Progress 2021

Progress2021 Special Publication of the Elizabethton Star

Saturday - Sunday, February 28

Our People, Our Town

INSIDE: A look at the people and places that make our communities great Front Cover Photo by Tommy Keane - Blue Ridge Drone Service

THIS IS HOME.

Carter County–it’s the breathtaking views from Roan Mountain, the historical spirit of downtown Elizabethton, the summer playground of Watauga Lake, and everything in-between. This community is our pride and joy, and we know it’s yours too. We’re proud to call Carter County home.

To learn how we can best serve you visit BankofTennessee.com or call (423) 543 - 2131

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Staff

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General Manager DELANEY SCALF delaney.scalf @elizabethton.com Editorial Director Rozella Hardin rozella.hardin @elizabethton.com

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Human Resources Brandy trivett brandy.trivett @elizabethton.com

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Customer Service Kathy Scalf kathy.scalf @elizabethton.com

Table of Contents 6 City of Elizabethton

19 Mike Barnett

37 Southern Restaurant

10 Courtney Washburn Bean

20 Jason Holly

39 Amber’s Country Cookin’

11 Joy McCray 16 Shannon Posada

24 Lula Belle Street 32 Ronda Paulson 34 Joshua Scalf

41 Shirley’s Home Cooking 43 Dino’s Restaurant 45 City Market

17 Kelly Kitchens

Operations Manager Scott SCALF scott.scalf @elizabethton.com JOYCE BARTLETT joyce.bartlett @elizabethton.com Copy Editor JANIE MCKINNEY janie.mckinney @elizabethton.com

Sports IVAN SANDERS ivan.sanders @elizabethton.com Composing ROBIN JOHNSON robin.johnson @elizabethton.com Contributing Writers & Photographers Lynn Richardson Ty Butler Nic Miller Cara McCloud Larry N. Souders

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Come Visit Us at Our New Location!

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Elizabethon City Council Mayor Curt Alexander - 543-1181 Mayor Pro-Term William E. “Bill” Carter Councilman Jeffrey Treadway Kim Birchfield Michael Simerly Wes Frazier Richard M. Barker City Clerk Deborah Kessler City Manager Daniel Estes 423-542-1507 City Judge The Honorable Jason Holly Court Clerk - Cherie Geagley City Attorney Roger G. Day Assistant City Attorney Charlton R. Devault City Clerk/Finance Director Preston T. Cobb - 423-542-1504 Deputy City Clerk Jennifer Arnold Circuit Court Clerk Johnny Blankenship 423-542-1835 General Sessions Court Keith Bowers, Jr. 423-542-1825 Juvenile Court 423-542-1829 Criminal Court Stacy L. Street Lisa Nidiffer Rice 423-542-1872 Assessor of Property Ronnie B. Taylor 423-542-1806 Clerk and Master Andrew LaPorte 423-542-1812 County Clerk Mary Gouge 423-542-1814 Carter County Trustee Randal Lewis 423-542-1811 Register of Deeds Jarrod Ellis 423-542-1830

City/County Directory Animal Shelter Shannon Posada, Director 423-547-6359

Solid Waste Benny Lyons, Director 423-543-6626

Administrator of Elections Tracy Tanner-Harris 423-542-1822

UT Extension Office Vickie Clark, Director Ext. Agent III 423-542-1818

Carter County Election Commission 423-542-1822 Junior Stanley (R) – Chairman Ramon Sanchez-Vinas (D) – Secretary Paul Souder (R) Millard Garland (D) Tom Whitehead (R)

Veteran’s Service Officer David K. Batchelder, 423-542-1824

Emergency Management Agency Gary Smith, Director 423-542-1888 Deputy Director Billy Harrell 423-542-1888 Finance Director Brad Burke 423-542-1805 Deputy Director Michael Kennedy 423-542-1805

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) ADA Coordinators for Carter County: Gary Smith or Billy Harrell Carter County Courthouse 423-542-1888

Elizabethton Fire Department Barry Carrier - Fire Chief

Vice Chairwoman Mark Blevins County Attorney Josh Hardin

Volunteer Fire Departments Central Volunteer Fire Department Elk Mills Volunteer Fire Department Hampton Volunteer Fire Department Roan Mountain Volunteer Fire Department Stoney Creek Volunteer Fire Department Watauga Volunteer Fire Department West Carter County Volunteer Fire Department

County Historian Donald Scott Bowers

Carter County Rescue Squad/EMS 423-543-5445

Chancellor John C. Rambo

Department Heads and Other Officials Water Resources Director Johann Coetzee

District Attorney General Ken C. Baldwin

Planning & Zoning Chris Schuettler Director 423-542-1834

Electric Department Director Rob Toney

Assistant District Attorney Matt Roark

Director of Schools Dr. Tracy McAbee Phone:423-547-4000

Sheriff’s Department Dexter Lunceford, Sheriff 423-542-1845

Carter County Commission Chairman Travis Hill

Highway Department Roger Colbaugh Superintendent Office Phone: 423-543-2331

Carter County Board of Education 423-547-4000 Chairman Tony Garland – 5th District Vice Chairman Kelly Crain – 6th District Keith Bowers Sr. – 1st District Dr. LaDonna Stout-Boone – 2nd District David Buck – 3rd District Danny Ward – 4th District Creola Miller – 7th District Dylan Hill – 8th District

Commissions County Mayor Patty Woodby 423-542-1801

Health Department Caroline Hurt Carter & Johnson County Director 423-543-2521

Assistant Director of Schools Peggy Campbell Phone: 423-547-4000

5th District – Happy Valley Ross Garland, 5th District Ginger Holdren, 5th District Layla Ward, 5th District

6th District – Hampton, Little Milligan, Elk Mills, Valley Forge Randall Jenkins, 6th District Travis Hill, 6th District Gary Bailey, 6th District

7th District – Gap Creek Sonja Culler, 7th District Daniel McInturff 7th District Aaron Frazier, 7th District

8th District – Elizabethton High School, Harold McCormick Robin McKamey, 8th District Kelly Collins, 8th District Thomas Proffitt, 8th District

Police Chief Jason Shaw

Carter County Commissioners 1st District – Hunter, Midway, and Unaka Communities Willie Campbell, 1st District Mark Blevins, 1st District Robert Acuff, 1st District

Fire Chief Barry Carrier Street & Sanitation Director Danny Hilbert

2nd District – Hampton, Roan Mountain, and Tiger Valley Nancy J. Brown, 2nd District Mike Hill, 2nd District Julie Guinn, 2nd District

Parks & Recreation Director Mike Mains

3rd District – Central, Keenburg, Range, and Watauga Bradley Johnson, 3rd District Mark Tester, 3rd District Charles Von Cannon, 3rd District

Purchasing Director Greg Workman

4th District – Courthouse, Eastside, and Siam Communities Isaiah Grindstaff, 4th District Austin Jaynes, 4th District Jerry Proffitt, 4th District

Public Library Director Bernadette Weese

Planning & Development Director Logan Engle Personnel Director Angela Lyons

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Elizabethton City School Board Eddie Pless - Board Chair Phil Isaacs - Vice Chair Danny O’Quinn Jamie Bass Schaff Mike Wilson Veronica Watson (Student Liaison) Director of Schools Richard VanHuss Assistant Director of Schools Dr. Myra Newman Chief Operating Officer Joey Trent Assistant Director of Schools, Director of Special Education & RTI2 Josh Boatman Assistant Director of Schools for Operations & Title IX Coordinator John Hutchins Director of Business & Fiscal Management Beth Wilson Director of Early Learning, Curriculum & Testing 6-12, and Data Services Travis Thompson

School Nutrition Coordinator Regina Isaacs

Jason Carter, Assistant Principal Travis Williams, Assistant Principal

Technology Joey Trent Chief Operating Officer

East Side Elementary 423-547-8010 Grades K-5 Travis Hurley, Principal Emmy Morganstern, Assistant Principal

Director of Extended School Program Carrie Taylor Coordinated School Health Coordinator Regina Wilder System-wide Registered Nurse Teresa Robinson Public Relations Nicole Moore Elizabethton High School 423-547-8015 Grades 9-12 Jon Minton, Principal Sheri Nelson, Assistant Principal Joe Diaz, Assistant Principal Tom Hopson, Assistant Principal T.A. Dugger Junior High School 423-547-8025 Grades 6-8 Chris Berry, Principal

Harold McCormick Elementary 423-547-8020 Grades K-5 Eric Wampler, Principal Penny Nave, Assistant Principal West Side Elementary 423-547-8030 Grades K-5 John Wright, Principal Dr. Tammy Markland Assistant Principal Wandell Early Learning Center 423-547-8035 Pre-K - Travis Thompson, Director CTE Director Brian Culbert CTE Administrative Assistant Jennifer Taylor

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Being a voice...

Mayor Patty Woodby making sure all citizens represented at the table

BY IVAN SANDERS STAR STAFF ivan.sanders@elizabethton.com

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020 was a year that will be remembered by many for various reasons with the largest being the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, many Carter County residents will forever remember the day that word was delivered of the passing of beloved Carter County Mayor and friend to many Rusty Barnett.

Barnett’s passing left a void not only in the heart of his family but in the community where he had faithfully served as the mayor.

Many didn’t know which direction the County Commission would turn to fill the initial void but thankfully there was someone standing nearby that was ready and willing to step into that role in Patty Woodby.

Woodby was placed in the position on an interim basis until the commissioners voted to have Woodby fulfill the remaining two years of Barnett’s term.

Being a mayor is no easy task as Photo Contributed often the position lends itself to being Mayor Patty Woodby wanted to be involved in being a voice for everyone in the community at the table when she took over highly scrutinized for decisions made as interim mayor and then was elected to finish the two years that former Mayor Rusty Barnett had remaining at his passing. as Woodby has found out. However, she would have it no other way. community, there Other things that “I wanted to make a difference in the are many reasons the mayor highlighted “I wanted to make a difference in the community community that I love and be a source of that make Carter about Carter County that I love and be a source of inspiration for those inspiration for those that will come after County special that should be attractive me. I also wanted to be mayor because from the schools that will come after me. I also wanted to be mayor to those looking for a I wanted to make sure those who lack a to the beauty of because I wanted to make sure those who lack a voice new place to relocate voice — those who have been forgotthe surrounding the ample — those who have been forgotten — have a voice at included ten — have a voice at the table,” Mayor countryside. amount of hiking Woodby said.

Woodby felt like the table.” offered by the Appala“I have often seen that we tend to the most vital asset —Patty Woodby chian Trail along with forget the hard-working men, women, of the community Mayor all the other hiking and and families of this county and I want to is its people. walking trails that will be a voice for them. Together with you, She went on to add that it can be “This comaccommodate hikers of the citizens of Carter County, we will seen when churches and community munity is home to some of the most any level. continue to keep our county a beautiful, groups band together each year for the generous and kind individuals, who give She also touched on the historic value progressive and safe place to live. A place annual Back To School Bash to help freely of themselves to make the lives of that Carter County held with sites from the we can all call home and be proud of.” those around them better,” Mayor Woodby children be better prepared to succeed in Revolutionary War as well as the Civil War, Woodby doesn’t think that those who school, as well as in the support generinterjected. “When a need arises, our railroad history, and a wealth of genealogireside in the boundaries of the county ated in only one year to bring Isaiah 117 community steps up to help. cal records. take it for granted but may often forget “This is evident in numerous ways — from one woman’s vision into a reality for From a recreational standpoint, Carter about the blessings that are provided by from the number of people who put their children in need.

County is blessed with some of the best living in Carter County.

“Tennessee has long been called the own lives on the line volunteering with trout waters anywhere in the Watauga She believes that those outside looking our local volunteer fire departments to Volunteer State in honor of our history River and the Watauga Lake which also ofin don’t recognize just what the county of stepping up when help is needed, and the number of churches in our commufers a variety of recreational opportunities. has to offer therefore they do not give that same volunteer spirit is alive and nity who operate food banks or hand out “We truly have something to offer credit to where credit is deserved. free meals in hopes that no one has to go well here in Carter County,” the mayor everybody,” Mayor Woodby proclaimed.

In the eyes of those who live in the continued. to bed hungry.”

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Carter County School System Carter County Board of Education 423-547-4000 Chairman Tony Garland – 5th District Vice Chairman Kelly Crain – 6th District Keith Bowers Sr. – 1st District Dr. LaDonna Stout-Boone – 2nd District David Buck – 3rd District Danny Ward – 4th District Creola Miller – 7th District Dylan Hill – 8th District Director of Schools Dr. Tracy McAbee tracymcabee@carterk12.net Assistant Director of Schools Peggy Campbell peggycampbell@carterk12.net Board Secretary Amanda Scalf Attendance & Student Management Ken Thomas Special Education Director Terry Hubbard terryhubbard@carterk12.net CTE Director Mickey Taylor mickeytaylor@carterk12.net Head Start Supervisor LeeAnn Carr leeanncarr@carterk12.net Director of K-12 Curriculum Dr. LaDonna Stout Boone ladonnaboone@carterk12.net Director of Student Support Danny McClain dannymcclain@carterk12.net Federal Project Director Dr. Jerri Beth Nave jbnave@carterk12.net Carter Cares After School Program Sonya Miller - Program Director sonyamiller@carterk12.net Coordinated School Health Beth Bare Schools Central Elementary Grades K-8 Terry Morley, Principal 423-547-4045 Cloudland Elementary Grades K-8 Becky Raulston, Principal Scott Tester, Assistant Principal 423-772-5310

Cloudland High School Grades 9-12 Richard Church, Principal Scott Potter, Assistant Principal 423-772-5300 Hampton Elementary Grades K-8 Brandon Carpenter, Pre-K - 4th Grade Principal Bud Hazelwood - 5th - 8th Grade Principal 423-725-5220 Hampton High School Grades 9-12 Jeff Bradley, Principal Kim Walsh, Assistant Principal 423-725-5200 Happy Valley Elementary Grades K-4 Mrs. Mandy Greer, Principal Lisa Ensor, Assistant Principal 423-547-4028 Happy Valley Middle School Grades 5-8 Katherine Hyder, Principal Keith Parker, Assistant Principal 423-547-4070 Happy Valley High School Grades 9-12 Doug Mitchell, Principal Lauren McInturff, Assistant Principal 423-547-4094 Hunter Elementary Grades K-8 Mark Revis, Principal Dale Campbell, Assistant Principal 423-547-4074 Keenburg Elementary Grades K-8 Jason Hartley, Principal Jaclyn Wilson, Assistant Principal 423-547-4047 Little Milligan Elementary School Grades K-8 JR Campbell, Principal 423-768-4400 Unaka Elementary School Grades K-8 Mrs. Larissa Trivette, Principal Chris Collins, Assistant Principal 423-474-4110 Unaka High School Grades 9-12 Betsy Oliver, Principal Wes Wright, Assistant Principal 423-474-4100 Valley Forge Elementary School Grades K-5 Jaclyn Wilson, Principal 423-547-4085

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Photo Contributed

Photo Contributed

Courtney Washburn Bean serves as Main Street Elizabethton Director — a position that Bean relishes in helping Elizabethton and the surrounding community to grow.

Courtney Washburn Bean and the Main Street Elizabethton Board of Directors.

The ultimate profession...

Bean finds niche working in a community setting

BY IVAN SANDERS STAR STAFF ivan.sanders@elizabethton.com

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magine getting out of a vehicle and start walking down the streets of a small town in Northeast Tennessee that one may have never heard of and visited before only to discover a city deeply rooted in its heritage and with the flavor of different shops and eateries that hours could be spent browsing through.

With every shop entered one is greeted with a warm Tennessee welcome and a desire to assist in any way possible.

That city happens to be Elizabethton and there is just something that welcomes visitors and locals alike with a taste of Southern hospitality.

According to Main Street Elizabethton Director Courtney Bean, this was one of the factors that brought her to the community with aspirations of continuing growth and stability in the downtown area for years to come.

Bean was also quick to highlight just what makes the Elizabethton community so special.

“Our community is filled with a rich history, beautiful nature, and passionate people! This combination is truly unique. The natural beauty throughout Carter County that surrounds our downtown is so special,” Bean stated.

“In fact, this was the reason I first fell in love with Northeast Tennessee!

Downtown Elizabethton is deeply rooted in history that continues to influence our revitalization efforts. Main Street Elizabethton looks towards the future with the goal to preserve our culture and heritage.”

Bean also added that even though 2020 was filled with the COVID-19 pandemic, the community continued to show up and support the small businesses proving that the community is passionate about the place they call home which is something truly special.

During the last few months, Bean has encountered so much passion, kindness, pride, and support from the community which further establishes that the community treasures those things that make it special and unique especially in trying times like the pandemic.

This type of outpouring of love for the town and its businesses was one of the drawing factors for her in taking the Main Street Elizabethton Director opening.

“Main Street Elizabethton first attracted me because of the focus on community building,” added Bean. “The purpose of the organization is to grow the downtown community by working with the community.

“Community has already been the root of what I love. Therefore, the idea of the community coming together to grow downtown, a place of community, made me want to be a part of it.”

Bean furthermore said that it isn’t hard finding selling points to potential businesses saying, “Downtown Elizabethton offers a quaint and friendly experience with a variety of restaurants, antique stores, boutique shops, and a historic Covered Bridge.

“Nestled in mountainous beauty, the downtown district features a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities, such as fly-fishing and water sports on the Doe River, plus the longest rails-to-trails project in Tennessee, the Tweetsie Trail.”

For Bean, her job is the epitome of a perfect job working in a vibrant community where people appreciate the small-town aspect and the cordial encounters one has in each business in the downtown area.

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By Lynn J. Richardson

Hometown Joy

eing an ambassador for her hometown is something that just comes naturally to Elizabethton native Joy McCray. In fact, she admits she drives her out-of-town friends “nuts” with her constant messages — including real estate listings — encouraging them to move to the place she’s always called home.

On June 1, 2020, McCray became the new Executive Director of the Elizabethton/Carter County Chamber of Commerce, and she says nothing could have made her happier than finding a job that allows her to continue to pursue her passion for promoting the area in an official capacity.

Since that day, she has been boots on the ground, getting reacquainted with the ever-changing business community, developing new programs and enhancing other projects to meet the needs of those conducting business here.

“Our community is full of big dreamers with great ideas and they are passionate about bringing unique businesses to life.”

—Joy McCray

Executive Director of the Elizabethton/Carter County Chamber of Commerce

Though McCray went to college in Memphis, she couldn’t stay away, moving back to her hometown in 2002. Her roots are deep in Carter County.

“My whole family is from Elizabethton and we’ve recently traced my dad’s side back through the Peters family, through seven generations all in Carter County,” she said.

Many will remember her from her days as the director of the Frontier Health Foundation. She is a busy working mom with a 14-year-old son who attends T.A. Dugger Jr. High.

With a background in marketing, fundraising and promotions, McCray saw the executive director’s position for the local chamber as a perfect fit. “I wanted to serve my hometown that I feel like I’ve been selling my entire life,” she said.

“I love living here and working here, and I want to make a lasting impact that will help build a better community in our county, with more and better jobs, more events and activities, and finding new ways to do business while continuing to serve our current businesses.”

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McCray came aboard during a particularly challenging time in the Chamber’s history. The organization had recently opted out of the leadership role for several popular local events. Members of the community publicly expressed disappointment in those decisions, but when McCray looked at the situation she had inherited, she saw opportunities.

“The Chamber took some heat when it decided to give up leadership for the Christmas parade, the tree lighting and the Covered Bridge Festival, but let’s talk about the positives that resulted from that decision and how those changes will impact those events going forward,” McCray said.

“I wasn’t here for the decisions to transfer these beloved programs to new organizations, but I support the decision 100 percent to let them be managed by new groups. These events are staples in our community and we have already seen that by having new groups leading the way for these events, their fresh ideas will bring in new exciting features to each one. That may not have ever happened had they stayed with the Chamber,” McCray said.

“Now that we no longer have the responsibilities of these events, we have more time to focus on the business of doing business, which is the core mission of the Chamber.”

McCray has already initiated new

programs, beefed up existing projects and is looking forward to really taking the Chamber to new levels in the coming year.

“We will resume monthly Chamber breakfasts and other Chamber activities in February,” McCray said. “We will also continue with our Chamber Youth Ambassador program, which has been reimagined with expanded opportunities for students. This semester we had 25 juniors and seniors from all five high schools in our county participate in this program and we expect the same for the spring semester.”

McCray said the Chamber also plans to bring Co-Starters back to Elizabethton in the spring as well as offering “2.0” version of the workshop for those who previously participated in Co-Starters.

“That program will be for business owners who have been in business a few years, growing and navigating things like becoming an LLC,” McCray said. “We will look at making sure they have adequate insurance coverage and why that’s important, how to handle employees, discuss buying buildings versus leasing or doing online business and more.

“Chamber Adult Leadership will also begin in the spring and it looks very different from previous leadership programs,” McCray said. “We will be offering an opportunity for participants to meet all the ‘movers and

shakers’ that make our community work.

There will be chances for great networking, opportunities to learn about how things work behind the scenes, and of course, we’ll have some fun too.”

Other new programs starting this summer will include a Newcomers Club — a program designed for the community’s newest residents, whether they’ve just moved from the neighboring county or from another country and want to know more about the history and operations of Elizabethton and Carter County.

The Chamber will also continue with the very popular women’s networking group, BOSS LADY. While McCray has been busy developing new programs and enhancing those already in place, perhaps her biggest undertaking has been physically moving the Chamber’s offices from their previous spot on Highway 19E to Elizabethton’s thriving downtown to 615 East Elk Avenue.

She is thrilled with the move.

“We love being in downtown and in our new building,” McCray said. “Our previous location served us well for many years, but the building needed immense repairs. It might not have looked like it was in bad shape, but it was. Our tourism guests come downtown when they are here visiting, and while many of them haven’t made it down to the third block before, now they’re traveling down to see us, stopping at many of the shops along the way. Everyone loves our new location.”

The Chamber’s new digs offer Chamber members additional workspace — something that has come in handy during recent challenges. “It’s great for our members who have found themselves working from home — some indefinitely — who need to meet with a colleague face to face or don’t have the equipment to host a virtual meeting.

This space is free for members to use and we’ve seen a lot of activity since we opened our new doors for this service.”

It is just one of many services McCray

says she and her staff are working hard to develop, making certain Chamber memberships have both value and relevance.

“We are thrilled to offer membership levels for all levels of business as well as individual memberships,” she said. “We are constantly adding benefits to our membership investment. I tell potential members that our most important daily role is to provide connections. People call us every single day looking for a recommendation from everything from finding accounting services to a zip lining adventure. We are happy to match them with our members as much as possible.

“It’s also a great tool for our members too,” she added. “Just about every day a member will call and tell us they need help with a specific topic and we connect them.

It’s a great tool for anyone doing any type of business.”

After six months on the job, McCray says she has learned a lot.

“Our Chamber is a great place to start if you are connected to a business or want to do business with our community,” she said.

“Every day is a surprise and we’ve changed course a few times. Some of our changes, as is the case for so many, have been made due to the pandemic. But our most important changes have been made strategically as we work toward growth.

“We are invested in bringing quality business opportunities, adding value to our membership and continuing to grow our services to provide for the needs of our members to build a stronger community in Carter County. When our businesses and community are doing well, we do well.

“The most important things I’ve learned is that Carter County is open and welcoming to new business, ready for change and that the change we need is happening right now,” she added. “Our community is full of big dreamers with great ideas and they are passionate about bringing unique businesses to life.”

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Wright, posing with Club kids, at a fall photo booth at the Hudson Drive Boys and Girls Club in Elizabethton.

Ginny Wright, Boys and Girls Club Elizabethton/Carter County CEO.

Ginny Wright, left, and a Club member during a day of summer camp fun in 2015.

“Keeper of the Mission’’

Boys & Girls Club’s Wright says local organization committed to serving all kids in Carter County

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By Lynn J. Richardson

s the CEO of the Boys and Girls Club of Elizabethton/Carter County, Ginny Wright’s job is multifaceted, with responsibilities in finance, human resources, people development, board development and operations.

But first and foremost she sees herself as “the keeper of the mission” — making certain everything and everyone is aligned to serving kids, “especially those who need us most.”

“If I do nothing else,” Wright says, “I better make sure that kids are the number one reason behind everything we do.”

For Wright, keeping that “mission” has been her lifelong career. At age 15, she started serving as a volunteer at

her hometown Boys and Girls Club in Smyrna, and soon afterward, in 1996, she got her first job there as a youth development professional. After graduating from the University of South Carolina, she returned to Smyrna and took her first full-time job as the education director of that local Club.

This year — her eighth in Elizabethton and her 25th with the organization — has been one of uncertainties. With an extended closure of the Club during the COVID-19 pandemic and a growing need to serve children throughout the community, it hasn’t always been easy, and Wright admits she has lost sleep trying to make it all work, feeling an “extreme sense of responsibility” to the children and staff at the local Club.

“That means sometimes I worry about what could happen in the way of safety, especially during our re-opening after COVID hit,” Wright said. “I also lose sleep over things I feel that we can do better. And sometimes, I am just so excited about what we are doing for kids and our forward momentum that I have trouble falling asleep.”

That “forward momentum” included the opening of an additional Boys and Girls Club location in 2020 in the Hunter community at Hunter First Baptist Church’s Christian Life Center. Although there were many details connected to bringing a new site on board, Wright counts that achievement as one of the happiest moments in her career.

“We’ve just had so much progress in

the last several years and this organization has really grown and changed to meet the needs of kids,” Wright said.

“COVID-19 attendance restrictions limited the number of children we could serve at our main location on Hudson, so it made me so happy when we were able to open the Hunter site. That enabled us to clear a three-months-long waiting list.

“Those three months were full of phone calls from single parents, dual income households, grandparents and foster parents desperate for somewhere safe and productive for their children to be,” Wright says. “Some families had no idea how they could work to put food on the table. So many grandparents didn’t have any idea of how they could equip their grandchildren to succeed in

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In 2017, Wright, flanked by local Club board members, was honored to receive the Richard Ullum Award for top new Boys and Girls Club CEO in the Southeast Region.

a remote learning environment. Foster placements were on hold until potential foster parents could show they had reliable childcare.

“Words cannot express the relief I felt at being able to tell families that we could give them consistent services to make life at least a little easier during these incredibly trying times,” Wright added. “I also felt such relief knowing that many kids would not be hungry, would have internet for their school work, would not be home alone...I just can’t describe it.”

Aside from the relief, that opening also represented the organization’s commitment to serving ALL kids in Carter County, Wright says.

“For years, we have been working to form an organization that could begin to make sure that EVERY area of our county has access to the life-changing programs and relationships that a Boys and Girls Club provides. That opening day in Hunter was a big day. It solved an immediate crisis but it also paved a way for a future in which every child in Carter County has access to a first class out of school experience.”

The local Club has celebrated many achievements over the past years, Wright says, citing growth and expanded programs and services as the most pronounced.

“We have grown the number of kids

we serve, and we have also established a quality food program to make sure that kids not only get fed, but fed well, with the right nutrition for developing brains.

“We have developed programs to help kids achieve academic success, good character and citizenship, and healthy lifestyles. Through our intervention programs, over 90 percent of targeted kids improve their reading skills every summer. We have built an organization that will last and stand the test of time in terms of leadership, finance, and more.

It will continue to serve kids that aren’t even born yet with quality programs and life-changing relationships.”

Wright sees a very bright future ahead for the local Boys and Girls Club.

“Our Club is now serving kids in absolutely every area of this county with strong partnerships across many sectors — schools, the faith-based community, agencies that meet basic needs, employers, colleges and universities — all providing wrap around services that ensure that every child in Carter County has the opportunity to achieve their own great future, whatever that might be.

“Every day is different,” Wright added, “and I consider it a high privilege to work for such an outstanding organization that truly goes above and beyond to serve kids.

No matter what the day brings or what I’m working on, I know that is making a difference for kids and this community.”

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Wearing different hats...

Love for children and animals fills Posada’s life calling to serve

BY NIC MILLER STAR CORRESPONDENT

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he coronavirus pandemic that stems from almost one year ago has affected not only our country but Carter County and the surrounding areas negatively as of recently.

But there are still plenty of people who are still grasping onto hope while also showing love and compassion to those around them.

Shannon Posada is one of those people, and as director of the Back to School Bash Ministry at Hampton Freewill Baptist Church in Hampton as well as the director of the Elizabethton/Carter County Animal Shelter, she looks to help drive a force for good in a time that has taken a toll on so many.

One of the largest ministries in Carter County, the Back to School Bash has welcomed thousands of children and their families near the beginning of each school year since 2008, giving away backpacks and other school supplies while showing the love of Christ as well as providing a fun carnival setting throughout the day for all those that attend.

And while she wasn’t a member of the church for the first few years of the ministry, Posada came into the church and instantly felt a need to become a part of such a wonderful day each year.

“I started attending church here in 2012 and they were getting ready for the Bash that year and Brandon (Young) said I was welcome to help out with that year’s event. It seemed like such an undertaking for him to heed this on his own, so I let him know that I can help him in any way he needs.

“He said I could volunteer that year and that I would be able to help plan next year’s event, but I wanted to get to work thinking about the following year as soon as I was able.

“So we began planning for that following year’s Bash a year in advance. We worked hard and ever since then it has grown tremendously and we are so thankful that it did as well as being able to provide for so many families across the county.”

But while the ministry has grown, so has the need in the community.

“It’s been great to be able to do so much good, but every year it seems like the need in the community grows more and more.

Sometimes we have to order extra backpacks, but it’s OK because of the help that we are providing to these families.”

While being a pivotal part in the Back to School Bash, Posada juggles many hats as she also plays a big part as the director of the Elizabethton/Carter County Animal Shelter.

“I began with the animal shelter in 2016, and when I had started they had just went through a major pandemic of their own.

Luckily we were able to get things under control by working with the shelter veterinarian. It’s my home away from home, and these animals that we have at the shelter mean just as much to me as any person would.

“I was a veterinarian for 16 years, and the thing you see when you go to a veterinarian’s office is that the animals being taken care of are wanted by their owners.

When you come to a shelter, these are the animals that nobody wanted. These dogs and cats have been abused, kicked out, thrown out, they can be sick or injured. So that was one thing that I noticed right away, seeing just how large the unwanted animal population in our county really is.”

It took her by surprise, but it didn’t take long for Posada to take the helm and get things under control within the shelter.

“Like I said we were able to get things under control and get all of our animals healthy once again, but afterwards was where the big changes took place. We began to get our staff to the number it needed to be, adding some positions like our office manager and shelter manager. We’ve got tons of great animals down at the shelter, but some things are a little different due to the pandemic.”

The Elizabethton/Carter County Animal Shelter is still allowing adoptions, but Posada said there are changes on how to adopt. “We are doing adoptions by appointment only and we have even done adoptions in the parking lot for those that didn’t want to come inside the facility.

“These animals mean so much to people, and it can really brighten things up in such a tough time.”

In a time where things are tough for many people, Posada closed with a powerful statement.

“If you want to see a difference, be the difference. Do everything you can to be a light in this dark world.”

Star Photo/Larry N. Souders

Members of the staff of the Carter County Animal Shelter pose with several pets that are currently up for adoption at the shelter. They are (standing) Terry Morgan with Eden, and Director Shannon Posada with Mia. Seated from the left are Wendy Mathes holding Talise, Joy Young with Rose, and Jami Heaton holding Blarney.

Star Photo/Larry N. Souders

This is the transportation van donated to the Carter County Animal Shelter by the estate of Glenda Taylor DeLawder. It is used to move the shelter animals to and from their spay/neuter appointments and other activities.

Star Photo/Larry N. Souders

This sign in front of the Carter County Animal Shelter says it all, by reminding people that they want to place their wards in loving homes!

SATURDAY-SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 27-28, 2021 - STAR - 17

Kelly Kitchens:

Home is where the heart is

BY STAFF REPORTS

T

Star Photo

Kelly Kitchens has been working for the City of Elizabethton for nearly 20 years.

Kitchens said one of the best aspects of her job is being able to work with people.

hey say home is where the heart is…

For Kelly Kitchens, she found her heart in Elizabethton.

Kitchens has called multiple places home in her lifetime, from Bluff City to Atlanta, but she ultimately chose the small town of Elizabethton to rest her head. Her fondness and time in the area comes from visiting family members, including her grandparents, as she grew up.

Kitchens began serving her city at the age of 20 when she became employed in the Water Billing Department at City Hall. This was her niche for seven years before a promotion to work as an administrative assistant at Parks and Recreation was offered to her.

“Going into the year 2021, it will be my 20th year with the city,” said Kitchens.

Three years ago a new position was created at Parks and Rec that would later show to have been made for Kitchens.

“It was the Program and Special Events Coordinator,” she explained.

“That’s really where my heart was, like through doing all of the administrative assistant work, that just entails so much administrative work. So, when this position was created, it’s really where my heart was.”

Kitchens describes her work as “the fun job.” She notes that she never has to get up and dread her job. Instead, she gets to wake up every day and do work to better her city, her home.

Kitchens goes beyond just serving events for Parks and Rec, but also coordinating all special events for the city itself.

“I’m the one stop shop,” said Kitchens. “My job is to coordinate all city departments, permitting, city council approval, etc. for anyone looking to have an event in Elizabethton.”

Besides the fun atmosphere of the events, Kitchens loves working with people. She says this is a perk she has gotten from this job as opposed to her previous duties as administrative assistant.

“This really gives me the opportunity to work alongside somebody from the beginning to the end of an event,” she said. “It’s just so exciting. I have to pinch myself sometimes.”

Kitchens is not alone in her work. Her work comes with a set of lenses.

Four to be exact.

Kitchens is a mother of four children, ranging from two adults, one teenager and an 8-year-old.

“I think of everything we offer, and I think where would this fit in with them, is this something they would enjoy,” explained Kitchens.

Kitchens said she often turns to her children, asking them about things they would like to see and what interests them. Her reasoning? While mothers usually know best, times change and kids know what they would like to see more than what an adult could guess they want to see.

Among her favorite events she has coordinated, which is a difficult choice to say the least, Kitchens mentioned one in which her son inspired a popular gathering. Her 8-year-old son looked at his mother one day and told her he would like to see an event about Legos. This made the lightbulb in Kitchens’s head burn bright as she put it together earlier this year, with a turnout that was fantastic.

While some events have a great turnout, others go a bit under expectations. Nonetheless, they are not considered a failure in Kitchens’s book. To her, and Parks and Rec, it’s a lesson on what to do better on next time.

Another project close to her heart is the PEAK Mentorship Program, which aims to help guide at-risk youth and break the cycle surrounding societal issues like substance abuse. This project works alongside the Carter County Drug Prevention Coalition.

As Kitchens sat and reflected on her work, nearing 20 years for Eliza-

18 - STAR - SATURDAY-SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 27-28, 2021

Contributed Photo

Kitchens describes herself as having “the fun job.”

bethton, she said there is no place she would rather raise her kids or rest her head.

Kitchens recalled when she first started working for the city. She lived in the Milligan area in between Elizabethton and Johnson City. This in-limbo location gave her a Johnson City address and work in Elizabethton.

When the time came to buy a house, Kitchens felt Elizabethton tugging on her heart.

“I knew this was where I wanted to be, and really that appreciation has continued to grow over the years,” she said.

As her children reach college age, three now are, and prepare to leave the nest, Kitchens said she reminds her children that you really learn to value home that much more when you leave it.

“I know that eventually, they will come back home and really appreciate their upbringing here,” she said.

For Kitchens, her heart integrated alongside her into the Elizabethton community.

“This is home,” she said. “I could never be anywhere else. I love it here.”

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SATURDAY-SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 27-28, 2021 - STAR - 19

A man on the move...

Barnett’s community involvement allows little time for rest

BY TY BUTLER STAR CORRESPONDENT

L

Star Photo/ Ty Butler

Mike Barnett continues to improve Elizabethton, thanks to his hard work and dedication.

Freeman Taylor & Sons

aziness is not included in Mike Barnett’s vocabulary.

The store owner of Big John’s Closeouts has spent most of his life in motion — managing his shop, assisting with Carter County’s Animal Shelter, working on the maintenance committee of the War Memorial, as well as singing in his church’s choir.

Barnett also assists with Sycamore Shoals State Park and the Women’s Center. All of these roles serve a purpose and truly mean something to Barnett, who spends his days improving bits and pieces of Elizabethton during his time away from Big John’s.

And though Barnett admits that his energy has decreased with age, one would fail to notice.

Barnett spends most of his days walking through the aisles and halls of his Elizabethton company and speaking with

customers while ensuring that his store runs smoothly.

Many times, the day doesn’t end there, as council meetings are likely to be sprinkled in on any given week.

But Barnett’s drive to enhance other’s lives, either through business dealings or renovations, is unprecedented.

While many people struggle to preserve energy for their sole daily job, Barnett is forced to delegate his time and commitment to multiple projects while also fulfilling the role of a family man.

The jack of all trades has one speed, and that is to go.

And while the realization of retirement is beginning to creep, the natural laborer would much rather focus on his day-today tasks.

When Barnett finally pulls into his home’s driveway, there’s little reflection of the current day — instead, Barnett is already processing what is on the agenda for the following day.

20 - STAR - SATURDAY-SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 27-28, 2021

n Holly ted by Jaso

ntribu Photo Co

family in your own e is ra to al Judge ing up the Municip dren e of grow w c o n n ta r is o p o chil e im y, wh their three y knows th nce grew up in. Holl d ll e o is H ra n e so av Ja he o ley Holly h ommunity Leann Stan e if the same c w is h ton, and in Elizabeth ton. in Elizabeth

Jason Holl y was swo rn in as th will serve File Photo e Elizabeth a four-year /Cara McC ton City M loud term after unicipal Ju his electio dge and n in Novem ber of 202 0.

From Municipal Judge to PA announcer...

There is nowhere better than Elizabethton for Holly

BY IVAN SANDERS STAR STAFF ivan.sanders@elizabethton.com

I

t’s a cool, crisp Friday night at Citizens Bank Stadium and the Elizabethton Cyclones have just taken the field for a contest against a conference foe.

Just before the football is booted to start the game, a voice comes across the PA system telling fans to get on their feet because it’s football time in Elizabethton.

That same voice can be heard during a City of Elizabethton Municipal Court trial as it belongs to the same man in Jason Holly, who has become well known in the community for his work both as a PA announcer and now as the newly elected Elizabethton Municipal Judge.

Holly has deep ties in the Elizabethton and Carter County community growing up as a student and athlete in the school system and having raised his family in the same town where he grew up.

He takes it as an honor to serve in both capacities.

“I have always respected the judges I have been in front of (as an attorney),” said Holly. “It is an honor for the citizens of Elizabethton to entrust me with the ability to make decisions as an officer of the court.

“It has been a goal of mine and I am honored to serve as Elizabethton’s City Judge.”

Having lived in Knoxville and Birmingham while in school and having loved both locations, Holly said there is no place like Elizabethton because someone is always willing to step up and help anyone in the community.

It can be as simple as a Friday night football game against Science Hill or Greeneville or a game at one of the county schools that can tell anyone what they needed to know about the community.

“People love their town and will always support it,” Holly said.

Like many similar communities throughout the country, Holly believes that living in an area such as Elizabethton and Carter County is taken for granted as evidenced by watching televi-

sion and witnessing how much the people of this area love God and country.

However, Holly noted that whenever help is needed, people are there from families to church, to schools, and civic organizations.

When asked how Holly would put together a sales pitch to someone interested in locating to the community to either set up residence or open a business such as a law firm, Holly laid out his pitch.

“I would first take them to a high school sporting event and then I would walk them through the town and the Covered Bridge,” said Holly. “The beauty of the mountains sell itself.

“Lastly, I would tell them that this is a great place to raise a family and practice law.”

And although Holly at times has to find many words to describe what is occurring at an Elizabethton High School sporting event or sitting on the bench as a Municipal Judge in explaining his findings to those who stand before him, he had a simple four words to describe being a part of the community in which he lives and works.

“Elizabethton is the best,” stated Holly emphatically.

SATURDAY-SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 27-28, 2021 - STAR - 21

Holding onto memories past...

Proffitt’s passion for history filled with stories and artifacts

BY TY BUTLER STAR CORRESPONDENT

W

hat exactly is history?

Is it the artifacts and objects left behind, as time separates itself from the present moment? Or is it the memories attached to those objects?

When stepping inside of Burgie Drug Store, it’s hard not to feel a sense of both dimensions.

Larry Proffitt, a man who knows time all too well, has collected a bucket full of history throughout the years as the owner of Ridgewood BBQ and Burgie Drug Store.

From medicine bottles valued in the early 1900s to countertops marked with black cigarette scars left from Proffitt’s mentors, the 77-year-old Proffitt values all forms of history and probably has a story to go along with it.

He’s accumulated these artifacts and memories, thanks to years of public service, taking over his mom and dad’s BBQ joint and eventually becoming the owner of Burgie Drug Store.

And as Proffitt takes his hand and wipes away the growing dust from his valued possessions, it’s hard not to notice through his wood-accented glasses the renewed appreciation for these items.

Eventually, he’ll leave these treasures to his grandson and granddaughter whom both work alongside their grandfather.

Proffitt employed both because he believes that hard work is learned at a young age as he was taught from a young age, as well.

Star Photo/Ty Butler

Larry Proffitt standing in front of the classic Burgie Drug Store sign.

But behind the tan suit is a man who appreciates history and the memories attached — and behind the tan suit is a man who understands that he will be remembered by the relationships formed with others and the memories left behind.

22 - STAR - SATURDAY-SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 27-28, 2021

Marching to a different tune...

Photo Contributed

Perry Elliott, who has served as the band director at Elizabethton High School for many years, stands in front of numerous trophies that past and present students have earned under his leadership. Elliott is preparing for life after teaching as he plans on retiring at the end of the school year.

Elliott ready for life beyond instructing band

BY IVAN SANDERS STAR STAFF ivan.sanders@elizabethton.com

A

Photo Contributed

Elizabethton High School Band Director Perry Elliott presents a letter to a junior student that had earned the award.

late summer morning sun begins to rise in the East just in time to burn off the wetness from an overnight morning dew.

Students begin to slowly arrive on the Elizabethton High School band practice field carrying their instruments, a cold container of ice water to refresh during their breaks, and wearing head coverings from bandanas to hats to protect themselves from the hot, summer morning sun.

A figure has made its way to the top of the stand that overlooks the group of band students and takes its place front and center with a bull horn in hand.

That figure is band director Perry Elliott who has been directing the school band for more years than fingers and toes can count.

A total of 43 years as a matter of fact.

Elliott directs his students through everything from getting down new movements to the upcoming year’s halftime show to making sure that each section blends in a smooth melodic tone that will touch not only the ears but the hearts of the listeners.

His path to Elizabethton began 30 years ago when he completed his master’s degree and he was seeking a job that would be both interesting and rewarding.

That trek starting while working at Dobyns-Bennett High School in Kingsport when the band director job at Elizabethton came open. Elliott knew of the steeped tradition at Elizabethton where the school system valued the band program as a major part of their fine arts department.

The town of Elizabethton had a reputation as a “band town” and Elliott knew that a town that loved their band would take the steps necessary for the group’s success.

Having grown up in Erwin, Elliott had always admired the band even as a member of the Unicoi County marching band at football games and local band contests.

Elliott knew that this would be a careerchanging decision and it proved to be the best professional decision of his life.

In the summer of 2020, Elliott took his last climb to the top of the platform where he has worked his magic with the Elizabethton High School band resulting in many state titles and recognition throughout the south, having performed at Neyland Stadium with the Pride of the Southland Band to Disney World in Orlando, Fla. Elliott is preparing to hang up his bull horn and enter into a well-deserved retirement just like the final closing piece of a state band competition leaving everything on the field and in the classroom perfecting and molding his students into champions

SATURDAY-SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 27-28, 2021 - STAR - 23

just like in all the years past.

Under the guidance of Elliott, the ‘Betsy Band has become a central part of the Elizabethton community with as many people attending football games on Friday night to listen and visually witness a new year’s intensive musical presentation develop much like a cocoon into a beautiful butterfly by the time the state band competition rolls around.

“A sporting event becomes a community gathering,” said Elliott. “A fine arts presentation is a ‘must-see’ program of the month. The children involved in the event are congratulated and praised for their hard work.

“The students are treasured for their contribution to the town. The citizens are never prouder than when they celebrate their schools and the students at these schools.”

And while the students put in tons of hours preparing to hit each note to perfection, it always has been Elliott there lending an ear to help in whatever way possible to help bring the best out of his students and their talents.

Will Elliott be missed when he rides off into the sunset — you bet your britches.

But the impact on students’ lives will forever impact the Elizabethton High School community as those who were once marching to Elliott’s cadences will be raising and

planting into their children’s lives the same values of hard work, dedication, perfection, and showmanship that Elliott instilled in them during their time with the ‘Betsy Band.

“The one thing that I love about this community is the high level of expectation in all things attempted,” Elliott shared.

“This community wants to see your best effort.

“For example, if that effort ends in a state championship, then great. You gave it your best, that was what we were hoping for. If that effort falls short, then there is real gratitude for giving your best.

“The people in Elizabethton are proudest when you just give your best effort regardless of the outcome.”

When the new school year rolls around at Elizabethton High School and Perry Elliott’s physical presence is absent, it will only take a moment to feel his spirit among his former students as they look at all the hardware and trophies that line the walls of the music room and remember the impact their former mentor had upon them — past, present, and into the future.

Elliott’s final words to his predecessor are simple, “This is a great town and school — you will have wonderful students. What more could you possibly want?”

NEW NAME. SAME MISSION. MORE IMPACT.

24 - STAR - SATURDAY-SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 27-28, 2021

A heavenly calling...

Star Photo

Lula Belle Street, as a child, made a promise to the Lord that she would be a nurse and she has fulfilled that promise over and over many years later.

A

Street’s faith leads to lifetime in nursing and care of others

lifetime of healing and a lifetime of faith go hand-in-hand for Lula Belle Street.

Street can’t recall a time she didn’t know the Lord.

Her story begins 80 years ago in what is now underneath Watauga

Lake.

It was the beginning of autumn in the tiny, quaint town of Carden’s Bluff. Here, there was a country store, a church and a school. Street’s mother, Rhoda, and father, Albert, were parents to four children and expecting baby Lula.

September 5, 1940, was like any other day as Street’s father left for work in Elizabethton at the North American Rayon that afternoon and would not be off work until 11 p.m.

His wife showed no signs of labor as he departed. Hours passed and as a hard day of work came to an end, Albert and his friends decided to borrow a hunting dog and go hunting for opossums to bring meat home to their families.

Albert arrived home at around 2 a.m. to a surprise… his wife in active labor. Yes, baby Lula was ready for the world.

Albert hurried across the mountain to find the country doctor as his wife’s labor progressed.

As Lula would have it, however, the baby beat the doctor and entered the world of her own accord. She now says this was her head start and the reason she acts the way she does.

In 1943, the TVA informed Street’s family that they must move out of Carden’s Bluff. The TVA decided to flood the area completely due to drownings caused by continuous flooding by the Watauga River and this was also an opportunity to bring electricity to the area.

To the mountains they went!

Street and her family moved to Piney Grove, about 10 miles away, and found a farm. This new home would be a step back in time immensely by today’s standards.

There was no electricity, no running water...and no indoor plumbing. The two-bedroom home included a path to the outdoor toilet.

The home was about a mile off the main road and there were no paved roads. In Piney Grove there was a church and a school, however walking to this church was about a mile.

This would be home for the next two years.

Street describes that living in these mountains was hard for her mother.

While her father worked, her mother was now alone

SATURDAY-SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 27-28, 2021 - STAR - 25

with six children (they had a new baby).

Her mother also worried for Bud, Street’s older brother who had epilepsy due to a head injury when he was a toddler.

There was worry over him getting into the road.

One day during a visit to her aunt and uncle’s house, Street’s mother spied a nice home in the area. She told them to let her know if this ever went up for sale.

She believed this place would be perfect for keeping Bud safe and also allow them to be closer to relatives.

Soon, it would be their home.

In December of 1945 the family moved to “Roberts Town” now known as Gap Creek Road.

As she entered her school years, Street attended Hampton Elementary School.

In the fifth grade, Street learned 300 Bible verses for a chance to have one free week at a Bible camp called Children’s Bible Mission in Watauga.

This was her vacation. She continued this throughout school, and in her junior year she became a junior camp counselor at the Bible camp which allowed her to spend the whole summer there.

In 1958, Street would become a Hampton High School alumni, and valedictorian of her graduating class. She said she had the Lord to thank for these blessings.

“It was the Lord who had been with me all my life and helped me get those grades,” she recalled.

Street had not yet chosen a college when the director of her Bible camp went to her school with the opportunity of a lifetime.

He asked her if she would want to attend a Seminary College in New Jersey.

She recalled being on top of the world before coming back down to the reality that she had no money for school.

His response was they would find her a job. And off they went.

As she left the hills she called home, Street described herself as “crying like a baby.”

Upon arriving at school, Street was given a job cooking for the college. This consisted of four people total cooking for an entire college.

When she wasn’t cooking and studying, Street would help the school nurse, often making special trays of food for sick students.

One day, the nurse pointed out that Street should be a nurse. Street responded that she had actually made a vow to the Lord to become a nurse when she was just a small child.

And so her vow came true.

“It is the Lord,” said Street. “Here the Lord was helping me.”

The nurse whisked her away to her hospital in Trenton, N.J., where Street was awarded a full scholarship. The cost…$350.

As she began her studies and lived in the hospital dorms, Street could hardly wait to wear her uniform. In this uniform she wore a probie hat for six months until she earned her nurses cap.

“I still feel excitement every time I put on my uniform,” she said.

During her studies, Street would come home twice a year — at Christmas and Easter.

On one of these visits the Lord intervened with a special report.

While attending a church with her older sister, a woman came up to Street and asked if she went to school in New Jersey pointing out that Street may know her son who was also living up there.

When Street returned to New Jersey, she got a call from Richard Street. Her future husband.

She recalled that the pair had gone to high school together but never dated and didn’t keep in touch.

After calling her, he came to her dorm, and the rest was history.

The pair fell in love and visits became frequent until he was drafted into the Army.

When Street returned to her beloved mountains, her beloved Richard made visits on his days off when stationed at Fort Bragg.

The pair tied the knot on November 17, 1962.

The newlyweds lived on base for one year while he finished his time in the Army before moving back home to Carter County.

Street’s vow to the Lord would continue. She worked in healthcare in various roles for many years, eventually teaching others beginning in 1992.

Along with her assisting in the healing of strangers, she cared for those closest to her.

Street cared for her father, mother and brother until they died. Her mother suffered from Alzheimer’s, though hardly understood at the time, for 30 years.

Richard, who was the only man Street has ever loved, passed in 2012. Street also took care of him. The pair have three children and eight grandchildren.

As she reflects on her life, all 80 years of it, and her future the Lord is constant. Street said she has truly been blessed, and from her blessings, “it is the Lord.”

Star Photo

Lula Belle Street still proudly wears the uniform that she received after completing her nursing degree in New Jersey.

26 - STAR - SATURDAY-SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 27-28, 2021

Photo Contributed

Photo Contributed

Debbie Gouge and a group of her choral students stand in front of the Washington Monument during their trip to Washington, D.C.

Debbie Gouge is not only an inspiration to her students but also to many women who have had to battle through breast cancer much like Gouge did and came out of the fight as a champion over cancer.

Gouge’s love of choral music inspires students

BY IVAN SANDERS STAR STAFF ivan.sanders@elizabethton.com

T

he students line up in equal sides as the scoreboard clock shows time winding down to when they will walk about 30 feet onto the field and form a semi-circle or in the case of a pandemic equally spaced six feet apart in preparation of joining vocal cords together in an awe-inspiring rendition of the National Anthem.

In front of the students stands a lone instructor who ensures that mics are placed where needed before raising her hands to blend the mass into one harmonic sound often before a sold-out stadium.

Her faced blushed as students who welcome the visiting team and offer up a prayer introduce her by such words as lovely, gorgeous, sensational, exquisite, divine, or magnificent which are all just words except when they are attached in front of the name Debbie Gouge.

There are probably many more words that students could come up with to describe the amazingly talented choral director at Elizabethton High School.

Over the years, students who love to sing or just want to learn the right way to do so make sure that when registration rolls around for the new school year that choral is one class they will have access to.

Many don’t stop in just their freshman year but stay with Gouge throughout their entire high school years participating in men’s ensemble, women’s ensemble, and mixed ensemble.

Why does Gouge have such a drawing power with her students one might ask.

Maybe first of all it’s the love that she showers on each student and even though she may demand much from her students in return the same students receive a fair share of love and appreciation that only Gouge can give.

And while all the aforementioned words perfectly describe the long-tenured EHS teacher, there are two more words that has to be thrown out in front of her name and those are fighter and champion.

Gouge fought a remarkable battle against breast cancer having to endure treatments and side effects that only those who have been down the same road could possibly relate to.

Standing against such a challenge

Photo Contributed

Debbie Gouge is a student favorite at Elizabethton High School as students always want to capture memories with their choral director.

and coming out as a champion has given Gouge a newfound purpose and she pours all she can into her students.

From taking a trip to Washington, D.C. with a group of students where they had the opportunity to do something many other choral classes have ever experienced to participating yearly in state choral competitions to local concerts, Gouge is well known by her peers and loved by her students.

And her talents don’t stop at the school level as she also directs the Elizabethton Community Chorale.

Debbie Gouge is a woman of many talents and those talents continue to inspire the community to appreciate the art of choral music through the words that flow from the mouths of her students and from the heart of an instructor who appreciates the dawn of every new day she has to inspire those students.

SATURDAY-SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 27-28, 2021 - STAR - 27

Photo Contributed

Debbie Gouge with a group of students at the state choral competition with accompanist Charles Dugger.

28 - STAR - SATURDAY-SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 27-28, 2021

Photo Contributed

Photo Contributed

Jeff Snyder has sung with several famous touring Southern Gospel groups but now serves as the worship leader at Valley Forge Freewill Baptist Church in Elizabethton.

One of Jeff Snyder’s dreams would be to have his own group one day when his children are old enough to possibly travel and sing with him. Pictured (L-R) are Snyder, Jonah, wife Melissa, Ruby and Ezra.

To be faithful until the end...

Early musical calling leads Snyder through many different doors

BY IVAN SANDERS STAR STAFF ivan.sanders@elizabethton.com

F

or anyone that has taken time to visit Valley Forge Freewill Baptist Church, one of the first things that jump out as the service opens is an almost angelic voice that comes from a gentleman who stands near the piano and presents an invitation to those that have gathered to rise and lift their voice in song.

To those familiar with Southern Gospel music, it doesn’t take long to identify the voice that has been heard over the airwaves and on television singing with some familiar groups within the genre and that voice belongs to Jeff Snyder.

And although not native to Carter County, Snyder has quickly fit in as the music director at the largest churches in the county after taking over for another well-known Southern Gospel singer in Loren Harris who now sings with The Kingdom Heirs — the long-tenured Dollywood gospel singing group.

Snyder was born and raised in Owensboro, Ky., which, according to Snyder, is about the size of Kingsport and is located in the western part of the state, just below Evansville, Ind. He was brought up in a good Christian

home and by today’s standards, Snyder admits that his family didn’t have much but his home was loving and happy.

His parents didn’t argue in front of the children and always made sure that the children felt secure in their little home.

Snyder’s father was the song leader of the church they attended and the family was always there.

“It was almost like being a pastor’s kid,” Snyder admitted. “Whether it was Sunday school, Sunday morning services, Sunday evening services, Wednesday night Bible studies, Saturday night prayer meetings, revivals, or camp meetings, we were there and involved.

“There was no negotiation. Since Dad was the song leader, my brothers and I were recruited to sing for services often.

We had some great services in that little Wesleyan church.”

The church that the Snyder family attended was a city church so there was a lot of outreach to the local housing projects where buses or passenger vans would bring in children and some adults as well.

For the young Snyder, it was a great time in his life and when he was 12 years of age, the church was in the midst of a youth revival at the church with the evangelist being a Korean gentleman who was attending Bible college in Cincinnati

at the time.

The evangelist presented his powerful testimony of being raised in an orphanage and being adopted by a Christian couple in the states where he eventually gave his heart to the Lord.

Snyder said at that point that even though he had been in church for much of his life, he realized that he was a spiritual orphan and ended up giving his heart to the Lord that night and in doing so told the Lord that he would do whatever He wanted the young Snyder to do.

It was just a few years later in a camp meeting in Louisville, Ky., that Snyder surrendered to a call of music ministry and set his sails to prepare for that calling.

In the fall of 1997, he enrolled at Kentucky Mountain Bible College and earned a degree in biblical studies and in 2001 transferred to God’s Bible School and College in Cincinnati, Ohio to study music.

Snyder had been exposed to the Southern Gospel genre in the family home where there were several vinyl albums of very recognizable groups like the Kingsmen Quartet, the Bill Gaither Trio, the Imperials and many more.

Having been exposed to that music, Snyder found himself falling in love with music at an early age.

He reflected on how he loves the “in

your face” message that Southern Gospel music offers. Snyder also likes the newer styles too, but felt like the fact that you don’t have to listen to a gospel song long before you know what the message is about is what impressed him.

After college, Snyder would go to singing full time with a group called Crystal River based out of Kodak. Joining the group brought the young man to East Tennessee where he fell in love with the area and has never wanted to leave.

It was during this time that Snyder found another love of his life, Melissa, while traveling with Crystal River. They met during a concert in Jonesborough.

During this time, the confirmation was made to Snyder that Southern Gospel music which he enjoyed singing was a natural progression to sing in the gospel music field and fulfill the call God had on his life.

Over the years, Snyder has had the privilege of touring with some of the top names in the Southern Gospel music industry.

While singing with Crystal River, all the members were single at the time so Snyder said that they would tour for weeks at a time due to not feeling obligated to rush home constantly and they had a fun time doing their tours.

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But according to Snyder, as life naturally progresses everyone ended up getting married and starting families which proved more difficult for the group to do a three-week tour in Florida during the winter months.

He soon joined The Bowling Family which was the first time Snyder had traveled with a family group. During that time of touring with the Bowling Family, a lot of attention was garnered in the gospel music industry.

“The Crabb Family had just disbanded and all eyes were on the Crabb siblings to see what they were going to do in their separate ministries,” Snyder said. “We were a new group, but Mike and Kelly were already veterans so we were able to do some bigger venues and have a busier schedule than most new groups.

“Radio was very kind to us. Our freshmen album, Faith To Believe, had four #1 hits on it, which set a record at the time.

The biggest song off of that recording was “Your Cries Have Awoken The Master.”

They still sing it in concerts today.”

After his time with the Bowling Family ended, Snyder connected with another popular family group in The Greenes, which for the singer was a dream come true.

Snyder had grown up listening to the group so it was a full-circle moment for him when he received the phone call that they were extending an invitation to join the group.

A devastating time came for Snyder when Tony Greene went to be with the Lord in late 2010. After Greene’s passing, Snyder retired from full-time touring.

It was during his time with The Greenes, however, that one of his greatest memories was accomplished as the group had the privilege of singing at The Brooklyn Tabernacle in Brooklyn, N.Y., which was a bucket list item that he was able to check off.

“I had always been a fan of their choir, but meeting Pastor Jim Cymbala and having lunch with him in his office was a pretty neat experience,” Snyder said of the experience. “We did a concert there and sang with the choir.

“I will never forget singing a song called “Without The Cross” and looking over my shoulder to see that big choir backing me up. It was simply amazing!

“Also, it’s worth mentioning that while I was with Mike and Kelly Bowling, we did a couple of Gaither Homecoming videos and sang a lot on TBN’s Praise The Lord program, so those were really neat experiences as well.”

When asked what was one of the most challenging parts of being part of a touring group, Snyder said it was definitely the time being away from one’s family.

He went on to add that it seemed like everything was planned on the weekends when most gospel groups are busy touring

Snyder said that having a large choir really helps out when leading worship.

He also said that he and the director of ministries, Gina Johnson, try their best to communicate with all of the musicians and choir members on a weekly basis.

Technology has made that task much easier as with one text message, a thousand people can be reached at one time, which is a blessing in communications.

As a side, Snyder was asked if he could sing a song with any group that had ever taken a stage to sing Southern Gospel who that would be and why.

“I love this question,” Snyder replied.

“I would say the group would definitely have to be the Happy Goodman Family and the song would be ‘Just Any Day Now’. Why? Because I would get to sing Photo Contributed with Vestal!”

Jeff Snyder belts out one of the popular songs made famous by The Greenes durHe was also asked what it was like to ing a concert. work with a character like Tony Greene, who me that morning, and saying ‘Jeff, you have was known to be able to make people get from town to town and church to church been cleaning your nets long enough. It’s so being out caused him to miss out on a on the floor and belly roll with some of his time to launch out into the deep again.’ So lot of things. tales, especially on the Bill Gaither Homehere I am. Four years later and still leading coming videos, recalling especially one One thing that Snyder was most proud worship at Valley Forge. Never tell God you of was that he never had to leave his kids of the most requested stories from Greene aren’t going to do something!” as he and Melissa didn’t have their first which would be his Jingle Bells tale.

Being a gospel singer and singing a song child until 2013 after he had already come “He was one of the funniest people I about the Christian walk is comparable to off the road. have ever known,” Snyder added. “On a being a preacher delivering the most impor- serious note, Tony and I had a routine Snyder had met Harris when Harris was tant sermon ever preached. traveling with The Perrys where they would that I will always cherish. On Sunday Snyder was asked what was the most see each other backstage or at the record mornings, after John (our driver and important thing that he tries to do when se- piano player) and I would set up, Tony table after concerts. That is where the two lecting music, especially for the solo project and I would have coffee and toast for made the Tri-Cities connection.

He knew that Harris was heavily involved that he recently completed. breakfast before the others on the bus “If a song speaks to me, I know it will with his church so he and Melissa started would wake up. attending the church in 2007 where they fell speak to others,” Snyder said. “How am I “We would sit in the front lounge of supposed to minister to someone else when in love with it. the bus and talk about the news, politics, the song doesn’t minister to me first? So Snyder said in the early going that he and spiritual things. He was a great boss that’s a big deal for me. was still touring so he wasn’t able to attend to work for and I miss him every day.”

“Also, I want the song to be theologically as much but after coming off the road they In closing, Snyder was asked if there began to attend on a weekly basis and really and biblically sound. Just because it sounds was anything special he would like to do cool and the music moves me, doesn’t mean in the music industry should God open the became vested in the church.

The church would have Snyder sing a lot the words do not matter. The message matdoor with health and life. and as a result, he began forging friendships ters to me more than the music itself.”

Snyder shared that he would like to As far as leading a large church as a with the people at the church. have his own group one day, possibly a It was in the early fall of 2016 that Harris music director, there are challenges that family group with his children. have to be handled just like in any other and Snyder were scheduled for a revival in “Melissa and I have three kids, Ezra position or job.

Florence, S.C. During the drive to South (age 7), Jonah (age 3), and Ruby (8 Snyder said that Valley Forge FWB was a months). I am praying that the Lord will Carolina, Harris informed Snyder about the unique place to serve because even though give our children a love for Him and a love opportunity that he was given to sing with there is a large congregation, there is also the Kingdom Heirs, which automatically for music,” Snyder continued. a huge number of volunteers that help to generated concern on Snyder’s part for the “Ezra is already showing signs of a shoulder a lot of Sunday morning’s load. church since Harris was leading worship great singing voice, so I can see where the There is a lot of planning that goes into Lord is already leading in that direction. I there.

Snyder told Harris something interesting the music because, according to Snyder, if joke to my wife all the time and say that it you are going to have a mission you better would be a great retirement plan to travel at this point. have a plan.

“I told him not to mention my name the country on a tour bus and sing for He has a very simple philosophy when to anyone,” Snyder recalled about the Jesus!” it comes to worship leadership. conversation. “I was not interested in leadBut even Snyder doesn’t know what “Don’t leave any room for the devil ing worship and singing again on a regular plans God holds for his future and what to get in on the service,” Snyder stated. basis. God had other plans. the plans may be. He only remembers a “When you get up there, know what you’re day and time that he promised God that he “Pastor Randy ( Johnson), a couple of doing and where you’re going. weeks later, was preaching on the disciples would do whatever it was that the Master “This gives the Holy Spirit liberty to cleaning their nets, and Jesus coming to had in store for his life. move in the service. Many times, God will them and saying “launch out into the One thing Snyder is sure of and that is come in and change the plan, and I love it that until the Lord returns, he wants to be deep.” when that happens.”

“It was like the Lord was reprimanding found faithful in fulfilling his calling.

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Star Photo/Larry N. Souders

Harmony Freewill Baptist, which sits in the exact geographical center of Carter County, in Hampton is the temporary home of a new task force that looks to address family homelessness in the city of Elizabethton and across the entire county.

Star Photo/Larry N. Souders

Brandon Young, the pastor of Harmony Freewill Baptist and a counselor at Cloudland Elementary, has been selected to lead the new task force looking at how to address family homelessness in the city of Elizabethton and across the entire county. He, along with other members of the task force have come up with the name for this endeavor: The Carter Compassion Center.

“We can do so much more together…”

Pastor Brandon Young hopes to help shine a light in a dark time

BY NIC MILLER STAR CORRESPONDENT

P

astor Brandon Young of Harmony Freewill Baptist Church in Hampton has a past of showing love through not only his sermons, but also throughout his work in the community.

But Young is not content, as he says that there is so much more that can be done throughout our area and even provides a call to arms for those who want to make a positive impact in the county.

Related to Young, the Back to School Bash Ministry has been held at Harmony since 2008 (excluding 2020 due to COVID) and provides thousands of children with backpacks and school supplies while teaching those children and their families about Christ as well as providing a carnival experience for all those that attend.

This ministry became an idea when Young first began preaching at Harmony. “We were going to do Vacation Bible School, but I had a dream and was led by the Lord to try something different and not only do something for those children that already attend church here, but to reach out to the community by providing backpacks and school supplies while also giving them a fun experience for the day.

“That first year we gave away 500 backpacks, but it grew exponentially and we are thankful that it had so much success and that we were able to reach out to so many families.”

Helping provide such a blessing for so many families in our community, Young hopes that this year will be bigger and better than ever because of the hiatus involving COVID last year.

While Young and his Back to School Bash team are getting ready for this year’s ministry, Young has adopted a new role in addition. One that could provide just as big of a blessing to people in the area as the Back to School Bash.

“So our county has put together a homeless task force, and they decided to appoint me as the chair of the task force. And our goal was to investigate and see how many homeless people there are.

“Our goal is to eventually create not just a homeless shelter, but a program for the homeless in our area similar to that of the Recovery Soldiers Ministry, but for the homeless. The mission is to bring in those that are homeless and get the help they need while also providing things like finding a job, financial counseling, and mental health counseling, hoping to make them a productive member of society by the time they leave.

“Another aspect of this homeless program is one that we got from the Haven of Rest in Bristol — to have a food pantry and thrift store that those in the program can work in to help the process of helping them get back on their feet.”

Young knows that this won’t be able to happen in an instant, but is hopeful for the future of this program.

“To do something like this in Carter County, it won’t happen overnight. It will take some foundational pieces, and we have many great non-profits in the county like the Recovery Soldiers and the Loaves and Fishes Food Ministry at River’s Edge.

“We want all of those organizations to work together for good. So another thing we’re looking at is something called the Carter Compassion Center. And we would like for that to serve as a hub and a liaison, so you aren’t having to go all over the place for each individual need.

“This Compassion Center is what we want to see be the start of this homeless program, as we are hoping it can stem out from this hub of help so to speak.”

After having said so much about the county’s aspirations for those in need, Young wanted to leave the people with one simple statement.

“We can do so much more together. We have individual pieces doing so much good for those in need, so if all those pieces can work together, we can begin to do so much more good for those who need our help.”

It will take some time, but Young and the rest of the Homeless Task Force of Carter County are prepared to keep working towards a better future for those in need in our area.

SATURDAY-SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 27-28, 2021 - STAR - 31

Star Photo/ Ty Butler

TLC Community Center’s Angie Odom is always willing to lend a hand, especially to those in need.

Walking in their shoes...

Odom lends a hand to those in need

BY TY BUTLER STAR CORRESPONDENT

E

mpathy is defined as, “the ability to understand and share the feelings of another.”

And while some possess more of it than others, there’s no denying that the natural human trait is one of the most important in all of human psychology.

It’s also true that TLC Community Center’s Angie Odom is driven by her empathy, so much so that she has made a career out of putting herself in other’s shoes and lending a helping hand.

The mother, wife, and program director takes pride in all of the prior titles, but Odom places extra emphasis on her Christian faith — something that she uses to set her own personal standards.

When walking through Odom’s TLC Center, it’s hard to ignore the handcrafted paintings, the hundreds of food items stored in her building, and carefully crafted

Star Photo/ Ty Butler

Angie Odom relies on her Christian faith as she daily looks to assist those that are in need.

children’s replica buildings, which are used to help kids with Sensory Processing Disorders grow familiar with outside environments.

But her center isn’t just a one-trick pony, it’s also a safety net for single mothers, fathers, malnourished children, and many other individuals.

Odom founded the Alternative Center over 20 years ago after returning home from the military.

She says that she can relate to, in some form or another, everyone that walks through the doors as Odom has gone through her own personal experiences.

And though her workspace is kept pristine with papers carefully filed and the smell of floral scent filling the air, Odom admits that her busy schedule can become a bit chaotic.

Still, the resilient Odom realizes that hundreds of individuals are counting on her, and at the end of the day, she will always lend a helping hand to whoever needs it.

Isaiah 117 House Founder and Director, Ronda Paulson

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By Lynn J. Richardson

Nominated for the Angels in Adoption Award by now-retired U.S. Congressman Phil Roe, Paulson accepted the award in Washington D.C.

hen she was a little girl, Ronda Paulson used to tell her parents, Ron and Marie Vaught, she was going to become an Olympic pole vaulter.

Instead of laughing or shaking their heads, they replied, “You can do anything you set your mind to.”

Much has happened in Paulson’s life since then; the former teacher and motivational speaker is now the Founder and Director of Isaiah 117 House, an organization dedicated to providing physical and emotional support in a safe and loving home environment for children awaiting foster care placement Paulson says she can look back over her life and see key moments in which God was asking her for “little yesses” to taking little steps in obedience all along the way — all leading to her to say “yes” to foster care and to establishing Isaiah 117 House.

She recalls a time when she was asked to speak to a youth group, and remembers thinking “Why me?” She agreed to do it and many more speaking engagements for youth and women’s retreats and conferences followed. While it was hard to see then why the invitations were coming, she says, the reason is now clear. “All of this speaking prepared me to tell the Isaiah 117 House story to any group anywhere, anytime.”

The Isaiah 117 House story began when Paulson and husband, Corey, already parents of two children, Sophie and

Mac, decided to become foster parents. They fostered and later adopted two little boys, Isaiah and his little brother Eli. The couple’s foster parent journey began in 2014 at the Washington County Department of Childrens’ Services. It was during that time that Paulson realized that when children are removed from their homes, they often had to stay at a DCS office until placement in a foster home could be attained.

“As I looked around the cubicle-filled space, I couldn’t imagine a scared child sitting in such a sterile, cold environment waiting to learning their fate,” she said. “That is when I believe God put on my heart the Isaiah 117 House.”

Since then, Paulson’s mission in life is to establish Isaiah 117 Houses in communities throughout Tennessee and beyond.

The first house opened its doors in Carter County in 2018; it is one of five homes now open in the Northeast region of Tennessee; one other is open in Vanderburgh County, Ind. Six more homes are currently under construction — five in the Smoky Mountain region of Tennessee and one in Knox County, Ind. Paulson says there will be a total of 11 open homes in 2021, with 12 expansions in progress across the state of Tennessee, as well as in Indiana, Florida and Virginia.

Although hesitant to predict what the organization might look like in five years, Paulson did say she believes Texas will be the next state added to the current list and there will soon be at

SATURDAY-SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 27-28, 2021 - STAR - 33

The Paulson family, left to right, Mac, Corey, Ronda and Sophie, breaking ground for the Greeneville, Tenn. Isaiah 117 House.

The Paulson family — Sophie, holding Eli, Ronda and Corey, holding Isaiah — with “Returning The Favor” host Mike Rowe (center) at the Isaiah 117 House Resource Center in Elizabethton. The popular Facebook show increased awareness of Isaiah 117 House, reaching an audience of over two million around the world.

least 24 open locations including Elizabethton’s Resource Center.

Interest in Isaiah 117 House exploded last year when the organization received national attention. Mike Rowe, host of “Returning The Favor,” a popular Facebook show, surprised Paulson with a visit to Elizabethton in January of 2020 to film an episode. After the show aired in March, callers from all corners of the U.S. and beyond reached out, asking how to establish a house in their communities.

“Awareness is everything,” Paulson said.

“People didn’t know about removal day or that children were waiting in cubicles or conference rooms. In those few moments that the show aired, over two million people became aware.”

Organizations and businesses are also reaching out, she says, with offers of donated goods and services.

“A mission organization, Crossroads Missions, and an arm of their mission called “Help Build Hope,” is offering all the lumber and labor for any home we build in the continental U.S.,” Paulson said. “We have a wholesale supply group from Cleveland, Tenn., agreeing to supply all the plumbing and electrical for at least five homes this year, a window com-

pany talking with us about supplying all our windows across the state of Tennessee, a granite company considering providing all the granite for all the homes in Tennessee, and Ashley Home Stores has offered 400 beds this year.”

With all the success, there is still so much work to do, Paulson says. One of her toughest tasks is “getting traction” on Eli’s Law, House Bill #2328, which was introduced during the 2019-20 Tennessee legislative session.

That bill says, if you are a parent who currently has a child in state custody and you give birth, a judge must review your current permanency plan. If there has not been enough progress made by then, the baby will not leave the hospital with that parent.

The lack of action on the bill is just another sad reminder that the child doesn’t come first, she says, and the focus isn’t on the traumatized child; the focus is on the mom and the dad.

“From where I sit, mom and dad have lots of resources and help if they want it, but that child — especially a newborn — is completely vulnerable and needs protecting. I do feel that we have been called to give voice to the voiceless and a newborn is truly voiceless.”

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Star Photo/Larry N. Souders

The men’s campus location for Recovery Soldiers Ministries is located on the Old Bristol Highway.

Star Photo/Larry N. Souders

Pictured are the directors of Recovery Soldiers Ministries, Pastor Joshua Scalf and his wife Marley Scalf who will be the director of the women’s campus. They are standing in a game room on the men’s campus.

Star Photo/Larry N. Souders

Recovery Soldiers Ministries director Joshua Scalf (right) speaks to one of the men working their way through the program at the ministry.

Star Photo/Larry N. Souders Program Director Pastor Joshua Scalf looks over one of the blueprints for the now under construction women’s campus of Recovery Soldiers Ministries in the old Range Elementary School building.

A change for good...

Recovery Soldiers Ministry offers help for recovering addicts in Carter County

BY NIC MILLER STAR CORRESPONDENT

C

arter County is known for many great things such as historic downtown, great community events like weekly car shows during the summer months, and even historic landmarks like Sycamore Shoals State Park and the Covered Bridge in Elizabethton.

However, one thing that has faced the area for quite some time that people are not as proud to admit is drug use within the county.

While drugs in the county are somewhat of a problem, Joshua Scalf, director of the Recovery Soldiers Ministry in Elizabethton, has used his program to help those that have been troubled with addiction.

The program takes in addicts and acts as a rehabilitation service that helps those who have struggled with addiction and help them get back onto their feet with an added bonus in the form of those in the program being introduced to the name of Jesus and the word of God. Scalf spoke on the status of the men’s home and how things are going in terms of the recovery process for those going through the program.

“As of right now our men’s home is doing very well and helping to change many lives. We are housing 40 men at the moment, which is very close to maximum capacity in our facility.”

While the men’s home has been in place in Carter County for a while now, Scalf added that a breakthrough has

happened and they are introducing a big change that can further help the recovery of addicts in our area.

“My wife Marley as well as all of us at Recovery Soldiers have been able to attain the building that was home to Range Elementary School as a place where we will now be able to open a recovery home for the area’s female population.

“We are so excited to take this next step and to now be able to not only offer help to suffering male addicts, but now for females that want to receive the help that they deserve.”

When asked about why this ministry was started, Scalf spoke about a bigger meaning than just helping addicts break their addiction cycle.

“The main focus is to help those that

have suffered with their addiction and to help them break that cycle, but a part of our ministry that is just as important is that we want to show the same love to these people that Christ showed to all of us.

“Through showing compassion as well as teaching these people about that same love that Christ showed all of us, we are not only helping set these people free of the addiction cycle, but we are hoping that these people can help spread the same love of Christ that we hope to show them.”

In such a trying time for not only our area, but our country as a whole, a ministry like the Recovery Soldiers is just what those who are struggling with addiction could use.

SATURDAY-SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 27-28, 2021 - STAR - 35

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Star Photo/ Cara McCloud

Nancy Markland and her sister Donna sit at a booth inside Wayne and Nancy’s.

Wayne and Nancy’s brings comfort to the community through its food

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crinkle-cut steak and se e e h C - a Philly ancy’s.

Yum, Yum ayne and N W t a d n u fries fo

BY CARA MCCLOUD STAR CORRESPONDENT

cy lost her husband three years ago as well as many friends and customers due to COVID. While many business owners saw troubles through ayne and Nancy’s Family Restaurant is this pandemic, Nancy felt taken care of due to the love truly the epitome of a family restauand care of the community around her. rant.

It was a beneficial symbiotic relationship as people Nancy Markland has surrounded wanted home-cooked food and could just pull up and herself with family as her brother, sister, and herself are get the take out from her restaurant. the only ones left of their eight siblings.

She feels this is due to the place being a homeNancy was raised next door to the old service station away-from-home for many as their cooking reminds that was torn down and reinvented as a convenience them of mamaw’s and grandma’s cooking from what store and developed into the needs of local patrons. she has been told from day one a multitude of times.

In 1977, Nancy bought it and ran it until she sold Many customers not only come daily but some it to her sister in 1980 so she could have her break and come for two to three meals a day. focus on having kids.

Nancy being put upon such a pedestal for her role The year 1987 saw her return as she bought it back cannot quit mentioning how much of her customers, from the owner who her sister sold to after she had workers, and friends are family, family, family. Her done a stint working at the courthouse until selling own family, especially sister Donna, who is specifically again in 2012 when a brief encounter of another owner took the business for a downward twist in a mat- entrusted to keep her in check as she laughs recounting that, play such an integral role in the success. ter of months, resulting in the community reaching Her brother cooks at 78 still to this day, his wife out to Nancy and pleading with her to take back over makes the candy, and their daughter is responsible for as she was seen as the true owner and caretaker of this Jackie’s Cakes. Their sister Helen, who passed away in county’s gem that sits upon the hill on Stateline Road.

2019, was their resident fudge and pie maker.

Doubting she wanted to return, her husband said, Nancy’s own two daughters joke that even when “let’s pray about it.” Even the owner of the building she lays to rest that she will earn her own post in the wanted her to return so much they cleared off the debts corner of the restaurant being eternalized and get to left from the previous person with the power board or watch over them even then. else she could not have done it.

Being so successful and such a staple to the comUltimately, the decision was made to come back munity she was offered Aunt Bee’s which she turned and she has been there ever since. down.

Her family and the extended work family include Her home is with Wayne and Nancy’s Family Resworkers and even their kin as one waitress has been there since she was 15 and that was 18 years ago. Nan- taurant now and forever. Even staying up with the new

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36 - STAR - SATURDAY-SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 27-28, 2021

ways of marketing and socializing she embraces online social media platforms as ways to keep up with the extendedfamily that comes during races, festivals, car shows, or just when traveling.

Leonard Cross, who is among the multi-pass daily visitors, states Nancy is just as much of a fixture as the food and service. It reminds him of his mother’s food he so loved which fulfills his hunger but also fills a section of his heart that at his age he cherishes immensely.

Across the years they have adapted some recipes to fit their clientele’s tastes but have always stuck to home cooking that is fresh and just as your mama used to make it.

One of the top sellers is the fish, which is white fish, catfish, and flounder, and at such a small location to go through up to 80 pounds in one day clearly states Nancy is not exaggerating.

Then there is the meatloaf and chicken and dumplings along with made from scratch biscuits and gravy.

They also have been using delivery to local businesses like Snap-On and the Electric Board since the ‘80s knowing how hard and quick breaks can be and that good food right on time can lift the spirits of anyone employed.

They know Nancy’s cooking so much they can tell her gravy from another’s even when she herself cannot tell a difference. They usually make three deliveries a day to the locations showing support to our local community in a way of sustenance.

Nancy Markland feels God put her where she was needed along with her family as well as in return giving her more family to love and care for as having that love returned.

One’s mission can be great even if it is under the guise of a simple meal and means more than food in the belly.

She genuinely believes food can carry

Star Photo/Cara McCloud

Nancy Markland relies on her family to help to ensure that her customers are well taken care of.

with it the love behind the cooking, and Nancy’s love of the community shows through absolutely.

The restaurant’s success is based on the trifecta of food, family, and faith

which her years behind the wheel prove is a winning solution. Locals can visit the store to get their small convenience items or visit the restaurant side from 6 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

Star Photo/Cara McCloud

A bacon-cheeseburger slider and fresh-cut fries are a tasty favorite all year long at the Southern Restaurant.

Remaining true to its values...

Southern Restaurant continues to provide Southern comfort food

BY CARA MCCLOUD STAR CORRESPONDENT

T

he Southern Restaurant like many locals wears its values and convictions proudly on its door while still being welcoming to all who want to come.

Even though owner Avian Chu comes from other roots in Vermont, she found this place while traveling and always loved the southern family values and welcoming people of this region.

This is Chu’s second business venture but first in this area.

She saw it for sale and kept going back and forth over whether to take on something of such tradition and longevity but in the end, her yearning to restore it to its former glory won her over.

This would be a daunting task for anyone whether food service-related or not. She did not want to take what had been accomplished and not expand upon it seeing

as The Southern Restaurant has been around since the 1920s.

In 2013, Chu took over the historic place that is surrounded by car shows in summer, visited by hikers, bikers, and travelers among the locals, and neighbored by historic buildings while being in such a key location to many businesses and families to allow for her customers to come in regularly.

She did have her doubts at first and she credits the former Bob Campbell with granting her loving advice that she still treasures to this day.

On one of her disparaging moments, Campbell enlightened her by pointing to the hill saying look ahead at those three crosses and always know everything will be all right.

Faith has always been a key Southern quality and one Chu embraces and outwardly claims.

She misses their friendly banter and companionship but as Campbell would have wholeheartedly believed then

Star Photo/Cara McCloud

Fresh chicken tenders and home-cut fries are a favorite of kids at Southern Restaurant.

Star Photo/Cara McCloud

A Southern favorite is a bacon, lettuce, tomato, and cheese sandwich with deep-fried potato chips.

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Star Photo/Cara McCloud

Visitors and regulars can always count on the friendly faces of those working at Southern Restaurant to warmly welcome them as they enjoy a meal or just a cup of coffee at the restaurant.

he is watching down on her excelling now.

Undoubtedly, he is also proud of this single mom as she surrounds herself with her children in her daily work and instills that sense of pride and work ethic many southerners are also known for.

Her oldest daughter Anika runs the front of the house trusting her as the first experience customers have while her other daughter Kamarie cooks and makes wonderful desserts such as the white chocolate raspberry cake and carrot cake.

However involved her children are, Avian Chu encourages her daughters to spread their wings and find their own path whether it leads back to Southern or not as long as they take their lessons learned from her and the restaurant with them.

The restaurant has many favorites like Chu’s favorite, chicken and dumplings, along with the meatloaf.

She credits many of what she refers to as her “pioneer women” because they wanted to see her and the restaurant flourish by giving her input in the beginning and donating treasured family recipes which one from the South all know can be guarded tighter than Fort Knox.

She took what they gave and either put her own twist on it or just kept at it until the women gave their seal of approval.

The scratch-made and wholesome country cooking she mastered as the biscuits and gravy are always ordered, and the burgers stay hand-patted while making other favorites such as turkey and dressing the locals’ love.

Avian Chu will always love this area as she did initially but this past year she witnessed that sense of community she admired at work by everyone who came together and helped each other.

They all know they share clientele and by that, they are all extended family.

Come in and experience the years of tradition and family atmosphere any day of the week from 7 a.m.-3 p.m.

Star Photo/Cara McCloud

A fresh homemade carrot cake hits the spot for customers visiting Southern Restaurant.

Star Photo/Cara McCloud

A tantalizing piece of white chocolate raspberry cake is delicious with a cup of coffee at the Southern Restaurant.

SATURDAY-SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 27-28, 2021 - STAR - 39

Star Photo/Cara McCloud

For those hungry days, a hamburger steak with grilled onions, peppers, and mushrooms with mashed potatoes and gravy along with green beans is filling for anyone.

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Amber’s Country Cookin’ brings a family atmosphere to guests

BY CARA MCCLOUD STAR CORRESPONDENT

W

elcome to Amber’s Country Cookin’ where Amber Canter is taking the reins from her dad in the restaurant business at a new location in Hampton after establishing their start in Butler and at Captain Jack’s.

Cooking started for Canter at 15 years old, but she still was nervous about opening while being excited as well as she is a people person and loves to see the faces of her customers throughout her day at work.

While there Amber spoke to many on a first-name basis like family which exactly demonstrates her center goal of being a faithbased, customer-driven family atmosphere.

Her family includes her son to even employees that have worked with the family for decades to the customers she knows by heart and sees on the regular.

Amber remembers vividly coming to the

same location and making memories that she hopes continues with the youth of now making their own memories of their trips to Amber’s Country Cookin’.

The business opens early at 7 a.m. and closes at 2 p.m. Monday through Saturday with Sunday’s hours extended to 3 p.m. They also serve breakfast all day Saturday.

Her customers love coming to get the Captain Jack’s Omelet which is three eggs, bacon, sausage, onions, green peppers, mushrooms, and jalapenos covered in melted cheese with two pieces of toast.

Then there is the Country Boy’s Platter that is two biscuits with gravy, two eggs, bacon or sausage, and hash browns or grits, and the other big breakfast seller being the Sweetheart’s Special including two pieces of French toast or three pancakes with bacon or sausage.

The breakfast menu includes something for everyone’s budget as orders can be as simple as biscuits that range in plain, jelly, egg, chicken, tenderloin, country ham, steak,

Star Photo/Cara McCloud

Amber Canter is striving to make her new endeavor at Amber’s Country Cookin’ an experience that will make her customers feel like part of the family and their dining experience to be long-lasting memories.

40 - STAR - SATURDAY-SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 27-28, 2021

Star Photo/Cara McCloud

A Captain Jack’s Omelet is a filling breakfast offering.

Star Photo/Cara McCloud

There are daily specials offered by Amber’s Country Cookin’ such as this plate of turkey and dressing along with sides and dessert.

bacon, and sausage to one or two biscuits and gravy.

The combos also include the Skinny Boy’s Platter which is the smaller version of the Country Boy’s, the 321 Bowl with three eggs scrambled, two types of meat — bacon and sausage, and one cheese, and the Loaded Hashbrowns Bowl with three eggs scrambled, bacon and sausage with hash browns covered in cheese with the option of adding gravy.

This is where the breakfast sandwiches begin with just an egg, bacon, and cheese option, the classic BLT, and then the BLT with egg.

The simplicity of the chance to order off the a la carte menu lets her customers tailor-fit sides onto their purchase for fair prices with many choices from home fries to grits to extra pieces of meat or eggs.

For lunch, hands down the Double Bacon Cheeseburger is a popular hit, the hamburger steak also which comes with two sides or one deep-fried side and bread where you can add gravy or mushrooms, onions, and peppers, or the Daily Special never fails which is different every day and every variety is a winner.

There is of course a regular hamburger, cheeseburger, bacon cheeseburger, double cheeseburger, grilled chicken sandwich, bologna and cheese sandwich that can be cold or fried, a ham sandwich with cheese, corn dogs, hot dogs, grilled cheese, a choice of chicken nuggets or tenders, and then a grilled chicken salad.

Canter does not forget about your young ones as there is a corn dog, hot dog, grilled cheese, and a Jr. burger all served with fries.

Her sides change with the daily special, but she has her deep-fried sides of French fries, small or large, buffalo fries, potato wedges in a four or eight count, jalapeno poppers, cheddar rounds, and onion rings.

The Broasted Chicken menu offers the breast, thigh, leg, or wing ordered separately or as part of a larger order from plate specials of one breast, one thigh or leg, four wings with one side, and a roll to larger platters that include one breast, one leg, one thigh, and one wing together or double of each with a side and a roll.

Then there are the buckets of chicken ranging in intervals of eight pieces, 12 pieces, 16 pieces, and 20 pieces to fit all serving-sized needs.

Even a country favorite in soup beans with slaw cannot be left off the list as well. They also offer all first responders in uniform and senior citizens 65 and older a free drink with their dine-in order.

Amber’s Country Cookin’ has the unique feature of a drive-thru window where customers can call ahead and arrive to pick up their food fresh and quickly which is a blessing for everyone from working moms to sports families to those who want to grab a meal freshly

Star Photo/Cara McCloud

Hot chocolate is always a favorite for young and old.

cooked to take home during the COVID-19 dilemma.

With the Broasted Chicken, which is made fresh to order when using the window if it is a large order, they ask just to allow extra time as the chicken is definitely worth the wait!

Canter’s future plans for continuing the success of the restaurant include renting out the space in the evening, catering to those who would need it, and having a fifth quarter for the local high school sports team and their fans to come to celebrate.

She wants the local high schoolers after a game to have a safe, close-by destination where they can celebrate, hang out, and have fun together even thinking of those who cannot yet drive where their parents can drop them off and pick them up again without having to drive a long commute to do so.

As for the building she pointed out right at the door where customers first walk in and walk out after paying to include a nook already there inside to include wares made by local craftsmen to sell their products as she wants to serve the community in more ways than one.

Even right now Canter already offers local Pastor Steve Guinn of Fish Springs Baptist Church’s sermons free to those on disc who want to worship at home or on the go and to help spread the Word.

With Amber Canter coming from a cooking family business and maintaining her customer-driven, faith-based family attitude, Amber’s Country Cookin’ is a place for every local to stop by and become part of the family where good food ain’t fast, and fast food ain’t good.

Located at 403 Highway 321 in Hampton right across from the elementary school and next to the pharmacy, the restaurant cannot be missed.

For call-ahead orders, customers can call 423-725-3200.

SATURDAY-SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 27-28, 2021 - STAR - 41

Shirley’s Home Cooking in a world of its own

BY CARA MCCLOUD STAR CORRESPONDENT

and love shining for all to see.

Shirley’s own little food universe had its humble yet rich in heritage beginnings comhirley’s Home Cooking narrative dates back to 1968 with Grant and ing to fruition due to her mother Eliza’s and Shirley Sharpe being the original Grant’s mother Lavinia’s blended teachings protagonists in this tale of country of not only cooking from scratch but to the very essence of how to cook in abundance success. for “Family Style” serving that anyone from Together they acquired the then grocery this area would recognize from their own store, gas station, garage, and watering hole upbringing. for the mountain This cemented and lake top comShirley’s Home munity, and Shirley Cooking as a second maintained a small home to many and grill always doling her basis of the out good eats for business. those staying and While Grant may those going whether not have grown up hamburgers, hot within walking disdogs, or a daily tance, he did venture special monopolized from Staggs Creek, the grill and then N.C., making his also including subs journey to Pennsyland sandwiches. vania for work after Her dreams being drafted by the entailed more than Army in WWII. that though wanting He disembarked a large family-style from the Army restaurant. wounded and gilded Images of people, with the Purple her community, Star Photo/Cara McCloud Heart and needing mingling while Shirley’s has been a favorite of Carter work was hired by enjoying a table Countians since 1968.

Thompson’s Greenspread full of delihouse in Pennsylvacious home favorites nia as Shirley also was. centered in the table with plates and laughs Although Shirley did grow up down from orbiting picking up this and that as routinely the used-to-be gas station her business evenas the moon does its gravitational dance with tually would blossom. Fate would have it the our earth is what she envisioned. two came from the South as if gravity pulled Sharing and refills of emptied dishes them up North together. making it even more reminiscent of home

S

Star Photo/Cara McCloud

Shirley’s continues to be a special place for families to gather to enjoy a meal to celebrate special occasions such as Valentine’s Day and family birthdays.

Star Photo/Cara McCloud

Shirley’s prides itself on serving the best in southern vegetables such as whole kernel corn, green beans, and mashed potatoes with gravy to its customers.

Star Photo/Cara McCloud

Customers can select from choices of meat including country ham and fried chicken as part of their family-style meal.

Star Photo/Cara McCloud

Southern staples such as mac-n-cheese, cooked cabbage, and cooked apples continue to be a favorite at Shirley’s.

42 - STAR - SATURDAY-SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 27-28, 2021

Star Photo/Cara McCloud

Shirley’s can easily be located by the large sign that greets those passing by on Highway 321 around Watauga Lake.

Star Photo/Cara McCloud

The walls of Shirley’s are dotted with photos of famous musicians who have passed through to enjoy some of the finest in family-style foods anywhere.

As the skies mapped their meeting and lined their journey back to their southern home, Shirley’s continued to shine brighter and brighter when the 1990s brought the business a sonic boom by good ol’ fashion word of mouth landing its name alongside those of other stars like Daniel Boone Inn and Shatley Springs.

Still to this day accolades of Star Photo/Cara McCloud “best of” awards dapple the interior Shirley’s continues to serve large families deliwalls to full capacity while the out- cious food until their stomachs are full. side also lends another facet to this world of Shirley’s by showcasing the While maintaining roots there still has numerous music stars and personalities they been an expansion of flavor with the meathave enjoyed throughout the years. loaf and smoked pork shoulder along with It’s no wonder though where this an ever-growing favorite Pineapple Cheese originated from as the family was steeped Casserole, fried apples, and cooked cabbage in music from fancy piano to hard-driving on Saturdays and Sundays. bluegrass.

During the summer months, the restauHaving its station located atop Watauga rant’s season changes to include breakfast Lake alongside Highway 321 keeps newcom- family-style. The breakfast rotation occurs ers and voyagers of treks for racing, roading Saturday and Sundays as well but from 8-11 on motorcycles, lake patrons, and hikers a.m. while you can catch the star dinner walking through their doors. from 4-8 p.m. on Friday with Saturday and Once discovered, many return to experiSunday being from 12-4 p.m. ence and saturate the true East Tennessee Shirley’s Home Cooking rules its realm landscape, culture, and cuisine. of “Family-Style,” earning five “Best of East The cuisine while finding new fans TN” Family-Styled Restaurants Awards from retains the old ways as they have not found TN Magazine for 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, and a need for much change as their signature 2019, as an ever-reliable rotation of guests on flavor and serving style were unique, to begin constant orbit from near and far return to the with. star-studded, historic, music-laced restauThe family prides itself on staying true rant with tales of old recounted on the walls to their culinary universe’s founders’ vision. among the awards to enjoy while floating Fried chicken, roast beef, and country ham through the expansive porch until landing at are still available with Friday featuring the your own tabled universe of “Family-Style” country-fried steak. food for you and yours to enjoy.

SATURDAY-SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 27-28, 2021 - STAR - 43

Old Italian recipes continue to bring in new customers at Dino’s Restaurant

BY CARA MCCLOUD STAR CORRESPONDENT

D

ino’s Restaurant, founded by Dino Senesi, has been a fixture of Elizabethton for many of people’s entire memory.

They have grown up eating there, making memories, and bringing their children through the doors to enjoy what they themselves experienced as children.

Dino’s also can say they served the first piece of lasagna in East Tennessee on June 20, 1963. Dino, not being from here, graced us with his heritage and lasagna to our region by means of his wife who was a native.

The family of Williams took it over as a chance for their patriarch Kent to return home from Florida and venture on this endeavor of the restaurant industry which is daunting and can be very tumultuous.

Sticking to the original owner’s roots helped the family to maneuver and create their own mark on the town with food and family dining

as well as community support being important for them.

They also expanded upon Dino’s menu adding what their family knew best, steaks, which has been extraordinarily successful.

While Kent Williams took it over from the original Italian, now his son, John Williams, rules the roost in this staple of restaurants on rotation for many families surrounding this area.

In his reigns, he still deems the principles of both men important and a key factor of success.

Under his watch, they still start their shifts at the restaurant early, prepping and slow cooking to ensure the quality of food everyone in this area has grown to know and love are being met and that it is a must they embark upon each new day with fresh ingredients to deliver fresh sauce and fresh tantalizing meatballs among the many other dishes this town calls favorites.

Star Photo/Cara McCloud This also ensures the wholesome Current restaurant owner Johnny Williams stands beside a photo of Dino Senesi, the cooking as well that they find crucial founder of Dino’s in downtown Elizabethton. to being reliable in delivering the

Star Photo/Cara McCloud

Star Photo/Cara McCloud

A signed Dallas Cowboy football jersey of local standout Jason Witten is just one of many pieces of memorabilia customers can enjoy when dining at Dino’s Restaurant.

Each school in the county has a portion of the wall at Dino’s to showcase current and former athletes at their respective schools.

44 - STAR - SATURDAY-SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 27-28, 2021

Star Photo/Cara McCloud

One of the reasons many customers come into Dino’s is to view the walls that are lined with local school photos and famous people who have visited the restaurant.

Star Photo/ Cara McCloud

A plaque hanging inside Dino’s Restaurant marks the first time a piece of lasagna was served in East Tennessee at Dino’s in Elizabethton.

best of flavors by using ingredients they know and trust as is the biggest bonus in being made from scratch instead of prepackaged.

John believes that many more people are becoming more driven to small restaurants for that very reason instead

Star Photo/Cara McCloud

Dino’s founder Dino Senesi had a son who was a standout athlete at Hampton High School.

of chains as well as supporting your local neighbors, especially during a year as unprecedented as 2020.

Williams being 15 when he arrived to the area landed him at one of our local high schools. He saw and experienced firsthand how Dino’s supported all of the surrounding schools and that giving back to our community has always been a priority and one he intends to continue as long as he is the captain of this Italian dining ship.

He highly values this aspect and loves how people have come to also know Dino’s for this as well as the food.

This community, while being a country cooking lot, loves this establishment’s Italian cuisine like the Chicken Parmesan, lasagna, and ravioli, but also the Williams family’s additions such as their hamburger steak, marinated ribeye, and meatloaf.

The family atmosphere, whether Italian or not, still equals to East Tennessee standards and values and draws new customers in as well as old.

The doors can be found open to all Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

SATURDAY-SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 27-28, 2021 - STAR - 45

Just part of the family...

Hughes feels City Market is a second home

BY TY BUTLER STAR CORRESPONDENT

Parents spend their entire adult lives caring, feeding, and loving their children.

As generations pass, the youth will eventually take over a family and legacy of their very own — Jennifer Hughes, the owner and manager of City Market knows this process all too well, as her uncle Jack Miller spent a great portion of his life not only serving his family, but also the city of Elizabethton at the same exact restaurant.

It’s now been over two decades since her uncle handed the keys over to Hughes, who began adding new items to the menu and transforming the restaurant since the day she got there.

Hughes admittedly sees the store as a second home.

After all, City Market is more than just a restaurant, it is a business that runs deep

— before becoming City Market, the store was owned by her uncle’s father, who sold produce.

And though the building on 449 East E Street has been in the hands of two other individuals, Hughes recognizes the store as one of her babies.

Perhaps, that’s what motivates and pushes Hughes to perform all of her daily routines inside of the eatery, which expands from running the register to hours behind the scenes, cooking for the residents of Elizabethton.

Hughes, a former culinary student, takes pride in her ability to craft cuisines but says that customer relationships are one of the greatest gifts that the restaurant has given back.

For Jennifer Hughes, City Market is more than just a deli shop — it’s a part of the family.

Star Photo/Ty Butler

Jennifer Hughes spends a great amount of time cooking for Elizabethton residents in the back of her City Market restaurant.

Star Photo/Ty Butler

Jennifer Hughes proudly stands in front of her historic store, which has fed Elizabethton residents for many years.

Star Photo/Ty Butler

Jennifer Hughes shows off one of her most popular items. The former culinary student has perfected her craft for over two decades.

46 - STAR - SATURDAY-SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 27-28, 2021

Bringing a unique dining experience...

Saucy’s Pizza Barn offers a menu to fill any appetite

BY IVAN SANDERS STAR STAFF ivan.sanders@elizabethton.com

S

aucy’s Pizza Barn has been up and running and business just keeps getting better and better since the operation changed hands from the former Pizza Inn to the current namesake.

The new owners are Valerie ColemanCuddy, who spent 28 years with Beef O’Brady’s, and Melody Bice, who had 20 years under her belt with Pizza Inn. According to Coleman-Cuddy, they wanted the flexibility to change up the menu and add different items. With the buffet being a hit, the new owners said that was a no-brainer to keep but have also already added a variety of wings and sandwiches along with being approved for an on-premise beer permit.

Together, the ladies came up with the

sandwiches they added to their menu with great favorites like Philly Cheesesteak, Philly Chicken, a Club, an Italian Sub, an Italian Steak, Meatball, Chicken Parmesan, Turkey, and Ham & Cheese sandwiches.

Then the two worked on their unique specialties as Coleman-Cuddy took charge of the wings and Bice handled the pizza side of the business in piecing their final menu together.

“We thought way outside the box with chicken wings trying to come up with something no other restaurants had,” Coleman-Cuddy added. “Like Old Bay seasoning which is so good on chicken wings.

“And ranch — most people dip their wings in Ranch but no we thought we are going to sprinkle ranch season as a dry rub and that’s really good too.

“We also have the really mild wings

Star Photo/Ivan Sanders

A new facade announces the new Saucy’s Pizza Barn in the former Pizza Inn location.

Star Photo/Ivan Sanders

Saucy’s Pizza Barn owners Valerie Coleman-Cuddy (L) and Melody Bice (R) are excited to greet their customers.

SATURDAY-SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 27-28, 2021 - STAR - 47

for those who like mild and we have the buffalo with the mild sauce.”

Bice added, “We also have Sriracha Bourbon, BBQ Moonshine which is sweet with a little spice, Stinging Honey Garlic which are really good, and a Texas Pete rub.”

What makes Saucy’s Pizza Barn wings even better is that the wings are not cooked in oil but in an air fryer.

Both agreed that the air fryer is much healthier because the wings are not being cooked in oil. The fryer is much like those used in home kitchens however it is a commercial-grade fryer.

Saucy’s wings are not breaded and basically have the rub applied and cooked in the air fryer.

Some of the pizza choices include Cow-A-Bunga, The Cheesy Heifer, Wicked Chicken, Smokin’ Bird, Farmer’s Market, Clucky Spud, Mexi Moo, and Whole Hog. Customers can also create their own special pizza from a fresh list of ingredients in small, medium, or large sizes.

Also, if one is in the mood for a breakfast pizza, Saucy’s offers their own take on Sunrise Specials Breakfast Pizza made with fresh eggs, a choice of cheese, protein, and veggies.

One thing the owners want to continue to do is to be active within the community by offering fundraisers which have already been taken advantage of.

If anyone needs an event catered, Saucy’s Pizza Barn appreciates the opportunity to work with anyone who may be interested in having an event catered.

The new owners wanted to give a word of thanks to everyone for the early opening success they have experienced.

“We want to thank the community for the outpouring of support. It has been overwhelming and we really appreciate it,” Coleman-Cuddy commented. “We welcome opinions and feedback from our customers.”

48 - STAR - SATURDAY-SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 27-28, 2021

Soaring where only birds can...

Keane utilizes drones in many capacities

BY IVAN SANDERS STAR STAFF ivan.sanders@elizabethton.com

I

magine hovering 400 feet above everything looking down like to the view that only can be obtained by any number of birds that fills the sky on a daily basis.

There are very few limitations as what can be seen whether gliding out over the shores of a lake, above a freshly plowed field, or even in an overgrown wooded patch that no one could reach by foot.

Not many people can proclaim to be able to do such a feat however Tommy Keane is one such individual as he precisely guides his drones as the applications for his services are endless.

Keane never imagined in his wildest dreams that COVID-19 would force him from a place of comfort to step into a box that led into a business that has transformed quite nicely during the time he has been operating Blue Ridge Drone Services.

And for Keane, it’s all a matter of interjecting himself into the community to provide services that many hadn’t even imagined

Photo Contributed

Tommy Keane loves challenges especially when it comes to aerial photography and thermal imaging utilizing his drones through his business Blue Ridge Drone Services.

applications for aerial photography and video are almost endless and is willing to go as far as inviting even the most obscure ideas from potential customers as he is willing to work with his clientele to make something happen.

A few of the services that Keane has been called on to provide include aerial photography, thermal imaging, real estate photography, personal home photography, mapping of property lines, agricultural and farm mapping, golf course plant health, construction projects, and stockpile inventory.

Through thermal imagining, Keane is able to participate in search and rescue, roof inspections, leaky pool pipes, lost pets and many other projects.

Keane felt the ease of working with Carter County to obtain his business license and

other needs crucial to open a new endeavor were an absolute breeze and feels the financial stability in the area and the state of Tennessee is a true blessing in many aspects.

One thing that also makes Carter County special for Keane is how the people connected to each other in a short period of time while in other locations like the one where he spent almost 50-plus years of his adult life that just wasn’t the case.

And the beauty of the surrounding community doesn’t hurt either according to Keane especially in his line of work.

Keane’s business motto is “Have droneWill Travel” and is only a phone call away at 423-647-2131. He can also be contacted via email at BlueRidgeDroneService@gmail. com.

possible with his drone service, and even those around who haven’t utilized Keane yet have been supportive of his endeavors as he uses skills from past experience to help evolve his business.

Keane will be the first to admit that the

Photo Contributed

Tommy Keane of Blue Ridge Drone Services puts his drones to work in many different fields of service to his clients.

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