Sunday Holiday Hours in Abingdon:

Historic Preservation Review Board Meeting Agenda for December 5, 2018

Work Session Meeting Notice on December 11, 2018

Town Council Meeting Agenda for December 3, 2018

Town Council Meeting Notice for December 3, 2018

Council Retreat on December 12, 2018

TRAFFIC ADVISORY FOR ABINGDON KIWANIS CHRISTMAS PARADE

Abingdon Police Department 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TRAFFIC ADVISORY FOR ABINGDON KIWANIS CHRISTMAS PARADE

The Abingdon Kiwanis Christmas Parade is set for Saturday, December 1st. The parade begins at 6:00 p.m. however, street closures will occur earlier to allow the parade to line up. 

Be alert for pedestrians and prepare for detours, delays, and officers directing traffic.

If you are traveling through Abingdon, or plan to attend the parade, you are encouraged to leave at least an hour earlier than planned to insure that you reach your destination on time. Above all, be prepared to wait. Traffic will be heavy and there will be a large number of pedestrians in the downtown area. 

Officers deployed for this event have certain priorities; specifically pedestrian safety and traffic flow.  Please do not honk your horn or attempt to initiate conversation with officers directing traffic.  Traffic will be too heavy for officers to answer questions from each passing car, while avoiding traffic coming from the opposite direction.  Yelling obscenities at the officers as you pass or drive away also does little good. No matter how you feel about the officer not letting you go the direction you want, screaming profanities out your car window will only attract negative attention. If you feel the need to yell, just yell Merry Christmas.  Remember that the officers are in place for the safety of EVERYONE attending the parade, including themselves. 
The Code of Virginia addresses drivers who do not obey officers, ignore their signals, drive around barricades or use profanity in public:

§ 46.2-834. Signals by law-enforcement officers, crossing guards, and flaggers.
A. Law-enforcement officers may assume control of traffic at any intersection, regardless of whether such intersection is controlled by lights, controlled by other traffic control devices, or uncontrolled. Whenever any law-enforcement officer so assumes control of traffic, all drivers of vehicles shall obey his signals.
B. Law-enforcement officers and uniformed school crossing guards may assume control of traffic otherwise controlled by lights, and in such event, signals by such officers and uniformed crossing guards shall take precedence over such traffic control devices.

§ 46.2-852 Reckless driving; general rule.
Irrespective of the maximum speeds permitted by law, any person who drives a vehicle on any highway recklessly or at a speed or in a manner so as to endanger the life, limb, or property of any person shall be guilty of reckless driving.

§ 18.2-388. Profane swearing and intoxication in public; penalty.
If any person profanely curses or swears or is intoxicated in public, whether such intoxication results from alcohol, narcotic drug or other intoxicant or drug of whatever nature, he shall be deemed guilty of a Class 4 misdemeanor.

Street closures will occur on the following schedule:

• East Main Street will be closed from Hutton Street to Court Street from 4:00 p.m., until the parade concludes.
o Motorist needing to access this area of East Main Street should use exit 17 from Interstate 81 to access East Main Street.
• East Main Street from Court Street to Cummings Street will be closed to traffic at 5:45 p.m. to clear the parade route.
o Motorist needing to access the Barter Theatre, Barter Stage 2 or the Martha Washington Inn before 5:45 p.m. should plan to arrive prior to that time.
• West Main Street from Cummings Street to Route 19 will be closed to eastbound traffic at 5:45 p.m.
• Westbound traffic from Court Street to Route 19 will be allowed to use West Main Street until the parade approaches.

Drive safely and have a great holiday experience in downtown Abingdon.

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Agenda for Planning Commission Meeting on November 26, 2018

Special Called Meeting on November 28, 2018 Agenda

Special Called Meeting on November 28, 2018

Agenda for November 19, 2018 Special Called Meeting

Abingdon named one of SafeWise's 20 Safest Cities in Virginia for 2018!

Work Session Agenda for November 14, 2018

Abingdon is celebrating “A Season of Christmas Cheer,” with holiday activities for families November 16 – December 31

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Abingdon is celebrating “A Season of Christmas Cheer,”

with holiday activities for families November 16 – December 31

Abingdon, VA – Historic Abingdon is full of charms during the holidays, and this season, the town is ramping up its offerings for families.   Beginning Friday November 16, Abingdon celebrates “A Season of Christmas Cheer,” a month of family-friendly holiday activities.  At the heart of the holiday schedule is Barter Theatre’s musical “Elf,” which provided inspiration for the Town’s holiday celebration.

Southern Living wrote “If Frank Capra had made a Southern version of It’s a Wonderful Life, he might have set it in Abingdon, Virginia, with its tree-lined Main Street, scenic Blue Ridge setting, historic Martha Washington Inn & Spa, and legendary Barter Theatre.”

November 16^th through December 31^st, Abingdon’s quaint downtown will be transformed in to a Christmas wonderland, with concerts, magical storefront displays, a 20-foot-tall Christmas tree, and special events to celebrate the season.  There will be plenty of opportunities to find the perfect gift, as Abingdon’s merchants will stay open each weekend to accommodate shoppers.

The Christmas season begins in Abingdon with the opening of Barter Theatre’s “Elf: The Musical,” Friday November 16^th.  Barter is a holiday tradition for many families in the region, and this year’s offering is the hilarious story of Buddy the elf, based on the New Line Cinema Film starring Will Ferrell.  The fun continues with “Santa Claus is Coming to Town,” a holiday story for young audiences, the heart-warming “Wooden Snowflakes, and “The Santaland Diaries,” (better suited for adults). For the first time, Barter will also hold a special 5K race, the “Holiday Hustle,” Sunday November 18^th at 9:00am.

With plenty to see and do each weekend, families will want to plan to spend the entire day in Abingdon.

Town-wide events include the Abingdon Holiday Merchant Open House, Sunday November 18^th, 1pm to 5pm, and Small Business Saturday, Saturday November 24^th.  Abingdon’s merchants will compete for the best store window, with “Elf” themed displays beginning November 18^th. 

The Abingdon Farmers Market will hold a Holiday Market each Saturday morning from 10am to 12pm with baked goods, crafts and gifts.

Abingdon’s official Christmas Tree is a beloved annual tradition, and in 2018 it’s bigger and better than ever.  The Town of Abingdon has increased the size of the tree to 20 feet, and relocated it from the Market Pavilion to the newly-christened Lois H. Humphreys Park on Main Street (located across from the post office).   The larger size and new location on Main Street will make it a more visible for Abingdon’s residents and visitors alike.  Abingdon’s Official Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony will take place Thursday November 29^th at 6:00pm.  Youth choirs from Abingdon, Greendale and Watauga elementary schools will present a special concert of holiday music. 

Visitors can enjoy holiday concerts by the Virginia Highlands Community College Women’s Choir at Arts Depot December 1^st at 1pm, at Virginia Highlands Community College December 4^th at 7pm, and at Charles Wesley United Methodist Church December 16^th at 5pm – all three concerts are free to the public.

William King Museum of Art is offering Christmas crafts workshops for kids and adults.   December 15^th William King will hold the annual Elves Workshop for kids, 10am to noon and a Holiday Paint Party for adults, 2pm to 4pm.

Photos with Santa are available on several different dates and locations:  Breakfast with Santa at Heartwood December 1^st and December 15^th 9am to noon; Welcome to Whoville at The Coomes Center December 8^th 6pm to 8pm; Photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Arts Depot December 15^th 10am to 2pm, Visit with Santa at Abingdon Cinemall December 22^nd noon to 4pm.

For a full list of holiday activities for families, go to VisitAbingdonVirginia.com. 

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RFP Award for The Berkley Group

NOTICE: The Council for the Town of Abingdon has negotiated and reached an agreement for Executive Recruitment Services for Town Manager with The Berkley Group.

2019 Washington County Business Plan Challenge

Mike Spiegler, principal partner in Spiegler and Blevins CPA’s, has announced that Spiegler and Blevins will again contribute one (1) year of CPA services that includes hosted software, monthly bookkeeping/CFO service, quarterly financial review, annual tax planning and annual tax preparation to the overall winner of the 6^th annual Business Plan Challenge; in the start – up business category. The value of the package is over $6,000. The Washington County Business Plan Challenge has assisted 18 start – up businesses and 17 expanding businesses in the past 5 years. Mike Spiegler and Rob Blevins have been volunteers for the Challenge since its inception. “As a member of the Board of Directors of Virginia Highlands Small Business Incubator, I recognize the importance of entrepreneurship in any community, said Spiegler. The Business Plan Challenge has proven to be an important tool in fostering small business growth in Abingdon and Washington County. We are committed to contributing to the welfare of our community and look forward to our continued relationship with the Business Challenge group.”

John Martin, partner at PennStuart, will again contribute the business start-up formation, i.e. LLC, B Corp, partnership, C Corp etc. (winning contestant is responsible for filing fees) A value of $2500.

Highlands Union Bank, in addition to their corporate sponsorship, will award $1500 for the Best Pitch.

J. J.’s Restaurant will award $1,000 for the Most Knowledgeable Business Idea.

Virginia Highlands Small Business Incubator will award half price rent for one (1) year.

Washington County Chamber of Commerce will award 1-year free Chamber memberships to all first and second place winners.

Food City provides food gift cards and printing, and the Bristol Herald Courier has been an annual sponsor since 2014.

A new award to the 2019 Challenge is the Emory & Henry Business Innovation Award

The Emory & Henry Business Innovation Award will provide $5,000 to either a start-up or existing business expansion in either Meadowview or Glade Spring.  Strongest preference is for a for-profit business that will pursue continuing certification as a B-Corporation and help foster economic and community development in the Glade Spring-Emory-Meadowview-Saltville (GEMS) corridor.

1.     $5,000, provided by Emory & Henry College and its Appalachian Center for Civic Life

2.     Either start-up business proposals or existing business expansion proposals are eligible

3.     Must be located in either Glade Spring or Meadowview

4.     Must create a minimum of 1 full-time job 

5.     Preference will be for the proposal that either already has or will pursue ongoing certification as a B Corporation (committed to “creating a shared durable prosperity for all” in the Glade Spring-Emory-Meadowview-Saltville (GEMS) corridor.

6.     Winning business owner must become a participating member of the GEMS steering committee.

All past participants are eligible to attend the classes and receive free education or to participate as a contestant if they have not been a first-place winner of either category. Everyone interested in expanding or starting a business in the towns in Washington County are encouraged to enter. 

The 6^th annual Business Plan Challenge deadline to register is January 11, 2019. The classes begin January 22, 2019. All classes will be held at Virginia Highlands Small Business Incubator. To register go to www.washingtonvachamber.org/business_challenge . Interested participants may inquire at (276) 628-8141 or (276) 492-2062 to receive more information.

Veterans Day Celebration 11-11-18

Holiday Happenings in Abingdon!

Santa is visiting Play Date!

January Jams returns to Abingdon’s Barter Theatre for a seventh year of world-class concerts

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 6, 2018

High Res Photos: https://abingdon.sharefile.com/d-s7c0ba259fdf45c2b

January Jams returns to Abingdon’s Barter Theatre for a seventh year of world-class concerts

Abingdon, VA – Abingdon Music Experience and presenting sponsor Blue Ridge Beverage announce the 2019 lineup for January Jams at Barter Theatre.  Six world-class performers will take the stage at the intimate Barter Theatre, performing Fridays and Saturdays, January 11-26, 2019.  Over the past six years, January Jams has showcased the best of bluegrass, Americana, soul, jazz and blues, bringing music legends and rising stars to downtown Abingdon, VA.

The series is funded by the Town of Abingdon, in partnership with the region’s leading businesses: Blue Ridge Beverage (Presenting Sponsor), Bank of Marion, Eastman Credit Union, First Community Bank, Food City, and JJ's Restaurant and Sports Bar, as well as media sponsors WNCW 88.7 and Birthplace of Country Music’s Radio Bristol.

The series has made Abingdon a music destination, drawing visitors from across the southeast and beyond. One particular draw is the chance to see these performers at Barter Theatre, an intimate, 500-seat venue with a unique history rooted in the Great Depression.  A full-service concessions stand is available for adults 21 and up.

For the first time this year, discounted student tickets are available with a valid student ID; prices will vary by show and quantities are limited.

All concerts are at 8:00pm, and doors open at 7:15pm.

For a full listing of musical acts and dates, visit www.abingdonmusicexperience.com. For tickets, call Barter Theatre at (276) 628-3991 or visit www.bartertheatre.com.

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January Jams 2019 Lineup

An Evening With Béla Fleck & Abigail Washburn

January 11, 2019

For Fans of: Sam Bush, Medeski, Martin & Wood, Keller Williams

Béla Fleck & Abigail Washburn, “the king and queen of the banjo” (Paste Magazine), have a musical partnership like no other. 

Béla Fleck is a fifteen-time Grammy Award winner who has taken the instrument across multiple genres, and Abigail Washburn a singer-songwriter and clawhammer banjo player who re-radicalized it by combining it with Far East culture and sounds.   The two met at a square dance, began collaborating musically and eventually fell in love.  On stage, Fleck & Washburn will perform pieces from their Grammy-winning self-titled debut as well as their new record, Echo in the Valley (Rounder 2017).   With one eye on using the banjo to showcase America’s rich heritage and the other pulling the noble instrument from its most familiar arena into new and unique realms, Béla & Abigail meet in the mean, head-on, to present music that feels wildly innovative and familiar at the same time.  

Sam Bush Band

January 12, 2019

For Fans of: Newgrass Revival, Ricky Skaggs, John Cowan, Tim O’Brien

If joy were a person, he’d bring both peace and frenzy. He’d be full of music, light, and energy that soothes even as it stirs us up. Eyes closed, wire-rim glasses in place, mandolin pressed against his ribs, joy would be Sam Bush on a stage. That rapt merging of life and art fills Bush’s new album Storyman, a freewheeling collection that gleefully picks and chooses from jazz, folk, blues, reggae, country swing, and bluegrass to create a jubilant noise only classifiable as the Sam Bush sound. Many of the songs are stories––several of them true––and the legendary mandolin player co-wrote every one of them with friends including Guy Clark, Emmylou Harris, Jon Randall Stewart, Jeff Black, and others. For Bush, a lifetime of channeling his energy has led to stylistic innovations that have changed the course of bluegrass and roots music alike.

The Reverend Shawn Amos with Special Guests Ben Hunter & Joe Seamons

January 18, 2019

For fans of: Keb Mo, Dom Flemons, Jonny Lang “modern blues with a nod to the past”

From West Coast clubs, to Deep South joints, to European festivals, to YouTube, to the podcast universe, the Reverend Shawn Amos’ message of joyful blues is reaching an ever-increasing flock. The Rev’s distinctive blend of black roots music, R & B, and stripped down rock n’ roll brings a bracing, soul-deep musical experience to audiences starved for authenticity, for connection. “I derive a lot of satisfaction bringing people joy,” he says.

Seattle songsters Ben Hunter & Joe Seamons give life to voices that have long been silenced in American culture. Their award-winning performances are highlighted by story-telling that, rather than bringing the past to life, vividly shows how the past still lives in the present.  Through their songs, audiences witness current issues crop up again and again in folk songs, dance tunes, acoustic blues, and prison ballads. Ben & Joe bounce from fiddle & banjo breakdowns to a cappella field hollers, early jazz to gospel songs featuring Piedmont guitar style and rattlin’ bones.

Tameca Jones

January 19, 2018

For Fans of: Gary Clark Jr., The Broadcast, The Suffers, Ruby Velle & The Soulphonics

When local Austin, TX native Tameca Jones opens her mouth and sings, jaws hit ground. Her honeyed and powerful vocals have been captivating her hometown for a little over ten years.

Tameca spent years skillfully and tastefully breathing new life into the music of others. She made a name for herself as the “Queen of Austin Soul,” blowing minds with her tasteful and vibrant interpretations of a diverse list of artists that include Tina Turner, Nirvana, Elton John, Jimi Hendrix, and more. The Austin Chronicle called her interpretations “sonic pretzels” that “juxtapose(s) crunchy jaggedness with her infectious, honeyed voice.” Her debut single, “Hot and Bothered,” is a Motown inspired cut produced by Josh Moore (Max Frost). The track is on both Spotify and iTunes. Independent music site, The Joy of Violent Movement, called “Hot and Bothered” “a sexy and slinky and old-school soul-inspired” song that is “contemporary and upbeat.” Tameca Jones is set to release her highly anticipated debut EP in February. There is little doubt that she will soon be the next big name to break out of Texas.

An Evening with Drew & Ellie Holcomb

January 25, 2019

For Fans of: Johnnyswim, Need to Breathe, Mandolin Orange

Drew and Ellie Holcomb are a husband and wife Americana duo from Nashville, TN. Shortly after their marriage in 2006, the couple began touring together with Drew Holcomb and The Neighbors. The band has supported many national touring acts including Ryan Adams, The Avett Brothers, Don Henley, and Willie Nelson.

Ellie is no longer a touring member of "The Neighbors," and has found success in a solo career as a Christian singer/songwriter. Her albums As Sure As The Sun and Red Sea Road have both topped the iTunes Christian chart. Drew Holcomb still tours nationally with Drew Holcomb and The Neighbors and their most recent album, Souvenir, is their most critically acclaimed release yet. This January Jams, Drew and Ellie Holcomb is a special engagement event, allowing The Holcomb’s to collaborate once again.

Dustbowl Revival

January 26, 2019

For Fans of: Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, St. Paul & the Broken Bones, Lake Street Dive

Dustbowl Revival is an Americana Soul band with eight full-time members who mash the sounds of New Orleans funk, bluegrass, soul, pre-war blues, and roots music into a genre-hopping, time-bending dance party that coaxes new fire out of familiar coal. Dustbowl is touring behind their self-titled, fourth studio album which spent three weeks on Billboard charts, hit #1 on Amazon Americana-Alt-Country, #2 on Amazon Folk, and spent 16 weeks on the Americana radio chart peaking in the Top 20. The band was founded in 2008 in the bohemian enclave of Venice Beach, California. Over the last five years Dustbowl has become known for their free-flowing and joyous live shows, combining their funk rhythm and brass section with a fast-picking string band section -opening for bands as diverse as Lake Street Dive, Trombone Shorty and The Preservation Hall Jazz Band.

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Gift giving, like never before right here in town!-- Build-A-Basket

Gift giving, like never before right here in town!

If you love to take that one opportunity a year to really impress your friends and family with a holiday gift, but hate to order from a big company and get the same impersonal gift as thousands of others across the country, you’re in luck! Right here in our neighborhood, Build-A-Basket, unique gifts and more is gearing up for their first holiday season since opening in February 2018.

“Here at Build-A-Basket, we enjoy the look on our customers' faces when they stop in to pick up their order. It’s almost like they know it was a work of love and that because we make custom baskets full of goodies that are in our shop and things that are not, you won’t find a basket like this anywhere else!”

If you have been by the shop to meet the owner, Cassie Rowe or her husband Scott, you already know this shop is stocked full of locally made products. Just about anything you find in this shop can be personalized and customized to truly offer a gifting experience like never before. The best part? You actually don’t even need to come in to the shop. Call Cassie, let her know the occasion, a few likes or dislikes of the recipient, and she will do the rest all the way down to delivering the gift for you!

“When we got started, we were blessed enough to be surrounded by the most helpful and caring group of individuals that really supported our goals and dreams, so I took this opportunity to help other small businesses. We are especially proud of our resident soap and location supplier. I have watched her grow her business as she has watched us grow ours. I feel it is really all about helping each other when it comes to small businesses. We are all just trying to feed our family while we do something that we love and are passionate about.”

On a tight budget for your gifting this year? Not to worry. This is a shop for any budget. Items on these shelves range from $1 to $100, even when it comes to the custom baskets. Because Cassie will work with any budget, you are sure to get exactly what you need for exactly what you can afford. No more going in to debt for the holidays!

When you are ready to start your gifting, for any occasion, be sure to check out Build-A-Basket. You are sure to find the perfect gift or basket for anyone on your list, even those hard to shop for men in your life! Below are some of the services offered by this full service gift shop:

·         Corporate gifting

·         Delivery

·         Gift wrapping

·         Custom orders

·         Ready to go gifts

·         Personalized gifts

·         Shipping

·         Greeting cards, filled out and mailed

·         Call/text ahead ordering

This holiday season take advantage of a 15% discount on any order of 3 gifts or more just mention this article!

2018 Christmas Tree Lighting

America Recycles Day 11-17-18

America Recycles Day

On Saturday, November 17, 2018, the Town of Abingdon Sustain Abingdon Committee and Keep Southwest Virginia Beautiful will hold an America Recycles Day event. This event will be from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Abingdon Police Department parking lot (425 West Main Street, Abingdon). There will be FREE on site e-waste recycling and FREE document shredding.  Donations needed this year are gently used shoes and supplies for the local animal shelter (food, treats, cat litter, blankets, bleach & detergent); these things are greatly appreciated.  Kroger will be on-site collecting plastic grocery bags. If you bring donation items, you will receive a free t-shirt (while supplies last) and be entered into a raffle to win a prize.  For more information on the America Recycles Day event, please call 276-628-6611 or like us on www.facebook.com/sustainabingdon.

*See the attached flyer for acceptable items for e-waste recycling.

Notice of Special Called Meeting on November 19th, 2018

HPRB Agenda for the November 7, 2018

Board of Zoning Appeals Cancellation for November 7, 2018

Thomas Cassell Band Featured at Heartwood

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thomas Cassell Band Featured at Heartwood

Abingdon, Virginia – The Crooked Road: Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail presents the Thomas Cassell Band in concert on Thursday, November 8^th from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at Heartwood in Abingdon, VA. This concert is part of The Crooked Road Music Series at Heartwood.

With influences from the bluegrass world such as Sam Bush, David Grisman, John Hartford, Bela Fleck, and Tony Rice, all the way into other realms with artists including Jerry Garcia and Miles Davis among others, Thomas Cassell is helping blaze a new trail in acoustic music. Primarily a mandolinist, Cassell is the winner of the 2016 Rockygrass Mandolin Contest, as well as a nominee for the International Bluegrass Music Association's Momentum Instrumentalist Award, and a two time alum of the Acoustic Music Seminar held annually in Savannah, Georgia.

The Crooked Road Music Series takes place each Thursday at Heartwood. The series features youth artists each 2^nd Thursday along with open jams on the 1^st, 3^rd, 4^th (and 5^th) Thursdays to showcase Southwest Virginia performers. The Crooked Road Music Series is sponsored by Heartwood and the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development.

Heartwood - Southwest Virginia’s Artisan Gateway is located off I-81 at Exit 14 in Abingdon, VA, and features food, music, and craft of Southwest Virginia. As part of The Crooked Road's Thursday night live music, the Heartwood restaurant features delicious southern BBQ to make for an unforgettable food and music experience. Admission to the concert is free and donations will be accepted for Crooked Road Traditional Music Education Program (TMEP).

More information can be found at The Crooked Road website, www.thecrookedroad.org, and at www.heartwoodvirginia.org. For additional information, please call (276) 492-2409 or email: admin@thecrookedroad.org.

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A photo of Thomas Cassell is attached. Photo credit – Ben Bateson.