Tag: Cory Parker

Parker film aids in revitalization award nomination for Downtown Wytheville

January 26, 2026 Zach Cooley No Comments

When I heard that my good friend Cory Parker had released a new film in partnership with Downtown Wytheville, I couldn’t wait to see the finished product. Through his company, MountainCAP Media, Parker has delivered yet another visual triumph with the 25-minute documentary Downtown Wytheville: A Story of Revitalization. The film chronicles the rise of Downtown Wytheville, Inc. and its pivotal role in rejuvenating the town’s historic core—most notably the Millwald Theatre, now a true crown jewel of the community. Founded a dozen years ago, the organization has become a model for grassroots, trust-based civic transformation. Executive Director Todd Wolford, who is featured prominently throughout the film, spoke with me about the project and the milestone it commemorates. Wytheville has been selected as a Great American Main Street Award semifinalist, chosen by a national jury of industry professionals and community leaders. Out of more than 2,000 applicants, the town was narrowed down to the top eight. The ultimate winner will be announced in April. Once a bustling hub along the Great Wagon Road, downtown Wytheville saw its vitality wane in the late 20th century as new interstates redirected commerce to strip malls on the outskirts of town. Determined to reclaim the community’s civic heart, local residents formed Downtown Wytheville, Inc. in 2014. In just over a decade, the transformation has been remarkable. The district is now a thriving destination filled with breweries, restaurants, small businesses, public art, a boutique hotel, and a restored historic theater. More than $23 million in private downtown investment has been generated, alongside $10 million in public improvements, breathing new life into once-condemned buildings and turning them into active centers of community life. If Parker’s film is any indication, Wytheville stands as strong a contender as any town in the nation for the Great American Main Street Award. After watching it, I knew I wanted to be part of the campaign. “There are extensive volunteer opportunities for anyone wanting to work with Downtown Wytheville,” Wolford told me. “We’re also occasionally looking for new board members.” One especially compelling moment in our conversation came when Wolford shared that his grandfather once ran a soda shop on Main Street in the 1950s. As much as I would love a place to have a malt or old-fashioned Coke, those kinds of businesses are hard to keep afloat in the local economy. Though he added that reopening his grandfather’s shop isn’t in his plans, he urged the community to bring its business to downtown in order to keep them alive. “Small-town businesses are hard to sustain unless the community supports them regularly,” he said. “We must make them a routine part of our patronage.” That observation underscores a critical reality. With long-standing businesses like Kincer Miller Hardware, Wytheville Office Supply, and Gwynn Furniture now gone from Main Street, supporting newer establishments—such as Burger Express, The Eclectic Pearl, and The Turquoise Junkie boutique—is more important than ever. Much of downtown’s revival can be traced to the reopening of the historic George Wythe Hotel as the Bolling Wilson Hotel in 2014, which directly sparked the formation of Downtown Wytheville, Inc. “We had this beautiful hotel for people to stay in,” Wolford recalled. “Then we realized we needed things for people to do when they came to town. We knew we couldn’t leave an abandoned theater sitting in the middle of Main Street.” That theater reopened in November 2022 as a performing arts center and has since hosted national acts including The Drifters, The Coasters, Jim Messina, and Pam Tillis. Downtown Wytheville’s success is also rooted in strong leadership and collaboration. Charlie Jones, a former youth ambassador, went on to become the assistant director of Downtown Wytheville, Inc. Deb King, a longtime creative artist and marketing professional, has also played an essential role. “I can’t say enough about the people and how well we work together,” Wolford said. “Without them, Downtown Wytheville would never be what it is today.” If I could afford it, I would book a week in the Bolling Wilson Hotel, where my family and I would stay, then take in all the shows at the Millwald Theatre, have dinner at Moon Dog Brick Oven Pizza, one of the first businesses to open in the newly-resurrected Main Street, and hit all the other downtown spots as though I were a tourist. I think it would be a great lesson in that, sometimes, in order to have the best adventures, we need look no further than our own backyard.

Strictly Observing, Zach's At It Again

Celebrating 20 years of “Strictly Observing”

July 4, 2025 Zach Cooley No Comments

It is staggering to think I have been writing this column for 20 years. I am overwhelmed by the readership and support I have received. I share my deepest personal gratitude with you all. Let’s have a look at some of the focus who have had the greatest impact on “Strictly Observing” over the last decade. As a Wytheville native who studied sports journalism in Greensboro, Woody Wilder left home to become a successful producer in Los Angeles, CA for the NFL Network. In my field of work, he epitomizes success. As much of a hero as Woody is to me professionally, he is even more so as a fellow human being. Rooted in a deep religious faith and an incredibly alluring personality, the kindness he expresses to me as a friend is invaluable to me. He carries with him the fundamental values Wytheville has given him and blended them with his resilient perseverance, which has given him limitless opportunities for success, making us proud to call him one of our own. A lifelong friend, Jared “J.T.” King, was the first person I came to when I launched EmBell Publishing. I knew he was the best undiscovered writer in our area, and I wanted to bask in the glory of having made such a revelation in the writing world. With his unprecedented writing ability and incredible insight and wisdom into the business, he now has his ever-growing fan base captivated by such gripping works as his Michael Black adventure novel The Gray Man and the horror short Building 1935. I am at the top of that list. As both a writer and a friend, J.T. King is unbeatable. Trent Crewe served as mayor of my hometown of Wytheville, VA for 28 years. When he announced his retirement in early 2018, he gave me first crack at printing his story in local news. It was the biggest story of my career, reaching over 10,000 people online. However, Trent Crewe has been more to the citizens of Wytheville than a leader. He has been a constant friend to the town and everyone in it when approached. During the most difficult periods of my life, he offered a personal hand and legal support, which my wife and I shall never forget. He is the rare sort of politician who has a heart to match his winning smile, and his brilliance has contributed irreplaceable effort in making Wytheville the best place to call home. To me, he will always be “Mayor.” Jackie King has been the first woman in a leadership role in several aspects for Wytheville, including her current position as Vice Mayor, which she held 28 years. She was also the first female president of the Wytheville-Wythe-Bland Chamber of Commerce. When she received the “Citizen of the Year” award from the Chamber of Commerce, among other honors, it was my blessing to cover her legendary life and career. I am fortunate enough to know that people like Jackie King only come along once in a lifetime. I am abundantly blessed that she has been a significant part of mine. Jackie, 84, died on August 30, 2020 of ovarian cancer. Robert Fallon went through more in his brief life than most people who have lived four times as long. With his kidneys functioning at less than a half-percent, his then-fiancé Krystal Sparks started a painted rock campaign that attracted global attention. Robert found his donor, survived the transplant, and continued to share his story, promoting the importance of organ donation, inspiring me to become a donor. It was an honor to cover his incredible story, but most of all, to become his friend. His presence in my life was a divine gift. Robert died on August 5, 2022, of renal failure. He was 24. Not only one of the greatest local musicians our area has ever seen as a member of the band 3 Shades of Grey, Max Meadows resident Michael Clinch is a true American hero. His volunteer efforts in New York City saved countless people whose names he will never know on September 11, 2001, when the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center collapsed at the hands of terrorists hijacking airplanes. The retired police chief of Hyde Park, New York granted me the most stirring interview I had ever done, and I barely had to speak a word. His kindness and friendship are among my greatest blessings. A local legend who is still sadly unknown to many locals in his native Smyth County, Jack “Jarata” Taylor’s surrealist art, which is displayed, sold, and admired around the globe. “Rainy Night Blues” and “Blue Moon,” a painting inspired by conversations with Billy Joel and a meeting with Dr. John, are among his most renowned creations. Hearing of his brushes with Disney animation, President Gerald Ford, Bonnie Raitt, and Elvis Presley, made for some of my greatest-ever interviews. Meeting gubernatorial Chief of Staff William H. “Bill” Leighty led to my biggest career honor to date, when he invited me to the Library of Virginia in Richmond to host a presentation on his bestselling memoir, Capitol Secrets. His exceedingly generous friendship has become one of the most treasured of my life and I am eternally grateful for our interviews, which included subjects ranging from planning Queen Elizabeth II’s 2007 visit to Virginia to his outstanding leadership abilities that gracefully guided our state through its darkest hours including the Virginia Tech tragedy in 2007. Another local and statewide treasure, mutual dear friend Linda DiYorio, introduced me to Bill. I have admired Cory Parker and his amazing talent as a photographer for the last quarter-century. We have always been friends, but the last year has made us close friends. With his self-established MountainCap Media, Cory has brought some of the best and brightest photography Wythe County has ever seen. Personally, Cory has offered me the thrill of flying a photography drone and has a concert featuring my wife at the Millwald Theatre. As a friend and professional partner, Cory…

Strictly Observing

Parker makes theatrical debut with Wythe-Bland Foundation film

June 8, 2025 Zach Cooley No Comments

On the evening of Saturday, June 7th, my family and I had the honor of attending the 20th anniversary celebration of the Wythe-Bland Foundation at the historic Millwald Theatre. A capacity crowd gathered to celebrate this remarkable local organization, which has tirelessly dedicated itself to advancing the education, health, and wellness of our community. Executive Director Travis Jackson explained that the Foundation was born out of a leasing agreement between Wythe County Community Hospital and LifePoint Health. This strategic move has allowed our local hospital to offer specialized services and diagnostic imaging that previously required travel to cities like Roanoke or Bristol. Thanks to the Foundation, organizations such as the Brock Hughes Medical Clinic and the Bland County Medical Clinic can provide high-quality care and critical medical testing to patients in need—care that would otherwise be inaccessible. The Wythe-Bland Foundation’s impact extends far beyond healthcare. It has played a vital role in supporting our children’s education and well-being. Thousands of local children receive free dental cleanings and exams, and through the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, they’re given the gift of books. The Foundation also makes possible field trips that enrich learning experiences and spark curiosity—opportunities many students would otherwise never have. In total, the Wythe-Bland Foundation has provided over $48 million in funding for a variety of transformative initiatives throughout our region. And on a personal note, I can attest to the profound difference this organization has made in my life. They’ve awarded scholarships that allowed my family and me to experience the health benefits of the Wytheville Community Center. They funded my wife’s participation in the “Fit for Life” program back in 2013 and have provided meals for us through the Open Door Café. My daughter is one of over 1,500 students who have received Hope Packs from Spiller Elementary School, giving her additional weekend nutrition at no cost. For an inter-abled family living on a fixed income, these are not small blessings—they are life-changing. While my gratitude to the Wythe-Bland Foundation runs deep, the main reason I attended the event was to witness the premiere of a powerful 35-minute documentary chronicling the Foundation’s past and vision for the future. This exceptional film was crafted by one of my dearest friends, Cory Parker, owner and operator of MountainCAP Media. Cory’s film was nothing short of extraordinary. With a filmmaker’s eye and a native son’s heart, he captured the breathtaking beauty of Wythe and Bland Counties in ways that even the most elite studios might struggle to match. His aerial drone shots of the Wytheville Water Tower and Big Walker Lookout were simply awe-inspiring. The message was clear and compelling: Southwest Virginia is not just a place to live—it’s a place to love and call home. Through poignant visuals and heartfelt storytelling, Cory illuminated the selfless work being done right here in our backyard. His work stirred emotion, evoking tears of gratitude for the people, places, and institutions that make this region special. Cory Parker is not only a genius behind the lens but also a truly exceptional person with a heart as big as his talent. The tribute he created to honor the Wythe-Bland Foundation, and this community is one that should elevate his name in the eyes of all who view it. As one of Wythe County’s finest residents, I couldn’t be prouder to call Cory a close friend. His generosity and skill are unmatched. In fact, he previously lent his talent to create a full-length concert video of my wife’s Tina Turner tribute show—a project that helped earn her a spot in the Chautauqua Festival lineup. So when Cory personally invited me to the debut of his latest cinematic achievement, I knew I had to be there. As we sat side-by-side in the Millwald Theatre, I noticed tears welling in Cory’s eyes as he watched his labor of love unfold on the big screen. It moved me deeply. I know the dedication he pours into his craft, and I know that his vision, artistry, and passion are truly one-of-a-kind. Wythe County may not yet fully realize the treasure they have in Cory Parker, but I hope this film will help change that. I certainly left the theater feeling immense pride, not only in my friend, but in this community we call home. It’s also humbling to reflect on the fact that the Wythe-Bland Foundation was formed the same year I began writing this column for our local newspaper. In the two decades since, we’ve all tried, in our own ways, to make a meaningful impact on the place we love. Considering everything our area—and the world—has experienced in those years, it’s astounding to see how far we’ve come. We remain a united community, filled with people who choose to be dream-makers rather than dream-crushers. That was the central theme echoed by the event’s keynote speaker, Jim Morris—the former professional baseball player whose inspiring story was immortalized in the 2002 Disney film The Rookie, starring Dennis Quaid. Speaking after the film’s conclusion, Morris praised the Wythe-Bland Foundation with heartfelt admiration. “This is a real community of dream-makers,” he said, borrowing from the title of his memoir. “This is a community that really cares about its people. I didn’t grow up in a place like this.” I did. And for that, I am forever grateful. To be a disabled person who’s been given a chance to have a meaningful career, to give back to the community I cherish most, is an immeasurable gift. Watching Cory Parker’s beautiful film, I was reminded once again why this is—and always will be—home.

Strictly Observing