May 2013
Out‘N About
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M A G A Z I N E®
Women In Business: ‘A New Image Weight Loss & Spa Services’ Left to right: Connie Hicks, owner, Johnson City. Heather Bailey, Mt. City. Katie Connells, Roan Mountain and Leigh Anne Young, M.D. For a story, please see page 8
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Johnson City, TN. — Conveniently located in North Johnson City across from Kroger and next to Java Rush, Gold Rush is locally owned by Jeremy Clemens. “We buy gold, silver, platinum and coins of any karat, condition or age,” Clemens said. “We pay top price. Cash on the spot. No Checks!” Some of the many items that Clemens will purchase from you include: watches, rings, bracelets, necklaces, earrings, broaches, pins, and he is also a coin dealer. “I guess we all have some old jewelry and coins lying around that we don’t wear anymore and really don’t have any use for. Why not turn those items into instant cash?” Clemens said. Gold Rush is open Monday through Saturday and they even have a drive through window for your convenience. Clemens will also help coordinate your gold party and pay you for hosting it in the privacy of your home or office. “You can call and make an appointment and I will come to your
Page 2
house or office and evaluate your gold, silver or platinum,” Clemens explained. “And we also buy and deal in coins and coin collections.” Clemens and his family have over 34 years of experience in the business. Other family members own the Ideal Cards & Coins Company, in Ohio. “I’m a local businessman that you can deal with faceto-face instead of mailing your gold or jewelry off to people you don’t know and may not be getting the best deal for what you are selling,” he said matter-of-factly. Clemens and his family live in Washington County and he is an active coach of the Junior Topper football team and he also coaches baseball, T-Ball, and soccer. “You might recognize me on the field,” he said with a laugh. “I enjoy coaching yearround and it gives me time to spend with my kids.” Jeremy is married to Melissa and they have three children: Maddie, 8; Josh, 12; and Joey 5. They attend St. Mary’s Church in Johnson City. “I really enjoy working with the public every day and giving peo-
Jeremy Clemens ple the best deal possible when they are selling their gold, silver, platinum or coins,” he added. “I invite the readers of Out ‘N About Magazine to come by and get the best deal possible on their gold, silver, platinum or coins. And, if you’d like to make an appointment away from the store, just give me a call. We are all about customer service.”
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Page 3
‘Wake up Bambi’
Reflections of a runner This time of year reminds me of the Walt Disney movie my daughter watched when she was younger, called, “Bambi: Prince of the Forest.” I am the one who goes out, looks around, sees spring and comes running to tell my readers the good news, “Wake up, wake up, spring is here and it’s time to end your hibernation!” Similar to the way Bambi frolicked backed to his mother and shouted, “Wake up, Mother, spring is here.” ... And so it is. It seems like yesterday I wrote about getting ready for winter work outs and how to stay active during the blustering weather, bringing us right back to where we started, spring time and gentler weather conditions that allow for outdoor activities and much more.
What will you do this spring? Mix it benefits of both upper and lower body work outs. up and keep yourself Start a walking club in moving. Cross train and your neighborhood — find what works best make it fun and walk for you. Here are some yourself into summer suggestions to get your and fall workouts. blood pumping and Start in-line skating your heart racing to a and glide around town. healthier you.* Rowing, stair climbing, Run or jog in local and cycling are just a parks to enjoy the few more activities beauty of spring trees to keep you fit while and flowers blooming having fun outdoors. before your eyes. It Enjoy the benefits of becomes your own Suzy Cloyd cross training so your personal art gallery as body can adapt to you weave your way through the colors and designs of several activities rather than limiting yourself. Often the more diverse your nature. Join a softball league and reap the work out schedule, the more flexibility
May 2013 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, Founder Lynne Ogle, Publisher Jeri George, WQUT Music & Concert Information Congressman Dr. Phil Roe, Featured Columnist Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey, Featured Columnist Mary Ellen Miller, Featured Columinist Carrie Williams, Featured Teen Columnist
you have when traveling and doing events outside of your routine. Cross training allows you to stay active and reasonably fit without having to achieve high levels of fitness. Find activities that make you frolic and jump with excitement and go wake up the world — spring is here and it’s time to get serious about outdoor activities and your health and wellness. Just like Bambi coming out of hibernation, it’s time for you to get out of your winter slumber and wake up! Until next time ... ... Run Along — Suzy *Check with your physician before starting an exercise program
Volume 3, Issue 12
Ken Lewis, Accountant, Featured Columnist Suzy Cloyd, Featured Columnist Judy Veeneman, Featured Columnist Special Contributing writers/editors/photographers: Christine Webb, Kevin Brown, Mike White, Sara Hackers, and Mike Shoulders
For Advertising and Editorial Call: 865-805-7025 All free-lance material submitted becomes the property of Out ‘N About Magazine. Out ‘N About Magazine is not affiliated with any other newspaper or magazine published in the USA.
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Page 4
Out ‘ N About Magazine
Morgan Lorio, M.D. announces bid for seat on Bristol, TN City Council; Election Day is May 21st BRISTOL, TN — Bristol surgeon Dr. Morgan Lorio may be a newcomer to politics but his enthusiasm for Bristol radiates as he talks about bringing new ideas to the table designed to foster future growth of the town. Dr. Lorio and his family have made Bristol their home since 2001. He is committed to God, family and his country. “When I first saw the Bristol sign: ‘A Good Place to Live’ I had to agree which led the decision to make Bristol our home,” he said with a smile. “The beauty of our area is breath-taking and my wife and I are raising four adopted children [age 4½ to high school] and I can think of no other place in the country that we’d like to be.” From an early age Morgan always knew he wanted to help people which led him to a career in medicine. The evidence of his hard work and dedication to helping people is evident in his medical practice and to everyone he meets. Dr. Lorio’s approach to the Bristol City Council election is simple. “I am beholding to no one but my Lord,” he says. “I will approach each issue in a non-biased way and in careful thought. “I am making no claims or promises except to say I will create a level playing ground. I feel this opportunity is my duty . . .my
FACTOID:
EDUCATION: Louisiana State University Medical Center, 1988. Residency general and orthopedic surgery SUNY, New York, 1994. Plastic surgery training, Pittsburg, PA. 1996. Holds several patents and serves on several professional spinal committees.
Dr. Lorio with wife and family.
obligation win or lose.” Dr. Lorio said one of his concerns was, “the crumbling schools,” especially Vance Middle School. “I will represent all of Bristol,” he adds matter-of-factly. “You can’t focus on just a portion of Bristol but [instead] address the needs of the entire community. And, as far as our appointed committees are concerned, I want to see more transparency and I will pass along to the citizens of Bristol what’s going on in our city. We need more oversight on our boards and committees. Some have become rather archaic.”
Dr. Lorio’s campaign sign.
May 2013
Dr. Lorio, a Mason, family man, and Catholic, says he a fiscal conservative and strong supporter of Second Amendment rights and is not interested in micromanagement but he says he looks to all the growth surrounding Bristol in Johnson City, Kingsport and Abingdon, VA. and can’t help but wonder why Bristol can’t enjoy the same growth. The internationally award winning surgeon holds several patents and in 2009, won the National Award for Spine Surgery. If elected, he will represent the East District of Bristol although all voters in Bristol will vote to fill three seats on
Dr. Lorio’s campaign announcement reception.
Dr. Lorio holds plaster of paris from daughter’s hand surgery.
the City Council. Winners will each serve four year terms. “I come from simple upbringings with important core values,” Lorio adds. “Common sense works. Our downtown, for example, doesn’t have enough room. You must be able to accommodate shoppers and visitors and I think we should be looking into building a parking garage as well as other infrastructure improvements to the downtown area. I am dedicated to responsible management of our local economy, through the effective and thoughtful decisions regarding the future.”
Additionally, Dr. Lorio is co-owner of a Jimmy Johns restaurant franchise. Sr. partner, Neuro-Spine Solutions, P.C. and President of The Spine and Hand Center. Dr. Lorio and his family enjoy spending time on Holston Lake and in the mountains. Member of Bristol Chamber of Commerce. ELECTION DAY: MAY 21ST [Early voting now ongoing]. Meet and greet Dr. Lorio, May 16th Anderson Park, 12 p.m. – 2 p.m.
Paid Political Announcement
Dr. Lorio greets family and friends at his announcement reception.
Page 5
Speaking of Real Estate:
Realty & Auction “Dreams Do Come True”
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BoxWorks: One Stop Shop for Mothers Day/Graduation Gifts Bristol, VA — Bright colors and bold patterns are this season’s hip trend, and BoxWorks agrees! This Bristol gift shop is stocking their shelves with Vera Bradley’s new spring and summer designs. “The bags and accessories are not only a great addition to an outfit, but they also make wonderful gifts!” said John Ed Fuller, BoxWorks owner. “With Mothers Day and Graduation approaching, many people are scrambling to find the perfect gift for their loved ones.” BoxWorks, located on 50 Euclid Ave in Bristol, Va, invites you to come check out their Mother’s Day specials! Store hours are Mon-Fri. 9am-5:30pm and Saturday 10am-5pm.
to find out about upcoming events and specials!
Page 6
Judy Veeneman
By Judy Veeneman Not all real estate practitioners are REALTORS®. The term REALTOR® is a registered trademark that identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION of REALTORS® and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics. Here’s why it pays to work with a REALTOR®. 1. Navigate a complicated process. Buying or selling a home usually requires disclosure forms, inspection reports, mortgage documents, insurance policies, deeds, and multipage settlement statements. A knowledgeable expert will help you prepare the best deal, and avoid delays or costly mistakes. 2. Information and opinions. REALTORS® can provide local community information on utilities, zoning, schools, and more. They’ll also be able to provide objective information about each property. A professional will be able to help you answer these two important questions: Will the property provide the environment I want for a home or investment? Second, will the property have resale value when I am ready to sell? 3. Help finding the best property out there. Sometimes the property you are seeking is available but not actively advertised in the market, and it will take some investigation by your REALTOR® to find all available properties. 4. Negotiating skills. There are many negotiating factors, including but not limited to price, financing, terms, date of possession, and inclusion or exclusion of repairs, furnishings, or equipment. In addition, the purchase agreement should provide a period of time for you to complete appropriate inspections and investigations of the property before you are bound to complete the purchase. Your agent can advise you as to which investigations and inspections are recommended or required. 5. Property marketing power. Real estate doesn’t sell due to advertising alone. In fact, a large share of real estate sales comes as the result of a practitioner’s contacts through previous clients, referrals, friends, and family. When a property is marketed with the help of a REALTOR®, you do not have to allow strangers into your home. Your REALTOR® will generally prescreen and accompany qualified prospects through your property. 6. Someone who speaks the language. If you don’t know a CMA from a PUD, you can understand why it’s important to work with a professional who is immersed in the industry and knows the real estate language. 7. Experience. Most people buy and sell only a few homes in a lifetime, usually with quite a few years in between each purchase. Even if you have done it before, laws and regulations change. REALTORS®, on the other hand, handle hundreds of real estate transactions over the course of their career. Having an expert on your side is critical. 8. Objective voice. A home often symbolizes family, rest, and security — it’s not just four walls and a roof. Because of this, homebuying and selling can be an emotional undertaking. And for most people, a home is the biggest purchase they’ll every make. Having a concerned, but objective, third party helps you stay focused on both the emotional and financial issues most important to you. Reprinted from REALTOR® Magazine Online, May, 2013, with permission of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. Copyright 2013. All rights reserved.
Out ‘ N About Magazine
Corner Nest Antique Mall 100 West Elk Avenue Elizabethton, TN • 423-547-9111 Hours: Monday-Thursday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday & Saturday 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Brighten up your day with a trip to the ...
Corner Nest Antique Mall in Elizabethton
ELIZABETHTON — With the cold winter days finally behind us it’s time to venture out for our monthly visit to Corner Nest Antique Mall in our quest to find some spring bargains for the house, office and yard. The hustle and bustle of spring is evident when we arrive at Corner Nest, a 30,000 square foot antique mall located near downtown Elizabethton. Thousands of interesting items line the 90+ booths throughout the two-story building where visitors come from far and wide seeking a bargain [or] to look for that hard-to-find collector’s item. Some of the most exquisite antique furniture of every size and shape can be found throughout this massive mall sitting alongside paintings, pictures, gifts and collectables, glassware and even gardening accessories. There is also hundreds of decorating idea items for the
May 2013
home or office at very reasonable prices. Walking down the first floor isle we stopped dead in our tracks to take a gander at Deana Shoun’s booth which houses homemade furniture including cabinets, swings, dressers, a bed, benches, variety of railing and chest-of-drawers from [where else] but Shoun’s Sawmill & Mill Works in Butler, TN. “Everyone should have a swing if they have a back porch,” Deana said. “And if you don’t have a place to hook it to your porch, we’ll make you a stand to hang it on.” Deana says she has had a booth at Corner Nest since proprietor Robin Blackwell opened it almost a decade ago. “We do a lot of railing and stairs as well as interior and exterior doors,” she adds. “And, we can also build most anything out of wood if you bring us a photo. Our neighbor at the Corner Nest comes up to
the saw mill and gets rough lumber and they build furniture out of it. It is more affordable than similar furniture you’ll find in Gatlinburg.” Deana represents the 3rd generation operating the Butler saw mill that began business in 1917. “And, our children will be the 4th generation. We just love the business and we love displaying some of
the things we hand-crafted here at Corner Nest.” Across the way from the Shoun booth we spied a bargain trove of outdoor ‘high-end and high tech’ equipment for those seeking fun in the outdoors. Gary Moody says he’s happy to offer prices half of what you might find in retail stores. He has everything for the golfer,
fisherman, camper, or hiker. “I come across some amazing bargains at estate sales, auctions, flea markets, and garage sells,” he said matter-of-factly. “And, I pass those unbelievable good buys onto my customers at Corner Nest. I’ve been told my things sell for well below the manufacture’s cost. For example, I carry high-end fishing fly rods that retail for $300 and I sell them for $100. I have Sims wading boots and Glutex items that sell for half of what you’d see in a catalog. I have some of the best golf clubs in mint condition ... for sale for cheap.” Moody also stocks a variety of knives and he even has a Samurai Sword vintage World War II. “I offer unique ‘stuff’ he laughs. I’m bringing in kids mountain bikes and a line of hunting equipment. I’ve even got a boat and a tent for sale! So come on over to Corner Nest and save some money.”
Page 7
Women In Business: A New Image Weight Loss & Spa Services
‘This Ain’t Your Momma’s Weight Loss Program!’ New Image Weight Loss Clinics and Spa Services are pleased to announce we are under new medical supervision. Dr. Leigh Anne Young has joined our team of weight loss specialists to provide you with the most up-to-date care. Dr. Young is a member of the American Board of Internal Medicine. She comes to us with a vast array of experience in the medical field, completing her doctorate in medicine from East Tennessee State University in 1990, and a residency in internal medicine from West Virginia University in 1993. She worked in private practice in Alabama from 1993 to 1996 while her husband served with the U.S. Army at Fort Rucker. She then moved back to her hometown of Kingsport with her family in 1996 to teach in the internal medicine department at the Quillen Dishner Medical School from 1996 to 2001. In 2001, she was privileged to
Facial. join the Veterans Administration to help develop the primary care service,
Teeth whitening procedure.
Page 8
becoming the first chief of primary care for Mountain Home.
In 2002, she transitioned back to teach for East Tennessee State Univer-
sity and served the areas’ working uninsured at the Friends In Need Clinic in Kingsport. New Image Weight Loss Clinic originated in 1995 and has served the area to the present providing physician supervised weight loss. Dr. Young is on call 24 hours a day to provide you with the best of care and help tailor a weight loss program to your specific needs. At New Image Weight Loss Clinics, located throughout the region, expect to be greeted by a courteous staff in a relaxing atmosphere while seeing results with your weight loss needs. Our facilities offer, not only effective weight loss, but professional skin care and body reshaping services. Make an appointment today at one of our conveniently located clinics: • Johnson City: 423-232-7600 • Elizabethton: 423-542-6488 • Mountain City: 423-727-4107 • Roan Mountain: 423-772-0202
Botox procedure.
Out ‘ N About Magazine
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Page 9
Let’s go see the latest HOT movies! Capitol Cinema I & II in Erwin presents best way to see the latest films in 3D, digital at lowest ticket price in the region ERWIN — Jan Hendren Bradley, owner of Capitol I & II Theatres in downtown Erwin, is excited about the new movie releases on the horizon: Iron Man III, The Lone Ranger, Man of Steel, Disney’s Monsters University, Independence Day, Fast & Furious II, Smurfs II and The Great Gatsby. “This particular line-up represents the most exciting spring and summer releases that we’ve seen in a long time,” Jan says. “These are the hottest hits of the summer season.” Jan adds that she is giving away free popcorn [see coupon at end of the story] in celebration of this exciting time of the year and in celebration of the theatres’73rd year in business. And, that’s quite a milestone considering movie theatres in small downtowns generally were one of the first things to go when mega-malls began popping up with large movie complexes attached. Add to that the fact that Jan has also
kept up with times as her theatres offers the latest in 3D and digital technology and last year she added state-of-the-art rockers in Capitol I & II theatres as well as new carpet and other amenities. “It is a first class theatre and our latest project was to add Blue Ray capability,” Jan points out. “That new addition will enable us to show internet-based [special type] films and special events like Dustin Street’s ‘Stranger’ which is
a red carpet premier here at the theatre. I hope to be working with ETSU for a screening of student’s independent films during the Apple Festival.” Jan says the Blue Ray capability makes the theatres more enhanced and marketable because now she has the capability of offering the theatre for rent to corporations and other businesses for special presentations and for students out of school on snow days
something else to do besides being cooped up in the house. “They will be able to come here and play their video games against one another on the big screen. That’s going to be fun and interesting.” Other plans for the theatre include presenting on screen advertising and trivia before the movie begins versus people sometimes sitting and looking at a blank screen while waiting for the movie to begin. “That’s on the horizon as well as perhaps playing host to payper-view sporting events or even a special showing of the Super Bowl on the big screen,” she said. “We want the movie going public to know we have a very diverse selection of movies coming up in May throughout the summer. Each week something new will be opening up ... 3D is huge this summer!” Here are some of the exciting films scheduled for release at Capitol Cinema I & II in Erwin: Iron Man III opens May
3rd, The Great Gatsby opens on May 10th, Fast & Furious & Epic 3D opens May 24th, followed by Will Smith in After Earth, Man of Steel 3D, and such greats as Monsters University 3D, The Lone Ranger, Despicable Me 2 3D, “just to name a few,” Jan announced. “We are trying to get the word out that the theatres in downtown Erwin are state-of-the art and you can save some money because we have some of the lowest ticket prices in the region and you can beat the crowds and traffic at the malls,” she said. “Everyone’s interest should peek with the lineup of family and action films coming to the big screen in 3D. There is something for everyone and we’re really excited about the summer season.” Editor’s Note: Out ‘N About Magazine urges everyone to get out and support local businesses like Capitol I & II Theatres in Erwin. Small business is the life blood of every small town.
This Coupon Good For: One
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Capitol Cinema I & II 105 N. Main Street Erwin, TN. 37650 For more information Call: 423-743-4931 Or Visit: www.erwinmovies.com
Page 10
Out ‘ N About Magazine
WQUT Concert Schedule May 17
Paramount in Bristol: Clint Black
Niswonger Performing Arts Center in Greeneville, TN: LeAnn Rimes Lonesome River Band Darius Rucker
May 4 June 8 June 23
Tennessee Theatre in Knoxville: May 21 ZZ Top June 3 & 4 Widespread Panic June 6 Kevin James June 11 Earth Wind & Fire June 16 Daniel Tosh July 11 Harry Connick Jr. May 16 May 19
Knoxville Civic Coliseum: Avett Brothers Darius Rucker with Rodney Atkins and Jana Kramer
Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival in Manchester, TN: June 13-16 Paul McCartney, Mumford & Sons, Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers, ZZ Top, Gov’t Mule, Billy Idol And many others Bridgestone Arena in Nashville: May 1 Rush May 3 The Black Keys June 18 New Kids on the Block/ 98 Degrees/Boys II Men June 19 One Direction July 13 Beyonce Aug. 17 Bruno Mars Sept. 5 Iron Maiden Sept. 6 Muse Sept. 19-21 Taylor Swift Nov. 22 George Jones Ryman Auditorium in Nashville: May 1 Boz Scaggs May 15 Kris Kristofferson May 21 Bryan Adams May 28 Peter Frampton and Robert Cray June 2 Hall & Oats June 5 Marty Stuart June 9 Dawes June 25 Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo June 28 Gregg Allman June 30 Fall Out Boy U.S. Cellular Center (formerly Asheville Civic
May 1 May 2 May 15 June 15 July 25 Aug. 4 Aug. 16 Aug. 23 Aug 30 Aug 31
Center): Band of Horses Tedeschi Trucks Band Old Crow Medicine Show David Byrne & St. Vincent Biltmore in Asheville, N.C.: Heart (on sale June 5) Sheryl Crow (on sale June 5) Casting Crowns ( on sale June 12) Four Tops &. Temptations (on sale June 12) The Beach Boys (on sale June 12) comedian Bill Engvall (on sale June 12)
Time Warner Cable Arena in Charlotte, N.C.: June 19 New Kids on the Block/ 98 Degrees/ Boys II Men June 24 Fleetwood Mac July 27 Beyonce Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre in Charlotte,N.C.: May 3 Tim McGraw, Brantley Gilbert, Love & Theft June 7 Brad Paisley with Chris Young and Lee Brice June 21 Heart and Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Experience July 13 Bad Company and Lynyrd Skynyrd July 24 Dave Matthews Band July 25 Keith Urban, Little Big Town and Dustin Lynch July 29 Vans Warped Tour July 30 Train, The Script and Gavin Degraw Aug. 1 Kenny Chesney, Eli Young Band, Kacey Musgraves Aug. 6 Matchbox Twenty and Goo Goo Dolls Aug. 23 Miranda Lambert with Dierks Bentley, Randy Rogers Band and Gwen Sebastian Greensboro Coliseum in Greensboro, N.C.: Sept. 12 Taylor Swift Oct. 17 Rod Stewart and Steve Winwood May 11 May 24 May 26 June 14 June 21
Harrah’s in Cherokee, N.C.: Josh Turner Aaron Lewis Reba McEntire Dwight Yoakam Billy Idol
June 28 July 6 July 27
Gary Allan Jeff Dunham George Jones
Time Warner Cable Music Pavilion in Raleigh, N.C.: Heart and Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Experience
June 22
House of Blues in Myrtle Beach, S.C.: May 4 Seether May 5 Band of Horses May 18 Jackyl May 19 Black Crowes May 26 Scotty McCreery June 13 Little Big Town July 6 Corey Smith July 7 B.B. King July 12 Mother’s Finest July 15 311 May 16
Bilo Center in Greenville, S.C.: Jason Aldean, Jake Owen and Thomas Rhett
May 7 & 8 June 2 June 6 June 11 June 10 June 20 June 21 Aug. 10 Oct. 19
The Tabernacle in Atlanta: Soundgarden Fall Out Boy Tracy Morgan Billy Idol Philips Arena in Atlanta: Fleetwood Mac New Kids on the Block/98 Degrees/Boys II Men One Direction Justin Bieber Rod Stewart and Steve Winwood
Chastain Park Amphitheater in Atlanta: June 20 Heart and Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Experience The Arena at Gwinnett Center in Duluth, GA: June 26 Juanes July 12 Beyonce Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park in Alpharetta, Georgia: Styx, Reo Speedwagon and Ted Nugent Avett Brothers and Old Crow Medicine Show
May 5 May 17
Hands On! May Calendar of Events
Art Studio Schedule Mother’s Day and Teacher Cards: Show your gratitude for mothers and teachers 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 colorful tissue paper flowers! Tuesday, April 30th - Sunday, May 12th - The Whole Kite and Kaboodle Learn the science behind aerodynamics in honor of Kite Day. Make your own kite and test it out in our famous wind tubes! The Eastman Discovery Lab will be open by announcement periodically throughout each day. Friday, May 3rd, 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. - First Friday Free admission to the feature exhibit, Dinosaurs! Sunday, May 12th, 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. - Mother’s Day Mothers enjoy FREE admission to the museum! Sunday, May 12th - Dinosaurs! closes Today is the last day to see Dinosaurs! Be sure to stop by before they stomp out of here! Tuesday, May 14th - Sunday, May 26th - Bridging the Gap Join us as we recognize the 130th anniversary of the
May 2013
opening of the Brooklyn Bridge. Learn about bridge structures and then test out your engineering skills as you build your own bridge out of seemingly ordinary objects. Test your bridge for strength and see if it holds up to the challenge! The Eastman Discovery Lab will be open by announcement periodically throughout the day. Wednesday, May 15th, 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Bubble Builders Workshop You will have a bubblin’ good time whipping up a fresh batch of bubble gum, making a miniature lava lamp, formulating a bubbling CO2 “sandwich”, and more. Cost $10 for members, $12 for non-members. Ages 5-12. Payment is required with registration by Wednesday, May 1st. Saturday, May 18th – International Museum Day Visit us on International Museum Day to receive a FREE pass to return to Hands On with any paid admission! PLUS we will be offering 5% off any membership purchases for the day! Give the pass to a friend or keep the pass for yourself so you can come back to keep having fun! (**Return pass valid May 19th, 2013 - June 30, 2013.) Monday, May 27th - CLOSED for the Memorial Day holiday. Tuesday, May 28th - Sunday, June 9th - 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!
Down Home 300 W. Main Street, Johnson City, TN. 423-929-9822
Concert Schedule
Wednesday, May 1st 7 p.m. ETSU Bands
Thursday, May 16th 8 p.m. Tiller’s Folly with John Cowan
Friday, May 3rd 8 p.m. Ron Short
Saturday, May 18th 8 p.m. Scott Miller Friday, May 24th 8 p.m.
Saturday, May 4th 8 p.m. Frank Solivan and Dirty Kitchen
Beth Snapp Band Saturday, May 25th 8 p.m.
Thursday, May 9th 8 p.m. Hackensaw Boys
Trey Hensley Bluegrass Band Tuesday, May 28th 8 p.m.
Friday, May 10th 8 p.m. Milk Drive
Chip Taylor Wednesday, May 29th 8 p.m.
Saturday, May 11th 8 p.m. NewFound Road
Betse Ellis w special guest Roy Andrade
Paramount Schedule WEDNESDAY, MAY 1ST AT 6 P.M. Joint Town Hall Meeting: Congressmen Phil Roe & Morgan Griffith. This meeting is free and open to the public. FRIDAY, MAY 3RD AT 7 P.M. The Korean Children’s Choir— The Children’s Choir was organized as a ministry of the Far East Broadcasting Company in Korea. The Choir members are selected through a rigorous audition process. The children, ranging in ages from seven to thirteen, receive training from a voice trainer, choreographer and conductor. Cheerful adaptations, warm smiles and thorough professionalism characterize the performances. Colorful costumes and traditional Korean dance add to the excitement and pageantry of the concerts. Admission is free with ticket. Tickets are available at the Paramount Main Office. SATURDAY, MAY 4TH AT 7 P.M. Appalachian Express presents Celebrate Harmony— Barbershop harmony at its best! The men who comprise the Appalachian Express come from all areas of the greater Tri-Cities, and their talents have allowed the Chorus to become one of the most respected singing organizations in the southeast. The Appalachian Express is part of the NE Tennessee Chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society, and has been directed by Tony Bowman since 1982. Tickets: $15 Adults, $12 Seniors/Students, $6 Children 10 and under, $10 Group rate to assisted living homes. SUNDAY, MAY 5TH AT 2 P.M. City of Bristol Virginia presents Mayor’s Awards of Distinction— Please join us as the City of Bristol Virginia honors several Bristol residents with the Mayor’s Awards of Distinction for service and achievements Admission is free. SATURDAY, MAY 11TH AND SUNDAY, MAY 12TH AT 2:30 P.M. Highlands Ballet presents Alice in Wonderland— Based on the 1865 novel written by English author Charles Lut-
widge Dodgson under the pseudonym Lewis Carol, it tells the tale of a girl named Alice who falls down a rabbit hole into a fantasy world populated by peculiar creatures. Original choreography by Deanna ColeRoberts and Deirdre Cole, this timeless story unfolds on our stage. Tickets: Adults $6.00 in advance, $8.00 at the door. Children 12 and under $4.00. FRIDAY, MAY 17TH AT 8 P.M. Clint Black— Prolific singersongwriter Clint Black has long been heralded as one of Country music’s brightest stars. His many talents have taken him even further, as Black has transcended genres to become one of the most successful artists in all the music industry. To date, Black has written, recorded and released more than 100 songs, a benchmark in any artist’s career. An astounding one-third of these songs eligible for major single release also achieved hit song status at Country radio, while more than 20 million of his albums have been sold worldwide. While it’s well-known that Black is an accomplished singer and guitarist, people may be surprised to learn that he is also proficient on drums and harmonica. Tickets: $100 Gold Circle, $52.00 Individual SUNDAY, MAY 19TH AT 2:30 P.M. Bristol Ballet presents At The Ballet— Always creative and always fun, the Bristol Ballet has done it again! The annual student spring concert features pieces from Swan Lake, Don Quixote, Sleeping Beauty, Mid Summer Nights Dream, Coppelia, and Cinderella. The performance will feature a variety of classical and original choreography. Tickets: $10 Adults, $5.00 Children 10 and Under FRIDAY, MAY 31ST AT 7 P.M. Paramount Fundraiser: Sounds and Samples of Bristol— Enjoy the sounds of summer with sips and samples of Bristol! Fundraiser includes a cocktail supper, DJ, Dancing on stage, Belly & Bollywood performers, and a live auction. Tickets: $75.00. (423) 274-8920 www.theparamountcenter.com.
Page 11
Confronting terrorism, united as Americans A marathon runner myself, I want to begin this month’s column by letting the runners, first responders, families and friends of those involved in last month’s tragic events in Boston know that Pam and I send our thoughts, prayers and wellwishes to you. The acts of kindness and bravery following Monday’s horrific events warm my heavy heart, and I commend our first responders – the EMS, fire and police officers – who rushed to help victims not knowing whether they were in harm’s way. President Obama, our police and intelligence officers and the leaders involved in this investigation deserve our support and prayers as they work to bring the person or persons behind this atrocious terrorist attack to justice. As the president said, when confronting terrorism and perpetrators of heinous attacks like these, there are no Republicans and Democrats – only Americans. As we piece together the facts surrounding those events, it’s very difficult to focus our atten-
tion elsewhere, but that’s what the able, the emergency preparedness mind or minds behind this tragedy procedures we have in place often want. As hard as it seems, we should save lives. We must continue to deter fight to keep this terrible event from terrorists - both foreign and domestic defining this celebrated day in his- and those who would do us harm tory. We can honor the memory of by ensuring we’re fully prepared for those precious lives lost by keeping the possibility of new threats. them close to our hearts and standLast month, the House took acing together in the face of adversity. tion to try to address another unseen Congressman We stand united in the love we share threat – the threat of cyber-attacks, Phil Roe for this country and the beautiful city which are attacks from Internet of Boston. We will prevail. hackers who target U.S. computer networks. In As if the tragic news wasn’t enough, we were an open hearing held by the Senate Intelligence reminded again of the constant threats, often un- Committee, FBI director Robert Mueller stated that seen, when an envelope believed to contain the “Down the road the cyber threat will be the numpoison ricin was sent to Senator Roger Wicker’s of- ber one threat to the country.” Director Mueller’s fice. Fortunately, the piece of mail was intercepted statement did not fall on deaf ears. Tomorrow, the at an off-site mail screening facility and no one House is expected to pass the Cyber Intelligence was injured. Even though we’ve seen this week Sharing Protection Act, known as CISPA. This bill that, unfortunately, all threats are not prevent- encourages the public and private sector to share
End of session brought tax cuts and healthier surplus There is nothing like time back home in “the real world” away from Nashville. Spending time with family and getting back to work on my auction business gives me tremendous perspective on this past legislative session. I must admit that I am tremendously pleased Lt. Gov. with what we have Ron Ramsey accomplished. This session brought Tennesseans a balanced budget, tax cuts and healthier rainy day fund. We remain a triple-A bond rated state with one of the lowest debt ratios and tax burdens in the county. George Mason University, in fact, declared Tennessee one of the freest states in the nation. Tennessee is quite simply the greatest state for any American to live work and raise a family. We know that deep in our bones, of course, but it is great to have study after study, poll after poll and ranking after ranking confirm that fact. This session we continued to advance an uniquely Tennessee agenda giving the citizens of Tennessee what they have asked for: more jobs, less spending and smaller government.
Page 12
The first thing we accomplished this year was once again concluding the legislative session on time. In the past, when Tennessee’s government was far smaller, the legislature frequently got out in early May or late April. Then, during the income tax battles of the late 90s, the Democrats in charge of the legislature began to drag the legislative session into June and even July. Not only did this cost taxpayer dollars (over $100,000 per week during session) it cost Tennessee in other ways, too. The longer the legislature is in session the longer legislators can dream up new programs and new laws that cost you money. The government that governs best governs least. The purpose of a part-time legislature is to ensure that Tennessee has a government that governs minimally and one that stays close to people. By extending the legislative session, Tennessee was slowly moving away from that. Your Republican majority has righted the ship and arrested the slow drift towards big government. The days of legislative sessions routinely dragging into late May and June are over. No successful Republican agenda is complete without tax reform. This year we continued to chip away at the tax on food as well take the next step toward the elimi-
nation of the death tax. The tax cut we passed that I’m most excited about is the Hall tax on interest and dividends. The Hall tax is a tax on responsibility, pure and simple. We cannot continue to tell people to be responsible and put money away for retirement only to tax them when they begin to draw on that money in their golden years. I hope to continue to raise the exemption on seniors to a level where few, if any, retirees have to pay the tax. Altogether your Republican majority cut taxes by over $43 million while continuing to fund the state’s essential services and putting money away for a rainy day. This is fiscally responsible government in action. This is the kind of government that makes Tennessee the envy of the nation. The most important thing we can do in the legislature is create an environment where economic growth can take hold and jobs can be created. To this end, Governor Haslam took on the issue of workers compensation reform. Tennessee was one of last two states that still settled workers compensation issues primarily in the court system. Thanks to this year’s reform we now have a system where workers and job creators stand on an equal playing field. n See RAMSEY, 27
information about online threats in real time so we can ensure we’re protected by all threats. The bill also ensures that the public’s information is protected and is not held by the government if it is received from a company because of a threat. As I’ve said before, each time I take a vote in Washington I ask myself if it will make us less free or infringe on our civil liberties. If the answer is yes, I will not support the legislation before me. I am proud to support CISPA and I’m confident this bill will help with some of our cyber security concerns without robbing Americans of their civil liberties. In the days, weeks and months ahead I will continue to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to ensure we’re doing all we can to protect our citizens from these senseless attacks. Please feel free to contact my office if we can be of assistance to you or your family. Our contact information can be found on our websitetwww. roe.house.gov.
The infamous prom season One word: prom. Funny how those four letters can sum up a slew of emotions ranging from fun, excitement, and hilarity to embarrassment, and awkwardness. For adults, prom is a funny memory to laugh about, but we teens take it very seriously. Well, most of us anyway. Being the chairman of my school prom, my experience was more stress-centered than anything, but for a lot of my peers, prom was the night they had been waiting for all year, and they were sad to see it end. Every year, a competition ensues among teenage boys everywhere, a race to see who will fabricate the most creative and endearing prom proposal. The girls go crazy for this mushy stuff, and the guys have no idea what the big deal is, and as the viable dates become scarce, the stakes are only intensified. Of course, prom garb is another matter of massive importance. Girls embark on their hunt for the perfect dress, and no price is too great for something that you’ll only wear for about four hours. I can already imagine the parents out there responding to this with a derisive snort. I know, it’s hard to understand why we girls see the need to buy an extravagant dress for one night, and
pair it with outrageously painful high heel shoes that we’re only going to kick off as soon as the music starts. On the other hand, the boys simply rent their evening wear, indifferent as to what it may look like. As long as they have pants and a shirt, they couldn’t be happier. Carrie Aside from the Williams apparel, my personal prom experience could be aptly defined as awkward. Being sociable is hardly a problem, but dancing is another matter entirely. I’m a huge music fan with a variety of diverse tastes; however, “pop” music would not be one of them, and while I do love dance music, dancing ridiculously in front of a hundred other peers to said dance music isn’t exactly my thing. Needless to say, prom can be a very interesting event, but for all you students reading this, it’s something you don’t want to miss out on. Don’t take it too seriously, but do enjoy it while you can, and make the most of your high
school experience!
Out ‘ N About Magazine
THE ART OF GIVING
May 2013
Funding from the Martin School of the Arts provides personal contact with artists – such as violinist Brian Lewis – as well as performances, lectures and exhibitions.
‘
[Martin’s gifts] have changed the face of the institution and they’ve changed the future of the institution. We are much more active in a public setting because of Mr. Martin’s generosity. ~ ETSU President Dr. Brian Noland
‘
James C. “Jim” Martin has changed “the face and the future” of ETSU and the arts in the region, says ETSU President Dr. Brian Noland. Five years after his first gift to ETSU and the arts in Upper East Tennessee in memory of his wife Mary B. Martin, Jim Martin has received Tennessee’s highest honor in the arts. The Governor’s Arts Awards were presented to nine recipients April 23 by Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam in a special ceremony in Nashville, produced by the Tennessee Arts Commission. “We congratulate each recipient of the 2013 Governor’s Arts Awards,” said Anne Pope, executive director of TAC. Recipients for the 43rd awards ceremony were in three categories – Folklife Heritage, Arts Leadership and Distinguished Artist. Martin and two others received an Arts Leadership Award. In January 2009, Martin established the Mary B. Martin School of the Arts at ETSU, a program that provides a wide-range of arts activities including high-caliber performing arts events, exhibitions, workshops, speakers and other arts events to the campus community and the public, as well as arts advocacy, education and outreach activities for both ETSU students and the community. Most recently, Martin laid the monetary foundation for construction of the university’s $39 million arts classroom building and performing arts center with a $3 million lead gift. Since 2009, Mr. Martin’s total contributions to various arts organizations in Tennessee have exceeded $7.1 million. “The Martin funding allows ETSU to bring artists to the Tri-Cities area, many of which normally would be seen in major metropolitan areas,” says Mary B. Martin School of the Arts Director Anita
Governor recognizes Jim Martin for leadership, building arts ‘tapestry’ DeAngelis. “Funding allows ETSU to keep ticket prices very low for performing arts events while other activities are free, encouraging access to the arts for a wide segment of the community. As new generations of Tennesseans are provided with more opportunities, the Martin legacy will make lasting contributions to the arts both in our community and throughout the state.” Martin’s gifts and vision “have changed the face of the institution and they’ve changed the future of the institution,” says ETSU President Dr. Brian Noland. “We are much more active in a public setting because of Mr. Martin’s generosity.” Martin’s generosity has extended to myriad arts organizations in Upper East Tennessee, including renovations to the International Storytelling Center, Jonesborough; the Johnson City Symphony Orchestra for the Mary B. Martin Memorial Concert; Milligan College, Elizabethton, for renovations to the auditorium at Seeger Chapel; Mary B. Martin Program for the Arts for the Town of Jonesborough, to convert the former Booker T. Washington School into an interpretive area for AfricanAmerican contributions to the town and a new community arts center; Symphony of the Mountains, Kingsport, for family, school and Youth for Youth concerts. Martin has made a tremendous impact on the arts, DeAngelis says. “Not only has he filled a gap, but he has provided advocacy and momentum for the arts to reach new levels throughout the region.” “I have been slowly trying to weave a tapestry,” Martin told A! Magazine for the Arts, “of local artoriented institutions that can cooperate and begin to form an influential presence in our area.”
Page 13
U.S. Rep. Phil Roe presents MSHA with National Quality Healthcare Award WASHINGTON, D.C. — Mountain States Health Alliance received a prestigious honor recently when it was named the recipient of the 2012 National Quality Healthcare Award, presented by the National Quality Forum. Only one recipient is chosen each year for the entire U.S. The reason for the honor: MSHA’s commitment to providing quality patient-centered care while working to lower costs. MSHA leaders received the award at the NQF Annual Meeting, and it was presented by Dr. Phil Roe, U.S. Representative for the 1st District of Tennessee. “For the last 15 years, Mountain States Health Alliance has worked hard to serve East Tennesseans and Southwest Virginians,” Roe said, “and I’m proud of the work they do and the excellent care they provide our citizens. “Good health is vital to our economy, and we’re very fortunate to have an organization like Mountain States in our community.” This year the NQF award focused on how much an organization provides patient-centered care and achieves bet-
Pictured L-R: Dr. Phil Roe, U.S. Representative; Tamera Parsons, MSHA Vice President of Quality and Patient Safety; Dennis Vonderfecht, MSHA President and CEO; Dr. Morris Seligman, MSHA Chief Medical Officer.
ter health outcomes at lower per-capita costs, representing the Triple Aim set forth by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement. Laura Miller, NQF’s interim president and CEO, Senior Vice President and COO, praised Mountain States for its comprehensive planning and successful deployment of programs focusing on continuous quality improvement. “Mountain States Health Alliance has illustrated its commitment to providing a positive and safe experience not just for patients, but for their families
and caregivers as well,” Miller said. According to the National Quality Forum, MSHA’s commitment to excellence and quality can be seen in all aspects of the system. MSHA has created and utilizes a set of 10 Patient-Centered Care Guiding Principles illustrating the importance of safe, customized care that is provided in a transparent manner and openly communicated with the patient, family and caregivers throughout the course of treatment. Direct engagement with patients and
families continues after discharge in the form of hosted support groups and patient events, calls from care providers to patients post-discharge, and the recruitment of former patients and family members to serve on patient advisory committees throughout the system. NQF recognized MSHA’s comprehensive approach to measurement – an increasingly important factor in promoting increased quality and safety within a health care system. Performance measures used by MSHA are aligned with the National Quality Strategy. Metrics are reported to MSHA internal staff through their quality dashboard on a monthly and annual basis, compared against projected year-to-date targets, and tracked regularly by senior leadership and board members. MSHA staff exhibit a strong commitment to transparency — a Patient Safety Report on the staff intranet page monitors errors, and safety and performance information is regularly made available on a public website. “To date, MSHA’s commitment to measurement has led to measureable reductions of waste within the system,
providing better value for patients and lowering costs overall,” the NQF stated in a news release. “At MSHA, our shared vision is to passionately pursue healing of the mind, body and spirit as we create a world class health care system,” said Dennis Vonderfecht, president and CEO of MSHA. “We are committed to this vision because our region deserves nothing less than world class, and we are delighted to receive this recognition from the National Quality Forum because it is an affirmation that we are headed in the right direction. “The credit for this recognition goes to the thousands of physicians, nurses, team members, board members and other volunteers who are traveling together on this health care journey with MSHA as we all work to fulfill our mission of bringing loving care to health care.” The NQF National Quality Healthcare Award recipient is selected through a blinded review by a panel of jurors composed of national health care experts who represent purchasers, government, health systems, clinicians and consumers.
Let’s all go to the movies By: Toby Laek, Producer, Daytime Tri-Cities
Much has been made of the downfall of American movie theaters. Despite the fact that The Avengers broke all sorts of box office records last year, gone are the days of people lining up around the block each week to see the latest that Hollywood has to offer. There have been a plethora of reasons tossed about as to why this is. Some are valid, such as rude people talking on their phones and texting during the movies (this makes me mad...like Incredible Hulk mad) and annoying commercials that play before the films (if we’re already paying to see the film, we shouldn’t be forced to sit through ads for Axe Body Spray, Verizon cell service, and random reality TV shows, thank you very much). Some reasons aren’t so valid — high ticket prices (most theaters have special discount nights or you can always go to a matinee) and high concession prices (while I’m not condoning this, it
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doesn’t exactly take a criminal mastermind to sneak in your own snacks… just make sure you’re not the guy that cracks open a can of soda in the middle of the film). One thing that’s not only kept folks away from movie theaters, but also kept them away from live sporting events in the past decade, is the proliferation of low cost high definition home theaters. For under a thousand dollars, you can get a good HD television, Blu-Ray player, and a seven-speaker sound system that turns your living room into a mini-theater. The only problem is that it’s not the same…a home theater is a great setup to enjoy whatever it is you choose to keep you entertained, but it just can’t replicate the shared experience of going into a darkened theater with a bunch of strangers, turning off the world around you, and being entertained – whether through humor,
action, drama, or fright. When you stay at home to watch a movie, you’re more susceptible to falling into the pitfalls of being at home (answering calls, doing housework, messing with Twitter on your cell phone…). When you go into a theater, you basically let all of that go for a couple hours and allow yourself become enveloped in whatever picture the filmmaker paints. And when it works, it’s an experience of which there are very few parallels. I know that, for most of us, money is tight. The cost of living is going up and wages are going down — that’s not exactly an equation that’s going to leave us with a great deal in the entertainment budget. All I ask is that once this summer, just once, find a movie that looks good to you and go see it in the theater. The magic of film is still out there, you just have to find it.
Out ‘ N About Magazine
Austin Springs Spa unveils expansion
A client enjoys the new locker room.
New treatment room.
Laura Cusick and Sarah Smith.
Long-time director leaving to devote full time to family JOHNSON CITY, TN — After a nine year stint as director at Austin Springs Spa, Laura Cusick is leaving to devote full-time to her three children and husband. However, before she made her decision, Cusick oversaw yet another expansion at the popular spa. “We quite frankly just needed more space to keep up with the demand,” she says with a smile. “When I first started here there were five treatment rooms; now there are 11. We had 15 employees and now we have 59!” Along with adding four additional treatment rooms, Austin Springs Spa and Salon now has a brand new locker room/shower area and the shampoo room and hair salon also received a face lift and was expanded. “I’m proud of what the spa has turned into,” Cusick adds, who at 33-years-old was just honored as one of the 40 under 40 best leaders in the region by the Business Journal. “In the old days we would use a pencil and appointment book for appointments and we had only two
May 2013
phone lines. We have grown into lot of time with them. I realized that [everything now] being automated you can’t get this time back. The spa on our computers and we have mul- will always be here and someday I tiple phone lines. We take many ap- might return. I’ll still do some conpointments via email or at our web sulting and I’ve become interested site. It’s really unbelievable that we in sewing ... particularly embroidery and monogramnow have over ming design. My 50,000 clients Austin Springs Spa mom taught me who visit us. I & Salon to sew so that’s attribute our 423-979-6403 something I can growth to the Located on the Lower keep busy with great people Level of Carnegie Hotel at home with the who work here 1216 W. State of Franklin children.” and manageRoad Sarah Smith, ment who Johnson City, TN. who was Cuhave given Hours of Operation: sick’s first asme the tools Monday thru Saturday sistant director, to make this a 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. will be returnhighly successwww.AustinSprings ing to the spa as ful business.” Spa.com its new director. While CuWhen Smith left sick said it was the spa, she aca hard decision to leave, her family won out tually only moved one floor up for a when it “came down to my deci- management opportunity to work at Carnegie Hotel’s Wellington’s Ression,” she said. “Being a mom with three babies taurant. “I missed the spa the first day I five years and under had me reflecting on spending a 50 hour work left,” Smith admits. “I remember week and not being able to spend a crying when I got on the elevator.”
The newly renovated salon shampoo room.
“We’re really excited to have her back,” adds Cusick. “She’s the type of leader with the personality to wear a lot of hats which is vital to this role. The spa has been my baby since the beginning so I wanted someone who could come in and not miss a beat.” Cusick is understandably melancholy when talking about moving on. “The reaction to the people that
I’ve told has been tremendous. I’ve made so many friends and I’ll miss our customers and the staff. I also appreciate the management here who has supported me in the latest expansion of the spa. We didn’t make the expansion decision on a whim. You simply have to make certain you have the demand. And, we do.”
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Abingdon Main Street Receives 2013 National Main Street Accreditation
Abingdon, VA — Abingdon Main Street has been designated as an accredited National Main Street Program for meeting the commercial district revitalization performance standards set by the National Main Street Center®, a subsidiary of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Each year, the National Main Street Center and its partners announce the list of accredited Main Street® programs that have built strong revitalization organizations and demonstrate their ability in using the Main Street Four Point Approach® methodology for strengthening their local economy and protecting their historic buildings. “We congratulate this year’s nationally accredited Main Street programs for meeting our established performance standards,” says Valecia Crisafulli, acting director of the National Main Street Center. “Accredited Main Street programs are meeting the chal-
lenges of the downtown in the economy head on and are successfully using a focused, comprehensive revitalization strategy to keep their communities vibrant and sustainable.” The organization’s performance is annually evaluated by Virginia Main Street, which works in partnership with the National Main Street Center to identify the local programs that meet ten performance standards. These standards set the benchmarks for measuring an individual Main Street program’s application of the Main Street Four Point Approach® to commercial district revitalization. Evaluation criteria determines the communities that are building comprehensive and sustainable revitalization efforts and include standards such as developing a mission, fostering strong public-private partnerships, securing an operating budget, tracking economic progress and preserving historic buildings.
Johnathan Forester Principal Broker & Primary Auctioneer
The mission of Abingdon Main Street is to work with local leaders, businesses, and residents to promote, support, preserve and enhance the downtown district’s history, culture, vitality and ensure its sustainability. “Abingdon is such a great place with all these unique assets, like our history, our arts venues, outdoor recreation and our local businesses,” says Abingdon Main Street Director, Susan Howard. “We’re thankful for the support of our town government and the community volunteers who share our passion for this amazing town.” Established by the National Trust for Historic Preservation in 1980, the National Main Street Center helps communities of all sizes revitalize their older and historic commercial districts. Working in more than 2,200 downtowns and urban neighborhoods over the last 32 years, the Main Street program has leveraged more than $55.7 billion in new public and private investment. Participating communities have
created 473,535 net new jobs and 109,693 net new businesses, and rehabilitated more than 236,418 buildings, leveraging an average of $18 in new investment for every dollar spent on their Main Street district revitalization efforts.
TCI Group is the first and largest commercial real estate group in the Tri-Cities region of Upper East Tennessee and Southwest Virginia. Our team of expert, knowledgeable brokers is experienced and skilled in every facet of commercial and industrial real estate, drawing on a vast network of affiliations to provide comprehensive real estate services throughout the region and the world. Johnathan Forester can assist you with your auction and other real estates needs. With years of experience, TCI is the region’s source for professional auction services. Licened in Tennesee & Virginia. Give Johnathan a call today! 300 E. Main Street, Suite 404 • Johnson City, TN 37601 Phone: 423-915-0911 • Fax: 423-915-1043 Email: jforester@tcigroup.com
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Out ‘ N About Magazine
Remember your mother on her day on May 12th The origin of Mother’s Day goes back to the era of ancient Greek and Romans. But the roots of Mother’s Day history can also be traced in UK where a Mothering Sunday was celebrated much before the festival saw the light of the day in US. However, the celebration of the festival as it is seen today is a recent phenomenon and not even a hundred years old. Thanks to the hard work of the pioneering women of their times, Julia Ward Howe and Anna Jarvis that the day came into existence. Today the festival of Mother’s day is celebrated across 46 countries (though on different dates) and is a hugely popular affair. Millions of people across the globe take the day as an opportunity to honor their mothers, thank them for their efforts in giving them life, raising them and being their constant support and well-wisher. The earliest history of Mother’s Day dates back to the ancient annual spring festival the Greeks dedicated to maternal goddesses. The Greeks used the occasion to honor Rhea, wife of Cronus and the mother of many deities of Greek mythology. Ancient Romans, too, celebrated a spring festival, called Hilaria dedicated to Cybele, a mother goddess. It may be noted that ceremonies in honor of Cybele began some 250 years before Christ was born. The celebration made on the Ides of March by making offerings in the temple of Cybele lasted for three days and included parades, games and masquerades. The celebrations were notorious enough that followers of Cybele were banished from Rome. Early Christians celebrated a Mother’s Day of sorts during the festival on the fourth Sunday of Lent in honor of the Virgin Mary, the Mother of Christ. In England the holiday was expanded to include all mothers. It was then called Mothering Sunday. The more recent history of Mother’s Day dates back to 1600s in England. Here a Mothering Sunday was celebrated annually on the fourth Sunday of Lent (the 40 day period leading up to Easter) to honor mothers.
May 2013
After a prayer service in church to honor Virgin Mary, children brought gifts and flowers to pay tribute to their own mothers. On the occasion, servants, apprentices and other employees staying away from their homes were encouraged by their employers to visit their mothers and honor them. Traditionally children brought with them gifts and a special fruit cake or fruit-filled pastry called a simnel. Yugoslavs and people in other nations have observed similar days. Custom of celebrating Mothering Sunday died out almost completely by the 19th century. However, the day came to be celebrated again after World War II, when American servicemen brought the custom and commercial enterprises used it as an occasion for sales. The idea of official celebration of Mother’s day in US was first suggested by Julia Ward Howe in 1872. An activist, writer and poet, Julia shot to fame with her famous Civil War song, “Battle Hymn of the Republic.” Howe suggested that June 2 be annually celebrated as Mother’s Day and should be dedicated to peace. She wrote a passionate appeal to women and urged them to rise against war in her famous Mother’s Day Proclamation, written in Boston in 1870. She also initiated a Mothers’ Peace Day observance on the second Sunday in June in Boston and held the meeting for a number of years. Julia tirelessly championed the cause of official celebration of Mother’s Day and declaration of official holiday on the day. Her idea spread but was later replaced by the Mothers’ Day holiday now celebrated in May. Anna Jarvis is recognized as the Founder of Mother’s Day in US. Though Anna Jarvis never married and never had kids, she is also known as the Mother of Mother’s Day, an apt title for the lady who worked hard to bestow honor on all mothers. So, on May 12th or before make sure you take your mother out for a nice dinner of take her flowers and candy. After all, we only have one mother!
Don’t forget Memorial Day is May 27 The last Monday in May is the day when the United States celebrates Memorial Day. This holiday was originally called Decoration Day due to the practice of decorating graves of soldiers. It is a day of remembrance for those who have died serving America. President Lyndon Johnson officially declared Waterloo, New York, the birthplace of Memorial Day in May 1966. However, the origins of the day are not quite so clear. On May 5, 1868 General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army
of the Republic, officially declared Memorial Day. It was first observed later that month on May 30th when the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers were decorated at Arlington National Cemetery. The reason why President Johnson declared Waterloo, New York as the birthplace of Memorial Day was because it was the first state to officially recognize the holiday in 1873. The Southern states that seceded to start the Civil War refused to acknowledge the holiday until after World War I. That was because until
that point the holiday honored only those who fought and died in the Civil War. In 1971 Congress put into law that the holiday would be celebrated on the last Monday in May. This was done in order to ensure a three-day weekend holiday. While it was a tradition in the past for many cities to hold Memorial Day parades, today the number of those parades are dwindling. It is important to remember that on Memorial Day, we honor those who died serving our country and protecting our freedoms.
Performance Schedule Every Monday 7-9 p.m. Times, Dates and Artists subject to change. May 6 — Lilly Mountaineers May 13 — One Song/Valley Grass May 20 — Kody Norris & The Watauga Mountain Boys
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Barter Does Les Mis Abingdon, VA—One of the most-loved musicals of all time is finally on stage in Southwest Virginia, in an entirely new production. Beginning May 18, you can experience the soaring music and thrilling story of “Les Misérables” at Barter Theatre in Abingdon, VA. Jean Valjean escapes from prison after having served 19 years for stealing a loaf of bread. As he tries to do the right things and build a life for himself, he continues to be hunted by the relentless prison guard Javert. When Valjean promises a dying Fantine he will care for her young daughter, he learns about true love and compassion and their lives are changed forever. Since its opening in 1980, “Les Mis” has been produced in 19 countries and 14 different languages. Millions of people have fallen in love with the music and the story. Now the region can witness first hand what has compelled such a fan base. “Les Mis” has continued to build in popularity during the last three decades with songs like “I Dreamed a Dream,” “On My Own,” and “One Day More,” and the movie starring Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe and Anne Hathaway introduced the story to a whole new audience last year.
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Now, see the story as it was meant to be seen, with a cast of 26 live performers and a live musical ensemble right on stage. Richard Rose, director and producing artistic director, guarantees that you have never seen a production like Barter’s. “We want to make you forget every other production of ‘Les Mis’ you’ve ever seen,” said Rose. “At Barter, we tell stories better than anyone. In rehearsals we are getting to the heart of this story, which is essentially about love. The main characters discovers that ‘to love another person is to see the face of God.’ What is more important than love and compassion?” One of our region’s advantages is the amazing live entertainment just a short drive away. You don’t have to go to Broadway, because Barter offers outstanding theatre in our own back yard. And with ticket prices less than a quarter of the price of a Broadway show, a family of four can see “Les Miserables” for around $115. (Price is based on an average ticket price for two adults and two teenagers. “Les Mis” is recommended for 12 and up.) For tickets and more information, visit BarterDoesLesMis.com or call 276.628.3991. New information on the production of this epic story is added daily to BarterDoesLesMis.com.
Out ‘ N About Magazine
Scott Pratt hits home run with book series
Persistence pays off sometimes, and for Piney Flats resident Scott Pratt, it has paid off in a big way. Pratt, a former attorney turned author, has five novels among the Top Ten Best Selling legal thrillers on Amazon. com, the biggest book seller in the world. He is competing with— and selling more books than— such famed authors as John Grisham and Michael Connelly. His newest release in the critically-acclaimed and now best-selling Joe Dillard series, “Conflict of Interest,” has climbed to Number 6 in less than a month. “I knew it could happen,” Pratt said. “I just had to hang in there and keep writing. There were times when I thought I should give it up, but somehow I knew the stories would resonate with people if I could just get them out there in the right way.” The United States isn’t the only market where Pratt’s books are taking off. All
five of his books are also among the top fifteen best-selling legal thrillers in the United Kingdom and Canada. “I’ve been writing full-time since 2006,” Pratt said. “I’ve had some ups and downs in the publishing industry, but now everything is pretty much up. It’s like a musical group or an actor — any artist — that has worked and worked and hasn’t seen anything in terms of financial reward and then all of sudden things just seem to line up right and happen and you become successful. It’s pretty cool.” “Conflict of Interest” is a story about a kidnapping that takes place in Jonesborough. Pratt says he’s been determined to continue setting his stories in Northeast Tennessee despite advice from agents and publishers — and even people in Hollywood — who have urged him to set his tales in bigger cities. “I enjoy where I live. I love it here,”
Pratt said. “Good stories are good stories, whether they take place in Jonesborough or New York or Boston or Los Angeles. People here are just as interesting and as fun here as they are anywhere else, and I think the fact that the books are selling so well nationally and internationally says a lot about people who like to read. People who like to read don’t really care where the characters come from. They care about whether they’re interesting and entertaining. That’s what I try to do.” And his plans for the future? “I’ll keep on keeping on,” Pratt said. “I’ll have another Dillard book finished by July. I also have a literary fiction novel called ‘River on Fire’ that I wrote last year that I’m going to release in May. We’ve developed a discussion guide to go along with it and I think it will do very well with the book clubbers. I’m happy with the way that novel turned out and I think it will do very well.”
from page 6
ENIGMA PREVIOUS SOLUTION: “An inch of time cannot be bought with an inch of gold.” - Chinese proverb
May 2013
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Non-profit in the Spot Light: Please support Cap the Gap!
FREEDOM HALL MAY 9TH – 12TH Tickets Start at $15 [Additional fees may apply]
For more information, please visit: www.FreedomHall–TN.com Call 423-461-4855 OR Visit the Freedom Hall Box Office Save $5 using the code: SKATE
[Not valid on Front Row or Rinkside]
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Cap the Gap [CTG] for Fos- students. There may be other request this information on a ter Care-Carter/Johnson/Unicoi, things that will be funded by CTG monthly basis. Christmas project: We plan to Inc., is a non-profit organization as they arise. provide Christmas presents our which will have as its purpose to LONG TERM GOALS develop and implement strateFood cards: A small-incre- custodial children in our threecounty service gies to meet the needs of foster ment gift card to a area. children in the Carter County/ local grocery and/ This will be Johnson County/Unicoi County or restaurant will limited to chilareas of East Tennessee. be kept in the DCS dren in DCS foster Assistance for foster children office to provide homes, kinship in these communities may in- meals or emerhomes and resiclude, but will not be limited to, gency supplies for dential facilities. medical and dental, counseling, those children who Confidentiality ADD and other disorders, social may have to stay is of utmost imskills, day camps, physical edu- for a long period of portance in all of cation and recreation, and extra- time (hours) while our provided ascurricular activities. Cap the Gap awaiting foster or sistance. for Foster Care-Carter/Johnson/ family placement. We will work Unicoi, Inc. will also assist in Birthday cards: closely with the other projects to address the We hope to be able staff of the Departneeds of foster children, as those to send a birthneeds are identified by the Ten- day card and small gift card to ment of Children’s Services and nessee Department of Children’s each custodial child in our ser- Child Protective Services to proServices. vice area during the month of tect the identities of these chilCap the Gap-Carter, John- their birthday. DCS workers will dren and respect their privacy. son, Unicoi is a group that will serve children in our Contact a board member of Cap the Gap to support this worthy cause! three counties who have involvement with the Dept. Tracy Bowers Ms. Joni Cannon of Children’s Services. CTG Ms. 513 Caudills Place 367 Sinking Creek Road will provide funding and Elizabethton, TN 37643 Johnson City, TN 37601 423-982-8967 home resources for “extra” stuff 423-361-7339 cell that other agencies may not fooferbear@yahoo.com jonicannon@hotmail.com Renea Jones-Rogers Ms. Becky Brumit Magill provide. Some of the servic- Ms. c/o Jones and Church Farms 114 Wedgewood Circle es that we can provide are: 310 Marbleton Road Elizabethton, TN 37643 Unicoi, TN 37692 423-647-3287 cell SHORT TERM 423-743-3181 work beckymagill@charter.net GOALS Supply Closet: Cap the renea_jcfarms@hotmail.com Mr. Mark Stevens, Publisher Mr. Duncan Street Gap-Carter, Johnson, Unicoi c/o Elizabethton Star c/o Carter County Bank 601 East Elk Avenue will supply and maintain a 300 North Sycamore Street Elizabethton, TN 37643 “Supply Closet” (as limited Elizabethton, TN 37643 work 423-218-4761 work space allows) which will 423-542-4151 mstevens@starhq.com dstreet@cartercountybank.com include diapers, hygiene Ms. Judy Veeneman Ms. Cheryl Wright 228 North Elm Avenue items, simple clothing and c/o Rainbow Realty Erwin, TN 37650 school supplies. Some 126 South Main Street TN 37643 423-388-8900 cell snacks, such as crackers Elizabethton, 423-895-0359 cell cherylfwright@embarqmail.com and juice boxes, will also be judy@rainbowrealty.com Ms. Barbara Sawyer Mr. Andy Whetsel provided. TN Dept. of Childrens’ Services Special requests: Some Citizens Bank Broad Street 206 Cherokee Park Drive, Suite 2 examples of things that we 300 Elizabethton, Tennessee 37643 Elizabethton, TN 37643 hope to fund are camp fees, 423-543-2265 423-547-5814 band/field trip fees, cap and Andy.whetsel@citizensbank24.com Barbara.sawyer@tn.gov gown fees for graduating
Out ‘ N About Magazine
BlueCross BlueShield grants MSHA 30 day extension
Business leaders and interested parties from Erwin and Unicoi County recently toured several MSHA facilities.
Officials optimistic deal will be reached JOHNSON CITY, TN — Mountain States Health Alliance [MSHA] has been granted a 30-day extension to negotiate its contract with BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee before the insurance provider contemplates termination of its network coverage at MSHA. Tony Benton, vice president of communications for MSHA, told Out ‘N About Magazine his organization was “cautiously optimistic and hopeful the two parties would reach an agreement before the July 1st deadline.” Unicoi County Memorial Hospital will not be affected, Benton pointed out. “Unicoi County Memorial Hospital has a separate contract [with BlueCross/BlueShield] that is outside the agreement with MSHA. Its contract runs until December 2014 and there will be no impact on the Unicoi facility regardless of what occurs.” “We remain excited about the partnership with Unicoi County and are continuing the process with the filing of the partnership agreement with the Tennessee Attorney General’s office,” he added. “We expect to receive state approval by early summer and will then move straight to the process of the design phase of the new hospital.” A list of facilities affected should BlueCross leave the network includes: Johnson City Medical Center, Sycamore Sholes Hospital, Franklin Woods Community Hospital, Indian Path Medical Center, Johnson County Community Hospital and Kingsport Ambulatory Surgery Center. About 26,500 BlueCross members would be affected should an agreement not be reached. At the center of the discussion is BlueCross’ proposal to reduce reimburse-
May 2013
Smyth County Community Hospital, located in Smyth County, VA., is similar in size to what is planned for the new Unicoi County Memorial Hospital.
ment rates at MSHA facilities. “This extension [agreement] between both parties will allow patients who are currently covered in-network to continue that coverage until July hopefully allowing enough time for both companies to reach an agreement.” Officials with MSHA maintain that BlueCross is proposing to cut reimbursement rates at ‘double digits’ which would have a negative impact on “a significant number” of patients who use the insurance provider. “Therefore, we want to embrace the opportunity of additional time to find a way to reach an agreement with BlueCross BlueShield and continue that partnership providing care for their customers for many years to come,” Benton said.
MSHA is committed to transparency in this situation, and want you to have all of the details about how we arrived at this point and what we are doing on your behalf. MSHA started negotiations with BlueCross in December 2012. Unfortunately, very little progress has been made. In addition to proposing doubledigit payment cuts to MSHA, BlueCross is allowing very little time to reach a resolution. In response to our request for a 90-day extension to allow more time to develop a fair agreement, BlueCross granted only 30 more days for negotiations. We accepted this extension on the condition that we continue to make progress in negotiations. With the new extension, our current agreement is scheduled to expire on June 30, 2013. With the extension, we were hopeful some progress would be made. However, BlueCross has again demonstrated an unwillingness to recognize our need for fair payments. We were disappointed to receive a revised contract proposal from BlueCross that demanded even deeper cuts to MSHA than their previous proposal. Not only have they proposed cuts, BlueCross also wants to take back payments to our hospitals and physicians for quality metrics that BlueCross set and we have successfully met. BlueCross is moving further away from an agreement rather than working toward common ground. We’re no further along in our negotiations than we were before BlueCross agreed to an extension. MSHA is actively negotiating with BlueCross in good faith and will work hard to reach an agreement. We are hopeful BlueCross will do the same. What This Means for Patients FACT: As of now, you can continue to access care with MSHA in-network status, the same way you always have. Our current contract with BlueCross is scheduled to end June 30, 2013. FACT: We are doing everything in our power to ensure a continued relationship with BlueCross. FACT: MSHA is not asking for an increase in payment. Our goal is a fair contract - one that pays MSHA appropriately for the care we provide to people with a BlueCross insurance card. FACT: Our region’s health care providers all are facing catastrophic reimbursement cuts from the federal government. For MSHA alone, Medicare cuts will total $503 million over the next 10 years. FACT: Each year, MSHA, a not-for-profit institution, provides nearly $200 million in community benefits; we give $180 million of that either free of charge or at a rate lower than what it costs us to provide it. FACT: MSHA has been recognized by Premier’s QUEST High Performing Hospitals collaborative for providing top-quality care at the lowest possible cost with highest patient satisfaction. When you compare our cost of care for an inpatient day to other top-performing hospitals, our care is 14% lower. FACT: As a not-for-profit, fully integrated health care organization, we invest our profits in expanding access and further improving quality of care. In 2012, our operating margin was less than 1%. We want you to know how this may affect your care with MSHA. If our current contract ends, BlueCross patients will face higher out-of-pocket costs and limited access to MSHA facilities and providers beginning July 1. The following BlueCross plans are affected: • BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee: Preferred Network (Network P) • BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee: Select Network (Network S) • Cover TN / BlueCross BlueShield Network V The following BlueCross plans are partially affected: • BlueCross Federal Employee Program (FEP) • Out-of-State BlueCross BlueShield Plans For more information, contact Sarah Campbell at CampbellSB@msha. com. You may also want to reach out to BlueCross directly to clarify your coverage. To do so, call the number on the back of your card.
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Second Harvest places first in Niswonger Children’s Hospital to offer free Fighting Hunger Together Facebook Campaign to win $45,000 for child hunger relief education on asthma GRAY — Second Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Tennessee placed first in the top 40 Food Banks in the country to win $45,000 in Walmart’s “Fighting Hunger Together” campaign during April by getting the most votes for support of their programs that help alleviate child hunger. Funding for child hunger programs is especially critical in Northeast Tennessee where as many as 2 out of 5 children may be
hungry according to the most recent poverty statistics. “National Campaigns are frequently offered to Food Banks by Feeding America,” states Food Bank Director, Rhonda Chafin. “It is only through strong community support that we are able to be so successful in these efforts where we are usually competing against much larger communities.” Last year our region secured a $50,000
award taking second place in this campaign and last Fall the Food Bank also won a $150,000 award from Walmart’s ‘Golden Spark’ campaign. The Food Bank has two campaigns where they are asking for community support during May. On Saturday, May 11, is the Annual Letter Carrier’s Food Drive. You can help by filling a bag with nonperishable foods and leaving at your mailbox on Saturday, May 11.
Annual Freedom Hall July 4th celebration and fireworks set Pepsi Beverages Company of Johnson City and the City of Johnson City will sponsor the 28th Annual Independence Day Fireworks Celebration on the grounds of Freedom Hall Civic Center. This year’s event will be held on Thursday, July 4th, and everyone is invited to join in the festivities. There
will not be a rain date for this event. The fireworks time could be delayed if there is inclement weather that evening. Visitors will be moved inside the Freedom Hall arena in the event of severe weather. Since several thousand attend the event each year, an early arrival is strongly encouraged.
JOHNSON CITY — May marks Asthma Awareness Month. As the weather warms and flowers bloom, grass and pollen can start to affect your child’s breathing. Niswonger Children’s Hospital will offer free education on childhood asthma at two locations during the month of May. The first session will be held at the Johnson City Public Library on May 9 beginning at 4 p.m. The Second will be held at the Washington County Jonesborough Branch Library on May 23 at 4 p.m. All school-aged children and family members are invited to attend, and no registration is required. Asthma, a long-term breathing condition that can tighten the airways, can be triggered by more than just pollen. Claire Marr, clinical coordinator at Niswonger Children’s Hospital, will be facilitating these classes for school-aged children and family members. “Asthma is a life-threatening condition, but it can be managed,” said Marr. “Our goal is to give kids and parents the tools they need to manage this disease.” According to the American Lung Association, there were 7.1 million school-aged children with asthma last year and 55 percent of these children experienced an asthma attack. “We want to teach kids how to stay healthy and stay out of the hospital,” said Marr. “Being proactive with your children’s
health will increase their quality of life and help them become more independent in managing their own health.” Children who have asthma miss more school days than those without, interrupting their education and jeopardizing their grades. Sleep can also be interrupted due to this breathing condition, so those children who don’t miss school days may not perform as well in school due to fatigue. Dust, pollen, pet dander and even exercise can be unique triggers for different children with asthma, but cigarette smoke is one of the most harmful. It’s important for parents and children to know how to prevent an attack by taking daily medicines, if prescribed, and avoiding triggers. But if an attack does occur, they need to know who to call and what to do. “An attack can be triggered by pet dander for one child, but pollen for another,” explained Marr. “If kids know how to avoid these triggers and take care of themselves, their parents can feel comfortable letting their children be more independent. Marr will teach those in attendance what it means to have asthma, how it can be managed, how to avoid triggers and what medicines help in the treatment of this condition. For more information, call Marr at 423-4314787.
We Also Offer High Security Keys and Transponder Keys Originated and Duplicated!
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2nd Annual
Out ‘ n About Magazine’s As selected by our readers BUSINESS SERVICES
SOUTHERN CLASSIC Best Car Wash _____________________
LIBATION STATION Best Wine Selection _________________
MOUNTAIN YOGA Best Yoga Classes __________________
FOOD CITY Best Customer Service (Business) __________
BONEFISH Best Brunch _______________________
1 STOP Best Wine/Liquor Store _______________
RUMORS Best Hair Salon ______________________
MSHA Best Overall Business ________________
CRAZY CUPCAKE Best Dessert _______________________
GEORGE & SIDS Best Beer Market ___________________
GREGORY ISBELL Best Jeweler ________________________
CRAZY CUPCAKE Best Bakery _______________________
POBLANOS MEXICAN GRILL Best CD/Record Store ________________ BACK DOOR Best Margarita ______________________
WCYB Best TV Station _____________________
MARBLE SLAB Best Ice Cream ____________________
RAIN Best Martini ________________________
STOCK POT Best Foreign Food Grocery ____________
SARA DIAMOND Best Local TV Personality _____________
JASON’S DELI CAFÉ 111 Best Deli __________________________ Best Bloody Mary ___________________
FOOD CITY Best Grocery Store __________________
JERI GEORGE Best DJ ___________________________
PHIL’S DREAM PIT Best Ribs _________________________
TIPTON STREET PUB Best Furniture ZAK’S Store _________________ Best Bar & Pub _____________________
WXBQ Best Radio Station ___________________
JACK’S Best Lunch Spot ____________________
112 Best Sports Bar ______________________
FOOD
DRINKS
PERKINS Best Breakfast _____________________
JOHNNY BRUSCO’S PIZZA Best Pizza _________________________
LONGHORN Best Steak _________________________
HEALTH AND MEDICAL SERVICES
BUFFALO WILD WINGS Best Wings _________________________
Best General Practitioner
HOTDOG CORNER Best Hotdog ________________________ FIVE GUYS Best Hamburger _____________________ BONEFISH Best Seafood _______________________ ALTA CUCINA Best Italian _________________________ PAL’S Best Sweet Tea _____________________
DR. NANCY G. BARBARITO ___________________________ Best Dentist
QUILLEN REHAB CENTER ___________________________
MEDIA
CORNER NEST Best Antique Store __________________
ENTERTAINMENT
MR. K’S Best Bookstore ______________________
BENNY WILSON Best American Band _________________
Best Health Food Store
Blue Band ______________________ BLUES MAN Best
NATURAL HEALTH FOODS ___________________________ SERENDIPITY Best Clothing Boutique _______________
Best Thrift (Consignment)
DR. J. MICHAEL AMBURGEY ___________________________ Best Physical Therapy Center
PACKADOO Store __________________________
Best Thrift (Consignment/Clothing) ANYTHING THRIFTY Store ___________________________
Best Country/Western Club COUNTRY CLUB BAR & GRILL _______________________________
Best Jazz Band TONY ROMINGER & BRIM LEAL ______________________________ CHROME Best Rock Club _____________________ IVY ROAD Best Rock Band _____________________
PAL’S Best French Fries ___________________
A NEW IMAGE Best Dry Cleaner _________________ DRY CLEAN CITY Best Weight Loss Center _______________
RED PIG Best Barbecue ______________________
AUSTIN SPRINGS SPA Best Local Hotel/Motel ________________ CARNEGIE HOTEL Best Medi-Spa ______________________
CAFÉ 111 Best Asian _________________________
Center __________________ WELLNESS CENTER Best Fitness
SUN TAN CITY Best Tanning Salon __________________
NORTHEAST STATE
NANNY’S Best Home Cooking __________________
STAN SANDERS Best Veterinarian ___________________
PINEY FLATS BICYCLE Best Bike Shop ______________________
COMMUNITY COLLEGE ___________________________
620 Best Appetizers _____________________
DR. ED PEEKS Best Chiropractor ____________________
Dealership _________________ RAMEY FORD Best Car
Private School __________________ KING UNIVERSITY Best
Best Overall RestaurantPOBLANOS ______________
ERIC SMITH Best Optometrist ____________________
ROADRUNNER Best Convenience Store ______________
ETSU Best College ________________________
MELLOW MUSHROOM Best Patio _________________________
FIRST ASSIST Best Gold/Silver Exchange Best Walk-in/Urgent Care ______________
Museum _______________________ GRAY FOSSIL SITE Best
NELSON FINE ART Best Gallery ________________________
GOLD RUSH OF JOHNSON CITY ______________________________
EDUCATION Best Technical/Business
• Note: Out ‘N About Magazine’s “The 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.
May 2013
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Powering the Future
Safety is always the top priority at NFS. Kojac and the other safety professionals at the facility train hard, work hard and play hard in the local community. As an East Tennessee native, training specialist and assistant fire chief, Kojac is just one of hundreds of NFS employees committed to serving Unicoi County. For Kojac and his fellow NFS employees, it’s not just about a job — it’s about seriously protecting and supporting this place they love.
“You can count on me to keep things safe and sound.” - Kojac
For more information on NFS, visit www.nuclearfuelservices.com
May 2013
NFS_Kojac_OutNAbout.indd 1
Assistant Chief, Fire Brigade and Training Specialist
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JONESBOROUGH, TN — Mayor Kelly Wolfe says Jonesborough is an enterprising town that is creating momentum after a five year activity planning process recently concluded. “We do have a lot going on,” he said matter-of-factly last week from his Town Hall office. “And, I truly believe the fruit of our labors is tied to vision and hard work on the part of our staff and board. There has been a tremendous amount of effort the past five years which has seen Jonesborough take a quantum leap.” Wolfe, like everyone else in town, is glad the downtown improvements are now complete. “We are an even better established tourism hub for Northeast Tennessee. Our quality of life continues to improve and the [Town of Jonesborough] staff’s morale is at an all-time high. The board is also about
half-way through the process of our goal of increasing salaries by 25%. We have a great team and we want to keep them.” Wolfe said the “much anticipated” senior citizens center is in its final stages and the town’s water treatment plant expansion means its capacity will triple. A Main Street coordinator has been hired and the town recently bought the bankrupted Storytelling Center for a $1 million.
“The purchase of the National Storytelling Building was a renewed commitment on our part to bring people downtown,” Wolfe added. “It was a great deal because it appraised for $5 million and we got it for $1 million while securing the building for public use and making sure storytelling stays in Jonesborough.” Wolfe also pointed to the construction of a new park near Meadows subdivision, disc golf course and the
construction of trails from Persimmon Ridge as projects important to the town’s growth. He also beams when talking about all the new businesses that has recently located in Jonesborough. “We have a new Captain D’s, Walgreens, Jonesborough General Store, Tractor Supply, Snap Fit, a new Italian restaurant and a Starbucks inside Ingle’s,” he said. We plan to be able to offer WiFi throughout the downtown district which in today’s world is a necessity to the traveling public.” Wolfe said Wetlands Water Park is “new and improved.” “We are hoping for a good, hot summer,” he chuckles. “We hired a fantastic manager in Matt Townsend and we are making a lot of improvements at Wetlands. The rides are in tip-top shape and if you haven’t been down there in a while you should go
MarketingMel wins top honors Johnson City, TN. --- MarketingMel, an innovative marketing, public relations, and social media strategies firm led by professional communicator Mary Ellen Miller, recently received top honors at the annual PRSA of Tri-Cities TN/ VA awards. The awards recognize excellence in media campaigns and products. Work is judged by a panel that evaluates winners based on impact, creativity and visibility. The MarketingMel team, including ETSU intern, Kristen Pierce was recognized for successful campaigns during the 2012 year. Miller took home two Awards of Excellence in two different column writing categories. Her award winning article “How to Get a Job in Public Relations: 11 tips from a P.R. Pro” was first published in Out N’ About Magazine and recently featured in Ragan Communications’ PR Daily. Her other winning article was published in Out N’ About Magazine and featured her dog Lucky. It was called “Lucky Lends Us His Life Lessons.” A similar article had also been published in Happy Tails.
May 2013
The MarketingMel team: Mary Ellen Mille, Founder, Kristen Pierce, Intern, and Sarah Kinsler, Associate.
Pierce, an ETSU Senior Public Relations major, was honored in the student category for her work on the Johnson City Turkey Trot campaign with an Award of Quality. Pierce, Jenny Brock and Mary Ellen Miller received the Community Relations Award for the Johnson City Turkey Trot and Pierce, Phil Scharfstein of One Stop Wines and Liquors, and Miller received the Award of Quality
for Public Service for the “Spirits of the Season Gala” benefit for the American Cancer Society of Northeast Tennessee. In addition, former MarketingMel intern Sarah Rowan’s video about her experience working with MarketingMel captured an Award of Merit. “I am really grateful to have such superb clients and business professionals to work with and for,” said Miller. “Being honored as a boutique Public Relations agency alongside some of the major institutions and P.R. agencies in our region is very exciting.” Headquartered in Johnson City, MarketingMel assists business professionals with their marketing, public relations, and social media needs. The firm works across the political, lifestyle, entertainment and manufacturing industries in launching their brands to the top. Miller blogs regularly about social networking for business, public relations, leadership and marketing athttp://marketingmel.com. Her thoughts on these topics can also be followed on twitter athttp://twitter.com/MarketingMel.
because it has completely changed for the [better] enjoyment of our visitors and their children.” The popular water park opens Memorial Day weekend, May 25th. “And, you don’t have to drive to Dollywood to have a great water park experience,” he pointed out. When asked about his political future Wolfe said he’s staying put. “Philosophically speaking I continue, on a daily basis, to appreciate the opportunity to serve the people of Jonesborough, Wolfe said. “I’m not paid anything and I guess I’d pay them to do this job. I think Jonesborough is a model for how people work together ... from the Board of Mayor and Aldermen to the staff. Jonesborough is well ahead of most towns our size and it’s because we work together and are thankful to be here.”
Ramsey n Continued from 12 My focus in public life has been to make Tennessee the best state in which to own and operate a business. When we create a secure and predictable environment for business, employers will let their capital flow, creating new businesses and opportunities. Nothing upsets me as a taxpayer more than abuse of our welfare system. Welfare recipients using their benefits in liquor stores, strip clubs and casinos doesn’t help anyone. It encourages dependency and subsidizes bad behavior. Thanks to a bill by Senator Jim Tracy those on government assistance won’t be able to squander taxpayer dollars on things that will perpetuate dependency. As the original sponsor of the bill that brought handgun permits to Tennessee, I have always looked for ways to protect the Second Amendment and expand gun rights in Tennessee. This year we finally struck the right balance between gun rights and property rights and passed a bill affirming the right of a handgun permit holder to keep a gun in their car while at work. Tax cuts, fiscal responsibility, job creation and 2nd Amendment protection. This is the conservative government Tennesseans have asked for and this is the conservative government Tennesseans will continue to have as long as I remain Lt. Governor.
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At t e n t i o n
Important Information for People with BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Insurance Coverage What does the word “transparent” mean to you?
(adjective) visibility or accessibility of information especially concerning business practices
Mountain States Health Alliance is committed to working with BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee in an attempt to continue participation in their network. BlueCross has set the deadline at June 1 for reaching an agreement, but we have asked BlueCross for a 90-day extension in order to allow enough time to reach that agreement. There’s no good reason for BlueCross to refuse the extension. In fact, one reason we are currently pressed for time is because the first proposal we received from BlueCross contained an error that would have meant millions of additional dollars for MSHA. Per their request, we granted them a 60-day extension to correct it. Not only is it important to be trAnspArent , we believe doing the right thing is worth the time. We hope BlueCross will agree.
fAct:
MSHA granted BlueCross a 60-day extension when a payment model error was discovered.
fAct:
MSHA is again asking BlueCross to extend the contract for the benefit of our patients and our community, so we can come to an agreement.
fAct:
The BlueCross CEO has warned subscribers that premiums for individual coverage will increase an average of 30% next year.*
fAct:
BlueCross is demanding significant cuts in reimbursement from MSHA.
question:
If your health care providers are being paid less and your health insurance premiums are going up, who is benefitting from this arrangement?
whAt cAn you do? Talk to your employer or HR department. Ask them to urge BlueCross to grant the extension. To learn more, visit www.msha.com/BCBSTN or email us at info@msha.com. *Memphis Business Journal, 4/4/13, “Insurance is going to cost more, and BlueCross wants you to know why”
Franklin Woods Community Hospital • Indian Path Medical Center • Johnson City Medical Center • Johnson County Community Hospital Niswonger Children’s Hospital • James H. & Cecile C. Quillen Rehabilitation Hospital • Sycamore Shoals Hospital • Woodridge Hospital First Assist Urgent Care • Mountain States Medical Group • Medical Center HomeCare and Hospice • Mediserve Medical Equipment • HealthPlus & Pharmacy
www.msha.com/bcbsT
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