Images Washington County 2011

a walk through

history Two new programs

celebrate area’s rich past

in the fast laneCounty, companies move

business sector forward

all about the arts County cultural scene thrives

sponsored by the washington County Chamber of CommerCe

2011 | imageswashingtonCounty.Com

washington County, virginia

®

www.msha.com/jmh

Specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of most musculoskeletal conditions ranging from sports

injuries to total joint replacement.

Comprehensive Ear, Nose and Throat Care Including Audiology

and Allergy Services

Leticia I. Peltzer, MD16000 Johnston Memorial Dr., Ste. 312

Abingdon, VA 24211 (276) 258-3730

Raymond Hinerman, MD

3170 Linden Dr., Ste. 6 Bristol, VA 24202

(276) 591-3687

Your Partnerin health care

EmoryInternal Medic ine

12180 Alder St. • Emory, VA • (276) 695-0205

www.abingdonphysicianpartners.com

Dr. Elmore is board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine and is committed to providing high quality, compassionate care.

>> Dr. Karen Elmore

Emory Internal Medicine is accepting all adult patients, with special care for seniors.

Tues. 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Wed.-Fri. 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

16000 Johnston Memorial Dr., Ste. 100 Abingdon, VA 24211 • (276) 258-1760

3170 Linden Dr., Ste. 6 Bristol, VA 24202 • (276) 591-3687

58 Carroll St. • Lebanon, VA 24266 • (276) 883-8086

Stephanie Alford, MD Jonathan Bielfield, DO

Melvin Heiman, MD

Aileen Bergen, PA-C Jacquelin Greene, NP

Timothy McGarry, MD Daniel Milam, DO

Steve Gardner, PA-C Christy McGhee, NP


2 WashingTon CounT y imagesWashingTonCounT y.Com 3

10


all or part of this magazine is printed with soy ink on recycled paper containing 10% post-consumer waste.

Please recycle this magazine

on the Cover Photo by Antony Boshier The Holston Mountain Artisans Center

dePartments

6 almanac

22 biz briefs

24 Chamber report

25 economic profile

26 image gallery

32 sports & recreation

34 arts & Culture

36 education

38 local flavor

43 health & wellness

47 Community profile

48 through the lens

2011 edition | volume 11


®

contents

Features

10 a walk through historyTwo new programs celebrate area’s rich past

14 all about the artsCounty cultural scene thrives

18 in the fast laneCounty, companies move business sector forward

14

18

imagesWashingTonCounT y.Com 5

See more photos in our online photo gallery

Get the inside scoop from our photographers’ blog

Easily share articles and photos on Facebook, Twitter or via email

Photos

Digital eDition

a walk through

history Two new programs

celebrate area’s rich past

in the fast laneCounty, companies move

business sector forward

all about the arts County cultural scene thrives

sponsored by the washington County Chamber of CommerCe

2011 | imageswashingtonCounty.Com


®

Facts & statsDig deeper with in-depth data on industries, schools and more

Real estateLearn about the local housing market and get started finding your place

ViDeoGet a moving glimpse at favorite local places and attractions

What’s online imageswashingtoncounty.com



®

proofreading manager RAven PeTTy

Content Coordinator JessiCA WAlkeR

staff writer kevin liTWin

Copy editor Jill WyATT

Contributing writers CARol CoWAn, lAuRA Hill,

Joe MoRRis, kARen sCHWARTzMAn,

TiffAny WilliAMs

media teChnology direCtor CHRisTinA CARden

senior graphiC designers lAuRA GAllAGHeR,

JessiCA MAnneR, JAnine MARylAnd,

kRis sexTon, vikki WilliAMs

graphiC designer RACHAel GeRRinGeR

media teChnology analysts CHAndRA BRAdsHAW,

lAnCe ConzeTT, MARCus snydeR

photography direCtor JeffRey s. oTTo

senior photographers Jeff Adkins, BRiAn McCoRd

staff photographers Todd BenneTT, AnTony BosHieR

web Content manager JoHn Hood

web projeCt manager noy fonGnAly

web design direCtor fRAnCo sCARAMuzzA

web designer ii RiCHARd sTevens

web developer i yAMel HAll

web aCCount manager lAuRen euBAnk

ad produCtion manager kATie MiddendoRf

ad traffiC assistants kRysTin leMMon, PATRiCiA MoisAn

i.t. direCtor yAnCey Bond

senior aCCountant lisA oWens

aCCounts payable Coordinator MARiA McfARlAnd

aCCounts reCeivable Coordinator diAnA GuzMAn

offiCe manager/aCCounts reCeivable

Coordinator sHelly MilleR

Color imaging teChniCian Alison HunTeR

Chairman GReG THuRMAn

president/publisher BoB sCHWARTzMAn

exeCutive viCe president RAy lAnGen

senior v.p./sales Todd PoTTeR, CARlA THuRMAn

senior v.p./operations CAsey HesTeR

senior v.p./Client development Jeff HeefneR

senior v.p./business development sCoTT TeMPleTon

v.p./external CommuniCations TeRee CARuTHeRs

v.p./Custom publishing kiM HolMBeRG

v.p./visual Content MARk foResTeR

v.p./Content operations nATAsHA loRens

v.p./sales CHARles fiTzGiBBon,

HeRB HARPeR, JARek sWekosky

Controller CHRis dudley

Content direCtor/travel publiCations

susAn CHAPPell

Content direCtor/business publiCations

Bill McMeekin

Content direCtor/livability.Com lisA BATTles

marketing Creative direCtor keiTH HARRis

distribution direCtor GARy sMiTH

exeCutive seCretary kRisTy dunCAn

human resourCes manager PeGGy BlAke

reCeptionist lindA BisHoP

Images Washington County is published annually by Journal Communications inc. and is distributed

through the Washington County Chamber of Commerce and its member businesses.

for advertising information or to direct questions or comments about the magazine, contact

Journal Communications inc. at (615) 771-0080 or by email at [email protected].

for more information, ContaCt:Washington County Chamber of Commerce

179 e. Main st. • Abingdon, vA 24210Phone: (276) 628-8141 • fax: (276) 628-3984

www.washigntonvachamber.org

visit Images WashIngton County online at imageswashingtonCounty.Com

©Copyright 2011 Journal Communications inc., 725 Cool springs Blvd., suite 400, franklin, Tn 37067,

(615) 771-0080. All rights reserved. no portion of this magazine may be reproduced

in whole or in part without written consent.

Member The Association of Magazine Media

Member Custom Content Council

Member Washington County Chamber of Commerce

Digital Edition

shaRe with a FRienDeasily share an interesting article, stunning photo or advertisement of your business on Facebook, twitter or via email.

haVe a Blog oR weBsite?embed the digital magazine in your site to add compelling, local information.

Do MoRe than JUst ReaD aBoUt itexperience the community through video and find links to other sites for additional information.

imageswashingtoncounty.com

®

IMAGESWASHINGTONCOUNT Y.COM 11

Thanks to a new Revolutionary War interpretive center and a new brochure guiding a Civil War walking tour of historic Abingdon, Washington County residents and visitors alike are enjoying

fresh encounters with the area’s rich past.

Overmountain Trail Begins in AbingdonThe Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail

stretches more than 330 miles through Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina and South Carolina, marking the arduous route followed by patriotic militiamen in pursuit of the British. Their campaign ended in the historic Battle of Kings Mountain, S.C., in October 1780, a victory for the patriots that Thomas Jefferson called the turning point in the

Revolutionary War. The trail begins in Abingdon, where hundreds of Revolutionary War soldiers gathered for their Overmountain March, but until recently the trailhead’s significance was not well known.

“Most people growing up here have no idea that Abingdon was that important in the Revolutionary War, but when they do find out, they are just blown away,” Abingdon town planner Garrett Jackson says.

In 2006, when the town was offered the opportunity to buy the old Mustering Grounds, a 9-plus-acre meadow, it “jumped at the chance,” Jackson says. In partnership with the National Park Service and other groups, a former garage on the property was turned into a new visitor’s center housing 18th-century artifacts, changing exhibits and eventually a

IN WASHINGTON COUNTY, HISTORY IS A HOT TOPIC

STORY BY LAURA HILL

A Walk Through

History

IMAGESWASHINGTONCOUNT Y.COM 11 10 WASHINGTON COUNT Y

Abingdon’s town planner, Garrett Jackson, is a Revolutionary War reenactor.

PHOTO BY ANTONY BOSHIER


Welcome to Washington Countyan inTroduCTion To The area’s people, plaCes and evenTs

Almanac

Come one, Come Allit began in 1950 as the Burley Tobacco festival and farm show, and today

is simply known as the Washington County fair. Running for six days in mid-

september and drawing more than 60,000 visitors to the Washington County

fairgrounds, the fair offers activities such as agriculture contests, cattle

judging, carnival rides and country music concerts. entertainers who have

appeared in the past include Garth Brooks, George strait, Martina McBride,

Bill Monroe and Crystal Gayle.

Almanac

Travel the Trailone of Washington County’s greatest natural assets is the

virginia Creeper Trail‚ a 35-mile multipurpose rail trail that

stretches from Abingdon to Whitetop near the north Carolina

state line. during spring and summer‚ hundreds of locals and

tourists flock to Abingdon to bike, hike or horseback ride

along the trail. Part of the virginia Creeper Trail’s appeal is

its outstanding scenery‚ which encompasses two geographic

regions of virginia. The Blue Ridge Mountains are situated east

of the trail‚ and the ridge and valley province of virginia

extends to the west. visitors can also enjoy the inns

and bed-and-breakfasts situated near the trail‚

offering a relaxing place to unwind.

Honor, Remember, Reflect

abingdon veterans’ memorial park opened in 2003, providing a place for recreation and reflection. it includes a flag tribute representing the branches of military service, as well as several monuments with the central one listing the names of the area’s deceased soldiers and the battles in which they fought. Brick pavers that honor hundreds of local veterans surround the central monument, with room for about 1,000 additional pavers.


4-H funlocated in virginia’s countryside, the

southwest virginia 4-H educational Center

has been serving the area’s young people

for more than 40 years. The center provides

a space where youth can develop leadership

skills through fun, hands-on activities, as

well as through workshops and seminars.

in addition, the center is also frequented

by businesses, church groups and other

organizations that use the various facilities

the location has to offer, such as meeting

and dining rooms.

sit Back and RelaxAllow your tension to dissolve with a full body massage

at the Martha Washington Hotel and spa. once you’re

done, enjoy an organic, farm-raised meal in the dining

room and a peaceful night’s rest on the finest cotton

sheets. This historic landmark, offering modern

accommodations, was constructed back in 1832

as a private residence. since then, it has housed a

finishing school‚ a Civil War hospital and a women’s

college, finally opening as an inn in 1935. The spa, added

in 2006, offers treatments for women, men and couples,

with options such as facials, massages, body wraps, and

nail and hair services. other amenities include wireless

internet service, 14 pieces of fitness equipment and a

saltwater pool.

dust off your kiltThe virginia Highlands festival

began in 1948 and has grown into

a popular event, complete with

an arts and crafts show, various

entertainers, an antiques market,

art and photography competitions,

concerts and appearances by

well-known writers, lecturers

and artists. Taking place in historic

Abingdon, the festival also offers

a Creative Writing day where

workshops in fiction, poetry,

children’s literature and

songwriting are available.

Children are also welcome to

attend the festival, and can enjoy

magicians, jugglers and parades.


Sleep at home tonight; wake up in

America’s Dream Town real soon.

Begin by visiting Main Street’s Historic District Area and take a walking tour of

Sinking Spring Cemetery and the Parson Cummings Cabin; view the blocks of his-toric homes, stop at local restaurants to

taste some of the wonderful food, coffee and special drinks; browse Main

Street’s Antique Block to find just the thing to take home to remind you of your visit to Abingdon; tour the many museums

that can interest you in everything from famous stars to history and the arts; orenjoy a wonderful play at The Barter

Theatre. End a perfect day by checking into one of the many historic bed and

breakfasts or hotels that Abingdon offers.

Abingdon Convention and Visitors Bureau

[email protected] www.abingdon.com

(800) 435-3440 (276) 676-2282

340 Commerce Dr. • Abingdon, VA 24210 • (276) 619-4600 • (276) 619-4605 Fax

www.hampton.com

abingdon, Virginia

You’ll be Satisfied.

we guarantee it.SM

Amenities

Complimentary Deluxe Continental Breakfast

Meeting Room Accommodating 15 People

Free Local Calls

Smoke-free Location

Complimentary USA Today

Outdoor Pool

Fitness Center

In-room Coffee Makers

In-room Microwaves and Fridges

Electric Door Locks on Guest Rooms

Jacuzzi Rooms Available

100% Satisfaction Guarantee

Free High-speed Wireless Internet

Reservations: (800) 426-7866

Present this ad to receive $5 off room rate.

www.abingdon.com

www.foodcity.com

www.hampton.com


Fast Factsn The rich history of the saltville valley, which dates its human occupation back 14,000 years, is documented in several exhibits at the museum of the middle appalachians in saltville.

n approximately one dozen new businesses are getting a competitive advantage by being located in the virginia highlands small Business incubator in stone mill park.

n abingdon’s arts depot is a nonprofit art gallery including working artist studios that are open to visitors. The gallery is housed in a 19th- century freight station.

n agriculture continues to be the main economic contributor to Washington County. The primary commodities are alfalfa, corn, dairy, livestock, poultry and tobacco.

Emory

19

5858

11

10710

WashingtonW n Abingdon

Holston

Damascus

Bristol

Meadowview

MOUNT ROGERSNATIONALRECREATION AREA

Glade Spring

SaltvilleS

South H

olston Lake

81

population (2010 estimate) Washington County: 54,443

Abingdon: 8,009

Glade spring: 1,525

damascus: 1,066

loCationWashington County is in southwestern

virginia, 135 miles south of Roanoke,

130 miles northeast of knoxville,

Tenn., and 150 miles northwest of

Charlotte, n.C.

beginningsWashington County was established

dec. 7, 1776, in the throes of the

Revolutionary War and was named

after Gen. George Washington.

for more informationWashington County

Chamber of Commerce

179 e. Main st.

Abingdon, vA 24210

Phone: (276) 628-8141

fax: (276) 628-3984 www.washingtonvachamber.org

Washington county at a glance

Washington County

What’s online Take a virtual tour of Washington County, courtesy of our award-winning photographers, at imageswashingtoncounty.com.

Author eats local

With titles like The Poisonwood

Bible, Animal Dreams and Pigs In

Heaven, author Barbara kingsolver

has touched on a wide variety of

social issues. But it was a return to

her roots in southern Appalachia

that prompted her bestseller

entitled Animal, Vegetable, Miracle:

A Year of Food Life. Chronicling

kingsolver’s relocation to

Washington County from Arizona

and the decision she and her

family made to “eat deliberately,”

consuming only foodstuffs grown

locally or by themselves, the book

made its way onto the New York

Times Best seller list in 2007.

www.washingtonvachamber.org

www.imageswashingtoncounty.com

imagesWashingTonCounT y.Com 11 10 WashingTon CounT y

abingdon’s town planner, garrett Jackson, is a revolutionary War reenactor.

PHoTo By AnTony BosHieR


Thanks to a new Revolutionary War interpretive center and a new brochure guiding a Civil War walking tour of historic Abingdon, Washington County residents and visitors alike are enjoying

fresh encounters with the area’s rich past.

overmountain trail begins in abingdonThe Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail

stretches more than 330 miles through Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina and South Carolina, marking the arduous route followed by patriotic militiamen in pursuit of the British. Their campaign ended in the historic Battle of Kings Mountain, S.C., in October 1780, a victory for the patriots that Thomas Jefferson called the turning point in the

Revolutionary War. The trail begins in Abingdon, where hundreds of Revolutionary War soldiers gathered for their Overmountain March, but until recently the trailhead’s significance was not well known.

“Most people growing up here have no idea that Abingdon was that important in the Revolutionary War, but when they do find out, they are just blown away,” Abingdon town planner Garrett Jackson says.

In 2006, when the town was offered the opportunity to buy the old Mustering Grounds, a 9-plus-acre meadow, it “jumped at the chance,” Jackson says. In partnership with the National Park Service and other groups, a former garage on the property was turned into a new visitor’s center housing 18th-century artifacts, changing exhibits and eventually a

in washington County, history is a hot topiC

sToRy By laura hill

A Walk Through

History


a house dating back to the Civil War at muster grounds

PHoTo By AnTony BosHieR


permanent collection. An 1820s home on the site will become a Civil War museum.

“We often talk about a community having a feather in its cap, and I think this is a feather for us and for the region,” Jackson says. “It will be a real boon to tourism.”

abingdon tour illustrates Civil war sitesAbingdon is also luring visitors with a new illustrated

brochure published to mark the sesquicentennial of the Civil War, which begins in 2011. Washington County’s Civil War History, produced by the Washington County Historical Society, offers a detailed look at an important era in Abingdon’s past. A walking tour map illuminates history through the town’s many historically noteworthy buildings and the citizens who built, lived and worked in them.

“This area was more important during the Civil War than many people realize,” says Melissa Watson, library manager for the Historical Society. “We weren’t in the middle of a battle, but there were things that made Abingdon significant, like the salt works up the road, which the Union Army wanted to take over, and the fact that we were a railroad hub.”

The tour gives a fascinating glimpse of an Abingdon that was perhaps even busier than it is now, Watson says. The town, a popular stopover on the main road to the Cumberland Plateau, boasted taverns, hotels, an opera house, cigar factory and more in the mid-19th century. Noteworthy sights on the tour include the Andrew Russell House, a Confederate military regional headquarters, the Tavern, which served as a field hospital during the war, and the county courthouse, a replica of the original that was burned during Stonemans’ Raid in 1864.

above: Tiffany stained-glass windows at the Washington County Courthouse

BR

iAn

McC

oR

d


Arts Are GRoWinGabingdon boasts a lively array of arts


Long a cultural hub for the region, Abingdon proudly nurtures a varied and lively assortment of arts

organizations and programs, from theater, to handicrafts, to independent film.

Perhaps the best known is the Barter Theatre, an internationally celebrated cultural organization and a National Historic Landmark. Having begun in the Depression, it takes its name from the goods-for-tickets trading that enabled early audiences to see its plays. Annually, the Barter presents a varied season of professional comedy, drama and musicals with an eye toward work of special interest to the region.

grant aids barter appalachian festival

Since 2001, the Barter has presented its annual Appalachian Festival of Plays and Playwrights (AFPP), a popular event that promotes regional playwrights and generates new material for Barter and other theaters around the country. Though the Barter may have begun years ago with little funding, it has recently prospered with a $25,000 grant from Dominion, the power company, to support the AFPP.

GRoWinGsToRy By laura hill

An

To

ny

Bo

sH

ieR

a leaf bowl by linda Kaylor at the holston mountain artisans Center


Barter Theatre

abingdon’s arts array

PH

oT

o C

ou

RT

es

y o

f J

eR

Ry

Mu

siC

k


Barter also triumphed in spring 2011 with the debut of an original play, Civil War Voices, by James R. Harris, which it also staged in Charleston, S.C., as part of that city’s sesquicentennial Civil War commemoration. The play combines the real-life stories of five people in the war years with music of the period arranged by composer Mark Hayes.

“The show contains no fiction,” Harris writes. “The words used in the show are often the actual words the characters used in diaries, letters and other writings … this is history you can’t find in history books.”

abingdon features array of arts

The Civil War also played a role in Abingdon’s celebrated Arts Array, sponsored by Virginia Highlands Community College. An extended and richly varied series of film screenings, lectures, concerts and arts experiences from dance to drumming, 2010-2011 offerings included a seminar on the Civil War in Abingdon 150 years ago. A second seminar tackled issues surrounding local coal mining and its environmental effects.

“Community colleges were designed

to be an outreach to the community, as well as education for kids,” says Arts Array coordinator Ben Jennings, a professor of English and film studies at VHCC. “Arts Array has a dual purpose, supplementing the college curriculum as well as reaching the community young folks and older folks.”

Jennings says he chooses the events in the series, which runs during both semesters of the academic year “to be the most diverse they can be in a small space.” Events are free to students, with a modest charge to community members.

abingdon artisans find new home

Once again history made itself felt in the arts, as the Holston Mountain Artisans, an arts and crafts cooperative launched in 1961, relocated from its former home in the old Cave House to new quarters in the city’s historic jail building. Celebrating the group’s 40th anniversary in 2011, the new shop is a bright, airy space filled with a broad array of regionally authentic crafts and handiwork, among them crocheted children’s items, dulcimers, quilts, baskets, pottery and wood carving.

Basket weaving at the holston mountain artisans Center

Fabric at the holston mountain artisans Center, an arts and crafts cooperative

BR

iAn

McC

oR

dA

nT

on

y B

os

Hie

R

An

To

ny

Bo

sH

ieR


Business


not long ago, corporate giants Pepsi and Colgate both turned down Washington County as a community

where the companies wanted to construct new manufacturing plants. Pepsi and Colgate had both expressed desire to locate in the Oak Park Center for Business & Industry in Abingdon, but ultimately declined because the industrial park had only one access road in and out of the 300-acre facility.

So what did Washington County do to make sure that never happens again? The Washington County Board of Supervisors and the Washington County Industrial Development Authority made it a top priority for Oak Park to get a second access road that connects with U.S. Highway 11, and construction of that road will begin

in the summer of 2011. It will open by the end of 2011.

“Pepsi and Colgate actually listed Oak Park as one of their very top choices to locate in the state of Virginia, but both companies were worried that if an accident ever occurred on the one existing road, traffic and distribution could be clogged for a long period of time,” says Christy Parker, Washington County assistant administrator for community and economic development.

To solve the problem, Washington County recently received a $5.7 million grant from the Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission to grade three mega-sites at Oak Park. The cost for grading was $4.3 million, and the other $1.4 million was earmarked for the new access road.

“The three mega-sites are 67.8 acres, 45 acres and 40 acres, and all are shovel-ready with infrastructure and the upcoming new road, for big companies to move right in if they’re interested,” Parker says. “And while the new road is being built, a few smaller site pads will be graded adjacent to the road in case smaller companies or light industries want to locate here, too.”

Parker says also helping the local business scene these days is a planned expansion for nearby Virginia Highlands Airport that will eventually lengthen its runway from a current 4,300 linear feet to 5,000 linear feet.

“Almost all corporate jets need to land on a runway that is at least 5,000 linear feet, and Virginia Highlands Airport will soon have that,” Parker says.

County, Companies move business seCtor forward

LanesToRy By kevin litwinPHoToGRAPHy By antony boshier

FAST

In the

a second access road that connects with u.s. highway 11 will be built for oak park by the end of 2011.


One company that is already doing business in Oak Park is Universal Companies, which brands itself as “your one source spa solution.” The company has been serving the spa industry since 1982 and today is a leading international distributor of products, equipment and supplies to spas, skin care professionals and resorts.

A few other current business sector happenings in Washington County are as follows:

virginia highlands small business incubator

This incubator building in Abingdon provides starting businesses with an entrepreneurial environment, giving them helpful support services and community resources during the start-up period. The facility is equipped with high-speed Internet, conference facilities, low overhead and one-on-one business coaching.

bvu authorityBVU Authority has been a part of

Washington County since the early 1950s, serving as an electricity provider for several portions of the county. Today, BVU serves 8,000 Washington County customers.

“We used to be called Bristol Virginia Utilities but now simply go by BVU Authority, or BVU,” says Stacey Pomrenke, executive vice president and chief financial officer. “Besides electricity, we provide much of Washington County with broadband and cable TV service, which is vitally important to most consumers today.”

Staying on the cutting edge of technology isn’t BVU’s only concern. The company is also dedicated to being a good steward of the environment, which prompted it to partner with Alpha Natural Resources in 2009 to plant 16,500 trees, one for every BVU customer.

“We planted trees everywhere – at parks, colleges and schools – and we made sure all of them were environmentally sustainable and gave back lots of oxygen,” says Gail Childress, director of community outreach for Bristol Virginia Utilities. “We also made sure they were trees that would make a positive difference, like fruit trees, magnolias, pines, willows and flowering crabapples.”

Business


spa products from universal Companies



To

dd

Be

nn

eT

Tbristol virginia utilities has won multiple awards for its broadband fiber network and green practices.


scorecardbusiness at

a glanCe

$472,000annual retail sales

$9,187retail sales

per capita

$57,000annual hotel

and food sales

4,016total number

of firms

source: u.s. Census QuickFacts

Business

Biz BriefsBusinesses – BoTh large and small – ThaT help deFine

WashingTon CounTy’s eConomiC ClimaTe

Capo’sBiz: Music storeBuzz: Opened in 2009, Capo’s is owned by Amy and Gill Brasswell, who place heavy emphasis on the Appalachian culture that is reflected in the instruments, art and books sold in the store. Additionally, Capo’s provides educational opportunities for all skill levels, and donates a portion of their proceeds to local nonprofits and charities each month.www.caposmusicstore.com


Farris Funeral ServiceFarris Cremation & Funeral Center

Forest Hills Memory GardensFaithful Pets Cremation & Burial Care

Abingdon, VA • (276) 623-2700 www.farrisfuneralservice.com

Services for Remembrance and Healing

Washington County’s only on-site crematory

Compassion • Integrity • Exceptional Service

• Gathering room with catering facilities• Unique memorialization choices• Complete cremation services• Burial, entombment, scattering garden• Separate facility for companion pet cremation or burial

soulfull eventsBiz: Event plannersBuzz: Soulfull Events provides custom accent pieces for various event rentals, including fundraisers, corporate events, meeting or tradeshow arrangements, and holiday and birthday parties, among others. To keep things as easy as possible, Soulfull Events offers a number of pre-packaged options for a few event staples, such as themed birthday and holiday parties. Appointments are available to view showroom items.www.soulfullevents.com

waters-dorsey designsBiz: Custom label water bottlesBuzz: Waters-Dorsey Designs is a custom water bottle producer that provides custom labels to businesses and residents of Washington County. They enable businesses to utilize a unique and more eco-friendly method of advertising through custom bottle labels rather than traditional methods. They use pure mountain spring water from the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, and all bottles are both recyclable and biodegradable.www.watersdorseydesigns.com

Cary street partnersBiz: Investment bankingBuzz: In 2002, Mark Gambill and Tom Tullidge, both successful investment bankers, joined forces to open the independently owned Cary Street Partners. With the intention of serving every client on a personal level and remaining objective, Cary Street Partners has grown to include seven separate locations. Services include individual wealth management, marketing strategy, and research and institutional advisory services.www.carystreetpartners.com

magnoliaBiz: Home furnishingsBuzz: Established and owned by a mother-daughter duo, Magnolia prides itself on selling a variety of unique and one-of-a-kind items. Magnolia furniture marketplace sells pieces to suit almost any style, whether it be classic or eclectic. Styles offered include French, Asian-inspired, modern, woodwork and traditional.www.magnoliafurnishings.com

www.farrisfuneralservice.com

www.hubank.com


TheVirginian...aplacewheremanandnaturecombinetocreateasettingsounique,it’snotwhathasbeenbuilt,butratherwhathasn’t. Only250homesitesstrategicallyplacedamong538acresofrollinghills,unspoiledwoodlandsandmeadowscarpetedbywildflowers.TheVirginiantakesprideinitsrespectforcivilityandqualityoflife. AqualityoflifethatisenrichedbyaTomFazio-designedgolfcoursesomasterfulthatthecourseandcommunityrateas“oneofthebestplacesinAmericatolive.”Enoughsaid. Convenientlylocatedoffofexit10onInterstate81,betweenthehistorictownsofAbingdonandBristol.Ourgatesaremoreaformalitythananecessity. Doyourselfafavor.VisitTheVirginian,andyou’llseewhatlifecanbewhenyou’resurroundedbythebeautyofnatureandartandnotpeople.

22512ClubhouseRidge•Bristol,Virginia24202Call(800)452-8065,fax(276)645-7055

[email protected]

Aprivategolfclubcommunityof250homesiteson538acresofsomeofthemostbreathtakinghighlandsinNorthAmerica.Homesitesfrom$70,000andcustomhomesfrom$300,000.

Voidwhereprohibitedbylaw,includingNewYorkandNewJersey.

Unspoiled. Uncrowded.

Business

chamber reportleadership program yields Three sTrong proJeCTs

the 2011 Leadership Washington County graduating class has

proven it can lead.Leadership Washington County is

an annual eight-month program backed by the Washington County Chamber of Commerce to help train professionals from all walks of life to become better leaders. Participants meet 15-17 times over the eight months to learn about

various aspects of the community, such as law enforcement, education, health, business and local government.

In addition, the 2011 class of 15 individuals was split into three teams of five to think of three projects to better their Washington County community.

“One of the teams chose a project on health; one opted for an agriculture project; and the other team got involved

with an environment project,” says Barry Firebaugh, director of Leadership Washington County. “All were very successful.”

health projectThe team that chose a health

project organized and hosted a Health & Fitness Fair on April 5, 2011, at Abingdon Senior Center.

“About 100 people were in attendance, along with medical professionals checking blood pressure, blood glucose, oxygen levels, bone density, hearing and vision,” Firebaugh says. “It was a great program for the Senior Center and there was also a Red Cross Bloodmobile on-site.”

agriculture projectThe second five-member team put

together a Local Food, Local Farms project that featured an open-to- the-public panel discussion at the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center. In attendance were speakers from a USDA farm office, Ag Extension individuals talking about local 4-H and individuals from Appalachian Sustainable Development.

“There was also a professor from Emory & Henry College talking about buying from local farmers, plus there was a local farmers market representative talking about local food choices,” Firebaugh says.

environment projectThe third five-member team

worked with the Town of Abingdon’s Go Green Committee to publish a brochure identifying items that can be recycled by citizens of Washington County, and where in the county they can take the recyclable items.

“The brochures are now available at the chamber, visitor’s bureau and in newcomers’ packages, with a goal of getting many citizens involved in recycling,” Firebaugh says. “All three Leadership projects in 2011 were excellent.”

– Kevin Litwin

www.thevirginian.com


business ClimateAgriculture, manufacturing and tourism-related businesses are the

main economic contributors to Washington County. The big crops

are tobacco, corn, alfalfa, livestock, poultry and dairy products.

The area is also a major manufacturer of crushed rock, fabricated

metal products, machinery, consumer goods and food.

eConomiC profile

major employers

1,000+ Employees:

Bristol CompressorsManufactures Hermetic

Compressors

Washington County virginia school systemeducation

500-749 Employees:

Johnston memorial hospitalHealth Care

mid-mountain Foods Grocery distribution

250-499 Employees

K-va-T/Food City Grocery distribution

universal Fibers inc. Produces Man-Made fibers

utility Trailer of glade spring Manufactures dry

freight Trailers

150-249 Employees

Columbus mcKinnon

Corporation

Manufactures electric

& Hand Hoists

hapCo aluminum poles

Manufactures flag & lighting

Poles

paramont manufacturing

Manufactures Molded Truck

Components

inCome

$26,922per Capita income

$49,179average annual household expenditure

transportation

highways

interstate 81; u.s. Highways 11,

19 and 58; virginia Primary

Highways 75, 80 and 91

airTri-Cities Regional Airport, a

regional commercial aviation

airport, is 34 miles southwest

of Abingdon off of i-81 near

Blountville, Tenn. virginia

Highlands Airport, a general

aviation facility, is located

1 mile west of Abingdon on

u.s. Highway 11.

railA norfolk southern mainline

runs through Washington

County. Bulk and mixed

freight service, containerized

piggyback, and team track

service are available.

WaterPort of Hampton Roads, va. is

397 miles east of Abingdon.

inland container port at front

Royal, va., is 223 miles

northeast of Abingdon.

resourCes

Washington County Chamber of Commerce www.washingtonvachamber.org

www.cancer.org

www.newpeoplesbank.com

26 WashingTon CounT y

image Gallery


Train trestle on the Virginia Creeper Trail

Photo by Todd Bennett


image Galleryimage Gallery

Confederate soldier statue in downtown Abingdon

Staff Photo

image Gallery


St. Thomas Episcopal Church on Main Street in Abingdon

Photo by Brian McCord


image Gallery


Tulips at the Municipal Building in Abingdon

Photo by Todd Bennett


whether you want to golf,

fish or hike, Washington

County has a variety of

recreation opportunities

for outdoor lovers.

golFAbingdon is home to Glenrochie

Country Club, featuring an 18-hole,

par 72 private course. The

Greenway Creek Golf Course

in Glade springs is a public 18-hole

course. in damascus, golfers can

play nine holes at the deer field

Golf Course.

nearby Bristol also has two

venues – the public Clear Creek

Golf Club and The virginian

Golf Club, a private course.

Clear Creek, a scenic 18-hole

championship course, is widely

regarded as one of the Tri-Cities’

finest-conditioned public

golf courses.

The virginian’s masterpiece

course was designed by Tom

fazio and has been honored as

one of the top 100 in America by

several national publications. The

virginian has also been rated the

third-best private golf community

in America by the Robb Report magazine. it has been called “one

of America’s Premier Properties”

by Links magazine and “one of the

50 Best Places to live in America”

by Golf Magazine.

FishingAnglers of all types flock to

the area on a year-round basis,

but from early spring through

late summer, the focus is on fly-

fishing. specific sites that are

best for fly-fishing fanatics are

Whitetop laurel Creek, Taylor’s

valley, Big Tumbling Creek,

Hidden valley, Green Cove and

the Holston River. Those fishing

spots are especially ideal for

good catches of brook, brown

and rainbow trout, as well as

several other species.

Whitetop laurel Creek is

perhaps the area’s best-known

spot for the sport of fly-fishing,

with the most active months

occurring from late March

through most of June.

cycling, hiking and camPing

stretching from Abingdon to

Whitetop near the north Carolina

state line, the virginia Creeper

Trail is a 35-mile multipurpose

rail trail. With gorgeous scenery,

a well-groomed, gentle grade

friendly to bikers and hikers of

all levels, and a rich history, the

virginia Creeper Trail draws

more than 100,000 trail visitors

annually. it has helped damascus

– located where the virginia

Creeper and Appalachian trails

intersect – to go from a sleepy

town with a slowing economy

to a bustling center of recreation-

focused activity.

Also available for outdoor

enthusiasts is the Appalachian

Trail, commonly called the A.T.

This trail is sometimes referred

to as the granddaddy of all u.s.

hiking trails because it spans a

distance of approximately 2,160

miles, traverses eight national

forests and touches 14 states.

The A.T., established in 1937,

was designated as the first

completed national scenic trail

in 1968. since then, more than

10,000 individuals have reported

hiking the entire trail.

– Joe Morris, Kevin Litwin, Jessica Walker

love naturemany opTions For ouTdoor enThusiasTs

sports & Recreation

sTA

ff

PH

oT

o


Clockwise from left: hiking the appalachian Trail; hole no. 2, a par 3, at The virginian golf Club in Bristol; Fly-fishing is also popular in the area.

To

dd

Be

nn

eT

Ts

TA

ff

PH

oT

o


residents of Washington

County are fortunate to have

numerous top-notch cultural

institutions in their midst.

Barter theatrePerhaps the most famous is

the historic Barter Theatre, an

arts facility with a storied past

and more than 160,000 visitors

each year.

The Abingdon theater

opened in 1933 during the

Great depression, when the

price of admission was 40 cents

– or the equivalent in food – a

policy that gave the theater its

distinctive name.

Today‚ the Barter Theatre

company puts on an incredible

16-17 productions per week from

february through december,

and is one of the few remaining

nonprofit resident acting troupes

in the united states.

in addition to the original, 507-

seat main theater space known

as the Town Hall‚ the downtown

complex includes a second stage

known as Barter stage ii‚ which

seats 167‚ along with a café and

stonewall square.

famous Barter alumni include

Gregory Peck, Patricia neal,

ernest Borgnine, ned Beatty

and Gary Collins, among other

notable stars.

William king regional arts center

The William king Regional Arts

Center is a community landmark

and a focal point for the arts.

The center in Abingdon is

housed in an early 20th-century

building that served as a school

until 1973. it was converted into

an arts facility in 1979 and now

offers in-house classes for adults

and children‚ with staff members

even traveling to educate

elementary school students using

the center’s “van Gogh” truck.

other school programs bring

third- and fourth-grade students

into the arts center for gallery

tours, lessons and related

art projects.

special classes also have been

developed for home-school

students, and week-long summer

art camps keep young minds and

hands engaged, even when school

is not in session.

The center, a partner of the

virginia Museum of fine Arts,

also features art from the region

and around the world, with its

free exhibitions changing every

10 to 12 weeks.

arts dePotAnother hot spot for art

exhibitions and classes is located

in downtown Abingdon in what

was a railroad freight depot for

more than 100 years.

Today, the Arts depot is

the headquarters of the 300-

member, nonprofit depot Artists

Association, formerly the William

king Artists Association.

it has two galleries, as well

as studio space, workshops and

classrooms, and offers lectures‚

demonstrations and discussions.

The Arts depot is dedicated to

making the arts accessible to the

community and offers classes for

all ages. Topics range from basic

drawing and pastel, acrylic and oil

painting, to watercolor portraits

and silk painting. other offerings

include scrapbooking, collage and

digital photography.

in addition, a partnership

between area arts organizations,

including the William king

Regional Arts Center, and higher

education institutions sponsors

Arts Array, a series of foreign

and independent films, concerts,

lectures, museum exhibits and

other cultural events, which are

open to the community.

– Tiffany Williams

a cultured crowd WashingTon CounTy is a good plaCe For arT lovers

Arts & Culture

160,000Number of people who visit the

Barter Theatre each year

1979Year the William King Regional

Arts Center building was converted into an arts facility

100Number of years the Arts Depot

served as a railroad freight depot


top right and bottom: Works from the William King regional arts Center

BR

iAn

McC

oR

d

BR

iAn

McC

oR

d

To

dd

Be

nn

eT

T


education

grab a seatWashingTon CounTy eduCaTion oFFers Wide varieTy oF opTions

students, please take your

seats. Today’s lesson is:

Washington County offers top-

notch education opportunities at

all levels of learning, including a

strong public school system and

a variety of colleges.

Washington county school system

Quality education begins

with the youngest students,

and Washington County school

system ensures that students will

receive a safe, supportive and

engaging learning environment,

which challenges all students to

achieve their own maximum

potential. Through partnerships

with families and community

organizations, each student

acquires basic education skills

and receives a diverse array of

educational opportunities that

promote healthy social, physical

and intellectual growth.

All schools are members of the

southern Association of schools

and Colleges. The system includes

seven elementary schools, four

middle schools and four high

schools. The school system

offers various programs, such as

Advanced Placement classes, dual

enrollment, Gifted and Talented

education or GATe, and

Governor’s school, in addition

to two vocational schools for

students to attain technical skills

and certification through training

and on-the-job experience.

emory & henry college

The oldest college in

southwest virginia, emory &

Henry opened in 1836 and is a

four-year institution focused on

providing a transformative

academic environment for

its students. With an average

enrollment of approximately

1,000, the school provides

small classroom sizes and

close working relationships

among students and faculty.

“students might think that

because emory & Henry is a

private liberal arts college, it

carries a high sticker price – but

that’s not true,” says dirk Moore,

director of public relations at

e&H. “Compared to other liberal

arts colleges in virginia and

Tennessee, and given the financial

aid packages we offer, emory &

Henry is incredibly reasonable.”

included in the school’s more

than 25 programs of study are a

high-tech mass communications

program, a strong education

program and interdisciplinary

southwest virginia higher education Center

An

To

ny

Bo

sH

ieR


programs that allow students to

combine classes from more than

one discipline to create a more

specialized major. one of its

leading programs is public

policy and community service,

which Moore says is becoming

increasingly popular across

the country.

Virginia highlands community college

Also providing an array of

classes to more than 3,500

students is virginia Highlands

Community College. located

along interstate 81 at exit 14 on

a 100-acre campus, virginia

Highlands is a two-year college

that offers a number of programs

for students who will ultimately

transfer to a four-year institution.

founded in 1969, vHCC offers

programs and services geared

to directly meet the needs of

the local community.

one program is the Center for

Business and industry, which was

created in 1996 to better prepare

students for the local workforce.

The center offers retraining, job-

specific and pre-employment

training, and plays a large role in

the area’s economic development

efforts. vHCC’s dual-enrollment

program allows high school

students an opportunity to earn

college credit, and the Tobacco

outreach program provides

tuition assistance for tobacco

farmers and their families.

vHCC is also involved

with more than 30 four-year

institutions as part of its

Guaranteed Admissions Program,

which helps students prepare for

their transfer process to a four-

year college. The tuition at vHCC

is about one-third the cost of

attending a public university

in virginia, and each year the

college provides more than

$5 million in grants and

scholarships to its students.

southWest Virginia higher education center

The southwest virginia Higher

education Center, which is located

on the vHCC campus, opened in

1998 and partners with local

colleges and universities to

offer undergraduate and graduate

degree programs and professional

development courses primarily

for adult learners. The center

has more than 60 graduate and

undergraduate degree pro grams

and more than 1,000 students. in

addition to providing educational

offerings, the center is the

go-to site for local business

and industry for meetings and

staff development. The center

boasts a conference facility

and auditorium, more than 25

class rooms, computer classrooms,

internet access, a science lab and

even more.

– Kevin Litwin and Raven Petty

www.ehc.edu


local flavor

An

To

ny

Bo

sH

ieR


when Animal, Vegetable, Miracle: A Year of Food

Life, written by renowned author

and Washington County resident

Barbara kingsolver, hit the New York Times Best seller list in

2007, it brought widespread

attention to a farm-to-table

movement gaining momentum

throughout the country. it also

shined a spotlight on Washington

County and the transition to a

healthier food system that’s been

under way here for the past

16 years.

“More than any other book,

Animal, Vegetable, Miracle put

us on the map,” says Anthony

flaccavento, former executive

director of Appalachian

sustainable development.

aPPalachian sustainaBle deVeloPment

founded in 1995, the not-

for-profit, Abingdon-based

organization provides a support

network that newcomers to the

local-foods ideal can plug into –

whether they come by way of

kingsolver’s book or some other

avenue, flaccavento says.

To promote a strong local

food system that benefits the

consumer, the farmer and the

environment, Appalachian

sustainable development

encourages organic farming

and helps link consumers with

local farmers and foods. it owns

and operates the Appalachian

Harvest packing facility in nearby

duffield, where area farmers –

many from Washington County

– bring produce and eggs grown

organically on their farms to be

washed, graded, packed and

shipped to grocery stores within

a five-state region

Appalachian sustainable

development also was

instrumental in building the

Abingdon farmers Market, which

is the largest in the area. from the

third week of April through the

end of november, approximately

1,600 customers visit the

Abingdon farmers Market every

saturday morning. The market

also is open Tuesday afternoons.

“it’s a wonderful facility,”

flaccavento says. “it is very

functional with plenty of shade,

water and electric hookups, a chef,

live music and a terrific assortment

of vendors.”

aBingdon Farmers market

The Abingdon farmers Market

maintains a local-only market

vendor policy – meaning vendors

must have grown, raised or made

the products they sell, flaccavento

says. “That policy has been very

important because it has created a

real appreciation for the healthy

choices, diversity and sustainability

among our local foods and

products,” he says. “We are

also working with other farmers

markets in the area, and we have

formed a regional association of

farmers markets because there is

so much interest.”

harVest taBle, meadoWVieW Farmers guild

several area restaurants that

use local, organically grown

produce, eggs and meats to

prepare menu items provide

another conduit between

consumers and local foods.

Among those is Harvest Table,

the companion restaurant of

the Meadowview farmers Guild

general store in Meadowview.

The restaurant has an ever-

changing menu that showcases

the region’s freshest foods.

Chefs Richard Houser and Philip

newton turn local grass-fed beef,

native trout, organic produce and

artisan cheeses into tantalizing

selections, such as Rich valley

Ribeye steak with garlic and

peppercorn butter, lump crab-

stuffed Blue Ridge Trout and

four-Cheese Quiche with pecans

and chard. And if you have room,

you might want to try the

strawberry rhubarb pie with

homemade ice cream.

By the way, Harvest Table was

named the greenest restaurant

from Washington d.C. to Atlanta,

Ga., by Blue Ridge Outdoors

magazine.

“Restaurant patrons often

travel from the surrounding

areas,” says lori Price, manager

of Meadowview farmers Guild.

“And a lot of folks that have read

Animal, Vegetable, Miracle want

to come and see what eating local

foods is all about.”

– Carol Cowan

Farmers and residents uniteWashingTon CounTy promoTes loCal Foods

potted plants for sale at the abingdon Farmers market, where products are grown, raised or made locally


Handcut SteakS • PaSta • FreSH SeaFood cHicken • daily cHeF’S FeatureS

967 W. Main St. • Abingdon, VA 24210

(276) 623-0530 • (276) 619-4811 Fax

www.thepeppermill.com

Innovative Cuisine in a Casual Atmosphere

www.bvu-optinet.com

www.marthawashingtoninn.com

www.vhcc.edu


Handcut SteakS • PaSta • FreSH SeaFood cHicken • daily cHeF’S FeatureS

967 W. Main St. • Abingdon, VA 24210

(276) 623-0530 • (276) 619-4811 Fax


Innovative Cuisine in a Casual Atmosphere

11/2 pounds zucchini

11/4 teaspoon salt

1 cup fresh corn kernels (cut from two ears)

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice1/2 teaspoon sugar1/4 teaspoon black pepper1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

8 ounces grape or cherry tomatoes, halved lengthwise1/4 cup thinly sliced fresh basil

Working with one zucchini at a time, cut

lengthwise into very thin (julienne) strips

with slicer, turning zucchini and avoiding

core. discard core.

Toss zucchini strips with 1 teaspoon salt

and let drain in a colander set over a bowl,

covered and chilled, for 1 hour.

Gently squeeze handfuls of zucchini to

remove excess water and pat dry with

paper towels.

Cook corn in a small saucepan of boiling

water until tender, about 3 minutes. drain,

then rinse under cold water and pat dry.

Whisk together lemon juice, sugar, pepper,

and remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt in a

large bowl, then add oil in a slow stream,

whisking. Add zucchini, corn, tomatoes and

basil; toss well.

Farmers market FavoriteTry This zuCChini, Corn and TomaTo salad WiTh Fresh, loCal ingredienTs

local flavor



• Adult/Child Prophylaxis• Sealants• Periodontics (Treatment of Gum Disease)• Cosmetic Dentistry, Tooth Whitening• Porcelain Veneers• Porcelain Crown/Bridges• Partials/Dentures• Onlays/Inlays• Endodontics (Root Canals)• Implant Dentistry• Extractions• Nitrous Oxide Sedation• Biteguards• Sleep Apnea Appliances• Intra Oral Camera

915 W. Main St. • Abingdon, VA 24210 • (276) 628-9507 • www.browndentalassociates.com

Now Offering CLEAR CORRECTClear Correct is the clear

and simple way to straighten your teeth without wearing

braces so you can show off your smile!

Brown Dental Associates, P.C.General & Preventive Family Dentistry • Since 1974

Ronnie L. Brown, D.D.S. • Bob L. Brown, D.D.S. • Michael A. Hull, D.M.D.

New Patients WelcomeWe File Dental Insurance

Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Abingdon Obstetrics & GynecOlOGy, P.c.

Jay W. Lavigne, M.D.Melanie Leight, M.D. Nicole A. Long, D.O.

Brett A. Manthey, D.O.Maria M. Briscoe, CFNPPaula K. Wright, CFNP

(276) 628-4335277 White St. • Abingdon, VA 24210

www.browndentalassociates.com

www.broadmore-bristol.com


johnston Memorial Hospital

began in 1905 as a 12-bed

facility and has grown to become

a major medical center for

southwest virginia. now it

has grown even more.

A new 350,000-square-foot,

$135 million hospital opened in

June 2011 along the south side of

interstate 81, between exits 19 and

21 in Abingdon. The four-story,

116-bed medical center is now

being used instead of the long-

standing JMH building that served

the community well for many years

in downtown Abingdon.

“our general contractor

R.J. Griffin and the army of

subcontractors and construction

workers they assembled to

complete this project have battled

record-breaking rainfall, high

winds, strong storms and snow –

one major weather issue after

another – since we broke ground

on the facility in late 2009,” says

sean McMurray, Ceo of JMH. “Their

dedication to keeping the project

moving forward regardless of what

Mother nature threw their way has

been most impressive.”

McMurray says construction

of the new hospital focused

on green initiatives with an

emphasis on energy savings

and environmental design. it

spans 60 acres and is nearly three

times the size of the old facility,

and the additional space will allow

JMH to expand in the future.

Just What the doc orderedJohnsTon memorial hospiTal opens neW Building

Health & Wellness

at your serVicesThe new hospital opened on the

heels of several new services that

JMH has implemented for patients.

in 2010, the hospital opened The

Center for Comprehensive Wound

Care, which provides specialized

treatment for chronic wounds. in

2009, Johnston Memorial Hospital

surgery Center opened, making it

the first outpatient surgery center

in southwest virginia.

in 2008, the hospital opened its

urgent care center and treated

more than 8,000 patients, and also

in 2008 the hospital opened the

diabetes Care Center to provide

the latest in diabetes care,

treatment and education. And

after opening the region’s first and

only digital mammography system

in late 2006, Johnston Memorial

opened a $22 million, 60,000-

square-foot cancer center in 2007.

let’s Be PartnersJohnston Memorial Hospital

recently joined the Johnson City,

Tenn.-based Mountain states

Health Alliance, along with 14

other hospitals that serve 29

counties in virginia, kentucky,

north Carolina and Tennessee.

The Alliance also includes

approximately two dozen

primary/preventive care centers

as well as numerous outpatient

care sites.

Johnston Memorial Hospital provides the following medical care services:

• Blood Bank

• Bio-Medical Ethics Committee

• Cancer Center

• Cardiopulmonary

• Case Management/ Social Services

• Services

• Diabetes Care

• Education

• Emergency

• Home Care

• Laboratory

• Maternity Care

• Nutrition Therapy

• Palliative Care


• Pastoral Care


• Pharmacy

• Physical, Occupational & Speech Therapy

• Surgery

• Sleep Medicine

• Urgent Care

more about Jmh

An

To

ny

Bo

sH

ieR


visit ouradvertisersAbingdon Convention & Visitors Bureauwww.abingdon.com

Abingdon OB-GYNwww.abingdonobgyn.com

Abingdon Physician Partnerswww.abingdonphysicianpartners.com

Beeson & Beeson Architects Inc.

Bristol Office Supply Inc.www.bos-inc.com

Broadmore Senior Livingwww.broadmore-bristol.com

Brown Dental Associates PCwww.browndentalassociates.com

BVU Optinetwww.bvu-optinet.com

Comfort Suites Abingdonwww.choicehotels.com/hotel/va492

Emory & Henry Collegewww.ehc.edu

Farm Bureau Insurance – Agent David Lelandwww.farmbureauadvantage.com

Farm Credit Country Mortgageswww.farmcreditofvirginias.com

Farris Funeral Service Groupwww.farrisfuneralservice.com

First Bank & Trust Companywww.firstbank.com

Food Citywww.foodcity.com

Hampton Inn of Abingdonwww.hampton.com

Hicok, Fern, Brown & Garciawww.firmcpa.com

Highlands Union Bankwww.hubank.com

Johnston Memorial Hospital www.msha.com/jmh

Lawson Hatch Financial Services

Mickey Tyler & Associateswww.nwagent.com/mickey_tyler.html

New Peoples Bankwww.newpeoplesbank.com

The Bank of Marionwww.bankofmarionva.com

The Martha Washington Inn & Spawww.marthawashingtoninn.com

The Peppermillwww.thepeppermill.com

The Virginian Golf Clubwww.thevirginian.com

Virginia Highlands Community Collegewww.vhcc.edu

Washington County Industrial Development Authoritywww.washcova.com

6039-TR12260M_TGB_Livability.indd 1 3/22/10 11:40:09 AM

Living green is making sure the air in your home is healthy for your family to breathe. Test your home for radon and build radon-resistant. It's easy. That's living healthy and green.

Just call 866-730-green or visit www.epa.gov/radon

Living greenstarts from the ground up.

www.travelocity.com

www.epa.gov/radon

www.abingdon.com

www.abingdonobgyn.com


www.bos-inc.com

www.broadmore-bristol.com

www.browndentalassociates.com

www.bvu-optinet.com

www.choicehotels.com/hotel/va492

www.ehc.edu

www.farmbureauadvantage.com

www.farmcreditofvirginias.com

www.farrisfuneralservice.com

www.firstbank.com

www.foodcity.com

www.hampton.com

www.firmcpa.com

www.hubank.com

www.msha.com/jmh

www.nwagent.com/mickey_tyler.html

www.newpeoplesbank.com

www.bankofmarionva.com

www.marthawashingtoninn.com


www.thevirginian.com

www.vhcc.edu

www.washcova.com


Real estate

abingdon is such a nice town

that many of its 8,000

natives never leave at all, except

for college or military service.

small-town charm comes

naturally here, with picture-perfect

streets bordered by red-brick

sidewalks and beautifully restored

historic structures. A victorian

home might neighbor a federal-

style building on one side and

a 1940s bungalow on the other.

somehow, the mix is harmonious.

Houses from the 18th and early

19th centuries blend peacefully

together in the downtown district,

while today’s Abingdon is

transforming itself into a town

where you can live and work

comfortably. The quality of life,

progressive city government and

constant stream of activities make

it very attractive, plus the prices

are reasonable. The average home

price in 2010 for Abingdon was

about $140,000.

not shy, But retiringAnd rest easy: Abingdon

continues to grow in status

as a retirement destination.

in fact, Where to Retire magazine has praised Abingdon

for being an undiscovered haven.

Meanwhile, The Wall Street Journal featured the town as an ideal

retirement community, pointing

out its stunning vistas, thriving

arts community, a mild climate

and charming downtown.

for anyone needing an

assisted living center, Westhaven

Retirement living is open 24

hours a day to offer its residents

three balanced meals, laundry

services, and daily housekeeping

and trash removal. The center also

provides residents with activities

specialty of the houseaBingdon oFFers many residenTial opTions

emphasizing physical

strengthening and emotional

well-being.

Westhaven also makes sure

there’s something to do for

everyone. Crafts, bingo, exercise,

air hockey, movies, birthday

parties, dances, bands and karaoke

are some of the available activities.

if that’s not enough, the center

also offers a beautiful view of the

Appalachian Mountains.

An

To

ny

Bo

sH

ieR


Hicok, Fern, Brown & Garcia cPas

Thomas M. Hicok, CPA, CVA, CFFAJames H. Fern, CPA, CVADavid B. Brown, CPA Juan Garcia, CPA

(276) 628-1123E-mail: hicokfern&[email protected]

LawsonHatch

Financial Services

599 E. Main St.(276) 628-5633

Bruce Hatch, Jr. CFP®

Certified Financial Plannertm

Charles R. Day(276) 628-5123

(276) 628-7038 Fax

Beeson & Beeson

R C h i t e C t s i n C .

P.O. BOx 650 • ABingDOn, VA [email protected]

One of America’s Oldest Dealers

www.bos-inc.comBOS INC.BRISTOL OFFICE SUPPLY INC.

Office supplies & furnitureCanon copiersCanon full line servicing dealer

28 Moore St., Bristol, VA 24201 (276) 669-7131 or (800) 654-7687

511 W. Main St., Wise, VA 24293(276) 328-2259 or (800) 422-6025

Serving SW Virginia and NE Tennessee since 1932

www.thefirstbank.com

www.bos-inc.com

www.farmcreditofvirginias.com

www.firmcpa.com

www.virginiafarmbureau.com

www.nwagent.com/mickey_tyler.html


Climate

Washington County enjoys

a mild climate, with a snowy

winter, warm summer and

fall foliage that peaks in

mid-october.

85° July average high

22° January average low

46”annual rain Fall (vs. national average annual rain Fall of 37”)

time zone

eastern

land area

563square miles

Cost of living

$38,023median household income

$55,714median home price

$556median rent for a Two-Bedroom apartment

household information

age:

40median resident age

22% 19 and under

47% 20-54

31% 55 and over

marital status:

54% married

46% single

ethnicity:

94% White

3% Black

1% hispanic

2% other

transportation

20 minutesmedian Travel Time to Work

snapshotWashington County is renowned for its cultural and historical

significance. Abingdon features a 20-block historic district that

is listed on the national Register of Historic Places. it is home of

the world-famous Barter Theatre, the state Theatre of virginia.

Community profile

This seCTion is sponsored By


Through the lens

When i get to a new

community, one thing i like

to do is pick up some brochures

of what’s in the area. one in

particular caught my eye in

Washington County – the one

for White’s Mill.

The brochure gave me a

little bit of information about

its history, which dates back

about 120 years. it was still

powered by water up until 1989.

The mill fell out of production

leading up to the turn of the

century, and in 2001, the White’s

Mill foundation was formed and

purchased the mill.

But it was the photo on the

brochure that really piqued my

interest. it was the mill at dusk

with the warm glow from a

floodlight illuminating it as it

was reflected in a pond. very

cool shot. i wanted to try my

hand at it …

From our Photo Blog: Washington county

posted by todd bennett

more online See more favorite photos and read the stories behind the shots at imageswashingtoncounty.com.

Creeping along the virginia Creeper trail

holston mountain arts and Crafts Coop

now that you’ve experienced Washington county through our photos, see it through the eyes of our photographers. visit imageswashingtoncounty.com to view our exclusive photographers’ blog documenting what all went in to capturing those perfect moments.

get the story Behind the Photo

Ad Index 8 AbingdonConvention &visitorsbureAu

42 Abingdonob-gYn

1 Abingdon PhYsiCiAnPArtners

46 beeson&beeson ArChiteCtsinC.

46 bristoloffiCesuPPlYinC.

42 broAdmoreseniorliving

42 browndentAl AssoCiAtesPC

40 bvuoPtinet

C3 ComfortsuitesAbingdon

37 emorY&henrYCollege

46 fArmbureAuinsurAnCe–

AgentdAvidlelAnd

46 fArmCredit

CountrYmortgAges

23 fArrisfunerAl

serviCegrouP

46 firstbAnk

&trustComPAnY

8 foodCitY

8 hAmPtoninnofAbingdon

46 hiCok,fern,brown&gArCiA

23 highlAndsunionbAnk

C2 Johnston

memoriAlhosPitAl

Ad Index (cont.) 46 lAwsonhAtCh finAnCiAlserviCes

46 miCkeYtYler&AssoCiAtes

25 newPeoPlesbAnk

47 thebAnkofmArion

40 themArthAwAshington inn&sPA

41 thePePPermill

24 thevirginiAngolfClub

40 virginiAhighlAnds CommunitYCollege

C4 wAshingtonCountY industriAldeveloPment AuthoritY

Hot Breakfast Buffet – 6-9 a.m.Free Wireless/Wired Internet • Business Center

Fitness Center • Indoor Pool with Hot TubGuest Laundry • Microfridges in Every Room

1093 Ole Berry Dr. • Abingdon, VA 24210 (276) 698-3040 • (276) 698-3050 faxwww.choicehotels.com/hotel/va492

Abingdon

Relax and Get RECHARGED

www.choicehotels.com/hotel/va492

www.washcova.com

Images Washington County 2011

Documents

Transcript of Images Washington County 2011