MLK Day parade sends message of non-violence

THIS STORY COURTESY THE KINGSPORT TIMES-NEWS

By MATTHEW LANE
mlane@timesnews.net   


KINGSPORT — Cold and windy weather did not deter the more than 100 men, women and children who came out to participate in the annual parade celebrating the life and works of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

The folks were simply bundled up in heavy coats, headgear and scarves. They stood close together, some drank coffee and as the parade commenced down Center Street, everyone seemed happy to be there.

“Today is cold, but it’s excellent,” said Pastor Ronnie Collins, the general overseer of Monday’s parade. “Today’s turnout is very good. I was hoping to get 50, and we’ll get at least that. As long as people come out, we’ll celebrate.”

Collins got his wish on Monday. Not only did 50 people come out to participate in the 16th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday parade in downtown Kingsport, the number was closer to 100.

People of all ages, plenty of young children and teenagers, older adults and seniors, Caucasians, African-Americans and Hispanics were present. Mayor John Clark and City Manager Jeff Fleming also walked and offered some comments to those in attendance when the parade concluded at city hall.

CLICK BELOW TO SEE PARADE INTERVIEWS WITH KINGSPORT MAYOR JOHN CLARK, PASTOR RONNIE COLLINS, CITY MANAGER JEFF FLEMING AND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE PRESIDENT MILES BURDINE AND PARADE PARTICIPANTS DURING THE EVENT:



A SLIDE SHOW OF THE PARADE:

Collins noted the diverse group of people who braved the cold to honor King on Monday.

“It’s almost even, and last year we might have had more non-African Americans,” he said. “We’re happy with the people coming out, we’re appreciative and grateful for those who show up and celebrate Dr. King’s holiday.”

Members of the Tri-Cities Black Lives Matter movement marched in solidarity during Monday’s parade.

“We talked about (their participation) and our attitude has been, when people call, I have to know their attitude,” Collins explained. “Do you believe in non-violence, no matter what you do? We want goodwill, non-violent people participating in the parade because Dr. King pushed for non-violence. We can get more done nonviolently than we can with violence.”

The theme of this year’s parade was “Our world, his dream, freedom, make it happen, non-violence 365.”

In recent years, racial tensions in some cities have reached a breaking point with the shooting death of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Mo., and the death of Eric Garner in New York City. Last year, nine people were shot and killed at a Charleston, S.C., church, and the gunman said he committed the shooting in the hopes of igniting a race war.

“We see in Charleston and other areas that hate is still here, discrimination is still here, but our attitude is we still have to love everybody,” Collins said. “The love of Christ is still the answer to the racism, so until we get our hearts changed, then we’ll do things and actions that won’t follow non-violence.”

The Tennessee/Virginia Fellowship Against Racism and the East Tennessee Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship sponsors and organizes the yearly parade on the national holiday honoring Dr. King. Other organizations participating included Joshua Generation International, the United Religions Initiative, New Vision Youth and the South Central Kingsport Community Development Inc.

King was born in 1929 and would have turned 87 this month. The federal holiday is the third Monday in January and has been celebrated since 1986. King’s legacy was marked on Monday with special events held across the nation, from parades and church tributes to youth-led service projects.

After the parade, the annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Luncheon was held in the Riverview Community Room at the V.O. Dobbins, Sr. Complex:


Then, at one of the most solemn of all the events in the Tri-Cities commemorating Dr. King, candles were lit during a Candlelight Vigil in downtown Kingsport:
CLICK ON THE ARROW TO HEAR "THIS LITTLE LIGHT OF MINE" AT THE EVENT:


A SLIDE SHOW OF THE CANDLELIGHT VIGIL:


The celebrated day honoring Dr. King began on Monday morning, at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Breakfast, held in Morristown,TN.  The Guest Speaker was Dr. C. J. Mitchell, Force Master Chief of the Navy Reserve at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C.
CLICK THE ARROW TO HEAR PART OF HIS SPEECH TO THE GROUP:


CLICK THE ARROW TO HEAR "WHAT THE WORLD NEEDS NOW" SUNG BY RITA CASTANON:


CLICK THE ARROW TO HEAR "LIFT EVERY VOICE AND SING," LED BY YOLANDA TREECE:


BELOW IS A SLIDE SHOW OF THE EVENT IN MORRISTOWN:


Another popular event was held in Johnson City, TN.. it was the annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Dinner.  Guest Speaker was Rev. Alan Evans.
CLICK BELOW TO HEAR A MUSICAL SELECTION FROM MS. HUETTA ISOM AT THE EVENT:


BELOW IS A SLIDE SHOW OF THE EVENT IN JOHNSON CITY:

Special Called Meeting of the Sons & Daughters of Douglass Alumni Board

The newly elected President (Wallace Ross, Jr.) asked me to send out this notice about a called meeting this Saturday, January 23, 2016. 

The meeting will be around 12:30 pm. We will have the meeting immediately following the Great Golden Gathering which will be held in the Douglass Room. 

The purpose of this called meeting is to see who will be attending the Kingsport Chamber of Commerce Dinner and Banquet.

Oh yes, we do have a table for the banquet. So, please pass the word about the called meeting.  

Douglas S. Releford

Black Lives Matter group joins in Kingsport parade

THIS STORY COURTESY THE KINGSPORT TIMES-NEWS

By NICK SHEPHERD

nshepherd@timesnews.net

  

KINGSPORT — A movement that has gained prominence in the last year and a half found its way to the Kingsport parade celebrating the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Monday, and the message was clear: Black lives matter.

The Tri-Cities Black Lives Matter movement marched in solidarity with those individuals participating in the MLK parade. The parade went down Center Street in downtown and ended at City Hall.

For those in BLM, the mes sage was about peace.

“The Black Lives Matter movement is about peace,” said Jacqui Sadlo, one of the organizers of the march. “Peace includes not having to worry about being unjustifi ably killed by a racist cop Peace includes not having to worry about institutionalized racism. Peace is not having to worry about children being in the school-to-prison pipeline or adults being the target of a mass incarceration movement to fund private prisons. Peace includes being able to live safely with equal rights in a country that supports diversity.”

The group decided to participate in the Kingsport parade after discussing plans to start a Kingsport chapter of the NAACP during a recent meeting in Washington County. During that meeting, the MLK parade was brought up and BLM marching in the parade was presented to the participants.

After agreeing, organizers with BLM got in touch with Pastor Ronnie Collins, who organized the parade. Collins was reportedly pleased with the peacefulness of a previous BLM march in Johnson City and agreed to let the group participate.

The group’s message was about King and about police violence toward black individuals.

Sadlo said while race relations have improved since King’s time, in some localities in the United States, there are still some racist police. The group said they would like to see the good police weed out the bad ones, even if it is difficult.

She said racism undermines community safety and community development.

And she thinks King would approve of the message.

“Racist police brutality today is just a modernized legalized version of the lynchings of yesterday,” Sadlo said. “Martin Luther King and the NAACP stood up to the inequalities and horrors of racism, and that is what the Black Lives Matter movement is doing today.”

Kingsport parade, luncheon and vigil to honor Dr. King

THIS STORY COURTESY THE KINGSPORT TIMES-NEWS

By CALVIN SNEED
   Community contributor

   KINGSPORT — “There is still work to be done.”

As participants get ready to organize the Kingsport parade that kicks off the local celebration of the national holiday that honors the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., parade organizer Ronnie Collins reflects on where the commemoration has come in recent years.

   “At first, the parade was held on Main Street,” he said. “It was kind of out of the way, so that Kingsport could conduct its daily business without cars having to go around people marching in the street. We considered it a huge accomplishment to get the parade moved over to Center Street a few years later. That raised awareness, put it on the front burner in Kingsport and gave it much more importance .

   “It has grown every year since then.”

The 16th annual parade kicks off at noon tomorrow. Participants are asked to organize in the Rikki Rhoton Allstate Insurance Company parking lot on East Sevier Avenue at East Center Street. People are encouraged to march in the parade and show support for King’s memory. The route follows Center Street to Sullivan Street, crosses Broad Street, and culminates with prayer and speeches at City Hall.

   The theme of this year’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day parade is “Our World, His Dream: Freedom! Make It Happen! Nonviolence 365.”

Collins said that, although King’s message of nonviolence still resonates with new generations, today’s society is still trying to make progress.

   “This parade, the annual gathering of people of all colors, faiths, backgrounds and cultures, must continue moving forward in the spirit of fellowship and harmony, as Dr. King would have wanted. The holiday is not just another day off from work or school,” he says. “We still have a long way to go in honoring his legacy, but we are moving in the right direction.”    The parade is sponsored by Food City, My Brother’s Keeper, Joshua Generation II, Office Depot, Putting Babies First, New Vision Youth, H.O.P.E., and the Upper East Tennessee Human Development Agency.

After the parade festivities have concluded, the celebration moves over to the Riverview Community Room on Wheatley Street at 1 p.m. where all are invited to the annual MLK Day Luncheon, sponsored by New Vision Youth.

   On the menu are homemade spaghetti, salad, bread, desserts provided by the Kingsport Psi Omega Omega chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority, and drinks provided by the Sons and Daughters of Douglass Alumni Association. The luncheon, which also features singing and door prizes, is free to the public.

The day’s events conclude with a memorial candlelight vigil at 6 p.m., also sponsored by New Vision Youth. Everyone is encouraged to bring a candle to the gathering, to be held at the gazebo in Glen Bruce Park, between the Kingsport Public Library and Church Circle downtown. It, too, is free to the public.

   Other events around the area on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day include the Community Breakfast and Celebration at 7:30 that morning, at the First Presbyrterian Church, 600 W. Main St. in Morristown, and the annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Dinner at 6 p.m. at the Carver Recreation Center in Johnson City.

See last year's Kingsport MLK Day Celebration in music and pictures below:

MLK Day: Kingsport churches gathering for Sunday joint service

THIS STORY COURTESY THE KINGSPORT TIMES-NEWS

By MATTHEW LANE

mlane@timesnews.net  

  
KINGSPORT — People of all faiths are invited to attend a special prayer service at First Baptist Church on Sunday to show the diversity of our community and to stress the importance of coming together, especially on the eve of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

The hour-long service will begin at 5 p.m. in the sanctuary and will include communion, prayers, songs and some scripture reading, said Pastor Marvin Cameron.

“All we’re going to do is have a  simple prayer service, sing some songs and just be together,” Cameron said. “Then we’ll have some fellowship time in our fellowship hall after that.”

Last June, after the tragic church shooting in Charleston, S.C., the pastor of Central Baptist Church in Kingsport — Perry Stuckey — brought a group of churches together to pray for the victims and to show the unity of the community.

Sunday’s service will be a continuation of last year’s joint gathering. All of the churches around Church Circle have been invited to the event, along with St. Dominic Catholic Church and the African-American churches of Central Baptist, Shiloh Baptist, New Beginnings Christian Fellowship, Bethel AME Zion and Fort Robinson, Stuckey said.

“We want to demonstrate that we have a beautiful city, that we can showcase the diversity of this city and what it’s about,” Stuckey said. “I think it would be important to have our churches come together and be a catalyst ...an example to what individual who care deeply about one another and what that means and have a joint prayer service.

The intent behind the service is to bring the churches, the races and everyone together and showcase the diversity of what brothers and sisters in Christ do with one another, Stuckey added.

Sunday’s service will not include a sermon from any particular pastor, and the singing will be done with a joint choir of members from the various churches. Mayor John Clark and City Manager Jeff Fleming are scheduled to deliver a short greeting to the community.

Cameron said the churches are aiming to have the service done in about an hour and will include a couple of brief videos of Dr. King, highlighting some of his greatest speeches.

“I think it heightens the fact that we need each other. Being together and praying together is certainly beneficial for all of us and it strengthens our community,” Cameron said.

Stuckey, who believes the turnout for Sunday’s service will be big, said he would like to see the churches do similar events at least twice a year in the future.

“My suggestion is we continue this,” Stuckey said. “We’ve got to have love for one another and we have to demonstrate this and be united together.”

Former astronaut to speak at Eastman as part of Black History Month Feb. 4

THIS STORY COURTESY THE KINGSPORT TIMES-NEWS

By HANK HAYES

hhayes@timesnews.net

 

KINGSPORT — Eastman Chemical Co. is inviting the public to hear Dr. Mae Jemison — a former NASA astronaut and National Women’s Hall of Fame Inductee — at the Toy F. Reid Employee Center on Thursday, Feb. , at 7 p.m.

Seating is limited and will be on a first-come basis. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Admission is free.

Jemison will share her experiences as a medical doctor, astronaut, entrepreneur, foundation founder, and visionary leader.

Eastman is hosting the event as part of a monthlong celebration of Black History Month, honoring the traditions and contributions of African-Americans to science, technology, engineering , art and math.

“We’re thrilled to host Dr. Jemison and bring her inspiring story of innovation, leadership and service into our community,” Perry Stuckey, Eastman’s chief human resources officer, said in a prepared release. “Eastman team members share Dr. Jemison’s unrelenting focus to make valuable, innovative contributions to our society. Her story aligns perfectly with Eastman’s commitment to unleash the full potential of our powerfully diverse workforce by fostering inclusion that inspires innovation, encourages respect and promotes unlimited success.”

From an early age, Jemison became interested in science. Before joining NASA as an astronaut, Jemison served as an Area Peace Corps medical officer in Sierra Leone and Liberia.

While at NASA, she became the first woman of color in space. Her entrepreneurial efforts have focused on health care, energy and sustainable development.

She established the Dorothy Jemison Foundation for Excellence in honor of her mother, an educator who firmly believed that every person can and should achieve personal excellence and make a unique contribution to society. The foundation’s efforts center on education with an emphasis on science. Its premier program, The Earth We Share International Science Camp, brings together children ages 12-16 from around the world to solve current global dilemmas.

Jemison also leads 100 Year Starship (100YSS), an initiative seed funded by the Department of Defense’s Advanced Research Project Agency (DARPA) to assure that the capability for human interstellar space travel to another star is possible within the next 100 years.

“At Eastman, we have an increasingly diverse, global team of talented and dedicated people working together to innovate for the future and create a brighter tomorrow,” said Mark Cox, Eastman’s senior vice president, chief manufacturing and engineering officer. “Dr. Jemison serves not only as an inspiration, but also as a testament to the amazing things you can accomplish when you believe in possibilities and strive to achieve them.”

Eastman is partnering with Milligan College, Northeast State, and East Tennessee State University on the speaking engagement.

D-B alumni gearing up for third annual basketball game

THIS STORY COURTESY THE KINGSPORT TIMES-NEWS
 

By NICK SHEPHERD

nshepherd@timesnews.net  

KINGSPORT — Next month, a little bit of history will come back to Kingsport when the third annual Dobyns-Bennett alumni basketball game tips off in the Buck Van Huss Dome.

Featuring up to 20 former players, such as Michael Mills and Coty and Gerald Sensabaugh, the alumni game will take place on Feb. 6. The doors will open at 5 p.m., and the game starts at 6 p.m. Tickets will be available for $5 with children 4 and under getting in free.

The event is organized by Frederick Smith, a 1993 graduate of D-B, and his wife through their organization called Best Foot Forward.

“D-B and the athletic program is dear to a lot of people’s hearts,” Smith said. “We get a lot of people coming out.”

Not only is the game played out of love, but the money raised will go to one lucky D-B student in the form of a scholarship. Smith said his group will contact counselors at the school and get them to refer the names of students. Once the names are collected, one will be drawn out of a hat and receive a $1,000 scholarship.

Last year, the money raised went to Xena Taylor, who won an essay contest. The first year, the proceeds from the game went to the D-B Slam Dunk Club.

Smith said with this year being the third alumni game, organizing it has gotten easier. He said the first year was very tedious and very stressful because he had to contact players and coaches, find referees, security, cheerleaders and people to sell tickets. But now that the game is well established, organizing the event has become easier.

“I get people contacting me saying they want to play,” he said. “It’s still stressful but easier. Once it all comes together, it’s worth it.”

Registration is still open for people who would like to play in the game. Anyone wanting to play can visit Best Foot Forward’s website at www.bestfoot  forwardco.com   or visit the Facebook page for either Smith or Best Foot Forward. He said they are asking for jersey sizes and numbers.

Putting on an event like this would not be possible without sponsors, Smith said. Some of this year’s sponsors include Mac’s Medicine Mart, Soul Brand Apparel and Citizen’s Bank. Smith said it’s not too late for area businesses interested in sponsoring the event.

The former players will be split up into two teams, featuring the schools iconic colors, maroon and gray. Smith said this year he may have the two coaches pick their teams. He said the first year names were picked out of a hat. Last year, two captains picked their squads.

Not only is the game a chance for old teammates to reunite, but it also gives players from different eras a chance to play together. And it gives players a chance to relive some of their childhood.

“You get to play in the dome again, where we shed blood, sweat and tears,” he said. “That makes it all worth it.”

On His Day: Events Commemorating The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on Monday, January 18, 2016

Please attend the only area parade for Dr. King that is held on his day, this in Kingsport:

Click on the poster to make it larger

Also in Kingsport, the New Vision Youth MLK Day Luncheon, 1 PM at the Riverview Community Room, Wheatley Street, Kingsport.  Menu:  homemade spaghetti, bread, salad and drinks (drinks provided by the Sons and Daughters of Douglass Alumni Association, Inc.)

6 PM, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Candlelight Vigil, sponsored by New Vision Youth.  The Gazebo, Glen Bruce Park, Kingsport between the Public Library and the Church Circle.  Please bring a candle to honor Dr. King's memory.

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In Johnson City at the Carver Rec Center, these events are happening on MLK Day, Monday, January 18, 2016:

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Story Time:  9 AM to 1 PM, open to all ages.  Youth will enjoy stories, arts and crafts, and music.  Lunch will be provided.  This program is provided in partnership with East Tennessee State University's Office of Multi-Cultural Affairs.

Blood Drive, 1 PM to 5 PM, ages 18 and older.  Giving blood is a great act of service and one way that citizens can honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Dinner, 6 PM, open to all ages.  Join the Carver Staff in celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

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In Abingdon, VA, the annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Parade will be held on Saturday, January 16, 2016.  The march begins at the Charles Wesley United Methodist Church and continues on to the Abingdon United Methodist Church, where there will be a program and reception.  The march begins at 1:30 and the program begins at 2 PM.  This year's theme is "Celebration Amidst Frustration -- Where Are Race Relations Today?"  Let us join together and be part of the solution!  For more information, please call 276-476-3191.

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In Morristown, TN, the 2016 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Breakfast and Celebration will be held on Monday, January 18, 2016 at the Family Activities Center at the First Presbyterian Church, 600 West Main Street, Morristown, TN 37814, 423-586-4281.  The doors open at 7 AM, the breakfast begins at 7:30 AM.  The program that includes community awards, breakfast and the MLK essay contest winner begins at 7:30 AM.  The program features guest speaker Navy Reserve Force Master Chief  C. J. Mitchell, PhD.

****************************************

If you know of other services, programs and commemorations for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, please let me know!

Calvin Sneed
email:  douglassriverview@gmail.com

Kingsport's Annual Martin Luther King Day Parade 2016

Come one, come all to the only local parade that celebrates Dr. King on his day!

Click on the poster to make it larger:

President Obama's Emotional Remembrance on Stronger Gun Control

Impossible to watch our president on Tuesday, January 5, 2016, and not have the tears flow right along with him.

President Obama announced tighter measures on background checks for people wanting to buy guns.

We know this in Riverview.

A Christmas Message From Our President

https://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2015/12/25/weekly-address-merry-christmas-president-and-first-lady?utm_source=email&utm_medium=email&utm_content=email541-text2&utm_campaign=holidays

Organizing Committee of the Great Golden Gathering - Christmas Dinner

Representatives of 6 of the 15 former African-American High Schools in upper East Tennessee and Southwest Virginia, gathered to have a Christmas dinner on Saturday, December 12th.

The event was held at the Carver Recreation Center in Johnson City, and was hosted by the Langston Heritage Group, Langston High School.

Click on the arrow below and turn your computer speakers on, to see a slide show of the dinner:

By the way, in case you haven't heard... based on the success of the Great Golden Gathering 2015 Reunion, the Organizing Committee did vote to continue the tradition of get-togethers.

There will be another Great Golden Gathering in 2017, celebrating and continuing the friendships, the education and the family relationships the alumni of all the 15 high schools share.  Spread the word... we want to make the next reunion even bigger and better with even more schools involved.  The Organizing Committee wants and appreciates participation from all the schools' alumni.  To get involved, all schools alumni associations are invited to have representatives on the Organizing Committee.  Please contact Calvin Sneed at douglassriverview@gmail.com  Thank you for your continued support!

Girls Inc. marks 'The Big 5-0'

This story courtesy the Kingsport Times-News

By Katherine Scoggins

Fifty years ago, The Girls Club of Kingsport met in a large white house located at 1102 Mill Street under the direction of Betty Newman Iverson. At the time, Girls Clubs had as their focus “to prepare girls to be better wives and mothers.” To that end, the domestic arts - cooking, sewing and household management - were stressed.

Over the next few decades, the Girls Clubs underwent major changes; growing into a national, then international association - marked by the name change in 1991 to Girls Incorporated: Strong, Smart and Bold. From that point on, education, wellness and an holistic approach to growing up were emphasized, while life skills, such as sewing, cooking, nutrition, arts and heritage were incorporated as “teaching moments.” History has it that a young girl in a focus group told the organization that the new name should be Girls Incorporated, because “growing up is serious business.”

It is a slogan that Girls Incorporated takes very seriously.

   Girls Inc. of Kingsport was also undergoing major changes within its organization. A large new building, equipped with classrooms and offices, a playground, fields for various sports, a gym and kitchen, was built. Additional staff was added for classroom and off-site instruction, transportation and security. The land was given to Girls Inc. of Kingsport by Mac Houkom, while funding for the new site was kicked off by the local chapter of Business & Professional Women. The remaining monies were raised by the community and United Fund. The building was dedicated debt-free.

   A name change, the dramatic shift in purpose, and a beautiful new facility all helped raise awareness and bring attention to the “new” look of Girls Incorporated, but there is much more to the success of the local agency.

   “From day one, the directors and staff have had vision, outstanding business sense, and dedication,” says Julie Wright Short, the current president and CEO of Girls Inc. of Kingsport. “But not just the employees: we have been very fortunate to have strong board leadership over the years and high expectations from staff, volunteers and the board. It has been decades of work by many, many individuals and groups, all focused on excellence and success for the future.”

The success of the agency is apparent as one enters the building and sees the “trophy case” filled with plaques Girls Inc. of Kingsport has been awarded over the years.

   “The awards are due to the hard work of everyone, not just the executive director,” says Wright Short. “Betty Iverson took the concept of the Girls Club and made it a success; Brenda White-Wright exposed so many, many people to what we do in Kingsport’s agency; Nada Weekly kept our organization and facility afloat during a terrible recession; and Lana Moore, while not an executive director, served on staff during the late 90s and early 2000s as program director.” While Wright Short has not finished her tenure, the Girls Inc. Affiliate of the Year Award for the Southeastern United States, Expansion Award, and Outstanding Girl awards in that trophy case are certainly a result of her leadership skills, hard work and genuine love of the girls she serves.

Chyna Robinson is a 14-year-old student at Dobyns-Bennett High School and a current participant at Girls Inc. of Kingsport. Talking with her, one can not help but be drawn to her naturally outgoing, bubbly personality. Although she’s involved in many activities at Girls Inc., she says her favorite is the Ambassador’s Club, a group of older girls who mentor fourth- and fifth-grade girls, setting a good example and encouraging them. Most of all, though, she says they listen. A great believer that “every child has potential,” Chyna loves working with young children and hopes to one day work with them on a professional level. She has found that her experience working with the younger girls has taught her patience, good communication skills, and the importance of accountability.

   Chyna is a wonderful advocate for Girls Inc., possibly because she has some history on her side: both her mother and grandmother attended Girls Inc.

   Strong, Smart and Bold ... generation after generation.

   To learn more about the programs or how you can support the Girls Inc. of Kingsport effort, visitwww.girlsincofkingsport.org  , Girls Inc. of Kingsport on Facebook, or call 423-247-2321

2015 Riverview Seniors Christmas Dinner

Welcome to the 2015 Riverview Seniors Christmas Dinner!

The event was held on Saturday, December 5, 2015 in the Douglass Room at the V.O. Dobbins Sr. Complex, sponsored by South Central Kingsport Community Development.

Seniors of our community were treated to a song by New Vision Youth member Makiyah Blye, poem by member Feliciana Banks, inspirational songs by Sister Lisa McElrath and a "super salute" to Chef Orvil Bond, who fixed and coordinated the holiday meal for the seniors.

The highlight of the event was a mini fashion show featuring some of our seniors modeling their beautiful fashions.

Click on the arrow below and turn your speakers up to see and hear a slide show of the dinner:

MERRY   CHRISTMAS  TO  ALL!