July Contents EVENTS
FEATURES
54
13 COVER STORY
COLLEGE BOUND
DEPARTMENTS 6
SHE SAYS...
7
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
32 NONPROFIT PROFILE JEREMIAH SCHOOL 48 VIP BEAUTY QUICK CHANGE ARTIST 64 WIT BIT THINGS I’D RATHER DO THAN TO TRY ON A BATHING SUIT
8 9 10 11 11 12 28 29 30 31 34 34 35 36 38 39 39 42 43 43 44 45 46 46 47 47 50 50 51 51 52 54 55 56 57 58 58 59 60 62
Footloose Gala Cajun Celebration to benefit Boys and Girls Club of JC/WC Kingsport Ballet and Bubbly Run for the Roses BTVAR Expo AAME Gala Award Kingsport Leadership Awards Rotary Club of Bristol, VA-TN Presents the 30th Annual Teacher Awards Dawn of Hope Golf Classic Bowman Jewelers After Hours JDRF One Walk Restore Your Sole 5k Lakeview Marina Season Grand Opening Animal Defense League Spay-ghetti Dinner Derby Northeast H.O.P.E. A Night at the Derby 2017 Holston Valley NICU Reunion Taste of Downtown Johnson City Pinnacle Awards Pitches and Pints The Austin Moody 2nd Annual Charity Concert 10th Annual Racks by the Tracks Wayne Culbertson 50 years Run Like a Princess 5k & 3k Historic District Preservation Awards Candyland Carnival Garland Farm Estates Crawfish Boil Chick Fil A 5K Head 2 Toe Women’s Expo Benjamin Walls Gallery Unveiling and Reception Junior League of Bristol Splash Dash VIPSEEN’s Wonder Woman Movie Premiere Event Susan G. Komen East Tennessee Race for the Cure Women of Worth (WOW) at VIPSEEN St Jude’s Benefit Golf Tournament The Grand Tour–Roman Holiday Girls on the Run Spring Color Splash 5k Run For Your Mom Spring Wing Fling Kingsport Chamber Golf Scramble Spine Health Foundation Derby Day
Letter from the Publisher
FOUNDER/PUBLISHER Angela J. Baker angela@vipseenmag.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR Angelica Ares angelica_a@vipseenmag.com EVENTS COORDINATOR Jurnee Carr jurnee@vipseenmag.com
She Says ...
VIPSEEN LIVE! Whitney Carr whitney@vipseenmag.com Morgan King morgan@vipseenmag.com ACCOUNT MANAGERS Lark Adams 423.612.3583 lark@vipseenmag.com Brian Chapman 865.567.6488 BrianChapman@vipseenmag.com April Barnes 423.646.4626 april@vipseenmag.com
E
ducation is one of those things that doesn’t get the credit it deserves. It is the foundation of who we are and the pathway to what we will become. Yet, it is often disregarded or taken for granted. I have been guilty of doing so myself. Having children changed my viewpoint on many things in life. I realized I was no longer living for myself and wanted to be someone they would be proud to call “Mama.” I have made it my mission to lead my children down a better path than the one I originally opted to travel in my younger years. A path that puts an emphasis on the importance of education and respect supported by an abundance of love sprinkled with the right amount of confidence. So far, my efforts have been fruitful. My daughter, now a junior in college, is on the Dean’s List. My son, just finished up the 8th grade on the President’s List. I often joke with Mickey that if Jackson isn’t smart that it will be because of Mickey’s genetics and not mine. (I’m kidding, of course)
Jacqueline Joseph 423.367.6785 jacqueline@vipseenmag.com
In this month’s issue, we highlight some of the Colleges/Universities that surround our region and some of the students who call these institutions their Alma Mater. Exploring schools with your child is an exciting time and the options are plentiful. I hope that this issue is a useful tool in the search process.
Carolyn Kestner 423.530-5092 carolyn@vipseenmag.com
A special thank you to the students on the cover and to Nathan Mays Photography for capturing another great cover.
COPY EDITOR Lucy Honeychurch
Never stop learning!
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Jennifer Ares Liz Bushong Crystal Dawn Carter Linda Coffey Eric Donahue Allison Galloway Lucy Honeychurch Sherri Jessee Beth Street PHOTOGRAPHY Liz Bushong Crystal Dawn Carter Linda Coffey Eric Donahue Allison Galloway Nathan Mays DIRECTOR OF DISTRIBUTION Barbara Werner DISTRIBUTION Travis Bondurant Eric Donahue Bobby Flowers Martin Kilgore Mark Kilgore Leslie Morgan WEBMASTER High Road Digital VIPSEEN, Inc., Tri-Cities 151 E. Main Street, Suite 5 Kingsport, TN 37660 423.398.5321 info@vipseenmag.com WWW.VIPSEENMAG.COM
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Angela Baker, angela@vipseenmag.com
ON THE COVER
Nathan Adams, Virginia Highlands Community College; Kari Henkel, East Tennessee State University; Austin Taylor, Carson-Newman University; Casey Heinlein, Emory & Henry College; Jonathan Russell, Milligan College
PHOTO BY
Nathan Mays Photography
Calendar of Events / JULY 2017 JULY 1 Jonesborough Days Parade Downtown Jonesborough Visitor’s Center, 10am cameow@jonesboroughtn.org Abingdon All-American Independence Day Extravaganza 4pm-9:30pm Abington Market Pavillion/ Remsburg Dr. Abington, VA abingtonmusicexperience.com JULY 2 2-3pm Dog Days of Summer: Costume Contest 100 E Main St. (Courthouse) Jonesborough,TN cameow@jonesboroughtn.org JULY 4 Celebrate Bristol presents Star-Spangled 4th of July Celebration Downtown Bristol, 7-10pm info@believeinbristol.org Kingsport Pops! and Fireworks Celebration for Kingsport’s 100th 4th of July Downtown Kingsport, 7-10pm HeatherCook@kingsporttn.gov Pepsi Independence Day Celebration Freedom Hall Civi Center 5-11pm pepsi-fireworks.com Rogersville 4th of July Rogersville City Park, 3-10pm info@rogersville4thofjuly.org JULY 6 3rd Annual Big Messy First Thursday, 5-8pm William King Museum 415 Academy Dr. Abington, VA 276-628-5005 lrouse@wkmuseum.org JULY 7 Spaghetti Fundraiser for I.A. Camp – Lamplight Theater Ministries Emporium, 6:30-10pm 146 Broad St. Kingsport, TN info@lamplighttheatre.com Ridgefield’s Area Block Party, 6:30-10pm Ridgefield’s Park Kingsport, TN liveinridgefields.com JULY 8 Kingsport Health Resources Center’s 6th annual Official Fun Fest Block Party 2-4pm
2101 Fort Henry Drive Suite 52 Kingsport, TN McKinneyLJ@msha.com Fur Fest Block Party 5-7pm Kingsport Dog Park 645 Granby Rd. Kingsport, TN Johnnie Hennessee kptdogpark@gmail.com JULY 10 12th Annual Legislative BBQ, 5:30pm Kingsport Farmer’s Market ndavis@kingsportchamber.org JULY 11 Keep Kingsport Beautiful Trash Barrel Paint-In 9am – 2pm 4444 West Stone Dr. Kingsport, TN festus@funfest.net JULY 12 Fun Fest for the Elderly 2:30pm Wellmont Madison House Kingsport, TN festus@funfest.net JULY 13 July PEAK Around Town 6-8pm High Voltage 101 Cherokee Street Kingsport, TN info@ypkingsport.com JULY 14 Fun Fest Parade 6:30pm Center St. > Sullivan St. > Clinchfield St. Downtown Kingsport, TN festus@funfest.net
Crazy 8’s Race and Healthy Lifestyles Expo 3-9pm 1800 Legion St. Kingsport, TN festus@funfest.net Little 8’s Youth Field Day 6-8pm J Fred Johnson Stadium @ Dobyns Bennett Kingsport, TN festus@funfest.net Dance for the Physically and Mentally Challenged 6:30-8:30pm 1550 Fort Henry Drive Kingsport, TN festus@funfest.net JULY 18 AFPTN Kingsport Town Hall 6:30-8pm Rush Street Neighborhood Grill 1229 E Stone Dr. Kingsport, TN shatmaker@afphq.org JULY 22 Dancing for Dogs 4-8pm Holiday Inn 101 W Springbrook Dr. Johnson City, TN 37604 humanesociety@hswctn.org JULY 23 Grown & Gathered: A Farm to Table Experience 5:30-9pm Pavilion at Founders Park Johnson City, TN 37604 Downtown Johnson City Foundation
Fun Fest Mardi Gras 11:30am-5pm Broad St. Downtown Kingsport, TN festus@funfest.net
FRIENDS Summer Social – Downs Syndrome Support Group Of TN/VA 6:30-8:30pm Kingsport Aquatic Center 1820 Meadowview Parkway Kingsport, TN admin@dsfriends.net
JULY 15 Kid’s Fishing Derby 8-10am Warriors Path State Park – Duck Island Kingsport, TN festus@funfest.net
JULY 29 14th Annual Car Show 8am – 2pm Lamar Elementary 3261 Highway 81 S Jonesborough, TN bethesdaUMChurch@gmail.com
Crazy Cardboard Boat Race 9am – 12pm Kingsport Aquatic Center Kingsport, TN festus@funfest.net
Labor of Love Vendor Event 10am – 6pm Double Tree Hilton 211 Mockingbird Lane Johnson City, TN laboroflove.uganda@gmail.com
Fun Fest Car Show 10am – 3pm 100 E Main St. Kingsport, TN festus@funfest.net
SEEN IN
ABINGDON BARTER GREEN
SARAH LAUGHLAND
KATY BROWN AND ALICE LINK
FIELDING AND JOYCE ROLSTON WITH BEN JENNINGS
(MAYOR) CATHY AND STEPHEN LOWE
Footloose Gala PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY LINDA COFFEY
Prior to the opening night presentation of “Footloose” on Friday, May 19th, Barter Theatre added two stars to the Walk of Fame, located in front of the Theatre. The names of Ben Jennings and Howard McElroy were engraved on granite plaques to recognize their significant contributions to Barter Theatre through the years. Both men were present to receive the honors from Richard Rose, Producing Artistic Director of Barter Theatre.
TRICIA MATTHEWS AND JODY HARNSBERGER
RICHARD ROSE WITH AWARDS
The Barter actors presented the musical, “Footloose” to a packed house and received a standing ovation for the outstanding performance. Following the play, guests enjoyed the Opening Night Gala, held at the Barter Green across from the theater. The crowd was excited to have the opportunity to meet and greet the actors from “Footloose” and other shows that are being presented by Barter this summer. Make sure to check out the calendar of shows and purchase tickets for this great season. Visit www.bartertheatre.com or call (276) 628-3991 to reserve your seats! KATHY DRUMMOND, KATHERINE FOREMAN, AND K.C. ST. LOUIS
HOWARD MCELROY AND BEN JENNINGS
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JOE VEALE AND RICHARD ROSE
JERRY AND RETHA GREENE
SEEN IN
JOHNSON CITY THE GALLERY
CINDY RIDER, SARAH LANDRY, AND BROOKE WALLS
TASTE BUDZ CREW (TERESA WILSON, LORRAINE AND ELMER WASHINGTON-OWNERS)
BARBARA MENTGEN (BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB BOARD), KAT BRONSON-LATHAM (CO-FOUNDER JOHNSON CITY BREWING COMPANY)
Cajun Celebration to Benefit Boys & Girls Club JC/WC PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY CRYSTAL DAWN CARTER
The Cajun Celebration festivities was hosted by Young Professionals Tri-Cities and Johnson City Brewing Company to raise money for the Boys & Girls Club of Johnson City/ Washington County on May 15, 2017. Food was provided by Taste Budz and Johnson City Brewing provided craft beers. The money raised that night went to benefit the club. SHELLY KELLEY AND KRISTAN BLANSETT
YOUNG PROFESSIONALS TRI-CITIES (YP TRI)
Three performers entertained the audience. Two local artists performed the earlier hours with headliner The Keith Horton Band rattled the windows with downhome Cajun inspired music. The Boys & Girls Club of Johnson City/Washington County says they have a list of needs that the funds will help with; including scholarships for programs, materials, and funds to fix or replace vans and the bus. The largest need for them, besides volunteers, is a new building.
BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB BOARD AND STAFF
JIMMY AND CARRIE MILLER
ROBIN CRUMLEY, NATHAN GREATTI, AND LAUREN ASHLEY
GARLAND FARMS CRAWFISH CREW
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SEEN IN
BLOUNTVILLE CHATEAU SELAH
SHALAMAR SHEFFEY AND K.C. ST. LOUIS
JEFF AND STACEY MILLER
LOGAN MITCHELL AND EMMA CLARK
BLAIR AND SETH JERVIS
Kingsport Ballet
and Bubbly PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY ALLISON GALLOWAY
EMILY RUEBKE, CHERYL HUDNALL, AND JULIA FARMER
Kingsport Ballet and Bubbly was held on Saturday, April 29th. This fundraiser featured wonderful food, live entertainment, and both a silent and live auction. The Kingsport Ballet performed excerpts from their original ballet, Seeds of Change. Seeds of Change is set in Kingsport in 1917 and was choreographed to celebrate Kingsport’s Centennial. The proceeds went to the Kingsport Ballet’s outreach program, DANCE CO. Scholarships are provided to at-risk youth so they are able to take dance classes and receive the equipment necessary.
KINGSPORT BALLET PERFORMS SEEDS OF CHANGE
ERIC AND SHIRLY NIEVES
SEEN IN
SEEN IN
BRISTOL
BRISTOL
HOLIDAY INN
HOLIDAY INN BRISTOL CONFERENCE CENTER
Arts Achievement Awards Gala PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY SUBMITTED
The Arts Alliance Mountain Empire held its annual Arts Achievement Awards Gala on Saturday evening May 20, at the Holiday Inn in Bristol. The evening consisted of cocktails, dinner, a silent art auction, the awards ceremony, and music by David Collins. The winners include Nancy Arnold, who has been a leader of the YWCA’s “Tribute to Women,” an accomplished singer with many lead roles in Theatre Bristol musical productions, and for 16 years a member os Barter Theatre’s Board of Trustees. Schery Collins is accomplished pianist, organist, and flutist who has performed for over 50 years with the Symphony of the Mountains. She has co-founded and performed with several classical groups as well as serving as the organist and choir director at St. Thomas Episcopal church. Marvin and Marcia Gilliam have been among the region’s strongest supporters and advocates of the arts, including support for Barter Theatre where the main stage was recently been named the Gilliam Stage, William King Museum of Art, the Symphony of the Mountains, and UVA Wise, where the Gilliam Center for the Arts was recently built with their support. Beth McCoy is a published composer who also has been one of the primary leaders of children’s choirs in the Tri-Cities region, serving for 14 years as the Artistic Director of the East Tennessee Children’s Choir and the Highlands Youth Ensemble and developing the program into the Mountain Empire Children’s Choral Academy, a MECCA for singers from first to twelfth grades.
ALEX ANDERSON AND DEBBIE MILLER
MATTHEW EADES AND SAM NEESE
Run for the Roses
BTVAR Expo PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY ERIC DONAHUE
May the 4th be with you! That was the anthem as the participants prepared to race to win a $500 grand prize in the 1st annual tricycle derby hosted by the Bristol TN/VA Association of REALTORS®. This race was held indoors with lots of excitement as “The eye of the tiger ” Ben Walls is an internationally award- winning nature photographer whose played from the loud speakers. Apparently, riding a tricycle as an large-scale work has been exhibited in over fifty museums around the world, adult is harder than it looks. Thankfully no one was hurt and everyone including the Smithsonian and the Natural History Museum of London. He has had a great time participating. Realtors were decked out in their been called an artist to watch in fine art photography. Kentucky Derby finest as they gathered for lunch to have some fun, show off their best Derby clothes and sport their biggest hats. At the The Arts Alliance Mountain Empire is an arts council formed as a service heart of this luncheon, the BTVAR gave away over $5000 in scholarship organization for artists, arts organizations, and other cultural endeavors throughout the Mountain Empire. The mission of AAME is to nurture, advocate, money to 10 local high-school seniors. Scholarship recipients were and celebrate the arts. AAME fulfills its mission primarily as the publisher of A! selected based on a 500 word essay they each submitted about what home ownership meant to them. Selections were made from schools Magazine for the Arts, and it has published an arts directory and sponsors a lecture series and workshops on arts-related topics. all around the TN/VA region. Visit www.btvar.com to learn more.
VAL LYLE, ED GERACE, AMANDA ALDRIDGE, AND RICK ROSE
MARY BETH RAINERO, KATHLEEN BRADSHAW, NANCY ARNOLD, NANCY DEFRIECE, PAT LAWSON, AND RUTH KING
WINNERS: MARVIN GILLIAM, MARCIA GILLIAM, BENJAMIN WALLS, NANCY ARNOLD, SCHERY COLLINS, AND BETH MCCOY
LET THE RACE BEGIN
EVELYN LINDAMOOD
HAGAN HORN, JIM WARREN, AND SAVANNA MCDAVID
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SEEN IN
KINGSPORT KINGSPORT CENTER FOR HIGHER EDUCATION
Leadership Kingsport Impact Project
Presentations and Graduation
PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY ERIC DONAHUE
This year ’s Leadership Kingsport’s community impact project presentations and graduation was held on May 11th at the Kingsport Center for Higher Education. The Leadership Kingsport program provides learning and development opportunities for talented people interested in guiding our community to new heights for future generations. About 30-35 individuals are selected for each year ’s class based on submitted applications and personal interviews. To graduate, each student must engage fully in the process and have the workplace flexibility to attend daylong sessions monthly from October – May. Presentations included many program improvements and suggestions that can be implemented through Kingsport as well as new ideas about development, area strategic planning, zoning, fun activities, media social presence, health, and education. Kingsport has a bright future because of our dedicated leadership, town government, and the Kingsport Chamber.
CONGRATULATIONS CLASS OF 2017
Vanessa Bennett of the Kingsport Chamber heads up the Leadership Kingsport program and does a fantastic job! If you would like to learn more about this program and many other programs and ways to get involved, please visit the Kingsport Chamber in person and/or visit their website at www.Kingsportchamber.org.
COLLEGE BOUN D
VIPSEEN
COVER STORY
Y INTRO B RCH NEYCHU O H Y C LU
T
he start of fall signals the start of school and, for thousands of graduated high school seniors, this means the start of college. Whether a student has decided to go to a large university, a small university, or a technical college does not matter when it comes to the things that need to be done in order to prepare. Students might be going away from home for the first time or staying at home in order to attend school, but the
nerves that can come along with such a huge life change are there for everyone. The following pages are filled with advice, from both college grads and businesses, in the hopes that whatever questions you may have, as a new college student, will be answered. If it isn’t answered here then we at VIPSEEN magazine hope to point you in the right direction. Good luck to ALL of our region’s new graduates!
What was the deciding factor … the reason you chose your college? I’m the first person in my family to attend VHCC and got really excited when I found out they have a horticulture program, because that’s something I’ve always been interested in. I would love to own and operate a community greenhouse and have already learned so much in the program that will make that possible. The program allows you to explore lots of different specialties, depending on your career goals. I was able to earn certificates in Landscape Management, Food Production, General Horticulture, and Indoor Plant Care while working toward a degree. That means I have a lot of career options in the field and knowledge in a lot of different specialty areas. How approachable are the professors and College Staff? Everyone I have met on campus has been a big help to me. Horticulture Instructor Ben Casteel has always been willing to answer any question I had, whether it was about horticulture or something else. I know that I can send him a text or email when I need help and he’ll get right back to me. I’ve also gotten a lot of help from Veterans Officer Debbie Barrett regarding my veteran’s benefits. She’s very knowledgeable and friendly and really goes out of her way to help any way she can. The campus is like a small community where the faculty and staff make it a point to know every student.
Name: NATHAN ADAMS Major: Graduated in May 2017 with an ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE DEGREE IN HORTICULTURE TECHNOLOGY; Currently working toward an ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE DEGREE IN HORTICULTURE – SPECIALIZATION IN BUSINESS & ENTREPRENEURSHIP
What is your favorite place on campus and why? The Treadwell-Jones Greenhouse. It is a million dollar greenhouse that is really phenomenal. I really enjoy spending time in the tropical room with the banana trees and lemon grass or working on the aquaponics system. It’s a peaceful place, and I’m really lucky to be able to spend time there learning about the horticulture business. What extracurricular activities are you involved in and which would you recommend? I serve as Vice President of the Student Veterans Association and have found that it is a great opportunity to connect with other veterans. Regardless of our military experience, we all have something in common and usually find we have a real connection. Being involved in the organization has allowed me to network with other veterans and make new friends. I would advise all students to find activities that interest them when they’re not in class. Do you feel safe on campus? I absolutely feel safe on campus. Even though VHCC is a small campus, it has a very involved police department. The officers are always patrolling and keeping a close eye on what’s happening on campus while they make a real effort to be friendly and helpful. If something happens, they take care of it in a very professional way so that everyone can concentrate on the real reason we’re here – to get an education.
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VIPSEEN
COVER STORY g factor… What was the biggest decidin ege? coll r the reason you chose you
Quillen College of 20 pre-med schools in the country, with I chose ETSU because it was in the top another great plus about t. It was also close to home, which is Medicine being right across the stree my school.
dition? ve never What is your favorite school tra ating before a football game. People you’ to be tailg My favorite school tradition would have I have ever had. the grill. It’s really the most fun I think from food their you offer will re met befo
involved in? What extracurricular are you nd? me om rec And which would you This is an organization where all pre-
Association at ETSU. I am the President of the Rural Health l communities. I would s on and better healthcare in our rura health students come together to focu off the wall. You never ly total is it if that interests you, even recommend getting involved in anything at! know what you will enjoy or be good
Name: KARI HENKEL Major: HEALTH SCIENCE
with a concentration in MICROBIOLOGY Graduation Year: MAY 2018
e college story? walk and What is your funniest/favorit ht of my backpack pulled me off the side
the weig One time I bent over to tie my shoe, and how ‘the clumsy girl later and someone had posted about app k YikYa the on got I . road the into I fell ent. that fell made them laugh.’ Proud mom
proud to be a Buccaneer?
you What makes oming. I have Buccaneer because everyone is so welc a be to d prou I’m what that er matt s of life, no become friends with people from all walk with time h muc so d spen to ty may be. I feel like having the opportuni on. pers r bette a me e mad has me people who are different from
What was the biggest deciding factor…the reason you chose your college? I endured through the application, admission, and scholarship process with eight schools, went to three honors college weekends, and survived eleven interviews; as a result, I had decision overload! Ultimately, I found those things I valued most in an undergraduate experience: academic environment, extracurricular activities, and spiritual setting. My answer became Milligan College. How approachable are the professors? As online degrees become increasingly prevalent, the question arises, “what is the value of attending a college as opposed to logging into one?” For me, the answer is the student-faculty interaction. Each week I am in a professor’s office receiving guidance on assignments, classes, or even job, internship, or higher education opportunities . For students who understand the advantage of having relationships with professors, and make use of their willin gness and availability to help, the student-faculty ratio becomes more than a ratio–it becomes an asset.
Name: JONATHAN RUSSELL Major: (Double) ECONOMICS
AND BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION, MINOR IN LEGAL STUDIES Graduation Year: 2019
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What extracurricular activities are you involved with? What would you recommen d? I am involved in Campus Worship Ministry, men’s soccer, the Milligan Honor’s Program, and Vespers (a weekly student led Christian service). In the community, I am part of LXI (a Christian ministry in Johnson City serving at-risk youth) and Celebration Church’s worship team. I believe it is equally important to become involved in both the on-campus community as well as the off-campus community. Milligan provides numerous on-campus programs and opportunities which play a significant role in the college experience, while also encouraging students to be servant leaders in the community at large. As a member of the LXI Milligan student club, I have the opportunity to lead alongside my peers in serving youth in the area. This fusion of on-campus community and off-campus service has been the most rewarding part of my college experience. Do you have any advice for admission/financial aid? Take the ACT multiple times and study to improve your scores. I took the PSAT, ACT, and SAT numerous times throughout my junior and senior years of high school until I made a score which qualified me for higher automatic academic scholarships. Don’t give up–it’s worth it! What makes you proud to be a Buff? I am proud to be a Buff when I have the opportunity to meet notable alumni in the region and across the nation who represent true servant leadership. Recently, I was on a mission trip in Philadelphia serving in a community overridden by drug abuse. While meeting one of the missionaries who lived and served on one of the community’s most heavily-trafficked drug blocks, I discovered this person was a former Milligan student. Whether these alums are missionaries, pastors, businessmen and women, or nurses, I am proud to meet individuals who have taken the values and educational opportunities from Milligan College and made an impact in the culture and community.
What was the biggest decidi ng factor… the reason you chose your college?
When I went for my first campus tour there was this presence on cam pus that just felt welcoming and inviting. Everyone was incredib ly friendly and made me feel like I belonged.
How approachable are the profes
sors and staff? Incredibly approachable! The prof essors at Carson-Newman really try to invest into the lives of the students. I cannot tell you the amo unt of times I had to late-night text a professor on their personal cell phone or have gone to lunch with professors. What is campus life like?
Name: AUSTIN TAYLOR
Magna Cum Laude Major: MASS COMMUNICATIONS AND FILM STUDIES DOUBLE MAJOR Graduation Year: MAY 201 7
I loved campus life so much that I lived on campus all four years and I was a resident assistant for three of those years. Carson-N ewman’s student body is tightly knitt ed and everyone becomes like your family. It would be rare to walk down the sidewalk and not know everyone you pass. The sense of community is incredible and provides a great atmosphere for learning and growing.
What is your favorite Carson -Newm
an story? My favorite Carson-Newman stor y would probably be the winter of 2015 when a huge snowstorm hit East Tennessee and classes wer e cancelled for about two weeks. The first day of the big snow, the entire student body, and professo rs I might add, all gathered on Hen derson lawn for a giant snowball fight. It was remarkably fun and I’ll never forget that day. What makes you proud to be a
Car
son-Newman Eagle? Carson-Newman’s mission stateme nt says it all… “to help students reac h their full potential as educated citizens and worldwide servant leaders.” That is exactly what Carson-Newman did for me and to me. It provided me the opportunity to grow spiritually, inte llectually, culturally, and socially. Carson-N ewm an has made me who I am today and for that I will always be grateful to be a Carson-Newman Eagle and it will be home. always
your college? What was the biggest deciding factor… the reason you chose at everything we could see looking it, through way the all drove we campus, to on drove first When my family pulled into the admissions We grounds. the on foot stepping from the car, scoping the place out before actually and were greeted with a sign that parking lot, went into the building we were told to go to first before the tour, on that Emory & Henry College said “Welcome Casey!” And just like that, I was home. I knew from that moment was going to be known by my I school; some at was the place for me. I wasn’t going to be just another number right. was I nd people...a endearing and l thoughtfu of full ty name in a communi How approachable are the professors? College Staff? wonderful. Not only are they The faculty and staff at Emory & Henry are half of what make this school so faculty and staff here want to approachable, but, usually, they are the ones doing all the approaching! The d the importance of making understan They them. with ips relationsh build to want students, get to know the rather than lecture at us. us, with ns discussio have They connections with one another, students included. are always there to lend a helping Sometimes, they even ask us to babysit their children! The faculty and staff hand, a listening ear, and, occasionally, a home-cooked meal.
Name: CASEY HEINLEIN Major: (double) CIVIC
INNOVATION / RELIGION Graduation Year: MAY 2018
you recommend? What extracurricular are you involved in? And which would they are all amazing! I am and in, involved get to students for The campus has lots of extracurricular activities Board, Treasurer of Young Democrats, currently involved in several. I am the Vice President of the Emory Activities and a TEDxEHC team member. I Treasurer of the Habitat for Humanity Campus Chapter, an Orientation Leader, Outdoor Program on the weekends. the with s adventure compete in various intramurals during the week and go on recommend all of them! I’d it. for on organizati or group, club, a probably is there is, interest Whatever your Where is your favorite place to eat? l, and the staff are some of the On campus, I am a big advocate for Stinger’s and the caf! The food is wonderfu El Burrito Loco. I find myself at eat and Spring, friendliest people on campus. Off campus, I love to go to Glade in the area! else anything than more ngas chimicha and fajitas steak cheese philly craving their What makes you proud to be a Wasp? I’m proud of all of the other I’m proud to be an Emory & Henry Wasp because I get to be a part of the Swarm! s; it’s a family. Through professor and students college Wasps here! Emory & Henry is more than a community of together with people who are moments life’s sharing family, a like together stick sad–we or ppy all things–ha proud to call themselves Wasps, too. www.vipseenmag.com | july 2017
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“A Christian College of Distinction” - Colleges of Distinction “Great School at a Great Price” - U.S. News & World Report Associate’s, Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees available Courses online and on-campus A Tennessee Promise School Find out more: 865.471.3223 • admitme@cn.edu
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Founded in 1911, East Tennessee State University (ETSU) is situated on 350 acres in Johnson City with campuses in Kingsport, Elizabethton and Sevierville. With 14,300 students, the university offers over 100 bachelor, masters and doctoral degrees as well as numerous graduate medical education and continuing education opportunities Students may choose a career in the arts and sciences, business and technology, education, and health sciences and services. Academic programs at the university are housed within 11 colleges and schools, which include the Honors College, the Quillen College of Medicine and the Bill Gatton College of Pharmacy. Unique programs at ETSU include the world’s only master’s degree in storytelling and reading, a four-year degree program in bluegrass and country music and a doctoral program in coach education. Within the Scott M. Niswonger Digital Media Center, the Advanced Visualization Lab is recognized around the globe as a leader in animation graphics. The university is also home to an official U.S. Olympic Training Site where elite athletes train every year. The Quillen College of Medicine has been consistently ranked by U.S.News & World Report as one of the nation’s top schools in the country for rural medicine education. The medical school oversees Quillen ETSU Physicians, a large multispecialty medical group, and the College of Nursing is home to an extensive network of nurse-managed clinics in the region. The Buccaneer football team will play on the ETSU campus in fall 2017 in the newly constructed football stadium. Other major construction and renovation projects at ETSU include a $43 million Fine Arts Classroom Building, the renovation of Lamb Hall and the D.P. Culp University Center, the creation of an inter-professional health sciences simulation training center and the building of a new health center for the homeless.
For additional information about ETSU, visit www.etsu.edu or email info@etsu.edu. www.vipseenmag.com | july 2017
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Emory & Henry graduates are prepared to not only do well, but to do good for the world.
Students see their years at Emory & Henry as the time to begin their futures, rather than simply prepare for them. They understand the connection between the college experience and the chance to change the world. They become engaged in integral learning by applying their knowledge in meaningful ways toward positive outcomes.
A NATIONAL LIBERAL ARTS COLLEGE
Offering 27 areas of undergraduate study, 7 graduate and professional degrees/programs • 1,024 undergraduate students 20 athletic teams • more than 40 student organizations • sport clubs prestigious designation as one of “40 Colleges that Change Lives”
TO SCHEDULE A
VISIT
800-848-5493 admission@ehc.edu
www.ehc.edu VIRTUAL CAMPUS TOUR http://www.youvisit.com/ehc
LEARNING.DOING.CONNECTING.
Other programs include:
Ranked #23 in Study Abroad Opportunities
School of Health Sciences (Marion Campus) • Appalachian Center for Civic Life • Honors Program • Marching Band • McGlothlin Center for the Arts • Outdoor Program • Equestrian Program (Exit 10 Riding Center) • NCAA Division III Athletics • and more!
President’s Honor Roll for Community Service
TOP-NOTCH FACULTY
19 STATE OR NATIONAL TEACHING AWARDS Dr. Nicole Drewitz-Crockett, E&H English professor, 2016 Rising Star Award for Excellence in Teaching, Virginia Foundation of Independent College (VFIC)
Dr. Kelly Bremner, E&H theatre professor, 2017 Outstanding Faculty Award, State Council for Higher Education in Virginia (SHEV)
Dr. Drewitz-Crockett and Dr. Bremner are the 18th and 19th Emory & Henry College professors to win state or national teaching awards in the last 29 years — more than any other college or university in Virginia when adjusted for the size of the institution. Why? Because they are innovators who enliven visionary and driven students.
Intermont Equestrian Riding Center, I-81, Exit 10 276-669-8398 • 276.944.6958
Emory & Henry College Main Campus: I-81, Exit 26, Emory, Va. 276.944.4121
Marion Campus, School of Health Sciences:
I-81, Exit 45, Marion, Va. 24354 276.944.6342 · 276.781.7200
SCHOLARSHIP. COMMUNITY. FAITH.
Founded in 1866, Milligan College is a nationally-recognized liberal arts college. Graduates are sought by major employers and graduate schools for their broad academic preparation, strong work-ethic, and dedication to leadership and service. For over 150 years, Milligan has integrated academic excellence with a Christian worldview, and its mission is to educate men and women as Christian servant-leaders. Milligan is grounded in a tradition of excellence in scholarship, an emphasis on community, and a dependence on faith.
THERE IS A DIFFERENCE
There are many college choices, and on the surface, many may look a lot like Milligan, but few can claim and prove our outcomes with exceptional academic quality, student satisfaction, and graduate success. Milligan students are more satisfied with their college experience than most students throughout the country, according to national surveys. They’re also much more likely to stay and graduate on time, which is a time and cost savings over many schools. And after graduation, they enter the workforce or graduate school with great success.
100+
UNDERGRADUATE
MAJORS AND MINORS DEGREE COMPLETION Business Administration Child & Youth Development Computer Information Systems - Online Certificate in Computer Information Systems Bachelor of Science in Nursing for Registered Nurses (RN-BSN)
GRADUATE STUDIES
AN UNBELIEVABLE VALUE
Milligan’s cost is well below the national average for private colleges, and because we are very generous with scholarships and aid, most students pay less than students at other regional colleges. They also borrow less money and have less debt than many other colleges’ students. Tennessee students can also qualify for state aid, including the Tennessee Education Lottery Scholarship (HOPE). Visit www.milligan.edu/SFS for more scholarship information.
Master of Arts in Humanities* Master of Business Administration Executive MBA Certificates Master of Education Master of Science in Counseling Graduate Certificate in Counseling Master of Science in Occupational Therapy Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies* Education Specialist Doctor of Education
EMMANUEL CHRISTIAN SEMINARY AT MILLIGAN Master of Arts in Religion Master of Arts in Christian Ministries Graduate Certificate in Christian Ministries Master of Divinity Doctor of Ministry *pending accreditor approvals
A Partnership of Top-Ranked Universities with a Space for You. A Partnership of Top-Ranked Universities with a Space for You.
T
he Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center was created by the Virginia General Assembly in 1992 with the mission to strengthen the regional economy of southwest Virginia by providing higher education and professional development training of the current and future workforce. The Higher Education Center is a unique approach to higher education in that we partner with 11 top-ranked Universities and Colleges to bring degree programs, certificate programs and professional development courses to Abingdon, VA, where our local residents can benefit from the education they would receive from any of our partner Universities or Colleges, without leaving the area in order to do so. The Higher Education Center is governed by a Board of Trustees. The Executive Director, David Matlock, reports to the Board and to the Virginia Secretary of Education. The original five partner schools were, University of Virginia; Virginia Tech; Old Dominion University; Radford University and the University of Virginia at Wise. Since that beginning an additional six institutions have been added to include, Virginia Commonwealth University; East Tennessee State University; King University; Bluefield College; Virginia Highlands Community College and Emory & Henry College. Degree programs
are available on Bachelor, Masters and Doctoral levels in a wide spectrum of disciplines including Engineering (Nuclear, Aerospace, Chemical and Electrical), Nursing (Bachelors, Masters and Doctoral), Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), Business, Information Technology to name a few. For a complete listing visit www. swcenter.edu and click the degrees tab. Supporting the agency’s mission of regional economic development, the Conference Center at the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center is here for you. Our sophisticated, technologically-advanced facility provides the ideal venue for your next business or professional conference, and the staff at the Higher Ed Center can help you take advantage of all it has to offer. Cutting edge technology – from concert quality sound in the Grand Hall to broadband connectivity and global videoconferencing – along with key amenities, are just a few of the advantages that can be yours in utilizing the versatile facilities at the Higher Ed Center. Our staff includes technology experts a professional meeting planner, whose familiarity with our available facilities and amenities can significantly streamline your event planning.
www.swcenter.edu • (276) 619-4300 • info@swcenter.edu • One Partnership Circle, Abingdon, VA 24212
VIRGINIA HIGHLANDS COMMUNITY COLLEGE
is proud to offer CAREER & TECHNICAL PROGRAMS that combine classroom instruction with hands-on learning. A wide variety of one-year certificate and two-year degree programs are available that lead to rewarding careers in our region. And TRANSFER PROGRAMS make VHCC the perfect starting point for students interested in pursuing a bachelor’s degree, too. Classes are offered on campus and online, during both day and evening hours, making it easy to see why VHCC has been the college of choice in our region for 50 years.
Dedicated to student success. Committed to excellence. www.vhcc.edu • (276) 739-2400 • info@vhcc.edu • VHCC is an EEO/AA Institution
Guaranteed Admission
to Virginia’s top colleges and universities
Students who earn a two-year Transfer Degree from Virginia Highlands Community College save thousands of dollars, and those who meet GPA requirements are guaranteed admission to Virginia Tech, the University of Virginia, Radford, Old Dominion, Virginia Commonwealth University, and dozens of other top-ranked colleges and universities throughout Virginia. It’s GUARANTEED. For more information about Guaranteed Admission Agreements, please contact VHCC Student Services at (276) 739-2438 or refer to specific agreement details online at www.vhcc.edu/gaa
SEEN IN
“THERE’S A REASON I HAVE A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITIES” THE REASON IS RADFORD
BRISTOL BRISTOL TRAIN STATION
Rotary Club of Bristol VA-TN Presents the
30th Annual Teacher Awards PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY SUBMITTED
A select few who teach the best and brightest of Bristol’s future got a night of recognition Tuesday, April 18 during the 30th annual Teacher Awards Banquet hosted by Bristol VA-TN Rotary Club held at the Bristol Train Station. The outstanding teachers in Bristol, Tenn., and Bristol, Va., selected for this year’s awards by an independent panel hail from Fairmount Elementary and Joseph B. Van Pelt Elementary. Fairmount’s Megan Day and Van Pelt’s Katie Cordle earned a $2,500 cash award and the title of 2017 Rotary Outstanding Teacher during the Frank W. DeFriece Banquet that honored all 13 nominees entered in the contest.
Zach Turk Radford University ’17 Major: Economics and Political Science
Radford.edu
The teachers’ respective schools also received a $1,000 donation for needed equipment made in their name, Rotary officials announced. The teachers were also given a circulating plaque that will be on display at their respective schools for the year. Day, who was nominated by Allyson Rutherford, Librarian at Fairmount, teaches Kindergarten at the school. She is known as the “Kindergarten Whisperer” and — in the words of comments given by Rotarian Lisa Cofer — Day is a teacher full of love and passion for teaching that drives her students. Cordle, who is the special education teacher at Van Pelt, was honored for her love of children and creativity in her classroom. She was nominated by Steve Bonney, Director of Special Education Services for Bristol Virginia Public Schools. The teachers were graded on their works and nominations by an anonymous panel of six judges composed of public educators from outside the Bristol area along with public service and business representatives. Teachers also earning nominations in Tennessee included Whitney Davis, Anderson Elementary School; Leigh Beth Phipps, Avoca Elementary School; Hailey Eaton, Haynesfield Elementary School; Sophie Blevins, Holston View Elementary; Ann Oakley, Vance Middle School; and Tim Davis, Tennessee High School. In Virginia, those nominated were Christy Haworth, Highland View Elementary School; Petina Bee, Stonewall Jackson Elementary School; Amanda Sydnor, Washington Lee Elementary School, Carmen Harper, Virginia Middle School; and Noah Ashbrook, Virginia High School.
ALL TEACHERS - TEACHER AWARDS 2017
MEGAN DAY - TEACHER AWARDS 2017
KATIE CORDLE - TEACHER AWARDS 2017
SEEN IN
JOHNSON CITY JOHNSON CITY COUNTRY CLUB
2017 Dawn of Hope
Golf Classic PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY ERIC DONAHUE
Presented by Cantech Industries, the Dawn of Hope Golf Classic fundraiser, held May 22, 2017 at the Johnson City Country Club, raised more than $26,000 for Dawn of Hope’s person-centered support services; Developmental, Residential, Vocational and Health. Max, Jonathan, Paul, Ralph, and Terry greeted players as they checked-in and then cheered them on as they headed for the course. Both the 8:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. tournament tee-times were kicked off by a ceremonial shot made by Bud & Ralph, respectively. A great day for a great cause! Players enjoyed a scrumptious breakfast compliments of Chick-Fil-a of Elizabethton and a mouthwatering, grilled on-site Marsala Chicken with Pasta & Caesar salad, compliments of Carrabba’s Italian Grill of Johnson City. Honey Hot Dogs’ served up their signature hot dogs, an all-time favorite for tournament participants. Players and volunteers enjoyed complimentary beverages provided by Cherokee Distributing Company and Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Proceeds raised help to further the mission of Dawn of Hope which is to provide person-centered supports to help people pursue the life they desire including community involvement and integrated work opportunities. More than 77 tournament sponsors, 110 players and 50 volunteers helped to make this year ’s event a success – THANK YOU! Dawn of Hope is truly blessed and grateful that these valued friends and businesses chose to partner with us in this very important fundraising event. Congratulations to our winners; Championship Flight – Randy Humphreys & Allen Fennell, Second Flight – Steve Cox & Phillip Douglas, Third Flight – David Ford & Ron Dykes, Open Flight – Dennis Beamer & Francis Skidmore, Putting Contest – Danny Blackburn, Most Accurate Drive – Ron Dykes, Closest to the Pin – Phil Carriger, Jr. , Longest Drive – Ben Garrison. For additional information on how you can make a difference in the lives of adults with intellectual & developmental disabilities in Northeast Tennessee visit www.dawnofhope.com or email lisapawley@dawnofhope.com.
www.vipseenmag.com | july 2017
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SEEN IN
JOHNSON CITY
Home
Sweet Home
BOWMAN JEWELERS
CONNIE SLAUGHTER, ASHLEY GRINDSTAFF, AND DEBBI ENGLAND
DAVID AND LINZI HATLEY WITH LINDA BOWMAN-O’DELL
Bowman Jewelers
After Hours PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY ERIC DONAHUE
BRISTOL KINGSPORT 3325 Lee Highway 1535 East Stone Dr. www.grandhomefurnishings.com
JOHNSON CITY 3026 E. Oakland Ave
What an amazing way to spend the evening! Bowman Jewelers hosted a Business After Hours on May the 4th and it was standing room only. All were welcomed in to enjoy food and beverages as well as given a chance to win some AMAZING door prizes. Located at 2111 N. Roan Street in Johnson City, Bowman Jewelers offers big city glamour with home town flair. The owners, Linda Bowman-O’Dell and Robert Bowman have worked very hard to keep their family ’s legacy alive. That legacy includes a global reputation for offering the best quality diamond’s while maintaining excellent customer service and relationships with their customer base. Honesty, Integrity, and genuine concern for those around them is the way they do business. This afterhours event was very indicative of the quality and service you receive when you walk through their doors. If you haven’t already, make a visit to their store and tell them you read about them in the VIPSEEN. They will treat you right. Who knows…you just might find something there you can’t live without!
CHRISTIAN BLACK AND DEBBIE ENGLAND
ROB BOWMAN
GEORGE PARKER, SHELBY PARKER, ANDREW PARKER, AND RYAN SCHMIDT
SEEN IN
KINGSPORT WARRIOR’S PATH STATE PARK
BIEBER FAMILY
MADDI RIMER AND HANNAH MCSWAIN
ELLA
MITCHEL FAMILY
JDRF One Walk PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY LINDA COFFEY
TEAM DALTON (T-SHIRT DESIGN WINNING TEAM)
ABIGAIL AND MADISON
STURGILL TEAM WALKING FOR AUSTIN
It was a rainy Sunday afternoon, but that did not dampen the spirits or the hope of the crowd that gathered at Warrior ’s Path State Park in Kingsport for the annual JDRF One Walk. Walkers and Teams raised money to support the research to create a world free of T1D. 300-400 registered walkers raised $214,646. Donations can still be sent to www.jdrf.org/easttennessee In addition to the walk, children enjoyed playing on inflatables and doing a little line dancing to get the walk started!
VIPSEEN
NONPROFIT
WRITTEN BY JO CULLEN PHOTOGRAPHY BY ELISSA WOOD PHOTOGRAPHY
MEET LUCAS. 14 years old, 6ft 2ins, loves playing golf, computer games, and reading cartoons.
LUCAS WORKING WITH TEACHER MARTHA WORLEY
MEET TOM. Also 14, significantly shorter at 5ft, loves trains, computer games, and cats. They sound like any other pair of typical teenage boys, but they have one thing in common, which sets them apart from the majority of their peers: they are part of the “1 in 68� statistic.
TOM WORKING WITH TEACHER MANDY BYRD
Jeremiah School opens its doors to a new group of students this August. Based in Johnson City, but serving the whole Tri-Cities region, this private, non-profit school will cater to students on the autism spectrum aged between 10-16. Founded by parents, this school aims to meet the needs of students who struggle to cope in public education. 32
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According to the Centers for Disease Control, 1 in 68 children are being diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. It is the fastest growing developmental disorder, yet sadly for those children, one of the most underfunded and under resourced. For boys, the statistics are even more stark with 1 in 42 being diagnosed; for reasons that are not entirely clear, autism is far more prevalent in boys than girls.
Autism brings significant challenges for the child and the family. Children have great difficulty with social communication and in building social relationships. They also exhibit restrictive and repetitive patterns of behavior, often having obsessive interests. Autism is frequently accompanied by other medical diagnoses such as anxiety disorder, OCD, and epilepsy. Most children with autism have significant sensory issues and can be highly reactive to smells, sounds, tastes, light, and movement. Bearing this in mind, it is hardly surprising that students with autism find school such a challenging environment. As researchers Bashe & Kirby (2001) put it: If asked to design an environment specifically geared to stress a person with autism, you would probably come up with something that looked a lot like a school. You would want an overwhelming number of peers; periods of tightly structured activity alternating with periods lacking any structure at all; regular helpings of irritating noise from
bells, school mates, band practice, alarms, and cavernous spaces; a dozen or so daily transitions with a few surprises thrown in now and then; and finally, the piece de resistance: regularly scheduled tours in to what can only be described as the socialization nightmare– aka recess, lunch, and gym. So what happens when a child with autism cannot cope with the typical school environment? What other options are available to them? Sadly, as Lucas Lowe’s mother, Amy, discovered, there are almost no alternatives. “It was either stay in public schooling or homeschool, there was nothing else offered in this region.” It’s not that public schools aren’t trying to cope with students with autism, they are. Thanks to dedicated and passionate teachers, some students progress through public school relatively smoothly. However, for others it can be an entirely different story. Autism parent, Jo Cullen, has witnessed this first hand. “As the parent of a child with autism, and also having been a public school teacher and school principal, I have seen it from both perspectives. Schools do the best they can, but their training and resources are limited; the curriculum is not designed, delivered, or tested in a way that matches the learning styles of students with autism. Too many students on the autism spectrum fail to graduate high school and then what happens to them? They have neither the skills nor the qualifications to obtain a job and achieve independence. This has to change.” 13-year-old Luke Jackson, a teenager with autism, clearly explained the public school problem. “I don’t think anyone would expect someone with one leg to be able to do everything that two legged people do; yet people with autism are expected to keep up with everything at school and very few allowances are made. For example, making autistic people do team sports is not going to make us sociable and coordinated. That’s like saying that if a blind person holds a book in front of their noses for long enough, they are suddenly going to be able to see it.”
as plentiful space outside. “It is the perfect location for us,” says Amy, “it is fully up to code and is empty all day until the Coalition students come in after 3:00pm. We are so grateful to Coalition for sharing their premises and enabling our school to have a home where we can grow.” The Board’s long term vision will see the school in its own permanent premises, but for now the Coalition building is the answer to a prayer. “We have big plans for this school,” explains board member, Jo Cullen. “We are building partnerships with Milligan College, ETSU, and local therapy groups. We hope to link with local high schools and North East State Community College. We look forward to eventually extending our age range out to 18 and then down to elementary age students. It is a very exciting prospect.” Part of the Board’s vision for the school is to put it at the center of the community and to encourage as much participation both in the community and by the community as possible. As Amy Lowe puts it, “These students grow in to adult members of society. It is in everyone’s best interest to ensure they are can function as part of their community, lead independent lives, and make choices about their future.”
As a private non-profit school, Jeremiah School receives no state or federal funding. Students are required to pay a tuition fee to attend. However, the Board of Directors is determined to help parents meet this fee and is working hard to find donors to sponsor scholarships for eligible students. For more information about the school, as well as sponsorship opportunities, visit the school website at www.jeremiahschool.com, or call Amy Lowe on 423-915-9257.
Amy Lowe was determined to provide something better for her son so she started researching in earnest. She soon came to the conclusion that if she were to meet the needs of her son, and others like him, she would have to start her own school right here in the Tri-Cities: thus began the Jeremiah School. Rooted in faith-based values, Amy sought to build a school that would provide a safe environment dedicated to meeting the very specific individual needs of students on the autism spectrum. “We aim to develop the whole child and prepare them for their future lives,” explains Amy. “So alongside a challenging academic education, the school will work hard to develop the students’ social skills, and meet their individual therapy needs with in house speech and language services, as well as occupational therapy. We’re also going to teach essential life skills such as handling money, cooking, and using public transport.” Opening a school is a daunting undertaking, requiring faith, bravery, and huge amounts of determination and energy. A pilot year in 2015 provided Amy the opportunity to learn exactly what was involved; and, what worked and what didn’t. Taking a year out to find new premises, new staff, and new sponsors, the school opens for its first official school year this August. “It’s been a steep learning curve,” says Amy, “but we now have in place some excellent staff, a very supportive Board of Directors, and a fabulous location. We have a great group of students ready to start and we are excited to open our doors!” Amy’s faith in her vision was given a tremendous boost when Johnson City’s Coalition4Kids agreed to let Jeremiah School use their premises during the day. The buildings, which used to house Tri-Cities Christian School, comprise of several classrooms, a computer lab, a gymnasium, and a full size industrial kitchen, as well 33
SEEN IN
KINGSPORT KINGSPORT CHAMBER
Lakeview Marina Season Grand Opening PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY ERIC DONAHUE
On April 28th, The Marker ‘2’ Grille at Lakeview Marina officially kicked off the season with great weather, music, food and even better company! Located on the main channel of Boone Lake, Lakeview Marina offers boat servicing, repair, slip rental, and sales. The Marker ‘2’ Grille is situated right in the middle of all the boating activities and is one of the coolest places to spend time enjoying life with your friends and loved ones. The large outdoor bar and patio overlook Boone Lake for stunning views and the cool breeze off the water will greet you refreshingly as you sit and enjoy. This year ’s lineup of bands includes the best of our local talent and standard favorites. Owner Tony Huff promises that, “We are working hard to make sure this season is our best yet.” And you can tell! There is always something going on at Lakeview Marina so head on out and check them out! For questions about hours or reservations please call 423-323-4665 and follow them on their Facebook page, Marker ‘2’ Grille at Lakeview Marina.
DRUMMER FOR “UNDER THE TABLE”
TRAVIS AND HOLLY WILLIAM WITH BAMBI BENTLEY AND DON SMITH
JOHN ARGERSON, MICHELLE HUMPHREYS, JUSTIN HUMPHERYS, LISA MILLER, ERIKA FUGERE, CHRIS ROWE, BRYAN CLEEK, ABBI KINCAID, AND RUSS ADKINS
JODI RAMEY AND BECKY PRICE
BRIAN AND LANA BEE
SEEN IN
ABINGDON VIRGINIA CREEPER TRAIL
Restore Your Sole 5K PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY CRYSTAL DAWN CARTER
The Inaugural Restore Your Sole 5K was held along the Virginia Creeper Trail in Abingdon, Virginia on April 1st, 2017. The race was created as a fundraising effort for Haven of Rest Rescue Mission in Bristol, Tennessee. The ministry offers programs to help in achieving social, economic, mental, and spiritual health. The group has a set of guidelines and uses biblical principles to help teach tools that will help their clients achieve success. The group is proud to have provided over $74,000 of assistance from their food pantry, distributed over 270 boxes of food, and have offered over 3,000 men, women, and children a bed.
JILL RUST (RACE ORGANIZER) AND EMMA RUST
MARGIE COLLINS (BRISTOL DRUG COURT) AND GILDA BURKETTE (GOOD NEWS JAIL MINISTRY)
CEO HAVEN OF REST DEWAYNE BAIRD WELCOMES GUESTS
NAKEESHA RASNAKE WAS THE FIRST FEMALE ACROSS THE FINISH LINE
The ministry also runs a thrift shop to help raise funds to go toward the ministry. Jill Rust, 5k Director, said they were very pleased with the turnout for the event. Haven of Rest Director Dewayne Baird says they will certainly be having a second annual Restore Your Sole 5K.
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SEEN IN
ABINGDON COMMUNITY CENTER OF ABINGDON
SUZANNE LANE AND NANCY FIREBAUGH
FRANK AND MYRA RENAULT
KITTY AND KIM BLAYLOCK
DEBBIE ROBINSON (ADL BOARD MEMBER, EVENT CHAIR)
Animal Defense League
Spay-ghetti Dinner PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY CRYSTAL DAWN CARTER
GREEN MAN PRESS TABLE
ANDREW AND STEPHANIE PROFITT
The Animal Defense League held their big fundraiser for the year on May 6, 2017 at the Community Center of Abingdon. The 2nd Annual Spay-ghetti Dinner and silent auction. Guests were also treated to the musical stylings of “Fire in the Kitchen”. Money raised from the dinner will go toward assisting pet owners in Washington County, Virginia in spaying or neutering their pets. The Animal Defense League believes controlling the population means fewer animals in shelters that will be euthanized. The spay and neuter services will be covered from any local veterinarian office.
ANIMAL DEFENSE LEAGUE VOLUNTEERS
RHIANNON AND ADDISON POWERS, WITH ANN ROBERTSON
For more information, please visit us at www.adlwashcova.org.
SEEN IN
BRISTOL THE FOUNDATION EVENT FACILITY
AARON AND LESLEY DUFFY
TIM WERNER, KAREN WERNER, AND DAWN GIBSON
LINDA CALVERT, NIKKI MORRISON, AMANDA ADAMS, AND GREG WALTERS
Derby Northeast 2017 PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY ANGELICA ARES
The Northeast State Foundation held its annual Derby Northeast party on May 6 at The Foundation Event Facility in Downtown Bristol, Tennessee. Attendees watched “Always Dreaming” on the big screen pull past the pack and win this year’s Kentucky Derby. The event was filled with women donning their best hats and men dressed in their best Derby attire. Derby Northeast presented the guests with several prizes, including Best Themed Hat (Kristie Helms), Best Dressed Man (Wallace Ross), Biggest Hat (Christy Jones), and Best Fascinator (Rebecca Ketchie). After the winner had crossed the finish line and guests were presented their awards, Spirit of Soul Dance Band provided the much anticipated entertainment for the evening. TINA HOGUE AND DAWN GIBSON
BEST DRESSED MAN – WALLACE ROSS WITH DATE, ALBERTA MITCHELL
This event is held to help raise money to support student scholarships, programs, and services at Northeast State Community College. For more information, please visit www.northeaststate.edu/Business-and-Community/Foundation/
SPIRIT OF SOUL DANCE BAND
LILY KNOTT AND DEREK MILIONI
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july 2017 | www.vipseenmag.com
RON GALLIMORE, MELISSA MILLER, AND PAULA GALLIMORE
TONY AND MAUREEN MOSS
LINDA AND KEN CALVERT WITH DR. MELISSA STUKES
WCYB
BEST FASCINATOR – REBECCA KETCHIE
BEST THEMED HAT – KRISTIE HELMS
CHARLES AND PAT STOVER
BIGGEST HAT – KRISTIE JONES
RAYMA GIBBS
RAY AND KRISTIE JONES
ASHLEY AND TRACY WILSON
JACOB AND MELANIE RIGNEY
SEEN IN
KINGSPORT LIPMAN & TAYLORED VENUE AND EVENTS
LARA POTTER AND ROSS WALKER, CO-CHAIRS OF EVENT
RANDY AND ANGIE HARLESS
H.O.P.E. – A Night at the Derby
ALLISON RUSSELL AND TAMMY TANKERSLEY
PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY ALLSION GALLOWAY
H.O.P.E. hosted their second annual “A Night at the Derby ” on Saturday, May 6th. Guests enjoyed authentic Kentucky Derby food and drinks, such as mint juleps. Ladies were encouraged to wear their biggest hats, while the gentleman donned their best bow ties. There was also a silent auction and competitions for the best bow tie, best tie, best large hat, best small hat, and best dressed couple. All proceeds benefitted H.O.P.E.
JOHN AND GERRY HARRISON
SHANA ATKINS AND GRANT THOMPSON
H.O.P.E., which stands for Help Our Potential Evolve, is a nonprofit organization that focuses on enriching the lives of youth in the Tri-Cities community. Thank you to the many companies and individuals that helped to make this event possible. Special thanks to Allison and Tammy of Lipman & Taylored Venue and Events.
FRANK WEEKS AND DIANE FLANNAGAN
BEST BOW TIE
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july 2017 | www.vipseenmag.com
SHARON AND DARRELL DUNCAN
BEST LARGE HAT
STELLA ROBINETTE, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND CHAIBA BLOOMER, BOARD PRESIDENT
BEST SMALL HAT
BEST DRESSED COUPLE
SEEN IN
JOHNSON CITY THE GALLERY
Taste of Downtown DIANNA AND BOB CANTLER
LOTTIE, TORI, AND ERIC RYANS
SPONSOR CRAIG TORBETT (AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL) WITH WIFE, LISA AND FRIENDS
BRIAN AND DONNA NOLAND
ABBI AND DYLAN LEITNAKER
DAVID AND JENNY LOCKMILLER, WITH KAYLA OWENS AND RANDY ALMANZOR
Johnson City PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY ERIC DONAHUE
On Tuesday, May 23rd, the Restaurants in the downtown Johnson City are came together to display the best of their best. This year, a popular addition to this event was that the restaurants each brought their best bartenders with their signature cocktail. From Tacos to Cupcakes, the best cuisine of Downtown Johnson City was on full display in a collective effort to help fund the Achieving Landmark Status project to revitalize the sign on Commerce Street. The sign is a 60 foot structure that was constructed in 1959 and was used as Thomas Laguardia Jr.s Giant Food sign. The goal of this project is to insure this landmark continues to be and becomes even more of a Johnson City’s landmark. DineJC is sponsored by the Johnson City Development Authority and Ameriprise Financial, The Torbett Group.
STEPHANIE NICHOLS AND KIM BLAINE
SEEN IN
KINGSPORT
MEADOWVIEW MARRIOT CONFERENCE RESORT AND CONVENTION CENTER
2017 Holston Valley
NICU Reunion PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY LACEY WOLFE
BOB, LAURA, AND HIGGS FEAGINS
SUE AND TIM ATTEBERY
JESSICA GIVENS AND SHANNON SMITH
BRANDY AND ABIGAIL ALEXANDER
Holston Valley held its annual NICU reunion Sunday, May 7th at the Meadowview Marriott Conference Resort and Convention Center. The Holston Valley neonatal and intensive care unit works to better the lives of infants who experience serious, possibly life threatening illnesses. Graduates from the Holston Valley NICU attended the reunion to celebrate their growth. Some graduates have even grown into adults, and now had children of their own to bring to the event. On the opposite end of the spectrum, some attendees were only a few months old. This event celebrated not only the successful outcomes, but the nurses, doctors, and staff that made those outcomes possible. Children were given goodie bags filled with prizes before they walked into a “Rainbow Fish” themed ballroom. In the ballroom children and their parents played carnival style games that were ran by nurses and staff from the NICU. All around the room, nurses were meeting and hugging their former patients, who had grown and blossomed since their graduation from the NICU. The president of Holston Valley Medical Center, Tim Attebery was in attendance with his wife Sue Attebery. This was a celebration all of the families who have greatly benefited from the wonderful care they received at the Holston Valley NICU.
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SEEN IN
JOHNSON CITY THE GALLERY
SULLIVAN COUNTY COMMISSIONER PAT SHULL WITH SHEILA HUNT
BETSY CARRIER AND BAXTER HOOD
DANA WOLFE – CLINCH VALLEY PRINTING
2017 Pinnacle Awards PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY ERIC DONAHUE
Presented by the Bristol Motor Speedway and organized by the Northeast Tennessee Tourism Association in partnership with the Tennessee Dept. of Tourist Development, the 20th Annual Pinnacle Awards were held at The Gallery event center in Johnson City, TN. The Pinnacle Awards program, organized in 1997 by the Northeast Tennessee Tourism Association, pays tribute to peak performers within the tourism sector. Entries are reviewed by a select panel of industry specific judges, and exemplary projects are honored as Pinnacle Award winners. Every year, the awards are presented at a luncheon hosted by the Northeast Tennessee Tourism Association. Tourism is currently the second largest industry in Tennessee with Northeast Tennessee hosting two counties in the State’s top ten. A complete list of this year ’s winners and photos can be found at www.netta-pinnacleawards.com.
BRISTOL MOTOR SPEEDWAY ACCEPTING AWARD
2017 PINNACLE AND MERIT AWARD WINNERS
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JUD TEAGUE – VISIT KINGSPORT
TIM CABLE, COMMISSIONER OF TOURISM KEVIN TRIPLETT, AND DON HELMAN
KATE VAN HUSS, CRYSTAL WALTON, TERESA TREADWAY, AND AMY THOMAS
LEON HUMPHREYS AND KEN TURNER
SEEN IN
KINGSPORT MAYOR JOHN CLARK
SEEN IN
KINGSPORT
BLOUNTVILLE
THE MODEL CITY EVENT CENTER
THE WELLMONT REGIONAL CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS AT NORTHEAST STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
ABRAHAM MCINTYRE
Pitches & Pints PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY LACEY WOLFE
Pitches and Pints, a Startup Tri cities event, in downtown Kingsport was an energetic event that celebrated the entrepreneurial spirit in Kingsport. This event consisted of competitors competing for prizes by pitching their business plans to a panel of judges. Guests were served free beer and dinner cartered by Baberitos while they watched the competition. The event was organized by local businesses: BrewFund, Perserbid, and Flow Medtech. David Nelson, Travis Rother, Edwin Williams, and Arnab Chakraborty kicked off the event with a welcome message and timeline of the event. Keynote speaker Eric Latham of Johnson City Brewing Company spoke about his story of being an entrepreneur, and walking across the United States to benefit charity. Kingsport mayor, John Clark, spoke about Kingsport’s support of local entrepreneurs and small businesses. Abraham McIntyre talked about the many ways that Appalachian Service Project helps our community, and how others can get involved. The event was located in the beautiful Model City Event Center. Sponsors included: Sync. Space, Short Fuse Engineering, Johnson City Brewing Company, Spark Plaza, Model City Tap House, Innovation Lab of ETSU, SGSC Inc., Kosbe, Funding Sage, Positive Approach Group, AccelNow, Venue at the Kings Centre, Digital Fridge, and Barberitos. This event was a Startup Tri Cities event. Startup Tri Cities is a nonprofit organizations of entrepreneurs whose goal is to support other entrepreneurs in the area. The organization was founded by: David Nelson and Travis Rother of BrewFund Inc., Edwin Williams of Perserbid, and Arnab Chakraborty of Flow Med Tech. The event had over 88 atttendees and 7 aspiring entrepreneurs who pitched their ideas. The winners were as follows: First Place- John Cowan who won $1,000 cash and $1,500 in startup consulting services. Second Place- Michael Rice who won $500 in business attorney services. Third place- Luke Champouillon who won a Free Co.Starters entry. 4th place- Charles Kunene who won free five day pays to the Spark Plaza Co-working Space.
AUSTIN MOODY
TOMMY CONNERS, AUSTIN MOODY, HOWARD STEVENS, D. VINCENT WILLIAMS
The Austin Moody 2nd
Annual Charity Concert PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY LACEY WOLFE
Up and coming country artist, Austin Moody, returned to his hometown for his second annual concert to benefit the F.L.I.G.H.T. Foundation. The concert was held at the Wellmont Regional Center for the Performing Arts at Northeast State Community College. Now a certified pilot, Austin Moody, benefited directly from the foundation and its founder. Through the years, Austin has remained close with his high school JROTC leader and founder of the F.L.I.G.H.T. foundation, Lieutenant Colonel Bill Powley. In the welcome message delivered by retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Bill Powley, it was easy to see the pride he has for his former student and friend Austin Moody. Special guest and former NFL running back, Howard Stevens, kicked off the concert by giving a motivational speech. Guests were treated to an intimate performance by songwriters D. Vincent Williams and Tommy Conners. D. Vincent Williams has written songs for many country artists, including the hit by Rascal Flatts “I’m Moving On”. Tommy Conners has also written for many artists such as, Kenny Rogers and Travis Tritt. The night ended with an energetic and engaging concert by Austin Moody and his band. All proceeds from the concert went to the F.L.I.G.H.T. foundation allowing other students in the area to experience what the foundation has to offer.
LT. COL. BILL POWLEY AND AUSTIN MOODY
LUKE CHAMPOUILLON, JC ACTION SPORTS COMPLEX
TOMMY CONNERS
PAUL CHAMPION, SPECTRUMVR
DAVID NELSON, ARNAB CHAKRABORTY, EDWIN WILLIAMS, AND TRAVIS ROTHER
DUANE AND SANDY HAMMACK, TORI AND JOE BARBER
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SEEN IN
KINGSPORT KINGSPORT FARMER’S MARKET
EMILY REBENACK AND SARAH JONES
SUNRISE ROTARY CLUB
JON AND ANGELA HOOPER
Racks by the Tracks PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY LINDA COFFEY
The 10th Annual Racks by the Tracks was held on Saturday, May 20th at the Farmer ’s Market in Downtown Kingsport. The event started at noon, with hundreds showing up to sample the BBQ and other delicious foods from several vendors. Children enjoyed playing on the inflatables, while many adults competed in a Corn Hole tournament. Music began at noon with local favorite, Russell Clark. Other artists performing included: Webb Wilder, Faithfully (Journey Tribute Band), and the headliners - Sawyer Brown. Attendees had several ticket options. Concert only, Wine Tasting + Concert, Craft Beer Tasting + Concert or High Gravity Beer Tasting + Concert.
SAWYER BROWN WITH HEATHER AND LAFE COOK
Sawyer Brown entertained the crowd with several of their charttopping singles. One song that affected the crowd was, “The Walk”. Lead singer, Mark Miller, got emotional while performing the song and explained that he was leaving Kingsport to head to his son’s college graduation. His son had recently told him that “The Walk” was his favorite song. The music had people dancing and singing all day. Nobody went away hungry and people enjoyed catching up with friends during the event. One of the best things about the festival is the knowledge that proceeds are helping local non-profits. For more information, visit www.racksbythetracks.com
MICHAEL AND BERTINA DEW
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TAYLOR EVANS AND LINDSAY POWERS
HUNDRED ACRES
FAITHFULLY (JOURNEY TRIBUTE BAND)
SEEN IN
KINGSPORT KINGSPORT CHAMBER’S BROCK TERRACE
CAROLINE ABERCROMBIE, ROBERT PRYATELY, AND JEFF ORR
BEST SAUCE WINNER: SMOKIN PIG BBQ
WAYNE CULBERTSON AND TOMMY OLTERMAN
STEPHEN LAHAIR – BOARD CHAIR KINGSPORT CHAMBER
Wayne Culbertson
50th Year Celebration PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY ERIC DONAHUE
Hosted by former Mayor Dennis and Bobbie Phillips, Jerry and Susan O’Connor and many friends and family, the golden anniversary of Wayne Culbertson being an attorney was celebrated on the beautiful Brock Terrace of your Kingsport Chamber. Over 200 guests were present to congratulate and celebrate with Wayne and his family. What started out as a surprise party, ended up being a night for Wayne to remember for many years as many gathered from near and far to attend. RECORD CROWDS BRAVING THE HEAT TO WATCH THE CONCERT
Mayor John Clark issued an official city-wide proclamation establishing May 9th as “Wayne Culbertson Day”. Culbertson graduated from Dobyns-Bennett High School in 1960 and then from the University of Tennessee in 1966. He sat for and passed the Tennessee bar exam in the spring of 1967. Since that time, he has established a very successful practice in Kingsport and throughout the region. Congratulations, Wayne, on 50 years of practicing law! Here is to many more years of happiness and success!
DANIELLE STREET, KELLI TRENT, RACHEL FLEENOR, AND ALYSON ARGABRITE
JUDGE R. JERRY BECK AND JUDGE ROB MONTGOMERY
NICOLE AND DAVID CROSS
CHAD AND KRISTIE HAMMONDS
WAYNE CULBERTSON AND KINGSPORT MAYOR JOHN CLARK
CAROLYNE AND WAYNE CULBERTSON WITH MAYOR JOHN CLARK
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SEEN IN
KINGSPORT BAYS MOUNTAIN PARK
Run Like a
Princess 5K & 3K PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY ALLISON GALLOWAY
The 4th annual Run Like a Princess 5K took place on a sunny Saturday, April 29th at Bays Mountain Park. It also included a 3K walk. All proceeds benefited the Princess Delilah Foundation, which honors the memor y of Delilah Kennedy Watts by providing support, positive energy, and encouragement to the parents of NICU babies and their nurses.
KRIS LUMPKINS AND MICHELLE HARLESS
HEATHER AND JEFF WATTS
JOSH WINDELL, TJ BROWN, JUSTIN WINDELL, BRIAN MILLER, THOMAS PROFFITT
HONEYCUTT/GRAHAM FAMILY
127 SOLAR STREET – SOLAR HILL HISTORIC DISTRICT
245 SOLAR STREET – STEWARDSHIP AWARD
The Goshen Valley Fire Department did the 3K walk in full gear to show their support. Heather and Jeff Watts, Delilah’s parents, thanked ever yone for coming out to celebrate Delilah’s birthday and to support the Princess Delilah foundation.
SEEN IN
BRISTOL BRISTOL PUBLIC LIBRARY
The City of Bristol, VA. Historic Preservation Awards PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY ERIC DONAHUE
In honor of National Preservation Month in May, the Historic District Preservation Award Committee held its 4th annual awards ceremony at the Bristol Public Library in Bristol VA on May 16th. Nominations for the awards were selected from 4 categories. The winners of this year ’s awards were: • EUCLID AVENUE HISTORIC DISTRICT Tom and Carolyn Hanlon - 900 Park Street • SOLAR HILL HISTORIC DISTRICT Florence and Carl Fracarossi - 127 Solar Street • STEWARDSHIP AWARD Robert and Joyce Rodgers - 245 Solar Street • BRISTOL DOWNTOWN COMMERCIAL HISTORIC DISTRICT Karen Hester (Cranberry Lane) - 623 State Street Congratulations and thanks to each of you for helping keep our communities clean, updated, vibrant, and strong.
AWARD RECIPIENTS AND AWARD ACCEPTORS
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SEEN IN
FUN FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY!
SEEN IN
JOHNSON CITY
JOHNSON CITY
JOHNSON CITY MEMORIAL PARK
GARLAND FARM ESTATES
AIDEN ARNOLD
MR. HOWARD DARNELL SERVES HIS PUNCH AND TAKES BIDS FOR THE TIKI BAR HE BUILT AND DONATED.
Candyland Carnival Garland Farm Estates PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY ERIC DONAHUE
The Candyland Carnival was held at the beautiful Memorial Park in Johnson City on May the 9th. There were outdoor games, hot dogs, face painting, inflatables, corn hole, balloons, cotton candy, and even a magic show by Magician Scot Price. The turnout was great and I hear there are already plans for other similar events coming soon. To find out about more events coming soon please visit johnsoncitytn.org/parksrec
ANDREA AND STEVE HARBIN WITH LEANN HATCHER
Crawfish Boil PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY CRYSTAL DAWN CARTER
Combine a beautiful estate development, add sunny skies, a worthy charity, tons of fun, and top it off with a dash of Louisiana cooks boiling crawfish and it’s a recipe for a stupendous event. This was the 6th annual Garland Farm Estates Crawfish Boil and it was held May 13, 2017. Every year the “Crawfish Crew” chooses a great charity and donates the proceeds of the event. This year’s lucky recipient is the Boys and Girls Club of Johnson City/Washington County. The “Crawfish Crew” is a group of Garland Farm Estates neighbors that got together to do the crawfish boil and grew it to the large event it is now. Mr. Howard Darnell, whose special “something else” punch left people wanting to put extra tips into the jar. Mr. Darnell donated all proceeds to the Boys and Girls Club of Johnson City/Washington County.
CARLOS AND MARIA RAMOS AND FAMILY
ADARIUS MORRISON
CHRIS AND CHRISTINA BEBBER WITH CHILDREN
The main feature of the day was the crawfish. Developer and Garland Farm Estates resident Michael Garland says not even he is allowed in the outside “kitchen” that will cook up the one thousand pounds of crawfish flown in fresh that day. Taking reigns for the boils is Paul Landry and his friends from Louisiana that do all the cooking to make it all authentic.
BALLOON ART
CHILDREN WERE ABLE TO PET A CORN SNAKE FROM THE JOHNSON CITY PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT
GARLAND FARMS CRAWFISH CREW
LEANNE WILES (EAST TENNESSEE BRAIN AND SPINE CENTER) AND BAILEY QUALLS
KELLY VANZANT, TRACY WHITSON, LUCI TATE, AND SAM VICARS
BRIAN AND KRISTINE BOYLE
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VIPBEAUTY
Quick Change Artist BY SHERRI JESSEE
HAIR & MAKEUP BY SHERRI JESSEE PHOTOGRAPHY BY NATHAN MAYS MODEL BLAKESLEY BASSETT
Dutch Braid with Side Bun
Dutch braid hair and pony tail to one side. Attach a bun pad. Pin sections of hair up.
Long and Lush
Wrap hair on a 1 1/4 Curling Wand. Comb with a wide toothed comb.
Half-Up Half-down
Tease the crown section. Gently smooth the front section back. Twist and pin to secure. 48
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Big Braid with Head band
Twist hair into the headband. Sweep hair to one side and braid.
SEEN IN
KINGSPORT KINGSPORT CIVIC AUDITORIUM
Head 2 Toe Women’s Expo PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY ERIC DONAHUE
The Head 2 Toe Women’s Expo is an all about women’s expo featuring anything and everything that pertains to women. From chocolate to make-up this expo had it all. The spring expo was held this year at the Kingsport Civic Auditorium on April 22nd and put on by Emmanuel Productions. If you missed this one don’t worry, you can make plans now to attend the Christmas In July Bazaar on July 8th. For more info about attending or to be a vendor please visit their webpage at www. emmanuelproductions.org.
KENDRA AND DANIEL KETRON
GRETA MORRISON WITH DAUGHTERS KURSTEN AND KAITLYNN
CHELSEY BARNES AND KELLI BRAY
TAMMY LEWIS
KELLIE EADS AND JANA RYAN
SEEN IN
BRISTOL STEELE CREEK PARK
Chick-fil-A
Bristol TN/VA 5K PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY ALLISON GALLOWAY
The annual Chick-fil-A of Bristol 5K was held on Saturday, May 20th at Steele Creek Park. Participants could choose between running the 5K or the 1 mile fun run/walk. Runners were encouraged to dress up in their best cow costume, and awards were given for “Most Spirit” and “Best Herd.” All proceeds benefitted WinShape Camps in Bristol. The Bristol WinShape Camp combines sports, recreation, arts, Bible study, and worship into one week. For more information about the WinShape Foundation, visit www.winshape.org.
FAMILY FUN EVENT!
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BRENT AND MELISSA CALDWELL
JESSICA HELTON AND SARAH NORTH
AUDREY KUYKENDALL AND JESSE NUNN
JESS AND NOAH
SEEN IN
SEEN IN
BRISTOL
BRISTOL
STEELE CREEK PARK
BENJAMIN WALLS GALLERY
BENJAMIN WALLS PRESENTING HIS NEW PIECE “HAVANNAH, NOW”
MADE IN THE SHADE
CROSSFIT 423
Splash Dash 5k & Family Fun Walk
Junior League of Bristol PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY ERIC DONAHUE
On May 6th, The Junior League of Bristol held the Splash Dash 5k and Family Fun Walk to support the Splash Pad and other fun projects around the area. The 5k was held at the beautiful Steele Creek Park in Bristol TN. As you can imagine, the finish line was right next to the splash pad where kids of all ages gathered to make a splash and have a fun filled day. There was the 5k, a Family Fun Walk, and lots of outdoor activities to enjoy. James Bittinger came in 1st on the 5k with a time of 24:11. Felisia Rament came in a close second with 24:19 followed by Pamela Gordon with 24:44. If you have ever run a 5k at Steele Creek Park, you know that last hill is rather difficult! However, in spite of that challenge, every participant crossed the finish line!
Benjamin Walls Gallery Unveiling & Reception PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY ERIC DONAHUE
Located in the heart of downtown Bristol,VA, the Benjamin Walls Gallery is a must see for everyone. The Bristol location houses over 100 pieces of fine art photography completely captured, inspired, and produced by Benjamin Walls and the staff at the gallery. In May, Benjamin released and unveiled 3 new pieces that were a little outside his normal work and captures an all new and inspiring level of beauty. The first 2 pieces were taken while he was on a trip to Cuba and reflect real life in Cuba. As you look at the incredible detail of these pieces, you want to simply jump into his pictures and explore this wonderful place called Cuba that has until recently been off limits as far as leisure travel is concerned. The 3rd piece was an abstract piece he took at sunset in the mountains capturing some of the most vibrant and beautiful colors. Walls’s work has been awarded national recognition and been exhibited in the Smithsonian as well as the Natural History Museum in London. When asked about what has set him apart in a very competitive field of landscape art and photography, Walls stated that “Each moment I’m in the field I’m focused on capturing images that inspire. I don’t take photos that simply document what’s there. Instead, I relentlessly pursue moments of art in nature and refuse to settle for anything less.” Walls’s most recent and very successful business adventure is the launching of “WALLSabout Luxury Travel” where Benjamin curates each trip. He is very relentless to find and deliver the essence of the world’s most spectacular destinations.
FAMILY FUN WALKERS: APRIL NORRIS WITH SONS JACOB AND JACKSON
CAN’T BE BEAT.
ALEX BOMAR
BETH MUNCY
The next time you are in Bristol, stop in and visit this amazing gallery located at 701 State Street in Bristol, VA. If you are lucky, you will be able to meet and speak with Benjamin himself. I am sure you will find that his passion for travel, art, and finding the beauty in everything to be very contagious.
CAITLIN MARTIN AND ELIZABETH ADKINS
BENJAMIN WALLS SPEAKS WITH A FEW OF HIS LOCAL CUSTOMERS
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SEEN IN
BRISTOL MARQUEE CINEMAS
MARY KILPATRICK
PEGGY AND WAYNE ALLEN
ANTHONY WAYNE AND SHERRI JESSEE
VIPSEEN Wonder Woman
Movie Premiere PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY LINDA COFFEY
VIPSEEN and VIPSEEN LIVE! held a VIP Wonder Woman Movie Premiere Event on June 1st at the Marquee Cinema’s at The Pinnacle in Bristol. Almost everyone attending dressed for the event in Wonder Woman apparel or other favorite super heroes. Attendees received swag bags, popcorn, drinks, prizes, and a lot of fun!
MEREDYTHE GALLIHER
JAMES AND CRYSTAL PHILLIPS
Everyone had so much fun, that many are already asking for another movie premiere! Special thanks to our sponsors of the VIP Wonder Woman movie premiere event! We couldn’t have done it without you! We appreciate you! Horizon Credit Union The Hair Benders Salon Rumors Boutique Prestige Aesthetics and Penny Woods Skincare Monkee’s of Johnson City Bonefish Grill Exhale Fitness Studio Gourmet and Company Chick-fil-A at the Pinnacle Advanced Medicine and Aesthetics Steak ‘n Shake Marquee Cinemas - Pinnacle 12 The Pinnacle Your Kingsport Chamber Moe’s Southwest Grill Eat Smart Meal Prep AAA Bail Bonding Sherri’s Hair Salon Sherri Jessee Susan G. Komen East TN Tri-Cities Blackbird Bakery Evergreen Home and Garden Showplace Marj on Main
HORIZON CREDIT UNION
BILL FAVORITE WITH WHITNEY AND MORGAN
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APRIL AND ANDREW HELTON
KIM SHELTON AND DANA WILDS
WONDER WHITNEY AND MORGAN MAN
TODD SMITH AND TANYA VANCE
KRISTIE LEONARD, TARA CASSELL, AND LORI BROWN
KATIE, PHILLIP, AND AMY EDWARDS
SHERRIE BACON, TODD SMITH, AND TONI DRUMWRIGHT
SEEN IN
KINGSPORT MEMORIAL PARK
MORGAN KING AND TERESA DUFFY
DIANE CALDWELL, W. FERN KILBY, JUDY POOLE, TERESA LOCKHARD – MEMBERS OF “SURVIVE AND THRIVE”
DECKED OUT IN PINK!
Susan G. Komen East Tennessee
Race for the Cure PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY LINDA COFFEY
The 12th Annual Susan G Komen Race for the Cure was held on Saturday, May 13th at Memorial Park in Kingsport, Tennessee. The event was moved from the October weekend to May this year and participants came from across the Tri-Cities to support the cause. Morgan King and Whitney Carr of VIPSEEN Live! were guest emcees the event. Walkers, Runners and supporters gathered to join the fight against breast cancer.
GRETCHEN DIETRICH, A SURVIVOR IS TOP FINISHER!
BETSY AND FRED COOPER
The financial goal for this year is $100,000 and donations can still be made to the East Tennessee Organization through their website. www.komeneasttennessee.org.
DANCE PARTY!
BILLY AND TARA CASSELL
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MORGAN KING, JOHN CLARK, BUD HULSEY, AND RICHARD VENABLE
RENEE MATLOCK AND SHARON DIXON
BETSY AND GIRLS
SURVIVORS
EAST HIGH SCHOOL VOLUNTEERS
CELEBRATING WITH A DANCE!
MORGAN MUNSEY AND WHITNEY CARR
SEEN IN
KINGSPORT
VIPSEEN MAGAZINE
Women of Worth PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY ERIC DONAHUE
WONDER WHITNEY AND MORGAN MAN
AUNDREA WILCOX – KOSBE
In May, the Women of Worth met at the VIPSEEN office for a great time of personal development, networking, and good times. Honored to host this event, the VIPSEEN magazine and VIPSEEN Live treated these wonderful ladies with food from Moe’s, Wine, and cupcakes from David’s Baking Rack. Aundrea Wilcox of KOSBE spoke about women taking pride and credit for what they personally bring to the table by learning to “ toot ” their own horn with confidence and grace. This group of driven and successful women was formed as an outreach of KOSBE (Kingsport Office of Small Business Development and Entrepreneurship) as an opportunity for women to get together on a regular basis to connect with mentors, share resources and best practices, learn and have fun. This monthly event is held at various locations and open to all women business owners and female Entrepreneurs from across the Tri-Cities region, Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia. To learn more, call 423-392-8811 or visit www.kosbe.org
WOMEN OF WORTH
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SEEN IN
BRISTOL COUNTRY CLUB OF BRISTOL
St. Jude’s Benefit Golf Tournament PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY ERIC DONAHUE
Every year, the GWRRA Tennessee Chapter C (aka TRI CITY WINGS) rides across Tennessee to present a check to the St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. In 2016 they were able to present a check to St. Jude’s for $100,000.00! They do this by raising money all year. One of these fundraisers is their annual golf tournament which takes place at the Country Club of Bristol. This year was the 18th annual tournament and was a huge success. Lunch was provided by Texas Roadhouse and Bill Gatton Honda had a 2017 Honda Accord onsite for the hole in one prize. You can learn more about joining their organization or donating on their website. www.tricitywingstn-c.com
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SEEN IN
KINGSPORT MEADOWVIEW MARRIOTT CONFERENCE RESORT AND CONVENTION CENTER
NIKO GRAHAM, ASHLEY ALLEY, AND CHRIS LEONARD
CONSTANCE AND CHRISTEN GRAY
JOHN AND LINDA BUCKLES WITH DAUGHTER JACQUELINE BUCKLES
The Grand Tour –
Roman Holiday PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY ERIC DONAHUE
TC-MAC’S DAVE CARTER
KIRK HORNER AND MARY ELLEN
VIPSEEN LIVE! WITH HORIZON CREDIT UNION
BOB AND ERIN HARSHBARGER
Love was in the air for The Grand Tour – A Roman Holiday. Hosted by the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Kingsport and held at the Meadowview Marriott Conference Resort and Convention Center, the evening was set in Ancient Rome. The attendees feasted on authentic Italian fare including pasta, breads, Italian beef, cheese, fruit, wine, and decadent Italian desserts. Guests were invited to browse through the “negozio” shops, bid on the silent auction items, and visit the local vendor booths. The proceeds benefitted the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Kingsport. The Boys & Girls Club of Greater Kingsport provides: “A safe place to learn and grow. Ongoing relationships with caring, adult professionals. Life-enhancing programs. Character development experiences. And offers hope and opportunity to children throughout our region”.
HOLSTON VALLEY BROADCASTING
LORI PAYNE AND ROB ARNOLD
JENNY KONTOS AND TRAMARA DARNELL
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SEEN IN
JOHNSON CITY SOUTH SIDE SCHOOL
HALEE JAMES AND CHARLOTTE RAD
LENA LAWSON AND DEB HUGHES
LAURA CUSICK AND KATIE SHEETS
WINNER!
Girls on the Run’s Spring Color Splash 5K PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY ALLISON GALLOWAY
Girls on the Run of Northeast Tennessee celebrated its 10th birthday on Saturday, May 6th with the Spring Color Splash 5K. Snow cones, music, face painting, and balloon animals added to the already fun atmosphere. The Pink Shoe Award was awarded to the two schools with the most participants. Girls on the Run is nonprofit prevention program that promotes healthy living and physical training for preteen girls.
3 GENERATIONS OF GIRLS ON THE RUN!
MAGGIE AND ALICE DANSO
ASHLYNN THOMPSON AND CORINNE RIVERA
CAMPBELL AND KELLY HIXSON
AMY GAITHER, JAMIE MCKAY, AND EMILY FRANKLIN
SEEN IN
JOHNSON CITY
Run for
ROTARY PARK
Your Mom 5k PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY CRYSTAL DAWN CARTER
Rise Up is a program that offers mentoring and after school programs for children. It provides as much or as little involvement as a family needs, and their goal is to motivate 100 kids to get an education beyond high school.
BRYAN, TERRI. AND NICHOLAS LORCH
On May13, 2017 they hosted the 4th annual Run for Your Mom 5k at Rotary Park in Johnson City. The money will be used to offset the costs of sending the children to camp. The race was getting a restart since construction in the area had hampered the race route for the last couple of years. The children of Rise Up were on hand at the race to participate or root the runners to the finish line. Rise Up says they are always looking for mentors for their programs, or if you can’t volunteer any amount of donations are accepted. 58
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RISE UP STAFF AND THE GOOSE CHASE STAFF
SARAH AND JAINA ELLIS
SHARON CAMERON, KARISA WHITE, AND GEORDYN HOUSTON
SEEN IN
KINGSPORT FARMER’S MARKET
MAYOR JOHN CLARK AND DAUGHTER, HALEY CLARK
TED GLYNN AND COLETTE GEORGE
MORGAN KING WITH BABY CHICK!
Spring Wing Fling PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY LINDA COFFEY
KEN AND PHI CARRICO
The first Spring WING Fling was hosted by Visit Kingsport on May 19th at the Kingsport Farmer ’s Market. The event, presented by Eastman Credit Union and media sponsors, VIPSEEN and VIPSEEN Live!, was an opportunity to taste test some of the best wings in the Tri-Cities. Awards were handed out in several categories at the end of the event. The crowd enjoyed listening to music, visiting with friends, and visiting local vendors. For $10, attendees could sample wings from several restaurants. If you missed the event, put it on your calendar for 2018!
LEA ANN RASAR AND ADITI BHAVE PHOTOBOMBED BY MORGAN GOSE
ROB, TUCKER, AND TINA ENJOYING WINGS!
CATHY TEAGUE AND TAMARA ROLLER
SWANK 30TH ON TOUR!
BOB FEATHERS AND SCOTT COOPER
PATRICIA AND NIGEL HOUSE WITH JACKIE HEWITT
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SEEN IN
KINGSPORT RIDGEFIELDS COUNTRY CLUB
TEAM B&H WEALTH STRATEGIES
TEAM KINGSPORT CHAMBER
25th Annual Kingsport Chamber
TEAM TEXAS ROADHOUSE
Golf Scramble PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY ERIC DONAHUE
On May 8th, the Kingsport Chamber hosted its 25th annual Golf Scramble. This year ’s sponsors were Food City, Pepsi, Hunter Smith Davis, Texas Roadhouse, Kingsport Times News, WXSM and Spectrum Reach. Breakfast was provided by Food City, and lunch and dinner were provided by Texas Roadhouse. Awards were given to the top three places in two flights in each round. Hole competitions included prizes for the longest drive, most accurate drive, closest to the pin, and any hole in one. The proceeds of the tournament were used to benefit the Kingsport Chamber, Keep Kingsport Beautiful and Leadership Kingsport.
TEAM CARTER-TRENT FUNERAL HOME
TEAM BARGE, WAGGONER, SUMNER, AND CANON
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TEAM BAE SYSTEMS
HUNTER SMITH DAVIS
TEAM AM 640 WX5M XTREME SPORTS MONSTER
TEAM BANK OF TENNESSEE
TEAM VISIT KINGSPORT
Pet Personals VIPSEEN TRI-CITIES CLASSIFIEDS
HELLO I’M ELVIS, thankyavarymuch I am a Senior hound mix, found as a stray so they aren’t sure how old I really am. I’m super chill and enjoy relaxing with you. I love kids and other pets too. I enjoy walks and hanging out wherever you want to go. I am crate trained, neutered, house trained and up to date on my shots. Available for adoption at Hawkins County Humane Society – hchumsoc.org or 423.272.6538
LISA CORNWELL PHOTOGRAPHY
Proudly Sponsored by Isaacs Pools and Spas | July 2017
MY NAME IS TIGGER. I’m a female 15 year old long hair Tabby Cat. Though I’m a senior with some hair loss, I’m still a beautiful girl who has a ton of love to give. I’m very laid back and enjoy spending my days curling up with other cats for long naps. I prefer a calm home with lots of treats & a cat friend. I really want a new home because I’ve been at the shelter for over a year. Greene County Humane Society, www.gchumanesociety.com or 423.639.4771
LISA CORNWELL PHOTOGRAPHY
HEY THERE, MY NAME IS BABY. I am an adult female domestic medium hair AKA “all American”, spayed & vaccinated. I have feline leukemia and need to be an only cat in your home. Please help me live out my senior years in a comfortable home with a new family. Contact Hawkins County Humane Society for more info & adoption - 423.272.6538 or hchumsoc.org
HI I’M FERRY! I’m a 1 year old Female Border Collie Lab Mix. I’m very smar t and love attention. I have a lot of energy & would love a home with an active person or family to provide lots of play time. I’m good with older kids and other dogs. Greene County Humane Society, Greeneville – www.gchumanesociety. com or 423.639.4771 LISA CORNWELL PHOTOGRAPHY
HEY ALL! MY NAME IS DOMINO. I’m a female, 4 year old short hair Dilute Calico cat. I’m a bit shy but I do enjoy being petted. I like to brag about my unique, beautiful markings. I was found as a stray and am very thankful to everyone at the shelter for taking care of me. I have so much love to give and would like to be with you. Greene County Humane Society, Greeneville, www.gchumanesociety.com or 423.639.4771
SEEN IN
BRISTOL THE OLDE FARM
SHERI BEASLEY AND MELISSA CLEMENS
AMY STEISSLINGER AND SHARON HAYES
MARK LACKEY, LAURA RAINWATER, DAVID MEREDITH, AND MARIA TRUE
Derby Day PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY ERIC DONAHUE
Derby Day, the signature event and annual fundraiser for The Spine Health Foundation, Inc. was held on May 6, 2017. This event helps to raise funds to support the mission of The Spine Health Foundation while also raising awareness of the negative effects of untreated spinal issues. Over 100 guests attended the fundraiser held at The Olde Farm Golf Club. Guests enjoyed the exclusive southern charm and graciousness of the venue while enjoying the festivities, hors d’oeuvres and mint juleps during the pre-derby party while awaiting the fastest 2-minutes in sports.
1ST PLACE WINNER KERRY SIMM AND HUSBAND ANDY
MORGAN AND LINDA KING
After the live broadcast of the Kentucky Derby, the evening was kicked off in style by Master of Ceremonies, Marc Eubanks, Club Manager at The Olde Farm Golf Club. Danny Minton offered a beautiful blessing of thanks and hope for U.S. Veterans, our organization and the people we serve. The 2017 Hope Award was presented to Dr. Paul Jett, of Wellmont Health System. The Hope Award is an annual award presented to an individual who has selflessly provided his or her time to help fulfill our mission of helping others get back to life and symbolizes excellence in accomplishing the mission of the Spine Health Foundation. More Exciting Highlights of the evening included recognizing the Best in Show for the most creative and eye catching Derby hats in spirit of the Kentucky Derby. Congratulations to this year ’s winners!! 1st Place: Kerry Simm; 2nd Place: Ashley Grindstaff; and 3rd Place: Connie Begley! New this year, the Best Dressed Guy contest – 1st place was presented to Dr. Paul Jett.
RACHEL INGRAM, MAGGIE INGRAM, REBECCA BANTON, MARLO BANTONS, AND ZACHARY COPENHAVER
Other huge hits of the evening included live bluegrass music by The Minton Family, Scotch and Bourbon Tasting plus Cigar Bar, and the Selfie Studio! A very special thank you to our Derby Day 2017 Sponsors who made this amazing event possible: Eastman Credit Union, K2M, Medtronic, Million Dollar Round Table, DePuy Synthes, Food City, J.A. Street and Associates, Wellmont Health System, Globus Medical, East Tennessee Brain and Spine Center, Bowman Jewelers and Ligero Cigar Lounge. The Spine Health Foundation has helped area resident’s access more than 950 medically-related resources including 38 spine surgeries since 2011. More than 1M in-kind donations have been made by area providers and companies to help fulfill our mission of helping people Get Past the Pain and Get Back to Life! For more information, visit www.spinehealthfoundation.org, or call 423-467-2087. 62
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SMILES ALL AROUND
SPINE HEALTH FOUNDATION FOUNDER – CAROL CONDUFF AND HUSBAND BOB
THE MINTON FAMILY – AMAZING BLUEGRASS
DAVID DELANEY
MICKEY AND ANGELA BAKER WITH ASHLEY AND STEVE GRINDSTAFF
RONNIE MATHES WITH CALLIE AND JUSTIN MATNEY
LINDA BOWMAN-O’DELL
RUSSELL INGRAM AND ANNA ZOOK
JODI AND JT THOMAS
Things I’d Rather Do Than to Try on a Bathing Suit... Every January 1st for the past 18 years, I have made a promise to myself that I would lose some weight and “tone up” before summer, so that I would feel more confident in a swimsuit. As it turns out, I’m a liar, because this is the 18th year in a row that I have conveniently forgotten to go to the gym and eat healthy. This is also the 18th year in a row that I have stood in every fitting room of every retail store that sells bathing suits and said bad words. WHO is designing these suits? Do they even realize that the average American woman is closer to a size 10 than a size 0? And how is someone a size 0 anyway? Doesn’t 0 indicate being non-existent? Since it’s been scientifically proven (by me) that trying on swimsuits causes severe mental and emotional trauma, I thought I’d compile a list of things I’d rather do than try on swimsuits. See if you agree….
• Get my bikini line waxed at a kiosk in the middle of a crowded mall • Shop at Wal-Mart on Black Friday with only one cashier on duty • Have a root canal on every tooth without anesthesia in a Turkish prison • Explain texting to a crotchety, 90 year old know-it-all • Take an exercise class with the word “advanced” in the title • Volunteer to be the sole bedpan changer at a nursing home • Lick all the doorknobs at the pediatrician’s office • Walk through a desert in July wearing no shoes and a sweat suit • Have mandatory math homework every night for the rest of my life • Have a picnic at a sewage treatment plant • Sign up to clean the porta-potties at Bonnaroo • Wear culottes, crocs, and a gardening hat to a friend’s wedding • Eat a whole box of vomit flavored jellybeans • Plaster a stick family on the back of my car • Put a reindeer nose on my car and leave it year round • Pick lice knits out of a stranger’s beard • Get a steroid shot in the forehead • Say, “If ya know what I mean” at the end of every sentence for the rest of my life • Eat a salad made of poison oak leaves • Be featured on the show, “I Didn’t Know I Was Pregnant” Some of you reading this think I’m crazy for detesting bathing suits so much. You are probably the people who have made a habit out of running or who spend several hours of your day at the gym. Don’t get me wrong, you and I can be friends, but we probably have very little in common. But for those of you who are reading this and nodding your head in agreement, I want you to know that you are my people. We are family. Hang in there, sweater weather is coming and it will be our time to shine.
Love,Beth
Beth is a wife to Stephen, mother of 2 boys, and business owner who is passionate about Jesus. She likes the color orange, good grammar, and junk food; she detests misspelled words, laziness, and mouth noises of all kinds. She is also passionate about helping people create residual income by working part time from home. www.bethstreet.myrandf.com
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