TNStrong Teens

The teens involved with the Carter County branch of TNStrong are making great progress towards tobacco prevention in the county. They have gotten hundreds of signatures from students pledging not to use tobacco, attended summits to learn more about prevention and cessation, and translated that into meaningful programs for Carter County youth.

Most recently, they have completed another photo shoot for their Starters Never Start Campaign. This features local athletes of various ages using the phrase Starters Never Start. These images are shared in schools and on social media to show that using tobacco doesn’t make kids any cooler or more successful.

We’re proud to see these kids hard at work in partnership with Carter County Drug Prevention. The future is bright for a healthier county and state thanks to these boys!

Perry Elliott, Betsy Band Director, visited Kiwanis at our Aug. 8 meeting to share an exciting announcement from the band along with updates about this years programs. On September 23, the Betsy Band will travel to Knoxville and perform in Neyland Stadium. High school bands do this each year, but it has been years since a band performed alongside the Pride of the Southland Band on the field. This is a huge honor for the band.

“It’s not difficult to put walls and a roof up if there;s a good solid foundation,” said Elliott. “We have students that are prepared.”

He said in the history of the band, there have been nine directors, and he has been the director for 27 years. The band has won four state championships in the last seven years, and this year they will defend their state title.

He said he is most proud of the success of his students after they graduate. One has won two Grammy Awards, while many others are lawyers, doctors, school teachers, and political leaders. “We’re producing great people,” he said. “I believe if you build good people, you build a successful band.”

The band will compete on Aug. 14 at Asheville High School and will defend its title on Oct. 28 at Science Hill, and then again in the first week of November.

July 4, 2017
BY CURTIS CARDEN, Elizabethton Star

A tradition started years ago by Dean Blevins continues to hold firm to this day.

Members of the Elizabethton Kiwanis Club were out in full force during the morning hours of the Fourth of July distributing flags to area businesses that participate in the annual holiday fundraiser. Scattered throughout downtown Elizabethton and other portions of the community, flags are placed in front of businesses as a way to celebrate 10 different holidays during the year.

“We distribute these flags during each of the major holidays,” Kiwanian Bill Kyte said. “The money from the flags is used to benefit the special needs picnic.”

Kyte and fellow Kiwanian Tim Broyles explained the significance of the flag distribution, which originated from the now-defunct Civitan Club and championed by Blevins.

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Sheriff Dexter Lunceford

Thanks Sheriff Lunceford for providing us a law enforcement update at our June 27 meeting. We are happy to hear the Carter County Sheriff’s Office is implementing new strategies to combat crime and drug abuse in our area.

Mike Mains with David LeVeau

It was an honor to recognize Mike Mains for his years of service to Elizabethton Parks and Recreation at our June 6 meeting. Mike embodies character and compassion, and we are are proud of his work and who he is!