VIPSEEN December 2017

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February 2 All dressed up!

, 2018

Friday night!!!

Party on the M oon is back!

Social event of the year!

Tickets go on sale in January!

KingsportChamber.org

FOUNDER/PUBLISHER Angela J. Baker angela@vipseenmag.com

Letter from the Publisher

CO-OWNER Mickey J. Baker CREATIVE DIRECTOR Angelica Ares angelica_a@vipseenmag.com EVENTS COORDINATOR Allison Galloway allison@vipseenmag.com VIPSEEN LIVE! Whitney Carr whitney@vipseenmag.com Morgan King morgan@vipseenmag.com ACCOUNT MANAGERS Lark Adams 423.612.3583 lark@vipseenmag.com Brian Chapman 865.567.6488 BrianChapman@vipseenmag.com April Barnes 423.646.4626 april@vipseenmag.com Kirsten Hall 423.502.0695 kirsten@vipseenmag.com Carolyn Kestner 423.530-5092 carolyn@vipseenmag.com COPY EDITOR Lucy Honeychurch CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Jennifer Ares Liz Bushong Jurnee Carr Crystal Dawn Carter Linda Coffey Eric Donahue George Emerson Allison Galloway Sherri Jessee Jerris D. Sensabaugh Beth Street PHOTOGRAPHY Liz Bushong Jurnee Carr Crystal Dawn Carter Linda Coffey Eric Donahue Allison Galloway Nathan Mays Jerris D. Sensabaugh DIRECTOR OF DISTRIBUTION Barbara Werner DISTRIBUTION Travis Bondurant Eric Donahue Martin Kilgore Mark Kilgore Leslie Morgan WEBMASTER High Road Digital VIPSEEN, Inc., Tri-Cities 151 E. Main Street, Suite 5 Kingsport, TN 37660 423.398.5321 info@vipseenmag.com WWW.VIPSEENMAG.COM

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december 2017 | www.vipseenmag.com

Thank you for a wonderful year!

We are looking forward to 2018.

All our best, The Staff at VIPSEEN ON THE COVER

Brooke Bentley and her daughter Sola with Santa Claus

PHOTOGRAPHY BY Nathan Mays Photography

December Contents EVENTS

49 52

FEATURES 8 ON THE COVER

BROOKE BENTLEY: A CLOSER LOOK

20 LAST MINUTE HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 26 NEW YEAR, NEW YOU

DEPARTMENTS 6 CALENDAR OF EVENTS 7 PET PERSONALS 16 VIP BEAUTY

BOMBSHELLS & BRAIDS

58 ARTSEEN

A Q&A WITH ELISSA WOOD

74 SERVE IT UP SASSY

ALL SPRUCED UP...FOR CHRISTMAS 94 WIT BIT

‘TWAS THE FIRST OF DECEMBER...

10 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer 11 Little Pink Dress Party – A Night of Survivors 11 The Pink Party 12 2nd Annual Stigma Stops Now Gala 14 Kingsport Halloween Bash 18 Junior League of Kingsport Women of Impact Reception 24 26th Annual Miss Food City Pageant 36 Walk for Wellness Expo 41 Kiwanis Night – A Journey Back to the Miocene Period 42 Bikers and Bows 4th Annual Poker Run 43 Celebration of Pro Bono Service 43 Bell Helicopter St. Jude’s Check Presentation 44 Downtown Showdown for Contact 211 44 Kingsport Ballet Welcome Reception 45 Barktoberfest 46 Musicale Masquerade 49 Santa Train & Santa’s Depot 52 Bristol Rotary 100th Anniversary Gala 53 House Dressing Open House 54 Dawn of Hope Spooktacular 60 Beauty Bash at Tri Cities Skin & Cancer 61 First Watch open to benefit United Way of Johnson City 62 Tri-Cities Walk to Defeat ALS 63 Walk to End Alzheimer’s 64 Final Spotlight Artist Reception 65 8th Annual Breakfast with Santa’s Helper 66 The Virginian Golf Club’s 25th Anniversary 67 Touch A Truck sponsored by Junior League of Johnson City 68 Paint Barnes and Noble Purple 70 ST. Jude Walk – Run to End Childhood Cancer 71 Young Life Banquet 72 3rd Annual Tri-Cities Boo Bash 76 Holiday Expo and Craft Bazaar hosted by Student Veterans of America 77 H.O.P.E. Community Breakfast 77 H.O.P.E. Open House 79 HUMANAE and Spotlight Artist Reception 80 Storytelling Festival 81 Kingsport Pepper Festival 82 Kingsport State of the City Breakfast 84 Dog-A-Palooza 85 Ladies Night at Bowman Jewelers 86 Humane TN Grassroots Discussion Forum 87 Simply Perfect Draw 89 Miss Apple Festival 90 Unicoi County Apple Festival 91 Heritage Days 92 38th Annual Christmas Connection 95 Denim & Diamond BBQ, Bidding and Bluegrass Bash 96 3rd Annual Dennis Phillips Leadership Kingsport Golf Tournament www.vipseenmag.com | december 2017

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Calendar of Events / DECEMBER 2017 DECEMBER 1 7:30am Kingsport Chamber Holiday Breakfast Meadowview Marriott Conference Resort & Convention Center Kingsport, TN 423-392-8800 bfeagins@kingsportchamber.org 6:00pm Friends of Allandale Annual Christmas Party Allandale Mansion Kingsport, TN 423-229-9422 hoover@chartertn.net 6:30pm Night of Holiday Miracles Meadowview Marriott Conference Resort & Convention Center Kingsport, TN 423-408-7295 Ashlea.ramey@wellmont.org 7pm Johnson City Christmas Tree Lighting Buffalo Street Plaza Downtown Johnson City 423-461-8000 frontdesk@ johnsoncitytnchamber.com DECEMBER 2 8:30 am – 1:30 pm Breakfast with Santa Hale Springs Inn Rogersville, TN 423-272-5171 Info@halespringsinn.com 9am Girls on the Run Fall 5k ETSU Thomas Stadium Johnson City, TN 423-502-6910

Jessica.thomas@girlsontherun.org

11:30 am – 2:30 pm Johnson City Christmas Parade and Whoville Village Pavilion at Founders Park Johnson City, TN 423-461-8000

frontdesk@johnsoncitytnchamber. com

2-4pm Intercity Ballet Theater’s Tea with Clara and Cast Blue Ridge Properties 321 Broad St. Kingsport, TN 423-246-2199 rebekahbrickey@gmail.com 6

5pm Downtown Kingsport Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting Downtown Kingsport, TN 423-246-6550

7pm Annual Bristol Christmas Parade 620 State Street Bristol, TN 423-573-2201 info@believeinbristol.org

5pm 10th Annual Benefit Dinner The Outdoorsmen Blountville, TN 423-817-5881 Facebook.com/benefitdinner

DECEMBER 9 9am – 11am Breakfast with Santa Holiday Inn and Convention Center Johnson City, TN 423-724-7398 seasonsofhopetn@gmail.com

melissa@downtownkingsport.org

6pm Downtown Elizabethton Christmas Parade 500 Veterans Memorial Parkway Elizabethton, TN 423-547-3850 director@elizabethtonchamber. com

DECEMBER 3 11am – 1pm The Royal Holiday Ball Holiday Inn and Convention Center Johnson City, TN

fairy@princessmemeproductions. com

1pm – 5pm Holly Jolly Holiday Market Carnegie Hotel Johnson City, TN 2pm Downtown Kingsport Holiday Loft Tours Downtown Kingsport, TN 423-246-6550

melissa@downtownkingsport.org

DECEMBER 5 5:30pm Centennial Reception Kingsport City Hall Lobby 423-229-9400

adriennebartara@kingsporttn.gov

DECEMBER 6 7am Regional Membership Breakfast Second Harvest Food Bank Kingsport, TN 423-989-4850 Ashuttle@bristolchamber.org DECEMBER 7 5pm – 8pm Jingle and Mingle Downtown Kingsport 423-246-6550

melissa@downtownkingsport.org

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10am – 4pm 2nd Annual Christmas Vendor Craze Southwest VA Higher Education Center Abingdon, VA 276-669-8686 12pm – 4pm Tanasi Christmas Open House Town of Unicoi Tourist Information Center Unicoi, TN 423-737-6522 tanasiarts@gmail.com 1pm – 7pm 5th Annual Holiday Cookie Extravaganza Fizz Soda Bar Johnson City, TN 423-743-3071 unicoicountyanimalshelter@ gmail.com 3pm – 6pm FRIENDS Christmas Social Crossroads Christian Church Johnson City, TN 423-946-3734 admin@dsfriends.net 6pm Jonesborough Christmas Parade Historic Downtown

Jonesborough 423-791-3869 Rachelc@jonesboroughtn.org 8pm Prohibition for the Paws The Venue Johnson City, TN 423-788-9105

prohibitionforthepaws@gmail.com

DECEMBER 9 – 10 10am – 5pm Tour of Homes by Junior League of Kingsport 418 Shelby Street Kingsport, TN 423-245-1321 jlkpt@embarqmail.com DECEMBER 10 2pm – 4pm A Church Circle Christmas Advent Open House Church Circle Kingsport, TN staff@fbsumc.org DECEMBER 12 6pm Christmas Lights 3k Walk and 8k Run Indian Highland Park Kingsport, TN 423-956-6695 team@love-share.org DECEMBER 14 6pm 2017 Annual KOSBE Awards Meadowview Marriott Conference Resort & Convention Center Kingsport, TN 423-392-8800 abhave@kingsportchamber.org DECEMBER 16 10am – 5pm Winter Vendorland Christmas Shopping Event Hilton Garden Inn Bristol, VA

12pm Wreaths Across America Day Mountain Home National Cemetery Johnson City, TN 423-349-4622 Dcart@charter.net DECEMBER 23 10:30am Miniature Terrarium Pop-in Activity Gray Fossil Site & Museum Gray, TN 423-439-3659 Kristine@handsonmuseum.org 10:30am Winter Wonderland Pop-in Activity Hands On! Regional Museum Johnson City, TN 423-434-4263 Kristine@handsonmuseum.org DECEMBER 25 4pm 37th Annual Christmas Dinner 700 Cumberland St. Bristol, VA 276-669-9488 Emmanuelbristol@gmail.com DECEMBER 31 7pm Kari’s Heart Foundation New Year’s Eve Gala Carnegie Hotel Johnson City, TN 423-913-1171 Karisheartfoundation.org 8pm New Year’s Eve Street Party Downtown Kingsport 423-229-9400

adriennebartara@kingsporttn.gov

December @ BARTER THEATRE: WHITE CHRISTMAS

A timeless tale of joy and goodwill filled with Irving Berlin’s call songs, topped off with glorious dancing and lots of snow makes this a show a holiday classic for all audiences!

Other shows playing in December at the Barter Theatre: Rudolph The Santaland Diaries A Tuna Christmas

Visit www.BarterTheatre.com or call 276-628-3991 for show times and to purchase tickets.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY NATHAN MAYS 8

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Brooke BENTLEY COVER STORY

A CLOSER LOOK

TELL US ABOUT BROOKE…ARE YOU ORIGINALLY FROM THE TRI-CITIES? IF NOT, WHERE DID YOU GROW UP? WHAT BROUGHT YOU TO THE TRI-CITIES? I am from a small coal mining town in Kentucky called Phelps. I came to the Tri-Cities to attend ETSU. I worked as a nurse for several years and then established my business in Johnson City. I fell in love with the area and the community and have since developed valuable relationships and friendships that I treasure.

DESCRIBE A TYPICAL DAY IN BROOKE’S WORLD… My day begins with an early morning workout at the gym.

Fitness is an important part of my life. It gives me the stamina to maintain my busy schedule. When I arrive back home, I get myself and my daughter ready for the day. Then I head to work. Most mornings, I head to my practice in Johnson City and on some days I drive to Knoxville, where I manage a Dermatology medispa.

I do my best to be home by 6:30pm. I like to cook a healthy dinner with my family. I try to practice what I preach to all of my patients about the importance of a healthy diet.

The evening is my favorite part of the day because I get to spend it playing with my daughter. I try to keep a routine with her and enjoy bathtime right before bed.We like to sing and read before bedtime.

To end my day, after a little of down time, I try to respond to emails and catch up on a little work. This is when my coworkers, friends, and family receive all those late night emails from me.

HOW HAS HAVING YOUR DAUGHTER CHANGED YOUR LIFE? Having Sola has changed my life in every way! It has truly added meaning and sense of purpose. I didn’t know unconditional love until I had her. She keeps me on my toes and makes me so happy. There is never a dull moment with her. I love each stage of watching her grow and seeing her personality develop.

ARE THERE ANY SPECIAL TRADITIONS THAT YOU PLAN TO CARRY ON WITH YOUR DAUGHTER? Every year, during our travels, we collect a new ornament for our Christmas tree. Family is very important to me, so we always get together with our extended family during the holidays and on Sundays when we aren’t traveling we enjoy attending our church as a family.

WHAT DID YOU WANT TO DO WHEN YOU GREW UP WHEN YOU WERE A KID? I always enjoyed taking care of people. I think I realized this passion when I had a job as a lifeguard as a teenager.

WHAT DO YOU DO TO RELAX AND UNWIND? I work a lot and travel often, so when I do find some downtime I like to relax and watch movies with my best friend and fiancé Theo.

WHAT IS YOUR IDEA OF A PERFECT DAY? Spending time with my family somewhere warm, eating amazing food.

WHAT PLACE TO VISIT IS ON YOUR BUCKET LIST? I would love to visit Iceland and see the Northern Lights.

WHAT DO YOU SEE YOURSELF DOING MORE OF WHEN YOU RETIRE? Spending more time with my family, traveling, volunteering.

WHAT PHILOSOPHY OR QUOTE DO YOU USE TO INSPIRE YOU IN YOUR DAY-TO-DAY ACTIONS? Treat others how you wish to be treated. That is my motto and I want to instill that in my daughter, as well. Treating people the way you would like to be treated is a philosophy that, in my opinion, will make you a better, kinder, healthier person.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A YOUNGER YOU? This is an easy one, but it did take me a long time to realize it...don’t stress the small stuff. Life has a funny way of always working out, and you don’t need to overstress about things. You should also make sure to enjoy every part of your life. Life can pass you by with a blink of an eye, so travel often and love a lot.

WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE SUBJECT IN SCHOOL? THE ONE YOU DISLIKED THE MOST? WHY? Hands down, my favorite subject was math. I would say, that is was probably because I was good at it. I also enjoyed human anatomy. I didn’t think about it until I was answering these questions, but “helping others” and my love of “human anatomy” are two of the deciding factors that lead me to where I am today.

WHAT DID YOU ONCE PLACE A GREAT DEAL OF IMPORTANCE ON THAT, AS AN ADULT, YOU SEE IS REALLY NOT A BIG DEAL? Relationships. Not that they are not a big deal, but I have realized that intimate relationships and friendships are more about quality than quantity. It’s not about how many people are in my life, but about how true and honest the ones I would like to keep forever are.

NAME ONE THING THAT OTHERS DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU THAT YOU WISH THEY DID. While I am most known for my work in the aesthetics field, I am very passionate integrative medicine and health. I like to empower my patients to be proactive about their own health and disease prevention.

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SEEN IN

JOHNSON CITY FOUNDER’S PARK

CRYSTAL FINK, DEBBIE PAUL, AND LISA COX

JAN TURNER AND LISA HARRIS

Making Strides

TUCKER WITH SARA HUMPHREY AND CAITLYN FRANCE

Against Breast Cancer PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY CRYSTAL DAWN CARTER

Teams and supporters came out to Founder’s Park on October 22, 2017 to Founder’s Park in Johnson City for the annual American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk.

Several teams and sponsors had tents set up that let guests by baked goodies, t-shirts and bags, hair and face paint, and many other items. Each sale added to the team totals for the American Cancer Society event.

PEPE’S PINK LADIES

Those walkers that are survivors of breast cancer were donning a special sash, and wore identification tags were labeled with name and the number of years they have lived or survived with the disease.

It was also a time for survivors to reconnect with one another.

Some were celebrating another year cancer free, others were praying and comforting those experiencing a recurrence of cancer, and all around there was support.

For more information about the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk http://makingstrideswalk. org/tricitiestn.

AMBER LITTLE, CRYSTAL GRINDSTAFF, AND KELSEY CULLOP

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DEENA BENTON AND SHARON BAINES

KARLA NEWBERRY, RACHEL NEWBERRY, AND MEGAN GRAHAM

ISABELLA, HALEY, AND LILLY

SANDRA FOX, BRITTNEY BERRY, BETH BERRY, AND BREANNE VAUDINOT

SEEN IN

OLIVIA AND BELLA FAULISE

SEEN IN

JOHNSON CITY

JOHNSON CITY

THE GALLERY

THE WOMEN’S HEALTH AND IMAGING CENTER

TRAVIS AND KELLY VANZANT

Little Pink Dress Party A Survivor Celebration!

PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY ERIC DONAHUE

On September 28th, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Tri Cities TN/VA hosted their 2nd annual Little Pink Dress Party - a celebration of survivorship. “Real men” paired up with local Breast Cancer survivors to celebrate survivorship and to raise awareness and money to make strides against breast cancer. For more information, please visit http://makingstrideswalk.org/tricitiestn.

MICHELLE REAGAN, NORA HAYNES, AND MISTY JENKINS

JONATHAN, WILLIAM, AND ERIC

The Pink Party PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY ERIC DONAHUE

The Pink Party was held on Sunday October 1st at the Women’s Health and Imaging Center in Johnson City. This was a free event to celebrate women’s health that featured free screenings and information on mammograms and other women’s health services. Health care professionals were onsite as well as local vendors offering crafts, jewelry, and aesthetic services. For more information please visit www.mountainstateshealth.com/pink-party.

BREAST CANCER SURVIVORS

DENISE DOVER AND RONDA JOHNSTON

MR. AND MRS. DAVID JONES AND SON BLAKE

THIS YEARS “REAL MEN”

TARA CHADWELL AND NICOLE MOORE

TARA CHADWELL AND NICOLE MOORE

OLIVIA FAULISE, APRIL FAULISE, ADAM DENNISON, AND BELLA FAULISE

RHONDA, KARI, AND LAURI WITH MSHA

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SEEN IN

JOHNSON CITY MILLENNIUM CENTRE

ARTIE HALL WITH DAVID AND ELIZABETH REYNOLDS

JASON AND CARRIE MORRELL

KEISHIA REESE, CRISTI BLACK, AND KATHRYN LYON

2nd Annual Stigma

Stops Now Gala PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY ERIC DONAHUE

On Friday, September 29th, the Frontier Health Foundation hosted the 2nd annual Stigma Stops Now Gala at the Millennium Centre in Johnson City. This year ’s Gala included Live Music, fine dining and featured guest speaker Mrs. Shawn Johnson. Mrs. Shawn Johnson is a former artistic gymnast who received a gold medal and two silver medals in the 2008 Olympics. Johnson spoke of her struggles with mental illness and depression and how she overcame them.

TEAM FRONTIER HEALTH EVENT VOLUNTEERS

DR THERESA KIDD, PRESIDENT AND CEO OF FRONTIER HEALTH

The mission of Frontier Health is to provide quality services that encourages people to achieve their full potential. The Frontier Health Foundation directly supports the programs that serve our community through community partnerships, investments and giving. For more information please visit www.frontierhealtfoundation.org IVY AND DEREK ADKISSON

ROBBIE AND AMBER WAGNER WITH CORINNE RIVERA AND CHAD MILLER

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ERIC AND KATHLEEN GREEN WITH DAPHNE BLANTON

OLYMPIAN SHAWN JOHNSON

TRAVIS AND HOLLY WILLIAMS WITH SHERRIKA MAULDIN

SEEN IN

KINGSPORT KINGSPORT FARMER’S MARKET

BURCHELL CARTER

ROBIN CLEARY AND JACKIE SYLVESTER

LUCI GAGE AND SHANNON MORELOCK

Kingsport Halloween Bash PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY LINDA COFFEY

Saturday, October 28th, was a fun night at the Farmer ’s Market in Kingsport! Scary people, funny people, and just plain different folks showed up for the Tri-Cities largest Halloween Party, presented by Bud Light. The event included music by Acoustifried, live DJ, games, food trucks, and the $1500 Halloween Express Costume Contest.

Whitney Carr and Morgan King of VIPSEEN Live hosted the Costume Contest. Pal’s was the runner up to the winner, Pennywise.

Proceeds from the event will go to Keep Kingsport Beautiful, which offers the community opportunities to participate in various green projects that preserve and protect our environment.

ALEX AND JENNIFER MAYES WITH OLIVIA BRAY

BRIAN AND DREA HOWMAN

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EDDIE AND AMBER SMITH

PAM AND MIKE REHART

SHARON AND DARRELL DUNCAN

GREG AND DAWN RUSSELL

DUSTIN AND MELISSA MABE

HEATHER STANLEY AND CINDY FIELDS

CARLA STRICKLAND, SAMANTHA MCCRAW, AND HOLLY MUSE

WELCOME TO THE PARTY!

TIM AND LAURA HATCHER

AARON FRANKLIN, REBEKAH BASS, AND MEGAN FRANKLIN

WHITNEY CARR, PENNYWISE, AND MORGAN KING

MARTIE BELL AND HARRY WARREN

HALIE COX AND MATT WELLS

SARAH AND JASON BROWN

LILLY HEAD AND ELLA GUY

ACOUSTIFRIED

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VIPBEAUTY

Bombshells & Braids

BY SHERRI JESSEE

To purchase products and to view the makeup tutorial video for this look visit: wwwsherrijessee.com

Look One: Bombshell Body

Apply a small amount of a bodifying mousse and blow dry hair. Spray each section with hair spray and wrap hair on a 1.5� SULTRA Bombshell wand to create beautiful waves in the hair.

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Look Two Braided Bun Steps for a Braided Bun

1. Brush hair back and secure into a low ponytail and pin on a bun donut. (Leave the front sections out.)

2. Divide the ponytail and create two braids.

3. Wrap the two braids around and cover the bun pad.

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4

Insert a headband for decoration above the braided bun.

Braid the side sections. Wrap around to the back and pin to secure.

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MODEL: BELLA HAIR & MAKEUP: SHERRI JESSEE PHOTO: NATHAN MAYS

SEEN IN

KINGSPORT KINGSPORT CHAMBER

SHARON AND PAL BARGER

VALERIE KETRON AND MARY SEWELL

ROB MONTGOMERY WITH HIS MOTHER, RUTH MONTGOMERY

Junior League of Kingsport Women of Impact Reception PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY LINDA COFFEY

The Junior League of Kingsport celebrated “ Women of Impact ” honorees and family representatives at a reception on Sunday, November 5th at the Kingsport Chamber of Commerce.

More than 130 selected individuals represent some of the many outstanding women who have contributed to 100 years of Kingsport histor y. The “ Women of Impact ” list includes individuals, both living and deceased, from a broad range of organizations that have influenced Kingsport with contributions encompassing community service, professional, religious, education and healthcare areas.

JOSIE REID

SYLVIA WRIGHT

“The Junior League of Kingsport takes pride in a histor y that is rich and inspiring,” said Tina Pasquale, JLK President. “Our histor y is rooted in the belief that a group of women can be a powerful force for change, and these ‘ Women of Impact ’ represent past and present JLK members as well as others who have significantly impacted our community.”

HEATHER COOK, LUCY FLEMING, AND CINDY TURNER LEMONS

CARYL GRIFFIN RUSSELL AND JAMIE MONTGOMERY

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MICHELLE BACON AND TABITHA SELLS

ANNE GARBER, SUSAN LAGUARDIA, AND JO MORRISON

JO MORRISON AND BRENDA WHITE WRIGHT

DEBBIE WAGGONER, MARY SEWELL, AND PENNY GRAY

TINA PASQUALE AND ASHLEY COOPER

CARLA KARST AND JUDY PHILLIPS

ETTA CLARK AND JEANETTE BLAZIER

BETSY BOYD

KITTY FRAZIER AND MARY MARGARET DENTON

VALENTINA ESCOBAR GONZALEZ AND AUNDREA WILCOX

LAST MINUTE

Barter’s Season PassBooks are the best way for you to see the most theatre for less! Barter offers a variety of passes that will fit with your lifestyle.

Over 50% in savings on tickets to both Barter Theatre and Barter Stage II productions.

BARTER THEATRE 127 West Main Street Abingdon, VA 24210 276-628-3991 www.bartertheatre.com

The NEST Fragrance Collection Luxury Scented Candles

BOWMAN JEWELERS 2111 N. Roan St. Johnson City, TN 423-282-8101 BowmanJewelers.com

An exquisite collection of luxury scented candles available at Foxglove Antiques makes the perfect gift this season. The collection combines color, texture, and fragrance to enhance ones every day living and entertaining experience.

FOXGLOVE ANTIQUES FINE ENGLISH & AMERICAN ANTIQUES 289 W. Main Street Abingdon, Va 276-628-8598

Traditional, Fused & Infused Gourmet Oils and Specialty Dark & White Abingdon Olive varieties of gourmet freehas gift68with purchase of $25 | Abingdon Balsamic Vinegars. | $5Oil oils and balsamic vinegars, making for endless Oliveolive Oil Company | 152 E. Main St. Abingdon | 276.525.1524 | 102 combinations.

Use them for cooking, dipping and E. Main St. Kingsport 423.530.7676 | AbingdonOliveOilCo.com dressing everything from salads to meats to desserts.

This Christmas, Give the Gift of Good Health with Abingdon Olive Oil Company.

ABINGDON OLIVE OIL COMPANY 102 E. Main St. 152 E. Main St. Kingsport Abingdon 423-530-7676 276-525-1524 AbingdonOliveOilCo.com

Cluttered Cosmetics? Get organized with “The BEST makeup bag ever! Get yours today!

Shop on-line at sherrijessee.com or visit our salon.

SHERRI JESSEE 1932 Euclid Avenue Bristol, VA www.sherrijessee.com

Our annual Holiday Sale is back!

Buy at least $100 = Save 10% Buy at least $200 = Save 15% Buy $300 or more = Save 20% on your entire purchase!

These eGift Cards are valid on everything at Prestige Aesthetics, AND THEY NEVER EXPIRE! PRESTIGE AESTHETICS 217 E. Unaka Ave Johnson City, TN 423-302-0858 www.prestigeaesthetics.com 20

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Wind & Willow dessert and appetizer, dip mixes perfect for entertaining and gifts. Gluten-free choices.

Savory Seasons party cracker seasonings, RADA Cutlery, Captain Rodney’s and more for the kitchen connoisseurs in your life.

TC SKIN & CANCER 1009 N State of Franklin Access Rd Johnson City, TN 423-929-7546 www.tcskincare.com

GAZEBO PARTY SHOP 225 E Market St, Kingsport 423-245-0771

Our Minnie Rose Pom Slippers make the cutest holiday gift for the girl who has everything.

MONKEE’S OF JOHNSON CITY 2515 N Roan Street Johnson City, TN 423-328-9488

Stack candles are hand poured in Alabama, using the finest essential oils, cotton wicks and a premium soy wax. Made with the highest quality ingredients, Stack’s signature fragrances are clean, pure and refreshing. With packaging as luxurious as the candle itself, Stack’s distinctive design will create a lasting impression.

FABRIC ETC 507 State St. Bristol, VA 24201 276-644-4775

Long Rope Handbags in vibrant shades of turquoise. Hand tooled from the finest quality leather, these unique and artful bags will light up the face of your favorite bohemian or chic cowgirl.

TURQUOISE BOUTIQUE 238 E. Market Street Kingsport, TN 37660 423-343-9627 Turquoiseboutiquektg.com

We have one of the most extensive selection of pipes and accessories available in our area.

From Peterson to Savinelli and everything in between, what you’re looking for is all right here at prices you can afford. Visit our Johnson City location in Boones Creek and browse our selection of pipes and accessories. Libation Station can help you select the perfect gift.

LIBATION STATION 4469 North Roan Street Johnson City, TN 423-928-6667 www.vipseenmag.com | december 2017

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LAST MINUTE

How adorable are these Tennessee & Virginia paperweights, handcrafted just for House Dressing

by Jane Evans Designs. The heart is placed right in Bristol! No matter which side of the street you call home, you know you will want one of each. Sold exclusively at House Dressing in Bristol, Va. HOUSE DRESSING 50 Euclid Avenue Bristol, Va 276-644-4881 www.ShopHouseDressing.com Style@ShopHouseDressing.com

Unique handmade jewelry. Leather, soldered stones, tassels, and angel wings! Found only at Fabric ETC in downtown Bristol.

FABRIC ETC 507 State St. Bristol, VA 24201 276-644-4775

Magnolia in Abingdon features products

by Anne Herring Neilson. Because of the high demand of her original oils and the popularity of her coffee table books, Anne continues to develop luxury home products which compliment her Angel Series. The growing line currently features boxed note cards and journals as pictured here. Sold exclusively at Magnolia in Abingdon, VA. MAGNOLIA 180 East Main Street Abingdon, Va 276-206-8134 22

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Looking for that unique gift for the outdoorloving person in your life? Isaacs has the perfect thing...a YETI. Every YETI product is built for the wild.

ISAACS POOLS & SPAS 3950 Bristol Highway Johnson City, TN 37601 423-542-2391 www.isaacspools.net

Hammitt bag designers are always on the quest for the finest quality leathers and hardware. Their search has taken them around the world helping them stay true to the idea that Hammitt’s customers are what matters most to them. Hammitt constantly pushes the envelope to prioritize craftsmanship. At Monkee’s, we are proud to carry some of Hammitt’s most loved bags. Treat that special lady in your life with the gift of one of these beautifully crafted bags.

MONKEE’S OF JOHNSON CITY 2515 N Roan Street Johnson City, TN 423-328-9488

Looking for the perfect Christmas ornament? Siegner’s LTD in Abingdon has a variety of unique ornaments to choose from. Add to your very own collection or give as a gift this Christmas Season.

Siegner’s is now in one location in downtown Abingdon.

SIEGNER’S LTD 226 East Main Street Abingdon, Va 276-739-9934

Shop our Beautique and get what you really want for Christmas...Louis!

One entry for every $75 spent in the Beautique.

Gift Card purchases are included. Items are not returnable.

HAIR BENDERS SALON 2617 East Center Street Kingsport, TN 423-378-4247 hairbenderssalon.com Fly Racing gear for youth, men and ladies.

We’ve got you covered from age 6 to 60.

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ADVANCED MEDICINE & AESTHETICS 3135 Peoples St #400, Johnson City, TN 37604 423-854-9200 www.advancedmedicinejc.com

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www.vipseenmag.com | december 2017

23

SEEN IN

BRISTOL PARAMOUNT THEATRE

DIRECTOR, LISA JOHNSON

CONRAD AND KATHY EVERHART

JAECEE RAE CARR AND JORDAN STOUT

Miss Food City Pageant PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY JURNEE CARR

The 26th annual Miss Food City pageant was held on October 28 in Bristol, VA. Twenty-three contestants from the K-VA-T area competed in private interview, swimsuit, and evening gown, with hopes at capturing this prestigious title. The Top 5 contestants: Megan Grace Stanley, Hannah Everhart, Jacquelyn Crawford, Olivia Green, and Champagyne Wilson answered an on-stage question before the queen’s court was announced. Reggie Neel, host of the pageant for 25 years and well-loved local radio host, was honored for his many years of dedication to the pageant. The Dugger Band from Greeneville and Holloway Dancers from Kingsport gave great performances between competition, and audience members received various Food City giveaways. Champagyne Wilson from Lexington, KY won Photogenic and received a $100 scholarship. 2nd runner up Jacquelyn Crawford from Church Hill, TN received a $250 scholarship. 1st runner up Megan Grace Stanley from Abingdon, VA received a $500 scholarship. The new Miss Food City 2018, Hannah Everhart from Jonesborough, TN, received a $3,000 scholarship from Food City and Rave, and will have the opportunity of a lifetime to represent Food City at races and various events throughout the year. Proceeds from the pageant benefitted the Twin Cities Women’s Club. Congrats to all the contestants for a wonderful show, and a huge round of applause for the new Miss Food City 2018, Hannah Everhart! Way to go, Queen!

MISS FOOD CITY 2018, HANNAH EVERHART

TIFFANY AND ROBIN PORTER

2018 CONTESTANTS

2ND RU, JACQUELYN CRAWFORD

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december 2017 | www.vipseenmag.com

PHOTOGENIC WINNER CHAMPAGYNE WILSON, 2ND RU JACQUELYN CRAWFORD, MISS FOOD CITY 2018 HANNAH EVERHART, 1ST RU MEGAN GRACE STANLEY

2ND RU JACQUELYN CRAWFORD, MISS FOOD CITY 2018 HANNAH EVERHART, 1ST RU MEGAN GRACE STANLEY

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Happy New Year to the New You! INTRO BY GEORGE EMERSON

W

elcome to the New Year. 2017 will soon fade out of existence and 2018 will break like a beautiful dawn: full of promise and hope. Every year, many of us make resolutions based on past mistakes. Gain a few pounds?

Then resolve to go gluten free and exercise more. Drink one too many glasses of wine each night before bed? Then resolve to pour out that wine or swap it out for warm milk. Whatever resolution we make doesn’t matter since only about eight percent of resolutions actually succeed. Failure is not an option though! This year, don’t be one of the eight percent and, instead, find a resolution that is easy to stick to in order to maintain that momentum for a lifelong change. Small steps are best so don’t cut out pizza all together; just maybe skip having it four times a week. Cook at home one night more than you do now, try not to yell in traffic, or charge your phone in the kitchen to avoid looking at it right before bed and first thing in the morning. We all want to be better about something because self-improvement and adaptation are what keeps life interesting: that and cat videos. So ring in 2018 with a can-do attitude and the strength to change something small. Who knows? Succeeding at something small might turn into something big. Happy New Year!

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december 2017 | www.vipseenmag.com

28

PRESTIGE AESTHETICS: TREAT YOURSELF

30

RESOLVE TO GIVE MORE: HOW TO MAKE 2018 A YEAR OF GIVING WITHOUT BREAKING THE BUDGET

31 TIRED OF THE USUAL?

MAKE AN UN-USUAL NEW YEAR RESOLUTION INSTEAD

32 SMILES ARE CONTAGIOUS AT WESTFALL ORTHODONTICS 34 FAST, LONG TERM WEIGHT LOSS ARE JUST DROPS AWAY: WHAT IS YOUR NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION?

36 2017 WALK FOR WELLNESS EXPO 37 LOW IMPACT DOESN’T MEAN NO IMPACT: SOME EXERCISE IS BETTER THAN NONE

38 BURNETTE & ASSOCIATES INSURANCE AGENCY, INC.

www.vipseenmag.com | december 2017

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december 2017 | www.vipseenmag.com

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Wendy attended Belmont University and graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2001. She went on to attend Duke University and earned a Master of Science in Nursing in 2006 and is certified with the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners as a Family Nurse Practitioner.

Wendy has worked in surgery, urgent care, family practice, and nurse education. She completed aesthetic certification with Empire Medical Training in 2013. She has received certification in both basic and advanced dermal filler and Botox injection techniques, sclerotherapy (spider vein treatment), bioidentical hormone-replacement therapy, and platelet-rich plasma skin rejuvenation.

Treat yourself or the special woman in your life to an amazing full correction package at Prestige Aesthetics. With this package, you don’t have to decide if it’s fuller lips, a more youthful cheek, or the elimination of frown lines you wantyou can have it all! Four syringes of any Restylane dermal filler plus Dysport will give you everything you’re looking for. If it’s volume loss in the face that concerns you, then choose the Sculptra package for a long-lasting, naturallooking result.

BEFORE

AFTER

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MITZI EMIG PHOTOGRAPHY

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Resolve to Give More How to Make 2018 a Year of Giving Without Breaking the Budget STORY BY LUCY HONEYCHURCH

W

e all want to give more to help others and there are more GoFund Me pages and organizations to donate to than we can shake a stick at. How do we give to others without going bankrupt though? Saying no to all of those worthy causes just make us feel like jerks, but handing out money left and right is impossible. Never fear! VIPSEEN Magazine is here to help with some handy dandy ideas on how to give without going broke.

Volunteer: This one may seem obvious, but there are so many ways that the communities we live need our help and not necessarily our money. There are organizations that help kids, the elderly, and the disabled. It takes just a few hours a week to make a huge difference in the life of another person. Helping people not your thing? Animal shelters are always looking for help. Many organizations are willing to take any help in any amount of time. Just have one hour a week? That’s totally fine. One hour after school each week can mean the world to a kid who looks up to you. Only have an hour to read to the elderly or sit and talk with someone who’s in the hospital? No problem! Your hour of donated time will go much farther than any monetary donation you might have felt you needed to make and think of the bonds you will form with others in the community.

Donate: There is a lot of stuff that most of us have at home just lying around that we think we’ll eventually sell on EBay or at a garage sale but never do. Have this happen in your home and wish the stuff was just gone? Donate it! There are a lot of organizations that will take your clutter to use for better uses. Animal Shelters always need blankets for beds or food for their animals. Have clothes that you feel are out of date or just plain don’t fit? There are groups that will take these clothes for various reasons such as helping others find jobs. That business suit that you never wear can help someone down on his/her luck feel confident going into a job interview. Those heels or loafers you bought and wore just once or twice? Give them to a church or non-profit that specializes in helping others get back on their feet through employment. Have kids that don’t play with certain toys anymore? There are plenty of shelters that house children or church housed

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december 2017 | www.vipseenmag.com

daycares that would love to have some toys to have on hand for those kids or to give away at Christmas toy drives. Your stuff does not have to be dumped at a store that is just going to sell it and pocket the money. There are plenty of places that help homeless students and need clothes or backpacks. Groups and organizations help the homeless, the battered, the orphaned, the addicted, the destitute and they need volunteers but they also need supplies: stuff you might have laying around and cluttering up your life.

Open up Your Home or Church: Having a dinner for a family, or group of families in need, can go a long way to making those families feel whole again.

Churches, and other community organizations, will know of families in need and be able to help you arrange a dinner. Make something easy like spaghetti or pancakes or have a potluck get together and watch the magic happen. Sitting around some tables with hot food and talking to the family in need can mean the difference between them feeling abandoned and them having hope for a better tomorrow. You might find commonalities with them, which is likely, and you just might find that you are able to help in more ways than one. Maybe you have a friend who needs an extra hand on the construction site or you know someone who teaches at a school and can help to look after the kids in question. The simple fact is, we don’t know how we can help until a line of communication is opened with those in need. What better way to get someone to open up about his/her life than to cook him/her a fabulous meal?

There is so much need in today’s world and it is easy to both turn a blind eye to it or to throw money at it so that others can deal with the issues. If doing either of these things does not appeal to you then there are ways to help. Money is always needed, but more than that, those in need just want someone to take the time to see them as people, a little down on their luck; but fellow humans nonetheless.

A smile offered in a food line, an outfit to help another gain employment, or a hot meal and some good conversation are just a couple of ways to help without going broke financially. In fact, I’d dare to say that volunteering or donating will actually bring you riches that cannot be measured monetarily.

TIRED OF THE USUAL? Make an Un-Usual New Year Resolution Instead

all make New Year’s Resolutions. Lose weight, make more money, get more see more of the world, and learn a language. But what if we all resolved to Smakeuresleep,aweresolution that was NOT in the norm and, instead, decided to do something

whacky? Here are four examples of against-the-grain resolutions that you can make for 2018. Good luck!

LEARN A PARLOR TRICK Want to entertain friends and family at gatherings with more than your knack for making great Margaritas? Then learn a magic trick, but one worth showing off. Don’t just shuffle some cards or hide a ball under some cups.

Learn to saw someone in half or pull a rabbit out of a hat or learn how to guess what someone is thinking. Heck even conjuring the dead in a séance would be awesome.

If you’ve never done any of these things then you have work to do, but think of how fantastic your next get together will be when you start showing off your skills.

TRY A NEW FOOD EACH WEEK So many of us start the new year off by cutting out foods that we deem bad, but how much fun would the year be if we added food to our list instead of taking it off? Never had caviar or foie gras? Then 2018 is the year to try it. Perhaps so many of us fail at keeping our resolutions because, honestly, they just stink. Who wants to think about cutting things from our diet? Depriving ourselves is no fun; so let’s shake things up by adding something new to our repertoire.

That’s something I’m sure most of us can get on board with!

MAKE THE UNUSUAL, WELL…USUAL Go the same way to work every day? Take a shower at the same time or workout at the gym at exactly 5:30 every morning? Try doing something different. Take a different route to work or church or to the supermarket. Workout in the evenings once in a while or go for a run outside instead of on the treadmill. Have cereal or oatmeal for breakfast? Try changing things up and making eggs or a protein shake or bacon. Going about our day in a different way means

STORY BY LUCY HONEYCHURCH

that we have to view the world differently and it makes our brains work differently too. Doctors know that our brains can get so used to something that we perform tasks without even thinking about what we are doing. Change up your routine and your body will have to adapt, which means you’ll become more flexible both mentally and physically. Most of all, think of the new sights you’ll see on your different path to work!

TAKE A SELFIE IN FIVE NEW PLACES Never seen the St. Louis Arch, the Grand Canyon or the Giant Redwoods? 2018 may be the year to travel if you make this resolution. Trips don’t have to be far or expensive, but just make the effort to take one and then document it with a photo. I mean, I’ve never even seen the Ryman Auditorium and I could make that trip (photo and all) on a budget in a weekend.

Resolutions are so rarely kept because we make them so hard. See more of the world, even if it is in your own backyard, by visiting somewhere (and snapping a photo of yourself there) new. Maybe the new travel bug you’ll develop will lead to bigger and more exotic locales in the years to come.

BEFORE

Jayna Smiles are Contagious at Westfall Orthodontics A

fter being referred for orthodontic work by her dentist, Jayna made the decision to work with Westfall Orthodontics because she was looking to better her dental health, perfect her smile and felt certain she would have the best experience possible with Dr. Westfall and his team.

Jayna is absolutely thrilled with the results of her treatment and said, “Everyone at Westfall Orthodontics makes you feel like family. They are all so friendly.” She adds, “I had excellent service at every visit.”

Braces aren’t just for kids anymore. Tooth alignment can be changed at any age if your gums and bone structure are healthy. Westfall Orthodontics offers a variety of treatments that are designed for different age groups – including adults.

A new smile can begin today. Orthodontic treatment at later stages in life can dramatically improve your personal appearance and self-esteem. Improving the health of your teeth and gums is equally important. Crooked teeth and a bad bite can contribute to gum and bone loss, tooth decay, abnormal wear of the tooth enamel and surfaces.

AFTER

Good news! Dr. Westfall is Certified by the American Board of Orthodontists and the new techniques and appliances he uses in treatment greatly reduce discomfort levels, decrease the frequency of visits, shorten treatment time, and allow patients to choose from several cosmetic options. Options may include metal braces, clear braces or transparent aligners that can be worn to improve mild cases of misaligned teeth.

During the initial examination, Dr. Westfall will be able to determine the best possible treatment for each person’s individual needs. At this time Dr. Westfall will outline the treatment plan, time of treatment expected, and the approximate cost.

The number of adult patients seeking orthodontic treatment is increasing each year. Adults who have tolerated dental malfunctions throughout their lives realize the value of improved dental health as well as the increased selfesteem derived from improving their appearance.

Angela, a mother of two, talks about why she chose Westfall Orthodontics for her adult orthodontic care:

Angela

WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO HAVE ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT? I wanted to fix slight shifting of my teeth.

CAN YOU DESCRIBE WESTFALL ORTHODONTICS IN THREE WORDS? Perfectionist; Encouraging; Friendly HOW DOES DR. WESTFALL/ WESTFALL ORTHODONTICS MAKE YOU SMILE? My smile happens automatically when I walk through the door – everyone is so open and friendly!

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE WESTFALL ORTHODONTICS FOR TREATMENT? My children are patients.

More than 20% of Westfall Orthodontics patients are adults, and they agree that it’s never too late to improve their greatest asset – their smile.

ABINGDON

BRISTOL

110 N.E. Deadmore St. Abingdon, VA 24210

350 Blountville Hwy., Suite 104 Bristol, TN 37620

(276) 628-1327

(423) 573-2170

RICHLANDS

6719 Gorvernor G.C. Peery Hwy Suite 3500 Richland, VA 24210

(276) 628-1327

Chad Westfall, D.D.S., M.S.

Payment Plans Available

www.westfallorthodontics.com

WHAT IS YOUR NEW YEAR’S 38%

RESOLUTION?

of all Americans choose losing weight as their New Year ’s Resolution! Unfortunately, 95% of these people fail to reach their weight loss goal. This is the exact reason why our office has been looking for a safe, effective, and fast way for people to lose weight without sacrificing their health.

I am excited to say that we have found the system and we are excited to announce that our office has added the Doctor Supervised ChiroThin Weight Loss Program to our office.

The doctor supervised ChiroThin Weight Loss Program blends science and physiology to allow you get healthier and lose weight. In fact, most ChiroThin Weight Loss Program patients lose between 20-35 pounds in just 6 weeks!

(2-3 dress sizes) in just 42 days and the average man will lose between 30-45 pounds in the same amount of time when following the program as instructed.

Needless to say, I am very excited about this breakthrough and would love to tell you more about it. If you, or someone you know, would like improved health and rapid weight loss in a safe, doctor supervised weight loss program, this is the way!

For more information and to determine if you are a candidate, please call our office. Use the included gift certificate and schedule your no charge, no obligation ChiroThin Weight Loss Program consultation today!

We look forward to hearing from you soon.

In the past, if a person wanted to lose weight this quickly, their only choice was HCG injections. This was only available by prescription and you had to give yourself daily injections. It was very expensive ($1,500-$3,000 per 40-day cycle) and obviously, not very convenient. Those days are over!

With nearly 100,000 happy and satisfied ChiroThin Weight Loss Program patients across the United States, we know that, when following the program as instructed, the average female patient will lose 20-35 pounds

Yours for Good Health – Naturally,

Dr. Todd Muncy PS…I am living proof that this method works. Look on the opposite page and you will find a before and after of my successful weight loss journey with the ChiroThin Weight Loss Program.

SEEN IN

KINGSPORT WELLMONT CAMPUS

THE BIGHAM FAMILY

ADAM HALL AND LEAH WILLIAMS

CRYSTAL WEST AND ELIZABETH HALL

2017 Walk for Wellness Expo PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY ALLISON GALLOWAY

Healthy Kingsport’s 3rd Annual Walk for Wellness Expo presented

by Wellmont Health System was held on Saturday, November 4th on the Wellmont campus on Stone Drive.

The free event was designed to build community and increase interest in physical fitness by virtue of two group walks (.50 mile walk designed for beginners and 1.7 mile designed for those with higher fitness levels) on the Greenbelt as well as an expo featuring over 50 vetted, health and wellness-oriented vendors all with information and giveaways for attendees. Attendees could participate in demos to get moving like yoga, stretching, and learning the Thriller dance! The event featured a festive atmosphere complete with music and mascots, a kid’s corner with a Lego station and robotics, a photo booth, and more!

EDNA KINNER AND KRIS MURPHY

PEGGY, ASHLEY, AND ALLISON GALLOWAY

In November of 2016, Healthy Kingsport issued the Million Mile City challenge to get folks moving to achieve their individual fitness goals and have it count toward the collective goal of logging one million miles of physical activity in a year ’s time.

At the 2017 Walk for Wellness Expo, Healthy Kingsport was able to announce that Kingsport had achieved this goal. This monumental announcement put Kingsport on the map as the first community in the country to become a Million Mile City in a year ’s time with authenticated data.

Healthy Kingsport has issued a new challenge to the community – logging TWO million miles of physical activity in the next year!

Sign up at healthykingsport.walkertracker.com to get involved.

TOP 10 TEAMS IN THE MILLION MILE CITY CHALLENGE

Participants in the Million Mile City could find their name on the Wall of Fame at the event. The top ten teams with the most steps in the challenge, the top ten individuals, the most dedicated, and the most mature, were all recognized with medals on the stage.

Healthy Kingsport is a non-profit organization dedicated to creating a community that actively embraces healthy living by promoting wellness, enhancing infrastructure, and influencing policy. For more information, please visit healthykingsport.org.

SLIDER FROM THE KINGSPORT METS

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december 2017 | www.vipseenmag.com

JOSH DAVIS ON BEHALF OF EASTMAN TAKES HOME THE TROPHY FOR THE ORGANIZATION WITH THE MOST PREREGISTRATIONS

Low Impact Doesn’t Mean NO Impact: Some Exercise is Better Than None STORY BY PENNY GOODWHISTLE

little of much in life is often better than nothing at all. Some food is better than no food, a bit of money is better than being broke, A a few good friends are better than no friends at all and so on. This

line of thinking can apply to exercise as well since getting up and doing a little bit of something is far better than being totally sedentary.

Doctors agree that even walking just 20-25 minutes a day can help to add seven years to a person’s life. Many people will admit that exercise is great and should be done, if possible, but how to fit in a trip to the gym can put many in a tizzy. Add the logistical issues of trying to get to the gym with the fact that many are hampered by physical limitations or health issues and exercising can be downright daunting for the majority of the population. This is where low-impact can be of great benefit.

Yoga is often mentioned by many as a great low-impact way to get into shape, but sometimes there are those of us who have been sedentary too long or who have limitations like arthritis that place obstacles in the way of yoga. Tai Chi is a fantastic way to get up and to start working one’s way up to an eventual “Yoga for Beginners” class. The Chinese have long understood that Tai Chi can be beneficial both for the body and soul. According to the Mayo Clinic, “Originally

developed for self-defense, tai chi has evolved into a graceful form of exercise that’s now used for stress reduction and a variety of other health conditions. Often described as meditation in motion, tai chi promotes serenity through gentle, flowing movements.” Tai Chi is highly recommended for anyone who wants to lower stress, get his or her body moving, and do so in a low-impact way. It is gentle on the muscles and joints so it is a fantastic gateway exercise to get even the most sedentary newbie up and moving. If slow moving and meditative Tai Chi is not your thing, then perhaps try something like water aerobics.

Water aerobics is not just a class taken by the elderly; it can be a great way for anyone to get into shape without being too hard on joints.

Add foam barbells and webbed gloves for some extra resistance and a great workout can be had without pounding on a hard road or lifting heavy weights. For someone who has had surgery, back pain, joint pain, or someone carrying a little extra weight; getting in the warm water and moving around means he/she is able to exercise with little to no chance of further harm. Hitting the traditional gym or getting out and walking on the hard ground can sometimes mean old injuries can be re-aggravated: this only ends up meaning more months of no exercise. Livestrong.com highly recommends water aerobics by

stating that, “Moving your aerobics routine into the water provides the toning and cardiovascular benefits of exercise on dry land with less strain and stress on your muscles, joints and bones. Thanks to the natural resistance and buoyancy of water, you’ll get an invigorating workout that’s also low-impact and less painful.” Don’t be afraid of pulling on that bathing suit and diving right in! Your body will thank you for working out without being so rough and tough on it.

Other low impact exercises can be swimming, biking, hiking, rowing, and using an elliptical. Any way you slice it: there are alternatives to sitting around and binging the latest season of our favorite show on our handy streaming device. Get up! That is the first thing that any doctor will tell someone who is starting an exercise routine.

Take small steps. If steps hurt then walk on flat ground-around the neighborhood and with your dog (or cat) and enjoy the sights. If you can handle it, then hop on a bike and ride around the block or on a path designate away from traffic. Many community centers have pools and classes that offer both camaraderie and a way to exercise. If you absolutely cannot live without watching the latest episode of your favorite show, then take your phone or tablet with you can hop on a stationary bike, elliptical machine, or step-master. If checking out for

a bit is more your speed then find a hiking group, rent a kayak, or sign up for a fun charity walk. We are only limited by what we allow to get in our way.

It’s hard, I know, to head out to the gym everyday or to run a 5k every weekend. Life can get in the way, but so can things like recovering from by-pass surgery, cancer, arthritis, old injuries, new injuries, or anxiety and depression. Classes for aerobics, Tai Chi, and Yoga can be streamed online from home so that we can exercise without going out. Communities have charity walks on a pretty regular basis and many community centers publish lists of groups that are always willing to accept a new hiker, biker, or kayaker. If you can get to the gym, most are open twenty-four hours and those that are not have hours ranging from very early in the morning to very late into the night. Many gyms are getting away from being beacons of “only the super fit workout here” to “everyone is welcome no matter their fitness level.” Whatever way you find in order to get up and moving, just remember one thing, some exercise is better than no exercise.

Even if all you are able to do is walk around the block, at least you are getting that blood flowing and are up of the couch. Start small and you’ll be on your way to exercise fiend in no time!

www.vipseenmag.com | december 2017

37

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.

(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them

Luke Chapter 2:1-20

From our Families to yours...

We Wish You a “Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year.”

Jeff, Steve, Jackie, Trisha, Walter, and Allen

1135 Volunteer Parkway Bristol, TN 37620-4619

(423) 968-2047 www.burnetteinsagency.com

SEEN IN

GRAY

GRAY FOSSIL SITE

Kiwanis Night – A Journey Back to the Miocene Period PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY SUBMITTED ART ROPER AWARD PRESENTED TO DAVE STEVENS

F STEWART CROSLEY AWARD PRESENTED TO GAIL PRESLAR

ABE LINCOLN KIWANIAN OF THE YEAR

On Thursday, September 28, the Cosmopolitan and Kingsport Kiwanis Clubs journeyed back to the Miocene Period at the Gray Fossil Site & Museum. Members and their guests toured the museum and then moved to the Conference Center to celebrate the end of a successful Kiwanis year. The 2017-2018 Officers and Board members of both clubs were inducted by Lt. Governor, Frank Roberts. Cosmo Kiwanis Club officers for the coming Kiwanis year are Julie Short – President, Abe Lincoln – Secretary and Bennie Pierce- Treasurer.

Kingsport Club officers are: Sharon Hayes – President, Jeff Little – Past President, Mark Addington – President Elect, Matt Johnson – Vice President, Donna Jones – Treasurer, Darren Murray – Asst. Treasurer, Dave Stevens – Secretary and Board Members – Pat Brose, John Campbell, Lynn Doane, Amy Edwards, Paul Harper, Mack Lowe, Tim Miller, Rusty Parise, Jon Peters, and Phil Richards.

The clubs also honored three members that performed outstanding service to the community and clubs during the past year. Cosmo President Julie Short presented Abe Lincoln with the Cosmopolitan Club Kiwanian of the Year Award. Kingsport’s outgoing President, Jeff Little, awarded David Stevens the Art Roper Kiwanian of the Year plaque. This award is given to the club member that had the greatest impact on our community in the past year.

Jeff also presented the F. Stewart Crosley Outstanding Chairperson Award to Gail Preslar, Chair of the Membership Committee.

INDUCTION OF OFFICERS

For more information on the Kiwanis Club of Kingsport, visit our web site: www.kingsportkiwanis.org.

SEEN IN

KINGSPORT KETRON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

HARRISON KETRON AND GREG HALL

ARABELLA LAUGHLIN

WENDELL AND LAURA SMITH

Bikers & Bows 4th Annual Poker Run PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY CRYSTAL DAWN CARTER

It takes a strong person to turn tragedy into blessings for others, but if you ask Heather and Jeff Watts of the Princess Delilah Foundation, strength is a 1 pound gift to the world whose spirit and determination is still lighting the world with love, even as she has departed from it.

The Princess Delilah Foundation held its 4th Annual Bikers and Bows Poker Run on Saturday, October 7, 2017. The money raised from the poker run funds many projects and equipment supplied to both hospitals and families of PICU and NICU babies.

The Watts family started the foundation to honor Delilah, who spent a majority of her life at Vanderbilt Hospital receiving care.

She was dubbed Princess Delilah for her infectious spirit and her beautiful smile.

SUSAN AND JOHN HILL WITH THEIR CYCLE “SHARKEY”

KRIS LUMPKINS AND WADE CHILDRESS

The foundation supplies support to other NICU/PICU families in need, funds several donations for equipment at Vanderbilt and local hospitals. The Watts family says they are also working toward creating a scholarship in honor of their daughter.

While Heather Watts says Delilah is the inspiration and light that compels people to help the foundation so much, Watts herself has been known to be inspiring. On the day of the poker run, former student Marshall Overbey surprised his former teacher by detailing his motorcycle in pink with Princess Delilah proudly scrolled along the bike.

For more information about the Princess Delilah Foundation or the Bikers and Bows Poker Run contact www.princessd.org.

PRINCESS DELILAH BOXES SENT TO FAMILIES OF NICU/PICU PATIENTS

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ARI, JEFF, HEATHER, AND FAITH WATTS

KRIS LUMPKINS, SAM BARTON, AND SHANNA SMITH

MARSHALL OVERBEY PINKED OUT HIS BIKE AS A TRIBUTE TO “PRINCESS DELILAH”

SEEN IN

RACHEL SMITH AND KRISTI MURRAY

SEEN IN

KINGSPORT

PINEY FLATS

FOOD CITY PRESS ROOM

BELL HELICOPTER

ALY AND CURT COLLINS

Celebration of Pro Bono Service PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY ALLISON GALLOWAY

The Legal Aid of East Tennessee held their annual Tri-Cities Celebration of Pro Bono Service at the Press Room of Food City on the evening of Friday, October 13th.

MELISSA CLICK AND JOLENA BLAIR

DOUG MAINES AND RAY SENTELE

Bell Helicopter Check Presentation

to St. Jude Children’s Hospital PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY CRYSTAL DAWN CARTER

Tennessee Supreme Court Justices Page and Bivins were present to recognize local attorneys that have given 50 or more hours toward pro When Bell Helicopter takes on a project, they put their all into it. It doesn’t bono work. Other awards given were “Access to Justice” “Excellence in matter if it’s designing and manufacturing intricate flying machines or raising funds for kids battling cancer. Bell Helicopter was the top Pro Bono” and “Above and Beyond.” fundraising team for the St. Jude Walk/Run to End Childhood Cancer.

The celebration also included a silent auction with a variety of items to On October 26, 2017 VIPSEEN got an exclusive look at just how much bid on, with all proceeds going to Legal Aid of East Tennessee. the facility raised for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital during a “Private attorneys contact me and let me know they are interested in volunteer work. They willingly give up their time and knowledge to help ceremony at the Bell Helicopter facility in Piney Flats, Tennessee. Their our clients. This event is my way to thank them,” says Christy Harris, Pro efforts this year raised more than $37,000 for St. Jude’s.

Bono coordinator.

This is the second year that Bell has supported St. Jude’s. The journey In 2016, the Pro Bono Project helped 120 veterans, 440 survivors of family began with a vote from their funding committee to support the charity violence, 563 seniors, and 1,730 children in 401 cases. It also generated in honor of an employee who had personal experience dealing with the devastation of childhood cancer. more than $16,400,000 that went back into the local economy.

“Justice for all is good for all. The people who we help couldn’t afford an attorney; the average attorney costs $200 an hour. Without us and the Pro Bono volunteer lawyers, they wouldn’t receive that service,” says Sheri Fox, executive director of Legal Aid of East Tennessee.

Fundraising Chair Melanie Ragan said when the fundraising began, the company never dreamed that they would exceed the fundraising goal two years in a row, but that is just how generous and caring the Bell Helicopter employees are. She also said it made a significant impact to meet some of the St. Jude’s patients when they visited the facility.

The proceeds from the event benefited Legal Aid of East Tennessee.

Legal Aid of East Tennessee is dedicated to ensuring equal justice for elderly, abused, and low-income persons throughout East Tennessee.

For more information about the fight against childhood cancer visit www.stjude.org.

KIMI DEMENT AND SHERI FOX, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF LEGAL AID OF EAST TENNESSEE

ANDREW VALK AND SARAH BLESSING

TENNESSEE SUPREME COURT JUSTICES PAGE AND BIVINS RECOGNIZE ATTORNEYS WITH OVER 50 HOURS OF PRO BONO SERVICE

TINA MCMURRAY (ST. JUDE’S) AND MELANIE RAGAN (BELL HELICOPTER) SHOW OFF THE RESULTS OF BELL’S HARD WORK

TINA MCMURRAY AND KYLA COLE, ST. JUDE’S

TINA MCMURRAY AND KYLA COLE, ST. JUDE’S

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SEEN IN

SEEN IN

FAIRACRES

THE SOCIAL

KINGSPORT

KINGSPORT

MARGARET COUNTS AND VICKIE ELLET SHALINI RAJOOR, DREW DICKENSON, AND CLARISSA TATUM

BERTINA DEW AND ODOARDO BORDONI

Kingsport Ballet

Welcome Reception PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY ALLISON GALLOWAY

On Sunday, November 5th the Kingsport Ballet held a reception for their new instructor, Odoardo Bordoni. He was recruited from Rome, Italy with over 25 years of experience instructing dance.

The reception was held at the home of Heather and Morgan Taylor. Guests enjoyed hors d’oeuvres and the unseasonably warm weather on the patio, while meeting and welcoming Bordoni to our community.

Kingsport Ballet’s mission is to promote and foster professional quality dance through education, performance, outreach, advocacy, and partnerships. For more information about the Kingsport Ballet, visit kingsportballet.org.

LIN AND JOSHUA MCDEVITT

Downtown Hoedown PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY JERRIS D. SENSABAUGH

The annual “Downtown Hoedown” sponsored by Contact 211 and catered by Stir Fry Cafe took place on November 3rd at The Social in downtown Kingsport. It was a gathering of generous guests that wanted to demonstrate their support to provide a helpline, information and referral service, and supporting ministry.

Contact 211 is comprised of two agencies (Contact Ministries of Johnson City and Contact-Concern of Northeast Tennessee of Kingsport) with identical missions and visions for the community that were merged to form Contact 211 of Northeast Tennessee.

Both organization had served communities for over 40 years. The organization is comprised of dedicated staff and volunteers who selflessly give their time and resources, in order to provide a muchneeded ministry in our region. Contact 211 of Northeast Tennessee, Inc. provides three crucial services to the community: Information & Referrals, Helpline, and Reassurance Calls. Executive Director Margaret Counts and Board Member Vickie Ellet welcomed each guest into The Social with open and loving arms and ensured each individual was having a magnificent time.

For more information, please visit www.contact211netn.org.

ETTA CLARK, BONNIE MACDONALD, AND KINGSPORT MAYOR JOHN CLARK

VIVIAN AND AL CRYMBLE WITH CYNTHIA WOODMANSEE

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ROGER AND AGNESE GOIN

MELISSA AND CHRIS SANDERS

PATTY BURTON, SANDY TEAGUE, AND DAWN CARTER

SARA BAGWELL

GREG AND MELANIE LAMB, MATTHEW AND HELEN KERN, ANNA DAVIS, AND BENNETT LITTLE

SEEN IN

JOHNSON CITY FOUNDER’S PARK

Barktoberfest PHOTOGRAPHY WHITNEY ALLEN CARR | STORY BY JURNEE CARR

The Humane Society of Washington County had a HOWLing good time at the annual Barktoberfest fundraiser at Founder’s Park in Downtown Johnson City. The event raised over $38,000 for the animals in Washington County and surrounding areas, which will create a huge impact on making a more humane Northeast Tennessee.

WHITNEY ALLEN CARR AND CADDIE

ENJOYING THE BEAUTIFUL FALL WEATHER

COSTUME CONTEST WINNER

BARK OR TREATERS

They would like to say a special thank you to their supporters: Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery, Pain Medicine Associates, Tito’s Hand Made Vodka, Animal Planet, Appalachian Animal Hospital, Applebee’s Grill & Bar, Axis Security, Bank of Tennessee, Camp Ruff-N-more, David Wood Photography, Dry Clean City, Evergreen of Johnson City, General Shale, Halloween Express, Holston Distributing Company, JRH Brewing, Margaret Moses CPA, Maven Roth Group, Mountain Commerce Bank, Natural Pet Supply, Numan’s Cafe & Sports Bar, Signature Properties Pamela Pope, Target, Tennessee Hills Distillery, The Medina Family, Three Little Birds Photography, and Walmart.

Mark your calendars for Barktoberfest 2018, and stay up to date by visiting hswctn.org! www.vipseenmag.com | december 2017

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SEEN IN

JONESBOROUGH THE BLACKTHORN CLUB

REBECCA MYERS

LISA WILKERSON AND BETTY MOORE

JOHN AND BELINDA KIENER

Musicale Masquerade PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY LINDA COFFEY

The Johnson City Symphony Orchestra hosted Musicale Masquerade on Friday, October 27th at The Blackthorn Club in Jonesborough, Tennessee. The event was a fundraiser for the JCSO so it can continue in its mission to provide and promote symphony music to the region.

Guests were encouraged to don masks, but they also had the opportunity to purchase Venetian-style masks created by Donna Jacobson. The evening included heavy hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar, the sale of mystery bags, and a silent auction.

VICKIE HUNGATE AND NANCY MCMANN

DONNA JACOBSON

Musical entertainment was provided by vocalist Rebecca Myers and JCSO musicians. It was an enchanting evening and successful fundraiser.

For more information about the Johnson City Symphony Orchestra and their calendar of events, visit www.jcsymphony.com.

JOSEPH DRIGGERS, CHERYLONDA FITZGERALD, LYDIA ELAM, AND SARAH HURD

MARTHA MONTGOMERY, SHIRLEY CLOYD, AND BRENDA BRINKLEY

MASKS CREATED BY DONNA JACOBSON

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ROBERT AND ELAINE WAREHIME

MARIA TRUE AND MARK LACKEY

Web Video Strategy Social Design

cumberlandmarketing.com

SEEN FROM

SHELBY, KY to KINGSPORT, TN SANTA TRAIN

VIPSEEN’S OWN BETH STREET INTERVIEWING RICKY SKAGGS

75th Annual Santa Train PHOTOGRAPHY BY NATHAN MAYS | STORY BY ANGELICA ARES

On November 17, 2017 the Santa Train began its 110 mile journey from Shelby, KY to Kingsport, TN. Each year, this journey takes place the Saturday before Thanksgiving in celebration of the holiday season. The Santa Train makes 14 stops in Kentucky, Virginia and Tennessee, distributing more than 15 tons and $300,000 worth of clothing, food, candy, toys and gifts to thousands of people. The annual project, co-sponsored by CSX, Food City, the Kingsport Chamber of Commerce, Appalachian Power, and Soles4Souls, is one of Appalachia’s most anticipated holiday traditions.

This year, the Santa Train was excited to announce that their special guest was Appalachian native and music legend Ricky Skaggs. Mr. Skaggs made the 110 mile trek on the train alongside Santa himself while delivering goodies to the thousands that were parked at every stop along the way.

If you’re interested in contributing to the Santa Train, you can send both financial contributions and items for the gift bags to the Kingsport Chamber. Financial contributions will go toward the Santa Train Scholarship Fund, which the Kingsport Chamber awards to a graduating senior from a high school along the route. To find more information about the Santa Train or the Kingsport Chamber, please visit www.kingsportchamber.org.

www.vipseenmag.com | december 2017

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SEEN FROM

SHELBY, KY to KINGSPORT, TN SANTA TRAIN

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SEEN IN

KINGSPORT CENTENNIAL PARK

FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

OH DASHER, WHERE’S RUDOLPH?

Santa’s Depot PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY ALLISON GALLOWAY

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Kingsport! In conjunction with the 75th Annual Santa Train, the first annual Santa’s Depot took place on Saturday, November 18th.

Centennial Park was transformed into Santa’s Depot for a funfilled day of children’s activities! There was music, food trucks, and even live reindeer! There was plenty of entertainment while we waited on Santa and his elves to stop by with backdrops to take pictures at, snacks and hot chocolate, a station for kids to write their letters to Santa, and a place to decorate Christmas cookies!

ENJOYING THE DEPOT WITH THE GIRLS

MICHELLE BACON AND GREG WHITE

For more information about the Santa Train and Santa’s depot, visit kingsportchamber.org.

BRIANNA TAYLOR

TAKING A REST FROM THE ACTIVITIES

READY TO MEET SANTA

EVEN THE DECORATIONS WERE DANCING

STEPHNIE HAYES AND JORDAN BISHOP

FESTIVE CLOTHES TO MATCH THE FESTIVE ATMOSPHERE

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SEEN IN

BRISTOL BRISTOL TRAIN STATION

LEE AND RACHEL SHILLITO

CLUB PRESIDENT WILLIAM BURRISS, ASSISTANT DISTRICT GOVERNOR TARA MCCALL, AND JEFFRY CADORETTE

BETTY MCGLOTHLIN AND DAVE CROCKETT

Bristol VA-TN Rotary 100th Anniversary Gala PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALLISON GALLOWAY | STORY SUBMITTED

The Rotary Club of Bristol VA-TN celebrated their 100th Anniversary on Tuesday, October 17th at the Bristol Train Station. Assistant Governor and Past President Tara McCall, along with Past President Katy Sikorski highlighted some of the accomplishments of the club including 30 years of Teacher Awards for Bristol public school teachers, approximately $364,000 given in student scholarships, over $800,000 to the Salvation Army, pavilions at Steele Creek and White Top parks, as well as Rotary Field in Bristol TN. The most recent community contribution was the Splash Pad Centennial Pavilion at Steele Creek Park that opened earlier this year. Other highlights were the donations the Club has made to both Alzheimer’s Research and Polio Vaccinations worldwide. Keynote speaker was Jeffry Cadorette, a Rotary International Director Elect for 2017-2018 who encouraged members to also look toward the future.

PHIL AND NEDRA HARTLEY

GAIL AND LARRY SHAVER

President William Burriss closed the evening by ringing the centennial bell passed from the Rotary Club of Johnson City.

The Rotary Club of Bristol VA-TN was chartered on October 1st, 1917 and currently has 128 members. There are more than 33,000 Rotary Clubs in over 200 countries promoting service above self and humanitarian efforts for world peace. For more information and membership, visit the club’s Facebook page at facebook.com/bristolvatnrotary.

JANE BACHMAN, LARRY O’BRYANT, AND SHIRLEY CARRIER

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JACK AARON AND NANCY MCMURRAY

ELAINE AND JOHN ROCK

MARIA AND ALEXANDER WHITAKER

LINDA BROWDER AND JOYCE OAKLEY

december 2017 | www.vipseenmag.com

DONNIE AND PRISCILLA WARD

MISSY AND SCOTT PEAK

SEEN IN

BRISTOL HOUSE DRESSING

OWNER MARTHA MCGLOTHLIN AND MARK BOWMAN

ROB CHILDRESS AND KIM SPROLES

House Dressing Ribbon Cutting Ceremony PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY ERIC DONAHUE

On November 9th, House Dressing Celebrated their Grand ReOpening along with the Bristol Chamber of Commerce by hosting their ribbon cutting ceremony. Located at 50 Euclid Avenue in Bristol Virginia, House Dressing is an upscale consignment boutique for both fashion and home decor featuring designer brands at rock bottom prices. Owner, Martha McGlothlin is very passionate about this venture and you can tell it as soon as you step into very tastefully decorated and managed store.

For more information about House Dressing, please visit www. shophousedressing.com.

SARAH HUTCHINSON, KAREN JOHNSON, AND LORI WORLEY

THERESA REDMOND, FAYE ELDER, AND DIANA NECESSARY

SEEN IN

JOHNSON CITY MILLENNIUM CENTRE

LISA PAWLEY (PR & DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR, DAWN OF HOPE)

CASSIE WARREN

CODI TAYLOR AND JEANA BRADFORD

Dawn of Hope

Spooktacular PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY LINDA COFFEY

The 1st Annual Spooktacular and $10,000 Reverse Raffle Fundraiser presented by Cherokee Distributing Company was held on Friday, October 13th at the Millennium Centre in Johnson City.

FOOD BUFFET!

AMANDA AND PHILIP BACHMAN

The bewitching event was well attended by many spooks and haunts! Dancing to Halloween hits, delicious food (presented in style), live auctions, and a silent auction kept the atmosphere charged with excitement. The highlights of the event were the Reverse Raffle and the Costume Contest.

Dawn of Hope is a non-profit agency designated to provide a wide array of services to intellectually and developmentally disable persons. For more information, visit their website at www.dawnofhope.com.

TASHA LAUGHREN, SUSAN LOVELACE, AND NADINE TAYLOR

DOUG ZIEMANN

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DENNIS BEAMER AND LINDA SHORTT

LAURA GARRETT, PATTY WATSON, KIM OWENS, AND CARLA PETERSON

YOLUNDA AND THOMAS FISCHER

LOGAN CLIFTON, HOLLY THOMPSON, WITH SCHOTT AND MELANIE WHALEY

BETH MILLER

TERRY MCKINNON

TROPHIES

TERRY MOORE AND GINA FERRELL

SEEN IN

KINGSPORT ST. DOMINIC’S CATHOLIC CHURCH

VICTORIA AND REESE MILLER

CHRIS AND RACHEL BALL

JOHNNES AND ALYSA QUILLEN

Honoring Our Heroes Dinner PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY ALLISON GALLOWAY

The Tri-Cities Military Affairs Council and the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Kingsport held their 5th annual Honoring our Heroes Dinner on Friday, November 17th. Held at St. Dominic’s Catholic Church, the dinner was provided by Texas Roadhouse with the honorees being served steaks and guests getting to make their own hamburgers.

The keynote speaker was Etta Clark, Vice President of Global Public Affairs and Policy for Eastman Chemical Company, who spoke on the importance of gratitude. Community heroes were honored and recognized at the dinner. Veteran honorees included Major Alan W. Bagley, Phillip A. Jones, Luke Tomisin III, and Dennis Phillips. Officers Dustin Shelton and Chris Ball with the Kingsport Police Department, Senior Captain Jim Carter with the Kingsport Fire Department, Ethan Thompson with Sullivan County EMS, Dr. Charles Guest, and Evelyn Rafalowski, Director of Schools in Sullivan County were also honored.

David Carter was recognized as the 2017 Veteran of the Year. Also recognized were the youth honorees from the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Kingsport as well as the 2017 Youth of the Year.

ELLIE AND PATTY BAGLEY

MANDY AND BEN CHRISTIAN

The mission of the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Kingsport is to inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to realize their potential as productive, responsible, and caring citizens. For more information, please visit kbgc.org.

The Tri-Cities Military Affairs Council is organized to recognize, encourage, support, and be an advocate for military and veteran affairs in North East Tennessee as they relate to national defense and economic vitality of the area. For more information visit, tc-mac.org.

BRENDA AND LUKE TOMISON WITH CINDY AND ROBERT TURBYFIELD

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SUSIE AND RACHEL JONES WITH DANIEL MILLER

JEAN AND BOB PEACE

TONY MELSON, BOARD CHAIR OF BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF GREATER KINGSPORT; ETTA CLARK, KEYNOTE SPEAKER; DAVE LIGHT, EMCEE

HONOREES

NASTASSIA TAYLOR AND LISA BEILHARZ, PRESIDENT/CEO OF THE BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF GREATER KINGSPORT

ETHAN AND EMILY THOMPSON

BRIDGETTE, XAVIER, AND WILL WILLIAMS

ANNE BECKELMAN, VICE PRESIDENT OF DEVELOPMENT, BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF GREATER KINGSPORT

ELISSA Wood A Q&A with

PHOTO OF ELISSA WOOD BY CHRISTY STEADMAN OF STUDIO 148 PHOTOGRAPHY & DESIGN 58

december 2017 | www.vipseenmag.com

ARTSEEN: ARTIST PROFILE VIPSEEN: WHAT DRIVES YOU TO DO WHAT YOU DO? Elissa Wood: I have always had a drive to create. I used to work in sales and marketing and I found I was constantly thinking about my creative hobbies when I was at work.

All the things I loved to do were creative . . . photography, cooking, sewing, decorating, dancing . . . So, it only made sense for me find a way for me to have my work revolve around creation. There’s still sales and marketing involved in running any business, but I get to be an artist, too!

VIPSEEN: WHAT PROFESSIONAL GOALS DO YOU HAVE FOR YOURSELF AND YOUR BRAND? EW: Most of my professional goals revolve around honing my craft as an artist and my skills as an entrepreneur. I’m a perpetual student, always learning. As for my brand, I want to continue to narrow down the type of work I do. I’m really drawn to the themes of transformation and self-discovery.

VIPSEEN: WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SUBJECT TO PHOTOGRAPH? EW: Women. We all feel pressure from our society’s beauty standards. It can be damaging to our self-esteem. The expectations and comparisons start young, so anytime I can photograph a female over the age of 10, I feel it’s helping to build them up.

VIPSEEN: WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ART PLATFORM-A PART FROM PHOTOGRAPHY? EW: That’s a tough one! I love music, theatre, and dance all pretty much equally. I would say the one I couldn’t live without is music. I listen to a wide variety of styles and artists.

VIPSEEN: WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO CAPTURE WITH YOUR SUBJECTS WHEN YOU PHOTOGRAPH THEM? EW: Emotion and connection. Not everyone will be vulnerable with you to show their true self, but I do my best to demonstrate it myself in hopes that I get it back from them.

VIPSEEN: WHAT DREAM LOCATION WOULD YOU WANT TO PHOTOGRAPH FROM? EW: Every location has its own magic, you just have to find it. I learned that from my very first photography workshop a decade ago with Australian photographer Jerry Ghionis. He demonstrated that you could take formal wedding portraits in an old garage if you learned to see things from a different perspective. I’m always scanning locations for unique spots to use as backdrops for portraits. I used a row of colorful kayaks as a background on a recent senior session because they added a vibrant punch to the image. Even though I can create a good portrait in most locations, I think if I could do a photo shoot anywhere in the world it would be somewhere in Europe. I love the old architecture!

VIPSEEN: NAME THE PHILOSOPHY THAT DRIVES YOU IN THE WORK THAT YOU DO. HOW DO INCORPORATE THIS IN YOUR SHOOTS? EW: As I mentioned before, the themes of transformation and self-discovery are big for me. Transformation can be physical, through wardrobe styling and hair and makeup. It can also be emotional. We see ourselves in a new way, either because of the portrait creation process itself or because we finally see ourselves as someone else sees us in the finished images.

Having a photo shoot doesn’t seem like it could have that

much impact on a person, but people often leave my studio changed. The greatest example of this is my own daughter.

She allowed the opinions of others and those impossible beauty standards in the media to shape her own opinion of herself. She saw all the things that made her beautiful as flaws. I did a styled photo shoot with her before her senior year. The experience of feeling like a princess for a day was very special all by itself, but the images were what helped her see herself differently. The experience I give my clients and the art I create as a reminder of that experience creates a shift in perspective. Another example of this was a recent calendar project turning everyday women into goddesses.

VIPSEEN: IF YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY COULD HELP TO MAKE A DRAMATIC CHANGE IN THE WORLD, WHAT WOULD YOU WANT THAT TO BE AND WHY? WHAT WOULD YOU USE YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY TO DRAW ATTENTION TO? EW: I’m going to get a little PG-13 for a minute! A large part of my work is doing women’s boudoir photography. I would like to use my boudoir work to convey the message that a woman’s sexuality is natural and beautiful and should be celebrated.

There’s nothing to be ashamed of! The more open dialogue we can have, the easier it will be for women to feel empowered in the home and in the workplace. It’s OK to say “yes I want this” or “no I don’t”. Women need to find their voice and that starts with reducing anxiety and shame around our bodies and sex.

VIPSEEN: IN A WORLD WHERE ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN, WHAT DREAM SUBJECT WOULD YOU PHOTOGRAPH AND WHY? EW: I don’t think I would want to photograph a celebrity or anything like that. Honestly, I would just love the chance to photograph my three daughters all together again now that they are grown. I should really make that happen in 2018!

VIPSEEN: WHAT DO YOU WANT THE PUBLIC TO KNOW ABOUT YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY AND HOW YOU APPROACH YOUR WORK? EW: I love working with women of all ages, but men are always welcome in my studio! My photography and my approach is personal. I strive to create a portrait experience that pampers clients and makes them feel like they are beautiful souls, inside and out. I’ll be your coach and cheerleader every step of the way. Together we make magic and create art.

VIPSEEN: WHERE DO YOU WANT YOUR WORK TO GO IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS AND WHAT DO YOU WISH TO SEE OVER THE HORIZON? EW: I want to continue to work with individual portrait clients, transforming how they see themselves while creating portraits they will enjoy for a lifetime. I would love to see my business grow to the point that I can move out of my current studio space and into my own building. I’d also like to be able to hire some help so I can focus on the creative things I do best and delegate the administrative things I’m not as good at.

VIPSEEN: IF YOU COULD TELL YOUR YOUNGER, PROFESSIONAL SELF, SOMETHING YOU WISH YOU’D KNOWN-WHAT WOULD IT BE? EW: Follow your heart and live your truth. Don’t worry about what anyone else is doing or what anyone else thinks. The clients you are meant to work with will find you.

www.vipseenmag.com | december 2017

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SEEN IN

JOHNSON CITY TRI-CITIES SKIN AND CANCER

LEIGH ANN RIPPETOE AND DORIS RIPPETOE

ANDREW TAYLOR AND CONNIE THOMPSON

MERCEDES COUCH

DENISE DULA, TAMERA HARRELL, AND TAMMIE CHANDLEY

Tri-Cities Skin and Cancer’s First Annual

Beauty Bash

MICHELLE SIMCOX

LORIANNE MITCHELL

DORIS RIPPITOE AND DONNA WINTON

JOANNE PETERSON AND CARLA PETERSON

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MORGAN KING | STORY BY ANGELICA ARES

On Thursday November 2nd, Tri-Cities Skin and Cancer had their First Annual Beauty Bash. Guests were able to enjoy discounts, specials, door prizes, games, food, and drink! This event was also an opportunity to educate customers who have questions about some of the procedures that are available through TriCities Skin and Cancer.

Tri-Cities Skin and Cancer also unveiled their new line of products at the event –TC Skin Rx. For more information, visit Tri-Cities Skin and Cancer on their Facebook page or visit them online at www.tcskincare.com.

CAROLYN WAMPLER AND SYLVIA HAZELWOOD

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MELISSA TAYLOR AND REGINA BAKER

SUSAN WEXLER ELLIS AND LAURIE CHURCH

SEEN IN

JOHNSON CITY FIRST WATCH DAYTIME CAFÉ

First Watch Soft Opening to benefit United Way Washington/County PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY CRYSTAL DAWN CARTER

LAMISHA SIMMONS AND SHAMAURIAH BRIDGES

FIRST WATCH COO/PARTNER JAMES GEIB

COMMUNITY IMPACT COORDINATOR KAREN LAUDERDALE AND UNITED WAY JOHNSON CITY/ WASHINGTON COUNTY PRESIDENT JEROME JENKINS

MEREDITH PIPPIN AND AMY SHUTTLE

NADIM JUBRAN AND STAFF READY FOR THE CROWD

CAMPAIGN CHAIR MICHAEL ESTES AND HEATHER BECKER

A new “Brunch” restaurant opened in Tri-Cities, and the owners of First Watch decided to “give back” to the community that welcomed them in. Guests came from as far as Knoxville to eat with their families and friends. They were welcomed inside, given choices for a delicious array of food, but instead of being charged for the meal, patrons were asked to donate to the United Way of Johnson City/Washington County.

Capstone Concepts is the franchisee for First Watch in East Tennessee. Their spokesman Nadim Jubran says doing a soft opening using real customers is a better training tool.

“The staff is more successful if they are working with real customers instead of training with imaginary people and issues. Giving the proceeds to a charity is a wonderful way to train our staff and give back to the community.”

Donations from guests and silent auction items helped First Watch raise over $6000 for the United Way Johnson City/Washington County during the soft open weekend. For more information about the eatery go to www.firstwatch.com. Anyone wishing to get more information on United Way and its programs visit www. unitedwayofwashingtoncountytn.org. www.vipseenmag.com | december 2017

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SEEN IN

BRISTOL STEELE CREEK PARK

Tri-Cities Walk

to Defeat ALS PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY PAMELA RAGAN

ALS, do you know what it is? I didn’t. At least I didn’t until September 30th of this year. This was the day that I watched family members gather to raise awareness of this crippling disease in honor of their loved ones. I watched people who had been stricken by this disease lay practically motionless in wheelchairs that were specially made to accommodate the effects of ALS. I met some of the most amazing people that I will ever meet in my life and I was humbled by the love that filled Steele Creek Park on this day.

Often referred to as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive, fatal neuromuscular disease that slowly robs the body of its ability to walk, speak, swallow and breathe. The life expectancy of an ALS patient averages 2 to 5 years from the time of diagnosis.

Every 90 minutes a person in this country is diagnosed with ALS and every 90 minutes another person will lose their battle against the disease. It can strike anyone. Presently, there is no known cause of the disease yet it will cost loved ones an average of $200,000 a year to provide the care ALS patients need.

The Tri-Cities Walk to Defeat ALS at Steele Creek Park was a huge success. Live entertainment, vendors and plenty of healthy breakfast foods helped make this event extra special.

To make a donation or to learn more about ALS, please email Lauren Bonds at LAUREN.BONDS@ALSTN.ORG or call 615-331-5556.

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SEEN IN

KINGSPORT WARRIOR’S PATH STATE PARK

THERESA REDMOND AND LEEANNE ABERNETHY

LITTLE CITY ROLLER GIRLS DERBY TEAM

MOLLY AUSTIN AND CASEY BRIGHT

Walk to End Alzheimer’s PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY CRYSTAL DAWN CARTER

Memories Matter and Thankful Thinkers were just a few of the teams that showed up and took part in the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s on Saturday, October 21, 2017 at Warrior’s Path State Park.

Walkers were given a flower to stand up in the promise garden during the event. They were also urged to sign cards advocating funding for research on Alzheimer’s so that gains could be made in finding a cure for this disease.

GRANDA NEAL AND SHANTAL BRADLEY

SHERRY AND PAM BURBANK

Chris McIntosh served as Emcee for the event. You can see Chris most places they are holding Alzheimer Association events because for him it is very personal. McIntosh’s father suffered from the disease and a relative is currently diagnosed with early onset. The McIntosh family has taken part in several Alzheimer’s walks this year around the region.

McIntosh and others like Debbie Pencarinha know firsthand about caring for loved ones with the disease and spoke about the need for more research, and how great it is to have community support for bringing awareness.

As walkers lined up they were surprised by Little City Roller Girls who participated on skates and served as the pacesetters and navigators for walking the park.

For more information visit www.alz.org/altn or call our 24/7 Helpine 1-800-272-3900

TEAM MORNING GLORY

STARTING THE WALK

WEXFORD HOUSE “WEXFORD WARRIORS”

TYLER MOODY, SETH JEWETT, MEMORY ELEPHANT, AND LAUREN MAY

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SEEN IN

KINGSPORT ART IN THE HEART GALLERY

GENEVIEVE SHIVELL BYRD AND PHILIP SHIVELL (ARTISTS)

KELSIE AND KAREN COX

DENNIS COFFEY

Final Spotlight Artist Reception PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY CECILIA EDWARDS

Art in the Heart Gallery welcomed two artists to the Spotlight Artist Wall in November. Siblings, Philip Shivell and Genevieve Shivell Byrd are the final two Spotlight Artists for the gallery and their show did not disappoint. Monumental paintings and drawings adorn the exhibit space and pottery in all sizes fills shelves and boxes. Genevieve’s work is inspired by horses and she has drawings featuring polo matches, detailed sketches, and massive, ethereal scenes with paintings of horses nearly four feet in height. Philips pottery displays a wide range of skills with finished pieces that vary in appearance. Some of the smaller pots and vessels have a smoky effect and soft patterns that have a strong contrast from dark to light. A few of the others have a thick glaze with brilliant colors and an iridescent or metallic shine.

This powerful show will be up through the first week of December and works as a fitting farewell for Art in the Heart Gallery, which has been a beloved space for artists and art lovers in the heart of Kingsport for more than three and a half years. While the gallery space will be closing at the end of 2017, all of the wonderful classes that are currently offered will be continuing with Engage Kingsport in 2018 and beyond and all of your holiday shopping can still be tackled with the fine art of more than 80 area artists featured at the gallery. There is still time to grab your favorite piece and enjoy the artwork of Genevieve and Phillip.

SUSAN CONNELLY MCCLELLAND AND BEVERLY BROWN

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KARI BYRD AND RACHAEL SHIVELL

DIANA BISHOP AND KAY CASSELL

JESSI ODUM, GAIL COLE, AND BONNIE MACDONALD

TOMMY GARLAND AND LUCINDA MILLER

JENNY DEVEGA AND STAN SNAUKO

SEEN IN

KINGSPORT

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

8th Annual Breakfast with Santa’s Helpers PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY LINDA COFFEY

GAIL PRESLAR

KEN CARRICO AND PHI

PEAGLER FAMILY WITH SANTA MILT

DEBBIE BURNETT AND TRUDY BAXTER

Children were excited and happy as they gathered in the Fellowship Hall of First Presbyterian Church in Kingsport on Saturday morning, November 18th. Not only were they going to enjoy a pancake breakfast, but they had the chance to meet Santa’s Helper, Santa Milt, and tell him their wishes for Christmas!

They also had the opportunity for individual and family photos with Santa Milt!

The event was not just for children. Many adults attend and enjoy a delicious breakfast, along with fellowship with one another. Plus, it is cheerful to see the children dressed in their Christmas best!

Breakfast with Santa’s Helpers is a unique fund raiser for Family Promise of Greater Kingsport. FPGK is a nonprofit corporation which unites local churches to provide shelter, meals and comprehensive case management to homeless families and children. The overall mission of Family Promise is to help homeless and low-income families achieve sustainable independence.

For more information, visit their website: www.fpgk.org or find Family Promise of Greater Kingsport on Facebook.

WALKER AND REAGAN WITH SANTA MILT

AVA AND MAKENNA

SEEN IN

BRISTOL THE VIRGINIAN

The Virginian Golf

Club’s 25th Anniversary PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY PAMELA RAGAN

A place to call home.

Face painting, hot air balloons, fireworks, shopping, great food, live entertainment and a beautiful fall day. This is the recipe for a perfect 25th Anniversary celebration for the Virginian Golf Club.

Residents and guests of all ages gathered to enjoy a time of fellowship while sharing 25 years of memories of The Virginian Golf Club community.

Many vendors were on hand to provide a unique shopping experience for all in attendance.

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SEEN IN

JOHNSON CITY THE MALL AT JOHNSON CITY

SGT. 1ST CLASS HILDEBRAND OF 702 ENGINEERING BATTALION IN GRAY, TN

HEATH, WILL, AND BEKAH

ABIGALE FREDERICKS

Touch-A-Truck

Sponsored by Junior League of Johnson City PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY CRYSTAL DAWN CARTER

Johnson City Junior League gave kids the chance to get up close and personal with the modern marvels of the motorized kind when they held their Touch-a-Truck event at the Mall at Johnson City on October 7, 2017.

ROXANNA AND RACHEL FARMER

PAIGE, HUDSON, EMILY, AND TODD BALL WITH SGT. PETE SANDERS

Giant grocery carts, buses, ambulances, airport sweepers, and construction machines were just a sampling of the vehicles on hand. It was interactive exploring with the vehicle operators on hand to answer questions from the kids and explain how the machines worked.

For those needing a break from all the excitement and the blaring horns could go to the game area, make crafts, or visit one of several food vendors on hand for the event.

The Junior League also had a “quiet hour” for those with sound sensitivity or sensory issues. That enables children that want the experience but can’t handle large crowds or the blaring horns to still experience Touch a Truck.

JUNIOR LEAGUE OF JOHNSON CITY MEMBERS AT THE SUMMERS TAYLOR SPONSOR TRUCKS

ELLIE BARRY ENJOYS DRIVING THE TWRA BOAT

KARIM AZIZ WITH ROBIN PROFITT

All proceeds from Touch-a-Truck are used to fund projects to help women and children’s health and well-being. For more information about upcoming events or Junior League of Johnson City visit their website at www.juniorleagueofjc.com.

RICK MOWDY, CRAIG SOUTH, AND PETER COOPER

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SEEN IN

JOHNSON CITY BARNES & NOBLE

HANNAH LATURE AND JILL FIALA

TUCKER OLSON, MARY EDWARDS OLSON, AND ELIZABETH OLSON GATHER TO HEAR A READING OF MARY’S BOOK

ELIZABETH CARMACK, CHICK-FIL-A COW, AND MARY EDWARDS OLSON

Paint Barnes & Noble Purple

for Alzheimer’s Awareness PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY CRYSTAL DAWN CARTER

Barnes & Noble Bookstore in Johnson City along with Dominion Senior Living, Alzheimer’s Association, and Mary Edwards Olson, a local writer all teamed up to bring awareness to the public on living with the invasive disease.

Barnes & Noble was host to several events including two readings of Mary Edwards Olson’s book “When the Sun Shines Through”, a children’s book that concentrates on those suffering from Alzheimer’s and their family members. The first reading was by Johnson City Mayor David Tomita and the second was a team effort with Elizabeth Carmack and the Chick-fil-A cow. A portion of sales of the book was donated to fund Alzheimer’s research.

DAVID MONTGOMERY

GINNY DEDEUX AND KIM HOWELL

Dominion Senior Living set up informational booths at the store, as well as, holding purple cities classes for local businesses. This course taught employees and owners how to interact and assist an Alzheimer’s patient that is having cognitive issues while visiting their business.

On Thursday, October 5, 2017 Alzheimer’s Tennessee and Dominion Senior Living held a Cruisin’ for a Cure event that let residents and community members enjoy a day outside. A DJ spun the toons from days gone by while Dominion officials were busy getting pies in their faces and dunked in a tank. Classic cars poured into the backdrop of a 50’s diner and sockhop.

All money raised by the events went to fund Alzheimer’s research.

GINNY JENKINS, MICHELLE BOLLING, AND JILL FIALA

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REPRESENTATIVES FROM DOMINION, BARNES & NOBLE, AUTHOR MARY EDWARDS OLSON AND FAMILY, AND CHICK-FIL-A MARKET STREET

LYDIA SONNEBERGER AND ANDREW FERGUSON

KARA DIBBLE

SEEN IN

BRISTOL THE PINNACLE

St. Jude Walk / Run to End Childhood Cancer PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY PAMELA RAGAN

Mission Statement: The mission of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is to advance cures, and means of prevention, for pediatric catastrophic diseases through research and treatment. Consistent with the vision of founder Danny Thomas, no child is denied treatment based on race, religion or a family’s ability to pay.

CHILDHOOD CANCER. No parent or child should have to hear these words much less endure the pain and heartache that comes along with this diagnosis. The last thing that a parent needs to worry about is how to come up with the money for treatment, travel, living arrangements, etc. Because all they should worry about is helping their child live.

Thanks to thousands of committed individual and team fundraisers, families never receive a bill from St. Jude for anything.

On September 23rd, hundreds of people showed up to raise money for St. Jude by participating in the St. Jude Walk / Run To End Childhood Cancer event at The Pinnacle in Bristol, TN. Local sponsors included The Pinnacle Bristol, WXBQ, WCYB News 5, and Eastman Credit Union. Local businesses such as The Great American Cookie Company, Bell Helicopter and Home Depot made the event extra special by offering several activities and food for participants of all ages.

For a complete listing of top teams, top individual participants and amount of funds raised, please go to fundraising.stjude.org. To make a donation to St. Jude by phone, please call 1-800-822-6344.

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SEEN IN

KINGSPORT MEADOWVIEW MARRIOTT CONFERENCE RESORT & CONVENTION CENTER

GOVERNOR BILL HASLAM

MARLI, SCOTTY, AND HAIDEN MAXWELL

Young Life Annual Banquet PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY CECILIA EDWARDS

It was a chilly evening in Kingsport on October 24th, but the guests poured into Meadowview Convention Center to attend the annual Young Life fundraising banquet. The theme of this year’s event was “A Time to Build,” and every aspect of the dinner was designed on that theme. The convention center was decorated with hardhats, caution cones, road signs, and caution tape as if it was a construction site.

The stage was covered in ladders, toy trucks, and tractors. Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam paused for a picture in front of the stage before area director, Scottie Dancy, opened the event. The doors were staffed by Young Life members and the tables were hosted by area leaders. Young Life also reaches middle schools with the Wyldlife and Wyldlunch programs, and the special needs ministry, Capernaum, helps to reach every kid. Reaching every kid is the goal of the Young Life ministry.

The keynote speech, delivered by the governor, was inspirational. He told stories from his own experience with Young Life, dating back to when he joined at the age of sixteen. He now serves on the national board for the organization. Young Life has impacted him for fortythree years, and he credits it as one of the reasons that he decided to run for governor saying, “I never would have been led to serve in this way if I had not been in Young Life.”

Each week, students in the program play games, hear the gospel, and have a dance party.

AUBREY LAWSON, BRIANA MALONE, AND LINDSEY ANDERSON

ENTRYWAY WITH CONSTRUCTION SIGNAGE

YOUNG LIFE MEMBERS

SEEN IN

JOHNSON CITY THE CARNEGIE HOTEL

VICTORIA DONAHUE AND KAYLA CALTON

WARREN AND JENNIFER ADLER

BARBARA LANG AND DOUG BAKER

3rd Annual Tri-Cities

Boo Bash PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY ERIC DONAHUE

On October 28th, the 3rd Annual Tri-Cities Boo Bash was presented

by Halloween Express at the Carnegie Hotel in Johnson City. There was amazing food, music, dancing and even a costume contest. All proceeds from the 3rd Annual Boo Bash went directly to SteppenStone Youth Treatment Services. SteppenStone is a residential treatment center located in Limestone, TN for boys 13-17 years old who suffer from emotional or behavioral issues mostly due to abuse or neglect.

SteppenStone works to give these children hope, love and faith. For more information please visit www.steppenstoneyouth.org.

MIKE AND KIM ADLER

DJ MARK BENNETT - GREENWOOD PARTY MIXERS

We hope to see you at the 4th Annual Boo Bash, which has been scheduled for October 27th, 2018 at the Carnegie Hotel.

DANCING THE NIGHT AWAY

BRAD AND SHANNON COLBY

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THE DALMATIANS

JASON FREDRICKSON AND LORRIE FOSTER

DAPHNE AND BRIAN BLANTON

MORGAN AND LINDA KING

CARRIE AND MATTHEW MAGGARD

CHRIS BASINGER AND MONTE RIFFEY

VICKIE KOTOWSKI AND JILL SALYERS

GREAT TIMES WITH FRIENDS

SHERRIE AND DANA BACON

WHITNEY AND JUNIOR CARR

JIM AND SANDY BARKER WITH P.B. BACHMAN

BRAD HUGHES AND MARKEETA WALKER

JESSICA HOPE AND CHARLES BELLEFANT

DANIELLE HAHNE AND ROBERT WICKER

MONA BAHARESTANI

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RECIPE DEVELOPMENT, FOOD STYLING, PHOTOGRAPHY AND ARTICLE BY LIZ BUSHONG

All Spruced Up…for Christmas!

W

Garlands

Decorating our homes for Christmas is one of the greatest joys of the season, but if you’re like most of us, we want a little something new each year to make our home warm and welcoming. Take a look at the following options.

Candles

ith boxes of Christmas decor waiting to make their long awaited debut take a moment to think of creative ways to spruce up your home for the holidays by making something old- new again. Create the magic of Christmas with a few simple decor ideas.

Pillows & Packages

Layer ribbon on packages and pillows. Pretend your pillow is a package and tie a giant ribbon bow in a bright color to the center. For this bow and other packaging, choose wired edged ribbon in a color to match your room décor. Cozy up a sofa or bed with these festive pillow packages of color. Cover old pillows with purchased pillow covers. Many patterns are available and they are simple to use. Unzip and insert the pillow, rezip and go! Hobby Lobby has a great assortment.

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Twist two thin faux garlands together to make one full garland; fill with fresh greenery to make it look full and smell like fresh pine. Spray essential pine oil or cinnamon oil on the branches for the smells of Christmas. Consider hanging a garland on your bed frame in addition to the mantel, staircase and door frames.

Gather greenery from the yard to form a ring, add candles and place on a decorative plate. Freshen old candles with new shimmer and shine with a bit of glue and glitter. Wrap pillar candles in painters tape; glue the exposed areas and coat with coordinating glitter, red on red, silver on silver or as desired. If the candlewick is burned beyond recognition, cut it down and fit the candle with a LED tea light. You will be able to reuse the candle for seasons to come.

Serve it up Sassy last year’s dinnerware with new pristine white dinner plates and add a color coordinated charger. Make a magnolia leaf round placemat to ground the charger for each place-setting.

Continue the magnolia leaves down the center of the table with added candles and treasured ornaments for a beautiful table centerpiece. Don’t forget your mantel and Christmas tree for added magnolia leaf décor. For a bit of shimmer, spray paint the tips of leaves gold or silver.

Ornaments & Candy Buffet Yuletide Signage

Purchase a framed print of your favorite yuletide saying and attach two door handles to the sides and create a tray. Embellish the framed print with cut out contact paper stars or additional designs that are inside the print. Lean this signage on your mantel, in a bathroom or use as a serving tray. The glass from the framed print will keep your artwork protected.

Tree Trimming

Simplify your tree with twinkling lights and a mix of old and new ornaments. Select ornaments with different shades of one color. Think outside the box on how to arrange the ornaments and ribbons on the tree; start by hanging large ornaments first inside the branches of the tree where you see gaps between limbs, next place medium sized ornaments throughout the tree and last the smaller and more decorative ones on the ends of the branches. Follow the shape of the tree with smaller ornaments at the top and larger ones at the base. If you have a lot of themes consider smaller trees in other rooms of your home.

Fancy Fold & Place Settings

Deck out your table with a festive napkin fold. Learn how to make a napkin look like a Christmas tree or other holiday fold. Mix and match

Add an air of enchantment to a causal mix and mingling of ornaments in a large glass decorative bowl. Fill small hurricane glass containers with Christmas candies for a quick candy bar on your buffet or kitchen counter.

While you are sprucing up your home for Christmas; imagine your tree trimmed and twinkling, your candles glittered and gleaming, all of your gifts purchased and packaged, and holiday baking ready to serve, with this powerful inspiration your home will be decked out in no time! These magical moments of Christmas will finally be revealed.

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Helping you Make a Statement, Make is Sassy and Make it Yours!®For more ideas and recipes: lizbushong.com

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. For the past several years Liz been entrusted to decorate the White House for several Holidays. She is a featured monthly guest chef/designer on Daytime Tri-cities, Daytime Blue Ridge and other television shows. Liz is the author of the Just Desserts and Sweets & Savories cookbook as well as a contributing writer for VIPSEEN and Bella Magazine. See Recipes & Ideas: lizbushong.com and social media.

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SEEN IN

JOHNSON CITY EAST TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY

Holiday Expo and Craft Bazaar hosted by Student

Veterans of America

ROBIN REAVES OF GREENEVILLE, TENNESSEE

STEVE AND CYNTHIA HOWD OF H & E FARMS

PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY KATIE DAY

Shopping for crafts and homemade items were on the list of things to do in Johnson City on Friday, November 17th and Saturday, November 18th. East Tennessee State University’s chapter of the Student Veterans of America (SVA) hosted their first annual Holiday Expose and Craft Bazaar. There was a full house with a variety of vendors, including handmade fall and Christmas items, clothes, food, soaps, and woodwork. The bazaar also featured booths that highlighted many popular items like Lipsense, Thirty-one, Scentsy, and Lularoe.

While the event was free, expo-goers were encouraged to bring an item to donate to Bucky’s Food Pantry to help staff and students in need. There was truly something for everyone, with every taste, at this Holiday Expose and Bazaar. Proceeds from the expo and silent auction will allow Student Veterans to participate in community projects/events as well as host future events. It will also help provide snacks for the student veterans lounge on campus. We are hopeful to make this an annual event as our student veteran/dependent population (using military benefits) at ETSU is steadily increasing.

For more information on the Student Veterans of America visit http:// studentveterans.org. For more information regarding Bucky’s Food Pantry visit www.etsu.edu/foodpantry/.

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SHARI GRIGSBY AND BETH FRAZIER

MEG BLEVINS, SECRETARY OF THE VETERAN’S AFFAIRS OFFICE

BRAMBLES BEND FARM

KATHY SMITH AT HER THREE CATS AND JEMS BOOTH WHERE SHE SELLS HER HANDMADE JEWELRY

SEEN IN

KINGSPORT FOOD CITY

H.O.P.E. Community Breakfast

LINDA ROBERSON AND VICTOR WILLIAMS

GREG PERDUE AND KRISTIE LEONARD

CHAIBA BLOOMER, H.O.P.E. PRESIDENT

PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY ALLISON GALLOWAY

JASMINE SCHMIDT

RONNIE AND GWEN COLLINS

H.O.P.E. held their annual Community Breakfast on Friday, October 6th at Food City. Guests enjoyed breakfast and presentation from the youth in the program. Each H.O.P.E. member present told their career goals and their favorite part of H.O.P.E. They also presented on the programs that the organization offers including job shadowing opportunities, life skills, interview skills, mission and educational trips, and so much more. The youth give back to the community in a number of ways and participate in several service projects.

H.O.P.E., or Help Our Potential Evolve, is a non-profit community organization whose mission is to connect community resources and help youth achieve their goals for education, career and service. For more information, visit hopetricities.com.

H.O.P.E. YOUTH

JOHANNA AND PAUL MONTGOMERY

MEGAN WILLIAMS AND DEBRA KING

JASMINE MCMANUS AND TAMARA LAMB

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Visit Downtown Kingsport. Shop. Eat. Play.

SEEN IN

KINGSPORT ART IN THE HEART GALLERY

BRENDA WHITE WRIGHT AND MAYOR JOHN CLARK

ZACHARY STARNES, STATE THEATER CO.

HUMANAE and Spotlight Artist Reception PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY CECILIA EDWARDS

October 5th was a monumental day for the arts in Kingsport, TN. A crowd gathered around the side of the historic State Theater on Broad Street to watch as the temporary exhibit, Humanae, was unveiled before moving down the street to the opening reception for Rita Nabors at Art in the Heart Gallery. At 4:30pm, Joy Eastridge, Bonnie MacDonald, Alderwoman Jennifer Adler, and Brenda White Wright introduced the Humanae project, a massive mural on the side of State Theater that many people will see every day. The project was created by artist Angelica Dass, a native of Madrid, Spain. She grew up feeling ostracized for the color of her skin, so she began to take portraits of people around the world as she realized that she was not the only person feeling alienated. The portraits are then surrounded with a color matching the skin tone of the person in the portrait and labeled with a corresponding number from the Pantone catalog of colors. Once that is complete, the portraits are assembled like a mosaic to fit spaces around the world. Humanae is now a global sensation. Joy Eastridge heard the artist’s Ted Talk and decided to bring the project to Kingsport. In her opening speech to introduce the mural, Joy said, “Peace and change begin right here in Kingsport, in front of this mural.”

Following the exhibit, guests were encouraged to migrate a block down the street to Art in the Heart Gallery. There, they could create and name their own color inspired by their skin tone and watch Angelica Dass’ Ted Talk, as well as videos made here in Kingsport. Angelica Dass is the creator of Humanae. A Brazilian artist living and working in Madrid. She has been internationally acclaimed through her pivotal project, Humanæ which is a collection of portrait photos of people revealing the true beauty of human color. The project has been showcased in numerous exhibitions and talks across the continents, and through the TED Global in Vancouver in 2016, her issues and philosophies of the project have reached to the extended numbers of audiences around the world. Dass holds BA in Fine Arts at UFRJ, Brazil and MA in Photography at EFTI, Spain.

CAROL DIXON AND CINDY MAREK

MANDI CAMBRE, HEATHER COOK, AND BECCA SUTPHEN

CAMERON HIDE-STATE THEATER CO. AND MELISSA SANDERS-DKA

JALEEL, DEBBIE BELL, AND SAMAYA

SEEN IN

JONESBOROUGH DOWNTOWN

GENE TAGABAN

CAROLINA QUIROGA-STULTZ

GHOST STORIES

45th Annual National

Storytelling Festival PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAY HURON | STORY BY ANGELICA ARES

Each year in October, Jonesborough is filled with the stories of past, present, and everything in between. From stories of survival to the unexplained ghosts. Stories that make you cry, think, laugh, and downright give you that warm fuzzy feeling in the pit of your stomach.

This year, was no different. Bill Lepp, Carmen Deedy, Donald Davis, Gee Tagaban, Jim May, and Willy Claflin–just to name a few–were in appearance. Newcomer to the National Storytelling Festival, Claudia Schmidt made a lasting impression with her wonderfully crafted stories that weaved into the perfectly harmonious folk songs.

DONALD DAVIS

Since 1973, the National Storytelling Festival has been captivating audiences with the powerful performances of the many storytellers that grace the stages throughout the weekend.

The Festival is recognized as “the world’s first public event devoted exclusively to storytelling. The Festival has ignited a Renaissance of storytelling throughout America and the world.”

For more information, please visit the International Storytelling Center ’s Facebook page or visit www.storytellingcenter.net.

ADAM BOOTH

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QUILT ARTISTS OF GEE’S BEND, AL

CARMEN DEEDY

BILL LEPP MEETING WITH FANS

SEEN IN

KINGSPORT KINGSPORT FARMER’S MARKET

HARLEY

PAM SHIPLEY AND DOUG HILTON

JOHNNY SCOVILLE

Kingsport

DAVID RYALS

Pepper Festival PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY LINDA COFFEY

The 4th Annual Kingsport Pepper Festival was held on Saturday, October 14th at the Kingsport Farmer ’s Market.

NICHOLE

DAMON SOILEAU SHOWS OFF THE CROP!

The first Miss Pepper Festival pageant was held, with girls competing for prizes in eight categories. Other competitions held during the day included the Tongue Twister and the Pepper Pot Toss.

Johnny Scoville, known for his YouTube videos, oversaw the Pepper Eating Contest. Buffalo Wild Wings also hosted an eating competition.

Food Trucks handed out samples of their sauces and peppers during the event. Music entertainment was provided by Railroad Angels.

The event was sponsored by the Harvest of Hope Community Garden. The garden was founded in 2011 as a collaboration between individuals and groups in our community. The garden helps individuals and families in Kingsport grow food for themselves and their community.

SO MANY PEPPERS TO CHOOSE FROM

For more information, visit www.feedkingsport.org

BETH JINKS AND MARGARET WOOLERY

SIRI

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SEEN IN

KINGSPORT MEADOWVIEW MARRIOTT CONFERENCE RESORT & CONVENTION CENTER

HANNAH SICK, DEBBIE PENCARINHA, AND GRAYSON LOYD

Kingsport State

JILL SALYERS AND LANA MOORE

KINGSPORT CHAMBER BOARD CHAIR STEPHEN LAHAIR WITH THERESA REDMOND

of the City PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY CRYSTAL DAWN CARTER

Community members, business people, lawmakers, and others gathered at Meadowview on October 13, 2017 to meet with city leaders at an early morning State of the City address presented by city leaders.

JERRY FLANNERY AND DANIELLE CANNON

According to Mayor John Clark, the city of Kingsport is in good shape. Clark says Kingsport is operated in an efficient and fiscally responsible manner. The city of Kingsport has made great strides over the last fifty years and has seen great economic growth with several businesses locating there this past year.

Clark says now Kingsport needs to look at moving the city forward. The city released a top five projects list that they feel will enhance the lives of the residents of Kingsport. Among the plans are to redevelop the riverfront area, continue to solidify the downtown area with an outdoor venue, and improvement to Bays Mountain Park.

CEEGEE MCCORD AND TONY KECK

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TONY MILLER AND BOB FEAGINS

ALDERMAN JENNIFER ADLER AND HEATHER COOK

TONY MILLER AND ROBBIE ARNOLD

ALDERMAN COLETTE GEORGE AND STATE REP. TIMOTHY HILL

CITY MANAGER JEFF FLEMING AND REP. JOHN CRAWFORD

KINGSPORT MAYOR JOHN CLARK AND CURT ROSE

JENNIFER BEARD AND BRAD HOOVER

BILL MACPHERSON AND ETTA CLARK

JOHN CAMPBELL AND MARK EVERSOLE

SAM JONES AND ERNIE RUMSBY

SEEN IN

JOHNSON CITY WILLOW SPRINGS PARK

JAVA WITH LOUIE LEACH

THE BROOKS FAMILY

MEGAN AND BRENT JONES WITH CANDI COX

Dog-A-Palooza PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY JURNEE CARR

October 21 was a beautiful fall day that went to the dogs at Willow Springs Park. Dogs dressed in hot dog, pumpkin, unicorn, and cowboy Halloween costumes chased Frisbees and bobbed for tennis balls all afternoon. Furry contestants also competed in the Best Trick and Best Costume contests, which awarded cash prizes. Dog families enjoyed cotton candy, popcorn, and “Pup Packs” for lunch, while every dog received a goodie bag with treats. And we can’t forget the perfect photo opp at the Smooch a Pooch Kissing Booth! Century 21 Legacy sponsored this 3rd annual event, and has always had a heart for helping dogs. All proceeds went directly to the Washington County Sherriff ’s Department K-9 Unit to purchase new training gear.

CENTURY 21 CREW

BRUCE PHARRIS WITH PATTON

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LINDSAY POTEAT WITH ROSKO

KENZIE

KIM BRIGHT WITH ASPEN

THE PLESCH FAMILY

ADLER HAWKINS

CORA HAWKINS, LAUREN BURNS HOPSON, AND LYNDSAY BROWN

SEEN IN

JOHNSON CITY LIBATION STATION

CHAD BENNETT AND PAMELA ALLEN

TOM HUDDLESTON AND LEE HOUSE

CHEF LEE SHERFEY

Simply Perfect Draw PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY JERRIS D. SENSABAUGH

Johnson City, Tennessee’s Libation Station provided an evening of relaxation and indulgence with their first event in their Cigar Lounge. Decadent hors d’oeuvres prepared by Chef Lee Shefrey and specialty beers brought by Erich and Pamela Allen, owners of Studio Brew Beer, were coalesced with high quality and variety of cigars for optimal experience. The Simply Perfect Draw was truly an event that will continue to be enjoyed for years to come.

CHRIS ALBA

CHRISTINA AND MICAH MCCRAY

Not only do they have the best selection of beer in the Tri-Cities, they also have 20+ beers on tap with growlers you can buy and reuse. Erich and Pamela Allen brought four of their personally crafted beers for guests to sample: Mosaic Sunset, Bourbon Barrel, Mischievous Solstice, and Studio Vienna. Each bear provided a unique flavor perfect for pairing with the selection of cigars available. More information about Master Brewer Erich Allen and his company is available at his website www.studiobrew.beer.

Libation Station will be hosting it’s annual Toast Across America charity event for members only on December 13th.

For more information on becoming a member, please visit www.libationplaza.com

ROB SAMPSON, BRAD PETERSON, ANDREW DREGER

ROBBIE HOSS AND KIERA

RACHEL AND BOB

ERICH ALLEN, OWNER OF STUDIO BREW

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Happy Holidays from Grand Home Furnishings Give the gift of comfort this holiday season.

BRISTOL

JOHNSON CITY

KINGSPORT

3325 Lee Highway

3026 E. Oakland Ave

1535 East Stone Dr.

www.grandhomefurnishings.com

SEEN IN

JOHNSON CITY BOONES CREEK CHRISTIAN CHURCH

Humane TN Grassroots

Discussion Forum

ERIC SWAFFORD AND JURNEE CARR

PHOTOGRAPHY BY WHITNEY CARR | STORY BY JURNEE CARR

“We have to be a voice,” were the words of The Humane Society of the United States – Tennessee State Director, Eric Swafford on October 23. Animal advocates from Northeast Tennessee gathered at the Humane TN Grassroots Discussion Forum to discuss ways to make an even bigger impact for animals at the legislative level. Eric gave a brief overview of the HSUS, and Jurnee Carr, Founder of the Jurnee’s Journey Foundation, spoke about how the impact of in-district lobby days created effective change for animals in Tennessee this past legislative session. Food City of Boones Creek provided light refreshments.

To learn more about how you can get involved, please visit http://m.humanesociety.org/community/ volunteers/volunteer-ally.html.

MACEE WILSON AND LUCY GRANDY – THE HUMANE SOCIETY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY

LUCY GRANDY; The Humane Society of Washington County, JURNEE CARR; Jurnee’s Journey Foundation, LIZA CONWAY; Chain Free Bristol

ANIMAL ADVOCATES READY TO MAKE A BIGGER IMPACT!

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SEEN IN

JOHNSON CITY BOWMAN JEWELERS

SHERIDAN NICHOLS AND KIM ADLER

CAROL CONDUFF AND MARIA TRUE

Ladies Night at Bowman Jewelers PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY ERIC DONAHUE

In their traditional elegant style, Bowman Jewelers opened their doors on October 18th to host a Ladies night out. This event was open to the public and what an amazing night it was. Since 1927, Bowman Jewelers has been the area‘s premier jeweler offering only the highest standards of quality, style, service, and value.

As a third-generation family business, they are committed to continue the legacy. Jewelry is their passion and that passion is most evident when you visit their showroom. Bowman Jewelers was established in 1927 by Robert W. Bowman and Mrs. Janelle Bowman in Downtown Johnson City. Currently Bowman‘s is owned and operated by the third generation Robert W. Bowman III and Linda Bowman O’Dell. For more information please visit www. bowmanjewelers.com

TREVA SELLERS, ASHLEY GRINDSTAFF, AND LINDA BOWMAN O’DELL

TEAM BOWMAN

KATHIE CORNETT AND BRANDY MCKINNEY

CANDY STEELER AND CONNIE SLAUGHTER

Pet Personals VIPSEEN TRI-CITIES CLASSIFIEDS

Proudly Sponsored by Isaacs Pools and Spas | December 2017 CHIP is a senior, neutered male terrier mix. He is very mellow and easy goin’. He is well mannered and mostly house trained. He is around 40 pounds.

www.unicoicountyanimalshelter.com 185 N Industrial Drive Erwin, TN 37650 (423) 743-3071

BERNIE is a 4 year old, neutered male pointer mix. He is active and would be a great hiking or jogging companion! He loves to play with other dogs. Bernie is around 60 pounds.

BRUCE LEE (black + white) 4 month old male UNIQUE (calico) 6 month old female DIXIE (torti) 3 year old female

BIG MAC is a gentle giant!

This big boy is a mastiff mix with a laid back personality.

He is kennel trained and would love a comfy couch to cuddle on. Big Mac loves to shake hands and show off for treats.

SEEN IN

UNICOI BOGART-BOWMAN CABIN

GAYE NORMAN AND EMILY TIPTON

TAMMY AND PAUL FLETCHER

LORRAINE AND ROY HOPSON

Heritage Days PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY CRYSTAL DAWN CARTER

Unicoi County took a step back in time on Saturday, October 15, 2017 as they made the Bogart-Bowman Cabin in Unicoi a settlement from the 1800’s. Visitors could visit the blacksmith, watch corn being shelled, make soap, or watch fibers being created and dyed. Those interested in crafts could experience quilters at their loom sewing intricate stitches and corn husks being faceted into beautiful dolls, and weaving.

MAYOR JOHNNY LYNCH AND JERRY VENCILL

JEAN AND LARRY BROWN

A Revolutionary cannon, livestock exhibits, and encampment set up next to Buffalo Creek gave insight into what daily life was like in the Appalachian region during that era.

Food was an integral part of the event, with volunteers demonstrating how to make and can apple butter, baking biscuits in a wood-fire oven, cooking an entire meal on a hearth.

Storytellers, a fife and drum band, and volunteers dressed in era clothing leading visitors around the cabin made for an authentic experience.

For more information on happenings in Unicoi County and the Bogart-Bowman Cabin visit www.unicoitn.net.

BOGART-BOWMAN CABIN

HANNAH, WESTON, AND NATHAN

DOUG EDWARDS AND EMILY EDWARDS

FIFE AND CANNON BAND

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SEEN IN

UNICOI UNICOI HIGH SCHOOL

TEAM KNOXVILLE DONATED 6,000 POUNDS OF DOG FOOD

WINNERS

Miss Apple Festival PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY ERIC DONAHUE

On September 30th, the Miss Apple Festival made a huge comeback by holding the first Pageant they have had for several years at the Unicoi High School. Under the direction of Whitney Carr, contestants from several states competed for crowns in several different categories. There were 62 contestants in all, and the event raised nearly 15,000 pounds of dog food for donation to the Unicoi County Animal Shelter.

Winners of this pageant qualified to advance to the Tennessee Festivals state pageant in April 2018. For information about upcoming pageants please visit www.Wonderimages.org

LITTLE WINNERS

JUDGING THE COMPETITION

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THEY ARE ALL WINNERS

FORMAL WEAR COMPETITION

WALKING THE STAGE

RECEIVING THEIR CROWNS

SEEN IN

UNICOI DOWNTOWN ERWIN

LINDSEY HORTON AND HOLLY CARVER

KILLIAN, NICK, AND BECKY FILARELLI

JACKIE AND CHARLIE SHELTON

40th Annual Unicoi County Apple Festival PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY ALLISON GALLOWAY

ALEC WHITEHEAD AND AMBER STRICKLAND

It may not feel like it, with temperatures still in the 80’s, but fall is definitely in the air! The 40th Annual Unicoi County Apple Festival took place on October 6th and 7th in beautiful downtown Erwin and helped kick off the autumn season. The popular, two-day fall festival, hosted by the Unicoi County Chamber of Commerce, has no shortage of things to do, eat, and see. Over 350 vendors set up with unique arts and crafts, jewelr y, wood-turning, and much more than you could imagine.

TRACY AND CHRIS

There’s also a huge food court with a variety of different foods, including deep fried everything! Live music, a children’s area, and a scavenger hunt are all part of the festival as well. With this much to do, you may have to visit the Apple Festival both days just to experience all it has to offer.

With over 100,000 visitors annually, it’s no wonder the festival has been consistently named one of the Southeast Tourism Society ’s Top 20 events in the southeast and is a three-year winner of the Northeast Tennessee Tourism Association’s Pinnacle Award.

JULIE AND DAVID NELSON

BROOKE AND FREDDA ROBERTS

PENNY AND SAM OSBORNE

ANGELA MILLER

For more information, visit unicoicounty.org/apple-festival.

MICHAEL, TARA, AND SUSIE BAKER

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SEEN IN

KINGSPORT CIVIC AUDITORIUM

ROBIN HILLMAN

38th Annual

HAILEY RODGERS

JEFF MCREYNOLDS

Christmas Connection PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY CECILIA EDWARDS

The 38th Annual Christmas Connection took place the first weekend of November and featured artists and craftsman at the Civic Auditorium in Kingsport. It was sponsored by the Kingsport Office of Cultural Arts. Admission was free and the vendors displayed a wide range of products from leatherwork, jewelry, and stained glass to clothing, food items, and pottery.

The venue was packed for three days with early holiday shoppers hoping to get ahead of Christmas gifts by buying handcrafted items for loved ones. By the end of the day on Sunday, many of the booths were nearly bare to the delight of vendors and customers alike. Christmas Connection Artistic Creations Fair will be back again next year!

SHARON SIMMONS AND KAREN GOGLICK

STEVE AND WILMA ROBERTS

JESSIE BYRNS AND ALICE STEPHENSON

JULIE GOUGE

JOHN DIAZ

CONNIE MCMURRAY AND NANCY DAVIS

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MICHELLE GILL

CHRIS BESS WITH JANET AND JIM KILGORE

BACK BY POPULAR BACKDEMAND BY POPULAR DEMAND

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‘Twas the First of December...

‘Twas the first of December and all through the yard, Millions of lights were twinkling, ‘cause we Christmas hard.

Our trees have been up since before Halloween, We don’t care what haters say - Christmas haters are mean, The presents were bought and wrapped in November, What we bought everyone, I can’t even remember, Christmas spending this year was not overextended, Because of all the people on Facebook I offended, My niece found some app that helps you draw names, Because drawing from a hat is apparently lame, My kids get more expensive with each passing year, We’ve gone from cheap toys to gold watches up in here, I’m tempted to box up and wrap with sass, A picture of braces, car title, and some money for gas, Kids are expensive all year, if you ask me, But still have the guts to ask for big gifts under the tree, When I was a kid, $20 Walkmen were treats, Now we lay down $400 for some Beats.

I miss the days before smart watches and phones, When kids wanted board games and never heard of drones, They don’t understand about Christmas in old days, When our gift was socks and we walked to school uphill both ways, When I was a kid at Christmas, we stayed home on most nights, We didn’t fly to New York City just to “look at the lights”, Things were much simpler then than they are now, Over time, we’ve made Christmas into a chore somehow, In my humble opinion, it would do us a lot of good, To celebrate Christmas as we all know we should, Stop all the rushing around that Christmastime brings, And get back to simply celebrating the birth of our King.

Merry ! ! ! s a m T S I R CH

Love, Beth xoxoxox

Beth is a wife to Stephen, mother of 2 boys, and business owner who is passionate about Jesus. She likes the color orange, good grammar, and junk food; she detests misspelled words, laziness, and mouth noises of all kinds. She is also passionate about helping people create residual income by working part time from home. www.bethstreet.myrandf.com

SEEN IN

JOHNSON CITY ROSE HILL WEDDINGS

JESSICA MOORE AND ABIGAIL

KEEMA GREENLEE AND TERRY GRUBBS

KATIE CARNAHAN AND CAMERON COLEMAN

Denim & Diamond BBQ, Bidding and Bluegrass Bash PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY LINDA COFFEY

Seasons of Hope’s Annual Denim and Diamonds BBQ, Bidding and Bluegrass Bash was held on Sunday, October 29th at Rose Hill Ballroom in Johnson City. The event was sponsored by Legacy Nightlife.

Attendees enjoyed the afternoon, listening to music by Sulphur Springs String Dippers, while enjoying BBQ catered by Jiggy Ray’s.

STACEE PATE

MARIA TRUE AND MARK LACKEY

A silent auction was held during the event with baskets of merchandise and events from many local business and patrons.

A live auction was held at 2pm.

“Celebrate Your Selfie” had a photo booth set up to make the event memorable!

Jessica Moore and Chris McIntosh served as emcees for the afternoon. They enjoyed getting everyone to bid on the silent auction items.

The proceeds from the event will help fund the Secret Santa Project, a project of Seasons of Hope, Inc. The project helps to provide local families celebrate Christmas through gifts and food. If you would like to learn more about this project or other events sponsored by Seasons on Hope, Inc., visit their website www.seasonsofhopetn.com.

AUBREY LITTLE, WINDI LITTLE, KATY KEEN, AND ABBIE SHAW-KEELING

STEPHANIE DAVIS

WINDI LITTLE AND BRADLEY WISHON

CHARLSIE AND NATHAN WELLS WITH CASEY

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SEEN IN

KINGSPORT CATTAILS AT MEADOWVIEW

DENNIS PHILLIPS

EMILY BALL AND LINDSAY SEAVER

BRIAN MALONE, TIM STORY, AND MARK WILLIAMS

3rd Annual Dennis Phillips

Leadership Kingsport

Golf Tournament PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY ALLISON GALLOWAY

The 3rd Annual Dennis Phillips Leadership Kingsport Golf Tournament took place on Friday, October 27th on the beautiful course of Cattails at Meadowview. The weather was perfect for teams to come out and support Leadership Kingsport in a golf tournament named in honor of former Kingsport Mayor Dennis Phillips. The tournament was sponsored by RICOH.

STEPHEN SAWYER, MONTY MCLAURIN, RICK STAPLETON, AND KEVIN SMITH

The tournament was a modified scramble. In 1st place was the Leadership Kingsport Class of 2018 team, in 2nd place was the Tele-Optics team, and 3rd place was the BC Realty team. Awards for hole competitions for longest drive, most accurate drive and closest to the pin were also given out.

Your Kingsport Chamber’s Kingsport Leadership program includes two leadership programs, Leadership Kingsport and S.H.O.U.T.!® Youth Leadership. The mission of Leadership Kingsport, the adult leadership program, is to develop leaders who give life to community dreams. The mission of SHOUT!® (Students Helping Others Understand Tomorrow) is to develop, in an interactive environment, the leadership skills and community awareness of selected high school sophomores and juniors.

To learn more about Leadership Kingsport Programs, contact Vanessa Bennett at vbennett@kingsportchamber.org or 392-8813.

RHONDA SMITH, VANESSA BENNETT, LORA BARNETT, CAROLINE JONES, AND DANIELLE CANNON

DALLAS REINHART, JEFF STILLER, RICHARD RIFFE, AND CHASE KRESS

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ROB ARNOLD, KEITH HICKEY, SCOTT PIERCE, AND MCCLURE BOYD

Need to be seen this holiday season?

No matter where you are, there’s a Wellmont Urgent Care near you.

Nothing ruins your holiday fun like a minor illness or injury. That’s why Wellmont Urgent Care stands ready to help with quick, compassionate care – so you can get back to decking the halls.

When you need high-quality care without costly emergency room fees, Wellmont Urgent Care is there for you and your family. Most locations are open weekdays 8 a.m.–8 p.m. and weekends 10 a.m.–6 p.m.

Please visit wellmont.org/UrgentCare to learn more or find a location near you.

Urgent care locations Tennessee Bristol • State Street • Volunteer Parkway Gray Greeneville* Johnson City Kingsport Rogersville

Virginia Abingdon Bristol • Exit 7 Lebanon Norton • Commonwealth Drive • Park Avenue NW *Greeneville: weekdays 8 a.m.–6 p.m. and weekends 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

wellmont.org/UrgentCare /Wellmont wellmontphysicians.org wellmontphysicians.org VIPSEEN-DEC17Cover.indd 5

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