The Loafer 119

Strawberry Season is Here!

Publisher

Lisa Durbin

Creative Director

Jon Bill Forrester

Managing Editor

Peggy Gale

Distribution

Herbie Durbin

Jon Bill Forrester

Entertainment Coordinator

Andreax Jarre

Public Relations Correspondent

Lee Lee Williams

Contributing Staff

Andy Ross

Kathie Scalf

Ken Silvers

Wendy Hayden

Ann Hartley

The Loafer

Po Box 39

Telford, Tn 37690

423-930-7319

www.theloafer.net

theloaferonlineprint@gmail.com

All advertisements are accepted and published by the publisher upon the representation that the agency and/or advertiser is authorized to publish the entire contents and subject matter thereof. The agency and/or advertiser will indemnify and save the publisher harmless from any lossof expense resulting from claims or suits based upon contents of any advertisement, including claims or suits for defamation, libel, right of privacy, plagiarism, and copyright infringement.

Founder: Bill Williams

Hello Friends!

I hope everyone has had a great month so far. Guess what time it is now…………………………………….

STRAWBERRT SEASON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I can’t every begin to tell you how much I love these red juicy pieces of pleasure in my mouth! I have so many wonderful memories that include strawberries. I remember my Nannie taking me to pick berries from a farm but I ate more that I put in my basket. She didn’t know whether to fuss or laugh at me. Her sister my Aunt Penny would pick me up and take me to her house where we would make a homemade strawberry cake every year and I really looked forward to that when May rolled around. When I had my own kids and grandkids I have tried to keep the Strawberry memories alive with them. With that in mind we should all make plans to attend the Strawberry Festival in Unicoi on May 18th. You will find the details in this issue.

I know the school year is winding down and kids are itching to start their summer vacation. We have 2 kids in our house graduating so let the planning begin! Thank you for your continued support of our little family paper! We love all of you!

Bristol TN/Va

WEDNESDAY May 1st

Roan Street Ramblers 7:00pm at Cascade Draft House

THURSDAY May 2nd

Travis Reigh 7:00pm at Bristol Casino Bar

FRIDAY May 3rd

Craig Street Ramblers

6:00pm at Bristol Casino Bar

Cody Kennedy 7:00pm at Cascade Draft House

Shoot to Thrill 9:30pm at Bristol Casino Bar

SATURDAY May 4th

The Jedi Mind Tricksters

6:00pm at Bristol Casino Bar

Phillip Page 7:00pm at Cascade Draft House

Victor Lawson and Boogie Chillen 9:30pm at Bristol Casino Bar

MONDAY May 6th

Anthony Childress 7:00pm at Cascade Draft House

Spotlight

Johnson City

Johnson City, TN

TUESDAY Apr 30th

Old Time Jam 5:00pm at Yee-Haw Brewing Company

Brim & Marci Leal 6:30pm at Rocks Wood Fired Pizza

Chelsea Grin

7:30pm at Capone’s

WEDNESDAY May 1st

Rheva & Keegan’s

Irish Fiddle Tunes 5:30pm at Mulligan’s Gaming Pub

HB Beverly 6:30pm at Rocks Wood Fired Pizza

THURSDAY May 2nd

Justin Mychaels 6:30pm at Rocks Wood FIred Pizza

FRIDAY May 3rd

Jeff Lane 6:30pm at Rocks Wood FIred Pizza

Tumbling River Band 7:00pm at Tulips Grub & Pub

The Kindest People | Jusfine 10:00pm at Capone’s

SATURDAY May 4th

Saddletramp 7:00pm at the Johnson City VFW Music Hall

Tumbling River Band 10:00pm at Capone’s

SUNDAY May 5th

Rheva & Keegan’s

Irish Fiddle Tunes 5:30pm at Mulligan’s Gaming Pub

Sam Collie and the Roustabouts 7:00pm atHoly Taco Boones Creek

Kingsport

Kingsport, TN

THURSDAY May 2nd

No Filter 7:30pm at Lakeview Marina

FRIDAY May 3rd

Mike Roberts 7:30pm at Lakeview Marina

Sarah Beth Bledsoe Lovell

7:00pmat Model City Tap House

Sam Collie and the Roustabouts 7:00pm at High Voltage,

The Double Barrel Band 9:00pm at CJ’s Sports Bar

SATURDAY May 4th

Gypsy Moon Coalition 7:30pm at Marker 2 Grill @ Lakeview Marina

Chris Long and Jeff Lane 7:30pm at Model City Taphouse

Broke N’ Busted South 9:00pm at CJ’s Sports Bar

SUNDAY May 5th

Jason Lloyd 7:00pm at Lakeview Marina

Elizabethton

FRIDAY May 3rd

The Hired Guns 7:00pm at Jiggy Rays

Samantha Gray & The Jukebox Jam 7:00pm at Bonnie Kate Theater

SATURDAY May 4th

The Audacity 7:00pm at Jiggy Ray’s

TUES. Apr. 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd & 30th

WED. Apr. 3rd, 10th, 17th & 24th

THUR. Apr. 4th 11th, 18th & 25th

HAPPY HOUR

Annual Book Sale

Gray Branch Library May 3 -4

The Friends of the Washington County Library are hosting a spring fundraising event – all proceeds go to support free library programs for all ages! The sale is scheduled from May 3 – May 4 in the Gray Branch Library at 5026 Bobby Hicks Hwy, Gray, TN 37615. The sale schedule is as follows: Friday, May 3, 9 am – 6 pm

Saturday, May 4, 9 am – 2 pm

We are still in need of volunteers for setup, sale hours, and breakdown! For more information, please visit the Gray Branch Library or call 423-477-1550.

You may also find information about the sale and volunteering to help with this event on our website: wclibrarytn.org.

Adapted for stage by David Birney

Directed by Chris McVey

Saturday May 11

Saturday June 22

CELTIC TRIO TO PLAY JETTIE BAKER CENTER

Featuring fiddle, button accordion, guitar, bodhran, bouzouki, flute, vocals, and dance, Poor Man’s Gambit brings an evening of Celtic music to the Jettie Baker Center in Clintwood at 7 p.m. on Saturday, May 4th. Tickets are $10 at the door. Children and students will be admitted free. This performance is sponsored in part by the Town of Clintwood and the Columbus Phipps Foundation, in conjunction with Pro-Art’s 47th season. For more information and to make reservations visit proartva.org

Poor Man’s Gambit was formed in 2015 and hails from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The trio’s repertoire is rooted in Irish tradition, but they also pull from other provincial influences including England, Brittany, and Scotland, in addition to their own original compositions. The trio is Deirdre Lockman (fiddle and vocals), Corey Purcell (button accordion, cittern, bodhran, vocals, and dance), and Joseph Carmichael (guitar, whistle, flute, and vocals). With two multi-instrumentalists in the lineup, the trio is noted for their ability to change instrumentation many times during a performance—and Purcell’s flashy footwork on the occasional reel adds an extra punch of energy to their shows.

Pro-Art’s 47th season is coming to a close. Explore the remaining events and make reservations at proartva.org. Season tickets are valid for all performances of the 47th season and can be purchased online, in person at any show, or by calling (276) 376-4520.

Pro-Art partners with a variety of venues, therefore individuals with accessibility needs or general questions are encouraged to call (276) 376-4520 or email pro-art@uvawise. edu. For evolving conditions related to weather cancellations, or similar unforeseen circumstances, patrons are encouraged to check proartva.org for up-to-date information.

Pro-Art is supported in part by the Virginia Commission for the Arts, which receives support from the Virginia General Assembly and the National Endowment for the Arts, as well as the C. Bascom Slemp Foundation, The University of Virginia’s College at Wise, Mountain Empire Community College, the Columbus Phipps Foundation, and the Lee County Community Foundation.

TRI-CITIES NIGHTLIFE

WEDNESDAY

Karaoke with Absolute Entertainment at The Pub Out Back (The Italian Pizza Pub) - Johnson City 7pm

Karaoke w/ Eric Huskins VFW Post 2108 – Johnson City, TN 8pm

Karaoke Night at Wonderland Lounge and Bar - Johnson City, TN 9pm

Karaoke with Ron at Kingsport Moose Lodge 6:30pm

Loudmouth Karaoke at Michael Waltrip Brewing Company - Bristol, VA on Wednesday, April 5th at 7pm

THURSDAY

Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at Tulips Grub & Pub - Johnson City, TN 8pm

Karaoke with Absolute Entertainment at Wild Wings Cafe - Johnson City, TN 9pm

Karaoke at Numan’s - Johnson City, TN 10pm

Karaoke at Jiggy Rays Pizzeria - Johnson City, TN

Karaoke at Tipsy Toad Tavern - Jonesborough, TN

FRIDAY

Karaoke with Absolute Entertainment at Rainbow Asian Cuisine - Johnson City, TN 9pm

Karaoke with Absolute Entertainment at The Sports Mill - Kingsport, TN 8pm

Karaoke w/ Eric Huskins VFW Post 2108 – Johnson City, TN 8pm

Karaoke at Numan’s – Johnson City, TN 10pm

Karaoke with Handsome Hodge Entertainment at O’Mainnin’s Pub and Grille - Bristol, TN 10pm

SATURDAY

Karaoke with Absolute Entertainment at Tulips Grub & Pub Johnson City, TN 8pm

Karaoke at Numan’s – Johnson City, TN 10pm

Karaoke w/ Eric Huskins VFW Post 2108 – Johnson City, TN 8pm

Karaoke at Numan’s – Johnson City, TN 10pm

Karaoke with DJ Clyde and Prestige Entertainment at Macado’s -Kingsport, TN 9pm

Karaoke with Handsome Hodge Entertainment at O’Mainnin’s Pub and Grille - Bristol, TN 10pm

TRIVIA BINGO DJ NIGHT

TUESDAY

Team Trivia at Wild Wing Café Johnson City TN

DJ Trivia at Union Street Taproom

Erwin, TN 5pm

Trivia at The Corner Bar Bristol, VA 8pm

Trivia at Aubrey’s Johnson City 7pm

WEDNESDAY

Trivia at Tipsy Toad Jonesborough, TN 7pm

Trivia Night Mellow Mushroom Bristol, VA 7pm

Trivia at Aubrey’s Bristol 7pm

THURSDAY

Mellow Trivia at Mellow Mushroom

Johnson City, TN- 7pm

Trivia at Riverside Taphouse at South Fork Bluff City, TN 7pm

TUESDAY

Singo at Riverside Taphouse at South Fork Bluff City, TN 6:30pm

WEDNESDAY

Bingo at Tipton Street Pub

Johnson City, TN 9pm

Singo at Holy Taco & Cantina

Boones Creek, TN 8pm

Blazin’ Bingo at Mellow Mushroom Johnson City, TN 6pm

THURSDAY

Bingo at Mellow Mushroom Bristol VA 6pm

Singo at Aubrey’s Bristol 7:00 PM

THURSDAY

DJ B-Digital at O’Mainnin’s Pub and GrilleBristol, TN 10pm

FRIDAY

Handsome Hodge Entertainment at O’Mainnin’s Pub - Bristol, TN 10pm

SATURDAY

Handsome Hodge Entertainment at O’Mainnin’s Pub - Bristol, TN 10pm

SUNDAY

DJ B-Digital at O’Mainnin’s Pub and GrilleBristol, TN 10pm

SODOKU CROSSWORD

ACROSS

DROP QUOTE

1. "Correct me ____ wrong, but..."

5. Actress Winona

10. Prepared in advance, in productnames

14. Bullfighter's cloth

15. Taking offense

16. Makes angry

17. Beat around the bush

19. Barks like a fox

20. Erik of "CHiPs"

21. Brand of knife

22. Was a varsity standout

26. "Would I lie ___?"

30. Attacking from a concealed position

34. Give a commencement address, say

35. Pen parts

36. "___ blimey!"

37. Least cooked

39. Self-defense art

42. Pub offering

43. River of northeast England

47. Bash

48. Self-indulgent folks

51. Dueling pieces

52. Non-participant

54. Not colorized (abbr.)

57. Partners ____

62. "Where the Sidewalk Ends"

author Silverstein

63. Slandered

66. French noun suffix

67. Mayhem

68. Descartes's "therefore"

69. Dec. 25

70. Travelers in horse buggies

71. Sewing line

Answers to last week’s puzzles can be found on page 09.

Down

1. Brain freeze trigger

2. Internet explanation pages

3. CCR's "____ a Spell on You"

4. Female Israeli leader

5. University of ___ Island

6. Peninsula state

7. Arts deg.

8. Young newt

9. Sandwich choice

10. Mideast capital

11. Lindros of the NHL

12. Part of U.S.D.A.: Abbr.

13. "And what ____ rare as a day in June?"

18. Esteems

21. Deletes, with "out"

23. "I've heard more than enough!"

24. Decrease

25. Former Secretary of State Dean

26. Religious parchment

27. Papal attire

28. Veered off course

29. Coy ending?

31. Compassionate words

32. "Buona ___"

33. ABC's "___ Anatomy"

38. Work hard

40. Brief outline

41. Bow Wow's genre

44. Support grp. for the troops

45. Pou ___ (vantage point)

46. Some Alaska natives

49. Enough and then some

50. Houston-to-Dallas dir.

53. Ancestor of Noah

54. Bingo square

55. Breaking-in sound

56. Italian river which joins the Tiber near Orte

58. Abbreviations on a map

59. Her, in Hamburg

60. Prefix with hertz

61. Land in Genesis

63. Food preservative (abbr.)

64. Pooh creator's initials

65. 506, once

OF THE WEEK PETS

Miss Meow

Hey, it’s Miss Meow in the house! I’m a RARE orange QUEEN with a dash of sassyeah I’ve got personality! But this just adds to my charm… it doesn’t take long to realize how special I am. Deep down, I’m all about those sweet vibes. I love to play and enjoy catnip, treats and pets. But mostly I just want a home and special

human to call my own. I would need to be your one and only kitty friend as is befitting for my queenly status. I’m spayed, fully loaded on vaccines and microchipped. If you think you’re ready to hold court with me, come by for a meet and greet and see if we are a royal match! Bday 10/15/19

Leo is a sweet, friendly, affectionate, loyal companion and a shelter favorite because of his desire to just be loved. Though he has little interest in toys, he uses his energy to shadow his human as they go about their business, always

hoping for a butt scratch. He loves to lay in the sun, knows basic commands, loves to go on walks, and is great on a leash. Leo is dog selective, no cats and is good with children. He has been neutered and current on vaccinations. Bday 9/30/18

If you are interested in adopting :

There are Five Strawberries hidden in this issue of The Loafer. Can you find them all?

Last Week's Puzzle Answers

Cryptogram:

"Democracy is the recurrent suspicion that more than half of the people are right more than half the time."

Dropquote:

"A store of grain, Oh king is the best of treasures. A gem put in your mouth will not support life"

THINGS TO DO THINGS TO DO

JOHNSON CITY

SATURDAYS

ACOA (adult children of alcoholics) 1:30-3:00pm. Call for info Bill 423-444-6107 or Cheryl 423-262-6149

WEDNESDAY MAY 1ST

Biker Wear 10th Anniversary

7:00pm at Wild Wing

THURSDAY MAY 2ND

Tri-Cities Turtles Run Club

12:45pm at Yee-Haw Brewing Co.

Spring Sip & Shop 4:00pm at Downtown Johnson CIty

FRIDAY MAY 3RD

Johnson City Love & Hiking

Date For Couples (Self-Guided) 7:00am at Willow Springs Park

SATURDAY MAY 4TH

Johnson City Love & Hiking Date For Couples (Self-Guided) 7:00am at Willow Springs Park

Johnson City Farmers Market

8:00am at the Pavilion in Downtown Johnson City

Springtime in Haynesville: Civil War Reenactment 9:00am at Tipton-Haynes State Historic Site

Little Black Dress Event

7:00pm at Holiday Inn

Improv Jam 8:00pm at Wallace Theatre

BRISTOL

THURSDAY MAY 2ND

“Colorful Bouquet” Canvas

Class 6:00 PM at Kil'n Time

Contemporary Ceramics

Mark Normand 8:00pm at Blue Ridge Comedy Club

FRIDAY MAY 3RD

“Funky Flower Pot” Canvas

Class 6:00 PM at Kil'n Time

Contemporary Ceramics

Hunter Roberts (HunterMania)

7:30pm at Blue Ridge Comedy Club

SATURDAY MAY 4TH

Board Game Night 5:00pm at Bristol Public Library

Venus Envy 7:30pm at Blue Ridge Comedy Club

KINGSPORT

THURSDAY MAY 2ND

May Shop & Hop 5:00pm at Downtown Kingsport

FRIDAY MAY 3RD

Movies, Magic & Mayhem

7:00pm at Renaissance Arts Center

SATURDAY MAY 4TH

Market Season Kick-Off 7:00am at Kingsport Farmers Market

Nature: Wolf Howling

10:00am at Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium

Summer Market 11:00am at Allandale Mansion

Brunch 11:30am at Gypsy Circus Cider Company

Country Roads Jeep Classic 12:00pm At Public Parking Lot located at Cherokee and Cumberland Streets

Movies, Magic & Mayhem

2:00pm & 7:00pm at Renaissance Arts Center

SUNDAY MAY 5TH

Mercantile Vendor Market 11:00am at Kingsport Farmers Market

Brunch 11:30am at Gypsy Circus Cider Company

JONESBOROUGH

TUESDAYS

Jonesborough Storytelling Guild “Stories n’More” Show 7:00pm at The Intl. Storytelling Center

WEDNESDAY MAY 1ST

IBN Biz Lunch 11:30am at The Black Olive

SATURDAY MAY 4TH

Jonesborough Farmers Market 8:00am at Downtown Jonesborough

Historic Jonesborough Town Tour 1:00pm at Chester Inn State Historic Site

ABINGDON, VA

WEDNESDAY MAY 1ST

Bingo 5:00pm at Abingdon Community Center

FRIDAY MAY 3RD

Movies for Adults 2:00pm at Washington County Public Library

SUNDAY MAY 5TH

Bingo 5:00pm at Abingdon Community Center

ELIZABETHTON

FRIDAY MAY 3RD

Bites by the Bridge 11:00am at Elizabethton Covered Bridge

First Friday: Summer Vibes 5:00pm at Downtown Elizabethton

Bike Nights

sponsored by biker wear

Local Events:

1. Biker Wear 10th Anniversary May 1st at Wild Wing Café Starts at 6pm Below 7 live at 7pm

2. Music City Police Motorcycle Skills & Training Competition at Bristol Motor Speedway May 1st – 4th

3. Kicking For Kim Benefit Concert May 4th - 4pm - ???? at 19 E Pit Stop

4. Black Jacket Symphony at ETSU May 17th

5. Iris Festival Greeneville, TN May 18th & 19th

6. She Rides May 9th – 12th

7. 4th Annual Bugtussle Bash May 31st – June 1st

Bike Nights:

Wednesday: 19E Pit Stop Elizabethton, TN

Wednesday: Jonesborough VFW

Thursday: Darrell Waltrip Bristol, VA

Friday: Tulips Johnson City, TN

Rides:

1. Kicking for Kim Meet at 10:30am at Chaotic Crew Clubhouse KSU at 12

2. Puppy Poker Run May 11th

Bike Rallies:

1. Thunder Beach Spring Rally May1st – 5th Panama City

2. Route 66 Bike Stock May 2nd – 5th Depew, OK

3. Thunder in The Smokies May 3rd – 5th

4. Myrtle Beach Spring Rally May10th – 19th

5. Boozy Creek Drags May 10th - 12th at Boozy Creek

6. True Sons Pow Wow May 31st – June 2nd

7. Boone Bike Rally May 31st – June 2nd

Rides & Rallies

sponsored by biker wear

Beanz Biker Corner Beanz Biker Corner

Hello everyone, I truly hope and pray life is being kind to you and your families. Times are sincerely challenging on all of us these days as we watch all the craziness that is happening around us. The price of food is to the point where it’s hard to feed your family, gas prices are at an all-time high, major businesses are closing, and small businesses are being crashed. So, this week I am taking great honor in writing about a local small business that has hung in there and is still going strong. A local motorcycle shop. Biker Wear is located at 116 Buffalo Street downtown Johnson City, TN 37604. The business was started in the early 2000’s by Keith McCrary (who has now passed away) and was located at the Tri-Cities Flea Market it was all retail at that time then it moved to Piney Flats, remaining an all-retail store for all your biker needs. While still located in Piney Flats a really big man named Budha bought the business. So, on May 1st, 2014, Steve Crouch (better known as Budha) & his wife Tara, purchased the business. While in Piney Flats they kept it as just a retail store and did very well. In September of 2015 they moved the business to the old Ride Revolution building in North Johnson City across from the Harley dealership. While in this location they kept the retail side going, but to add to their business they started a full-service repair shop and parts department. Starting with a couple part time mechanics (Jay Hobbs & Clarence Ramey) in the evenings the service side

By Anne Hartley

kept growing and they had to hire more mechanics and another part-time person to help with retail. They hired a Certified Harley Davidson Mechanic to work on the Harley Davidson bikes and another mechanic to work on everything else. Joe, his part-time person passed away and in August of 2021, they hired me. Budha’s reputation was growing as an honest businessman with good moral, and as the business grew and life happens the building they were in was sold, and they were having to find a new location. Budha went in search of a new building. After weeks of looking, he and his wife Tara found the most perfect place nestled in downtown Johnson City. The move was on. We all slowly started packing up what we could while keeping the doors open. Budha and one of the guys started in March 2022 getting things ready at the new location. They spent their days working, pouring concrete, painting etc.… to get the new place ready. While the Harley mechanic ran the shop, and I ran the retail at our soon to be old location. Finally, the day came when we had no choice but to shut down for 1 week to make the final move. Stress levels were high to say the least, but we as a team made it happen and didn’t kill each other. Which was a feat in itself. We all spent that week packing, loading trucks and transporting everything to the new shop and putting everything into place. We all had our moments. We all shed blood, sweat, tears and a few choice words. On April 30th we went home to get a good night’s rest knowing that the next day May 1, 2022, we would open our doors to the public at the new shop. The new place was more like all of us. Old school motorcycle shop with a twist. We have grown even more since being here. The shop side is booming, and the retail is getting better. This May 1, 2024, marks 10 years of Biker Wear being in business. So, to celebrate we are having Biker Wear’s 10th Anniversary Party at Wild Wings Café in downtown Johnson City. Starting at 6pm the party is on at 7pm Live music with Below 7, Food and beverage specials, giveaways, & more, free parking, no cover charge. Everyone at Biker Wear, Garza Law Firm and Wild Wings Café are going to make sure everyone has a blast. Thank you for your continued support. Come join us as we celebrate a local business and its owner’s Budha & Tara for making it 10 years. Just as a side note from me there are some days when Budha is a real ass, & I let him know by calling him “Asshole”!!!!

Useless Facts:

1. In 10 minutes, a hurricane releases more energy than all the world's nuclear weapons combined.

2. On average, people fear spiders more than they do death.

3. There are crabs that are the size of a pea. There are known as ‘Pea Crabs’.

4. Froot Loops loops are all the same flavor.

5. The Statue of Liberty used to be a lighthouse.

Full Moons of 2024

1. Pink Moon on Tuesday, April 23 - 7:51 pm

2. Flower Moon on Thursday, May 23 - 9:55 am

3. Strawberry Moon on Friday, June 21 - 9:10 pm

4. Buck Moon on Sunday, July 21 - 6:19 am

5. Sturgeon Moon on Monday, August 19 - 2:28 pm

6. Harvest Moon on Wednesday September 18 - 10:36 pm

7. Hunters Moon on Thursday October 17 -7:27 am

8. Beaver Moon on Friday November 15 - 4:29 pm

9. Cold Moon on Sunday December 15 - 4:02 am

DAA East Tennessee Classic Car Auction Returns For 3rd Year

Crumley House to Receive Proceeds from ‘01 Chevy Camaro SS Auction and Snap-On Toolbox Raffle

In just two years, Dealers Auto Auction of Northeast Tennessee’s Classic Car Auction has generated more than $50,000 for The Crumley House Brain Injury Rehabilitation Center. That total stands to grow with the event’s return for a third year on May 10-11 in Johnson City.

“Our business and our annual Classic Car Auction continue to grow throughout the Appalachian Highlands and beyond,” said Gary Montgomery, DAA East Tennessee General Manager. “The first two years of this event have witnessed us auction off some incredible vehicles and we look forward to building on that success.”

Dealers Auto Auction of East Tennessee has once again chosen The Crumley House Brain Injury Rehabilitation Center as the recipient of the proceeds from its Charity Auction Car. This year, a 2001 Chevrolet Z-28 Camaro SS rolls onto the auction floor with 100 percent of its final sale going to the local non-profit organization.

“Yes, it’s certainly big for us to be able to auction off the many vehicles we’ll have on hand, but we believe in our community

and it’s equally important for us to have the opportunity to give back,” added Montgomery. “Once again we are proud to work with The Crumley House in this effort.”

The event, which is open to the public, begins with the Auction Preview Party on Friday, May 10 from 5-8 PM. With a combination of cars, live music, food and fun, the Preview Party has something for everyone. An array of the food trucks will serve up the eats and beverages, with Coaltown Revival providing the music. Additionally, all in attendance can browse the 100-plus classic cars set to go up for bids the following day.

Saturday, May 11 is Auction Sale Day with gates opening at 8 AM and the auction beginning at 10 AM. The Chevy Z-28 Camaro SS Charity Auction benefiting The Crumley House takes place at 2 PM and also features the raffle drawing for a 95th Anniversary Snap-On Toolbox. Raffle tickets are being sold now and proceeds from the raffle also will benefit The Crumley House. Admission is $10 and good for both days. Admission is free to dealers, individuals with a bidder badge as well as children 12 and under.

Guynn Edwards, Crumley House Executive Director, stated, “It’s an honor to once again be selected as the recipient of the proceeds from the auction. I know there are many enthusiasts and collectors of classic cars here in our region and I hope all come out not only to support The Crumley House, but to embrace the entire event and make it a successful one for our area and all involved.”

Cringe Worthy Social Media Mistakes

Social Sentiments

By Wendy Hayden socialsentiments

Is your social media engagement down? If so, you may be committing one of these cringe worthy fails.

Liking your own posts

Liking your own posts is the most cringe worthy social media fail. You share things you feel are funny, memorable, or valuable. Sharing implies that you like the content, so liking your share is redundant. Focus on sharing the reason why you believe the content is worth viewing. Create a caption that tells a story about why you felt compelled to share that piece of content instead of liking it again on your own page.

Not tailoring content

Do you sell office supplies? Are you pushing office supply content to restaurants? Not understanding your audience will push people away who follow but would not benefit from your

brand while ignoring people who could boost sales. Thoroughly research your target audience to ensure that you capture the attention of the audience that can benefit from what you have to say.

Grammar mistakes

Grammar mistakes in posts are a major reason for a decrease in shares. Carefully review your content before posting to spot errors before your audience does. Read them out loud to easily catch mistakes. Grammar issues undermine your message and focus attention on the mistakes instead of the message. Taking the time to review your post before submission will ensure that your message is received in a serious manner.

Ill - timed posts

In a world where news is a constant cycle of sadness and fear, consider the timing of your posts compared to breaking news stories. If your

story can wait until the breaking news loses steam, your chances of being seen will significantly increase and your chances of being seen as insensitive to the current situation will decrease.

Unprofessional tone

When a customer comes into your store or calls in, which type of language do you use? Most likely, you use a tone that puts your customers at ease and lets them know they are in good and knowledgeable hands. The same tone should be used online. Your brand reputation still exists even if customers cannot see who is behind your posts. Treat your online accounts as you would a customer standing in front of you. Courtesy and professionalism go a long way in building a brand.

As you post online, keep in mind that if you would cringe at your post, others will as well.

Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park MAY 2024 EVENTS

Bird Walk with the Lee & Lois Herndon TOS Chapter

Saturday, May 4 8:00 AM

Free Admission: Meet in the Visitor Center parking area

Meet other birders and naturalists at Sycamore Shoals for a morning of birding during the migratory season.

English Country Dancing

Sunday, May 5 1:30 PM – 4:00 PM

Free Admission: Meet in the Visitor Center Gathering Room

Dancing was a very popular social pastime in early America. Beginners and seasoned dancers alike are all welcome to learn early 19th century dances. No cost to attend. Open to

anyone, with or without experience or a partner. Sponsored by the Sabine Hill Social Society.

Muster at Fort Watauga: An 18th Century Frontier Exhibition

Saturday, May 18 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Sunday, May 19 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Free Admission

Experience the incredible story of Sycamore Shoals at the largest 18th century living history event in the state! Join over 200 living history demonstrators, re-enactors, and heritage interpreters as they bring the 18th century frontier to life. Visit the military encampment, native camp and Fort Watauga, shop with period vendors, enjoy Revolutionary War

era tactical demonstrations and numerous presentations of life on the colonial frontier. Hear the rattle of muskets, smell the campfire smoke, and see history come to life during the Muster at Fort Watauga!

Old Time Music Jam

Sunday, May 26 1:30 PM – 4:00 PM

Free Admission: Meet in the Visitor

Center Gathering Room

Enjoy the rich musical traditions of our region each month. Old time musicians of all levels are welcome. Don’t play an instrument? Come on over, kick back, and enjoy the tunes!

“Never Forget”Memorial Day Concert

Monday, May 27 6:00 PM

Free Admission: Presented in the Fort Watauga Amphitheater

Join us on Memorial Day as The Johnson City Community Concert Band, under the direction of Dr. Christian Zembower, presents a special concert to remember and honor those who have paid the ultimate price for our freedom. In addition to the concert a special ceremony will recognize those throughout our nation’s history who have fallen in service to our country.

Knowing Your Worth

I was recently talking with a friend who is going through some relationship issues; matters of which I tend to tread lightly. As they divulged some of the details of their discord, I found myself repeatedly stating, “you know you’re WORTH more than this.” The more I reiterated this short statement, the more they kept excusing and defending the other person’s behavior, and I suddenly realized that my friend did not in fact know they were worth more than what they were getting. And worst of all, I saw in them the same behavior I myself have routinely exhibited. One of the most underrated skillsets as a human being is being able to find - and subsequently KNOW - your worth. Whether it’s in regards to relationships, job salaries, or simply personal standards, how does one “set their going rate?”

The worth of an item is only determined by the value assigned to it. I’ve never really thought about why items cost what they cost, but as I’m writing this article I began considering why it is that 2 purses can have the exact same functionality, style, size, and features, but will cost $9.99 at Walmart and $3,799 at Gucci; more importantly, why is one so much more highly coveted? That is because someone, whether it’s the designer, the media, or the consumer, have decided that the word ‘Gucci’ carries more value than ‘Walmart.’ Knowing that it truly is that simple, that you only must believe with your mind that something is valuable to make it so, why don’t we do the same thing to ourselves?

People will put themselves through incredible agonies because they don’t see the value they add to the

world. I’m speaking from experience on this matter as someone who struggles a great deal with imposter syndrome every single day. I never really knew what that phrase meant; I assumed it meant you were someone who constantly tried to “fake it til you make it” and were a con or something. It’s not that at all, and in the simplest definition, ‘imposter syndrome’ means you never feel like you deserve good things when you get them, that you’re a fraud for receiving them, or you’re not worthy. A lot of my issues stem from growing up in the way I did and how that impacted the core person I am today; for that reason I don’t think I’ll ever fully conquer those demons. While I grew up thankfully with two amazing, loving parents who did the best they could and worked hard to ensure I never wanted for a thing, financially I had less assets than my friends. I lived in a trailer; the first 6 years of my life in a trailer park, the rest on 3 acres of land in the country until I moved out to my own apartment. My parents held down multiple blue collar jobs to keep us going, but there were times I definitely remember payday hitting on Friday and having $20 left on Monday that would last the rest of the week. I feel like I’ve lived my life in survival mode, from paycheck-topaycheck, navigating catastrophes as they arise and never fully feeling like I’m able to get ahead. I struggle with seeing the progress I’ve made, whether it’s in my career or health or whatever because I don’t know how to feel comfortable with or worthy of the wins; it’s a mindset of scarcity, that the promotion, the weight loss, the move was a fluke and shouldn’t have happened to me so I don’t need to get too comfortable enjoying it because it won’t last.

There are times I look around the room when I’m eating in nice

restaurants or walking around my neighborhood and think, “this isn’t my life. I’m that girl in the trailer and I’m going to wake up and none of this is real.” Or when I’m doing a private presentation to a group of high end clients in one of their multi-million dollar homes and they’re all listening to what I have to say, I feel like a fraud, like they’re all staring at me and they know I don’t belong there. This same inner voice is what has led me to accept less in relationships, to pursue people who were less attractive, less successful, had smaller goals and ambitions than I wanted, simply because I felt someone of a higher caliber would see right through me and not want me, so why try? It’s the same voice that silenced me into accepting first offers on salaries without negotiation, because I never believed I was smart enough or added enough value to the company to deserve more.

Navigating the last few years on my own has helped me begin to see my own worth and enforce it. On a personal level most recently by valuing my health as my most precious asset and treating it as such. I’m worthy of nourishing foods and clean ingredients versus boxed cheap crap full of toxins and chemicals. I’m worthy of fresh air and exercising my body and enjoying every inch of freedom and mobility it affords me. After back-to-back life altering heartbreaks, I’ve stayed single since 2018, refusing to allow another human being that much control over my life again and knowing I’m worth more than being lied to, lied about, and deserve someone who will treat me at LEAST as good as I treat myself because it’s not asking too much. I’ve put the work into building my career, learning as much as I can and becoming as much of an asset to the workforce as possible so when I climb those rungs on the ladder I have

by Kathie Scalf

ammo for salary negotiations. I know now that my work ethic is stronger than most, that I always rise to meet a challenge and that I deserve every penny I earn because I worked hard for it.

People can subconsciously see the value you’ve assigned to yourself. It’s the way you speak, the way you carry yourself, the things you accept; all those things are how you “set your going rate.” People will treat you with the same respect you treat yourself, so you must believe you’re a very rare, high-dollar item. Think of yourself as that one-of-a-kind Gucci bag and not the Walmart purse that’s been produced for mass consumption at the lowest dollar. Make a physical list of all your wins, the things you’ve done that were no small feat and review them regularly. It truly is as simple as believing you deserve these things to make other people start to see it too.

XO - Kathie

The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare

The new film "The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare" is based on the 2014 book "Churchill's Secret Warriors: The Explosive True Story of the Special Forces Desperadoes of WWII" by author Damien Lewis. Whew, we are dealing with some long titles here movie fans. The film, directed, co-written and co-produced by Guy Ritchie ("Sherlock Holmes"), plays fast and loose with Operation Postmaster. The aforementioned special operation was a off-the-books black-ops sabotage mission to disrupt Nazis' U-boat resupply operation on the island Fernando Po, an island off Central Africa, which was Spanish controlled. The film is set in late 1941, at the height of World War II, before the United States entered the war. During this period the United Kingdom is having difficulties halting Nazi Germany's attempts to take over Europe, as London is suffering regular bombing attacks and the UK's supply and aid ships are being constantly sunk by German

By Ken Silvers theloaferonlineprint @gmail.com

submarines. Brigadier Gubbins (Cary Elwes), also known as "M", is ordered by Churchill to prepare Operation Postmaster, and keep the mission offthe-books. The team is put together and includes Gus March-Phillips (Henry Cavill), Anders Lassen (Alan Ritchson), Freddy Alvarez (Henry Golding) and Henry Hayes (Hero Fiennes Tiffin). Two recruits, Majorie Stewart (Elza Gonzalesz) and Mr. Heron (Babs Olusanmokun) are sent ahead by train, with the others departing for Fernando Po on the Danish fishing trawler "Maid of Honor." Marjorie and Mr. Heron encounter Nazis on the train, but deal with them effectively, and arrive at the island before Gus and his crew, who have their own encounter with a ship of Nazis.The mission also includes rescuing Appleyard, who has been captured by the Nazis, and his rescue is quite explosive in several ways. Once all are on the island, the plan begins to unfold, but not without the villain of the film, the very nasty Nazi Heinrich Luhrx (Til Schweiger), causing all manner of problems. Gus and his crew carry out their mission, but not without a few twists and turns along the way. Each of the crew have their own special talents, which they use to perfection on the secret mission. I will not say how the story ends, other than to say the crew is victorious, which should come as no surprise. As for the actors, Cavill is having a blast in the role, and despite being "out muscled" by co-star

Lassen, steals the film with his frequent laughter, presence, and witty remarks. I know Cavill, and I'm sure the rest of the cast has a blast making this film, which is described as a spy/action comedy, and this film lives up to said description. As I mentioned earlier, the filmmakers take many liberties with the subject matter, and it is definitely a Guy Ritchie film, so expect lots of blood to spill. The film also features Ian Fleming (Freddie Fox), who used Operation Postmaster as the inspiration

for his James Bond novels. The real-life gentlemen who are the subject of this mission and film, are shown just before the closing credits, and we see what happened to the brave men and the courageous lady Stewart. Overall, "The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare" is extremely entertaining, and led by the wonderful cast, is a must-see film for fans of director Ritchie, Cavill, and war films with a twist. (Rated R)

Bristol

BRISTOL TN/VA

PARAMOUNT

Jun 1 Mac McAnally (sold out)

Jun 20 Steve Earle

July 18 The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus

Aug 17 Ozark Mountain Daredevils

Sep 28 Dusty Slay (two shows)

Oct 4 Destination Soultown featuring the Sensational Soul Cruisers

COUNTRY THUNDER MUSIC FESTIVAL

Jun 28-29 Cody Johnson, Hardy, Bailey Zimmerman, Lonestar, Trace Adkins, Priscilla Block, Shenandoah, Travis Denning, Jake Worthington, Josh Ross, Emily Ann Roberts.

IN THE PINES

Jun 1 Dwight Yoakam, Elle King, Paul Cauthen and Wyatt Flores

BRISTOL RHYTHM & ROOTS REUNION

Sep 13-15 Ashley McBryde, The Wallflowers, The Red Clay Strays, Sam Bush, Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway, The Steeldrivers, 49 Winchester and more.

JOHNSON CITY

JOHNSON CITY TN

MARTIN CENTER FOR THE ARTS

May 17 Black Jacket Symphony will perform Purple Rain From Prince

Aug 17 The Concert: A Tribute to ABBA

FREEDOM HALL

May 16 Breaking Benjamin & Daughtry

Aug 16 Jamey Johnson

Oct 20 Whiskey Myers

GSTLINBURG

THE MOUNTAIN MUSIC FESTIVAL

Aug 23-25 Joan Jett, Tesla, Night Ranger, Foghat, Aldo Nova, Slaughter, Quiet Riot, Lynch Mob, Great White, Dangerous Toys, Vixen and many more.

Kingsport

RED WHITE AND BOOM

Jul 6 The Marshall Tucker Band and The Cleverlys

CONCERT SCHEDULE CONCERT SCHEDULE

FUN FEST AT J. FRED JOHNSON STADIUM

Jul 25 Crowder

Jul 26 Tyler Hubbard, Emily Ann Roberts & Carson Peters

Jul 27 Goo Goo Dolls with Phillip Phillips

GREENEVILLE TN

NISWONGER PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

May 4 Anthem Lights

May 10 John Anderson Acoustic

May 14 Brothers of the Heart

MARION VA

MARION, VA

THE LINCOLN THEATRE

May 4 Junior Brown with Rick Monroe and the Hitmen

May 11 Presley Barker with Jim Lloyd & J.A.M.

Jun 1 Sam Bush with Jeff Parker & Co.

Jun 15 Mark Lowry & Friends with Endless Highway and The Sound

Jun 21 Zach Rushing with Cletus T. Judd

Jun 22 The Piano Men Tribute to Billy Joel & Elton John

Aug 24 Landslide:

A Tribute to Fleetwood Mac

Oct 19 & 20 Gene Watson

Nov 8 Killer Beaz

Nov 16 Rhonda Vincent & The Rage

Knoxville

KNOXVILLE TN

BIJOU THEATRE

May 11 Blind Boys of Alabama

May 19 Patty Griffin

May 31 Steep Canyon Rangers

Jun 14 Kevin Smith

Jun 21 Lucinda Williams

Jul 13 Rob Schneider

Jul 14 Tab Benoit & Anders Osborne

Aug 9 Sister Hazel

Aug 16 Kimberly Perry & Tanner Adell

Oct 26 Henry Cho

TENNESSEE THEATRE

May 19 Nitty Gritty Dirt Band

May 21 In This Moment, Kim Dracula, I See Stars, Mike’s Dead

Jun 8 Brad Williams

THOMPSON BOWLING ARENA

May 9 & 10 Zach Bryan

May 23 Lionel Richie with Earth Wind & Fire

July 14 The Doobie Brothers with Robert Cray

Aug 24 Heart and Cheap Trick

Sept 12 Hootie and the Blowfish with Collective Soul and Edwin McCain

Oct 5 Aerosmith and The Black Crowes

Oct 25 Jelly Roll

Oct 27 Black Keys with The Head and The Heart

Nov 19 Justin Timberlake

KNOXVILLE CIVIC AUDITORIUM:

Jun 12 Josh Gates

Jun 13 Matt Rife

Oct 10 Air Supply

Oct 26 Dusty Slay

KNOXVILLE CIVIC COLISEUM:

May 11 Kevin Gates

July 25 Jordan Davis

Nashville

NASHVILLE TN

RYMAN AUDITORIUM

May 4 Tracy Lawrence

May 8 Marshall Tucker Band

May 10 & 11 Amy Grant

May 12 Devo

May 14 Sum 41 with The Interrupters

May 16 The Steeldrivers

May 20 Todd Rundgren

May 31-Jun 1 Jim Gaffigan

Jun 6-9 Matt Rife

Jun 13 The Del McCoury Band

Jun 21 & 22 Blackberry Smoke

Jun 30 The Alan Parsons Live Project

Jul 10 Dave Barnes

Jul 17 Asia

Jul 20 Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox

Jul 24 Jon Anderson & The Band Geeks with special guests The Return o Emerson, Lake & Palmer

Jul 25 Ricky Scaggs & Kentucky Thunder

Jul 29 Donnie Osmond

Aug 9 America

Aug 16 Ozark Mountain Daredevils

Aug18 Joe Bonamassa

BRIDGESTONE ARENA

May 11 Bad Bunny

May 14 Stevie Nicks

May 24 & 25 Noah Kahan

Jun 3 Niall Horan

Jun 2 James Taylor

Jun 14 Luis Miguel

Jun 23 Alanis Morissette, Joan Jett & Morgan Wade

Jul 27 Hootie and the Blowfish with Collective Soul and Edwin McCain

Aug 6 Future & Metro Bloomin

Aug 9 & 10 Chris Stapleton

Aug 14 Five Finger Death Punch with Marilyn Manson and Slaughter To Prevail

Aug 20 Earth Wind & Fire with Chicago

Aug 27 Glass Animals

Aug 28 Sammy Hagar and Loverboy

BROOKLYN BOWL

May 16 Mammoth WVH

May 21 Dark Star Orchestra

June 16 Kings X

Aug 6 10CC

NASHVILLE MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM

Aug 9 Bush with Jerry Cantrell and Candlebox

Sep 28 Megadeth with Mudvayne and All That Remains

ASCEND AMPHITHEATRE

May 18 Billy Currington & Kip Moore

May 31 & Jun 1 Lainey Wilson

Jun 2 Pixies & Modest Mouse

Jun 6-8 2024 CMA Fest

Jun 22 Cypress Hill

Jun 29 Sarah McLachlan

Jul 12 Styx, Foreigner and John Waite

Jul 13 Lake Street Dive

Aug 2 Boys II Men

Aug 3 Thirty Seconds to Mars

Aug 6 Tate McRae

Aug 13 Creed with Tonic and Finger Eleven

Aug 20 Wallows

Aug 31 King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard d

GREENVILLE

I’m a simple man. Well, not really, but in my head I like to think that I am. Sometimes all I want on a Saturday night is to sit quietly and enjoy a movie on TV. Either something that’s airing on Turner Classic Movies, or whatever fun horror movie beloved host Svengoolie might have lined up. Last Saturday night there was a double feature of movies on TCM hosted and picked by Martin Scorsese.

The first part of the double feature that night was “Blood on the Moon,” a 1948 Western starring Robert Mitchum with Noir overtones. I had always heard good things about it and decided to tune in. Being something of a B-movie, it was short, running at a zippy 88 minutes. I was watching it downstairs in my movie room. I was in my cozy, trusty recliner. My precious and adorable cat, Lucy, was happily curled up in the armchair across from me.

I was halfway into the movie when I heard a thud. I wasn’t sure what it was. I didn’t know if something fell, if it was a car passing by, or some other random thing. I didn’t think much of this thud. Then it happened again, and I could tell it was coming

Batteries

Not Included

By Andy Ross

The Thud

from behind me, sounding like it was outside the house on the street. Again, I didn’t think much of this. Then when the sound happened again, and then again with family quick succession, Lucy perked up and looked in the direction of the sound.

This is when I became concerned. If the sound was enough to disturb my cat, that meant it was time to investigate. I got up and went towards the door to my garage, the sound kept happening repeatedly, it sounded louder too. I began to wonder if there was a crash, or an explosion, or what? I went upstairs to look out the bay window in my kitchen. There was one more thud as I reached the top of the stairs, but as I looked out towards the street the

sound had stopped.

I looked out and didn’t see anything. This led to more confusion. It was still outside and it looked like any other average night on my block. The thud was no more, there was no traffic, no people scurrying about. I walked to the other end of the house where there was a window to look out into the backyard. That was when I noticed something.

The motion light near the trashcans was on, and sure enough, my trashcan was overturned in the backyard. Moved an impressive six feet or so from where it usually is. The trash had been collected recently, so thankfully there was only one bag in it. That bag,

however, was strewn out in the yard. “Uh, oh. A bear!” I thought to myself.

I debated going out to get the trash can and bag back to where they were, which might have been stupid. Sure enough, the next day my neighbor posted on Facebook that they had caught a bear going through the garbage on their house camera. So yes, kids, we had a bear. The trash can was placed back in its right spot later on, and I managed to not get mangled. Despite living in a mostly residential area, it is impressive just how much wildlife comes out of the nearby forest area for a visit now and then. As long as I don’t meet them personally, I’m OK with it. See you next week.