Wednesday, December 28, 2016

Cyber Senior Program


The Cyber Seniors Program is provided by the Coomes Recreation Center. For more information, please call 
276-623-5279. 

Herald Courier Interview on December 12, 2016





Interview of Mayor Cathy Lowe, Town Manager Greg Kelly, and Tourism Director Kevin Costello with Damean Mathews of the Bristol Herald Courier. The interview was in reference a FOIA request from the newspaper regarding the Town's 10-99s for the 2015 fiscal year.  


Friday, December 16, 2016

Credit Card Processing Notice


NOTICE

To citizens and business owners:

The Town of Abingdon will NOT be able to process credit/debit card payments on Friday, December 30, 2016. This means that payments cannot be made in person or over the phone on this day. On Tuesday, January 3, 2017, the department will resume processing payments. We are sorry for the inconvenience as the town switches financial institutions.


*Note: The town offices will be CLOSED on Monday, January 2, 2017 in observance of the New Year’s Holiday. 


Special Called Meeting Agenda 12-19-16


Thursday, December 15, 2016

Statements Regarding Lawsuit Decision

TOWN OF ABINGDON
Abingdon, Virginia

On Wednesday, December 14, 2016, the Honorable Sage B. Johnson rendered his judicial opinion in the matter of Joseph W. Levine, et al v. Town Council of the Town of Abingdon, VA, et al., Washington County Circuit Court, Case No. CL 16-46.  Judge Johnson has confirmed “that the Court therefore finds that the Planning Commission, staff, and Town Council had sufficient information to allow it to make a reasonable decision as it related to the rezoning.”  Judge Johnson further opined that “There being no evidence presented by the Plaintiff’s to support this claim, the Court does not reach the merits of the Plaintiff’s legal argument. The record in this case is devoid of any fact that would support an argument that the town engaged in contract zoning”. Click here for the full decision from Judge Johnson.

“The Town of Abingdon remains committed to the Meadows development project and its public/private partnership with Marathon Realty and the Virginia Department of Transportation. While this lawsuit has been difficult for all parties involved, the town plans to move forward with making Exit 17, Cummings Street, and Green Spring Road the safest it can be for all residents and visitors to the town.  In addition, the town is committed to maintaining the beautiful view shed of the Virginia Creeper Trail as the commercial development and the sports complex come to fruition. Likewise, the town is committed to preserving the historic home site on the town’s 40+ acre site and incorporating it into the overall site plan for development on that tract.” – Town Manager Greg Kelly

“Vice Mayor Humphreys, Councilman Howard and I want the residents to know that from the beginning, the former Council took seriously the comments and feedback of every citizen. This has been a challenging process and the citizen’s input has made this a better project. Town staff has displayed great professionalism and dedication to the citizens of Abingdon. We have faith that this project is what is best for the safety, health and welfare of the town and her citizens, both now and in the future. We appreciate the court’s careful consideration and ruling on the merits of this case and we will proceed with the same sensitivity, as this transformational project moves forward. It is my sincere hope that this is an opportunity for Council to work more closely on the issues that face the town on a daily basis.”- Mayor Cathy Lowe


"I am pleased that the judge made the correct decision and that this matter is now behind us."  - Attorney Brad Stallard, Counsel for the Town of Abingdon

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Thursday, December 8, 2016

ENTREPRENEUR EXPRESS & BUSINESS CHALLENGE PLANNED FOR WASHINGTON COUNTY, VA




FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:          Washington County Chamber of Commerce
                        1 Government Center Place, Suite D
                        Abingdon, VA  24210
(276) 628-8141


ENTREPRENEUR EXPRESS & BUSINESS CHALLENGE PLANNED
FOR WASHINGTON COUNTY, VA
A competitive challenge with more than 23,000 in awards & prizes

ABINGDON, VA:  November 14 - 18 is Global Entrepreneurship Week. In Honor of Entrepreneurship the Business Plan Challenge team will host an Entrepreneur Express Workshop on November 17 from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. at Virginia Highlands Small Business Incubator. This event will also be the kickoff of the 4th Annual Business Plan Challenge announcement. Global Entrepreneurship Week is the world’s largest celebration of the innovators and job creators launching start-ups to bring ideas to life, drive economic growth and expand human value. The workshop will kick start the 2017 Challenge by providing an overview to prospective contestants with the steps to launching, marketing, financing and managing a successful business. To register for the free event go to www.vastartup.org or call the Chamber office at (276) 628-8141 or Virginia Highlands Small Business Incubator at (276)492-2062.

 The Business Plan Challenge is an ambitious business plan competition designed to attract entrepreneurs with new technology, value added agriculture, outdoor recreation, light manufacturing and retail/support service businesses to locate their start up or expand their existing business within the towns of Abingdon, Glade Spring, Damascus and within the boundaries of Washington County, VA. One winning start up business and one existing business will win $5,000 each. There is also a 2nd and 3rd place prize for each category. The Virginia Highlands Small Business Incubator, Virginia Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity, The Washington County Chamber of Commerce, and People Incorporated, have partnered with Washington County VA, The Washington County IDA and the Town of Abingdon, to host the fourth annual Washington County Business Plan Challenge. The winners will receive $15,000 in cash awards toward implementing their winning business strategy. The winning start – up business will also receive $8,000 in free services from Mike Spiegler, Spiegler- Blevins, CPA’s and Wess Boggs, Penn Stuart. New this year is a $1,000 award from the Walmart Community Foundation to the business who earns the highest score for their Pitch Night performance.  To be considered for the awards, participants must attend all business training classes to be held weekly over a six week period and complete a business plan that will be presented before a panel of 4 judges. The business plans will be reviewed and scored by 3 anonymous judges, who are experts in their fields, and who do not know or recognize the names of the contestants.

All contestants are provided a list of mentors from a variety of business and educational sectors of the community and Virginia. These mentors are available throughout the year to assist in continued business planning for the contestants. Applications are due January 11, 2017 and classes will begin on January 24, 2017. The free entrepreneurship classes will continue on a weekly basis thru February 28, 2017. They begin at 6:00 p.m. and are held at Virginia Highlands Small Business Incubator. The public is also invited to participate as an observer. The Challenge team offers free business classes throughout the year on a variety of topics through a program titled the Noon Knowledge. These classes are held from 12:00 – 1:30 p.m. at Virginia Highlands Small Business Incubator and are presented on Livestream and Facebook Live during the class and then uploaded and archived on www.Youtube.com/noonknowledge. Businesses of all types gain valuable insight from both programs that are especially designed to help the entrepreneur develop leads for selling products and services locally, gain business exposure, build relationships and network with other entrepreneurs. All of the programs presented in the Business Plan Challenge and the Noon Knowledge series can be viewed live on Livestream and through Facebook Live on Virginia Highlands Small Business Incubator page or they can be viewed on Youtube, Noon Knowledge.  

To apply for the Washington County Business Plan Challenge, please contact the Washington County Chamber of Commerce, or visit www.washingtonvachamber.org/business_challenge. Applications for the Challenge will be accepted through 5:00 pm on January 17, 2016. Space is limited and will be on a first come first serve basis.  Information and updates can also be found and shared on the Facebook page Virginia Highlands Small Business Incubator, the website www.vhsbi.com, Facebook page Washington County Business Challenge, and http://events.vastartup.org



Tuesday, December 6, 2016

Levine, et al v. Town Council of the Town of Abingdon, VA, et al

Levine, et al v. Town Council of the Town of Abingdon, VA, et al 

Court Document 1

Court Document 2 

Abingdon Muster Grounds Recognition 12-6-16

The General William Campbell Chapter-Sons of the American Revolution held a ceremony to present the Abingdon Muster Grounds with a certificate "In Recognition of Exemplary Patriotism In the display of The Flag of the United States of America" on December 6, 2016.



Picture 1: Leigh Anne Surber, Superintendent of the Muster Grounds, with members of the SAR Chapter after the presentation.  



Picture 2: Vice-Mayor Rick Humphreys, dressed in his revolutionary period clothing, who is an active member of the SAR Chapter. 


Friday, December 2, 2016

Work Session Meeting Notice 12-19-16


ABINGDON MAIN STREET HOSTS “HOLIDAYS ON MAIN” DECEMBER 10th


For Immediate Release 
                                     
Contact:  Jennifer Montgomery
Phone 276-492-2237                                                                                                     mainstreet@abingdon-va.gov



ABINGDON MAIN STREET HOSTS “HOLIDAYS ON MAIN” DECEMBER 10

Abingdon,VA  (December 1, 2016) – Abingdon Main Street is hosting its first “Holidays On Main” holiday shopping celebration on Saturday, December 10, 2017 in Abingdon’s Main Street footprint. The day will feature shopping deals, refreshments and a holiday window display contest.

Shoppers can vote for their favorite holiday window display, and the business who garners the most votes will be named as the inaugural Abingdon Business of the Month in a program introduced by Abingdon Main Street.

Additionally, the organization will officially roll out an Abingdon-specific smartphone app and will invite the public to join in on that day. The public introduction of this app on December 10 will make Abingdon only the second town in the Commonwealth of Virginia to launch this interactive, educational addition to smartphone activities.

Abingdon’s businesses that will be participating in the activities for “Holidays On Main” include Abingdon Merchantile & Frame Gallery, Forget-Me-Not, Jerroleens Shed, Goodman Jewelers, Greer Jewelers, Necessities, Shady Business, and The Candy Shed.  For a full list of participating businesses, check www.AbingdonMainStreet.com.

Abingdon Main Street is a 501 C 3 and  is designated as an accredited Main Street America™ program for meeting rigorous performance standards set by the National Main Street Center and is recognized for its exemplary commitment to preservation-based economic development and community revitalization through the Main Street Approach®.

Abingdon Main Street’s programs include community events like Main Street Busker Fest, and the Abingdon Wolf Project “Who’s Afraid of Virginia’s Wolves,” as well as leveraging grant programs and sponsorships to support small businesses.  For  more information on Abingdon Main Street, including upcoming events and ways to get involved, visit www.AbingdonMainStreet.com or call (276) 492-2237.


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Wednesday, November 30, 2016

American Energy Society Hosting “Local Energy, America’s Power” Event Series in Abingdon, Virginia

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                          

CONTACT: Kathy Artus, Senior Director
kathy@energysociety.org


American Energy Society Hosting “Local Energy, America’s Power” Event Series in Abingdon, Virginia
Premier post-election event will cover all transformational energy solutions available for coal country

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. – November 22, 2016 – The American Energy Society is hosting its next series event, ”Local Energy, America’s Power,” at bucolic Emory & Henry College in Abingdon, Virginia, on December 5 and 6, 2016. This is the first formal post-election event on energy to be held in this region. The speakers and panelists will bring views that represent the entire spectrum of opportunities, promising a balanced and deeply thoughtful review of what is perhaps the most pressing issue facing the country today. More importantly, the emphasis is on emerging energy technologies suitable to the Upper South, which highlights potential business development and job creation. According to Eric Vettel, President of the Society, “the objectives for the Summit are straightforward - strengthen the energy cluster of the Upper South and create a model that can serve as a best practice for other regions. This Summit is exceptional because it is also the first time that professionals from every energy sector will have an opportunity to convene post-election.”  Jake Schrum, President of Emory & Henry College: “We are delighted and honored to be hosting this Summit on energy innovation and related opportunities for economic development and job growth in the Mid-Appalachian Region. We expect highly important contributions to the future of the region.”

In recognition of this important and timely event, the American Energy Society is offering discounted registration for a limited number of seats – anyone interested should register today.  A limited number of special sponsor-partnership opportunities are also available.    
About The American Energy Society

The American Energy Society (AES), is a non-partisan and independent network of professionals from every sector of energy.  Members of the Society include thought-leaders in science and engineering, industry and small business, academia and national laboratories, public and private funding, and policy and administration. Through a variety of services and programs, the AES connects experts and notifies members of policy changes and innovations, groundbreaking discoveries, upcoming conferences, new publications and awards, fellowships, and job openings – all tailored to fit individual profiles and preferences. To learn more about AES, watch a brief introductory video or visit www.energysociety.org.
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Town of Abingdon Christmas Tree Lighting 12-2-16


Monday, November 21, 2016

NOTICE: Offices CLOSED for Thanksgiving Holiday


Town of Abingdon Submits Ornament for Governor’s Mansion Tree

Town of Abingdon Submits Ornament for Governor’s Mansion Tree

Virginia Localities Gather Ornaments for Holiday Tree

Each year the Virginia Municipal League gathers ornaments from nearly 200 localities across the state to be displayed on the Holiday Tree at the Governor’s Mansion. This year’s theme for the 2016 Holiday Tree is “Home for the Holidays.” The tree will feature works of art that celebrate the unique history and culture of the towns and cities that they represent. The localities are asked to submit one handcrafted ornament that is distinctive to their community.

This year Sara Reese, a local artist at the Arts Depot, created the 2016 Abingdon ornament. The ornament includes historic buildings, music notes, and artistic elements. Each of these components shows how important history, arts, and cultures are to Abingdon. “It was an honor to create the ornament for the Governor’s Mansion,” said Ms. Reese. “All of the things included in the ornament make Abingdon a very special place- a great place to visit and a great place to live.”

“The Arts Depot, established in 1990, has been an asset to Abingdon and a diamond of the arts community,” said Mayor Cathy Lowe. “Sara Reece, one of the resident artist’s at the Arts Depot, is widely recognized for her pottery and creative designs. I proudly display one of her pieces in my own home. We are privileged to have her art and her studio in Abingdon’s downtown. Art, in many forms, is one of the components of Abingdon’s culture that makes us unique. We are truly blessed to have the Arts Depot and the talented artists as part of Abingdon’s art community.”



The Holiday Tree will be on view to the public throughout the holiday season and will be seen by thousands of visitors to the Executive Mansion. This project is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate what makes each Virginia city, town, and county special. For more information on the Holiday Tree and the Executive Mansion, visit www.executivemansion.virginia.gov.

*Also attached are pictures of the 2015 Abingdon ornaments that were submitted. The wolf was handcrafted by John Dickens, and the Santa was handcrafted by Mark Blevins. Both are members of Holston Mountain Artisans.





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Wednesday, November 2, 2016

America Recycles Day 11-12-16


America Recycles Day

On Saturday, November 12, 2016, 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 on-site FREE e-waste recycling and FREE document shredding. Donations for the Second Harvest Food Bank, gently used shoes, and various pet supplies for the local animal shelter are being collected and are greatly appreciated. If you bring donation items, you will be entered into a raffle to win various prizes. There will be free coffee and doughnuts while supplies last. 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.