Vipseen july15

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Contents / JULY 2015

24 / In anticipation for the 2016 Battle at Bristol, guests from the University

92 /Often called “the Friendliest Festival in the

of Tennessee and Virginia Tech joined Speedway Children’s Charities to highlight the game and also raise money for children in northeast Tennessee and southwest Virginia.

South,” the Blue Plum Festival has offered great family entertainment and events, arts and crafts, and children’s activities since starting in 1999.

DEPARTMENTS

FEATURES

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS

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SERVE IT UP SASSY A Garden Fresh Picnic

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SEEN ON THE SCENE

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BUSINESS PROFILE Hayworth Tire

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HAPPY PAGE

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WIT BIT

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PET PERSONALS

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LAW OF THE LAND

ON THE COVER FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Troy Bowlin, Amber Floyd Lee, Sarah E. Larkin, Mary Russell, G.C. Hutson, And Kyle Vaughan, and (Sitting) Dan Bieger PHOTOGRAPHY BY: Mickey Baker


EVENTS 24 Battle at Bristol: Fireside Chat with the Coaches 29 Reedy Creek Winery Racks by the Tracks Pre-Party 30 Garland Farm Estates 4th Annual Crawfish Boil 32 Chow Down for Dogs 33 3rd Annual Luke’s Pizza and NTSA Charity Golf Tournament 38 49th Annual Covered Bridge Celebration 40 Taste of Jonesborough 41 Bristol, Virginia Historic District Preservation Awards 42 William King Museum Art Ball 44 Girls Inc. of Bristol Friends Party 52 Boys & Girls Club of Greater Kingsport Gala 54 Crossfit Kingsport Games 2015 56 Johnson City Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament 58 Kingsport Chamber of Commerce 23rd Annual Golf Scramble 62 Monroe at the Mansion 63 Retirement Celebration Honoring Mayor Dennis Phillips 66 Boots and Bowties 68 Jurassic World Premier 70 Mazda Miata Zoomin the Mountains 73 CASA for Kids, Inc 13th Annual Golf Classic 74 Kingsport Art Guild Beach Party 75 Olive Oil Devine Ribbon Cutting and After Hours 76 American Cancer Society Relay for Life of

Johnson City/Washington County

77 PUSH! Film Festival 78 The Olde Farm Holston United Methodist Home for Children

Benefit Luncheon

80 University of Tennessee College of Business Dinner 81 Superwoman Smarts Book Signing and Release Party 82 8th Annual Racks by the Tracks Festival 84 KOSBE After Hours 86 5th Annual Farm to Fork Gala 91 Hearing from the King 92 Blue Plum Festival

JLUY 2015 | VIPSEEN | 5


Letter from the Publishers / JULY 2015 FOUNDER/PUBLISHER Angela J. Baker

She Says ...

He Says...

CO-FOUNDER Brian Hullette

I don’t know about you, but it has become increasingly more difficult to watch, read or even listen to the news. It wasn’t that long ago that you could avoid all the “noise” by leaving the TV off or by electing to not pick up the daily newspaper, however, that isn’t the case in 2015. Digital billboards, apps on our smartphones (that are savvy enough to alert us immediately), Internet, Facebook, Twitter, radio, e-mail blasts and many other outlets have been created in an effort to gain our undivided attention (if such a thing still exists).

“Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.” – Leo Tolstoy

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Angelica Ares EVENT COORDINATOR DIRECTOR OF DISTRIBUTION Savanna McDavid EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Morgan Moseley Emily Spencer ACCOUNT MANAGERS Lark Adams 423.612.3583 Lark@vipseenmg.com Toni Drumwright 423.612.3583 Toni@vipseenmg.com Danielle Hahne Carolyn Kestner 423.292.3436 carolyn@vipseenmag.com COPY EDITOR Lucy Honeychurch CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Lark Adams Liz Bushong Bob Harshbarger, III James Helmes G.C. Hutson Lucy Honeychurch Savanna McDavid Beth Street PHOTOGRAPHY Mickey J. Baker Lark Adams Liz Bushong Danielle Hahne James Helmes Savanna McDavid Tonia Peters DISTRIBUTION Bobby Flowers Charles Kilgore Rita Lane Sarah Moody Savanna McDavid WEBMASTER Robert Neilson Wired Web Development VIPSEEN, Inc., Tri-Cities 151 E. Main Street, Suite 5 Kingsport, TN 37660 423.398.5321 info@vipseenmag.com

There are many things about VIPSEEN that make me proud, but I am most proud that it is our policy to only print the positive things that are taking place in our region. If it is positive in business or community service, then it is newsworthy to us. In my opinion, humans are too opinionated. Why have we allowed ourselves to become so consumed with how other people are living? People are angry over religion, love, color, heritage, money…everything. For those of you who like to use God and the Bible as your argument for judging others… please read all parts of the Bible and not only the pieces you feel justify your behavior towards those who don’t think, look, or love as you believe they should. Am I wrong for enjoying broccoli even though you may think that it is disgusting? There are many things that make us unique from one another and we should celebrate that, not cause pain with words and judgments. I have said this before and I will say it again, God is LOVE not hate. Yet, there are people who use the scripture as a tool to project hate. I believe that we are all fearfully and wonderfully made by God and He makes no mistakes. I also believe there is only one judge and He is not of this earth. By using God and religion as a weapon, Christians are pushing people further from knowing who He really is and how He really loves us. I am challenging you to embrace those around you who are different from you, forgive those who hurt you, and make it a habit to chose love over hate. Wouldn’t it be nice to put an end to public shaming? I believe that anything is possible.

Angela J. Baker, Publisher angela@vipseenmag.com

The Fire Inside of you Over the past several months, I have been trying to challenge myself to reevaluate my dreams. I am constantly asking myself, what can I be doing better or what can I do different. This experience has lead me down a path of many windy roads and what I have learned from that is that I need to stop and start doing a better job at planning my destination. It’s the fire inside you and the fire of life that will push you to greater results. It’s about finding your passion, your life, and your mission. Choose a dream I think the first thing you need to do is dream. Dreaming is not a one shot deal, you can have as many dreams as you want to fulfill but you must start with a dream. Commit to a dream Once you have picked the dream you have always wanted for yourself, tell yourself that you are going to commit to this dream until you achieve it. I truly think you should set your sights high and dream as big as you want to dream. Dreaming small will place limits on your true potential. The big dreams will carry you right through your little dreams. Plan your dream Think about it this way. For most of us, winning the Super Bowl, or winning a gold medal in the Olympics is a symbol of exceptional achievement. These individuals not only choose a dream but they plan their dream. Before they even begin their journey, they choose a coach or a team that help them every step of the way. It is these individuals that choose to commit. Whatever dream you may have, chances are there is someone out there who has already done it. Your next step, is to find those people who have already lived your dream and learn from their success and failures. You don’t have to reinvent the wheel. Celebrate your dreams Once you start achieving your dreams, stop and take time to live in the moment and enjoy yourself. It’s all too often we spend our entire life chasing the all-mighty dollar, then one day you wake up and realize you never really lived or celebrated your victories. I think you will find once you start living out your dreams, that your dreams will get bigger and bigger. I have learned it is the ones whom have dared to dream big that are the ones whom achieve greatness. You can do whatever it takes to do what you love, but it all has to begin with a dream. “If you can dream it, you can do it.” – Walt Disney

WWW.VIPSEENMAG.COM

Brian Hullette, Co-Founder brian@vipseenmag.com

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Calendar of Events / JULY 2015 Fun Fest, July 10-18 Fun Fest was created as an effort to unite Kingsport residents, to help foster a belief that Kingsport is a caring community that is a good place to live and to work, and to provide numerous opportunities for people to congregate while appealing to their interests in culture, athletics, arts and entertainment.

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Wednesday

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Thursday

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Friday

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Saturday

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Sunday

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Monday

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Tuesday

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Wednesday

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Thursday

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Friday

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Saturday

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Monday

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Tuesday

The Jungle Book @Barter Theatre, 10:00 am Shonaleigh Storytelling @ Jonesborough 2:00-3:00 pm

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Jonesborough Days Festival @ Downtown 5:00-10:00 pm Thursday Jams Concert Series @ Abingdon, 7:30-9:30 pm Foam Party+Paint Slip & Slide @ Abingdon, VA, 6:00-8:00 pm

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Stars & Stripes 4 Mile Run & 3KWalk @Elizabethton,6-7:30pm The Marvelous Wonderettes @ Barter Theatre, 8:00 pm Music on The Square @ E Main St, Jonesborough, 7:00-9:00 pm Summer Art Show @ Sycamore Shoals 7/1-7/26, all day Red, White and Beach Party @ Abingdon, VA, all day

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Pepsi Independence Day Celebration @ Johnson City, 5 pm Border Bash Concert Series and Celebration @ Downtown Bristol TN/VA, all day Independence Day Celebration @ Covered Bridge, 12-4pm 62nd Annual Kingsport MackRiddle American Legion Independence Day Parade! The Understudy @ Barter Theatre, 7:00 pm Summer Art Show @ Sycamore Shoals, all day Crazy 8’s “Practice” Run @ Kingsport, 7:00 pm Johnson City Chamber 100th Birthday Cake Cutting and Time Capsule Opening @ Johnson City Chamber 4:30 pm SFTC 5000m Track Championship @ Science Hill, 6:00 pm Won-Lady Payne Storytelling @ Jonesborough, 2:00 pm Trash Barrel Paint-In @ Allandale Mansion, 10:00 am-2:00pm Mary Poppins @ Barter Theatre, 2:00 pm Library Summer Reading @ Jonesborough, 10am-12 pm Music & Movies in the Park @ Bristol, 6:30 pm Youth Music Series @ Heartwood, 6:30-8:00pm PEAK’s Single Mingle @ Kingsport, 7:00pm KOSBE-Taking your Facebook Page to the Next level @ Kingsport, all day Southern Fried Nuptials @ Barter Theatre, 8:00 pm Fun Fest @ Kingsport Music on the Square @ Downtown Jonesborough, 7:00-9:00 pm Little 8s Youth Field Day @ Kingsport, 6pm-8pm Crazy 8s 8K Run @ Kingsport, 9:58pm Storytelling Concert with Won-Lady Payne @ Jonesborough 10:30am “Stop Hunger Now” Volunteer Event @ Sullivan South 8am-4pm Robert Earl Keen @ Paramount Center,4:00pm Patriotic Tribute @ LampLight Theatre, 7:00 pm Fun Fest @ Kingsport Main Street Brews and Tunes @ Jonesborough, 3:00-5:00 pm Summer Art Show @ Sycamore Shoals, all day Fun Fest @ Kingsport The Jungle Book @ Barter Theatre, 10:00 am

Wednesday Thursday Friday

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Saturday

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JBill Lepp Storytelling @ Jonesborough, 2:00 pm Fun Fest @ Kingsport Thursday Jams Concert Series @ Abingdon 7:30-9:30pm Fun Fest @ Kingsport Bill Lepp Storytelling @ Jonesborough, 2:00 pm Fun Fest @ Kingsport Music on the Square @ Jonesborough, 7:00-9:00pm Mary Poppins @ Barter Theatre, 2:00 pm Fun Fest Model Search @ Kingsport, 1:00 pm Movies on Main @ Downtown Jonesborough, 8:00-10:00pm Angel’s Share Craft beer Festial @ Hunter Wright Stadium

Sunday

Heartwood’s Sunday Brunch @ Heartwood, 10:00am-3:00pm The Marvelous Wonderettes @ Barter Theatre, 7:00pm

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SHOUT Youth Leadership @ Kingsport, all day

Monday

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Tuesday

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Wednesday

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Regi Carpenter Storytelling @Jonesborough, 2:00pm Rapunzel @ Barter Theatre, 10:00am Kids Kaleidoscope Summer Camp @ Hands On! all day PEAK Around Town, Meadowview Patio, 5:30 pm

Thursday

Regi Carpenter Storytelling @ Jonesborough, 2:00pm Heartwood Thursday Night BBQ @ Heartwood, 6:00pm

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Music on the Square @ Downtown Jonesborough, 7:00-9:00pm

Friday

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Monday

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Wednesday

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Friday

Jonesborough Relay for Life @ Jonesborough, 12:00pm-10:00pm rd Annual Golf Fore Paws @ Clear Creek Golf Course 8:00am Grand Opening of the Kingsport Carousel @ Kingsport Carousel Get Safe! Tri-Cities Event @ Kingsport, 6:00pm Mary Poppins @ Barter Theatre, 3:00pm Rapunzel @Barter Theatre, 10:00am Hands On! Summer Golf Classic @ The Johnson City Country Club Megan Wells Storytelling @ Jonesborough, 2:00pm The Understudy @ Barter Theatre, 7:30pm Southern Fried Nuptials @ Barter Theatre, 2:00pm PEAK Mid Year Member Drive @ Brock Terrace, 5:30 pm Open Jam @ Heartwood, 6:30-9:00pm Mary Poppins @ Barter Theatre, 2:00pm Virginia Highlands Festival @ Abingdon, 10:00am-5:00pm Rapunzel @ Barter Theatre, 10:00am & 12:00pm Music on the Square @ Downtown Jonesborough, 7:00pm-9:00pm Stadium Science with the Johnson City Cardinals @ Cardinal Park

Bill Lepp Storytelling @ Jonesborough, 2:00 pm Keep on the Sunny Side @ Barter Theatre, 7:15 pm Fun Fest @ Kingsport JLUY 2015 | VIPSEEN | 7


8 | VIPSEEN | JULY 2015


VIPSEEN Exclusive: LAW OF THE LAND N

o one ever wants to find themselves in a situation in which they must call on an attorney. However everyone will need the assistance and guidance of an attorney at least five times throughout their life. No matter if the situation is estate planning, lawsuit, divorce, bankruptcy, etc. a great lawyer is an important person to always have on hand. These men and women specialize in knowledge that will help guide others through the legal process as easy as possible. A legal issue can be much like a car. If a person waits until the engine begins smoking to take their car to a mechanic instead of immediately after the check engine light comes on, they will end up paying a lot more. The same goes for a legal situation, the longer a person waits, the more complicated things can get and the more money that may be required. Seeking the assistance of a lawyer as soon as a person’s “Check engine” light comes on, the better. Lawyers are eager to help others through the good and bad times. Either to give advice or resolve a problem, a great lawyer cannot be underestimated.

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DAN BIEGER, PLC TROY BOWLIN HALE & RUSSELL HUTSON AND HOWELL: G.C. HUTSON LEE LAW GROUP: AMBER FLOYD LEE AND SARAH E. LARKIN PENN STUART THE VAUGHAN FIRM

JLUY 2015 | VIPSEEN | 9


+ Dan Bieger, PLC

D B PRACTICE AREAS: CRIMINAL DEFENSE PERSONAL INJURY WORKERS’ COMPENSATION CONTRACT DISPUTES

565 Volunteer Parkway | Bristol, TN | (423) 573-4440

www.biegerlaw.com

What I like to do is use the legal process to solve problems. What is it about helping the “little guy” that makes you feel so fulfilled?

a while and play the “victim” game. I don’t do well with those types of people, and try to recognize them and refer them to somebody else.

“Little guy” is a matter of perspective. I have a lot of business clients who may be considered a “little guy” compared to our adversary, and/or the complexity of their problem. What I like to do is use the legal process to solve problems. Problems can be solved in court and can be solved through negotiation. In over 30 years of practicing law, I have helped solve all kinds of problems.

What drew you to your profession in the first place?

What is one part of your business that you would be happy to live without? There are some people who seek legal resolution to a problem they really don’t want to solve. They want to wallow in it for 10 | VIPSEEN | JULY 2015

I was a philosophy major in college. I like to use logical reasoning in constructing arguments.

What is the best outcome you have ever had, what is the worst outcome you have ever had and what did you learn from both?


DAN BIEGER

VIPSEEN Exclusive: LAW OF THE LAND

“Named to Super Lawyers in the Mid-South and Virginia”

The best outcome: I represented a class of landowners whose property was destroyed by a coal mining operation. My job in this class action suit was to figure out how to present the case to a jury and to try the case in federal court. Some of the class members had taken hours and hours of videos that had to be distilled into a twenty minute presentation. The video was presented to the jury along with eye witness accounts of earth moving and blasting. We obtained a substantial verdict. This case taught me the strength of numbers. Representing a whole courtroom of people had a strong impact on the jury. The worst outcome: I represented prospective adoptive parents in a contested adoption case. The hopeful prospective parents had been raising the infant for over a year with the consent of the biological parents. The baby and the prospective parents were bonded and the baby had little or no memory of his biological parents. When we filed for adoption the biological father changed his mind. The case went to trial. The prospective parents lost. I feel the baby lost too. This case taught me that sometimes a legal resolution should not be pursued when the risk of losing is too great. Had the prospective adoptive parents not pursued the case to finalize their legal status they would likely still be parenting the child.

If you weren’t practicing law you would be… If I weren’t practicing law I imagine being in an academic environment either as a teacher or a student. I like learning things.

What would you change about the way law works (if you could)? In my opinion the law works best when you can get into court, or in some alternative form of court such as mediation, in a reasonable amount of time and then obtain a decision in a reasonable amount of time. I would try to make the process more universally efficient.

What makes you most happy about your job? I like it when old clients come back years later and tell me that they followed my advice and were glad they did.

JLUY 2015 | VIPSEEN | 11


+ The Bowlin Law Firm TENNESSEE’S PREMIERE LITIGATION TEAM

Troy L. Bowlin, II successfully represents clients throughout the state of Tennessee. In addition to his success in criminal defense cases, he is equally skilled and dedicated to help clients in need of help in the area of plaintiffs’ personal injury cases, as well as the following legal arenas: Civil Rights Family Law

Juvenile Law Wills and Estates Police Misconduct

Powers of Attorney Business Law

Mr. Bowlin offers compassionate representation while tenaciously pursing the best interests of his clients. Troy l. Bowlin…eager to represent you and maximize your chances of a favorable outcome of your case in court.

www.thebowlinlawfirm.com

Lawyers are the foot soldiers of our Constitution.

Attorneys at The Bowlin Law Firm handle Family Law cases, Criminal Defense cases, Personal Injury cases, Civil Rights cases and Business matters. The philosophy of Troy Bowlin II is that every person is entitled to the best legal representation available. Only then can society at large be assured that justice is properly dispensed. A person accused of a crime might be innocent and without vigorous, zealous legal representation the truth might never be revealed. Only a lawyer prepared to take an unpopular case or an unpopular position can effectuate the kinds of changes that protect us all.

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RENNARD STRICKLAND & FRANK T. READ, The Lawyer Myth

400 West 1st St. | Morristown, Tennessee | (423) 581-2667

Recently The Bowlin Law Firm has spiritedly represented clients regarding the rights of prisoners and the abuse inflicted by government officials upon the rights of its Citizens. While inmates and the criminally charged are not considered a generally sympathetic group, the abuse of power and corruption can be atrocious. The Bowlin Law Firm has felt compelled to undertake the representation of a number of female inmates who were subjected to sexual abuse while incarcerated and a number of male inmates who were subjected to inhuman conditions of confinement. Championing the causes of our clients, whether in defense of criminal charges, assisting in child custody matters or seeking redress for injuries caused by another, The Bowlin Law Firm


VIPSEEN Exclusive: LAW OF THE LAND

TROY

BOWLIN, II Vigorous And Fearless Advocates For Justice

uses its team of professionals to focus on those areas of practice in which they are uniquely qualified or to undertake aspects of the case where they have unique insight. This “team” approach allows the Firm to view each case from multiple points of view and pursue the most effective legal strategy possible.

DISTINGUISHED ASSOCIATIONS:

The Bowlin Law Firm’s outstanding success record, including mistrials and outright dismissals for criminal clients as well as substantial out-of-court settlements and justice on principle for civil rights cases, shows that no task is too difficult and no outcome is impossible with the right legal team.

Knoxville Defense Lawyers Association

The Bowlin Law Firm is prepared to take up the legal burdens of each of its clients and help shepherd the client through the sometimes-confusing legal process, advocating for each client towards a successful resolution.

AWARD WINNING:

Tennessee Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers American Association for Justice Tennessee Bar Association American Trial Lawyers Association National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40 National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Trial Lawyers Rising Star in Super Lawyers 2013

T H E B O W L I N L AW F I R M

Avvo rating of 10.0

JLUY 2015 | VIPSEEN | 13


+ Hale & Russell The Law firm of Hale & Russell congratulates JOSEPH B. LYLE on his appointment as J&DR Judge in Virginia’s 28th Judicial District. PRACTICE AREAS:

CORPORATIONS

CREDITORS RIGHTS

MOTORSPORTS LAW

CIVIL LITIGATION

LOCAL GOVERNMENT

COMMERCIAL LAW

CONSTRUCTION LAW

BANKING

INSURANCE DEFENSE

BANKRUPTCY

BUSINESS & EMPLOYMENT LAW

REORGANIZATIONS & WORKOUTS

LONG TERM HEALTH CARE

Serving clients in the Tri-Cities of Tennessee and Southwest Virginia

www.tnvalegal.com

P.O. Box 274 | 416 State Street | Bristol, TN | (423)989-6555

Our purpose is to provide the best legal services possible to our clients, in a timely manner and at a fair and reasonable cost.

History of firm The law firm Hale & Russell was founded in 1995, and has its offices in Bristol, Tennessee. We have a broad background and experience in many areas of law including: Civil and Commercial litigation, Creditors Rights, Banking, Local Government, Construction Law, business and corporate law, tax and estate planning, and Bankruptcy (Chapters 7 and 11).

Special Awards and Recognition Mr. Russell was awarded the “General Counsel Award” by the State bar of Georgia for outstanding service to the Bar. He has been named an “Outstanding Lawyer in Mergers and Acquisitions” by Martindale-Hubbell.

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General philosophy to practicing law and serving clients

Our purpose is to provide the best legal services possible to our clients, in a timely manner and at a fair and reasonable cost. We are committed to the public good by providing our clients with a means of protecting their rights and promoting their interests based upon truth, honesty, and fairness. The majority of our clients are individuals and their closely held businesses, be they small, medium or large. We help them with the formation of their business and all of the tax ramifications of their establishment; work with them in their day to day operations of the business; advise them on how best to protect their business assets such as real-estate, their intellectual property, etc.; and assist them in the winding down


VIPSEEN Exclusive: LAW OF THE LAND

KENNETH D. HALE, MARY FOIL RUSSELL, AND KENNETH R. RUSSELL, JR.

Our firm also represents a number of very large international, national, and regional companies (some of which are publicly traded) in numerous aspects of their businesses. For example, we represent banks and lending institution in various capacities; buying or selling companies in mergers and acquisitions and act as local and lead counsel for their litigation matters in East Tennessee and Southwest Virginia.

Firm’s Commitment to Community or transfer of the business to a second generation. We represent them locally, regionally, and in international transactions. We also represent them and many other clients when litigation becomes necessary. While protracted litigation can oftentimes produce favorable results, it sometimes comes with a price, both in terms of expense and interruption to the business affairs of the litigants. It is our philosophy that our clients need to understand how their businesses are affected during litigation, the costs of the same, and whether a practical business decision can be made to put them back to work doing what they do best. If a solution cannot be reached, our team of attorneys stands prepared to represent the interests of our clients in litigation, keeping them involved and informed about the process.

The firm has always provided needed legal services to many community organizations, churches, schools and other benevolent programs supported by the communities of Bristol, Tennessee and Virginia. Our firm has been involved in the Rhythm & Roots Reunions beginning in 2001. Recently, Ken Hale served on the construction committee for the Birthplace of Country Music Museum. Mary Russell has served on the board of directors of Johnston Memorial Hospital in Abingdon, Virginia. Ken Russell has served on the board of the Barter Theatre and currently is a member of the Board of Trustee of Bluefield College. In addition, our members have served on various boards such as the YMCA and Birthplace of Country Music Alliance.

JLUY 2015 | VIPSEEN | 15


+ Hutson & Howell Mediation: Changing the Game AN INTERVIEW WITH G.C. HUTSON BY SAVANNA MCDAVID

SAVANNA MCDAVID: SO, WHAT IS MEDIATION EXACTLY? GC HUTSON: Mediation is the practice of a specially-trained, qualified practitioner who acts as a neutral facilitator between two or more parties to a dispute or lawsuit. In short, lawyers advocate for their clients. I advocate for the solution and settlement. I’m a specialist. Some might argue that’s not the politically correct way to look at mediation. However, it’s the most realistic and practical way of describing this type of ADR, in general. SM: WHAT IS ADR? GC: Alternative Dispute Resolution. As in, the alternative to litigation. Which ironically, litigation is itself is a form of ADR. Suing each other in court took the place of beating each other with clubs, and high-noon showdowns in the middle of the street. SM: WHY WOULD SOMEONE WANT TO MEDIATE THEIR CASE, RATHER THAN JUST GO TO COURT? GC: Well, in most cases, you don’t have a choice. In a large percentage of the situations state law, local court rules or the preference of the judge compels you to mediate before the court will hear your testimony in the first place. But moreover, it’s just better way of handling a dispute. You never know what you’re going to get in court from a judge. In mediation, the parties control the final solution. If you have a good, qualified, experienced mediator, who knows how to effectively navigate the process, you will end-up with a notably better result. SM: WHY IS MEDIATION BETTER? GC: Well, it’s faster, cheaper, confidential, more detailed, less stressful, and provides for a much better conclusion. In mediation, the litigants and lawyers control the outcome, not the court. This is due to the fact that the litigants make the decisions, whereas in a courtroom, the judge or jury make the decisions for you.

SM: WHAT SHOULD OUR READERS LOOK FOR IN A GOOD MEDIATOR? GC: Experience. There are only a handful of mediators in this area that maintain high-volume mediation practices. I define high-volume as three or more mediations per week. Typically, lawyers pick the mediators for the clients. And they’ll hopefully pick the right mediator for the job, based on their experience with that practitioner in the past. SM: HOW MANY MEDIATIONS DO YOU DO A WEEK, JUST OUT OF CURIOSITY? GC: I average around 7 to 8 cases a week. SM: YOU SAID A MINUTE AGO THAT MEDIATION IS CHEAPER AND CONFIDENTIAL. CAN YOU EXPLAIN THAT? GC: Sure. It’s cheaper because if successful, mediation will save you thousands of dollars in litigation expenses, such as additional discovery costs, trial preparation and the hours your lawyer will likely spend in trial. All of that is eliminated if you have a settlement agreement. And yes, the entire mediation process is confidential. On the contrary, litigation becomes a matter of public record that anyone has the right to access at the courthouse. The discussions and procedures within mediation are strictly confidential. SM: WHAT DID YOU MEAN BY ‘HOPEFULLY PICK THE RIGHT MEDIATOR’ A MOMENT AGO? GC: The right mediator needs to be chosen for the case, and no single mediator is the best fit for every situation. For example, in some scenarios you may want a mediator who is gentle and soft-spoken, and who will gingerly guide you and the other party through the process. However, I’m not that guy. I’m a bulldozer. I’m a settler. I jump head-first into every case, because that’s my job. That’s what I’m being paid to do. I personally believe that if I don’t give every case 100% effort, attention and sweat; I’m doing the case, the parties, the lawyers and the entire process a disservice. I’m not one to just throw my hands up in their air and say, ‘Oh well. This case is too hard. I give up. That will be $400 each.’ I’m there to help discover and craft the best solution and settlement, to a terrible situation. That’s my job. That’s my role.

Recently I sat down with G.C. Hutson, Senior Partner with Hutson & Howell Mediation Associates, to discuss his avantgarde practice and the growth of mediation at-large, within our local judicial system.

Mediation is the practice of a specially-trained, qualified practitioner who acts as a neutral facilitator between two or more parties to a dispute or lawsuit.

16 | VIPSEEN | JULY 2015


VIPSEEN Exclusive: LAW OF THE LAND

G.C. HUTSON 119 E. Watauga Ave Johnson City, Tennessee (423) 217-4888

www.hutson-howell.com

SM: YOU COME-OFF AS VERY PASSIONATE ABOUT MEDIATION. GC: I am. This is what I do. This is what litigants pay me to do. This isn’t a hobby or something I do in my spare-time when I’m not working my ‘real job.’ I built this firm from the ground up from nothing. This is how I support my family. This is what I do. I settle cases. SM: MENTIONING YOUR FIRM, SOMEONE TOLD ME THAT IT’S THE ONLY ONE OF ITS KIND IN THE STATE? IS THAT TRUE? GC: To my knowledge, yes. I don’t know of any other mediators outside of my firm who practice mediation exclusively, and I’ve certainly never heard of another firm strictly focused on the practice of mediation. It’s entirely possible that they exist, I’m just not aware of any. SM: DO YOU ONLY PRACTICE IN THE TRI-CITIES? GC: No. We are in the process of opening two new offices, one in Knoxville and the other in Nashville. Currently, approximately half of

my cases originate out of the Tri-Cities area, and the other 50% come from Knoxville and Nashville. SM: WHAT DO YOU THINK THE FUTURE HOLDS FOR MEDIATION? GC: I honestly believe that within the next few years, there will only be two primary classifications of litigation... criminal law and mediated law. My purpose, to be blunt, is to set the bar for the practice of mediation in the state of Tennessee and establish a brand that is itself, synonymous with ADR. Thereafter, I plan to open offices in other states. SM: WOULD YOU CALL YOURSELF A PIONEER? GC: Ha. That’s a loaded question. Mediation was here long before me. I’m simply attempting to apply new elements and standards to the industry. Henry Ford didn’t invent the car. He simply revolutionized the auto industry with his methods.” Savanna McDavid is a staff writer with VIPSEEN. G.C. Hutson is a contributing author to VIPSEEN’s monthly column, “The Wit Bit.”

JLUY 2015 | VIPSEEN | 17


+ Lee Law Group, PLLC ttorneys Amber Floyd Lee and Sarah Larkin of Lee Law Group, PLLC are committed to your civil legal needs. The boutique firm focuses on domestic relations and other civil law matters. Lee Law Group offers experience and dedication to each and every client and their unique legal concerns. Attorney Amber Lee enjoys vigorously advocating for her clients and has never shied away from a challenge or tough case. Ms. Lee is a native of Bowling Green, Kentucky. Having moved west to study Journalism at Webster University in Saint Louis, then north to Michigan with her husband, she could no longer resist the call of the mountains and moved east again to Virginia to attend Appalachian School of Law. She earned her J.D. in 2009 and she and her Michigander husband, Nat, an emergency physician with MSHA, quickly adopted Johnson City and the Appalachian Mountains as their home. Ms. Lee shows unparalleled dedication to her community. She lives with her family in the historic Tree Streets where she spearheaded efforts with the Southside Neighborhood Organization to build, install, and license six Little Free Libraries. Believing that communities are only as great as our commitment to them, Ms. Lee is leading efforts to conduct a corridor study along Walnut Street, going to great effort to see the beautification and feasibility of the connection between ETSU and downtown Johnson City. Ms. Lee attends Munsey Memorial United Methodist Church with her family, serves as the Chairwoman of the Johnson City Housing and Community Development Advisory Board, and has served as the president of the Washington County Bar Association. She is counsel to the newly-­formed Munsey Church Preschool Board of Trustees. She hosts an annual summer barbecue for the bar association and their families. The Tennessee Bar Journal has additionally featured Ms. Lee as a “Person You Need to Know.” Ms. Lee is a graduate of the National Institute for Trial Advocacy, and is a Rule 31 Supreme Court mediator. In addition to her focus on land-­use and local government issues, she is specially ­trained by the Department of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women in domestic abuse issues. She worked for years as a VAWA grant recipient assisting women leaving emotionally and physically abusive relationships, obtaining protective orders, and breaking ties with their abusers by obtaining divorce. “The legal system can be another way abusers bully and control,” Lee said. “I work diligently to ensure my clients are not revictimized while obtaining a just resolution to their issues.” Attorney Sarah Larkin brings several years of litigation and trial advocacy to her domestic, juvenile, and other civil work. Ms. Larkin hales from the state of Ohio, having grown up in a small town along the Ohio River. Like Ms. Lee, Ms. Larkin also made her escape east into the Appalachian Mountains, studying voice performance on academic scholarship at Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia. However, Ms. Larkin soon realized her passion for the law

after finding a mentor and friend in a lawyer she had hired to assist her in her own civil case. She made the decision then to go to law school. She finished her undergraduate degree in psychology and music, and sought out new experiences by making a big move to Boston, Massachusetts, where she studied at New England School of Law. Ms. Larkin was committed to making the most of her time in Boston, working and interning while she studied, but taking every opportunity to explore the rich history at every corner in the City and surrounding area. Ms. Larkin quickly found her home in advocacy work, working in-­house, directly with victims at a domestic violence shelter and working with the Greater Boston Legal Services in their Housing Division. Ms. Larkin represented low-­income and underprivileged residents of Boston when facing the tumultuous and confusing process of working with landlords and facing the possibility of eviction. Ms. Larkin appeared on behalf of her clients in Boston’s Housing Court and provided legal advice through the Court’s free legal clinic. After receiving her J.D. in 2008, Ms. Larkin again felt the pull back to the mountains and made her way to Knoxville, where she began her legal practice. Ms. Larkin practiced in Knoxville exclusively in civil defense trial work, litigating matters in State and Federal trial and appeals Courts. In her free time, Ms. Larkin devoted her time to writing for legal blogs and assisting law students in their studies. Ms. Larkin also found time to dedicate to her musical side, singing with the auditioned Knoxville Choral Society and Knoxville Chamber Chorale. In 2013, having found herself in Johnson City visiting friends more weekends than not, Ms. Larkin and her family made their way to Johnson City, also finding a home in the historic Tree Streets. They found a beautiful home and quickly took to renovating, while Ms. Larkin continued her technical writing and mentoring. Ms. Lee and Ms. Larkin, having met in the community and quickly realizing similar goals and ideals, teamed up to form Lee Law Group, PLLC. They both see the strength of partnering Ms. Lee’s experience in domestic and community advocacy with Ms. Larkin’s trial experience. Both Ms. Lee and Ms. Larkin thrive in a professional environment that encourages cooperation and meaningful collaboration. Clients become clients of the firm, benefitting from the experience and unique skills that both attorneys and the support staff have to offer. The firm has recently moved to the historic East Avenues area of Johnson City in a 1935 house-­turned-­office. Located at 605 E. Unaka Avenue, the move is part of a strategic growth plan for the firm. The location just off the interstate is convenient for their clients. “We are both caretakers of old homes. And now we are caretakers of a lovingly-­restored office. We see the value in longevity.” Larkin said. “It is this same type of care and attention that is needed in crafting successful long-­term client relationships.”

A

We take care of our clients when they are going through their worst day, facing some of the most challenging and stressful times...

18 | VIPSEEN | JULY 2015


VIPSEEN Exclusive: LAW OF THE LAND

AMBER FLOYD LEE SARAH

E.LARKIN Both Ms. Lee and Ms. Larkin handle a range of civil legal issues, and both often can be found describing themselves as too generous with their time and attention to their clients. And Ms. Lee and Ms. Larkin find themselves uniquely capable of navigating the emotional minefield that often accompanies domestic and juvenile work. Ms. Lee avails herself of her years of experience in assisting clients through what is often the most trying times of their lives. The firm even gives counseling referrals as clients face life changes. “We take care of our clients when they are going through their worst day, facing some of the most challenging and stressful times,” Lee said. “Whether dealing with uprooting the family, navigating children’s schedules, the financial worry, aging parents, or co-­parenting communication issues, we advise our clients on how to handle those issues with as much grace as possible.” Ms. Larkin, with her trial background, is dedicated to assisting the firm’s clients in thinking strategically about how to best to achieve their goals. She’s emphatic that strategic thinking is key, saying “You have to weigh everything and that can be so overwhelming when you feel your entire life is in turmoil or you’re facing some of life’s bigger, more difficult questions. Sometimes, what you’re technically and legally entitled to may not always be what’s best for your unique situation. We have to think about that. I want to ask you the questions and know you so that we can find out what’s best for you. Only you know that. I need to help you find what works best for you.” Ms. Lee and Ms. Larkin understand that each and every case brings its own complexities and personalities with it. Both offer the flexibility and problem solving necessary for successful and efficient advocacy. Ms. Lee and Ms. Larkin are always available for consultations. Whether they assist you in advocating for yourself, are able to quickly handle a small issue on your behalf, or bring you on as full clients in complicated matters, both provide dedicated representation in helping you achieve resolution. The attorneys and staff of Lee Law Group, PLLC want to assist you in finding the best outcome, take the stress and unknown off your shoulders so that you can move on with your life.

605 E. Unaka Avenue Johnson City, Tennessee (423) 631-0326

www.leegrouplaw.com JLUY 2015 | VIPSEEN | 19


Attorneys Danielle Stone, W. Bradford Stallard, Elizabeth Walters, Byrum Geisler

Celebrating

Proud History Since the firm was founded in 1890, PennStuart has become the preeminent law firm in southwest Virginia and east Tennessee. Its reputation for high caliber lawyers and superior service rests upon a tradition of excellence established by the firm’s founders and the influence of the many distinguished attorneys associated with the firm throughout the years. The firm now consists of 38 attorneys in 4 offices in Virginia, Tennessee and Kentucky.

125

PENNSTUART Attorneys at Law Since 1890

Promising Future

“Expanding our current practice areas is an integral part of the future of the

Throughout the past one hundred twenty five years, PennStuart has developed

firm.” Stallard said. “We have learned that many smaller and medium sized

robust associations with many leading businesses and industries in Virginia,

businesses in our region have the same needs in the routine operation of their

Tennessee and Kentucky. Listed among the firm’s clients during the early days

businesses as do our largest clients. Employment matters, risk management,

were Norfolk & Western Railway, Farmers Exchange Bank, Aetna Insurance

contracts and commercial banking, to name a few. To better serve these needs,

Company, Pet Milk and Clinchfield Coal Company. During these years, the

we’ve developed an Outside General Counsel Group, which as the name

firm built a reputation for successfully litigating difficult corporate issues, a

implies, functions as a full-service legal team. We can serve a wider range of

reputation that continues today. Reflecting on the firm’s legacy, PennStuart’s

needs through the team approach, and do so in an economical manner. Our

Managing Director Brad Stallard said, “PennStuart’s steadfast dedication to its

goal is to provide value and be available, just like we’re inside general counsel.

clients has resulted in us becoming the go-to firm in the region, especially in

Any questions or problems, simply pick up the phone. We will respond like

‘bet the company’ high stakes cases. We understand our clients’ businesses and

we’re sitting down the hall.”

the challenges they face, and we are unwavering in our commitment to meeting their needs. Our goal is to provide excellent service, expertise and value— which has been our hallmark for 125 years”.

PennStuart.com | 208 E. Main Street, Abingdon, VA, (276) 628-5151 | 804 Anderson Street, Bristol, TN, (423) 793-4800 20 | VIPSEEN | JULY 2015


g 125 Years

Attorneys Danielle Stone, W. Bradford Stallard, Elizabeth, Walters, Byrum Geisler

“We understand our clients’ businesses and the challenges they face, and we are unwavering in our commitment to meeting our clients’ needs.” —W. Bradford Stallard, Managing Director

The firm is known for its business and commercial legal work, but many don’t

Walters brings her two decades of litigation experience into Family Law,

realize the firm serves individuals as well. That is now changing. “The firm is

serving as an advocate to help clients make the best informed decisions if major

expanding our practice areas to include a Personal Services Group that will

changes in family life are required. She can assist with issues such as separation,

provide assistance when legal needs arise among families or individuals. Some-

divorce, adoption, child or spousal support, equitable distribution of property,

times the family (spouses, children, aging parents and family owned businesses)

division of retirement assets and litigation in all these areas.

can experience difficult circumstances that challenge their day-to-day lives and financial well-being. We have assembled a team to help work through these situations, and bring stability and security back to their lives.” The Personal Services team includes Byrum Geisler, Elizabeth Walters and Danielle Stone.

Stone will focus on the needs of elderly and special needs individuals, including special needs trusts, revocable and irrevocable trusts, Medicare/Medicaid planning, long term care planning and insurance, healthcare powers of attorney, living wills, advance directives, guardianships and patient advocacy. The Outside General Counsel team includes Brad Stallard, Andrew Hanson,

Geisler is devoted to providing comprehensive legal services in the areas of

John Martin, Cameron Bell and Wes Boggs. This team will jointly provide

trusts, estate planning and administration, wealth transfer, charitable giving

day-to-day legal advice and counsel regarding general and industry-specific

and fiduciary services.

legal issues, with particular expertise in business transactions, risk management, litigation, corporate governance, and commercial banking and finance.

1700 Bayberry Court, Richmond, VA, (804) 819-1770 | 119 E. Court Street, Prestonsburg, KY, (606) 263-4966 | PennStuart.com JLUY 2015 | VIPSEEN | 21


+ The Vaughan Firm WILLS

CRIMINAL JURY TRIALS

LIVING POWER

DUI DEFENSE

DURABLE POWER OF ATTORNEY

HOMICIDE CASES

DURABLE POWER OF ATTORNEY FOR HEALTHCARE

DRUG CASES

PROBATE

APPELLATE REVIEW

INJURY CASES

ILLEGAL SENTENCING CLAIMS

PERSONAL AND PROPERTY LOSS FROM AUTOMOBILE

FAMILY LAW

ACCIDENTS

CONTESTED AND UNCONTESTED DIVORCE

PREMISE LIABILITY

CHILD SUPPORT AND CHILD SUPPORT MODIFICATIONS

WORKER’S COMPENSATION

PARENTING PLANS AND PARENTING PLAN

SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY

MODIFICATIONS

DEBT

CUSTODY ISSUES

CONSUMER DEBT PROTECTION

ESTATE PLANNING

DEBT COLLECTION

245 E New St, Suite 203 | Kingsport, Tennessee | (423) 390-1504

www.thevaughanfirm.com

CRIMINAL LAW

The mission of The Vaughan Firm is to fight for justice, invest in people, and serve our community...

E

very fall millions of acorns fall from giant oak trees around the region. As one gazes up at the 40 and 50 foot trees that stand so strong in a windstorm and provide shade during the scorching summer heat, it is astonishing to think how all that beauty and strength could come from a tiny nut. Everything needed to grow a majestic oak tree is found inside this seed measuring three quarters of an inch at best. Well, almost everything. Every acorn has the potential to be that mighty tree, but only the ones that are planted and nurtured and even sometimes pruned will actually grow. Kyle Vaughan knew from the time he was eight years old that he wanted to be a lawyer. He knew he wanted to help others in a significant way and had it inside of him to do so. A first generation college graduate, Kyle had a challenging time getting into and through school. He attended King College for a Bachelor’s in Business Administration then went on to Duncan School of Law at Lincoln Memorial University. At that time, Kyle realized the African American community of the Tri-Cities was underserved in the legal field. Couple that with the fact that he had always wanted to be an entrepreneur and an idea

22 | VIPSEEN | JULY 2015

was born. In 2013 Kyle founded The Vaughan Firm in Kingsport and has been growing his client base since.

“The mission of The Vaughan Firm is to fight for justice, invest in people, and serve our community by using our expertise and training with passion and integrity. This mission propels us toward our vision to be the most respected and sought after legal firm by providing sound legal counsel to individuals of all socio-economic backgrounds. We will endeavor towards this goal one acorn at a time,” says Kyle. He enjoys being a job creator and being in control of his own improvement and success. The Vaughan Firm is unique to the region in that it is the only firm with an African American Attorney. Keeping the mission in front, Kyle has plans to grow and open other law offices across the state of Tennessee. “We are at the acorn stage now. I want to have law offices across the state.” Kyle also said, “The overall vision is not just for my own financial stability. The goal I have is to be able to build a reserve for people who have meritorous cases but do not have the means to seek help.”


VIPSEEN Exclusive: LAW OF THE LAND

KYLE

VAUGHAN “There are more people than we think that have been deprived of life and liberty but they don’t have the means to do anything about it. They are getting run over. I want to do my normal job as an attorney and grow enough to turn around and help the underprivileged as much as possible.” He has a passion for helping others and believes anyone can succeed with enough drive and ambition. Kyle will do anything he can to help others better themselves. “I am always looking for good avenues to help others. Especially if there are kids that want to be lawyers, then I want to help them.” Kyle’s passion to help students stems from the fact that he is a first generation college graduate. Some kids know they will go to college and follow their parents. Kyle didn’t have that kind of direction. He knew what he wanted, but it seemed so far off he didn’t know how he was going to achieve it. “There is plenty of opportunity. If there is anyone who is worth their salt, they can make it in this career and I want to be there to help them along the way, from undergrad to graduating law school.”

than to assess it before it happens, just like a mechanic. “I always tell people that having an attorney they can trust is one of the smartest ways to go through life,” he said. Kyle knows the vehicle to get him to his goal is helping people by using the training he has. “Hopefully the people who I work with can see my passion. I try to do everything with the upmost integrity. There are people out there that have ruined the attorney reputation and all I can do is apologize for that. I know people work hard for their money and I want people to know I will work hard for them.” The Vaughan Firm may be a younger Firm than others, but it has already seen great success in Kingsport. That is simply because Mr. Vaughan is a genuine person with a passion for helping others. He hopes others use him as an example and know if he did it, than anyone can. His burning desire to show that law is a profession of integrity and to expand his practice has helped him succeed thus far and will continue to drive him through the future.

A great lawyer should be on everyone’s team because they specialize in a degree of knowledge that the normal person does not have. Kyle tells us from experience that a person will pay a lot more to fix a problem

JLUY 2015 | VIPSEEN | 23


SEEN IN BRISTOL

BRISTOL MOTOR SPEEDWAY

Battle at Bristol: Fireside

Chat with the Coaches Benefiting Speedway Children’s Charity PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANGELA AND MICKEY BAKER | STORY SUBMITTED

In anticipation for the 2016 Battle at Bristol, guests from the University of Tennessee and Virginia Tech joined Speedway Children’s Charities to highlight the game and also raise money for children in northeast Tennessee and southwest Virginia. The Battle at Bristol Dinner and Roundtable was held in Bristol Motor Speedway’s infield, which will be transformed into the gridiron for the biggest college football game ever. Shannon Spake, ESPN, hosted the event and roundtable that included Athletic Directors from both schools as well as coaches. Brett James and Rivers Rutherford, Nashville Singer Songwriters entertained guests with stories and songs written for greats like Kenny Chesney and Carrie Underwood. All proceeds from the event went to benefit Speedway Children’s Charities and their mission of supporting children in need all over our region. To find out how to reserve your tickets to the Battle at Bristol, please call the Bristol Motor Speedway ticket office at 423-989-6900.

Julie Bennett and Betsey Holleman

Food City Ladies

Bill Hartley with Bristol Virginia Mayor Catherine Brillhart

The Committee Claudia Byrd, Cindy Ramsey, Belton Caldwell, Laurie Harvey, Betsey Holleman, and Hayley Dietrich

Chloe and Steve Smith Ayden and Kevin Farley

24 | VIPSEEN | JULY 2015

Aaron and Mickey Arnold


Miss Johnson City Kayla Neikirk with her dad, Earl Neikirk

Ron and Linda McCall

Chelsea Taylor and Catelyn Radeck

Hollie Beth and Chantz Scott

Sunbelt Rentals

Dr. Karen Reach and David Reach

Ashley and Andrew Stilner

Jarrod Wootten and Crystal Arrington

Lisa and Jeff Selvage

Jeremy and Sarah Faulk

Charlie Fugate and Paul Cox

JLUY 2015 | VIPSEEN | 25


SEEN IN BRISTOL

BRISTOL MOTOR SPEEDWAY

Ken and Teresa Smith with Darryl and Beverly Whipkey

Jodi Thomas and JT Thomas, Hayley Dietrich, with Scott and Susan Caldwell

Angela and Mickey Baker

26 | VIPSEEN | JULY 2015

Jessica Larkin and Kayla Neikirk

Hayley and Andy Dietrich

Grant and Stephanie Summers

John and Karen Speropulos

Lt. Governor Ron Ramsey with wife Cindy Ramsey

CrestPoint Health


Better Websites More Customers OUR TESTIMONIALS Whit and Kelly Babcock

Brianna Mullins and Shawn Stewart

Justin and Courtney Plaisted

Laurie and Chipper Harvey

SAY IT ALL! “We love working with Possible Zone. We’ve been working with Possible Zone for almost two years and have more than doubled our internet traffic. Possible Zone is always available and quick to address our marketing needs.” - Jessica Luff, Owner Carefree Boat Club

1 Sheridan Square • Suite 102 • Kingsport, TN 37660

Tammie and David Murray

Chuck and Kristy James

423.765.9699 possiblezone.com



REEDY CREEK WINERY

SEEN IN KINGSPORT

Reedy Creek Winery

Racks by the Tracks Pre-Party STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY LARK ADAMS

The gorgeous Reedy Creek Winery at Meadowview Convention Center was the setting for the kick-off to Kingsport’s annual Racks by the Tracks event. On Friday, May 15 (the day before Racks by the Tracks), people from all over the Tri-Cities gathered at the free event sponsored by Reedy Creek Cellars. The Blues Man band provided entertainment, and Michael Archdeacon’s “Foodie Fiction” food truck fed the crowd with yummy offerings such as fish tacos and pan fried mac and cheese cubes. Free wine samples were available, with additional glasses/bottles, and fresh-made wine sangria available for purchase. One of the Reedy Creek sangrias featured Scott’s strawberries as a main ingredient, a perfect marriage of two local favorite items. Several people attended with their children, and kids were seen playing with hula hoops while Mom and Dad sipped refreshing adult beverages nearby. The perfect start to a fun Racks by the Tracks weekend!

The Singleton Family

Bud and Christie Herbert

John and Angela Vachon, and Jackie and Tony Hewitt

Shannon and Brad Colby

Jackson Archdeacon and Kim Rhoton

Etta and Kingsport Mayor Elect John Clark

Debbie Waggoner, Penny Gray, and Michelle Bacon

Kristen and Mike Reedy Daniel and Kristen Way, and Aundrea Wilcox

Haley and Kevin Shipley, and Ginger Nixon

JLUY 2015 | VIPSEEN | 29


SEEN IN JOHNSON CITY

THE GARLAND FARM ESTATES

Garland Farm Estates

Crawfish Boil STORY SUBMITTED | PHOTOGRAPHY BY DANIELLE HAHNE

The Garland Farm Estates 4th Annual Crawfish Boil was an event that would make any Cajun feel at home! Held on Saturday, May 16th at Garland Farm Estates, the event was attended by a plethora of friends and neighbors who enjoyed 1,000 pounds of all-you-can-eat Louisiana-style crawfish with andouille sausage, potatoes, mushrooms and ears of corn. Plenty of ice cold beer and Mr. Darnell’s fruity punch kept everyone cool while enjoying the funky soul music of the Louisiana based Keith Horton Band. More than $5,000 in proceeds raised from this event were generously donated to Dawn of Hope, a nonprofit organization which provides adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities life enhancing programs through developmental, residential, vocational and health services. Thank you to all the Sponsors who helped make this event possible; Chaparral Buick GMC, Crossfit Johnson City, East Tennessee Brain and Spine Center, Ferguson, Knoxville TVA Employees Credit Union, Mitch Cox Companies and Construction, Peoples Community Bank, and Cherokee Distributing Co.

Paul Landry, Jason Walls, Craig Matherne, Mike Merrill, Pat Ryder, James Denham, Jay Balint, and Michael Garland

Greg Cox, Caroline Abercrombie, and David Tomita

Glenn Courter and Denise Hensley

Cinthia and Karel Elbers James and Andrew Denham

30 | VIPSEEN | JULY 2015

Ryan Crutcher and Pat Oakley


Kim Shallcross and Craig Lightsey

Dawn of Hope Staff and Board Members

Brock, Fernando Voelker, with Matthew and Kristin Stringer


SEEN IN JOHNSON CITY

HOLY TACO

Chowing Down for a Cause STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY SUBMITTED

On Saturday, April 18, Holy Taco Cantina held ‘Chow Down for Dogs,’ a taco eating contest and drive to benefit the new Washington County Animal Shelter. Despite a day of rainy weather, the event produced over 200lbs of pet food and $150 in cash donations. The hungry contestants were set up with 10 tacos per plate to see who could eat the most in a 3-minute window. Up for grabs were prizes from Miller/Coors, Holy Taco Cantina, and Tipton Street Pub. First place also received a large trophy, with second and third being awarded a medal of honor. In the end, Jesse Scott took the first place slot with 8 tacos while Clinton Blevins and Jared Richardson came in at a close second and third with 6 tacos each. Holy Taco Cantina is located at 211 East Main Street in downtown Johnson City. For information on future events and specials, visit www.facebook.com/holytacocantina

32 | VIPSEEN | JULY 2015


GRAYSBURG HILLS GOLF COURSE

SEEN IN CHUCKEY

3rd Annual Luke’s Pizza and NTSA

Charity Golf Tournament STORY BY MORGAN MOSELEY | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SAVANNA MCDAVID

Luke’s Pizza and NTSA teamed up for the 3rd Annual Charity Golf Tournament at the beautiful Graysburg Hills Golf Course in Chucky, TN. Before the 1 pm shotgun, a delicious lunch of chicken and barbeque was provided. Professional Payroll Services provided 4 separate holein-one prize opportunities; including a trip to Pinehurst. Needless to say most players were on their game hoping to win one of the great prizes. All proceeds go to benefit the NTSA. Northeast Tennessee Sports Association, a non-profit, all volunteer organization is committed to providing low cost and no-cost athletic opportunities to youth to get them active and improve their well-being. The tournament also hosted the 1st Annual Golf Ball Toss Challenge. Almost every golfer entered the Ball Toss Challenge in hopes of tossing their ball in the hole first and winning $2,500.

JLUY 2015 | VIPSEEN | 33


The

CRUMLEY HOUSE

POLYNESIAN BEACH PARTY Saturday, August 8, 6:00 pm Gates open at 5:00 p.m. Polynesian Dinner Live & Silent Auction Come early and visit the Powell Tractor Barn 4:00—5:00 p.m.

Call (423) 257-3644 ext. 7 or crumleyhouse.com Entertainment By: DJ Robbie Britton

$100 Per Person

Event & Entertainment Sponsors


Serve it Up Sassy

A Garden-Fresh Picnic

G

rab your sun hat and head for the country, this seasons gardenfresh bounty turns into fine fare for a healthy impromptu picnic. Summer picnics are just ripe for picking with all of your favorite garden-fresh vegetables and fruits. Easy to make recipes, utilizing homegrown ingredients, are the perfect way to reap the benefits of your summer-time gardening efforts. If your backyard isn’t brimming with rows of fresh produce, a nearby farmers market will offer everything you need for this summer-time picnic. Fresh peaches, blueberries, melons, sweet corn-on-the-cob, juicy ripe tomatoes, herbs, lettuces, squash, zucchini, peppers, onions and cucumbers---with ingredients like these at their best, picnics can’t help but be delicious. Whether you dine by a lake on a blanket or roll out a wheel barrel under your favorite tree, these picnic recipes will please every palate. An appetizer made with fresh herbs, basil, parsley, and arugula leaves makes a peppery pesto crostini. A vegetable spread is chock full of home-grown diced vegetables made with cucumbers, radishes, green onions, red, yellow and green bell peppers, garlic, parsley, and tomatoes. Every bite is crunchy and delicious in a roast beef pocket sandwich. Cut carrots, celery, and cucumber sticks with cherry tomatoes are served up sassy in small containers with flavored olive oils for dipping. Individual desserts are half-pint peach and blueberry cobblers baked ahead for ease and travel. Better bake extra cobblers, with only a ½ cup serving with each jar they won’t last long. Last but not least, a summer picnic would not be the same without our southern sweet tea served in ice cold mason jars.

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

JLUY 2015 | VIPSEEN | 35


Serve it Up Sassy Packing a safe picnic lunch is important so here are a few safety tips when planning your meal. “For a worry-free picnic, place perishable foods, such as hot dogs, burgers, poultry, deviled eggs, macaroni, potato salads, anything mayonnaise-cream cheese based food, in a well-insulated cooler with plenty of ice or freezer gel packs. They need to be kept cold. Avoid leaving foods in the sun and do not cross contaminate cooking utensils when grilling raw meats.” Check out this website for more important picnic-safe tips. www. foodsafety.gov/blog/perfectfood.html For an impromptu picnic setting, a quilt or blanket provides the perfect soft spot for a hard ground. To keep quilt from being soiled place a plastic tablecloth on the ground then add the quilt, or cover a picnic table with your tablecloth and quilt. Large pillows for lounging is always fun and of course a

well -packed picnic basket. The basket should include your eating utensils, glasses and plates- paper or melamine, napkins, needed serving containers and utensils, trash bags, baggies, paper towel, wet naps, breads and non refrigerated items. Add a mason jar full of white hydrangea, zinnias, Queen Ann’s lace and other wonderful summer flowers for a simple centerpiece. A bowl of apples and fresh fruit can also be a great centerpiece. Dining or picnicking alfresco is one of summer’s delights. Call your friends and family and get the picnic going. A garden fresh picnic is a perfect way to celebrate nature’s bounty and a summer afternoon. Helping you Make a Statement, Make it Sassy and Make it Yours!®

Garden Pesto Crostini Instructions

Ingredients ½ cup baby arugula leaves ¼ cup basil leaves 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts 2 tablespoons chopped parsley 2 tablespoons + ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese 2 cloves garlic, chopped 4 tablespoons butter, softened 3 – 4 teaspoons olive oil Salt and Pepper- optional 20- ¼ “sliced crusty bread loaf for crostini 8-10 cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced

1. Brush crostini slices with olive oil and grill or toast in oven until golden brown. 2. In food processor, pulse walnuts one or two times, add arugula leaves, basil, parsley, 2 tablespoons cheese and garlic, pulse until smooth. 3. Scrape down sides and add softened butter and olive oil. Pulse mixture until smooth and creamy. Add salt and pepper if desired to taste. 4. Spread small amount of pesto on crostini, sprinkle with parmesan cheese, top with sliced tomato. Yield: 20 crostini or 1 cup of pesto

Half Pint Peach and Blueberry Cobbler Ingredients 6 half pint canning jars 3 peaches, peeled, pitted and diced ½ cup blueberries-fresh ½ cup dark brown sugar ½ cup self rising flour ½ cup melted butter ½ cup granulated sugar ½ cup milk

Instructions 1. Peel, pit and dice peaches 2. In bottom of each canning jar, place a teaspoon of dark brown sugar. 3. Add diced peaches and blueberries on top of brown sugar. 4. Mix together flour, butter, sugar and milk, pour over fruit in jar. Leave ½ inch space at the top, so batter will not run over. 5. Place filled canning jars on a double layered baking sheet lined with parchment paper. 6. Bake 15-20 minutes at 350 degrees. 7. Serve with mini vanilla ice cream scoops. Dessert can be frozen after baked and cooled. Yield: 6 half-pint mini cobblers 36 | VIPSEEN | JULY 2015

Make a Statement, Make it Sassy and Make it Yours!® Liz Bushong is an expert in the three-dimensional art of entertaining. She transforms simple dining occasions into beautiful and memorable moments by adding a touch of her own “sassy” style. For the past several years Liz been entrusted to decorate the White House for several Holidays. She is a featured monthly guest chef/designer on Daytime Tricities, Daytime Blue Ridge and other television shows. Liz is the author of the Just Desserts and Sweets & Savories cookbook as well as a contributing writer for VIP SEEN and Bella Magazine. For more information about Liz go to www.lizbushong.com/www.serveitupsassy.com


Deli Beef Pockets with Garden Vegetable Spread www.serveitupsassy.com

Ingredients 6-2” slices French bread ¼ pound thinly sliced roast beef 1 cup arugula or other small leaf lettuce Garden Vegetable Spread - recipe follows

Instructions Cut French Bread into 6- 2” wide slices. Hollow one side of bread to create a pocket for the filling. Spread Garden Vegetable mixture inside the pocket and up the sides of the crusty bread shell. Fill the pocket with 1-1/2 slices of roast beef. Garnish with the arugula leaves if desired. Wrap sandwich with plastic wrap and keep cold for picnic.

Garden Vegetable Spread Yield: 1-1/2 cups

Yield: 6 sandwiches

Ingredients 1-4 ounce package cream cheese, softened 4 tablespoons Hellmans mayonnaise 2 tablespoons creamy horseradish 2 tablespoons minced parsley 1/8 cup diced carrots, green onions, radish, cucumber, and yellow squash red, orange and green bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, arugula leaves ½ teaspoon garlic powder ¼ teaspoon salt and white pepper ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions Place cream cheese, mayo, and horseradish in a large mixing bowl. Add diced vegetables and seasonings. Mix to combine. Serve spread with Roast Beef Pockets or crostini.


SEEN IN ELIZABETHTON

HISTORIC DOWNTOWN

49th Annual

Covered Bridge Celebration STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY SAVANNA MCDAVID

The 49th Annual Covered Bridge Celebration brought east Tennessee to life with four days of music and festivities in downtown Elizabethton. This year’s festival was bigger than ever with names such as Trey Heffinger, Jeff Little Trio and Justin Teseniar. The Covered Bridge Park was full of homemade crafts and dÊcor from as far as North Carolina. Another big draw was the delicious food! There were many local food vendors and most were cooking up special treats just for the celebration along with their signature dishes. Throughout the four days were contests and on Saturday the annual Covered Bridge 5K, which ends right outside the covered bridge. Constructed in 1882, the Elizabethton Covered Bridge connects 3rd Street and Hattie Avenue. The bridge is still in excellent condition and is always open to bicyclists and pedestrians. The Annual celebration is to remember the great history of the town and the story that made Elizabethton what and where it is today.

Kathryn Morton, Kathryn Hardin, and Laurie Hardin

Lisa, Karen, Anslie, Lindy, Cortnie, and Lacey

Brian and Amanda Rhea National Guard

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Josie Russell and Carrie Trivett

Ethan and Kayla


Mossy Pockets

Carie Stewart and John Greene

Ron and Ann Henry

A group of girls enjoying their day at the festival.

Kevin Jones and Betti Perry

Patterson family

Stephanie and Rita

Harris Family

Earl Smalling and Jack Smalling

JLUY 2015 | VIPSEEN | 39


SEEN IN JONESBOROUGH

INTERNATIONAL STORYTELLING CENTER

5th Annual Taste of Jonesborough STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY TONI DRUMWRIGHT

The Jonesborough Area Merchants & Services Association hosted the fifth annual “Taste of Jonesborough” held at The International Storytelling Center on Tuesday, May 12. Residents of the town as well as of the region came out to show their support and taste delicious food. Guests had the opportunity to sample cuisine from local restaurants and bakeries, beer and wine, along with an insider’s look at new merchandise and product offerings from a variety of shops and other establishments located throughout Jonesborough. More than 40 local businesses participated in the success of this event; whether they donated food, beverages or items for the silent auction that took place throughout the evening. It was a community involvement to help with local charities in the area.

Marj on Main

Jessica and Stephen Callahan

Mary Sanger

Ann Mason showing Jonesborough Heritage Ellen Stafford

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BIRTHPLACE OF COUNTRY MUSIC MUSEUM

SEEN IN BRISTOL

Bristol, Virginia Historic District

Preservation Awards STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY SAVANNA MCDAVID

Solar Hill Winners Jack and Freda Mullins (not pictured)

Historic District Committee

On May 28th, the City of Bristol, Virginia held their annual Historic District Preservation Awards at the beautiful Birthplace of Country Music. The award ceremony was to highlight this year’s preservation award winners. The public, members of the committee and the honorees all attended to show support for the hard work of the Historic Committee and to congratulate this years winners. Residents in the Solar Hill, Virginia Hill and Euclid Avenue were nominated. The Historic District is made up of five different districts; Euclid Avenue, Solar Hill, Bristol Downtown Commercial, Bristol Warehouse and Virginia Hill. The mission of the committee is to encourage excellence in preservation and thereby decrease blight in the city by recognizing and honoring property owners and developers who engage in high-quality preservation projects. These awards have become a hit with the city of Bristol, Virginia and will begin to be held every May. For more information on the Historic Committee, please contact Catherine Brillhart, Mayor of Bristol, Virginia and chair of the Historic District Preservation Award Committee.

Euclid Avenue Winners Bill and Diane Thomas

Virginia Hill Winners Dr. James and Brenda Otis

Bristol, Virginia Mayor Catherine Brillhart

Christina Blevins, Bill Hartley, Susan Long, and Sid Oakley

JLUY 2015 | VIPSEEN | 41


SEEN IN ABINGDON

ABINGDON HIGHER EDUCATION CENTER

William King Museum

Art Ball STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAMES HELMS

The William King Museum of Art held its annual Art ball entitled “Catch the Whimsy” at the Grand ballroom of the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center this year. The fundraiser is one of the biggest of the year and proceeds will benefit art outreach programs in the area. Each year an artist or philanthropist is recognized for their contributions to region and this year the recognition went to longtime Abingdon resident and award winning artist Charles Vess. Charles Vess is best known for his work in the fantasy realm as a painter and illustrator for many comic books, children’s books, and graphic novels. His work can be seen at Mallory Fine Arts in downtown Abingdon. Tonight’s dinner was catered by local chef Catherine Elliot and entertainment was provided by Sandra Parker on the harp and the band Ron Short and the Possum’ Playboys. Save the date for next year’s art ball on June 11th, 2016!

Neil and Shannon Bramlette

Rhonda and Mark Hurt

Catering by Catherine

Pat Jessee and Sandra Parker

Terry and Robin Moore, with Jeff and Visaya Smith Val Lyle and Mark Smith

Charles Vess and Polly Mallory Polly Mallory, Catherine Elliot, Rhonda Hurt, and Barbara Hendrickson

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Candace Sykes and Lilian Minix


Mary Jane Miller and Cynthia Herrell

Nick and Carolyn Kesters, with Pat Jessee

The Lyles and Sprinkles

Deni and Tom Peterson


SEEN IN BRISTOL

MATNEY RESIDENCE

Girls Inc of Bristol

Friends Party STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY TONI DRUMWRIGHT

Girls Inc of Bristol’s Friends Party was held Sat June 6th at the home of John and Becky Matney. The couple opened their home up for the largest fundraiser of the year for Girl’s Inc. It was a huge success with the help of the Board Member’s, local business owner’s and passionate community members. People from all over the Bristol area came to support one of Bristol’s best programs for girls. Everyone also got to enjoy an evening of friends, fun and great food. Girls Incorporated of Bristol provides an outreach program for approximately 150 young girls to provide computer labs, teen crisis center as well as other educational outlets. This program has been such a success, that it continues to grow each year. Several of the schools and local churches have provided the same direction as the main campus in Bristol. Girls Inc. of Bristol has a mission to inspire ALL girls to be Strong, Smart, and Bold!

Callie Counts, Nicole and David Cullop, Bea Wagner, Heather and Jason Lawson, and Lilly Hefinger

The Hosts- John and Becky Matney

Jonathon Harden and Debbie King

Shirley Carrier, Betty Wilson, Becky Matney, and Betty McGlothlin

The Board Members

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Sherri Jessee and Julie Thomas

Jackie Leonard and Bambi Akard




VIPSEEN EXCLUSIVE COMMUNITY COVERAGE MAY 2015

Seen on the Scene ABINGDON MAIN STREET HOSTS CLASSIC CAR SHOW SATURDAY MAY 30TH Abingdon, VA -- Abingdon Main Street hosted the Cruisin’ Classic Car Club’s 4th annual car show, Wheels on Historic Main Street, on Saturday, May 30, 2015, from 4 to 9 PM. The show, which has been expanded to include trucks, motorcycles and tractors was held on Main Street between Cummings and Wall Streets. Wheels on Historic Main Street was presented in partnership with Abingdon Main Street, a non-profit organization dedicated making the downtown district a place where people want to shop, dine, stay and play. Main Street plans events and activities to draw locals and visitors to downtown and supports locally owned businesses. Abingdon Main Street is part of the national Main Street Organization. For more information on Abingdon Main Street and downtown events and businesses, visit http://abingdonmainstreet.com.

AVOCA BRANCH LIBRARY SCHEDULES E-READER HELP The Avoca Branch of the Bristol Public Library has scheduled an expert to teach anyone who needs help how to use their E-readers and how to download e-books to their readers. The help will emphasize the R. E. A. D. S. electronic book and audio book download system available at both Avoca and the Main BPL downtown through the Tennessee State Library. Amy Kimani, assistant director of the Holton River Regional Library system will be at Avoca on June 16th from 1 pm until 3 pm to teach patrons how to use their readers and to answer questions about READS and other sources of e-books. Ms. Kimani has worked with a Tennessee state-wide committee to develop the process by which e-books are chosen. She also has given presentations at several state-wide conferences on both Tennessee R. E. A. D. S. and the Tennessee Standards for Non-Metropolitan Public Libraries. Through the Holston River Regional Library she acts as a consultant to 25 libraries in Northeast Tennessee. The Avoca Branch of the Bristol Public Library is located at 1550 Volunteer Parkway in Bristol, Tennessee. For additional information on this event call the Avoca Branch at 423-968-9663. EASTMAN RECEIVES TOP HONOR FOR COLLEGE AND CAREER READINESS

E&H BEGINS MAJOR RENOVATIONS OF FORMER SMYTH COUNTY HOSPITAL MARION, Va. -- Crews have begun work on the first phase of a $20 million renovation of the former Smyth County Community Hospital building that will eventually house the Emory & Henry College School of Health Sciences. The first phase of renovation, which is expected to be completed in June 2016, includes changes to the first two floors of the four-story building to accommodate occupational therapy and physician assistant programs and provide additional space for the current physical therapy program. The renovated space will include classrooms, faculty offices, skills laboratories, faculty and student research laboratories, and a state-of-the-art patient simulation laboratory.

NAMED AS THE NATIONAL EXEMPLAR IN ACT’S NATIONAL COLLEGE AND CAREER READINESS PROGRAM KINGSPORT, Tenn., June 10, 2015 – Every year, ACT recognizes the achievements of four national exemplars for College and Career Readiness: a student, a high school, a community college and an employer. Last night in Washington, DC, ACT recognized Eastman as the National Employer Exemplar. This annual program honors a distinguished group of students, schools and employers for exemplifying what is being done in states across the country to improve individuals’ prospects for success. Eastman is the only employer in the nation to receive this prestigious distinction. The national finalists were selected from nominations by each of 34 participating states across four award categories: Student Readiness (student), College and Career Transition (high school), Career Preparedness (community college) and Workplace Success (employer). Each of these categories represents a critical juncture in the college and career readiness continuum. The exemplars were determined by the 2015 National Selection Committee comprising education, business, and political leaders.

The building will also become the location for two community outreach programs: the Obesity Research Center and the Falls Prevention Center. The E&H School of Health Sciences will begin classes this fall with 32 students in the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program. Classrooms, faculty offices and laboratories for this program are housed in a separate facility on the campus near the former hospital. This building was renovated for the DPT program in 2012. JLUY 2015 | VIPSEEN | 47


Seen on the Scene WEICHERT REALTORS-SAXON CLARK Weichert Realty - Saxon Clark opened it’s doors on April 21st for an open house/ career night to let the community know about their new name and the resources behind their fast growing franchise. Mike Norris will lead the office now known as WEICHERT, REALTORS® - Saxon Clark, an independently owned and operated member of Weichert Real Estate Affiliates, Inc. (WREA). Norris added that: “We’re proud to be affiliated with one of the most powerful and respected names in the industry and look forward to long and prosperous partnership with WEICHERT®.” WEICHERT, REALTORS® - Saxon Clark is a member of the Northeast Tennessee Association of REALTORS®. The office serves the Tri-Cities area and surrounding communities in addition to Southwest Virginia. For more information contact: WEICHERT, REALTORS® – Saxon Clark 555 E Main Street, Suite 101, Kingsport, TN 37660 (423) 765-9118 or SCEHomesForSale.com

MOUNTAIN STATES CELEBRATES OPENING OF NEW SLEEP LAB AT UNICOI COUNTY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL ERWIN, Tenn. – While progress continues on the planning of the new Unicoi County Memorial Hospital, good things are happening at the current hospital. On June 8, Mountain States Health Alliance celebrated the addition of another service at UCMH – a new sleep lab. The sleep lab will offer in-lab sleep diagnostic testing for sleep apnea, undetermined excessive daytime sleepiness, restless legs syndrome and insomnia, along with CPAP management and follow-up. Home sleep testing will also be available and all consultations will be done by a board-certified sleep physician. Sleep disorders are common – one in five adults suffers from at least mild sleep apnea – and are often associated with other serious health conditions. If left untreated, they can increase the risk of stroke, fatal heart attack or being in a serious or fatal traffic accident, among other things.

HOPE ON WHEELS MOTORCYCLE RIDE HAS BIGGEST DAY YET TO BENEFIT CANCER PATIENTS

LEXUS OF KINGSPORT DONATES NEW CAR TO SERVING ORPHANS WORLDWIDE MAY 15, 2015 Friday May 15th, local nonprofit Serving Orphans Worldwide received an extraordinary donation from Chris Hill of Lexus of Kingsport. A brand new 2014 Lexus CT was donated to Serving Orphans Worldwide in Bristol, Tennessee. SOW plans to raffle off the car, with a special giveaway to occur during the weekend of their World Tour fundraising events. The World Tour fundraising event is SOW’s first annual Gala and Golf Tournament. 100% of proceeds from this event will directly support orphanages all over the world. On September 13, SOW will host a Fundraising Gala at The Foundation Event Facility in Bristol, Tennessee. The following morning, September 14, SOW will host a Charity Golf Event at the renowned golf course, The Olde Farm. Tickets for both events are available to purchase at soworldwide.org/worldtour​. 48 | VIPSEEN | JULY 2015

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. – A gorgeous day greeted riders on May 30 for the seventh annual Hope on Wheels motorcycle ride, which had its biggest turnout ever and raised more than $10,000 to benefit area cancer patients – the most in event history. The event, presented by Mountain States Foundation, had 116 motorcycles participate and supports the foundation’s Circle of Hope fund that provides financial assistance to hundreds of patients during their treatment. “This year was a huge success,” said organizer Jeff Clinebell. “We’re excited about the results and are extremely pleased with the record numbers. We had a beautiful and safe day to raise money for cancer patients in the region. This helps with their expenses and we hope it will reduce their stress so they can concentrate on winning the battle against cancer.” Circle of Hope is often used for expenses associated with cancer care such as gas vouchers, taxi fares, non-covered medications, nutritional expenses and personal care items. The Circle of Hope has paid for electric or other important bill, depending on the patients’ greatest needs.


Seen on the Scene TENNESSEE VALLEY CORRIDOR CELEBRATES 20 YEARS, HONORS EASTMAN AND TVC BOARD MEMBER WITH CORRIDOR CHAMPION AWARDS, ELECTS NEW TVC BOARD CHAIRMAN OAK RIDGE, Tenn.— At the Tennessee Valley Corridor (TVC) National Summit, which was held in Johnson City at East Tennessee State University the end of May, the TVC celebrated its 20 year anniversary and recognized two long-time Corridor supporters for their contributions to the regional economic development efforts of the TVC. Eastman Chemical Company and TVC Board member Mike Arms were honored with the Corridor Champion Award, which recognizes individuals and organizations that provide leadership to enhance the TVC’s national visibility, high-tech economic development, and collaborative efforts within the region. The TVC also elected a new board chairman, Steve Cope, who currently serves as the board’s secretary. Cope has served on the TVC Board since 1999 and is the Director of Business Development and Marketing with Avion Solutions in Huntsville, AL.

FOOD CITY’S STEVE SMITH HONORED WITH INDUSTRY AWARD FOR PUBLIC AFFAIRS Food Marketing Institute (FMI) presented its most distinguished award in public affairs, the Glen P. Woodard, Jr. Award, to Food City President and Chief Executive Officer Steven C. Smith at FMI Connect, the industry’s premier event. Throughout his 36 years with Food City, Smith’s leadership extends well beyond his work at the company. Smith has been an incredibly effective advocate on behalf of the food retail industry, actively leading efforts in each of his operating areas in local, state and federal government activities.

THE HERO IN YOU FOUNDATION TO PROVIDE THREE SCHOLARSHIPS TO ELEMENTARY CLASSROOMS IN HONOR OF LOCAL KINGSPORT RESIDENT BUSTER WATTS WHO PASSED AWAY ON MAY 26, 2015 This Fall, when school begins, in memory of Buster Watts, The Hero in You Foundation will provide three scholarships, each of $250, to the elementary classrooms who write the best description of a person who is a hero to them. A selection of work will be exhibited in The Gallery at City Hall and/or the Atrium Gallery at the Renaissance Arts Center. The 3 winning essays will be selected by the Kingsport Fire Department. Buster recently worked with Bunni & Rick Benaron who created The Hero in You Foundation which is dedicated to honoring the heroes in our lives and inspiring kids to want to be a hero in their own life. Kingsport is part of the ‘Dalmatian Nation’ and friendly red and black Dalmatian sculpture, designed by Karen and Tony Barone, can be found at Fire Station #1 on Island Street in Downtown Kingsport.

“Perhaps one of Smith’s most creative and hardfought victories was completed last year – getting wine in grocery stores in Tennessee,” reflected FMI Senior Vice President of Government and Public Affairs Jennifer Hatcher. “Steve won’t take ‘no’ for an answer when it comes to change that will benefit his customers, his associates, his company or his industry.”

Buster Watts was a beloved member of the Kingsport community, a longtime art supporter and an avid community volunteer. Buster died on May 26 after a lifetime of service to his community. He will be sorely missed. Teachers wishing to have their students participate are encouraged to get details of the program from the Kingsport Office of Cultural Arts and Kingsport Fire Department.

Describing Smith’s passion for grassroots, Hatcher continued, “Steve used 5-foot wine bottle cut-outs as a visual to complement his grassroots campaign, ‘Red, White and Food,’ that engaged 30,000 customers and voters in Tennessee to support the sale of wine in grocery stores. Smith testified in the state legislature and then helped lead a store-to-store, countyby-county campaign that culminated with 80 counties voting for wine in grocery stores.”

Home-grown artist, Blaine Willis, opened his debut exhibition Friday June 5 at 3:00pm at Nelson Fine Art, 324 E Main St, in downtown Johnson City. This was the first local art show in thirteen years for the Johnson City native, and included past works as well as many new pieces.

“CREATURES OF LIGHT” TO OPEN AT NELSON FINE ART

Willis has been painting for over 30 years resulting in a large body of highly distinctive work covering a variety of subject matter. Combining carefully developed—and unique—techniques, a limited color palette, and pure talent, he offers a spectacular visual experience not typically found in abstract paintings. By overlapping layers of paint in specific ways, Willis creates twodimensional works with a three-dimensional feel. It has taken a lifetime to develop his specific technique, and many of his works are viewable through 3-D glasses, amplifying the effect. The subject matter for Willis’s artwork runs the spectrum. Inspiration comes in a variety of forms, and everything from music to the cosmos to cultural iconography is found in his work. Information can be found at Mr. Willis’s website, www.blainewillisart.com. JLUY 2015 | VIPSEEN | 49


Seen on the Scene

AFLAC Located on Two Red Bush Court in Johnson City, Aflac has opened its doors to the public celebrating with a ribbon cutting. Aflac’s individual and group insurance products give American families the ability to direct cash benefits where they are needed most, when a life-interrupting medical situation occurs. Contact them at 432-973-3234, also at www.aflac.com.

BASQ RESTAURANT Basq Restaurant and Catering celebrated their grand opening with a ribbon cutting. Basq is open for lunch 11am to 3pm, Tuesday through Saturday. Dinner is severed Thursday through Saturday, from 5pm to 10pm. Located at 724 State street, Basq is right in downtown Bristol. Call (423) 573-4545 for reservations and check out their website at basqrestaurantandcatering.com.

BOOT BARN The world’s largest western and workwear retailer with 175 stores in 28 states and over 100,000 styles, colors and sizes has made it’s way to Bristol, Tn. Located at 416 Pinnacle Pkwy, Boot Barn is one of the newest stores in the development. They are open Monday Saturday 10am - 9pm Sunday 12pm - 6pm, so be sure to visit their newest location. You can also see their great selections at www.bootbarn.com.

JOHNNY BRUSCO’S Johnny Brusco’s newest location opened earlier this month in the Pinnacle at Bristol. Johnny Brusco’s is famous for serving NY-style hand-tossed pies, plus pasta & sandwiches. Dine in or carry out, 423-5732002. They are open Sunday-Thursday 11:00am9:00pm and Friday-Saturday 11:00am-10:00pm.

CRICKET WIRELESS Cricket Wireless is a prepaid wireless voice, text, and data service provider, a branch of AT&T Inc. As of 2011, it provided prepaid wireless services to approximately 5 million subscribers in the United States. The company recently opened its doors in Bristol at 321 Gate City Hwy Ste A. Stop in for a visit, call them at (800) 636-0020 or visit their website www. cricketwireless.com to see what Cricket Wireless can do for you.

ELWOOD STAFFING Founded in 1980, Elwood Staffing, a privately owned corporation, is a leading provider of talent-based solutions. With offices that span the United States and extend into Canada, a broad service portfolio, and a seasoned staff, Elwood supports companies through the entire employment life cycle. Now, they are supporting the Bristol community. Cutting theribbon at 1387 Volunteer Pkwy, Ste 1, Elwood is excited to be in the Tri-Cities call them today at 423-797-8309. And visit them online at www.elwoodstaffing.com.

JUNK AND TREASURES Selling used furniture and unique items to custom build and restore furniture, such as window furniture, primitive furniture & distressed furniture. Located on 218 East Center Street in Kingsport Junk and Treasures has a wide variety of what you are looking for. Open Tuesday-Saturday 9:00am-6:00pm and Sunday 11:00am-4:00pm contact Junk and Treasures at 423-617-8135

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JOHNSON CITY SENIOR CENTER Johnson City Seniors’ Center located on 510 Bert Street offers everything you are looking for. Provides fellowship, activities, and opportunities for dignity and personal growth. The center plans activities and services that are designed to improve the physical, social, emotional, and educational quality of life. Contact them at 423-434-6237, also at johnsoncitytn. com/seniors/.

CAN2’S CAR CARE Located on 701 E Center St in Kingsport, Can2’s Car Care offers a variety of car needs; such as car wash, detailing, automotive repair, and oil and lube filter services. Can2’s Car Care provides award winning service, open Mon-Fri 8:00am-5:00pm and Sat 9:00am-3:00pm. Contact them at 423-247-9274.


Seen on the Scene

LABCONNECT LabConnect provides global central laboratory services, including routine and esoteric laboratory testing, kit building, sample management, and more. Located on 100 Service Merchandise Dr in Johnson City, LabConnect can provide all of your central lab needs. Contact them at 423-722-3155 or visit them at =www.labconnectllc.com.

REEVES EYE INSTITUTE The doctors at Reeves Eye Institute focus on achieving excellence in eye care. Located on 2328 Knob Creek Road in Johnson City they provide all of your eye care needs. There website contains various amount of LASIK eye surgery information, as well as information regarding cataract surgery, glaucoma, diabetic eye care and more. Visit them at www.reeveseyeinstitute. com, or contact them at 423-722-1311.

WEICHERT REALTORS Weichert Realtors is one of the nation’s leading providers of Kingsport, Tennessee real estate for sale and home ownership services. Visit them at www.weichert.com/ TN/Sullivan/Kingsport/ Contact Weichert today to buy or sell real estate in Kingsport, TN at 1-800-872-7653.

ZAXBY’S Zaxby’s is now up and running at the Pinnacle in Bristol. The fast food restaurant, offering chicken wings, chicken fingers, sandwiches, and salads, is excited to be in Bristol. Open Monday-Thursday 10:30 A.M.– 10:00 P.M, Friday-Saturday 10:30 A.M. – 11:00 P.M. Sunday 11:00 A.M. – 10:00 P.M., drive through and pick up something good to eat. UT BOLSTERS RELATIONSHIP WITH EASTMAN BY JOINING ITS INNOVATION NETWORK Eastman Chemical Company and the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, have signed a multiyear agreement to conduct collaborative research in multiple scientific disciplines, especially in the neutron science and additive manufacturing fields in which UT is recognized worldwide for its unique expertise.

PRICELESS FOODS Priceless Foods cut a ribbon on their new location, 2012 Lee Highway, Bristol. Priceless is a unique grocery store because they price their products at cost, then add 10% at checkout. They carry all name brand foods, and accept manufacturer coupons. But, offer the public their favorite brands at an everyday lower cost than at ‘traditional grocers. Visit their website at mypricelessfoods.com.

Officials from UT and Eastman—which have worked together in other ways for years—gathered Monday at Eastman’s world headquarters to christen this new aspect of their relationship. UT is now the third academic partner in Eastman’s network of partner universities, joining North Carolina State University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. As part of the research agreement, Eastman will provide $750,000 in funding over three years to support research endeavors between Eastman scientists and UT faculty and students.


SEEN IN KINGSPORT

MEADOWVIEW CONVENTION CENTER

Grand Tour Gala:

Midnight in Paris STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAMES HELMS

The Meadowview Conference Center played host this year to The Boys & Girls Club of Greater Kingsport Gala and fundraiser on Saturday May 16, 2015. CEO and Club President Lisa Beilharz and her staff created a stunning evening with the theme of “Midnight in Paris”. Wine, assorted cheeses, pastries and French inspired entrees served by uniformed chefs were a true delight to all of the guests on hand. As you entered the gala you were greeted by street mimes and an illuminated replica of the Eiffel Tower. There were many street vendors for everyone to visit showcasing their wares along a marketplace street lit by streetlights. As street musicians played you could sample scones and chocolates, or watch artists painting portraits. Many of Kingsport’s local small businesses participated by setting up shop and donating items for the silent auction. Other highlights of the evening included a live auction and a drawing for a Porsche which has been a yearly tradition at the Gala. During the evening music was provided by the band “Nostalgia”. After the gala concluded guests were able to attend two after party events. One was located outside of the conference center and consisted of cocktails and cigars the other took place inside around the fireplace and was hosted by local MaryKay representative Michelle Helms who treated all of the ladies at the party to a peach or vanilla scented lotion hand massage.

Michelle Helms

Keta Hawley

Kayla Fancher

Jessica Gaude

Julia Davis

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Frankie Adams

Lisa Beilharz

Charlene Hanneker and Brenda Barnicki

Jan Novak and Stacy Rutherford

Andrew Bledsoe and Savannah McCord

Cindy Saadeh

Charles and Anne Clarke

Martha and Tom Parham

Judith Fitzgerald

John and Judy Harrison, wiht Marcia Buck

JLUY 2015 | VIPSEEN | 53


SEEN IN KINGSPORT

CROSSFIT KINGSPORT

CrossFit Kingsport

Games 2015 STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY SAVANNA MCDAVID

CrossFit Kingsport was packed with a room full of hungry competitors and their supporters Saturday, May 16th for the 2015 CrossFit Kingsport Games. Competitors were tested on strength, stamina, speed and accuracy. Teams, made of one man and one woman, had a limited time to complete multiple reps of multiple moves and all competed in more than one round. The crowd was electric, cheering for the competitors. CrossFit begins with a belief that infusing fitness with fellowship yields the greatest results. Unlike most gyms, we believe that the daily grind of working out should be a team effort, and that it should be fun. The 2015 Games is just one way of making working out even more fun. CrossFit is a scientifically sound training program based on performing constantly varied and functional movements at high intensities. Our workouts are comprised of an infinite variety of weightlifting, gymnastics, and metabolic conditioning in as many different time intervals and rep schemes as possible.

Nikki and Cam Beachley, owners of Crossfit Kingsport

54 | VIPSEEN | JULY 2015


WHAT IS

Nutrient Support For Detoxification BY: BOB HARSHBARGER, III, PharmD DOCTOR OF PHARMACY FELLOW OF AMERICAN COLLEGE OF APOTHECARIES

Detoxification takes place in a number of body systems, including the kidneys, the skin, and the lungs. However the principal organ of detoxification is the liver. Life is dependent upon the liver’s function as the primary defense against toxins and chemicals that enter from the bloodstream. If the liver ceases to function or becomes impaired, an individual will become quite ill. Our environment is becoming much more toxic and this increased toxicity is often expressed by the presence of illness or disease. Naturally, decreasing toxic load through a more healthful diet, daily exercise, decreased chemical exposure (prescription medications) and a quality probiotic can bring an improvement in toxicity based disease states. But in cases of prolonged toxic challenge, or the inability to resolve toxicity issues, the addition of supplements to further support liver detoxification is recommended. The liver is challenged to detoxify 24 hours a day. And the elaborate enzyme systems both in our liver and every cell of our body depend on nutrients to operate properly. The premier antioxidant and nutrient necessary for proper liver support of detoxification is glutathione.

help increase the body’s store of glutathione. Supplements such as Alpha Lipoic Acid, N-Acetyl-Cysteine, and Vitamin C were shown to raise glutathione levels. These supplements were used because glutathione was not effectively absorbed orally. However, the development of a Liposomal Glutathione product utilizing a phosphatidylcholine liposomal delivery system has now been shown to protect glutathione bonds from the degradation that can occur in digestion. This liposomal delivery system offers enhanced absorption that has never been seen before in oral administration. Glutathione has many functions in your body besides acting as the primary cellular detoxifier. It can also act as a heavy metal chelator and helps to detoxify prescription medications and other chemicals that we ingest. Glutathione protects the cells of the nervous system from damage and may help improve neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, Multiple Sclerosis, ALS, and Alzheimer’s disease. Given the extensive presence and use of glutathione in the body, a detoxification program that supports endogenous glutathione with nutrients such as NAC, Alpha Lipoic Acid, Vitamin C Esterified, and Milk Thistle are advised. And now, with the addition of oral Liposomal Glutathione, significant increase in glutathione stores in the body can be accomplished. To help you with your detoxification needs, Premier Pharmacy offers the following high-quality, professional grade supplements: • Liposomal Glutathione 250 mg • N-Acetyl-Cysteine 600 mg

Glutathione is present in every cell of our body, and the depletion of glutathione is noted in a wide range of medical conditions. For many years nutritional precursors were used to

• Alpha Lipoic Acid 300 mg • Vitamin C 500 mg Esterified

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SEEN IN JOHNSON CITY

THE BLACKTHORN CLUB AT THE RIDGES

Johnson City Chamber of Commerce

Golf Tournament STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAMES HELMS

On Monday June 15, 2015 The Johnson City Chamber Of Commerce held its golf tournament at The Blackthorn Club at the Ridges. Golfers were able to network and mingle during lunch on the pavilion which was catered by Our House restaurant. The chef prepared grilled chicken and burgers along with baked beans and potato salad. After lunch was served golfers made their way to the carts to await instructions. After the rules were explained golfers left out on a beautiful day to enjoy the tournament. This event was sponsored by Champion Chevrolet-Cadillac of Johnson City. To find out more information be sure to visit the Johnson City Chamber of Commerce at www.johnsoncitytnchamber.com.

Chef Seelye Coombs and Andy Tolley

Lunch by Our House Restaurant

Gary Mabrey, Lester Lattan, and Tim Swecker

The Ridges Clubhouse

Golf Pro Graham Enloe

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Crystal Phillips


Team SunTrust Bank

The Trane Team

Team Blackburn, Childers, and Stegall CPA’s


SEEN IN KINGSPORT

RIDGEFIELDS COUNTRY CLUB

Kingsport Chamber of Commerce’s 23rd Annual

Golf Scramble STORY BY MORGAN MOSELEY | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SAVANNA MCDAVID

Kingsport Chamber’s 23rd Annual Golf Scramble was May 11th at the Club at Ridgefields. Community and Chamber members from all over the Greater Kingsport area came out on a beautiful day to support a great organization. The event has become so large, that two flights were sent out. Lunch and dinner were provided by Texas Roadhouse. Hole competitions include prizes for longest drive, most accurate drive, closest to the pin and any holes-in-one.

Cumberland Marketing

The morning team awards in the first flight were, first place, AccuForce HR Solutions, second place, Bank of Tennessee, third place, Mattern & Craig. Second flight during the morning competition were first place, Saratoga Technologies, second place, Indian Path Medical Center, and third place, WorkSpace Interiors. Afternoon flight one, first place, B&H Wealth Strategies, second place, Burger King, and third place, Verizon Wireless. Afternoon flight two, first place Brock Services, second place, Ricoh USA, Inc., and third place, Food City. Congratulations to all the winners. All proceeds benefit the Kingsport Chamber, Keep Kingsport Beautiful and Leadership Kingsport programs. The event was sponsored by Food City, Pepsi, and Hunter, Smith & Davis.

Bob, Higgs, and Laura Feagins

Connor and Michelle Mitchell

Jessica Larkin and Bob Haywood

Adam Cline and Paterick McLees

Jozey Harper and Brooke Spivey

Shana Al Hadi and Melissa Gilliam Hampton Inn

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Appalachian Power


Citizens Bank

Stan Pace and Judy Kresge

Brad Hoover and Kingpsort Mayor Elect John Clark

WorkSpace Interiors

Bank of Tennessee

Wendell Jones and Tony Armstrong


VIPSEEN BUSINESS PROFILE

Hayworth Tire & Auto Service

D

uring 1982 and 1983 Bryan Hayworth was working part-time and helping his father with a wholesale route that ran through Johnson City and Kingsport. Bryan was attending ETSU at the time and his father had been in the tire business, mostly retreading, in Mountain City since 1969. On a sales call for his father in 1984, Bryan Hayworth stopped into a Union 76 filling station on Center Street and began what started as just a casual conversation with the owner Bill Goodman. Goodman had owned the small gas station for 45 years and was ready to retire. Hayworth inquired about the place and discovered that Bill was looking to rent it out to the right party. This was the opportunity that Bryan had been looking for, so he called his father as soon as he found the nearest payphone. “I called dad as soon as I pulled out of the parking lot and told him that I thought I had found a place for us to start a retail tire store and just a few weeks later, on Sept. 4th 1984, Hayworth Tire Centers was born!” The business started small, only providing oil changes and new tire sales, but in a few short months another location was opened in Elizabethton and now Hayworth Tire was a chain. Hayworth Tire opened a new location nearly every year starting in 1984, because as Bryan tells us, “Dad had a vision to open a 100 locations all over the south.” Untrustworthy managers made this impossible however and it wasn’t long before the decision was made to keep Hayworth Tires strictly in the family. “Being part of a family business brings a lot pride to me and I love taking care of our customers!” Ask Bryan Hayworth was he thinks separates his company from others and there is one point he immediately mentions, “I think there’s several things that set us apart from our competition, but the one big things is, we don’t nickel and dime them to death! I started fixing flats free all the way back in 1984-85 and the response that I got the first time was great, and the customer thanked me, and it was just a good feeling! Every since that day we have taken care of our customers with doing things like that without some big drummed up charge!” Taking care of customers and putting them first is a piece of business advice that

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Bryan took from his father and it has served him well over the years. The business has helped Hayworth make friends that he may never have crossed paths with otherwise, as well. “I love my customers and really want them to not be stressed about getting their vehicles worked on or getting new tires.” He doesn’t just work though; Bryan works hard to stay involved in the community as well. “My involvement in the community revolves around a lot of our youth programs. By being around a lot of sports programs with my boys while little, I saw the need that a lot of these programs needed, and money being the number one thing that was missing. I have been sponsoring youth teams for years and it has carried into the High Schools also.” His sons Ty and Austin both attend Dobyns-Bennett, so Hayworth has tried to help out anyway that he could. Hayworth Tires has also sponsored a lot of Breast Cancer events over the years: a cause very close to his heart. “My mother-in-law (Elaine Vicars) passed away due to breast cancer in August of 2013. She meant the world to me and would do anything should could to help out me and Cindy and the boys!” Cancer has hit the Hayworth family hard with several loved ones falling victim to the vicious disease. “My Dad got taken by brain Cancer and Cindy’s (Bryan’s wife) step-dad (Johnny Vicars) passed away from cancer as well.” The deaths have left voids in Bryan’s life, but he has not let the sadness hold him back. In fact, he has used the emptiness left by those who have passed on in order to fill his heart with joy by taking care of his customers. “The hardest part about my business is feeling like I just can’t disappoint my customers! We take care of a bunch of customers everyday and I hate to tell someone that we’re running behind or I can’t get them in on that day!” There’s not much that people don’t know about Bryan. He’s a very open person and is not afraid to share his ups and downs with anyone who will listen! His competitive streak pushes Hayworth to do and be the best at every aspect of his life. Weight training and fitness has been a part of Bryan Hayworth’s life since he was fifteen and all


three of his boys have followed in their father’s footsteps. Each of the Hayworth boys is competitive in sports, but most especially in football. “With Ty coming into his red shirt junior year at Wake Forest and Austin coming into his red shirt freshman year at ETSU-it’s going to be an interesting football season!” Bryan hopes the football bug bites his youngest, Houston, as well so the proud papa will have three sons playing the sport he loves so dearly. My Dad and Mom were my role models growing up, they worked hard to take care of us and we always knew that their Love was unconditional! The future looks bright for Hayworth Tire & Auto Service! “I keep moving forward with all kinds of new ideas. We had been doing custom wheels for years, and this past year has really taken off since we have started doing suspension lifts and Leveling Kits at our Kingsport location.” It’s awesome for Bryan to see a customer’s reaction when he have taken his/her run of the mill, stock vehicle and transformed it into something amazing. Social media has helped get the “Hayworth Hi-Trail Edition” promotion off the ground. “We take your stock vehicle and do as much as you want done, wheels, tires, lifts, side steps, bumpers, cold air intakes, and a lot more.” The vehicle even has the under-carriage repainted, but Hayworth Tires is willing to do just about anything legal to a car in order to make its customers happy. “We want to be the place to go that pretty much takes care of all of your vehicle needs! Our motto has been: ‘You’re riding on Our Reputation’ and we take that very seriously!” Bryan Hayworth hopes to see his father’s vision continue to grow and blossom; making Hayworth Tires the premier tire and car repair destination in the South East.

“I love my customers and really want them to not be stressed about getting their vehicles worked on or getting new tires.”


SEEN IN KINGSPORT

ALLANDALE MANSION

Monroe at the Mansion STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY SAVANNA MCDAVID

Wednesday, May 27th was not a normal day at Allandale Mansion. Women from all over the region came to enjoy a delicious lunch, support a great cause and meet a New York Time’s Best Selling Author. Monroe at the Mansion in May is one stop on a book release tour that benefits the Literacy Council of Kingsport. Mary Alice Monroe is a special soul with an extraordinary talent. This year, she came to share her newest novel, The Summer’s End, the third in her Low Country Series. Mary Alice had a special lunch with the big donors to the Literacy Council and then made her way downstairs to speak about her new book and talk with the audience, answering questions. She then signed everyone’s books. The Literacy Council of Kingsport’s mission is to provide free, one-on-one tutoring for adults and qualified children to improve their reading and writing skills. Some of their educational programs include basic adult literacy, children’s tutors in elementary schools and non-tutor volunteer opportunities. Monroe at the Mansion is one of the Literacy Council’s biggest fundraisers and could not be possible without the help of Friend’s of Allandale.

Miggie Atkinson and Debbie Folk

Donors and Supporters of the Literacy Council of Kingsport

Mary Alice and Ralph Jodi Hoover Jones and Charolette Hoover

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Mary Alice Monroe and Leigh Anne Hoover

Dawn Blake and Nada Weekley


MEADOWVIEW CONVENTION CENTER

SEEN IN KINGSPORT

Retirement Celebration Honoring

Mayor Dennis Phillips STORY BY SAVANNA MCDAVID | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANGELA BAKER

Thursday, June 18th was a bitter sweet evening for Kingsport as members of the community gathered at MeadowView Marriott to celebrate the Mayor Dennis Phillips. The room was overflowing with people who wanted to honor Mayor Phillips for his 10-year commitment to Kingsport. Many of his friends and colleagues shared stories and spoke great words, including former Kingsport Mayor Jeanette Blazier. Many speakers talked about Phillip’s humor and his uncanny ability to cut through the politics of things and get down to the real issue.

Crystal and James Phillips

John Campbell and Miles Burdine

Lorrie and Ashley Cooper, Janice Stapleton, Connie Salyer, and Ginger Nixon

Phillips got many gifts from his friends and colleagues. He received a press pass from the Kingsport Times-News, life long tickets to the Symphony of the Mountains, Eastman established a scholarship in his name and many other things. One gift, given by Jeff Flemming and the City of Kingsport, was extra special. Mayor Phillips helped push the academic village in Downtown, so the city decided to name the Kingsport higher Education Center after him and the former city manager, John Campbell. Phillips-Campbell Hall will be forever in Academic village as a remembrance. Among Phillips expansion of the Academic Village was the downtown redevelopment and expansion of the Greenbelt in Mayor Phillips’ 10-year term.

Mayor Phillips and City Manager John Campbell being honored

Mayor Dennis Phillips and Wife Bobbie Angela and John Vachon

Teresa and Larry Estepp

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MEADOWVIEW CONVENTION CENTER

Cathy and Jud Teague with Kingsport Mayor Elect John Clark

Pal and Sharon Barger

Keith Wilson and Bob Feathers

Jeff and CeeGee McCord

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Jeff Fleming, Angela Vachon, and Sherrie Mosley

Lucy Fleming and the Fortneys

Anne and Charles J Clarke III

Cindy Jewett, with Elizabeth and Meredith Cline

Laura and Bob Feagins

Chris MCCart, Adam Walton, and Sid Cox

Gail and John Campbell

Miles Burdine, Monty McLauren, and Danny Karst


Michael and Julie Bennett

Mayor Phillips and his family

Frank and Sarah Lett

Scott and Savanna McDavid with Tom Pratt

Etta and Mayor Elect John Clark

Mayor Phillips and Miles Burdine


SEEN IN ABINGDON

WOODBROOK FARMS

Boots & Bow Ties STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY TONI DRUMWRIGHT

Boots and Bow Ties rounded up another fundraiser on the evening of Saturday, May 16, to help fund services at Mountain States Cancer Care at Johnston Memorial Hospital for radiation oncology patients in the community This year was Presented by Marcia and Marvin Gilliam, event located at the beautiful farms of Woodbrook Farms in Abingdon, VA. This was a fun filled event that displayed southern gentlemen in their finest bowties worn by Wm King Clothiers, official clothier for the evening, escorting their lovely ladies to the barn party. Pratts Bar-b-que out did themselves by serving a Farm Fresh meal with Anthony’s desserts providing the final touch to the sweet tooth and Morrison’s Catering providing the cocktail hour.

Michelle, Mark and daughter Goodman

Live and Silent Action controlled by professional auctioneers took center stage; Adam Wilson Auctioneers kept the crowd going by auctioning various items donated by local business. Goodman Jewelers added a sparkle to the mix by giving a chance to win a pair of $4000 diamond earrings.

Teresa Gibson, Joey White, and Josh DeGrare (Head Chef of Johnston Memorial Hospital)

Flowers by Humphrey’s Flowers and Gifts Drs. Mia and David Smith

Thank you Marcia and Marvin Gilliam Dr. John and Sheila Patterson

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Riley and Emma Clark

limitless


SEEN IN JOHNSON CITY

CARMIKE CINEMA

Jurassic World

Movie Premiere STORY BY MORGAN MOSELEY | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SAVANNA MCDAVID

Kia of Johnson City and Mullins Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram presented a Hollywood style premiere of Jurassic World at Carmike Cinema on June 11, 2015. A black tie styled event along with the infamous red carpet was opened to guests and park visitors prior to the movie showing. Fans of all ages came out to see the world premier of a new addition to an all time classic. With demo cars from Kia of Johnson City, photo ops on the red carpet, and activities from Gray Fossil Site, Hands On Museum, and the Johnson City Cardinals movie goers had plenty to do while waiting in the long lines for tickets. The Premiere event was sold out and truly a glamorous one!

Ken and Sheena Tillison

Johnson City Cardinals

Kia of JC

Cameron Whaley and Justin Keys

Rifi Ahmad and William Camelot

Steve and Jeannie Pierce, Bredgitte Clausen, Chrissy and Denver Moses

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Maria True and Mark Lackey



SEEN IN JOHNSON CITY

HOLIDAY INN

Mazda Miata Zoomin

The Mountains STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAMES HELMS

The Tri-Cities Miata Club hosted its 9th annual Zoomin’ the mountains event June 4-7 starting at the Holiday Inn in Johnson Tennessee. This annual event helps raise money for the speedway Children’s Charities. According to the event organizer Lorie Haggerty this event has raised over $74,000 since its inception. Mazda Miata owners came from all over the country and Canada to attend this year’s event. The event kicked off poolside with a speech by Johnson City Mayor Van Brocklin and featured a wide variety of events over the course of 3 days. Some of the events included rides through the mountains, lunch at various eateries, a cornhole tournament, and poolside cookout. There was also a winery tour and a bbq lunch catered by Uncultured Swine that took place at the Mellomoon Moonshine Distillery hosted by Tiny Roberson. One of the highlights this year was the auto cross that took place at Bristol Motor Speedway as well as the night time zoom around the track under the lights. This year a very special event occurred at the Winner’s Circle as two longtime members held a surprise wedding. This was the largest turnout that the club has had so far with over 230 Miata’s registered.

TCMC group

Kathy and Bob Brader

Mayor Ralph Van Brocklin

Chaplain Barber

Bill and Trish Polfus

Lorie Haggerty

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Steve Vogler and Pat Ringley

A surprise wedding

Geri’s Bazaar


Happy July

Happy Birthday Toni! Love your VIP Family

Happy Birthday Lisa! Love your lots

Happy Birthday Kris and Sabrina!

Happy Birthday to my beautiful sister, Demi! I love you- Angela

Happy Birthday Kitty Alexander!

Happy Birthday Bobby! Love your VIP family

Liam, Thank you for 5 amazing years! I love you to the moon and back- Mommy

Happy Birthday Rita!

Happy Birthday Eli! Big 12 yeaars old.

Happy Birthday Nicole Austin!

Happy Birthday Marcie Toomey! Happy Birthday KD!

Happy 50th Anniversary Waymond and Phyllis!

Happy Birthday Leslie Roberts!

Happy Birthday Frank!

Happy Birthday Keena!

Happy Birthday Ashley Nelms!

Happy Birthday Dan Estes!

Happy Birthday Natalie Moore!

Happy Birthday to my best friend and my hero. I couldn’t live without you, I love you!

Happy Birthday Joe Carter!

Happy Birthday to my amazing grandmother! I love you!

Happy Birthday Lisa Beliharz!

Happy Birthday Crystal Philips!

JLUY 2015 | VIPSEEN | 71


Happy July

Happy Birthday Megan and Chris!

Happy Birthday Lauren Griffin!

Happy Birthday Frank Lett!

Happy Birthday Dustin Mohr!

Happy Birthday Dave Skelton!

Happy Birthday Doug Kirkland!

Happy Birthday Britta!

Happy Birthday Mandy Alley!


RIDGEFIELDS COUNTRY CLUB

SEEN IN KINGSPORT

CASA for Kids, Inc

13th Annual Golf Classic STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY SAVANNA MCDAVID

May 18th was a beautiful day at Ridgefields Country Club for the 13th annual CASA for Kids Golf Classic. Players were excited to spend their Monday by supporting CASA for Kids, Inc. of Sullivan and Hawkins Counties. Following lunch, served by Subway, players enjoyed the greens into the evening. Dinner was served by Bare Bones BBQ. Prizes were given away for the longest drive, hole in one, closest to the pin, and putting contest. CASA’s mission is to advocate in the Juvenile Court for the best interest of abused and neglected children. To learn more about how to become a Volunteer, visit casa4kidsinc.org. Carter Trent

Bad Boys

Team MM

Missy and Adam

Pratts BBQ

HVAC Inc.

Team Stanley

Team Pensky

Brock Services

Robin Barhydt and Kayla McAdams

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FLYING PIG GALLERY

Kingsport Art Guild

Beach Party STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY SAVANNA MCDAVID

The weather was perfect for a Beach Party Friday, June 16th and the Kingsport Art Guild made the most of it. The members celebrated their board rotation and a very productive year at the Flying Pig Gallery and Studios. The new mission for the board is to get more people involved this year. Friends gathered and celebrated over delicious appetizers and local wine. JoAnne McDonough and Carol Dixon

Roy Beighley and Michael Bird

In addition to their own work as artists, many members have participated in the carousel project and were celebrating a job well done. The Flying Pig Gallery and Studios will continue to offer local art to the community, even after the carousel opening. Many of the artists in the KAG are featured in the gallery as well as at the Renaissance Center. Anyone can view their beautiful work at either place and be sure to visit the Kingsport Carousel when it opens!

Gwen Ellis, Alice Payne, Joan Holt, and Betsy Schrum Margaret Helvey, Barbara Carter, and Kathy Hawk

Donna Bird, Renee Pitts, and Thelma Wyatt

Michele Howe, Sheryl Daniels, and Mary Alice Kelly

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Joe and Elaine Zoeller

Jeffrey Stoner and Steven Reeves

Linda Loffmin and Nancy Jane Earnest

Ellen Beighley, Judy Fitzgerald, and Leslie Davis


OLIVE OIL DIVINE

SEEN IN JOHNSON CITY

Olive Oil Divine Ribbon Cutting and After Hours STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY SAVANNA MCDAIVD

A new and unique store opened its doors in Johnson City earlier this month. Olive Oil Divine held their ribbon cutting and after hours June 11th at their beautiful location inside the Peerless shopping center, 2517 N. Roan Street. Members of the Johnson City Community came out to support Olive Oil Divine and try their abundance of oils and vinegars. Caterers from Main Street Pizza, Old South and others were there pairing food with oils and vinegars. To set the mood, Olive Oil Devine hosted a smooth jazz band for the evening.

Stephanie David and Ann Yates

Lauren and Dustin Clark

Rob Bunch and Jason Edmisten

Sheila Hubbard, Elaine Cornette, and Kate Van Huss

The owners of Olive Oil Divine each have unique professional backgrounds bringing a combined 65 years of experience to their new company. Greg and Shirley’s goal is to help others live divine by providing the best curated oils, balsamics and specialty food items in the world. They want to encourage healthy eating and strive to build divine relationships with their customers through educational and exhilarating tasting experiences. To learn more about Olive Oil Divine, visit them or check out their website at oliveoildivine.com.

Paul and Jan Jacobson, with Pam and Rod Barnette

Mary Kathryn Fabbri and Nancy Corey

Greg and Shirley Mueller

Kristin Tuttle and Jinny Keeton

Beverly Frazier and Katie Ghram

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INDIAN TRAIL MIDDLE SCHOOL

American Cancer Society

Relay for Life

of Johnson City/Washington County STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY TONIA PETERS

The American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Johnson City/Washington County is a celebration where people take turns walking, running or otherwise circling around a track “relay” style to raise funds to fight cancer. You don’t need to be a track star to be a winner in this race for life. The idea is to enjoy your time, dance, play games, and enjoy the presence of others all while raising money to finish the fight, and provide services to cancer patients and their families.

Johnson City Ballroom Dancers

One of the many highlights of the event is the luminaria ceremony, or candlelight vigil, held at nightfall to honor cancer survivors, caregivers, and to remember those lost to cancer. The American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Johnson City/Washington County reminds us that those lost to cancer will never be forgotten and that those who face cancer will always be supported. More than anything it makes us hopeful that one day, cancer will be eliminated for good. This event is therapy for the mind, spirit, and the heart.

Studio One Dance Team

Ethan Norton, Zoe Norton, Jennifer Norton, Cynthia Davis, Stacie Davis, Amanda Hudson, and Zilipah Patton

Eric and Lynn Phillips

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Survivors: Sandy Lowe, Annie Kedzierski, Julie Williams, Susan Guinn, Debbie Onks, Teresa King, Tammy Kota, and Melissa Jervis

Zilipah Cruz, Sterling Cruz, IV Cruz, and Luis Cruz

Tri-Cities Skin and Cancer/Johnson City: Dr. Paul Benson, Dr. George Winton, Connie Thompson, and Nikki Roberts


HISTORIC DOWNTOWN

SEEN IN BRISTOL

PUSH! Film Festival STORY BY SAVANNA MCDAVID | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRIANA MORRIS AND CODY HALL

PUSH! Film Festival was the inaugural event that took place on the weekend of June 12-14, 2015 in bustling Historic Downtown Bristol TN/VA. As a celebration of the cinematic and visual arts in the heart of the twin cities of Bristol, the festival brought diverse films to the community and showcased the best regional filmmakers. PUSH! aimed to expand the artistic image of the region, engage new audiences in the world of film, and inspire creativity in all. The festival also played host to exciting parties and workshops for filmmakers and audience members alike. PUSH! offered something for people of all ages. The original Bristol sign, built in 1910, carried the slogan “Push! That’s Bristol” to reflect the push in growth Bristol was undergoing in the early 1900s. By 1915, the sign had been moved to span State Street, and in 1921, the old slogan was replaced with the current one: “Bristol: A Good Place to Live.” Based on that cool history, the festival became named PUSH!, a shout-out to the growth in arts, culture and heritage happening in our town.

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THE OLDE FARM

The Olde Farm Holston United Methodist

Home for Children Benefit Luncheon:

Keep The Dream Alive PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANGELA BAKER AND BRIAN HULLETTE | STORY BY SAVANNA MCDAVID

Holston United Methodist Home for Children held their annual benefit luncheon at the Olde Farm, May 22nd. The theme of the event was Keep the Dream Alive and at Holston Home for Kids, they are doing just that for many children around our region. Founded in 1985, Holston Home provides hope and healing for a brighter future by sharing the love of Jesus Christ; the home now serves over 325 children and their families. The luncheon was a benefit to bring light to Holston Home and just what they do for the children as well as to raise money for the home. Keynote speakers Lois Clark and Jim Street gave heartwarming speeches about the organization and it’s mission. The event was well attended with many supporters, some of whom have been positively affected by Holston Home. To learn more about how Holston Home affects this community, please visit holstonhome.org.

Bobby and Carol Condoff

Jerry and Emma Miller

Aundrea Wilcox, Jerry Smith, and Michele Mitchell Wayne Culbertson and Miles Burdine

Tim Kuykendall and Lori Boggs Mark Wininger, Jim Street, Drew HemBree, and Andy Shafer

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Julianne Miles, Rebecca Phillips, Caitlin Hollaway, Grace Chavarria, Brittany Minnick, and Sandra Mefford Mike Street, Jan Blankenship, Lois Clarke. Ladonna Street, Trish James, and Duke James

Greg Depriest, Kin Wheeler, Gina Hawkins, and Shaunda Blackwell

Debbie and Steve Smith

Charles Hutchins, Mark Mancuso, and Bradley Williams

Wanda Shepard and Carol Trammel

Denise Depriest, Chris Kimmons, and Jason Conkin

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SEEN IN KINGSPORT

BROCK TERRACE

University of Tennessee

College of Business Dinner STORY SUBMITTED | PHOTOGRAPHY SAVANNA MCDAVID

On June 10th the University of Tennessee Haslam College of Business, hosted an event on the Kingsport Chamber of Commerce Brock Terrace. More than fifty alumni were in attendance to hear a briefing from Dean Steve Mangum and share food and fellowship with other College of Business alumni. The event was sponsored by alumni Mike and Nancy Berry.

Mike and Nancy Berry, UT College of Business Dean Steve Mangum and Miles Burdine

Nikki Miller and Brice Clark

Robert Montgomery, Ruth Montgomery, and UT College of Business Dean Steve Mangum Kurt Steiner and Kingsport Mayor Elect John Clark

Mr. and Mrs. Carmody Mr. and Mrs. Carrico and Mr. and Mrs. Gilliam

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Jonathan Bailey and Rich Brown


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SEEN IN KINGSPORT

Superwoman Smarts Book Signing and Release Party STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY SAVANNA MCDAVID

Aundrea Wilcox

Diana Harshbarger, Michelle Mitchell, and Terry Kazmier

Executive Director of KOSBE, Andrea Wilcox released her second book, Superwoman Smarts: Activating Leadership and Substance, this past spring. Geared to professional women, the book includes interviews of ten women and one man from many different career fields. Aundrea wrote the book to inspire women in business and professional women of all ages who desire to grow personally. The book also includes a letter to her daughter, Barbara. The Kingsport Chamber of Commerce arranged a book release party at Uncorked where Aundrea got to give her audience a little insight into her newest work. She was also able to do a live interview with some of the women in the book. Another party was held at the home of Denise Depriest in Downtown Kingsport to support Aundrea. The party consisted of close friends and most of the women in the book. The community has been very supportive and many people have already purchased and read their copy. Both of Aundrea’s books are available on amazin. com/author/aundreawilcox.

M Valentina Escobar Gonzalez and Dana Glenn

Timothy Banion and Starr Beverly

JLUY 2015 | VIPSEEN | 81


SEEN IN KINGSPORT

THE FARMER’S MARKET

8th Annual Racks by the Tracks Festival STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY TONI DRUMWRIGHT

On Sat, May 16th, from noon to 10 pm, the 8th Annual Racks by the Tracks Event kicked off another successful event. With over 12,000 people attending the event. Co-headliners Trick Pony and Junior Brown, over 60 unique craft beers, a new Wine Tasting Event, and the best barbecue in the region – is exactly what the 8th annual Racks by the Tracks brought to downtown Kingsport. Racks also gave attendees the opportunity to see American Idol contestant and Internet sensation Taylor Holbrook in person. A few other band favorites were Annabelle’s curse and Damon Waffle. Other Events included the festival’s SPF 10K and 5K Race/Walk, Cornhole Tournament and a kid’s zone were the kids could go and play and enjoy the festival as well. This year’s proceeds benefitted several non-profit organizations including Sullivan County Humane Society, Relay for Life, Keep Kingsport Beautiful, Rotary Sunrise Club, Kingsport Ballet, Kingsport Chamber of Commerce, and PEAK Young Professionals.

Sarah Foster and Baby Emma enjoying the day.

The festival is sponsored by Food City, Bristol Broadcasting Co., Libation Station,Reedy Creek Vineyards & Cellar, Dermatology Associates, Samuel Adams, Pepsi, AccuForce, Eastman Chemical Co., Appalachian Community Federal Credit Union, Sapporo Beer, KCVB, Action Rentals, Biggie’s, Barberitos of Kingsport, Cricket Wireless, East Coast Wings & Grill, ABC19 WKPT-TV and VIPSEEN.

Travis and Kristy Hager relaxing to the music.

Mark Ewing

Chris and Felicia Coda

John Patrick, with Kim and Mike Vaughn

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Mitch and Lori Harris

Drake Scott- Wolf Hills Head Brewer

Scott Drumwright at the Libation Station

Shane O’Hare and Ed Williams

Debbie Belcher

Camille Poor, Brandy Allen, and Holly Davis

Kristen and Mike Reedy

JLUY 2015 | VIPSEEN | 83


SEEN IN KINGSPORT

BROCK TERRACE

KOSBE After Hours STORY BY MORGAN MOSELEY | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SAVANNA MCDAVID

KOSBE hosted the Kingsport Chamber of Commerce After Hours event on June 4th at the Brock Terrace. People from all over the region came out to support KOSBE. Food City catered with delicious food and Sleepy Owl Brewery donated beer for the event. Guests had the amazing opportunity to connect as well as network with individuals from the Tri-Cities Business Community. During the evening Aundrea Wilcox, Executive Director of KOSBE, thanked the community, gave out some fantastic prizes and used the evening to promote the 2015 KOSBE Awards on December 10th at Meadowview Marriott. Aundrea also encouraged everyone to send in nominations for this year’s categories. To send in a nomination, visit kosbe.org to find out more. The KOSBE After Hours was a real success!

Phillip Ketron and Wesley Combs

Rhonda Smith, George Price, and Angela Price

Jason Meredith, Danny Karst, with Rochelle and Brian Trent

Theresa Bright and Eric Redman

Miles Burdine and Issac Web

Bob Feagins and Chris Bowen KOSBE Winners

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Ernie Rumsby and Tim Story



SEEN IN KINGSPORT

MEADOWVIEW CONVENTION CENTER

5th Annual

Farm to Fork Gala STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY SAVANNA MCDAVID

Appalachian Sustainable Development held their 5th Annual Farm to Fork Gala at the beautiful MeadowView Marriott on June 6th. Not only did the Gala celebrate the 5th year of one of ASD’s most successful fundraisers, it also celebrated ASD’s 20th year! Around 200 of ASD’s biggest supporters came out to enjoy a night of networking, fun and delicious food. The menu included a beautiful salad bar and local cheese display, fruit tarts, freshly harvested vegetables and locally grown proteins which were crafted into delectable dishes that showcased the fantastic flavors of our region. Local wines and beers were served throughout the evening, followed by a variety of desserts that were as beautiful as they were delicious. During dinner, silent and live auctions were going on to raise money for ASD. Two local musicians, Sam Gleaves and Tyler Hughes, provided the entertainment for the evening. In addition to being a wonderful time for attendees and a great fundraiser for ASD, the evening highlighted how fortunate we are to live in a region that can produce such a wonderful bounty of fresh, health, delicious food. ASD is a nonproft organization that works with local farmers, food producers, forest landowners and families to grow food, communities and opportunities to build a thriving Appalachia. In addition to promoting the local food culture in 15 counties in Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia, ASD operates ten different programs in three sectors: sustainable forestry, sustainable agricultural and food access. To learn more about how you can be involved please visit www.asdevelop.org.

Jenna and Marc Upton

Kathlyn Terry, Executive Director of ASD and Sylvia Crum, Director of Communications and Development

Frank Buck and Charolette Campbell Clay and Luanna Rolston

Former Mayor Dennis Phillips and Mark Eversole

Liza Conway and Anita Morrell Laura Ashley and Debbie Miller

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Dan and Nell Bieger and Theresa Burriss


Jay Koonce, Katy and Ben England, and Greg Champney

Barbara Prichard, Edd Hill, and Jose Castillo

Kyle and Alison Scanlan

Abingdon Olive Oil

The ladies of VIPSEEN; Savanna Smith, Lark Adams, Angela Baker, Angelica Ares, and Jennifer Ares

JLUY 2015 | VIPSEEN | 87


Way Back, When? I’m told there’s a blog post floating around the Internet that talks about the joys of growing up in the 70’s. I haven’t read it yet, but anyone over the age of 30 can tell you that summer breaks in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s were much more simple than the way we do summer today. I know you’re probably thinking that I’m getting ready to tell you how I walked to school barefoot, uphill both ways, while having to kill bears with my loose-leaf notebook, but that’s not where I’m going with this. I want to tell you how things REALLY happened 30+ years ago. So, gather round, kids, and let me tell you about how summers went down when I was a kid… On any given day, I would hop out of bed early, pull up my Strawberry Shortcake bedspread, put on a pair of blue jean cutoff shorts and a smocked halter top, then head out to play. No shoes necessary. Ever. Yes, you read that right. No shoes. We didn’t have time to worry about shoes; we had places to go… fun places, like the backyard. Besides, we could measure how fun the day was by how dirty our feet were at night. We’d jump on the banana seat of our hand me down bikes and ride through the neighborhood to find our friends. Not an ounce of parental supervision required. None. We didn’t need parental supervision, because we had something else that ensured our safety – common sense. We’d climb trees and Hula Hoop until mom called us to come have a “picnic”. The word ‘picnic’ is French for “I don’t want you filthy kids in my house, so eat this bologna sandwich in the yard”. After lunch, we’d run through a sprinkler that was hooked to a green water hose. This is the same hose we used as a water fountain every single day. FYI: I’ve never known anyone who got sick or died due to drinking from a water hose, so don’t believe the hype. Everyday my mom would lay in the sun close to the house so that her extra long phone cord could reach her plastic lounge chair. We’d put on our bathing suits, then beg her to pull out the blue plastic pool so we could “swim”. After our swim, we’d eat snow cones made from our Snoopy Snow Cone machine then spray each other with a water gun as we slid down the flaming hot slide attached to our metal swing set. We never used sunscreen. Heck, we didn’t even know what sunscreen was back then. If it stormed, we’d stay inside and fight over who was going to marry Shaun Cassidy while looking at the S&H Green Stamp catalog to see if we had enough green stamps to buy something cool at the redemption center. Rainy days also meant that we had to hold the aluminum foil on the TV antenna so mom could watch Young and the Restless. We’d still keep our ears open for the Ice Cream Man, because even the threat of being struck by lightning could never keep us from our Bomb Pops.

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On grocery day, we’d hop in the green Ford LTD and head to the store to return our glass Coke bottles to get money to buy more Cokes. That’s right, we recycled, not because we were environmentally conscious, but because we got paid for it. By the way, we didn’t wear shoes to the grocery store either. Shoes were reserved mainly for school, church, and when the family went out to eat, because back then we always dressed up to go out to eat. No one ever wore pajamas in public. We never wore seatbelts and no one had ever even heard of an infant car seat. In fact, my family purposely stuffed the seat belts down behind the seats in the car so they wouldn’t get in our way. Approximately 98% of people smoked cigarettes in public, and I’m not talking about those fancy vapor-cig things either. (By the way, is it just me, or does anyone else see people smoking vapor cigs and think they are playing a recorder?) It would be a few years before we figured out that tar and nicotine were bad for us and that seatbelts save lives. I didn’t say we had it all figured out in the late 70’s and early 80’s, but things were definitely less complicated. Back then vacation was a week in Myrtle Beach with the whole family, including the grandparents (mostly because they were paying). Father’s Day meant making dad a card at church and the 4th of July meant everyone in the family would be a wearing some form of the United States flag while sitting at a parade/fireworks show eating watermelon. Holidays were not a production, vacations never included a travel agent, and everyone was proud to be an American. When I grew up, to get a trophy in summer sports you had to actually WIN a championship game. No one got a trophy for just showing up. If a kid played baseball, 99% of the baseball uniform and accessories came from K-Mart, because K-Mart was kind of cool back then. (It was before Target. Don’t judge.) If my sister and I were good while our mom was shopping at K-Mart, she’d buy a whole box of Whoppers Malted Milk Balls for us to share. We never pitched fits in stores when our parents didn’t buy us toys, because to ask for a toy when it wasn’t Christmas or your birthday was an offense punishable by spanking …with a belt made of leather. Back then, the highlight of having a friend spend the night at our house was simply getting to stay up late, bring food into the living room, and prank call kids we didn’t like. Today, young girls invite 28 of their closest friends to a day spa where they are pampered, have professional pictures made, and everyone goes home with their very own monogrammed terry cloth robe. No one had a curfew. We played outside from 8 am to whenever we fell over from exhaustion. Scheduled activities in the summer months were not only frowned upon; they were unheard of. Our moms didn’t spend their days worrying that we were under-stimulated. We never said the words “I’m bored”, because we knew that our parents would immediately hand us a dust mop or a weed-eater. In the late 70’s and early 80’s, phones weren’t smart, but people were. Being social meant you actually had to leave your house. Back then we were too busy living our own lives to worry about keeping up with the neighbors. I’m not saying that life was perfect when I was a kid, but it was much simpler and parents today (me included) could take a lesson from our own childhood.


Yes, You Need a Lawyer In my line of work, it seems that many people “hate lawyers” … that is of course, until they desperately need one. Then all of a sudden their retained counselor-at-law is a superhero that champions the virtues of all that is righteous and good; whilst saving busloads of orphans from certain doom and consuming evil-doers with laser beams from their eyes and spewing nuclear rainbows from their butt. Though I myself have a law degree, I decided from the beginning to pursue a different path than most of my educational colleagues. I chose to practice mediation exclusively, rather than law. Thus, my days consist almost entirely of me thrusting myself between bitterly feuding litigants, in an effort to advocate for a mutually beneficial solution, rather than fighting for one side or the other. Because of my particular practice, I get to see both sides of a conflict simultaneously, amid my concerted efforts to bring said conflict to closure. Which, is a very professional way of saying I referee horrifically angry parties to a lawsuit as they spit verbal venom at each other, until we get it all settled. Lawyers are modern-day warriors that go to battle on behalf of their employer, you the client. In reality, the only “problem” with lawyers in our society, is that most people only seek the advice of an attorney after they have made horrible, wretched, poorly thought-out choices for themselves. And then need Johnnie Cochran’s ghost to ride-in on a unicorn, and clean-up the mess. Case-in-point...Divorce. A large portion of my practice consists of domestic dissolve. As such, I sit between people who once purported to “love each other,” and now would like to actually be driving the bus under which their former Snuggle-Butt is chained and is currently being dragged. Enter the lawyers. Now, before I continue... my readers should know that as mediator, I am asked no less than 5 times a day if one should “retain a lawyer, or try to do their divorce on their own.” I always respond with the same answer... “Yes. Yes you should. You should hire a lawyer, and then hire another smaller lawyer to ride on the chest of the first lawyer in a little Lawyer Baby Bjorn, just in case the first larger lawyer is momentarily distracted. And if possible, the little lawyer should be armed with a tiny bazooka that shoots even smaller lawyers, at the other party.” But I digress... Most attorneys will kindly explain that their role in any litigation is to guide you through the complicated and precarious waters of the case, where the rules are convoluted, scary and confusing. They are your advocate, fighting for your rights and protecting you from an unforgiving system, within which the other party wishes to rake you across the proverbial coals. Now, I’m known for being quite blunt and brutally honest. It’s kind of my “thing.” It’s how I settle cases. Here’s why you really need to hire a lawyer for your divorce... You’re trying to legally dissolve a relationship with your former PookieBear, who likely has notable rights to your house, your retirement, your children and a large portion of your eternal, immortal soul. You see, you willfully and wantonly chose Snuggle-Lumps to be your legally bound life-partner. Remember that first day you saw your future Love-Monkey walking down the street in those sweet-ass jeans, and you thought to yourself, “Now THAT’S someone I’d like to legally bind my existence to, whilst conveying and transmutating half of my assets to, through course of a collective marital estate!”

Thusly... You dated this person You got engaged to this person You picked-out wedding cakes, ugly bridesmaid dresses and then married this person You opened a joint checking account then went out and bought those god-awful throw-pillows with this person You then bought a house and chained yourself to a 30-year adjustable rate mortgage with this person You went on vacation and watched their Uncle Frank wear those horribly inappropriate, awkwardly bulging Speedos during the entire family reunion with this person You made babies, adopted a cat you later named Dr. Purry McFuzzlekins and then bought a worthless timeshare with this person And then you took-out a second mortgage so you could install that stupid above-ground pool that for some unknown reason, always seems to smell like feet and bacon... with this person... All because you looooved them. This whole time, they were your Cuddle-Bear.. ...they were your Schnookie Yum Yums... ...they were your Wittle Nookie Nuk-Nuk Wuvie Puddle-Pie. (Which by the way, upon reading this you probably now realize why it was that every time you guys acted like this in public, your entire family wanted to simultaneously barf while punching you both in the throat.) BUT NOW... you want to convince a judge that Poopsy-Doodle is really Satan’s butthole, and everything that has ever gone wrong ever, including but not limited to the Kennedy Assassination, is really their fault. And then have the court give you everything... despite... ya know, what the law actually says. And you’re asking me if you should hire someone to help you? You’re asking me if you should hire someone who knows the rules and does this for a living? Really? No. You should do it all yourself and strictly follow the advice of your cousin who dropped out of culinary school twice ...because that fifth time they got divorced, that judge in Arkansas awarded them that $8 microwave from that big yard sale in Boone’s Creek. It is obvious they so clearly know what’s best in your case and there’s no way that could go wrong for you. Hire a lawyer. Thank me later.

JLUY 2015 | VIPSEEN | 89


MONDAYS 10PM #TheWhispers


LAMPLIGHT THEATER

SEEN IN KINGSPORT

Waiting to Hear STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAMES HELMS

Shannon Ball the organizer of the Waiting to hear event entitled “Hearing from the King” knows firsthand about hearing loss. His daughter Sarah developed hearing loss at an early age and began her journey back to hearing at first by wearing hearing aids and through the marvels of technology eventually she was able to receive a miracle product called a cochlear implant. This product has revolutionized the world of the hearing impaired allowing many people to hear sounds for the first time in their life once the device is surgically implanted and activated. This evening’s event was a fundraiser designed to raise money for local kids to attend a summer camp for the hearing impaired as well as other programs. Local news celebrity Jessica Larkin was on hand to emcee the event and to make announcements. The evening’s entertainment began with Greg Cornett and his all Star Band who had the crowd clapping and tapping their feet to some of the best bluegrass music in the area. Following his performance and a brief video about Sarah’s journey through hearing loss the crowd was treated to an amazing two act performance by Elvis tribute artist Stephen Freeman and the Echoes of a Legend Show Band. For more information please check out the Waiting to Hear Facebook page or Stephen Freeman’s Facebook page.

Stephen Freeman and The Echoes of a Legend Show Band

Greg Cornett and his All Star Band

Shannon Ball

Lamplight Theater Staff

Jessica Larkin

Tammy Willis, Sherry Baile, and Rhonda Bowles

Jennifer Rohrssen and Stephen Freeman

Waiting to Hear Staff

Susie and Ray Garlane, with Chris Wheelock

Sarah Ball

JLUY 2015 | VIPSEEN | 91


SEEN IN JOHNSON CITY

DOWNTOWN

Blue Plum

Festival STORY MORGAN MOSELEY | PHOTOGRAPHY BY DANIELLE HAHNE

Blue Plum Festival was held on June 5-7, 2015 in Downtown Johnson City. Often called “the Friendliest Festival in the South,” the Blue Plum Festival has offered great family entertainment and events, arts and crafts, and children’s activities since starting in 1999. The event has continued for 15 years with the purpose of showcasing the continuing improvements in Downtown Johnson City, Tennessee, highlighting businesses in the community that support efforts to bring together regional artists to show their products, and provide a line up of nationally recognized entertainment in an outdoor, downtown setting. The stages hosted bands, vocal groups and more filling the streets of downtown with a variety of music sending crowds of people dancing and cheering in the streets. The weather cooperated giving the festival plenty of sunshine as live music, brews, and food filled the streets with crowds. This year, there were new events added to the weekend making it a jam packed family fun event. The festival kicked off Friday with the blue Plum 5K and Little Plum. Saturday was one to remember, as kids were playing in the kids zones, donors and supporters wee trying out all the craft beer at the Blue Hops Brew Haha and the athletic crowd could be found at the Crossfit Games. Sunday was a big day for the Tri-Cities when the International Omnium Criterium Bike Race began early that morning. The Blue Plum Festival relies on hundreds of volunteers for everything, from planning and promoting the festival, to a variety of tasks. It is through the generosity of Sponsorships that the Blue Plum Festival remains free to the public and one of the best 3-day, outdoor, art & music festivals the city has to offer!

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Omnium Criterium Bike Race

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SEEN IN JOHNSON CITY

DOWNTOWN

THE FESTIVAL

CROSSFIT

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KID FEST

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Pet Personals VIPSEEN TRI-CITIES CLASSIFIEDS

VOL. XIV, July 2015 | The Premier Meeting Place for Pets and their Prospective Owners

Kingsport Animal Shelter

Washington County VA C.C. Porter Animal Shelter

2141 Idle Hour Road Kingsport, TN (423) 247-1671

27252 Porter Ln Abingdon, VA (276) 676-6210

HEY MY NAME IS LUCY and I am

HI I’M SOLO. I am a

HEY THERE, MY NAME IS SASHA. I am sweet

young Pit Mix living in the Kingsport Animal Shelter waiting for someone to take me home. I am a playful puppy looking for a fun and active family to play with and a lot of love to give!

girl living in the Kingsport Animal Shelter. I love to play with toys and of course take my daily naps. I am looking for a nice home with a nice family to love me forever.

currently living in the Abingdon Animal Shelter. I am a super playful, friendly and smart girl if I do say so myself, I love being outside and taking car rides with my new family. Hopefully someone will take me on a car ride to my new home soon.

Unicoi County Animal Shelter 185 N Industrial Dr Erwin, TN (423) 743-3071

HI MY NAME IS TEETER. I live in

the Unicoi Animal Shelter. I love playing with people and I am very affectionate. I am proud to say I am house trained and ready to play with my new family! I may be small but I am mighty!

HELLO, I AM ROSELLA. I currently HEY, THE NAME IS LOKI. I live in the Unicoi

Animal Shelter and I’m looking for a big home. I am a big boy with a lot of love, I am kind of shy at first but I can warm up to my new family fast. I love to play and hopefully my new family will love to play with me too.

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live in the Abingdon Animal Shelter. I am a playful girl with a whole lot of love to give. I don’t really like little kids, but I love a grown up family who will give me lots of yummy food!



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