Upcoming Senior Center Events

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The Kingsport Senior Center, 1 of only 7 accredited in the state of Tennessee, is dedicated to enriching the quality of life for area seniors.  Check out some of their upcoming events and trips!

  • Mother’s Day “Breakfast in Bed” Brunch will be held on Thursday, May 11, 2017 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in Room 310. This is a free event for all mothers. Come and enjoy a nice brunch and wonderful music and some beautiful giveaways. Please come in your pajamas! After all this is our take on a “breakfast in bed!” You may sign up on April 3.
  • Book Swap Day will be held on Monday, May 15, 2017 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. inside the first floor atrium. A book swap is a great way to meet people and read wonderful books at no cost. Please contact the Senior Center at 392-8400 to sign up.
  • Barter Theater trip to watch “Footloose!” Join us on Thursday, May 25, 2017. We will depart the Center at 10:30 a.m. and will return around 6:00 p.m. Lunch will be on your own at Pop Ellis Soda Shoppe. The cost is $30.00 for your ticket and transportation due at sign up. One of the most explosive movie musicals to burst onto the stage in recent memory! The soundtrack reached #1 on the Billboard charts. It is a story of rebellious teens and the families who learn to listen to and guide them with warm and loving hearts. Based on a true story, it features the hits songs: “Footloose,” “Holding Out for a Hero,” and “Let’s Hear it for the Boy.” Sign up now!

For more information or to join the Kingsport Senior Center, please visit www.kingsporttn.gov or call 423-343-8400.

Did you pick up your membership yet?

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If you love to swim, a Kingsport Aquatic Center membership is for you. Memberships are available online or on-site. All membership plans entitle the pass holder to member rates on classes, 10% discount on rentals, 10% discount at the Oasis and free admission to the Member’s Appreciation Movie night held in August.

Aquatic Center Memberships
Youth   (Under 48” tall)                       $30/month      $230/year
Adult    (48” and taller)                       $35/month      $300/year
Senior  (Age 55+)                                $30/month      $230/year
Family (4 people/same household)    $70/month      $475/year

 

Season Pass
If you only plan to visit the aquatic center during the summer, then this is the plan for you.  The Waterpark Pass entitles the user to admission to indoor and outdoor pools during the Waterpark operational season, early May through September.

Lil’ Splasher                 (Under 48”)                                $75/ season
Big Splasher                (48” and taller)                          $100/ season
Master Splasher          (Age 55+)                                    $75/season
Splash Pack                (4 people/same household)    $200/season

 

‘Swing & Splash’ Annual Membership
Enjoy water and golf activities in one package! This membership includes a Kingsport Aquatic Center membership and a Cattails Discount Card for the Cattails at MeadowView golf course. The discount card includes a $12 discount on each 18-hole round of golf, $6 discount on each 9-hole round of golf, 20% off dinner entrees at The Meadows restaurant at the MeadowView Marriott Conference Resort for up to six people, free round of golf with cart rental and 15% off golf merchandise at the Golf Shop.

Adult    (22-54) $435 ($36.25 per month)
Senior  (55+)    $325 ($27.09 per month)

For more information on the pools, swim lessons, memberships and more, visit www.swimkingsport.com or call 423-343-9758.

Ready to Splash?

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Summer is the time to swim – and the time for swim lessons!

Summer swim lessons start in June with registration for the classes beginning at the end of May. Each session includes eight classes. If you’re unsure which class to choose, a swim test is offered and can help determine the correct class based on current skill level.

For an Aquatic Center or YMCA member, it is $50 for the first child and $45 for additional children. If you’re not a member, but would still like your child to participate in swim lessons, it is $60 for the first child and $55 for additional children.

Registration is available online. Visit www.swimkingsport.com for more information!

swimmers

Outdoor Water Park Opens May 13

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The first 100 visitors through the outdoor pool gate get a free swag bag in honor of Kingsport’s centennial.

The outdoor water park at the Kingsport Aquatic Center will open its gates on Saturday, May 13 at 10:30 a.m.

Swimmers can enjoy two waterslides, the Eastman Credit Union 900-foot lazy river, a climbing structure and play area with water cannons, a lily pad crossing and concessions stand.

“We’re excited to open early again this year for the swimmers who can’t wait to jump in,” said Kari Matheney. “It’s great to be a facility that isn’t impacted by the weather. Swimmers can splash rain or shine!”

Upon arrival, children will be required to take off their shoes and be measured. If the child is 48” or taller, their admission to the park will cost $10. If the child is less than 48”, their admission cost is $8. Seniors are $8 and children 2 and under are free.

Swimmers who visit the park between May 13 and May 26 can take advantage of promotional admission pricing of 48” or taller for only $8 and less than 48” for $6.

The aquatic center indoor pools and outdoor water park will be open Memorial Day from 10:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

  • Outdoor waterpark hours:
    • Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 10:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
    • Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday 10:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

The Kingsport Aquatic Center is located at 1820 Meadowview Parkway, Kingsport. For more information about the outdoor water park, please visit the “Know Before You Go” page on www.swimkingsport.com.

Cindy Saadeh Centennial Art Winner

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Cindy Saadeh Fine Art Gallery was honored to receive eight entries for their Centennial Art Contest. “It was a very tough decision,” said Michael Ripper, gallery manager.

The first place winner is Sidney Moore of Kingsport. She painted a beautiful image of Wallace News Stand with acrylic paint in black and white.  Moore describes Wallace News as a “spot that is saturated in history” and it captures the “quaintness and intimacy of small town Kingsport.” You can see her artwork featured at the gallery.

The runner up was Kathy Hawk of Kingsport. Her artwork, titled ‘Spring in Kingsport,’ shows the most beautiful time in Kingsport. “We are blessed with so much natural beauty, it’s breathtaking,” said Hawk.

The other entries were Tabitha Hibbetts, “Canadian Goose of Kingsport,” two entries from Lucy Cleek, “Wallace News” and “Sunset at J. Fred Johnson Stadium,” and two entries from Leslie Davis, “Bird Sanctuary” and “TriCities Produce.”

For more information, please visit www.cindysaadeh.com.

Winner, Sidney Moore. Title Wallace NewsRunner up, Kathy Hawk.

You can now Report that Pothole

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yougov app pic

YourGOV is an innovative citizen request application that allows community members to conveniently report non-emergency issues and service requests using the web or a smartphone.

In just three steps, YourGOV users can submit common issues — such as potholes, street light outages, water leaks and more — complete with location, details and photos. Once submitted, YourGOV will automatically deliver requests to the city’s public works department where they are reviewed and routed for proper handling.

Since the app launched in Kingsport, Public Works departments, such as traffic, have seen a reduction in number of calls received. Less calls means city employees are correcting issues reported more efficiently, which leads to a cost savings for the city.

YourGOV is free and is available for use anytime. To visit YourGOV online, go to www.kingsporttn.gov and click on the YourGOV tab located on the homepage. If smartphone users would like to download the app, please visit the iTunes app store or Google Play store.

To see the YourGOV app in action, check out the video on www.kingsporttn.gov.

The YouGOV app is not to be used for emergency situations. If it is an emergency, citizens should call central dispatch at 423-246-9111. If the emergency requires an immediate response, citizens should call 911.

Kingsport Police Department Meets Nation’s Highest Law Enforcement Standards

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On Saturday, March 25, 2017, the Kingsport Police Department’s Chief of Police, David Quillin, appeared before the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) in Mobile, Alabama. Chief Quillen accepted the “Meritorious Advanced Gold Standard with Excellence Reaccreditation” on behalf of the Kingsport Police Department. This award is reserved for agencies that have been continuously accredited for 25 years or more.

The Kingsport Police Department has now been successfully through the accreditation process eight times.  First accredited through CALEA in 1992, the department has since maintained accreditation for a quarter century.

“CALEA Accreditation continues to give the Kingsport Police Department the ability to hold our facilities, our policies, our individual officers, and our department as a whole to the absolute highest standards of professional law enforcement services,” said Chief Quillen.

CALEA Accreditation requires proof of compliance with 484 highly regarded and broadly recognized professional law enforcement standards.  The standards help law enforcement agencies to strengthen crime prevention and control capabilities, formalize essential management procedures, establish fair and nondiscriminatory personnel practices, improve service-delivery, solidify interagency cooperation and coordination, and boost citizen and staff confidence in the agency.

The major benefits of CALEA Accreditation include greater accountability within the agency, reduced risk and liability exposure, stronger defense against civil litigation, staunch support from government officials, and increased community advocacy.

For additional information regarding CALEA Accreditation, please visit www.CALEA.org.

kingsport police dept

Hamilton: The Balloon-Loving Giraffe

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giraffe mural

If you haven’t driven down Main Street recently, you haven’t met Hamilton, the whimsical giraffe creation by Payton Miller. Miller’s giraffe mural in included in the Public Mural Program, part of the OneKingsport initiative.

Miller is the famous UT rock painter. She’s painted murals on ‘The Rock’ over 18 times, each featuring a special design she does freehand from a mental sketch. Now, she’s putting her skills to the test with her first mural in her hometown.

“When Anne Greenfield and I first discussed the mural, she described “The 101” building as “the most forgettable building in Kingsport,” said Miller.

Miller and Greenfield, who has known Miller for most of her young life, were determined to change this perception with a mural on the side of building facing Main Street. Miller chose the giraffe because she loves painting animals. She also had not yet taken on the challenge of completing one with spray paint.

“It’s important for me to have painted something lasting in spray cans, as most of my work in Knoxville is fleeting,” Miller said with a smile. “I’ve lived in Kingsport my whole life. It’s a major part of my identity and I carry Kingsport with me wherever I go. It’s pretty neat to think I’ve left a part of myself behind in it, too.”

Balloons were an addition for a whimsical feel. The three balloons on the right provide an opportunity for people to interact with the painting for pictures. Viewers will also notice bends in the giraffe’s tail meant to resemble a lightning bolt for the future logo of High Voltage, a venue that will serve beer and host food trucks.

The giraffe’s name also wasn’t on accident. Hamilton received the most votes on ‘The 101’ Facebook page during the naming contest.

Retail stores Style and Picsee, along with High Voltage, will be open at the grand opening of ‘The 101’ building at First Thursday Sip N Stroll on May 4. For more information, please call 423-963-1615 or visit ‘The 101’ on Facebook.

Payton Miller and giraffe

Highlighting Heroes: Communications Supervisor for Kingsport Dispatch

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Nancy Fender

Nancy Fender – First Responder in Kingsport

Her job is to get help to the citizens of Kingsport when they need it most.

Nancy Fender is the communications supervisor for the City of Kingsport. She leads the team of 18 dispatchers that respond to all 911 calls. Nancy makes sure emergency responders and residents get critical information during an emergency.

Nancy oversees the department that encourages the citizens of Kingsport to feel safe and protected, but her job entails much more than that. Her responsibilities include training operators, troubleshooting technology and keeping detailed operator call records. She works as city liaison to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, informing them of statewide issues and concerns. Nancy is always working to make the city a safer place.

Over 29 years with this department, Nancy has witnessed a lot of changes take place. She could recall one change in particular that lead to the most memorable moment in her career.

“In 1991, dispatch decided to start training responders on what to do during basic medical emergency situations,” explained Nancy. “This new training gave us the ability to help callers with CPR or emergency first aid instructions until paramedics got onto the scene.”

Two weeks after completing her training, Nancy took a call that would put her training into action – a woman was giving birth and needed help.

“After asking a few questions it became clear that the birth was happening immediately,” recalled Nancy. She stayed on the phone with the woman, gave her instructions and helped ensure her daughter and new grandson made it safely through the birth.

“I’ll never forget that experience. I helped bring a new life into the world, and probably saved the mother’s life in the process.”

To everyone she works with, Nancy’s pride and commitment to her position in the city is obvious. Her leadership, dedication, and compassion have earned her statewide recognition. Her outstanding work has earned her the award for the Telecommunications Supervisor of the Year for the state of Tennessee. Nancy goes ‘above and beyond’ her duties to help the people of Kingsport whenever she can.

Nancy Fender is one of many emergency dispatchers all over the country who work tirelessly to help people around them. In recognition of their efforts, April 9 – 15 is National Public Safety Telecommunications Week.

This weeklong period is a time to celebrate and thank people who dedicate their lives to serving the public, like Nancy. To find out more about National Public Safety Telecommunications Week, please visit www.npstw.org.

SwimKingsport Launches Website Redesign

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With the summer swim season upon us, the Kingsport Aquatic Center has launched its newly redesigned website. Along with being more user friendly, the site contains more of the information residents and visitors want to know, such as pool hours, swim lesson schedules and when swim meets are held.

The homepage provides an interactive calendar, alerting site visitors to upcoming and current events. The calendar also notes if the aquatic center is partially closed due to a swim meet.

The ‘Know Before You Go’ information section is also front and center on the homepage. On this page, residents and visitors are able to review guidelines before attending the facility and adhere to them during their visit.

New menu organization allows users to find information, such as swim lessons or lifeguard training courses, quicker. A link to an online swim lesson registration can also be found on the swim lessons page.

As with any website, it is always evolving and will be continuously improved. We’ll be updating content weekly and have exciting plans for the continued growth of the site.

Visit www.swimkingsport.com to check out the improvements!

swimkingsport homepage