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CREATING A SENSE OF COMMUNITY IN NORTHEAST TENNESSEE & SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA

Nasonex® APRIL

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*http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2014/205434Orig1s000lbl.pdf. Accessed February 4, 2015. +http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2011/020762s044lbl.pdf. Accessed February 4, 2015 *Flonase® is a registered trademark, used under license by GlaxoSmithKline Inc. + Nasonex® is a registered trademark, used under license by Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp. *Coverage may vary and depends on the patient’s specific prescription insurance plan.

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE: NOT YOUR DADDY’S ADDYS

KINGSPORT | 423.245.1022 109 Jack White Drive • Kingsport, TN 37664

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MOTHER’S DAY GIFT GUIDE

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www.AgapeChristianMission.org

“Leadership that Listens”

ALDERMAN Darrell Duncan formerly from Gate City, VA, is married to Sharon Duncan and has resided in the city of Kingsport for 35 years. Darrell is a long term employee of Eastman Chemical Company where he currently works in the Primestar Division as a Principal Operations Technologist. Darrell is also a licensed Realtor with Town and Country Realty. Darrell attends First Broad Street United Methodist Church. Darrell volunteers many hours to multiple organizations. He volunteers for the Day of Caring program, and has participated with the Intercity Ballet, “The Nutcracker” for the past 20 years. Darrell was a member of Kingsport’s Showtime. Darrell Cochaired Netherland Inn’s Lo Country Boil in 2014, and has served on the committee a number of years. Darrell makes personal visits as “Santa” to several families, as well as Boys and Girls Club, Girls Inc., Head Start Programs, Thanks for Giving, Netherland Inn, and other organizations. During football season Darrell makes weekly visits to Wellmont hospital, pediatric unit with members of Dobyns Bennett Football team helping to brighten children’s hospital stay and bring a smile to their faces. Darrell is a former Dobyns Bennett band parent, where he volunteered as chaperone, board member and co-chaired the Tennessee Valley Showcase Band Competition. In memory of their daughter, Darrell and Sharon established the Caitlyn Elliott Duncan Band Scholarship at Dobyns Bennett High School in 2007, resulting in two band scholarships being awarded each year to deserving students. Darrell is looking forward to representing the citizens of Kingsport and the continuing growth of our great city. Paid for by Darrell Duncan for Alderman, Wayne Porter, Treasurer

GOALS AS ALDERMAN • Support the growth and development of downtown • Endorse “Move to Kingsport” Program • Support Healthy Kingsport Inititave • Maintain and attract new businesses to Kingsport • Be a good steward of the tax payers dollars • Listen and represent the citizens of Kingsport

Contents / APRIL 2015

13 / Crantzdorf Lodge is unlike any other Cabin/Lodge you have ever seen! With its ‘Big Log’ Construction and the real bark trim in every room from top to bottom you’ll feel as if you’re truly surrounded by the forest even inside!

39 /

Kyle Davis and Chris Bowen enjoying The 2015 American Advertising Awards of Northeast Tennessee’s Not Your Daddy’s Addys.

DEPARTMENTS

FEATURES

APRIL CALENDAR OF EVENTS

HOME & GARDEN

SERVE IT UP SASSY Color SPLASH

HOME PROFILE Gatlinburg’s Castle: Crantzdorf Lodge

THE WIT BIT

PREMIER PHARMACY Hay Fever and Seasonal Allergies

HAPPY PAGE

GRADUATION GIFT GUIDE

SEEN ON THE SCENE

NONPROFIT PROFILE Coalition For Kids, Inc.

TOM PARHAM A Leader With Vision

MOTHER’S DAY GIFT GUIDE

JOHN CLARK Right Leader, Right Time

PET PERSONALS

4 | VIPSEEN | APRIL 2015

EVENTS 32

42nd Annual Home Builders Association Of Greater Kingsport Home Show Not Your Daddy’s Addys 2015 American Advertising Awards of Northeast Tenn. Collaboration Meeting Of The Brewers For The Tri-Cities Craft Beer Week 7th Annual Chasing Snakes 10K Road Race/4K Fitness Walk Glen Case of Kristoff Cigars Visits Ligero Cigar Lounge

2nd Annual Lucy Simpson Foundation Valentines Dance & Silent Auction

Midway Eye Care Business After Hours Event

East Tennessee State University Auction Benefiting ETSU Athletics

T-Rex Planet Exhibit

American Cancer Society Washington County Awards & Kickoff Breakfast

Generations Art Reception at Johnson City Country Club Uncorked Grand Opening Celebration/ After Hours Hosted by DKA

4th Annual Abuse Alternatives Top Shelf Wine Tasting at Bristol Country Club

Shake Your Shamrock

4th Annual Joggin’ For The Noggin’

Ladies Night Out at Performance Medicine

AAF Southwest VA Awards Gala

CASA For Kids Red Shoe Gala

Battle Of The Batter

PEAK Red Carpet Event

Letter from the Publishers / APRIL 2015 FOUNDER/PUBLISHER Angela J. Baker FOUNDER/CO-PUBLISHER Brian Hullette CREATIVE DIRECTOR Angelica Ares EVENT COORDINATOR DIRECTOR OF DISTRIBUTION Savanna McDavid SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR Madison Perkins EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Danielle Holder ACCOUNT MANAGERS Lark Adams 423.612.3583 Lark@vipseenmg.com Danielle Hahne 404.483.6926 danielle@vipseenmag.com Carolyn Kestner 423.292.3436 carolyn@vipseenmag.com COPY EDITOR Lucy Honeychurch CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Lark Adams Liz Bushong Bob Harshbarger, III James Helmes Danielle Holder Lucy Honeychurch Savanna McDavid Ellen Wallen PHOTOGRAPHY Mickey J. Baker Lark Adams Liz Bushong Danielle Hahne James Helmes Savanna McDavid Ellen Wallen DISTRIBUTION Bobby Flowers Charles Kilgore Rita Lane Sarah Moody Juanita Roberts Savanna McDavid

For so many people, our lives are in transition and most have an ongoing intention to grow into something better. This requires change and that can be hard. How to move from intention to action and how to decide which changes need to be made is the continuing challenge for us all.

“What if you woke up today with only the things you thanked God for yesterday?”

So how do we reach the goals we set and produce the results we are hoping to achieve? Is it clarity of intention? Is it truthfulness in recognizing the better answer? Is it strength of character in the modality of persistence and the ability to follow through to the final note?

Pause for a minute and think about that. I have so much to be thankful for in my life yet in prayer I had been focusing on what I didn’t have instead. Thank you Alex for bringing things back into focus.

Beyond us are many others that can influence our ability to reach our goals and achieve the results we are looking for. We meet hardships and resistance; sometimes from other people, but just as often from the events and circumstances themselves. Some of the most difficult challenges will not only make us stronger but may be the critical right turn that places us on the better path to where we want to be.

Another dose of eye opening reality was our recent trip to Haiti. It had been 18 months since we were last there so Mickey and I were eager to see our Haitian family and friends. The simplicity of life in this third world country is something that many people pity, however, I have to be honest and tell you that I find it refreshing.

I do not believe that things just show up in our lives. In the larger construction of the world, there are no coincidences or unexplained events that cannot be understood in the greater patterns of cause and effect. This implies that we, as individuals, and the world around us are intimately connected, and that we can influence the environment we live in just as we are affected by what surrounds us. Actualizing Gandhi’s wise words, “We must be the change we wish to see,” both in our world and ourselves has been accomplished by many people.

Being in Haiti made me realize just how blessed we truly are in our country. We are luckier than most of the world just to have a roof over our head and running water in our home. We often don’t think twice about having a refrigerator to keep food cool or from rotting and take for granted the stove in the kitchen conveniently waiting for someone to prepare food for their family and friends. We have been raised in a nation that tells us this is the norm and we can have it all. Most of us will spend our lives working in order to pay for these “necessities” and so many more that we have grown accustomed to.

How would we change our lives in a better way and wouldn’t the answer be different for each of us? Although some would live in the tropics and others would be happier in the Tri Cities, the common ground is that we all want to be healthy and our context to be enriching, supportive and safe. Fortunately, many people have found a way to develop a life that is authentic, relevant, contributory and content—not in every moment and not in every circumstance—but generally and consistently. This is true in the collective experience as well. In some places and at some times our communities are enriching, the people are supportive and the environment is safe. We need more of this.

But what if you didn’t have a job to clock in to, or electricity, or even running water? What if all you had to do was grow crops and make the daily trip to the well for your family’s water? What if you and your family of four lived in a 240 square foot, one room house...with a tin roof? Almost none of us could fathom this thought but for our Haitian family, the Supremes, that is their reality. Mickey and I were truly humbled walking into their home as Germaine welcomed us in. We had always felt a calling to help this family but it was in that moment we knew exactly what we needed to do next. We talked with our Pastor to figure out that a comfortable, livable home would cost about ten thousand American dollars.

I believe that people have made extraordinary changes for the better throughout history and that the capability exists for our current generations to do the same and we want to continue to produce a magazine with the information and resources to support that mission.

Before we arrived back in the states, Mickey and I had already announced our plan via social media. We now have a “go fund me” account to help raise the money for this project and will be creating another to raise money for the crew that will help build the Supreme’s Brian Hullette, Co-Publisher new home. So many of you have already generously donated and I brian@vipseenmag.com know many more of you will. It just goes to show that we have some of the most caring people to call friends. Together I know we will bless this family and show them God’s love. Which Would You Prefer? You Choose. Make It Personal. COVERED BY MOST MAJOR INSURANCES*

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Angela J. Baker, Publisher angela@vipseenmag.com

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ON THE COVER PERSONALIZED STRENGTHS

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Evelyn Elora getting ready for Spring! Formulations can contain multiple variations of: ANTIBIOTICS • STEROIDS • ANTIFUNGALS • ANTIHISTAMINES

CREATING A SENSE OF COMMUNITY IN NORTHEAST TENNESSEE & SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA

WWW.VIPSEENMAG.COM

I was scrolling through Facebook recently and a young lady named Alex Albertine posed a question that struck a nerve and truly made a difference in my life. (Pretty heavy for a Facebook status, I know.) This is what she asked:

APRIL

VIPSEEN, Inc., Tri-Cities 151 E. Main Street, Suite 5 Kingsport, TN 37660 423.398.5321 info@vipseenmag.com

He Says...

VIPSEEN

WEBMASTER Robert Neilson Wired Web Development

She Says ...

HOME & GARDEN

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY: KINGSPORT 423.245.1022 www.rxpremier.com Mickey Baker

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE: NOT YOUR DADDY’S ADDYS

109 Jack White Drive • Kingsport, TN 37664

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2015

Enhancing Patient Care for Over 25 Years

MOTHER’S DAY GIFT GUIDE

APRIL 2015

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

Easter Egg Rolling @ Allendale Mansion 1 am -1 pm

Lake Ridge School Explorer Expedition @ Lake Ridge School 8 am- 3 pm

Dino Egg Hunt @ Hands On! Museum 10 am- 12 pm

The Barking Lot Sod Day @ The Kingsport Barking Lot 10 am

Son of Sorrows- Easter Musical of the Passion @ Lamplight Theater

Creeper 10 Miler @ Creeper Trail 8:30 am

Hamlet @ The Barter 10:30 am

XTERRA Power to the Tower 50K and Half Marathon Trail Races @ Bays Mountain 8:30 am

Opening Reception: Fortune, Courage, Love @ William King Museum 6 pm

Historic Walking Tour of Jonesborough 1-2 pm

The Miracle Worker @ Barter Theater 10:30 am

1 Son of Sorrows- Easter Musical of the Passion @ Lamplight Theater

The Velveteen Rabbit @ The Barter 10:30 am

The Miracle Worker @ The Barter 7:30 pm

The Miracle Worker @ The Barter 8 pm

Like Kissing Moonlight @ Johnson City Community Theater 7 pm

Art in the Park @ Memorial Park 1-7 pm

Hamlet @ The Barter 10 am

Love, Sex and the IRS @ The Barter 2 pm

Anything Goes @ The Barter 2 pm

Food Safety Class @ Kingsport Healthy Resources Center 3:30-4:30 pm

Anything Goes @ The Barter 7:30 pm

The Gnome @ The Barter 7:30 pm

6 PEAK Bowl 6 pm

Unbroken Circle @ Paramount 2:30 pm

Donald Davis Storytelling Concert @ Jonesborough Visitors Center 7:30- 9 pm

Anything Goes @ The Barter 3 pm

The Velveteen Rabbit @ The Barter 10:30 am

PEAK Around Town 5:30 pm

The Gnome @ The Barter 2 pm

Music on the Square Spring Tune Up @ Downtown Jonesborough all day

The Miracle Worker @ The Barter 7:30 pm

Son of Sorrows- Easter Musical of the Passion @ Lamplight Theater

Food City 500 @ Bristol Motor Speedway

Guilt-free Dining Out Class @ Kingsport Healthy Resources Center 1-2 pm

Green and Growing Garden Show and sale @ Kingsport Farmer’s Market 10 am- 5 pm

5th Annual Get Well Tanzania @ Abingdon 9 am Bristol Half and Half @ Bristol 8:30 am Garrett’s Hero Run @ ETSU 10 am Run for the Booty @ ETSU 11 am Thirsty Orange @ Millennium Center 1-6 pm 13th Annual Miss Tri-Cities Beauty Pageant @ Kingsport Town Center Unbroken Circle @ Paramount 7:30 pm Art in the Park @ Memorial Park 10 am- 6 pm CASA Fashion Show @ grace Fellowship church 10 am- 2 pm Swan Lake @ Kingsport Ballet 7 pm

Autism Awareness 5K/ Walk @ Creeper Trail 9 am

Swan Lake @ Kingsport Ballet 2:30 pm

PEAK Habitat for Humanity Community Build Day

Laurel Run Ascent @ Laurel Run Park 8:30 am

Bristol Rotary Teacher’s Awards @ Bristol Train Station 6 pm

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

The Starving @ The Barter 2 pm

16 YWCA Tribute to Women @ Holiday Inn Exit 7 Bristol 6:00 pm

The Gnome @ The Barter 7:30 pm

ASP’s 4th Annual Golf Tournament @ Blackthorn Club 11 am

17 The Steel Wheels and If Birds Could Fly benefit Concert @ Kingsport Farmer’s Market 7-9:30 pm Triumphant Quartet @ The Paramount 7 pm

Johnson City Symphony Orchestra @ Johnson City Country Club 7-8 pm

3rd Annual Power of the Play 5K @ Downtown Bristol 8 am 4th Annual Justice in Motion 5K @ Jonesborough 9 am Nolichucky 5K River Run @ Bear mountain Outfitters 4 pm

19 Heartwood Sunday Supper @ Heartwood 6-8 pm

20 Historic Walking Tour of Jonesborough 1-2 pm

21 Junie B. Jones The Musical @ The Barter 10:30 am Anything Goes @ The Barter 7:30 pm

Tri-Cities March for Babies @ MSHA Athletic Center 1-4 pm

Guys and Dolls Performance @ Jonesborough Repertory Theatre 7:30- 8:30 pm

An Evening of Musical and Epicurean Delights Benefit Gala @ 2320 Pendragon Rd All day Wine, Women and Shoes @ The Virginian 2-5 pm

Business Networking Expo @ The Double tree, Johnson City 1-4 pm

Old Time Music Jam @ Sycamore Shoals State Park 1:30- 4 pm

Spring Garden Fair @ Exchange Place 10 am- 5 pm

30 APRIL 2015 | VIPSEEN | 7

8 | VIPSEEN | APRIL 2015

VIPSEEN SPECIAL SECTION

is finally here. It feels as if the region has been waiting on Spring for weeks. The dreary snow and bitter cold temperatures kept everyone inside for most of the winter, but now the snow has melted and small green buds are beginning to take its place. Birds have begun to chirp in the mornings and small animals are coming out of their burrows. The grass is turning green and the blue sky is finally visible with the clouds gone. Spring is upon us. Many people are already getting out their lawn and garden tools and are planning their summer scape.

Pulling weeds and trimming bushes have now made their way on the to do list. Flowers are blooming little by little and if you plan to plant some, now is the time. Its time to raise the windows in the house and let the stuffy winter air out. Open the curtains and bring on the spring-cleaning. It is time for a home revamplet the organizing begin! Spring has sprung Tri-Cities and VIPSEEN has put together many helpful guides and articles to make your house war weather ready. So grab the scrub brush, pull out the shovel and begin turning your home into a summer paradise.

BY SAVANNA MCDAVID

Gardening with Your Kids

Unique Architecture & Home Design

Crantzdorf Lodge

Have The Bedroom You Have Been Dreaming Of!

Godsey Supply Company

A Cabin In The Smokies

Increase The Value Of Your Home

Boehm Landscape, Inc.

Burke, Powers & Harty

Hardscape Design How-To

Are You Covered? Are You Sure?

How To Create A Party Ready Garden

Main Street Antiques & Mercantile

Universal Development & Construction

Reclaimed Roots

42nd Annual Home Builders Association Of Greater Kingsport Home Show

Erie Insurance

Do You Have Enough Insurance To Rebuild?

The Wit Bit

APRIL 2015 | VIPSEEN | 9

Gardening with your

Kids

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICKEY BAKER | BY SAVANNA MCDAVID

10 | VIPSEEN | APRIL 2015

ardening with your children is one of the best activities you can do with them. It is often said that to teach a child magic, teach them how to garden. Well if you’ve ever watched children garden that saying is completely true. Children have such a sense of awe when they watch plants grow and develop into flowers, fruits and vegetables. They can’t believe that things really work that way and that is the best part about the whole experiencethey learn about the world around them. Many kids today are, sadly, disconnected from nature, but there are plenty of fun and easy ways to include them in the family fun. One simple and fun project, especially for boys, project is making a compost pile. This not only shows kids the life cycle of the world, but it also teaches them how to dispose of waste in the most responsible way. The most efficient and fun way to make compost is to buy a garbage can and drill a few breathing holes on the sides and drainage holes on the bottom. Before filling it with stuff, let your kids paint it! They will love to paint and you will love their creativity. Then begin composting. Add things like vegetables, fruits, coffee grounds, eggshells, paper towels, grass clippings and even newspaper. Let your kids throw everything in and watch the decaying process. When deciding what to grow in your garden, pick simple plants that will grow well. Snow peas are one of the easiest vegetables to grow, and fun for kids to pick. Beans are also pretty simple and so are cucumbers and tomatoes. Let your kids dig the holes for the seeds and place them as well. Then explain that the seeds need water every day. Soon little sprouts will appear and your kids’ faces will be priceless. A fun way to learn simple math is to measure these little sprouts every week to see how much they have grown. Not only will small children improve addition skills but they will be amazed at how fast the plants will begin to grow.

One project that is simple for you, but also for your child, is letting them create a small garden space of their own. Take kid tables and place them against a wall then line the back of the tables with medium smooth stones (add a couple around the legs so the table never moves). Place some large potted plants on either side of the tables for a â&#x20AC;&#x153;gardenâ&#x20AC;? effect. Then start planting some awesome small plants in tiny pots. Start with cherry tomatoes in a tiny pot, so they will stay small, and your kids will be able to see their hard work turn into food. Another cool trick is to use egg cartons to plant small flowers in. It makes for a very pretty splash of color. Add a few little toys such as fairies or dinosaurs for extra charm. There is really no limit with this kid garden. For a whimsical touch, let your kids make plant markers and place them all around the garden. One simple marker is made from milk lids and a small piece of the carton (something everyone has). First cut a small heart shape out of the plastic milk carton (about 4 inches) then attach it to the top of a milk carton lid with a thumb pin, make another hole after the first one. Then thread wire through the two holes and tie it to a small stick. Have fun and glue some googly eyes on. This is a DIY your kids are sure to love. Whether it is teaching them to plant, water, harvest or compost; kids can do about anything in the garden with a little help from you. Not only are they capable, but they absolutely love to be included in such an amazing event. Teaching them to work with their hands and where food really comes from is a very important lesson these days and there is no better place for that lesson than the garden.

APRIL 2015 | VIPSEEN | 11

STORY BY SAVANNA MCDAVID

Unique Architectural Homes Around the World

BUBBLE HOUSE- TOURRETTES-SUR-LOUP, FRANCE The bubble house of Tourrettes-sur-Loup, France, is only 35 years old and has yet to be finished, but that hasn’t stopped the French ministry of culture from listing it as a historic monument. The design is meant to take optimal advantage of the volcanic Côte d’Azur landscape, and its windows certainly provide a beautiful view of the Mediterranean.

DAR AL HAJAR, YEMEN This striking rock palace is not a hotel or a museum. It’s not even a primary residence. Dar al Hajar was built as a summer home by Imam Yahya in the 1930s, and it’s a stunning example of rock-cut architecture. WOODEN SKYSCRAPER, ARKHANGELSK, RUSSIA Nikolai Sutyagin, a former gangster, began building this ‘wooden skyscraper’ in Arkhangelsk, Russia with the intention of it being only a two-story building. But, a trip to see wooden houses in Japan and Norway convinced him that he hadn’t used roof space efficiently enough, so he kept building. “First I added three floors but then the house looked ungainly, like a mushroom,” he said. “So I added another and it still didn’t look right so I kept going. What you see today is a happy accident.”

HANG NGA VILLA, DALAT, VIETNAM Looking like something out of a child’s fairytale gone wrong, the bizarre-looking structure in Dalat, Vietnam was built by the daughter of Ho Chi Minh’s right-hand man. Madame Hang Nga created the Hang Nga Villa – now known simply as ‘Crazy House’ – to reflect her interest in art and architecture.

A BART PRINCE HOME IN ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO Architect Bart Prince is renowned for his incredibly creative approach to designing structures. The homes he has created look nothing like the boxy houses you and I live in; they’re quirky, they’re organic, and they’re most definitely one-of-a-kind.

THE SHOE HOUSE OF SOUTH AFRICA The shoe house of South Africa is the work of artist and hotelier Ron Van Zyl, who built it for his wife Yvonne in 1990. The shoe houses a little museum of sorts, showcasing Van Zyl’s woodcarvings. The shoe is part of a complex that includes an eight-chalet guesthouse, campsite, restaurant, pool and bar.

SPACE HOUSE, SIGNAL MOUNTAIN, TENNESSEE The Space House in Signal Mountain, Tennessee was built by Curtis King and his sons in the 1970s and is quite a draw for curiosity seekers in the area, who have been filing by and taking photos for decades. Who would have thought this unique house would be so close to home!

12 | VIPSEEN | APRIL 2015

THE UPSIDE-DOWN HOUSE, SZYMBARK, POLAND Polish businessman and philanthropist Daniel Czapiewski built The Upside Down House as a statement about the Communist era and the end of the world. It took 114 days to build because the workers were so disoriented by the angles of the walls. It certainly attracts its fair share of tourists to the tiny village of Szymbark, who often become dizzy and ‘seasick’ after just a few moments inside.

Crantzdorf Lodge

rantzdorf Lodge is unlike any other Cabin/Lodge you have ever seen! Its the most Luxurious Lodge in ALL of Gatlinburg yet it is also kid friendly. This absolutely spectacular lodge has no equal in the Smoky Mountains! With its ‘Big Log’ Construction and the real bark trim in every room from top to bottom you’ll feel as if you’re truly surrounded by the forest even inside! Words cannot begin to describe the view from the deck of this cabin, looking out over a rolling golf course with ponds and all types of ducks, swans and geese.

“A Castle in the Smokies.” APRIL 2015 | VIPSEEN | 13

Looking past the golf course, you’ll be able to take in the 150 mile view of the Greenbrier Pinnacle and let me tell you, it’s simply breathtaking. Just imagine sitting in one of the relaxing Adirondack style chairs next to the huge open deck fireplace and taking in this spectacular scene with your family and friends...pure bliss! Situated across from the Great Smoky Mountains National Forrest and just below the cabin is a beautiful public golf course: Bent Creek. Take your pick from one of three decks to have a glass of wine next to one of the two outdoor fireplaces and watch the sunset or have a cup of coffee, watching the deer run across the golf course. This is a great place to relax and unwind yet it is Amazing for entertaining of all types! With plenty of space for your entire family and then some with sleeping capacity of 50 guests, including 14 sleeper sofas. This cabin is perfect for large family gatherings, corporate retreats and getting all your friends to enjoy one amazing cabin together. Make plans now to stay in the truly one-of-a-kind luxury log home. Many weddings, receptions, party’s, weekend get-aways, church groups, family reunions and couples love Cranztdorf Lodge! Every Bedroom is its OWN Master, so everyone feels special. A 3.8 Million Dollar Log Cabin Located just minutes from Downtown Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Dollywood, Ripley’s Aquarium, and several other attractions all while giving you the most Amazing Mountain Views of the National Park. 14 | VIPSEEN | APRIL 2015

A MINIATURE KIDS CABIN ON LOWER DECK WITH LOFT AND GAMES (Pictured Left) 14 SEAT THEATER ROOM MINI-KITCHEN/BUTLER’S PANTRY ON 3RD FLOOR 2 OUTDOOR FIRE PLACES SWING AND ROCKING CHAIRS SURROUNDING FRONT DECK ADIRONDACK CHAIRS ON UPPER AND LOWER MOUNTAIN VIEW DECKS CABIN BOASTS 4 LEVELS WITH OVER 7,500 SQUARE FEET MOST BEDROOMS INCLUDE PULL OUT SOFAS TOTALING 14 THROUGHOUT THE LODGE ONLY 15 MINUTES AWAY FROM LIGHT NUMBER 3 IN DOWNTOWN GATLINBURG

423-773-3737 | www.vrbo.com/405357

APRIL 2015 | VIPSEEN | 15

16 | VIPSEEN | APRIL 2015

APRIL 2015 | VIPSEEN | 17

HOW TO MAINTAIN A PARTY-READY GARDEN STORY BY DANIELLE HOLDER

ow that spring is here, you are ready to invite some friends over for an outside party. You plan food and music, but forgot that your flower garden and lawn is slightly lacking after the cold, wet winter. Don’t panic, it is easier than you think to spruce up that landscape in a hurry. Here are some quick tips on how to get your lawn garden party ready and help it stay that way all season long! 1.

Soil: Plants need healthy soil to thrive so use a spade to turn your soil before the party and at least once a month or more to keep it lose and light. This will also give your flower gardens the “just soiled” look.

Hydration: Water your plants the morning before and the morning of your party. That way the plants that are springing up will look alive and healthy. Water as much as possible throughout the summer to keep them hydrated. Watering them early in the morning when the weather is cooler will help them lose less water through evaporation.

Weeds: Tackle weeds the morning of your outside gathering, it is easiest to do this while turning the soil. Make time to de-weed every week so they don’t build up all at once. This time also gives you a mental break to simply enjoy being outside. Some weeds are stubborn so you may need to use a chemical to get rid of them. Others can be pulled easily.

Mulch: Throw some mulch in your garden before your party if possible to achieve the fresh spring look and smell. Keep mulch all season to maintain healthy soil and also suppress weeds. You can even use the grass from your lawnmower and leaves as an alternative to mulch, especially if you can’t get any right before your first party.

Slugs: If you’re having a problem with slugs taking over you garden, keep a container filled with beer in it and the slugs will be drawn to the container instead of your beautiful garden. Another option is to toss crushed eggshells into your flowerbeds. The shells will not only kill the slugs, but they will compost into rich soil.

Pinching: Pinching is a grooming practice that produces compact, bushy plants. To pinch a plant, remove the growing tip of the stem by nipping it between your thumb and forefinger. Make sure you do this a couple of days before your first party to ensure the plants will have time to grow back out. Each single stem will divide into two stems every time you do this.

Fertilize: Before fertilizing plants, get a soil test through your local extension agency to provide you with accurate information on nutrient levels in your soil so you know which fertilizer to use and how much.

Using these tips should get your flower garden and lawn ready for your first outside gathering and help you maintain a party-ready garden you can share with all of your friends and family all summer!

18 | VIPSEEN | APRIL 2015

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APRIL 2015 | VIPSEEN | 23

ave you always imagined having the bedroom of your dreams? Then Pinterest was created and it made you even more envious because the bedrooms on there are completely amazing? You just wish you could snap your fingers and the room you pinned to your board would magically appear in your house? Yeah, me too. I think it is important to have an escape from the world, a place to experience a sense of peace and calm in the home, and a room to rest and recharge your energy of course so here are some ways to hopefully achieve all of that in your dream bedroom!

Achieving the Bedroom of Your Dreams STORY BY DANIELLE HOLDER

24 | VIPSEEN | APRIL 2015

DO IT YOURSELF There’s nothing worse than finding an amazing item online that you just have to have and realizing it’s way over your budget; however, these days it’s super easy to make things yourself just by looking up the item you found and including DIY in the search. It’s amazing what you can make yourself for cheap that looks exactly the same as something that would normally be insanely expensive. And you have the satisfaction of knowing that you’ve created a one of a kind decoration for your personal space. PERSONALIZE Your bedroom is yours. It’s as simple as that. It should exemplify you and your personality. Take some time, do a little research and find out what is truly comforting to you. When you have decided and come to the conclusion you want to paint it bright orange than paint it bright orange. Decorate it so that every time you walk in it you fall in love all over again. Let your bedroom reflect yourself and you will love it even more! Don’t be afraid to think outside the box: No one ever discovered different design ideas by doing something someone else had done. They took a chance on something and it just happened to turn out great. With all of the apps and tutorials floating around today, it is very easy to start with a rough idea and develop it into a beautiful creation. So go ahead, give that crazy crafting idea a try, hang that outrageous piece of artwork. Whether it looks great or turns out to be a dud, at least you tried.

CLEAR THE CLUTTER Make room for the more important things. Like sleep for instance. A bedroom should be focused on sleeping and relaxation. There should be nothing in the room that makes you anxious, in fact your room should be the place you go to clear your mind and recharge. So remove items like desks or workout equipment simply because when you see them you probably think about how much you need to but don’t want to do those things. This sort of thinking can make you not enjoy your bedroom as much. ORGANIZE A clean, organized room is a happy room, maybe not to everyone, but it is a good motto. Having an organized and clean room all the time means you can walk straight into your bedroom and not worry about a thing. However if it’s dirty and there is stuff everywhere you will most likely stress about it and then the relaxation is gone. It is really as simple as having a place for everything and dealing with laundry as soon as it enters the room so that it doesn’t sit on your bed or in the floor. CREATE A MOOD Colors can make a huge difference in the feel of your room. For example if you want your room to be romantic, dark chocolate is a great color for walls whereas celestial blue is a good wall color choice for relaxation. So choose the feel and mood you want for your room to decide what paint and colors to use. Chose artwork and wall décor to accent the room color, be sure not to get things that clash because subconsciously it will make you uncomfortable. Place a couple of your favorite scented candles around your room too, because now that you have a relaxing, stress free room that reflects everything that makes you happy you will want to spend more time in it. Achieving the breathtaking room you’ve always wanted can be a hard task. However with some time, dedication and these tips I’m sure you will be able to do it! A dream bedroom is good for the mind and great to rejuvenate the soul. Lastly, remember to insert some quality items such as a plush comforter, cozy pillows and maybe even an oversized lounging chair in the corner. Then you can retreat to your bedroom at the end of the day and relax in a room that is completely designed for you from the celling to the floor.

HOME Improvement Really is Value

Improvement STORY BY SAVANNA MCDAVID

or most people a home is their biggest asset, and with so much invested, it is important to keep the home value continually increasing. Even during a slower real estate market there are many significant advantages to home improvement, and it is not only to build equity. There is priceless emotional value in knowing you can put nails in the wall or remodel any room at any time. With the completion of every home improvement project, the overall value of the home increases. Whether it is refinishing the kitchen counters or painting the bedrooms, every update contributes. These changes extend past the dollar bill and will increase your quality of living as well. As you contemplate which projects fit your lifestyle, consider the simple fixes first such as changing out old doors or caulking the dingy bathroom. Then move on to bigger projects as the family grows like adding more space. Adding a second floor or finishing a basement gains significant value; but avoid overbuilding because a large house in a smaller house neighborhood is always harder to sell.

28 | VIPSEEN | APRIL 2015

Make sure to evaluate projects and consider their long-term value. Some improvements bring more value than others. For example, adding a deck to a house significantly increases value while adding a pool usually will not. Boost equity by replacing or updating the siding, remodel the kitchen for a more open layout, or incorporate some outdoor living space in the back yard. All of these projects, along with landscaping maintenance, will impress any potential buyer. If you are trying to sell a house quickly begin with solidifying the entire structure such as the roof, furnace, electrical, plumbing, exterior paint, and windows. Be sure to make a good first impression on any potential buyers by keeping both the exterior and interior as groomed and aesthetically pleasing as possible. Eliminate clutter and keep the house bright and remember make sure cabinets, carpet, walls and flooring are neutral and not so personalized. Significant home improvements are a very smart thing to do when you own your home. These three major factors drive home improvement and as you consider a project, determine the type of value that is driving you to make the improvement and develop a plan accordingly. It is important to research in advance which improvements bring the biggest value to your home.

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SEEN IN KINGSPORT

MEADOWVIEW CONVENTION CENTER

42nd Annual Home Builders Association of Greater Kingsport Home Show PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY SAVANNA MCDAVID

The Home Builderâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Association of Greater Kingsport was proud to hold the 2015 Home Show at Meadowview Marriott Resort and Convention Center March 6, 7, 8. Over the last few years the Home Show has grown extensively and this year marked record numbers for the show. Many of last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s exhibitors returned and many were new comers who really enjoyed their time and space. The exhibit was packed all weekend with local and regional visitors eager and ready to get outside and improve on their homes and gardens. Michelle and Wesley Hathaway

Art Elegance

The Home Builders Association of Greater Kingsport is a trade association that began in 1970. They are dedicated to providing quality-housing choices in a range of affordability for consumers. Their members represent all areas of the residential construction industry. The association consists of a wide range of professionals from builders and developers to suppliers and financial institutions. To learn more about the Home Builders Association visit kingsporthomebuilders.com

Southern Dwellings

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Carol and Doug Taylor

32 | VIPSEEN | APRIL 2015

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Appalachain Federal Credit Union

Promier Landscaping

Egan Construction

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APRIL 2015 | VIPSEEN | 33

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The Wit Bit I love spring!! Nothing lifts my spirits quite like the smell of freshly cut grass or the sight of brightly colored spring flowers blooming on a sunny day. But we all know that spring also brings several unspoken, unrealistic expectations. Expectations like deep cleaning our homes, looking socially acceptable in a swimsuit, or simply being able to button last year’s shorts. We hibernate for months and then we’re expected to emerge from our completely spotless homes looking slim, svelte, and have a golden glow when our skin hasn’t even seen the sun since October.

by April, but now we find ourselves just wishing we could fit into the jeans that fit us loosely in November. It’s not that we’re lazy or undisciplined; we just prefer Snickers bars to protein bars. I mean, are they really that different? They’re both “packed with peanuts” and both “really satisfy”. Is it really so wrong that we like sweetened condensed milk better than skim milk – both contain the word “milk”. Milk is dairy, and dairy is listed on the food pyramid that the government says is healthy. It’s not that we hate exercising and eating healthy; it’s just that we like resting and pizza more.

Those expectations seem ridiculously unattainable and completely unfair, so I think all underachievers should band together to put an end to the madness.

So, here’s my plan: We make it cool to be fat. If brown can be the new black, then surely fat can be the new skinny. We’re gonna brag about eating cookies and post Facebook statuses about NOT going to the gym. We’re gonna tell everyone how we can finally fit into our “fat jeans” again. We’re gonna use the “Map My Run” app to show how far it is from the fridge to our couch. Instead of “Fitbits”, we’re gonna wear “Fatbits” that show how many chips we consume each day. We’re gonna make 20 extra lbs. the hottest accessory of 2015.

See, the truth is, I understand the concept of spring-cleaning, just not as it applies to me. Every year, when March rolls around, I can hardly believe it’s already time to put off spring-cleaning until next year… again. I can think of at least 486 things I’d rather be doing than washing walls, wiping baseboards, and stripping wax off floors. I mean, is there even any wax ON the floor? And if there is, where the heck did it come from? Why spend hours cleaning something that is simply going to get dirty as soon as the kids walk through the door? So, starting now, I propose we all boycott spring-cleaning. Until technology can provide us with a riding dust mop, self-cleaning toilets, and furniture that never needs to be dusted, I say we continue to clean like we always have—right before the in-laws show up. Let’s all vow to never use the words “spring” and “cleaning” in the same sentence again until people forget that spring-cleaning was ever an accepted practice. It’s not pretty, but we have to address the “elephant in the room” (literally) – winter weight gain. Let’s be honest, there are those of us who had great intentions of working out and eating right all winter long, but actually just sat on the couch eating Oreos and watching Lifetime movies for 4 months instead. We wanted to be bikini-ready

Beth is a wife, mother of 2 boys, and business owner who is passionate about Jesus. Beth is an extreme multitasker by day, asleep by night. She is freakishly strong and rarely still. She likes the color orange, good grammar, and junk food; she detests misspelled words, laziness, and mouth noises of all kinds.

36 | VIPSEEN | APRIL 2015

Or maybe, like last year, we’ll just dust only the well-lit and/or oftenused rooms. Maybe we’ll spray some air freshener in strategic places, so the house at least smells clean. Maybe we’ll just avoid scales and mirrors while we starve ourselves until the day before vacation and buy a new swimsuit cover-up to hide all evidence of our snack addiction...just like last year.

XOXO

Beth

Archeologists recently unearthed what can only be described as a “Honey-Do List” from a region they theorize to be the original Garden of Eden. Scratched on a palm leaf were the following line-items:

• Invent apple peeler • Kill really gross, big snake in tree

Hopefully that worked-out well for that couple. Honey-Do Lists don’t work for me. Mostly because I neither enjoy reading, nor doing things. Sadie has long since given up on presenting me with Honey-Do Lists because they’re simply obsolete in the world she now clearly dominates and rules... also known as “our marriage.”

on-the-fly. See, my wife wields passive-aggressive statements like a Samurai sword. Example... Rather than ask me to change the batteries in the smoke detectors, I get... “Do you want to swap the smoke detector batteries or wait until they sprout new batteries on their own? I mean, what are the odds our house will catch fire, and all of our beautiful, precious children, who you love more than anything in this world, will perish in a fiery inferno of doom?” See what I mean? Samuari... Whhaaaa-chaaa! Off goes my head.

As the Chief Everything Officer (see last month’s column) she has evolved to simply tender oral instructions, rather than lists. I have in-turn, learned to obey. (Related side-note, responding to her requests with a Nazi salute and the words “Yes, mein Führer!!!” is apparently only hilarious to me.)

I’d write more, but I was just handed a shopping list for EarthFare. I was told that I could get to it whenever it was convenient for me, because our children’s ribs probably won’t start showing for another few days or so. And the growling sounds from their tummies are barely audible.

In all honesty, Honey-Do Lists went off the tracks for us during our first year of marriage (and I swear the following is an absolutely true story).

I’m headed to EarthFare right now mein Führer, before Sally Struthers shows-up in our living room asking for just 10 cents a day.

As we were madly in-love and sharing our first home together, she adorably wrote down on a sticky-note a very short list of “honey-do’s” she wanted me to accomplish around our new house. It went as follows:

And in my defense, I don’t think they even make answering machines anymore.

• Purchase and set up a new answering machine with “The Hutsons” as the greeting • Give me a kiss I haven’t yet gotten to the answering machine. Our 13th anniversary is in May. And she reminds me of this fact, every year, on our anniversary, in May.

. .. e r o t S e h t o t ff O - GC

As I said before, Sadie quickly dropped the Honey-Do List approach, and adopted the art of just telling me what to do

GC Hutson is a husband, father and senior partner with Hutson & Howell Mediation Associates. GC is a satirist; his favorite topics include his family, his practice and life in general. GC has counted to infinity three times, always knows where Waldo is and beat-up Chuck Norris whilst taking a nap.

APRIL 2015 | VIPSEEN | 37

MEADOWVIEW CONVENTION CENTER

SEEN IN KINGSPORT

Not Your Daddy’s Addys 2015 American Advertising Awards of Northeast Tenn. STORY BY DANIELLE HOLDER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SWEET SNAPS PHOTOGRAPHY TARA HODGES

Saturday, February 21st The 2015 American Advertising Awards of Northeast Tennessee were held at Old South Restaurant in Downtown Johnson City. This is the AAF-NETN biggest event and largest advertising competition. Judges from outside the district are brought in to critique the region’s best work and honor industry teams in more than 70 categories. Creative work has a chance to advance to the national competition and award-winning work advances to the district competition. This year the events theme was “Not Your Daddy’s Addys” which focused on current trends and buzzwords like hashtags and selfies. The competition also featured a few “local-only categories” this year and also categories for creative team types such as agency, in-house, and freelance. The focus of the 2015 event was to show how the industry has evolved over the years so the AAF-NETN moved the event to a new location and even had live music by the Well Dogs before and after the event which was splendid! To find out more about the event visit www.notyourdaddysaddys.com.

Tina McNeil and David Pennington

Tara Burns, Drew Beamer, and Erin Baily

Tim Story and Chelsie Gregory

Jacob and Rachel Harmon Higginbotham

The Welldogs

Brian Godwin and Paula Giovanetti

Sarah Clevinger and Scott Schiff

APRIL 2015 | VIPSEEN | 39

Color SPLASH! RECIPE DEVELOPMENT, FOOD STYLING, PHOTOGRAPHY, AND ARTICLE BY LIZ BUSHONG

plashes of color set the stage for a simple garden party. Polk-a-dots and clay pots bring to life the bright colors of this spring composition. The color-rich palate includes hot pink, purple, yellow, terra cotta, lime and tangerine. This sunny celebration takes the party outdoors where the flowers are beginning to bloom and the smell of fresh rain still lingers in the air. Spring has sprung and all the sleepy days of winter now awakens each little bud and bloom. A natural rock wall lends the perfect background for the flowerfilled and garden themed table- setting. The centerpiece of this garden landscape features clean hand trowels, garden gloves, early blooming grape hyacinths and terra cotta pots. A childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pair of polka-dot rain boots stake out a planted position on the table. A large terra cotta saucer serves as a charger for the white dinner plate and the yellow flowered salad plates. Simple mason jars and green napkins are placed on the beverage table. On the menu for this impromptu garden party; a crunchy fresh spring salad and light soup could be served. If you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to make your own meal, order small baked potatoes with the toppings and a large salad from your favorite restaurant. The toppings such as bacon bits, shredded cheese, green onions, sour cream, and diced tomatoes could be placed in individual food-safe clay pots for a buffet. The potatoes would be baked and cut in half lengthwise for ease in preparation for the toppings. The salad could be tossed with a light oil and vinegar dressing in a large serving bowl with decorative tongs so guests could serve themselves. A warm crusty bread loaf with garlic and herbs could be served with the salad. If you are an avid gardener, serve your fresh-out-of-the-garden spring lettuces for this party. This garden party will end soon but not before dessert is served. Did you know the word dessert spelled backwards is stressed? You have taken the stress out of the main menu and now take the stress out of dessert. Even though this dessert looks complicated it is very easy to create. You will love this dessert! If you like chocolate, whipped cream and brownies this is your dessert. Chocolate Mousse Brownie Cakes are made with chocolate ganache and whipped cream that is gently blended together then poured and molded in a silicone baking mold. A baked thin brownie is cut the size of the mold opening and placed on top of the mousse, then frozen. The mold is inverted and a layer of thinned chocolate ganache is poured over the frozen mousse and brownie. Garnish the top of the dessert with butter cream frosting flowers or simple candies. Another dessert for this garden party are lemon cupcakes that are frosted with white butter cream frosting and color splashed with hot pink, orange or yellow butter cream flowers. Serve these cute little flowers in a decorative small flower vase that coordinates with your overall color scheme. April showers usually bring May flowers, the perfect time for a garden party. Shop now for cute rain boots and gather new colorful gardening tools to host an impromptu garden party with family and friends. Color-splash your friends with bright colors of spring from the garden to the table. 40 | VIPSEEN | APRIL 2015

Serve it Up Sassy

Flower Pot Cupcakes Yield: 24 medium sized cupcakes Serve it up Sassy! www.lizbushong.com ®

1-16 oz. pkg. lemon cake mix 1-3oz pkg. lemon instant pudding/pie mix-dry 1-1/3 cups water ½ -cup vegetable oil 3 eggs 1 teaspoon lemon extract 2 cups White buttercream frosting-purchased or homemade

BUTTERCREAM FROSTING ½ cup butter, no substitutes ½ cup shortening ¼ teaspoon salt 2 ½ cups sifted confectioner’s sugar ½ teaspoon clear vanilla 2-3 tablespoons whipping cream

INSTRUCTIONS: Preheat oven to 350. Prepare cupcake pan with liners. Set aside In a large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients, except frosting. Beat on medium speed. Using an ice cream scoop, scoop cake batter into cupcake liners 1/2 full. Bake 22-28 minutes. Cool cupcakes. FROSTING: Beat softened butter and shortening together in mixing bowl. Add salt, vanilla and confectioner’s sugar along with cream. Mix until light and fluffy. Frost cupcakes with white buttercream frosting. Divide white frosting into four bowls, tint with desired colors, hot pink, orange, yellow and green. Fill 3 disposable pastry bags with tip 104- orange, yellow, hot pink frosting and green frosting-leaf tip 352. Pipe green leaves on top of each cupcake and tip 104 pipe flowers in desired colors. Flower instructions on www.wilton.com

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. In 2009, 2010, and 13, she 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 2014 she was invited as a designer to the White House to assist with a 4th of July event. In 2011, she was part of sevenperson 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, West Virginia, Daytime Blue Ridge in Roanoke, Virginia and Daytime Tampa, Tampa Florida. She is also the creator and host of her own one-hour seasonal television show called “Serve it up Sassy!” for the same market, which aired in 2011. She is also a contributing writer for the regional magazine VIP Seen and Lovely Bella magazine in Roanoke, Virginia. 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 volunteer Master Gardener. Liz is the author of the 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.

Chocolate Mousse Brownie Cakes Yield: 6 small cakes Serve it up Sassy!® www.lizbushong.com

INGREDIENTS

Chocolate Mousse 2/3-cup heavy whipping cream 1-cups semi-sweet mini chocolate morsels ½ cup heavy whipped cream 2 tablespoons confectioner’s sugar

Chocolate Ganache 2/3-cup heavy whipping cream 1-cup mini chocolate morsels

Brownie Circles 1 box Dark Chocolate Premium Brownie Mix +ingredients INSTRUCTIONS:

Chocolate Mousse Microwave 2/3-cup heavy whipping cream for 90 seconds in glass measuring cup. Add 1-cup mini chocolate chips to cream. Stir until smooth and set aside. In mixing bowl beat ½- cup whipping cream to soft peaks, then add confectioner’s sugar, beat until stiff peaks. Take two tablespoons of whipped cream and add to chocolate mixture stir to temper the chocolate. Add remaining whipped cream to melted chocolate. Stir until smooth. Pour mousse into a half round silicone baking mold forms. Place in refrigerator to cool. Follow instructions for cake brownies, except bake the batter into greased 9 x 13 cookie sheet. When cool, freeze to firm, cut out brownie rings using a round cookie cutter. The cutter should fit the diameter of the silicone baking mold cups. Place the cut brownies on top of the chocolate mousse. Freeze 3 hours.

Chocolate Ganache Heat 2/3- cup heavy cream in microwave safe bowl. Place 1 cup mini chocolate morsels in a separate bowl pour hot cream over the morsels. Stir until smooth. To serve: Remove cakes from mold, place cake on a wire rack over a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Stir ganache and spoon chocolate over entire round cakes. Garnish with buttercream frosting or décor as desired. www.wilton.com for instructions on buttercream flowers. http://www.duncanhines.com/products/brownies/dark-chocolate-premium-brownie-mx/ http://www.nycake.com/HalfEggSiliconeBakingMold4.4oz.aspx- egg shape mold

To purchase cookbooks, find recipes, cooking, and decorating ideas, go to www.lizbushong.com. Like and Share Liz on Facebook, tweet @lizbushong and pin on pinterest.com/lizbushong.

APRIL 2015 | VIPSEEN | 41

WOLF HILLS BREWERY

SEEN IN ABINGDON

Collaboration meeting of the Brewers for the Tri-Cities Craft Beer Week PHOTOGRAPHY BY DANIELLE HAHNE | STORY SUBMITTED

On a rainy morning in early March, a group of six local brewers met at Wolf Hills Brewing Company in Abingdon, VA for a collaborative brew day. The idea, born out of a love for the art of brewing and a passion to forward the craft beer industry in the region, has become reality in the meeting rooms of the Tri-Cities Craft Beer Week committee. In the first year of existence the group has made many inroads and plans to celebrate the local beer scene, and to bring it to the forefront in a region often not thought of as the beer hub it truly has become. The first annual Tri-Cities Craft Beer Week will begin April 4th and end April 11th with the celebration of the fourth annual Thirsty Orange Brew Extravaganza presented by SuperFly Fabulous Events. SouthYeast Labs and Kelly Ridge Farms

The week is filled with beer-centric events at local breweries and venues. Tap takeovers, meet the brewer events, food and beer pairings and a bocce tournament are just a few of the exciting things happening throughout the week. Triple B Brewing out of Kingsport will have their grand opening on April 4th and will host many special guests as well as the first ever tapping of the Keg of Greatness. It’ll be an incredible week for the areas craft beer lovers and advocates.

Kacie Tafer

Tri Local I, the first in the yearly collaborative series, is a blood orange Belgian pale ale sourcing local ingredients and local inspiration. The limited offering is slated to be tapped April 4th at 3pm by all who will carry the unique brew. Breweries involved in the brewing collaboration are Depot Street Brewing Co., Studio Brew, Sleepy Owl Brewery, Holston River Brewing Co., Johnson City Brewing Co., and Wolf Hills Brewing Co.. It’s an exciting time to be a beer lover in the Tri-Cities region! Wolf Hills Brewing Co.

Holston River Brewing Co, Depot Street, Sleepy Owl

Andrew Felty - SuperFly fabulous events

Aaron Carson (Super Fly Productions) Mellow Mushroom at JC Mike Caso

D.W. Photography. Taking some stock photos for wolf hills and having a beer.

Johnson City Brewing Co

The Beer Trale

APRIL 2015 | VIPSEEN | 43

Happy April

Happy Birthday Donald!

Happy Birthday David Browning! Thanks for making us smile!

Happy Birthday Carly!

Happy Birthday Beth!

Happy 18th Birthday Madison! We love you!

Happy Birthday Chris Massie!

Happy Birthday Brooke!

Happy Birthday Lee Elliot!

Happy Birthday Craig Hoffman! Happy Birthday Dylan!

Happy Birthday Lisa!

Happy Birthday Sherrie Jo!

Happy Birthday Jean!

Happy Birthday George!

Happy Birthday Kelli!

Happy Birthday Santa...we mean Jerry!

Happy Birthday Charles Kilgore!

Happy Birthday Debbie Smith! Happy Birthday Tracy Morelock!

44 | VIPSEEN | APRIL 2015

Happy Birthday Sharon!

Happy Birthday Holly!

Happy Birthday Lisa!

Happy Birthday Ray Austin!

Happy Birthday Meemaw Phyllis! We love you!

Happy Birthday Danielle! ~Your VIPSEEN family

Happy Birthday to sweetest, prettiest, best little sister! We love you!!

Happy Birthday Allen Hurley! Happy Birthday Morgan! We miss you! ~Your VIPSEEN family

Happy Birthday Rochelle Trent!

Happy Birthday Bonnie McDonald!

Happy 6th Birthday Constance!

Happy 18th Birthday Madeline Looney!

Happy Birthday George Devault!

Happy Birthday to Sandy and Tom!

Happy Birthday to the irreplaceable, Savanna Skye!!

Happy Birthday Thelma Whittemore!

Happy Birthday April!

Happy Birthday Bill!

Happy Birthday Nana Sam!

Happy Birthday Lee!

Happy Birthday Ryan!

SEEN IN JOHNSON CITY

ST. JOHN’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH

Seventh Annual

Chasing Snakes

10K Road Race/4K Fitness Walk PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY ELLEN WALLEN

St. John’s Episcopal Church held the seventh annual Chasing Snakes 10K Road Race/4K Fitness Walk on Saturday, March 14, 2015 in Johnson City. Proceeds from the event support Family Promise of Greater Johnson City (formerly known as IHN), a network of churches and community agencies in the Johnson City area which provide support for homeless families with children. Each year, volunteers from St John’s Episcopal Church make up the Chasing Snakes Committee (chaired this year by Jon Clark) and organize the event for the community. The committee hires the State of Franklin Track Club to manage the event. The 10k course is USATF certified (TN0879MS). Volunteers also come from area churches. The name “Chasing Snakes” is derived from the legend that in the 4th century, Saint Patrick cursed all of the venomous snakes in Ireland and drove them out into the sea where they drowned, never again to return to the isles’ shore. This year, 136 runners completed the 10K. There were also many walkers. Since the beginning, over $50,000 has been donated to Family Promise, with proceeds this year expected to have brought the total to $60,000.

Rae Grosserode, singing the National Anthem

Stacie Babecka

Amanda and Rhonda, The Fresh Market

J Penny, 1st place finisher, at awards ceremony Ann VanDreumel, at Friday night pre-race Celtic dinner

Virginia Farr, Family Promise

1st female finisher at awards ceremony, Meghan Lederer

Spirit Award Winner

46 | VIPSEEN | APRIL 2015

LIGERO CIGAR LOUNGE

SEEN IN JOHNSON CITY

Glen Case at Ligero Cigar Lounge STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY SAVANNA MCDAVID

Glen Case, founder of Kristoff Cigars, stopped at the Ligero Cigar lounge in Johnson City to give the members and the public a taste of his cigar line. Many people attended in order to get a free cigar from Kristoff. Food, dinks and great company made the Wednesday evening one to remember. Members got to meet Glen and hear his story of the company. Established in 2004, Kristoff Cigars is one of the fastest growing boutique manufacturers in the cigar industry. Glenn and company have assembled the finest master blenders with generations of Cuban Cigar making experience to derive the exquisite taste of Kristoff Cigars. Ligero Cigar Lounge was thrilled when Glen decided to host a welcoming party for his brand. You can now find many Kristoff Cigars at the Ligero Cigar Lounge.

Dan Pope and Bill Wagoner

Anthony Liuzza and Glen Case

Mark McQuain and Bob Shively

Aaron Hamilton and Jimmy Pierce

Tom Farrow and David Harvey

Rob Sampson and Joey Nickels

Bill Ghram and Christopher Ghram

Tom Huddleston and Steve Dale

HOLIDAY INN

SEEN IN JOHNSON CITY

2nd Annual

Lucy Simpson Foundation Valentine’s Dance and Silent Auction STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY SAVANNA MCDAVID

Friday, February 13th was a cold night, but that didn’t stop the Lucy Simpson Foundation. The 2nd Annual Lucy Simpson Valentine’s Dance and Silent Auction was held that evening at the Holiday Inn in Johnson City. Members of the community were invited to come out and spend the evening with friends and loved ones. The silent auction had many impressive and very diverse items. Afterwards, everyone danced the night away all in the name of a great cause. The Lucy Simpson Foundation was created out of a devastating loss. Mimi and Hunter Simpson lost their fourth child to a rare form of fetal Anemia. As much as she fought, little Lucy died three days later. The Simpson’s were amazed at the amount of community support they received. After that hard time they began to think of other families that suffer from the same situation. The Lucy Simpson Foundation now helps families with grief support services and mentoring, financial assistance, care items and support material, fundraising assistance and so much more. Hunter and Mimi Simpson have truly created something great from the most devastating loss they have ever faced, and with that their goal is to help as many families as possible. To learn more about the Lucy Simpson Foundation, please visit lucysimpsonfoundation.com.

Beau Reeder and Joel Shrum

Sam and Ekin Huddleson

Beverly and Trey Gurley with Daniel and Kelley Lewis

Susan Caldwell and Lindsay Fooshee

Katie Edwards, Anne Lu, and All I Gorzka

Kyle Long and Dave McAuley

Maria True and Burt Lackey

Callie Reeder, JT Thomas, and Kaitlin Chaffin

Dustin and Lauren Clark

Hunter and Mimi Simpson

Victoria Mares and Shauna Scott

48 | VIPSEEN | APRIL 2015

Laurie and Greg Harvey with Jodi Thomas

SEEN IN BRISTOL

MIDWAY EYE CARE

Midway Eye Care After Hours PHOTOGRAPHY BY LARK ADAMS | STORY BY SAVANNA MCDAVID

Midway Eye Care hosted an After Hours at their office in Bristol on Thursday, March 12th. Many Bristol residents, patients and Chmaber of Commerce members came out to support the business. Offering food and drinks to their guests, Midway opened up their entire office for tours and eye exams. Both Dr. Shumaker and Dr. Feeley and their staff made everyone feel right at home with such a big welcome. Midway Eye Care is located at 321 Midway Medical Park in Bristol Tn, and is open M-F from 8 am to 5 pm. At Midway every effort is taken to ensure that the patient’s needs are met and that vision and eye health remain their best. Family optometrists for over 35 years, both Dr. Shumaker and Dr. Feeley regularly attend continuing education conferences to ensure the latest in eye care. Next time you need a check up, give them a call at 423-968-3441.

Kathi and John Gentry

Bristol Chamber of Commerce Staff: Sarah Hutchinson, Matt Bolas, Shelly Shaffer, Amy Shuttle, and Paula Hurt

Midway Eye Care Staff

Helen Scott and Dr. Shawna Feeley Andrea McIntyre and Rita Kiscaden

Midway Eye Care Doctors – Dr. Shawna Feeley and Dr. William R. Shumaker

Erika Loudy

WHAT IS

Hay Fever and Seasonal Allergies BY: BOB HARSHBARGER, III, PharmD D O C TO R O F P H A R M AC Y

Hay fever, also called allergic rhinitis, and seasonal allergies are allergic inflammatory conditions of the nasal passages that affect a large portion of Americans on a seasonal or year-round basis. Hay fever can worsen into sinusitis or even asthma in some individuals. The term “hay fever” originated in the early 1800s when individuals suffered allergy symptoms during the hay growing season, or “haying season.” Symptoms of hay fever include: • Watery, itchy eyes • Dark circles under the eyes • Sneezing • Excessive mucous production • Nasal congestion • Postnasal drip • Loss of sense of smell Histamine, which is reduced from the mast cells, causes a cascade of events that are meant to flush out or rid the body of the off ending substance. That is why we traditionally use antihistamines to fight the symptoms of histamine release, which could come with a number of adverse side effects. There are several natural substances that can help us address the symptoms of hay fever. For allergy suffers, 500 milligrams of vitamin C, two to three times daily can be beneficial because it can speed the elimination of histamine from the body. Quercetin, another natural substance, acts as a mast cell stabilizer and helps to block the release of histamine. Quercetin has also been shown to have a

bronchodilator effect, helping open the airways for individuals with asthma. The enzyme bromelain is commonly taken with food to aid in digestion. But when taken on an empty stomach, it can be absorbed into the blood stream – helping to reduce inflammation and break up mucous. A new product in the Premier Pharmacy designer vitamin line, Aller Calm Complex, is a formulation containing all of the above ingredients as well as additional ingredients that support allergy and asthma relief. Aller Calm Complex has been the subject of several studies and has been shown to be effective in most patients with allergies or asthma. Often, the best therapy for allergies is a good foundational preventative approach. Omega 3 essential fatty acids, found in either fish oil or flaxseed oil, can be beneficial in managing allergic and asthmatic symptoms. A quality probiotic such as Probiotic UltraMax can support a healthy intestinal tract. Seventy percent of our immune function is located in our gut. So good gut health is essential for management of allergic issues regardless of the source. Finally, a good source of B vitamins such as coenzyme B can be helpful in providing protection from airborne allergens. Our specialized pharmacy team is trained to offer you the best nutritional support and is happy to talk with you about hay fever or seasonal allergies. We recommend the highest quality pharmaceutical grade supplements in our nutraceutical line to help with your hay fever or seasonal allergies such as: • • • • • •

Aller Calm Complex Quercetin Plus (with vitamin C) Marine Fish Oils Flax Seed Oil Probiotic UltraMax Vitamin C 500 mg

Like our Premier Pharmacy Facebook page and use promo code VIP to receive 25% OFF your first purchase of Premier Designer Supplements!

KINGSPORT | 423.245.1022 109 Jack White Drive • Kingsport, TN 37664

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APRIL 2015 | VIPSEEN | 51 VIP-Editorial-Page-April.indd 1

3/4/15 11:39 AM

SEEN IN JOHNSON CITY

EAST TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY

ETSU Auction PHOTOGRAPHY DANIELLE HAHNE | STORY BY SAVANNA SMITH

East Tennessee State University held an auction Saturday, February 7th after a home basketball game. Over 350 people stayed around after the game to support the auction that was benefitting ETSU Athletics and student athletes. All together, the Athletics Department raised over $60,000 dollars at the annual event. ETSU couldn’t have made the evening so successful without the great support and backing of the community. There were many one of a kind items up for bid. For example, a complete tailgate for the first football game was auctioned off; one of our most popular items. The department was also auctioning off the chance of being coach for the day in all three sports- baseball, football and basketball. Thanks to the great community, there were over 170 items donated. ETSU would like to thank everyone who was involved with making this year’s auction a success.

Rob Stout and Tracey Shoun

Nina and Mike Marchioni

Bradley Batt and Kimberly Cowden

Kelly Walters, Jamie Carroll, and Kimberly Thomas

Emilie McGuire, Lara Byerley, Victoria Nanney, and Jacy Richardson

Tonya Wilkes with Rick and Diana Storey Raymond McBride, Scotty Stoots, Tony Skole, Adam Walton, and Dustin Walters

Kelly and Dustin Walters Mike Williams, President D&V Dist.

52 | VIPSEEN | APRIL 2015

Mike Marachino with Ashley and Steve Grindstaff

COLLEGE Gift Guide

The Freshman Survival Guide: Soulful Advice for Studying, Socializing, and Everything In Between

2 4

MaxiMatic EBK-200 Elite Cuisine 3-in-1 Breakfast Station 4-Cup Coffee Maker

A values-based guide to navigating that critical first year of college that speaks to college students in their own language and offers practical tools that readers need to keep from drinking, sleeping or skipping their way out of college. www.amazon.com

Luggage

Start your morning right with the Elite Cuisine 3-in-1 Multifunction Breakfast Station. Enjoy freshly brewed coffee, toast and eggs all while saving you countertop space and energy. This compact unit features a Toaster Oven with a 15 minute timer control and indicator light, a 4-cup capacity coffeemaker with a swing-out filter compartment and a six inch diameter frying griddle perfect for frying eggs and other breakfast foods. With its compact design, clean up is easy and storage is no-fuss.

Every young person needs a good set of luggage so that they always have an appropriate suitcase for their travels and a convenient way to move clothing for relocations. A recent grad who will travel frequently for work will also get a lot of use out of a carry-on bag that matches the style of their briefcase or laptop case.

The Grad Gift Pack

The College Necessities Kit is a high school graduation gift set that will actually be used.These dorm essentials will come in handy for any high school graduate moving off to college. www.dormco.com

PACK INCLUDES: Hot Pot - A must for cooking fast snacks/meals in a dorm Poster Dot N Go - Hangs all your posters and pics with ease! Large Laundry Bag - A must-have item for all dorm dwellers. Bed Post Shelf - Keeps your items bedside within reach. Dorm Caddy - Holds your bathroom toiletries Dorm Scent - Keeps your dorm room smelling fresh Ramen Noodles - The #1 dorm food! WashEZE - 3-in-1 detergent, softener & dryer sheet... simple for college students

Bedding

The bed is often the focal point of a dorm room or studio apartment, so don’t skip out on the style when you’re choosing bedding. Have your college-bound child pick out a style that defines who they are or who they want to be. College grads may want to take more time in designing a home decor scheme, so give them highquality basic bedding, such as a white down comforter that will last for years. They can choose their own duvet covers for the comforter as their style evolves, and the down filling will keep them warm during the winter months.

A Laptop This one needs no explanation. If your graduate doesn’t already have one, they will need one. An excellent gift.

APRIL 2015 | VIPSEEN | 55

Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a story behind every smile...

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KEVIN W. MARTIN, DDS

W W W . M A R T I N D E N T I S T R Y . N E T

Cosmetic & Conscious Sedation Dentistry

KINGSPORT TOWN CENTER

SEEN IN KINGSPORT

T-Rex Planet Exhibit PHOTOGRAPHY ANGELICA ARES | STORY BY JENNIFER ARES

Saturday March 21st saw the Kingsport Town Center invaded by dinosaurs. Animitronic displays of all types were on hand at the Discover the Dinosaurs exhibit. The massive exhibit showed everyone the types of creatures that once roamed our world and ruled the land long before man came along. The show had life size moving and roaring dinos-all complete with a plaque that was loaded with information about the animal, where it was discovered, the period it lived, and what it ate, among other facts. The sounds were loud and filled the room with shrieks and roars so that anyone walking in felt as if he/she had really gone back in time. There were bounce houses for the kids, gifts, cotton candy, and even a dinosaur band! Fun was had by all and the wait in line out front was certainly worth it once we stepped across that threshold and entered the world of Dinosaurs!

The Wells Family Marvin with T-Rex Planet

The Davis family

The Morton Family

The Rowe Family

Sherri Harr, Chase Harr, and Linda Leonard

The Fields Family

Don, CEO/Manager of T-Rex Planet and Sam, President of T-Rex Planet

The Stars of the Exhibit â&#x20AC;&#x201C; T-Rex

APRIL 2015 | VIPSEEN | 57

DOUBLETREE

SEEN IN JOHNSON CITY

American Cancer Society Washington County

Awards and Kickoff Breakfast STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY SAVANNA MCDAVID

The American Cancer Society of Northeast Tennessee hosted its Washington County Volunteer/Media Service Awards and Relay For Life Kickoff event Thursday, March 5th at the Doubletree in Johnson City. The breakfast honored regional patient service volunteers and media award recipients and honored cancer survivors, and featured speakers from the community. William Cummings, Lisa Whaley, and Charlie Mauk

The world’s largest grassroots fundraising movement, Relay For Life mobilizes communities throughout the country to celebrate people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost and provide participants with an opportunity to fight back against cancer. This year, Relay For Life will celebrate its 30th birthday and take place in nearly 6,000 communities in the United States and 20 other countries and will raise funds to support the mission of the American Cancer Society to save lives by helping people stay well, by helping people get well, by finding cures, and fighting back. Without Relay For Life events in our community, local programs and services as well as research would not be available. For more information about your American Cancer Society, please contact Jessica Poff, Washington County Community Manager/Relay For Life at 423-9750635 or email jessica.poff@cancer.org.

Doretha Benn, Faith Vaughn, Rikesh Patel, and Kelsey NG-Hook

Bridget Forrester and Malinda Measner

Amanda Hudson and Karen Hampton

Kathy Green and Shelia Lowdermilk

Media Winner-Wahl and Jonesboro Tribune

Alyssa Simpson, Heather Flippin, and Morgan Corbin

Pete and Gwyn Southerland

Jessica and Adam Poff

APRIL 2015 | VIPSEEN | 59

Tom PARHAM for MAYOR

r e d a e A L Vision. With

60 | VIPSEEN | APRIL 2015

om Parham has demonstrated leadership through a lifetime of participation in both the public and private arenas, serving Kingsport both as its Vice-Mayor and as Alderman on the BMA. Parham can also boast a 35-year career in various professional capacities at Eastman Chemical. More importantly, however, Tom Parham has dedicated himself as a servant leader in important volunteer leadership roles with numerous local organizations; working to make our community a better place to live and raise a family. In the upcoming May 19th election, though, what makes Tom Parham really stand out is a crystal clear vision of the future in terms of what Kingsport and the region need to move forward. “Consensus and coalition building are our keys to our future,” Parham said. “If we can’t work together as a region, none of us can succeed in bettering the lives of our children and grandchildren.” Tom Parham is a fourth generation Kingsport native and a graduate of both Dobyns-Bennett High School and East Tennessee State University. He has also pursued graduate studies at the University of Tennessee. He is married to the former Martha Matherly and has three children, three grandchildren, and one great-granddaughter: Olivia. The Parham household also includes a shelter adopted Yorkiemix puppy named “Killer”. Tom grew up with his grandparents, and early in life learned the value of a strong work ethic, working on both the farm and in the construction trades. These experiences helped shape his appreciation for working people and the struggles of raising a family. His early life also taught him the value of self-sufficiency, since he also worked full time to put himself through college. Even today, Tom Parham is an avid long-distance runner, having participated in six marathons, including the Boston Marathon. In fact, he once calculated that his 32 years of running would equal to circling the entire globe. Tom Parham brings dedication and determination to everything he has done throughout his life. In addition to his public roles in city governance, over the last forty years he has chaired Kingsport Riverwalk, Kingsport Greenbelt, Kingsport Beverage Board, Clean Kingsport, and Broad Street United Methodist Church. Further, Parham has served as President of Kingsport Shelter Workshop, Kingsport YMCA, the Sullivan County Bluff City Kingsport

Animal Shelter, and the Kingsport Youth Soccer Association. Tom has also served on the Board of Directors for the Kingsport Chamber of Commerce, Sequoyah Boy Scout Council, Kingsport Fun Fest, Kingsport Kiwanis Club, NETWORKS Sullivan County Partnership, KOSBE Small Business Development, and the First Tennessee Development District. Tom states that these roles prepared him for leadership in the community. “I have always appreciated the opportunities Kingsport provided our family,” Parham said. “Sharing my time, resources and abilities through volunteer community service has been my way of repaying in some small way those opportunities. My involvement also keeps me in tune with our citizens and the needs of our community.” These experiences have brought Tom toward a future as a candidate for Mayor, with fresh ideas rooted in a strong belief that a new vision is critical for Kingsport and the entire region. His vision begins with development of a comprehensive strategic plan that includes input from all sectors of our community. “A leader is a person who possesses the character, experience, and skills that will inspire and guide others toward achieving common goals,” Parham said. “I am prepared in all respects to help lead Kingsport into a brighter future.” Parham states that his vision centers squarely on economic development and job creation as its fundamental concern. Tom has repeatedly stressed that economic growth is the cornerstone of his campaign. “I will focus on policies and the implementation of all our goals and objectives in the new strategic plan geared to one main goal, attracting new businesses and higher paying jobs. The Board of Mayor and Aldermen must focus on accomplishing these new objectives within the city’s current budget guidelines.” While job creation is essential to the future of Kingsport, that goal cannot be achieved without addressing other key issues. “We should not kid ourselves into thinking that our workforce is adequately prepared for jobs of the 21st century,” he said, citing local research revealing major skill gaps in our regional workforce. “We are blessed in Kingsport and Sullivan County in that we have excellent schools and a number of higher

education institutions ready to train the 21st century workforce. So we have a strong foundation to build on.” Older and non-traditional students, however, are falling through the cracks so Tom will work with Kingsport and Sullivan County to retool existing Educate and Grow scholarship funds to enable deserving non-traditional students to attend Northeast State. Also of concern is the poor health status of our community. He is supportive of the regional hospitals, the Health Department, the building of a mobile dental clinic, and Friends in Need, while adding that greater emphasis should be placed on community health through programs like Healthy Kingsport. Tom is also keenly aware of the massive problems caused by drug abuse in our community and fully supports the work of groups such as the Sullivan County Anti-Drug Coalition to address this serious problem. To accomplish these goals, Tom believes that the city must maintain financial stability. Kingsport is in the best financial shape in its history in terms of credit ratings, although building the City’s rainy day fund should be a priority. “Experience has shown me that by bringing people together to reach common goals, there are no challenges that cannot be overcome,” Parham said. To lead a more inclusive city, Parham also plans to form a Citizens Advisory Council including residents from all areas of the city to provide ongoing input on community concerns. Alderman Tom Parham is vying to become Kingsport’s twenty seventh mayor in the up-coming election to be held on May 19th. “This is going to be a positive campaign about the future of Kingsport and the need to bring our growing community and region together to chart the course forward,” Parham said. “My family and I would be honored by the consideration of your vote.” To learn more about the Parham for Mayor campaign, please visit www.friendsoftomparham. com or www.facebook.com/friendsoftomparham

Paid for by Parham for Mayor, Joe Herron, Treasurer APRIL 2015 | VIPSEEN | 61

Country Stars

ACMA GROUP OF THE YEAR TRICK PONY AND GRAMMY NOMINATED JUNIOR BROWN, OVER 40 UNIQUE CRAFT BEERS, A NEW WINE TASTING, AND THE BEST BARBECUE AROUND THE REGION! Welcome to Racks by the Tracks Festival in Kingsport - Saturday, May 16 from noon to 10pm.

fter seven successful years the BBQ, beer and music festival now draws over 12,000 people from across 5 states. In addition to a full slate of events, the festival will have co-headlining artists Trick Pony and Junior Brown.

beers not easily available. Like the last two years, Racks will again feature a low gravity and limited high gravity beer tasting. Some breweries will even be brewing up recipes just for Racks by the Tracks attendees. Each participant receives a souvenir tasting glass.

With huge hits like the self-penned “Pour Me,” “On A Night Like This,” and the Grammy nominated “Just What I Do,” Trick Pony established itself as a force in country music. The trio won both the American Music Awards’ “Top New Artist” and the Country Music Association’s “Artist of the Year”. Their second album brought five more Academy of Country Music nominations including “Album of the Year” and “Vocal Group of the Year”. After three albums, members of the band went on to have successful solo careers before reuniting late in 2014. The reunited original members are making Racks by the Tracks one of their first big performances.

The beer tasting, from 2-7 p.m., has sold out the past six years, so those interested should buy their tickets well in advance. The Racks by the Tracks Facebook page will keep participants up-to-date on all participating breweries.

Junior Brown, known as The American Original for his unique sound and style, has earned a CMA, 3 Grammy nods, and has performed duets with everyone from George Jones to The Beach Boys to Stone Temple Pilots.

Families can come listen to great music, eat excellent food and let the kids enjoy their Saturday in the Leaping Lizards Kid’s Station. Kids will have a blast bouncing around in the large inflatables, as well as having their faces painted and other activities.

Kanishka Biddanda, festival founder, shares, “We are excited to continue the tradition of great concerts at Racks by bringing two artists that have both had great careers. This is a can’t miss concert for anyone in the region, plus it helps to raise thousands of dollars for local non-profits.” In addition, Racks will also be featuring American Idol contestant and internet sensation Taylor Holbrook. Holbrook was on the most recent season of American Idol and has a large Facebook fan base of over 80,000 people, 37,000 Twitter followers and 20,000 YouTube subscribers and is embarking on a southeastern concert tour. The all-day concert also features Annabelle’s Curse and Demon Waffle ska band. The all-day concert ticket is $10 until the day of the show, when they go to $15. Entrance to the concert area requires a ticket, which can be purchased online at RacksByTheTracks.com or at any Food City location. New this year is the inaugural Racks by the Tracks Wine Tasting presented by Reedy Creek Vineyards and Cellar. This unique event will allow ticket holders to try 10+ types of wine from the diverse Reedy Creek line of wines and receive a commemorative wine tasting glass. There will only be 500 tickets sold for this exclusive Wine Tasting. Reedy Creek Cellar at Meadowview will also be hosting the Racks by the Tracks Pre-Party Friday May 15th. There will be food trucks, wine tastings, and live music for anyone to come out and enjoy. A major attraction of the festival, held at the Farmers Market in Kingsport, is their craft beer tasting which features a wide array of craft

Many come to Racks for the food as well as the Ribs Cook-Off Competition which gives attendees an opportunity to taste the best barbecue from restaurants and teams from around the region. Each attendee at the festival can cast a vote in multiple categories.

Popular events at Racks include the Racks by the Tracks SPF 5K Race/ Walk, which had over 400 runners last year, the newly added 10K Race/Walk and a Cornhole Tournament. Registration for the races and cornhole tournament are available on the festival’s website. “We are thrilled this festival has truly become one of the must-attend family events in our region”, says James Phillips. The festival grounds are free, and food can be purchased at menu prices. A concert and craft beer tasting ticket combo is $30 until May 1st, and $40 after. The very exclusive High Gravity Beer Tasting tickets are $40 until May 1st, and $50 after, and give participants access to concert, craft beer tasting, and the high gravity section. The Wine Tasting tickets are only $20 until May 1st and $30 after. Tickets do go fast, so please purchase RacksByTheTracks.com or any Food City store

yours

today

at:

Keep posted on the festivities by joining Facebook.com/RacksByTheTracks. While entrance to the festival is free, all partakers must have a ticket to get access to the concert or craft beer tasting event. Festival sponsors include Food City, Eastman Chemical Co., Bristol Broadcasting Co., Libation Station, Reedy Creek Vineyards & Cellar, Dermatology Associates, Samuel Adams, AccuForce, Appalachian Community Federal Credit Union, Sapporo Beer, KCVB, VIP Seen, Action Rentals, Biggie’s, Barberitos of Kingsport, and ABC19 WKPT-TV. APRIL 2015 | VIPSEEN | 63

SEEN IN JOHNSON CITY

JOHNSON CITY COUNTRY CLUB

Generations Art Reception STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAMES HELMS

Johnson City Country Club General Manager Ron Barrett hosted an art event to bring cultural awareness to the members of the club and local residents, This was the third event held at the facility and despite the threat of snow there was a great turn out. The Generations exhibit featured the art work of Kingsport resident Suzanne Barrett Justis, her mother Judy Barrett, and her daughter Hannah Justis. Three generations of professional artists each with varying styles, mediums, and subjects but all sharing similar influences. Suzanne is well known for her work as an animal artist and has donated many pieces of art to Zoos around the country. Suzanne is also the lead animal artist for the carousel project In Kingsport teaching many of the volunteers how to paint the hand carved animals. Most days you will find Suzanne at her studio located on Market Street in downtown Kingsport. Judy Barrett grew up in New York attending The Pratt Institute in Brooklyn. She is an accomplished artist creating portrait pieces as well as beautiful equestrian paintings. Hannah Justis is currently a sophomore at ETSU and is pursuing a bachelorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s degree in fine arts. She is extremely talented at wildlife pieces but is currently developing her talent and exploring new mediums and styles. She hopes to open a studio one day and perhaps serve as curator.

Kathy Snapp, Tim Snapp, and Suzanne Barrett Justis

Matt Justis

Ron Barrett

Hannah Justis, Suzanne BarrettJustis, and Judy Barrett

Faye Boushley, Margaret Helvey, and Ellen Beighley

Johnson City Country Club Staff

Allison and Allen Rogers Matt, Suzanne, and Ruth Karring

64 | VIPSEEN | APRIL 2015

Scott and Anton Conteras-Keterbay

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2015

GIFT GUIDE

Shellz This Mother’s Day shop Shellz for unique gifts that your mother or the special woman in your life will be sure to love! 120 E Main Street Jonesborough, TN 423.913.0339 4411 N. Roan Street, Suite 27 Johnson City, TN 423.434.4880

ne of the most special days of the year is the day we get to celebrate mothers. A mother is a first best friend, the toughest body guard ever and always the number one fan of her children. Being a mom is a gift from God but having a mother is a blessing unlike any other. This year spend time with mom and let her know she is truly appreciated. The best gift a mom can get is time with her children, but a nice present never hurt anything.

Cosmetic Associates

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After such a long winter, everyone needs a little freshening up, especially Mom. Do something she’ll love this year and book her an appointment with Cosmetic Associates. From facials to vein treatment we have everything Mom will need for her new spring look.

Give a local,regional art or handcrafted gift to the Mother or Graduate in your life this year . Original Oil Paintings, Pastels, Watercolors, Woodworking, Photography, Jewelry, Pottery, Glass and Fiber Arts available.

405 Roy Martin Rd, Suite 104 Gray, TN | 423.915.6445 cosmeticassociates@gmail.com

Foundation Chiropractic  Help Mom out with all of her second semester stress. She has practices, games and graduation and now it is time to pay her back. What better way to show your appreciation than with a gift card to Foundation Chiropractic? Hurry in because with every gift card you (or mom) will receive $75 dollars off of a visit. 1041 Hamilton Place Drive Johnson City, TN 423-707-2509 www.foundationchirotn.com 66 | VIPSEEN | APRIL 2015

128 E. Market St. Kingsport, TN 37660 423-245-2800

Baker’s Jewelry Come see the Chamilia , Southern Gates Collections, and many more. Come in for the perfect gift for the Mother or Graduate in your life. Open Mon - Fri 10 to 6 Sat 10-5 Closed Sundays 1127 N Eastman Rd Kingsport, TN 37664 (423) 245-7544

Shellz Caroline’s Shop Caroline’s for jewelry, designer apparel, antiques and more to find the ideal gift for the woman in your life. 132 West Center Street Downtown Kingsport 423.245.8226

What better way to show your Mother how special she is this Mother’s Day than with a handmade bangle created by Sticks & Stones. 120 E Main Street Jonesborough, TN 423.913.0339 4411 N. Roan Street, Suite 27 Johnson City, TN 423.434.4880

SOUTHERN CLASSIC auto wash & lube center

Southern Classic Auto Wash & Lube Everyone is happy spring is finally here and the focus is on home and garden. Don’t forget though, its time to get the salt and dirt off your car. Come in to Southern Classic Auto Wash for a good cleaning, vacuuming and waxing. We’ve got four convenient locations across the Tri-Cities.

Marj On Main This year, treat Mom to something she will love- clothes of course. Marg on Main has all of the latest styles in clothes and jewelry. Mom will be feeling fantastic after her shopping trip and will be ready for summer! 121 West Main Street Jonesborough, TN (423) 753-0233

Southern Classic Auto Wash 920 Volunteer Parkway, Bristol, TN (423) 573-7079 4264 Ft. Henry Drive, Kingsport, TN (423) 239-6199 550 W. Center Street, Kingsport, TN (423) 765-9440 518 W. Oakland Ave, Johnson City, TN (423) 282-2210 Winter is over and now your car is left with rough brakes and old oil. Warmer weather calls for a maintenance day for the ride. Come in to one of the four conveniently located Southern Classic Express Lubes today to fine tune for spring. Southern Classic Express Lube 920 Volunteer Parkway, Bristol, TN (423) 573-7079 4264 Ft. Henry Drive, Kingsport, TN (423) 239-6199 550 W. Center Street, Kingsport, TN (423) 765-9440 518 W. Oakland Ave, Johnson City, TN (423) 282-2210 APRIL 2015 | VIPSEEN | 67

Home Loans Apply Now While Rates Are Still Low Scan or Visit citizensbank.mortgagewebcenter.com to Apply Online

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UNCORKED

SEEN IN KINGSPORT

Uncorked Grand Opening PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY SAVANNA MCDAVID

On Saturday, February 14th, and despite the snow and freezing temperatures, Uncorked held their grand opening. Uncorked is a Wine and Bourbon bar located on Broad Street in downtown Kingsport. The restaurant has an urban, modern feel and can house over one hundred people, with a special loft party room overlooking the entire restaurant. Uncorked specializes in uncommon drinks, guests will find a large variety of hand selected fine wines and bourbons, most of which can not be found anywhere else in Kingsport. With over 70 types of wine and 30 varieties of bourbon, Uncorked is sure to have something for everyoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s palette. With drinks starting at $3.00 per glass, Uncorked aims to keep a casual laidback atmosphere for every person to enjoy. The Wine and Bourbon Bar also offers small plates to compliment any drink, including flatbreads, baked brie, and so much more. So come by and enjoy a drink on their cozy couches, slide right up to the spacious bar for a shot, or have a delicious small plate at a table. Uncorked is open Monday through Saturday from 4-12 pm and takes reservations, walk ins and large parties. Check them out at uncorkedkpt.com or stop in to check out the newest Bourbon and Wine bar downtown.

Good friends experiencing Uncorked for the first time.

Hanging out, sipping a glass of wine.

Enjoying a Valentines Dinner Date.

Katie Pitts, Caleb Hommel, and Ellie Harris

Thomas and Holly Carver

APRIL 2015 | VIPSEEN | 69

in marketing, sales, and management. These valuable opportunities provided the experiences needed to successfully manage three Agfa Healthcare businesses, culminating with being appointed Vice President Imaging business, North America region. Having lived in various other places, John and his family consider their twenty years spent in Kingsport a true blessing. It was an easy decision for John and Etta to relocate to Kingsport to raise their two girls, Alex and Haley. John quickly realized Kingsport was an excellent place to live and work. With wonderful people, neighborhoods, schools and very strong community spirit, John recognizes what a privilege it is to live in such a great city. John recognizes and supports the outstanding progress Kingsport has made over the past twenty years to improve the quality of life for all citizens. Because of John’s business experiences, he has been able to provide unique insights to the Kingsport BMA as alderman over past two years. This insight, along with his love of community and public service, has compelled John Clark to run for Mayor of Kingsport. John can bring dynamic leadership as Kingsport’s mayor - leadership that helps the City achieve its vision of becoming the preferred city in the region for people to live and work, and for businesses to grow and prosper. Also, John wants to ensure our future is very bright with our best days ahead of us, not behind us. John is the right leader, at the right time, for Kingsport.

ohn Clark was raised in Philadelphia along with his two brothers and sister. His family had migrated to Philadelphia from Cuba, where his father worked for the DuPont Company. While in high school, John became a member of the rowing team and received a crew scholarship to Florida Institute of Technology where John majored in aviation management and flight technology. After two years, he decided to pursue a Logistics degree at the University of Tennessee. He quickly became a big orange fan, and loved the beauty of East Tennessee. While at UT, he met his wife, Etta, who is from upper East Tennessee. After graduation in 1980, John took a position with DuPont Company’s International Distribution Division. After a transfer to the company’s medical products sales division, John began his thirty-five year career in the medical industry, and was thrilled when he was able to accept a position that brought him back to Tennessee and the Tri-Cities. Over John’s career in the medical Imaging and IT business, he has been blessed to have worked with three excellent manufacturing companies, DuPont, Sterling Diagnostic Imaging, and Agfa HealthCare, providing customers with high quality products and services designed to improve patient care. During this time, John worked in Delaware, California, and South Carolina Company offices to gain business experiences

John is a conservative and believes in low taxes, limited and efficient government, reduced regulations, personal freedom, and a strong national defense. He believes Kingsport has an excellent vision that is achievable and one that can secure the future of our City. He also believes there must be a plan to support that vision. As Mayor, John will facilitate a summit with business and community leaders to develop a five-year responsible growth plan, titled “Kingsport 2020”. Through Kingsport 2020, it is easy to see John will keep Kingsport moving forward if elected Mayor. He has a passion for teamwork and knows Kingsport City officials feel the same way. John will use his strong problem solving skills to improve life for all Kingsport residents. Through John’s five year growth plan, and with the teamwork of the community, Kingsport can become the preferred city in the region for residents to live and work and for businesses to grow and prosper. John is excited about the future of Kingsport, and is committed to working hard on behalf of every citizen to ensure Kingsport succeeds. John would be honored to serve as Mayor, and respectfully asks for your vote and support in the upcoming Kingsport Mayor’s election on May 19th, 2015.

Right Leader, Right Paid for by friends for John Clark for Mayor, Sharon Duncon, Treasurer 70 | VIPSEEN | APRIL 2015

John Clark KINGSPORT CITY MAYOR

John’s Kingsport 2020 plan, has SIX STEPS to complete the vision cast by so many. FIRST, provide a world-class education for Kingsport’s children and grandchildren- they are our main vision and hope for a better tomorrow. SECOND, help in every way possible to create good paying jobs for our citizens- this is how Kingsport will secure it’s economy. THIRD, achieve manageable and affordable growth without forced annexations. FOURTH, balance budgets and keep taxes as low as possible for citizens. FIFTH, improve quality of life for all citizens, which will in turn bring more citizens to Kingsport. SIXTH, help improve the health and wellness of all citizens to ensure everyone lives to their fullest potential.

Time. APRIL 2015 | VIPSEEN | 71

BRISTOL COUNTRY CLUB

SEEN IN BRISTOL

Top Shelf Wine Tasting STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY SAVANNA MCDAVID

Bristol Country Club hosted the 4th Annual Abuse Alternatives Top Shelf Wine Tasting Saturday, March 7th. Guests attended a sold out event that exceeded everyone’s expectations. The evening began with hors d’oeuvres including imported cheeses and fresh local vegetables and a silent auction of an array of items. As dinner began, guests were in for a treat; Dr. Greg Chudzik, wine connoisseur, and Roger Snell, chef at the Bristol Country Club, selected foods and wines that perfectly paired. Dr. Chudzik narrated the dinner to ensure everyone was knowledgeable about each wine. After the delicious dinner and tasting, guests participated in a live auction that raised a lot of money for Abuse Alternatives. Beth Muncy and Rhonda Fields

Angie Owens and Kim Hurst

Abuse Alternatives, Inc. is committed to providing quality services through direct support and advocacy to victims of domestic violence with the goal of eliminating the pattern of abusive behaviors from the lives of those individuals and their families. Abuse Alternatives is a non-profit corporation that provides services regardless of gender, race, national origin, education, age, ability, sexual orientation, class or religious preference. To find out more about them, visit abusealternatives.org.

Pam Taylor, Carmen Collins, and Simms Unburger

Freddie and Laralee Harkleroad

Julie and Mike Little with April Sproles

Terry Eads and Penny Miller  Greg and Tracey Mercier Bob Lorenz and Rachelle Burkert

Carol Bannish and Peggy Chudzik

Megan and Ryan Fabbri

Larry Kirksey and Dr. Greg Chudzik

Mark and Barbara Overbay

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SEEN IN JOHNSON CITY

MILLENNIUM CENTRE

Shake Your Shamrock STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY SAVANNA MCDAVID

If you weren’t “shaking your shamrock” on March 6th at the St. Patrick’s Day Bash, you missed an exciting night of fun and entertainment sponsored by Stifel Investment of Johnson City in support of the Ronald McDonald House. It was a festive evening at the Millennium Centre where 300 guests enjoyed delicious food, all with a hint of Irish, while they bid on silent/live auction items and had a chance to “Be a Saint” by SharingA-Night with children and families of seriously ill children who stay at the Ronald McDonald House. Kathy Calhaun and Karen Durkee

Brittany Cook and Kevin Long

Leigh Booker, a recent guest of the House, shared her story of staying at the House on two different occasions – once with the birth of her daughter and just this past year when her son was born prematurely. Leigh talked about how difficult it would have been financially for her to be near the baby on a daily basis if the Ronald McDonald House had not been available. With a private bedroom/bath and meals furnished her only focus was on encouraging her baby to live and not on expenses. The Ronald McDonald House is located in Johnson City but is a regional facility; providing a “temporary home-away-from-home for children and families of seriously ill children throughout the Southern Appalachian region (including SW Virginia, Eastern Kentucky, Southern W. Virginia and NE Tennessee). Mark your calendar and plan to join this fun event next year on March 4, 2016.

Ben Brown and DJ Swatzell

Gaurav Bharti and Brandon Jones

Tina Ison, Art and Fran Powers, with AnnMarie Swisher

Madeline Maschia and Courtney Powers

Mike and Ashley Danaehy

Robbie and Jennifer Atkinson, with Claudia Hawes and Sarah Edwards Bharti

Dionne Granger, Greg Schuette, and Catherine Trull Traci William and Josh Smith

The Booker Family

74 | VIPSEEN | APRIL 2015

Susan Saylor and Jennifer Cook

Nina and Mike Marchioniâ&#x20AC;¨

Ted Hanger and Rowena Bailey

Whitney and Thomas Dillard

Bob Klinker and Paul Trivette

Jeff Green and Issac Kenleyâ&#x20AC;¨

Allison Jones and Rachel Mascola

Tina and Kindall Ison

Visit Downtown

Kingsport

Shop. Eat. Play.

SEEN IN LIMESTONE

THE CRUMLEY HOUSE

4th Annual Joggin for the Noggin PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY SAVANNA MCDAVID

The Crumley House held its fourth annual Joggin for the Noggin on Saturday, March 7th to benefit the house; people from all over came out to Limestone to run the ever-popular 5K. This year was a record setting attendance with estimates around 400 participants. Along with being a fundraiser, the race also helped the house kick off brain injury awareness month. After the race, runners and spectators were invited in the Crumley house to visit with residents and enjoy a pancake breakfast complete with a yogurt bar. The Crumley House is a facility that offers assistance to individuals with brain injuries. June Barrett founded the Crumley House shortly after her daughter suffered from a traumatic brain injury. She and her daughter have been helping others live a great quality of life ever since. To learn more about the Crumley House and how you can help, please visit their website at crumleyhouse.com.

June and Lori Bennett

78 | VIPSEEN | APRIL 2015

PERFORMANCE MEDICINE

SEEN IN KINGSPORT

All About the Red:

Ladies Night Out PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY SAVANNA MCDAVID

Tuesday evening, March 3rd, Performance Medicine of Kingsport held their ladies night out event, hosting women from all over the region. The clinic had wine, gourmet cheeses and delicious chocolates for ladies to enjoy. Many women attended and took advantage of fantastic specials on Botox, dermal fillers, lip enhancement, microdermabrasions and much more. Performance Medicine also offered 20% off of skin care products. At the end of the evening, door prizes worth hundreds were given away to a few lucky ladies. This special night out has become a favorite of women around the Kingsport area and many look forward to enjoying a relaxing night with friends.

Georgina Hughes, Hannah Cox, and Kelliâ&#x20AC;¨Trent

Studio 710, Schevon

Suzanne Mann and Sunnie Mullins

Pam Doyle and Meganâ&#x20AC;¨Turner

Jacki and Cher Teresa Duncan and Kristen Lucas

Lindsey Wilder and Myshell Miller

Rochelle Trent and Dr. Tom Rogers

Your girls’ day out could be a local woman’s lifesaver.

Join us for the Tri-Cities’ first Wine Women & Shoes event. With sip-sational wines, delectable food, high fashion and charming Shoe Guys, Wine Women & Shoes is a can’t-miss event for the ultimate girls’ day out.

Saturday, April 25 • 2–5 p.m. The Virginian Clubhouse • Bristol, Virginia

Our generous sponsors

In addition to exclusive designers and vendors, Wine Women & Shoes also features: • A high-energy fashion show • Keys to the Closet, a one-of-a-kind contest and drawing for unique, fashion-forward accessories • Silent and live auctions • Wall of Wine, where you can win a top-dollar bottle

Proceeds from Wine Women & Shoes will help the Wellmont Cancer Institute improve access to and affordability for breast cancer screenings. Through earlier detection, we can help women live out their dreams – by outliving cancer.

Buy your tickets today, and make it an afternoon to remember. Mary Kay Cosmetics | Bristol Compressors | Bristol Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors | Blue Ridge Properties | South-West Insurance Agency

Fashion retailers

Individual: $100 Sole Sisters (two tickets): $150

VIP Individual: $150 VIP Sole Sisters (two tickets): $250 VIP tickets include reserved seating, upgraded swag bags & valet parking. VIP Table (six tickets): $850 VIP tables include reserved seating, upgraded swag bags, a bottle of wine for the table & valet parking. Only six tables available!

Wine Partners

Visit WellmontFoundation.org to purchase tickets, or call 423-230-8592 to learn more.

MEADOWVIEW CONVENTION CENTER

SEEN IN KINGSPORT

Casa’s Red She Gala STORY BY SAVANNA MCDAVID | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANGELICA ARES AND SAVANNA MCDAVID

CASA for Kids, Inc. 6th Annual Red Shoe Gala proved to be the event of the year. Held on Valentine’s Day at Meadowview Convention Center, the Gala was attended by 444 supporters of CASA for Kids, Inc. Guests were greeted with a glass of champagne and a red carpet photo opportunity. Everyone enjoyed the chance to mingle during cocktail hour and admire all the unique red shoes. Inside the Gala were various silent auction items that caught many people’s attention and bid. Enhanced by a delicious dinner, decadent dessert and music by “The Extraordinaires,” attendees also enjoyed a live, quite entertaining, auction between dinner and the performance to benefit CASA. A little later in the evening, guests were entertained with the red shoe contest. Many attendees with unique and interesting red shoes graced the stage at a chance to win the contest and the great prize.

Theresa Lockhart and Rob Ranero

Sandy and Allan Dodson

This event supports the work of CASA for Kids, Inc. staff and dedicated Volunteers in advocating for dependent, abused, and neglected children brought to the attention of the Juvenile Courts in Sullivan and Hawkins Counties. Thank you to everyone for ensuring 2015 will be another year that these children will have a voice.

Brittney Terry, Angie Melson, Jenny Rose, and Casie Grubbs

Bobbi and Dennis Phillips

Greg and Laurie Harvey

Jacqueline Joseph and Cher Taylor

Sabrina Deskins, Michelle Thomas Castle, Melissa McCall-Burton, and Mary Kilpaterick

APRIL 2015 | VIPSEEN | 81

Charles Jantry, Carene Hunt, with Erin and Butch Downs

Loni Garcia, Emily Garcia, Jeff Lane, and Mike Garcia

Dr. and Mrs Martin

Claudia Corradino, Stephen Edwards, and Lynda Fontaine

Danielle Hahne and Brian Hullette

LT. Gov. Ron Ramsey hosting the Live Auction

82 | VIPSEEN | APRIL 2015

Sherri and Rodney Monroe

Taylor Winegar, Savanna McDavid, and Danielle Holder

MEADOWVIEW CONVENTION CENTER

Jason and Susan Creech

Everyone sporting their red shoes!

Jennifer Ares and Betsy Austin

SEEN IN KINGSPORT

Ashley Grindstaff, Miss Smokey Mountain 2015 Christian Williamson, and Miss Kingsport 1954 Dottie Slaughter

Jocie Hunley, with Brandi and Lloyd Austin

Snyder Memorial Gardens

APRIL 2015 | VIPSEEN | 83

VIPSEEN EXCLUSIVE COMMUNITY COVERAGE APRIL 2015

Seen on the Scene SMART BEGINNINGS, IN PARTNERSHIP WITH UNITED WAY OF SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA AND LOCAL SCHOOL SYSTEMS, CELEBRATES READ ACROSS AMERICA DAY (Southwest, VA) - Smart Beginnings Virginia Highlands, in partnership with United Way of Southwest Virginia and local school systems, is proud to celebrate Read Across America Day on Friday, March 6. As a valued member of the media, Smart Beginnings Virginia Highlands and United Way of Southwest Virginia invite you to join us for this special event. Smart Beginnings is a community-based, state-supported initiative that strives to ensure all children enter kindergarten healthy and ready to learn. By linking local services and resources that support children birth to age 5 and their families, and by coordinating local efforts with state agencies, this community collaborative strives to eliminate gaps in services and the possibility of children falling through the cracks.” Smart Beginnings promotes Kindergarten readiness, which ultimately leads to educational success and improved high school graduation rates.

ERIC CUNNINGHAM FEATURED IN BOOK ABOUT SELF-TAUGHT ART HICKORY, NC – Eric Cunningham of Bristol, Tenn., is one of 32 artists featured in the recently published book “When the Spirit Speaks: SelfTaught Art of the South” by Margaret Day Allen. This book introduces the reader to self-taught artists in the Southeastern United States. Some have already come to the attention of collectors and scholars. Many others have been unrecognized outside of their immediate neighborhoods. What they all have in common is an unquenchable desire to make art. The author, Margaret Day Allen, is a communications professional living in North Carolina. She worked as assistant news editor of the Bristol Herald-Courier in the mid-1980s. Artist, Eric Cunningham is flattered to be included in this cultural document. “When the Spirit Speaks: Self-Taught Art of the South,” may be purchased online from amazon.com, bn.com (Barnes & Noble online), and from many independent bookstores.

LINZI HATLEY TO CHAIR 2015 AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY HOPE GALA, TAKE GUESTS ON AN UNEXPECTED GETAWAY Tri-Cities entrepreneur and Kingsport native Linzi Hatley has been slated to chair the American Cancer Society 2015 Hope Gala of the Tri-Cities event. Hatley co-owns and operates LPI Inc. with her husband, David, and is a full-time mom to their three boys. The theme for this year’s event, chosen by Hatley is “Beneath the Tahitian Sunset.” The event will be held on the private beach of her home on Boone Lake. This event will help the Society finish the fight against cancer. The dollars raised fund groundbreaking research to find, prevent, treat and cure cancer; and provide free resources and support to newly diagnosed patients who turn to the Society for help and support, including transportation and lodging during treatment. Tickets are $125 per person. To reserve tickets or get involved with the event, call the American Cancer Society at 423-975-0635, or contact Cara Ledbetter by email at cara.ledbetter@cancer.org. 84 | VIPSEEN | APRIL 2015

BAYS MOUNTAIN PARK ANNOUNCES EXTENDED SPRING HOURS In an effort to provide visitors expanded opportunities to enjoy the park’s offerings, officials with Bays Mountain Park have announced extended hours for the months of March, April and May. Beginning Monday, March 2, Bays Mountain Park will close daily at 8:00 p.m. Driven in part by community request, extending park hours will offer park members, tourists, and local supporters additional opportunity for greater sight-seeing, hiking, mountain bike riding, and a variety of other leisure opportunities traditionally enjoyed on a typical visit. In recent years, Bays Mountain Park has been a popular destination for trail runners and mountain biking enthusiasts alike. With nearly 40 miles of trails, the park is ideal for those seeking to make outdoor recreation a part of their health and wellness initiatives or to simply enjoy the peace and serenity that a woodland or lakeside setting offers. Facilities such as the Nature Center, Herpetarium and Farmstead Museum will still close at 5:00 p.m. on the weekdays.

Seen on the Scene UNITED WAY OF GREATER KINGSPORT ADVOCATES FOR CHILDREN DURING DAY ON THE HILL United Way of Greater Kingsport (UWGK) joins fellow United Way organizations across Tennessee today to participate in Day on the Hill, which is designed to advocate for federal funding of afterschool programming, K-12 standards, and preservation of funding for Pre-K classrooms. Educating state legislators on the newly launched Tennessee Afterschool Network is top of the agenda for Day on the Hill. The Tennessee Afterschool Network is designed to strengthen after-school programs through professional development of after-school provider staff members and share best practices related to ensuring children meet and exceed Tennessee’s rigorous academic standards, especially related to early grade literacy. The network is made possible by a grant from the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation working in collaboration with United Ways of Tennessee (UWTN). The UWGK is an active member of UWTN , an association of 38 state-wide United Ways who join together to provide a collective voice on these and other important health and human services matters. “The Tennessee Afterschool Network supports UWGK’s vision of ‘A Better Life for All. A Better Life for You.’ where all children receive a quality education that offers a pathway to a brighter tomorrow,” said Danelle Glasscock, executive director, UWGK. “Research tells us that students participating in high-quality afterschool programs have better school attendance and higher performance on standardized tests compared to students who do not participate in afterschool programs,” added Glasscock.

KINGSPORT CITY SCHOOLS TO BE HONORED AT SCORE PRIZE BANNER PRESENTATION Kingsport City Schools will be honored on Thursday, March 12, 2015 by the State Collaborative on Reforming Education (SCORE) during a Banner Presentation for being named the top school district in Tennessee as winner of the 2014 SCORE Prize District Award. Community members, leaders, teachers, parents, and students of Kingsport City Schools, selected as the best public school district in Tennessee, will be honored at a special presentation that will kick off the Kingsport City Schools Elementary and Middle School Citywide Choral Festival beginning at 7 p.m. located in the Robinson Middle School Auditorium, 1517 Jessee Street, Kingsport. The presentation and Citywide Choral Festival are open to the public and all are encouraged to attend. The SCORE Prize, sponsored by the State Collaborative on Reforming Education (SCORE), is the hallmark award for Tennessee public schools and districts.

DANCING WITH THE STARS The 7th season of Dancing with the Tri-Cities Stars continues to benefit SteppenStone Youth Treatment Services. Located in Limestone, TN, SteppenStone is a lifeline for boys aged 13-17 who have experienced emotional trauma and/or have severe behavioral issues. SteppenStone provides individually tailored treatment in a residential setting, in addition to day, intensive outpatient, and after-school services. SteppenStone creates a stable, loving home which affords the opportunity for 30 plus boys, who may otherwise be on the streets, to gain High School diplomas, vital technical skills and some have even gone on to grad school. We provide unfailing FAITH, HOPE and LOVE to these broken children who have no safe place to go. SteppenStone Youth Treatment Services is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and the entirety of the proceeds from this event directly benefits the boys. The proceeds from Dancing with the Tri-Cities Stars funds are not allocated for administration or other similar expenses. For further info please visit Steppenstoneyouth.org or call Paige Peters at 423-257-8600. FOOD LION FEEDS LAUNCHES “GROCERIES FOR GOOD” CAMPAIGN TO HELP FEED LOCAL FAMILIES STRUGGLING WITH HUNGER CAMPAIGN TO RUN IN ALL FOOD LION STORES FEB. 25- MARCH 17 SALISBURY, N.C. –Food Lion is partnering with its MVP customers and vendors in its more than 1,100 stores Feb. 25 – Mar. 17 to help solve hunger through its Food Lion Feeds “Grocery for Good” campaign. Through the campaign, when customers use their MVP card to purchase five participating items, Food Lion Feeds will help provide five meals to local food banks in partnership with Feeding America to help feed those in need. Working toward its commitment to provide 500 million meals by the end of 2020, Food Lion Feeds has already donated nearly 60 million meals through in-store campaigns, like “Groceries for Good,” its food donation program and local donations and volunteerism. To learn more about Food Lion Feeds or the “Groceries for Good” campaign, please visit www.foodlion.com/feeds.

ASHEVILLE OUTLETS ANNOUNCES CHARITY PREVIEW NIGHT TO BENEFIT AREA CHARITIES Open Doors. Open Hearts. Charity Preview Night. ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA (February 19, 2015) – Open Doors Open Hearts Charity Preview Night is a charity shopping event presented by Asheville Outlets on Thursday, April 30, 2015 from 5pm to 9pm. The public is invited to open their hearts as Asheville Outlets opens its doors with an exclusive charity night. Guests will enjoy a special preview of Asheville Outlets and an evening of shopping, exclusive savings, prize giveaways, entertainment and more. 100% of the ticket proceeds benefit 20 local non-profit organizations. Tickets are available online at www.shopashevilloutlets.com beginning March 2, 2015. Tickets are limited. “Open Doors Open Hearts is an exclusive preview of Asheville Outlets and shoppers are excited to get a sneak peek Tickets will go fast for this exclusive event so we are encouraging everyone to mark the date tickets go on sale and purchase tickets online quickly. It will be a fun and exciting evening of shopping and raising funds for so many local organizations” says Sharon Morgan, General Manager of Asheville Outlets. APRIL 2015 | VIPSEEN | 85

Seen on the Scene UNITED WAY ACTIVATES DISASTER RELIEF FUND WITH $25,000 INVESTMENT As communities in Southwest Virginia Continue to experience difficult weather events, United Way of Southwest Virginia announced activation of its Disaster Recovery Fund to assist those most affected by these recent events in the localities of Lee, Wise and Dickenson Counties and the City of Norton Virginia. United Way seeded its Disaster Recovery Fund with a $25,000 commitment. Individuals and organizations interested in contributing to the fund can visit the recovery fund link on United Way of Southwest Virginia’s website at UNITEDWAYSWVA.ORG/DISASTER or call (276) 628-2160. The United Way will form a Disaster Relief Fund Committee, composed of governmental officials and interested community organizations who have a vested interest in disaster response and recovery, which will make immediate funding recommendations to United Way, utilizing applications received and reviewed against guidelines prepared in advance. The funds will be distributed to vetted victims and partners serving victims of this disaster. Victims must clearly prove services are needed and demonstrate a need for financial support. United Way will take no administrative fees for distributing the fund.

BO WESTMORELAND, DDS AMONG THE FIRST DENTISTS IN TRICITIES TO ADMINISTER BOTOX® COSMETIC FOR TMJ, MYOFASCIAL PAIN, & HEADACHE THERAPY Johnson City, Tennessee, February 24, 2015: Dr. J.D. “Bo” Westmoreland is committed to providing his patients the latest advances in dentistry and specialty cosmetic enhancements including facial aesthetics. He now offers BOTOX® Cosmetic as an adjunct therapy to his oral pain-management and aesthetic dental services. Dr. Westmoreland recently received his license to administer BOTOX® treatments for treatment of TMJ (temporo-mandibular joint) disorders and associated jaw tension and pain (Migraines/Severe Headaches, Bruxism, and Orofacial pain) from the American Academy of Facial Esthetics (AAFE). The BOTOX® alternative treatment for TMJ disorders and jaw tension is usually quick, straightforward, and effective. A non-surgical procedure, BOTOX® treatments are administered in Dr. Westmoreland’s office and take about 10 minutes. Most patients experience noticeable improvement within one or two days of their first treatment, although in some cases relief can take up to a week. To schedule an Appointment with Dr. Westmoreland, please call (423) 282-2844.

BAYS MOUNTAIN PARK ANNOUNCES SCHEDULE FOR POPULAR ASTRONOMY PROGRAMS Bays Mountain Park’s free observing sessions of our skies – both night and day – have returned! StarWatch, a program allowing the public to enjoy the splendor of the night sky at the park’s observatories, returns every Saturday night in March and April, while SunWatch will take place every Saturday and Sunday at 3:00 p.m. near the park’s dam allowing the public to safely view the sun. Sessions are held each Saturday night in March and April starting at dusk. If the weather does not cooperate, an alternative activity will be held in the Planetarium. SunWatch is a great way to learn about the sun, our nearest star. Observing programs are held each clear Saturday and Sunday at 3:00 p.m. at the dam. Participants can witness the sun up close and in detail possibly getting a chance to see sunspots, dark patches on the sun’s photosphere that are often the size of the earth! Unlike StarWatch, no alternative programming will be available should weather conditions impact SunWatch programs. 86 | VIPSEEN | APRIL 2015

NISWONGER CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL, TIM TEBOW FOUNDATION ANNOUNCE NEW TIMMY’S PLAYROOM Children being treated in Niswonger Children’s Hospital will have something to make their day just a little bit brighter – Timmy’s Playroom, a special project of the Tim Tebow Foundation. The new playroom on the first floor of the region’s only children’s hospital opened Thursday, March 5. The goal: To provide patients with a place to smile, draw, create, play games, enjoy a positive atmosphere, and generally take their minds off their medical treatment. “We feel very fortunate to be able to offer Timmy’s Playroom to our patients and their families,” said Steven Godbold, assistant vice president and CEO of Niswonger Children’s Hospital. “We’re grateful to the Tim Tebow Foundation and to Miss Liana Head and her family for making this possible.” The mission of the Tim Tebow Foundation is “to bring Faith, Hope, and Love to those needing a brighter day in their darkest hour of need.” Timmy’s Playroom is not a typical playroom. In addition to standard playroom features, it provides activities, video games, state-of-the-art technology and even cozy lockers where children can sit and read or simply find solitude. There is an iPad that controls the display of children’s drawings as they are projected onto a jumbotron-style television mounted on the wall. There are custom football chairs, Bible verses etched into the wall, motivational quotes and of course memorabilia from Tebow himself.

Seen on the Scene BEETHOVEN’S NINTH SYMPHONY TAKES CENTER STAGE IN THE JOHNSON CITY SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA’S CONCERT, “RADIANT JOY,” ON MARCH 7. Under the direction of Music Director and Conductor Robert J. Seebacher, the concert features Sun-Joo Oh, soprano, Jan Wilson, mezzo-soprano, Thomas Rowell, tenor, and Reginald Smith, Jr., baritone. Accompanying the vocal solists will be the East Tennessee State University Chorale, under the direction of Matthew Potterton and Alan Stevens, and the King University Symphonic Choir, directed by William P. Flannagan. Also on the program is Franz Schubert’s Ballet Music from “Rosamunde.” The concert is sponsored by Pam and Greg Blair and Ralph and Deborah Van Brocklin. The March 7 “Radiant Joy” concert begins at 7:30 p.m. at the Mary B. Martin Auditorium of Seeger Chapel at Milligan College. Individual concert tickets are $35, $30 for seniors (65+), and $10 for students. Season tickets are still available online at www.jcsymphony. com or by calling the symphony office at 423-926-8742. Tickets for the entire season range from $70 to $150

INDEPENDENT PILOT’S ASSOCIATION FOUNDATION DONATES $15,000 TO FOOD BANK’S FOOD FOR KIDS PROGRAM Northeast, TN - The Independent Pilot’s Association Foundation donated $15,000 to the Food for Kids program of Second Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Tennessee on March 11, 2015. Local members of the IPA, Roland Waters and Captain David King, made the presentation. Captain King recommended Second Harvest for this donation from the IPA. Captain King is a legacy member of the IPA Foundation. The IPA Foundation is dedicated to providing for the well being of children. The IPA Foundation was officially formed in late 1993 and since then the Foundation has functioned as a separate entity, entirely self-sufficient, operated solely from the donations received through its members. JUNIOR LEAGUE OF BRISTOL REVEALS LITTLE FREE LIBRARY LITERACY PROJECT Bristol TN/VA (February 24, 2015): As literacy continues to remain a focus for the Junior League of Bristol, the volunteer organization announced their new project to benefit people of all ages in Bristol Tennessee and Virginia. The Little Free Library launch was held March 2 at the YMCA in Bristol, Tennessee. There will be a Little Free Library at the following locations: Wellmont Hospice in Bristol TN, Girls Inc. in Bristol VA, Healing Hands in Bristol TN, Slater Center in Bristol TN, YMCA in Bristol TN, and Sugar Hollow Park in Bristol VA. The community and supporters of Junior League of Bristol donated all of the books that will be placed in the Little Free Libraries, but the “Give a Book, Take a Book” philosophy will continue to involve the community as they utilize the Little Free Libraries. The Junior League of Bristol would like to thank partners who have been instrumental in the success of the project including: D & B Construction and Berry Home Center in Abingdon, Virginia. The Junior League of Bristol held a ribbon cutting on March 2, 2015 at 2pm at the Bristol, Tennessee YMCA, followed by crafts for children and a Dr. Seuss themed snack at 4pm. The organization is committed to promoting literacy and this project provides a convenient way to get books in the hands of the community. LITERACY STATEMENT: By concentrating our volunteer efforts, the Junior League of Bristol TN/VA will be a significant force in improving literacy and school readiness in the community through school partnerships, education, fundraising, advocacy, and hands-on projects. We will enhance our effectiveness in the community by striving to maintain membership satisfaction.

The donation will be used to support the Food for Kids program of Second Harvest which provides a bag full of healthy snacks and easy to prepare meal items for over 4,600 school children in our region who may not have enough to eat in the home. TICKETS ON SALE APRIL 1ST FOR THE HOPS & HOWLERS CRAFT BREW FEST Advance tickets for The Hops & Howlers Craft Brew Fest in Abingdon will go on sale April 1st, with a special Early Bird price of $30 available through April 15th. The one-day beer festival takes place June 20, 2015 in downtown Abingdon, featuring over 30 breweries from the region, plus food vendors and live music from Ancient Cities and Blue Mother Tupelo. Hops & Howlers is presented by Abingdon Main Street and the Abingdon Music Experience. The festival takes place from 4:00pm to 9:00pm Saturday June 20th, at the Abingdon Market Pavilion on Remsburg Drive. In its first year, the Brew Fest attracted over 500 visitors, and organizers are expecting a bigger turnout for the second year, after making tweaks to improve the experience for attendees. The later time helps beat the summer heat, and brewery booths will be located under the shade of the pavilion. The lawn in front of the band will be available for chairs and picnic tables. Formed by creative songster, DJ, and former actor Stephen Warwick, Ancient Cities melds well-crafted lyrics with synth-laden psychedelia and cinematic moodiness. With electrifying sets at festivals like FloydFest, Bristol Rhythm & Roots, Drumstrong and more, the band turned the heads of critics, fans, and contemporaries alike. “Ancient Cities bridge the gap between indie-rock and classic rock with swift, fuzzy guitars, excited drumming and dreamy atmospheres”-Inforty (UK) Next on the bill is the unique southern soul sound of Blue Mother Tupelo. Paste Magazine calls this husband-and-wife duo “swampy, gospel-tinged southern soulblues…[with] soul-searing harmonies.” Blue Mother Tupelo is American music that will pull you in to stomp and sway all night long. APRIL 2015 | VIPSEEN | 87

SEEN IN BRISTOL

BRISTOL TRAIN STATION

AAF Southwest Va. Awards Gala PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY JAMES HELMS

The Bristol Train Station played host this year to the North by Southwest 2015 American Advertising Awards Gala held by the American Advertising Federation of Southwest Virginia. The event was emceed by Channel Five news anchor Paul Johnson. Awards were given to businesses and students from the southwest Virginia area. This marked the third year for the event. According to President Elana Blevins Todt there was a 35% increase in entries over last year and a 50% increase in student entries. This also marked the first time that a Silver Medal Award was presented to honor the career and legacy of Dirk Moore and his lasting contribution to the advertising community. Dinner for the evening was provided by Troutdale catering.

Ken Heath, Pamela Heath, and Jerry Breen

Food City

Elizabeth Berry, Carol Luckel, and Kim Stewart

Jeremy Bise

Paul Johnson

Cumberland Marketing

Dirk Moore Christina Druen, Christin McCarthy, Taylor Banner, and Kevin Anzenberger

88 | VIPSEEN | APRIL 2015

Lauren Sapp and Kelsey Hubbard

THE CHARLES

SEEN IN JOHNSON CITY

Third Annual

Battle of the Batter PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY SAVANNA MCDAVID

Professional, Semi-professional, High School Culinary Arts and Amateur Home Bakers from all over Northeast Tennessee brought their best cupcakes to the Charles in downtown Johnson City for the third annual Battle of the Batter on Sunday March 8th. Guests were able to try cupcakes of all kinds and flavors and also got to help judge in the professional category. A milk and coffee bar accompanied the cupcakes and brought out the taste of each one. Everyone in attendance was also able to take home six cupcakes of their choice from the Professional category. The third annual Battle of the Batter supports the American Cancer Society of Northeast Tennessee. The American Cancer Society is the nationwide community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem. The Northeast Tennessee branch works with local patients, families and volunteers to carry out their mission. To learn more about the American Cancer Society, visit cancer.org and to learn about volunteering locally visit them at volunteermatch.org.

Christina Spade, Sara Meredith, Emily Clemmons, and Kelcey Galligan

David and Michele Horner

Cake Belles

Cakes in a Cup

Home Baker Christy Massey

Caked! By Ginger

Alex, Amy, and Natalie

Dru Dykes, Tony Dauss, and Zoe Abernathy

Mark and Amanda Little

Petite Sweets

Science Hill High School Culinary Arts

Jessica Poff and Bobbie Griffithâ&#x20AC;¨

APRIL 2015 | VIPSEEN | 91

VIP NONPROFIT Profile

Coalition for Kids, Inc.

Changing the “World…One Kid

“

at a Time

STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF COALITION FOR KIDS, INC.

92 | VIPSEEN | APRIL 2015

I am

Randy Hensley, Executive Director of Coalition For Kids, Inc. My heart and my passion truly lie within C4K and I am excited to share this passion with you. Coalition For Kids is a faith-based, non-profit agency that began as a grassroots effort planted within one of the lowest income, highest crime areas in Johnson City, Tennessee. Since opening our doors in 1999, we have grown from one central location serving twenty-five children to eight sites throughout Johnson City operating on a daily basis. In the past sixteen years, over 6,300 children have been impacted in a program which seeks to change lives through homework assistance, snacks and suppers as well as extra-curricular activities offered by trained tutors and volunteers who wrap their hearts around our children and pour the love of Christ into them. Over 380 children are currently enrolled in our after-school and evening programs and this past summer, over 140 children were enrolled in our eightweek summer program. Most of us had not had to face the challenges many of our Coalition children face on a regular basis: single parent families, growing up in a surrounding of physical, sexual, drug and alcohol abuse, generational poverty and neglect. Children facing these situations are considered “at-risk” and research shows “at-risk youth are at the highest risk of being a victim of violence between 2pm-6pm or involved in peak hours of crime between 3pm-4pm.” (Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention). Coalition was born out of the need to prevent more children from becoming statistics by giving them the opportunity to beat the statistics…to go beyond their immediate circumstances and instead, achieve their dreams and reach their full potential as a productive member of their community. I invite you to come and meet Coalition For Kids firsthand. Come see the children we serve everyday as bus after bus unloads child after child. Come sit with the child who works on homework and then stays for supper. Know with certainty that you can join with us in making an impact. I look forward to meeting you!

MISSION STATEMENT: To help children grow in wisdom and stature and in the favor of God and man. Based on Luke 2:52 And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: 5 Days a Week at Coalition For Kids.

Over 250 children are registered in our after-school program which operates in eight different sites located throughout Johnson City. Over 130 children are registered in our evening program which operates at our main location as well as a new location housed in Keystone Housing Community. A nutritious snack is served to each child after school. More than 29,500 snacks will be served this year. Each child in our evening programs begins the night with a hot meal. More than 21,000 hot dinners will be served this year. Volunteers are crucial to our programs and stand side by side with our C4K staff serving our children. Over 600 volunteers will give approximately 3,000 hours of time this year.

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SEEN IN KINGSPORT

THE FARMER’S MARKET

PEAK Red Carpet Event STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY SAVANNA MCDAVID

The Kingsport Farmer’s Market was alive with paparazzi as young professionals walked the red carpet entering the event. Over 250 young professionals from the Kingsport area gathered Saturday Night, February 28 to meet new friends and network. The reason for the evening was for the PEAK organization to recruit new member and past members. The event was catered by Stirfry Cafe and offered a full bar for all guests. After attendees learned the benefits of PEAK, some beautiful local art pieces were given away and then most everyone moved to the dance floor. A fun photo booth was a highlight of the evening. Professionals Engaged in Advancing Kingsport is an organization geared towards the social and professional growth of the region’s young professionals. A little over a year old, PEAK has five different components, social engagements, civic volunteerism, professional development, regional networking, and talent recognition that all make up the organization. It is in these five components young professionals are able to grow and flourish in their community. To lean more about PEAK or to learn how to become a member, visit them online at ypkingsport.org.

Dan and Stephanie Crandal

Josh Harville, Kim Wilhite, with Rebecca and Matthew Spivey

Lindsey Wilder and Lauren Glass

94 | VIPSEEN | APRIL 2015

Laura Smith and Brent Porter

Alexa Nottingham, Lynsey Bruntrnt, and Jennifer Harville

Jamie Howard, Carson Moore, and Michelle Butler

Tom Gonzalez, Davis Owens, and Drew Dickensian

Acacia Carlos, Matthew Linkous, with McClure and Kristen Boyd

John Haben and Savanna McDaivd

Josh and Sierra Taylor

Katie Croteau and Kate McGill

APRIL 2015 | VIPSEEN | 95

Pet Personals VIPSEEN TRI-CITIES CLASSIFIEDS

VOL. XI, April 2015 | The Premier Meeting Place for Pets and their Prospective Owners

Washington County/ Johnson City Animal Shelter

HELLO, MY NAME IS COOKIE. I am a sweet, loving

cat and I live at the Washington County Shelter for now. I am currently looking for a family of one or two. I don’t really like being around a lot of people and love attention so I prefer my human and I only. If you know someone looking for a loving friend, let them know I am here waiting on them!

525 Sells Ave. Johnson City, TN 37604 423-926-8769

HELLO EVERYONE, I’M COCONUT BUT MY FRIENDS CALL ME COCO. I haven’t been

at the Washington County Shelter very long and don’t hope to be. I am very affectionate and love kids! I am looking for my forever family, and hopefully they are a big family but no cats (that is where my affection stops). Please come visit me some time.

HELLO BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE, I’M POLLY. I am a seasoned

woman who resides at the Washington county Shelter. Although I enjoy living here with the friends I’ve made, I would love to experience the love of a family. I enjoy laps and long pettings and I can imagine I would get a lot of that at someone’s home. If you would like a good friend come meet me!

VCA Highlands Animal Hospital

Scott County humane Society

25011 Lee Hwy Abingdon, VA 24211 276-628-4115

Gate City, VA 276-452-7247

HELLO GUYS! I’M ANDI! I am a young blue

HI GUYS, I’M KASIMIR. I’m

HI EVERYBODY, I’M CHARLIE and I am a few

months old! I am staying with the nice people at VAC Highlands Animal Hospital right now, they saved my life. Now, thanks to them, I am neutered and up to date on all vaccines. But I want someone who will love me and give me a lot of attention, I am a good boy and will do tricks for food! Please somebody come play with me and take me home.

96 | VIPSEEN | APRIL 2015

one of the happiest, lovable guys you will ever meet. I enjoy my home at VCA Highlands Animal Hospital, but I’m in the market for a family. Look at these eyes, how could anyone resist my hypnotic, gorgeous, big green eyes? If you state long enough you will want to take me home. I am ready for some unconditional lovin so come on ladies, keep staring.

heeler who is loads of fun. I am very friendly and outgoing and have lots of energy. I love to play and would like a family with kids to adopt me. Kids are my favorite! I am neutered and up to date on all my shots, so I am ready to go home! If you know anyone looking for a bundle of joy and energy send them to the Scott County Humane Society!

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