Historic Riverview Church Fire Ruled Accidental

 

This story courtesy the Kingsport Times-News

KINGSPORT — A fire that tore through a restroom at Central Baptist Church has been ruled accidental, fire officials said.

Kingsport Fire Marshal Chris Vandagriff said Monday that the church should be able to resume normal activities soon.

“Once they can isolate the electrical systems in the area affected, I don’t see why they wouldn’t be able to resume activities in the other portions of the building,” Vandagriff said.

An alarm system at the church sounded at 3:16 p.m. Sunday, and firefighters immediately responded and doused the fire. No one was injured in the fire, which happened in the basement of the original church that has stood on Carver Street for more than 100 years.

The fire happened underneath the area that was once the old sanctuary but now houses the youth group.

The women’s restroom is now charred, but it did not spread out to the church’s community pantry, just down the hall.

Sonya Clark, head of security for the church, said church officials are still looking at the extent of the damage.

She said officials would be at the church Tuesday to investigate further.

ServPro has started to clean up the affected area. Right now, the entire church is without power. She said there is a Bible study on Wednesday.

“We’re hoping to have the power back on by Wednesday,” she said, and cleanup may still be occurring.

She asked the community to keep the church in its prayers.

“Just the prayers are appreciated that we can get back to our normal operations as soon as possible,” she said.

DB Tribe Hoops Rule State: DB Wins 1st High School Basketball Title in 77 Years!

 

This story courtesy the Kingsport Times-News - Tanner Cook tcook@timesnews.net

MURFREESBORO — Snakebitten no more.

All the state tournament demons — despite being so close on numerous occasions — were exorcised by the Dobyns-Bennett boys basketball team Saturday inside the Murphy Center.

The Indians used a nearly flawless overtime period to defeat Bearden 69-60 in the TSSAA Class 4A championship game.

The Indians (33-6) shot an impressive 4-for-5 from the field and 8-for-10 from the foul line in overtime to ice the program’s first state championship in 77 years. The last time D-B won the state title, President Franklin D. Roosevelt was in the final month of his life.

“I felt like we won this game three different times and it felt like it kept getting taken away from us,” Dobyns-Bennett coach Chris Poore said. “Our guys didn’t bow down or give. They just kept finding a way.”

Jack Browder — named the tournament MVP — put together a performance for the ages, scoring a game-high 30 points on 9-of-15 shooting and going 10-for-11 from the free-throw line.

He also grabbed 13 rebounds, several in clutch situations, to finish with a double-double.

Browder’s work in the overtime period will be talked about for generations after he netted nine points and made one of the most clutch 3-pointers in school history with 1:37 left to put D-B up 59-56.

“Jack has been one of our best players all year and he’s stepped up when we needed him most,” Poore said. “He’s gotten more physical on the glass and really improved in more than just scoring. I knew he’d step up big when we needed him most.”

On the subsequent possession after the 3, Class 4A Mr. Basketball finalist Elijah Bredwood was whistled for an offensive foul, the Bearden star’s fifth of the game.

Browder came down on the Tribe’s next possession and hit a layup with 1:10 left to make it a two-possession game. That shot ultimately sealed the deal for the Indians.

“This means a lot,” Browder said. “I have an older brother that played here and my dad was the quarterback on the football team.

“It means so much to our town to do something that we haven’t done in 70-something years.”

The Indians — who had stellar guard play throughout the tournament — flipped the script in the final by turning to their bigs, and Malachi Hale finished with 16 points.

Hale and Browder combined to go 13-for-21 from the field. Hale finished with seven rebounds.

BULLDOGS RALLY

Hayden Moseley nailed a 3-pointer as time expired in regulation to cap a massive rally by Bearden.

The Bulldogs (31-7) trailed 39-24 going into the fourth quarter but turned up the pressure and forced the Indians into six turnovers during the period.

“This group just showed a lot of resilience,” Poore said. “They don’t go down when they get punched. There is so much belief in each other that it’s unbelievable.”

Moseley finished with 25 points — scoring 17 in the fourth quarter — before fouling out in overtime.

Bredwood finished with 13 before also fouling out in extra period.

The Bulldogs shot 33.9% from the field despite a red-hot fourth in which they went 10-for-17. However, their luck ran out in OT when they made only 1 of 9 attempts.

“Any time you’re at the fringe of giving up or picking up, we picked up,” Bearden coach Jeremy Parrott said. “We would’ve gone to the press earlier, but we were already in foul trouble. We were just keeping it in our back pocket until our backs were against the wall.”

STELLAR START

As they did in their earlier tournament games, the Indians started on fire, hitting their first three shots and jumping to an 8-2 lead.

D-B shot 5-for-12 in the first quarter when the Indians were enjoying the Jonavan Gillespie and Browder show. Bredwood picked up his second foul with 3:22 left in the opening period and Bearden was having a tough time without its star on the floor.

The second quarter was much of the same for the Indians, who limited the Bulldogs to 5-of-11 shooting and forced three turnovers.

In a splendid first half, Browder scored 12 points on 5-of-7 shooting from the floor and hit a big 3-pointer from the corner in front of the press row.

FOR THE TROPHY CASE

The state title is D-B’s first in one of the “big three” sports since the Indians won the 1964 football championship.

“Being from Upper East Tennessee, we don’t get any recognition at all,” Browder said. “Bearden won a few years ago, but everything past Knoxville doesn’t get recognition. We kept that on the inside and we played well as the underdog.”

Arthur Bradley, Sr. remembrance

 

Arthur L. Bradley, Sr., 88, devoted husband and father, passed away on Friday, March 11, 2022, after a lengthy illness.  His family members were by his side in his final moments.  His last six years were spent enjoying life with his loving wife, son, and daughter-in-law at their home located in Helena, AL.

Arthur was born on August 1, 1933, to Andrew T. Bradley Sr. and Sarah Ellen Carr Bradley in Rogersville, TN.  He was the second of six children. Arthur attended Price Public Elementary School and went to high school at Swift Memorial Junior College, which served both high school and college students.  He was a member of the Central Baptist Church in Kingsport, TN.

After completing high school, Arthur joined the Army and was stationed at Fort McClellan in Anniston, Alabama.  He was assigned to the Chemical division.  When he finished his duties with the Army, Arthur received an Honorable discharge in October 1955.  While in the Army, Arthur met his soulmate for life, Dorothy Thomas.  They married November 24, 1955 and have lived a happy life for over 66 years.  To this union they had a daughter, Cheryl Ann, and a son, Arthur Jr.

Arthur Sr. was employed for 32 years at Arcata Graphics, later named Quebecor Printing, as an electrician.  He retired in 1993. After retirement, he worked on dulcimer guitars and was often found working in the wood shop at the Kingsport Senior Center and taking trips with the senior citizens.

Arthur was preceded in death by his parents, Andrew T. Bradley Sr. and Sarah Ellen Carr Bradley, Cheryl Ann (daughter) and William Kyle Bradley (brother), as well as several aunts and uncles.

Arthur is survived by his wife, Dorothy; son, Arthur Jr. (Amy); step-granddaughter Alexandria); sister, Mabel Patterson (Norm) of Talbott; brothers, Andrew T. Bradley Jr. of Knoxville, James Rodney (Thelma) of Kingsport, Henry (Lina) of Chattanooga; sister-in-law, Joann T. Grant and a host of nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, March 15, 2022, from 6:00-7:00 pm EST in the Fireside Room at Oak Hill Funeral Home. 

The Graveside Service will be held on Wednesday, March 16, 2022, at 10:00 am EST at Oak Hill Memorial Park with Pastor Perry Stuckey officiating.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers to please send donations to the Leukemia Foundation.

The Bradley family acknowledges with deepest gratitude the words, cards, messages, and kindness given by many family and friends during their time of bereavement.

To share memories and condolences with the family please visit www.oakhillfh.com

The care of Arthur L. Bradley, Sr. and his family has been entrusted to the staff of Oak Hill Funeral and Cremation Services.

 Since the Douglass Alumni Board meeting is canceled today (Saturday, March 12, 2022), we decided to show you what caused the cancellation.  

Click "play" on the arrow above TWICE.  This is outside the V.O. Dobbins Sr. Complex, looking at Louis Street.  That's Central Baptist Church in the background.  It's a winter wonderland in the homeplace today! 

Sons and Daughters of Douglass Alumni Board Meeting

 

The Sons and Daughters of Douglass Alumni Board will meet on Saturday, March 12, 2022, weather permitting.

The meeting will begin at 1 PM, in the Eastman Meeting Room of the V.O. Dobbins, Sr. Tower, 301 Louis Street in Kingsport.

Again, the meeting will be held, weather permitting.

Bingo Time in Riverview!

 

Black History Month 2022 Activities in Kingsport

Upcoming Black History events, sponsored by the New Vision Youth and the South Central Kingsport Community Development Corporation:

Friday, February 18, 2022 - Community Unity Bingo, 7 PM in the Riverview Community Room at the V.O. Dobbins Community Center in Kingsport.  The entrance is on Wheatley Street beside the basketball court.  Seniors are asked to bring a door prize.  Everyone is invited to the free event and refreshments will be served.

Sunday, February 20, 2022 - Annual Black History program at 2:30 PM at the Lamplight Theater, 140 Broad Street, Kingsport.  

Admission is free, the concession stand will be open and a door prize will be awarded.  The program includes soloist Minister Patricia Stover of the Shiloh Baptist Church and Pastor Adam Love of the Mayfield United Methodist Church, both of Kingsport.  The New Vision Youth Group will give a program of friendship and love quotes, after which the play "Just Dreams" will be performed.

Saturday, February 26, 2022 - The community is invited to a gathering of "Soulful Minds" at 4 PM in the Riverview Community Room at the V.O. Dobbins Community Center.  Youth minister James Scales will address issues on the minds of young people, Bishop Ronnie Collins of the Tennesee/Virginia Fellowship Against Racism will speak on community unity, and Tavia Sillmon, president of the Johnson City-Washington County NAACP/Umoja will present a program about the organization and voting rights.  The program is free and refreshments will be served.

For more information on the events, contact Johnnie Mae Swagerty, (423) 429-7553.

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

Alumni Board meeting postponed

 

The scheduled meeting of the Sons and Daughters of Douglass Alumni Association in February has been postponed to the next scheduled meeting.

That meeting will be March 12, 2022 at 1 PM in the Eastman Conference Room at the V.O. Dobbins Sr. Complex tower, 301 Louis Street, Kingsport.

Mrs. Valtenia Summers Sparrow passing announcement

The family of Mrs. Valtenia Summers Sparrow has announced her passing.  She went to be with Jesus on January 20, 2022, in Bowie, Maryland. 

Her parents were Viola Summers and Henry Summers.

Please keep the family in your prayers.

Randolph Watterson remembrance

 

Randolph T. Watterson departed this life on Wednesday, January 19, 2022.  He was born August 15, 1960 in Kingsport, TN.

Randolph was preceded in death by his mother, Wanda Watterson; grandparents Clinton and Fannie Watterspm; aunts and uncles Adrian and Mildred Watterson, Joan and Charles Valentine, and Fred Fugate.

He leaves behind his brother, Terrance (Kenna) Watterson;  aunts, Barbara Bell and Betty Fugate;  uncle, Andrew Watterson; nephew, Marcellas Watterson; and a host of cousins and friends.

Memorial services for Mr. Randolph Watterson will be conducted Thursday, January 27, 2022 at 1 PM at the Bethel A.M.E. Zion Church, Kingsport, TN.  The family will receive friends from 12 PM until the hour of service.

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT!

 

Special announcement... the annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. parade is being postponed from MLK Day, January 17th.

The decision was made on Sunday afternoon, the day before.  Click twice on the "play" button below to listen to the announcement:

The new date for the MLK Day commemorations will be Saturday, February 5th.  Parade participants will gather at 11:15 AM at the old Rikki Rhoten Insurance Building, corner of East Sevier Avenue and East Center Street and the parade will begin at 12 Noon..... the luncheon will  start at 1 PM and will still be a drive-through outside the Douglass Community Room at the V.O. Dobbins Community Center, 301 Louis Street.... and the Candlelight Vigil will be at 6 PM at the Shiloh Baptist Church on East Sevier Avenue (that event will also be live-streamed at https://facebook.com/Shiloh-Baptist-Church-1156868618304391/

  Meanwhile, enjoy some of the snowfall below that Riverview got today (Sunday), that postponed the events, by clicking on the "play" button twice below.

          A good night to stay inside in Riverview!

Youth Summit Announcement

               Save the Date:

        Saturday, Jan. 15, 2022

Martin Luther King Jr. Youth

Summit Achieving the Dream 

         through Education,

     Leadership, and Service

                             

           Kingsport Center for Higher Education

          300 W. Market St. • Kingsport, TN 37660

                                10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

                      Open to 6th – 12th graders

Inquiries:  Nescc–Off–Inc–Excl@northeaststate.edu or 423.354.2503

         Registration Form:  https://thenortheaststate.com/summit

Upcoming Dr. Martin Luther King Events

Here's a list of upcoming and continuing events up to the celebration of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on January 17.

If you wish to contact the event organizers, please click on the pictures below to enlarge them, then write out the link addresses in the event of your choice into your browser.

Riverview Snow? Oh Yeah!

 

The latest snow blast yesterday nipped the Tri-Cities area with an average of 3 inches.. some folks got more, others got less.

Above, this is what Riverview woke up this Friday morning on January 7th.

Enough to cover the ground, but not slush the streets.  16 degrees, at 11 AM, 22 degrees by 1 PM.  As you can see in the picture above, it was trying to snow again.

Please don't forget to call and check on our seniors, loved ones and shut-in's.. make sure they have food, medicine and heat.  

Elsewhere around Kingsport using the WCYB cameras, this is the morning view from the DB Stadium.

East Stone Drive, above, appears to be clear with no snow.

Our friends in Johnson City above appear to be able to move around at normal speeds with a couple of inches of snow.. much less than they got a few days ago.

`

Over the mountain in Boone, North Carolina, they got their usual mountain snow above, at least five inches, more or less in some spots.

For our friends at the Appalachian African-American Cultural Center in Pennington Gap, VA the snow was a little heavier in the picture above.

To the west of Kingsport, traffic was moving pretty good in West Knoxville in the above picture.

Meanwhile, Middle Tennessee took the brunt of this storm.  When the snow in the picture above began in Nashville beside Nissan Stadium looking at downtown, weather forecasters already knew the Nashville area would get a lot.  It still caught folks off guard.

Nashville traffic is finally moving after getting about 8 inches of snow, give or take, in the picture above.  Businesses are closed and folks are encouraged to stay inside and avoid travel.

Douglass Alumni Mask available

 

COVID 19 is raging on, but there is still protection against people who have not been vaccinated.

The Douglass School mask is still available for $11.25 (that's $10.00 for the mask, plus $1.25 for mailing).  Make checks payable to the Sons and Daughters of Douglass.

You can order one by sending the money to our secretary, Charlotte Maxwell at:

Douglass Alumni Mask

P.O. Box 2460

Kingsport, TN 37662-2460

If you'd like to avoid the mail and get yours in person, you can get the mask for $10.00 by making arrangements to meet Charlotte at the V.O. Dobbins Community Center.

Board Meeting postoned

 

Because of the weather, the scheduled Board Meeting of the Sons and Daughters of Douglass Alumni Association for Saturday, January 8th is postponed.

The next regularly scheduled meeting will be on February 12th.

Snow, snow everywhere, but home

 

Hope you all have a wonderful and safe New Year's weekend.

Snow blanketed parts of  Tennessee from Nashville and southern Middle Tennessee on up through Knoxville with a dusting, and right on up the valley to Tri-Cities and western North Carolina, and then well into Southwest Virginia, southern West Virginia and central Carolina.  Ranges from a dusting to 7 to 10 inches.. even Church Hill-New Canton got about 4 inches.

But apparently, no snow at all in the homeplace.

The above picture is from the rooftop at WJHL-TV looking at Tannery Knob in downtown Johnson City.

The picture below is from a live picture at the V.O. Dobbins Sr. Complex tower looking at Riverview, at right around the same time as the above pic.  I'd say, Riverview dodged a bullet.

DB-Douglass vs. Johnson City-Langston: One Heck of a Basketball Game Then.... and Now

 

Whenever the Douglass Tigers basketball team played their arch-rivals, the Langston Golden Tigers, fans came from all over upper East Tennessee and Southwest Virginia.  Even folks from the other schools in the old Tri-State Athletic Conference showed up to watch the two titans battle each other for supremacy.

It would be the best game in conference play.

Fast forward 56 years.  The location is different.  The coaches are different.... the teams different.  But with typical Douglass-Langston games, the outcome wasn't decided until the last two minutes of the game.

Dobyns-Bennett paid tribute to the legacy of the Douglass Tigers two weeks ago during its game with Johnson City Science Hill.  The DB Indians were dressed in the uniforms of Douglass, while the Science Hill players were adorned in the gold uniforms of Langston.

The evening began with a rousing pep talk by Douglass alumnus Donald Hickman to the DB squad in their dressing room.

Hickman, the first African-American to play basketball for Dobyns-Bennett after Douglass was closed for integration, reminded the DB-Douglass players of the legacy they were honoring in the game against Science Hill-Langston... that even though Douglass wasn't allowed to play DB back in the day, both teams knew the other was pretty good, as they kept an eye on each other across town.

When it comes to competition, Hickman told the squad to the target of every team's goals.  "Be the team that everybody wants to beat," he said.  "Be a relentless competitor.  That's what (Coach Bob Deering) told us before every game with Langston.  Play like you're playing against the best team you've ever played against.  Don't make dumb mistakes, even though people make stupid mistakes all the time."

While Hickman was busy revving up the DB-Douglass squad, many of your Douglass alumni, friends and neighbors were enjoying a reception in the DB girls' basketball gym.  Unlike 22 months ago in February, 2020, only about half the expected Douglass crowd made the trip into the Buck Van Huss Dome to reunion in their Douglass sweat shirts and tee-shirts.

Again, the fellowship was unmistakable as stories were swapped, sandwiches, fruit and veggie plates were consumed.  After the game, a small group of the Douglass alumni faithful gathered in the Douglass Community room in the V.O. Dobbins Community Center to continue the reunion.

But after the DB reception, folks were escorted to their front row seats in the Van Huss Dome to enjoy one of the most exciting basketball games of the season.  It was just like Douglass and Langston would have wanted it.

Below is the account written for the Kingsport Times-News:

KINGSPORT — The fellas from old Douglass High School would be proud of the way the Dobyns-Bennett boys basketball team got it done Friday night.

Wearing the former school’s powder-blue and gold colors with “Tigers” across its jerseys, D-B outplayed Science Hill when it mattered most, scoring a 55-48 win in an early-season Big 5 Conference showdown at the Buck Van Huss Dome.

The Hilltoppers honored old Langston High and wore the royal blue and dark gold colors of the Golden Tigers, who concluded their rivalry with Douglass in 1965.

The Indians (8-3, 1-0) overcame a frightful start to gain this win, drawing even by halftime and then taking it to the Hilltoppers over the final 16 minutes.

“Hats off to Dobyns-Bennett,” Science Hill coach Ken Cutlip allowed. “They were the better team the last two quarters. We made too many turnovers in the second half and we simply did not execute.”

The Indians were basically awful over the first seven minutes, missing 11 of their first 12 shots and committing three early turnovers to trail 13-5.

“There was a lot of energy in the building, you know ... Douglass night and Science Hill’s in town,” Tribe coach Chris Poore said. “The guys were fired up and we just had to settle down and play some basketball.

“We had some guys make some plays and I thought Carter (Metz) got started early, which really helped calm our nerves.”

GUARDS DELIVER

Poore’s three-headed guard lineup of Metz, Jonavan Gillespie and Brady Stump helped turn the game for the Indians.

Stump kept D-B within shouting distance with seven early points before Gillespie and Metz got it going in timely fashion as the Tribe inched back.

The hustling Gillespie scored all 10 of his points in the second period, including a rainbow 3-point bomb to tie the game at 30 at the halftime buzzer.

Metz, a transfer from Cherokee who averaged 21 points an outing last season, produced four buckets in the second quarter in a variety of ways.

“He’s good and I was glad to see it,” Poore said. “He’s been reserved for us and we really want him to break out of that shell. Tonight was a good step forward.”

A 6-foot senior with ample game, Metz is glad to make a difference at D-B.

“It’s been a blessing, from the coaching staff to all the players,” said Metz, who led all scorers with 17 points on 7-of-13 shooting from the floor. “They’ve all welcomed me with open arms and it’s been life-changing for sure.

“I’m just playing with the team and playing my role. The shots were coming to me, so I was taking them. I’m really happy to help us win this one.”

HALE TAKES OVER

Malachi Hale helped carry the Tribe to the promised land, scoring 12 of his 15 points after intermission.

“Malachi does a lot for us,’’ Poore said. “In the biggest games he steps up in the biggest roles. He did it on both ends for us tonight.”

A powerful 6-4 senior with finesse, Hale also provided shutdown defense on ‘Toppers standout Jamar Livingston, who scored 16 points but was quiet after his three-point play gave Science Hill its last lead at 38-37 with 2:36 left in the third.

Hale provided two three-point plays, hit a 15-foot jumper and scored twice in transition — including a fast-break dunk — to carry D-B home.

Not to be forgotten, sixth man McKinley Tincher hit a key 3-point shot as the Indians overcame their 38-37 deficit to lead 46-38 heading into the final frame.

“He (Tincher) hit a huge shot and he brings it defensively,” Poore said. “I love putting him in the game in our first rotation and he handles that role very well.”

NOT ENOUGH OFFENSE

Keynan Cutlip scored 15 points, but it wasn’t enough for Science Hill (8-2, 0-1).

“Ultimately, Keynan and Jamar both have to play better,” Coach Cutlip said.

Wreaths Across America: Local Group Helps Decorate Veterans' Graves at Mountain Home

 

From left, Gretta Simon with the Victor Simon Leukemia Foundation of Nashville, veteran Rodney Dye, Ezra-Howard Smith with the Kingsport New Vision Youth, veteran Rodney Dye, New Vision Youth director Johnnie Mae Swagerty, and Dave Carter, Wreaths Across America organizer

The Christmas season isn’t always about giving gifts, twinkling lights and caroling.

It’s also about remembering those who are no longer here to celebrate with their loved ones. In particular, veterans who are interred at Mountain Home Cemetery received an annual honor of wreaths being placed on their graves.

Wreaths Across America volunteers gathered this past Saturday, December 18, 2021 at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Mountain Home, TN to do just that after a brief ceremony to get the event started.

The New Vision Youth of Kingsport took part in the wreath-laying.  Also, Gretta Simon representing her late husband's foundation, the Victor Simon Leukemia Foundation of Nashville also took part in the wreath-laying.

The pandemic forced a lot of adjustments to the annual wreath laying last year.  Saturday's was a rain or shine event and after a morning shower, the skies kept the rest of the rain at bay.  “With the ceremony prior to the wreath placement, there is a partial return toward some level of normal,” organizer Dave Carter said. “But regardless of the weather and any updated public health protocols in effect, wreaths will be placed.”

There is a particular process volunteers follow when placing the wreath.

“Take your time. Please pause at each headstone and say that veteran’s name out loud and thank them for their service before moving on. It is not a race to see how quickly we can place the wreaths. If there are not enough sponsored wreaths to honor every veteran at Mountain Home, we hope you will still take time to stop at headstones that do not have a wreath to say the veteran’s name."

As for why the wreath laying is such an important tradition to continue each year, Carter said veterans should always be remembered for their sacrifice.

“We should always remember that for veterans throughout our history, Christmas has often been spent far from home and their loved ones. Very often, soldiers spent Christmas in conditions like the winter of 1777 at Valley Forge, and those who fought at Bastogne during the Battle of the Bulge in WWII.

“Many died in places they had never heard of — in far-off jungles, desert sands and muddy trenches and frozen forests in Europe. They sacrificed their tomorrows so we could have today. After we place the wreaths, we will all go home and be safe and warm. They could not.”

Instructions for Entering the DB Dome for Handicapped and Those Needing Assistance ONLY

Visitors for the DB-Science Hill tribute to Douglass-Langston else will proceed up the ramp to the main gym entrance at the trophy cases, then downstairs to the small gym for the reception.

After the receptions, escorts will take you to seating in the Dome for the ball game.

FOR HANDICAPPED AND FOLKS NEEDING ASSISTANCE ONLY:

For those who need to access the elevator, please enter from the track side gate (Stadium Court off of Eastman Road see map below). You'll enter the gym at the bottom of the area circled in red.  There will be an escort on both sides to assist alumni to the small gym.

Updated: DB Tribute to the Douglass Tigers Game

 THIS STORY HAS BEEN UPDATED.

Come one, come all Douglass alumni!  Calling all true Douglass Tigers!

It's a night of fun and excitement on Friday, December 17th at the DB Buck Van Huss dome in Kingsport.

                                         February 1, 2020  

On Friday, December 17th, all Douglass alumni are invited to the Dobyns-Bennett varsity basketball boys-only game versus Science Hill (both teams will be dressed out in the gold and blue of the Douglass Tigers and Langston Golden Tigers).

Before the DB-Science Hill varsity game Friday night, all Douglass alumni and their families will be welcomed at a reception from 6 PM to 7 PM at the Buck Van Huss Dome.  It will be a time of reunion, reflection and renewal just like it was two years ago, and refreshments will be served.

At the reception, alumni and their families will be able to purchase a 2022 pocket calendar, emblazoned with the "Sons and Daughters of Douglass" on the cover and a pen.  The cost is $5 per calendar, and the popular Douglass alumni masks will also be on sale for $10 ($11.25 if ordered to receive by mail--call Charlotte Maxwell at 423-967-0536).  Both are fundraisers to benefit your Sons and Daughters of Douglass Alumni Association.

                                        February 1, 2020

Again, the reception is from 6 PM to 7 PM in the DB Girls' Gym where it was held the last time.  Enter the building at the main entrance (see the note above for handicapped), and the cost is $6.00 per person.  Again, the boy's varsity basketball game begins at 7:30 PM at the conclusion of the JV squad game.

NOTE:  Masks are not required at the game, but if you feel you need to wear them, feel free to do so (per CDC and Sullivan County Health Department guidelines).

After the game, the alumni are invited to an After-Party in the Douglass Community Room at V.O. Dobbins from 9 PM to 11 PM.  

Because of projected rainy weather, previously announced events scheduled for Saturday and Sunday are canceled.

Come one, come all and we'll have a ball on Friday night, December 17th and don't forget to bring your Douglass Tigers school spirit with you!

TWO BITS, FOUR BITS, SIX BITS A DOLLAR...

ALL FOR DOUGLASS, STAND UP AND HOLLER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!