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CONTENTS

DECEMBER 2013

FEATURES 38 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 57 SPORTS AND FITNESS 59

Make a New Year’s resolution that sticks.

Who Started Making New Year’s Resolutions Anyway?

Optimal Health

Beneﬁts of Lifestyle Care

DEPARTMENTS 7

CALENDAR

VIP PROFILE WJHL Television Celebrating

48 NON-PROFIT PROFILE Abuse Alternatives

69 BUSINESS PROFILE Appalachian Ironworks

60 Years: Tri-Cities Broadcasting Pioneer

81 ARTIST PROFILE Bridgeforth Design Studio

22 MUSIC PROFILE

EVENTS

Illusion, The Owl

33 SERVE IT UP SASSY

90 NEW ON THE SCENE 95 THE HAPPY PAGE

Have A Holly Jolly Christmas; It’s The Best Time of the Year

Celebration of Chemistry

Susan G Komen Race for the Cure

Fall Bash After Hours at Elite

Next Grand Opening

Food City After Hours in Bristol

YoungLife Dodge Ball

Johnson City Area Arts Council “Uncork the Fun”

Howl-O-ween

9th Annual “From the Top Down” Loft Tour

Rockin the Hallows

DKA Unmasked Gala

NN After Hours

Natural Nails Open House

March of Dimes Signature Chef Event

Kingsport Tomorrow 2013 Healthcare Symposium

RHA Health Services Fall Festival

Monster Ball

Oktoberfest Nelson Fine Art Gallery

Haunted Half Marathon and Boo to Brew 4-Person Relay

Cars at the Colosseum

Speedway in Lights

William King Trunk Show

disABILITY Forum, “Focus on the Ability”

Friendship automotive After Hours

ETSU- Holding Court Basketball Presentation

Crossroads Medical Missions Gala

Taste of Johnson City

Patrick Henry Society Event

Great Gatsby Fundraising Gala for Southeast Culinary and Hospitality

Women’s Expo

4 | VIPSEEN | DECEMBER 2013

PUBLISHER Angela Striligas Baker

She Says...

CO-PUBLISHER Brian Hullette

erry Christmas, Happy Holidays or Seasons Greetings? For me, it’s Merry Christmas.

DESIGN NINJA Angelica Ares

We have been having a friendly little debate around the office about this very topic. More and more I have noticed society moving to Happy Holidays or Seasons Greetings so not to “offend anyone”. I guess I feel differently. Merry Christmas is my holiday greeting of choice because I believe Christmas is all about Christ and his birth. Over the last week I have learned of holidays during December for other cultures and beliefs that I was unaware of and although I respect their belief in something else, I can not be swayed to compromise mine.

HAPPINESS COORDINATOR Savanna Smith SALES MANAGER April Taylor 423.646.4626 april@vipseenmag.com ACCOUNT MANAGERS Edward Abdelmessih edabdel@vipseenmag.com 276.494.4342

Christmas is a reason to rejoice and celebrate Jesus, his birth, life and even his death for us. It isn’t about Black Friday sales or spending outside our means. It’s about Christ and had always been about Christ.

Susan Couch 423.483.5591 susan@vipseenmag.com

This year, don’t compromise your Christmas greeting, scream it from the roof tops!

Danielle Hahne 404.483.6926 danielle@vipseenmag.com

Merry Christmas everyone!

Nancy Ross 404.917.4481 nancy@vipseenmag.com

Angela Striligas Baker, Publisher angela@vipseenmag.com

Dylan Shockley 423.444.2230 dylan@vipseenmag.com

He Says...

ecember is one of my favorite months to publish VIPSEEN, as we tie up loose ends of this past year, reflect on our gifts and blessings and look forward with optimistic eyes to the promise of a new year. I am particularly inspired this December, as we explore how we move

from a “me” society to a “WE” Society; a path we most surely need to take to ensure that life as we know and love continues in an enjoyable manner.

Is there a lot to be done to move us toward a more stable world with less suffering and positive future for us all? Of course there is. But it’s nothing we should fear if we put our collective minds to taking action. It’s not impossible. We all can help in some form and fashion, we just have to stop talking and just take action. Don’t worry about what “they” will do. Worry about what you will do. People need to believe they have power, and the place that is theirs to do something. Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful and committed people can change the world. Indeed it’s the only thing that ever has! So as you begin to think about the New Year ahead, stop and ask yourself how you can make a difference. All of us at VIPSEEN wish you and your families a healthy and loving Christmas season. We thank our wonderful advertisers and readers for all of your on going support; we could not continue to do what we do without you. We look forward to inspiring and motivating the Tri-Cities toward a healthful and sustainable 2014.

Merry Christmas everyone!

COPY EDITOR Lucy Honeychurch CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Liz Bushong Linda Coffee Melissa Davis Rita Dykes Lynda Fontaine Danielle Hahne “What can I give you for pain?” Lucy Honeychurch Savanna Smith

DISTRIBUTION Will Campbell Susan Couch Bobby Flowers Lynda Fontaine Tucker Shull Savanna Smith WEBMASTER Robert Neilson Wired Web Development VIPSEEN, Inc., Tri-Cities 247 Broad Street, Suite 205 Kingsport, TN 37660 423.398.5321 info@vipseenmag.com

Johnson City 701 N State of Franklin Rd #9 Johnson City, TN 37604 (423) 207-4290

Only PCAB Accredited pharmacy in the Tri-Cities.

WWW.VIPSEENMAG.COM

6 | VIPSEEN | DECEMBER 2013

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT THROUGHOUT THE TRI-CITIES SCENE

PHOTOGRAPHY for personalized pain gels. MickeyAsk J. Baker Liz Bushong Linda Coffee SusanSuperior Couch compounding pharmacy. Rita Dykes Superior answer for pain relief. Lynda Fontaine Danielle Hahne Greg James Becky Price Chelsea Rae Savanna Smith April Taylor

Brian Hullette, Co-Publisher brian@vipseenmag.com

DECEMBER

Pain Relief Gel

Letter from the Publishers

ON THE COVER

WJHL Television Celebrating 60 Years: Tri-Cities Broadcasting Pioneer Standing L to R: Sara Diamond, Josh Smith, Kenny Hawkins, Mark Reynolds, Amy Lynn, Morgan King Sitting L to R:

Former General Manager Hanes Lancaster, Current General Manager Dan Cates Photography by Mickey J. Baker, www.mickeybakerphotography.com

Calendar

| December 2013

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

“Miracle on 34th Street” @ Theatre Bristol 2-4 pm

Annual Christmas Tree Lighting @ Cumberland Square Park 6:15- 8:15

Kingsport Chamber Holiday After Hours @ Meadowview Marriott Conference Resort and Convention Center 5:30-7 pm

Children’s Storytime @ Bristol Public Library 11:30-12 pm

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

2013 KOSBE Awards @ The Tavern at Ridgefields 6-7 pm

Beer Tasting at Inari Wines 4pm – 7pm

REO Speedwagon Concert @ Niswonger Performing Arts Center 7:30-9 pm

“Miracle on 34th Street” @ Theatre Bristol 8-10 pm

32nd Annual Downtown Bristol Christmas Parade 7 pm

Inari Wine tasting @ Inari Wines 4-7 pm

Santa Salutes Military Families @ Kingsport Town Center

Tracy Lawrence @ Freedom Hall 8 pm Caring Santa Event for Children with Special Needs @ Kingsport Town Center

“Miracle on 34th Street” @ Theatre Bristol 2-4 pm NewSong’s The Very Merry Christmas Tour @ Freedom Hall 6 pm

Presentation by Eastman CEO Jim Rogers: Is Being Corporate-Minded and a Christian a Contradiction?

3 Children’s Storytime @ Bristol Public Library 11:30-12 pm

Santa Salutes Military Families @ Kingsport Town Center

9 Children’s Storytime @ Bristol Public Library 11:30-12 pm

@ Food City Press Room 10- 11:30 am “Miracle on 34th Street” @ Theatre Bristol 8-10 pm

5 Kingsport Chamber Ribbon Cutting @ Second Harvest Food Bank 11:45-1 pm

12 Charles Dickens “A Christmas Carol” @ Niswonger Performing Arts Center 7:30-9 pm

Electric 94.9’s Acoustic Christmas @ Freedom Hall 7 pm

Christmas Tree Lighting @ Downtown Kingsport 5 pm

“Miracle on 34th Street” @ Theatre Bristol 8-10 pm Beer tasting @ Inari Wines 4 pm

Children’s Storytime @ Bristol Public Library 11:30-12 pm

Santa Salutes Military Families @ Kingsport Town Center

18 25

19 Special Southwest Virginia music showcase @ Heartwood 5-9 pm

“Miracle on 34th Street” @ Theatre Bristol 8-10 pm

Inari Wine tasting @ Inari Wines 4-7 pm

Beer tasting @ Inari Wines 4 pm

Inari Wine tasting @ Inari Wines 4-7 pm Breakfast with Santa @ Heartwood 9-11am

Journey’s End in Historic Downtown Bristol 6:30-8:30 pm

Debbie Boone Concert @ Niswonger Performing Arts Center 7:30-9 pm

20 Beer tasting @ Inari Wines 4 pm

Inari Wine tasting @ Inari Wines 4-7 pm

Christmas Eve

Children’s Storytime @ Bristol Public Library 11:30-12 pm Freedom First Fireworks presents New Year’s Fireworks Show @ Central High School 5:30 pm

Beaver Creek Storytellers @ 606 State Street Gallery 7-9 pm

27 Beer Tasting @ Inari Wines 4pm – 7pm

Wine Tasting @ Inari Wines 4-7 pm

New Year’s Eve

Jan 1

Jan 2

Jan 3

Jan 4

O lde arm F The

“May your Christmas be merry and bright.” -Inquiries regarding Social Memberships are welcome.theoldefarm.com | 16639 Old Jonesboro Road • Bristol, Virginia 24202 | 276.669.1042

VIP PROFILE: WJHL

WJHL early newscasters

hen the Tri-Cities looks for the top news stories, weather reports, and sports statistics, there is just one news station that is “In Your Corner.” News Channel 11 employs a star cast to ensure the best information is being delivered to the viewers. Facts and sources are checked and double-checked so as to ensure that each and everything that goes on air is correct and credible. Equipped with sate of the art technology, total HD viewing, and the latest in Vipir radar, Media General sees that WJHL stays up-to-date to better serve the audience. News Channel 11 is chosen as THE news source in tens of thousands of homes, not only Tennessee, but also in six surrounding states; all by staying true to the slogan “In Your Corner”. This station asks the hard questions, sees to it that those in power are held accountable, and makes sure to deliver nothing but facts. The staff has been quoted that they do not “take the job lightly” and want to “uphold the great reputation of the station”: the oldest in the Tri-Cities. Have you, as a viewer, ever wondered where this great reputation came from or how it began?

LANCASTER on launch date in 1953

Tri-Cities’ Broadcasting Pioneer

The year was 1938 and the nation was recovering from the Great Depression. Business was going good for a few, but still terrible for many. W. H. Lancaster saw no future in his hometown of Chattanooga so he decided to move his family to Johnson City in search of opportunity. He struck it rich when he and his partner Jay Birdwell started Johnson City’s first radio station. WJHL Radio was a hit and kept the Tri-Cities updated and informed throughout WWII. When the war was over, a tired nation began to rebuild and millions of GI’s returned home looking to live peaceful and productive lives. Among those returning was Hanes Lancaster Jr. He had traveled the world and, despite much travail, he had miraculously made it and returned home to Johnson City to start a career. He had seen the future and knew it was television, but his father was not so sure. Hanes Jr. recruited some partners to back his idea of creating the first TV station in East Tennessee and, with their help, he convinced his father to invest. An application was submitted to the FCC in 1948, but due to the overwhelming numbers of applications, the FCC enacted a freeze on all new applications: the application never made it through. This was the worst of news but was only, unfortunately, the first event in a long line of bad luck. WJHL-TV finally got the go ahead in January 1953 and was assigned channel 11. This television channel would become the first in the Tri-Cities, the second in East Tennessee, and only fourth in the entire state. Johnson City was excited about having its very own television station and, at a time when almost no one had television sets, Hanes Lancaster announced WJHL would go on the air October 11th. Crews worked around the clock to build a 550 ft. tower atop Johnson City’s Tannery Knob; the location of the first WJHL-TV station. When the first tower was abandoned due to damage, and the second got lost in the mail, questions started pouring by viewers who were dismayed when the 11th passed and no news aired. To reassure the public, and advertisers, Hanes Jr. took out a memo in the Johnson City Press stating WJHL would air October 24th “barring any unforeseen accidents.” Even Hanes could not have predicted what would happen next. The morning of October 17th began like any other; Hanes was in town taking care of last minute business while Hanes Sr. and crew members remained on Tannery Knob to finish up construction. As the last pieces of the tower were going up, a guide wire snapped and the tower began swaying back and forth; it toppled and over and crashed right into the news station. Hanes Sr. and the other employees were saved by the grace of God, but the studio was crushed. Everyone survived, and key equipment such as the transmitter, was unharmed thanks only to a mere three inches. Although the damage could have been so much worse, the newspaper quoted Hanes Jr. saying the damage was extensive. October 24th seemed impossibly out of reach, and while most people would have given up, Hanes Lancaster was not about to let anything stand in his way. The station employees quickly picked up the pieces and began building a temporary tower. Then only two days after the second projected airdate, out of the television fuzz came a picture and on October 26th 1953 WJHL-TV was on the air! DECEMBER 2013 | VIPSEEN | 9

VIP PROFILE: WJHL

Bob Lewis, 1967-2007 Herbert Howard signed WJHL on the air in a telephone booth that day while crew members crowded the studio to watch history in the making. After five years of pushing a dream that seemed like it would never come true, Hanes Lancaster had launched the Tri-Cities first television station. The whole city was astonished at the sight of an image that was being shot right down the street. The excitement continued and crowds would gather downtown to watch the local station from television sets on display in shop windows. Everyone in the Tri-Cities was running out to buy a television after news quickly spread of WJHL’s programming. Patty Smithdeal Fulton, WJHL’s first TV production manager, said she never realized the station had such a large audience until she was driving downtown and noticed how many people were standing outside stores watching channel 11. “I was working myself to death and never stopped to realize the impact we had on the community or history for that matter. We just knew we had a show to run.” The early years proved to be very rocky and extremely busy for the cast and crew, who worked almost around the clock. During that time there were no recorded shows so everything was live; when the camera was rolling the cast had to be ready to go on air no matter what. The news crew had to create everything-the sets, costumes, copy, news stories, lighting, sound, film, and anything else that was needed to fill the void of air time. First Call, Memo from Ilo, The Kathryn Willis Show, and Weather Eye were just some of the first live, in studio shows on WJHL. Audiences were captivated at the thought of local TV stars, musicians, and even the possibility of personally being on television. Just like that WJHL-TV became a phenomenon, not only locally but on a national scale. Reporters and radio hosts were moving to Johnson City to try for a shot. One man, all the way from New York, landed a job thanks to his pitch perfect voice. Al Gregory joined the team in 1957 and started his career that would last decades. Many others followed and still work at WJHL to this day. As the audience grew, so did the advertisers and the demand for a larger space. Now that Hanes Jr. had built a successful television station, he was ready to go even bigger and turn 10 | VIPSEEN | DECEMBER 2013

WJHL into a regional channel. In 1958 the signal tower was moved from Tannery Knob to Buffalo Mountain in order to reach an even larger audience. In 1964 the Lancasters sold WJHL to Park broadcasting and were rewarded with a large return on their even larger investment. Hanes stayed at the station and continued running business as usual. Then in 1970, Hanes Lancaster got a permit from the FCC to do something he had wanted to do since the 50s: make WJHL the biggest station around. That year an 850 ft. transmitter tower was placed on Holston Mountain and suddenly WJHL was bigger than anyone could have imagined; the viewing region spanned five states and reached hundreds of thousands of people in the Appalachian region. The 70s turned out, for WJHL-TV, to be a decade even better than the one before. The station became a full CBS affiliate: the news and entertainment was better than ever. The addition of color in 1965 paved the way for more modern television. Shows like “The Muppets,” “Maude,” and “Good Times” were no longer live but captured the audience in a different way than the years past. The news was becoming more accurate than ever with the help of new technology. In 1975 the station got an upgrade when WJHL purchased the former Johnson City Post Office on Main Street. After the ribbon cutting in September, the general public was able to tour the station. For the first time WJHL-TV was visible to the public and anyone could visit; this gave the station a great sense of legitimacy. It was in the 1980s that things really started changing for WJHL. Computers were beginning to make the workload of everyday production a little easier. Hanes Lancaster retired in 1989 and the television station hired the second General Manager WJHL had seen. After being a sales manager for years at WJHL, Jack Dempsey took over operations. The latest equipment was added to enhance viewer experience and a new era dawned at WJHL. Media General purchased WJHL in 1997 from Park broadcasting and the station was equipped with state of the art technology. It was during this decade that weather reporter Mark Reynolds was able to make his own forecast and receive radar at the station. This was also the decade that digital became part of everyday production. Media General had the money and

VIP PROFILE: WJHL

intelligence to launch WJHL into the modern era of news broadcasting. The company still keeps everything state of the art at the station to ensure the best broadcasting for viewers. WJHL not only has a remarkable history, that began with a more than rocky start, but the station has produced some stars along the way and formed what many employed there would call a family. The longevity of employees is almost unbelievable in itself. Al Gregory, Bob Lewis, Katherine Willis, Patty Fulton, Hanes Lancaster, Jack Dempsey, Kenny Hawkins, Mark Reynolds, Josh Smith, and Sara Diamond are only a few whose careers span decades at WJHL. What may be even more amazing than the careers of these employees is that the station itself, in 60 years of history, has only had three General Managers. Dan Cates, WJHL’s newest General Manager, said it is easy to understand why many of the employees call it home. He himself was overwhelmed with a “down home” feeling and couldn’t believe how welcoming the people were when he came to visit the area before taking the position with the station. Dan is honored to be with WJHL and knows he has big shoes to ﬁll, “I am looking forward to it,” he says in an interview with VIPSEEN. WJHL’s past is uniquely impressive, and more than enough for a story, but the current news crew is focusing on the future of the station. Audiences have more choices now than ever for news and entertainment so News Channel 11 has branded itself as being for the people with their new slogan “In Your Corner.” Dan Cates says that the biggest and most exciting challenge is giving viewers a reason to watch WJHL, keeping things interesting and, most importantly, credible. He tells VIPSEEN, ““In celebrating 60 years, we are contrasting the old with the new even though those are six decades apart. It’s still about striving for excellence, the same effort that was started by Mr. Lancaster, Patty Fulton, and so many others. We’ve had a beginning, a middle, and we are still in the middle. WJHL will continue to evolve by giving viewers news and information when and how they want it. The station is looking forward to celebrating the next 60 years.”

Former WJHL General Manager and Founder Hanes Lancaster with Current General Manager Dan Cates, WJHL News Crew, and Daytime Tri-Cities Hosts

DECEMBER 2013 | VIPSEEN | 11

ob er 26 ,1 95 3

19 38

Lancaster Jr. is granted a television permit and is assigned to channel 11.

1930s

The W. H. Lancaster Sr. and Jay Birdwell move to Johnson City from Chattanooga to establish the first radio station in Johnson City – WJHL.

A temporary tower was built and WJHL was on the air!

1940s

1950s

Hanes Lancaster Jr. applies to the FCC for a television permit, but is not granted because of a “freeze” from the FCC.

The 630 ft. tower on Tannery Knob topples, leaving two injured and equipment damaged.

The Lancasters sells the radio station that became WJCW

19 64

“Through the Years”

19 60

y, 19 53

VIP PROFILE: WJHL

The Lancaster Family sells the TV station to Roy Park, but Hanes Lancaster Jr. stays as the General Manager.

1960s

The TV tower is moved to Holston Mountain where it still stands today.

19 The first broadcast to show in color. The world had seen nothing like it.

ct ob

A permanent tower is placed on Buffalo Mountain, enabling WJHL to reach 5 states.

12 | VIPSEEN | DECEMBER 2013

VIP PROFILE: WJHL

19 75

97 19

1980s

Hanes Lancaster retires and Jack Dempsey becomes General Manager.

Doppler Radar is incorporated into WJHLâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s weather forecasting system

1990s

2000s

2010s

The first news broadcasting in full HD.

1970s

WJHL introduces itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s newest talk show Daytime Tri-Cities

WJHL-TV moves from Tannery Knob into the former Johnson City Post Office on East Main Street where it is presently located.

08 20

Media General buys the station from Roy Park and so was the beginning of News Channel 11 as we know it today.

rly Ea 80

19 s 20

Current General Manager Dan Cates begins at WJHL

DECEMBER 2013 | VIPSEEN | 13

VIP PROFILE: WJHL

Celebrating Five Years of Live, Local Fun PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF DAYTIME TRI-CITIES STORY BY TOBY LAEK

14 | VIPSEEN | DECEMBER 2013

he idea for Daytime Tricities came about in 2007. WFLA, Media General’s flagship station in Tampa, Florida was enjoying the success of Daytime Tampa, a sales-driven, entertainment and lifestyle program that had launched a few years earlier. It provided a unique mix of commercial content, music, cooking and the occasional celebrity interview. WJHL management, always looking for new local programming opportunities, took notice of Daytime Tampa’s success and decided to look into producing a similar program designed to highlight the rich culture in our region. After toying with many different formats and names, WJHL decided to stay with the “Daytime” branding that had proven so successful in Tampa. The next hurdle, and maybe the single most important that needed to be decided, was to find the right hosts. In an entertainmentstyle, chat based program, the chemistry of the hosts can either make or break the show. If you launch with hosts that aren’t comfortable with each other, that awkwardness translates to the viewers and can be a death knell for a show, especially when that show is just launching and needs to make a good first impression. Enter Morgan King and Amy Lynn. Morgan was a former weatherman (and veritable professional jack-of-all-trades) in the Tri-Cities market and Amy had built an impressive career as a news anchor/reporter. They had worked together before and had a comfort level that shone through each time they were on camera together. They were soon hired and began working with management to define the show. They decided to go with an “info-tainment” based format that would feature local musicians, actors, and chefs plus organizations that do great work in the community. All that would work, with commercial content as well, worked to form a unique, never-been-done before kind of show. The tagline was simple, but defined what they planned to deliver to the viewers - “Live, Local, Fun.” Behind the scenes, work was being done to secure advertising partners. The first to sign on was Food City, who signed on as the show’s “Presenting Sponsor”. It would prove to be a great partnership built on a mutual focus on the community. Food City chefs would grace the Daytime kitchen once per week for the “Food City Friday” segment and Daytime would be a great platform to promote Food City’s numerous community-based programs and events. The sales staff secured many other partnerships with advertisers and the ball was officially rolling.

VIP PROFILE: WJHL

Due to the fact that the show was an entirely different product than the news that WJHL was known for, a new set had to be built that would accommodate all that had been planned. The set design team from the Barter Theatre, who were well versed in constructing versatile sets, consulted and built the first backdrop that would be used for Daytime Tricities. A state-of-the-art kitchen, complete with a rollaway stovetop, was installed to accommodate the chefs who would provide daily kitchen and recipe demonstrations. On August 11th, 2008, at 10am Daytime Tricities premiered to an eager Tri-Cities audience. The show was thirty minutes long and featured live music, cooking instruction, and lots of community information. As the show’s buzz grew and ratings increased, demand grew from more perspective guests and advertisers. Station management decided that it was time to expand the show’s runtime from thirty minutes to an hour. On the show’s first anniversary, August 11th, 2009, the show officially went to an hour. In addition to an in-studio show each weekday, the program has gone live from various locations across the Tricities region. The “Our Town” series, which launched in 2012, was an initiative designed to shine the spotlight on the many wonderfully unique cities and communities around our region. Each Our Town special devoted the entire show to a single local community. In early December 2013, the first Our Town Holiday Special aired, which was shot entirely in and broadcast live from the beautiful town of Abington. To celebrate the 5th anniversary of the show, the Daytime Tricities crew took a trip to Cancun, Mexico and invited viewers to join them. Kathy Kennedy from Cruise Planners handled the arrangements and Morgan, Amy, and 40 of their best friends celebrated the milestone in style at Cancun’s Hard Rock Hotel and Resort. The trip wasn’t all play, though. The crew documented their adventures and later aired the segments on the show. While after five years, the runtime, the set, and the audience has grown, the Daytime Tricities crew still has the same goal in mind when putting together each show - to keep it Live, Local, and Fun.

DECEMBER 2013 | VIPSEEN | 15

SEEN IN KINGSPORT Eastman’s Employee Center

Kelsey, Briana, and Kaitlin

ow do you captivate 1,500 fourth graders with the ultimate STEM experience? Give them the opportunity to attend the National Chemistry Week Celebration! The Northeast Tennessee Section of the American Chemical Society (NETSACS) held the 23rd annual “Celebration of Chemistry for 4th Graders” on Tuesday and Wednesday, Oct. 22nd and 23rd as part of the festivities celebrating National Chemistry Week.

Libris

Girls Inc.

Twenty-five schools from Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia were invited to bring their 4th grade classes to Eastman’s Employee center where they were treated to a variety of exhibits and demonstrations that illustrated the importance and fun of science in everyday life. This award winning program was made possible by a dedicated group of volunteers with backgrounds in diverse scientific disciplines, including chemists, engineers, professors, biologists, and archaeologists.

Synergy Labs

The highlight of the event was ”Magic of Chemistry” show performed by Dr. Francis Webster and his team from Radford University’s Department of Chemistry. He provided a fun show that demonstrated simple experiments that created a world of wonder for the students. Every child went back to school with a twinkle in their eye and a brain full of science. Photography by Savanna Smith | Story Submitted

Interested in Learning

How Water Works

Eastman

Kingsport’s 4th grade making green slime

Oscillating Reactions

Libby Watts

RU Chemistry Club

Melissa Page and Jennifer Lloyd

Christopher demonstrating Science

Domtar

DECEMBER 2013 | VIPSEEN | 17

SEEN IN KINGSPORT Elite Manufacturing and Professional Service

Fall Bash

AFTER HOURS K

ingsport welcomed a new business Thursday, October 17th with a ribbon cutting followed by a grand opening. Elite Manufacturing and Professional Services, located at 447 Ridgefields Road Suite 1, opened its doors to the public that morning. The city of Kingsport came out to celebrate and show support to new business owners Ron and Sonja Bennett. After the ribbon cutting, the party began; live music by Ivy Road had everyone dancing well into the night. Great food including delicious fruits, veggies, and more were served throughout the night. The staff of Elite Manufacturing and Professional Services gave tours of their new office to anyone interested. The grand opening party lasted well into the night, until finally the cold drove everyone home. Elite Manufacturing and Professional Services would like to thank the community for such loyal support and a successful evening. PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY SAVANNA SMITH

Jojo Bradley, Greg Bennett, and Tami Keith

Ron and Sonja Bennett

The Ribbon Cutting

Ray and Carrie Evans

Dancing the night away

Tracey and Steve Edwards, and Robin Cleary

Broughton Jolley, Leigh Engle, and Sonja Bennett

Paris Hooke and Lisa Gibson

SEEN IN BRISTOL The Foundation Event Facility

Food City After Hours F

ood City held a Bristol Chamber of Commerce After Hours Thursday evening, November 7th in the Bristol Food City Conference Room. Many Chamber members ﬁlled the room to socialize and network with friends old and new. Finger foods were provided by none other than Food City and consisted of their delicious veggie trays, fruit trays, gourmet cheeses, and scrumptious cookies. Everyone enjoyed the food just as much as the company.

U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith made a guest appearance, chatting with his fellow citizens about the happenings around the area. Attendees were glad to talk to Griffith, who simply attended as a Chamber member. The evening was filled with laughter and everyone ate until the food was gone. Food City would like to thank everyone that made their evening a success. PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY SAVANNA SMITH

Jessica Chance and Paula Hurt

Chelsea Gammon and Michelle Jenkins

Jenny Brown, Tim Buchanan and Allison Buchanan

Morgan Grifﬁth and David Ring

Nathan Taylor Raymond Stockard, and Israel Quinn

Ladonna Boardwine, Elise Allen, and Anita Machado

Amy Shuttle, Lori Worley, Sam Shuttle, and Sarah Hutchinson

DECEMBER 2013 | VIPSEEN | 19

SEEN IN JOHNSON CITY The Charles

Uncork the Fun! T

he JC Area Arts Council stepped back in time to the era of the roarin’ 20’s, as they hosted “UnCork the Fun: Hooch, Flappers, and Art!” on Saturday, October 19th. The Great Gatsby themed event featured acclaimed jazz musician, Rick Simerly and his group. The event was set in the beautifully restored Charles venue in downtown Johnson City. Guests dressed in vintage attire and danced the “Charleston” at this fun, elegant affair. A “Gatsby” buffet, wine, signature cocktails, and champagne were enjoyed.

The proceeds of the event will help support JC Area Arts Council’s arts education programs like Arts Corps, which provides free art enrichment classes to at-risk youth in the Johnson City and Washington County area. Sponsors for this event included The Charles, Barb and Andy Massimilla, Renasant Bank, Michael Hartman, Joel Phillips and Ellie Snow.

Ann Smith and Jon Lowry

JCAAC is one of ten designated agencies authorized to regrant funding from the TN Arts Commission. The organization offers community art grants, arts education, professional development for arts educators, promotion and technical assistance to the artistic community, public gallery openings, special events and more. For more information about JCAAC or to become a member, please visit www.arts.org or call 423-928-8229.

Suzanne Burik-Burleson and Julia Loomis

PHOTOGRAPHY BY DANIELLE HAHNE | STORY SUBMITTED

Dr. Lewis Songer and Anne Brading

Kate Pierce and Laura Cloer

20 | VIPSEEN | DECEMBER 2013

Mark and Annette Savage

Belinda and Judge John Kiener

Tom and Joy McGininnis

Eleanor Snow and Joel Phillips

David and Joan Elliot

Nancy Jane Earnest

MUSIC PROFILE: Illusion, The Owl

ith thick textures and progressive structure, Illusion the Owl is spiraling their way into the Tri-Cities music scene. The project started from vague visions of Devin Purdy and Tyler Luttrell, who simply wanted to create something they love to listen to. “We just wanted to write music to the best of our ability. We wanted to invoke a genuine and uplifting vibe.” Tyler, a senior music major at Milligan, is a freshman composer. Devin is a seasoned guitar player and has been the creative catalyst for several local bands. Both men share similar interests in bands like Explosions in the Sky and Grizzly Bear. While at Milligan, Tyler had the opportunity to study jazz guitar and bass under the mentorship of Rick Simerly: a highly respected trombonist in the world of Jazz. Tyler listened to everything from John Coltrane to Gustav Mahler and employed what he learned from school into his compositions. Tyler’s interest in progressive music gravitated him toward Devin’s songwriting. Devin’s complex, yet organized sense of form, laid a solid foundation for Tyler’s lyrical melodies. The two of them spent two months writing songs before Gabe Hobbs joined in adding guitar leads to the music. Gabe’s melancholy, yet endearing, personality shines through his guitar lines and his perspective brought a third dimension to the music. As much as the group enjoyed writing melodies and harmonies, they had some trouble finding a match in rhythm creativity with a drummer. After jamming with several

drummers, the group was fortunate to find Jacob Lantz. The energy of the music climbed to new heights with Jacob’s driving beats and explosive fills. It was around this time that the music started to come from the personal experiences of each band member. The band turned into a close group of friends when Jacob let childhood friend, Troy Boone, listen to some early recordings of the project. “He showed me a couple of demo tracks and I was stunned by how unique the sound was.” Troy expressed great interest in the fresh sound. Jacob and Troy have played punk music since they were preteens, so the addition of a third guitar seemed natural. Troy’s solid and organic riffs brought support to Gabe and Devin’s soaring guitar riffs, and his sense of harmony fell into place like a missing piece to a complex puzzle. Troy has an extensive background in Bluegrass music, he’s currently enrolled into ETSU’s Bluegrass Program, and this unique experience has added another level of depth to the band. The songs have since gained sentimental value amongst the members of the band and the name Illusion the Owl emerged. The music derives from intrinsic tension, so it seemed appropriate to make the illusion of self part of the name and the owl as a symbol for wisdom. “We want to inspire our listeners to spend their time constructively. This is how we spend our time and I am convinced not a minute has been wasted since I started writing with Devin.” (Tyler)

LOOK FOR A KICK STARTER CAMPAIGN TO BE INITIATED AROUND JANUARY 2014 TO HELP THE BAND RECORD IT’S FIRST FULL ALBUM. 22 | VIPSEEN | DECEMBER 2013

MUSIC PROFILE: Illusion, The Owl

The band has played shows all over the Tri-Cities and is continually writing and practicing songs every weekend available. Most sessions last over five hours at a time, rehearsing and creating. The band boasts about their work ethic and their dedication is only provoked and never taken away. The band has written a full album and is only adding to the songs they currently have while still writing new ones. They currently lack the financial means to record the record they have spent so long creating, so a kick starter campaign will be initiated around January 2014. The band hopes to collaborate with local recording engineer, Travis Kammeyer. The album name is entitled “The Battle Between Green and Gray”, with the ‘green’ representing hope and the ‘gray ‘representing all that is vague. The band portrays a common battle within self that each individual faces no matter the road they pursue. Regardless of what becomes of the band, they hope to leave an imprint on the local community by bringing people together and giving them the inspiration to pursue wisdom no matter the personal challenges.

Illusion, The Owl DEVIN PURDY GUITAR, VOCALS

TYLER LUTTRELL BASS, KEYBOARD, VOCALS TROY BOONE GUITAR, BASS, VOCALS

SEEN IN BRISTOL Historic Downtown Bristol

9th Annual

“From the Top Loft Down” Tour

ctober 22nd was a perfect Saturday afternoon for the 9th annual Downtown Loft Tour in Bristol, TN/VA. The host of the event was Believe in Bristol. Executive Director, Christina Blevins had volunteers welcoming guests to over ﬁfteen completed lofts throughout Historic Downtown Bristol. Each loft was unique and stunning in style.

This year’s tour honored Mr. Benjamin Walls, a native of Bristol, for the hard work and dedication he has given to Downtown Bristol. Ben preserved and restored the property referred to as Cornerstone, located at 701 State Street. The building was built around 1901 as Turner Drug Store. It now houses several lofts and his art gallery.

Christina Blevins, Executive Director of Believe in Bristol

Sarah Hull, owner of loft

Linda Talbert in her loft

Believe in Bristol is a non-proﬁt organization composed of dedicated citizens, business owners and other friends of Bristol who recognize the role a vital downtown plays in preserving and furthering the community’s identity, spirit and economy. For more information, visit their website (www.believeinbristol) or ﬁnd them on Facebook. PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY LINDA COFFEY

Loft for Sale

Karen Hester built 6 lofts above her business, Cranberry Lane Benjamin Walls, builder of several loft above his art gallery

Jean Burnette and Peyton Boyd

Rebecca Perry, Emma Perry, Renee Garber, and Haleigh Garber Eric Blevins, builder of 4 lofts on the tour

Vicie Dotson, Board Member

Genny Lou King, volunteer and former Believe in Bristol intern

24 | VIPSEEN | DECEMBER 2013

Stunning Oak and Brazilian Cherry hardwood inlaid ﬂoors

DECEMBER 2013 | VIPSEEN | 27

SEEN IN KINGSPORT The Farmer’s Market

DOWNTOWN

Unmasked

he 2013 Downtown Kingsport Association signature fundraiser was held on Friday, October 24 at the Farmer’s Market in downtown Kingsport. The Farmer’s Market was transformed into a masquerade ball thanks to the committee of volunteers who created an evening of fun and entertainment. The themed event, Downtown Unmasked, was a tremendous success with 200 guests in attendance. Guests adorned in masks, and black ties danced the night away to marvelous sounds of the local band Well Dogs. The guests also sampled selections during “The Taste of Downtown” portion of the event as twelve restaurants showcased their menu. Silent and live auctions culminated the night’s events with auctioneer Steve Ladd. Funds raised from this event will continue the marketing and promotion efforts to sustain a vibrant downtown. Sponsors of the event included Domtar, Eastman, First Bank & Trust, First Tennessee Bank, Food City, Indian Path Medical Center, Kingsport Chamber of Commerce and Kingsport Convention & Visitor’s Bureau, ABC 19, WKPT, and VIPSEEN Magazine. For more information about the Downtown Kingsport Association, visit www.downtownkingsport.org.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICKEY BAKER | STORY SUBMITTED

28 | VIPSEEN | DECEMBER 2013

SEEN IN BRISTOL The Natural Nail Care Clinic

The Natural Nail Care Clinic

Open House

PHOTOGRAPHY APRIL TAYLOR STORY BY RITA DYKES

IPSEEN helped celebrate the ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house of Natural Nail Clinic this past month. Owner Cathy Wells and her staff opened the new location at 409 West Oakland Avenue Suite 5 in Johnson City, Tenn. Loyal clients attended the event as well as potential new clients. Cathy also invited other vendors to support local female business owners and to give guests a layered experience. Valuable door prizes were given away every 10 minutes compliments of Texas Roadhouse, Rujuva Skin & Laser, Thirty-One, Sentsy, Main Street Café, SunTrust Bank, The Battery, Pampered Chief, Beaty Shoes, Nest, Fabozzi Chiropractic, Boons Creek Pottery, On Point Dance Studio, Farmers Daughter, Fresh Deli and Young Living. The open house was such a success they have decided to make an annual event to kick off the Holiday Season. Cathy is dedicated to increasing the community’s knowledge of the safety and classic appearance of enhancing the natural nail. The coming year will be bursting with extraordinary promotions and everyone is invited to be a part of all the exciting new things happening at the new location. Visit and like Natural Nail Care Clinic’s Facebook page for a 20% discount on the service of your choice.

Anne Mashburn

Cathy Wells and Staff

Camille and Tim O’Neill

Debra James and Sara Mottern

Angie, Andrew, and Mary Miller

Sara Mottern and Nathan Mottern

Teri Leinbach, Kaira, and Lanie Parrish

Leanna Baldwin

Dianna Holloway and Cathy Wells

30 | VIPSEEN | DECEMBER 2013

Debra Reeves

Cathy Wells and Dee Bardes

SEEN IN KINGSPORT MeadowView Conference Center

Kingsport Tomorrow 2013 Healthcare Symposium T

Mobile Images

Indian Path Medical Center

Custom Compounding Centers of America

??, Jerry Miller, Deborah Reiff, David Tauben

Sanoﬁ

Lesa Phillips, Deborah and Robert Reiff

Anderson Compounding Pharmacy

he 4th Annual Regional Healthcare Symposium, presented by Kingsport Tomorrow, was held on Saturday, October 26, 2013, at the Executive Conference Center at MeadowView Marriott Conference Resort & Convention Center. Major sponsors included Wellmont Holston Valley Medical Center, Indian Path Medical Center, Eastman Credit Union, Holston Medical Group, and the ETSU Quillen College of Medicine’s Ofﬁce of Continuing Medical Education. Eight hours of continuing medical education were offered to 149 participants.

The focus of this medical presentation to the healthcare providers was the assessment and proper medical management of “chronic pain” using pharmacologic, behavioral, psychological and other successful medical strategies. Keynote speakers were: David J. Tauben, M.D. from the University of Washington, where he serves as Clinical Associate Professor and Medical Director, UW Center for Pain Relief and Director of Medical Student Education in Pain Management; and Dr. Chad Boomershine, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor at Vanderbilt University, Division of Rheumatology, whose topic was Fibromyalgia. Other topics included sessions on: Sleep Apnea and Cardiovascular Disease; Crucial Conversations with patients and families regarding the continuum of care – Home Care, Palliative and Hospice; Vitamin D, Evidence and Controversies; and Diagnostic and Therapeutic Approaches to Health Failure that Can Lead to Successful Outcomes. There were 14 vendor sponsors, in addition to our major sponsors, who set up booths in the exhibit area so they could offer attendees education about their services related to the topics presented during the day.

Mountain States Medical Group

HMG

The Symposium was created by Kingsport Tomorrow as a convenient and affordable forum for continuing medical education for area primary care physicians and other allied healthcare professionals. Attendees strongly inﬂuence the choice of topics offered the following year. PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY SAVANNA SMITH

DECEMBER 2013 | VIPSEEN | 31

Serve it up Sassy

“Have a Holly Jolly Christmas… It’s the Best Time of the Year! ” A

s we hustle and bustle to “deck the halls,” and shop the malls; gift giving is top priority. With all of this merriment, most of us would like to create or bake some goodness to share. Here are a few make-a-head gift giving and entertaining ideas for every event this season brings. “It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas...everywhere you go…” and when you go to be with family and friends, be sure to take this versatile shortbread cookie as a gift. This simple cookie is one recipe with four easy cookie variations: Toffee-Espresso, Pecan Chocolate Chip, Cherry and Coconut, and Cranberry-Orange. This make-ahead cookie recipe can be frozen and ready to slice and bake at a moment’s notice and is a perfect home-baked cookie for those unexpected guests. “I don’t know if there’ll be snow but have a cup of cheer” with this quick and easy Spice Cocoa Mix. This mix is packaged in a quart-size can that has been painted light blue and sprinkled with sticker snowflakes. Small chocolate cups are filled with mini marshmallows and served with this cocoa mix. “It’s a Marshmallow World!” For a sweet gift, a cellophane-wrapped red and white pinwheel cookie dressed up like a large piece of peppermint candy is served up sassy in an apothecary jar. “You better watch out, you better not cry…” because these taste better than the ones you can buy. Serve this cookie with a glass of milk and be sure to leave some for Santa. Other fun food gifts to present in apothecary jars include Santa Hats and Merry Christmas Munch. All the little elves (kids) will love to help in the kitchen making these festive treats. When you “need a little Christmas, right this very minute,” serve up Cranberry Apricot Chutney. This chutney takes minutes to prepare and is delicious on turkey crostini for a quick appetizer. When giving this chutney recipe as gift, be sure to mention that this item needs to be refrigerated. The recipe will make two cups, one to give and one to keep on hand for your personal stash. DECEMBER 2013 | VIPSEEN | 33

“I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas,” a candy bark make of white chocolate, pretzels and peppermints. The white chocolate bark is served on an “Eat, Drink and Be Merry” printed platter, which is the perfect gift to give. “Let it snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow!” But if it doesn’t snow, then make your own S’ More Snow and S’ More Christmas gift packages. These cute small packages feature Snowmen or Christmas tree marshmallow “Peeps”, chocolate covered graham crackers and a mini Hersey chocolate bar. Who doesn’t like S’Mores?

Serve it up Sassy

Speaking of snow…check out the snow globe cake. “Frosty the Snowman” would love this coconut white cake. A purchased or made-from-scratch 8-inch round white cake is garnished with coconut, peppermint sticks, a snowman ornament and an 8-inch glass round bubble bowl. Because of the weight of the glass bowl, it is placed over the ornament and on the cake right before serving. “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas!” “Let your heart be light. Faithful friends who are dear to us, will be near to us once more,” especially when they are invited over for a cup of Chai Tea. Chai is basically black tea brewed with selected spices and milk. Smooth away the stresses of the season with a cup of warm milk, honey, and spice tea mixture, and create a memorable moment. “Have a Holly Jolly Christmas”…“It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!”

Wishing you the Sweetest Merry Christmas!

Pistachio Peppermint Pretzel Bark 3 (11-ounce) packages white chocolate morsels, divided 3 cups crushed pretzels 1 cup chopped pistachios ½ cup crushed peppermint candies 1. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper, spray with cooking spray. 2. In large microwave safe bowl, melt the morsels on high in 30 second intervals. Stir until melted and smooth. Add crushed pretzels. Spread mixture on parchment paper in an even layer. 3. Sprinkle pistachios and crushed peppermints on top of pretzel mixture. Gently press nuts and candies into mixture. 4. Let cool for one hour or until completely set. Break into pieces. Store in air tight container. To give as a gift: Place on a pretty plate or a tin. Yield 2 – 2/12 pounds

Master “Slice and Bake” Cookie Recipe

EASY VARIATIONS Toffee-Espresso Cookies: Using ¼ of the dough stir in ½ cup English Toffee bits and 2 tablespoons espresso powder. Combine and roll into an 8-inch log. Step 5. After baking, drizzle with melted chocolate. (1/2 cup mini morsels- melted)

(One recipe with 4 different versions)

2 cups butter, no substitutes 1 ½ cups confectioner’s sugar 2 eggs 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 teaspoon almond extract 4 cups all-purpose flour ½ teaspoon baking powder 1teaspoon salt

1. In small bowl, add flour, baking powder and salt. Set aside. 2. In large mixing bowl, beat butter until smooth gradually add powdered sugar. Continue to beat to blend. Add egg. Stir in vanilla and almond extract, mix. Continue to blend dough until the dough forms a ball inside the bowl. 3. Gradually add flour mixture into butter mixture until well blended. 4. Shape shortbread dough into 4 sections. Place each section into a small bowl.

Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies: Using ¼ of the dough stir in ½ cup mini chocolate chips and ½ cup finely chopped pecans. Combine and roll into an 8-inch log. Step 5. Cherry and Coconut Cookies: Using ¼ of the dough stir in ¼ cup toasted coconut and ¼ cup diced candied cherries. Combine and roll into an 8-inch log. Step 5.

5. Add to each dough section the easy variations. 6. Roll into 8-inch logs. Wrap each log in wax paper and chill 4 hours or wrap in freezer wrap and freeze up to one month. 7. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 8. If frozen, let logs stand a room temperature 10 minutes. Cut each log into ½ inch slices or width you prefer. Place cookies on parchment lined baking sheet. Bake 10-12 minutes or until golden. Remove from oven. Let cool, store in airtight containers.

Merry Christmas Munch

Cranberry-Orange Cookies: Makes an 8 inch log or pinwheels Roll out ¼ of dough, stir in ½ cup fresh ground cranberries, ½ cup ground walnuts and 1 tablespoon grated orange rind. Combine and roll into an 8-inch log. Or roll dough into 10 x 14 rectangle, fill with cranberry mixture and roll up like a jelly roll. Wrap and freeze. Slice in ¼ inch cuts and bake.

Yield 8 cups

2 cups cheerios 2 cups rice chex mix 2 cups dry roasted peanuts 2 cups pretzel sticks or mini pretzels 1 package Nestle White Chocolate morsels 1 package red and green M & M’s Instructions In microwave safe bowl, melt white chocolate morsels on high at 30 second intervals until melted, stir until smooth. In large baking pan, lightly spray with cooking spray. In large bowl, combine all ingredients except the M & M’s and melted morsels. Stir to mix. Pour melted white chocolate over mix, tossing to coat each piece. Remove coated mixture from pan and allow to set up. Add M & M’s right before serving or packaging.

34 | VIPSEEN | DECEMBER 2013

Yield 8 dozen

Serve it up Sassy Snow Globe Cake 1 -8 inch round two -layer white frosted cake-no décor-purchased or home made. 3 cups sweetened flaked coconut 2 cups vanilla frosting 25 + peppermint sticks- 5 inches tall * DECORATIONS Snowman ornament of choice or winter snow scene- 4 inch x 4 inch 1-8 inch glass bubble bowl, with a 6-7 inch opening-purchased @ Michaels 1- 4 x 6 inch felt top hat-purchased at Michaels Craft Store 8 inch round glass cake pedestal or cake plate INSTRUCTIONS 1. Using one cup of vanilla frosting- re-frost top of purchased cake, toss 1 cup of coconut on top of newly frosted cake. 2. Dab back- side of peppermint sticks with frosting in two places, attach to sides of cake vertically. If you prefer to use coconut, thinly re-frost cake and add coconut to the sides of the cake instead of the peppermint sticks. 3. Place a piece of plastic wrap discretely under the ornament or scene, place on center of cake. 4. Before serving cake, add glass dome. Attach top hat to top of glass dome. Remove glass dome and ornament before serving. Ordered green and white peppermint sticks by www.candywarehouse.com Recipe adapted from Taste of Home-Happiness Under Glass, Marie Louise Ludwig

Spiced Cocoa Mix ¼ cup unsweetened special dark cocoa 1 cup sugar ½ cup confectioner’s sugar 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Yield 4 cups of mix

¼ teaspoon ground all spice 2 cups instant non-fat dry milk 1 cup non dairy creamer 10 small baggies

1. Mix all ingredients together in large bowl, stir to combine. Fill small baggies with dry mix. 2. Package for gift: Fill a decorative tin with one cocoa mix baggie. Attach gift tag instructions with a small box of chocolate mini cups. 3. Gift Tag Instructions: Place 2-3 tablespoons of mix into a 6 ounce mug, add boiling water and stir. For richer chocolate, add warm milk. Top with mini chocolate cups filled with mini marshmallows or dollop of whipped cream.

Chocolate Mini Cups ½ cup semisweet chocolate chips 1teaspoon shortening Small baking cups 1. Place chocolate chips in a microwave safe bowl, process 50 seconds on high until chips melt. 2. Line mini paper cups with melted chocolate using a pastry brush. 3. Let harden in refrigerator, when ready to use, remove paper cup from chocolate. To serve: fill chocolate cup with whipped cream or mini marshmallows, sprinkle with cinnamon or nutmeg. Add to hot chocolate or coffee.

Make a Statement, Make it Sassy and Make it Yours! Liz Bushong is an expert in the three-dimensional art of entertaining. She transforms simple dining occasions into beautiful and memorable moments by adding a touch of her own “sassy” style. She makes elegance easy for her audience and encourages them to add their own Sassy touch to make it unique .Liz is famous for creating her own version of a beautifully presented tablescape – which she calls a Sassyscape ™ . In 2009 and 2010, Liz was selected from thousands nationwide to be part of an elite team of 100 professionals entrusted with decorating the White House for the holiday. In 2011, she was part of seven-person team selected to decorate the Tennessee governor’s mansion for the holiday. Liz has been featured as the monthly guest chef on Daytime Tri-cities, television show on WJHL, the CBS affiliate for the Tri-cities area of Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee and West Virginia. She is also the creator and host of her own onehour seasonal television show called “Serve it up Sassy!” for the same market, which aired in 2011. She has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Consumer and Family Sciences from Purdue University and an Associate in Applied Science degree in Fashion Design from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York. She is also certified in Decorative Finishes and has been trained as a master gardener. Liz is the author of Just Desserts and Sweets & Savories cookbook. Liz makes her home in Johnson City, Tennessee. She continues to perfect her sassy approach to turning simple dining occasions into beautiful and memorable moments. To purchase cookbooks, see recipes, cooking, and decorating ideas go to www.lizbushong.com.

SEEN IN JOHNSON CITY The Double Tree Hotel

Monster Ball Bash T

he 3rd annual Happy Halloween Monster Ball Bash for children and teens was held at the DoubleTree Hotel in Johnson City on November 1. The post Halloween event sponsored by Starr Beverly and Tim Banion began as a safe alternative to traditional trick or treating. Due to the outstanding attendance at the first Monster Ball Bash the annual event developed into a fundraiser for various non-profit organizations. The event was fun for the whole family as children, teens, and parents dressed up in their favorite costumes for a chance to win a prize in the costume contest. Fantastic music, dancing, a mini haunted house, door prizes, party favors, and of course, food were among the fun-filled happenings of the evening. Photographers were also snapping pictures for parents to cherish the memories of an amazing evening with their children. Children left the Bash with a bag full of treats and giant smiles on their faces. This year’s event raised funds for the Humane Society. The fundraiser was an enormous success as it raised money, blankets, pet food, cat litter, animal beds, and many more very needed items.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRIAN HULLETTE STORY BY RITA DYKES

SEEN IN JOHNSON CITY Downtown

Oktoberfest at Nelson Art Gallery & Krazy Krepes Café Grand Opening

Karina Hirst, Angelina Polte, and Tracy Fleenor

PHOTOGRAPHY BY DANIELLE HAHNE | STORY SUBMITTED

Krazy Krepes Café, has rolled into town with inexpensive eats worth checking out. The crepery gives downtown Johnson City an innovative lunch option and features a variety of crepes, including breakfast, specialty, dessert and savory. Krazy Krepes also offers a daily soup selection, German sausages, and fresh German bread. The owners of Krazy Krepes, Karina Hirst and Angelika Polte, take pride in using fresh ingredients and frequent the local farmers for most of their produce. In addition, Krazy Krepes offers gluten free crepes and bread.

Jens and Liam Polte

Joy Lawson

Gail Elkins

The Crepery is a nice addition to the downtown area and the crepes are incredible. I would suggest the “Hefty Italian” crepe ﬁlled with meatballs and cheese. If you are looking on the lighter side, the “Skinny Italian”, featuring tomato, mozzarella, and fresh basil is scrumptious. For dessert – you can’t go wrong with the “Strawberry Dream.”

Jesse Wade

Hours: 9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. Tuesday to Friday, 9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Saturday & Sunday. (423) 926-2931. Krazy Krepes also is open on First Friday’s 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. and do catering and special events including crepe parties. Located in downtown Johnson City inside Nelson Art Center 324 E. Main Street

36 | VIPSEEN | DECEMBER 2013

Gary and Tracy Fleenor

Nina and Mike Marchioni

SEEN IN KINGSPORT Farmer’s Market

Haunted Half Marathon and Boo To Brew 4-Person Relay PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRIAN HULLETTE | STORY BY RITA DYKES

n October 26, downtown Kingsport was filled with colorful costumed runners in the 5th annual Haunted Half Marathon and Boo to Brew 4-Person Relay. Captain America, The Mad Hatter, Superman, Waldo, football players, vampires, Indians, scare-acrows, Starbuck’s Coffees, skeletons, and many more characters ran in this year’s events. Seven hundred forty-eight participants took to the streets for the flat double-loop course of the half marathon as on-lookers cheered for the runners throughout the entire course. Congratulations to the top contenders in each division of the Haunted Half Marathon! Derek Webb was the overall champion ending with an extraordinary 1:18:33.2 while overall women’s participant was Alison Pastorek finishing with an impressive 1:29:00. Other divisional winners were; Ray Jones, Stephanie Topping, Gary Pleasant, Karen Seiferth, Adren Jacobs, Lora Cardenas, Caleb Cutshall, Hannah Cutshall, Benjamin Skaggs, Madison McCall, Tyler Proffitt, Haley Ferrell, Brian Dawson, Holly Street, Scott Sikes, Tommy Horton, Chris Jordan, Sarah Bradford, Paul Shifflett, Debi Secor, Doug Strickland, Libby Overholt, Bill Leppert, Teresa Lindamood, Bill Dickerson, Sharon Baroody, Tony Borghetti, and Joanna Bennett. The Boo to Brew 13.1 mile relay race was also a favorite with more than 100 teams participating. Each team included four runners consisting of family members, friends, and co-workers. Congratulations to the top three teams in the Boo to Brew 4-Person Relay; The Running Dead finished in 1st place with an amazing 1:17:32.8, Highlands Podiatry advanced into 2nd place at 1:28:57.8, and rounding out the top three with 1:32:07.5 was team Phantom 4. The marathon and relay were held in cooperation of the Rockin’ The Hallows Halloween Festival and managed by We Run Events. With more than 1100 participants, the races sponsored by Associated Orthopedics of Kingsport, have become the largest of its kind in Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia. For more information, visit The Haunted Half Marathon’s page on Facebook. DECEMBER 2013 | VIPSEEN | 37

Abingdon Olive Oil Company

Handmade chocolates. One-of-a-kind serving dishes. Fine French linen napkins & tableclothes. 53 Varieties of Oils & Vinegars. Endless combinations. Open 11-6/Monday-Saturday and 2-6/Sunday Come in and sample THE TASTE OF GOOD HEALTH. 152 E. Main St., 2W Abingdon 276-525-1524

About Face Everyone give the gﬁt that you know will be loved – an About Face gift certiﬁcate!

Bristol 615 Volunteer Parkway 423-989-3223

Abingdon, VA 966 West Main Street 276-525-1693

Cedar Bluff, VA 677 Steeleburg Highway 276-385-1111

Blakley Mitchell

From dress to casual shop Blakley Mitchell for the perfect Holiday gift. Overton Sportswear, Forsyth of Canada Sports Shirts, Fancy socks by Byford and Per Pedes, Bruno Piattelli neck wear and much more.

Bowman Jewelers

50 ITEMS, 50% OFF, While supplies last. 2111 N. Roan St. Johnson City, TN. 423-282-8101 www.bowmanjewelers.com

517 State Street Bristol, VA 24201 276-669-0116 240 Broad Street Kingsport, TN 37660 423-245-8351

Cindy Saadeh Fine Art Gallery

These beautiful ornaments are handcrafted by local and regional artists. They add that certain sparkle to any tree and are available exclusively at Cindy Saadeh Fine Art Gallery. 128 East Market Street Kingsport, TN 423-245-2800 www.cindysaadeh.com 38 | VIPSEEN | DECEMBER 2013

Bristol Mall

A gift certificate from the Bristol Mall makes the perfect Holiday gift. 500 Gate City Highway Bristol, VA (276) 466-8331

Cosmetic Laser Skin Care

SkinPen: A medical precision tool to address ANY skin care concern. Microtherapy allows topical products to penetrate deeper and stimulate new collagen while creating healthier skin for all. 110 Med Tech Park Johnson City, TN 423-926-2200 Find us on Facebook

Cranberry Lane Cranberry Lane is proud to carry the Pointer Brand clothing line manufactured by L.C. King in Downtown Bristol, TN. We sell overalls, jeans, jackets, T-shirts, hats, totes, aprons, and even Christmas stockings. These make great gifts for the Holidays, even Santa wears them! Overalls start at $68.99. Made in the USA for over 100 years. “Give the gift of Pointer Brand Ya’ll.” 623 State Street Bristol, VA 276-669-9899 www.cranberrylanehome.com

Johnson City Custom Framing

A locally owned picture frame shop featuring original art, prints and framed art from many local artist. to full service framing. With over 500 frame styles to choose from, a knowledgeable and friendly staff and the best prices we hope to see you soon, Mention the VIPSEEN Magazine and receive a 25% discount on any custom framing order.

Goodman Jewelers

1204 W. Mountain View Road Johnson City, TN 423-926-2220

“Fine Colored Gemstones For Any Occasion” Goodman Jewelers of Abingdon, Inc Custom Jewelers By Appointment 324 Towne Centre Dr Abingdon, VA 24210 276-676-3110 mark@goodmanjewelers.biz www.goodmanjewelers.biz

Allure Salon

Located in beautiful Downtown Kingsport, Allure Salon is where passion meets expertise. Give us a chance to exceed your expectations. Enjoy 15% off any service when you mention our ad. Happy Holidays! 220 Broad Street Kingsport, TN 37660 423-578-2595

Kil’n Time

Whether you’re a professional artist or have never picked up a paintbrush, Kil’n Time can help you create personalized, affordable gifts this holiday season. Choose your project from over 1,000 styles of ceramics, fused glass, and mosaics--their friendly, knowledgeable staff is on hand to help! 818 State Street Bristol, TN 423-573-9950 Kilntimeceramics.com

DECEMBER 2013 | VIPSEEN | 39

Magnolia

Candles by Archipelago Botanicals Excursion Collection. Available at Magnolia in Downtown Abingdon. Open Tuesday- Saturday 11am to 5:30pm 180 East Main Street Abingdon, VA 276-206-8134 www.magnoliafurnishings.com

Medtrim Spa Vanity

A one hour massage for only $60 would make the pefect Holiday gift this season. Available now at Medtrim Spa Vanity. 3101 Lee Highway, Suite #1 Bristol, VA 24202 276-466-5100

Natural Nail Care Clinic

Treat yourself as well as gifts for your love ones this holiday season.

Mauks

Owner Cathy Wells and the staff at Natural Nail Care Clinic are ready to assist you with your holiday list. If the need is an elegant manicure, Shellac for the corporate day to day or a beautiful pedicure to finish off that New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s look, Natural Nail Care Clinic can craft it. Our services cover all ages and gender, where we believe caring for your nails is the most important thing you can do for yourself and your loved ones. Gift certificates are available.

101 West Main Street Jonesborough, TN 1-800-611-MAUK or 423-753-4648 www.Mauks.com save@Mauks.com

Wishing you the happiest holiday season!

New Vera Bradley avalible for the Holidays. Come in for early for best selections.

Performance Medicine 10% Off Gift Certificates 109 Jack White Dr. Kingsport, TN 37664 423-245-2078 3135 Peoples Street, Suite 400 Johnson City, TN 37604 423-854-9200

40 | VIPSEEN | DECEMBER 2013

409 W. Oakland Ave., Ste #5 Johnson City 423-915-0073 USATrendsInc@aol.com

Gift CertiďŹ cate Next Free VIP package with purchase of $25 gift certificate 820 W. Walnut St. www.nextjc.com Johnson City, TN 37604 www.facebook.com/nextjc 423-979-6398 www.twitter.com/next_jc

Pretty Girl Station A Vintage postcard Pendant by Edwina Fleenor Proctor will make a one of a kind unique Holiday gift. Or have your own custom piece made with your own family photo. Available at Pretty Girl Station in downtown Bristol. 500 Gate City Hwy Bristol, VA 24201 276-644-4701

Little Mountain Soap Company Handmade organic soaps, hand & body balm, therapeutic oils, spring waters mist sprays & soaking salts Available at One of A Kind Gallery 604 State Street From the perfect clutch or handbag, to the most elegant Bristol, TN 37620 unique piece of jewelry, you can find the perfect Christmas 423-652-2648 gift for that special someone on your Christmas list at www.oneofakindgallery.org Siegner’s Ltd. Visit both locations one on East Main Street and the other located inside the Martha Hotel and Spa. Both in the heart of beautiful downtown Abingdon, VA.

Siegner’s Ltd.

Siegner’s Ltd 226 East Main Street Abingdon, VA 276-739-9934

Blackbird Bakery Blackbird cakes made from scratch. Great for any Holiday or special occasion. 56 Piedmont Avenue Bristol, VA 276-645-5734 www.blackbirdbakerybristol.com

The Spa Diﬀerence Unique jewelery for her, plus many antiques, crystal, vintage china, books, are only a few of the treasures you can find. The Spa Difference 2006 Center Street. Kingsport TN 37664 423-578-4051 www.thespadifference.com

Shoozies Charms from Brighton will make the perfect Holiday gift this year! Check out all the new Holiday charms, beads, spacers and charm holders available at Shoozies! 527 State St Bristol, VA 24201 (276) 644-3274

Alfresco

The Art of Outdoor Living The Ultimate Cooking Experience! Brighten someones Holiday with this American-designed ceremic cooker. The Big Green Egg stands alone as the most versatile barbecue or outdoor cooking product on the market. From pizza to ribs or even Christmas dinner to desserts, the Big Green Egg will exceed all your expectations for culinary perfection. Available at Alfresco Lifestyles in Abingdon, VA. 450 Commerce Street ( I-81, Exit 17) Near Hampton Inn Abingdon, VA 276-628-4797 www.alfrescolifestyles.com

DECEMBER 2013 | VIPSEEN | 41

Shady Business Terra Mai handmade Bracelet or Clutch by Linda Grayson made with semi -precious stones, crystals and beads. Availalble at Shady Business in Downtown Abingdon.

221 East Main Street Abingdon, VA 24210 276-356-1674 www.shadybusiness.net

One of A Kind Gallery Slumped and dropped glass made by local artist Joy Wilson Holt and Nancy Brooks available at One of Kind Gallery in downtown Bristol. Featured here are Custom made lamp shades made from the same glass. Pick from this amazing collection to make the perfect Holiday Gift! 604 State Street Bristol, TN 37620 (423) 652-2648 www.oneofakindgallery.org

TRISUP Share your adventures with an exciting new GoPro videocamera! Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s one of the most popular gifts this year and TriSUP has a great selection. Tri Cities Stand Up Paddleboard Company 514 State Street Bristol, TN 37620 423-652-0220 www.TriSup.net 42 | VIPSEEN | DECEMBER 2013

SEEN IN BRISTOL Bristol Motor Speedway

Cars at the Colosseum S

aturday October 12th Bristol Motor Speedway along with Speedway Children’s Charities held the second annual Cars at the Colosseum, featuring luxury cars as well as locally owned antiques. Cars varied from classic and muscle cars to Lamborghinis, Bentleys, Ferraris, and Rolls Royces to name a few. Speedway Children’s Charities added locally owned classics and antiques to build on the success of last year’s event.

Kecia Foster and David Purser

The event kicked off with a VIP dinner Friday evening at the Burton Smith suite over looking the World’s Fastest Half Mile. Guests dined and socialized in topics such as all the varieties of cars present. On Saturday, guests arrived to browse the large line-up of vehicles in the Bristol Motor Speedway inﬁeld. The show also included demonstrations, silent auctions, and test-drives for a few lucky guests. All proceeds beneﬁted children’s charities in Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia. To learn more about Speedway Children’s Charities and the amazing work they do please visit Bristol.speedwaycharities.org. PHOTOGRAPHY BY DANIELLE HAHNE STORY BY SAVANNA SMITH

Andrew and Vera Wilson

Sid Oakley, Lynn and Kathy Shipley, and John and Janet Rice Peter Davis, ABCS. 1934Mg. Midget

Wayne and Chelsea Thacker Brandt Fuqua, Ryan Miles, Wayne Thacker, Mark Beasley, and John Brannen Chad Kularski, 1983 Chevy Monte Carlo done for Jan Lyons (his mother)

Bobby Emmert, 1932 Chevrolet Victoria

Rhea Wyrick, Porsche dealer

Heath Ryans and Seth Oaks

Mike Glover Capp, 1940 Ford

DECEMBER 2013 | VIPSEEN | 43

SEEN IN BRISTOL Bristol Motor Speedway

Subway Speedway In Lights 5K Run/Walk T

he SUBWAY® Speedway in Lights 5K was held on Sunday, November 10, 2013. This fourth annual event welcomed over 2,600 walkers and runners of all ages! Participants ran, walked, and strolled through the 3.1 miles of dazzling lights and Christmas displays before the opening of FORD Speedway in Lights. The race began in the south entrance of Bristol Motor Speedway and ended on the backstretch of the World’s Fastest Half-Mile. A post-race party was planned for all in attendance. Pepsi provided drinks, Subway provided sandwiches, and area Food City’s provided bagels and bananas. Other sponsors include: Siemens Corporation, WCYB, VIP Seen, and 98.5 WTFM. The event raised over $40,000 for Speedway Children’s Charities and will go to support local 501 C-3 children’s agencies in northeast Tennessee and southwest Virginia. Ford Speedway in Lights is open nightly from 6-10pm through January 4, with entrance on Highway 394. The Johnson Controls Ice Rink and HVAC Chill Hill are open now through January 12. Find the detailed schedule at www.bristolmotorspeedway.com.

The Reindeer Gang

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICKEY BAKER STORY SUBMITTED

Caleb and Andrea Salyers

Adam Hughes and Graceanne Robinette

Graig, Makenna, and Gabe Hoffman

Jill Ross, Ashley, Ellie and Ian Hall, and Danielle Humphrys

Miss Food City Kayla Neikirk with Alex , Davis and Karen Crigger Rhonda Denham, Ashlee Witt and Levi Hardin

Steven Cregger and Keri Gilliam

44 | VIPSEEN | DECEMBER 2013

Lindsey Harris, Lynnsey Lewis, Santa, and Stacy Wilcox

Susie Ford and Tennesse Bernie Ford with Eva Smith and Bendi

SEEN IN BRISTOL WmKing Clothiers

Wm KingTrunk Show PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY APRIL TAYLOR

n Thursday, October 17th William King Clothiers hosted a trunk show featuring Hickey Freeman. Proudly made in the USA since 1899, Hickey Freeman specializes in updated traditional clothing. One of the many beneﬁts of attending a William King Clothiers trunk show is the opportunity to see hundreds of swatches and have your measurements taken for a customized ﬁt. The natural shoulder garments from Hickey Freeman are extremely popular today – especially with the drastic changes that have gone on in men’s fashion in the last few years. Mr. James Blaikie of Hickey Freeman was at the store showing the new fabrications and the new silhouettes. There is a move towards dressing up again, and with all of the new and updated options available, a custom garment made in the United States by Hickey Freeman is truly a worthwhile investment in quality clothing.

Patricia Daniels

Mary Foran and Will King

Run, Santa, and Bump

Maci Carrier First Place Female

Ronnie Burton

Ed Hale and Teresa Fleenor Ring

Trish Terry and David Moore

Luke Mead (16:22) First Place Male and Overall First Place Rob Blanton Allen Snodgrass, JJ Gillenwater, and David Akard

Ronnie Burton, Ronnie Doss, Debbie and David Wagner Tucker the Furr baby

Miss Food City Kayla Neikirk with Claudia Byrd

Dr. Chad Couch

Phil Horner

James Blaikie, Hickey Freeman Rep.

Carolyne Culbertson

Eric Anderson

DECEMBER 2013 | VIPSEEN | 45

Visit Historic Downtown • Furniture • Candleberry Candles • Framed Art • Quilts, Curtains • Silk Floral

• Gourmet Foods • Byers’ Choice • Willow Tree Figurines • Old Fashioned Candy

15,000 square feet of showroom space Follow us on Facebook Historic Downtown Bristol Hours: Monday-Saturday 10-5 623 State Street • Bristol, VA 276.669.9899 www.cranberrylanehome.com CranberryLaneRandRAd.indd 1

our . ee s Come dge Truck o 1949 D 8/7/13 7:26 AM

n Bristol, Va/Tn Shop. Eat. Play.

NONPROFIT PROFILE: Abuse Alternatives, Inc.

Abuse

Alternatives, Inc.

PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY SUBMITTED

buse Alternatives, Inc. began operating under the name Victims of Domestic Violence, Inc./The Women’s Shelter in 1980. In the prior year, a task force was formed within the Bristol community to study the need for shelter programming in Bristol. The Crisis Center had marked notice of large numbers of calls being received on their hotline due to domestic violence issues. The determination to site domestic violence as problematic in the community brought about a donated house in a residential section of the city and the formation of a founding Board of Directors. The first year of operation, 1980, a complete volunteer workforce offset the operating budget of $13,000 for operational expenses. The second year of operation brought about the first paid staff, the Shelter Director, who was complimented by on going volunteerism. As the program grew, staff positions were added to meet the demand and program diversification began to take shape. In 1987, Children’s Programming was added as a separate program to Women’s Programming. A certified teacher or social worker is hired in this position to identify and assist with needs of the children residing at the shelter. At this time the agency, becoming more diversified, changed its name to Abuse Alternatives, Inc. to better incorporate and identify the programming taking shape within the organization. In 1990, Men’s Intervention Programming brought about a separation of shelter and public office space to house the new program. The curriculum is designed to work with the abusive male over a six-month period of time to challenge his values regarding women, to teach anger management skills, and to provide role modeling for better relationships in his personal life. Since the inception of the Men’s Intervention Program a need arose for an intervention program class for women. Currently we conduct one women’s group weekly compared to the five men’s intervention groups. Since the inception of the women’s groups, the program name was changed to Batterer’s Intervention Programming instead of Men’s Intervention Programming. In 1995 the agency added Outreach Programming to compliment services to the rural outlying service area communities. A satellite office is located in Washington County, VA to better meet the needs of rural women not wishing to travel into Bristol to receive information and referral to resources. Volunteer Coordination began with the hiring of a coordinator in 1997. Volunteerism is always an important component of any service agency. Until the addition of a staff person to oversee volunteer activity, the realm of possibility was unknown. The 48 | VIPSEEN | DECEMBER 2013

volunteer numbers have grown and the agency has been able to utilize the talents of volunteers in many previously untapped ways. In 2003, a new staff position was added to complement services, a Community Educator. The Community Educator is primarily responsible for ensuring the communities in which we serve are aware of all the services available to them; responsibilities include distributing agency brochures, speaking to civic organizations, schools, church organizations, and United Way presentations. In 2013, the agency received a grant to support a Bristol Virginia Outreach Coordinator position. This additional position allows us to provide a more comprehensive approach to services in the entire service area. The Bristol Virginia Outreach Coordinator position is located in our administrative office and works closely with the Bristol VA Police Department and the Bristol, VA criminal justice system. The agency operates a 24-hour hotline, 24 hour emergency shelter, information and referral services, transportation, court advocacy, and client assistance and batterer’s intervention programming to residents of Washington County & the City of Bristol, Virginia and Sullivan County, the Cities of Bristol & Bluff City, Tennessee. We estimate in the year 2013-2014, hotline calls to be approximately 800 calls. Fifty women and 50 children will come into the shelter facility for at least one night. Another 35 women in the community will request to attend a Domestic Violence Support Group but will not reside at the shelter. The Outreach Coordinator’s in Washington County and Bristol will serve approximately 250 clients in Washington County, VA. Victims of domestic violence and their children are the primary focus of our programming. We also address the issue of battering and offer programming aimed at intervention with the perpetrator of domestic violence. The agency’s Batterer’s Intervention Program will serve approximately 150 participants in the upcoming year. Women receiving services will be reached through a myriad of resources. Word of mouth remains the number one means of referral for our clientele. We list in area phone books and advertise through media and with printed brochures. Many service agencies, such as Departments of Social Services, Human Services, Mental Health, Police Departments, Doctor’s offices, etc. refer their suspected domestic violence cases to the agency. If you are interested in learning more about the agency or are interested in becoming involved, please contact us at 423-652-9093. If you are a victim of domestic violence and need assistance, please call 1-800-987-6499 or 423-652-9098 to speak to someone immediately.

SEEN IN KINGSPORT MeadowView Convention Center

disABILITY Forum,

“Focus on the ABILITY” PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG JAMES, ALLIANCE FOR BUSINESS & TRAINING | STORY SUBMITTED

he Northeast Tennessee Diversity in Employment Consortium, a group of state agencies whose purpose is to promote the ability of a diverse workforce in Northeast Tennessee, partnered with the Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development’s Workforce Employer Outreach Committee to host a disABILITY Forum, “Focus on the ABILITY”, at the Toy F. Eastman Employee Center. The keynote speaker was Michael Hingson, 9/11 Survivor and New York Times Best Selling Author. Michael, who happens to be blind, survived the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001 with the help of his guide dog, Roselle. They led a group of co-workers down 78 floors and out of Tower One before the towers collapsed. Michael’s inspiring message shows us that Diversity is not enough. Michael used stories and lessons from his own life growing up as a blind person, successfully working in professional sales, management, and leadership positions, and as an entrepreneur to teach his audiences how a few simple attitude adjustments can open jobs for persons with disabilities or who are different in some other way than those people normally discussed when talking about Diversity. His message also included how to gain loyal and hard-working employees as well as how to help make the existing workforce more welcoming to those who are different than they. Several awards were given on behalf of the Northeast Tennessee Diversity in Employment Consortium. Employee of the Year Awards were given to Patrick Glendenning and Stephen Whitehead. Employers of the Year Awards were given to: Food City and Chef’s Pizzeria for their work with the Tennessee Division of Rehabilitation Services and to U.S. Solutions Group, Inc. for their work with the Alliance for Business & Training. In addition several employers were recognized for their participation in Disability Mentoring Day: Diversified Power International, Eastman, Sam’s Club, and Walgreens. Platinum Corporate sponsors for the event included: Eastman, ETSU Office of Diversity, United Healthcare, Walmart, WTFM and AB&T. Gold Sponsors were: Brock, Carter County Tomorrow, ETSU Disability Services, J.A. Street & Associates, Meadowview/Marriot, Northeast TN SHRM, Sullivan Partnership Networks, and Walgreens. Other sponsors included: Food City, Frontier Health, Goodwill and ARC of Washington County.

Food City, NETDEC Employer of the Year

Bristol Motor Speedway Attendees

Africa, Michael’s Current Guide Dog

Dottie Webb and Michael Hingson

Lowe’s Attendees

NETDEC Members with Michael Hingson

DMD Participant Recognition

Jack Greene and Leon Humphrey, Carter Co. Mayor

Stephen Whitehead and U.S. Solutions, NETDEC Employee, and Employer of the Year

NETDEC Representatives

Ginger Lyons, AB&T and Dave Quick, United Healthcare

Sullivan North ROTC

Patrick Glendenning and Chef’s Pizzeria, NETDEC Employee and Employer of the Year

Teresa Broome and Rhonda Reeves, Wellmont

DECEMBER 2013 | VIPSEEN | 49

SEEN IN BRISTOL Friendship Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram

Friendship After Hours PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY SAVANNA SMITH

uesday, October 15 was a perfect evening for an outside ribbon cutting and After Hours celebration at Friendship Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram on State Street in Bristol. The whole city showed up to support for the Friendship team, who were more than excited to cut the ribbon to their brand new showroom. Even Chrysler top executives made their way from Atlanta to welcome the new showroom. After a few words from the Mayors of Bristol, Mitch Walters, and a Chrysler executive the ribbon was cut and the showroom open!

Jay Johnson, Mitch Walters, Betty and Rosco Bowman, Jim and Barb Street

Guests made their way inside to view all the vehicles on display and to break in the new addition to Friendship. Machiavelliâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s catered the evening with delicious appetizers, entrees, and amazing desserts. Live music kept the crowd alive as everyone socialized and enjoyed the food. Many people talked of trading and test-driving cars while admiring the many in the showroom. The evening was a blast and a great way to celebrate a grand opening. To ďŹ nd out more about Friendship Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram on State Street in Bristol visit their website at friendshipchryslerjeepdodge.com.

Ty Boomershire, Louie Eleas, and David Ring

Michelle Horner and Mary Massarueh

Danielle Hahne and Mitch Walters

Cindy Cash and Judy Morrell

Lori Rose and Ed Lyda

SEEN IN JOHNSON CITY Carnegie Hotel

HOLDING

COURT

ETSU Basketball preseason event

Dr. Tom and Dr. Chris Kwasigroch, and Dianna and Rick Storey

PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRIAN HULLETTE | STORY SUBMITTED Head Coach Tony Skole, and Jody Skole

Gordon Ball, Donna Noland, Dr. Brian Noland, and Bob Bolen

Greg Dennis and Calvin Talford

capacity crowd of over 200 people packed the Carnegie Hotel’s Grand Soldiers Ballroom on Monday, October 8th to take part in the inaugural “Holding Court” preseason basketball event featuring ESPN college basketball analyst Jay Bilas. The gathering, which was presented by Johnson City Honda, also featured former college head coaches Bobby Cremins, Les Robinson and Sonny Smith. In addition, current coaches such as Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski, Kentucky head coach John Calipari and Gonzaga head coach Mark Few joined in the discussion via live video conferencing from their respective campuses. “This was a great way to start talking about the upcoming college basketball season, and I’m very grateful to everyone that agreed to be part of it,” said ETSU head coach Murry Bartow, whose relationships with each coach helped secure their participation for the evening. “To have this event for the ﬁrst time and to have a sellout crowd was fantastic, and it wouldn’t have been possible without the help of Jay Bilas and the six coaches who were so gracious to be here.”

Charlie Morgan, Robin Morgan, Beth Pate, Lori Halvorsen, Mark Halvorsen, and Mark Pate

Head Coach Brittney Ezell and Head Coach Burry Bartow

ETSU Women’s Basketball Team and Jay Bilas

Wayne Basler and Jay Bilas

The event, which was also sponsored for the evening include Carnegie Hotel and One Stop Wine and Spirits, featured opportunities for fans to meet the 2013-14 ETSU men’s and women’s basketball teams, live video interviews with Krzyzewski, Calipari and Few, and a special question and answer session with the panel of Bilas, Cremins, Robison, Smith and Bartow.

Matt McGahey, Matt Wilhjelm, and D.J. Dufﬁe

Sonny Smith, Mary and Dr. Richard Sander

Barbara Mason, and Sonny and Sharon Abernethy

Jalen Riley ETSU, Dr. Emmett Essin, Charles Byrne, and Tanner Ball

DECEMBER 2013 | VIPSEEN | 51

SEEN IN BRISTOL Bristol Train Station

Crossroads Medical Mission Gala

rossroads medical Mission held their annual Gala Friday November 1st at the beautiful Bristol Train Station to celebrate eleven years of service to the community. Dr. Paul Derden and Dr. Tim Schwob established a mobile medical clinic and Christian mission to bring free healthcare directly to people in need throughout the Mountain Empire. The unique “Doctor’s Office on Wheels” first began delivering care in January 2002. Over the next eleven years, Crossroads doubled the number of patient visits provided, increased staff size and increased volunteer efforts to accommodate the growing demand for our services in the communities we serve. Crossroads Medical Mission turns no one away, serving individuals regardless of their employment status.

Jim and Maureen Tilly, Manya and Gary Hughes

Mary Molteni, Jan Massengill, and Danea Walters

Crossroads Medical Mission would like to thank the community for the opportunity to provide preventative and urgent health care to nearly 1400 individuals a year. This support allows Crossroads to provide approximately 3000 patient visits and nearly $1,000,000 in medical care annually! There is no doubt that Crossroads Medical Mission will continue to be needed to help to fill the gaps in affordable and accessible health care. The staff appreciates and covets the ongoing support as they continue to deliver medical care to disadvantaged, uninsured and under-served individuals in our community. May God bless you abundantly as you have blessed Crossroads Medical Mission! PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY SAVANNA SMITH Mike and Heather Browder, Suzie King, Linda Browder, Gary Bridgman, and Aleta Smith Rick and Diane Gentry

Crossroads Medical Missions Staff

Kurt Pomrenke and Charles Moffatt

Melissa and Cathy Mullins

BVyou

Judy Cole, Rita Alley, and Judy Begley

Jenn and Jeff Ladford

52 | VIPSEEN | DECEMBER 2013

Stacey and Kurt Pomrenke

Robin Wilson, Cathy Mullins, and Melissa Massengill

AT YOUR KINGSPORT CHAMBER ANNUAL DINNER! THE ENTERTAINMENT WILL BE ELECTRIFYING!

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2014 • TICKETS GO ON SALE IN JANUARY! • KINGSPORTCHAMBER.ORG

SEEN IN JOHNSON CITY Johnson City Country Club

Taste of Johnson City PHOTOGRAPHY BY DANIELLE HAHNE | STORY BY RITA DYKES

he 2013 Taste of Johnson City event filled the Johnson City Country Club with fantastic aroma as ticket holders enjoyed an evening of decadent food and beverages from area restaurants. On September 16, attendees had the privilege to partake in delectable eats from Basic 2 Brilliant Catering, Blackthorn Grille at The Ridges, Bonefish Grill, Bronco Wine Company, Cherokee Distributing, Chocolate Elegance, Coca-Cola Bottling, Earth Fare - The Healthy Supermarket, ETSU Dining & Catering, Firehouse Restaurant & Catering, Holston Distributing, Jason’s Deli, Johnson City Country Club, N&K Variety Foods, Our House Restaurant, Pepsi Beverages Company, Pristine Springs Water, Rainbow Asian Cuisine, Reedy Creek Winery, Reflections - Holiday Inn Johnson City, Rita’s Italian Ice & Old Fashioned Custard, The Catering Company, The Charles, The Millennium Centre, and Wellington’s at The Carnegie. Amazing appetizers, mouth-watering entrée samples, palate pleasing desserts, and wondrous drinks made for an evening of sheer delight. Vendors were located all around the country club, inside and out. A band from Johnson City, 40W entertained attendees as they strolled about sampling foods, socializing with friends, and networking with other businesses. The event was a fabulous way to showcase area restaurants with the hope of obtaining new cliental for them in the future.

Lottie and Eric Ryans ETSU Dining and Catering Group

For more information, visit www.johnsoncitytnchamber.com.

Maggie Cooper and Steve Willinger

Johnson City’s Own 40W

The Charles

Jeff Jones. Melissa Jones, Carl Torbush, and Brandon Hudson

Ed Miller and Eva Hunter

54 | VIPSEEN | DECEMBER 2013

Karina Hirst, Adolphus Hall, Tracy Fleenor, Julie Johnson, and Nonna Stepanov

Matt McGahey, Gary Mabrey, and Tom Scott (ETSU)

Debbie England, Shawn Bowman, and Linda Bowman Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Dell

EarthFare

Our House Restaurant

Julia Bell and Bill Hayter

Rainbow Asian Cuisine

Katie and Todd Remington

Adolphus Hall and Kevin Holley

Wellingtonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s At The Carnegie

Jill Salyers and Rusty Little

SPECIAL SECTION SPORTS & FITNESS

VIP SPECIAL SECTION

Sports & Fitness A

s we are half way into the Holidays, we are getting ready to start a new year. Many people will begin making their resolutions in the weeks to come and mentally preparing to commit to those changes. Over half of those who plan to change throughout the New Year fail at sticking to that plan. Instead of simply making a resolution, this year VIPSEEN wants to help you focus on making a plan to keep your resolution. By developing a daily routine you will be more apt to keep your pledge day after day, month after month and eventually reach your resolution goal. The following pages are full of great information that will not only urge you to make resolutions, but also give you the tips and motivation to stick with them. STORY BY SAVANNA SMITH

DECEMBER 2013 | VIPSEEN | 57

SPECIAL SECTION SPORTS & FITNESS

DON’T MAKE A NEW YEARS RESOLUTION. MAKE A LIFESTYLE CHANGE. HORMONE BALANCE • WEIGHT MANAGEMENT • HEALTHY AGING

www.performancemedicine.net KINGSPORT • 109 JACK WHITE DRIVE • 423.245.2078 • JOHNSON CITY • 3135 PEOPLES STREET • SUITE 400 • 423.854.9200 BRISTOL • 1 MEDICAL PARK BOULEVARD • SUITE 205 E • 423.534.4505

SPECIAL SECTION SPORTS & FITNESS

WHO STARTED MAKING NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS ANYWAY? S

ure every American knows the biggest New Year’s tradition is to watch the ball drop in Time Square, but even before we begin counting down everyone has already thought about or decided on a resolution for the New Year. It’s true, according to a study from the University of Scranton, 44% of Americans make a resolution yearly and are confident they will stick to it. A study from the University of Bristol found though that out of those who do pledge 88% fail at their resolution. If so many people continue to fail year after year then why are resolutions made again and again, why is this tradition so widely popular?

The tradition grew in popularity in the United States during the last years of the Great Depression; although it started centuries before that with the ancient Babylonians who made promises to their Gods annually. Centuries later when Caesar introduced a new calendar and deemed January 1st the New Year day, the Romans began it every time by promising self-improvement to the god Janus. The tradition moved from Romans to Knights who would take an oath of chivalry every year. Hundreds of years later influence from Lent skewed the early Christian version to include sacrifices along with other promises.

Common 19th Century resolutions were aimed more at changing personal character such as being less self-centered, more honest, or a harder worker. In those times most people did work to keep their resolutions so the tradition was always thought of as a positive one and stuck around. During the last years of the Depression most Americans were down on their luck and looked at New Year resolutions as an opportunity to improve current situations, so they began to spread the word of these opportunities. Thus the modern New Year’s resolution was born. As years went on the American lifestyle became more luxurious so the resolutions that started as internal improvements moved toward physical and material ones. At the end of the 20thcentury common resolutions included losing weight, changing physical appearance, and gaining material items. These are the resolutions we make and usually break today. New studies have shown, though, that a lot of Americans don’t plan to make resolutions for 2014 because they already know there is no sticking to them.

STORY BY SAVANNA SMITH

FUN FACTS It’s true, according to a study from the University of Scranton, 44% of Americans make a resolution yearly and are conﬁdent they will stick to it. A study from the University of Bristol found that out of those who do pledge 88% fail at their resolution. Only 8% of Americans who make resolutions are successful in achieving them. Only 46% of Americans that make them keep their resolution past 6 months.

Sources: http://reslife.okstate.edu/January2013.pdf http://www.statisticbrain.com/new-years-resolution-statistics/

DECEMBER 2013 | VIPSEEN | 61

OPTIMAL

SPECIAL SECTION SPORTS & FITNESS

HEALTH for WOMEN N

ever did Dr. Eva Pickler imagine that a one-day workshop on bioidentical hormone replacement would turn into a new direction for her practice of medicine. As an Obstetrician-Gynecologist, Dr. Pickler would have an occasional patient ask about bio-identical hormones or present with a formulation received from a prior physician. This motivated her to educate herself on bio-identical hormones – a topic not addressed in traditional medical training. Little did she know that within the first two hours of that one-day workshop, she would find a new passion in the practice of medicine, nor could she have imagined the educational journey she would take over the following two-and-a-half years as a result. Not only did she become board certified by the American Board of Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine, she also completed fellowship training through the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine and is currently pursuing certification in Advanced Endocrinology through the University of South Florida School of Medicine.

The various hormones of the body – of which there are many - work in concert with each other. Nutrition and lifestyle also play a role in health, wellness, and sense of well-being. We may begin to experience changes in these areas as early as our 20’s and 30’s. When our hormones become unbalanced or deficient at any age, many areas of our health may become affected. Perhaps most importantly, our quality of life suffers, as seen with changes in mood, anxiety levels, fatigue, weight gain, sleep habits, and sexual functioning. Replacing the declining hormones can improve health as well as quality of life. Dr. Pickler started Optimal Health for Women as a means through which women may address these issues. This practice is dedicated to helping women of all ages reach their health and wellness goals through a focus on hormones, nutrition, and lifestyle changes. The contemporary model of healthcare does not allow for a one-on-one, individualized approach to health and wellness. Long waits in a crowded waiting room followed by quick visits with the doctor have become the norm. This practice strives to provide a more personalized experience. Patients are welcomed into a comfortable setting and receive undivided attention in a quiet, relaxed atmosphere. Each visit is allowed the time needed to make patients feel that their needs are being met. Don’t expect to see the doctor’s white coat and cold exam rooms when you arrive. The experience is intended to be as comfortable as a conversation in your own living room. While Dr. Pickler is continuing her full-time practice of Obstetrics and Gynecology at her established location of Johnson City OB/GYN Associates, she is looking forward to opening this unique practice which will help women all around the Tri-Cities in a way that has not been offered before. More information can be found at the website www.optimalhealth-tri.com.

DECEMBER 2013 | VIPSEEN | 63

The Benefits of Lifestyle Care T

he benefits of Lifestyle Care are many and well documented. From improving athletic performance, increasing brain function and increasing bone density to strengthening the immune system and preventing deterioration, the results can be dramatic. And as common sense and world renowned chiropractor, Dr. Ernie Landi has stated so eloquently, “If you prevent it, you don’t have to treat it.” Lifestyle Care is about keeping your spine and nervous system aligned, balanced and functioning to its full potential throughout your lifetime. This allows your brain and your body to communicate efficiently, without interference, so that they can function at their highest level and you can enjoy life to the fullest. People will frequently ask, “This makes a lot of sense. How often should I come and get my spine and nervous system checked?” The answer is quite simple and depends a lot on you. The intensity of your Lifestyle Care will depend on the intensity of your lifestyle as well as the underlying condition of your spine and nervous system. People who live stress free lives and have no underlying deterioration in their spine or nervous system require much less Lifestyle Care. On the other hand, people with moderate amounts of stress and deterioration require more frequent visits and people who are under severe stress or have a lot of severe deterioration in their spine and nervous system require much more frequent visits to keep their body functioning at high levels of health. You and your chiropractor will determine together the frequency that is best for you based on your personal health condition and goals. As the intensity of your lifestyle changes from month to month or from year to year you may find that the intensity of your Lifestyle Care also needs to change. For example, if you have found that an adjustment every two weeks has been ideal for you and you change to a more stressful job with a lot of sitting or a long commute you and your chiropractor may find that one adjustment a week works better. If you are a casual exerciser and decide to start participating in triathlons, the increased intensity of your training might require you to increase the intensity of your visits to multiple times per week. On the other hand, if your life becomes less stressful, you begin meditating three times a day and your underlying spinal conditions have already been corrected, you may find that your Lifestyle Care frequency may decrease in its intensity. The most important thing for you to understand is that Lifestyle Care is not based on symptoms. Your frequency is not determined by how you feel but instead is determined by whether or not you have a subluxation, a spinal imbalance with nerve pressure, that needs to be adjusted. Since additional research has revealed that nerve compression can exist without pain, waiting until you have symptoms to get checked is not a good idea. Only your chiropractor can determine whether you need an adjustment or not through a chiropractic check-up. Ask around and you will find that there are millions of people who have been under chiropractic care for decades not just because they have had a problem but because they have experienced the benefits of Lifestyle Care. These people may be some of the healthiest people you meet. Too many people in our society are suffering because they are crisis oriented when it comes to their health. Don’t let this happen to you. It is easier, less expensive and more fun to stay well than it is to have to get well after you become sick or injured. Make Lifestyle Care your top priority.

Nerve Compression Without Pain – M. Hause in Spine Bone Density –JBSR September 2002 Increased Brain Function – In Touch Volume 4:3 March 2000

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66 | VIPSEEN | DECEMBER 2013

SEEN IN BRISTOL The Foundation Event Facility

Brooke and Bill Pendleton, Cindy and Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey, Jake and Jane Schrum – President of Emory and Henry

Lou Wacker, Patricia Bales, Winton Lackey, and Donna Fanelli

Jeoff Bodenhorst and Buddy Pierce

Norma Beck and Penny Kanney

Patrick Henry Society Dinner PHOTOGRAPHY BY SAVANNA SMITH | STORY SUBMITTED

Matt and Sandy Frederick

mory & Henry College’s President, Jake B. Schrum, hosted nearly 200 guests at the College’s 29th annual Patrick Henry Society Dinner held on Friday, November 1st. The event was held at The Foundation Event Facility in Bristol and highlighted the institution’s International education program with an Experiencing the World at Emory & Henry: An International Epicurean Event theme. Menu selections featured unique Arabic, French, English, German, Mexican, Portuguese and Indian dishes, to name a few. International study abroad students from the College shared their travel experiences with the audience and Emory & Henry’s Brass Sextet entertained with musical selections representing various foreign countries. Many current students and alumni came out to support their college and to catch up with old friends. Some family members were even multiple generations of graduates of Emory & Henry. The Patrick Henry Society Dinner is conducted yearly in recognition and in appreciation of the College’s major supporters.

John and Phyllis Elderidge

Mike Davidson and Katy Copenhaver Davidson, F. Joseph Copenhaver Jr, and Karen Copenhaver

Steve Vaughn, Gene Beck, and Doug Kanney

Andrea Pasillas and Meredith Cox

Ken and Margret Stickley, and Martha Rowlett

DECEMBER 2013 | VIPSEEN | 67

BUSINESS PROFILE: Appalachian Ironworks

Beauty out of the Fire: Appalachian Ironworks PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICKEY BAKER STORY BY LUCY HONEYCHURCH

he region of East Tennessee and Southwest Virginia, over the years, has been a welcoming place. There are a great many people who have lived here for generations, but then there are just as many who have come from other places only to find that coming here was really coming home. John Robinson was one of those who found his place in East Tennessee and, even though he might have been born somewhere else, he has found that this place is where he was meant to be all along. John stumbled into welding, but instead of simply trying something and then keeping it as a hobby, John took immediately to welding and ironwork and both soon became his life’s passion. He lived and breathed ironwork for many years and built a business from just he and his work into a company that has quickly become the go-to place for metal and ironwork in the region. I arrived at the showroom for Appalachian Ironworks expecting a cold and dusty showroom filled with rows upon rows of handrails and maybe a fence or two. What I did not expect was such a welcoming environment and one filled with warmth and love. It is easy to tell that the three men who do the bulk of the work at Appalachian Ironworks take great pride in the work that they do. It can be seen in the intricacies of the gates, finials, scrolls, and rails, and flowers that adorned the walls and showroom floor. It is amazing to see that something so raw as iron can be made into objects so soft and delicate in appearance. To have the skill to do something of that nature is unique, but most especially in a world that cares far too much about turning out product at the fastest rate it can: quality be damned. The motto of the company is, “yes, even iron when worked by expert hands can become a precious metal” and it is a quote that exemplifies the nature of the work that these men do. DECEMBER 2013 | VIPSEEN | 69

BUSINESS PROFILE: Appalachian Ironworks

“I have not lived a perfect life, but God has always put the right people in my life.”

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BUSINESS PROFILE: Appalachian Ironworks “I have not lived a perfect life, but God has always put the right people in my life.” When John Robinson told me this I was struck at how true this was for all of us. So many people come into and then move out of our lives and, if we pay attention, we can see how they have affected us. Robinson, owner of Appalachian Ironworks, is quick to mention all of the people who have ever helped him and those who help him now. “Without Bobby and Sabino, I wouldn’t be able to do half of the work that we get done and without our customers our team wouldn’t have the work that we do.” The men that I met in a cold and dirty workshop were warm and inviting and quickly showed me all of the machines and described the work that each machine could do. The excitement on their faces and the passion in their talk was unmistakable and refreshing. The pride that they take in the work that they complete is obvious and warranted. Each member of the ironwork team works tirelessly to ensure that the projects they complete are the best representation of both the individual and the trade. Each worker has his own “signature” with the ironwork and is something, according to Pam Robinson, that is noticeable if one looks at the finished product. “Look”, she shows me a bend in the metal, “Bobby made this bend and John made this one, or look at Sabino’s. See

how they are different?” I could tell, only slightly, but there was a difference and she was right. To the untrained eye the difference may be too slight to notice, but to Pam and the men, the bend was noticeable and the difference stark. Bending and molding metal means taking something that is cold, bleak, and lifeless and giving it life and light: not an easy task. John, Bobby, and Sabino all made the work look easy, but it is easy to make something look easy when someone loves what they do. “See these scrolls stacked up here? They are all going for a job we are doing in Chattanooga. When I see stuff like that I still get the chills,” John tells me, “After all these years I can’t help but get excited about seeing all that metal made into something beautiful.” He laughs and tells me that he sure that I think he is silly, but far from it, the love of one’s work should give us chills and perhaps the loss of that joy is why so many workers are so unhappy these days. Appalachian Ironworks is a unique place and the work that they do is made special by the care and passion that they put into the work. It is clear that they care both about the ironwork and the customer. “We wouldn’t be anything without our customers,” I am told. “Our customers are everything to us: they are family. They ask us to do something that will be special to them and we work hard to give them something to be proud of.” The quality of work is obvious when one enters either the showroom or the fabrication building. The metal is heavy and the powder coating is precise. The company can fabricate anything out of metal and the pictures of past work are endless and do not do the actual product justice. Only taking the time to see much of this work up close can help one to appreciate the time and care it takes to create something of such wonder. I see handrails, staircases, gates, and benches in a different way now. I know that it took a month of searching and more months of tinkering to get a 1930s

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BUSINESS PROFILE: Appalachian Ironworks

era metal working machinery-just so Appalachian Ironworks could have the ability to make metal bulge out in order to fabricate bulbous objects like hearts. “That machine used to be used to make big round fenders on cars from the 40s and 50s. We scoured the Internet to find this in Baltimore and had a time getting it down here and up and running, but we did and now we use it a lot. It gives our metalwork something that others don’t have: dimension.” To see how excited all three guys get about this machine tells me that it is a machine to get excited about. Bobby shows me how it pounds out a heart and explains how he would piece together two pounded out pieces together in order to make a full heart: one with dimension and weight and feeling. Flat, dirty, and rusty metal can be formed into an object that suddenly takes on life and meaning in a way that it never could before. The time that I spent at Appalachian Ironworks was special and an encounter that I will always think on fondly. I myself had never paid much attention to railings, but I will look now. I will wonder from now on if Bobby, Sabino or John had a hand in what I see and what each man was thinking of as he crafted the hot metal into the shape that he wanted. The love and care that they put into the work they create is refreshing and a trait from a bygone era: hardly anyone stops to consider the customer when creating anything anymore. “We want our customers to be happy. They don’t have to love metal like we do, but they do have to love what we make for them or we haven’t done a good job.” I left the team that day with the feeling that I had four new friends who would always be there should I need anything. Even if I never need any ironwork I can come back anytime to a place and a group of people as welcoming as any friend’s home.

SEEN IN BRISTOL Southeast Culinary & Hospitality College

Great Gatsby Fundraiser Gala S

tephanie Adams, owner and director of Expressions Pageants organized this Fundraiser Gala that was held on November, 2nd at the Southeast Culinary & Hospitality College. The theme for the event was “The Great Gatsby” and the guests were dressed in their formal 1920’s attire. Prior to the gala, a 1920’s themed wedding, was conducted on the steps of the college. Darrell Hall wed Madge Berry before their friends and family. The evening was of special significance to Darrell due to his triumph over cancer.

Stephanie Adams (Organizer of event)

Wedding guests

A portion of the proceeds from the gala were dedicated to the Grace Oughton Cancer Foundation. The GOCF is committed to supporting children and their families in the fight against cancer. To learn more about the Foundation or to make a donation, visit their website (www.thegocf.org). PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY LINDA COFFEY Jerry Rector (Santa’s helper)

Lydia Balcom, Megan Frick, and Katie-An Bradley

Mike and Joanna Hall

Granddaughters: Blake, Courtney, and Keelie with Darrell Hall

Wedding ceremony

Darrell and Madge Hall (bride & groom)

Tim Stine and Brittany Ashby

Mija Foster (Miss Tennessee Jr. Pre-teen) and Kelsey Tibbs (Miss Virginia Heart of the Union Little Miss)

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SEEN IN KINGSPORT MeadowView Convention Center

2013 Women’s Expo

PHOTOGRAPHY BY DANIELLE HAHNE STORY SUBMITTED

he 2013 Women’s Expo, October 26-27 at Meadowview, attracted over 100 exhibitors. This year’s “Bag Sponsor” was Changes Medical Spa, a new business located in the Boones Creek area, next door to Cracker Barrel. Changes, operated by Richard Jackson, MD and Angela Shelton, PhD, provided tote bags for attendees and numerous stage presentations. As a part of October 26 “Make a Difference Day”, and Breast Cancer Awareness month, Changes offered free computerized skin analysis, makeovers, and coupons for free microdermabrasions in exchange for donations for mammograms for indigent women. GloMinerals provided Janeen Billela, national makeup artist, to Changes for onstage makeovers of breast cancer patients. Dermaplaning demonstrations were provided by Skinceuticals and Changes. Panel discussions onstage focused on miraDry, an FDA-approved nonsurgical, permanent treatment for excessive underarm sweating. Dr. Jackson and patients described the procedure and its success. Changes Medical Spa is the only miraDry provider in East Tennessee.

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SEEN IN KINGSPORT Downtown

n Oct 20, the streets of Kingsport turned pink as 5,000 participants walked and ran in the 8th Annual Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. The annual race has become one of the signature events that people of all ages look forward to year after year. What an amazing experience it was to see thousands of people unite for a single cause with passion and energy that exuded from Memorial Park on that Sunday afternoon and will not soon be forgotten. Team awards, individual fundraising awards and race awards were all presented following the race. The Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure is the signature fundraiser for the affiliate each year and this year had a goal of raising 500 thousand dollars to fund research and community grants. Susan G. Komen Tri-Cities achieved 85% of that goal with the race this year. Susan G. Komen Tri-Cities was founded in 2005 with a commitment to help the underserved women and men in the 23 county service region from Greeneville, Tenn. into South West Virginia and western North Carolina. Susan G. Komen Tri-Cities allows women and men access to screening and early detection opportunities. Komen Tri-Cities has donated, through the community grant funding, 1.9 million dollars and has funded screenings that have detected breast cancer in over 135 women who may have never gotten screened. Susan G. Komen TriCities is proud of the fact that 75% of the money raised stays in this region while the other 25% goes directly to national research. Since its existence, Komen Tri-Cities has contributed $600,000 directly to scientific research. For more information, visit www.komentricities.org.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICKEY AND ANGELA BAKER | STORY SUBMITTED

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SEEN IN JOHNSON CITY next PHOTOGRAPHY BY DANIELLE HAHNE STORY BY SAVANNA SMITH

Grand Opening

Ashley Byrd

Jessica Williams and Rodney Garlits

Scott Clark

hursday, October 17th was the grand opening of the newest nightclub in Johnson City- Next. The doors opened at 11 pm and hundreds of people were waiting to see what the buzz was all about. The club filled up with in the first hour of opening and everyone inside danced the night away. Hundreds more stood outside of the club waiting to get in. Needless to say the grand opening was a hit! Next is thrilled to be in the same location as many great Johnson City bars since the 70s. This club offers the best music and lightshow in the Tri-Cities while bringing in exclusive bands. Next has DJâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s on weekend nights and concerts throughout the week. The hours of operation are Tuesday-Saturday 9:30 pm-3 am, so if a late night is in order Next is the place. To learn more about the newest Johnson City nightclub, visit their website at nextjc.com or check them out on Facebook.

Justin Spina, Matt Greene, Felisha Heiges, and Grady Moore

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Derek Nave and Ben Pendergast (owner of NEXT)

Triston Kyle and Darin Harris

Ashlee Grooms, Brooke Naillon, and Jessica Costner

Megan Blackman and Christy Whitaker

Josh Arnold, Misty Arnold, and Neil Davenport

Grayson Lambert, Kristin Stakemiller, Rusty Mabe, and Katie Smith

Jordan Hensley and Eli Bradley

SEEN IN KINGSPORT VO Dobbins

Young Life Kingsport’s Dodgeball Tournament PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRIAN HULLETTE | STORY BY MELISSA DAVIS

t Young Life Kingsport’s Dodgeball Tournament, teams “Chewing Bricks” and the “Intimidators” went head-on in a fierce final showdown. In the end, Chewing Bricks crushed the Intimidators, remained undefeated and claimed the championship title. According to Scottie Dancy, Area Director for Young Life Kingsport, “Chewing Bricks was proud to take first place — but each team walked away a winner. Their support will ultimately help us connect with more students in our community.”

G2 Youth

The tournament was held on Nov. 9 as part of a community outreach and fundraising effort. Seven teams and countless spectators filled V.O. Dobbins, Sr. Complex gym for the event. The winning team received prize packages, trophies and bragging rights. “We were very happy with the turnout and enthusiasm,” said Dancy. “It was a great event thanks to our sponsors — OneMain Financial and McMillin Eyecare. They were fantastic sponsors, and we appreciate both for ensuring the tournament’s success.” Young Life Kingsport’s outreach and fundraising campaign continues — and will include an annual golf tournament in May. Corporate sponsorships, beginning at $500, are available and come with special perks. All proceeds will benefit Young Life Kingsport.

Kingsport’s Finest

Brian Eiselstein and Tommy Snapp

Young Life Committee and Leaders Intimidators

Young Life, a worldwide organization, mentors middle school, high school and college students. Founded in 1941, Young Life is active in more than 80 countries reaching more than 1.2 million kids annually. Young Life has operated in Kingsport, Tenn., for more than 20 years. For more One Hit Wonders information, contact 423-246-2822 or find Young Life on Facebook at facebook.com/younglifekingsport.

Chewing Bricks

Tritan

If You Can Dodge A Wrench

ARTIST PROFILE: Bridgeforth Design Studio

Bridgeforth Design Studio

ridgeforth Design Studio is an interesting place for anyone to enter. Upon going in, logo designs, business presentations, posters, and banners from customers-past are displayed on huge wooden tables that line the walls. Book cover designs, characters from the old West, and fantastical landscapes invite any viewer to visit lands and scenarios where imagination has no limits. Brian Bridgeforth, a native of Norfolk Virginia, got into trouble at quite a young age for drawing weather maps on the walls of his home. Grandmother, Vernice Bridgeforth, recognized his talent and saw to it that he had all the paper and pencils he needed to continue drawing. She would often walk miles to the store after a long day of hard work to make sure he had supplies readily available. Bridgeforth graduated from Point Loma High School in San Diego, CA, where he was tutored under great art teachers, including Ms. Huff who influenced him the most. His experiences in art class taught him the possibility of making a living selling his art. His mother, Alice Williams, became his greatest fan as well as his art director. Brian asked her opinion on every piece and seeing the smile on her face became his greatest motivation. After graduation Bridgeforth became more interested in playing electric guitar in Heavy Metal Rock Bands; he put art aside when he moved back to Virginia: until he met Marie.

STORY BY V. MARIE BRIDGEFORTH

Marie Bridgeforth moved to Virginia Beach in 1985. She ran the art department in a few of the local large art stores, but soon opened her own airbrush business in 1989. Inside Military Circle Mall, in Norfolk, VA, she was introduced to Brian. Amazed by their mutual talent and interests the two quickly realized that they had everything in common and married a short eight months later. DECEMBER 2013 | VIPSEEN | 81

ARTIST PROFILE: Bridgeforth Design Studio

Brian and Marie Bridgeforth soon started a life of studying art together. Both being self-taught artists, the library became their greatest resource for study. Michelangelo, Rafael, Peter Paul Rubens, and Rembrandt gave them the greatest inspiration. Brian and Marie spent countless hours poring over the art books, studying each painting from the great Old Masters’ hands, learning technique, composition, and style from each. First, the couple perfected their airbrushing technique to their satisfaction. Next, the two created pencil drawings on huge 4’ x 8’ wooden panels. Both Brian and Marie worked in tandem on the massive pieces, with Brian laying out the design and shading, and Marie adding the detail. The pencil drawings quickly turned to oil paintings. The walls of their apartment in Virginia Beach were lined with paintings stacked one behind the other as they created together day and night. It was as if they were never satisfied by learning a new technique or how to use a different medium, the drive and desire to continue their education together was overwhelming. While working in a screen printing facility, Brian encountered something that was destined to change the couple’s fate and artistic outlook yet once again: computer generated art. Brian saw a colleague using a computer program called Corel Draw and, after doing a double take, spent the next few hours going over an amazing program that would allow him to create virtual art. “We have to get a computer!” was the first thing he yelled to Marie when he got home that evening. Describing the incredible thing he had witnessed at work that day, he explained that this was the next big thing, and this technology was going to be crucial to creating art in the future. Brian and Marie spent their entire next pay check purchasing their first computer. Then the real studying began: programs such as the Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator were learned, along with Solid Works, Maya, and 3D Studio Max. Marie not only loved Photoshop and photo editing, but also enjoyed creating websites and video editing. Brian went on to learn 3D Sculpting for Prototyping. Working for a Norfolk, VA based company, Brian spent ten years designing products for companies such as Wal-Mart, Target, Disney, Mattel, Hot Wheels, and Barbie, while Marie ran her own hand-painted Floor Cloth Rug business from home via the Internet. Bridgeforth Design, created at the time as Bridgeforth Artists, was the design team in association with Norfolk State University and Chesapeake Public Library, to create an educational game from a grant from FINRA that teaches financial responsibility. 82 | VIPSEEN | DECEMBER 2013

Despite the success in their artistic careers, Marie’s desire had always been to move back to Tazewell to care for her parents. Local jobs just were not enough, however, so the move could not be made. When her father became ill with cancer, though, the move became a necessity: job or no job. The couple packed up all their belongings, put them in storage, and made the leap of faith to move back home. Marie’s father soon passed and the question became what to do next, but it appeared that the couple was in the area to stay. The Bridgeforths had always dreamed of owning their own studio and wanted to work for themselves instead of for an outside employer. Opening a business of their own would be a challenge, but plans got underway to accomplish that very goal. Downtown Bristol was suggested because the downtown area had a thriving art community and lofts that could double as both a business and living space. Christina Blevins, of Believe in Bristol, was instrumental in helping Brian and Marie locate the perfect studio and living combination. Bristol Rhythm and Roots had recently relocated State Street so suddenly open was David Shumaker’s building on 6th street. Mr. Shumaker was remodeling the former office space into living quarters with a beautiful studio/retail space in the front. When they went to view the building, the Mayor himself was working in the space: covered in sawdust, paint and sheetrock. “If the Mayor of the city works this hard, this is the place for us,” Brian told him. They fell in love with the space and quickly settled in Bristol, Tennessee. Brian and Marie opened Bridgeforth Design Studio in October 2011. The studio is a service business offering almost every type of art that one could need: business services such as logo design, layout, flyers, posters, and T-shirt design, video editing and production, photo retouching, and product design are all available, as well as the more entertaining side of art, such as custom paintings, book covers, and super hero design. “We wanted to offer the service to everyone and give all the opportunity to come in to the studio, sit down with the artists, and design what they have been carrying around in their head for years, and make it a tangible reality,” Brian said. “The larger ad agencies or engineers and designers do not offer that to their customers. Here, anyone can walk through the door at any time, meet with us, tell us their idea, and get immediate feedback. We love the one-on-one time with each customer, and we never know what project will pop up next.”

The Bridgeforths grab every opportunity they can to work with children and adults who need direction in art. Brian and Marie have hosted tutorials with the Boys Club, YWCA Tech Girlz, the Bristol Youth Council, the Bristol Chamber of Commerce Workforce Development Tours, and the Virginia Highlands Festival; giving as much of their time to the artistic development of the local youth as possible. Teaching design classes for the “Believe in Bristol: Who Art You Camp”, and also for the “Afternoon Art Camp at Kil’n Time” has been a delight for the couple. The dream of Brian and Marie is to find the more fortunate in the community who may be willing to sponsor an art class for those who cannot afford it. “With enough local support, we will be able to give art lessons for free to those kids and adults who wouldn’t normally be able to attend a class. We would really love to have the community see the value in providing art to all ages in the area.” Marie said. Brian adds, “Art has the ability to change a person’s life. If they are at a crossroads, if they are maybe thinking of going down the wrong path into drugs, alcohol, and negative behavior, art may just give them the direction they need to make the right choices along the path of life. It may give them that creative outlet to keep them out of trouble, and pointed in the right direction.” Writing is also a large part of the creative process in the studio. Marie, along with fellow authors, C.R. Blevins, Knox Blevins, Autumn Semones, Janet Semones, and Stephen J. Semones, all local to the Bristol area, came together to write Timeless Requiem, a book compiled of short horror and science fiction stories, punctuated with incredible poetry by Logan Rosenbaum, and embellished with artwork from Jordan Carroll. Timeless Requiem is available through local independent publisher, Millenia Press and is available on Amazon. The Bridgeforths feel that many more collaborative works are possible to come from the Bristol area. The projects and ideas keep flowing from the husband and wife duo. Dreams are being realized and brought to life, plans are being formalized. Works are in progress, and the end of ideas seems nowhere in sight. The possibilities are endless for this team with a big vision. Bridgeforth Design Studio is located at 29 6th street in Downtown Bristol, and can be reached through their website at www.BridgeforthDesignStudio.com, or through email at BridgeforthDesignStudio@gmail.com, or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ BridgeforthDesignStudio. Hours are Tuesday through Friday from 11 to 5, Saturdays 11 to 3, or by appointment.

SEEN IN KINGSPORT Kingsport Dog Park

Howl-O-ween

Party

PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY SAVANNA SMITH

ingsportâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s canine friends celebrated Howlo-ween a little early this year with a spooky costume party October 19th at the Kingsport Dog Park. The party was full of four-legged creatures running around hoping to win best costume. Many of the area shelters were in attendance to give away some freebies and hold adoptions on site. Live music by The Railroad Angels kept everyone dancing and wagging their tails while free treats kept the crowd happy. The Kingsport Police K-9 Team held a demonstration to show just how smart canines could be.

Josh Davis and Dakine

All proceeds went to the Dog Park as well as Kingsport and Blountville animal shelters to prepare for the winter months. There is always a need for food at these shelters, and with the weather getting cold things like houses and mulch are also in high demand. The Kingsport Dog Park is also looking to make improvements to make the best park possible. Friends of the Kingsport Dog Park would like to thank everyone who participated in the event and made it such a success.

Shaun and Betsy with Samson and Delilah

Johnnie Hennessee and Rhett

Noelle Marie and Mysti

Destiny Pearce, Corey Baer, and Chrystal Crino

Kelsey the Dog dressed as Grandma

Tinker Bell

Johnnie Hennessee and David King

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Big Dog

Rita and Aaron

Savannah and Zoey

SEEN IN KINGSPORT Farmer’s Market

Rockin’ the Hallows PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRIAN HULLETTE | STORY BY RITA DYKES

he Tri-Cities’ largest Halloween Party, Rockin’ the Hallows, rocked Kingsport on October 26 with more than 1500 attendees. The 3rd annual event is always a favorite among partygoers. Fantastic costumes filled the Kingsport Farmer’s Market in downtown Kingsport with horror, humor, and sheer beauty as Strategic Placement Group, Inc. and Kingsport Tomorrow presented yet another great event. Travis O’Quinn, Ivy Road, Benny Wilson Band, WolfCreek, and Catfish Frye Band brought the house down as everyone filled the dance floor, hung out with friends, and made new friends. Action Rental sponsored a costume contest awarding $1000 to lucky winners. The fun did not stop there; Beef O’Brady’s sponsored the Kids Fun Zone while Food City sponsored the inflatables brought by Fun for All Party Rentals. 2ton Tattoo staff painted the faces of kids and adults to round out the Halloween tradition. Amazing local food vendors, Shabby Allie’s Concessions, The Nutty Java, Fox’s Pizza Den, The Shack BBQ, and A Little Taste of Harmony filled the air with irresistible aroma that enticed the crowd to partake in the fantastic food. For more information, visit www.rockinthehallows.com. Fun for the whole family!

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NN After Hours

SEEN IN JOHNSON CITY Doubletree Inn

N Inc., held an After Hours at the Double Tree Inn in Johnson City October 24. Many members of the community came out to support NN Inc. and network with friends and acquaintances. The evening was filled with food, drinks, and a lot of laughter as everyone showed up throughout the evening. NN Inc. prepared a slide show for their guests that told about the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s recent news. CEO Rich Holder was in attendance and was thankful to everyone who came to show such great support. NN, Inc. is an independent global manufacturer that offers a comprehensive product line of high-quality precision bearing components, industrial plastic and rubber products and precision metal components to a variety of markets. Although the company has many locations spanning the globe, Johnson City is home to NN Inc.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s corporate office. To find out more about NN Inc., visit their website at nnbr.com.

PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY SAVANNA SMITH

Steve Cox and Barbera Furst Rich Holder, CEO of NN Inc. and Krystal Battle

Diane Bradley and Joseph Harden

Susan and Henry Antkiewicz

John Rotty, Arlene and Ramon Sanchez-Vinas

Ken Bradley, Cathy and Gary Mercer, and Chikion Chan

Nick Lubbers, Steven Beckett, and Chris Vela

Lauren Bible, Rose Neese and Harold Dishner

NN Group

Margret Davis and Denise Peters

Appalachian Community Eastman’s New Corporate Natural Nail Care Clinic Federal Credit Union Business Center

The Chamber of Commerce serving Johnson City, Jonesborough, and Washington County held a ribboncutting ceremony for Appalachian Community Federal Credit Union (ACFCU) on October 29. Located at 3101 Peoples Street in Johnson City, ACFCU staff and officials celebrated with chamber members during the special event. Appalachian Community Federal Credit Union’s mission is to provide community and economic development to underserved individuals and businesses that lack adequate access to capital, high quality financial services, and financial counseling in its service areas of Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. For more information, visit www. myacfcu.org.

October 29 was an exciting day for Eastman as Tennessee Lieutenant Governor Ron Ramsey and Governor Bill Haslem joined Eastman executives to break ground for the new corporate business center. The business center located on South Wilcox Drive in Kingsport will feature a cafeteria, dinning area, meeting area, and fitness center. Eastman’s high-performance, energy efficient materials will be incorporated into the design of the building. During the next seven years, Eastman plans to add 300 jobs to its 13,500-employee base.

Natural Nail Care Clinic’s owner Cathy Wells joined staff, clients, friends, and family as they celebrated the opening of its new location with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on October 26. Natural Nail Care Clinic located at 409 West Oakland Avenue in Johnson City specializes in the enhancement of the natural nail’s beauty for a healthy and exquisite appearance. Many other services are offered at the new location with various promotions throughout the year.

For more information, visit www.eastman.com.

For more information, visit Natural Nail Care Clinic on Facebook.

Phil Bachman Toyota/Scion

Pulitzer Orthodontics

Trinity Memorial Center

The Chamber of Commerce serving Johnson City, Jonesborough, and Washington County hosted a ribboncutting ceremony for Phil Bachman Toyota/Scion on October 29. Located at 3200 Bristol Highway, Phil Bachman celebrated with chamber members, staff, and officials during the memorable event.

Pulitzer Orthodontics celebrated with Kingsport Chamber of Commerce during its ribbon-cutting ceremony on November 14. Chamber members joined together with Drs. Sam and Cindy Pulitzer and staff to welcome the fellow chamber member to their new location at 1200 Pulitzer Place in Kingsport.

The 32-year family owned dealership understands the importance of treating customers with respect during their experience at Phil Bachman Toyota/Scion. The Phil Bachman Family of Dealerships is an auto group consisting of ten franchises at four locations throughout northeast Tennessee.

Pulitzer Orthodontics takes pride in providing personal attention to ensure that each patient feels unique, important, and comfortable while receiving quality care.

For more information, visit www.pbtoyota.com. 90 | VIPSEEN | DECEMBER 2013

For more information, visit www.pulitzerortho.com.

The first new funeral facility to come to Kingsport in 40 years, Trinity Memorial Centers, celebrated with a ribboncutting ceremony and grand opening on November 1. The Kingsport Chamber of Commerce joined Trinity along with Congressman Phil Roe and Lt. Governor Ron Ramsey in the celebration. The new facility is located at 1221 Stewball Circle near the intersection of I-26 and John B. Dennis in Kingsport. Trinity Memorial Centers’ goal is to provide client families with memorable remembrance experiences to ensure the highest quality of funeral services. For more information, visit www.trinitymemorialcenters.com.

SEEN IN KINGSPORT MeadowView Convention Center

Signature Chef Event

PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY SAVANNA SMITH Shelbie Cocklin

Jennifer and Jim Sexton

Patti Edwards, Haley Woods, and Dustin Davis

Claudia Haws, Heather Lewis, Miki Reece, and April Dalpiaz

he March of Dimes held its annual Tri-Cities Signature Chef Event Tuesday, November 5th at Meadowview Resort and Convention Center. Signature Chef event chairs Dr. Gaurav Bharti and Dr Sarah Edwards Bharti invited everyone to attend an elegant evening of fine dining and a live and silent auction. Guests enjoyed an entertaining cocktail reception at the beginning of the evening and silent auction before being seated. Everyone was happy to mingle and see familiar faces while making generous bids for donations. Afterwards, guests were excited to partake in a dinner reception presented by 13 of the top chefs and caterers in the Tri-Cities area. The menus were gourmet to say the least; ranging from fish to veal to delicious beef there was a little something for every palette. During dinner guests were invited to bid on a limited number of live auction packages, which included fine dining, hotel/resort stays, weekend getaways, spa vacations and much more. The March of Dimes would like to thank everyone for the generosity and was proud to host another successful fundraiser. To find out more about the March of Dimes please visit marchofdimes.com.

John Speropulos and Monty McLaurin

92 | VIPSEEN | DECEMBER 2013

Meadowview Marriot

Kevin and Yvette Bryan

Ashvini and Harsha Vardhana

Nick Green and Alexis Wilson

David and Cheri Quick

General Morgan Inn - Chef Geoff Kenny

Lea Ann Rasar, David Quick, and Suzzi Cocklin

Haley Woods and Dustin Davis

Ben and Lesley Igou, and Beverly and Tray Gurley

John and Tamera Marshall

Bob Cantler and David Tomita

Blackthorn

Millennium Centre

Sarah and Gaurav Bharty

Richard Erskine

DECEMBER 2013 | VIPSEEN | 93

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Happy Birthday, Adrian!

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Congratulations South Side Panthers for 5 woderful years! And a special thank you to Coach Lisa for being such a great leader!

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SEEN IN KINGSPORT Warriors Path Park

RHA Health Services Fall Festival T

he abundant beauty of east Tennessee and all her glorious fall beauty make for a perfect backdrop for a Fall Festival celebration...and recently an area agency took advantage of natures gift and did just that. RHA Health Services celebrated their staff and members with a fun day at Warriors Path Park in Kingsport.

Tyler Whittaker

Priscilla and Kristen Westmoreland

The day held a cool crispness in the air but the loving hearts of those in attendance warmed the event just right. RHA Health Services, Inc. is an awesome nonprofit organization that helps those in our region with intellectual and developmental needs with the help of dedicated staff and family members. RHA provides a safe and healthy environment, while creating opportunities for personal goals for each individual. The Vision of RHA is setting the PACE for excellence in supporting people. PACE is an acronym for Passion Accountability Communication Ethics. The eventful day of activities included a chili cook-off competition along with volunteer awards, picture taking, fellowship and more. The day was a flutter of smiling faces, laughter, and fun.

Jasmine Padilla and Allie Le Blanc

For more information about this neat organization you may contact www.rhahealthservices.org PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY LYNDA FONTAINE

TC and MBC

Teresa, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Vâ&#x20AC;? and Danny

DK and JW

Lori Wooten, Rep. Tony Shipley, Margaret Gartlgruber, and Jennifer Purves

Jennifer Purves and Tamara Propst

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Mary Chicos

Heather Le Blanc and Mandie Begley

Adele Marshall, RC, and Robert Joyner

Crystal Stevens and Dorothy Brandon

JC, Maria Perez, and JC

Tyler Honeycutt and AB

Joey Heathcoat and Jessica Parton

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