Jack Stallard


Latest Articles:

Southern Accent Was Revered by NY Teachers

And now, May. Lillian Berliner in her book, “And the Month of May: A Memoir,” wrote “May is the most beautiful month of the year, a month alive with warm color. The flowers and trees are in full bloom. And even the sun joins the rhapsody by emitting warmer rays.” I hope this month is a very good one for... READ MORE >

Guest Writer Relates Childhood Memories of the 1940-50s in Scott County

This week’s Thru the Gap is a Feature arti­cle written by my good friend of more than 70 years, John Morris Starnes. The article is excerpt­ed from Volume 3 of “Scott County, Virginia and Its People,” page 97. The column was written in 2003 when John Mor­ris, his wife Peggy and I were members of the Committee to write and... READ MORE >

RC Survivors Changes Date, Place for May Get-together

This past Saturday morning, I had breakfast at First Baptist Church, Kingsport. The occasion was the kickoff for the third Acts of Love ministry our church does throughout the city. Some 350 people were involved in a number of ministries to share the love of Christ. Those included among others a host of projects which included volunteer work at the... READ MORE >

All Birthdays Should be Celebrated Longer

We have a gorgeous day here in Willow­brook, but the wind is quite fierce right now. If I go outside to check the mail, I may end up in Johnson City. Teddy’s Restaurant surely must have been rocking a few days ago on March 28. I heard there was quite a party going on to celebrate Do­ris Ann Jonas’ birthday,... READ MORE >

Redbud Winter Hits the Region With the Promise of Warmer Weather

Oh, my! It appears Winter has returned. It’s cold as I write this column on Friday here in Willowbrook. It must be one of our annual cold spells: dogwood winter, blackberry winter or redbud winter. I never know which one makes its appearance first, second and third. I’m just looking forward to the 70-degree temperature predicted for a few days... READ MORE >

Beauty of the Spring Season is All Around Us

And now, April. “April is the path to brighter days.” “Embrace the new month as a blank canvas, ready to be filled with beautiful moments, accomplishments and joy.” (Anonymous). I trust April 2024 will be a very special month for each of you, our faithful readers. Lots of friends and family have had birthdays in the last few days. Let’s... READ MORE >

Delora Ward to Celebrate 98th Birthday on Easter Sunday

Hope everyone is enjoying the beautiful spring weather we have been having for several days. Isn’t it refreshing to experience this season of the year with its beauty of Bradford pears, forsythia and redbud trees/limbs. Our area is just ablaze with the indescribable beauty of God’s creation. The other day, I came across a highly meaningful short quote that touched... READ MORE >

Stallard Was Mistaken for Actor From TV’s The Jeffersons

And now, spring. To me, this time of year is always so wel­come. The beauty of the forsythia, Bradford pears and redbuds seem to boost our spirit and our motivation in many ways. I agree with Jessica Harrelson who wrote, “Spring adds new life and new beauty to all that is.” I also believe wholeheartedly in the words of Luther... READ MORE >

Rye Cove Survivors Group Holds First Luncheon of 2024

It’s a rainy day here in Willowbrook this morning and a good time to stay inside and see what I can come up with for this week’s col­umn. Last Monday, our Rye Cove Memorial High School (RCMHS) Survivors’ Group had our first luncheon of 2024. We last met in November. I enjoyed very much seeing and talking with others who... READ MORE >

Scott County Native Celebrates 100th Birthday in Blountville

What a week! I had my 86th birthday on Feb. 27, and family and friends have treated me like royalty. Dinners, U.S. mail cards, Facebook messages, emails, text messages, notes from friends at my church and phone calls kept me busy responding in several ways. At the Better Balance Class at Great Body Company, June Burem brought three huge birthday... READ MORE >