#Paul Tazwell

[jackalgirl]

Bernadette Banner just posted a very interesting video about the costume industry in New York - who does it?  What’s involved?  While she also puts together a Spencer Jacket from Paul Tazewell’s pattern, currently on sale in Etsy to benefit the Costume Industry Coalition, which came into being after COVID-19 hit the industry and folks realized that all of the shops, suppliers, & people who do this don’t have a lot of representation or support.  The video includes discussion of the process, from sketch to construction, and everything that has to go into it, plus how Paul Tazewell (costume designer for Hamilton) and the team that put together the musical approached trying to blend historical and modern elements.  I won’t spoil it with my takeaways, but I will say that the video is well worth a look, if you’re interested in how creative people bring things like this to life.  It’s a fascinating peek behind the curtain (so to speak)!

[theatredirectors]

Jonathan Muñoz-Proulx

Hometown?

Santee, San Diego.

Where are you now?

Echo Park, Los Angeles.

What's your current project?

I’m currently working on a trilogy - three new plays that we are calling The Califa Trilogy. They will explore California’s untold history, Pio Pico, and the myth of “becoming American.” The playwright, Roger Q. Mason, and I are in residency at Company of Angeles, where we will spend 12 months developing and devising these three plays with one repertory cast. One play will be a lyrical, movement-based recounting of the last Tongva woman’s trip from Catalina Island to the mainland. Another play will be a courtroom drama investigating the loss of Pio Pico’s land. And the last piece will be a memory play, using the U.S. government’s extensive marriage visa questionnaire to explore immigration, queer identity and survival.

Why and how did you get into theatre?

I had the incredible good luck of growing up driving-distance from the La Jolla Playhouse in San Diego. They had an absolutely stunning program for high school students at the time were I was able to see every production as many times as I wanted for free. I had the opportunity to observe design meetings, rehearsals, and even attend opening night. I grew up watching the work of pros like Howell Binkley, Paul Tazwell, Robert Brill and Sergio Trujillo. I even got to talk with Des McAnuff about Shakespeare.

What is your directing dream project?

I dream of directing Angels In America Parts One and Two, It’s important to me that I cast an Indigenous actress as the Angel of America. In the spirit of color-conscious casting, if the Angel is not Indigenous, I believe we are suggesting that Heaven, too, has been colonized. While I’ve had the wonderful opportunity to direct Part One:  Millennium Approaches, my dream is to direct both parts in repertory, unedited. I look forward to including the “optional” Act 5, scene 9 of Perestroika, were “Roy, in Heaven, or Hell or Purgatory - stands waist-deep in a smoldering pit.”

What kind of theatre excites you?

I am excited by magic - by hyper theatricality, by magical realism, by the poetic, heightened emotional reactions of characters. I am also attracted to theatre that is movement-based, devised, site specific, immersive, durational, sensory, or one-on-one. I appreciate theatre that explores structure, form, the role of the audience or the role of movement vs the role of text. I describe work I like as “vicious, violent and visceral.” I believe theatre can be a gauntlet for everyone in the room. I believe theatre can be physically and emotionally athletic, and at times, perhaps even exhausting. I am attracted to themes of masculinity, manhood, fraternity, identity, politics and the “American Dream”. I also really, REALLY appreciate a well-crafted diagonal onstage.

What do you want to change about theatre today?

I don’t think seats should be secured to the floors. Immediately, the director’s options are limited. If we want theatre to become increasing inclusive, accessible, and attractive to new, younger audiences, there is a lot to be learned from clubs, concerts and music festivals. Many times I’ve heard theatre makers talk about the sacredness of a group of people sitting in a room together, enjoying one shared experience - but I think this idea has been over-romanticized. I think it’s actually quite troublesome that we invite people into a room, turn off the lights, and tell them not to make a sound - that they should not be noticed - for the duration of the play. Nowhere, but in theatre, has my job been, as a human, to be invisible - Let’s think about that. I’m much more interested in the role of individuality, customization and agency for audiences in the theatre.

What is your opinion on getting a directing MFA?

I have chosen not to get an MFA. Right now, more than anything else, I want to work. Even without an MFA, I’ve had the incredible opportunity to serve as faculty for undergraduate and for graduate students. Until I find myself limited by the “lack” of an MFA, I’m going to keep doing what I’ve been doing - learning by working and failing and adjusting. I don’t have a terminal degree, but my work is my calling card.

Who are your theatrical heroes?

Gordon Davidson. Tony Kushner. Anne Bogart. Ivo Van Hove. Diane Rodriguez. Simon McBurney. Taylor Mac.

Any advice for directors just starting out?

See and read a lot of theatre. Spend the money it takes to do this - it’s worth it, and it’s your job. Try to read one play per day. Reading and seeing plays was my grad school - I saw up to 200 productions per year and read up to 300 scripts per year. Go to art exhibits. I’ve learned most of what I know about space and balance and lines from the Los Angeles County Art Museum. I’ve been especially impacted by the work of Rafael Lozano-Hemmer, James Turrell, Alexander Calder, Helen Pashgain, Diana Thater, Adrián Villar Rojas, and Rafa Eparza. Tell everyone you’re a director. Tell them now, and then years later, you’ll be surprised who remembers and sends you a Facebook message offering you a job. This work requires years (decades?) of relationship building.

Plugs!

I’ll be announcing dates soon for How We’re Different From Animals - a new, devised, movement-based project inspired by Miranda July’s short stories. Over the past three years we’ve had four very informative workshops, two of which were open to the public, and the piece has been through many drastically different incarnations. Now, we’ve finally found it.

[the-record-obituaries]

Sept. 4, 2019: Obituary

Jerry Alexander, 73

Brother Jerry Ander Alexander, age 73 of North Wilkesboro passed away Sunday, September 1, 2019 at Woltz Hospice Home in Dobson

Funeral services will be held 2:00 PM Wednesday at Northside Baptist Church with Pastor Jason Seth Whitley, Brother Jason Lee Whitley and Mr. Jason Richardson officiating.  The body will be placed in the church at 1:00 PM. Burial will be in Middle Cross Baptist Church Cemetery. .

Jerry was born October 19, 1945 in Wilkes County to Roy Clinton and Lura Mae Stone Alexander.  He was a member of Northside Baptist Church and was a pastor for 16 years.  

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife; Judy Brown Alexander and one brother; Earl Alexander.

He is survived by three daughters; Sandy Richardson and husband Wayne of Hays, Dawn Alexander and Pam Alexander both of North Wilkesboro, one   grandson; Jason Richardson and fiance' Chelsey Berry, and one great grandchild; Carly Richardson, sister; Mary Nell Williams of North Wilkesboro, brother; Mayford Alexander and wife; Thelma of Roaring River and sister-in-law; Jane Alexander of Rock Creek.

Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to Northside Baptist Church, PO Box 2731, North Wilkesboro, NC 28659 or Mountain Valley Hospice, 945 Zephyr Road, Dobson, NC 27017.

  Fellman Cheek, 84

Preacher Fellman Cheek, age 84 of Roaring River, passed away Sunday, September 1, 2019 at his home.  

Funeral services will be held 2:00 PM Wednesday, September 4, 2019 at Calvary Baptist Church with Pastor Mark Hall, Pastor Brian Cardwell and Pastor Larry Stone officiating.  Burial will be in the church cemetery.  

Preacher Cheek was born January 29, 1935 in Wilkes County to Ell and Mary Elizabeth Gentry Cheek.  He was a member of Maple Springs Baptist Church. Preacher Cheek dedicated over 50 years of his life to preaching the Gospel.  He was Pastor at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Wilkesboro for 4 years, Calvary Baptist Church in North Wilkesboro for 40 plus years where he was Pastor Emeritus, Grassy Knob Baptist Church in Union Grove for 3 years and Maple Springs Baptist Church in Ronda.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife; Betty Jane Billings Cheek, four sisters; Geneva Hudler, Ozena Myers, Mary Hemric and Rosie Hanes and three brothers; Willard Cheek, Clemmon Cheek and Marvin Cheek.

He is survived by a daughter: Karen Souther and husband Grant of Millers Creek, two sons: Tam Cheek and wife Jan of North Wilkesboro and Jody Cheek and wife Heather of Ocean Isle; six grandchildren: Joseph Cheek (Missy) of Charlotte, Todd Mathis (Lisa) of North Wilkesboro, Carisa Meade (Bradley) of North Wilkesboro, Thomas Cheek (Jordan) of Yadkinville, Andrew Cheek and Aiden Cheek both of Ocean Isle; six great grandchildren: Kaitlyn and Makayla Cheek, Amber Mathis, Slater and Alarie Meade and Sydney Cheek, and one sister Edna Norman (Paul) of Thurmond.

Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to Woltz Hospice Home, 945 Zephyr Road, Dobson, NC 27017

 Jordan Adams, 33

Mr. Jordan Ryan Adams, age 33 of North Wilkesboro passed away Saturday, August 31, 2019 at his home.

Funeral services will be held 2:00 PM Wednesday, September 4, 2019 at Christian Fellowship Mission Church with Pastor Roger Wagoner officiating. Burial will be in the Taylor Cemetery.  

Mr. Adams was born August 4, 1986 in Wilkes County to Gary Walter and Kim Holbrook Adams.  He was a 2005 graduate of North Wilkes High  School and worked for Hobes Ham.

He was preceded in death by his father; Gary Walter Adams and grandfather; Roscoe Holbrook and great grandparents; Glenn and Alsie Douglas.

He is survived by his mother; Kim Holbrook Taylor and husband; Terry of McGrady and two sisters; Kandace Thorley and husband Terry of Charlotte and Rylee Taylor of McGrady, grandparents; Betty and Carvin Brown of Millers Creek and his girlfriend; Meagan Smith and special friends; Mousey and Zae Zae.

Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to the Humane Society of Wilkes, PO box 306, North Wilkesboro, NC 28659.

 Bobby Yoder, 59

Bobby Jean Yoder, age 59, of North Wilkesboro, passed away Saturday, August 31, 2019 at Hugh Chatham Memorial Hospital in Elkin. Bobby was born February 4, 1960 in Tazwell  County, Virginia. Bobby was one of the most amazing, hardworking mothers. She never met a stranger and was the grandmother of the century. She was loved by everyone who got to know her. Ms. Yoder was preceded in death by her parents, Robert Eugene and Idna Gladys Yates; brother, Timmy Yoder; and first husband, Joseph Haney.

Surviving are her sons, Joey Haney and spouse Courtney of North Wilkesboro, Randy Dowell and spouse Chelsea of North Wilkesboro, Joshua Dowell and spouse Nicole of Ronda; Gary Conley of Hays (nephew); grandchildren, Preston Dowell, Dominic Haney, Kaitlyn Haney, Kierstin Dowell, Haylie Dowell, Zach Dowell, Emma Hartley, Journey Haney, Jedidiah Haney, Caston Dowell; siblings, Connie Jo Dodson of Winston Salem, Gerrie Hildebrand of Clemmons, Bessie Diane Hall of Wilkesboro, Robbie Yoder of Florida, Teressa Grey and Arlene Morgan both of Tennessee; nieces, Shannon Campbell and Crystal Conley, among other nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of life will be held from 1:00 until 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 7, 2019 at Crossfire United Methodist Church with Rev. Steve Smith officiating. Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis Place, Tennessee, 38105-9956.

     Miller Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements.  

 Sue Summers, 81

Mrs. Sue Mathis Summers, age 81 of North Wilkesboro, passed away Saturday, August 31, 2019 at Wake Forest Baptist- Wilkes Medical Center.

Graveside services were September 3, at Mountlawn Memorial Park with Rev. Chris Lakey officiating.  

Mrs. Summers was born January 21, 1938 in Wilkes County to Coy and Thelma Jarvis Mathis. She was a homemaker who enjoyed sports, gardening, cooking and her family.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband; Charles E. Summers, Sr., three sisters; Mary Sale, Lucille Johnson and Jean Anderson and one brother; Buddy Mathis.

She is survived by three sons; Charles Summers Jr. and wife Debbie, John Summers and wife Rosie and James Summers and wife Angela all of North Wilkesboro, three grandchildren; Adam Summers and wife Randee of State Road, Ashley Eller and husband Adam and Caitlyn Summers all of North Wilkesboro and four great grandchildren.

The family requests no food or flowers. Memorials may be made to Ebenezer Christian Children's Home PO Box 2777 North Wilkesboro, NC 28659 or the Humane Society of Wilkes PO Box 306 North Wilkesboro, NC 28659.

The family wishes to thank their mother's Home Health Care Team; Susan Shumate, Angela Fye and Angela Reins for their love, care and support that they have shown during this time.

 Rita Harrold, 74

Rita Marlene Harrold, age 74, of Liberty, passed away Friday, August 30, 2019 at Moses Cone Hospital in Greensboro. She was born April 19, 1945 in Wilkes County to Boss and Ada Dillard Souther. Mrs. Harrold attended Julian Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Howard Harrold; and several siblings.

Surviving are son, Norman Harrold of Liberty; daughter, Marna Dunn of Tucson, Arizona; brothers, Terry Souther of Liberty, Carl Souther of Thomasville, David Souther of North Wilkesboro; and sister, Joyce Golds of Purlear.

Graveside service was September 3,   at Zion Baptist Church Cemetery with Rev. Roger Jennings officiating. Memorials may be made to Zion Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, PO Box 372, Hays, NC 28635. Miller Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements.  

 Woodrow Dowell, 73

Mr. Woodrow "Woodie" Wilson Dowell, age 73 of North Wilkesboro, passed away Friday, August 30, 2019 at his home.

Funeral services were September 1,   at Calvary Baptist Church with Rev. Mark Hall and Pastor Donnie Shumate officiating. Burial with Military Honors by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1142 will be in the church cemetery.  

Mr. Dowell was born April 20, 1946 in Wilkes County to Howard William Dowell and Annie Floss Wooten Dowell.  He served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. While serving in Vietnam, he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and earned his Sharpshooter Badge (M-14) Rifle.  He was retired from Wilkes Electric Armature where he worked as an Electrical Tech for 32 years. Woodie was a member of Calvary Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon for 40 years.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister; Grace Campbell and five brothers; Lonnie Dowell, Bob Dowell, Bill Dowell, Junior Dowell and Paul Dowell.

He is survived by his wife Jeanette Walker Dowell of the home, three daughters; Angela Wood and husband Kevin of North Wilkesboro, Patricia

Rhoades and husband Tim of Boomer and Crystal Billings and husband Michael of Hays, six grandchildren; Taylor McKenzie Wood, Avery Cheyenne Wood, Isaac Braden Wood, Brittany Paige Rhoades, Ashley Brooke Billings and Michael Matthew Billings and two sisters; Laura Byers of Wilkesboro and

Rosa Lee Neaves and husband Gerald of West Jefferson.

Pallbearers were Teddy Reed, Danny Byers, Clayton Anderson, Jody Phillips, Kipi Hamby and Greg Wingler.

Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to Calvary Baptist Church PO Box 1516 Millers Creek, NC 28651.

Mary Gambill, 86

Mrs. Mary June Bishop Gambill, age 86 of Elkin, formally of the Brushy Mountain Community passed away Friday, August 30, 2019 at Woltz Hospice Home in Dobson.

Funeral services were September 1,  at Reins Sturdivant Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Joe Wood officiating.  Burial was in Mountlawn Memorial Park.

Mrs. Gambill was born February 19, 1933 in Wilkes County to Paul Bledsoe Bishop and Mary Thelma Bumgarner Bishop. She retired from Cashion Oil Company as their Office Manager.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband; Buel Goodwin "Buck" Gambill, Jr., an infant son; Phillip Jerome Gambill and a sister; Bill Griffin and spouse Bill.

She is survived by a son; Jerome Gambill and wife Jennifer of Elkin, two grandchildren; Grace Elizabeth Gambill and Lily Hope Gambill, a sister; Jean Bullis and husband Glenn of Wilkesboro and a brother; Pete Bishop and spouse Betty of Wilkesboro.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Fisher Center for Alzheimer's Research Foundation 110 East 42nd Street 16th Floor New York, NY 10017.

The family would like to Thank Mountain Valley Hospice for their care during this time.

 James Higgins, 86

James Russell Higgins, age 86, of North Wilkesboro, passed away Friday, August 30, 2019 at SECU Hospice Home in Yadkinville. Mr. Higgins was born May 13, 1933 in Wilkes County to Major McKinley and Ethel Lou Handy Higgins. He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Austin Higgins; sisters, Hazel Handy and Nellie Mae Higgins Smithey; and brothers, Wayne and Clark Higgins.

     Surviving are his wife, Nina May Watts Higgins; daughter, Sally Wambli Sina Win of Muskogee, Oklahoma; brother, Donald Higgins; five grandchildren; nine great grandchildren;

several nieces and nephews.

     Funeral service was September 1,   at Miller Funeral Chapel with Rev. Leon Church officiating. Burial  followed in Edgewood Baptist Church Cemetery.  

      Flowers will be accepted. Miller Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements.

 James Vannoy, 70

Mr. James Russell Vannoy, age 70 of North Wilkesboro passed away Thursday, August 29, 2019 at his home.

     Funeral services will be held 2:00 PM Thursday, September 5, 2019 at Reins-Sturdivant Chapel.  Bural with military honors by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1142 will be in Scenic Memorial Gardens.  The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 PM Wednesday evening at Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home.

Mr. Vannoy was born August 29, 1949 in Wilkes County to Claude Vannoy Sr. and Selma Stokes Vannoy.  He served in the United States Army and did 2 tours of duty in Vietnam.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his first wife; Gloria Dean Pickens Vannoy and his second wife; Jean Remines Vannoy, one sister; Theresa Vannoy and three brothers; Ronald Vannoy, Claude Vannoy, Jr and Robert Lee Vannoy.

He is survived by two sons; Russell Vannoy and wife; Sandy of North Wilkesboro and Demetrius Vannoy of Florida, eleven grandchildren; Torrence Vannoy, Kirstyn Vannoy, Alisha Vannoy, Russell Vannoy, Sami Bell, Danisha Vannoy, Iesha Vannoy Deonte Vannoy, Shamori Vannoy Demetrius (DJ) Vannoy Jr., and Ejovi Vannoy, three great grandchildren; Kennedi Ascencio, Kassidy Ascencio and Bryton Lane, one sister; JoAnn Vannoy Gayles and husband Jackie of Wilkesboro and two brothers; Allen E. Vannoy and wife Jackie and Carl W. Vannoy all of Wilkesboro and sister-in-law; Anita Vannoy of North Wilkesboro.

Flowers will be accepted.

 George Miles, 55

Mr. George William Miles, age 55 of North Wilkesboro, passed away Wednesday, August 28, 2019 at his home.

Private Family Memorial services will be held at a later date.

Mr. Miles was born June 17, 1964 in Flint Michigan to Jack D. Miles and Wilma L. Miles. He was an active member of the Wilkesboro Church of Christ. Mr. Miles was a Lab Chemist with Tyson Technical Services.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister; Debbie and two brothers; Greg Dallaire and William "Bill" Miles.

He is survived by his fiancé Shauna Danielle Porter of North Wilkesboro and a sister; Jewel Cousino of Burton, Michigan.

Flowers will be accepted.

     Gladys Castle, 83

Gladys Zora Castle, age 83, of Wilkesboro, passed away Wednesday, August 28, 2019 at Wake Forest Baptist Health-Wilkes Regional. She was born August 27, 1936 in Wilkes County to Wade Jonathan and Mattie Laws Castle. Gladys was a member of Northside Baptist Church. She always had a smile for everyone. Ms. Castle was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Ward Edward Castle; very special friend, Eugene Jarvis.

She is survived by her siblings, Lloyd Edward Castle and spouse Lorine of Wilkesboro, Evelyn Anderson and spouse Turner of North Wilkesboro, Mary Mash and spouse Jimmy, Ann Bishop, Grace James, David Castle (Heather Anderson) all of Wilkesboro; nieces, Melissa Mash Whitley and Rita Brown; several other nieces and nephews.

Funeral service was August 30,   at Northside Baptist Church with Pastor Jason Whitley, Pastor Joseph Sturgill officiating and eulogy provided by Chris Bishop. Burial will follow in Moravian Falls Cemetery.

Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to Northside Baptist Church, 1105 Odell Street, North Wilkesboro, NC 28659.

Miller Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements.  

  Linda Koontz, 72

Mrs. Linda Arnett Koontz, age 72 of Millers  Creek, NC passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, August 27, 2019.

She was born July 17, 1947 in St. Augustine FL to Dalton and Catherine Tedder Arnett. Linda was a loving mother, grandmother and devoted wife. She was a remarkable cook and enjoyed hosting holidays with family. She was an avid traveler, who loved discovering new roads and shortcuts. She had a passion for quilting, trying new styles and patterns while creating incredible quilts.  She played piano beautifully with one of her favorites being Nadia's Theme which could fill up the room, she was truly talented.  Linda was very artistic and creative. Her favorite memories were baking Christmas cookies with her children and grandchildren and picking out Holiday decorations. Linda loved all aspects of life and tried to experience as much of it as possible. There are no words to accurately express the love she had for others. Linda touched and enriched so many lives and we know she will continue to enrich us all from heaven.

Linda is survived by her husband; Coy Alton Koontz, Jr.  of the home, two daughters; Suzanne Koontz of Millers Creek and Ashley Weaver and husband, Rick of Melbourne Fl three grandchildren; Chase Vogt, Shelby Vogt, Sean Weaver, two brothers; Glenn Arnett and wife Lynn of St. Augustine Fl and Virgil Arnett of Georgia and her devoted dog Toby.

Graveside services will be held at a later date in Florida.

  Peggy Greer, 73

Peggy Ann Greer, age 73, of North Wilkesboro, died Monday, August 26, 2019, at her home. She was born December 30, 1945. Funeral will be 1:00 p.m. Saturday, August 31, 2019, Harmony Baptist Church.  - Miller Funeral Service

   John Parker, 81

John Rufus Parker, age 81, of North Wilkesboro, passed away Monday, August 26, 2019 at Wake Forest Baptist Health-Wilkes Regional. He was born May 16, 1938 in Wilkes County to Coy and Kate Anderson Parker. John was a member of Oakwoods Baptist Church.        He was a US Army Veteran, receiving a medal for carbine and rifle sharpshooter and was a butcher. Mr. Parker was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Winnie Arrington and Martha Louise Parker McCulley and grandchildren, Valerie Dawn Teague, Jonathan Scott Teague.

Surviving are his sister, Antonia Parker Bailey and spouse R.C. of Winter Haven, Florida; step daughter, Jane E. Osborne of North Wilkesboro; step son, Larry Osborne of North Wilkesboro; great grandchildren, Cameron Teague and Kyleigh Teague; several nieces and nephews.

Funeral service was August 30  at Oakwoods Baptist Church with Pastor Christopher Clark officiating.

Burial with military honors by Veterans of Foreign Wars Honor Guard Post 1142  followed in Mountlawn Memorial Park.  

Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to American Cancer Society, PO Box 9, North Wilkesboro, NC 28659.

Miller Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements.  

Pallbearers will be James Anderson, Robert Anderson, Robin Bumgarner, Randy Earp, Sr., Randy Earp, Jr., Ricky Walker, Lee Tedder and Ernie Absher. Honorary pallbearer will be Cameron Teague.

[therealpreacherman]

First Confession Part 1-Baptism

Before you can give your first confession, you have to be baptized. My official baptism was as a 5 year old boy in 1982 at East Hickory Baptist Church in Hickory, North Carolina. I actually grew up in a Christian home in Hickory. My father was an ordained Southern Baptist lay minister. He was originally from Spartanburg, South Carolina. My mother was from North Tazwell, Virginia. They met and married in 1973 in Hickory and originally were members of Temple Baptist Church in Hickory. I was born in 1976. After the church refused to allow my father to be a deacon, we left and went to East Hickory where, ironically, he was never nominated. After my confession of faith, I was baptized by Reverend Paul Childers.

[lrmartinjr]

Del. Betsy Carr paddled through choppy water in her kayak along the Clinch River, joined shortly by her General Assembly colleague, Del. Chris Hurst.

“That was fun!” said Carr, D-Richmond.

Several lawmakers floated along the waterway Friday as part of an outing of the Sportsmen’s Caucus to learn about the Clinch River corridor that the state and communities are working together to turn into a state park. The Nature Conservancy hoped by showing off the region and the river, lawmakers would envision what it could be and continue their support.

“We think we’re going to become a mecca of outdoor activity and that will be a bright future for Southwest Virginia,” said Brad Kremps, the Clinch Valley program director.

The development of the state park will take a few years. Plans started flowing in 2016, when the General Assembly approved $2.5 million for the first phase.

“We’re hoping to put more emphasis on Southwest Virginia,” said Sen. Emmett Hanger, R-Augusta, a Sportmen’s Caucus chair.

The goal is to have the park stretch along the Clinch River, which rises in Tazwell County and winds through Russell, Wise and Scott counties into Tennessee. The state is working on purchasing three pieces of land ranging from 300 to 500 acres across three counties to anchor the park. The state is hoping to close on one section of land in St. Paul later this summer.