After a strenuous early afternoon of hanging curtains at the Jonesville Office, I took Tammie (my bride) out for lunch for the work she had done in the office. We were in line at a local restaurant, and there was an older lady ahead of us.  As she reached the end of the line to… Read more »

Do you remember the first time you saw your name on a nameplate? There it was on your station or desk telling the world who you are. Perhaps it was your first business card sharing where you worked and what you did. If you were like me, a certain pride swelled up inside of you.… Read more »

Wednesday nights I often listen to a show called “The Moth Radio Hour” that features story tellers (I have been trying to learn to come out of shell as a public speaker). On a recent episode, Les Strayhorn told a story regarding going to school in North Carolina as a black man during integration in… Read more »

In a fast paced and ever-changing world, finding something that will last a long time keeps getting harder and harder. I have a good friend, a brother in spirit in fact, William Fields. Some of you have met William as he has attended some events at our Abingdon location. After leaving Washington County to come… Read more »

How many times in your life has someone asked, “Are you Paying Attention?” Maybe it was your Mom giving you instructions for the day or perhaps, that Teacher who caught you day dreaming on the first pretty day of spring. We all have a tendency to let our minds wander – but paying attention (or… Read more »

Sometimes we are afraid of something new. Perhaps it is learning to play an instrument or sport. Maybe learning about a new bank product or service. Perhaps it was that first day of school. Or maybe it is opening a new office in a new town… What will they think about us? They said they… Read more »

The other day I swung by one of the gas stations I use on a regular basis. I went inside to get a few things, and the total came to $8.01. I handed the cashier a $10.00 bill. The cashier handed me back two $1.00 bills and said, “I have a penny.” Now, not having… Read more »

During my years serving and working with the Birthplace of Country Music Alliance (BCMA), I have had a chance to meet many interesting folks. I count Dierks Bentley among them. Dierks has been a noted performer for a long time. He was (and is) an admirer of a Public Radio Show called “Mountain Stage” (MT)… Read more »

I know what you are thinking. Is this the latest romance novel from a famous author? Or a story of a chance encounter? No, it is the story of two people born roughly around the same time but worlds apart. They have never met, but they are kindred spirits. Earlier this month (May 6, 2019),… Read more »

This week I’d like to share a story from Jim Swartz, Vice President and Loan Review Officer: “Last month I donated blood with Marsh at the Virginia Tech 4/16 blood drive. The Marsh folks reminded me of us. Very friendly, jovial, and got the job done. I had never donated with them before. I’d donated… Read more »