Meet In CommonNews

Local news in and around Marion, NC

Elizabethton Star · Elizabethton, TN

Nearby: Elizabethton, TN

ETSU Health, Ballad Health to host free community baby shower in Elizabethton

Expectant parents and growing families are invited to attend a free community baby shower Saturday, Nov. 14, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at ETSU Health Ballad Health Pediatrics – Elizabethton, a department of Johnson City Medical Center. Hosted by ETSU Health and Ballad Health, the event will connect expectant parents and families with educational resources and health care professionals to help them prepare for a healthy pregnancy and the arrival of their newest family member. “It has been such a joy to watch our young patients grow and to build lasting relationships with families throughout Elizabethton and the surrounding communities,” said Dr. Jessica Jones, an ETSU Health pediatrician. “Welcoming a new baby is exciting – and sometimes a little overwhelming, too. Our Community Baby Shower will be a great opportunity to celebrate your growing family, discover helpful resources and network with families sharing similar experiences.

Elizabethton Star · Elizabethton, TN

Nearby: Elizabethton, TN

Food City to sponsor Shepherd’s Inn Feast of Joy dinner

The Shepherd’s Inn will host its 23rd annual Feast of Joy Christmas Dinner on Monday, Dec. 7, at Valley Forge Free Will Baptist Church in Elizabethton, with Food City sponsoring the meal. Tickets are now available. Food City’s culinary team will provide the dinner entree and desserts for the event, which raises funds for The Shepherd’s Inn, a safe house and emergency shelter serving women and children who are victims of domestic violence. “We are thrilled that our culinary friends with Food City will provide the entire entree and desserts,” said Michael Hawkins, board president. “Food City has an amazing culinary team who is accustomed to catering events, and their sponsorship of the Feast of Joy brings a wonderful gift and partnership.” Before dinner, guests will be served wassail and hors d’oeuvres provided by restaurants throughout the Elizabethton community. Local restaurants have contributed appetizers to the event since its beginning.

Elizabethton Star · Elizabethton, TN

Nearby: Elizabethton, TN

Chamber celebrates ribbon cutting for The Pond at Stoney Creek

Star Staff Reports The Elizabethton/Carter County Chamber of Commerce celebrated The Pond at Stoney Creek with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, welcoming the event venue to the local business community. Located at 420 Airport Road in Elizabethton, The Pond at Stoney Creek offers a setting for weddings, celebrations, family reunions and private gatherings. The property features more than two acres of green space, two flowing creeks and a pond with a fountain, providing a scenic backdrop for special occasions. The venue offers flexible indoor and outdoor gathering spaces, along with overnight accommodations, allowing guests to enjoy the natural surroundings of East Tennessee. For Camille LaPorte Liebbe, opening the property to the community holds special meaning because it was her childhood home. “Having grown up in this community, I am incredibly grateful for the love and support shown in sharing my childhood home with others.

Elizabethton Star · Elizabethton, TN

Nearby: Elizabethton, TN

First Baptist Church to host free food distribution Nov. 19

STAR STAFF REPORTS First Baptist Church in Elizabethton will host a free food distribution Thursday, Nov. 19, from 1 to 3 p.m. or until supplies run out. The distribution will be held outdoors as a drive-through pickup, allowing participants to remain in their vehicles while receiving food. The church is located at 212 E. F St. in Elizabethton. For more information, call 423-543-1931.

Elizabethton Star · Elizabethton, TN

Nearby: Elizabethton, TN

A day of honor, a lasting tribute to Deacon Bowers

By Ron Marvel Star Correspondent Honoring those who served and remembering a man who worked hard to preserve their legacy brought the community together Wednesday morning in downtown Elizabethton. The Veterans Day ceremony began at 11 a.m. at the Elizabethton-Carter County Veterans Walk of Honor along Armed Forces Drive. The gathering gave those in attendance an opportunity to thank veterans and reflect on the sacrifices they made for the country. A new American flag was raised during the ceremony, with Elizabethton High School’s National Naval Defense Cadet Corps (NNDCC) on hand. It was a fitting part of a morning centered on service and love of country. After the national anthem and the Pledge of Allegiance, Elizabethton Mayor Bill Carter recognized those sacrifices in his speech and honored the service of veterans and Arthur “Deacon” Bowers. “Today we designate a special day to acknowledge all the branches of our military.

Elizabethton Star · Elizabethton, TN

Nearby: Elizabethton, TN

Holiday Classic to bring middle school basketball action to Elizabethton Dec. 26-Jan. 2

Middle school basketball will take center stage in Elizabethton during the holiday season as the Carter County Sports Hall of Fame, in partnership with Johnson City Eye Clinic, sponsors the upcoming Holiday Classic basketball tournament. The tournament, scheduled for Dec. 26-Jan. 2, will bring together middle school varsity and junior varsity boys and girls teams for several days of basketball competition, giving young athletes an opportunity to stay on the court during the Christmas break. Games will be played at two Elizabethton locations: the Boys Club and the Elizabethton Parks and Recreation building on Mills Street. The participating programs include Hunter, Hampton, Happy Valley, Indian Trail, T.A. Dugger, Jonesborough, Sulphur Springs and Sullivan Central. The tournament will feature four divisions: Girls Varsity (GV), Girls Junior Varsity (GJV), Boys Varsity (BV) and Boys Junior Varsity (BJV). The opening day, Saturday, Dec.

Elizabethton Star · Elizabethton, TN

Nearby: Elizabethton, TN

Christmas at Sabine Hill to feature candlelight tours Dec. 4-5

BY STAR REPORTS Sabine Hill State Historic Site will take on a special holiday atmosphere Friday and Saturday, Dec. 4-5, when Christmas will be celebrated at the historic Taylor home in Elizabethton. Candlelight tours will offer visitors a chance to step back in time to the early 1800s for a glimpse into a simpler era when Christmas was one of the grandest celebrations of the year. The Christmas season in early 19th-century America was celebrated as a monthlong season of merriment and festivities featuring caroling, feasting, dances, fox hunts and the firing of Christmas guns. From the simplest pleasures enjoyed by families living in one-room log cabins to the elaborate holiday celebrations of wealthier families such as the Taylors, who lived in one of the finest homes in the region, Christmas was a time to open doors and hearts to family, friends and neighbors.

Elizabethton Star · Elizabethton, TN

Nearby: Elizabethton, TN

….Upcoming events in Elizabethton and Roan Mountain

Choral Club Christmas Concert The Elizabethton Choral Club will present its Christmas concert Monday, Nov. 30, at 7 p.m. at First Baptist Church Elizabethton. Everyone is invited to attend. Polar Express Movie Night Polar Express Movie Night will be held Saturday, Dec. 5, at 3 p.m. at Edwards Island Park. The free event will feature train rides, cocoa and cookies, Santa and Mrs. Claus, and a movie at dusk, around 5:30 p.m., on a large inflatable screen. Attendees are encouraged to bring a pillow, blanket or lawn chair for comfortable movie viewing. Food trucks will be on-site with dinner and snack options available for purchase. The event is presented by the City of Elizabethton Parks and Recreation Department and sponsored by Carter County Bank. Jazz in December The Bonnie Kate Theater will host Jazz in December on Sunday, Dec. 20, at 7 p.m. Following last year’s sold-out show, the Tri-Cities Jazz Orchestra will return for another night of holiday swing at the Bonnie Kate.

Elizabethton Star · Johnson City, TN

Nearby: Johnson City, TN

Region One Football Officials Association honors officials, schools for sportsmanship at annual banquet

By C.Y. Peters Star Correspondent It was a night to recognize the men who wear the stripes, the schools that display outstanding sportsmanship and the individuals who have dedicated decades of their lives to high school football. The Region One Football Officials Association held its annual banquet Wednesday night at the DoubleTree Hotel in Johnson City, bringing together officials, coaches and representatives from across Northeast Tennessee to celebrate another season of high school football. The association oversees TSSAA football officiating throughout Northeast Tennessee, including Carter, Cocke, Greene, Hamblen, Hancock, Hawkins, Jefferson, Johnson, Sullivan, Unicoi and Washington counties. Adam Knobloch opened the evening’s festivities and was among those receiving special recognition. Knobloch was honored by the TSSAA as the recipient of the prestigious A.F. Bridges Official of the Year Award, recognizing his contributions and dedication to high school athletics.