Kingsport!

Your input requested on Kingsport's New Public Library

2009-11-09T17:49:00.002-05:00

Kingsport is planning a significant investment in its public library. Should it be downtown? An expansion of the existing facility? A totally new facility? We'd like to have your input.

Click here (survey open through November).

Kingsport son's journey to find his real passion

2009-11-09T17:30:00.000-05:00

On my facebook page, I have posted "When you find a job and a passion that are one and the same, the blessings go both ways. Never choose a career for the money. Be passionate about what you do and your career will find you." (life-changing advice from my brother circa 1982). Below is another story of that sort - Jeff

Jeff, although my son Trey never actually lived in Kingsport after we transferred here in 2006, he visits frequently. This whimsical interview explains how Trey went from Rice U economics grad to OU law school to finding his real passion, which is cooking. On 11/6 Laura and I will be traveling up to the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY for his graduation. He is presently applying for jobs at fine dining establishments in NYC, Charleston, SC, Houston, TX and others. This spring he completed a 5 month externship at Stella! Restaurant in New Orleans, LA. Obviously we are very proud of him for this and all of his other accomplishments. I know you probably get more "stuff" from people than you can possibly publish on your blog, but I thought I would forward it on to you any way for your own interest if nothing else. If you have any questions, let me know.

Father's are allowed to be proud of their kids accomplishments, aren't they? Please read the attached about my son Trey. He graduates from the Culinary Institute of America on 11/6 and plans to become a chef.

http://blogs.houstonpress.com/eating/2009/10/trey_smith_us_potato_board_rec.php

Thanks,

Roger Smith
K1 Machine Area Manager
Domtar Paper Company LLC
100 Clinchfield St. Kingsport, TN 37660
423-392-2738 (office direct)
roger.smith2@domtar.com
423-335-0476 (cell)

Kingsport's E. Ward King to be posthumously inducted into Tennessee Aviation Hall of Fame

2009-11-08T20:22:00.000-05:00

The board of directors of the Tennessee Aviation Hall of Fame has named the 2009 class of inductees who will be honored and enshrined on Nov. 14 at the Tennessee Aviation Hall of Fame’s Annual Gala, held at the Tennessee Museum of Aviation in Gatlinburg.

The Tennessee Aviation Hall of Fame was established to recognize, honor and enshrine individuals whose leadership in or for aviation, whether by exceptional service or extraordinary achievement, has made an enduring contribution to aviation for Tennessee, our nation or the world. It was established in 2001 as Tennessee’s Official Hall of Fame by the 102nd General Assembly, and those inducted are recipients of Tennessee’s highest honor in aviation or aerospace. This institution will record their achievements and perpetuate the memory of those enshrined for all time.

On Nov. 14, Jim D. Ethridge and three other distinguished Tennesseans will take their place in history as they are enshrined into the Tennessee Aviation Hall of Fame.

Ethridge learned to fly in his hometown of Union City in 1959 and received his private pilot checkride from aviation legend Evelyn Bryan Johnson on Jan. 19, 1960. He later served alongside Mrs. Johnson on the Tennessee Aeronautics Commission. His pilot ratings include commercial fixed-wing single, multi-engine and instrument ratings and commercial helicopter. Ethridge has owned and flown a variety of piston, turbo-prop, jet and helicopter aircraft.

In 1995, Gov. Don Sundquist appointed Ethridge to the Tennessee Aeronautics Commission, where he served two consecutive five-year terms — twice as commission chairman. During his service on the commission, the Tennessee Office of Aeronautics was elevated to division status within the Tennessee Department of Transportation.

Prior to completing his second term on the state aeronautics commission, Ethridge was appointed to the Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority. Memphis International Airport is known as “America’s Aerotropolis.” It is the only airport in North America considered to be an “aerotropolis,” a world-class facility serving more than 10 million passengers a year and the largest air cargo airport in the world for nearly two decades. Ethridge has chaired the MSCAA long-term planning and development committee and its general aviation committee.

He was elected the 2008 chairman of the Commissioner’s Committee of the Airports Council International-North America, the North American branch of Airports Council International headquartered in Geneva, and he became a voting member of the Airports Council Board in Washington. He expanded the lobbying efforts of commissioners of major airports in the U.S. and Canada focused upon guiding legislation in Washington to benefit airports and air travelers.

Also being inducted is Jennifer C. Baker of Nashville, who has been a staunch advocate of the aviation maintenance professional for more than 30 years. She was named the Federal Aviation Administration’s Tennessee Aviation Safety Counselor of the Year in 1999 and serves on many aviation industry advisory committees. Nashville’s Baker’s School of Aeronautics enrolls over 1,100 students annually who travel to Tennessee from more than 125 countries around the world.

Kingsport entrepreneur E. Ward King (1896-1977) will be posthumously inducted. King founded Southeast Airlines in 1956. The airline provided service from Memphis to Tri-Cities and included stops at Jackson, Dyersburg and Union City, Clarksville, Nashville, Tullahoma, Chattanooga and Knoxville.

Another inductee will be Murfreesboro resident William H. Pickron, who completed pilot training in 1942 at age 19, making him the youngest pilot in the U.S. Army Air Corps. After a distinguished 26-year career in the U.S. Air Force, Lt. Col. Pickron became the chief pilot for the State of Tennessee and for 12 years he flew Tennessee governors, cabinet members and staff.

Aviation legend and Tennessee Aviation Hall of Fame member (2002) Evelyn Bryan Johnson of Morristown will be honored at this year’s gala. Mrs. Johnson will celebrate her 100th birthday Nov. 4. Plans are being made to encourage a reunion of her friends and former flight students during the TAHF Gala.Mrs. Speer is executive director of the Tennessee Aviation Hall of Fame. She is also manager of Everett-Stewart Regional Airport in Union City.

Kingsport native inducted into Florida Nurse's Hall of Fame

2009-11-07T20:39:00.001-05:00

FNA CELEBRATES 100 YEARS OF ADVOCACY
FNA Recognizes 100 Great Nurses, Hall of Fame Inductee and Legislator of the Year.

Charlotte Dison Inducted Into FNA Hall of Fame

On September 24, 2009, FNA inducted Charlotte Dison, RN in the FNA Hall of Fame. Charlotte is the image of a transformational leader who has shaped the lives of countless RNs and professional nursing within the state of Florida. Her work also extends nationally and internationally through the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Magnet Recognition Program. Through literature, conferences and other mediums, Charlotte led nursing through patient education, infection control, cardiac rehabilitation and oncology programs, architectural designs and renovation of patient care units and nurse-physician collaboration. She provided an empowered work environment and demonstrated business etiquette and professional ethics.

Charlotte Dison, RN is regarded as one of the pillars in the community and an advocate for RNs who temporarily left the clinical setting. Her proactive approach and commitment to education and patient care has not gone unnoticed. She is an inspiration to all nurses with her professionalism and commitment to nursing, and is an outstanding role model for the thousands of nurses whose lives she has touched throughout her career. FNA welcomes Charlotte Dison, RN into the FNA Hall of Fame.

Charlotte has a home in Kingsport, Tennessee, as well.

Kingsport students named National Merit Scholars

2009-11-06T20:12:00.000-05:00

For Immediate Release – Kingsport City Schools
Contact: Amy Greear, Community Relations Coordinator (423) 378-2123
October 15, 2009

Students Recognized In National Scholarship Program

KINGSPORT – Four Dobyns-Bennett High School students have been named as semi-finalists for the 2010 National Merit Scholarship program.

Those named as National Merit Scholarship Semi-Finalists are Matthew Tate Dougan, son of Todd and Jennifer Dougan; Allison Elizabeth Jack, daughter of Bob and Laura Jack; Eric Chase Lyons, son of Steve and Lisa Lyons; and Aditya Suresh, son of Arun and Raji Suresh. These four students will compete with the top high school students in the nation for some 7,000 Merit Scholarship awards worth more than $33 million.

In September, about 16,000 students, or approximately one-third of the 50,000 high scorers, are notified that they have qualified as Semifinalists. To ensure that academically able young people from all parts of the United States are included in this talent pool, Semifinalists are designated on a state representational basis. They are the highest scoring entrants in each state. The National Merit Scholarship Corporation provides scholarship application materials to Semifinalists through their high schools. To be considered for a Merit Scholarship Award, semi-finalists must advance to the finalist level of the competition by fulfilling several requirements. About 90 percent of the semi-finalists are expected to attain finalist standing and approximately half of the finalists will be selected as Merit Scholarship winners.

The nationwide pool of semi-finalists, which represents less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors, includes the highest scoring entrants in each state. More than 1.5 million juniors in nearly 21,000 high schools entered the 2010 National Merit Program by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) which serves as an initial screening of program entrants.

In addition, 10 Dobyns-Bennett students were named 2010 National Merit Commended Students for their outstanding performance on the PSAT. Those students include Candace Dale Ballard, daughter of Joseph Falardeau and Georgette Ballard; Elizabeth Camille Browning, daughter of Jerry and Christine Browning; Julie Madsen Gilmer, daughter of John and Karen Gilmer; Katherine Elizabeth Jones, daughter of Bob and Beth Jones; Timothy Brett Mallinak, son of Timothy and Debra Mallinak; Jason Alexander Michael, son of Gary and Jule Michael; Gabriella Marie Provenzano, daughter of Daniel and Martha Provenzano; Wilson Taylor Raines, son of Chris and Allyson Raines; Jiten Solanki, son of Chandra and Bharti Solanki; and Elizabeth Marie Tennant, daughter of Brent and Mary Tennant.

For more information on the National Merit Scholarship, please contact the Dobyns-Bennett High School Counseling Office at (423) 378-8409.

-KCS-

Nov 6: Crooked Road Exhibit/Concert at RenCenter

2009-11-04T19:52:00.000-05:00

Cultural Arts Division
Kingsport Renaissance Center
1200 East Center Street
Kingsport, TN 37660

For Immediate Release:
Contact: Bonnie Macdonald
Cultural Arts Administrator, City of Kingsport
423-392-8414

Art Nights/City Lights Presents The Crooked Road Exhibit and Concert featuring Dale Jett and ‘Hello Stranger’ along with ‘Whitetop Mountain Band’

Friday, November 6 7:30 PM
Kingsport Renaissance Center Theater
Tickets Available 423-392-8416 or 423-392-8417

The Cultural Arts Division of the City of Kingsport is pleased to present The Crooked Road: Exhibit and Concert on Friday, November 6, 2009 at 7:30 PM at the Kingsport Renaissance Theater. The concert will feature music of Dale Jett and ‘Hello Stranger’ as well as the ‘Whitetop Mountain Band’. Tickets are $12 for Adults, $10 for Seniors/Students and can be purchased by call the Central Box Office at 423-392-8417 or on-line at www.KingsportARTS.org.

Singer and musician, Dale Jett is a native of Southwest Virginia. He is a third generation member of the legendary Carter Family. The son of Janette Carter, the grandson of A.P.and Sara Carter, his roots have been heavily steeped within the heart of his family's musical heritage. Growing up within the Carter Family, Dale has been influenced by many musicians and styles of music.He began playing guitar in his late teens when Elizabeth Cotten taught him his first chords - left handed, upside down. Later, he added his own style of Autoharp playing to his repertoire. But, it is ultimately his voice that arrests you. It is powerful and compelling, yet at the same time, delicate and haunting. Like his grandfather, Dale is a "collector" of songs. His dedication to the preservation of traditional music, the love of Carter Family songs, and his admiration of other songwriters are evident in his performances . His choices are eclectic; his performances and recordings encompass a unique combination of traditional songs blended with a mix of others that extend the boundaries of conventional country. Whether playing an original tune, or that of others, his music will ring true to the soul.Dale helped emcee and performed at the Carter Family Fold for over 30 years, along with his wife, Teresa, and long time friend, Oscar Harris.

The Whitetop Mountain Band is a family-based band from the highest mountains of Virginia. Whitetop, Virginia is an area rich in the old time music tradition; this band has deep roots in mountain music. The members have done much to preserve the Whitetop region’s style of old time fiddling and banjo picking and are legendary musicians and teachers of the style.
At the same time, Whitetop Mountain Band shows are very versatile and entertaining containing everything from fiddle/banjo instrumentals to powerful solos and harmony vocals on blues, classic country, honky tonk, traditional bluegrass numbers, old timey ballads, originals, and four part mountain gospel songs. Shows also include flat foot dancing. The band is well known for their high energy and charisma on stage.

The Whitetop Mountain Band is one of the most popular dance bands of the Appalachian Mountains. They have a great following at square dances all over Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Kentucky at venues like the Carter Family Fold. The band has also performed at all sorts of venues throughout the United States from festivals to concerts, competitions, and colleges. The Smithsonian Folklife Festival, National Folklife Festival, World Music Institute in NYC, Carter Family Festival, Dock Boggs Festival, World Fair, Virginia Arts Festival, Floydfest, Ola Belle Reed Festival and Merlefest are a few of the many festivals the band has performed at. They recently were featured on the NCTA Crooked Road Music tour of California, Nevada, Oregon, and Idaho in October 2007. In September 2007, Members also toured the United Kingdom and Ireland playing the Cornish Bluegrass Festival and Open House Festival along with venues through England, Wales, and Ireland. In January 2008, members of the band also played at the Illawarra Folk Festival and Tamworth Country Music Festival in New South Wales, Australia. The band has also taught and been master musicians/dancers for workshops and classes in fiddle, banjo, guitar, vocals, and dance all over the US. Some of these include Swannanoa Gathering in Asheville, NC, Cowan Creek Music School in KY, Mountain Music School in Big Stone Gap, and Mt. Rogers Combined School.

The band currently has recordings on the Arhoolie Record Label and Virginia Foundation of the Humanities. The band has also been recorded by JuneAppal, Heritage and been on compilations for Rounder Records.

The Whitetop Mountain Band has been featured in many books, magazines, and tv/radio shows about Appalachian music such as The Guide to the Crooked Road, A Hotbed of Musicians, Strings of Life, In Good Keeping, Country Music Television, Travel Channel, PBS, Old Time Herald, and many tv news and radio programs.

Residents of Southwest Virginian and Northeast Tennessee have an ear for music, and the new exhibit at the Kingsport Renaissance Center’s Atrium Gallery showcases the long history of picking and singing in the mountains. Musical Styles Along the Crooked Road is open through December 6

Musical Styles Along the Crooked Road presents the rich variety of roots music western Virginians sing and play—fiddle and banjo tunes, bluegrass, ballads of love and death, sentimental mountain songs, blues, and gospel. The exhibit includes rare film footage and photographs of historic Crooked Road musicians.

The Renaissance Center is a center for arts and senior citizen’s activities, and as a facility for business meetings, parties, receptions, classes, showers and day long seminars with breakout rooms. The facility includes a 350 seat theatre, three story skylit atrium, art gallery, gymnasium, meeting rooms and offices. The Renaissance Center is located 3 miles off of Interstate 26, 1200 East Center Street. For tickets or more information call 423-392-8414.

Bonnie Macdonald
Kingsport Renaissance Center Cultural Arts Division
1200 E. Center St. Kingsport, TN 37660
423-392-8416
www.KingsportARTS.org www.KingsportParksandRecreation.org
Visit www.KingsportDeals.com

Nov 6-8: 30th Annual Christmas Connection at Civic Auditorium

2009-11-03T19:39:00.000-05:00

Cultural Arts Division
Kingsport Renaissance Center
1200 East Center Street
Kingsport, TN 37660

For Immediate Release:
Contact: Bonnie Macdonald
Cultural Arts Administrator, City of Kingsport
423-392-8414

30th Annual Christmas Connection Celebrates Arts and Crafts November 6- 8
Civic Auditorium, Kingsport, Tennessee

Kingsport’s Christmas Connection, an event sponsored by the Cultural Arts Division of Kingsport’s Parks and Recreation, is celebrating 30 years of arts and crafts. This year’s arts and crafts show will be Friday November 6 from noon to 7 p.m., Saturday, November 7, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday November 8, from noon to 5 p.m. at the Civic Auditorium located on Fort Henry Drive next to Dobyns-Bennett High School. Admission to this fun-filled, shopping event is free and open to the public.

Christmas Connection has been around for 30 years because it is a charming old-fashion festival hosting the region’s best arts and crafts vendors. The Civic Auditorium will be filled with hand-made clothing, beautiful stained-glass, jewelry, original photography, delicate woodworking, floral arrangements, Christmas ornaments, baked goods, toys, watercolors, paintings, figurines, pottery, baskets, candles, tapestries, heated pillows, needlework, dolls and much more. Vendors from 5 states are represented including: Tennessee, Virginia, North Carolina, Kentucky, and West Virginia.

Along with the artists and crafters in the Main Hall all rooms on the east side of the facility will be filled to capacity. A bake sale at the entry of the building will feature everything from breads, and cookies to slices of cake and whole cakes and pies and the famous pumpkin rolls. Patrons wishing to purchase any baked goods are urged to come early because these items don’t last long, especially the pumpkin rolls. Outside, patrons will find that sweet and salty treat, kettle corn, being made fresh all day. The holiday show is free and open to the public. Musical entertainment will be offered throughout the event including Acoustic Encounters, Gerald Sheppard and others. Acoustic Encounters is an ensemble of local guitar players featuring ‘Chet Atkins’ style arrangements, Gerald Sheppard plays acoustic finger style guitar.

On Saturday, November 7, the Arts Council of Greater Kingsport Arts4Kids program will host workshops for children ages 5 – 12. The 45 minutes workshops will be led by wood artist Michael Ripper. Participants will have the opportunity to decorate and take home a traditional wooden yo-yo with surface treatments ranging from wood burning to use of traditional stains. The workshops begin at 10 and 11 AM and 1, 2 and 3 PM. Fee for the workshop is free for Arts4Kids members and $5 for the general public. Registration for the Arts4Kids program is $20 annually and more information is available at 423-392-8420.

In honor of the 30th annual Christmas Connection, vendors and shoppers may catch a glimpse of the Jolly Old Elf himself on Saturday, November 7.

The Holidays are fast approaching and this is an excellent opportunity to grab some holiday cheer, support master craftsmen and find unique gifts and treasures. Shoppers can spend the day shopping inside; out of the weather and amongst quality art and crafts. The Christmas Connection Café has concessions to enjoy. Shoppers won’t have to lose your parking spot to eat elsewhere. Come visit the Christmas Connection. For more information or directions to the Christmas Connection, please call 423-392-8414.

Bonnie Macdonald
Kingsport Renaissance Center Cultural Arts Division
1200 E. Center St. Kingsport, TN 37660
423-392-8416
www.KingsportARTS.org www.KingsportParksandRecreation.org
Visit www.KingsportDeals.com

Win a Thanksgiving feast for 30 from Leinbach Services and Phil's Dream Pit BBQ

2009-11-02T19:37:00.000-05:00

Jeff,

Would you please write about the Thanksgiving meal that Leinbach Services and Phil’s Dream Pit are giving away on your blog? The details are listed below in the copy of the newsletter that I have attached.

Adriana Sorge
Leinbach Services

Free Thanksgiving Dinner for 30 People!

Thanksgiving weekend feast for 30; sponsored by Phil's Dream Pit! Do not miss out on trying to win this delicious meal for you and your family or to be able to win this and bless a family that you know in need! The meal includes:

2 9-10 lb Smoked Hams
12 Quarts of sides (cole slaw, potato salad, macaroni salad, baked beans)
5 Racks of Ribs (dry rub or sweet)
Garlic toast
4 Gallons of tea (sweet or un-sweet)

For your chance to win this certificate email us at jim@leinbachservices.com and tell us who will be coming for dinner and what city and state you will be having the dinner in. Include in your email your contact information: name, address, phone number, and email address. The meal will need to be picked up by the winner at Phil's Dream Pit on Wednesday the 25th.

More than 30 Downtown Kingsport merchants kick-off the shopping season!

2009-11-01T18:00:00.000-05:00

Hi Jeff, I wanted to send you some information about an upcoming event next Thursday night. 30 downtown restaurants and shops will be open from 5 - 8 pm on Thursday, November 5th to begin the holiday season. We will have food, drinks and a lot of great merchandise for people to get a start (and even finish) their Christmas lists.We would really appreciate it if you could send this out for us. Thank you for any help you can give us.

Julie Gunn
Style

Click below to enlarge (flyer / maps / participating merchants):

Fright Night Bash to Save Homeless Animals

2009-10-30T07:42:00.000-04:00

Golfer's Edge Mini-Golf, Driving Range, Batting Cages
2000 Stonebrook Place, Kingsport, TN

Music DJ, Karaoke, Ghost Stories, Bonfire, Scary Snacks, Prizes for Most Creative and Craziest Costumes

We will party like a Rock Star.....or Vampire....or whatever you want todress up as and dance the night away with our DJ whilewe raise funds to help local No-Kill Animal Rescue Groups in our community.

Adults, teens & kids are invited. A safe family fun event complete withroasting marshmallows & telling ghost stories around the fire.Enjoy free mini golf & batting cages, games, scary snacks, door prizesand a Costume contest for adults & kids.

SEE YOU THERE!!!

Questions? 423-817-3121

Whitney Allen-Carr
Director of Marketing & Public Relations
Gilbert Advanced Asset Management, Inc.
Specializing in Retirement Income Management & Wealth Preservation
Six Sheridan Square, Suite 200, Kingsport, TN 37660
(423)-247-8840 phone
(423)-245-1646 fax
www.gilbert-aam.com website
wcarr@gilbert-aam.com

Fee Based Asset Management & Securities Offered Through LPL Financial

Member FINRA/SIPC

Kingsport Animal Shelter needs food donations

2009-10-29T19:14:00.000-04:00

Jeff – I have received a call stating the Kingsport Animal Shelter is asking for donations of dog food, puppy food, cat food, blankets, newspapers, etc. They are in much need of food. They placed an ad in yesterday’s paper but the donations are coming in slow. I was wondering if you would send out an email to all your recipients’. Thanks.

Linda M. Myrtle

Linda M. Myrtle
HR Employment Assistant
Human Resources
Wellmont Holston Valley Medical Center
Telephone 423.224.6454
Fax 423.224.6419

"Caring for you so you can care for others"

Nov 7: Fashion Show & Brunch for Breast Cancer Awareness

2009-10-28T20:02:00.001-04:00

Jeff the Wellmont Cancer Center is doing a breast cancer awareness brunch. Would it be possible for you to send the attached form to your email list? I would really appreciate you promoting such an awesome cause. Thanks.

Teresa Bailey
Clinical Trials Coordinator
Kingsport Hematology Oncology
423-224-3738 Phone
423-224-3534 Fax
423-578-5276- pager

Click below to enlarge:

2009-10-28T19:42:00.001-04:00

D-B Lady Indians volleyball sweeps Collierville in 3 games, play winner of Karns-Ravenwood tomorrow at 1130 central time

Wednesday Oct 28th ONLY - Books-A-Million and Sullivan County Imagination Library

2009-10-27T10:00:00.000-04:00

Dolly Parton's Imagination Library of Sullivan County In-Store Book Fair

Wednesday, October 28, 2009
10:00am - 4:00pm

Books A Million
2626 E Stone Dr (Kingsport Pavilion)

Phone: 4232454931

Help a child receive a book! Give the gift of reading with your purchase on this date. Books A Million will donate 20% of net sales from one of our registers to the Sullivan County Imagination Library. Help us help the library give the gift of books to thousands of children in the Sullivan County area.

Celebrating Small Business Successes in Kingsport!

2009-10-27T09:41:00.000-04:00

Click to enlarge:

Kingsport honored with "Reflections of Christ" exhibit

2009-10-26T19:55:00.003-04:00

Dear Jeff,

Hi! I am the Director of Public Affairs for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints here in the Tri-Cities area. I was wondering if you might consider posting this on your blog? It's truly an honor that Kingsport is able to host this exhibit, as it as only been to much larger cities. I have posted the sample release below to tell a little about it. It's truly amazing.

To see a preview visit: http://www.reflectionsofchrist.org/

Thanks so much,Melissa Golden

P.S. I received your email from a good friend of mine, Peter Roueche.

Witnessing the life of Christ

New photography exhibit shows Christ in a whole new light

What if you could have been there the night of Christ's birth? Or the day of his baptism? What would it have been like to sit at his feet while he taught the people — the sinners, the children, the apostles? What would the sky have looked like over Gethsemane?

Photographer Mark Mabry’s exhibit, Reflections of Christ, is a unique witness of the Lord Jesus Christ through the stunning realism of photography. (See a slide show preview at ReflectionsofChrist.org).

Catch the exhibit November 1-8 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – 100 Canongate Road, Kingsport, weekdays 5pm-9pm, Saturday 10am-8pm and Sunday 3pm-8pm. Closed Monday.

Mabry’s 26 images of New Testament-era scenes from the life of Christ, including the Nativity, his miracles, and his death and resurrection, will make people feel like they are personally witnessing the Savior’s most awe-inspiring moments.Reflections of Christ is fast-becoming internationally known to people of many Christian faiths. The 31-year-old photographer first displayed an exhibit of the photos in Mesa, Ariz. last January and it was an immediate hit. More than 100,000 people saw it there, and more than 1.3 million from around the world have clicked online to see Mabry’s images.That led to a North American tour, a coffee table book of the images, a making-of DVD and a CD of the music that plays in the exhibit. The exhibit is currently touring Canada and the U.S., including stops in Edmonton, New York, Detroit, New Orleans, Salt Lake City, Washington D.C. and we now have the privilege of hosting it in Kingsport – the only city in Tennessee to receive this honor.# # #

About the AuthorMark Mabry studied art photography at the Brooks Institute of Photography at Santa Barbara, California. He owns a photography studio and is a professional photographer focusing on family and commercial portraiture. Reflections of Christ is his first book. Mark and his wife, Tara, and their three young children live in Mesa, Arizona.

Thurs Oct 29 - Trick-or-Treating at Kingsport Town Center (Fort Henry Mall)

2009-10-26T19:21:00.003-04:00

Jeff,

We are hosting our annual Halloween event at the mall this year on Thursday, October 29th from 6-9 pm. Could you help us get the word out about the event. We always have a great crowd here and it a lot of fun! Thanks so much!-----Amy B.

Halloween Trick-or-Treating and a whole lot of FUN!

Join us for Trick-or-Treating and a whole lot of fun at Kingsport Town Center on Thursday, October 29th from 6:00 - 9:00 pm. Trick-or-Treat store to store while supplies last (for kids 12 and under). The Kingsport Cosmopolitan Club will be on hand for their annual Halloween Carnival with lots of family fun, games and prizes. We're also having a carved pumpkin contest, too. Bring your carved pumpkin to the mall and compete to win a $100 shopping spree and other prizes. We're going to have a howling good time!

Date & Time
10/29/096:00 - 9:00 pm

Location
Throughout the mall on both upper and lower levels

Contact & Sponsor
Amy Boyles at (423) 246-1697

Community Invited to Participate in Art Project at Kingsport Center for Higher Education

2009-10-26T16:50:00.000-04:00

KINGSPORT, TN - The Kingsport Public Art Committee is pleased to announce the award of the Kingsport Higher Education Center Community Art Project to Patti Lawrence. In December 2008 a Request for Proposals for art projects in conjunction with the Kingsport Center for Higher Education was released to the community. Public Art Projects are funded by the City of Kingsport’s Percent for Art Program that allocates three quarters of one percent of the construction budget for the acquisition, installation and maintenance of art for public places. Additionally, the First Tennessee Foundation provided a $10,000 grant to the Kingsport Public Art Committee for this community art project which allows the artist to work with schools and with the community in building the mobile.

Patti Lawrence, the owner of The Gallery of Local Artists located at 158 Broad Street, holds a BFA from School of Visual Arts, New York, NY and a Master of Arts in Teaching from Montclair State University in Upper Montclair, NJ. Since 1990 she has been an active teacher/instructor in the arts having worked with the Knoxville Museum of Art, Oak Ridge Children’s Museum, and Hands On! Museum in Johnson City. 2007 she opened her own gallery on Broad Street with business hours 11- 2 PM Tuesday through Saturday and by appointment.

Lawrence’s proposal won praise from the Kingsport Higher Education Center selection committee. Chairman Mary Banks said, “We loved Patti’s concept right away. She caught the essence of the community art project and incorporated environmentally friendly and sustainable elements in the proposed construction.” Others serving on the selection committee for the Kingsport Higher Education Center included Jeff Fleming, David Mason, Chris Campbell and the architect Li Wang.

According to Lawrence’s proposal, “I have come up with a wonderful idea for the Higher Education Center Community Art Project. When completed, a dazzling, colorful mobile of swirling translucent birds will inhabit the atrium of the building, reflecting jewel tones of light throughout the space and transforming it into a magical aviary.” Lawrence will create the birds from recycled plastic containers which is in-keeping with the building’s environmentally advanced LEED certification. Lawrence will suspend the birds as a mobile in the 3-story atrium. Lawrence explains, “The old adage, ‘Birds of a feather…’ comes to mind, and yet we see in the mobile that different birds can ‘flock together’ in a cohesive community, each individual being beautiful on its own, yet becoming more important as part of the whole. The symbolism of the birds as us combines Kingsport’s history as a bird sanctuary and its present and future as a place that many have migrated to from other parts of the country and the world.”

Lawrence has already conducted one teacher in-service training session for art teachers of the Kingsport City School system. She is also available to visit with any school in Sullivan County to explain her project at the Kingsport Higher Education Center and work with art teachers on a similar project. In addition she has a variety of lesson-plans that educators can use to allow students to participate with “Birds of a Feather”. Lawrence has set two workshops that are free to the public for anyone in the community to participate in ‘bird building’. On Saturday, October 17 and November 14, from 11 AM to 2 PM, the public is invited to learn more about the mobile and to assist with the building of a bird. For more information on the classes or to register for he workshops call Patti Lawrence at 423-367-9211.

Targeted installation for the ‘Bird of a Feather’ mobile is April 2010. Community efforts will also be documented and celebrated at that time at the Kingsport Higher Education Center.

Here's your chance, Kingsport School Survey

2009-10-25T08:45:00.000-04:00

I heard many complain about school starting so early this year in Kingsport, here is your chance for input on next year's calendar. Do you want a Fall Break? Don't miss this opportunity to express your opinion:

Click to take survey:
http://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/survey-intro.zgi?p=WEB229SNJBJTP3

KINGSPORT – Kingsport City Schools is offering staff, parents and students the opportunity to express their preferences for the 2010-2011 school calendar through an online survey.

The survey allows parents, staff and students the opportunity to submit input regarding the start of school, length of fall break and other issues related to the school year. Additional questions have been added this year to gauge interest in alternative school calendars, including non-traditional calendars, extended school days and a lengthened school year.

The Kingsport Board of Education will consider the results of the survey during their November 19,2009 work session. The Board is expected to make a decision on the final school calendar during their December 3, 2009 school board meeting. Survey results will be collected until Friday, November 13. A computer will be made available at each school for parents to fill out the survey if they do not have access to a home computer.

For more information on the school calendar survey, please contact the Kingsport City Schools Community Relations Office at (423) 378-2123

Haunted Half Marathon coming to Downtown Kingsport

2009-10-24T08:21:00.003-04:00

For schedule, click here

The Haunted Half is a flat double loop course that begins in Downtown Kingsport on Halloween at 3 p.m. The Haunted Half offers something for the whole family on this spooky holiday. Bring the kids for the Monster Dash Youth Runs and activities. Following the races will be a Halloween festival with musical entertainment, food and Trunk or Treating!!

We need some help with getting bodies for the "trunk or treat" Here is the link at gotricities. There is no charge to participate. There is a cash prize for the best trunk. Event is from 5:30 till 7:30. Times News and go-tricities is working to make this Halloween the best in the Tri Cities. We need your help to promote Halloween in Kingsport. Please send this out to your respective lists. Thanks for your support. http://www.gotricities.com/halloweentrunkortreat/

Doug Beatty
AdaptCORE.net
423 797-1647

2009-10-24T08:09:00.001-04:00

I will be using mobile blog-twitter-facebook updates to post Volleyball State Tournament results next week. Bear with me until I get back to normal content.

Number of patrons, programs soaring at Kingsport Public Library

2009-10-21T16:42:00.000-04:00

Number of patrons, programs at Kingsport Public Library soaring Kingsport Times News By Matthew Lane KINGSPORT — The Kingsport Public Library is seeing more items go out the door and more people coming through the door than ever before. ...

Time Sensitive: How do you feel about State Theatre?

2009-10-19T15:05:00.000-04:00

Dear all,

We at the Cinema Preservation Group have been chosen to compose a document highlighting the financial and community effects related to the restoration and operation of the State Theatre in downtown Kingsport, TN.

We are currently conducting research and are asking you to please take a few minutes of your time to complete this survey. If you could forward this message on to any other people you may know who are connected with Kingsport in any way and encourage them to complete this survey we would be most appreciative. We ask that you respond as quickly as possible.

The final deadline to complete the survey will be this coming Monday, October 26.

Thank you in advance for your time, we understand it is valuable and sincerely appreciate you cooperation. If you have any comments, concerns, or questions please email ivan@sehcpg.org.

To complete survey click here or go to:

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=ywv1Ux0Dewlu1_2fqYunHchw_3d_3d

Regards,

The Cinema Preservation Group

Retiring boomers get rural

2009-10-18T18:41:00.000-04:00

Retiring boomers heading for the country, will this help Kingsport? Click here

http://www.movetokingsport.com/

Pigskinzone.com Gives You a Chance to Win $20 for tracking D-B football scores quarter-by-quarter

2009-10-15T16:00:00.000-04:00

Following every DB home game, PigskinZone.com gives away a $20 gift certificate to Kaffe Blue. All you have to do to qualify is go to http://pigskinzone.com/db and enter the number of points scored during each quarter. A form is provided on page 26 of the football program making it easy to track the scores.

Enjoy the game!

The Pig