Out N About June 2010

Out ‘N About Visits:

The Exquisite Austin Springs Spa & Salon

cess to Wellington’s Restaurant and Bar upstairs, and fact they are a first-class, full-service spa that’s open last year it made over $1 million in profit. six days a week (soon to be seven as they will begin So what happened? We asked Cusick. opening on Sundays). And, they’re conveniently open “We did take a 360 degree turnaround,” she said from 9 a.m.-9 p.m. There are about a dozen Signature emphatically. “I think it was a combination of many Spa Packages to fit anyone’s budget and they even ofthings, a great group of employees who are (just) a fer a Spa Teen Queen package for girls of any age and big family. Personal service to our clients and we are Spa Princess Package for girls 12 and under. “Those always looking for new products, new technology and packages are becoming increasingly popular and continuing education is some young ladies like to very important.” Last but visit with their friends or not least moms,” Cusick said.

Cusick added, “And, we Cusick and her staff make every client feel like work with many couples they are the only one we who come to the hotel are taking care of that day. seeking a “turn-key wedLike they are the King or ding.” Once in the hotel Queen.” wedding parties want for It doesn’t hurt to have nothing. “We get them Laua Cusick, Spa Manager someone at the helm of the ready for the big day inFor those who have never visited Austin Springs business who readily adcluding the entire wedSpa & Salon, located on the lower floor of the Carnegie mits, “I have a passion for ding party. Then, they Hotel, you’re in for quite a “pampering” treat. Austin my job.

I love it.”

Indeed. can go upstairs for the Springs is East Tennessee’s premier full-service spa She begins her day at the wedding and reception and people come from far and wide to relax close to hotel at 7:30 a.m. and gets and then spend the night home, rejuvenate their senses, and renew their body home late at night. in the hotel. Our wedding and soul.

According to Cusick, packages are extremely While on a recent tour of the facility, it was quite men are beginning to dispopular,” she said. “Our evident Spa Manager Laura Cusick is both passionate cover “that it’s alright to do mission is to make you and enthusiastic about her job. She began her career at Enjoy a pedicure as part of a spa package or by itself the girl-thing,” she laughed. feel more beautiful and more the Carnegie Hotel in 2001 at the front desk, moved to for a speciat feet treat. relaxed than ever before. the accounting department “Actually, our male business Ease your mind, body and soul with refreshing body and “begged and begged” is up to about 20% and we wraps, relaxing massages, soothing aromatherapy, refor the Spa Manager’s job. have treatments designed juvenating facials, and professional salon services in a “I soon found out that I especially for our male private, tranquil environment,” Cusick points out.

“We didn’t want to pursue a caguests.” Those include: fa- offer something for everyone: popular tried-and-true reer as an accountant,” she cial treatments, deep tis- services as well as trend-setting therapies and skin and said with a smile. sue massage, hand and foot beauty products.”

Management could not treatments, and of course For more on Austin Springs Spa and Salon visit: have picked a better fit to a haircut.

One can take adwww.austinspingsspa.com manage Austin Springs Spa vantage of all the services at than Cusick. Six years ago once or “mix-and-match.” she stepped into the chalOne popular activlenging role of rescuing the ity, Cusick said, was Austin fledging spa that was losing Springs Spa’s offering of money. She took over runcouples massages at a reaning the day-to-day operaGraduated from ETSU with honors. sonable price. Other mas- • tion with 15 employees and Couples massages are one of many services sage treatments offered • Married and has one son. only five treatment rooms include: Swedish, Deep Tissue, Hot Stone, Cupping, • Working on her Master’s Degree. located in cramped quarters on the lower level of the Lomi Lomi, Four Hands, Herbal Ball, Swe-Thai, Reiki hotel.

• Puts in 12 hour days and smiles doing it.

Fast forward to today and Austin Springs Spa and and Ultimate Foot Massage.

• Has an “open door” policy offered to all It took a 28-page brochure to list all the services Hair Salon is a sprawling center of activity that has employees. swallowed up most of the lower floor, has 55 employ- and packages offered at the Austin Springs Spa & Salon.

So they’re not kidding when they emphasize the ees, nine treatment rooms, a full-service hair salon, ac-

Quick Facts about Laura Cusick

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From the Publisher’s Desk

Welcome to the first issue of Out ‘N About Magazine, a publication truly dedicated to the coverage of events throughout our region and beyond. Northeast Tennessee, Southwest Virginia, and Western North Carolina will serve as our canvas and the people and events in our region will supply the paint.

We are truly blessed to be living here, working and raising families. While we all have much in common, each of our surrounding communities are quite different as each enjoys its own identity and resilience.

In the months to come, we will be covering all types of events from festivals, entertainment, the arts, business, politics and sports. Since we will publish monthly we will have the time and drive to spend the time necessary to tell the complete story, and we will spend extra time with those in our area who will be interesting for you to read about. Many of these folks you’ll know or have heard about.

Out ‘N About Magazine belongs to the readers and advertisers who support us in our effort to remain a free publication. Please send us your comments, advice and news and feature tips.

And, we wouldn’t mind at all to have your advertising business.

Last by not least, please get out and support the Blue Plum and Covered Bridge festivals. A lot of people have worked very hard in an effort to showcase our region during the first week of June.

Our staff hopes you enjoy our first issue and we look forward to spending some quality time with all of you every month.

(Out ‘N About Magazine is not affiliated with any other newspapers or magazine published in the USA).

Ron Scalf Editor & Publisher

June, 2010

Ron Scalf, Editor & Publisher Heather Laurendeau, Graphics & News Editor Pam Johnson, Advertising Sales Manager Pam Rhymer, Advertising Sales Associate Jim Sherrill, Advertising Sales Associate Jon Ruetz, Contributing Writer

Volume 1, Issue 1

Eileen Rush, Contributing Writer Amanda Carr, Contributing Writer Bob Robinson, Contributing Writer Jeri George, WQUT Music & Concert Information Published Monthly by Star Printing

Web Site: www.outnaboutmagazine.com Send news and photo items to: news@outnaboutmagazine.com Send advertising orders to: ads@outnaboutmagazine.com All free-lance material submitted becomes the property of Out ‘N About Magazine.

Advertising contained in this publication is accepted by the publisher upon the representation that the individual, agency or advertiser is authorized to publish the entire contents and subject matter contained in the advertisement. The individual, agency or advertiser agrees to indemnify and save and hold the publisher harmless from any loss of expense reulting from claims, legal action or suits based upon contents of any advertisement, including any claims or suits for defamation, copyright infringement, libel plagiarism or right of privacy.

June 2010

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Positive Changes Seen By Tourism Chief Following Years At Helm for the new Tennessee Sunny Side Trail initiative which touts our state’s many trails and by-ways. “Everyone knows about Bristol Motor Speedway for example,” she points out.

“But the Ridgewood? (famous Bluff City eatery). We want people to discover some of our true culture that we take for granted.”

NETTA just awarded its Pinnacle Awards for the 13th year recognizing the “Best of the Best” in regional tourism. “I’m most proud of that,” Moody said when asked about past accomplishments. The recent awards show was attended by 175 people to pay tribute to “peak” performers. Tourism-wise, I guess that says it all.

Claudia Moody Quick Facts • Claudia was Head Majorette at Tennessee High School in Bristol, TN. • She loves the University of Tennessee.

• She is a NASCAR fan and was an avid Dale Earnhardt cheer-leader.

• She loves Vols Coach Bruce Pearl (See #2).

• She performed with the Tennessee High Band at the first NASCAR race in Bristol (The year of that event was left out at her request!).

NETTA Cheif Executive Officer, Claudia Moody Jonesborough, TN. --- Claudia Moody, Chief Executive Officer for the Northeast Tennessee Tourism Association (NETTA), has been the face of tourism in our region for 21 years. During those two-plus decades, Moody says she’s seen many changes.

“When I first started, we had 75 members and today we have over 200 and we continue to grow,” she said. “I think the (most) positive change that has occurred is the fact that more and more people recognize the economic engine that tourism churns. And, we’ve learned to maximize effort to minimize duplication in the promotion of our region.”

Years ago, local chambers and businesses set out on their own to promote its individual community strengths when it came to attracting visitors. “Everyone began to recognize that it was much easier for us to band together and seize the many opportunities throughout Northeast Tennessee to promote ourselves versus going it alone,” she added.

Moody laughs at the old days of “stuffing envelopes with brochures” and sending them out all over the country to tell our tourism story and try to get visitors to come here.

“If you don’t have a website nowadays you’re not in business. You can go on our website and download all or some of the information you seek. Technology has really enhanced our organization and made us better promoters,” she said.

Staffing wise, NETTA consists of the same two employees brought on board years ago but its budget has swelled from $95,000 to $236,000 with the majority of the money allocated for promotions and co-operative advertising with NETTA’s many regional partners.

“The umbrella approach to tourism works very well for us,” Moody said with a smile.

“We work together from the Tri-Cities to Abingdon and Bristol, VA. and back. We have traditional tourism members like hotels and attractions but we garner a lot of support from non-traditional partners like banks and other businesses like Food City for example.

They recognize that tourism is good for everyone’s business.”

Moody says her daily routine, “is very hectic and you have to be flexible and be able to multi-task, but I enjoy it or I wouldn’t have stayed these many years,” she said. Moody serves on the State of Tennessee’s Board of Trustees and chairs the steering committee

Johnson City Elks & Johnson City Firefighters Association Golf Tournament June 5th Twins Creeks Golf Club Shotgun start at 8:30 a.m.

1st: $450 2nd: $375 Middle: $300 Next to last: $300 Last: $180 Three person select shot. Blind drawing to be held at Johnson City Elks Lodge June 4 at 7 p.m. $60 per player - includes food, carts and door prizes.

Deadline: June 3 Contacts: John Rodgers 426-1650; Bobby Hyduck 483-1391; Elks Lodge 928-4842; Kyle Whitaker 791-1682

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NFS President David Amerine

New NFS President Brings 44 Years of Experience to Facility Erwin, TN. --- David Amerine, a native of Sandusky, Ohio, has taken charge as the new leader of Nuclear Fuel Services (NFS), Unicoi County’s largest employer. Amerine was named NFS President on March 1st and from ‘Day One’ hit the ground running, so-to-speak.

Since the 1960s, NFS has been a major supplier of fuel for the United States Navy’s fleet of nuclear-powered vessels. It also converts Cold War-era government stockpiles of highly enriched uranium into commercial nuclear reactor fuel.

Amerine has made a career of getting facilities like NFS, “back on track and moving forward” with dedication to correcting old issues. He began his career in the U.S. Navy after graduating from the United States Naval Academy and has spent his entire career in the nuclear field. “I spend a lot of time out in the (NFS) facility embracing the challenge of our company being successful through an approach of transparency,” he said of his daily routine.

It’s not uncommon for Amerine to begin his work day at 4:30 a.m. and end it well into the evening. He is passionate about his work at NFS and looks at the company’s 850 employees “as partners not employees.”

Some NFS employees are local contractors who engage local businesses and vendors that benefit directly from the activity generated at the plant. NFS has also had a history of being a robust giver to local charities, civic and school groups as well as the founder of the Goal Card program that rewards students from across the region for achieving A’s and B’s in their classes.

While the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is charged with making sure NFS meets Federal expectations, Amerine’s approach goes beyond the routine expectations. “There is a common understanding and safety expectations from our regulators and the general public. It’s up to us to prove we are up to the challenge.”

Amerine is also focused on developing a strategic plan for NFS’ future as well as a comprehensive business plan for the future growth of the plant.

One other piece of the puzzle for future success, he says, “Is the partnership

and trust of us and the union leadership (that’s represented at NFS). We are talking about stake-holders who live in this community. . .who work and go to church together. . .and raise families right here. I try to look at things from their perspective,” he says of the union leaders and its membership.

This marks the 8th time in his career that Amerine has been called upon to head a leadership team whose commitment is to emerge as a stronger more vibrant organization in the near future. “I’m proud to be involved in producing a product that is key to our National security,” he said.

David Amerine Quick Facts • Tries to work out every day at 4 a.m. before heading to work.

• He and his wife own a house on Lake Erie and look forward to being able to spend more time there in the future with their children and their families.

• Is an avid reader having finished several novels recently including: “Man Searching for Meaning”, “The Last Symbol”, “My Ninety Minutes in Heaven” and a “Brief History of Time”.

• Was an accomplished wrestler in high school and college winning several AAU wrestling tournaments.

• Holds a Certificate in Business Administration from Harvard Business School.

• Has held many crucial positions within the nuclear power industry including stints at: Hanford, Washington, Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station, Davis-Besse Nuclear Power Station, Savannah River Site, and Millstone Nuclear Power Station just to name a few of his assignments.

• Joined Babcock & Wilcox in 2009 as Vice President of the Technical Services Group before being elected NFS President.

June 2010

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Out ‘N About Magazine

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%"3 "( ' Without hesitation, Elizabethton Mayor Kurt Alexander points out the progress his town has enjoyed since becoming involved in local politics six years ago. Part of the key to growth, he says, is building regional partners. “I like to think as mayor I’ve made a difference in having a knack for bringing people together,� he said d with a smile recently. “The mayor is not the boss but utt rather a consensus builder. In city government, to o make a difference, you’ve got to get people involved. d.

We have good (city) council whose members all havee what’s best for Elizabethton at heart. We don’t alwayss agree on every issue but we work together to achieve what’s best for our city and region.�

Alexander also doesn’t duck the hard questions like, when asked, “Why is a property tax increase a good thing for Elizabethton?�

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“First of all, alll, l, I’m I’m m a fiscal sca cal conservative. consserva co eerrva va atttiive ve. But, But, Bu t, we we are at thee point po oiin ntt where whe h re re we we have h ve ha v to to increase incr in crea ease ea asee our ourr revenue rrev evven enu uee base. ase ssee. M Manufacturing Ma anu ufa fact acttur urin ing (like (like (l ik ke the tth he old olld Bemberg Beember B mbeerrg and mb a d North an No No ort rrtth American Americcan Am an R Rayon ayyo on n plants) pla lants) lant ntts) s) are are r gone gon o e and an nd they th hey ey are are re not not coming cco oming bac back. acck k.. So, o, o o, our ur focus ur focus is is on the small sma all l business bu ussin i ess owner owner and an nd the th he continuation cco on nttin nu ua ati tion n of o building on local lo oca call tourtourto ism.�

Alexander Alex xa x an nd derr a adds dd d ds that tth ha att it’s it’ t s been nearly 50 years since sincccee much mu uch ch of of the the town’s th tto own n’ss infrastructure inf nfra fra rassttru ructtur u e has been updated. updated d. “We ““W We have ha h avee a plan pla lan to to upgrade upg pgra rade d all lll nine nin ne (electric) (electric) sub(e sub bstations; statio ons ns we’ve ns; wee’vve fi fin nished niish n heed d three tth hree and have six to go,�� he hr he said matter-of-factly. matte attt r-o a of-f of -fa accctl tly tl ly. y. “Our “Ou Our water wa w ater teer source hasn’t been beeeen n upgraded upgraded ed d and and d we’ve we’ e’ve ve taken tak akeen n a pro-active approach approa oa ach ch to to upgrading upg ading up upgr g our ou o ur water water and wa wat an nd sewer sewer systems system ms and and we we have have a new neew water n wate teer plant ter plant under pl un nd deeerr construction. constr co nsstr truction. And, An nd d,, across acr cro osss the t e board, boar bo oa arrd d,, we we are arre addressing a add ad drres essi sin ing ng the the he over-due oveerr-d du ue needs neeed need ds of of our school cho ho oo oll system.� sys ysteem m..�

A Alexander lexa le xand derr is is quick qu uic ick tto o point poi oint n out o tthe th he new new water ne wate wa teer plant plan pl ant would w not have been a reality without the partnership of the county. “Without the partnership of Carter County the state would not have allowed us to build the plant just for Elizabethton. We have a great

Thank You For Sharing My Vision... of Making A Great County Even Better!

Washington County, I am humbled and honored by your vote and support.

A special thank you to the hundreds of people who worked tirelessly in my campaign and to all those who faithfully prayed.

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working relationship with our county leaders and County Mayor Johnny Holder.�

While going out of his way not to offend past administrations, m in Alexander admits 20 years ago Elizabethton’s b be eth th on growth was subdued somewhat due to complacency pl la accen and the lack of willingmess to partner with neighbors. neig igh ig hb bo “Regionally “R Reg gii we have great friends and partners. We work w wo orrk k ttogether because we have discovered what’s good go od d for fo Elizabethton business-wise is good for Bristol,, Johnson Joh oh City and Kingsport. Look at Bristol Motorr Speedway, Sp pe for example. When they th heyy have h a race all of our mottels elss are full and so are the resttaurants. ta aur We’ve discovered regional partnerships just makes sense for the entire economy. Our communities have something different to offer and I’ve been all over the world but there nothing better than living and raising a family in Elizabethton.�

Go to Jail, Go Directly to Jail

for buying or selling drugs in Unicoi County. Just don’t do it.

Just Say ‘No’

Now it’s time to get to work. Please join me in making this great county even better.

Stay Free, stay Drug-Free.

T.I.P.S. Hotline: 423-743-1855 Brought to you by the Unicoi County Sheriff’s Department 3DLG IRU E\ 'DQ (OGULGJH IRU :DVKLQJWRQ &RXQW\ 0D\RU $O DQG /RUL )DWKHUUHH &ODUHQFH 0DEH &R 7UHDVXUHUV

June 2010

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Experience on of the region’s most beautiful areas at the 44th Annual Covered Bridge Celebration in historic downtown Elizabethton, TN. Celebrate summer with fun activities for the entire family. Music on the Bridge will feature toe-tapping live entertainment including gospel, bluegrass, 50’s and 60’s beach music and county rock entertainers. Southeastern artisans will display unique and traditional arts and crafts. Kids Island will offer fun filled activities including a stocked river and a free fishing clinic.

OnSaturday evening, the streets of historic downtown will showcase more than 150 classic cars.

Entertainment Schedule Thursday, June 3

Friday, June 4

Saturday, June 5

4:45 – 5:10 p.m. First Baptist of Lilburn, Georgia 5:15 – 5:40 p.m. First Baptist of Elizabethton 5:45 – 6:15 p.m. Oak Street Baptist 6:30 – 7 p.m. Zion Baptist Church Choir 7:15 – 7:45 p.m. Valley Forge Free Will Baptist 8 – 9:30 p.m The Primitive Quartet

5:30 – 6:30 p.m. BULLSEYE 6:30 - 7 p.m. Mountain Rhythm 7 – 8:30 p.m. Black Hat 8:30 – 10 p.m. Joy Lynn White

3 - 3:45 p.m Dancers Unlimited 4 - 4:30 p.m. Mountain Rhythm 4:45 - 5:15 p.m. Circle R Dancers 5:20 – 6 p.m. Watts Dance 6 – 7:30 p.m. Slow Motion Trio 7:30 - 8 p.m. Trail Blazer Cloggers 8 - 10 p.m. Collegians

Joy Lynn White The Collegeans

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Kids’ Island

Events

The Fun Factory - Inflatable & Trackless Train

5K Run and 3K Walk June 5, 7:30 a.m.

Community Yard Sale June 5, 8 a.m.- 2 p.m.

Aerial Flights June 5, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Roan Groan Race June 5, 9:00 a.m.

Kids Fishing Day June 5, 10 a.m.

Little Mr. & Mrs. Hillbilly Contest June 5, 11:00 a.m.

New Tales by the Bridge June 5, 1 - 4 p.m.

Cruise In June 5, 5 - 9 p.m

Thursday, June 3, 5 - 6:30 p.m. kids play free Passin Time Fishing Booth - Carnival Games Euro Bungee Face Painting Duck Pond Carnival Games & Dunking Booth Army National Guard (in the park) Free Rock Wall USDA Forestry - Free fishing day Saturday, June 5th

For more information about the Covered Bridge Celebration visit http://coveredbridge.elizabethtonchamber.com

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Festival Map

Special Events Cornhole Tournament People’s Community Bank Omnium Race - Sunday, June 6

Out ‘N About Magazine

Festival Arts & Crafts 5k Run - Saturday, June 5, at 10 a.m.

Animation Festival

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Music Line Up Market Street

Main Street

Friday night line up:

Friday night line up: 4:00 5:30 7:00 8:30

p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m.

3:00 6:00 7:30 9:00

Town Mountain The Brother Boys Nathan and the Zydeco Cha Chas Donna the Buffalo

2:15 p.m. Michael Jacobs 3:15 p.m. Jessica Nixon Stage Break 5:00 p.m. Logan Murrel 6:45 p.m. The Penny Dreadfuls 9:00 p.m. Southern Culture on the Skids

Barefoot Movement Malcolm Holcomb Spring Creek Casey Driesen Great American Taxi The Gourds

Jazz Stage

Sunday Stage

Friday night line up: 5:15 6:30 7:45 8:30

p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m.

Sunday line up:

Bill Swann Trio Christabel and the Jons Unlimited Vertigo Jazz Project

12:00 1:00 2:00 3:00 4:00 5:00

Saturday night line up: 2:45 4:00 5:15 8:00 9:00

p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m.

Johnson City Ballet Avery Deakins These Undowners Wolf Creek

Saturday night line up:

Saturday night line up: 1:00 p.m.

2:30 p.m.

4:00 p.m.

5:30 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

9:00 p.m.

p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m.

Makia Groove Frito Puente Left of Blue Jazz Doctors Daniel Weatherspoon

June 2010

p.m. Joel Buckner p.m. Gina Salyer p.m. Blue Maze p.m. The Rock Church p.m. TBA p.m. Bethel Christian Church Choir

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The Double Life of Johnson City Mayor Jane Myron

By Eileen Rush Her schedule is split between a variety of Mayoral duties and running two independent businesses – Black Tie Formal Wear in downtown Johnson City and Jane’s Lunch Box on West Market Street.

“I take everything I do very seriously,” she said. “I have been able to balance, juggle, whatever you want to say.”

A typical day for the snow-haired, blue-eyed Mayor begins at 5:30 a.m., with a kiss from her dog, a sheltie.

Pretty early in the day she’s “off to the races,” thumbing through a mental list of meetings, presentations or phone calls.

Midday is spent at Jane’s Lunch Box, a restaurant of glass-topped tables with business cards suspended just beneath the glass. Sesame Street and Dukes of Hazard lunch boxes hang overhead the counter. She enjoys working the lunch rush, because that is “our main time to serve the citizens, serve the customers.”

After lunch, she goes to Black Tie Formal Wear for prom season. In the afternoon, she sets out for Mayoral duties, which can take her all over the city: the Municipal Building, the Chamber of Commerce, the Senior Center or the Johnson City Public Library.

Since 1973, Johnson City has been home to Myron, who was born in Nashville. In her time as a citizen, she’s seen a lot of changes in the TriCities.

“I remember when Interstate 181 stopped at North Roan Street,” Myron said. “So I’ve seen quite a bit of growth and community spirit.”

The first two community programs she got involved with were Big Brothers, Big Sisters and the Johnson City Chamber of Commerce.

“I firmly believe the more you give a program, the more you get out of it,” she said.

This sense of community service has translated into her work as a politician and Johnson City’s second female mayor.

“I’m all about taking care of people, and how the city improves and how we

can serve the people better,” she said.

“I’ve been told the two main things the city does is when they get up in the morning and turn the water on, there better be water coming out of that spigot. The other one was garbage pickup. I think we do very well in both of those areas. We are recognized for that.”

obesity in the nation.

“I continue to try to bring the awareness of moving, activity, the awareness of what we put in our bodies,” she said.

In addition to the health initiatives she’s helped to start, she has also been involved with a number of “green” initiatives in Johnson City. The city has

Johnson City Mayor Jane Myron (Photo/Eileen Rush) In addition to the basic services, Johnson City has seen a boom in new initiatives, including programs geared towards health and “going green.”

“Sometimes you suggest things and think, oh this is great, but it may not work out,” she said. “But at least I have learned something and can tweak it and go another route, making it a better plan for the citizens. ” The Up and At’Em Health Initiative was the product of her concern over healthy eating and physical education.

Johnson City now has a comprehensive program to combat obesity in Tennessee, which has the fifth highest rate of

been recognized at the state level as Tennessee’s “First Green City.” Methane gas from the landfill at Iris Glenn now heats the Mountain Home V.A., saving around 10 percent on their electricity bill. Johnson City was also the first city in Tennessee to initiate curbside recycling.

“We are constantly looking at ways to save energy that only translates into saving the citizens money too. It’s one big circle. It affects every citizen, in one way or another.”

As a way to promote the flow of ideas from citizens to their local government, Myron has begun “Tuesday Talks with the Mayor.” Once a month, at the John-

Out ‘N About Magazine

son City Public Library, citizens can meet one-on-one with Myron and discuss anything – from dog waste to annexation, and beyond.

“I enjoy talking to the [citizens], getting ideas and I always, always get something positive from them,” she said of the meetings. “I take all that seriously, listen to them and try to take care of what they need. It gives people an opportunity to come down and kindof vent. And we can take the opportunity to a more positive level. It gives me a chance to listen to people and see what’s going on with their lives.

We might not be able to take care of everything. But I found out that if you are sincere and you listen, then a lot of times that’s what it’s about.”

Myron has seen a lot of building initiatives put into place, including the construction of a new Senior Citizens Center and a new football stadium at Science Hill High School. Before she leaves office, she says, one last thing is on her plate. She would like to find a permanent home for the Johnson City Farmer’s Market – a building with running water, restroom facilities and storage capacity.

“Because of the way our culture is going, the interest in gardening and in fresh foods is growing,” she said.

“This year we anticipate a very steady growth with the number of vendors at the farmer’s market. … We want the farmer’s market to become a destination.”

At the end of her busy days, Myron comes home, sits on the couch and cuddles with her dog. “God sends us different things to soothe us,” she said. Since her husband’s death, she has thrown herself into her work – three jobs, not counting all the committees she sits on – and her friendships. The greatest fun she has, she says, is nurturing the relationships with her close friends.

“I am very fortunate to experience wonderful qualities in my close friends,” she said. “The night my husband died, they were there. We tease each other to death, and we have fun. I hate to say that it’s a hobby, but I will say that it’s a blessing.”

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Courtyard Marriott: New Johnson City Hotel Is Impressive

The new Courtyard Marriott is convenient to many of the areas attractions and landmarks.

Johnson City’s newest hotel, the Courtyard Marriott, located at 4025 Hamilton Place off State of Franklin Road, sure is impressive. One would think this sprawling first class hotel would be only found in a larger city.

The hotel’s designer left nothing to chance. The rooms and suites combine elegance with homey comfort in a cosmopolitan atmosphere. Yet, the hotel is extremely functional for business travelers or a couple just wanting a romantic getaway. Inside visitors will find a functional business center, a Coffeehouse featuring Starbucks and the popular Bistro & Bar where you can enjoy breakfast or dinner or just relax with cocktails served during evening hours.

Visitors are first welcomed to the new lobby area adjacent the Coffeehouse and Bistro and have a choice between staying one of the 87 luxury rooms on one of the three floors or in one of the hotel’s spacious ground floor suites near the outdoor pool.

If you’re in need of getting your daily exercise, Courtyard Marriott has a comprehensive fitness center. There’s even a private laundry room should you need to dry your swimming trunks after a dip in the pool.

The hotel is wired throughout with complimentary high-speed internet access and each room is equipped with a new 32-inch flat screen television, microwave oven, refrigerator, iron, coffee maker and blow dryer. The sleeping quarters present guests with luxury bedding and crisp linens and oversized fluffy pillows. In the lobby, hanging prominently next to the check-in counter is a huge 52-inch “Go Board” interactive screen that’ll let you know what is going on Courtyard Marriott General Manager Steve Bales in the region as well as the hotel’s meeting schedule. Meeting rooms are available for large or small groups and wedding receptions and dinners.

It’s no wonder that the Courtyard Marriott is quickly becoming the local hotel to hold meetings, weddings, and family and class reunions. Veteran General Manager Steve Bales says the new hotel is different from a tradition property. “We ask our guests to come and enjoy the hotel but we also encourage them to get out of their rooms,” he said. “Whether it’s a large group or you’re traveling alone there is a great opportunity for networking within the hotel; we have a lot of corporate traffic. And, you can literally plug your laptop in anywhere!”

Bales joined LBA Hospitality, headquartered in Dothan, Alabama in April of 2009 and the new Courtyard Marriott opened later in September amid much interest and fanfare. For a new property with plenty of competition, Bales is pleased with the early results.

Statically, out of 789 Courtyard Marriott’s nationwide, Johnson City ranks #1 in on-time check-ins, #1 in room cleanliness, #2 in departures and #10 in guest satisfaction. Bales say the layout of the property sells itself. “There is music piped out to the pool area and a fire pit with a lounging area. This is a fourth generation Marriott and we have more of a condo complex feel.”

On a recent visit to the hotel, we spoke Director of Sales Lisa Tolliver to a family of five from Kansas who had stayed at the hotel for over a week and were leaving the next day. “Whenever I think of Johnson City I’ll remember this hotel and the hospitality the staff showed us,” the mother of four kids said as the family lounged around the pool for the last time.

“When you are far from home and have children and you receive the kind of attention we’ve received this past week it makes you want to come back. And, we will.”

Bales is quick to give credit to his staff, especially Lisa Tolliver, Director of Sales and Angel Dennis, Ast. General Manager. “I’ve very proud of my staff, and I’d put them up against any others in the Tri-Cities,” Bales said, who got his start 20 years ago by opening the old Garden Plaza Hotel.

With occupancy numbers at the hotel the envy of many competitors, Bales isn’t letting up. He’s now going after locals who want a weekend get-away. Soon, travel packages will include wooing motorcyclists, who would like to ride and spend the day at Grandfather Mountain, or others who might want to travel to Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge and back.

“There are many opportunities to enjoy a variety of things in our backyard,” Bales points out. “Our attitude is in helping our visitors come, enjoy and get out and enjoy themselves. And, while in our Courtyard Marriott, you can eat, drink and connect.

Our concept is redefining the approach to the business traveler as well as the local population.”

June 2010

The outdoor fire pit, next to the pool offers guests a place to socialize and relax.

Pg 13

Richard Venable: CEO NETWORKS

NETWORKS website logo proudly proclaims: “You can get there from Plus, don’t forget, we have a great education training center for the workforce here.” And, that’s just one selling point Richard Venable, Chief Operating Of- at Northeast State Technical College.” ficer, touts every day. A veteran regional leader, former State Representative, Venable credits former Kingsport Mayor Jeanette Blazer with getting local former long-time Sullivan County Mayor and candidate for Congress, Ven- business leaders and government to begin to work closely together on ecoable knows all too well that attracting industry and business is not a boiler- nomic development issues. So, with Venable at the helm, NETWORKS began plate mission. And, he knows all the nooks and crannies of our region better developing cost benefit analysis package for business prospects. “We had to than anybody. identify what the employer brings to the table and at what cost to us (taxes, When it comes to attracting new busispin-off employment, future growth)” he ness, the competition is fierce. When NETsaid. “If an employer has some ‘skin’ in the WORKS regional Economic Development game then in all likelihood he or she has a Partnership alliance was formed six years real stake in the success of the venture.” ago between partners Sullivan County, BrisWith new start-up industries far-andtol, Bluff City, and Kingsport everyone in few between right now, Venable points to the region was trying to lure Bush Hog to the need to assist exiting businesses. “Sevits particular county, there was a noticeable enty to eighty percent of existing business let-down by some when Bush Hog chose a are small to medium-sized entrepreneurs neighboring county instead of Sullivan. and they really are the unsung heroes. I “We soon found out that our friendly comreally think sometimes, to a great extent, petition ended up being good for everybody they are overlooked. It’s much easier to when Bush Hog decided to locate in our rehelp an existing company with a 50 job gap gion. (Note: The plant eventually shut-down than to land the big fish, so-to-speak. If an due to slow economic times). Because, we existing business adds 25 new jobs, we can all benefitted as a region. When I went down help them through training and state tax there, I notice license plates from Sullivan, incentives. And, regionally we have a lot to Greene, Washington, Carter, and Unicoi (all offer because of our quality of life and the over) so it was truly a regional gift. We’re all many opportunities available all around mobile and you can be anywhere in the Trius. . . from our lakes, State Parks, golf Richard Venable, Networks Cheif Executive Officer Cities in a short time. On the other hand, it courses, the racetrack, restaurants, small takes an hour or more sometimes just to get shops as well as shopping centers. And, our from one end of Knoxville to the other.” health care system is second to none. We have three major medical centers, a Venable points to Tri-Cities Regional Airport as one of the biggest asset the #1 cardiac center and a Level One Trauma Center, as well as great higher eduregion has to spur economic development and new business. “As a region, the cation facilities. These things mean a lot to business people who are thinking airport is vital to developing the relationships that hold the key to growth. It’s about moving here or expanding.” our first opportunity to introduce a prospect.”

Venable wears many hats but seems to enjoy the promotions end of the economic development business. “Our area has grown to celebrate our differences as well as our common bonds,” he said with a smile. “By leveraging our • Worked for Mason Dixon Truck lines before starting his own successful uniqueness while combining our strengths, we continue to produce a growing trucking business still flourishing and headquartered in Kingsport, TN. economy,” he added.

One important thing Venable says he has helped accomplish since to es- • Enjoys International Travel especially to Europe.

• Many thought was the real winner in his race for Congress when not tablishment of NETWORKS is its ownership of land.

“I guess at the beginning we were a marketing organization. Now, we own enough voting machines were available in (his) popular county of Sullivan. over 500 acres of our own land. We have the infrastructure in place and many Former U.S. Rep. David Davis eventually won that race. great partners.”

In the highly competitive world of attracting new industry in tough eco- • Was recently urged, but decided not to seek, the vacant Tennessee House nomic times, Out ‘N About Magazine was interested in knowing what new seat recently given up by his good friend Rep. Jason Mumpower, R-Sullivan business was looking for.

County.

“How quickly you can act,” Venable said without hesitation. “You have to • Is believed to be the front-runner for Ron Ramsey’s state senate seat remember our neighbors are not the only competition but perhaps, the entire South. We have three industrial parks in Sullivan County and we can offer a should Ramsey be elected governor. That decision will be up to the Sullivan great road system and the needed infrastructure quickly. It’s highly competi- County County Commission should Ramsey take the governor’s chair. tive, so these are the things we’ve worked hard on to develop over the years.

Richard Venable Quick Facts

Out ‘N About Magazine

Pg 14

2010 Downtown Kingsport Concert Schedule

June 2010

Pg 15

Lawman: Kent Harris Enjoys Putting The Bad Guys Behind Bars

cord while the average in the country is in the 20 percentile.

“I’m very proud of that number and all the credit goes to the 52 men and women who work here,” Harris said in-between phone calls. “We’re like a family. We know each other’s wives and husbands and their kids. I dare say if someone has a dog, I know its name too,” he said with a laugh. “As the old saying goes, ‘There’s no I in We.’” Unicoi County Sheriff Kent Harris Harris reserves Sunday for church and to Note to all the drug dealers out there: You spend time with his wife and three kids. Othmight want to stay out of Unicoi County. Be- erwise, he’s on the job daily from 7 a.m. until cause, if you plan to travel to Erwin to sell drugs after midnight. He leads by example. However, or just cook some for yourself, Unicoi County he decries the low pay for his employees but Sheriff Kent Harris will find you and put you there’s little he can do because Unicoi County in jail. After all, he’s done it hundreds of times. sits in the middle of federal land that by law Fresh off another unopposed land-side elec- goes untaxed. tion victory with nearly 8,000 votes, Harris “I wouldn’t want my kids to pursue law enbegins his third term more upbeat than when forcement as a career. Unless you get a degree he first took the sheriff’s chair eight years ago. and go to work for the state or federal govern“It’s a lot different now around here,” he said ment. . .FBI. . .TBI. . .DA (District Attorney). from behind his massive desk, cluttered with Otherwise, its long hours and low pay. Our officase files, memos and letters. “When I first cers make about $26,000 a year and $6,000 of took office meth (methamphetamine) was an that goes for medical insurance. I’ve fought for epidemic. We worked day and night and that more pay for them but it’s just not there. You first year we made over 300 drug arrests that don’t work here for the money. It’s a cause. It stuck. I took a tough stance that you don’t come gets in your blood.”

Nowadays when he’s not chasing criminals, to Unicoi County and sell drugs. . .not on my Harris spends time working and planning for watch.”

Harris found drug dealers cooking meth in the future, in particularly the construction of cars, in motels and in rented houses. In fact, Unicoi County’s Jail Annex and the renovation one rental house blew up while two drug deal- of the current old jail.

The 64-bed facility frequently housed over ers brewed meth on a kitchen stove. Now, with the county drug problem vertically cleaned-up, 100 inmates and beginning in 1986 the State of Unicoi County boosts one of the lowest crime Tennessee demanded someone do something rates in the state. And, Harris’ department has about it. “I don’t like to criticize those who came a remarkable 87 percent solvable crime rate re- before me but they basically put temporary

Out ‘N About Magazine

Band-Aids on the place (jail). The pendulum dropped when I got here and the county had to do something or we faced decertification.”

So, across town, a new jail annex is being built, local contractors were bid winners and 25 local laborers were put to work. Harris’ persistence resulted in the plan for the annex versus a new $8 million jail that the county couldn’t afford. “And, that was without any land,” he interjected. By hiring local contractor Kevin Horton as Construction Superintendent, the annex will cost less than $3 million including the price of the $700,000 land it sits on.

The annex will also house all of the county’s permanent records, serve as home to the Emergency Medical Service, plus there is room for an impound lot for confiscated vehicles and for the department’s Blood Hounds to live. “Yes, it’s much better here than eight years ago,” Harris says with a smile. “But I’m still vigilant and will continue to work hard for the citizens of Unicoi County as we continue to make this a better place in which to live and raise a family.”

KENT HARRIS Quick FACTS • Wanted to be a Marine but a serious car wreck prevented his sign-up.

• His great grandfather was Erwin Chief of Police 35 years ago.

• He once served as an Erwin City Councilman.

• Before becoming sheriff, he worked 8 years at Nuclear Fuels Services.

• He serves as an elder at Erwin First Pentecostal Church.

• He dabbles in rental property.

• Harris collects Andy Griffith memorabilia and is a big Mayberry fan.

Pg 16

CEO Lynn Shipley is up for the challenge in these challenging times have a plan to repay debt and have that capacity then they make for a good risk. If we determine that’s not the case and risk factors go up because the cash flow isn’t there then we (still) go to work to determine what the best solution is. . .maybe not such a big house or maybe the customer should look at a less expensive car. That’s just good business sense.”

“Exceeding Expectations” is TriSummit Bank’s promise to its customers. And, in just three and a half years, it appears that promise has come to fruition.

“I work with the 50 best bankers on our team and that’s the reason for our success,” Lynn Shipley, TriSummit Bank President & CEO, said recently. “When we started the bank we raised the capital necessary in record time and in a little over three years we have $270 million in assets during the toughest of economic times during my business career.”

A Bristol, Virginia native, Shipley began working at age 13 on State Street and hasn’t let up since.

His banking career has taken him to leadership roles at banks in all the Tri-Cities and Bristol, VA. And, he knows the market and its people well.

While Shipley admits the loan demand in some areas of banking is soft at present, “The Tri-Cities, Southwest Virginia and all of Northeast Tennessee is resilient and we’ll bounce back. We, on the other hand, haven’t really seen the significant downturn that markets have experienced in other parts of the country,” he said.

Shipley points to TriSummit’s conservative management philosophy that drives its portfolio. “We believe in basic banking fundamentals,” he said. “If people have skin in the game and they

Shipley has always been one to personally put back into the community. He served as United Way of Kingsport’s Chairman a few years ago, and has been active all his adult life in Bristol’s Life Savings Crew. In fact, while working the races at Bristol Motor Speedway in 1977, the lifesaving crew became the first EMS in Tennessee to provide advance life support serves on site. He had a special relationship with former BMS owners Larry and Shirley Carrier. While at First American Bank, his institution was the first to sponsor a suite building.

When asked about the sub-prime mortgage business that pushed the U.S. economy on the brink of bankruptcy, Shipley decries the lack of regulation at the time.

“Good community banks like ours and many others weren’t An avid NASCAR engaged in sub-prime loans. fan, Shipley tells a funBut, there were people out ny story about taking there ‘non-regulated’ that a ticket renewal letter were. And, ultimately it hurt written to him in 1961 the entire economy. We have

by Larry Carrier urgpersonal relationships with ing him to purchase our customers andour goal his tickets for the next is to make decisions in both race. Tickets then were their best interest and the in$6. terest of TriSummit Bank . . .

Lynn Shipley “I took that letter because it is a long-term business partup to him over thirty years later and nership.” told him I wanted to pick up my tickets,” he laughs.

Shipley came up with the following words as the bank’s Mission Statement:

“They were about $70 at time. Larry got a big kick out of that!”

“Words don’t mean much unless they’re backed up with action. That’s why TriSummit’s real story isn’t in these words; it’s in the way we do business every day:

Quick Facts about Lynn Shipley:

Integrity.

Trust.

Responsibility.

Doing the right thing. Giving more than people have learned to expect. Treating customers – and each other – the way we’d want to be treated.

It’s not new.

It’s just rare.

And it’s who we are.”

June 2010

• Has a tool box instead of a golf bag.

• In the process of restoring a 1981 442 Black Oldsmobile.

• Married to Kathy, 26 years; Son, Andrew; Daughter, Brook; two granddaughters.

• Retired only to turnaround and start TriSummit Bank.

• Believes personal finance should be taught to students early in school.

Pg 17

Out ‘N About Magazine

Pg, 18

Well-known Local Pharmacist instrumental in Medical School Reality A few weeks ago, the first class A 1965 graduate of the Uniof ETSU’s Bill Gatton College of versity of Tennessee College of Pharmacy accepted their diplomas Pharmacy, Wilson’s business has and Guy Wilson, Jr., DPh., CEO grown to over 150 employees. and Chairman of Wilson Pharmacy Wilson says his employees are couldn’t have been prouder. family and faced with a teeterWilson hesitates to take pering economy last year he chose sonal credit for landing a pharmacy to freeze salaries versus laying school in Johnson City but the fact people off. In the meantime, he is he was a leading figure in the ate a $29,000 loss. school’s creation. “We knew there “We learned through the was a genuine need here,” Wilson tough times to be a lot more efsaid from his headquarters on State ficient because of the situation,” of Franklin Road. “And, Memphis he added. “We have a lot of sharp was the closest school to us and it young people in our organizamight as well been in Canada (distion. We are a knowledge-based tance wise). organization . . .we don’t count The major hurdle Wilson and his pills anymore; we have machine colleagues faced was funding the that does that and our technolnew school, estimated to be around ogy tracks every dose to every pa$16 million in community funds tient. It’s quite remarkable what and the rest shared by government. we are able to do these days.”

But, ultimately he and other busiToday, Wilson’s business ness and civic leaders convinced components include: infusion, ETSU President Paul Stanton and compounding, retail, instituTennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen the tional and clinical management. idea had merit. “[Gov. Bredesen] “We’re much more diversified told us if we could raise $5 million and we are able to use our pharCEO and Chairman of Wilson Pharmacy, Guy Wilson in 90 days he’d sign off on it,” remaceutical knowledge to help flected Wilson. We were able to recruit 1,000 donors and one donor, (Bristol busi- employers better manage their health care costs. We take time to interact with nessman) Bill Gatton, personally pledged $5 million.” patients’ doctors to meet managed care and employer priorities as well as wellness The rest, as they say, is history. goals.

Once the funding was secured, the next worry was attracting 75 students to Wilson is somewhat of a political activist when it comes to the pharmaceutiJohnson City’s new pharmacy school who would be willing to plunk down $23,000 cal industry staying in touch with local, state and federal leaders. Just back from a year to study here. Wilson said he wasn’t worried and he was right.

Washington D.C. meetings with Congressional leaders including U.S. Sen. Bob The school now has a waiting list of 800 and faulty members have relocated Corker, R-TN and First District Congressman Phil Roe, Wilson and other pharmato Johnson City from near and far. “It’s not real hard to sell our region,” a smiling cists want some input on the proposed new federal health care bill.

Wilson said. “It’s a great place to raise a family and we have a lot to offer. After all, There is a lot of money being wasted and there is a lot of abuse in some manyou get up every morning and you look out at these beautiful mountains and there aged care programs,” he said. “There are major problems with TennCare and we is picturesque scenery wherever you go. Who wouldn’t want to attend school here. need a National Data Base to track duplications of services.” As for his business, . .and stay after you graduate?”

Wilson sees the recession waning and better days are ahead for him and the stuWilson says technology has dramatically changed the face of the pharmacy dents who attend the Bill Gatton College of Pharmacy. business, a business his family has been involved in dating back to his grandfather in 1935. And, he says, “(Independent) Wilson Pharmacy has survived and excelled because we are committed to fundamental customer service,” he said. “Health care is a very personal business whether it is the interaction of your doctor, nurse of • Golfer & private airplane pilot. pharmacist. It’s who we are. We not only have an obligation to get to know our • Crashed his first plane in 1971 and walked away from it. customers, we use new technology and automation to help better serve them.”

Guy Wilson Quick Facts

• Daughter, Ellen lives in New York City with her daughter and husband.

• Wife Debra Wilson, DPh., is President of Wilson Pharmacy and is a golfer too.

• The Wilsons are active in many professional and civic organizations (too many to list).

June 2010

Pg 19

Regional Happenings

Theatre

Music/Entertainmnet

BarterTheatre, Abingdon Va.:

Old-Time Appalchian Music Jam

April, 30 – Aug. 29 May 13 – Aug 14 June 2 – June 26 June 10 – Aug 14 June 18- July 24

Mitch Albom’s Tuesdays With Morrie Revolutions Pinocchio The Blue-Sky Boys Violet

Fridays 6 - 10 p.m. Downtown Blountville Saturdays 2 - 4 p.m. Bristol Welcom Center

Contra Dances

June 6, 20 7:30 - 10:30 p.m. Jonesborough Visitors Center

Storytelling Tuesday Evenings

www.bartertheatre.com

Jonesborough Repertory Theatre, Jonesborough, Tenn.:

Tuesdays 7 - 8:30 p.m. The Cranberry Thistle, Downtown Johnesborough

Twilight Alive Concert Series

June 18 – 19 Godspell Junior www.jonesboroughtheatre.com

Thursdays 7 p.m. Downtwon Kingsport

Johnson City Community Theatre, Johnson City, Tenn:

Bluegrass on Board Concert Series

Fridays 7 p.m. Downtown Kingsport

June 11,12, Noël Coward’s “Improbable Farce” BlitheSpirit 18 -20, 26, 27 www.jcct.us

Southern Appalachian Repertory Theatre, Mars Hill, N.C.:

June 2-6 June 9-27

The Foreigner A Little Night Music

June 27 2 - 5 p.m. Carter Mansion, Elizabethton

Festivals, Fairs & More

www.sartplays.org

The Montford Park Players, Asheville, N.C.:

June 4 – 13 June 18

Music on the Square Sunday Jams at Carter Mansion

Fridays 7 p.m. Downtown Jonesborough

The Asheville Shakesperience July 11 King Lear

44th Annual Covered Bridge Celebration

June 3 - 5 Downtown Elizabethton

www.montfordparkplayers.org

Diana Wortham Theatre, Asheville, N.C.:

June 3 - 4 June 5 June 6

June 11 - 12 June 24 -26

Ballet Conservatory of Asheville presents Giselle Asheville Lyric Opera presents Taste of Opera Jazz Series 2010 presents Rick Trolsen and the New Orleans Po’ Boys Asheville Contemporary Dance Theatre & White Dog ProjectX present Frank’s Got the Blues & Jaque-Mate (Check Mate) Terpsicorps Theatre of Dance presents The Rite of Spring and other works

11th Annual Blue Plum Festival

June 4 - 6 Downtown Johnson City

20th Annual Sycamore Shoals Native American Festival

June 5 - 6 Sycamore Shoals State Park, Elizabethton, Tenn.

Shakespeare and Friends Celtic Renaissance Faire

June 5 - 6 Crockett Spring Park, Rogersville, Tenn.

Sullivan County Civil War Days

June 17-20 Downtown Blountville

64th Annual Roan Mountain Rhododendron Festival

www.dwtheatre.com

Flat Rock Playhouse, Hendersonville, N.C.:

June2 -July 4 For the Glory

June 19 - 20 Roan Mountain, Tenn.

www.flatrockplayhouse.org

Proud Annie Mystery Theatre, Jonesborough, Tenn:

Living History – Militia Muster at the Carter Mansion

Weekly dinner performances begin at 6:30 pm on Thursday, Friday, and Saturdays. www.proudannie.com

June 19 - 20 Elizabethton, Tenn.

1886 Spring Craft Festival

June 19 - Whittier, North Carolina

Out ‘N About Magazine

Pg, 20

Rafael Zabala (left) says he’s pleased to be part of the downtown renewal effort.

Is Setting the Pace for a New Downtown Johnson City

Rafael Zabala, smiles when the question is asked, and th he’s not coy about his answer. h “Why take a chance with a “W big investment in downtown b Johnson City, namely Tipton J Street in these tough economS ic times?”

“I’d have to give David Pennington with URA (Urban Ren development Alliance) much d of the credit for One12 locating was a good deal and we here. The space sp are able to be the center of the downtown renewal effort,” Zabala said. said “I’m real happy about locating here and the first few months mont have met up to my early expectations.”

Barely months, bet on bringing an upB l open three th th Zabala’s Z b l ’ optimistic ti scale full-service restaurant to the heart of downtown is already paying off with a steady patron base coming from East Tennessee State University, and the surrounding area. Plus, it didn’t take long for downtown shoppers to find One12.

Business people stop in after work, and families are finding a pleasant dining experience that won’t crowd their budget.

One12 is a restaurant you might find in a big city minus the big city prices for food and drink.

Kids meals are only $4.99 while a hearty appetite can be satisfied with one of 112’s signature steaks, short ribs, Pan Roasted or Molasses Chicken, fish or pasta dishes. A variety of salads and homemade dressings are offered. And, of course, you can choose from over a dozen appetizers, burgers and sandwiches.

Although customers can view about any game or sporting event on the 18 large screen LCD televisions that adorn the walls around the restaurant, Zabala is quick to point out, One12 is not your typical sports bar. “We’re more upscale and we’re just a great place that you can bring a date for a nice dinner or bring the entire family for a great meal.”

One12 proudly carries the “Certified Angus Beef” logo on its menu which basically means any beef product offered at One12, from chili to steaks, only comes from the best cuts of beef.

Zabala also knows something about hiring good employees. “I know within five minutes of the interview if they’ll fit in here,” he said matter-of-factly. “I look for people with good personalities who want to have a good time and who are more personable with our customers and who are committed to excellent service.”

One12 boast a real copper bar and the 1923 vintage building was renovated every step of the way by Zabala.

The restaurant is open, airy and complimented by refurbished hard wood floors, classy booths and plenty of tables and chairs.

The huge bar area is stocked with any beverage you could think of, • Grew up in Mountain City. and One12 offers 20 beers on tap.

• Single (at time of interview, at least).

As host, Zabala makes sure something is always going on.

• U.T. graduate and former stock broker with “We have events here all the time Morgan Stanley. especially from Thursday through • Was born in Venezuela. the weekend; there are always • Take a tour: www.112DOWNTOWN.COM. drink specials, food specials and • One12 can be rented for group luncheons, great live music. It’s a unique dinners and parties. space. . . and a happin place!”

Out ‘N About Magazine

Quick Facts About Rafael Zabala

Pg 21

Photos courtesy of Tri-Cities Golf Club It’s a sunny afternoon and a large crowd has gathered for 18 holes of golf at the area’s premier golf course, Tri-Cities Golf Club. Rich in history and popularity, golfers will notice several unique changes at the course designed to help assist them in improving their game.

Course owner Andy Carrier recently took Tri-Cities Golf Club into the future of golf courses by installing ProShot GPS systems in all golf carts, a cutting-edge interactive program that gives players actuate real-time data concerning each hole of play.

“On all our carts, the GPS system is mounted on the steering column and sits suspended in between the driver Tri-Cities Golf Club offers play on three courses featuring pines, woods and lake settings. and passenger,” Carrier explained. “The LCD screen viewing is line of site and does not obstruct the driver’s view. Golfers receive all pertinent yardage information without touching any buttons, in addition to, drive distances and playing tips from golf professional are contained on the message board.”

The ProShot GPS system is quite amazing and golfers at Tri-Cities Golf Club sing its praises. Tri-Cities is the only local course to have the interactive system available. “Everyone knows how challenging golf is, and in the past, I had to constantly get out of the cart and look for a yard marker or irrigation head before making my next club selection,” one golfer said after teeing off from the first tee. “Now the calculation is done for me in the cart. The GPS provides me with a distance measuring the yardage to the front, center and back of the green and what hazards to be looking out for. It makes my golfing experience that much more enjoyable.”

Also, what’s unique about Tri-Cities Golf Club is the fact the course has 27 holes available not just the usual 18. “This enables us to hold tournaments at the course and at the same time still offer playing time to other customers and the general public,” Carrier pointed out.

Positioned in some of the region’s most picturesque mountain scenery, the course offers play in the pines, woods and lake settings. Greens SuperintenTri-Cities Golf Club is conveniently located for golfers in the Tri-Cities Tn/Va dant Billy Murphy doesn’t take personal credit for the finely manicured course region and beyond. that greets hundreds of golfers every year. “We work as a team here and everyone wears many hats,” he said. “We stay on top of offering the best golfing experience available in the Tri-Cities.” He also admits watching the Weather Channel more than most as the weather dictates his plan for the course every day.

Obviously the “team approach management concept” is working because Tri-Cities Golf Club is one of the busiest courses in the region.

“I’d have to say that’s because we offer good customer service and our prices are [really] competitive,” Carrier added. “We want people to come back and enjoy the experience we offer at Tri-Cities Golf Club and we pay attention to the needs of our participants, whether you are promoting a tournament of playing an afternoon round of golf with family or friends.”

Carrier’s management assistant, Diane Hite, tracks the complex’s tournaments, oversees the Pro Shop and is involved in the newly revamped restaurant, the 28th Hole. “We host over 50 tournaments a year and probably one of the most special is our partnership with Bristol Motor Speedway’s Children’s Charities Golf Tournament,” she said. “One of the highlights of the August NASCAR weekend is the tournament. We’re proud to be presenting it again in August for the 12th year.”

Manning the Pro Shop during the day of our visit was Emmitt Burleson, a 35 year veteran employee of the golf course.

“Tri-Cities Golf Club is the best place to play for the money,” BurThe Pro S leson said. “You can play 18 holes during the week for $26 and $31 hop carrie s name bra nd golfing on the weekends. We’re sitting in an ideal location (Blountville, just equipmen t and acc down the road from Bristol Motor Speedway) so it’s easy to get here from Abingdon, essories.

Elizabethton, Kingsport, Johnson City, etc. The course is always in great shape and we enjoy a robust repeat business.”

“In the Pro Shop we offer a full line of items for every need the golfer might have,” Hite said. “Our prices are very competitive and we’ll match the price of any of the ‘Big Box’ stores.” The heavily stocked Pro Shop offers everything from Oakley sunglasses to golf balls and clubs. Brand names like Nike, Titleist, and Callaway welcome visitors to browse the Pro Shop for merchandise before or after their game.

Speaking of before or after the game, the 28th Hole restaurant offers breakfast, lunch and a dozen snack favorites from hot dogs to cheeseburgers, sandwiches and subs. The most popular item is their signature Hot Wings. The restaurant also offers a variety of beers and soft drinks.

WCYB NEWS: ACCURATE & RELIABLE

WCYB News Team: (From Left) Dave Dirks, Steve Hawkins, Ann Carter and Garick Zikan Bristol, VA. --- Steve Hawkins, WCYB News & Community Affairs Director is on the telephone in his office when reporters from Out ’N About Magazine arrive. He hangs up the telephone only to pluck a Blackberry from his belt to look at text messages he missed while being on the other phone.

“That’s the nature of the news businesses nowadays,” he announces. “It’s 24-7.

But, I guess that’s what’s exciting and not boring about my job. The news (and weather) constantly change; it is an everyday challenge. It is also a huge responsi-

Meteorologist Dave Dirks

bility because our viewers not only depend on us every day to deliver news, sports and weather. . . they expect us to get it right.”

Hawkins is THE veteran newsman in these parts. For 34 years he had darkened the door everyday at WCYB, located barely in Virginia off State Street. He began his career as a sports reporter long before the Internet, cell phones and his Blackberry sidekick became commonplace.

Before him there was Merrill Moore, probably the closest thing the Tri-Cities ever got to a local Walter Cronkite. Hawkins had big shoes to fill when in 2000 Merrill retired and Hawkins was asked to sit at the nightly Anchor Desk as well as keeping his News Director business post. Change takes a while but he filled Merrill’s shoes quite nicely thank you. You don’t stay in the same place in the news business for 34 years by making mistakes and hiccups. And, there have been quite few of those.

Hawkins invited Out ‘N About Magazine into the sanctity of the world of News Center 5 at 5p.m. and 5:30 p.m., a personal behind-the-scenes look at what goes on uninterrupted every evening. And, fascinating the private look was indeed!

Our tour guide, Joe Gragg, the same guy who for several years, camped out at the Bristol Motor Speedway campground and brought us those zany stories from fans visiting BMS from around the country, knows his stuff. He too, is a long-term employee and seemed to really enjoy sharing the behind-the-scenes wizardly whether it be discussing WCYB’s $1 million mobile truck or explaining the goings-on in the control room.

From high atop the “brain center” above the news room, or commonly known as the Master Control Room, engineers bark orders and sit before thousand-buttoned control panels pushing a button here or sliding a button up or down there. If you didn’t know it, you’d think you were back stage at a Led Zeppelin rock concert.

After the tour we went down on the floor to witness first hand the 6 p.m. news cast. The news staff act like family and it is remarkably genuine. They laugh and hold small talk sessions during the breaks, catch-up on family matters and tease one another. It’s comfortable in the news room but the Hollywood lights are bright and hot.

Probably the most surprising thing about the news, sports, and weather

WCYB News and Community Affairs Director Steve Hawkins

Out ‘N About Magazine

Continued on page 35

WCYB “brain center”

Pg, 24

LEGACY & VISION: Jimmy Neil Smith still beating the drum for the International Storytelling Center After 37 years at the helm of what started out as a modest festival of people telling stories and having a generally good time of fellowship and comraderie, Jimmy Neil Smith, the International Storytelling Center’s only director, still has a twinkle in his eye when ask to tell the story of the story of the festival.

“Would I ever had imaged we would be where we are now from that warm October day in 1973, when we rolled out an old farm wagon into Courthouse Square in downtown Jonesborough to gather around to tell stories?” he asked to my question over lunch recently. “You gotta be kidding!”

The festival’s beginnings were Jimmy Neil Smith modest to say the least. But Smith, a former Science Hill High School English and Journalism teacher, saw something in the early beginnings that perhaps few did. “Everyone has a story to tell,” he said matter-of-factly. “But storytelling is much more than that. Even our current president used storytelling very effectively on the campaign trail. People can relate to personal experiences told in one’s own words. It’s not only entertaining it quite interesting.”

Indeed. Crowds for years have sat spellbound listening to the many storytellers that used to frequent Jonesborough but once a year. However, that has now changed somewhat with Smith’s launching the wildly popular Tellers-in-Residence Program nine years ago. Storytelling thus, has become more accessable.

This year, from May through October, twenty six nationally known Tellers-inResidence will be featured at the International Storytelling Campus, built in 2002 in the heart of downtown. Each week a different artist will appear at the Center Theater in live afternoon concerts. Special evening performances, children’s concerts

and workshops are also offered.

Smith remains a popular local figure in town with many people during the lunch hour stopping by to say hello. One lady, a volunteer at the Center, particularly moved Smith back into conversation about where the Center’s been and where it’s going.

“That lady you just met is one of our volunteers,” he said. “And, we have a great bunch of volunteers. We, like most non-profits, especially in these days and times are struggling. Our numbers are down and that’s obviously discouraging. But our message has not changed and I expect the resiliency and interest in story-telling will continue to grow; and it is evolving into an international art form of interest.”

Somewhat comically, Smith said he declared the first festival to be the start of the National Storytelling Festival. “I guess that was a bold statement. But, we declared that it was in fact, the National Storytelling Festival and we never looked back.” After all, no one in the country was doing what Smith was in a small rural town in Tennessee let alone anywhere else in the nation. And, before long, storytelling fans from California to London (and all parts in-between) were coming to Jonesborough at least once a year.

Smith deflects credit. “It was, is, and will always be a team effort,” he smiles. “I had the unusual experience to have been a part of a great organization and played a small part in bringing story-telling to the mainstream of not only our area but nationally and now internationally. It’s been exciting and I still love my involvement and enjoy what I do every day.”

Jimmy Neil Smith is a credit to our region. Please support him and the International Storytelling Center in Jonesborough. That’s the least we can do.

Jimmy Neil Smith Quick Facts

The Chester Inn is the second oldest building in Tenessee’s oldest town.

• Loves to travel to forgotten areas of Argentina and Brazil • Keeps a cluttered office in the back of Chester Inn but can lay his hands on documents at will • Once started his own local news/entertainment newspaper

June 2010

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WQUT Concert Schedule Tennessee Theatre in Knoxville: June June July July July

2 3 6 8 26-28

Diana Ross Barenaked Ladies Adam Lambert Weird Al Yankovic Widespread Panic

Time Warner Cable Arena in Charlotte: June June July

26 21

June June July July

Emmylou Harris Mary Chapin Carpenter

Bridgestone Arena in Nashville: June

22

July

10

Nashville Rising Benefit with Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Carrie Underwood, Miley Cyrus, Taylor Swift, Lynyrd Skynyrd, LeAnn Rimes, Martina McBride, Brooks & Dunn, Amy Grant and others.

Scorpions and Ratt

1&2

Neil Young and Bert Jansch

Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival in Manchester, TN: June

10-13

Dave Matthews Band, Stevie Wonder, Jay-Z, Kings of Leon, John Fogerty, John Prine, Jeff Beck, Norah Jones and many others.

Biltmore in Asheville, N.C.: June July July

4 23 29

4 19 21 28

Brooks & Dunn Lynyrd Skynyrd/38 Special Dave Matthews band Santana and Steve Winwood

House of Blues in Myrtle Beach, S.C.: June June

19 26

Edwin McCain Ted Nugent

Chastain Park in Atlanta:

Ryman Auditorium in Nashville: June

James Taylor and Carole King Daughtry Michael Buble’

Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre in Charlotte:

Bijou Theatre in Knoxville: June July

2 11 10

June June June June July July July July

6 7 11 28 & 29 1 10 12 29

Jethro Tull Styx/Foreigner and Kansas Jeff Beck Sting with Royal Philharmonic Orchestra Reo Speedwagon and Pat Benatar Ringo Starr and the All-Star Band Chicago and the Doobie Brothers Santana and Steve Winwood

The Arena at Gwinnett Center in Atlanta:

The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band Clay Aiken and Ruben Studdard Steve Miller Band

June June

3 5

James Taylor and Carole King Daughtry

Concert schedule Thursday July 1 Friday July 2 Friday July 16 Friday June 4 Friday June 11 Friday June 18 Saturday June 19 Saturday June 26 -

Tony Feathers $10 door 11pm The Legendary Drifters $18 Advance Jill Andrews $16 Advance Verlon Thompson $14 door Mary Gauthier w/special guest Matthew Ryan $16 Advance

Saturday July 17 Thursday July 22 Friday July 23 Saturday July 24 Friday July 30 -

Out ‘N About Magazine

The Steel Wheels $10 door Thursday Evenin’ Porch Choir $12 door The Kruger Brothers $14 door Webb Wilder $20 Advance Jimmy Thackery $18 Advance The Angel Band $15 Advance Tift Merritt $16 Advance Robin & Linda Williams $20 Advance

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Maple Lane Farms The Location for Weddings and Special Events

David Meredith (sitting) and Bernie Moseley (standing) in the large reception building at Maple Lane Farm looking at recent wedding photos.

You might say Bernie Moseley and David Meredith were destined to find and fall in love with Maple Lane Farm. Quite by accident, the event planning “handson” duo bought the property at auction on a lark.

“We were looking at a location to do this (event planning for weddings and special events) in Kentucky but as you know Kentucky is full of horse farms and the price of land is outrageous,” Moseley said.

Maple Lane Farm is perfect for retirement parties, rehearsal dinners and, of course, wedding ceremonies and receptions for between 50-250 people.

Sitting on 23 acres complimented by a huge Wil-

Bernie Moseley Quick Facts • Holds a degree in Recreation & Leisure Services.

• Once worked at a resort island seven miles from shore.

• Missed his high school senior year spending it in Madrid, Spain.

• Fought a bull once and took a ride on a camel in Morocco (not at the same time).

liamsburg-style home half way down Cherokee Road, the place is absolutely a slice of heaven. The views of the mountains from all around the property are breathtaking, and along the shores of a giant pond where geese and ducks bask in the warm afternoon sun.

“When we bought the farm we didn’t even know there was a pond on it,” Meredith reflects. “The area around the pond was grown up and the side patio near the house was overgrown in ivy. The previous owner was getting up in age and just couldn’t look after it anymore.” So, the partners began their work of transforming what Maple Lane Farm is today, the Tri-Cities premier location for intimate weddings and special events.

Maple Lane Farm is a “turn-key” event location with everything provided including Bernie and David’s guidance and advice through the entire wedding or special event process. Once there, you don’t have to leave the property for anything and should a stray thunderstorm hit, guests can quickly move into a large closed-in pavilion complete with tables and chairs and a full banquet-style kitchen. The pavilion is newly constructed but several old barns were kept and refurbished and make for great photo opportunities.

Purchased in 2005, Bernie and David hosted their first wedding in May of 2006 “after completing their work on their labor of love,” David said with a smile.

June 2010

Today, Maple Lane Farm plays host to over 30 weddings a year and a litany of special events. Winter brings a demand for corporate events, Christmas parties and board retreats. Bernie, who spent 18 years in the hotel business, says he has heard “horror stories” about couples who were overcharged for everything from extra chairs to napkins at a their reception.

“We offer couples many options,” he said. “We have everything in stock from a rainbow of colored candles to every color of napkin you can image and several different center pieces to choose from,” he said. “The couple knows exactly what the costs are right up front.”

David adds, “It’s a streamlined process here and we know how important that special day is. We want to be a positive part of the experience. We have had friends of friends and bride’s friends to recommend us. We’ve be blessed these past five years. There’s just not another place like this in the Tri-Cities region.”

Couples may choose from either a gazebo by the picturesque pond or a location under a flowering trellis by the lagoon shaped pool for their wedding. County-style wedding receptions can be held in one of the barns or a more formal function in the large pavilion or an elegant affair may be held in the Colonial-style home and adjoin pool area.

More recently, Bernie and David have been “giving back to our community,” by hosting fund-raisers for several charities including the American Cancer Society. “We are blessed to live where we do and be able to work in this setting and it’s a pleasure to share it,” both men said almost in unison.

David Meredith Quick Facts • Passion for automobiles; has owned 34 cars.

• Is a former school teacher.

• Is a CASA (Children’s Advocacy) Board member.

• While in college served on weekend as a beauty pageant judge for kids.

Pg 27

Photos: Gary & Ladonna Cable/Cable Photography

Out ‘N About Magazine

Pg, 28

Newly Elected Washington County Mayor Stands Ready to Steer the Ship centered on “running Washington County like a business.” That theme resonated as the cornerstone of his platform. And, it caught fire.

He’s well aware he and his family have given up the sanctity of their private lives to be thrust into the very public life of county politics. And, he says that’s okay.

What can voters expect from their new mayor? In challenging times will the wheel tax or increase in property taxes be in the offering? Not a chance, according to Eldridge.

“A wheel tax won’t be needed and a property tax increase is something that we cannot put on the taxpayers backs during these uncertain economic times,” he said with confidence and believability in his voice.

“We can and will run Washington County like a business and I will be asking every department head to partner with me so that we can control spending and make internal adjustments that just makes good busiWashington County Mayor-elect Dan Eldridge ness sense without jeopardizing vital services.”

Dan Eldridge has piercing blue eyes and an infecEldridge has cut his own hours tious smile. One would guess he worked at ETSU as down on the farm to pour over the county’s $121 mila college professor and not as a highly successful mil- lion budget while spending quality time with out golionaire businessman and certainly not a farmer. He ing Mayor George Jaynes. “He’s been extremely helpis about to step into unfamiliar territory as Washing- ful to me,” Eldridge said of Jaynes. “(Admittedly) the ton County Mayor in about 90 days. And, he says, he’s county has a lot of debt but (still) is in good shape. ready and eager to “hit the ground running.”

We will be faced with both challenges and opportuHis race against former Johnson City Mayor, at- nities. We will have to deal with potential revenue torney, and former State Senator Don Arnold set shortfalls from the state as well as shortfalls in local records in campaign spending and raised eyebrows. tax collections. The (federal) stimulus money will be He launched his first campaign with plenty of mon- gone in January. We need to focus on jobs and ecoey but no campaign experience. The popular Arnold nomic growth in an effort to get the 6,000 people unhad been GOP Party Chairman and has a list of po- employed in Washington County back to work again. litical and business experience and accomplishments To increase revenue you have to increase employment as long as your arm. But the race against Eldridge, as and have a stable workforce.” some political pundits would say, “Wasn’t even close During the campaign, Eldridge said “it was easy for by a county mile.” me to get the message out . . . so clearly and contrast Eldridge pushed an unpopular wheel tax against my approach to problem solving versus my opponent.” a waning property tax as a private citizen in the last And now there may be fence-mending in the offing. election cycle and some insiders believed that would “The division between Johnson City and Washington be enough baggage to sink his ship. The wheel tax County was and is a big issue. One of the challenges idea was run out of town by the voters to the tune of will be to get leaders from the city and county and 7 to 1. But the wheel tax issue hardly made the politi- Jonesborough to come together to forge a clear vision cal debates and didn’t make the smallest dent in El- for our collective future. To be successful, I think, we dridge’s upbeat drum-beating campaign message that all need to find common ground and together we can

June 2010

achieve many things in the best interest of the tax payers and the citizens of Washington County,” he said.

Eldridge said he isn’t “a summit kind of guy” but regular and consistent meetings are a good idea, “if the meetings aren’t just to get together and talk and we’re serious about our assignments and tackling the challenges before us.”

The new mayor said one of his first tasks is to “find out which county in Tennessee is ran the best” and bring some of those ideas back to Washington County. He added the county needed to look at “outdated” policies and procedures andf create some that are not currently in place. “I’m big on lessons learned. I’ve been a successful businessman, and I think that’s a benefit to Washington County and my job. I don’t see the economy, for example, coming roaring back anytime soon, so I will be asking each department to make evaluations top-to-bottom in an effort to spend the tax payers’ money wisely and efficiently.”

Eldridge says his wife Tammy claims he’s an “adrenalin junkie.”

“I thrive on challenges,” he said with his signature smile.

We suspect come September there’re be plenty of challenges facing Dan Eldridge Washington County’s first new mayor in more than two decades. And, he really seems up to the task.

Dan Eldridge will be the first new mayor in Washington County in more than two decades.

Pg 29

Experienced hands craft a writer’s life

The first time Scott Pratt’s slender, young hand gripped the writer’s pen, he was nervously preparing to write a paper for his high school English teacher.

It wasn’t easy to get published in Reflections, a literary magazine comprised of poetry, verse and short stories written by David Crockett High School students of Margaret Berry, who was also faculty adviser for the Jonesborough, Tenn. school’s award-winning yearbook, The Pioneer.

It was good training, though, and the internationally published author still remembers the anxiety as he handed in that first paper. “It was a piece about black being a misunderstood and under-appreciated color, ostensibly about racism. The committee thought it was good enough to be published.

“I remember feeling proud. I was a jock, but I also thought I had at least a bit of a brain. And, once you gained Mrs. Berry’s approval, you knew you had something. She was tough, and it paid off,” Pratt said, his fingers silently drumming the tabletop for a brief moment before he leans his big frame back in the chair.

His high school years found his hands characteristically wrapped around a football or basketball – fingertips only for the latter, of course – or sending a golf ball rocketing down the fairways courtesy of a firm overlap grip.

Read the first chapter of Injustice For All at scottprattfiction.com

Still, that first high school competition, along with many rewrites and stringent grading, poured a firm foundation upon which a keen intellect could cause a determined hand to build with words.

“I majored in English in college, so I did plenty of writing for that. And I really enjoyed writing introspective and philosophical pieces for political science classes,” in which he studied under the late Dr. Glenn Broach, longtime professor at East Tennessee State University in Johnson City, and later at Winthrop College in Rock Hill, S.C. “I was never scared of writing. It always fascinated me. I always wanted to try to convey exactly what I meant. At the same time, I wanted to convey even more, depending on the symbols and images I was using.

And now, half a lifetime – and countless sprains, breaks and dislocations later – Pratt has once again turned his hand to the writer’s art, though technology has replaced the pen with a computer keyboard. “It’s very much like painting. I try more and more to layer things.”

Though, ironically, the writer is color-blind to darker shades of brown, green or gray, he has no trouble divining vivid colors, in either life or art.

His third novel, Injustice For All, is now in bookstores across the nation.

Author Scott Pratt at work on his new novel.

Out ‘N About Magazine

Pg, 30

Not long out of high school, Pratt gained experience far from his idyllic Civic.

East Tennessee youth when he found his hand grasping the harshly effec“I figured it up, and I traveled about 75,000 miles, the equivalent of three tive M-16 rifle. times around the world, to get through law school. I guess all that time spent He entered the U.S. Air Force, studying languages in preparation to be- driving taught me patience, and I had a lot of time to think. Always keeping come a translator, and well remembers his first day on the firing range in ‘the goal’ in mind, and that was walking off the stage with my diploma.”

San Antonio.

The goal was realized in the spring of 1998. Forty-one years old, with two “It was intense. It was exhilarating. I am left-eye dominant, so I shoot left- young children, and exhausted from the effort he had put forth, Scott Pratt handed, and I was a pretty good marksman,” he says with a grin. became attorney-at-law.

“But I was a young, idealistic man. Impressionable. That was about the Pratt had worked for several years with legendary East Tennessee defense time of the abortive Iranian hostage rescue attempt. I was studying Korean, attorney Jim Bowman. His own career began with his hand shaking Bowand witnessing the whole intelligence game. And there was stuff going on all man’s, and an office with his friend and mentor. Being busy, Pratt didn’t over the world, death and destruction all around the world. take the time to “cram” and flunked his first examination for the bar. “I “Rather than making me want to stay, it made me want to get away. I didn’t find out until October that I hadn’t made it, and I was irritated and felt like I had done my duty.” disappointed. But I went back in the spring and aced it.”

Eventually returning to JohnThe first time his hand signed his name to an official document, “It scared son City, his hands returned to the hell out of me. I spent the first few years worried to death the favored exercise of writing. that I would make a mistake. I guess every “I managed to land a job at the lawyer does. They teach daily newspaper in Johnson City. you theory in law I don’t know how I talked my school, but when way into that – I couldn’t even you get out, you retype.” But he learned quickly, ally don’t know that and within a couple of years was much about pracdeeply involved in both feature tical application.” and investigative reporting and Along with Bowman, writing a Sunday column. He he credits fellow atalso wrote a screenplay, which torneys Tony Seaton “went nowhere.” and Bob Greene with In 11 years as a journalist, great patience and willcovering business, courts, ingness to assist him. “I politics and education and would call them up and writing columns for two ask questions. I know I dailies, “I would see things aggravated them, but they that would outrage me and never turned me down.

I could report about it. But “Bowman told me, ‘you I would see attorneys, and can’t rush success. You they could do something have to pay your dues.’ I about it. They would file guess I didn’t listen as well a suit, or work to free as I should have. When they Pickens Bridge fi somebody wrongly acsay ‘practicing law,’ that’s gured pr ominentl cused. exactly what it is. You pracy in Scott Pratt’s fi rst novel, “I guess I have a hero tice at it, trying to get better.

An Innoc ent Clien complex. And before I knew it, I It’s the same as medicine, and t. had made up my mind what I wanted to do.” should be with writing, or art.

There were detours along the way, including a foray as a owner/ “There was always plenty of operator of a golf driving range in Boones Creek, which required his hands writing to do in the law business: pleadto grasp the mattock, rake and lawn mower handle. “I learned that I am not ings, motions, orders, briefs, etc., and I was pretty a real good businessman, but I greatly enjoyed the independence, and the good at it. One judge told me to stop filing briefs in support of my motions satisfaction you gain working for yourself.” because they were too persuasive. He told me to just give him the case law Pratt’s journey to a legal career began with his hands gripping the han- and he’d figure it out for himself.” dlebars of a motorcycle. Every day he drove himself from Johnson City to Eventually the difficulties and disappointments took a savage toll on the Knoxville, and back home – four hours a day in transit. attorney, to the point that he was hospitalized. With his health hanging in “That started in August, and I thought I could do it more economically. the balance, the scales of justice began to lose the allure that had drawn him But by about mid-October, when the weather began to change, and I got so strongly. Pratt decided to turn away from the law. thrashed by a couple of really good storms, I realized that hadn’t been the “I had gotten to the point of being cynical, and I could not operate that wisest choice.” way. I stepped on toes, and I was naive about the effect it would have. And I So his hands changed their grip – to the steering wheel of a used Honda have paid dearly for any mistakes I made.”

June 2010

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Pratt’s hands were 13 years old when he helped his family pack and made the trek to Tennessee from his native Michigan. His late father, Dan, a heavy equipment mechanic, went to work with Modern Equipment Co. in Johnson City. Now in retirement, his mother, Shirley, has returned to the great peninsula state for her summers, and travels west for the more temperate winter climate in Arizona with Pratt’s sister, Laura.

“I’ve been very lucky to have strong, wonderful women in my life. They have supported and encouraged me every step I have taken.”

Pratt married Kristy Hodge in 1987. They have two children: Kody, who is a rising sophomore majoring in theater at the University of Tennessee, and Dylan, who is finishing his junior year as a baseball standout at Walters State Community College.

“There is nothing of which their mother and I are more proud than that we have raised two truly wonderful people. We look forward to seeing them walk through the door. They complete us.

“My family has been through a great deal. We have endured trauma, life-threatening illness and humiliation. And we have only grown closer and love each other more.”

The writer says that one of the most frustrating things is trying to figure out fresh ways to describe the human face.

The husband doesn’t have that problem, and loves his hands atop his wife’s shoulders, or cupping her face.

“It may sound sentimental, but my favorite word in the English language is ‘Kristy.’ I love to say it, hear it, write it, read it, and most of all, I love what the word represents to me.

“It makes me feel good. It reminds me of love and kindness and devotion and tenderness and generosity

Scott Pratt and his wife, Kristy. and loyalty and all those other words I love so much.

For me, Kristy is all those words rolled into one.”

When the writer’s hands turn the pages written by others, one of his favorite sentences was penned by Malcolm de Chazal: “Monkeys are superior to men in this: when a monkey looks into a mirror, he sees a monkey.”

And what would compel someone to labor for a week on one sentence? “Obsessive compulsive disorder.”

The hands drum the table and the writer chuckles his characteristic, hearty laugh.

“The blank page never seems insurmountable to me.

If I’m temporarily at a loss, I force myself to sit there and think. Where do I want to go with this story? What am I trying to say? How best do I use these characters to say it?

“And then I write, even if it’s just a sentence, or a paragraph. I play with ideas, words, descriptions, characters. I talk out loud to myself. If I feel the need, I answer myself, which is the true test of mental illness.

“Bottom line, I refuse to accept the idea that I don’t have anything worth saying. I want to be a successful writer, after all, and that means I must have something worthwhile, or at least entertaining to say. So I make myself say something.

“If it turns out later, when I’m rewriting, that it doesn’t work, then I deal with it. I’m a craftsman now. I practice my craft. I don’t have time to sit around and look at blank pages. It’s frustrating when you start down a path with a character or plot, then realize you haven’t thought it through and it isn’t going to work.”

The most exiting moment is when “the perceived character changes from conception to creation. It’s like an awakening, an epiphany. The blurred image of the character’s face becomes clear, the voice takes on a distinctive tone, and the character literally comes to life in my mind. I can actually see and hear him or her.

When I write the character, I temporarily take on his or her personality, and the works just seem to flow.”

And flow they have, as Pratt’s two previous novels

Out ‘N About Magazine

have been published in six languages. His first book, An Innocent Client, consistently ranks among the top 25 on Amazon’s Kindle, as e-readers transform the long-held rite of gripping the covers and thumbing the pages to the newest technology.

And what is next for Joe Dillard, the central character of the series Pratt has created? Publisher’s Weekly hailed his work with a coveted starred review: “...

Pratt’s richly developed characters are vivid and believable, especially the strong Southern women who fight their male-dominated culture from behind a facade of vulnerability. Readers will eagerly anticipate Dillard’s further adventures.”

“That was one of the most exciting moments of my life, to read that the industry digest finds favor with your work is powerful, even heady stuff for a writer.

“I’m not sure exactly what’s next for Joe. I plan to continue to write the series, and to have him change and evolve. And I plan to write other things, too.

“There is a great deal of material in the continuing dehumanization of the legal system. The criminal courts are clogged, the jails are overcrowded from the moment they are built. It’s become almost completely a plaintiff/defendant situation, with almost no consideration of the human beings behind the names.

“And it’s very much about money, in that it takes money to get someone who is professional, thorough and connected to represent you in the legal system, and that’s what you have to have.”

The writer believes the many works of his hands have made him the sum of his experiences.

“I’ve never been very good at compromise. I think things through, and make a decision. I don’t give a lot of thought to what others think. I suppose that has made life more difficult, at times. But I’m satisfied that I’ve done my best, and I’m going to keep on trying to do it.”

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Best Two out of Three: The Lady Bucs take ACT twice in three years TaRonda Wiles (left) made the winning shot taking the Lady Bucs to the NCAA Tournament.

(Below) The Lady Bucs celebrate ACT victory.

(Above) The Lady Bucs celebrate their ACT victory courtside.

Tarita Gordon (above) is a returnng point guard from Wichita, Kan.

For the third straight season the ETSU women’s basketball team reached the pinnacle by winning the Atlantic Sun Championship and advancing to the NCAA Tournament. The Lady Bucs, who won the conference regular season crown for the second time in the last three years, also set a new program record with 23 victories. ETSU was led by the dominate play of Siarre Evans and TaRonda Wiles, and they were both named Atlantic Sun co-Player of the Year. Evans became only the third player in school history to record 1,000 points and 1,000 rebounds in a career – finishing fifth all-time with 1,829 points and third with 1,116 rebounds. Meanwhile, Wiles etched her name in the record books by scoring 1,503 points, and it was her off-balance bank shot with less five-tenths of a second left that sent the Lady Bucs dancing to the March Madness – giving ETSU the 63-62 victory over North Florida in the conference championship game. In the NCAA Tournament, head coach Karen Kemp and her Lady Bucs gave fifth-ranked Xavier all they could handle on its home court in Cincinnati, Ohio, but the Musketeers sneaked by with a 94-82 victory in round one of the Big Dance. Junior guard Tarita Gordon exploded for a career high 30 points, while the Lady Bucs tied an ETSU record with 15 three-point field goals made. Despite losing two 1,000-point scores and all-conference stars, the Lady Bucs return nine letterwinners and three starters for 2010-11.

June 2010

Pg 33

ETSU Buccaneers look ahead to 2010-2011 season Sports Management major Micah Williams (left) manages the opposition for the ETSU Bucs.

(Below) The 2010 A-Sun Champion: ETSU Buccaneers

Tommy Hubbard protects the ball again Charelston, S.C. players

Adam Sollazzo (above) is a 6-foot-6-inch point guard from Tampa, Fla.

The ETSU men’s basketball team only added to its rich history of success during the 2009-10 season, capturing its second straight Atlantic Sun Conference Championship and earning the program’s ninth trip all-time to the NCAA Tournament. Posting the program’s fourth 20-win season in the past seven years, the Bucs overcame multiple challenges during the year before dropping Mercer in the A-Sun finals. The obstacles set in front of the Bucs a year ago included the tragic death of rising sophomore center Seth Coy in a car accident in the preseason, followed by the loss of senior 1,000-point scorer Mike Smith to injury prior to the start of conference play. Even with those issues, the Bucs methodically gelled as a unit, and despite standing at 14-14 midway through the month of February, the team rattled off six-straight victories to earn yet another trip to March Madness. It was not easy however, as the team ultimately needed a 72-66 win over Mercer on the Bears’ home floor in Macon, Ga., to capture the title. The Bucs were led by a team of “role” players that included junior forward Tommy Hubbard, junior guard Justin Tubbs, junior guard Micah Williams, sophomore guard Adam Sollazzo, sophomore post Isiah Brown, and freshman post J.C. Ward. Only losing senior guard Jocolby Davis off the roster from 2009-10, the Bucs will add Mike Smith back to the mix after receiving a medical redshirt, and a trio of incoming recruits will also add to the talent pool. For those reasons, as the team looks to the 2010-11 season there is certainly reason to be excited and expectations will be high once again.

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Continued from page 24

production is there is only one “floor manager” keeping time like referee at a basketball game and the cameras beside the one she pushes to and fro are all robotic.

There are no make-up artists or primping the “stars” during commercials. It is a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere. And, we felt right at home. Much like we do in front of the TV set every night. I think that’s the idea.

The news, sports, and weather reports that night (as is fact most nights) went off without a hitch. Not so much as an unscripted pause or throat clearing was detected on camera. Another first-class News Center 5 show was in the can as Ann Carter invited viewers to meet her and the gang back at 11. And, many of us did!

Quick Facts About the News Center 5 Team • Best “human” interest story in recent memory: Goat and dog meet;

become best friends. Adopted from animal shelter and move to local farm.

Live happily ever after.

• 30 minutes of news takes all day to put together. Just ask (editor) Ann

Carter.

• Dave Dirks “fell in love” with weather when he was 10 years-old. He’s

from Iowa and has been at WCYB for 23 years.

• Sports Director Jordan Conigliaro is a Shippensburg University (PA)

Alum and plays tennis competitively. He’s not doing as well on the golf course. Boston Red Sox standout Tony Conigliaro is his cousin.

• Ann Carter is as bright, attractive and articulate in person as you see

her on camera. A bad news day for her is the task of reporting a story involving a child being harmed. Her bright smile is genuine too. She enjoys music and festivals and is active in her church and civically.

• Steve Hawkins is an author and noted after dinner speaker. Like Ann

Carter, he is active in many causes in the Bristol community.

Thank-You

Thank You to the Voters of Unicoi County I want to take this opportunity to thank the many voters of Unicoi County for re-electing my as your Superintendent of Roads. I would also like to thank my family and those who worked in my campaign.

To the Citizens of Washington County I would like to personally thank all the citizens of Washington County who voted in the recent election. Voting is a privilege. I especially want to thank all my supporters, my staff, my family and all the people who placed their trust and confidence in me as your Assessor of Property. I am excited to serve and am looking forward to continuing my efforts in improving and modernizing the Assessors office and services to the public. I appreciate your vote and am asking for your support in the General Election in August. I am honored to serve as your Assessor and my door will always be open to your ideas and concerns. I can be reached at 753-1676, again, Thank-You for the trust you have placed in me. . .I will serve at the highest level of professionalism and dedication as your Assessor.

Scott Buckingham

I pledge to continue to work hard for all the citizens of Unicoi County in making our roads and highways safe.

Terry Haynes Unicoi County Road Superintendent

June 2010

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Richard Rose, artistic and executive director, Barter Theatre (Photo/Eileen Rush)

Rose Blooms at Barter Theatre

By Eileen Rush

A

s a college student, the energetic, bright-eyed Rick Rose spent two summers volunteering in rural areas of West Virginia and Kentucky. While working with Appalachia’s “poorest of the poor,” he was drawn to the spirit of the people he helped.

“I grew to love Appalachian culture from those experiences and the people I met there, the values they hold,” Rose said.

After he was hired as the Artistic and Executive Director of the Barter Theatre in 1992, he immediately felt drawn to improve Appalachia’s perspective of itself. Rose the Barter’s staff and its board of directors agreed it was time to put forth a creative voice for Appalachia in the realm of theatre.

“We want to create a voice that is all of Appalachia,” Rose said. “That isn’t the cliché voice of Appalachia but really the stories and a wonderful celebration of these unique, independent, interesting heartwarming and loving people, that is Appalachia.”

Rose was born in Wisconsin, and hired at the Barter after his work at the American Stage Festival in Milford, New Hampshire. He’s celebrating his 18th year on the job, but says he could be at the Barter for decades to come.

A central part of his job is balancing the theatre’s artistic direction with its finances.

“I am one of those rare birds who does both finances and art,” he said, “and we’ve been successful at it – and we’ve been successful, because of the tremendous people who are involved.”

In the last 18 years, the Barter has seen higher attendance rates, numerous world premiers of plays and a number of awards recognizing the theatre’s success.

“We’ve grown a lot,” he said in an interview in his Abingdon office. “For me, as a executive director who handles both the artistic and financial side of the theatre, I’m not what you’d call a ‘sustainor’ in terms of CEO-type. If you want someone to run your facility and keep it the way it is, I’m not the person who believes that. I believe unless you’re growing, you’re dying.”

When Rose began at the Barter, 47-49,000 visitors came through the Barter’s doors. Last year, 163,000 visited the theatre. But, at times balancing the checkbook and his artistic drive can make him feel like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.

“We have constant arguments,” he said with a laugh. “I have those arguments

with myself all the time. There are some projects we simply can’t do because we can’t afford them.”

The testament to his ability to balance comes in the form of a number of awards.

In 2002, the Barter Theatre won the Tri-Cities Business of the Year Award, a rare award to be given to a non-profit arts organization. In 2008, the theatre received the Torch Bearer Award for the Commonwealth of Virginia by the Virginia Chamber of Commerce, recognizing the Barter’s impact on the Commonwealth as a whole. In 2009, the theatre was given the “Impact Award” for tourism from the Blue Ridge Tourism Association. Most recently, the Barter received the Shining Star Award from Virginia for the Arts, recognizing the institution’s community building and local impact.

The business awards are complimented by a number of plays that received national acclaim while on tour, including Keep on the Sunny Side, The Diary of Anne Frank, Man of Constant Sorrow and Of Mice and Men. “That’s testament that we are able to balance the artistic side as well as the business side,” he said. “We are succeeding where a lot of theatres are not. We’ve continued to grow, while a lot of other theatres have cut back around the nation. And we’ve done it through good strategic planning. Having a good business model and a strong artistic product is how we’ve survived. They, of necessity, have to be blended.”

Rose has also found ways to blend artistic excellence with his vision for creating a new Appalachian voice. On a theatre level, the Barter has been the harbinger and teller of the Appalachian experience through the Appalachian Festival of Plays and Playwrights, a “huge artistic move forward for Barter, for the region and for our Appalachian playwrights,” Rose said.

“We have succeeded at exactly what we tried to do artistically,” Rose said. “Which was to give a voice to Appalachia that wasn’t the voice of ‘Deliverance’, so American culture begins to think of Appalachia in a much more positive light, so that Appalachia begins to think of itself in a much more positive light.”

Premiers of plays by Appalachian playwrights has brought national attention to the Barter. In addition, the theatre has also tried to “broaden the horizons” of local theatre. Rose said the Barter has done more world premiers of plays than any other theatre in the nation.

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Barter Theater was founded during the Great Depression by actor Robert Porterfeild.

“Aside from having an impact on America, we want to have an impact on local culture,” Rose said.

The Barter also boasts the only year-round resident acting company in the country.

“From every perspective, I think we’re doing strong artistic work and I’d put this acting company against any in the nation,” Rose said.

For a taste of what the Barter’s top-notch acting company has in store for this summer, Rose gave his thoughts and reactions to this year’s lineup.

“It’s kind of an interesting summer here at Barter Theatre,” he said, promising future audiences a “broad variety of work.”

Annie, which will run May 28 to Aug. 15, is a family audience piece and a follow up to last year’s Wizard of Oz and a past run of Peter Pan. More families are going to the theatre and having that experience together, Rose said, and Annie fits family needs perfectly.

This summer will also premier Tuesdays with Morrie, based on the beststelling book by Mitch Albom.

The play will run April 30 to Aug. 29 on Stage II, the Barter’s smaller, more intimate theatre. “I think the

theatre piece is better than the book,” Rose said. “I think that will be an immensely popular piece.”

In addition to those popular plays, this year will also feature three world premiers. Revolutions is a play

by Richard Alfieri, who authored the popular piece “Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks. “I think [Revolutions] is one of the most important new plays to be done in American theatre in the last few years,” Rose said. While it may be important, Rose also admitted that the subject matter could be tough for an Appalachian audience. “[Revolutions is] The Big Chill meets No Exit, based on the [Baby] Boomers, an allegorical story on the impact and the lasting affect of the Baby Boomers for good or for bad,” he said. “It’s a beautiful, wonderful play and I think it will be done by theatres all over the United States. But, it’s a tough play for our audience. It’s a piece that demands a certain amount of attention, and may not fit in completely with the values of this region, but will speak to what’s going on with the Boomers nationwide.”

Another world premier is Deborah Vortz’s “The Blue Sky Boys,” a comedy about the race to land on the moon. Rose called the play funny, family friend-

June 2010

ly and “a very good look at how we make things like this happen, how we get hope, how we come close to destroying our best ideas and a modicum of how we should look at the world from a distance. It’s a great tale well told with lots of good characters, and has a nice message for us all. For us to be able to premier that is immensely special.”

This summer will also see the premier of Violet, a musical with a score by Jeanine Tesori, a North Carolina native. “It has a nice, interesting look at Appalachia and the South from the eyes of a Southern writer,” he said. “It doesn’t play into the clichés, but looks at race relationships and all sorts of issues of strength and finding yourself through a nice allegorical story.”

Overall, he said, this year’s lineup is a stretch – but hopefully, a stretch for the good of the theatre.

“There’s a good mix of southern material and stretch material and comedies and musicals – so it’s a nicely balanced season,” he said. “Not an easy sell – I don’t pretend these titles are easy to sell – but it’s a good stretch for us. I don’t think you can get anywhere without taking risks.”

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A look ahead: “Liberty!” features in next month’s Out ‘N About Magazine

Patriot’s words remain call to duty, action

NASHVILLE – Some words, like exquisite old wine, grow more beautiful with age.

Even more so the noble plea of a great patriot, given voice during a perilous hour when liberty literally hung in the balance, and burnished by the brush of passing years and experiences of the nation he helped to create.

They echo yet above the th he hills hill hi hill lls of of time, tiim me, e, a clarion clla a ari riion on call ca alll to duty, and the action that tth hat ha at springs spr prin ings gs only onl nly from f o fr om m valiant val a iia an ntt hearts overflowing with h a special speci sp eeccia ial and and powerful an po owe werf rfful ull love. lo ovve. e.

Through myriad struggles, uggl ug gles, against agains ag aiins nstt slavery sllav averry and and an nd for ffo or or the cherished birthright ht of ht of equality; equ eq ua ali lity lity ty; against aga ag aiins nst the the narth na n arrow and petty in favor o off th moral and grand; against tthe he mo m orra al a al an nd g gr ra an nd d;; a gaiin ga nst st tyranny and, always, for uniquely orr lliberty iberty ibe ib eerrty ty – tthe he u he niqu ni queelly AmeriAm A mer e ii-can words of a frontierr minister min mi min niist isstter er remain rem ema aiin just jju usstt as as comco om m-pelling as when first spoken. po ok k keen en.

Two hundred and thirty hir irtyy years yea ears rs ago, ag go o, one on o ne late lattee Sepla Sep eptember day, Rev. Samuel Doak ueel D Do oak oak ak cclimbed lliim mb bed ed upon up po on a stump stum st ump on the plain along the southern sou uth ther her ern bank bank ba nk of of the the Watauga th Watau Wata Wa ta au ug g ga a ore Sho or S Sh hoa oals ls, st ls, sstood too ood od th the ir the iirrepressirre rre repr rep pres esssRiver. There, at Sycamore Shoals, ng nation nati na attiio on n in in the th he making, ma m mak aki king, ng g, ye yyearnarn ar n-n ible manhood of a young ing for freedom. ith h courage, co ou ura age g , for for around arrou a un nd d Doak Do oa ak The air was crisp wi with were gathered the bravest ves e t off men. m men en n. Friends Frriieen F nd ds and an a nd neighneeig ghhbors. Volunteers from near nea arr and and d far. far ar..

The leaders stood among am mo on ng the the men men who me wh ho followed foll fo lllow wed e them. Colonels Andrew w Hampton Hamp Ha pto on and an a nd Charles Ch C har arle les MacMacc-Ma Dowell and 160 men from Col. Wilfro rom North Norrtth Carolina.

No C ro Ca oli lina na. Co C ol. l W ilil illiam Campbell and 400 Virginia men. Col. Isaac Shelby and 240 men from Sullivan County. And Col. John Sevier, with a like number from Washington County, the far western North Carolina district that was the beginnings of what would become Tennessee.

They had joined in steely resolve to meet a lethal threat. Ravaging the western North Carolina countryside, Lt. Col. Patrick Ferguson, commanding the western flank of Lord Cornwallis’ British Southern Army, had massed his dragoons with Tory sympathizers and sent a simple message: The frontier people would lay down their arms and

cease and desist their opposition to the crown, or he would “march over the mountains, hang the leaders and lay waste to the country with fire and sword.”

of education west of the mountains.” Several churches he established still welcome congregants throughout East Tennessee.

At Sycamore Shoals, Doak looked upon the multitude and cried out:

“O! In Thy infinite mercy, save us from the cruel hand of the savage and the tyrant. Thou who promised to protect the sparrow in its flight, keep ceaseless watch by day and by night over our loved ones, th he helpless help hel he lple less women wom omen en and and nd little lit ittl tle children c the we commit to Thy care, Th care ca arree, for for Th fo Thou hou uw ilt il lt not n t forsake no f r fo Thy wilt them in times of lloneliness, lo one n liine ness ss, anxi ss a an anxiety nxi xieetty an and nd te terr terror. errrorr.

“My countrymen! You are about to set forth on an expedition exp xped edit itio on full f ll of fu of hardship hard ha ard dsh ship p and and danger, dan ange g r, but ge but one one on on whiicch the wh whic the Almighty th Almi Al lmigh migh mi ghty w ill attend il attte tend n you. you u. which will ““T Th hee M other ot her Country he Co C oun untr try has has her ha her hand he han ha nd d upon up po on you, on you, yo u, “The Mother thes th esse American ese Am A meerriccan n colonies, col oo on nie ies, s and and d takes tak akes e that tha hat for for which fo whic wh hic ich ich these our fathers ou fatth fa heerrs planted plla an nte ted their tth hei eir homes homes ho mees in in the th hee wilderness wil ild ild deern nes ess – ess our ou ur liberty!” l beertty li y!!” our Do D Doa oak ak had had ad arrived arr rriivved rriv ed on on the th he frontier frron o ti t err astride ast stri ride de a good de goo od Doak ho orrsse, e, his hiiss saddlebags sa ad ddl dleeb dleb bags ags filled ag lled ll d with wit i h books. book bo oks ks. s. Coming Com o ing in ng horse, accro rossss a group gro rou up p of of men meen felling m fell fe lllin ng timber, timb ti mb m ber ber er, they er, th hey beseeched bes e ee eech cch hed ed across Do oak ak to to preach prreea p a ach ch h to to them. t em th em. He He did did d so so from fro om m the the he saddle, ssad addl ad d e, e, Doak with wi th such suc uch effect efffeectt the ef th hee frontiersmen ffro ro ron ontie ntieerrssmen nt meen offered m offe of ffe fere red him h m the hi th he land land la nd with up pon on which w whi hiicch h hich h his hiss horse hor orssee stood, sto tood tood od, along alo al on ng with with h their tthe heeir labors h lab bor ors to to upon bu bu uil ild a church. il chur ch urch urch ch. It It would woul oulld ou d become bec ecom com omee Salem Salem Sa leem Presbyterian P es Pr esby byyte t ri rian ian an build Churc Ch urrch u ch.

Church.

“You “Y our brethren ou breetthr br hren en across acr cro osss the th he mountains moun mo un nta aiin ns are arre crying cryi cr ying ng “Your out like ou like lik li ke Macedonia Mac aced edo don onia ia unto u un nto your nt you yo our ur help. heellp. p. G od forbid od forrbi bid that bid that th at out God you shall yo ssh ha alll hear hearr but he but refuse reffus use to answer ans nswe nswe w r their thei th eirr call. ei call ca lll. you “... g o ffo orth rtth th tthen, hen en,, tto o tthe hee a h id o id y ou urr b retth re hreen, a and nd “... go forth aid off yo your brethren, may the th he God Go od of of Justice Jus ustiice usti ce go go with wiitth w h you you u and an nd d give giv ive you ive yo ou vicvicmay tto ory.”” tory.”

Tall Ta ll and and nd muscular, mu mu usscu cula ular lla ar, Doak Doa Doa oak had had earned ha earn ear ea rneed d prominence pro pro romi om miinenc nen ne ncce Tall am amon mon ong g his his contemporaries. hi c ntem co ntem nt mpo p ra rari r ess. Bishop ri Biissh ho op p E.E. E.E E. Hoss Hossss said Ho said “he “he among feared God so much that he feared nothing else.” His loaded rifle usually stood nearby as he delivered his powerful sermons.

““O! “O O! God God off Battle!

Go Batttl tlee! e! Arise Ari rise isee in in Thy might. Confound th hos o e wh ho pl plot ott for forr our ou urr destruction. des es those who Crown this m mi igh ghty ty effort eff ffor for ort with ort witth wi h victory vic icto ory ry and an nd d smite those who exalt mighty tthemselves th hem mse selv lves lv ess a ga g ain inst inst st L iberrty ib iber ya n Justice and Truth. against Liberty and

““Help “H Hel elp us elp us as as good go oo od d soldiers sol oldi ldi dier ers to wield the Sword of the th he Lo L Lord Lord, ord d, an and d off G Gideon.” ideo id eo on. n.””

F Fr rom om m tthe hee throats h th hrro oa ats ts of of the t e volunteers, th v lu vo un From a great “Amen!” rra ang g tthrough hrrou ugh g the thee river riv iver er valley. val alle leey. y So S headstrong was their rang en nth hu ussiia asm m that tha hat every ever ev erry seventh seeveent nth h man had to be drafted enthusiasm to stay to stay tay behind, ta beehi b behi hind ind nd, and an nd serve serve se rvve as as a rear r guard in case Ferguso gu son so n made m de ma de good goo good d on on his his is threat. thr h ea eat guson T Tw wel elve elve ve hundred hun undr ndred drred ed men men en rose ros ose up u and commenced a Twelve ma arrcch th hatt w ould ou l require ld req equi uirre ui re 13 13 rigorous r march that would days to locate th hei eir ir enemy enem en enem emy – the the th he mightiest migh mi ghti ties ies est army a their on the face of the eearth. ea eart arth. rtth h..

A Ac cro ross ro sss the th hee mountains, m mou ou untai ains n , more mo mo Across patriot volunteers a aw wai aite ited. teed. d Colonel Collo on nell Benjamin Ben enja ja am miin Cleveland, had sumawaited. mo m one ned every eevver e y able-bodied ab a blee-b -bod odie died ied man ie ma m an of the western North moned C li militia. iilli i Carolina It was their time, and they were ready.

“Let us pray. Almighty and gracious God, Thou has been the refuge of Thy people in all ages. In times of sorest need we have come to Thee, our Rock and our Fortress.

Ignoring snow, rain, cold and mud that would have withered the willpower of lesser men, the volunteers struck with lightning speed when the clouds inexplicably parted and the sun began to shine shortly after 1 p.m. on Oct. 7, 1780.

A graduate of Princeton, Doak poured his heart and learned mind into his service. With his founding of schools – the humble “log college” that became Washington College – and, later, Tusculum College, near Greeneville, he earned the sobriquet “the father

The battle was over in about an hour. In his massive history, Winning of the West, President Theodore Roosevelt described the stunning victory of the Overmountain Men as “the turning point of the American Revolution.”

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Jeepers Creepers!

Abingdon, Va’s Creeper Trail

Want to go for a really long bike ride or hike through some of our region’s most beautiful terrain? Or even a short walk or bike ride? Then, the Virginia Creeper Trail is for you!

The Virginia Creeper Trail is a public access, shared-use trail connecting Abingdon, Virginia with the Virginia-North Carolina border 1.1 miles east of White Top Station, Virginia. The total length is 34.3 miles and you can access the beginning of the trail near downtown Abingdon. The Virginia Creeper Trail began as a Native American footpath. Later, the European pioneers, as well as early explorer Daniel Boone, used the trail.

In its day of hauling passengers, lumber, iron ore, and supplies, the Virginia Creeper Trail obtained its nickname from the early steam locomotives that struggled slowly up the railroad’s steep grades. With 100 trestles and bridges, sharp curves, and steep grades, the Virginia Creeper was the typical mountain railroad. Train crews often faced wash-outs, rock slides, and other hazards, but i t was economics that sounded the line’s death whistle. Having failed to turn a profit since the Great Depression, the Creeper ran its last train on

March 31, 1977.

Less than a century after the railroad arrived, the Virginia Creeper once again became a quiet trail.

Through the work of volunteers and with the help from local and federal governments, the Creeper became a National Recreation Trail.

Between Abingdon and Damascus, the trail right-ofway belongs to two towns. Although the public legally has the right to use the trail, most of the actual land between Abingdon and the Iron Bridge east of Damascus is privately owned. The 15.9 miles of trail between Iron Bridge (Mile 18.4) to the state line are part of the Mt. Rogers National Recreation Area in Jefferson National Forest. Except for a short stretch through Taylor’s Valley, the public owns both the right-of-way and the actual property.

The Virginia Creeper Trail traverses through some of the most rugged and picturesque scenery in the eastern United States and is widely lauded as one of the most beautiful trails on the continent.

So, grab your bike or sneakers (or even your horse) and hit the Creeper Trail. It’s an experience you’ll never forget!

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Liberty!contingent presents Doak’s prayer to Tenn. Senate

At the end of April, a contingent from Liberty!, the Official Outdoor Dra- of the Friends of Sycamore Shoals State Historic area, portraying Shelma of Tennessee, journeyed to the state Capitol to present Doak’s immortal by; Barnett’s wife, Lynne; B.K. Marlowe, portraying John Sevier; Taylor prayer for the Overmountain Men as the convocation of the State Senate.

Moorefield, portraying Capt. Valentine Sevier; Nat Hyder, vice president The group was introduced to the Senate by Sen. Dewey “Rusty” Crowe (R- of the Friends group; Dr. Paul Gabinet, portraying James Robertson, “the Johnson City) and escorted into the chamber by the Tennessee State Parks father of Tennessee;” and Joe Greene, portraying John Carter, chairman of the Watauga Association, the first free and independent government on the Honor Guard and State Rep. Matthew Hill (R-Jonesborough).

Standing erect and striding into the chamber, longtime cast member Chad North American continent.

“This gives us a tremendous kickoff for the upcoming Liberty! season. It Bogart presented the sermon and prayer verbatim, just as they were origireally sets us in motion. I am so grateful to these members, and for all the nally delivered.

“We are so very proud to have this opportunity to showcase Liberty!, our people who are a part of keeping our treasured history alive,” Barnett said.

Hyder, a 12-year veteran of the outdoor drama, said, “To hear Rev. Doak’s official outdoor drama, and to remind people everywhere of our important history,” Crowe said as he and Speaker of the House Kent Williams (R- words in the chamber of the Tennessee Senate sent chills, and inspired more Elizabethton) greeted the group in Legislative Plaza prior to escorting them than words can explain. The halls echoed from the crowd’s response. We upstairs into the Capitol building. were taken back again and not just re“This is a great moment for all of us,” minded, but felt a compelling to rise for Hill said outside the chamber, “and for our what is right in the defense of our liberty.

“Walking through the halls meeting glorious history that we want to keep alive for the betterment of Northeast Tennessee, other senators, representatives, Speakers and for all generations to come.”

Williams and Ramsey, and their staffs, I felt like a most important ambassaLt. Gov. Ron Ramsey (R-Blountville) dor. It was a thrill to see how our preswho, along with Hill and Crowe has appeared as a guest star in the drama, greeted ence affected so many people, both in the group prior to leading Bogart to the the chamber and the halls, and later on well of the Senate, and joked that he was the grounds of the Bicentennial Capitol “rehearsing my lines, so I’ll be ready.”

Mall,” Hyder said.

After completing the presentation – and “It was a truly meaningful experitaking photographs with legislators and ence,” Gabinet concurred. “Imagine – a 200-year-old prayer reminding the visitors alike – Bogart exhaled deeply and smiled. state’s lawmakers of our sacrifice for lib“I would have never dreamed that one Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey looks on as Chad Bogart, flanked by the Tennessee State Parks erty. It was an honor for our community Honor Guard, presents the prayer of Rev. Samuel Doak to the Tennessee State Senate day I would be standing in the Senate chamto present this living history in such a touching ceremony. I’m humbled to be associated ber, speaking those words,” Bogart said.

“There is a timeless quality to them. They said so much to the hearts of the with the work from these hallowed grounds at Sycamore Shoals,” Gabinet volunteers in 1780, and they still say a great deal to anyone who will listen said. to them now.”

Greene agreed that the trip was “humbling, When we started our journey to A seasonal interpretive ranger at Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area in the state Capitol, I was both excited and a little nervous. I mean, the thought Elizabethton and chaplain of the Washington County Regiment of the North of being in front of all the senators – come on, who wouldn’t be nervous?

“The night before, when we were putting the final touches on exactly what Carolina Militia, the host living history organization at SSSHA, Bogart said he was humbled and honored to bring Doak’s phrases to life. to say in introduction, and a line from John Sevier’s rallying speech to the “Doak had a clear vision of the mission, and how difficult it was going to men getting ready to march off to war had such an effect on B.K. and me. be for the volunteers to succeed. No doubt, in the back of their minds, most That Ferguson would ‘march his army over here, hang you and I,’ really of those leaders probably expected considerable loss of life. I mean, they made me realize how important our story is and how those men – the first were going up against a powerful foe. representatives in a sense, made the difference for a whole new country.

“And, knowing that, it becomes even more poignant, and heart-touching Greene, who is returning to direct Liberty! for his second season, said it to listen to that exhortation. They all knew what they were up against, but was “a great thing to let our politicians know the story, and that they have they went anyway,” Bogart said. “And that is a trait of the volunteers from some mighty big boots to fill, if you will. To see our people do the best job I the very beginning of our country.” have ever seen them do, it was exciting. It made me proud to be the director, Bogart was joined by fellow cast members Michael Barnett, president to be a Tennessean, and an American,” Greene said.

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From left, Joe Greene (portraying John Carter), Nat Hyder (Dr. J.B. Coffin), Lynne Barnett (Mrs. Isaac Shelby), Michael Barnett (Col. Isaac Shelby), Taylor Moorefield (Capt. Valentine Sevier), Sen. Rusty Crowe, B.K. Marlowe (Col. John Sevier), Paul Gabinet (James Robertson) and Chad Bogart (Rev. Samuel Doak) at the Tennessee State Capitol to present Doak’s Prayer.

Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey looks on as B.K. Marlowe, portraying Col. John Sevier, introduces Rev. Samuel Doak to the Tennessee State Senate in April.

History lives through the efforts of Liberty volunteers and staff When Herb Roberts came to Sycamore Shoals in 1983, about 75,000 visitors a year were crossing the threshold of the historic area.

“Previous superintendents had made no attempt to tell the story through interpretive programs. The drama was viewed as a waste of time and an inconvenience,” said Roberts, who is now East Tennessee area manager for Tennessee State Parks.

“The Overmountain Victory Trail march was a one-day event to celebrate the muster and march. The Christmas tree exhibit in December was the only other event taking place, and these were programs initiated outside of state parks.

“The drama was free. There was very little sound, no lighting, and the script was mostly a history dialogue with narration, canned music and very little emotion.

There were only a handful of volunteer participants and props, the costumes were a hodgepodge – some very good – but many were funky. There was very little money to work with for improvements and visitors either sat on the ground or brought lawn chairs.

“It was obvious that folks in the area, by and large, were unaware of the major significant events that happened surrounding Sycamore Shoals in the late 18th century. There were several who wanted a state park, but once that was accomplished they rested.

“The only reason there is a park at Sycamore Shoals is because of the people that precipitated extraordinary events in American history, exhibited great courage and sacrifice, and endured to help forward the cause of liberty in America.”

Roberts saw the drama as the best way to tell the stories of those events and the people that made them happen. He expanded the number of performances, borrowed bleachers from the high school track, added a catwalk to set the actors up so people could see them, changed directors, upgraded the script and expanded the story line some. Then he added an amphitheater with more sound and lighting, and eventually added a sound and light booth.

“All the while, costumes got better and we added more action and emotion.

Directors Nils Cruz, Lucinda Flodin and Dennis Frederick and then Pat Buck each made additions and fine-tuned the show according to their tastes, with Lucinda making some significant improvements to the action, flow and script, and

adding live music and narration to the show.

“Then came Dan Pratt, a good friend from my church. Dan made some wonderful improvements to the script, and was a delight to work with as a director. He was very patient with the volunteers. But that lasted only one season.

“Dan brought Jon Ruetz over. Jon knew the history surrounding Sycamore Shoals, and that made a world of difference in improving and telling the story in an exciting way. Jon rewrote the script several times and added a lot of flavor to the performances.

“He also jump-started the participation by volunteer actors. His creativity with acting, music, promotion, humor and the written word has made the drama a major factor in promoting the stories of those brave people, and making them come to life.

“He almost single-handedly succeeded in achieving the recognition of Official Outdoor Drama of the State of Tennessee by the General Assembly. And now the drama is a significant event for the region, and plays a major role in heritage tourism and economic development for Northeast Tennessee, western North Carolina and Southwest Virginia,” Roberts said.

Last year, nearly 350,000 people visited Sycamore Shoals. The park and the drama has been featured in a popular History Channel television special. An abbreviated version of the drama headlined the Tennessee History Festival in Nashville in the fall of 2009.

Roberts said no matter how many times he hears the stories from America’s first frontier, they remain fresh and inevitably move him.

“There have been nights when I had tears in my eyes, watching people, young and old, putting their hearts into telling the story. Listening to the music. Watching the reaction of the great crowds who turned out to see what we were doing.

“I still cry when I hear Chad present the Doak sermon and prayer. I was overwhelmed with emotion, and so proud when the drama came to Nashville last fall to perform at the Bicentennial Mall,” Roberts said.

“And then, to stand and hear those magnificent words ring in the Senate chamber... my heart was pounding. It was like the culmination of all that we had worked for, and for which so many good people have given so much.”

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Left: Three Mayors: Unicoi County Mayor Greg Lynch, his brother Johnny Lynch, Mayor of the Town of Unicoi, and Brushy Lewis, Mayor of Erwin wait to speak.

Above: The crowd enjoys the festivities.

Right: Congressman Phil Roe jams with ETSU Blue Grass Band

Unicoi County welcomes new welcome center More than 200 people converged on new new Unicoi County Welcome Center near Flag Pond at its grand opening on May 14th. Thousands of tourists are expected to stop each year at the welcome center located just across the Tennessee boards amid some of the nation’s most beautiful mountain scenery.

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