MAY 2014
m a d e pat i e n t s p e c i f i c at c u s t o m c o m p o u n d i n g c e n t e r s o f a m e r i c a
MAY
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MAKING YOUR HOUSE A HOME
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MAY 2014 | VIPSEEN | 3
CONTENTS
MAY 2014
FEATURES 22
MAKE YOUR HOUSE A HOME
66
ANIMAL LOVERS SPECIAL SECTION
64
DEPARTMENTS 7
ABOUT COVER
8
HAPPY PAGE
83
9 CALENDAR
EVENTS
91 NEW ON THE SCENE
Serve it up Sassy
10
Love Local Johnson City Appalachian Sustainable Development
13
Dancing with the Tri-Cities Stars Press Conference
14
27th Annual Rotary Teacher Awards
20
Bringin’ Back the BBQ
40
7th Annual Hot Tea and Totes
46
Skelton Law’s Surgoinsville 10 Miler Road Race
47
King College After Hours
48
Tri-Cities Center for Cosmetic Dentistry Semi-Annual Open House
51
Third Annual Thirsty Orange Brew Extravaganza
54
Run for the Booty 5K Color Run
56
The Johnson City Area Arts Council Hosts an Evening of 4x4 Miniature Masterpieces
59
Special Spaces Tri-Cities Creates a “Glam” Themed Dream bedroom for Riley Cox
60
Kingsport Carousel Project Groundbreaking
60
Tennessee Environmental Conference
61
Taste of Jonesborough
63
JCCC Agricultural Dinner
64
The Original Harlem Globetrotters
76
Leadership Kingsport
78
Boys and Girls Club Gala
80
One Campaign Murder Mystery Dinner
86
Second Harvest Food Bank After Hours
88
Brass Ring Gala
93
International Tapas Night: YUM YUM The Power of the Bite
96
Matilde Cigar Release featuring Enrique Seijas
4 | VIPSEEN | MAY 2014
17 VIP PROFILE
Liz Bushong
83 SERVE IT UP SASSY
A Mother’s Day Memory: Breakfast in Bed
59
Letter from the Publishers PRINTS Brian Hullette DESIGN NINJA Angelica Ares EVENT COORDINATOR DIRECTOR OF DISTRIBUTION Savanna Smith EDITORIAL INTERN Morgan Nellis SALES MANAGER April Taylor 423.646.4626 april@vipseenmag.com ACCOUNT MANAGERS Edward Abdelmessih edabdel@vipseenmag.com 276.494.4342 Susan Couch 423.483.5591 susan@vipseenmag.com Danielle Hahne 404.483.6926 danielle@vipseenmag.com Carolyn Kestner 423.292.3436 carolyn@vipseenmag.com Jada Sherfey 423.817.5580 jada@vipseenmag.com COPY EDITOR Lucy Honeychurch CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Liz Bushong Linda Coffey Lucy Honeychurch Savanna Smith PHOTOGRAPHY Mickey J. Baker Liz Bushong Linda Coffey Danielle Hahne Savanna Smith April Taylor DISTRIBUTION Susan Couch Bobby Flowers Lynda Fontaine Savanna Smith
For some, it is hard to grasp the true privilege and honor of what it means to be an American. I believe the reason for this is simply because they know no other way. We were born with freedoms and rights that millions of other humans around the world will only experience in their wildest dreams.
Happy Spring!!!
We have all this freedom, these rights and what do we do with them? As American citizens, are we living up to our end of this bargain? Men and women have given their lives, lost their limbs, their vision, hearing, and even their sanity to keep us safe and free from the terror that takes place daily in many other countries around the world. How are we saying “thank you”? How are we conveying to those who are willing to put their lives on the line that they are appreciated? I have traveled to a country where the freedoms I have grown accustomed to in America, simply do not exist on their soil. Instead I discovered it to be a government that only cares for itself and suppresses the people. They don’t allow their people to leave their borders; that freedom doesn’t exist. Can you imagine? As Americans, we should be full of pride for our country, our citizenship, and very protective of our land and rights. However, we should also adhere to our responsibilities as Americans. By many people and in several variations it has been said; “With great power, comes great responsibility.” (Uncle Ben from Spiderman). Again from a speech that FDR was going to deliver at the Jefferson Day Dinner in 1945; he died the day before: “Today we have learned in the agony of war that great power involves great responsibility.” And lastly but certainly not least from Jesus in Luke 12:48; “For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required.” My history teacher at E.B. Stanley in Abingdon taught me in 8th grade, that it is my civic duty to vote. He drilled that idea in our heads and it stuck. I registered as soon as I turned 18.
I think we are certainly ready for some warm weather to settle in for good. Despite all the crazy weather we have had, I still continue to see our communities celebrate life, open their pocketbooks and support each other. I have found that with each issue we produce, there is content that teaches us something every single month. I feel like our content just keeps getting better! I’ve been so proud to hear so many heart-felt messages applauding our team and expressing appreciation for our content and for giving our community a magazine to call its own. I have even heard many of you say they read it from cover to cover and that’s very gratifying to all of us. May is already looking to be one of our busiest months for happenings. In the days ahead we will be working hard to bring it all to you. Our region is really rich with diverse culture. Our region is filled with residents who are dedicated to supporting the arts and amazing social happenings. Most of those who live and work in our community, and our surrounding communities, are unaware of the very reasons why they should support volunteer work. We hope that VIPSEEN will continue to bring these elements to light, celebrate them and encourage our readers to get involved. I hope you get to participate in these exciting events – try to find a way to attend, volunteer, or donate Once again, thank you for your continue support. Hope to see you soon!
Often I listen to people complain about our country and governments, most especially the government officials, yet we are the ones voting them in and we are the ones who can vote them out. When I hear of voter turnout percentages, I am floored at the number of Americans who are just too caught up in their own lives to take the time out to VOTE. Yes, you may have to wait in a long line, but that can’t be anymore inconvenient than the soldier who has to mail his in because he can’t make it home to vote because he is protecting your freedom in some far away land.
Brian Hullette, Co-Publisher brian@vipseenmag.com
As Americans we have the abilities to be andm ado anything d e pat i e n t s p e c i f iwe c at cwant ustom compounding centers of america at anytime we decide to do it. We have God, and our Forefathers to thank for that and also our military for defending our rights. One of those rights being the right to vote. That is a privilege denied to many around the globe. Lead by example; teach your children the importance, value, and duties of citizenship. This year when you turn out to vote (because it DOES customized count) take your son or daughter, explain to them why they have what compounding they have, who to thank, and why it is important for them to oneservices day • Can be billed on insurance fulfill their civic duty. Teach them to be grateful to be an American.
INSIDE
• Formulations are made specific to each patients individualized needs • Formulations can contain multiple variations of: • Antibiotics • Topical Steroids • Antifungals • Antihistamines
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ON THE COVER
Angela Striligas Baker, Publisher angela@vipseenmag.com
MAKING YOUR HOUSE A HOME
ANIMAL
LOVERS Special Section VIP PROFILE
LIZ Bushong
LIZ BUSHONG WITH JJ THE RABBIT ANDforSEBASTIAN THE POODLE more information, go to WWW.cccarX.com
CCCA
423-245-1022
P C A B
ACCREDITED Compounding Pharmacy
Johnson city, tn Location PCAB Accredited Compounding Pharmacies are recognized by the AMA as adhering to “quality & practice standards”.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICKEY BAKER Compounded formulations require a prescription by a licensed prescriber. Compounded medications are not approved by the FDA nor are they required to be. © Custom Compounding Centers of America.
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6 | VIPSEEN | MAY 2014
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT THROUGHOUT THE TRI-CITIES SCENE
VIPSEEN, Inc., Tri-Cities 247 Broad Street, Suite 205 Kingsport, TN 37660 423.398.5321 info@vipseenmag.com
He Says...
MAY
WEBMASTER Robert Neilson Wired Web Development
She says
MAY 2014
PRINT-CESS Angela Striligas Baker
Arts & Entertainment Throughout the Tri-Cities Scene
Cover Story BY ANGELA BAKER
For those of you who know my husband, Mickey, must know the following things about him: 1.
2. 3.
He loves his fur babies! Elmo, Minnie and even big ol’ Bayla! I tell my friends and family that the doggies do not live with us we live with them. He loves photography! A passion discovered and developed over the last four years. He loves to plan ahead! The theory “opposites attract” has proven itself to be true in our relationship.
Earlier this year when we were looking at the editorial calendar, Mickey was asking me what I had in mind for some of the upcoming covers (he likes to know these things way in advance because it helps him to plan and schedule and blah blah blah). When he noticed that we had an issue that would have a section about animals, he came up with the idea of using a lady, a fur baby and a suitcase at a train station. I loved it! From there we chose a woman for the cover and set a creative meeting to get the ball rolling!
Meet our Cover Models… The Lady: Liz Bushong. Liz is the lady responsible for all the fabulous recipes
you have been reading month after month in VIPSEEN. ‘Serve it up Sassy’ is her baby. She develops the recipes, writes the article and even photographs the food for each and every spread. Liz is also our VIP Profile for this issue! To read more about her fascinating story, turn to page 17. Also, I must add, she designed and made the beautiful pink jacket to wear on the cover! So talented!
The Fur baby: The search was on for a fur baby that would stick out among the rest. One evening while I was scrolling through Facebook, I took notice
that Tamara Marshall had posted the most precious picture of her newest fur baby Solomon, so I reached out to her and asked if she would allow us to “borrow” Solomon for the cover! She was so gracious and agreed. As I began to provide more details as far as the look we were trying to capture, she told me that she had another fur baby and he might be more of what I was looking for. Tamara sent over a picture and it was love at first sight. Sebastian is one of the most beautiful doggies I have ever seen. Somehow I convinced her to bring them both to the shoot! On the day of the shoot we quickly discovered that getting two dogs to corporate (at the same time) probably wasn’t going to happen for us. It was worth a try. Maybe when Solomon gets a little older, Tamara will let us borrow him once more!
The “Extra”: If you look closely, you will see that Liz is holding her bunny Jackson Junior aka JJ. During our creative meeting she mentioned that she had a bunny and we all agreed that he would be a perfect little extra! A special thank you to Bristol Train Station for allowing us to photograph our cover there, Liz Bushong for being so talented and a joy to work with, Tamara Marshall for the use of her gorgeous babies, Angelica Ares for all the millions of things she does to contribute to each and every issue and lastly, but certainly not least, to my husband Mickey for the idea, the photography, the patience and his love and support. MAY 2014 | VIPSEEN | 7
Happy Birthday Martha McGlothlin!
Happy Birthday Lyndsay! I love you!
Happy Birthday Mike Adler!
HAPPY
Happy Birthday Laura Steel Woods!
Happy Birthday Jerreese Rockwell!
Happy Birthday Tori Humphreys!
Happy Birthday Carol Conduff!
Happy Birthday Jeff! Love Stacey
Happy Birthday Kristen and Daniel!
Happy Birthday Vik Vatrana!
Happy Birthday Reece Hill!
Happy Birthday Debbie England!
Happy Birthday Miss Food City!
Happy Birthday Kyle Davis!
Happy Birthday Kathy Kennedy!
Happy Birthday to the sweet Rose Sorrell!
Happy Birthday Kevin Nicewonder!
Happy Birthday Mike Miller!
Happy Birthday Lamar Reid!
Happy Birthday Michelle Stevens!
Happy Birthday Phil! You are missed!
8 | VIPSEEN | MAY 2014
Happy Birthday Stan Pace!
Happy Birthday Shirley Carrier! We love you!
Happy Birthday Courtney Whitson!
Happy Birthday David Merideth!
Happy Birthday Theresa! - Love Eric
Calendar
| May 2014
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
Corey Ippolito Winery Wine Tasting @ 606 State Street Gallery 6-8 pm
First Friday Music Series @ Downtown Johnson City
Northeast State Foundation’s Derby Day @ The Foundation Event Facility 5-9pm
May Art Exhibit feat. John Adams Elementary @ Kingsport Town Center May 1-31
Sports Cards Memorabilia Show @ Kingsport Town Center 10 am- 9 pm
1
Johnson City Business After Hours @ Wallace Imports 5:30-7:30 pm
Sweet-Seller Dessert Banquet (Girl Scouts ONLY) @ The Charles 4-6 pm
ETSU Athletics Golf Tournament @ Blackthorn 9 am
10th -Bill Lepp @ International Storytelling Center in Jonesborough 2 pm
The Dawn of Hope Spring Luau @ The Millennium Centre 6-10 pm
Sports Cards Memorabilia Show @ Kingsport Town Center 1-6 pm JDRF Cinco de Mayo Fundraiser @ Maple Lane 5 pm
4
11
Regional Business After Hours @ Bristol Motor Speedway 5:30-7:30 pm Bourbon and Bowties trunk Show @ Up Against the Wall Gallery, Kingsport 4-8 pm
6
7
8
22nd Annual Golf Scramble @ Ridgefields Golf Course 8:45- 2 pm
17th -Sheila Arnold @ International Storytelling Center in Jonesborough 2 pm
NAIA Baseball World Series @ Hunter Wright Stadium TBA
NAIA Baseball World Series @ Hunter Wright Stadium TBA
NAIA Baseball World Series @ Hunter Wright Stadium TBA
NAIA Baseball World Series @ Hunter Wright Stadium TBA
5
12
13
14
Wizard of Oz Opening Gala @ The Barter 3-4 pm
20
Bourbon, Bluegrass and BBQ @ Ridgefields Country Club 6-9 pm 3rd Local Talent Showcase @ 606 State Street Gallery 6-10 pm AACA car Show @ TriSummit Bank parking lot 6-8 pm’ Junior League of Bristol Caterpillar Crawl 5K and Family Fun Run @ Downtown Bristol 8-11 am
9
Healing Hands “Diamonds and Ice” Luncheon @ Bristol Train Station 11 am-1 pm
21
31st- Spencer Bohren @ International Storytelling Center in Jonesborough 2 pm
26
27
Ballet and Bubbly @ Hibbert Davis, Kingsport 6-8 pm
MercyMe Christian Rock Concert @ Niswonger Performing Arts Center 7:30-9 pm Wellmont Urgent Care of Bristol opening Day @ Wellmont Urgent Care, Bristol 11 am- 2 pm
10
Racks by the Tracks @ Kingsport Farmer’s Market The Motown Experience @ Niswonger Performing Arts Center 7:30-9 pm 2014 Girls Inc. Garden Party @ 102 Ridgemont Rd Johnson City 6:30 pm
17
Quiet Riot @ International Storytelling Center in Jonesborough 2 pm
Wilderness Trail Rod Run Car Show @ Downtown Kingsport
Wilderness Trail Rod Run Car Show @ Downtown Kingsport
22
Twilight Alive Concert Series presents Confederate Railroad @ Downtown Kingsport 7 pm
23
Bluegrass on Broad Concert Sculpture Walk and Art Crawl Series presents Trey Hensley @ Downtown Kingsport Bluegrass Band @ Downtown Kingsport 7 pm pARTy in the heART Art Festival @ Downtown Kingsport
28
3
16
Twilight Alive Concert Series presents Scott Miller @ Downtown Kingsport 7 pm
25
Miss Kingsport Town Center Beauty Pageant 2014 @ Kingsport Town Center 2 pm
15 Bluegrass on Broad Presents Blue Edition @ Downtown Kingsport 7 pm
19
2
Bluegrass for the Cure @ The Paramount 7:30-10 pm
Quiet Riot @ International Storytelling Center in Jonesborough 2 pm
18
Girls Inc. Presents “An Evening of Musical Entertainment, Inspiration, and Leadership” @ The Paramount 8-10 pm
Sports Cards Memorabilia Show @ Kingsport Town Center 10 am- 9 pm
29
30
24 pARTy in the heART Art Festival @ Downtown Kingsport 11th Annual Kid Power @ Appalachian Fairgrounds 10 am-2 pm
June1
SEEN IN JOHNSON CITY One Acre Café
Love Local Johnson City
continues to create partnerships
O
n Friday, March 21, guests attended an event called “Love Local” to learn more about the work of two very busy non-profit partners: Appalachian Sustainable Development (ASD) and One Acre Café. Created to educate and inspire local residents about hunger and food access issues, guests had a chance to sample tapas dishes like lamb kabobs, vegetarian ratatouille and spinach/pepper and parmesan stuffed mushrooms created by volunteers using primarily locally sourced ingredients. Underwritten by corporate partner, UBS Financial Services, the evening focused on ASD’s mission which is to create economic development opportunities in local communities by helping local farmers stay on their land, educating people about where their food comes from and donating fresh, local produce to food banks. One Acre Café works to provide anyone who needs to eat an opportunity to do so regardless of their ability to pay. While the event announced the two entities’ partnership, according to ASD executive director Kathlyn Terry, it also provided the community with a chance to learn more about what the two organizations did and how they could benefit the community.
David Krebs
Aubrie Abernathy and Jim Gorny
PHOTOGRAPHY BY DANIELLE HAHNE | STORY SUBMITTED
UBS Team
“The reason ASD is partnering with One ACRE Cafe is because ... we both want to feed the hungry,” Terry said during the event. “We also have a desire to connect local farmers and food producers with hungry people and connect farmers with restaurants.” One way ASD is attempting to make those connections is through a program called Rooted in Appalachia, which provides restaurants and businesses the ability to order locally grown and raised foods using an online list of goods available at several local farms. Once the restaurant or business orders the local fare, ASD then provides the delivery service, thereby reducing both entities’ costs in the transaction. In addition to helping restaurants and businesses access local food, Terry said her organization is also attempting to ease private citizens’ abilities to prepare and cook their own food. While Terry expressed pride in some of the work her organization has done, she also impressed that assistance was needed for both ASD and One ACRE Cafe to continue their work. “The reason that we’re doing Love Local events is because we want local folks to know that by working together we can tackle local problems”. “We are really passionate about partnerships and respecting what each of us does,” Terry said. “We both also really believe in local solutions to local problems.
Mike Borders and Paul Jacobson
Kathlyn Terry
10 | VIPSEEN | MAY 2014
Jean Orchard
Lila Apgar and Jean Feola
Mary Jane Jacob
Tom Walters and Carolynn Bailey
Ed Gerace
Esteban Jondahl
Alex Hurd
Mary Lee Jondahl
Sam and Michael Jones
Dave Hedstrom and Morgan Watts
Nancy Campbell, Jan Jacobson, and Beverly Jenkins
One Acre Cafe Board Members
MAY 2014 | VIPSEEN | 11
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SEEN IN KINGSPORT MeadowView Conference Center
Dancing With the Tri-Cities Stars PRESS CONFERENCE
PHOTOGRAPHY BY SAVANNA SMITH | STORY SUBMITTED
STARS BETH SHUMAKER – Owner, Fit Life, LLC Wellness Coach, Viridian Health
D
ancing with Tri-Cities Stars is stepping into its sixth year Saturday, June 28th 2014 at 5:00PM. This year’s competition will again be held at The MeadowView Conference Resort and Convention Center in Kingsport. The purpose of the conference held on April 1 was to formally introduce the dancers to the public. All were dressed in their dancing best and received quite an applaud from attendees. Everyone was then invited into the tasting room to learn all about the reason for the show. Emcee Sarah Diamond and Co-Founder Tom Herington spoke to the crowd about SteppinStone Youth Treatment Services. SteppenStone is a Tri-Cities treatment center in Limestone, TN that helps boys who experience emotional and behavioral problems. They provide a continuum of treatment in a residential setting as well as day treatment, after school treatment and outpatient treatment. SteppenStone is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Mike and Kim Adler, of Johnson City, teach the Tri-Cities stars. Both Mike and Kim achieved World Champion status with their professional partners and as a couple with the United Country Western Dance Council. The dancers will each perform two dances. The women will wear original pieces from Randall Designs that were worn for ABC’s Dancing With The Stars. Mirror-ball trophies will be awarded to the highest scoring man and woman. The judging panel will spotlight some well-known faces/ voices in the Tri-Cities, as well professional UCWDC World Champions and Rising Star Ballroom Professionals Rex and Rachel Jones. General Admission tickets are $100, Premium seating is $125, and VIP tables are $2,500. Each ticket includes dinner served at food stations placed around the ballroom, which allows guests an opportunity to mingle and enjoy their favorite entrée. Tickets can be purchased at www.dancingwiththetricitiesstars.com For more information on the Dancing with Tri-Cities Stars event or SteppenStone Youth Treatment Services, contact Paige Peters, 423-257-7512.
Tim Banion and Lonnie Salyer
Management, Wellness Coach
DESSI FOSTER – Fitness Instructor, Lifestyles Fitness Center, Mary Kay Ind.
Sales Director
AUNDREA WILCOX – Executive Director of the Kingsport Office of Small Business Development & Entrepreneurship (KOSBE) at the Kingsport Area Chamber of Commerce, Tennessee
KELLY TORBETT – Account Manager, McKesson Medical Surgical CARLA CAMPBELL KARST – Contemporary Christian Recording artist,
Edinburgh Development Group
TEDDY GAINES – Assistant Coach, ETSU Bucs Football JEFF JONES – Site President, Citigroup Dr. BERNARD TISDALE – Medical Director of Radiation/Oncology, Chief of Medical Staff, Johnston Memorial Hospital MONTY MCLAURIN – CEO and Vice President, Indian Path Medical Center DR. SAM HUDDLESTON– Plastic/Reconstructive surgeon, Huddleston Plastic Surgery Center
Tom Herington and Paige Peters
SEEN IN BRISTOL Train Station
27th Annual Rotary Teacher Awards S
everal teachers got a night of recognition Tuesday, April 15 during the 27th annual Teacher Awards Banquet hosted by Bristol VA-TN Rotary Club at the Train Station. The outstanding teachers selected for this year’s awards are from Fairmount Elementary and Van Pelt Elementary. Fairmount’s Jane Laoo and Van Pelt’s Joanna Wise earned a $2,500 cash award and the title of 2014 Rotary Outstanding Teacher during the Frank W. DeFriece Banquet that honored all 12 nominees entered in the contest. The teachers’ respective schools will also receive a $500 donation for a needed equipment purchase that will be made in their name. The group will also present a circulating plaque to the instructors that will be on display at their respective schools for the year. Laoo, who was nominated by Fairmount principal Dr. Kyle Evans, teaches sixth grade math at the school. She has been in the education field for 11 years and — in the words of comments given by Rotarian Tara McCall — Laoo is a second mother to her students. Wise teaches third grade social studies and science at Van Pelt and was nominated by Principal Stephen Bonney. McCall commented that one of Wise’s former students said that they wanted to be just like her when they reach adulthood. Wise relies on growing the relationship between parent and educator to help students reach their full potential. The teachers’ nominations were evaluated by an anonymous panel of six judges composed of public educators and public service representative from outside the Bristol area. Teachers also earning nominations in Tennessee included Larissa Miller, Anderson Elementary School; Cathy Bryant , Avoca Elementary School; Keith Dison, Haynesfield Elementary School; Tim Smith, Vance Middle School; and Mark Grindstaff, Tennessee High School. In Virginia, those nominated were Sara Kate Tallman, Highland View Elementary School; Megan Fabbri, Stonewall Jackson Elementary School; Kimberly Clear, Virginia High School; Susan Hampton, Virginia Middle School; and Debbie Musser, Washington Lee Elementary School. Each nominee received a $100 cash award. Signature sponsors for the Rotary Outstanding Teacher Awards include Alpha Natural Resources, Bill Gatton Automotive Group, Bank of Tennessee, Bristol Motor Speedway, Wellmont Bristol Regional Medical Center, Bristol Tennessee Essential Services, Bristol Virginia Utilities, First Bank & Trust Company, HVAC, Inc., Johnson Commercial Development, King University, Massengill-DeFriece Foundation, Tenn. Rep. Jon Lundberg and Strongwell.
14 | VIPSEEN | MAY 2014
PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY SUBMITTED
TEACHER AWARDS SPONSORS: Alpha Natural Resources Bank of Tennessee Bill Gatton Automotive Group Bristol Motor Speedway Bristol Regional Medical Center Bristol Tennessee Essential Services Bristol Virginia Utilities HVAC, Inc. Johnson Commercial Development King University Massengill-DeFriece Foundation State Representative Jon Lundberg Strongwell
spotlight
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ON THE FAST TRACKS WITH SERVE IT UP SASSY’S
LIZ BUSHONG L
iz Bushong is riding the rails of a proverbial train to the destination that is set before her. She is not side tracked, but focused and fully charged gaining momentum as she climbs the hills and mountains along this life journey. “ It’s been quite a ride, “ says Liz, whose career was not always on track. She grew up in a small town in Indiana with her mom and five sisters. Liz, being the oldest, often took the role as mother to her siblings. Her mother worked from dawn to dusk trying to keep food on the table and a roof over their heads. “We always had a garden, so canning and preserving, cooking and baking was a way of life. If we wanted something special to wear, we made it. By todays standards we were poor, but we didn’t think about what we lacked, but kept working and dreaming about where we wanted to go” Liz said. During her late high school years, after school in the early afternoon, Liz would go to work with her mother in a dinner theatre. Liz was a seating hostess and after guests were seated, she worked in the kitchen preparing salads and mini desserts. In between serving the people, homework was completed. The evening ended with a drive back home in the early morning hours. One summer Liz worked for a costume company that created the costumes for the shows. Building on her desire to design clothes, she created a beautiful costume for the leading lady in the show My Fair Lady. Liz had two special mentors; one was her high school Home Economics teacher Mrs. Crafton. Mrs. Crafton developed a fashion design class just for Liz. “It probably wasn’t just for me, but she made me feel like it was,” says Liz. It was in that class that Liz developed her patternmaking skills and eye for design when she created her evening gown for the Miss Indiana Teenager Pageant. Her other mentor was her grandmother, who influenced her early in her life with cake decorating and other baking skills.
STORY BY LE’ANN REED PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF LIZ BUSHONG
With infallible determination, Liz worked her way from struggles to success. From hometown country girl to the big city lights of New York City, Liz made her mark as a designer in the fashion industry. She obtained two college degrees, a Bachelor of Science in Consumer and Family Sciences from Purdue University and an Associate Degree in Fashion Design from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. Upon graduation from FIT, Liz was hired as a designer for the infamous children’s wear company, Garan Incorporated, known as Garanimals. * From there, she moved to Texas, then back to New York for advancement in the fashion industry. After several jobs in the industry, she quickly discovered that when the season was complete, her job would end. She was not happy with this kind of life and returned to Indiana to marry her fiancé of 7 years, who fiancé at the time was living in Bristol. She had visited the area many times, not knowing that a few years later, they would be living in Johnson City. “God sure has a sense of humor,” Liz said. With her dream of becoming a famous Fashion Designer on the back burner, Liz discovered that she had developed many wonderful skills that needed to be shared with others. Serving as a volunteer in leadership positions for organizations, enabled Liz to teach and train people to become better leaders and mentors in the community. But that was not enough for Liz. Her inner drive kept saying, “ This is not it, what am I
MAY 2014 | VIPSEEN | 17
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supposed to be doing with all of these skills and talents that God has given me?” Liz spent many hours in prayer seeking the creator of the universe asking Him for direction and a plan. Her prayers are being answered one day at a time, “do what you know to do today”. Serve it up Sassy was born over time, a logo created and trademarked. Two cookbooks, one named Just Desserts and the other Sweets & Savories, plus many more wonderful opportunities evolved as part of the grand plan that is beginning to reveal itself. There is a detour about to take place, a split- set of new tracks with a bright direction.
WHERE SHE IS NOW… ON THE RIGHT TRACK… Liz Bushong is an expert in the three-dimensional art of entertaining. She transforms simple dining occasions into beautiful and memorable moments by adding a touch of her own “sassy style”. She makes elegance easy for her audience and encourages them to add their own Sassy touch to make it unique and their own. She is famous for creating her own version of a beautifully presented tablescape which she calls a Sassyscape® and she also creates magic beyond the dining experience. In 2009, 2010 and 2013, Liz was selected from thousands nationwide to be part of an elite team of 75 volunteer professionals entrusted with decorating the White House for the Holiday. In 2011 she was part of a volunteer seven-person team selected to decorate the Tennessee Governor’s mansion for the Holiday. Liz has been featured as the monthly guest chef and designer on Daytime TriCities television show on WJHL, the CBS Affiliate for the Tri-Cities Area of Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, and West Virginia. She also makes appearances on Daytime Blue Ridge on WSLS, Roanoke, Virginia and in the past syndicated
18 | VIPSEEN | MAY 2014
Daytime Tampa, Tampa Florida. Liz has been featured along with other famous chefs and personalities at many televised and in-person, regional and national events. In the spring of 2012 she starred as the host of her own television show called Serve it up Sassy. Liz was instrumental in creating and developing the show content as well as securing a baking segment with Patricia Barnes, aka Sister Schubert of the Sister Shubert Rolls. Liz has also appeared along with Celebrity Chef Jon Ashton, the Contributing Editor for Parade and Dash Magazine. She has been featured and quoted in the Lexington Herald-Leader in columns by food writer-Sharon Thompson, and she was a finalist in the Taste of Home Magazine-Creative Cakes contest. Liz is a contributing writer for VIP SEEN TRI-CITIES and Bella Magazine of Roanoke, Virginia. Her articles feature entertaining, food and decorating ideas. All photos, food styling, recipes and articles are created and developed by Liz. She helps people “ Make a Statement, Make it Sassy and Make it Yours! ®”
WHERE IS SHE GOING? THE LITTLE ENGINE THAT COULD. “I THINK I CAN, I KNOW I CAN...” The 1930 children’s book, The Little Engine That Could is the analogy that Liz relates with-in scaling the national climb to host her own television food and decorating series. It is a large climb, with challenging curves and possible derailments. But like the little engine, she knows that she can make it. Liz has been rebuffed, discouraged, hindered, broken down but not defeated. She has appeared last in the eyes of many pompous passengers on this train to success, but she always rises above the occasion and stays the steady course. She is “rising steadily like a chocolate soufflé” as her friend, Mary Schlotter has stated.
Liz is your guide for all things entertaining, food and home. As a television host and author, she brings her brand of classic elegance and sassy style to everyday living. She inspires and teaches others to add their own special touch to any occasion. Liz specializes in creating Sassy Spaces, using Interior Design, Styling and Staging for the home. As a master gardener she develops Sassyscapes®, florals and tabletop design. Then she encourages others to serve it up Sassy, by creating an atmosphere of good food and stunning touches. Her heart and desire is to show others how to create something beautiful and memorable for their family and friends. Liz makes her home in Johnson City, with her supportive husband, Doug, miniature schnauzer Megan and bunny JJ.
KEEP GOING FULL STEAM AHEAD, MS. LIZ. WE KNOW YOU CAN… WE KNOW YOU WILL! Keep track of Liz and her journey by following her on www.lizbushong.com Liking and sharing her on Facebook, following her on twitter, and pinning on Pinterest. *Garan, Incorporated • Garanimals is a registered trademark of Garan Services Corp Garanimals was founded on a simple but unique concept: to help parents affordably dress their young children in comfortable clothing that is easy to mix and match. Each Garanimals line may be mixed and matched as separates, and the color and style mix and match with any piece within that line. http://www.printmag.com/obsessions/watty-pipers-1930-the-little-engine-that-could/
SEEN IN BRISTOL The Foundation Event Facility
Bringin’ Back
the BBQ
S
aturday, March 29, Sullins Academy hosted, “Bringin’ Back the BBQ,” at The Foundation event space in downtown Bristol. Bringin’ Back the BBQ was a nod to the historical annual BBQ the school held which eventually turned into the Sullins Annual Auction. Attendees were first entertained by music performed by the ETSU Bluegrass Band while they viewed silent auction items, enjoyed comfort food and sipped out of mason jars. At 9 p.m. the Black Lillies, an Americana band from Knoxville with a large regional following, brought down the house! Fun was had by all and there may have even been some dancing!
Sullins Academy is the only accredited Independent School in our region. The school serves Preschool to 8th Grade students in Bristol, VA and is coming up on its 50th anniversary in 2016. For more information about the school please visit www.sullinsacademy.org. PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICKEY BAKER | STORY SUBMITTED
SEEN IN JOHNSON CITY Reeves Eye Surgery Center
The Reeves Eye Surgery Center PHOTOGRAPHY BY DANIELLE HAHNE | STORY BY SUBMITTED
T
hanks to everyone who came out on March 27, 2014 for the ribbon cutting and grand opening of Reeves Eye Surgery Center. We are blessed to open our own surgery center after our office in Boones Creek has been helping patients a little over two years in the Johnson City area. We were able to give the public a tour of our new state of the art and highly advanced surgery center using the latest technology and equipment in the area. Reeves Eye Surgery Center is also very pleased to announce that Dr. Donny Reeves is the first certified surgeon in the region to perform the latest in cataract surgery technology. Patients now have the option to choose Laser assisted cataract surgery over traditional cataract surgery. Reeves Eye Surgery Center is located at 2328 Knob Creek Road in Johnson City, TN. Please call us at 423-722-1310 to schedule a Free Screening!
Michelle and Dr. Reeves
Kevin Russell and Shawn Bright
Misty and Shawn Bright
Dr. Reeves and Tyler Salley
Mike Ford and John Speropulos
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22 | VIPSEEN | MAY 2014
MAKING YOUR HOUSE A HOME I
n Spring 2014 nothing feels better than opening blinds and windows to let the warm sunlight in. After a harsh winter it is time to renew the soul and what better place to start than with the home. Spring-cleaning is a tradition embedded deep within our culture and proves its purpose is not only for cleaning but also for rejuvenating. Letting a little Spring inside is sure to turn a cold house into a warm summer home filled with great memories and lots of laughter. This year, focus on getting back to the things that matter most such as spending time with loved ones. Create a space to make guests feel welcome or a place to entertain distant family. Try planting a garden to teach children about miracles or spending an entire day outdoor living. Then, of course, remember to keep the kitchen a place for everyone and packed full of fresh snacks for visitors at a moments notice. No matter your plans this Spring and Summer, make sure to find time to enjoy where the most memories are made- the home.
What’s Coming Up.. . 24 26 29 31 32 34 37 38
Pendergast Construction: Meet the Residential Contractors Southern States: Ask the Experts The Heart of the Home The Many Benefits of Outdoor Living Its Been a Long, Cold, Hard Winter‌Spring is Here! How to get a Mortgage Loan Pre-Qualification In the Garden Exterior Color Trends 2014
MAY 2014 | VIPSEEN | 23
W
ith over thirty-five years of experience serving the Tri-Cities area, Prendergast Construction has become their clients’ single source for home renovations and repairs. Their talented team’s can-do attitude ensures that no matter the shape or size of your renovation project, Prendergast Construction is the choice for you. Beginning a remodeling project can be a daunting task. Between spending hours walking the aisles of the home centers to the overwhelming amount of ideas on websites such as Pinterest, it would be beneficial and convenient to have a knowledgeable source to walk you through the process. Your experience with Prendergast Construction begins with an on-site consultation to discuss the changes you have in mind for your home. Once this is completed, a budget will be established for your project. After your approval, the design for your renovation begins in-house at Prendergast Construction. Along with in-house design, Prendergast Construction also has a design center featuring some of the latest trends in home finishes, including several lines of custom cabinetry such as Plain & Fancy and Jim Bishop Custom Cabinets. A team member will guide you through your product selections to help you find the best fit for the details you desire in your home. Prendergast Construction takes pride maintaining exceptional lines of communication with their clients throughout the entire renovation. Before your renovation beings, you will meet with their team at a pre-construction meeting to ensure your satisfaction with the proposed renovations. Once your home remodel begins, a professional and experienced team member will be on-site to keep you informed of the progress and answer any questions you may have. Their own team members staff all of their projects, which ensures that they start on time, stay on site, and complete your renovation when promised. No project is too big or small for Prendergast Construction. Their talented craftsmen can also undertake door and window replacements, cosmetic and structural repairs, energy efficiency updates, and many other home improvements and repairs. To learn more about Prendergast Construction and view some of their designs, visit their website at www.pccremodeling.com. To speak with one of their team members about transforming your home, call them today at 423-239-3117.
24 | VIPSEEN | MAY 2014
Kitchens • bathrooms • Interior • Exterior • Whole House Mobile 423-817-0504
Office 423-239-3117
4033 Fort Henry Drive | Kingsport TN 37663 | pccremodeling.com MAY 2014 | VIPSEEN | 25
Bristol Southern States Coop
JENNIFER DAGG S, FRED STICKL EY, HOWARD BATEMA N, RICHARD BL ESSING
Q&A Q&A Q
DREW COLLINS, DEREK DUCKETT, AN RAMSEY Y BB JR FEATHERS, BO
ASK THE EXPERTS
DARYL BLALOCK
WHAT TYPES OF SERVICES AND PRODUCTS TO YOU OFFER AT SOUTHERN STATES? We offer fertilizer and lime spreading, complete lines of all feeds for horses, cattle, chickens, sheep, goats, pigs, dogs and cats, bulk feed delivery plus specialty feeds for Llamas and Alpacas. HOW LONG HAS SOUTHERN STATES BEEN SERVING CUSTOMERS IN THE BRISTOL AREA? Since 1938 and we are one of the oldest and still continuing businesses in Bristol. WHAT ARE THE AREAS YOU SERVICE? We service from Roan Mountain to Greeneville, TN to Scott County Virginia. WHAT TYPE OF FENCING AND PRODUCTS DO YOU OFFER? We Carry all lines of post, wire and electric fence products. We can help you purchase any type of products for wire or electric fencing. WHAT TYPES OF GARDEN PRODUCTS DO YOUR CARRY? We carry all garden supplies, insect and weed control, grass seed,
vegetable seed, bedding plants, hanging baskets and the Best Ferns in the Tri-Cities area. We also carry mulches, colored mulches, sand, gravel and brick chips WHAT TYPE OF SERVICE CAN CUSTOMERS EXPECT FROM YOUR REPRESENTATIVES WHEN THEY VISIT YOUR STORE AND WHAT MAKES YOU DIFFERENT? Our customer service is exceptional not only are we a friendly staff we are experienced and qualified to answer any and all questions for gardening and crop needs. We can answer and direct to right products through the knowledge and training that we have. Unlike most stores WE LOAD IT! WHAT IS A SERVICE YOU CAN PROVIDE TO AREA FARMERS? We provide weed control for pastures and hay fields and can provide soil testings, we make actual sales calls to come out and see what your problem may be and how we may correct it. WHAT OTHER PRODUCTS TO YOU CARRY FOR ANIMALS? We carry animal and health supplies, bird seed and bird feeders. – Richard M. Blessing, richard.blessing@sscoop.com
1313 Euclid Avenue 276-669-8101 www.southernstates.com Bristol Southern States Coop 26 | VIPSEEN | MAY 2014
Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Saturday 8:00 a.m -3:00 p.m.
Visit Simply Home and discover Asian and American antiques, primitives, original art, gifts, painted furniture, rugs, and custom design services. Amy Howard at Home One Step painting workshops and other creative how-to classes are available. Dates and more information available on the website.
Remarkable goods for the home
Come & See Us
319 West Main Street Abingdon, VA 24210
(p) (276) 525-4700 (w) simplyhomeabingdon.com (e) simplyhomeabingdon@gmail.com
Most homes are
underinsured by an average of 19% *
Do you have enough coverage to rebuild? If your home is undervalued on your policy, you could be left footing the difference if catastrophe strikes. But replacement costs could be covered 100% guaranteed** with ErieSecure Home . ERIE makes it worthwhile to compare your homeowners insurance. ErieSecure Home - a great value at a great price. SM
SM
Company A $47,000 Underinsured
Erie Insurance 100% Guaranteed
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Company C $38,000 Underinsured
Contact us and learn more today.
1135 Volunteer Parkway Bristol, TN 37620-4619
423-968-2047
www.burnetteinsagency.com
*64% of homes are undervalued—and potentially underinsured—by 19%, according to Marshall & Swift/Boeckh, a leading provider of building cost data to real estate professionals. **ErieSecure HomeSM with Guaranteed Replacement Cost requires home improvements over $5,000 to be reported within 90 days. Coverage of costs to comply with laws or ordinances is subject to limits. Depreciation may be deducted until repair or replacement is made. Visit www.eriesecurehome.com/details or talk to your ERIE Agent for more information. Not all companies are licensed to operate in all states. Go to erieinsurance.com for company licensure and territory information. Equal opportunity insurer. S1420b 5/12
9%, ost eed be or pair k to d to and
The Heart of the Home STORY BY SAVANNA SMITH
I
t is where important conversations take place, where the details of the day’s events are shared, and where family amazement and laughter is at its best. The kitchen truly is the heart of every home. Even when guests are over, everyone seems to congregate in the kitchen. There is something about this room that simply draws people in. Could it be because as a child some of the fondest memories began there, or is it those wonderful smells wafting from this particular room? Whatever it may be there is no doubt the Kitchen is the favorite room in the home. We all have warm, cozy memories about the kitchen and a favorite reason to why it is the best room. For some it may be because of the family bonding time that occurs. When everyone helps prepare a meal and then helps cleaning up after it, there isn’t only necessary work being done, but there are bonds being made, stories being told, laughter shared, and announcements being made. Therefore not only is the kitchen a room to eat in, it is a communication center for everyone. Usually when notes or items are left, they’re left in the kitchen. It is where we store our keys, purses, and sometimes even important papers and laptops. So sometimes the kitchen serves as the home office as well; but not just for adults, kids usually do their homework at the kitchen table or work on a project at the counter. Uses for the kitchen do not stop there though. Some people with plenty of space like to entertain guests in the kitchen while preparing the meal either is to receive some needed help or needed company. This entertainment space can then be used as a news space for learning about friends or the latest information going on in the world. Since we’re all hanging out in the kitchen, our furbabies want to be there too, so the kitchen can also serve as their kitchen or feeding station and even their napping space. When we think about everything the kitchen is used for, it is easy to classify it as the heart of the home. No matter what we do in our kitchens, the most important thing will always be sitting down to dinner as a family. In this day and age, so many people are rushing through life from one task to the next it is hard to find time for a sit down dinner. However, this one activity is the basis of family bonding and can be the very thing that keeps families close. So no matter how many different uses you have for your kitchen be sure to share a daily meal with family to keep the heart in the home.
Some communities have acclaimed courses,
yours will have a vineyard, too.
Set against Virginia’s rolling highlands, you’ll find Vineyard Terraces at The Virginian. The new, Europeaninspired community boasts a working vineyard and an edible landscape plan with aromatic gooseberries, luscious blackberries, tangy currants and more. Named “One of the 50 Best Places to Live in America” by GOLF Magazine, The Virginian offers the perfect setting for Vineyard Terraces. To learn more about Vineyard Terraces, visit TheVirginian.com. Homes from $750k.
THEVIRGINIAN.COM | 276.645.7050 22512 CLUBHOUSE RIDGE, BRISTOL, VA 24202
30 | VIPSEEN | MAY 2014
o.
The Many Benefits of Outdoor Living STORY BY SAVANNA SMITH
A
n outdoor living area doesn’t just add value to your home; it can also bring great enjoyment to you, your friends, and family. These outdoor spaces provide a unique place to unwind and to even entertain when the occasion calls for it. Whether you are looking to add a simple enhancement to an existing outdoor space or build your own oasis from scratch, there are hundreds of ways to spice up your outside space and make it more than just a patio and lawn. Just like turning a house into a home, making an outdoor living space inviting, comfortable and welcoming is the key to a quality place to spend time. Establishing such a place takes ability, a little bit of experience and a home investment. All of which are worth a beautiful outside living space. It is also a costefficient home improvement because it literally takes the inside out. In this region, the space can be used three of the four seasons meaning it won’t take long to receive the return on such an investment. An outdoor living space is so much more than just a space. It is a place to make memories, friendships, great food, and to share happiness. It is so important now more than ever to unplug and step away from the screen, and an awesome outdoor space makes it even easier to do. If the kids have a place that they love to hang out, chances are they will be there more often. Being outdoors, even if it is in the yard, is closer to natural human environment, which has been demonstrated to improve attention (especially in those diagnosed with ADHD), reduce the impacts of stress, and reduce mental fatigue characterized by irritability, feeling distracted, and difficulty focusing. Thankfully, we now have the option of taking the luxuries of inside to an outdoor living space.
IT’S BEEN A LONG, COLD, HARD WINTER... If you have dreamed it, we can make it come true at Appalachian Ironworks.
1005 E. Sullivan Street | Kingsport, TN 37660
(423) 246-2066 | www.appalachian-ironworks.com
Indoor/Outdoor Railing • Fencing • Entry Gates
32 | VIPSEEN | MAY 2014
SPRING IS HERE!!! Let Appalachian Ironworks make your dream projects come to life... Visit our showroom or visit our website to see dreams that have come true.
Garden Gates • Spiral Staircases or Custom Designs
MAY 2014 | VIPSEEN | 33
Drive Now. HOW TO GETLater. A MORTGAGE Pay LOAN PRE-QUALIFICATION Autos You can postpone your payment for 90 days*.
Recreational Vehicles Farm Equipment
One of the most expensive investments you will make is the purchase of a home. As a prospective homeowner, a mortgage loan pre-qualification is extremely beneficial in establishing how much you can borrow and the price range of homes you can afford to buy.
What is a mortgage loan pre-qualification?
With a mortgage loan pre-qualification, the lender reviews your finances and estimates the maximum amount of loan for which you would qualify. Prequalifying for a mortgage loan is a great first step in making sure you can afford the home you desire. Knowing how much home you can afford to buy upfront saves time when you start house hunting. It’s also beneficial to your real estate agent and the seller to know you actually qualify for a mortgage loan and are serious about purchasing the home.
Is there a difference between pre-qualifying vs. being preapproved for a mortgage loan?
Even though some real estate and mortgage companies may use these terms interchangeably, pre-qualification and preapproval are quite different.
Benefits of pre-qualifying for a mortgage loan: • • • •
Saves you time and possibly money in your search for a home Improves your negotiating power with the seller Real estate agent will be even more motivated to work with you on your search for a home You’ll be more likely to be given preference in case of multiple offers on the home
With a pre-qualification, some lenders do not require you to fill out an application and may not analysis of your credit report. If you are required to submit an application, there’s usually no cost involved. Solely based on the information you share with the lender about your debt, income and assets, the lender gives you an estimate of the amount in which you qualify. It is the initial step in the mortgage loan process and no loan amount is guaranteed. The lender will provide a prequalification letter that indicates the maximum loan amount for which you would qualify contingent upon further verification of your financial background once you have applied for the loan.
Apply Online
When you are preapproved for a mortgage loan, you are required to complete a *Loan and payment mortgage application. There’s usually an application fee at the time you submit deferral are subject to your application. You will be asked to supply documentation credit approval. to the lender defining your financial picture. The lender will do an extensive analysis of your financial background and credit rating and tell you the amount in which you are approved. If you are approved, the lender will give you a letter containing the exact amount for which you’ve been approved.
Steps involved in pre-qualifying for a mortgage loan:
1. Contact a mortgage lender. 2. Provide information such as your name, residence for the past two years, employment and income. 3. Discuss mortgage options that best meet your financial need. 4. Receive a pre-qualification letter from the lender.
Be part of the extraordinary difference.
800.999.2328 www.ecu.org
Your savings federally insured to at least $250,000 and backed by the full faith and credit of the National Credit Union Administration, a U.S. Government Agency.
Once you’ve decided you’re ready to search for a new home, Eastman Credit Union can help you find a mortgage loan that fits your lifestyle and budget. For more information, visit www.ecu.org or visit our branch.
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34 | VIPSEEN | MAY 2014
3/13/14 11:07 AM
4 11:07 AM
IN THE GARDEN
STORY BY MORGAN NELLIS
S
pring has officially arrived. Flowers are in bloom, trees are green again, and gardening season is here! It’s the time of year when gardeners are stocking up on all of their favorite flowers, fertilizers, and gardening essentials. In the spirit of the season, we want to share some helpful tools and ideas with both experienced gardeners and also those who might be new to the growing and popular gardening season.
Popular flowers for this season, and great for the southern environment, are Camellias, Redbuds, Azaleas, and Daffodils. All of these are great for garden lovers and both new and expert growers. For those who are new to gardening, here are five simple steps to remember that will help for a better gardening season. 1. Place your plants out where you want them so you can space them out evenly. 2. Soak the plants while they are still in their pots before planting. 3. Use your fingers to gently separate tangled roots so they can spread into the soil. 4. Before placing your plants into the ground, add two tablespoons of flower food into the bottom of each hole. 5. Enjoy watching your beautiful plants grow! For those who might not have ample outside space or a yard to garden in; don’t let that stop you. It’s easy to have a small innovative garden inside your home. Simply pull out those old Mason Jars stuffed in the back of the cabinet and start your very own indoor garden. Fill your Mason Jars about half way with potting soil, then place your favorite herbs or small flowers down inside carefully though no to bury your plant. Place your finished jars in a window or some place where sunlight can easily reach your plants. Remember to keep them watered and enjoy your new creation!
Exterior Color
Trends for STORY BY MORGAN NELLIS
A
2014
s we continue on into 2014, we begin to look at the different changes that are happening in our lives. Many of these changes happen within the home, while some occur just on the other side of our front door. Every five years, on average, homeowners aim to take on the challenge of repainting their homes. This year challenge yourself to something new, the 2014 exterior color trends are designed to make your home look and feel more like safe haven. The new color tends this year are consisting of a variety of grays and creams, especially here in the southeast. These colors create a cozy and comforting farmhouse feel that is warm and welcoming. Also, another popular trend this year are statement doors, they often reflect a homeowner’s style and taste. Many of which are dull modern blacks, deep reds, dark browns, and pale blues. These statement doors are an easy way to make a quick change to the exterior of your home. Another trend we are seeing in 2014 along with statement doors is the trim color of ones home. Neutral grays and browns can add contrast to your home especially with a deep brown statement door. All of these simple changes can add a new, warm and welcoming feel to your home. As you continue on this year don’t let home improvements be a challenge, have fun with it and make a statement with your home!
SEEN IN JOHNSON CITY The Charles
Hot Tea &Totes 7TH ANNUAL
PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY ANGELA BAKER
T
he 7th Annual Hot Tea & Totes, benefiting Hands On! Regional Museum, took place Saturday, April 12th at The Charles in Downtown Johnson City. Upon arriving, ladies where treated like queens thanks to curbside valet parking was provided by volunteers from Bank of Tennessee.
Will Barrett, Craig Starner, Tammy Street, Andrew Harris and Jan Yates
Women traveled from all over the Tri-Cities to be treated to tea and brunch; Catered by Cafe Lola, and bid on a wide assortment of purses; totes; and other fun bags. Each of the purses contained a special surprise for the winning bidder. New for this year was a jewelry show with featured local artist, Blair H. White of jewelry by hand. Blair was extremely kind to Hands On! Regional Museum by donating 25% of sales from the event back to Hands On! Sara Diamond of WJHL 11 Connects hosted the live auction. Items donated included those designed and hand made by local artisans to designer couture including Tory Burch, Coach. Ciao Bella and Sher Extensions, both located in Johnson City, also donated generously to the live auction. Hands On! Museum was founded in 1986 and opened its doors for the first time in 1987. Since then it has more than doubled its exhibit space and has welcomed over 1.5 million visitors! The mission of Hands On! is to inspire discovery and understanding of science and the arts in a place where learning and fun go hand in hand. To find out more visit them online at handsonmuseum.org
Mary Ellen Miller and Andy Marquart
Kristine Carter and Elizabeth Carter
Christy Howard and Tialynn Whitson
Lisa Tipton and Dara Ferrell
Beth Mann and Gwyn Brassell
40 | VIPSEEN | MAY 2014
Deanna Egli and Amy Malcolm
Sara Diamond
Danny Williams, Marcy and Brim Leal
Sherrie Bacon and Krista Wharton
Robin Swain and Brenda Whitson
Rebecca Stephens and Julie Sears
Delzia Jones, Sarah Larkin, Beverly Sherwood and Marcy Knight
Janice Turner, Janet Leonard and Janice Oliver
Penny Woods
Twilight Alive Concert
May 30 will also feature Scott Miller for the Twilight Alive concert. Beth Snapp will warm up the audience beginning at 6:30 PM with the very popular Scott Miller Concert beginning at 7:30 PM. Other activities in the street will include an opportunity to work on a ‘city-scape’ mural, art demonstrations and music and dance interludes.
NEW pieces going to be installed in the new Sculpture Walk VIII.
permanent public art
A piece from the permanent public art collection of Kingsport, and originally part of Sculpture Walk.
Art in the Heart of Downtown Kingsport Friday, May 30th & 31st, 2014
Sculpture, Artists, Art Organizations, Music, Food, Musicians and more will be a part of the 2014 Art in the Heart Celebration in Downtown Kingsport! Art in the Heart is presented by the City of Kingsport Office of Cultural Arts, Downtown Kingsport Association, and a variety of local Art Galleries and enthusiasts. The Downtown Kingsport community invites the region to join in the celebration which will include a Sculpture Walk reception, Arts Crawl, music and art demonstrations as well as exhibitions by the Symphony of the Mountains, the Kingsport Art Guild, KingsportARTS Youth Programs, Suzuki Talent Education Association, and Kingsport Ballet! 42 | VIPSEEN | MAY 2014
SCULPTURE WALK VIII
The eighth annual Sculpture Walk Exhibition will kick-off the Art in the Heart Celebration. Annually new contemporary outdoor sculptures are installed along Broad and Main Streets bringing new perspectives and vibrant color. This year the exhibit will also include locations along Market Street. By Friday, May 30 all 10 new pieces will have been installed along the walk. This year’s juror is Hank T. Foreman.
SATURDAY MAY 31ST, 2014
9 am: Bagel breakfast with the Juror Hank T. Foreman at Star Trails Downtown Kingsport 246 Broad Street, Kingsport
The Arts Crawl is back!
10 am: Walk & Talk! Hank T. Foreman will give a special inaugural guided tour of the new installation. Gain insight into the art work with Hank’s intelligent commentary and unique brand of humor.
Downtown Kingsport Association will revive the popular Art Crawl on Friday, May 30, 2014. Tickets are $30 in advance and $35 the day of the event. Ticket holders will be encouraged to stroll to 6 art galleries located along Broad and Market Streets from 5 – 8 PM. Galleries will have unique exhibits, featured artists, appetizers from local restaurants and a variety of fine wines. At each gallery, patrons are encouraged to get their passports stamped at this event or throughout the month to qualify for the drawing of a special gift basket. Galleries included in the Art Crawl:
• • • • • •
Cindy Saadeh Fine Art Gallery Dirt Werks Star Trails Downtown Kingsport Style Suzanne Barrett Justis Gallery & Studio Up Against the Wall Gallery
You may purchase tickets online: www.EngageKingsport.com
MAY 2014 | VIPSEEN | 43
Visit Downtown
&
- Catering r - Take-Out Lunch - Dinne
ights R T , T N SaturdayI N & y a d G S P O s N e m n d We W N K .stirfrycafe.co W N T O D O
423.343
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.9424
•
www
Kingsport
Shop. Eat. Play.
MAY 2014 | VIPSEEN | 45
SEEN IN SURGOINSVILLE Surgoinsville Middle School
Skelton Law’s Surgoinsville
10 Miler Road Race
B
eautiful sunny skies led the way for the Skelton Law Racing Surgoinsville 10 Miler Road Race on February 22. The 12th annual event presented by the Law Office of Mark A. Skelton began at the Surgoinsville Middle School, continued out Main Street, across the new bridge over the Holston River to the scenic route along the river, and back to the school for the finish. The Surgoinsville 10 Miler was the 2014 RRCA Tennessee State 10 Mile Championship race and was included in the State of Franklin Track Club King & Queen Competition and Long Distance Series.
The top overall male was 25 year-old Joshua Mermilliod of Johnson City finishing with a time of 59:33. The top overall female was 27 year-old Rachel Layer of Johnson City with a time of 1:10:41. In the Masters categories, Gary Pleasant of Gray and Debi Secor of Kingsport took home the championships. The male Grandmasters champion was Doug Strickland of Kingsport while Teresa Lindamood of Blountville won the female Grandmasters division. In the Senior Grandmasters championship, Bill Dickerson of Gray and Marie Tedesco of Jonesborough won the titles. Awards were also presented to the top three finishers in fifteen different age group categories, male and female. The extraordinary, 81-year-old Harriet Locke of Bristol completed the race in a time of 2:08:37. Harriet Locke, Hannah Cutshall of Kingsport, and Breanna and Taylor Roy of Jonesborough set new state age group records. Thirteen years ago, Surgoinsville native Mark Skelton and his family began giving back to their community by presenting a series of races at scenic venues in our region. Skelton Law Racing has had the pleasure of welcoming participants from more than twenty-nine states and four foreign countries.
Rachel Layer overall female
Jimmy Jones
Harriet Locke, 81 year old runner
Tara Barnes, Billy Barnes, Steven Croley, and Dan Sanders
For more information about Skelton Law Racing, contact Mark Skelton at 423-272-4812 or markskelton@markskelton.com. PHOTOGRAPHY BY SAM COPELAND STORY BY RITA DYKES
Anita Jones, Jamie Hunt, and Amanda Tipton
Greg West and Jason Tipton
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Warren Lewis and Mack Roberts
SEEN IN BRISTOL Nicewonder Hall
KING COLLEGE K Chelsea Gammon, Jack Woolley, and Meagan L. Hughes
John Rotty, Brian Freeman, and Justin Cox
Mona Salyer, Rusty Little, and Joel Robertson
Sarah Hutchinson, Cherie Chapman, and Paula Hart
Dr. Richard Ray, Mrs. Lila M. Ray, Chelsea Gammon, and Teresa Ring
After Hours
ing University held a business After Hours Thursday April 10. The gathering was in Nicewonder Hall on the beautiful campus in Bristol. Attendees began arriving around 5:30 pm to meet with friends old and new. Shortly after, King University Administrators welcomed everyone to the event and invited them to indulge in the delicious spread provided by Basic 2 Brilliant in Kingsport. During the middle of the evening everyone got to tour the Learning Commons, the institution’s latest educational advancement that will serve as a center for academic resources and training for University faculty, enabling them to incorporate emerging technologies into their online and traditional instruction processes. Dr. Greg Jordan, president of King University, said The Learning Commons promotes a dynamic structure that supports centralized collaboration and training related to online learning and campus instruction. Designed to prepare students for 21st century careers, The Learning Commons will promote innovations in teaching and learning environments through the effective use of instructional technology and course development. Everyone in attendance was happy to be a part of history in the making and could not be more excited for the university.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY EDWARD ABDELMESSIH STORY BY SAVANNA SMITH
SEEN IN COLONIAL HEIGHTS Tri-Cities Center for Cosmetic Dentistry
Tri-Cities Center for Cosmetic Dentistry Semi-Annual Open House T
he Tri-Cities Center for Cosmetic Dentistry held their semiannual exclusive open house Monday, April 7th at their beautiful office in Colonial Heights. The event gave guests and new patients an opportunity to talk one-on-one with patients who have experienced a smile makeover and the amazing hospitality offered by Dr. Sanders and her team. All guests were invited in with a smile and a delicious spread of hors d’oeurves. Friends and patients alike visited with the team and heard success stories from Dr. Sanders and a few patients themselves. Dr. Sanders and the entire team were so excited to see those guests who attended that they made sure no one left empty handed. Everyone received gifts upon departure. In addition, all had the opportunity to sign up for the grand prize- Tickets for two to the Barter theatre, dinner, and a night’s stay at the Martha Washington In. Roger Cosgro was the lucky winner. Tri-Cities Center for Cosmetic Dentistry is committed to creating a smile you want to show off! Dr. Kathy Sanders, DMD, AAACD is one of only eight dentists within Tennessee to have achieved accreditation through the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. To learn more about TriCities Center for Cosmetic Dentistry please visit their website at www. tricitiessmiles.com
Roger Cosgro and Matt Whisnant STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY SAVANNA SMITH
Dennis Church and Bob Feagins
J Morgan Moseley, Diane Housewright, Vicki Meade, Yvonne Raden and Michael Sanders
Dr. Kathy Sanders and Morgan Moseley
Darlene Church, Dr. Kathy Sanders and Michael Sanders
Brooke and Roger
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Darlene Church and Leigh Bergerman
Dr. Kathy Sanders and Husband Brian Sanders, Yvonne Raden, Matt Whisnant, and Michael Sanders
Dennis Church and Leigh Bergerman
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MODERN COURSES
J.A. STREET & ASSOCIATES would like to congratulate THE OLDE FARM
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on being ranked
In 2011, J.A. Street & Associates were able to put a fresh update on The Olde Farm’s Party Barn including the addition of a silo, a double-sided fireplace and full bar. Interior renovations included new chandeliers and a new dance floor using reclaimed barnwood.
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The Olde Farm Pavilion finished 1st place in Division 1 of the 2011 Construction Project of the Year (Tri-Cities branch of the Associated General Contractors of Tennessee). The award was presented by The Associated General Contractors of America. The Pavilion is an open-air venue with full kitchen, bar and exposed wooden beams.
SAT, MAY 17 TH
Country Legend &
OVER 40
$10
CONCERT TIX
$30-40
BEER TASTING + CONCERT TIX
SAT, MAY 17 TH KINGSPORT, TN
UNIQUE CRAFT BEERS!
TASTING TICKETS WILL SELL OUT! Proudly Sponsored by: Food City, Pepsi, Cumulus Broadcasting, Libation Station, First Kingsport Credit Union, Sapporo Brewing, VIP Seen, Leaping Lizards, Dermatology Associates, Appalachian Community Federal Credit Union, KCVB, Biggie's and Barberitos of Kingsport.
SEEN IN JOHNSON CITY Millennium Centre
Third Annual
THIRSTY ORANGE Brew Extravaganza I
t was a banner year for the Third Annual Thirsty Orange Brew Extravaganza. The new location at the Millennium Centre, across from the ETSU campus, drew 2,700 people, one-thousand more people than attended last year. Attendees enjoyed 100+ unique craft beers from breweries around the southeast and beyond. In addition to dozens of brewers in attendance, Johnson City’s own DJ Allen Rockhouse kept things rocking on the stage, the Beer City Hoopers mesmerized with their hula hooping skills, and food venders Smoke Shack Barbecue, the Battery Restaurant and Holy Taco offered the perfect food to soak up the great beer. “Even we were blown away by the support and attendance at this year’s event. We take it as a testament to the growing interest in craft beer in the Tricities region, and also validation that people know where to look for unique brews - and that’s to the Thirsty Orange and the Kingsport Oktoberfest,” said event organizer Stephanie Carson.
Andy and Lauren Berry
Stephanie and Aaron Carson
Thirsty Orange and Kingsport Oktoberfest are both managed by Superfly Fabulous Events, which is expanding to other cities including Charlotte and Asheville. The Fourth Annual Kingsport Oktoberfest will take place in the city’s downtown this September. Check the website for up to date information on the festival date. PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRIAN HULLETTE AND ANGELA BAKER | STORY SUBMITTED
Bullpit fitness
David Pennington and Robert Brent
MAY 2014 | VIPSEEN | 51
SEEN IN JOHNSON CITY Millennium Centre
Lance Taylor and Dustin Mohr
Shawn Varner, Leslie Varner, and Andrea Wilde
Brenda Castle and Chris Hill
Kevin Beckett, Gaurav Bharti, and Brett Meador
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Starr Beverly and Tim Banion
Stephanie Carson and Amanda Stansbury
Scott Knight, Mitzie Berry, and Jeremiah Quintero
Martin Bagwell, Lorie and Brad Moore, and John Haben
Jessica Bruner and Kaila Perry
Shawn Stewart, Tanner Ball, and Matt McGahey
Brent McCann and Courtney Blevins
SEEN IN JOHNSON CITY ETSU
R
un For The Booty 5k color fun run was a big success with almost 500 participants coming out for this first year event. This family friendly event encompassed everyone from toddlers, four-legged friends to young at heart adults. With the race highlighting the ETSU Kickoff Fund, ETSU Head Football coach, Carl Torbush welcomed the eager participants and reminded them that kickoff was a little over a year away. Many fans enjoyed pictures with him as well as Bucky prior to the start of the event. The 5k began near Bank of Tennessee with a firing of a Buccaneer cannon where the runners crossed State of Franklin into ETSU property. The participants enjoyed three-color stations and three treasure hunts which they could win prizes by the amount of “booty” (a.k.a. coins) found. Rich Hale won the treasure hunt with locating 190 coins while Kelly Tipton was a close second with 160 coins. Calden Collins and Amanda Fischer were the first adults to complete the course with Isiah Ryans & Austin Beets leading the kids division. In addition to prizes for the top finishers and treasure found, Christy Courtland won the best costume award while Lyle Marston won the “Most Colorful” award. At the end, the participants enjoyed a color bomb party and left happy. “We heard great comments about the race and we feel this race will keep growing as it continues,” stated the race director, Karen Hubbs. Hubbs also noted that many more events similar to the color run are in the works for the Tri-Cities. “We are working on a fall event with the Superfly Fabulous crew and it truly is a one-of-a-kind event. If you runners enjoy races like this, they will not want to miss our fall race.” says Hubbs. To keep up with upcoming events, visit www.SuperFlyFab.com. PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRIAN HULLETTE | STORY SUBMITTED
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SEEN IN JOHNSON CITY Carnegie Hotel
THE JOHNSON CITY AREA ARTS COUNCIL HOSTS AN EVENING OF
4”x4”
Miniature
Masterpieces PHOTOGRAPHY BY DANIELLE HAHNE | STORY BY SUBMITTED
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he Johnson City Area Arts Council Celebrated Regional Creativity at their Annual 4”x4” Miniature Masterpieces Event The Johnson City Area Arts Council celebrated its twelfth annual 4x4 Miniature Masterpiece fundraising event on Sunday, March 23rd at the Carnegie Hotel in Johnson City. As one of the premiere social events in the region, it raises funds for the Arts Council’s programs and services that support arts education and opportunities in our region. This event is highly anticipated every year because each ticket holder receives one four-inch by four-inch piece of original art. The JC Area Arts Council showcased almost 100 regional artists’ work in a variety of mediums at this year’s event. As ticketed guests entered the Carnegie, they drew a number corresponding with one of the “miniature” masterpieces. That piece was theirs to keep or to trade. Many guests sought out their favorite pieces, which created a lively, social atmosphere. In addition to the excitement created by the admiration of all the original art, the “4x4” event was nostalgic in its theme celebrating the “50th Anniversary of the British Invasion.” In the ballroom, 45 RPM records and Beatles posters dangled from the Carnegie’s elegant light fixtures; mini-skirted mannequins set the scene on tabletops as a lava lamp bubbled the night away. “Ivy Road,” an energetic band, delighted the crowd with a constant flow of popular hits from the 60’s era. Guests mingled, ate, drank, talked art and the sixties, and thoroughly enjoyed the evening while supporting a good cause.
Doris Stultz
Jim Kelly (Chair of the Event)
Cynthia Burnley and Bob Riser
Susan Street
The money raised at the event helped JCAAC match grants received from the Tennessee Arts Commission and Harris Fund for Washington County (a fund of East Tennessee Foundation,) to help support the Arts Council’s work. For 27 years, JCAAC has held an Arts In Education Conference giving area teachers skills and resources to enhance the arts education in their classrooms. Another program, Arts Corps provides at-risk children the opportunity to creatively express themselves with the mentorship of professional teaching artists. Event sponsors included: A.O. Smith, Eastman Credit Union, Shorter, Carden, Mitchell, & Gray, P.C., State Farm Insurance-Harold Dishner, Summers Taylor, Inc., Carter County Sheriff’s Department, Senator Rusty Crowe, Scott and Heidi Dulebohn, Jim Kelly, Lewis and Marcia Songer, Ferguson Bath & Kitchen Gallery, SunTrust Bank, Wolfe Development, Anne Brading, Cameron Hyder, CrestPoint Health, Carnegie Hotel, Cherokee Distributing, MSHA, Nelson Fine Art Center, One Stop Wine & Spirits, VIP SEEN, Wellington’s, and Friends of the Arts.
Major Kelly and Jennifer Wolfe
For more details about the event or the Johnson City Area Arts Council, please call 423-928-8229 or visit www.arts.org.
John Rambo, Ann Smith, and John Lowry
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Sharon Squibb and Marilyn Wolcott
Ivy Road Band
Laura Power and Marilyn Duncan
Laura Cloer and Kiran Singh Sirah
Alex DeJarnette, Erika Patterson, and Carla Papy
Art and Fran Powers, Pam Vermillion, Jim and Dottie Gibson, and Stan Vermillion
Stephanie and Grant Summers
Kimberly Cowden and Dianne Esteban
Love your WHITE Smile!
Amy Judy
Gurry Kay
Amy Beth
Ask our hygienists about enhancing your smile!
Before
Actual patient after KรถR Whitening!
After
Scan this QR Code to find out more about KรถR Whitening!
1599 Fort Henry Drive Kingsport, Tennessee
423.247.8172 w w w VIP-May2014.indd 1
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m a r t i n d e n t i s t r y
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tiMothy r. Martin, dds
Kevin W. Martin, dds
Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine
Cosmetic & Conscious Sedation Dentistry
4/13/14 7:23 PM
SEEN IN KINGSPORT Riley’s Bedroom
Special Spaces Tri-Cities creates a “Glam”-themed dream bedroom for Riley Cox! PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMY BERRY | STORY BY KRISTA WHARTON
A
pril 5th, 2014, was an extra special day for 9-year-old Riley Cox of Kingsport! That was the day Miss Riley received the bedroom of her dreams. With the help of many wonderful volunteers, Special Spaces Tri-Cities transformed Riley’s room into a glamorous retreat fit for a princess. In fact, she was made to feel like a princess when Miss Murfreesboro Hannah Hausman and Miss Teen Tennessee International Kaitlin Matheson coronated Riley and sister Madison with beautiful crowns donated just for them! Riley’s makeover was sponsored by Brandi and Travis Woodall of Positive Approach Group through proceeds from Tri-Cities Bacon Fest held at Venue in downtown Johnson City in September 2013. Special Spaces Tri-Cities is a local chapter of a national organization whose mission is to help make a difference in the lives of children with life-threatening illnesses by designing and creating their dream bedrooms. The directors are Krista Wharton and Tamara Marshall. Riley’s dream bedroom requests were simple: hot pink walls and black and white zebra print bedding. She revealed that she loved all things glittery and blingy! Special Spaces delivered and then some! Special Spaces would like to thank their rooms’ sponsors, donors, volunteers, and businesses for their continued support of this ministry! Many thanks to Brandi and Travis Woodall; Lowe’s in Jonesborough, Ashley Furniture in Johnson City, and contractor Ronnie Garland; Hayley Dietrich, Lisa Gibbons, and Paige Lincoln; Johnny and Patty Myers; Bryan, Amy, Trinity, and Kaylee Berry; Tim Flannagan; Hannah Hausman and Kaitlin Matheson; Sandy Salati, Kelly Leonard, Amy Clark, Kim Clark, Patti Mullins, Hope Hall, and Cleat and Phyllis Murray! Please visit the Special Spaces Tri-Cities Facebook page for more pictures and information about upcoming makeovers!
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tin, dds
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MAY 2014 | VIPSEEN | 59
SEEN IN KINGSPORT MeadowView Conference Center
Tennessee Environmental Conference PHOTOGRAPHY BY SAVANNA SMITH | STORY SUBMITTED
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he 13th Annual Tennessee Environmental Conference was held March 25-26 at the MeadowView Conference Resort & Convention Center in Kingsport. The two-day conference featured over 90 speakers and offered attendees information and practices focused on the fields of environment, energy, health, sustainable economics, conservation, food safety and water resources. “This is a great opportunity for environmental professionals to learn from specialists around the country, receive updates on current projects and share best practices,� TDEC Commissioner Bob Martineau said. Health topics ranged from a lead-contaminated site cleanup in Chattanooga to the five-year update for the Kingston coal ash spill. A sustainability presentation highlighted sustainability and safety with our food chain. Guest speakers from areas associated with the environment, health, sustainable economics, energy and water resources included Thomas B. Mayhew with Mayhew Environmental Training, Donald Cole with Gobbell Hays Partners, Inc., Dena Chandler with Equinox Environment, Debbie Millard with Coca-Cola and Dr. R. Allen Straw with Virginia Tech. Each year, the Tennessee Environmental Conference seeks to provide relevant and timely information to more than 500 professionals involved in protecting public health and the environment. The conference attracts a wide range of participants from state, local and federal government officials, business and industry leaders to developers, landowners, energy experts and academia. The presentations were tailored to give insight from global to local-scale issues.
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Jim Robbins and Associates
Tennessee State Parks
Tony DeVault and Mark Braswell
Heritage
Eastman
TDOT
S&ME Inc.
SEEN IN JONESBOROUGH International Storytelling Center
Taste of Jonesborough T he 4th annual Taste of Jonesborough sponsored by (JAMSA) Jonesborough Area Merchants and Service Association and was held at the International Storytelling Center Tuesday evening April the 15th. What a great way to escape the cool evening, by enabling everyone to socialize with local businesses and residents of Jonesborough and Washington County. This year’s event had an attendance of over 200 area residents and businesses.
Jonesborough Wine and Spirits, Depot Street Micro Brewery
Relay for Life Jonesborough
More than 40 local businesses were represented including many local restaurants with delectable samples of their cuisine. Local businesses displayed new merchandise, products and services offered throughout the Jonesborough area. A silent auction was conducted with donations from area businesses that showcased a variety of items and activities throughout the area. The area business owners and organizations that make up JAMSA discuss and take action to help strengthen economic viability while maintaining their town’s character. JAMSA donates a portion of the proceeds of this event to the local Farms Market along with another local charity to be chosen.
Main Street Café
STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY SUSAN COUCH
Crafty Creation
Olde Town Pancake House
Jonesborough Repertory Theatre
Food City of Jonesborough
Olde Courthouse Diner Shane Broyles, Alicia Phelps, and Skye McFarland Tennessee Hills Distillery
Kiran Singh Sirah and Virigina Kennedy
Embree House Historic Farm B&B
Marj on Main
Scott Co. Lavender and Fellowship Quilting
Joel Congley and Bill Cummings
MAY 2014 | VIPSEEN | 61
4TH ANNUAL FARM TO FORK GALA
Saturday, June 7th 2014 cocktails beginning at 6:30 p.m.
4th Annual Farm to Fork Gala Saturday, June 7, 2014 cocktails beginning at 6:30 p.m.
You are cordially invited to attend an exclusive evening to celebrate by fulfilling it’s mission to: create, promote and expand economically viable, our local food culture at The Olde Farm. environmentally sound and socially responsible opportunities to help improve the lives and the health of local communities and ecosystems.
Join your friends for an experience created to delight your palate and in meeting the needs of people today while planning for the long term ASD believes awaken your soul to the idea of “living better, locally”.growth and healthy development of communities. By operating 10 programs in 3
sectors: agriculture/food system development, sustainable forestry/wood products, and food access; ASD has stayed true to its commitment to connect local farmers with An exquisite menu will be prepared using fresh fruits and vegetables - sown, local folks. ASD believes that the key to creating and sustaining a thriving Appalachia is thewell abilityas to collaborate, inspire and educate people about the work it does in two grown and lovingly harvested in the gardens at The Olde Farm as states, and 14 counties, with over 300 farmers and food producers, farmers markets, locally raised meats paired with the finest local libations and accompanied restaurants, and retailers.
by local entertainment.
Farm to Fork Gala 2014
to Fork is truly a way of life for a local non-profit 100% of Farm the proceeds will benefit Appalachian Sustainable Development, This year, Farm to Fork Gala will be held on June 7 at The Olde Farm in Bristol VA. As winter turns into Spring many people in Appalachia are thinking about getting Kathlyn Terry, ASD Executive Director explains, “At the heart of Farm to Fork Gala a non-profit serving the residents of southwest Virginia and northeast outside, tilling up their gardens, planting flowers and sowing grass. The staff and is the passion our farmers have for growing and raising food. We have created an volunteers at Appalachian Tennessee Sustainable Development are thinking about getting since(ASD) 1995. experience that is unlike any other. Each year we come up with a menu that features
locally grown vegetables to grocers, in local restaurants, and to food banks, planting the best locally grown and raised ingredients available in our region. All kinds of school gardens and empowering people to grow their own food in garden plots or folks attend and there are often people who never knew we have so many farmers and in raised boxes on legs with casters. And for the fourth year in a row, ASD is also food producers growing so many delicious items right here in our own backyard. By planning annual appropriately named Farm to Fork celebration o individual tickets will beitssold forfundraiser; this evening, so gather your friends or Gala. your Abusiness colleagues and plan to gathering over a meal, we come together as a community to support ASD and to work that features locally grown andone raised local libations entertainment; participate by choosing offood, a limited numberand of local sponsorship options. together to help farmers stay on their land, feed people, teach people where their food Farm to Fork Gala raises general operating support for ASD so it can address comes from and create a strong local food culture. The evening is designed to give challenges by using agriculture as an economic drive. ASD works to connect people to everyone an opportunity to learn more about our mission and the strategies we have each other in ways that empower and bring hope. in place to help the people in our footprint Live Better. Locally”.
Appalachian Sustainable Development creates jobs Since 1995, ASD has worked to meet the needs of the people in its footprint 62 | VIPSEEN | MAY 2014
For more information about ASD’s programs or to attend Farm to Fork Gala 2014, please call Sylvia Crum at 276-623-1121 or scrum@asdevelop.org.
SEEN IN GRAY Appalachian Fairgrounds
PHOTOGRAPHY BY DANIELLE HAHNE | STORY BY SUBMITTED
T Farm Bureau Insurance
he first Washington County Agricultural & Business Appreciation Dinner was a success with nearly 300 people at the Appalachian Fair. Attendees enjoyed a great meal prepared by the Washington County Cattlemen’s Association, Washington County 4-H, and Daniel Boone FFA Alumni. Congratulations to Mr. David Saylor, Sayland Dairies, and The Appalachian Fair for receiving awards during the event for their ongoing contributions to the agricultural community. Special guests at the event included “Charlie” from Farm Bureau and Coach Carl Torbush from ETSU’s Football Program.
David Leonard (Chairman, First Bank & Trust), Gene Copenhaver, Bob Armstrong Basic to Brilliant Catering Co.
Jackie Mabrey and Jeff Aiken
Ray Davis and Jimmy Byers
Johnson City Chamber of Commerce
David May and Jenna Hamilton
Washington County Cattleman’s Association
Kathie Lewis, Billy Joe Lewis, Anthony Shelton, Kevin Kinser, and Jeff Aiken
Charles “RED” Miller
First Bank & Trust
John Hamrick, Anthony Shelton, Jeff Aiken, Gene Copenhaver, and Roy Settle
Gideon VanPelt
Bridget Forrester and Carl Torbush
MAY 2014 | VIPSEEN | 63
SEEN IN JOHNSON CITY Freedom Hall
T
he world famous Harlem Globetrotters have been thrilling families and millions of fans for 88 years, all the while innovating the game in exciting new ways. Last year, the Globetrotters did something unparalleled in the history of sports and entertainment, letting fans vote on new rules to be used in actual games. It was so much fun, they did it again this year and there were some cool new rules to choose from. Their 2014 tour rightly called “Fans Rule” World Tour was all about the audience and having the fans as involved as possible, some even got to go on the court! Freedom Hall was a packed house Monday March 24th as the team made their way onto the court. The crowd couldn’t wait to see what was in store and was full of excitement when they realized they got to pick the rules of the game. That change definitely made for an interesting evening and one everyone is sure to remember. PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANGELA BAKER | STORY SUBMITTED
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L A M I N A S R E LOV
E R A W E B INTRO BY SAVANNA SMITH
AWESOMENESS IN THE NEXT SECTION...
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W
e think they are the cutest of their kind when they are babies, we try to raise them up right despite the occasional accident, and even when they’re grown up they still live at home. Yes, having a furbaby is a big responsibility! They may be animals, but our pets are just like our children and sometimes are spoiled a little more than human children. There is nothing a pet owner wouldn’t do for their pet and vice versa; that really is unconditional love. Some pets live the good life and receive more love than they can handle. However, some are not so lucky. In this section we will introduce some amazing animals that are looking for their forever home and we hope you can help us find it! So before you turn the page, prepare yourself for cuteness overload.
69 Meet Shell-E 70 All about the Washington County Animal Shelter 71 Washington County Babies looking for their Forever Home 72 Meet SBK Animal Center 73 SBK Shelter Babies in Search of their Forever Home
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spotlight
VIP nonprofit
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he Washington County-Johnson City Animal Shelter was established with the main goal of providing animal control and care to the Johnson City and Washington County communities. It is important that our organization plays a large role in the community so that we may better serve the animals in need of a forever home. The shelter strives to make adoption a reality for anyone willing to open their heart to an abandoned animal by offering programs to help with fees. At Washington County- Johnson City Animal Shelter the volunteers work hard and screen potential parents to the best of their ability. We want to make sure every animal that leaves will indeed be going to their forever home. Volunteers also follow up in order to check on the treatment of the animal once it reaches the home. Everyone who adopts from WCJC Shelter must be at least 21 years of age and must plan to keep the animal for the rest of it’s life. Our goal is to help every animal we come in contact with to find the care and affection they deserve.
We encourage those who have a huge heart for pets, but cannot adopt one to take advantage of our Guardian Angel program. By being a Guardian Angel of the Washington County-Johnson City Shelter, you help all animals at the shelter and give each one a better chance of finding their forever home. This sponsorship pays to have animals spayed or neutered and vaccinated, which drastically improves adoption percentage. If you can not take them all, or even one, home then why not give someone else a better chance to? You can now donate online to help adoptions by using the PayPal “Donate” button; or you can bring your donation in and visit the pets! The WCJC Animal Shelter is a 501c Non-Profit Organization so donations are tax-deductible. We are currently in the process of building a bigger, better shelter for our animals. Visit or website tailchaser.org to find out more about the project and how you can help. We are located at 525 Sells Avenue, Johnson City, 37604. Feel free to call us with any questions or information about animals at 423-926-8769.
WISH LIST
You can always donate supplies instead of money to the shelter. We can still write a receipt for your taxes. Here is a list of our usual needs but please call if you have an idea for another donation.
ANIMAL SUPPLIES
Dry Adult Food (Please call first to see if we need it....sometimes we have so much that it goes bad!) Dry Puppy/Kitten Food Canned Food Litter, the cheapest is fine, (no clumping litter) Bedding for dogs and cats, this can be towels/blankets/bed linens/etc Toys
OFFICE & BUILDING SUPPLIES
Stamps Gift Certificates for Kinko's / Office Depot Rugs/floor mats Fans - box or other Duct tape Packing tape Pens and pencils White Printer Paper
423-926-8769 | 525 Sells Avenue, Johnson City, TN jcanimalshelter@embarqmail.com | www.tailchaser.org
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CLEANING
Bleach Pine sol Laundry soap Liquid dish soap Garbage bags 55 gal Garbage bags 15-20 gal Scrub brushes & siding scrub brushes Mop heads for commercial mops Quality Pooper Scoopers Industrial squeegees Paper towels Deodorizing Sprays Window cleaner
Pet Personals Washington County
VOL. I The Premier Meeting Place for Pets and their Prospective Owners
HEY! I’M PETIE, I’m a neutered pitbull. I’m kennel trained, good with other dogs and kids! I a big baby but I love the water hose and I come at the small price of $35. (Must have 10x10x6 kennel or fenced in yard)
I’M CANDY, I’m a domestic shor thair who is great with kids and other animals. I’m very loving and I’m just $85 to adopt.
423-926-8769
After Hours Emergencies 911 and an Animal Control Officer will be notified
HEY THERE! I’M BRISTOL, I don’t race cars but I could be your sweet and loving fury friend! I come at a small pice of $35 to adopt.
525 Sells Avenue Johnson City, TN 37604 jcanimalshelter@embarqmail.com
www.tailchaser.org HI! I’M ELF, FYI I’m not from the North Pole but I’m a shepherd/ chow mix. I’m very sweet and kennel trained, I’m just $90 to adopt and looking for a home. MAY 2014 | VIPSEEN | 71
spotlight
VIP nonprofit
Sullivan County, Bluff City, Kingsport ANIMAL CONTROL CENTER MISSION STATEMENT
THE SULLIVAN COUNTY, BLUFF CITY, KINGSPORT ANIMAL CONTROL CENTER IS DEDICATED TO PROVIDING THE BEST POSSIBLE CARE TO LOST AND HOMELESS ANIMALS. We strive to end animal suffering and pet overpopulation in Sullivan County through progressive and proactive policies and programs including adoption, rescue, spay/ neuter and responsible ownership education. We endeavor to provide a safe and healthy community for both residents and animals through fair and compassionate, but firm enforcement of local, and State animal laws and ordinances. To pursue our mission, the SBK Animal Center operates both the Kingsport and Sullivan County Animal Shelters and provides shelter and compassionate care to homeless animals, reunites lost pets with their owners, assists in the adoption of domestic animals of good health and temperament into suitable homes, provides humane euthanasia when necessary, and enforces the laws pertaining to the regulation and humane keeping of animals. We also conduct community awareness and public education programs about animal welfare issues and responsible pet ownership and stewardship. Because Sullivan County is nearly 500 square miles, the number of companion animals coming into the shelters is sometimes overwhelming. Our primary goal is to find forever loving homes for the nearly 8,000 animals we see per year. SBK Animal Center is a non-profit 501-C3 organization that relies heavily on the kindness of the community for supplies and monetary donations. Even though SBK gets some funding through Kingsport City and Sullivan County, the majority of our operating cost is covered through financial donations.
Donations can be mailed to the shelters or by bringing it by in person. We are planning a fundraising drive through mailers, so be on the lookout. We are blessed to have several individuals and groups who do fundraisers on our behalf throughout the year. We would love to have more people involved in our volunteer programs, either in the shelters or for adoption events. We would encourage local businesses to get involved in helping support the animals at the shelters by perhaps having a food or supply drive or even a collection of funds. Maybe different departments could challenge each other and the business could match the funds. Similar collections could be rewarding for Sunday School classes, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, clubs, sports teams, schools or any other group of animal loving people who just want to help their community. There are two convenient locations of SBK Animal Center. Stop by either the Blountville location at 380 Massengill Road or the Kingsport location at 2141 Idle Hour Road to see the 450 loving pets who are looking for their forever families. Please consider adopting your next best friend from your local SBK shelter. If your situation prevents you from adopting a furever friend, sponsorship of a pet is a wonderful option. All animals must me spayed or neutered before leaving the shelter to prevent the birth of more litters. Spaying a female pet early, before her first heat, can help prevent diseases and infections and neutering a male early can help prevent cancer and improve behavior. Altered pets typically do not try to run around in search of a romantic encounter. Spaying and neutering companion animals is the humane thing to do in order to keep the fur babies happy, healthy, and safe. After rescuing a grateful pet from a shelter, you will wonder who saved whom.
DONATE SUPPLIES TO THE SBK ANIMAL CENTER! There are many things that we could use and some of these items might be stored in your home unused. Please consider picking up one or two of these items and dropping them off at our shelters-the animals will appreciate your help! • Cat Litter • Dog & Cat Food Wet or dry • Kitten and Puppy Food • Puppy Formula • Kitten Formula • Sheets • Blankets, Towels & Washcloths • Used Newspapers • Pet Carriers • Gauze bandage • Kuranda Dog Beds • Animal & Cat Cages • “Pooper-Scoopers”
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• Small Baby Bottles & Nipples • Collars & Leashes All sizes • Heating pads • Peroxide • Cotton Balls • Vet Wrap Bandage • Flea Medication • Hemostats • Pet Eye & Ear Wipes • Bandage Scissors • Flea Bath Shampoo • Tweezers • Flea & Tick Spray • Combs & Brushes
• Igloo Dog Houses • Dog & Cat Toys • Medium & Large Storage Bins • Portable 8’x10’ Dog Pens
Pet Personals Kingsport & Blountville County
VOL. I The Premier Meeting Place for Pets and their Prospective Owners
3 year old DLH HEY THERE! I’M TIGER, I’m a love all animix. I’m already neutered and I mals, and people of course!
I’M SPRINKLES, I’m a 2 year old spayed German shorthair pointer. I’m a sweet, loving, and energetic pup just loo king for a home!
Blountville Kingsport
HELLO! THE NAME IS LIL’ BIT, I’m a DSH 9 month old little boy! I’m playful and love all kinds of toys, I’m a people person and do great with other cats.
HI THERE! MY NAME IS MR. BEAN, I’m an 8 month old pit bull terrier mix looking for a family full of energy and a loving place to call home!
380 Massengil Rd Blountville, TN 37617
423.279.2741
HEY THERE! I’M CRYSTAL, I’m a 1 year old spayed Pit mix. I’m very sweet and get along with other dogs and kids. I’m housebroken and looking for a place to call home.
HI! I’M CANDY, I’m a 1 year old little girl looking for a home. I’m not yet spayed but am litter box trained, and I prefer to stay indoors.
HEY! MY NAME IS FRANCIS, I’m a DSH and I’m a 2 year old little girl. My parents couldn’t take care of me, but I’m great with kids and other animals!
2141 Idle Hour Road, Kingsport, TN 37660
HI! I’M SYDNEY, I’m 8 years old and I’m a Bull Terrier mix. Lucky for you, I’m already spayed and housebroken! I must let you know, I don’t do well with cats!
423.247.1671
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T
he Kingsport Birdng Trail (KBT) is a unique way for Tenneseans to connect to our State’s beautiful natural heritage in a healthy, fun, familyfriendly and easy way. In September 2009 The City of Kingsport began the KBT, which serves to protect, preserve, restore and enhance Tennessee’s natural landscape and native flora and fauna. Before the KBT, there was no easy place to start birding for families that wanted to explore this rapidly-growing healthy outdoor recreational activity. The KBT addresses Tennessee’s natural ecological resources including open space, wet lands, biological diversity, and species of concern by providing direction, information, and facility to users. Special strengths of the KBT include a business-friendly approach of integrating the trail with adjacent land uses for a mutually beneficial result and joining different sites into a scenic trail with a majority of the sites along the significant Holston River corridor. Now, families who enjoy the KBT are conveniently introduced to the natural landscape, and in this way they can develop and promote a natural conservation mindset. The KBT offers a scenic driving trail along the Holston River and throughout the City to sites with ample access and suitable habitat to provide people an opportunity to experience Tennessee’s Natural Heritage by way of bird watching. Bird watching is the fastest growing outdoor activity according to the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. Users of the KBT experience native flora and fauna, open space, wet lands, biological diversity, and perhaps rare or declining species of concern. Natural Heritage awareness and value were increased by the KBT using just a few easy actions. The City of Kingsport launched a KBT web site with information about natural landscape locations and printable bird checklist available for each KBT site. Media events and interviews about the KBT were broadcast in multimedia reports. Educational field events were designed and implemented. The natural landscape was enhanced and restored as KBT sites were targeted by Keep Kingsport Beautiful litter pick up days, Cattails Public Golf Course is a KBT site, as well as an Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary preserving and protecting the wet lands within its bounderies. Multiple special events were held on the KBT to promote it such as USGS Bird Banding Demonstrations, free guided KBT Birdwalks open to the public, and Audubon Christmas Bird Counts (96 bird species identified). All local libraries added bird resource materials including field guides to shelves. Civic groups, organizations, and agencies hosted KBT public presentations. Full color KBT brochures were published on recycled paper distrubed at convention booths and events, as well as site locations and visitor areas. Biologically, the KBT has also served science: It was a 2013 Great Backyard Bird Count event participant and data entrant, it hosted seasonal bird counts by Tennessee Ornithological Society local chapters, the Tennessee Conservationist magazine published a feature article on the KBT, the 2013 Tennessee Environmental Conference included a Teacher’s Workshop presentation on the KBT, and in 2014 the conferenced featured the KBT as a Healthy Response to a National Trend. The National Park Service recognized the KBT as the inspiration for the new Biscayne Birding Trail, Biscayne National Park, Homstead, Florida. Even the birds themselves have responded positively: Rarities have been documented on the KBT including a
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recent Harlequin Duck that attracted an estimated 1,000 birders flocking to see the duck best seen from a local riverside restaurant located on the Greenbelt positively impacting the local economy and influencing the surrounding community with a reminder of the importance of our natural resources. The KBT has even added cultural value by influencing the current Kingsport Public Art Sculpture Walk to include a life sized bronze sculpture of a bird watcher as a featured piece of the downtown sculpture walk, reminding urban visitors of our nearby natural ecological resources and Allandale Mansion is home to “Heron Dome,” a large covered seating area featuring a Pair of sculpted Great Blue Herons. Tennessee House of Representatives Speaker Beth Harwell and Representative Jon Lundberg recognized the KBT as the first birding trail in the State by a Proclamation of the House presented to the Kingsport Board of Mayor and Alderman by Rep. Lundberg. Recently, Tennessee Department of Health Commissioner Dr. John Dreyzehner, MD, MPH visited the Kingsport Birding Trail and said that, “Birding is a healthy outdoor activity.” The KBT was established using an overlay principle to increase usage of existing infrastructure and adjacent land used for unrelated purposes by expanding the use of open space such as parks and trails. This “infill use” by a secondary audience of existing develoment eliminated the need for supportive funds such as maintenance, staffing, and security, etc., while providing necessary criteria to satisfy the secondary use of bird watching. Not only was this cost effective but a spin off benefit is that whenever the KBT is promoted there is a simultaneous promotion of the city’s historical, recreational, athletic, and utility facilities partnerships as well. In essence, the KBT offers users an opportunity to participate in an exciting natural landscape experience of discovering Tennessee’s Natural Heritage at little or no cost to themselves while simultaneously generating a “user infill” for existing City of Kingsport amenities. This approach is business-friendly as well, as hotels, restaurants and other tourism support businesses profit from the KBT. Recognition of bird activity and diversity of each site speaks to the importance of site preservation, as well as, demonstrating the mutual benefit of incorporating natural landscape preservation within a developed area. The KBT is easily expanded and the planned expansions would increase the benefits and opportunities currently provided to the user while protecting and enhancing natural ecological resources. KBT is the model for future birding trails that will mesh nicely with the forthcoming Tennessee State Birding Trail, according to TWRA State Ornithologist Scott Somershoe. The success, publicity, and low cost implementation of the KBT can be replicated by any other City, Town, or community in the State to encourage the preservation of our diverse Natural Heritage by encouraging and facilitating the activity of bird watching. A key element in the promotion of natural ecological resources along the KBT is the harmony of a built or developed property enjoying mutual benefit with the natural surroundings that support a broad biological diversity of native flora and fauna. The KBT directly addresses the “nature deficit” concern by making it easy for families to recreate outside and learn about birds and the natural heritage. Raising awareness
KBT LOCATIONS
ALLANDALE MANSION Scenic landscape hosting two ponds and acres of open space. of the practical and immediate benefits of preserving and maintianing Tennessee’s Natural Heritage is a by-product of of every KBT activity. Users recognize the different types of natural landscape that are represented by different types of biological diversity along the KBT. Because of a close association with the urban environment it invites usage with an easy access to natural ecological resources that may not have otherwise been explored such as river, streams, wetlands, and open spaces. The primary function of the KBT, watching birds, places the user into a natural landscape that fosters appreciation and concern for preservation of our Natural Heritage. Any Tennessee city, county, community or organization could easily duplicate the success of the KBT in promoting healthy family recreation and raising awareness of Tennessee’s unique natural heritage. The KBT makes an excellent model for the multiple-location birding trail. The benefits to the City of Kingsport from the birding trail over the more than 4 years since it’s dedication include: positive and exciting media coverage, retail and hospitality economic impact, involvement and interest from community organizations, positive attention from Federal and State government, local pride, and special natural landscape enhancement projects at several KBT locations. All positive attention directed at the KBT automatically lauds another city department due to the overlay concept of intigrating existing facilities and infrastructure. These benefits serve to encourage transferability to any interested entity. Education and outreach is critical to the success of any wildlife-related family recreation, and the KBT strives for excellence in this area at low cost. The KBT encourages and describes ethical wildlife viewing technique in the KBT brochure and at the www.kingsportbirdingtrail.com web site. KBT sites offer educational programs, signage, and location history that educate in the area of natural history, and also local heritage. Sites located on the KBT offer diverse conservation information ranging from natural history (Bays Mountain Park) to hydrology (Fort Patrick Henry Dam). The KBT has hosted USGS Bird Banding Demonstrations, Audubon Christmas Bird Counts, Cornell University Backyard Bird Count, University biology/ornithology classes as well as numerous guided birdwalks by Tennessee Ornithology Society volunteers as ongoing educational outreach. Since people protect what they know and love, the KBT is a great introduction to Tennessee’s natural heritage will help people know and love these natural areas, ultimately leading to a great many more proponents of these areas. The City of Kingsport has a project manager for oversight of the KBT. The KBT exists as an overlay predominantly on existing City facilities and infrastructure. As such, maintenance, access, and budget are in place for their primary use. The KBT serves to promote increased usership and therefore the longevity of each site. The KBT has the support and involvement of many city departments, each of which each enjoys public recognition from their affiliation with this popular trail. With such support and so many benefits City departments can easily offer continued and exceptional support to this growing project. The KBT can be used by everyone at no cost to the user. Only one stop charges a modest admission, Bays Montain Park and Planetarium, of $4.00 per car. A bird
BAYS MOUNTAIN PARK State’s largest municipal park includes a 43 acre lake, hiking trails, and bird banding demonstrations. CATTAILS AT MEADOWVIEW A certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Public Golf Course featuring lush wet lands and ponds. DOMTAR PARK Baseball/softball complex and large open space bordered by shoreline of the South Fork Holston River. EASTMAN PARK Soccer complex featuring stream bordered large open space and wet land. FT. PATRICK HENRY DAM A TVA hydroelectric facility separating Patrick Henry Lake from the South Fork Holston River. GREENBELT A linear park connecting neighborhoods, schools, activity centers, and commercial districts to the natural landscape. *WARRIORS PATH STATE PARK The 950-acre area is situated on the shores of TVA’s Patrick Henry Reservoir. *Proposed location
feeding station and bird watching program including loaner binoculars and youth bird field guide have been provided for the Upper East Tennessee Headstart Program, Kingsport Boys and Girls Club, and Kingsport Parks and Recreation after School Prorgram, as well as, their Summer Program each located at the V.O. Dobbins Community Center in the heart of the new Hope 6 Community, a low-income neighborhood that previous to the KBT had no designated natural recreation area within walking distance. Each of the local public and university libraries purchased field guides and birding resource material to lend at no charge to the public. Many of the KBT sites are serviced by Kingsport KATS public transit system. As a KBT initiative, bird feeding stations and loaner binoculars and field guides have been proposed for each Kingsport Housing and Redevelopment Authority complex. In addition to the muliple departments throughout Kingsport hosting and maintaining KBT sites, the Fort Patrick Henry Dam, a Tennessee Valley Authority property, partnered with Kingsport to host a KBT site. Tennessee State Parks have also expressed interrest in having Warrior’s Path added to the KBT and those plans are in progress. Local civic groups have invited KBT presentations to their memberships and Scouting Troops have scheduled field trips to aid in earning badges. The Audubon Christmas Bird Count has gathered data from each KBT site beginning in 2009. KBT participated for the first time in 2013 as a Cornell University Backyard Bird Count site. Each April the KBT conducts a guided birdwalk open to the public as an International Migratory Bird Day sanctioned event. The KBT web site links to the Tennessee Watchable Wildlife, provided by TWRA, web site and vice-versa. MAY 2014 | VIPSEEN | 75
SEEN IN KINGSPORT
LEADERSHIPKINGSPORT L
eadership Kingsport program, started in 1983, provides opportunities for leaders and emerging leaders from various sectors of the community to study local and regional issues, and to further develop their leadership skills. Leadership Kingsport’s mission is “to develop leaders who give life to community dreams.” The Leadership Class of 2013-14 will be graduating in May and have enjoyed program days focusing on topics such as education, healthcare, community awareness, local government and economic development. They have learned about becoming a community trustee and have made friendships that will last a lifetime. Leadership Kingsport is currently taking applications for the Leadership Class 2014-15 until May 16th. The class will run from September 2014 to May 2015 with an overnight trip in September and a three-day trip to Nashville in March. Program days are the second Thursday of each month, October through May. Anyone interested in serving the community is encouraged to apply. Contact Vanessa Bennett at 423-392-8813 or vbennett@kingsportchamber.org for more information.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRAIN HULLETTE | STORY SUBMITTED
State Capital
Downtown Nashville
Keltie Kerney and Lynn James
Kurt Steiner and Vanessa Bennett
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Kingsport Leadership Team
Amanda Boone and Susie Phillips
RCAM
Leslie Earheart, Kim Wilson, and Lora Barnett
Jeff Frazier and “NAO”
Sherri Mosley, Amanda Boone, and Susan McDavid
Lane Dukart and Bryan Mullins
Brent Morelock and Jim Maddox
Sidney Hammonds and David Copenhaver
Danielle Hill and Greg Robins
Shelley Artrip, Josh Polk, and Susan Dooley
Ridgecrest
Milton Carter
Maddison Inn
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SEEN IN KINGSPORT MeadowView Convention Center
O
Gala
n April 12th, the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Kingsport held their annual Grand Tour Gala at Meadowview Conference Resort and Convention Center. Hosted by the 27 member Board of Directors, the night began with a reception, music provided by Nostalgia Trio for Johnson City and a silent auction with over 100 items donated by local businesses and supporters. 350 guests dined on an excellent meal and fine wine provided by Reedy Creek Winery while Emcee for the evening, Ken Maness, along with Gala Chairs, Beverley and John Perdue, CPO Lisa Beilharz and CVO Frank Buck, provided a lively program which featured videos produced, directed and acted by Club members. A “Happy” video, filmed by club parent DiMingo Hale, featured Eastman Unit club members, staff and parents showing off their dancing talent. Additionally, a rousing audio message from Sharon Barger (who, along with Pal, was swimming with the turtles in the Gallipolis), urged Jerry O’Connor to carry on his tradition of “opening his pockets for the kids”.
Hunter Nelms and Adele Poole
Myra and Jason Crawford
Each year, Champion of Youth Awards are presented to long-time dedicated supporters of the Club. Former Club Executive Director, Chuck Owens and his wife, Sherry, along with local business owners, Larry and Jane Crawford, received “Bob’s Bowls”, handcrafted by local wood artisan Bob Schrader. Rounding out the evening, the winning ticket for the Porsche Boxster was drawn. The 8th winner of the annual raffle was Heather Greer, Richmond, VA. For more information on opportunities to support the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Kingsport, call 230- 4160, extension 231.
David and Diana Blankenship
PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRIAN HULLETTE | STORY BY SAVANNA SMITH
PEAK
Larry and Jane Crawford with Beverley and John Purdue
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Eddie and Tara Bateman
Dana and Sherrie Bacon
Bob and Dawn Childress
Andy and Amanda Edson with Lori and Gary Darter
Kenner and Nancy Mallicote
Judy and Ken Maness
Jada and Michael Sherfey
Kim and Stan Pace, Barbera and David Clark, Jill Salyer and Rusty Little
Chuck and Sherri Owens
Ashley and Steve Grindstaff
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SEEN IN JOHNSON CITY Wesley Memorial U.M.C.
One Campaign Murder Mystery
Dinner Robin Crumley (Director), Brooke Bowers (Planning Coordinator) and Heather Logan (Program Director)
ETSU service sororities provided volunteers for the event.
Officer A.D. McElroy
John Livaditis and Megan Dew
Jim and Cindy Robbins
W
ho did it? That was the question of the evening as guests gathered to enjoy a New Orleans style dinner together. The Boys & Girls Club of Johnson City/Washington County presented a Murder Mystery Dinner at Wesley Memorial U.M.C. on Friday, March 21st. The event began with a trip down Bourbon Street to a silent auction and souvenir photos in a photo booth. Then guests joined their tables to enjoy the delights of Louisiana cuisine. At each table, guests portrayed characters and followed a script to solve the mystery and sleuth out the killer. By the end of the evening, everyone was hot on the trail and could not wait to find out who the killer was. Luckily they were found and all guests escaped the night safely. The Boys & Girls Club conducts one fundraiser each year to provide support for the youth in our community. They would like to thank everyone who made the night a great success. PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY LINDA COFFEY
ETSU students
Lisa and Josh Gibbons (Board President)
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Sarah Berryman
Amanda Baker and Olivia Taylor
Board Members
Tyler Redding and Samantha Galarneau
Rebecca Hennessee
Jill and Hank Bergner
Justin Ridley and Stephanie Hart
Phil and Mary McPeak
Jessica Burgner and Micah Ridley
Alex Morris and Kaitlyn Logan
Todd and Polly Wiley
Serve it up Sassy
A Mothers Day Memory Breakfast in Bed
RECIPE DEVELOPMENT, FOOD STYLING, PHOTOGRAPHY, AND ARTICLE BY LIZ BUSHONG
There is an old saying, “If you want breakfast in bed, sleep in the kitchen.” My mother, to my knowledge, didn’t sleep in the kitchen but she could have. I have many memories of my mother baking and cooking in the kitchen and serving her family of six daughters. The kitchen was grand central station growing up and still is. Now the kitchen is filled with grandchildren, family and friends. MAY 2014 | VIPSEEN | 83
Serve it up Sassy
Mothers of all ages should enjoy a Mother’s Day morning being pampered with Breakfast-in-Bed, an act that requires more effort than money. Begin her day by serving her with a bed tray accompanied by a favorite novel or stack of magazines that she has been longing to read. Decorate the tray with sweet yellow baby tulips gathered together in a glass canister. Crisp blue and white linens and china are served up sassy with delicate breakfast delights. The main entrée is baked Egg Soufflé. This soufflé is filled with fresh whipped eggs, sharp cheddar cheese, smoked bacon, mushrooms and organic spinach. A slice of Salted Caramel Pecan Coffeecake, Layered Fruit Salad with Lime Pear Sauce, and a warm pot of Vanilla Almond Tea round out this blissful breakfast. Your mom deserves the very best and this will certainly warm her heart.
Have you ever wondered how Mothers Day began? “The more recent history of Mother’s Day dates back to 1600s in England. Here a Mothering Sunday was celebrated annually on the fourth Sunday of Lent (the 40 day period leading up to Easter) to honor mothers. After a prayer service in church to honor Virgin Mary, children brought gifts and flowers to pay tribute to their own mothers.” “In the United States, Mother’s Day was first suggested in 1872 by Julia Ward Howe. She was famous for writing the words to the Battle Hymn of the Republic … a woman who was never a mother herself who led the campaign for national recognition of Mother’s Day.”
“Mothers hold their children’s hands for a short while, but their hearts forever.” While Mother’s Day has become a national holiday, we should honor our mothers as well as our fathers as long as we are privileged to have their presence in this earth, each and every day. God blesses those who honor their parents with long life. * I hope that you have special memories of your mom on Mother’s Day. If not, it is never too late to do something special for your mom or to be a mom to someone who doesn’t have a mother. When I was 10 years old, I decided to make my mom a Mother’s Day dress. I had a dress pattern and a couple of yards of Kelly green fabric. This was a top -secret project. After school, my chores, and late at night, I would secretly sew one section of the dress until it was completed. The dress was a princess A-line style with short set-in sleeves and a 22 inch back zipper. I didn’t think about the dress fit or how it would turn out. I could only think about the surprised look on my mom’s face when I gave her my gift. After a few days, the dress was finished. While looking at the dress on the hanger, I realized it needed something, extra stitching or perhaps a fresh flower? A fresh flower was the chosen option. I called my neighbor and asked if she would pick up a green and white corsage for me at the local florist. Early on Mother’s Day morning, with my allowance in one hand and my other hand on the handle bar of my bike, I peddled to my neighbor’s house in record speed to pick up the beautiful corsage. Not wanting my mom to see it, I left the corsage on the fence by the back door. Much to my dismay, our family dog Heidi, thought the corsage was for her. She had bitten the container in half and my little corsage was on the ground, but only for a second. Mortified that Heidi had the flower in her mouth, I ran after her and retrieved the corsage. It was a traumatic but jubilant morning. I wrapped my mom’s dress in a pretty box and presented her my gift. When she opened the package, she saw the dress with the slightly worn corsage, and the look that I had continually thought of while sewing the pieces together, was on her smiling face. She loved it! She actually wore the dress to church that morning and yes, it fit. Do something special for your mother this Mother’s Day. Get her out of the kitchen and pamper her with a morning of Breakfast-in-Bed. *http://www.mothersdaycelebration.com/mothers-day-history.html *Amplified Bible- Ephesians 6: 1-3 quote http://boardofwisdom.com 84 | VIPSEEN | MAY 2014
Egg Souffle 1-16 ounce small curd cottage cheese 3 egg whites 3 egg yolks + 2 eggs ¼ cup buttermilk ¼ cup all purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking powder ¼ teaspoon salt and white pepper 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese ¼ cup diced fresh mushrooms 4-5 organic fresh spinach, chopped 8 slices of smoked bacon- cooked and crumbled Instructions: Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Place cottage cheese in bowl of food processor with steel blade, process until smooth. Pour cottage cheese in separate bowl, set aside. Add egg whites to processor, pulse until foamy, add next 5 ingredients, process Combine egg mixture with cottage cheese mixture. Stir in remaining ingredients. Grease 8 medium sized ramekins or standard cupcake pan with cooking spray. Pour mixture into pans 2/3 full. Place on baking sheet to bake in case of spill. Bake 15-20 minutes or until edges are puffed and light brown. Egg soufflé will fall in center after cool. Yield: 8-10 servings
Make a Statement, Make it Sassy and Make it Yours! Liz Bushong is an expert in the three-dimensional art ofentertaining. She transforms simple dining occasions into beautiful and memorable moments by adding a touch of her own “sassy” style. She makes elegance easy for her audience and encourages them to add their own Sassy touch to make it unique .Liz is famous for creating her own version of a beautifully presented tablescape – which she calls a Sassyscape ™ . In 2009 and 2010, Liz was selected from thousands nationwide to be part of an elite team of 100 professionals entrusted with decorating the White House for the holiday. In 2011, she was part of seven-person team selected to decorate the Tennessee governor’s mansion for the holiday. Liz has been featured as the monthly guest chef on Daytime Tri-cities, television show on WJHL, the CBS affiliate for the Tri-cities area of Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee and West Virginia. She is also the creator and host of her own one-hour seasonal television show called “Serve it up Sassy!” for the same market, which aired in 2011. She has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Consumer and Family Sciences from Purdue University and an Associate in Applied Science degree in Fashion Design from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York. She is also certified in Decorative Finishes and has been trained as a master gardener. Liz is the author of Just Desserts and Sweets & Savories cookbook. Liz makes her home in Johnson City, Tennessee. She continues to perfect her sassy approach to turning simple dining occasions into beautiful and memorable moments. To purchase cookbooks, see recipes, cooking, and decorating ideas go to www.lizbushong.com.
Fruit Salad with Lime-Pear Sauce 2- 15 ounce canned pear halves in heavy syrup- drained, reserve 1 cup 1 egg, beaten 2 tablespoons all purpose flour 1-teaspoon butter 2-teaspoon lime juice 1 cup heavy whipping cream, whipped 2 tablespoons confectioner’s sugar 1-16 ounce canned pineapple chunks, drained 12 fresh strawberries, 6 sliced 6 whole for garnish 1 medium banana, sliced 1-11ounce canned mandarin oranges, drained 3 Kiwi, as garnish- peeled and sliced ½ cup sliced almonds as garnish
Instructions: Drain pears, reserve 1-cup juice. In small bowl, mix 2 tablespoon of juice with 2 tablespoons of flour and beaten egg. Stir until smooth. In small saucepan, add remaining juice, flour, egg mixture. Whisk until smooth and thick, add butter, and stir to blend. Remove sauce from heat and let cool completely. Whip heavy cream with confectioners sugar; gently fold cooled sauce into whipped cream. Set aside. Cut 4 pear halves into vertical slices as a garnish for top of layered salad. Dice remaining halves into bite sized pieces. Reserve the following fruits for garnish, pear slices, strawberries, and kiwi. Layer diced pears, pineapple, banana, strawberries and oranges into large glass bowl, or 6 medium sized glass parfaits or bowls. Spread whipped cream mixture O n top of fruit. Refrigerate overnight if desired. Just before serving, arrange reserved fruit and almonds in decorative pattern.
Salted Caramel-Pecan Coffee Cake Batter: 1 ½ cups granulated sugar 1-cup butter, softened 2 eggs, beaten 1 teaspoon almond extract 2 cups all purpose flour ½ teaspoon baking soda 1-teaspoon baking powder 1-cup sour cream or Greek yogurt.
Filling: 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon 1/3 cup packed brown sugar, light or dark 1 cup pecans, finely chopped
Caramel Topping: ½ cup butter 6 tablespoons heavy whipping cream ¾ cup brown sugar, packed 1 cup pecans, finely chopped ½ cup course sea salt- garnish
Instructions: Grease and flour 9 x 13-inch baking dish. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cream sugar and butter in large bowl. Add eggs and extract. Combine flour, soda and baking powder in separate bowl. Alternately add flour mixture and sour cream to butter mixture. Beat until fluffy. Prepare filling: combine ingredients for filling, set aside. Pour half the batter into prepared pan, sprinkle with filling, add remaining batter. Bake at 350 for 35-40 minutes or until cake center is done. Meanwhile in saucepan, combine all ingredients for topping. Stir to combine. Remove coffee cake from oven and pour caramel topping on top of warm cake. Broil cake, watching to make sure topping doesn’t burn, for 2 minutes until topping begins to bubble. Add course sea salt as the garnish. Let cake cool completely before slicing and serving. Cut into squares and place on decorative plate or platter. Yield: 24 squares
SEEN IN BLOUNTVILLE Second Harvest Food Bank
Second Harvest Food Bank After Hours
T
hursday, March 20, Second Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Tennessee held a regional Business After Hours at their new location close to the airport in Blountville. The event was held in partnership with the Bristol, Johnson City, and Kingsport Chamber of Commerce. Andy Wampler, Kingsport Chamber President welcomed over 125 attendees to the Business After Hours. Rhonda Chafin, Food Bank Executive Director welcomed everyone on behalf of the Food Bank and thanked attendees for their support. Food City Food Stores and KVAT foods was recognized for their recent contributions to the Food Bank. Ron Bonacci, Vice President of Marketing at KVAT Food Stores talked about KVAT’s partnership with the Food Bank. Kingsport Mayor, Dennis Phillips congratulated the Food Bank on their new facility and welcomed the Food Bank to Kingsport. Then a few lucky crowd members won door prizes courtesy of local businesses. Before the festivities, everyone enjoyed a delicious meal by the TriCities Olive Garden Restaurants who always take pleasure in serving the Food Bank. Cherokee Distributing and Corey Ippoleto winery of Kingsport donated beverages for the event. Following the program attendees toured the warehouse that highlighted some of the features of the new facility in Kingsport.
Dineen West, Leigh Woods, and Bob Bergemann
Randy and Geri Hite
PHOTOGRAPHY BY SAVANNA SMITH | STORY SUBMITTED
Randy Parrish, Jim Winn, and Dale Everhart
Rusty Little, Richard Keen, Jessica Bentley, and CJ Hallock
Ann Chapman and Sandi Ray
Kathy Blevins with Cathy and Gary Mercer
Ken Diehl and Ron Bonacci
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Rhonda Chafin
Karen Arnold and Kara Cross
SEEN IN KINGSPORT Farmer’s Market
PHOTOGRAPHY BY SAVANNA SMITH, ANGELA BAKER, AND EDWARD ABDELMESSIH STORY SUBMITTED
Brass Ring Gala M
arch 21st the Farmer’s Market in Kingsport hosted the second Brass Ring Gala and Carousel Fine Craft Show, both events in support of the Kingsport Carousel Project. This project has been close to the hearts of over 200 volunteers since 2008, and on March 20th, 2014 they broke ground for the carousel’s home, Pal’s Roundhouse. As with last year’s hugely successful gala, live music by My New Favorites, a local Americana band, filled the room while supporters of the Kingsport Carousel Project mingled and took in the finished components of the carousel as well as the work of local fine crafters. There were even more crafters than last year, and the quality of the work was unquestionable. Beautifully woven and built furniture, hand-carved wooden toys for children, intricate jewelry made from upcycled materials and precious stones, stained glass designs, woven and knit clothing, ceramic pieces ranging from quirky to elegant, and much more. They even had special edition carousel themed chocolates from local chocolatier Bellafina.
Kendall Flegel and Emma Clark
Rounding boards lined the walls wherever a booth wasn’t installed for a crafter, and a handful of the carousel animals were placed around the room. At one end of the building were tables displaying small, wooden sculptures of animals demonstrating skills acquired in the Carousel Carving and Painting Studio classes. On tables running parallel, the round bird paintings were displayed with their respective sponsors, if applicable. As much as it was an environment to appreciate the hard work of so many volunteers and to celebrate the arts in our community, it was also an opportunity for project leaders to seek new sponsors. The project has already gained much support and sponsorship, but there’s still a long way to go. At one point in the evening, My New Favorites took a break before their next set and the carousel band organ was turned on. As the familiar organ music rung loudly throughout the whole building, drawing people to the whimsical contraption itself and pausing momentarily to acknowledge it playing, I noticed Tracy Johnson and Amy Benedict of My New Favorites miming the action of riding a carousel. You can imagine it. Your hands around the golden pole, your body rising and then lowering, rising then lowering. It was so instantly recognizable and playful, the moment felt magical, and it’s easy to understand why so many people want to see this volunteer-led community project come into being to enrich their town.
Cary Boggs and Charlie Sorrells
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Mayor’s Son and Wife, Kingsport Mayor Dennis Phillips and Wife Bobbie
William Dale Jones and Rebecca Jones
Ted Glynn, Valorie Joh, and Shane Joh
Walter Turrpening
Kathryn Jenkins, Lecy Campbell, Magie Kenny, Nancy Fischman, and Anne Reid
Ryan Jurgensmeyer and Dr. Jody Thomas
Kipp Brixey
Diane and Hank Somers
MAY 2014 | VIPSEEN | 89
Perfect Pair
The Reeves Eye Surgery Center
Perfect Pair, a unique, primitive antique and art gallery opened it’s doors April 9th with a ribbon cutting celebration. Members of the community came out to support owners Ray and Patricia Kilgore as their hard work paid off. Their grandson, Ethan, helped them cut the ribbon and was more than happy to do so. Afterwards everyone enjoyed a light spread and learned a little more about the owners and the business. If you have not been by the Perfect Pair, 220 East Center Street in downtown Kingsport, stop in and shop around. Ray and Patricia would love to meet all who stop by.
The new Reeves Eye Surgery Center opened at 2328 Knob Creek Road, Johnson City on March 27th. Dr. Reeves and the staff celebrated with a ribbon cutting and an After Hours and invited the community to join. Donny Reeves, M.D., and a Board Certified Ophthalmologist who has been practicing in the Tri-Cities since 2004, founded the Reeves Eye Surgery Center. The staff along with Dr. Reeves invites everyone who could not come for the celebration to stop in and see the new location and to check them out online at www.reeveseyeinstitute.com.
Results Physiotherapy
The Sprouty Pea
Results Physiotherapy of Johnson City held their ribbon cutting March 27th and invited the community to come out and celebrate. The Johnson City location serves the populations of Elizabethton, Piney Flats, Bluff City, Roan Mountain, Gray/Boones Creek, Mountain City and Kingsport. Results Physiotherapy specializes in treating postsurgical conditions for back and neck, carpal tunnel, Sacroiliac joint dysfunction, headaches, athletic injuries, shoulder pain, knee pain, and vertigo. If you have not been by their new location, 701 Med Tech Parkway Johnson City, please stop by and visit. You can also lean more at their website resultsphysiotherapy.com.
Sprouty Pea opened its doors in Downtown Kingsport Monday April 7th and celebrated with a ribbon cutting. This clothing store offers the newest upscale children’s clothing sizes 0 to 16 years. Located at 240 Broad Street, the owners invite everyone to come checkout their beautiful store and trendy clothes. To learn more about Sprouty Pea check them out on Facebook.
MAY 2014 | VIPSEEN | 91
SEEN IN JOHNSON CITY Nelson’s Fine Art Center
Joel Mercier and Jessica Moore
YUM-YUM,
The Power of the Bite featuring International Tapas was Thursday, March 27 from 6-8 pm at Nelson’s Fine Art Center, in downtown Johnson City. This event supported local restaurants that offer good food while embracing another type of art form - public art. The proceeds for this event went towards a bicycleinspired public art project designated for South Side Neighborhood (a.k.a. The Tree Streets). YUM-YUM featured several local restaurants that provided Internationally inspired tapas “a bite” or small plate of food including two glasses of wine. One Stop Wines provided a door prize of wines that were paired with that evening’s tapas choices. Some examples of tapas are Italian-inspired like Belini Bruschetta with prosciutto and arugula and sliced baguette toasted in garlic olive oil, topped with peach-prosecco jam, sliced prosciutto and fresh arugula and honey roasted figs with fresh ricotta and hazelnut to warm Greek-inspired Orzo Salad with Mediterranean vegetables and feta - cucumber, tomato, red onion, black olive, roasted red pepper, fresh parsley tossed in dijon dill vinaigrette.
Wanda Buda, Harold Escalante, Orestes Salazar, and Orlando Salazar
The goal of “this tapas” experience was to have a range of unique internationally-inspired food that goes beyond a specific country,” said Virginia Buda, Arts Organizer and Founder of Artlandia. What an experience it was! The arts center was sold out and the unique food proved an interesting talking point for the evening. The first annual YUM YUM was a huge success! PHOTOGRAPHY BY SAVANNA SMITH | STORY SUBMITTED
Theresa Bellamy, Jeff Morris and Diana Stewart
Lydia Hillierd and Dorma Ford
Abbey Greer and Virginia Buda
MAY 2014 | VIPSEEN | 93
SEEN IN JOHNSON CITY Nelson’s Fine Art Center
Helene and Ken Wagner
Dick Nelson and Kate Pierce
Bodega 105, Brim Leal and friend
Korean Taco House
Laura McMillian, Jared Bach, Melody Taylor, and Brittany Blizzard
Jon and Patrica Anong
94 | VIPSEEN | MAY 2014
Earth Fare, Kate Van Huss
Marylee Jondahl and Deborah Whitaker
Main Street PIzza
Carley Buchanan and Mark Phillips
Aramark/ ETSU Dining & Catering
Ashleigh Dalton, Leslie Rovison and Molly Hagemeier
Jeff Estes and Les Nelson
Michelle Weeks and Alex Nelson
Lisa Lapella, Laurijo Cranford, and Aleta Chandler
Heather Champney, Adam Bowie, Adria Pierce and Greg Champney
Matt Drish, Tagen Davis and Kyle Johnson
Kim and Robert Nielsen
SEEN IN JOHNSON CITY Ligero Cigar Lounge
Matilde Cigar Release featuring Enrique Seijas J
ose Seijas and his son Enrique are natives of the Domican Republic. Jose is a family man, a loyal friend, and a passionate cigar smoker and maker. He has dedicated his life to making cigars. He is so passionate about La Matilde because Matilde is the accumulation of 40 years of his experience in the cigar industry, it is everything he ever wanted to do: it combines Jose’s passion for a sublime smoking experience with consistency and quality without restrictions that can only be achieved by a small group of individuals all focused on bringing you the ultimate smoking experience. Tabacalera La Matilde was founded in 1876 in Dominican Republic. The revival of Matilde provides Jose and his team with the perfect vehicle to communicate their passion for cigars and their beloved homeland. He chose to revive this historic Dominican brand in this new chapter of his professional and personal life to celebrate his deep roots in and love for the Dominican Republic.
Andy Irvin and Paul Helphinstine
Larry and Cody Lane
Aaron Hamiliton
Jimmy Pierce
Jose’s son Enrique traveled to Ligero Cigar lounge to help celebrate the release of the new cigar- Matilde. Members of the lounge welcomed Enrique as he told everyone a little history of his father, family, and the family business. Ligero would like to thank the Seijas family for sharing such wonderful cigars with the region. PHOTOGRAPHY BY SAVANNA SMITH | STORY SUBMITTED Linnie Brassfield and Cathy Ashburn
Dr. Kevin Morgan, Michael Lester, and Paul David Walker
Rusty Little and Enrique Seijas
96 | VIPSEEN | MAY 2014
Tom Farrow and Michael Monforte
Jonie Carter and Thomas Jae
Nathan Flora and Andy irvin
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