Tag: family
-
We Always Rise to the Occasion During Difficult Times
Have you ever thought about the difference between a city and a community? A city is a legally defined, structured entity with the authority to enforce laws. It operates under a charter, with elected officials and public services focused on managing resources and the well-being of its residents. A city has taxing authority. And if…
-
Happy Birthday, Mayor Phillips
I was asked to share a few words about Dennis at a live event last Friday. I thought you might like to see. I was just randomly talking to Stephen LaHair one day and said, “You know, Dennis Phillips is one of my favorite people in this world.” He said, “Have you told him that?”…
-
Maybe Fun Fest Means a Little Bit More
We all remember the Dr. Seuss book, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”. The grouchy grinch lives on a neighboring mountain and each year when the citizens of Whoville come out to hold hands, sing songs, and celebrate Christmas, their joy plucked his last nerve. So, he decided to steal all the presents–to take away the…
-
Cousins
Rarely do you get this opportunity—a reunion of two cousins, now men, born three years apart, of sisters who were born three years apart. We hadn’t seen each other in nearly 50 years. My grandfather and uncle worked for Mead Paper in Kingsport. In 1946, Mead teamed up with Inland Container Corporation to form the…
-
A Letter to Dad, 11 Years Later
Dear Dad, It’s April 15. Hard to believe it’s been 11 years since I got the call that stopped me in my tracks. They held off on announcing my appointment as city manager that day, but you already knew it was coming. The mayor had tipped you off ahead of time—maybe that was your sign…
-
Retirement? More Like Refirement: Making A Difference in Life 2.0
It’s hard to believe it’s been six years since I retired! But to me, retirement isn’t about slowing down—it’s about “refiring.” It’s not about sitting on the couch but finding fulfillment in meaningful work. After all, you gain so much knowledge and experience over a career—it would be a shame to let it go to…
-
Meet the Burchfields
As I delve into my family tree, small details breathe life into the stories of my ancestors. They seem like fictional characters, yet they are my flesh and blood. I marvel at the hardships they endured and feel grateful for the relative safety and predictability of my own life. Take my maternal grandfather, Charles Blaine…
Kingsport Spirit 