make that old baseball/ dating analogy I haven’t walked over to home plate and you’re envisioning a home run! Hold your horses friend. I’m still on deck! Is there a lesson to be learned? When it comes to social networking, please, oh please engage the person and connect with them as a human being. Don’t make them feel used. Be sure to chat with them a bit and show them that you care about them. The business will come later. On Facebook make comments on their photos and videos and show them you are interested in what they have to say. After all, you have cared enough about them to ask them to be your friend, so be one! Be sure to
Mary Ellen Miller
@ reply to people on twitter in order to speak directly to them and to gain their attention. (For more twitter tips including my one-minute twitter tutorial videos, enter search phrase “Twitter 101” at www.marketingmel. com.) Last year I had the occasion to create a vlog (video blog) for my friend Maria Peagler of Social Me-
dia Online Classes. She asked me to help out her audience comprised of camera-shy small business owners who were mostly women. As a former TV anchorwoman it was easy for me to come up with some simple tips to help folks out on camera now that we live in more of a visual and video oriented society. My topic was: Ten Tips to Feel Comfortable on Camera. Well that video first appeared on her vlog but then “took off” after it was picked up by PR Daily and others. Later, I entered that video in the Tri-Cities Public Relations Society Awards and it ended up taking top prize in its category. It won an “Award of Excellence” in the Audio Visual category. Kudos to videographer/producer Kyle Long for his work on the video. We started out trying to provide a helpful service to others who are camera shy and through “social media karma” ended up with an award. Sometimes extending a hand to care about others whether it’s “IRL” or online has its rewards. Ten
Tips to Feel Comfortable on Camera may be found at http://www.marketingmel.com/2011/07/06/ten-tips-tofeel-comfortable-on-camera/ Mary Ellen Miller is founder and President of MarketingMel an innovative marketing, public relations and social media strategies firm for business professionals. Connect with Mel to share your stories of social networking for business. You can link to her on one of her numerous social media channels via her web site at www.marketingmel.com. You can also email her at maryellen [AT] marketingmel. com or call her at 423-335-7267.
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ETSU honors Dr. Kenneth Hill for 40-year career To Kenneth C. Hill, it seems like only yesterday when he first sat in front of the gleaming announcer’s microphone. In truth, it was more than 40 years ago. He was all of 6 years old, having tagged along with his dad to radio station WMCH, where he sat down on the announcer’s lap, and said he wanted to be a disk jockey when he grew up. After four decades in broadcasting and public service, Hill was honored at the end of April as the newest member of the East Tennessee State University Department of Communication Alumni Hall of Fame. “I was humbled that I was included in that award with so many other outstanding individuals. I was also impressed by the students who received various awards and scholarships, and what they are accomplishing. “I stand in awe of that and I am very proud to be included,” Hill said. “I From left, Dr. Kenneth C. Hill, and sons, Matthew Hill, state representative deeply appreciate the education I refrom Jonesborough; and Timothy Hill, seeking the Republican nomination for ceived at ETSU, both in classic educastate representative from the 3rd District, at Rocky Mount. tional terms, but also in life process.” The son of Hubert Clyde and Erma tions, getting to know disk jockeys and overview of what I wanted to do in the Harless Hill said he has benefited from trying to get the chance to join their future. His question was always, ‘Why his parents’ inspiration throughout his ranks. not?’ Then he would encourage you. life. From his upbringing in what was then ‘Go ahead. Go for it.’ That has been sort “My mother came from a family of the Kingsport suburb of Morrison City, of a captsone for my life.” sharecroppers. My dad was just a boy Hill developed a strong attachment to Hill was also encouraged by thenwhen his father was killed in a mining both Tennessee and Virginia that has theater professor Bob Day; Dr. Paul accident, so he began getting out of continued throughout his career. Walwick, “on the ‘oral communication’ school, working for a living, being the He started working for Herman Long side, as we called it back then; and, of breadwinner for his family--at 8 years at WGAT in Gate City, and was there course Dr. Jack Mooney. They were fine of age.” when the station added an FM transmit- teachers and gentlemen. Following his father’s example, Hill ter. “He taught me quite a bit,” Hill said, “Tom Headley, head of the division of would spend his youthful evenings read- numbering Long in his own personal broadcasting, was my main instructor. ing the encyclopedia and listening to hall of fame that also includes interestWhere Mr. Frank gave me a desire to faraway stations on his Silvertone radio. ing characters such as Jimmy Smith, learn about acting, Tom kept me busy “I listened to everything you can “the Old Ridge Runner,” and a number with the broadcast side, then encourimagine, from Radio Moscow to rhythm of professors who encouraged and men- aged and assisted me in going to graduand blues to black gospel. And, of tored him. ate school. He’s the guy who created the course, every Saturday night was the After one year at the University of vision for that in my life.” Grand Ole Opry from Nashville. I supTennessee in Knoxville, Hill returned to Hill also took journalism courses pose that’s why I like all kinds of music. ETSU. under veteran newspaperman Ellis BinIt was a wonderful childhood.” There he encountered the late Harold kley. “He was something else. I mean, By the time he was 14, Hill knew “Bud” Frank and his wife, Daryl, who he was the quintessential old school, radio was his future. His parents bought was, for those who knew them, his hardened newspaper guy. I learned a lot him a reel-to-reel recorder and he began true professional partner as well. “The from him--he knew how to get it out of teaching himself to announce and cue Franks got me interested in a broader you.” up records. Soon he was visiting stapicture, and helped me have a better Hill was one of the first in his fam-
The Hills of Tennessee – Part 1 of 3
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ily to go into higher education, and he did it in a big way. After graduating from ETSU, he earned a master’s degree in broadcasting from Indiana State University; a bachelor’s degree in Biblical Studies from Baptist Christian College; a master’s degree in Religious Education from Manahath School of Theology; and a doctorate in Religious Education from Andersonville Baptist Seminary. Hill’s professional radio career began in 1969, soon leading him to Johnson City where he worked for both WETB and WJCW. He also worked at WJHLTV while a senior at ETSU, doing weekend sports, weather and booth announcements. For more than a quarter-century, Hill has been the chief executive officer of the Appalachian Educational Communication Corporation headquartered in Bristol. He has served as the general manager of five radio stations serving the southern Appalachians. Hill’s family remains integral in the operation of three radio stations--WPWT (870 AM and FM translator 100.7), a pioneer talk radio station now known as “Tri-Cities Top Gun” with a mix of talk shows and music of the mountains; WHGG (1090 AM), the “Family Talk” station; and WABN (1230 AM and 103.3 FM) the “Good Time Oldies” station based in Abingdon and Washington County, Va. Hill has been affiliated with AECC and its flagship station, WHCB (91.5 FM), “The Blessing,” since it went on the air in 1984. The station’s formidable popularity with listeners is evident-over 95 percent of its support comes from individuals. In 2009, Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey (RBlountville) appointed Hill to the Tennessee Regulatory Authority. “I’m very thankful that Lt. Gov. Ramsey chose me. I love the job. It is a very important part of state government. We try to balance the needs of the consumer with those of investor-owned utilities.”
n See HILL, PAGE 34
Out ‘ N About Magazine
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Enigma
Johnson City’s popular “Southern Dozen” moves beyond just motorcycles for summer contest Johnson City, TN. --- Motorcycle riders often remind drivers of larger cars or trucks to “share the road” and that’s just what they’re doing by opening up the Southern Dozen and its annual summer promotion to vehicles of any size and shape. This year’s contest is called, ”Choose your wheels, choose your ride, your adventure starts when you decide!” The contest, sponsored by the Johnson City Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) and supported by several area businesses, encourages more than just motorcyclists to take to the twelve branded rides dubbed, The Southern Dozen. The routes take you along some of the most scenic spots and historical sites the area has to offer, all beginning and ending in Johnson City. The rides were initially designed with motorcycle enthusiasts in mind, but are perfect half day or full-day adventures for anyone on any number of wheels. “Last year’s Southern Dozen contest was extremely popular with motorcycle riders from around the world, and Johnson City has become very motorcycle-friendly,” says Brenda Whitson Executive Director of the Johnson City CVB. “But these routes are also perfect for families who want to get away for a few hours and take in the sights, have some great food and maybe see a part of the region they hadn’t before. This year the contest is for everyone and it will truly benefit the entire region with the tourism dollars that will be spent.” Chuck Mason, a member of the Harley Owners Group who helped plan out the Southern Dozen routes, attests to the fact that more than motorcycle riders will enjoy the rides. “These destinations are very family friendly,” He says. “They are easy to navigate and there’s just the right amount of local establishments to stop to eat or shop along the routes. I encourage anyone to make a day of
April 2012
it with one or more of the Southern Dozen rides.” To enter, drivers must look for special markers along the designated routes, snap his or her picture in front of the sign, and upload the photo to the website at www.SouthernDozen.com. The photos will be validated and posted to the group’s Facebook page by the CVB. Signs are located at favorite destinations such as the Shady Valley Country Store, Natural Tunnel State Park and the Bristol Motor Speedway. There’s one entry per person, per route, for a total of 12 entries possible for each person. The contest runs May 1 through October 31, 2012 and the drawing for prizes will be November 6th. Prizes are as follows: Men’s Grand Prize •$200 Gas Card- Sponsored by Roadrunner Markets •2 tickets to the 2012 Scotts EZ Seed 300- Sponsored by Bristol Motor Speedway •2 tickets to the 2013 Food City 500- Sponsored by Bristol Motor Speedway •Custom Southern Dozen leather vest- Sponsored by Smith Brothers Harley Davidson Women’s Grand Prize •$200 Gas Card- sponsored by Roadrunner Markets •$100 Spa Gift Card-sponsored by Austin Springs Spa •2 Night Luxury Hotel Stay- Sponsored by the Carnegie Hotel •Custom Southern Dozen leather vest- Sponsored by Smith Brothers Harley Davidson For more information and details, go to www.southerndozen. com or www.facebook.com/southerndozen. For more information on the Johnson City Convention and Visitors Bureau, visit their website at www.visitjohnsoncitytn.com.
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World premiere of winning piece, ‘Tom Bombadil’ concert highlight
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Mary B. Martin School of Arts’ final event of season ...
Adam Sovkoplas, doctoral student in composition and winner of inaugural Magnum Opus competition
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In East Tennessee, stories are very important. For Adam Sovkoplas, the story is often part of the journey – the musical journey – and, as a result, his own story has seen success. “I am very interested in programmatic music, music that depicts images or stories or figments of the imagination, rather than classical music that is music for music’s sake,” says Sovkoplas, composer of the winning piece in the 2012 inaugural Magnum Opus Composer’s Competition. “I enjoy having a story behind the music I write.” Sovkoplas’ composition Tom Bombadil, based on the J.R. Tolkien character and poem, took first place in Symphony of the Mountains and Mary B. Martin School of the Arts’ first collaboration, “Magnum Opus: A New Composer’s Competition,” and will hold first position in Symphony of the Mountains’ concert program, Saturday, May 5, at 8 p.m. in Toy F. Reid Eastman Employee Center, Kingsport. The native Texan was working on the piece as the first half of his dissertation toward his Doctor of Music Arts in composition from the University of Kentucky and tailored it for the Tennessee competition. MBMSOTA and SOTM directors Anita DeAngelis and Cornelia Laemmli Orth, respectively, were on the panel that selected the winning composition, in addition to composer Kenton Coe and ETSU music faculty member Maria Niederberger de la Guardia. “We wanted to highlight the quality of the performing arts and encourage more new original works from Southern Appalachia,” says DeAngelis, who is the founding director of Mary B. Martin School of the Arts at ETSU. “In addition, we wanted to give a new composer the opportunity for a world premiere by a professional symphony orchestra – as well as the monetary award of $1,000.” The 10-minute Tom Bombadil follows Tolkien’s title character on his journey around Middle Earth as he encounters the river nymph Goldberry, stealthy Old
Man Willow, pesky Badger-brock and evil Barrow-wight, then treks back to his snug home and a surprise wedding. “I like that there is a story,” says Laemmli, music director and conductor of SOTM. “It’s a poem but it’s basically a story. It’s very listenable, and it’s fun, because you have this story and using Adam’s program notes, you can follow Tom Bombadil, and say, ‘I am here, then I am here and here.’ I don’t mean that all music has to have a story, but in this particular piece, the story and music enhance each other.” Sovkoplas, who holds a Bachelor of Arts in music from University of Texas-Brownsville and Master of Music in theory and composition from Sam Houston State University, says he grew up reading the Shel Silverstein books and Tolkien’s The Hobbit and the stories of these special characters caught his imagination, literarily and musically. At the same time, he says, he is actively seeking ways to become known as a composer, and, in addition to winning the Magnum Opus competition, has been commissioned to write a solo clarinet piece that will be performed in Perugia and Rome, Italy, next summer. In March, he celebrated another world premiere, of his Saxophone Quartet No. 1: A Slice of Silverstein at Capilano University in British Columbia, Canada. Stories not only give his programmatic compositions character, says the 29-year-old composer, but they – especially in the case of the jaunty Tom Bombadil -- also give a shape to the music. “It lends itself to the form of a rondo, ABACADA form, where every time you have the A part of the form, you have Tom Bombadil, then you’ll meet another person and go back to Tom’s theme and that’s B, then back to Tom, which is A again …” says Sovkoplas, who says he composes a whole piece in his head, jotting notes on shards of paper or napkin, before starting to play it then commit it to his computer by keyboard. “It keeps it interesting with its unity and variety. People like to hear things come back. When you hear the Tom Bombadil
theme, it makes you feel good because it’s familiar, and the new themes make it sound different and are pleasing because they are new.” “We received several compositions to review for the composer’s competition, and the range of music to consider was a powerful experience,” says DeAngelis, also an Art & Design faculty member at ETSU. “Adam’s interpretation of Tolkien’s Tom Bombadil character is playful, and the audience will recognize Bombadil’s wit and whimsy as he ventures through Middle Earth. It will be very exciting to hear the composition performed with full instrumentation during the performance.” In addition to the debut of Tom Bombadil, Symphony of the Mountains under the baton of Laemmli, will give a world premiere performance of Concerto for Euphonium by William Mark Harrell, commissioned by Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, Lambda Chi Chapter at ETSU. The euphonium solo will be performed by Jimmie Self, SOTM principal trombone player and ETSU faculty member. Harrell, who plays horn for Knoxville Symphony Orchestra, also has performed with SOTM. To balance the new music, SOTM will close the concert with what Laemmli calls “a warhorse,” Jean Sibelius’ Symphony No. 1 in E minor, Opus 39. With the unique program, the concert should create a special evening, Laemmli says. “Hearing world premieres of pieces in Kingsport, Tenn. -- that’s a very big deal. You get that in New York, Atlanta, Chicago and San Francisco, but here, not so much.” In addition, both living composers will be at the performance and will conduct a pre-concert discussion, along with Laemmli and Self, at 7 p.m. in the Toy F. Reid Eastman Employee Center. “Having two living composers there is very special,” Laemmli says. For tickets for the May 5 concert, contact SOTM at 423-392-8423. For information on ETSU’s Mary B. Martin School of the Arts, visit www.etsu.edu/ cas/arts or call 423-439-8599.
Out ‘ N About Magazine
Mayors Award of Distinction presented to community leaders Bristol, TN. --- The mayors of Bristol, Tennessee and Virginia honored fellow Bristolians Jim White, Jerauld “Jerry” Hill Goodpasture, and Mimi Price Kind for their contributions to the local community at a ceremony held at the Paramount Center for the Performing Arts last month. Goodpasture was recognized for her work to bring the arts downtown, including being a founding member of Believe in Bristol, working with the Bristol Ballet and working to bring the annual Journey End Christmas program to the city. Kind was recognized for her work in the arts as well, and for her 32 years of teaching at Bristol’s Tennessee High School. White was honored for his work with the Bristol Food Pantry and other ministries in the community. Both Bristol, Va., Mayor Ed Harlow and Bristol, Tenn., Mayor David Shumaker attended the ceremony and presented the annual awards identifing community citizens who they said make a significant difference in the community. “When we do a good deed for someone, that deed is never forgotten, Mayor Harlow said. “These people are people who have good intentions, speak good words and follow through with a good deed. They exemplify community spirit.” “We are surrounded in this community by heroes, and we wanted a way to honor those folks and say, Thank you,” Mayor Shumaker stated. Sharon Randall, an awardwinning columnist, was the keynote speaker at the ceremony, held Sunday afternoon April 22nd before a packed crowd at the Paramount Center for the Performing Arts. Garick Zikan, news anchor for WCYB Channel 5 served as the event’s emcee.
May 2012
Honorees Jim White, Mimi Kind and Jerauld “Jerry” Hill Goodpasture.
Keynote speaker Sharon Randall and emcee Garick Zikan.
Bristol Mayors Ed Harlow and David Shumaker.
Fun Fest 2012 set for July 13-21 Kingsport, TN- Fun Fest 2012 (July 13th-21st) is proud to announce the entertainers for 2012 Sunset Concert Series. Jeremy Camp will kick off the series on Thursday, July 19th followed by Travis Tritt on Friday, July 20th, The festival finale will be Lynyrd Skynyrd on Saturday, July 21st. Thursday night marks the first Contemporary Christian Concert to join the Sunset Series on the main stage. The evening will open up with Building 429, who has been climbing the charts fast with their latest #1 single, “Where I Belong”. Jeremy Camp has released seven albums, four of them RIAA-certified as Gold and two are live albums, and 17 number-one hit songs. His original music is a mixture of ballads and rock. He is best known for “I Still Believe”, “Walk by Faith”, “Let it Fade” and most recently “The Way”. The Friday Night Concert kicks off with local favorite, Folk Soul Revival. Folk Soul Revival’s debut album “Good Enough” was released independently in April of 2009. Their highly anticipated, highly successful follow up studio album “Words Off a Tongue” was released in August of 2010 and is a big sounding, organic production. The headliner for Friday night is country music star, Travis Tritt. Tritt previously made an appearance on the Fun Fest stage in 2005 and was also a guest on the Santa Train. Tritt has received two Grammy Awards for Best Country Collaboration and four awards from the Country Music Association. He is best known for “TR-O-U-B-L-E”, “It’s a Great Day to Be Alive”, “Best of Intentions” and “Modern Day Bonnie and Clyde”. Fun Fest 2012 will close the week with southern rockers, Lynyrd Skynyrd. In 2004, Rolling Stone magazine ranked Lynyrd Skynyrd #95 of 100 Greatest Artists of All Time and
their single, “Free Bird”, was named the 3rd great guitar solo in 2008. Opening for Lynyrd Skynard will be Drake White, an aspiring singer songwriter from Nashville, TN. White ad-libs throughout a show phrasing rhythmic lyrics, frequently involving the audience in his witty craftsmanship of verbalization. The Sunset Series will take place on the Brock Services Stage at J. Fred Johnson Stadium. Additional Series sponsors include Eastman Credit Union, Kingsport Convention & Visitors Bureau and WXBQ. G&K Services’ Friends of Festus VIP packages are a value-added option for concert-goers. Friends of Festus VIP 3-night seating packages are $200 for two seats for those planning to attend all three stadium concerts. The package also includes a reserved parking area close to the stadium and a $15 Fun Fest merchandise gift certificate. Friends of Festus 3-night packages are available beginning May 14th through May 22nd at the Fun Fest office located at the Kingsport Chamber of Commerce, 400 Clinchfield St. Ste. 100, Kingsport (423-392-8806). Beginning May 23rd, any available individual night VIP packages will go on sale for $100 for two seats to a single concert. Beginning May 23rd, online Sunset Series ticket packages can be purchased at www.funfest.net. The 3-night package, which includes a general admission ticket to the Thursday, Friday and Saturday concerts, will be $37.50. The 2-night package, including a general admission ticket for your choice of any 2 of the 3 nights, will be $25. Any remaining general admission tickets will be available at the Fun Fest Store at 400 Clinchfield St., Ste. 100 for $15 each. The Fun Fest Store opens on June 22nd.
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HandsOn! May Calendar of Events Art Studio Schedule •Mother’s Day and Teacher Cards: Let’s celebrate our Mothers and Teachers in May by making cards for Mother’s Day and Teacher Appreciation Week! •Las Flores: In Mexico, handcrafted flowers are used for decorations during holidays, fiestas, and celebrations. Cinco de Mayo (the 5th of May) is a celebration where flowers would be used as decoration. Try your hand at making tissue paper flowers this month in the Art Studio. Special Events All Month Long - Dinosaur Revolution Exhibit Uncover the facts and fossils about dinosaurs in Dinosaur Revolution as you LIVE LARGE in reptilian role-play activities, undertake three Mesozoic Missions spanning 150 million years and mimic dinosaur behavior. Become a junior paleontologist and find evidence of your dinosaur doings; learn why dinosaurs are one of the most successful survivors in earth’s history; and unearth a shocking discovery: dinosaurs may not be extinct! Tuesday, May 1st Sunday, May 13th Can You Feel the Pressure? Did you know that you have 14 pounds of air pressure pushing on every inch of your body? Join us in the Eastman Discovery Lab as we learn about the three states of matter and properties of air through fun interactive demonstrations. Watch as our famous potato launcher sends potato pieces flying and even see a grown-up get vacuum sealed! The Eastman Discovery Lab will be open by announcement periodically throughout each day. Tuesday, May 8th, 9:30am to 11:00am Owl Pellet Dissection Owls are amazing creatures that swallow their prey whole. Learn what owls eat as you dissect an owl pellet and reconstruct the skeleton found inside it. Cost $10 for members, $12 for non-members. Ages 5-10. Payment is required with registration by Wednesday, April 25th. To register, please call
May 2012
423-434-4263 ext. 100, T-F 9-5 or email main@handsonmuseum.org. Sunday, May 13th, 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm Mother’s Day Mothers enjoy FREE admission to the museum from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Tuesday, May 15th Sunday, May 27th Vigorous Volcanoes! Learn all about the wonders of volcanoes in honor of the 32nd anniversary of the eruption of Mount Saint Helens. Find out what the inside of a volcano looks like, why volcanoes erupt, and even assist in a volcanic eruption! The Eastman Discovery Lab will be open by announcement periodically throughout each day. Wednesday, May 23rd, 9:30 am - 12:30 pm Little Luau Workshop Assist in a volcanic eruption, make mini lava lamps, craft a paper lei, and more! A healthy snack will be included as well. Cost $10 for members, $12 for non-members. Ages 5-8. Payment is required with registration by Thursday, May 10th. To pre-register, please call 423-434-4263 ext. 100, T-F 9-5 or email main@handsonmuseum.org. Friday, May 18th International Museum Day Visit us on International Museum Day to receive a FREE pass to return to Hands On! PLUS 5% off any membership purchases! Give the pass to a friend or keep the pass for yourself so you can come back to keep having fun! (**Return pass good thru June 30, 2012.) Monday, May 28th CLOSED for Memorial Day. Tuesday, May 29th Thursday, May 31st Sink or Swim? Help us celebrate World Oceans Day in the Eastman Discovery Lab! Learn about density, salinity, and ocean life. Find out what helps you float and watch a swimming egg. Try your hand at testing various items to see which ones sink and which ones swim! The Eastman Discovery Lab will be open by announcement periodically throughout each day.
Pictured from left to right, Robbie Phillips, The Corporate Image and Tri-Cities TN/VA PRSA President; Gary Tucker, Eastman Credit Union, Bob Feagins, Kingsport Chamber and Betty Payne, Eastman Chemical Company.
Kingsport Chamber Wins Five Awards at PRSA Awards Banquet Kingsport, TN. --- The Kingsport Area Chamber of Commerce brought home four Public Relations Society of America(PRSA) Awards and one Rod Irvin Excellence in Public Relations Award at the 2012 Tri-Cities PRSA Awards of Excellence Banquet held last month at Eastman Lodge near Bays Mountain Park, Kingsport. Celebrating the chapter’s 10th anniversary year, the chapter recognized the four founding fathers with a surprise birthday celebration and Happy Birthday sing a-long. The founders include, State Rep. Jon Lundberg, president and CEO, The Corporate Image; Bob Feagins, executive director of communications
and development, Kingsport Area Chamber of Commerce; Mary Ellen Miller, president and CEO, MarketingMel and Dr. John King, public relations professor at East Tennessee State University. The banquet recognized excellence in public relations work in our region. The chapter divides the entries into two categories,Honoring the Product and Honoring the Program; paralleling PRSA’s Silver and Bronze Anvil competitions. A panel of judges made up of PRSA members from the California Inland Empire PRSA Chapter evaluated the entries. There are three awards, Award of Excellence, Award of Quality and the Award of Merit.
The Kingsport Chamber received the five following awards: Award of Excellence in the Non-profit website category for KOSBE.org; Award of Excellence in the Public Service category for the 69th Annual Santa Train; Award of Excellence in the Special Events and Observances (Seven Days or Less) for theKingsport Chamber 64th Annual Dinner and an Award of Quality in the Special Events and Observances (Seven Days or Less) for the17th Annual KOSBE Awards. The 2012 recipient of theRod Irvin Excellence in Public Relations Award was awarded to Bob Feagins, the fifth and final award of the night.
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Washington has a spending problem, not a taxing problem April 17th marked Tax Day and, coincidentally, Tax Freedom Day - meaning that it has taken from January 1 until then for Americans to earn enough money to pay this year’s federal, state, and local tax bill — 29.2% of all our income. We need to put a stop to the government’s overreach into hardworking taxpayers’ wallets. One way we can stop the government tax overreach is by fixing the broken tax system. I support simplifying our tax code and closing loopholes that amount to spending in the tax code. However, let me be clear – I do not think this government has a taxing problem – it has a spending problem. I believe we should make tax cuts permanent for all Americans. Since coming to Congress, I voted to extend tax cuts, and I joined a number of my colleagues in Congress on several occasions asking that Washington refrain from raising taxes. I will continue to work with them to try to achieve tax reform that will permanently lower rates on individuals and spur economic growth.
In “The Path to Prosperity”, House Republicans spur economic growth with bold tax reform – eliminating complexity for individuals and families and boosting competitiveness for American job creators. The blueprint simplifies the tax code by consolidating the current six individual income tax brackets into just two brackets of 10 percent and 25 percent. This budget also rejects raising taxes on hard-working Americans. While balancing the federal budget with reduced spending, we must lower corporate and individual tax rates to promote greater savings and investment. Both the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts need to be extended permanently. “The Path to Prosperity” reduces the corporate tax rate of 35 percent, which will soon be the highest rate in the developed world, to a much more competitive 25 percent. Last month I will voted in support of the Small Business Tax Cut Act, which is legislation that will directly help small businesses
Congressman Phil Roe create jobs. The Small Business Tax Cut Act will allow small businesses with fewer than 500 employees to take a tax deduction equal to 20% of their active business income, irrespective of how the small business is organized. Our 20% small business tax cut goes
Unemployment Accountability Act of 2012 aim is simple While I travelled the state last fall from Mountain City to Memphis on my Red Tape Tour, I encountered a recurring theme among business owners. Of course, there were those concerned about this or that regulation pertaining only to a their specific businesses or industry. But time and again, I was hearing complaints about the unemployment system. Contrary to the insistence of the Left, the vast majority of business owners do not enjoy laying off workers. I’ve done it myself. It is a heartbreaking act for all concerned. But sometimes decisions have to be made for the good of a business -- so that only a few people lose their jobs rather than the scores of people laid off when a company collapses. In this time of national economic uncertainty, it is hard to put capital at risk and own and operate a business. Government has an obligation to do no harm and create an environment where business can thrive and keep people employed. No employer I know, when they have to let someone go through no fault of their own, begrudges employee collecting unemployment insurance. Times are tough, people are hurting and sometimes that next job is not waiting just around the corner. That’s what our unemployment system is for: to serve as a bridge from one opportunity to the next. Some however seek to abuse the system. That abuse is what we took aim at in the unemployment reform package we passed this session the anchor of which is the Unemployment Accountability Act of 2012. Our aim was simple: Make sure everyone
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Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey
who is entitled to unemployment insurance continues to receive it and remove from the system those who do not deserve benefits. One of the ways we did this was by simply strengthening the definition of misconduct. Strengthening the definition of employee misconduct ensures that those who have been fired for cause -- theft, willful negligence, disregard of written policy -- no longer receive benefits. Our reform also enacts new work search requirements for unemployment beneficiaries. Those collecting unemployment benefits must provide detailed information regarding contact with at least three employers per week or must access services at a career center. Our reform also provides for random audits to ensure the integrity of beneficiaries’ job searches. We also -- and I realize this is a drastic step -- wrote into the code that no one can collect unemployment benefits while incarcerated. I wish I was joking but we actually found cases of people receiving unemploy-
ment benefits while they were also receiving full room and board for violating the laws of the state. These are reasonable, common sense reforms that bring the system in line with what most Tennesseans expect it to be. These reforms not only protect business owners from abuse of a system they pay for -- it benefits job seekers as well. Nothing cures a society’s social and economic ills like full employment. A man or woman receives not only economic remuneration from work but also glean a significant amount of spiritual fulfillment. The sense of self-worth that a job brings to an individual cannot be overestimated. Losing a job can be debilitating mentally. The urge to withdraw from all other aspects of life while unemployed can be compelling. I believe we do the unemployed a disservice by simply cutting them a check with few strings attached. This reform encourages accountability by those on unemployment. It assures that they remain engaged in the job hunt and use the assistance of state career centers to get back into the job market. While the media focuses on “saggy pants” bills and evolution, issues most legislators spend little to no time on, we in the legislature are doing important work like this. This unemployment reform helps job creators stay in business and aids the unemployed in their job search all the while protecting the taxpayer from fraud and abuse. This is conservative government in action.
straight to the bottom line so small business owners can retain more capital, invest in their businesses and create more jobs. To help lower the tax burden, I have cosponsored H.R. 470, The Economic Recovery and Middle Class Tax Relief Act, which contain a number of common-sense tax changes that will promote economic growth and overturn decades of misguided policy. Allowing our workers and families to keep more of what they earn and save – while giving entrepreneurs and small businesses incentives to grow – are the best ways to stimulate the economy. Tax cuts, along with incentives such as tax credits for capital investment, are a vital step toward jumpstarting our economy. Instead of raising taxes, Congress needs to cut spending by eliminating duplicative, wasteful and bloated government programs. However, the president’s budget recommends ending tax cuts for hardworking Americans. President Obama and Congressional Democrats have pursued higher taxes at every turn under the pretense that raising
taxes is fair and everyone should “pay their fair share.” Nothing could be further from the truth, and the so-called Buffett Rule that failed in the Senate earlier this week is the latest job-killing tax hike that will only feed even more reckless spending. The real truth is not that families and job creators are taxed too little, it is that Washington is spending too much. There is nothing fair about the federal government taking between 30 and 40 percent of your income, especially on top of all the other taxes you pay – like sales taxes, gas taxes, and state and local taxes. Tax Day is a timely reminder that instead of increasing taxes, we should reform the tax code and pass legislation that will help small businesses to grow and let individuals and families keep more of what they earn. 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.
From the Publisher’s Desk
Out ‘N About Magazine celebrates 2nd anniversary By Ron Scalf, Publisher They say time flies when you’re having fun and we sure have been having fun the past two years bringing you the monthly version of Out ‘N About Magazine. Space, or the lack thereof, won’t allow me to list all the people who have helped us make Out ‘N About Magazine so successful in such a short period of time. From the people we have featured to attending hundreds of events from Asheville to Abingdon and throughout the Tri-Cities we have been truly blessed by the region’s support. We have been supported by many local advertisers who have recognized the need and affordability of participating in Out ‘N About Magazine. Obviously, because our publication Ron Scalf is free, we could not publish each month without their support. And, we take that responsibility very seriously. Having traveled to 48 foreign countries and most of our 50 states I can honestly say there is not another place on the planet like our region. And, fortunately for us, we will never run out of interesting people to interview nor will we run out places to visit because we have discovered tucked away communities within communities, and who could ever get bored enjoying our many festivals, lakes, golf courses, NASCAR races, special events and Oh My Oh My! Those mountains. Even though we are linked geographically, each community we cover has its own uniqueness, character, style and charm. This fact is want makes us love what we do every month for our neighbors and friends in Erwin, Elizabethton, Mountain City, Greeneville, Kingsport, Bristol, Johnson City, Rogersville, Jonesborough, Abingdon and Asheville. So, as you sit reading this month’s printed version of our 2nd anniversary issue or if you’re reading it on our web site [on behalf of all of us at Out ‘N About Magazine] I simply say a heart-felt ‘Thank You.’ We have some exciting things planned for the publication in the future and I trust you will do us the honor of traveling down that road with us.
Out ‘ N About Magazine
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May 2012
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Two UniqUe STageS . . .
BARTER THEATRE
(Abingdon, Virginia) A Feel Good Musical About want when we set our minds to it,” said Lori Hester, Being Yourself: “Legally Blonde: The Musical” director of patron services. “I believe it will entertain Opens at Barter Theatre and be inspiring to women of all ages, from teen girls all the way up. Shakespeare may have written “To thine own self be Memorable songs like “Bend and Snap,” “Whipped true” but Elle Woods is about to prove to everyone that Into Shape,” “Run Rufus Run” and “So Much Better” being true to yourself never goes out of style in Barter punctuate this perfectly perky production. Theatre’s “Legally Blonde: The Musical” opening on Newcomer Ellie Mooney plays the bubbly, spirited May 19 at Barter Main Stage. Elle Woods. The cast is outstanding and has all the Based on the Hollywood blockbuster-turned Barter favorites including Sean Campos (the MC, Broadway musical sensation, the singing, dancing, feel “Cabaret”), Wendy Piper (who recently stepped up in good tale reminds us that it’s ok to be who we are— the lead role as Violet in “9 to 5: The Musical”), Erin especially when it comes to love. Parker (who delighted audiences with her big voice It’s worth going to the ends of the earth for love. And and big portrayal of Doralee Rhodes which was Dolly in this case, Barter Theatre and a woman’s love is taking Parton’s character in “9 to 5: The Musical”), Holly audiences to Harvard Law School. Williams (Belle, “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast” last When Elle Woods’ boyfriend, Warner Huntington, year), Hannah Ingram (Sally Bowles, “Cabaret”), Ashley III, dumps her at the end of senior year in college for Campos, Nicholas Piper and Tricia Matthews. someone who is more “serious,” Elle doesn’t think she The feel-good story and the singing and dancing will recover. That is, until a bright idea ignites. She’ll will have women everywhere celebrating Elle’s story. just follow Warner to Harvard and prove she can be “Legally Blonde: The Musical” begins May 19 on Barter what he’s looking for. Theatre’s Main Stage. If you haven’t seen the newly First task: get into the illustrious Ivy-league renovated lobby; this is a perfect time to do so. institution. Elle trades parties for practice tests, and Barter Theatre is also offering the Pretty in Pink through hard work and determination, she achieves discount ticket package for groups of seven or more, her goal. Now the hard part begins: actual law school. celebrating Elle’s signature color. Plus, each member She soon realizes that practicing law can help others in your group will receive a pink “Legally Blonde: The when she helps a friend regain custody of her dog. After Musical” tote, signed cast poster, discount to a service all, “no woman should ever be separated from her dog.” at the spa at The Martha Hotel and Spa and more. Elle begins to compromise herself and get Make it a weekend with the gals. This is perfect for your discouraged that people just think she’s one big mom, sisters, aunts or a group of your favorite friends. blonde joke. But, when she receives encouragement from other women, she gets back in the game and For tickets and more information on “Legally does it with her style. Blonde: The Musical” call 276.628.3991 or visit “This feel-good musical proves that women don’t www.BarterTheatre.com. Groups of seven or more take ‘no’ for an answer, and we will go after what we should call group sales at 276.619.5406.
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So Many PoSSibiliTieS! ®
Hill n Continued from 26 The TRA is tasked with the oversight and regulation of invester-owned utilities. That means we have economic regulation and, in some cases we have safety regulation, and in other cases we have consumer mediation. Also, each day, more than 1,000 connections are made through the Tennessee Relay Service, which provides free telephone service statewide to citizens with speech, hearing and visual impairment. Last year, TRA received 20,000 calls on its consumer hotlines. Hill says the agency tries to mediate each complaint. Hill’s TRA appointment cut his time back in his longtime family businesses. “It’s been a real burden on my wife and my sons, and on the staffs and all the volunteers, who have kept things going so well when I have had to be away. Hill and his wife, Janet, “have been blessed with three wonderful children. Lydia, our daughter, and the youngest, is serving her community as a nurse.” Hill’s wife and daughter have little interest in politics, but his sons are deeply involved “in the arena.” Matthew Hill has served eight years in the Tennessee General Assembly representing Jonesborough, and is the vice president of WPWT. Younger brother Timothy Hill, a businessman from Bluff City, recently announced his candidacy for the Republican nomination for the Tennessee House of Representatives from the 3rd District. “We have two sons who wish to stand publicly, as they have been doing,” Kenneth Hill said. “We tried to teach them that their first priority is to serve God completely. They are men. They stand as men. They are their own men. They make their own decisions. We don’t agree on every single item or issue. They came out of the chute the way they are, thinking for themselves. Timothy has such tremendous compassion. It is remarkable. Matthew is a quieter, though he obviously feels deeply for people, and for their needs. They are different individuals, with their own distinctive approach to problems and solutions,” Hill said. “For their mother and me, seeing what they have become, and that to which they aspire is a blessing beyond measure.” (Read the full story on Dr. Hill online at www.outnaboutmagazine.com)
Out ‘ N About Magazine
May 2012
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