The Loafer 63

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

I hope everyone is having a great December so far. The Christmas shopping is in full swing! Are you shopping local as much as possible? I think the local retailers are feeling the sting of online shopping. I hope we can all do our part to help them out. Has the Elf on the Shelf appeared at your house? I would love to hear about some of their crazy antics. We have a green elf this year and his name is Howie. He is pretty cool and likes to do funny things for the kids. I think most of us moms can enjoy the kids jumping out of the beds in the mornings. I love all of the Christmas traditions!

Bristol TN/Va

Bristol, TN/VA

WEDNESDAY Dec 14th

Jordan Anderson

5;00pm at Delta Blue BBQ

Matt Martin 7:00pm at Cascade Draft House

THURSDAY Dec 15th

Trevor Meade 7:00pm at Cascade Draft House

FRIDAY Dec 16th

Cody Kennedy 7:00pm at Cascade Draft House

SATURDAY Dec 17th

Drew Dodson followed by Mike Preslar 7:00pm at Cascade Draft House

TD Hicks 7:00pm at Delta Blues BBQ

MONDAY Dec 19th

Anthony Childress 7:00pm at Cascade Draft House

Spotlight

Johnson City, Tn

Johnson City, TN

TUESDAY Dec 13th

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

WEDNESDAY Dec 14th

HB Beverly 6:30pm at Rocks Wood Fired Pizza

THURSDAY Dec 15th

Justin Mychals 6:30pm at Rocks Wood Fired Pizza

Alexandra Kay 8:00pm at Capone’s

FRIDAY Dec 16th

Cripple Creek 8:00pm at Johnson City Elks Lodge Jason Lloyd 8:00pm at Tulip’s Grub and Pub Syren 9:30 at Wild Wing Cafe

Dimestore Cowboys | Jacob Danielsen-Moore | Daniel Byrd’s Boogie Machine 10:00pm at Capones

SATURDAY Dec 17th

Asylum Suite 9:30 at Wild Wing Cafe Jusfine | Donnie and the Dry Heavers | Matt Sykes 10:00pm at Capone’s

Sunday Dec 18th

Christmas Show 7:00pm at The Down Home

Kingsport

Kingsport, TN

FRIDAY Dec 16th

Shooter Band 8:00pm at CJ’s Sports Bar

SATURDAY Dec 17th

Sam Collie and the Roustabouts 7:00pm at Gypsy Circus Cider Company

Pajama Party w/ Wyldeheart 9:00pm at CJ’s Sports Bar

Abingdon

Abingdon, VA

SATURDAY Dec 17th

Same As It Ever Was 6:00pm at Wolf Hills Brewing lizabethton

Elizabethton, TN

FRIDAY Dec 16th

Christmas with the Cannons 7:00pm at Bonnie Kate Theater Know Nothing Steve 7:00pm at Riverside Taphouse

SATURDAY Dec 17th

Jason Edwards 7:00pm at Riverside Taphouse

Call for Entries: No Bigger Than a Breadbox Biennial Small Works Show

The Arts & Culture Alliance announces a call for entries for its third biennial No Bigger Than a Breadbox, designed to celebrate the innovation of artists who create work on a small scale and in a broad range of media and styles. Approximately 70-80 fine art works encompassing all styles and genres from both emerging and established artists will will be selected by the juror, Josiah Golson, for exhibition in the Balcony gallery of the Emporium Center at 100 S. Gay Street, the anchor to Knoxville’s downtown arts scene, from April 7-29, 2023.

The deadline for entries is Sunday, January 29, 2023.

Cash awards will total $1,500, including a $750 Best of Show. “Somehow, it is the very size of these works that makes them so compelling,” says Liza Zenni, Executive Director of the Arts & Culture Alliance. “So much creativity. So much power. So much feeling. All in a tiny packages. Enchanting.”

Artists may view the information and complete the entry form at: www.knoxalliance.com/ breadbox/

The call for entries is open to all artists. Entries must be original works completed within the last two years in 2-D and 3-D (such as painting, watercolor, pastel, drawing, sculpture in any medium, jewelry, collage, printmaking, photography and digital media). Work may not have previously exhibited in any Alliance exhibition.

The nonrefundable entry fee is $30 for up to three works ($20 for Arts & Culture Alliance members and students). Up to three additional entries may be submitted for $5/each ($4 for members/students). A “pay what you can afford” fee structure also exists and allows for three entries only.

Cosette by Stephen Brayfield | stephenbrayfield.com

Jays by Mindy Herrin-Lewis | mindyherrin.com

Study #86 by John Aquilino | johnaquilino.com

Kara ke

KARAOKE

TUESDAY

TUESDAY

Karaokeat Numan’s-JohnsonCity

Karaoke with Bert & L.A. at Kingsport Moose Lodge 7pm

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

WEDNESDAY

Trivia

TUESDAY

Wild Wing Café JC- Team Trivia Tuesdays 8:30pm

Johnson City Brewing Company- Trivia Tuesdays

Turn thePage Karaokeat VFWPost 2108 – Johnson City

WEDNESDAY

Karaoke Night at WonderlandLounge andBar

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

Karaokeat Quaker Steak andLube (Bristol, VA) 7pm

Karaoke at Kingsport Moose Lodge 6pm

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

Karaoke at Thunder Valley Tavern 8pm

Karaoke with Ron at Kingsport Moose Lodge 6:30pm

THURSDAY

THURSDAY

KaraokeatZachary’s Steakhouse

Michael’s Krazy Karaoke at StatelineBar & Grill

7pm Aubrey’s Johnson City- Trivia Night 7pm

27 Lions - Trivia Night 7pm

Union Street Taproom - DJ Trivia 6pm

Gypsy Circus Cider Company - Trivia 7:00pm

WEDNESDAY

Karaokew/DJ MarquezTop Shelf Entertainment at WildWings CaféJC

Karaoke with Karaoke with Open Mic Entertainment at Wild Wing Café Johnson City, TN 8pm

Karaokeat Numan’s-JohnsonCity

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

KaraokeatJiggy Rays Pizzeria

Karaoke at Jiggy Rays Pizzeria - Johnson City, TN

Abby’s Hell Yeah Karaoke at CJ’s Sports Bar - Kingsport, TN 8pm

Karaokew/Tony &Rod atCJ’s SportsBar 8pm

KaraokeatTipsy Toad(Jonesborough)

Karaoke at Tipsy Toad Tavern - JonesboroughTN

Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at Tulips Grub & Pub 8pm

Open Mic & Karaoke at Wonderland Lounge/Bar N Grill

Tipton Street Pub- Trivia Wednesdays 9pm

Aubrey’s Bristol- Trivia Night 7pm

Johnson City Moose Lodge 1831 - DJ Trivia 7pm

Tipsy Toad (Jonesborough) - Trivia 7pm

Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at Tulips Grub & Pub 7-10

Karaoke at Midnight Oasis - Brtistol, TN

FRIDAY

Karaoke at Sonny's Marina/The French Quarter Restaurant

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

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

FRIDAY

Karaokew/ ShaneRouseat Bear’sBar

Karaoke with Absolute Entertainment at Rainbow Asian Cuisine 9pm

Karaokeat KingsportMooseLodge

THURSDAY

Holy Taco & Cantina Trivia Night 9pm

JRH Brewing - Trivia Night 7pm

Mellow Mushroom Johnson City - Mellow Trivia 7pm

MONDAY

Karaokew/Reverb Karaokeat TheCottage 8:30pm

SATURDAY

Turn thePage Karaokeat VFWPost 2108 – Johnson City

KaraokeatElizabethtonVFW

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

Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at Tulips Grub & Pub 8-11

Barley Waters- Trivia Night 7pm

Yee-Haw Brewing- Trivia Mondays 7pm

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

Karaokew/ Michael Hawkinsat HolidayInn (Exit 7) – Bristol, VA

Karaokeat Numan’s–JohnsonCity

Karaokeat27Lions (Marion, VA) 9:00pm

Woodstone Deli - DJ Trivia 7pm

Model City Tap House - Live Team Trivia Night 7pm

Look at this cute face of 4 yr old Little Love. She is super sweet, always meowing for attention! Little Love loves chasing tiny toy mice and small balls! She really enjoys being petted (not that much being held) and is an expert in making biscuits.

Little Love is FIV positive, which means she will need a bit of control as far as her health and if she is around other cats, her family will have to make sure the cats don’t fight

(the only way of transmitting FIV would be blood to blood).

Little Love’s immune system is compromised and the rescue is not a good environment for her. She really needs to be in a home environment. Little Love has been spayed, microchipped, current on vaccinations and tested (FeLV negative, FIV positive). Bday 3/15/18

by With Love By Donna

Meet sweet girl Piper. She is a 7 yr old Hound mix. 61lbs, loves car rides, people and other dogs, curious about cats but shows no aggression. Very friendly and wants to go on adventures to

Photo

JOHNSON CITY

SATURDAYS

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

THURSDAY DEC 15TH

IBN Biz Lunch 11:30am at The Golden Corral

Follow The Star Live Nativity 6:00pm at The Barn at Boone Falls Reserve

FRIDAY DEC 16TH

Johnson City Love & Hiking Date

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

Holly Jolly Grinchmas Party 4:00pm at Memorial Park Community Center

Follow The Star Live Nativity 6:00pm at The Barn at Boone Falls Reserve

SATURDAY DEC 17TH

Johnson City Love & Hiking Date

For Couples (Self-Guided)

7:00am at Willow Springs Park

Tree Topper Kids Canvas 10:00am at Into the Fire Cookies and Crafts with Santa 10:00am at Memorial Park Community Center

Holiday Gift Wrapping Event 11:00am at JC Public Library

THINGS TO DO THINGS TO DO

Ugly Christmas Sweater Party

5:00pm at Tennessee Hills Brewstillery

Follow The Star Live Nativity 6:00pm at The Barn at Boone Falls Reserve

SUNDAY DEC 18TH

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

KINGSPORT

THURSDAY DEC 15TH

Adult Spelling Bee & Ugly Sweater Contest Fundraiser 5:00pm at Bays Mountain Brewing Company

BRISTOL

THURSDAY DEC 15TH

Shut Up & Write 5:30pm at Bristol Public Library

First Annual Bristol Ballet Jingle Mingle 7:00pm at The Bristol Hotel

Blaire Postman 7:30pm at Blue Ridge Comedy Club

FRIDAY DECEMBER 16TH

Christmas TeaseBurlesque Special 7:30 at Stateline Bar & Grill

SATURDAY DEC 17TH

Bristolville Grinchmas 10:00am at Old Post 33

Board Game Night 5:00pm at Bristol Public Library

Murder Mystery Dinner: The Most Wonderful Crime of The Year 6:30pm at The Bristol Hotel

Meredith Kerr 7:30pm at Blue Ridge Comedy Club

SUNDAY DEC 18TH

The Nightmare Before Christmas: A Spooky Procrastinator’s Market 11:00am at The Sessions Hotel

JONESBOROUGH

TUESDAY DEC 13TH

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

SATURDAY DEC 17TH

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

A Christmas Carol: A Live Radio Play 2:00pm at Jonesborough Repertory Theatre

SUNDAY DEC 20TH

A Christmas Carol: A Live Radio Play 2:00pm at Jonesborough Repertory Theatre

ABINGDON, VA

WEDNESDAY DEC 14TH

Bingo 5:00pm at Abingdon Community Center

FRIDAY DEC 16TH

Movies for Grown-Ups 2:00pm at Washington County Public Library

SATURDAY DEC 17TH

Holiday Market 10:00am at Abingdon Farmers Market

SUNDAY DEC 18TH

Bingo 5:00pm at Abingdon Community Center

ERWIN

SATURDAY DEC 17TH

Ugly Sweater Party & Karaoke 5:00pm at Union Street Taphouse

GRAY

FRIDAY DEC 16TH

Night of Christmas Magic Charity Event 3:00pm at Knob Creek Meadows

SATURDAY DEC 17TH

Winter Shop & Sip 9:00am Still Waters Coffeehouse

EAT •SHOP • PLAYTHE L O REFALACOLS’ SAMTSIRHC

Christmas! My favorite time of the year. The time to enjoy family and friends and remember the reason for the season……. Jesus! We are so excited to bring you the ABCs of Christmas again this year on a Santa train. This year our theme is Shop, Eat and Play local. I would really like to encourage everyone to spend your holiday budget locally as much as possible. We need to work hard to keep these local businesses going. Online shopping so convenient and sometimes we need it but please don’t forget the local stores. I hope that you will take the time to look through the ads and make plans to visit some of them. We will focus on Christmas the next 3 weeks.

-Lisa Durbin, Publisher

Eat, Shop and Play Local!

Local Christmas Events

Johnson City

Santa’s Mailbox

What: Those 16 years and under can send a letter to Santa. Place the letters in a special mailbox at the Memorial Park Community Center without any postage. Santa’s helpers will ensure the letters make it to the North Pole before Christmas Eve.

510 Bert St., Johnson City Dec. 1-19, Monday-Friday from 7 a.m. through 8 p.m. More information: 423-434-5749

Candyland Christmas

What: Two Johnson City parks decked out with decorated and lit Christmas trees

Where: Founders and King Commons parks When: Nov. 26-Jan.8 www.downtownjc.com/candyland Bristol

Winter Wonderland

What: First-ever Christmas tree display Where: Cumberland Square and Downtown Center When: Nov. 28 through Jan. 2

Kingsport

Kingsport Carousel Christmas

What: Free carousel rides with Santa. Includes reindeer games with

Parks and Recreation. Plus, more snow! When: Friday, Dec. 16. Carousel is 1-3 p.m. Snow is at 1 p.m.

Old Fashioned Christmas Fair

Where: Kingsport Senior Center When: Saturday, Nov. 19 from 10 a.m. through 4 p.m.

Polar Express Christmas

What: A special holiday viewing at the Kingsport Public Library When: Saturday, Dec. 17 at 2 p.m. More: This day also includes snow in Kingsport at 4 and 6 p.m. at Glen Bruce Park

Vote for Your Favorite Tree

What: Cast your vote for Kingsport’s best Christmas tree

When: By Dec. 21. Also includes the final day of snow in Glen Bruce Park from 6-7 p.m. until Mother Nature takes over.

Blountville

Blountville Festival of Trees

What: The first-ever festival with over a dozen trees that are decorated by area businesses and organizations Where: The Old Deery Inn located at 3397 TN-126 in Blountville When: Dec. 16 from 6-8 p.m., Dec. 10 from 1-3 p.m. and Dec. 11 and 18 from 2-4 p.m.

Marine Toys for Tots Celebrates 75 Years of Delivering Hope

This holiday season, the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program celebrates its 75th year of delivering hope and joy to children in need across the Nation. U.S. Marines and volunteers will conduct more than 830 local toy collection and distribution campaigns in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, Guam, and U.S. Virgin Islands. In honor of the anniversary, Toys for Tots will highlight our extraordinary Reserve Marines, past and present, and show how the generosity from communities across the Nation has enabled Toys for Tots to support more than 281 million children in need.

Every campaign season, Marines and volunteers engage with local businesses, media, and individuals in communities across the country to collect new, unwrapped toys and distribute these gifts to less fortunate children.

“The mission of Marine Toys for Tots is to bring the joy of Christmas to less fortunate children with the goal of delivering a message of hope that will inspire youngsters to grow into

responsible, productive, patriotic citizens,” says Lieutenant General Jim Laster, USMC (Retired), President & CEO of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. “Now, in Toys for Tots’ 75th year, we are asking our supporters to make this important milestone another record-breaking year. It is our goal to deliver the magic of the holidays to every family seeking holiday help from Marine Toys for Tots,” he adds.

The Marine Toys for Tots Program began in 1947 at the helm of Marine Corps Reserve Major Bill Hendricks and his wife, Diane, who asked Major Hendricks to deliver some handcrafted dolls to an agency that supported children in need. When he could not find such an agency, Diane encouraged her husband to “start one.” That year, Major Hendricks and the Marines in his local Reserve unit collected more than 5,000 toys to deliver to children in need in the Los Angeles area -- conducting the first Toys for Tots campaign. Seeing the impact that delivering toys to children in need had created around the community, the following year,

Kingsport Ballet

the Commandant of the Marine Corps, General Clifton B. Cates, directed every Marine Corps Reserve unit to implement a Toys for Tots campaign-which transformed Toys for Tots into a National Community Action Program. Last year, the Program fulfilled the holiday hopes and dreams of 8.7 million less fortunate children in over 830 communities Nationwide. Now, in our 75th year, the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program also provides support year-round to families experiencing challenges and exceptional circumstances, thus providing assistance to millions of children in need across the country at Christmas time and beyond. Help Toys for Tots provide hope and joy this holiday season to millions of impoverished children who otherwise might go without. After all, anyone can be Santa!

This year’s holiday campaign season kicks off on November 1 and goes through December 25. Visit toysfortots. org for more information or to find a campaign near you. Learn how you can help the Marine Toys for Tots Program bring hope and joy to children in need across the Nation!

Fun Items For Your Dog Christmas Basket

By [https://EzineArticles.com/ expert/Nancy_Cope/127122] Nancy Cope

Everyone knows someone with a dog that is part of their family. This holiday season, why not give a Christmas Dog Basket? It is perfect for the dog and the owner will certainly appreciate that you remembered their little one during the special time of year. So often, during the holidays everyone rushes out to buy everyone gifts, but sometimes we fail to truly take the time to buy something that is meaningful for the receiver. By including the dog with a gift, you are making a huge impression on the owner. Of course, the dog will also be impressed with the abundance or treats and chews that await him or her inside the basket.

Many dog owners also buy their own pooch a Christmas Dog Basket because they know what their dogs love and opening the basket, and then showing the dog what's inside is thrilling for any canine. Of course, you can add anything you want to the basket and then give it to your pooch on Christmas, and yummy treats are

always a hit with dogs as is pure meat items such as freeze-dried treats. Dogs will go wild over their baskets and next year for Christmas, they may even begin expecting their present each year!

You have a long list of people to

many human gift baskets, will have a dog bowl as the bottom part of the basket. You can be as creative as you want, and many companies together produce very stunning gift baskets for dogs. Of course, you do not just have to give your dogs treats in his or her

they wish and the price among dog baskets vary as greatly as they do for people baskets. Obviously, the bigger the basket and the more expensive items you have in the basket, the more it will cost.

Finally, dog owners all over are discovering that dog Christmas baskets are not only popular but they are a way for owners to give their pooch something special for the holiday, and of course, the gratitude you get for the basket it is all the thanks you need.

buy presents for, but don't forget about your little four-legged friend, he or she will appreciate receiving a Christmas Gift Basket. Moreover, you can get the gift baskets in many sizes, designs, colors, and with anything you want it them. Many clever dogs baskets rather than having the stuffing that typically comes in

basket, you can fill it with toys, new clothes, and even a new collar and leash.

One of the greatest aspects to the Christmas Dog Basket, is it allows you to be as creative as you wish. This is why gift baskets in general are one of the hottest selling items around the holidays. It allows the gift-giver to add as many items as

Article by Nancy Cope a proud owner of 4 rescue dogs and owner of Pampered Dog Gifts an online [http://www.pampereddog-gifts.com]dog boutique that specializes in special gifts for pampered pooches. Please visit Pampered-Dog-Gifts.com to shop for [http://www.pampereddog-gifts.com/page/425648]

Christmas Dog Baskets, gourmet treats, apparel, toys and more for your spoiled pooch.

Article Source: [http:// EzineArticles.com/?Fun-ItemsFor-Your-Dog-ChristmasBasket&id=5207623] Fun Items For Your Dog Christmas Basket

Reasons To Shop Small, Local & Handmade

I can absolutely vouch for the fact that a real actual person (that would be me!) does a happy dance when people shop from our jewellery store – and all of the small shop owners I know do the same thing.

So I’d like to encourage you to shop small, shop local and/or shop handmade as much as you can – not just at Christmas but all year long. It not only spreads the happy dancing around, but it keeps these sorts of boutique businesses alive and flourishing. Not just jewellery designers like us, but all sorts of small, independent, local and handmade businesses that you’d truly miss if they weren’t around.

As you can imagine, when you buy from big retailers, already wealthy shareholders and overpaid executives will barely even notice.

But it’s very different with small shops like ours where every order from a customer like you really does count and is a cause for celebration. You’re truly making a direct difference to real people’s lives.

Most importantly it helps us to continue to design and make beautiful and unique products so we’ll still be around when you come back next time.

Shop Small for Gifts

It can be tricky for small shops to be heard above all the noise made by big retailers and other businesses with deep pockets for expensive marketing, especially at Christmas.

So do your best to go off the beaten path to hunt down small, independent shops and designers when shopping for gifts at any time of year, but especially at Christmas.

You’ll almost certainly find products which are more special and created with more care – and you’ll get great, personalised customer service too. Not only will your gift recipients love that you made the effort, but you’ll make some independent designers, makers, sellers (and their loved ones) very happy as well.

Waiting for Santa

BIKER EVENTS sponsored by biker wear

Local Events:

1. Ugly Christmas Sweater Party

Dec. 17th 5pm at Tennessee Hills Brewstillery

2. Speedway In Lights Nov. 18th to Jan. 7th

3. 4th Annual Freeze Out Jan 14th 12pm Cade Cove Jeep Outpost

Useless Facts About Apple Cider

1. There’s a specific type of cider made out west. Scrumpy is a cloudy, unfiltered cider mostly made in the West Country.

2. Cider thirst is growing! More than three million new cider apple trees have been planted in the last 25 years.

3. Its name has dubious origins, however. The name comes from local slang for a gone off apple.

4. Would you bathe in cider? In the 14th Century children were frequently baptized in cider because it was much cleaner than water.

5. Cider is a Biblical drink. The 15th Century Wycliffe bible is known affectionately as the “Cider Bible” because of its mentions of the drink.

6. Farmers used to accept cider as payment. Farm workers used to be paid with up to 4 pints of cider a day.

7. Cider was a medicinal choice at sea. Captain Cook used cider to treat the vitamin deficiencies that cause scurvy on long voyages.

8. There are hundreds of different apple varieties good for making cider. At its peak there were 365 different varieties of cider apple — one for each day of the year!

9. Cider cures don’t stop coming. Cider used to be sold as a cure for gout.

10. Cider pressing is centuries old. Jocelin Bishop of Bath was listed as the country’s first cider presser way back in 1230.

11. Cider is still a runner-up in booze consumption stakes. Whilst it’s gaining in popularity, 4 times as many adults regularly drink wine and beer.

12. We’re definitely a cider nation. The UK produces at least 130 million gallons of cider every single year.

13. Could cider help your stomach? 17th Century writer John Evelyn promoted cider as a way of strengthening the stomach and promoting healthy digestion.

14. It’s pesticide-free. Organic cider is gaining in popularity due to the lack of pesticides used in the orchards.

15. Stealing cider apples is a very specific crime. “Scrumping” refers to the practice of climbing the walls of orchards and stealing an apple.

16. Britain makes cider from a LOT of apples. The UK uses 45% of all apples it grows to make cider

Beanz Biker Corner Beanz Biker Corner

Hello everyone, hope you are having a wonderful holiday season enjoying time with family and friends. The days and nights are getting a little chilly to say the least, so it’s always nice to enjoy a warm beverage on those cooler days Like Hot Apple Cider. Hot apple cider is one of the most popular drinks in the country, and it has a deeper history than you might expect. From overseas to our modern American homes, this beverage has come a long way and evolved over the centuries.

What Is Apple Cider? Before we can dive into the history behind apple cider beverages, it helps to have a clear understanding of what it is. The term cider often describes an alcoholic beverage that has undergone fermentation. However, in our neck of the woods, it’s simply used to refer to a form of unfiltered and unfermented juice. In this case, apple cider is apple juice that still contains bits of apple flesh, and, therefore, is much cloudier in appearance. With lower amounts of added sugar, cider has a tart taste that’s more reminiscent of natural apple blends. While you can drink mulled apple cider as-is, it’s common for cideries to experiment with their own formula by adding select spices. They can even achieve

different tastes and sweetness levels by experimenting with the apple types and blends they use during extraction. In a nutshell, apple cider is a drink that evokes all the tastes and atmosphere of fall in a single mug.

The First Apple Trees: Apple cider is so popular in America today that we tend to forget apples weren’t native to the Americas. As shocking as it is to think about, every apple tree in North America had to come here from overseas—aside from the inedible crabapples. The very first apple trees grew near the Nile River in ancient Egypt, where they were commonly used for food. For over a thousand years, the first cider beverages spread their way across Europe. Due to limited preservation methods, this beverage was thick, darkly colored, and alcoholic. It’s important to mention that compared to other alcoholic drinks at the time, cider had the lowest alcohol concentration. It was this trait that made it a go-to drink for families since water supplies were usually unsanitary and contained large quantities of harmful bacteria. Due to the low alcohol level, cider fought off these germs and was generally much safer to consume.

By the time the early colonists made their way to the new world, both apples and their cider were beloved by Britons. As such, it was only natural that they would bring some apples along with them. Planting their seeds was an iconic first step in the growth of the cider industry, and one that completely changed the diets of every native to the land. With only the bitter and hard crabapples growing nearby, the large and sweet fruits were a welcome change. Cider was still the preferred drink of the time since water sources contained countless numbers of harmful agents. Fortunately, apple trees yielded fruit quickly, making them a very reliable source of both food and drink in an unforgiving landscape. Eventually, the colonists learned that they could graft branches from some apple trees on to others, creating some of the tasty variants we eat today.

All early forms of cider were alcoholic due to the natural fermentation

process. Settlers and older civilizations simply didn’t have the means to preserve the drink, leading to the creation of alcohol within its formula. Today, cider doesn’t have to be alcoholic. With the right processes, it’s possible to stunt the fermentation process. The well-known figure Johnny Appleseed even planted his own orchards of apples intended for cider makers to produce a less alcoholic blend for kids.

Though apple cider was a staple in many cultures all over the world, there was a time when it experienced a down spike in overall popularity. This shift started when beer became the primary alcoholic beverage of choice in the early 20th century. The stronger drink became more popular, and the naturally less alcoholic cider took a back seat. In the 1920’s, the US government outlawed alcoholic drinks entirely. Those who drank anyway preferred the higher concentrated liquors and beer. Still, cideries fought to maintain their customer base by manufacturing nonalcoholic brews. Fortunately, with prohibition eventually coming to an end and individuals looking for something different to try, cider quickly rose in popularity over the last several decades.

We can’t fully discuss the history of apple cider without giving some attention to where we are today.

Modern apple cider is an iconic addition to the celebration of the fall season. Apples are ready to harvest at this time of year and brewing it down into cider is a great way to use up produce and evoke a timeless feeling of warmth. Many ciders are on the sweeter end of things, with plenty of spices and sugars to better fit the modern palette. Additionally, our modern preservation processes and brewing procedures allows us to produce nonalcoholic variants for children to safely consume. We also have many more apple species than before. Whether you prefer the sweeter types like honey crisp, fuji, and gala, or the tart species like granny smith, Braeburn, and pink lady, there’s a mixture out there for you. In switching up their formulas and processes, modern cideries can make more flavorful variants every single year. This just goes to show that the history of fall’s favorite drink is a rich one that shows no signs of ending any time soon. It’s no secret that apple cider has one of the most iconic tastes in history, and Mountain Cider seeks to preserve and improve upon that rich heritage.

Sponsored By Biker Wear

Don't Fall For This Scam

It's been plastered all over Facebook, and in light of recent changes, it seems legitimate at first glance.

"Don’t forget TODAY starts the new Facebook (aka...new name, META) rule where they can use your photos. Don't forget the Deadline is today!!! I do not give Facebook or any entities associated with Facebook permission to use my pictures, information, messages or posts, both past and future. With this statement, I give notice to Facebook it is strictly forbidden to disclose, copy, distribute, or take any other action against me based on this profile and/ or its contents. The information: The violation of privacy can be punished by law NOTE: Facebook is now a public entity. All members must post a note like this.

If you prefer, you can copy and

paste this version. If you do not publish a statement at least once it will be tacitly allowing the use of your photos, as well as the information contained in the profile status updates. Thank you."

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*Printed in Volume 03 Issue 49, August 30, 2022*

I recently had to compile a list of my work-related accomplishments while updating my portfolio and while I was initially dreading the task, once I finished and had the arc of my career laid out in one clean sheet of paper, the dread was replaced with a great deal of pride. Even though it hasn’t always felt like it, over the last 20 years or so I really have been doing something with my life!

And all those perceived missteps, missed opportunities and rejections where I had to start over and rebuild from nothing were actually a little something I like to call “failing upward.” Who knew?

There really isn’t any big secret to mastering the art of failing upward. I personally had to learn the hard way by doing everything I wasn’t supposed to do multiple times before I finally figured out that it wasn’t the actual tragedy itself that was ruining my life, it was my reaction to the adversity. I’ve said it a million times, but it bears repeating: in this life, you can either be a victor or a victim, a pitbull or a pansy. You can be someone who whines and cries about the series of unfortunate events we all call “life” and let chaos lead, or you can take action and control your destiny. Once you get sick of wallowing in your own crap excuses and make even the smallest positive changes, it’s like magic how the better opportunities start rolling in.

The year I really turned things around and started to take notice of this cause-and-effect relationship in play was 2015. For most of my 20s I was not someone I’m very proud of, but I don’t think that is unique to me and I no longer hold the guilt I once had about extending the college experience long after I graduated. By that year I was 29,

Failing Upward

engaged and feeling like I no longer fit in with the bar crowd where I was still working, even though I loved my co-workers and made great money. I had stopped going out and was really focusing on my health at that time, when lo and behold I was offered the opportunity to step up into a salaried managerial position at a new restaurant with hours and atmosphere that much closer aligned to the lifestyle I wanted. So I took that position but it was short lived- I was a horrible fit for the company culture and was axed in a very embarrassing and unexpected fashion in less than a year. I knew I couldn’t be without work; I’d just self-funded a wedding 4 months prior and had begun extensive home renovations. The easy way out would have been to regress into my comfort zone and ask for my old job bartending back. But I knew that would be a step in the opposite direction of where I wanted to take my life. So I saw an opening the next day for an administrative position, interviewed and was offered the job at a ridiculously low rate of pay, with the promise of a $4 hourly raise as soon as I mastered my job expectations. Within 2 weeks I’d earned my raise and within 2 months was given another title which came with more money, and by the time I left I’d doubled that salary. The only reason I left that job was because I was finally given a shot in alcohol sales which is where I’ve always wanted to work but kept getting passed over. In hindsight I truly was far too immature to handle this industry prior to that point; I partied way too hard and lacked the discipline to turn down the temptation of tastings and alcoholcentric events and would’ve been fired or worse.

In true failing upward fashion, after a few years that job came to a screeching halt. I lost myself to a crushing heartbreak and let it interfere with my job performance

and was let go- at the time a double whammy and what I thought the final devastating nail in the coffin for me. But instead of giving up, I saw this as my shot to finally make my dream of moving away happen. I had some money in the bank, I had no relationships tying me down and now no job. So with that I began my job search in Nashville and the rest is history.

I could do this all day- if I had let that heartbreak defeat me and went back to old habits and my comfort zone I never would have moved to Nashville, where I lost my job to Covid 9 months later. And if I’d let that defeat me and given up then I never would have studied and passed WSET II then applied for a job at a larger distributor, and I never would have had the experience for my current role as a multi-state market manager for a single supplier.

You have to realize every time you are forced to start over, you’re not at rock bottom rebuilding from scratch; you have the materials for building a foundation and it’s called experience. Take the lessons, both good and bad from these major life moments and don’t let them be in vain. Dust yourself off and keep it moving forward, never backward. What has this perceived failure now made room for? What did you gain from the experience that you can utilize in your next step and what did you do wrong that you don’t need to repeat? And always take the high road no matter what because that truly always comes back and pays off. No matter how angry or upset you might be or how wronged you were by someone, keep your mouth shut unless you’re wishing them well because I absolutely promise if you rise above the current distress with grace and positive action, you WILL thank those people for doing what they did. I wake up every single day of my life and silently thank my ex-husband for leaving me because it set me free to

by Kathie Scalf

experience a life that is far beyond what I could have ever imagined. If he’d never left, I’d never have met and experienced true love, and then I would never have experienced true heart break and without that I never would have learned how to really learn to love myself. See, I could honestly do this all day.

There is going to come a point where you can only fail upward so many times before eventually you’re going to be looking down, surprised at how far you’ve come like I am after piecing together my portfolio. And at that point I think you can stop calling it “failing upward” and simply acknowledge it as “success.” For some reason it’s difficult for me to give myself a pat on the back or speak openly about my wins, but I think we should all be more comfortable taking pride in the things we do, both good and bad. You earned those outcomes, so own them! There’s nothing conceited about overcoming obstacles in life and coming out victorious.

A Christmas Mystery

I must be honest, I am not one to watch Hallmark Christmas movies simply because the majority of them have the same plotlines with different actors and settings. Please don't hold that against me, I just like Christmas movies that are different or at least try to bring something a bit new to the Christmas movie table. Such is the case with the new film "A Christmas Mystery", which has a unique storyline, yet still has the heart of the holiday film. The film begins by telling us about an incident which occurred 100 years ago in Pleasant Bay, Oregon. The story reveals how the town was in a very depressed state with a major source of employment closing leaving most residents unemployed and having little for Christmas. A child in the town is awakened by the sound of Santa Claus on his rooftop and discovers a shiny package under his Christmas tree and then runs outside to see Santa flying away and discover some magical jingle

Pop Life

By Ken Silvers theloaferonlineprint

bells that have fallen off of Santa's sleigh, and the bells end up bringing prosperity to the town for around a century. The film flashes forward to current time where we see friends Violet (Violet Pierce) and Kenny (Saniono Barnard) at the Pleasant Bay museum where they are being told a story about the magical bells. When the duo leave the museum we meet their respective family members which include Kenny's brother Harrison (Leonardo Cecchi), and dad George (Drew Powell), along with Violet's sister Maddie (Lauren Lindsey Donzis) and widowed father Sheriff Pierce (Eddie Cirbrian). Each family has their own set of drama, and Maddie has a crush on Harrison, even though Harrison is a bit shy toward any relationship with her. The famous magical jingle bells are housed in the museum for safe keeping, but one day they are discovered missing with the glass chase they are enclosed in broken. The thief leads Sheriff Pierce to suspect Drew due the fact he is one of the few people who has access to the museum as he helps with janitorial duties, and was previously convicted of a crime. After the police search Drew's home, he is placed under arrest after a box related to the bells is found in his garage. Kenny and Violet know Drew can't be responsible for the thief, even though Harrison feels his dad may be responsible. Violet convinces Kenny to help her find who really stole the

bells, and the two become ametuer detectives and devise a way to find out who has stolen the bells. Meanwhile, Mayor Donovan (Beau Bridges) is questioned by the town's business owners who feel they will lose a lot of business if the yearly bell ringing does not occur due to the thief. As the town is in a panic over the bells, Kenny and Violet have managed to recruit the doubting Harrison and Maddie to help in their quest. The four make a very formattable team, and thanks to the smart thinking of Violet are able to find the missing bells and catch the person responsible for stealing the town's prized bells. I always enjoy films

where kids outsmart adults and prove they should never be overlooked or underestimated. The actors involved are all good in their respective roles, and director Alex Ranarivelo ("American Wrestler") handles this comedy/mystery with just the right touch. The film has just the right amount of warmth and joy any Christmas movie should, and makes for a pleasant diversion during the holidays. If you are in the mood for a different type of holiday film, then "A Christmas Mystery" is the present for you. Now showing on HBO Max and HBO. (Rated PG)

Bristol

PARAMOUNT

Dec 16 Mark Chesnut

Dec 17 Morgan Wade

Jan 6 Dailey & Vincent (2023)

Feb 2 Ace Frehley

Feb 3 Neko Case

CAMEO THEATER

Dec 14 Tab Benoit and the Dirty Dozen Brass Band

Dec 22 The Wizards of Winter

Jan 8 Geoff Tate

Feb 11 Lorrie Morgan

Mar 18 Bad Marriage

Mar 26 Eric Gales

May 10 An Evening with Roger McGuinn

JOHNSON CITY

FREEDOM HALL

Dec 1 Mannheim Steamroller Christmas

Dec 2 Little Texas

Apr 4 The Price is Right Live

Apr 14 Nate Bargatze

MARTIN CENTER FOR THE ARTS

Dec 13 Michael W. Smith Christmas Show

Feb 4 The Black Jacket Symphony: Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours

Dec 18 Knoxville Gay Men’s Choir

Apr 30 Amy Grant

GREENVILLE

NISWONGER PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

Jan 21 The Isaacs

Jan 27 The Doo Wop Project

Feb 3 Heather Land

Feb 11 I Am He Said

-a Neil Diamond Tribute

Feb 17 Roots & Boots Acoustic tour with Aaron Tippin, Collin Raye and Sammy Kershaw

Mar 4 Resurrection- A Journey Tribute

Mar 11 Jefferson Starship

Mar 31 Gentri (The Gentlemen Trio)

Apr 4 One Night of Queen-performed by Gary Mullen And the Works

Apr 14 Mark Lowry

Apr22 Masters of Soul

CONCERT SCHEDULE CONCERT SCHEDULE

Knoxville

TENNESSEE THEATRE

Jan 12 Tommy Emmanuel

Jan 26 Kenny Wayne Shepherd

Feb 3 Kevin James

Mar 3 Home Free

Mar 16 Buddy Guy

Apr 26 Ben Folds and a Piano

Apr 28 Amy Grant

THOMPSON BOWLING ARENA

Feb 17 Journey and Toto

Feb 18 Cody Johnson featuring Randy Houser

Feb 24 Blake Shelton

Mar 30 Kane Brown

Apr 21 Lizzo

July 15 Thomas Rhett

KNOXVILLE CIVIC AUDITORIUM

Feb 2 Scotty McCreery

Feb 17 Heather McMahan

Mar 3 Zach Williams

Mar 22 Champions of Magic

BIJOU THEATRE

Dec 10 Tab Benoit & The Dirty Dozen

Dec 14 & 15 Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit

Jan 21 Drivin & Cryin

Jan 27 Scott Miller and David Childers

Feb 3 Amanda Shires

Feb 11 Erick Baker

Mar 17 The Mavericks

Mar 23-25 Drew & Ellie Holcomb

Nashville

RYMAN AUDITORIUM

Dec 12-15 Amy Grant and Vince Gill

Dec 16 Smokey Robinson Dec 19 Aaron Lewis

Dec 30/31 Old Crow Medicine Show

Jan 27 Kenny Wayne Shepherd

Jan 30 Mammoth WVH and Alter Bridge

Feb 14 Death Cab for Cutie

Feb 23-25 Tedeschi Trucks Band

Feb 26 Billy Strings Mar 4 Dawes Mar 18 Buddy Guy Apr 7 & 13 Morgan Wade Apr 14 & 15 Lady A May 8-10 John Mellencamp May 19 Crowded House

ASCEND AMPHITHEATER

May 11 Koe Wetzel

July 11 Foreigner and Loverboy

July 18 Louis Tomlinson July 19 Yungblud

BRIDGESTONE ARENA

Dec 11 PentatonixA Christmas Spectacular

Dec 14 Trans-Siberian Orchestra

Dec 30/31 Widespread Panic

Feb 19 TobyMac with Crowder

Feb 24-25 Billy Strings

Mar 1 Carrie Underwood

Mar 31 Kane Brown

Apr 7 Chris Tomlin

June 25 Matchbox Twenty and The Wallflowers July 16 Blink 182

BROOKLYN BOWL

Mar 7 Theory of a Dead Man

Asheville

THE ORANGE PEEL

Jan 20 Larkin Poe

Feb 18 Elle King Cherokee, N.C.:

HARRAH’S CASINO

Nov 18 Mike Epps

Dec 10 Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland

Jan 7 Styx

Jan 13-15 Jamey Johnson

Greenville, S.C.

BON SECOURS WELLNESS ARENA

Jan 29 TobyMac, Crowder, Cochren & Company

Mar 18 Kane Brown

Winston Salem North Caroiina

LJVM COLISEUM

Mar 3-4 Billy Strings

Pikeville, Ky

APPALACHIAN WIRELESS ARENS

Dec 31 Noah Thompson & Chase Matthew

Mar 8 Theory of a Dead Man and Skillet

Charlotte

SPECTRUM CENTER

Feb 8 Carrie Underwood

July 14 Blink 182

PNC MUSIC PAVILION

May 30 Dead and Company

July 11 Matchbox Twenty

Aug 9 Foreigner and Loverboy

THE FILLMORE IN CHARLOTTE:

Mar 16 Static-X

Apr 13 Fozzy

OVENS AUDITORIUM

Dec 31 The Avett Brothers (Bojangles Coliseum)

Jan 29 Death Cab for Cuti

Feb 8 John Mellencamp e Mar 3 Joe Bonamassa

THE FILLMORE

Nov 27 W.A.S.P.

Mar 16 Static-X Apr 13 Fozzy

Myrtle Beach, S.C

House of Blues

COASTAL

The Diary of The Twelve Days of Christmas

Hello friends and loved ones! A very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you all. Whatever it is that you celebrate at this time of the year, I hope you have as fine a celebration as possible, while being safe and smart. This week, I’m doing something a bit different. I’d like to share with you a column I wrote eight years ago. Please enjoy again, or for the first time, this—slightly revised—version of “The Diary of The Twelves Days of Christmas.”

December 25

Dear Diary, Here we are, Christmas day! My wife and I have had a wonderful Christmas! We had a marvelous meal and enjoyed spending time with family and friends. However, we're doing something different this year. We're going to roll our gifts out over the 12 days of Christmas. Should be exciting, and perhaps let that Christmas spirit last a little longer. Today I was given a beautiful pear tree, with a partridge on the top of it. The cat is having a fit over the bird, and I'm trying to figure out where in the yard to put the tree.

December

26

Dear Diary, Today my wife gave me two turtle doves, they're getting along just fine with the partridge. I didn't really ever think I'd have any birds in my lifetime, but now I

have three. They're pretty, and they sing well. The cat drools when he walks by them. We're keeping them as far away from him as possible, I have to run to PetSmart to buy bird feed.

December 27

Dear Diary, OK, things are taking an odd turn, more birds! Today it was three French hens— though I appreciate the number thing she has going for her, I don't know what to do with French hens. Why the French ones? What was wrong with American ones? Will they lay eggs? I mean, it would be nice to have eggs on demand. Still, all these fowl are starting to be a bit foul (I'm hilarious, dairy. Hilarious).

December 28

Dear Diary, Four colly birds! What the hell is up with all the damn birds? Did someone tell my wife I wanted to open up an aviary? Because whoever did is DEAD to me! I am now the owner of ten birds. The checkout people at PetSmart all know me by name at this point. Today I'm going to pick up more feed, and move the birds into a shack I've built in the back. Wish me luck, diary.

December 29

Dear Diary, Finally! NO MORE BIRDS! Instead today I was given Five Golden Rings. I have no idea what I'm going to do with five golden rings, I'm just glad it wasn't more birds.

December 30

Batteries Not Included

By Andy Ross theloaferonlineprint

Dear Diary, I spoke too soon. Six Geese. Where did she find all of these things!? Was QVC having a fire sale on birds or something? I really wish she was a bit more practical in her gifting. It's not that I dislike having these birds around, they're lovely. The thing is, I'm just starting to feel a little like Tippi Hedren. I buy my wife jewelry, and she keeps on giving me the bird.

December 31

Dear Diary, Happy New Year's Eve! We're going out to a friend's tonight for a party, I'm looking forward to it. As you could guess, today it was yet more birds. Seven Swans, who have all taken up residency in our pool. They just swim, peck, eat,

swim, peck, eat. PetSmart now sells food to me by the gross. We've locked the cat down in the basement, he has that same gleam in his eyes that I do when I look at the Waffle House menu.

January 1

Dear Diary, Happy New Year! I'm looking forward to a fresh start for a prosperous new year. We had a great time last night at the party, I fully admit that I overdid it. So much so, that I thought I was hallucinating this morning when I looked out on the lawn and saw eight young ladies milking cows. It was very real, and today's gift. I'm starting to think this whole “12 days of Christmas” thing was a horrible idea.

January 2

Dear Diary, My life is becoming a circus. This evergrowing menagerie now has nine ladies dancing. Birds chirp, maids milk, and now women are dancing all over the house. I'm starting to feel like a club owner. As if I found a barn somewhere full of animals and just said "Dance around it all." If I hear “Cotton Eye Joe” one more time I'm going to scream for 24 hours straight.

January 3

Dear Diary, I think today's gift was more for my wife than it was for me—actually I think this whole gift thing is just her attempt to Gaslight me. Today it was nine lords a-leaping. Men dancing this time. You can't move anywhere on my property without running into a man or a woman, wearing a leotard, jumping around as if their life depended on it. I think I've fallen into my own personal Circ Du Soleil Hell.

January 4

Dear Diary, Eleven Pipers. That will not. Stop. Piping. You know how much I hate Renascence fairs? Well, guess what? I'm now living in the middle of one. They won't even stop at night! Who did I marry, what happened to that gal? She loved board games and Apple products, not slow torturing her spouse! I think what's far scarier, is that there was a place she could order all of this from. Do you just search for "Lords A-Leaping" on Amazon? Does that get Prime shipping?

January 5

Dear Diary, Today is the final day, praise Jesus! I woke up this morning to what I thought was the sound of rifles being fired to finally put me out of my misery but instead was my last present. Twelve drummers. Just like the pipers of yesterday, they never stop drumming. They even followed me all the way down to the police station. Did I fail to mention that I was brought in for questioning this morning? It seems that having nine young ladies milking cows on your front lawn is a borderline violation of labor laws.PETA has set up a protest outside my house as well, they are upset with the number of caged critters on my land. I was even on the news last night! To top it all off, this morning in my mail, I found a sternly worded letter from Oprah. Next year, I am not exchanging gifts with my wife. I'm just gonna get her a McDonald's gift card...it'll be all I can afford after the legal bills.

See you next week.