|
|
In addition to the projects undertaken by the Partnership, a number of regional organizations exist in Tri-Cities TN/VA and are active in promoting our region's cultural heritage. For instance, the Storytelling Foundation International and the Birthplace of Country Music Alliance (BCMA) continue working to keep our regional heritage alive. In progress is construction of a national storytelling center. This $8 million endeavor is projected to attract over 80,000 visitors annually. The Jonesborough Storytelling Festival last year was attended by over 12,000 people.
|
|
The BCMA continues to support education programs to enable young people, communities, and national and international audiences to appreciate our musical heritage. In 1998, the efforts of the BCMA led the U.S. Congress to officially designate Bristol the birthplace of country music. It was in a studio at 410 State Street in Bristol that Ralph Peer recorded Jimmy Rodgers and the Carter Family (think June CARTER Cash) in 1927. From there, country music eventually moved west to Nashville and Hollywood. In the meantime, the efforts of the BCMA have kept the simpler music of our Appalachian heritage alive in Tri-Cities, TN/VA. Indeed, East Tennessee State University (ETSU) has implemented a bluegrass and country music program. That complements the master's degree program in storytelling available at the university.
|
|
While the Storytelling Foundation International and the Birthplace of Country Music Alliance strive to save a way of life, several rural medical projects continue striving to save lives. In the mountainous, less densely populated areas of the region, primary health care can be almost an hour's drive away. Exacerbating the problem is the fact that the population in those areas contains a far higher percentage of elderly residents than do urbanized areas. The Appalachian Preceptorship Program at ETSU is designed to create interest in rural medicine among future health care providers. In Southwest Virginia, children receive treatment through the Comprehensive Health Investment Project. CHIP, as it's called, is designed to help disadvantaged families with children age six and under. The effect of partnerships like these is to increase access to basic health care, particularly for those who live in remote areas of the region or cannot afford health insurance.
|
Special Thanks to Our 5-Star Sponsors
Bristol Herald Courier/WJHL NewsChannel 11 - City of Johnson City
City of Kingsport - County of Washington, VA
East Tennessee State University - Eastman Chemical Company
Forwardair/Landair Corporation - Mountain States Health Alliance
Tusculum College
Wellmont Health System
Contact Us
Beulah Ferguson, Tri-Cities TN/VA Regional Partnership
207 N. Boone St., Suite 800 - Johnson City, TN 37604
Phone: - Fax:
info
 |
|
