Downtown Middlesboro businesses host Christmas angels

December 17, 2012, Middlesboro, Ky. – Since December 1, downtown businesses have been hosts to a multitude of angels. These Christmas angels greet shoppers and those passing by with a quiet holiday message of peace on earth, good will toward men. Among them are the four-foot wooden angels decorated by Middlesboro students, businesses, churches and Middlesboro ARH Hospital staff.

“The Discover Downtown Middlesboro (DDM) group chose the theme ‘Angels Among Us’ for the 2012 Christmas parade and holiday season, and after meeting with DDM representatives, several of our hospital staff wanted to participate by creating large wooden angels to display downtown,” said Michael Slusher, Middlesboro Community CEO.

According to Slusher, once the angels were made and bases created by hospital carpenter Eddie Allen, Middlesboro ARH staff worked with DDM to find local interest in decorating the angels. Students at West End Primary School, East End Intermediate School, Middlesboro Middle School and Middlesboro High School decorated several angels. Old Yellow Creek Baptist Church, Shawanee Baptist Church, Southside Baptist Church, St. Mary’s Episcopal Church decorated angels. Middlesboro City Clerk’s Office, Discover Downtown Middlesboro, Christopher’s Creations, First State Financial, Mikel’s Pharmacy, Shades of Brown and World Wide Gap decorated angels as well as Middlesboro ARH staff.

“We are thrilled with the interest and creativity of those who decorated the wooden angels,” shared DDM President Keith Nagle. “We invite the public to join us in showing our appreciation by voting for your favorite angel.”

According to Nagle the DDM website, www.discoverdowntownmiddlesboro.org, will have all the information for voting for your favorite angel.

“The DDM website has angel photos and downtown locations of all the wooden angels,” stated Nagle. “We also have easy-to-follow instructions on how to vote via Survey Monkey for your favorite angel.”

Voting is open and will end on January 5. The angel with the most votes will be named the Middlesboro Angel of Light. The individual or group who decorated the winning angel will receive a plaque and prizes. The winning angel and the name(s) of the decorators will be announced on January 10 on the DDM website and the Middlesboro ARH website, www.arh.org.

If possible before you vote, go downtown and visit these locations for a close up view of the beautifully decorated wooden angels. A GoogleMap with the location of all of the angels is available here.  A list of locations where angels are located follows: A. D. Campbell, 2031 Cumberland Avenue; ARH Middlesboro HomeCare Store, 1916 Cumberland Avenue; ARH Dr. Rogelio Uy Clinic, 2032 Cumberland Avenue; ARH Women’s Health Center, APEX Building, 2004 Cumberland Avenue; Buttery’s Floor Covering, 1817 Cumberland Avenue; Cardwell’s Furniture, 1929 Cumberland Avenue (Fountain Square); Christopher’s Creations, 2028 Cumberland Avenue; City Hall, 111 Lothbury Avenue; First State Financial, 1810 Cumberland Avenue, KFC Business Office, 1910 Cumberland Avenue; Middlesboro ARH Hospital, 3600 Cumberland Avenue; Nagle Law Office, 1914 Cumberland Avenue; Mikel’s Pharmacy, 1928 Cumberland Avenue; Shades of Brown, 2119 Cumberland Avenue; World Wide Gap, 2002 Cumberland Avenue and WRIL-FM, 1930 Cumberland Avenue.

For more information, visit www.discoverdowntownmiddlesboro.org.

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Middlesboro ARH Hospital is among the hospitals recognized as the nation’s Top Performers on Key Quality Measures by The Joint Commission, the leading accreditor of health care organizations in America.

Middlesboro ARH Hospital is a member of the Appalachian Regional Healthcare (ARH) system. ARH is a not-for-profit health system serving 350,000 residents across Eastern Kentucky and Southern West Virginia. Operating 10 hospitals, multi-specialty physician practices, home health agencies, HomeCare Stores and retail pharmacies, ARH is the largest provider of care and single largest employer in southeastern Kentucky and the third largest private employer in southern West Virginia.

Contact Information:

Elaine L. Smith       

Community and Patient Advocate                                     

Middlesboro ARH Hospital

3600 West Cumberland Avenue

Middlesboro, KY 40965

606-242-1103

2012 Middlesboro Christmas Parade - Award Winners

Discover Downtown Middlesboro wishes to thank the over sixty churches, organizations, and businesses that participated in the successful and enjoyable 2012 Christmas Parade on December 1, 2012. While there were not enough awards to go around to everyone, we'd especially like to recognize these award-winning marching groups and floats.

Best in Show - Marching Band
Middlesboro High School Band

Best in Show - JROTC
Middlesboro High School Junior ROTC 

Best in Show - Walking Groups
Gym Magic 

Best in Show - Cheerleaders
Yellow Creek Cheerleaders

Best in Show - Classic Cars
John Deere Tractor 

Best in Show - Scouting Group
Boy Scout Troop 544 

Best in Show - Fire Department
Middlesboro Fire Department 

Best in Show - Float
Girl Scout Troop 1523, Cub Scout Pack 544 

Best Church Float
Southside Baptist Church 

Best Business Float
The Combs Group/Bell County Coal 

Best New Business Float
A Touch of Class  

Best Non-profit Float
Middlesboro Airport 

Most Creative Float
Mountain View Nursing Home 

Most Beautiful Float
Sandra Academy 

Best Exemplifies Parade Theme
The Way of Holiness Church of God 

Best Performance Team
Cumberland Gap Pantherettes 

Most Creative Use of Costumes
T&T Stables/Tri-State 4H Club

If you represent one of these groups and have not gotten your award certificate already, please contact Discover Downtown Middlesboro at 606-248-6155 or downtownmiddlesboro(at)gmail.com.

Local Businesses Help to Make Christmas Merrier in Downtown Middlesboro

Volunteers hanging ornaments on Christmas Tree in Fountain Square. (Photo credit: DDM)

Middlesboro, Kentucky, December 4, 2012 – There almost was not a fully decorated Christmas tree for the Middlesboro Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting last Saturday.

Final preparations kicked into high gear following the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. With the Christmas Parade falling early this year on December 1, there was even less time to get done all the work that was needed. The City of Middlesboro Street Department was diligent getting the Christmas tree set up in Fountain Square. Something was obviously missing though – the decorations.

By Wednesday night it became apparent that decisive action would be needed to get the decorations in their place. Some suggested having someone climb the tree, though this was not practical or realistic. Discover Downtown Middlesboro, Inc. is the non-profit responsible for organizing the parade. Their new Executive Director Isaac Kremer had just been in town since October and was still learning names, much less knowing who to ask for what.

Christmas Tree decoration
underway (Photo: DDM)

“Earlier that day someone mentioned to me how Jim Brown Supply had lifts for rent. I realized we had already called in all our favors but the tree needed to be decorated,” Kremer said. He called the store first thing on Thursday morning around 7am. By 9am they personally delivered a lift to Fountain Square. Subsequently Isaac, his wife Chrissy, and several volunteers worked to decorate the tree in under two hours. This freed up Kremer and others to put the finishing touches on the Christmas Parade and the downtown – helping to ensure a highly successful event this past Saturday.

Upon reflecting about the help that Jim Brown Supply provided, DDM Executive Director Isaac concluded: “This deep commitment to customer service and a willingness to be responsive to the needs of the community are two keys to success of any business. Our experience with Jim Brown Supply especially shows the important supporting role that small businesses provide for our community.”

Discover Downtown Middlesboro also wishes to thank all of our sponsors who supported the Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting. These include: Attorney Keith Nagle; Bell County Animal Clinic; Commercial Bank; Community Trust Bank; First State Financial; International Mobile Homes; Jim Brown Supply; Johnco, Inc.; J.P. Cline III, Attorney at Law; KAT COUNTRY WFXY/WANO & MCTV22; Kentucky Fried Chicken; Middlesboro ARH; Mikel’s Pharmacy; Pace Towing; Pillion Accounting; Three States Printing; and World Wide Gap.

In addition to sponsors, Discover Downtown Middlesboro is incredibly thankful to Middlesboro Independent School District. In particular Mr. Robert Gordon, Mrs. Joy Williams; and Mrs. Lisa Schneider were instrumental in organizing the window painting downtown.

If you have a chance, please thank Jim Brown Supply and all of our sponsors and volunteers for making the downtown look spectacular and for contributing to the success of the Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting this year.

Contact:

Isaac D. Kremer, Executive Director

Discover Downtown Middlesboro

(606) 248-6155

downtownmiddlesboro@gmail.com

www.discoverdowntownmiddlesboro.org

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Christmas Comes to the ‘Magic City’ - Parade 12/1/2012 at 3pm

Middlesboro, Kentucky, November 26, 2012 – Preparations are well underway in the ‘Magic City’ for an exciting and memorable Christmas season. A Parade and Tree Lighting will be held on Saturday, December 1, starting at 3pm. The parade theme “Angels Among Us” will be reflected in angels decorated by area organizations, businesses, and youth and placed throughout the historic downtown.

Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting

The Christmas Parade will run from 15^th Street to 21^st Street and start off promptly at 3pm. This year many popular favorites from past years will be joined by several new acts.

The Parade Grand Marshal this year will be IBMA Female Vocalist of the Year Dale Ann Bradley. She’ll lead off the parade in a car driven by Larry Brooks of Larry Brooks Accounting. Over 15 organizations plan to submit floats. This includes old favorites like the Old Yellow Creek Baptist Church, The Way of Holiness Church of God, and the Harrogate Christian Tabernacle. New this year will be floats from the Middlesboro High School Senior Class, Bell County 4H Club, and Team up for Health.

Other highlights of the parade include pageant winners, antique cars, sports cars, and cheerleaders. The Cumberland Gap Pantherettes will make an appearance in the parade, as will the Middlesboro High School Band and the Red Bird Mission School – to name just a few.

While registration for the parade has officially ended, those groups still wanting to participate are welcome to contact Discover Downtown Middlesboro for more information. We’ll do our best to accommodate last-minute requests.

The annual tree lighting in Fountain Square will start at 5pm. The brief program will include Christmas Carols, a visit from Santa Claus, and other special surprises.

Angels to Appear Downtown

                Middlesboro ARH Hospital is providing 24 wooden angels as decorations for downtown businesses. Artistic and creative people, organizations, and businesses have been sought, and are hard at work right now designing one-of-a-kind looking angels. These will be installed downtown prior to the Christmas Parade.

                After the holiday season ends, the angels will be auctioned in early January with proceeds from the auction going to support the renovation of the Newborn Nursery and OB Department at Middlesboro ARH Hospital.

                Awards will be given for the best decorated angel. Go to the Discover Downtown Middlesboro website for more details: www.discoverdowntownmiddlesboro.org.

Window painting

                Students from Middlesboro High School will once again paint storefront windows downtown. While the response from business and building owners so far has been great, we’re still looking for a few more storefronts to decorate. Please contact DDM if you’re interested in participating.

A Special Thank You to our Sponsors, More Info

The Middlesboro Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting would not be possible without the support of the following kind and generous sponsors: Attorney Keith Nagle; Bell County Animal Clinic; Commercial Bank; Community Trust Bank; First State Financial; International Mobile Homes; Jim Brown Supply; Johnco, Inc.; J.P. Cline III, Attorney at Law; KAT COUNTRY WFXY/WANO & MCTV22; Kentucky Fried Chicken; Middlesboro ARH; Mikel’s Pharmacy; Pace Towing; Pillion Accounting; Three States Printing; and World Wide Gap.

If you have any questions or would like to get involved in the Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting please contact Discover Downtown Middlesboro at 606-248-6155.

Contact:

Isaac D. Kremer, Executive Director

Discover Downtown Middlesboro

(606) 248-6155

downtownmiddlesboro@gmail.com

www.discoverdowntownmiddlesboro.org

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Middlesboro Christmas Parade Preparations Well Underway

The parade as it passes through Fountain Square.

Middlesboro, Kentucky, November 7, 2012 – The annual Middlesboro Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting is just a few short weeks away on December 1, starting at 3pm. The parade will run along Cumberland Ave from 15^th Street to 24^th Street. We are actively seeking out organizations, businesses, youth groups, and civic groups who want to participate in the parade.

The Grand Marshal of the parade this year will be Dale Ann Bradley. She has been named IBMA Female Vocalist of the Year five times, most recently in 2012. Just a few of the groups that will be participating include the Children’s Reading Foundation of Appalachia, Cumberland Gap Pantherettes, The Way of Holiness Church of God, and the Yellow Creek Cheerleading Squad. From Middlesboro the Fire Department, High School Band, High School Junior ROTC and Middle School Cheerleaders will also be participating.

“Angels Among Us” is the parade theme that has been selected for this year. In selecting this theme it was felt to be a wonderful way to recognize people who in their lives and careers have provided exceptional service to our community as professionals, employees, volunteers, and residents.

Nominations for “Angels Among Us” are actively being sought, and may be sent to downtownmiddlesboro@gmail.com. Please include “Angels Among Us” in the subject line of your message along with the name of the person you are nominating and a few words about why you nominated them. Winners will be publicly recognized during the parade.

Festivities will culminate with a Tree Lighting in Fountain Square following the parade, expected to begin around 5pm.

Know of a business, organization, youth group, or civic group that wants to march in the parade, or serve as a vendor selling refreshments during the parade? Application forms are available on the Discover Downtown Middlesboro website at www.discoverdowntownmiddlesboro.org. If you have any questions, please contact DDM Executive Director Isaac Kremer at (606) 248-6155.

Contact:

Isaac D. Kremer, Executive Director

Discover Downtown Middlesboro

(606) 248-6155

downtownmiddlesboro@gmail.com

www.discoverdowntownmiddlesboro.org

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Discover Downtown Middlesboro Appoints Isaac D. Kremer as Executive Director

Isaac D. Kremer downtown.
Credit: Danielle Finkelstein/Newsday

Middlesboro, Kentucky, October 31, 2012 - The Discover Downtown Middlesboro Board of Directors is pleased to announce that it has appointed Isaac D. Kremer as DDM’s new Executive Director.

“We are happy to welcome Isaac to Middlesboro and to our organization,” said Keith Nagle, DDM President. “Isaac brings both unique skills and experience in economic development and historic preservation that will enhance DDM’s efforts in our community.”

Kremer is a nationally recognized expert in the Main Street Approach® to commercial district revitalization. This approach is comprehensive and incremental, emphasizing grassroots action in four areas – Organization, Promotion, Design, and Economic Restructuring.

His education and training includes a M.A. in Historic Preservation Planning from Cornell University, and a B.A. in Economics and Management from Albion College in Albion, Michigan. Kremer has had additional training in historic preservation tax credits and received the ‘How to Turn a Place Around’ training from the Project for Public Spaces.

While Executive Director of the Oyster Bay Main Street Association on Long Island between 2008 and 2012, Kremer helped to generate over $10 million of new investment in Theodore Roosevelt’s home town. This resulted in over a dozen building renovation projects. Most notable was the $2.5 million restoration of the ca. 1854 Octagon Hotel where Roosevelt campaigned for Governor.

Over 30 businesses were opened during his tenure. These businesses had an impressive 90% retention rate. “Key to our success was following the Main Street Approach® rooted in historic preservation,” Kremer said. He continued, “There is no town of any size that has experienced meaningful revitalization without including historic preservation as part of a comprehensive strategy.”

Promotional events were another area where Oyster Bay excelled. During his tenure Kremer worked with dozens of volunteers to establish the Oyster Bay Farmer’s Market, the Sundown Concert Series, the Oyster Flix Film series, a popular Dancing in the Streets event, and numerous other activities that helped attract visitors to the downtown area.

Kremer said of these activities, “Once people saw something was happening downtown, they were more inclined to visit and tell their friends to visit too. In turn, this encouraged a number of businesses that decided to open downtown.”

Kremer oversaw an innovative planning exercise in 2010 called Build a Better Block. Over a two-day weekend one of the most neglected blocks in Oyster Bay was transformed with pop-up stores in previously vacant buildings, a pop-up park, and a pilot Farmer’s Market. Billy Joel participated in the two-day event and afterwards decided to open his 20^th Century Cycles in one of the pop-up stores. This motorcycle showroom has since become a regional attraction.

Most recently Kremer worked with the Heritage Society of Austin. In that capacity he updated their over forty year old Preservation Awards program. He supported the Preservation, Advocacy, and Education committees in their efforts. Kremer also publicly advocated for preservation of numerous historic places in Austin.

Speaking of his priorities and objectives as Executive Director, Kremer stated “I am excited to build on the firm foundation that has already been established here in Middlesboro.” He continued, “In the coming years I look forward to overseeing an exciting period of new growth in what is one of the most unique and history-laden small towns in America.”

Please join us in extending a warm welcome to Isaac Kremer.

Contact:

Isaac D. Kremer, Executive Director

Discover Downtown Middlesboro

(606) 248-6155

downtownmiddlesboro@gmail.com

www.discoverdowntownmiddlesboro.org

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2012 Middlesboro Christmas Parade - Call for Participants

We are issuing this Call for Participants to find people and groups who would like to participate in the 2012 Middlesboro Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting this year. Below you'll find links to a Participant Letter, and also an Application and Release. Please note that applications are due on or before Friday, November 23, 2012, at 4pm. It would be most appreciated if you could forward this info to folks who may be interested in participating. 

The parade itself is scheduled for 3pm on Saturday, December 1, 2012. More directions on the parade are included in the letter below. 

2012 Middlesboro Christmas Parade Participant Letter

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Nq6sWa19Nfv_kAnVvKakoAY67btJ_w-jfQ_kO4lngUU/edit 

2012 Middlesboro Christmas Parade Application and Release

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1fmsshwqTYT4F4ENR8dzzqnCknILBDsIwBZjSB5lfTwc/edit

We look forward to your participation and expect another memorable and exciting Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting again this year!

If you have trouble opening the attached documents or any questions, please contact Discover Downtown Middlesboro at 606-248-6155 or leave a comment on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ddmboro.

Make Middlesboro Your Destination for Fun and Excitement This Holiday Season

ARH Middlesboro HomeCare Store

 at 1916 Cumberland Avenue handing out candy last year.

Bell County Chamber of Commerce getting involved in 2011.

Middlesboro, Kentucky - Historic downtown Middlesboro will once again be your destination for thrills, chills, and family fun this Halloween. The popular Nightmare on 20th Street will return again on Saturday, October 27, 2012, starting at 5pm. The Bell County Historical Society Museum on 20th Street in downtown Middlesboro will be converted into a spooky haunted house. There will be music, a costume contest, food, games, and scary surprises. Tickets for admission to the haunted house are $2/adult and $1/child and are available for sale in advance at the Bell County Historical Society Museum, or the night of the event at the check in table. Sponsors of this event include the Bell County Historical Society Museum, Bell County Tourism, Christopher's Creations, Middlesborough Little Theatre, and Holler Crawlers. For more information call 606-242-0005.

Discover Downtown Middlesboro and the Bell County Chamber of Commerce are organizing another fun event for the benefit of schoolchildren in our community. On Wednesday, October 31, 2012, students from participating schools will go trick-or-treating from business to business downtown. Participating storeowners will be encouraged to wear Halloween costumes as will the kids. If the experience of past years is any guide, this special trick-or-treat is sure to be fun for everyone involved. For businesses or schools that have not already registered, you are welcome to contact DDM at 606-248-6155 or the Bell County Chamber at 606-248-1075.

Getting Ready for the Christmas Parade
Preparations are already well underway for the Christmas Parade on December 1, 2012. Any school groups, bands, community organizations or others who wish to be in the parade lineup should contact DDM at 606-248-6155. Please RSVP before Wednesday, November 14. More information about the parade and tree lighting will be released as the event draws nearer.