The Loafer 71

Publisher

Lisa Durbin

Creative DIrector

Jon Bill Forrester

Managing Editor

Peggy Gale

DIstribution

Elizabeth Armstrong Sales

Jessica Carlisle

Entertainment Coordinator

Andreax Jarre

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

week’s line-up

NOTE FROM THE PUBLISHER

Hello Friends!

Happy Valentine’s Day to everyone! The day to celebrate the ones you love. Should we celebrate this one day a year? Life seems to be getting shorter and shorter so maybe we should focus on showing that love every day. Don’t miss the chance to tell someone you love them whether it be your spouse, child, grandparent or a good friend. A smile or a kind word can mean the world to someone and you never know what that person may be going through in their life.

Speaking of love, we are working on our annual Bridal issue which will come out next month. Please let us know if you would like to advertise your business or services for a wedding. This is always a great issue and brides can use it to plan their special day.

I hope everyone has a great day and a magnificent week!

Let’s Get Social!

Bristol TN/Va

WEDNESDAY Feb 15th

Joey’s Van 7:00pm at Cascade Draft House

THURSDAY Feb 16th

Q & B 6:00pm at Delta Blues BBQ

Victor Lawson and Boogie Chillen 6:00pm at Bristol Casino Bar

RJ Smith 7:00pm at Cascade Draft House

FRIDAY Feb 17th

Alpine Motel 6:00pm at Bristol Casino Bar

Sound Mountain 7:00pm at Cascade Draft House

Dan Herrell 8:00pm at Quaker Steak & Lube

Joey’s Van 11:00pm at Bristol Casino Bar

SATURDAY Feb 18th

From the Edge 5:00pm at Bristol Casino Bar

Trevor Meade followed by Harris and Ragsdale 7:00pm at Cascade Draft House

Mac Arnold 7:30pm at Bristol Casino Bar

Rusty Steel Acoustic 8:00pm at Quaker Steak & Lube

MONDAY Feb 20th

Anthony Childress 7:00pm at Cascade Draft House

Kingsport

FRIDAY Feb 17th

Sam Collie & the Roustabouts

7:00pm at Gypsy Circus Cider Company

Shooter Band

9:00pm at CJ’s Sports Bar

SATURDAY Feb 18th

Big Son 7:00pm at Gypsy Circus Cider Company Southbound Band

9:00pm at CJ’s Sports Bar

Johnson City

TUESDAY Feb 14th

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

WEDNESDAY Feb 15th

HB Beverly 6:30pm at Rocks Wood Fired Pizza

February Open Hoot 7:00pm at The Down Home

THURSDAY Feb 16th

Justin Mychals 6:30pm at Rocks Wood Fired Pizza

FRIDAY Feb 17th

Below 7 8:00pm at Tulips Grub & Pub

Tan and Sober Gentlemen | Dimestore Cowboys 10:00pm at Capones

SATURDAY Feb 18th

Jimmie D. Blues Band 8:00pm at the Down Home

Roxanne McDaniel & the Big Bad Buzz | The Alexis May Band | Alli Epperson 10:00pm at Capone’s

Abingdon

FRIDAY Feb 17th

Jimbo Mathus with Shaefer Llana 6:00pm at Wolf Hills Brewing

Johnson City Jazz Festival Announces Line-up for 2023 Festival

Organizers of the Johnson City Jazz Festival announced today the musical line up for the 5th annual Johnson City Jazz Festival that will take place March 30, 31, April 1 - 2023. The Festival will be held at the Carnegie Hotel ballroom and bar.

Bill Perkins, local jazz guitarist and the person responsible for booking the musicians, noted “We have an amazing line-up for this year’s Festival. We are so pleased we can bring this high quality of performers to our area.”

Thursday night - 8pm (Free - Tips are encouraged): The line-up will be the ETSU Jazz Ensemble, Peterson Perkins Quartet, Tri-Cities Jazz Orchestra, and The Johnson City Jazz Collective.

Friday night - 8pm: Felix Pastoruis and La Fiesta Latin Jazz Quintet

Saturday Night - 8pm: Margherita Fava Quartet and Hard Bop Explosion!

Special Early-Buy Ticket pricing will end Feb. 15th! Until Feb. 15, tickets will be $20 for one night, $30 for both nights.

After Feb. 15th, tickets will be $25 for one night, $37.50m for both nights. For more details about the festival and how to buy tickets, visit www.johnsoncityjazzfestival.com and follow the festival on Facebook www.facebook.com/ johnsoncityjazzfestival and Instagram www.instagram.com/ johnsoncityjazzfestival

Organizers appreciate all the support they are receiving from the community for this year’s Festival including sponsors First Horizon Bank, Bank of Tennessee, Carnegie Hotel, Time & Pay, Christian Schmid Design, Albert’s Pawn, Interstate Graphics, Tennessee Hills, Ridgeline Construction as well as other Friends of the Festival as they work to bring great live Jazz to our area.

Anyone looking for more information on how to support the festival or other details can contact Steve Scheu at 423-677-9042 or email to info@johnsoncityjazzfestival.com

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

THURSDAY

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

Sing Your Heart Out Karaoke 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 with Absolute Entertainment at Union Street Taproom - Erwin, TN 8pm Jan 28, Feb 18 & Mar 4

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

WEDNESDAY

Trivia at Tipsy Toad Jonesborough, TN 7pm

Trivia Night Mellow Mushroom Bristol, VA 7pm

THURSDAY

Mellow Trivia at Mellow Mushroom

Johnson City, TN- 7pm

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

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

DROP QUOTE

ACROSS

1. Head, to Henri

5. "The king" in Spain

10. Coat hanger

14. Violinist Hilary

15. Screening device

16. Employ

17. Scored 100%

18. Troops on horseback

20. Kojak's first name

21. "___ gratia artis"

22. Young ladies

23. Is spellbinding

25. "___ be a pleasure!"

26. ___ house

CRYPTOGRAM

TXFGV DSXWGM JBEK EKG QXSS XPM ZEKGYV

ZH EKXE PXERYG, XYG EZZ

OBZSGPE HZY EKG QZMW XPM VEXFD PZ

UKXYXUEGY ZP EKG FBPM. SGE

WZRY TRP EKGYGHZYG QG EKG UZPVEXPE

UZFDXPBZP ZH WZRY JXSAV.

—Thomas Jefferson

28. Lip?

33. Monastic title

34. Twin Falls's home

36. ___ Laredo

37. Nexus

39. Online publication

41. Brace

42. "Like me"

44. Famous fountain

46. Barely get by, with "out"

47. Heavy

49. Ham

51. And so on (abbr.)

52. "That's ___" ("Don't!")

53. "The Vagina Monologues" playwright

57. Nigerian language

58. Saucers in the sky

61. Sent flying

63. Future jr.

64. Lion prey

65. Young dragonfly

66. Part of HOMES

67. Without

68. Endowments

69. Plant starter

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

Down

1. One of those things

2. "To ___ his own"

3. Betty MacDonald memoir

4. Tabitha's TV grandmother

5. Caper

6. Perjurers

7. Men of the cloth, briefly

8. ___ Marie Saint

9. Try to communicate with, in a loud room

10. "Wide Sargasso Sea"

author Jean

11. Gets ready to shoot

12. Manitoba tribe

13. Ranges of knowledge

19. Rn, to scientists

24. "Woe ___" (grammar guide)

25. "___ of those people who..."

26. Half-step above A

27. Dublin-born

28. Tank or polo

29. 16 tablespoons

30. Previously

31. Conjure up, as memories

32. Rodeo contestant

35. Early Mexican

38. Catholic fraternal org.

40. 50/50 chance

43. "____ on Loving You" (Reba McEntire song)

45. "As I see it," in text-speak

48. Like tennis rackets and violins

50. Difficult burdens

52. Not miss _____

53. Records of beats-per-minute: Abbr.

54. Nursemaid dog of literature

55. Shock

56. Dundee damsel

57. "You Can Make ___ You Try" (Rolling Stones song)

59. Role for little Ronny Howard

60. Place for tools

62. Chou En-___

OF THE WEEK PETS

This beautiful orange tabby is Ginger !!! She is a 1 yr old, laid back and chilled, gold eyes, friendly, easy to handle, playful, lovable and the sweetest. She was a bit overwhelmed when we put her in the community

cat room, but she should do fine with one or two other cats OR by herself !!! Ginger has been spayed, current on vaccinations and will be microchipped when adopted.

Last Week's Puzzle Answers

Sudoku Crossword

This is Marley !!! She is a 2 yr old Terrier/Pit mix. Marley is very energetic and will play fetch all day long if you can last that long !!! She

must be the only animal in the home, not house trained, has been spayed, current on vaccinations and microchipped.

If you are interested in adopting : The Bridge Home No Kill Animal Shelter

423-239-5237 • 2061 Highway 75 Blountville, TN bridgehome.org

Facebook: bridgehome

Cryptogram:

"No one has the right to destroy another person's belief by demanding empirical evidence."

Dropquote:

"This desk of mine is one at which a man may die, but from which he cannot resign."

There are 5 Cupids hidden in this issue of The Loafer. Can you find them all?

Coming to William King Museum of Art in Abingdon, VA February 23, 2023 - April 2, 2023, Black History in Appalachia & Beyond explores the history of Black visual culture in the Appalachian region and how that influences contemporary works by Black artists. As a region that has documented and preserved the history of few Black artists and creatives, this exhibition aims to bring light to their histories. More information can be found at williamkingmuseum.org.

By the mid 19th century, the visual culture in America was riddled with white supremacy and racial caricatures degrading African Americans. Though they had little means of reaching widespread audiences, Black visual artists used the media technology at the time to promote Black leadership and respectability and to counteract the racism and hate that slavery established. As photography was just becoming a popular medium in the country, many Black artists and activists chose to photograph successful members of their

Black History in Appalachia & Beyond

community- a realistic representation of a race that was being caricatured and stereotyped in popular printed media. These photographed portraits circulated throughout the country, promoting Black freedom and equality by showcasing the success and intellect of these individuals. The use of photography as a medium to abolish slavery and encourage equal rights was so profound that by the Civil War and Reconstruction years even white photographers were capturing the truth of cruelty and racism that both free and enslaved Black Americans faced. During the first century of photography’s invention and use around the world, the most photographed person in the 20th century was Frederick Douglassperhaps one of the most famous abolitionists, writers, and social activists in American history. Focusing dominantly on self-fashioning - the process of constructing one’s identity and public image to reflect a set of cultural standards - through photography, self-portraits, crafts, and

decorative arts, visitors of the exhibition will learn about the influences seen in contemporary Black art through its history. These objects and artworks will emphasize the importance of selffashioning during a time when racist minstrels, stereotypes, and violence were trying to dominate the national image of Black Americans. The exhibition will also include an engaging video installation featuring a documentary discussing the history of Black photography as a form of emancipation.

Compared to the more local and regional storytelling of Black visual culture, this exhibition will highlight the contemporary works of popular artists whose works integrate the history of self-fashioning vs. public image. Harkening back to times of Emancipation, Reconstruction, and Civil Rights, artists such as Carrie Mae Weems, Kara Walker, Elizabeth Catlett, and Whitfield Lovell embody the historical influence of contemporary art. They teach us that although these stories are from the past, the similar issues we face in today’s societies are still fought with powerful visual culture.

Learn more about Black History in Appalachia and Beyond at williamkingmuseum.org.

TOURS AT TWO

Join us for light refreshments and a FREE curator-led tour of Black History in Appalachia and Beyond, Sunday April 2, 2023 at 2:00PM. RSVP to Emily Jordan by email at ejordan@wkmuseum.org or call (276) 628-5005 ext. 107.

Together by Carlton F. Wilkinson, Reece Museum, Samuel L. Nicely Collection

BRISTOL

WEDNESDAY FEB 15TH

Comedy Open Mic 7:30pm at Blue Ridge Comedy Club

THURSDAY FEB 16TH

Self-Love Canvas Class 6:00pm at Kil'n Time Contemporary Ceramic Studio

Love, Story Telling with Hunter Roberts 8:00pm at Blue Ridge Comedy Club

FRIDAY FEB 17TH

Kevin McCaffrey 8:00pm at Blue Ridge Comedy Club

SATURDAY FEB 18TH

Board Game Night 5:00pm at Bristol Public Library

Kevin McCaffrey 8:00pm at Blue Ridge Comedy Club

JOHNSON CITY

SATURDAYS

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

TUESDAY FEB 14TH

Couple's Canvas Class

6:00pm at Into the Fire

FRIDAY FEB 17TH

Johnson City Love & Hiking

Date For Couples (Self-Guided)

7:00am at Willow Springs Park

THINGS TO DO THINGS TO DO

Galentine's Night Out

6:00pm at Into the Fire

Weekly YuGiOh Duel Night

6:00pm at CardFox

SATURDAY FEB 18TH

Johnson City Love & Hiking

Date For Couples (SelfGuided) 7:00am at Willow Springs Park

SUNDAY FEB 19TH

Johnson City Love & Hiking Date For Couples (Self-Guided)

7:00am at Willow Springs Park

KINGSPORT

WEDNESDAY FEB 15TH

Girls Night Out the Show 8:00pm at Gypsy Circus Cider Co.

SATURDAY FEB 18TH

Nature: Wolf Howling

10:00am at Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium

SUNDAY FEB 19TH

The Pink Bride 12:00pm at MeadowView Convention Center

JONESBOROUGH

TUESDAYS

Jonesborough Storytelling

Guild “Stories n’More” Show

7:00pm at The International Storytelling Center

SATURDAY FEB 18TH

Winter Market 9:00am at Boone Street Market

Historic Jonesborough Town

Tour 1:00pm at Chester Inn

State Historic Site

BLOUNTVILLE, TN

WEDNESDAY FEB 15TH

Game Night 5:00pm at Sullivan County Public Library

ABINGDON, VA

WEDNESDAY FEB 15TH

IBN Biz Lunch 11:30 at Moon Dog Brick Oven

Bingo 5:00pm at Abingdon

Community Center

FRIDAY FEB 17TH

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

SUNDAY FEB 18TH

Bingo 5:00pm at Abingdon Community Center

BLUFF CITY, TN

TUESDAY FEB 14TH

Art Program 11:30am at Thomas Memorial Library

To be featured in The Loafer's Things to Do email us at: theloaferonlineprint@gmail.com or call 423-930-7319

Washington County/Johnson City Animal Shelter to Hold Grand Opening of

Judy & Doug Lowrie Spay & Neuter Clinic

Useless Facts

sponsored by biker wear

A grand opening celebration for the new Judy and Doug Lowrie Spay and Neuter Clinic at the Washington County/ Johnson City Animal Shelter, 3411 N. Roan St., Johnson City, will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 14 from 9:45 a.m.1 p.m. Open to the public, this event will kick off with a ribbon cutting ceremony followed by festivities that include giveaways, behind-the-scene tours, and food trucks.

“We are excited about the impact the Judy and Doug Lowrie Spay and Neuter Clinic will have on reducing the number of unwanted litters of cats and dogs in Washington County,” said outgoing board President Jenny Brock. “We are so grateful to the Lowries for their very generous donation that has enabled us to build this state-ofthe-art clinic. With the addition of the clinic, the Washington County/Johnson City Animal Shelter provides flagship services to over 4,000 animals that come through the shelter annually. Our ultimate goal is to reduce that number.”

The clinic’s priority will be shelter animals who can be spayed or neutered quickly in the new clinic. Secondly, animals from surrounding shelters will be brought in for spaying or neutering. Finally, the new clinic offers reduced rates for members of the public who wish to ensure their personal pets do not add to the unwanted animal population. Through the generosity of shelter donors financially distressed

individuals will be offered special surgical rates.

Washington County/Johnson City Animal Shelter Executive Director Tammy Davis says while the focus of the facility will initially be Washington County, she hopes to expand and provide more of a regional impact in the future.

Seth McKay

“The ultimate goal of the Judy and Doug Lowrie Spay and Neuter Clinic is to improve the health and wellbeing of the animals in our shelter and community while controlling population growth by having access to affordable and timely spay/neuter surgery and wellness clinics,” said Davis.

The facility is funded entirely through donors. Clinic staff includes two veterinarians who perform the surgeries and work on a rotating basis.

For more information and to make an appointment for the spay and neuter program please call 423-722-5660 or text 423-850-4071, Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m.

About the Washington County/Johnson City Animal Shelter:

The Washington County/Johnson City Animal Shelter serves 4,000 animals each year.

Washington County and Johnson City jointly provide funding for the Animal Shelter, with an annual budget of more than $1.2 million. The Animal Shelter is tasked with raising $600,000 per year.

1. Valentine’s Day started as a form of rebellion. The most popular theory about Valentine’s Day origin is that Emperor Claudius II didn’t want Roman men to marry during wartime. Saint Valentine went against his wishes and performed secret weddings, which means this day was originally founded on an act of rebellion!

2. Signing your messages with a kiss is nothing new. Typing a long line of kisses at the end of a message is something many of us do but while you may associate it most with the modern “text” era, this little symbol actually has a much longer history. Some think the cute ‘x’ symbol became synonymous with the kiss in medieval times when very few individuals could write and would end each of their letters with an ‘x’ embossed in wax or ink to show their sincerity. This evolved to represent the kiss and the rest is history (we’re not sure who decided to add ‘o’ symbols to represent hugs but we’re pretty sure it happened a fair bit later!

3. Not all valentines are chosen on purpose. Receive a Valentine today and it’s a sign that someone has a secret crush on you. Go back to the Middle Ages though and the situation is a little different. Back then, young men and women drew names from a bowl to see who would be their valentine. The single women’s names would be added to an urn and single men of the town would take a name out and pin it to their sleeves for one whole week. This would allow everyone in the town to see who their valentine was and could be where the term “wearing your heart on your sleeve” originates.

4. Nearly three-quarters of men will buy flowers on Valentine’s Day. While it is hardly surprising that more men buy flowers on Valentine’s Day than women, it may shock you to learn just how many men pick up a bouquet. Around 73% of men will buy flowers on the big day while just over one quarter (27%) of women will do the same.

5. Red roses have been associated with love since Ancient Rome. We are all aware that the red rose is a common purchase around the time of Valentine’s Day – but why? Roses, and red ones, in particular, have become a symbol of love and are therefore heavily connected with the day. The origin of this tradition stretches as far back as Ancient Rome when the red rose was the favorite flower of Venus: The Goddess of love.

Local Events:

1. Gala – Scholarship Fundraiser at Johnson City Country Club Feb. 11th

2. 22nd Annual Dirty Valentines Party 8pm Bobarosa Saloon Feb. 11th

3. Super Bowl Party 2pm Boozy Creek Peacemakers Club House Feb 12th

4. Bikers and Bowling Holiday Lanes Johnson City 6pm Feb 17th

5. 1st Annual St, Patty’s Day Party 2pm March 18th True Sons MC

Rallies:

1. 25th Annual Thunder by the Bay Feb. 17th – 19th Sarasota, FL

2. Daytona Bike Week March 3rd – March 12th

3. Cave Creek Bike Rally March 24th – April 2nd Cave Creek AZ

Beanz Biker Corner Beanz Biker Corner

Hello everyone, February is here not only is it the shortest month of the year it’s also the month for LOVE. Happy Valentine’s Day to you. We always think of Valentine’s Day as the day to send flowers, candy have a romantic dinner. But do you really know the history of this holiday. You might be surprised by how unromantic the history of Valentine's Day really is. Some of us love (love), thrilling at the prospect of spending a whole day celebrating it. Others feel like the popular version of love has been commercialized and confused. But regardless of how you feel about Valentine’s Day, the “holiday of love” is one of the most popular traditions in Western culture. Throughout the history of Valentine’s Day, people have used the holiday as an excuse to celebrate romantic love and passion. These days, it’s also a time to celebrate platonic love, with everyone from elementary-aged children to

Beanz Biker Corner

By Anne Hartley

423-297-5675

the elderly sharing valentines. But this holiday didn’t just magically appear out of nowhere, and contrary to popular belief, it wasn’t invented by greeting card companies. Valentine’s Day has a rich (and slightly morbid) history that you may not know about. The origin of Valentine’s Day can be traced back to the Lupercalia Pagan festival many years ago. However, this history got overshadowed during the third century when emperor Claudius II killed the patron saint Valentine on February 14. Valentine’s Day, aka Feast of Saint Valentine or Saint Valentine’s Day, is no stranger to the holiday spectrum, especially when it celebrates love. This love-filled holiday is a highly anticipated celebration for couples wherein we see an abundance of flowers, chocolates, and heart aesthetics proving how soon the event is coming. Valentines commonly depict Cupid, the Roman god of love, along with hearts, traditionally the seat of emotion. Because it was thought that the avian mating season begins in mid-February, birds also became a symbol of the day. First, the simple answer: Valentine’s Day is named for St. Valentine. But it gets more complicated than that. As it turns out, at least three Valentines were sainted by the Catholic Church, and each one has his own group of supporters claiming he’s behind the holiday. The first St. Valentine was a rebel, defying a decree from the Roman Emperor Claudius II, which said young men were not allowed to be married and had to serve in the military instead. (The Romans believed single men made better soldiers.) St. Valentine continued to marry lovers in secret. The

second St. Valentine helped Christian prisoners escape Roman jails—until he was caught and imprisoned himself. His last act before death was to miraculously heal the daughter of his jailer, thereby converting the whole family to Christianity. In some versions of the story, St. Valentine II was even in love with the daughter, but their love was tragically cut short. The third St. Valentine was a Catholic bishop in Terni. History hasn’t remembered much about him, and the stories of all three saints have become entwined over the centuries. The story became so murky and confusing that, in 1969, the Catholic Church removed the St. Valentine’s

feast day from the Christian liturgical calendar. But there was one unfortunate thing all three men had in common besides their name, and it’ll give you pause before uttering your next “Happy Valentine’s Day.” In a very unromantic twist, all three were martyred by beheading by different Roman emperors. In some versions of the stories, the men were all executed on or near Feb. 14 (in different years), but historians have been unable to verify that detail.

Sponsored By Biker Wear

Social Sentiments

By Wendy Hayden socialsentiments @outlook.com

Ghosted

We've all contemplated leaving social media for various reasons, mainly drama and spam, but what happens if we actually leave?

Your demographic information is still stored in the database. Even if social media doesn't interest you now, it did at one point. The networks are interested in what interests you so they can show you and similar users the same information.

Social media makes it convenient to update everyone at once about important information instead of sending individual texts or making individual calls. Leaving social media may mean missing important life updates from your friends and family.

Local events are generally posted online to capture a large audience. Unless you're keeping up with your favorite venues and entertainers directly, you may miss notifications of events. Friends may send invitations to group outings via Facebook instead of texting or calling. Will you be left at home while your friends are out having fun? Leaving social media might be tempting in the moment, but in an internet focused world, the fear of missing out will create a bigger impact than your absence. Before you make the decision to leave, ask yourself how much you'll be missing versus how much you'll be missed.

Day Trippin’: Read House Chattanooga by

I just got home from a short 2-day work trip to Chattanooga, and while I’ve visited the area in the past, I really didn’t get the full grasp of all there is to see and do until this trip.

Chattanooga is growing into quite the fun little hub for food, drink, retail and entertainment; in fact, many folks I know in Nashville are stealing away there for their weekends when they’re sick of fighting the tourists and traffic of Music City, USA. Being a short 3 ½ hours from the Tri-Cities, it also makes for a great overnight or weekend getaway when you need a change of scenery from the Appalachians in our neck of the woods, and I cannot recommend The Read House Hotel enough for your accommodations. I feel that where you lay your head to rest is the most important aspect of any trip, and in that regard, you will not find more comfortable beds anywhere in the great state of Tennessee than at this historic hotel. This is hands down my preferred place to stay when I travel for work OR leisure because The Read House has it all- history, opulence, indulgence, sex appeal, reported hauntings and bedding that rivals mine at home.

Over the last 150 years as the longest continuously operated hotel in the South, this building has endured the Civil War, historic floods and housed many famous names including Winston Churchill, Elvis Presley, Oprah, Al Capone and multiple pre-presidency politicians. In 2017 the building underwent a major $28 million renovation, restoring it to dazzling jazz-era elegance that would make the Great Gatsby clutch his mustache. Black and white checkered marble floors lay the foundation for oversized emerald green furnishings, massive glittering

chandeliers, and rich mahogany walls that stretch to at least 50ft ceilings, while cheerful 1920s jazz is pumped softly throughout the entirety of the hotel’s shared spaces. To the left of the main lobby lies a bar and billiards room, where cocktails waitresses don flapper finery to serve up incredible prohibition style cocktails. If you’re hungry for a more formal dinner, down the hall to the right of the front desk is Bridgeman’s Chophouse, named after Peter Bridgeman who spent almost 5 decades of his life employed at the hotel. As you might expect, steak is the name of the game here, but their sides are incredible as well-don’t you dare pass up the White Truffle Mac & Cheese or Brussels Sprouts. I don’t even care for brussels sprouts, and these are life-changing. Read House has an extensive whiskey portfolio that far exceeds 200 as well as an impressive wine list with offerings at all price ranges. I actually opted for a $48 bottle of Ripasso that was outstanding with my filet; in fact I enjoyed it more than the $20 per glass Bordeaux I was drinking on the first night of my trip.

The hotel has 2 options for rooms: the Historic Tower and the Manor Rooms. Make sure you opt for the Historic Tower, as it seems they spent the bulk of the renovation funds here, while skimping a bit on the Manor. The rooms are massive and each one is designed slightly different, some with French doors leading to the powder room, some with short hallways inside. These rooms are totally sexy- lush, purple drapery is surrounded by framed hands holding smokey cigarettes and studded mirrors. The beds truly are the most comfortable I’ve stayed in during all my extensive travel across the state, being the perfect combination of cloud-like mattress and pillows topped with crisp white linens. The bathrooms have massive walk-in showers, tiled in era-appropriate black and white, with

gleaming chrome fixtures at every turn. Considering The Read House offers room service, it’s sometimes extremely difficult for me to find reason to leave the confines of my rented space for the evening. If you do have reason to leave the room and be productive, you’ll be delighted to know in addition to the bar and restaurant, there is also a full-service fitness center, indoor pool, a library and even an in-house Starbucks. One of the most interesting aspects of The Read House that can’t be overlooked is its haunted history. Room 311 has been the subject of many a ghost hunter, and somehow I missed this eerie piece of information until I was assigned room 312 on this last stay. During a conversation with one of my clients I casually mentioned I was staying at The Read House on this trip and he replied “Ooh spooky. Are you in Room 311?” Which caught me off-guard, as I was in fact staying across the hall in 312. I said “No but are you psychic?” At that point he told me to Google it and I was immediately inundated with thousands of articles, images and videos recounting the haunted happenings surrounding that particular room. Long story short, a woman named Annalisa Netherly was beheaded while in the tub by her jealous lover in 1927 after he caught her with another man. Many people have recounted paranormal activity in the space over the years, and now the room is only rented out around Halloween. When I retired to my own room across the hall for the evening, I noticed that the door to 311 was completely different from all the other doors on the floor, which I’d overlooked on my previous check-in. According to a report from The New York Post, when the new owners did the 2017 renovation, they wanted to appease Annalisa’s spirit as much as possible, so they designed that room from start to finish in 1920s furnishings, which includes an AM

Kathie Scalf

radio, a clawfoot tub, an original pull chain toilet and no television in addition to the vintage doorway. You can tour the room virtually on their website if you’re unable to book a stay in fall and still want to check it out.

I’m somewhat disappointed to report that my close proximity to Room 311 did not result in anything going bump in the night, however a stay at The Read House is going to be all treats and no tricks any time of year. Its prime location downtown puts you within spitting distance of the Chattanooga Choo-Choo, the aquarium, ball park, and myriad fine dining and retail experiences. Most places are totally walkable, or a short Uber ride away. I promise you will not be disappointed with your visit to our neighbors in the Southeast if you choose to check out this lovely and storied building.

XO - Kathie

Dog Gone

Before I begin this week's review let me begin by saying no dog dies in this film. I have always refused, unless caught off guard, to watch a film where a dog dies. There is just something so pitiful and gut wrenching watching man's best friend pass in a movie. So I did begin viewing "Dog Gone" with a bit of caution hoping the dreaded event didn't occur. "Dog Gone" is based on real life events and follows the story of college student Fielding Marshall (Johnny Berchtold), who struggles in school but has a heart big enough to adopt a yellow lab puppy he falls in love with when visiting an animal shelter. Fielding's college friend Nate (Nick Peine) thinks his best friend is making a horrible mistake of taking on such a responsibility. Despite his friend's warning, Fielding takes the lab puppy to his college home and keeps his new roommate, which he names Gonker with him for the rest of his college career. Gonker is always with Fielding on campus, and is loved by Fielding's other friends, and is well known on campus. When graduation rolls around all of Fielding's friends have jobs lined up, but Fielding is not sure of his path in life, which worries his father John (Rob Lowe), who wants his son to succeed in something. After

Pop Life

By Ken Silvers theloaferonlineprint @gmail.com

graduation, Fielding is jobless, and he and Gonker move back to his parents home, where after a bit of hesitation, the new resident of the Marshall household becomes a loved family member, especially by Fielding's mom Ginny (Kimberly Williams-Paisley) who has a painful childhood memory about a beloved dog she had when she was a child. So while all is going well with Gonker at first, it's soon discovered he has Addison's disease and will need a shot every month for the rest of his life in order to survive. Meanwhile, unbeknownst to his parents, Fielding has begun dealing with his own health issues, but continues to search for his path in life. One day when Nate visits, he joins Fielding and Gonker on a brief hike on the Appalachian Trail. While on the hike, the trio spot a fox, and with encouragement, Gonker runs after the fox. When Gonker doesn't return, the guys rush back to Fielding's house convinced he is lost. The missing dog brings up bad memories for Ginny who immediately sets up a control room in the house and begins calling local shelters, the media and hospitals in the hopes someone will find the missing pet. Time is of the essence as Gonker will need his monthly shot in three weeks. Fielding and John begin searching the Appalachian Trail,and as their extensive search continues, Fielding's health begins deteriorating, but he will not give up searching. The time Fielding and his dad spend together searching for Gonker is good for both of them and eases the strain of their relationship. Nothing like a dog to bring people together! At this point I will just say despite the health issues of Fielding and Gonker, all ends well for the best friends with a joyous reunion. I love how the story conveys how the love of a dog helps a troubled youth experience unconditional

love, and find his possible path in life while on the Appalachian Trail. All the actors in the film are great, and Berchtold is so wonderful in his role he is never overshadowed by Gonker, who could have easily stolen the movie, as most dogs in films do. The film is based on a novel and was executive produced by Lowe, and directed by Stephen Herek ("Critters"). The only thing cringe worthy about the film is how the actors often pronounce "Appalachian." Did no one on the

set, which was filmed around the Atlanta area, tell the actors how to properly pronounce Appalachian? That nick picking aside, "Dog Gone" is a heartwarming film about love, forgiveness, patience, and the unconditional love of a sweet dog. Just keep a few tissues handy. Now playing on Netflix.

(Rated PG)

Bristol

PARAMOUNT

Feb 23 Sierra Hull and Justin Moses

Mar 11 Free Fallin’-The Tom Petty Tribute

Apr 1 49 Winchester

Apr 15 Best of the Eagles-Tribute

CONCERT SCHEDULE CONCERT SCHEDULE

MARTIN CENTER FOR THE ARTS

Feb 28 Chanticleer

Apr 30 Amy Grant

May 20 The Black Jacket Symphony: Tom Petty’s Full Moon Fever

GREENVILLE

BRISTOL TN/VA GREENVILLE TN

Apr 29 Ashley McBryde

May 11 Steep Canyon Rangers

Mar 12 Newsboys

Mar 16 Sam Bush

Mar 31/Apr 1 49 Winchester

Apr 15 Best of the EaglesTribute to The Eagles

Apr 29 Ashley McBryde (sold out)

May 11 Steep Canyon Rangers

May 19 A Brothers RevivalTribute to The Allman Brothers

May 21 Mac Powell

Jun 17 Nightrain-Tribute to Guns n Roses

Jul 22 Head Games-Tribute to Foreigner

Jul 29 Journeyman: Tribute to Eric Clapton

Aug 12 Yellow Brick RoadTribute to Elton John

Sep 16 EW&F-Tribute to Earth, Wind and Fire

Oct 14 Lady SupremeTribute to Diana Ross

CAMEO THEATER

Feb 24 William Lee Martin

Mar 4 The Fab Four-The Ultimate Beatles Tribute

Mar 10 BoDeans

Mar 17 John Michael Montgomery

Mar 18 Bad Marriage

Mar 26 Eric Gales

Apr 8 Billy Prine and Prime Time Band

Apr 19 Trampled By Turtles

Apr 22 The Band of Heathens

Apr 29 Billy Idol and Bret Michaels (Street show)

May 10 An Evening with Roger McGuinn

Jun 17 Vixen

JOHNSON CITY

FREEDOM HALL

Apr 4 The Price is Right Live

Apr 14 Nate Bargatze

Jun 2 Mr. Speed- Kiss Tribute

NISWONGER PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

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

Apr 22 Masters of Soul

May 5 Wild World of Animals Free Community Concert Series

May 13 Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives

May 20 Get The Led OutLed Zeppelin Tribute

Knoxville

KNOXVILLE TN

TENNESSEE THEATRE

Feb 25 Chris Rock

Mar 3 Home Free

Mar 16 Buddy Guy

Mar 18 Cheap Trick

Apr 26 Ben Folds and a Piano

Apr 27 Wilco

Apr 28 Amy Grant

May 13 Alice Cooper

THOMPSON BOWLING ARENA

Feb 17 Journey and Toto

Feb 18 Cody Johnson featuring Randy Houser

Feb 24 Blake Shelton

Mar 30 Kane Brown

Apr 1 Eagles

Apr 21 Lizzo

May 16 Stevie Nicks

Jul 15 Thomas Rhett

Oct 16 Shania Twain

KNOXVILLE CIVIC AUDITORIUM

Feb 17 Heather McMahan

Feb 21 Tedeschi Trucks Band

Mar 3 Zach Williams

Mar 14 Third Eye Blind

Mar 22 Champions of Magic

Apr 7 Rodney Carrington

Apr 13 Million Dollar Machine

Apr 20 Casting Crowns

Apr 29 Theresa Caputo

KNOXVILLE CIVIC AUDITORIUM

Feb 16 Whiskey Myers

Apr 15 & 16 Leanne Morgan

BIJOU THEATRE

Feb 17 Steep Canyon Rangers

Mar 9 BoDeans

Mar 11 Marc Brossard with Seth Walker

Mar 17 The Mavericks

Mar 23-25 Drew & Ellie Holcomb

Apr 7 David Sedaris

Nashville

RYMAN AUDITORIUM

Feb 20 Bush

Feb 23-25 Tedeschi Trucks Band

Feb 26 Billy Strings

Mar 4 Dawes

Mar 11 & 12 Bobby Weir and Wolf Bros

Mar 18 Buddy Guy

Mar 30,31 & Apr 1 GOOSE

Apr 6 The Mountain Goats

Apr 7 & 13 Morgan Wade

Apr 8 Leann Rimes

Apr 14 & 15 Lady A

Apr 19 Leann Morgan (Opry House)

Apr 21 David Spade

Apr 27-29 Nickel Creek

May 8-10 John Mellencamp

May 19 Crowded House

May 24 Rick Springfield

Jul 6 Sam Bush

Jul 13 Rhonda Vincent

Jul 27 Ricky Skaggs

Aug 19 Kansas

ASCEND AMPHITHEATER

May 6 Whiskey Myers

May 11 Koe Wetzel

Jun 23 Walker Hayes

Jul 11 Foreigner and Loverboy

Jul 18 Louis Tomlinson

Jul 19 Yungblud

Sep 12 /13 Artic Monkeys

BRIDGESTONE ARENA

Feb 17 Adam Sandler

Feb 19 TobyMac with Crowder

Feb 24-25 Billy Strings

Mar 1 Carrie Underwood

Mar 31 Kane Brown

Apr 7 Chris Tomlin

Apr 16 New Edition

May 4 Janet Jackson with Ludacris

Jun 13 Duran Duran

Jun 17 Bryan Adams and Joan Jett

NISSAN STADIUM

Apr 15 Luke Combs

May 5-7 Taylor Swift

May 19 Billy Joel and Stevie Nicks

Jun 11 CMA Fest

Jul 22 Ed Sheeran

Jul 28-29 George Strait, Chris Stapleton & Little Big Town

BROOKLYN BOWL

Mar 7 Theory of a Dead Man

Mar 9 moe.

Mar 23 They Might Be Giants

Mar 31 Larkin Poe

Apr 6 The Winery Dogs

Apr 14 Queensryche

May 20 The Steel Woods

Asheville

THE ORANGE PEEL

Feb 18 Elle King

Feb 22 Flogging Molly

Feb 25 Paul Thorn

Mar 4 Donna The Buffalo

Mar 6 The Beths

Mar 10 They Might Be Giants

Mar 23 moe.

Apr 4 The Winery Dogs

Apr 20 Judah & The Lion

May 12 & 13 Drive By Truckers

May 21 Trae Crowder

THOMAS WOLFE AUDITORIUM

Feb 22 Bobby Weir and Wolf Bros

Feb 25 Big Thief

Winston Salem North Caroiina

LJVM COLISEUM

Mar 3-4 Billy Strings

Mar 18 Koe Wetzel

Unique Romantic Gifts

Once again that day that makes Hallmark happy, Valentine’s day, is here once again. Your young bachelor friend once more has no one to buy anything for, which is perfectly fine with me. However, I think it is a good idea that we stop and think about what we can do to impress our lovers with unique gifts that are one of a kind. It’s time we looked beyond cards, flowers, and the last-minute Whitman’s Sampler—though those are good. Surprise your partner with a gift that will truly show that you love them. That will stick around in their mind for weeks and months to come. The team here at AndyLabs has been working hard to put together the following list of suggestions. We all hope you find them useful.

A year’s subscription to “Goat Trek VR,” the “Star Trek” but with goats virtual reality game.

Music is always a good gift and there’s nothing more romantic this year than the delightful tribute album “Un-Brak My Heart: The Songs of Toni Braxton as performed

by Brak from Space Ghost.”

DIY home projects are very popular thanks to a glut of property brothers. That’s why I’d like to suggest one of my favorite books for the home improvement gogetter. “1,000 Ways to Secretly Wall People Up in Your Basement with Wine Bait.” It’s a great book with lots of clear and easy instructions, plus handy visual aids. Forget flowers or food, the novelty of arrangements made from fruits and chocolates has worn thin. If you want to surprise your lover with a bouquet, make it memorable this year and go with something unique like one made of duct tape. It’s not only a gift that won’t wilt away quickly but can come in handy for quick household repairs. Pretty and practical!

So many people enjoy looking at photos of houses for sale on the popular app and website Zillow. At long last, the publishing industry has gotten wind of this and now you can sit at home and enjoy “The Best of Zillow.” A coffee-table book full of photos of homes you can’t afford. Nothing quite says “I love you” like “Look at this Muti-million dollar home with a ridiculously small kitchen.”

If you’re in my generation, elder millennials, you no doubt recall the legendary TV commercial for a compact disc music collection known as “Pure Moods.” This collection of new-age music promised escape, dreams, hope, and better life fulfillment in 80 minutes or less. I am very happy to say you can now experience some of this in the ever-popular

vinyl record format.

Yes, you can buy your loved one “Now That’s What I Call Return to Innocence.” This is nothing but four twelve-inch records that contain Enigma’s classic song “Return to Innocence” on each side in different mixes. Bask yourself in music that will take you on a mental journey to inner peace, or running away and living in the woods. Could go either way.

Of course, if none of these appeal to you there’s the ultimate gift you could give your partner. Some peace and quiet so they can finally get some sleep.

I hope all these will be helpful to you in finding the perfect gift for your special someone this year. See you next week.

By Andy Ross theloaferonlineprint @gmail.com