The Loafer 94

National Book Lovers Day August 9, 2023

Publisher

Lisa Durbin

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 Let’s

week’s line-up

NOTE FROM THE PUBLISHER

Hello Friends!

This week National Book Lovers Day is celebrated on the 9th. This is the day for all of us book worms to celebrate the wonderful world of storytelling when we dive into a book. I used to think that everyone reads a book the way I do until my family told me that is not the case. When I read a book I can literally see the story in my head. I can imagine how every character looks and sounds. It is so much like watching a movie on television for me. I always encourage children to try and do the same with they read.

I hope all the kids have adjusted to being back in school and they have a safe and wonderful year! Have a great week!

SCAN HERE

Bristol TN/Va

Bristol, TN/VA

WEDNESDAY Aug 9th

Jace Smith 7:00pm at Cascade Draft House

Jace Smith 7:00pm at Delta Blues BBQ

THURSDAY Aug 10th

Little John Chrisley 5:00pm at Cascade Draft House

Jason Lloyd 7:00pm at Delta Blues BBQ

FRIDAY Aug 11th

Hawkins French| Ben Sollee & Dave Eggar

6:30pm at Border BashDowntown Center

Savage Outlaws 7:00pm at Painter Creek Marina

Corey Snowden 7:00pm at Cascade Draft House

Bill Dotson 8:00pm at Bristol Casino Bar

Joey’s Van 10:30 at Bristol Casino Bar

SATURDAY Aug 12th

From The Edge 7:00pm at Laurel Marina

Coal Camp 7:00pm at Painter Creek Marina

Stone Fire Band 8:00pm at The Mountain Bar and Grill

Mac Arnold 8:00pm at Bristol Casino Bar

The Great BIg Hug 8:00pm at Delta Blues BBQ

AJ Smith 10:30pm at Bristol Casino Bar

MONDAY Aug 14th

Anthony Childress 7:00pm at Cascade Draft House

Johnson City

Johnson City, TN

TUESDAY Aug 8th

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

WEDNESDAY Aug 9th

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

HB Beverly 6:30pm at Rocks Wood Fired Pizza

THURSDAY Aug 10th

Justin Mychals 6:30pm at Rocks Wood Fired Pizza

FRIDAY Aug 11th

Donnie and the Dry Heavers

7:00pm at Yee-Haw Brewing

Adeem the Artist 8:00pm at the Down Home

Below 7 | Dark Harvest 10:00pm at Capone’s

SATURDAY Aug 12th

Jigsaw Jane 7:00pm at Wild Wing Cafe

Mick Kyte 8:00pm at the Johnson City Elk’s Lodge

Sam Collie 8:00pm at Holy Taco North

Lynyrd Skynyrd 50th Anniversary Tribute Show

10:00pm at Capone’s

SUNDAY Aug 13th

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

Kingsport

Kingsport, TN

FRIDAY Aug 11th

J.R. and The Big Guns 7:00pm at Lakeview Marina

Julia Maggard 7:00pm at Gypsy Circus Cider Company

Shooter Band 9:00pm at CJ’s Sports Bar

SATURDAY Aug 12th

Donnie and the Dry Heavers

7:00pm at Gypsy Circus Cider Company

The Color 7 9:00pm at CJ’s Sports Bar

Jonesborough

Jonesborough, TN

Friday Aug 11th

Bill and the Belles 7:00pm at Music on the Square

Roan Mountain

Roan Mountain, TN

Friday Aug 11th

Fiddling Leona 7:00pm at the Roan Mountain State Park Amphitheater

Elizabethton, TN

Elizabethton, TN

SATURDAY Aug 12th

Generation Gap 5:00pm at Cove Ridge Marina

Sunday Aug 13th

Mike Preslar 4:00pm at Cove Ridge Marina

ARE YOU LOOKING TO SELL YOUR VEHICLE? LOOK NO FURTHER!

We are now accepting vehicles to our auto auction from the public, it costs NOTHING to run the vehicle through our auction, you will only pay a fee if your vehicle is sold! Come by and see us or message us on Facebook for more information! Here is what you will need:

1: Clean title to vehicle in your name

2: Set a reserve price on your vehicle (what does it take to sell it)

3: Form of ID

That’s it! Bring your vehicles by and we will get them checked in for the upcoming sales!

Buyer/Seller Fees:

$1 to $999: $100

$1,000 to $2,499: $150

$2,500 to $4,999: $200

$5,000 to $9,999: $250

$10,000 to $19,999: $300

$20,000 and up: $400

423-383-5882

Our Auction Begins at 6:30pm each Friday Night, Please Login and Click the Blue Button on the Dashboard Below That Says “Join Simulcast” Any Time After 6:20pm in Order To Join Our Live Stream And Bid Online.

HOW

Online: Log in to Hammertimeaa.com or Hammertimeautoauction.com you may also download the App available for your IPhone and Android (AUCTION SIMPLIFIED). Simulcast will be available 10 minutes prior to auction time, please see blue button on dashboard.

In Person: Arrive at Hammer Time Auto Auction Friday before 6:00PM and see our front desk to get registered. Dealers will have a hard pass on a lanyard and will be able to skip the line unless any changes in your profile need to be made. Dealers or public joining us for the first time will need to get a pass at the front desk at time of check in. Payments can be made by the following methods - Cash, Credit Card, Cashiers Check, Venmo, or PayPal. we do not accept personal checks. Please have a copy of your photo ID available

Flo Rida to Headline ETSU Fall Music Festival

The annual SGA fall concert will include appearances from DOUBLECAMP and Graham Barham

Rapper and electronic pop songwriter Flo Rida, indiepop duo DOUBLECAMP and rising country singersongwriter Graham Barham will headline the Student Government Association Fall Music Festival at East Tennessee State University.

The music festival, embracing three different genres, is set to begin at 7 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 29, at Freedom Hall Civic Center in Johnson City.

Flo Rida, this year’s headliner, has dominated the hiphop and pop charts for over a decade. The artist has

sold over 100 million records, including Diamond selling record “Low.”

Since releasing their debut track “Feel Like Me” in 2019, DOUBLECAMP has set out to translate their positive lifestyle into soulful pop melodies and infectious choruses. Joe Neary and Jordan Burmeister comprise the duo.

Nashville-based musician Barham pulls inspiration from small Southern towns to create songs epic in emotional scope. His music showcases his singular brand of country: soulful, straight from the heart and steeped in lived-in detail.

Tickets to the event will be sold to ETSU students, faculty and staff in the Carrier Center on the second floor of the D.P. Culp Student Center. Students will be able to claim one free ticket with a

valid ETSU ID and purchase up to three guest tickets for a discounted price of $10 each. Staff and faculty have the option to buy up to four tickets for $10 each with a valid ETSU ID. Student tickets are available for purchase starting Aug. 29, and faculty and staff tickets on Sept. 12. The public can purchase tickets online only starting Sept. 26 for $30 plus tax.

From ETSU graduate Kenny Chesney to star Jason Derulo, the university regularly brings elite talent to the region.

Additional concert information is available at etsu.edu/concerts

TRI-CITIES NIGHTLIFE

WEDNESDAY

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

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

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

Karaoke with Ron at Kingsport Moose Lodge 6:30pm

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

THURSDAY

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

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

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

Karaoke at Jiggy Rays Pizzeria - Johnson City, TN

Karaoke at Tipsy Toad Tavern - Jonesborough, TN

FRIDAY

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

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

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

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

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

SATURDAY

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

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

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

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

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

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

TRIVIA BINGO DJ NIGHT

TUESDAY

Team Trivia at Wild Wing Café

Johnson City TN

DJ Trivia at Union Street Taproom Erwin, TN 5pm

Trivia at The Corner Bar Bristol, VA 8pm

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

Trivia at Riverside Taphouse at South Fork Bluff City, TN 7:00pm

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

WEDNESDAY Bingo at Tipton Street Pub Johnson City, TN 9pm

Singo at Holy Taco & Cantina Boones Creek, TN 8pm Blazin’ Bingo at Mellow Mushroom Johnson City, TN 6pm

THURSDAY Bingo at Mellow Mushroom Bristol VA 6pm

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

Down

1. 406, once

2. Conks out

3. Early 20th century Chicago-based sculptor

4. More asinine

5. Dance craze of the 90's

6. Flower seed bearer

7. Flyer, for short

8. Brick hauler

9. Pick up the phone

10. Nonunion worker

11. Actress Sorvino

12. Shade trees

13. "Gee!"

19. Seen enough

24. Set a price

25. Mild, as weather

26. Alphabet openers

27. Rock's Van ___

28. Cutlet sources

29. Woof alternative

ACROSS

1. 451, once

5. Coffeehouse order

10. Air pollution

14. Celine of song

15. Plane, in Paris

16. Arrivederci

17. "Psycho" actress Miles

18. Classic TV game show of the 1970s

20. "No man ____ island.."

21. Circle section

22. Terre Haute's river

23. Hon

25. Four-poster

26. Start of "Mr. Ed"?

28. Builder's request

33. Certain flier

APQOFPQEUS XREC ECU ACPRAU, ECU BKUFRABQ IUPIJU XPTJS ACPPZU ECU IPJRAUKBQ'Z EFTQACUPQ PNUF ECU BQBFACRZE'Z YPKY.

34. Prepare to be knighted

36. Put your foot down

37. Clothed in

39. Amy of "Julie & Julia"

41. Disaster org.

42. Clear up, as a windshield

44. Egyptian pictograph

46. Hydroelectric facility

47. Rhapsodizes

49. Bronte and Post

51. Her, in Hamburg

52. "___ at 'em!"

53. With superficial plausibility

57. Cath. fraternal organization

58. "Boy, that was close!"

61. Birthday often celebrated in college

63. Wander

64. Venus de Milo's lack

65. Walloped, old-style

66. Norse name

67. Methods

68. Brass instruments

69. Fume

30. Eye, i.e.

31. Bar soap name

32. Dutch cheeses

35. Sidewalk trimmer

38. Cry from Homer Simpson

40. Orations

43. Court decision

45. Musing sound

48. Least effusive

50. Comedy style

52. Led Zeppelin's "Whole ___ Love"

53. Nibble, as on a bone

54. Italian bread?

55. "Waiter, there's a fly ____ soup!"

56. "I've Got a Secret" panelist Myerson

57. Door part

59. The Lemonheads lead singer

Dando

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

60. Warp crosser

62. Cassowary cousin Spiro

OF THE WEEK PETS

Zoe

My name is Zoe and I just had my 6th bday !!! I’m a shy girl looking for someone to cuddle with. I am good with other

cats and dogs but haven’t been around kids before.

Spayed, current on vaccines, microchipped. Bday 8-1-17.

Jessee

Hi, I’m Jessee! I”m a 2 yr old Hound/ Terrier mix. I was a stray and was apparently found on Jessee street, so that became my name. I love car rides, toys and playing in the kiddie pool with my friends. I am an energetic and playful girl, get along well with cats,

other dogs and older children. I only say older children because I am a lot of energy and I could knock someone over, spayed, current on vaccinations and microchipped. I am looking for a family to play with me and give me all the love!!!

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

423-239-5237 • 2061 Highway 75 Blountville, TN

Facebook: bridgehome

bridgehome.org

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

Last Week's Puzzle Answers

Sudoku Crossword

Cryptogram:

"A part of this strangeness of dress is that it links the biological body to the social being, and public to private."

Dropquote:

"Money may kindle, but it cannot by itself, and for very long, burn."

A Christmas Carol Auditions

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 7 AT 7:30 PM

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 AT 7:30 PM

BOOK BY DR. NANCY HAMBLEN ACUFF, TERRY HARKLEROAD, & SHARON CORT

JOHNSON CITY

SATURDAYS

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

FRIDAY AUG 11TH

Johnson City Love & Hiking

Date For Couples (Self-Guided)

7:00am at Willow Springs Park

Weekly YuGiOh Duel Night

6:00pm at CardFox

SATURDAY AUG 12TH

Johnson City Love & Hiking

Date For Couples (Self-Guided)

7:00am at Willow Springs Park

Johnson City Farmers Market

8:00am at Founders Park

Blue Ridge Artisan Days- Crafting

Away the Summertime Blues

9:00am at Freedom Hall

Local Artist Meetup 6:00pm at Create Appalachia Johnson City

Jonah: A Shadow Puppet Play

7:30pm at Lazy Lady Baking Co.

SUNDAY AUG 6TH

Hiking Date For Couples 7:00am at Willow Springs Park

BRISTOL

WEDNESDAY AUG 9TH

State Street Farmer's Market

2:00pm at Downtown Center

THINGS TO DO THINGS TO DO

Open Mic Nite 8:00pm at Blue Ridge Comedy Club

FRIDAY AUG 11TH

Jenny Zigrino 8:00pm at Blue Ridge Comedy Club

SATURDAY AUG 12TH

State Street Farmers Market

8:00am at Downtown Center

Board Game Night 5:00pm at Bristol Public Library

Jenny Zigrino 8:00pm, 10:00pm at Blue Ridge Comedy Club

KINGSPORT

THURSDAY AUG 10TH

IBN Biz Lunch 11:30am at Pratt's BBQ

SATURDAY AUG 12TH

Farmers Market 8:00am at Kingsport Farmer's Market

Record Breakers Powerlifting and Bench Press Championship

8:00am at MeadowView Center

Miss Kingsport/JC 2023 9:00am at Renaissance Arts Center

Nature: Wolf Howling

10:00am at Bays Mountain

Park & Planetarium

JONESBOROUGH

TUESDAYS

Jonesborough Storytelling Guild

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

SATURDAY AUG 12TH

Jonesborough Farmers Market 8:00am at Downtown Jonesborough

Historic Jonesborough

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

Old Jonesborough Cemetery Tours 2:30pm at Heritage Alliance

Summer Social in the Cemetery 6:00pm at Heritage Alliance

Crumley House Polynesian Beach Party 6:00pm at Cherokee Creek Farm

ABINGDON, VA

WEDNESDAY AUG 9TH

Bingo 5:00pm at Abingdon Community Center

FRIDAY AUG 11TH

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

SUNDAY AUG 13TH

Bingo 5:00pm at Abingdon Community Center

ELIZABETHTON

WEDNESDAY AUG 9TH

IBN Biz Lunch 11:30am at The Black Olive

FRIDAY AUG 11TH

Carter County Car Club Cruise In 5:00pm on Elk Avenue

WOOD FIRED PIZZA. BURGERS. DRINKS. & FUN.

Biker Events

sponsored by biker wear

Useless Facts:

1.There is a metallic asteroid shaped like a dog bone named “Kleopatra.”

2. A “jiffy” is about one trillionth of a second.

3. The cigarette lighter was invented before the match.

4. Dragonflies have six legs but can’t walk.

5. It’s possible to lead a cow upstairs… but not downstairs.

6. Pope John Paul II was an honorary Harlem Globetrotter.

7. Mulan has the highest kill-count of any Disney character.

8. 3.6 cans of Spam are consumed each second.

9. The average American looks at eight houses before buying one.

10. Most pandas in the world are on loan from China.

11. A snail can sleep for three years.

12. Your stomach produces a new layer of mucus every two weeks so that it doesn’t digest itself.

13. Right-handed people, on average, live nine years longer than left handed people.

14. Women have more tastebuds than men.

15. Women see more colors than men.

Local Events:

1. Great Smokey MTN. Jeep Invasion August 23rd – 27th Pigeon Forge

2. Annual Tree Street Yard Sale August 26th

3. 3rd Annual Bike Wash, Bike Show, Audio Competition August 26th 11am at Tulips

4. 1st Annual First Freewill Baptist Church Bike & Car Show 10am – 4pm Sept. 2nd Johnson City, TN

5. Rhythm & Roots Sept 8th – 10th

TUES. Aug 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd & 29th

BRIM & MARCI LEAL

WED.Aug 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd & 30th

HB BEVERLY

THUR. Aug 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th & 31st

JUSTIN MYCHALS HAPPY

6. Bristol Race Sept 15th – 17th

7. Biker Wear & Jericho Bike Wash, Bike Show Sept 17th at Biker Wear

Bike Night:

1. Wednesday – 19E Pit Stop

2. Wednesday – Jonesboro VFW – Dog Tags

3. Thursday - Quaker Steak & Lube

4. Friday – Tulips

5. Greenville Peacemakers Bike Night August 5th Greenville Club House

Rides:

1. Suicide Prevention Poker Run August 26th

2. Tri-Cities Takeover August 27th

Rallies:

1. 30th Anniversary 4 Corners Bike Rally Aug. 31st – Sept 4th Durango & Ignacio, Colorado

2. Thunder In The Smokies Sept 8th – 10th Maggie Valley NC

Beanz Biker Corner Beanz Biker Corner

Hello my fellow riders. Hoping you and your families are having a great summer. Please stay safe watch out for other riders and those who are in the cage. The motorcycle has long been synonymous with disenfranchised youth. The influential 1953 film The Wild One, which starred Marlon Brando as the young leader of a California biker gang, helped permanently shape the look and attitude of the pop-culture motorcyclist. Given the film's success, it was only a matter of time before record labels took notice. In 1955, the classic songwriting duo Lieber and Stoller penned the Cheers' "Black Denim Trousers and Motorcycle Boots," a song inspired by biker culture. Despite being about a motorcyclist who crashes his bike into a diesel truck, the song became a worldwide smash single, and the "teenage tragedy song" was born. Singles like Wayne Cochran's "Last Kiss" and Jan and Dean's "Dead Man's Curve" maintained this sad pop genre's

Beanz Biker Corner

By Anne Hartley

423-297-5675

popularity, but the teenage tragedy song really hit its peak in 1964 with the Shangri-La's legendary "Leader of the Pack." But not all songs about riding a motorcycle are so sad. Bikers and riders are a unique breed. We love the freedom, independence of the open road, and of course, we love their bikes. Something about a motorcycle captures the imagination and inspires passion like nothing else. Whether it’s the thundering sound of the engine or the wind in your hair, there’s nothing quite like riding a bike or listening to songs about motorcycles. If you’re a biker or rider, then you know the feeling that comes with biking songs. And if you’re not, then you probably envy us. Steppenwolf’s classic biker anthem “Born to Be Wild” is a must for anyone’s motorcycle playlist. If you’ve ever heard it blasting out of the open windows of an old Harley, then you understand why this needs to be in your library. The song perfectly captures the spirit of riding and freedom. The songs about motorcycles are all about the joys of riding and being on the open road. Willie Nelson “On The Road Again” sings about the simple pleasures of life and how they can be found while traveling on your motorcycle. He sings that life without care is ‘just around the bend.’ Also, the song’s guitar solo is phenomenal, making it one of the best riding songs ever. Bruce Springsteen is the ultimate biker singer. His song is all about the power and freedom of the open road. The lyrics talk about the ‘wind in your hair and how ‘nothing can stop you now. It’s one of the perfect songs about motorcycles and riders who crave adventure and freedom. He released ‘Thunder Road’ in 1978, and it has become an all-time motorcycle classic. Christopher Cross sings about the pleasures of riding a motorcycle. ‘Ride like the

wind,’ he sings as his voice echoes across the open road. The song is all about how wonderful it feels to ride on a sunny day with nothing to stop you from reaching your destination. It gives you a feeling of freedom and independence that’s hard to find anywhere else.

Tom Cochrane ‘s ‘life is a highway’ and riders love to live their life on it. The artist sings about riding his motorcycle with the wind in his hair and how good it feels. It’s the perfect anthem for anyone who loves to be on the road and explore new horizons. This song is all about the freedom of the

open road. Tom Cochrane sings about how life is a highway and riders can ‘take it to the limit one more time.’ It’s a song for those who cherish moments while the strong wind blows through their hair as they speed off on their bikes. This is just a few of the songs that should always be on your play list when you are riding the open roads with your knees in the breeze.

Whether you’re a hardcore biker or just a casual rider, songs about bikers will get your heart racing. So put on your favorite helmet and hit the open road.

Social Sentiments

By Wendy Hayden socialsentiments @outlook.com socialsentiments.net

Misaligned Values

What do you do when your values differ from that of the rest of your company?

A difference of opinion can be frustrating, but there are several solutions.

Have a talk with the rest of your staff. Expressing all viewpoints will bring ideas that may not have been thought of. Brainstorm ideas on how to come to a solution that will bring the best outcome.

Stepping away from the situation may help clear your mind and see things from another perspective, or at least calm a heated situation. Take at least a ten minute break from everyone involved and revisit the issue when you

feel refreshed.

Research the issue to see if there may be any information you’re missing. Incomplete information may change the way the issue is perceived.Bring each piece of researched information to the table to make the most informed decision.

Misaligned values aren’t necessarily a recipe for disaster. When approached with caution, they can turn a difference of opinion into an educational experience.

Bert Street Concert Series Lineup Announced

The band lineup for the 2023 Bert Street Concert Series will offer a mix of the area’s top talent in a comfortable, family friendly setting. The concerts will be held Fridays from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Memorial Park Community Center amphitheater, 510 Bert St., Johnson City.

Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets or folding chairs to relax on the amphitheater’s tiered seating area. The location provides easy access to free parking at Memorial Park Community Center. Attendees who park at the community center should make their way to thae rear of the building near the pickleball courts. Parking is also available at the Municipal and Safety Building, 601 E. Main St.

“The Bert Street concerts are a fun and free way to spend an evening,” said Promotions and Events Coordinator Tayler Dixon. “Musicians enjoy performing in the amphitheater as it gives them an opportunity to engage with the crowd. Attendees love it because they can dance along or sit back and relax.”

This year, the concert series includes a kid zone and the Tri-Cities Roadhouse food truck.

The programming is free and open to all ages.

This year’s concert schedule is as follows:

Friday, Aug. 4 — Luke Whittaker

Friday, Aug. 11 — The Polo Shirts

Friday, Aug. 25 — Charlie Maples

Friday, Sept. 1 — Florencia & the Feeling

For more information call 423-283-5827.

September 22 7:30 pm

September 22 7:30 pm

September 23 7:30 pm

September 23 7:30 pm

September 24 2:30 pm

September 24 2:30

September 29 7:30 pm 29 7:30 pm

September 30 7:30 pm

September 30 7:30 pm

October 1 2:30 pm

October 1 2:30 pm

Music by Richard Rodgers by Rodgers

Book & lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II lyrics by II

Original choreography by Agnes de Mille Original choreography Agnes de Based on the play "Green Grow the Lilacs" by Lynn Riggs on the Lilacs" by Lynn Riggs

Marques Puckett performs for the crowd during the 2022 Bert Street series.

It’s true what they say: with age comes wisdom.

Regarding being wiser within relationships, I believe it to be a combination of age, experience and self-respect. It might seem outlandish that a person who has remained romantically single for over 5 years and has whittled her friend group down to less than a handful would be proud of those numbers, but for me it’s a sign of growth and raising my standards. In looking back over the years at the things I tolerated and accepted that ultimately stunted my personal growth for the sake of companionship, a small circle of friends and being self-sufficient is far better than the alternative.

Single Standards

The idea for this article came to me as I was paying my monthly expenses. Each pay period, I go ahead and pay up all my bills that fall within that cycle, that way I can budget what is leftover accordingly and know I’ve covered the must have’s before spending on something frivolous. As I sat here watching my bank account dwindle, I strangely felt a sense of pride. While it doesn’t feel great to hand out my hardearned money to property managers, Verizon and Citi Bank month after month, it does feel good to know I alone am able to handle my business. I’ve built a lifestyle I enjoy and don’t have to rely on anyone else to expense it, which comes with the luxury of not having to tolerate anything that brings aggravation to my life. Becoming self-sufficient has empowered me because now I know my worth and treat my relationships like any other investment; is it going to add value to what I currently have or is it going to drive my stock down?

In my potential romantic relationships, I’ve created a mental list of questions that I tick off as I get to know someone. I live an amazing, fulfilling and busy life. For me to allow someone to disrupt that, they are going to have to be able to offer an enhancement, something better than what I’m currently giving myself. If they can’tor worse - they subtract from my current joy, why would I bother?

For example, I love my home space. I love the location, the neighborhood, the city. Within my home, nothing brings me greater joy than keeping it tidy and smelling good, furnished with whites and pastels, and free from clutter. I revel in the fact I get to watch unlimited Golden Girls any time I want, I can eat cold pasta in front of the fridge in my underwear with abandon, and I get 9 hours of uninterrupted sleep with my little dog like a starfish in the middle of my all-white bed. If I become involved with someone, they are going to disrupt this thing

that brings me so much happiness. It might be a positive disruption, like they could be someone to snuggle with or turn me on to a new favorite show, or teach me to cook something new. But it also could be a negative disruption; they might snore all night, leave water and toothpaste all over the bathroom sink, or eat all my groceries. That devalues my life, brings me more work and headache, so why would I bother? As I get to know someone I must ask, if I already love my home this much why should I let you in if you’re not going to give me something I don’t already have? Are you going to be neat and respectful of my space or even clean? Down the road, can you offer me a nicer or larger home than I can offer myself? Are you going to help me sleep better at night or are you going to keep me awake with tossing and turning or worse, with anxiety? If you’re not adding value to my home, you have to go because you’re driving down the market average.

I also have enough experience under my belt to know I’ve endured the most painful moments of my life alone and survived. I don’t need a shoulder to cry on; sure it would be nice, but its not necessary. So looking down the road to things that I might face – aging parents, inflation, unexpected job loss, illness, an alien invasion - are you going to alleviate stress during these hardships, or are you going to add to them? Will you stand by me at my lowest point or are you going to dip out and save yourself? If you’re not going to be of assistance when the going gets tough, you’ve got to get going.

Even with friendships, I no longer have the energy to invest into dead end situations that are holding me back. Sadly, people grow at different rates, down different paths, and sometimes those paths come to a fork and you must go separate ways. If your goals don’t align with mine, if our futures don’t look similar, if you’re not working as hard or harder than me for big

by Kathie Scalf

things, it is only going to hold me back. I’ve had to learn the hard way that you can’t want health and happiness for someone more than they want it for themselves, so you have to release it, or it will consume your life too. You’re the sum total of the 5 people you spend the most time with; look around and if they aren’t living the life you want, why are you immersing yourself in it?

I suggest that every single woman I know curate the same list for herself, even write it down to remind yourself that YOU are an asset. YOU are your biggest and best investment. Stop devaluing yourself by tolerating things that subtract joy from your life just to have companionship. Build a life all on your own that makes you so happy, you don’t even notice if someone is there to enjoy it with you. It will make you very selective in who you grant access to and serve for higher quality partners and friends in the future.

XO - Kathie

The Flash

For those unfamiliar with the comic book world, the character or The Flash first appeared in comics in 1939, so like Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman he has been around for years. The Flash possesses super speed which includes the ability to run, think, and move extremely fast. Flash can also violate various laws of physics, and his powers came about one night in a lab where he was hit by lightning and doused with chemicals which resulted in his superspeed. In his history there have been at least five different characters who have portrayed the character, but in the recently ended television incarnation and the big screen version, Barry Allen has been The Flash. He is one of DC Comics most popular characters and made his first big screen appearances in "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice" and the later "Justice League" film, of which there are two versions. Actor Ezra Miller is Flash in the cinematic universe and returns to the role in the current film "The Flash". The film is set after the "Justice League" film and begins with Barry being contacted by Batman (Ben Affleck) to hurry to Gotham City to help with a crisis. When he arrives in Gotham, he is confronted with a collapsing hospital and despite a daunting challenge, is able to help save the day and help Batman. While in Gotham another hero

Pop Life

By Ken Silvers

theloaferonlineprint

@gmail.com

makes a surprise appearance which will delight fans. After dealing with the crisis in Gotham, Barry visits his childhood home where he relives his Mom's murder and his father's imprisonment for her murder, of which he is actually not responsible for. His memories accidently cause him to travel back in time of which he confesses to Bruce, who warns him time travel is dangerous and can cause potential chaos. Despite Bruce's warnings, Barry travels back in time to prevent the death of his mom, and when he attempts to travel back to the current day, he is knocked out of the Speed Force (an extradimensional energy source) and lands in an alternate 2013 where his mom Nora (Maribel Verdu) is still alive. He awkwardly greets his mom and dad Henry (Ron Livingston) and soon sees his younger self, and realizes he has arrived on the day he originally received his powers. The younger Barry in this dimension is still in college, and the older Barry has to take him to the laboratory where he must force him to be in the place where he will be hit by lightning in order to gain his superpowers. When the younger Barry gets his powers, the older Barry is accidentally hit by the same lightning bolt and loses his powers. When he is in the year 2013, the Earth is invaded by General Zod (Michael Shannon) of Krypton, and the older Barry realizes they need the help of Superman. Does Superman exist on this Earth? He doesn't but the duo find out his cousin Kara Zor-El (Sasha Calle) does, and with the help of the Batman of this world (the return of Michael Keaton!), they rescue the girl of steel and set out in an attempt to defeat the invading General Zod and his forces. The battle against Zod and his forces is intense, and all does not end as expected for our heroes. After all his messing around with the timeline, Barry eventually makes it back to 2023, but not after several tragedies. Barry thinks all is well and back to normal until he meets up with

Bruce Wayne again.The film ends here, leaving us wanting more, so hopefully there will be a sequel. The film only has one post credits scene, and it's at the very end so don't leave early. I can't say enough about the performance of Miller, who excels at playing older and younger versions of himself, and the effects for this are amazing. At times Ezra’s performance is heartbreaking, and I'll admit to shedding a few tears at various points in the film. It was also worth the price of admission to see Michael Keaton once again portray Batman, the role he first played in 1989. Keaton comfortably steps into the role effortlessly as if he had never taken off the costume. This is also supposedly the last time we will

see Affleck as Batman, and he left us with some memorable scenes. The film has some surprising cameos, and during one of the time travel segments features characters from DC's past. Despite all the action, humor and tears, the heart of the film is a son's love for his mother, and how he needs to learn to let go of the past. I encourage you to place "The Flash" on your must see summer movie list, and see it on the largest screen possible. This film is pure fun in epic proportions. Now playing in theaters. (Rated PG-13)

Bristol

BRISTOL TN/VA

PARAMOUNT

Jul 29 Journeyman: Tribute to Eric Clapton

Aug 12 Yellow Brick RoadTribute to Elton John

Aug 15 Jimmie Vaughan

Aug 18 Everclear

Sept 13 Ben Folds

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

Oct 14 Lady SupremeTribute to Diana Ross

Nov 4 James Gregory

Nov 9 Gaelic Storm

Nov 10 Kathy Mattea

Nov 11 Chi-Town Transit AuthorityTribute to Chicago

Nov 15 Henry Rollins

Nov 19 Joan Osborne

CAMEO THEATER

Aug 17 Foghat

Aug 22 Arrival From Sweden: The Music of Abba

Oct 4 Shovels & Rope

Nov 11 Bellamy Brothers

Dec 2 The Wizards of Winter

BRISTOL RHYTHM & ROOTS REUNION

Sep 8-10 Nickel Creek, Margo Price, Bruce Hornsby and the Noisemakers, Watchhouse, The Mavericks, 49 Winchester, Larkin Poe, Marty Stuart and his Fabulous Superlatives and more

JOHNSON CITY

JOHNSON CITY TN

FREEDOM HALL

Aug 19 I Love The 90’s Tour with Vanilla Ice, Rob Base, Color Me Badd, All 4 One and Young MC

Nov 1 Foreigner

Dec 1 Keith Anderson

Dec 2 Theory of a Dead Man and Skillet

MARTIN CENTER FOR THE ARTS

Sep 8 The Black Jacket Symphony: Saturday Night Fever

Sep 20 Daniel Tosh

CONCERT SCHEDULE CONCERT SCHEDULE

GRAY TN

APPALACHIAN FAIRGROUNDS

Aug 21 Zach Williams

Aug 22 Joe Nichols

Aug 23 Scotty McCreery

Aug 24 Travis Denning and Chayce Beckham

Aug 25 Josh Turner

Aug 26 Elle King

GREENVILLE

GREENVILLE TN

NISWONGER PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

Aug 20 Diamond Rio

Aug 27 The Four Tops (3pm)

Sep 12 Artrageous

Sep 23 Creedence Revived

Sep 30 Switchfoot

Oct 1 Etta May & The Southern Fried Chicks

Oct 14 Shenandoah

Oct 28 Firehouse

Knoxville

KNOXVILLE TN

TENNESSEE THEATRE

Aug 15 Lyle Lovett and His Large Band

Aug 16 Cinderella’s Tom Keifer Band

Aug 18 Kansas

Aug 31 Gladys Knight

Sep 14 Wayne Newton

Sep 18 Daniel Tosh

Sep 26 Chicago

Sep 28 Tanya Tucker

Oct 26 Lewis Black

THOMPSON BOWLING ARENA

Jul 29 The Chicks

Sept 12 Guns n Roses

Sep 22 Koe Wetzel

Sep 27 Nickelback with Brantley Gilbert & Josh Ross

Oct 6 Elevation Worship & Steven Furtick

Oct 16 Shania Twain

Nov 3 Tool

Nov 24 Kiss: End of the Road Tour

Dec 8 Lauren Daigle

KNOXVILLE CIVIC COLISEUM

Aug 24 Billy Strings

Aug 31 Hardy

Sep 14 Parker McCollum

Sep 28 Jon Pardi

Dec 1 & 3 Nate Bargatze

KNOXVILLE CIVIC AUDITORIUM:

Sep 24 Joy Koy

Sep 29 Crowder

BIJOU THEATRE

Aug 11 /12 The Steeldrivers

Aug 23 Devon Allman & Donavon Frankenreiter

Aug 25 The War and The Treaty

Aug 4 The Wallflowers

Oct 7 Henry Cho

Oct 8 Mike Campbell & The Dirty Knobs

Oct 10 Brad Upton

Nov 13 Graham Nash

Nashville

NASHVILLE TN

RYMAN AUDITORIUM

Aug 9 The Turtles, Gary Puckett and the Union Gap, The Cowsills

Aug 14 Counting Crows

Aug 7 Sara Evans

Aug 19 Kansas

Aug 29 & 30 LeAnn Morgan

Sep 4 & 6 Nickel Creek

Sep 17 Squeeze and the Psychedelic Furs (Grand Ole Opry)

Sep 17 Macklemore

Sep 24 Ringo Starr and his All Starr Band

Sep 28 Switchfoot

Sep 29 & 30 Little Feat

ASCEND AMPHITHEATER

Aug 18 3 Doors Down

Aug 19 Queens of the Stone Age

Aug 27 Ghost

Sep 5 Cypress Hill

Sep 12 /13 Artic Monkeys

BRIDGESTONE ARENA

Aug 1 Nickelback

Aug 12 Luke Bryan

Sep 12 Alice Cooper and Rob Zombie

Sep 20 Wu-Tang Clan

Sep 22 Avenged Sevenfold

Sep 29 Thomas Rhett

Oct 1 & 2 Drake

Oct 6-8 Phish

Oct 9 Jonas Brothers

Oct 11 John Mayer

Oct 19 Depeche Mode

Oct 23 Kiss End of the Road

Oct 25 Queen & Adam Lambert

BROOKLYN BOWL

Aug 25 The Dirty Gov’nahs

Oct 19 Phillip Phillips

Oct 31 Here Come the Mummies

Dec 9 49 Winchester

GEODIS PARK

Aug 26 Guns n Roses

Sep 22 Pink with Brandi Carlile & Grouplove

BROWN COUNTY MUSIC CENTER

Aug 2 Boz Scaggs

Aug 18 Steve Earle

Aug 19 Don McLean

Aug 20 Jimmie Vaughn and the Tilt-A-Whirl Band

Aug 24 Aaron Tippin, Sammy Kershaw and Colin Raye

Sep 7 Everclear

Sep 8 Grand Funk Railroad

Sep 9 Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder

Sep 16 Warrant, Lita Ford and Bullet Boys

Sep 20 Tanya Tucker

Sep 21 Beth Hart

Sep 22 Squeeze and the Psychedelic Furs

Sep 30 Rodney Carrington

NASHVILLE MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM

Aug 25 The All-American Rejects

Oct 10 Three Days Grace and Chevelle

Oct 26 -28 Hardy with Lainey Wilson

Beech Mountain

BEECH MOUNTAIN NC

BEECH MTN SUMMER SERIES:

Jul 30 My Morning Jacket

Hampton va

HAMPTON VA

HAMPTON COLISEUM

Dec 8 & 9 Goose

GRAY

A House Full of Three-Wicks

They opened a Bath and Body Works near my house. It’s changed things for me. I’ve always enjoyed their candles, their three wicks can’t be beat when it comes to Halloween and Christmas. Ordering candles for those seasons has been a part of my seasonal tradition for a while now. As I get older I don’t like going to the mall as much as I did when I was younger,

I’m comfortably and happily aging into my “old man yells at cloud” stage of life.

However, this new store is not in a mall, it’s in a shopping center. I can go and investigate candles in peace. This has changed things for me. I don’t order online from them as much as I once did, and now I find that I’m going to the store at least once or twice a month to get candles. It’s a snowball, really. It began with candles and now I’ve added hand soaps into the mix. My non-existent wife, Sheila, typically just buys whatever dial is on sale and puts it in the bathrooms of our home.

It began with some soaps being on sale. $4 for soap that smells like a blue raspberry snow cone? Perfect for July! Slowly, I began to replace all the dial soaps in the house with various scents. Sheila didn’t notice

at first. But when all 27 bathrooms in our home had the soaps changed out, she began to suspect something was up. The soap wasn’t that big a deal. Sheila was more surprised I had bought enough to fill up all of our bathrooms with new soaps.

It was the three-wick candles where things began to take a turn. There were always a few in that one hall closet where we keep our linens. You know the one. It has that top shelf that’s a sort of “catch-all” for other home things that you’re not quite sure where else to put them. We also kept the extra tubes of Toothpaste there. That kind of spot. It’s where we’d store extra scented candles. We have always had a few on hand. They’re so pleasant and help set a wonderful mood when you’re having company over.

You see I signed up for the sales emails. So now I know when the things I like the most are going to be on sale. One day, Sheila went to that hall closet to put away some toothpaste she had bought for future use, only to open the closet and find it full of three-wick candles from Bath and Body Works. She was taken

slightly aback by this discovery.

“Oh, maybe Andy moved all the candles into one closet?” She later told me she thought to herself upon seeing this sight.

Undaunted by this, Sheila went into our kitchen and decided to put the extra toothpaste in our medicine cupboard. Sheila opened the cupboard door and was now very surprised to see it too was full of three-wick candles from Bath and Body Works. A sinking feeling washed over her, with trepidation and unease, Sheila walked over to another cabinet in the kitchen and opened it. It was full of candles. She went to another door, where we usually keep baking supplies. Candles. Sheila then began to frantically run to every closet and/ or storage cabinet in our home to find them all full of three-wick candles from Bath and Body Works. Shiela was now in a panic. How much money had I spent on candles? Where was all our stuff? Did I toss it all into a dumpster somewhere? Shelia also wasn’t sure where I was in the house when suddenly she was hit by the very

strong aroma of “Sweater Weather.” Sheila followed her nose and it led her down to the basement. The lights were off down there, but she had no trouble finding her way down the stairs as the room was full of light coming from 30 three-wick “Sweater Weather” candles. I was sitting in the center of all this, on the floor, my eyes closed, saying over and over “I am the fall. I am the fall.” Sheila turned on the lights and asked what in the world was going on?

I revealed to her all of our cabinet possessions were out in the garage, I hadn’t tossed them. I also showed her how much money I had saved buying all these candles on sale. It didn’t impress her, she made me return all the ones I hadn’t lit. Sheila now goes with me each time I go by Bath and Body Works. I’m just glad to have regained enough trust from her that she no longer puts the shock collar on me before we go in the store. See you next week.

By Andy Ross theloaferonlineprint @gmail.com