TNPromise and TNReconnect have impacted the lives of thousands of Tennesseans since they begin under the leadership of Governor Bill Haslam. Northeast State Community College is no exception. Chris Hitechew, NeSCC Director said they had an increase in enrollment with TNPromise, but it has leveled off. With recent infrastructure improvements and new courses available, they are expecting more adults to return for higher education with TNReconnect. Reconnect allows adults without a college degree who may not qualify for the PellGrant get money to go to college.

NSCC currently offers night classes and online classes to allow working adults to continue their education. Hitechew said a student can attend classes only two nights each week and be enrolled as a full-time student.

Currently, enrollment for the year averages about 560 students. Hitechew said the recent completion of the elevator at the school will allow for an increase in enrollment. He also said the school has added about 30 new classes, and continues to offer dual enrollment opportunities with local high schools.

John Caso, an organ recipient, shared his story with Kiwanis on March 12, thanks to an organ donor. He received a new heart in 2016, 11 years and nine months after applying for a new heart. Caso was promoting DonateLife and encouraging everyone to register as an organ donor. One organ donor can save the lives of up to 8 people. The oldest donor in the world was 107 years old, and the oldest in the US was 93. In the last two years, 31,000 lives have been saved thanks to organ donors. For more information on DonateLife or on how to register as an organ donor, please visit https://donatelifetn.org/

Unaka High School Key Club recently received numerous awards! We’re proud of the work they’re doing under the leadership of Advisor Kayla Clawson and Club President Jaida Walters! On March 6, club seniors presented to our Kiwanis Club their numerous projects and successes. Ms. Walters said, “Being in Key Club really opens doors for you with scholarships, volounteer opportunities and relationships with people in the community.”

Accomplishments in 2017-18:

• Police Officer and SRO Appreciation Day
• Creation of 72 fidget aprons for local seniors at nursing homes
• Senior citizen prom
• Volunteering at Pancake Day and Kiwanis Anniversary Dinner, Ronald McDonald House, Second Harvest, Book It to the Bridge,
• Battle of the Belts with Niswonger
• Attendance at Fall Rally
• Toy drive for kids in partnership with the Sheriff’s Auxiliary (toys donated valued over $10,000)
• Promotion of club to younger grades at freshmen orientiation

Awards earned at District Convention:

Dr. Siv and Sycamore Shoals Staff

Feb. 6, 2018

Thanks Dr. Kamesh Sivagnanam for sharing what’s new at Sycamore Shoals Hospital. Dr. Siv, cardiologist, has been in Elizabethton now for about five months at Karing Hearts Cardiology and is excited to be making rounds in the hospital. This means the hospital can now offer a variety of new services to patients ranging from heart screenings to pacemakers and more. We’re excited to have these services conveniently located right here in Elizabethton and excited to have Dr. Siv in our hometown.

Fred Sauceman shares the inside scoop on Ridgewood BBQ

The 20-ingredient barbecue sauce remains a secret despite being passed down through three generations of the same Ridgewood BBQ family. Ridgewood opened in 1948 as a pub, till Sullivan County banned the sale of beer, at which time Ridgewood converted to a BBQ restaurant. The famous smoked ham barbecue is renown the world over, and we were fortunate to hear its history Tuesday from author and foodie Fred Sauceman. We enjoyed learning the background of a restaurant that began with one family and now brings families from around the world together.