The Loafer 3/29/11 Edition

(For details, see page 3)

Page 2, The Loafer • March 29, 2011

March 29, 2011 • The Loafer, Page 3

March 29, 2011 Volume 25, Issue 16

Publisher - Bill Williams Editor - Mike Clark Office Manager - Luci Tate Cover Design - Bill May Graphic Arts Director - Don Sprinkle Photography - Mark Marquette

NOT CANCELLED!!

Contributing Staff Jim Kelly, Andy Ross, Ken Silvers, Mark Marquette, Pat Bussard Advertising Dave Carter, Akey Kincaid, Mark Marquette, Andrea Morgan, Chris McCormick, Lisa Lyons

http://survivejohnsoncity.wordpress.com/

Published by Creative Publishing, Inc., P.O. Box 3596, Johnson City, TN 37602 Phone: 423/283-4324 FAX - 423/283-4369 www.theloaferonline.com e-mail: loaferboss@gmail.com (editorial) theloafer@charter.net (advertising) 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 loss of 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.

April Fool’s!

Survive Johnson City will be the city’s first ever large scale game of zombie tag and is so far estimated to attract 6,000 people to downtown Johnson City, Tennessee.

The game will begin at 8pm on April 1st with players departing the starting area in an attempt to make it to six checkpoints without being tagged and becoming zombies themselves. We’ll also be making a formal attempt to break the Guinness world record for the largest game of tag ever played. This event is free for all attendees and all ages are welcome

Classic Covers: The Bill May Collection This is one of my favorite covers of all-time .... NOT! April Fool! What the heck was I thinking that day!!! This is one of the most awful covers I have ever created. I hate having it even seeing light of day for April Fool’s but oh well! I won’t let that happen again ... I hope!

This April Fool’s cover is on the Survive Johnson City Event, which is not cancelled (or even cancled, as our bonus April Fool states)! If you need details on this fun event, visit http://survivejohnsoncity.wordpress.com/ For Notes of Interest, visit www.theloaferonline.com, and download this week’s issue.

In honor of April ool’s Day, here’s the top 0 April Fools’ hoaxes in history: #1: 1957 - The Swiss Spaghetti arvest: The respected BBC news show anorama announced that thanks to a ery mild winter and the virtual elimiation of the dreaded spaghetti weevil, wiss farmers were enjoying a bumper paghetti crop. It accompanied this anouncement with footage of Swiss peasnts pulling strands of spaghetti down rom trees. Huge numbers of viewers ere taken in. Many called the BBC anting to know how they could grow heir own spaghetti tree. To this the BBC iplomatically replied, “place a sprig of paghetti in a tin of tomato sauce and ope for the best.” #2: 1985 - Sidd Finch: Sports Ilstrated published a story about a new ookie pitcher who planned to play for he Mets. His name was Sidd Finch, and e could reportedly throw a baseball at 68 mph with pinpoint accuracy. This as 65 mph faster than the previous ecord. Surprisingly, Sidd Finch had ever even played the game before. nstead, he had mastered the “art of the itch” in a Tibetan monastery under he guidance of the “great poet-saint ama Milaraspa.” Mets fans celebrated heir teams’ amazing luck at having ound such a gifted player, and Sports llustrated was flooded with requests or more information. In reality this gendary player only existed in the

imagination of the author of the article, George Plimpton. #3: 1962 - Instant Color TV: In 1962 there was only one tv channel in Sweden, and it broadcast in black and white. The station’s technical expert, Kjell Stensson, appeared on the news to announce that, thanks to a new technology, viewers could convert their existing sets to display color reception. All they had to do was pull a nylon stocking over their tv screen. Stensson proceeded to demonstrate the process. Thousands of people were taken in. Regular color broadcasts only commenced in Sweden on April 1, 1970. #4: 1996 - The Taco Liberty Bell: The Taco Bell Corporation announced it had bought the Liberty Bell and was renaming it the Taco Liberty Bell. Hundreds of outraged citizens called the National Historic Park in Philadelphia where the bell was housed to express their anger. Their nerves were only calmed when Taco Bell revealed, a few hours later, that it was all a practical joke. The best line of the day came when White House press secretary Mike McCurry was asked about the sale. Thinking on his feet, he responded that the Lincoln Memorial had also been sold. It would now be known, he said, as the Ford Lincoln Mercury Memorial. #5: 1977 - San Serriffe: The British newspaper The Guardian published a special seven-page supplement devoted to San Serriffe, a small republic said to consist of several semi-colon-shaped islands located in the Indian Ocean. A

series of articles affectionately described the geography and culture of this obscure nation. Its two main islands were named Upper Caisse and Lower Caisse. Its capital was Bodoni, and its leader was General Pica. The Guardian’s phones rang all day as readers sought more information about the idyllic holiday spot. Only a few noticed that everything about the island was named after printer’s terminology. The success of this hoax is widely credited with launching the enthusiasm for April Foolery that gripped the British tabloids in subsequent decades. #6: 1992 - Nixon for President: National Public Radio’s Talk of the Nation program announced that Richard Nixon, in a surprise move, was running for President again. His new campaign slogan was, “I didn’t do anything wrong, and I won’t do it again.” Accompanying this announcement were audio clips of Nixon delivering his candidacy speech. Listeners responded viscerally to the announcement, flooding the show with calls expressing shock and outrage.

Only during the second half of the show did the host John Hockenberry reveal that the announcement was a practical joke. Nixon’s voice was impersonated by comedian Rich Little. #7: 1998 - Alabama Changes the Value of Pi: The April 1998 issue of the New Mexicans for Science and Reason newsletter contained an article claiming that the Alabama state legislature had voted to change the value of the mathematical constant pi from 3.14159 to the ‘Biblical value’ of 3.0. Soon the article

made its way onto the internet, and then it rapidly spread around the world, forwarded by email. It only became apparent how far the article had spread when the Alabama legislature began receiving hundreds of calls from people protesting the legislation. The original article, which was intended as a parody of legislative attempts to circumscribe the teaching of evolution, was written by physicist Mark Boslough. #8: 1998 - The Left-Handed Whopper: Burger King published a full page advertisement in USA Today announcing the introduction of a new item to their menu: a “Left-Handed Whopper” specially designed for the 32 million left-handed Americans. According to the advertisement, the new whopper included the same ingredients as the original Whopper (lettuce, tomato, hamburger patty, etc.), but all the condiments were rotated 180 degrees for the benefit of their left-handed customers.

The following day Burger King issued a follow-up release revealing that although the Left-Handed Whopper was a hoax, thousands of customers had gone into restaurants to request the new sandwich. Simultaneously, according to the press release, “many others requested their own ‘right handed’ version.” #9: 1995 - Hotheaded Naked Ice Borers: Discover Magazine reported that the highly respected wildlife biologist Dr. Aprile Pazzo had found a new species in Antarctica: the hotheaded naked ice borer. These fascinating creatures had bony plates on their heads that, fed

by numerous blood vessels, could become burning hot, allowing the animals to bore through ice at high speeds. They used this ability to hunt penguins, melting the ice beneath the penguins and causing them to sink downwards into the resulting slush where the hotheads consumed them. After much research, Dr. Pazzo theorized that the hotheads might have been responsible for the mysterious disappearance of noted Antarctic explorer Philippe Poisson in 1837. “To the ice borers, he would have looked like a penguin,” the article quoted her as saying. Discover received more mail in response to this article than they had received for any other article in their history. #10: 1976 - Planetary Alignment Decreases Gravity: The British astronomer Patrick Moore announced on BBC Radio 2 that at 9:47 AM a once-in-a-lifetime astronomical event was going to occur that listeners could experience in their very own homes. The planet Pluto would pass behind Jupiter, temporarily causing a gravitational alignment that would counteract and lessen the Earth’s own gravity. Moore told his listeners that if they jumped in the air at the exact moment that this planetary alignment occurred, they would experience a strange floating sensation. When 9:47 AM arrived, BBC2 began to receive hundreds of phone calls from listeners claiming to have felt the sensation. One woman even reported that she and her eleven friends had risen from their chairs and floated around the room.

Page 4, The Loafer • March 29, 2011

March 29, 2011 • The Loafer, Page 5

The Foreigner Visits the Blue Moon

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Betty Meek’s fishing lodge in rural Georgia is a sleepy little place, until Charlie Baker shows up, speaking a strange language and claiming to understand no English.

Come downtown Johnson City and see what happens next on stage at the Blue Moon Dinner Theatre.

Blue Moon Dinner Theatre opens The Foreigner on April 2, and will run until May 8.

An evening with the Blue Moon begins with a candlelit meal followed by a live performance of a play or musical.

The Blue Moon Dinner Theatre is located in downtown Johnson City at 215 East Main Street.

Reservations can be made by visiting Blue Moon online at www.

BlueMoonDinnerTheatre.com or by calling 423-232-1350. The Foreigner is rated PG. Many nights are already sold out, so call or go online for available evenings.

Set in a resort-style fishing lodge in rural Georgia, The Foreigner revolves around two of its guests, Englishman Charlie Baker (Thomas Townsend) and Staff Sergeant Froggy LeSueur (Angus Walton).

Charlie is so pathologically shy that he is unable to speak to strangers. As way of explanation, Froggy claims his companion is the native of an exotic country who does not understand a word of English.

Before long, Charlie finds himself privy to assorted secrets and scandals freely discussed in front of him by the other visitors.

These include spoiled but introspective heiress and Southern belle

Catherine Simms (Kallie Gay) and the man to whom she is somewhat reluctantly engaged, the Reverend David Lee (Jim Andes), a seemingly humble preacher.

Her younger brother, Ellard (Gus Arden/Frankie Martinez), tries to teach Charlie how to speak English.

Owen Musser (Larry Bunton), the newly-elected county property inspector, plans to oust property owner Betty Meeks (Debbie Shoun) and convert the lodge into a meeting place for a “Christian Hunt Club”. Charlie discovers hilarious and touching lessons about himself as he stumbles to solve everyone else’s problems.

“The Foreigner has been one of our most requested comedies here at the Blue Moon and we like to give the audience what they want” says Artistic Director Edward Breese. “Our cast does a wonderful job at bringing out the laughs in this show without ignoring the authors desire to leave the audience with a lesson about people and how they relate to one another.”

The menu for The Foreigner begins with a “Blasney Blasney” meatball appetizer, followed by a main course of Chicken Cordon Bleu served with mashed potatoes, a tasty vegetable medley, and a dinner roll. For dessert the Blue Moon will be serving up a decadent hot

fudge brownie a la mode. Vegetarian meals can be substituted at no additional cost with forty-eight (48) hours notice. Vegan meals, Salmon Fillet, and Fillet Mignon are also available for an added cost with forty-eight (48) hours notice. Most meal allergies can be accommodated with forty-eight (48) hours notice. Gourmet cakes and roses are also available for purchase.

For The Foreigner, performances are scheduled on select Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, with other dates available by special arrangement. The theatre opens at 6 o’clock for evening performances, dinner service begins at 6:30 p.m., and the performance begins at 7:30 p.m. For Sunday matinees on April 14 and May 8, doors open at 1 p.m., dinner service begins immediately and features a limited menu, and curtain is at 2 p.m.

Ticket prices for the special Sunday matinees are $33 and include tax and gratuity. Tickets for all other dinner and performances are $39.99 plus tax. Dessert & Show tickets and Show Only tickets are available as well. For complete information and reservations, visit the website at www.BlueMoonDinnerTheatre.com or call (423) 2321350 for tickets or information on group discounts.

Page 6, The Loafer • March 29, 2011

Who Can Take A Sunrise, Sprinkle it with Dew, Cover it with Chocolate and a Miracle Or Two? The Candy Man Can! Everyone’s favorite Candy Man, Willy Wonka will be appearing in March and April at the Paramount Center for the Arts as part of Theatre Bristol’s 45th Anniversary Season.

Willy Wonka is the stage adaptation of the timeless story of the world famous candy man and his quest to find an heir.

Willy Wonka features songs from the classic family film Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.

The memorable score showcases The Candy Man, Pure Imagination, Oompa Loompa and I Want it Now! by academy and Grammy award winners Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley.

School performances of Willy Wonka are March 24, 25, 31 and April 1 at 9:30 and 11:30 a.m. Reservations for school performances may be made by calling Theatre Bristol 423.968.4977.

Public performances of Willy

March 29, 2011 • The Loafer, Page 7 Wonka are Friday, April 1 at 8 pm and Saturday, April 2 at 3 and 7 p.m. Reservations for public performances of Willy Wonka are available through the Paramount 423.274.8920.

Willy Wonka features a cast ranging in age from 7 to 70 with the title role, Willy Wonka being played by an energetic Reece Wheeler. The five Golden Ticket winners include Charlie Bucket (Colton Brooks), the gum-smacking Violet Beauregarde (Lily Brock), the spoiled Veruca Salt (Anna Mader), perpetually hungry Augustus Gloop (Lukas McCrary) and the pistol-packing Mike Teavee (Porter Smelser). Other cast members include Kolbe Bush, Annie Carr, Makenzie Emmert, Sharon Flake, Idgie Flake, Danny Hardwick, Courtney Harlow, Krista Heikkila, Kylee Anne Hilliard, Bill Locke, Alison Loony, Maleah Newton, Eden Phillips, Mackay Pierce, Courtney Stanley, Andrew Woods and Heather Woods.

Willy Wonka is directed and choreographed by Peggy Russell, with additional choreography assistance from Leslie Honaker, Reece Wheeler and the Oompa Loompas.

Musical Direction is by Ric Burns and stage managed by Samantha Strader.

Willy Wonka is one of three shows on the second half of Theatre Bristol’s 45th anniversary season. Remaining on-stage productions include: I Hate Shakespeare (in May 2011 with performances for schools and the public) and Bat Boy, the musical (in June 2011).

The Princess and the Pea is enjoying success as a touring production this spring. Theatre Bristol remains dedicated to the mission to provide education, inspiration and entertainment to the child and adults of all ages in the Bristol TN/ VA and surrounding areas through participation in the process of live theatre.

For more information call (423) 968-4977 or check out the website at www.theatrebristol.org. To purchase tickets for the public performances, contact Paramount Center for the Arts (423) 274-8920 or buy tickets online at www.theparamountcenter.com/tickets.

Photos on both pages of cast members in ‘Willy Wonka’

Page 8, The Loafer • March 29, 2011

INTERACTIVE SOCIAL MEDIA T.V. SERIES, DREAMSPEAK, HIGHLIGHTS JOHNSON CITY Welcome to the First Social Media T.V. Series Ever Produced In America.

DreamSpeak TV Introduces: Convergence 3.0; t.v.-internet-mobile Featuring: The Tennessee #3 DreamSpeak TV: The “out of the box”, Interactive Social Media T.V. Series, Featuring: “The Tennessee 3”; a young team of networking & social media hotshots that provides a half hour of light comedy, focusing attention on a promotional marketing strategy known as “Convergence 3.0”; where DreamSpeak TV interacts with a media savy interactive website called: www.promotemenow. tv which in turn hooks up with the Verizon Smartphone community to introduce: “Mobile Video Coupons” via the Cellit mobile platform; demonstrating Convergence 3.0: “The Future Of Digital Communications and the Trifecta of Promotional Marketing.

The Tennessee 3, a metaphor for “Convergence 3.0”, introduces itself to the viewing audience in the first episode while highlighting Downtown Johnson City, its Merchants & Businesses.

Memphis, a hot shot female social media t.v. producer, who hooks up with a constant thorn in her side... Mobile Guy; Boy Genius and Smartphone addict. Both take their marching orders from Drake, team leader, communications expert and spokesperson for Convergence 3.0.

The team is sought out by high profile clients around the country, who are excited about the new concept. Yet they stay centered on the local Business Environment in the Tri-City market of Tennessee.

The series is being shot on location in and around the magnificent sprawling mountainside community that frames Johnson City and surrounding areas.

The DreamSpeak TV series will be seen across all major social media platforms; Facebook, Twitter and Linkedin and will include Online Video Distribution utilizing the biggest names in video syndication, such as: Tube Mogul, Mdistribute, ReelSEO, You Tube,

Hulu, Blip.tv , Promoteme.tv YuMe, BlinkX, plus video sharing websites such as: You Tube, Google, Yahoo and Video Surf.

Topped off with exposure from Our very active business web sites: www.mymorningcoffee.tv and www.promotemenow.tv.

The shows distribution will also include: local Cable and Broadcast with an immediate emphasis on the CBS WJHL 11 Connects: “Daytime Tri-Cities” with Morgan King and Amy Lynn. We are also pleased to be involved with our host: The Priceless Loafer, the finest Entertainment Magazine in our region, who has been given an “Exclusive: on this story.

Of special interest to the creators of DreamSpeak TV is our new association with “Leanin” an incredible interactive platform that allows for Facebook “Social Integration” with the online video, which in this case are the DreamSpeak Episodes.

Nielsen data just released indicates that WCYB & WJHL two networks that impact the DreamSpeak TV buy reach in excess of 500,000 H.H; numbers include all of Tri-Cities and VA. This does not include Cable with another 100 H.H. It has been estimated that the combination of Online Video Distribution coupled with Social Media Platforms & Local TV to include Cable will have the potential to “push” in excess of 500,000 page views per month via: www. promotemenow.tv, the 2nd leg of Convergence 3.0.

These website impressions will far exceed most media outlets in the area and will provide an incredible platform for the Sponsors to the DreamSpeak TV Series.

These anticipated numbers are one major factor in driving interest to this revolutionary concept in “Promotional Marketing”; throw in Mobile Video Promotions that “Feature” the same Sponsors in the shows and you end up with a “Monster” promotion on your hands.

Local Businesses & Merchants

are written into the Storyline utilizing a unique USP: “Unique Selling Proposition”; that which sets them apart from competition thus in many cases “eliminating” them as a competing business.

The DreamSpeak TV creative staff with over 20 years plus of t.v. experience, have developed a new concept for delivering a clients message to the audience.

The Sponsors message or USP is delivered to the screen by “The Tennessee 3” either as a Primary Sponsor as was the case with The Main Street Pizza Co; or as a “Supporting” Sponsor to the storyline as is the case with Cellular Sales & Verizon Wireless, followed by an array of “30 sec Sponsors” with a “Custom Designed” spot such as the one developed for Alta Cucina Italian Restaurant that fit the storyline of the episode.

The Creative Team at DreamSpeak creates the USP and pushes it to the primary website: www. promotemenow.tv <http://www. promotemenow.tv> as a video feed, an “Added” feature to Convergence 3.0. The Sponsor can then be found in “Sponsors” section, “People You Should Know” the SlideShow and also in “Video Biz” the new addition coming to the site.

We wrote The Main Street Pizza segment in such a way as to allow the audience via: www.promotemenow.tv to participate. The “Super Seven Plan” from the first Episode includes a Digital Clock that will appear on the website and if a follower of the show “clicks” on the site and guesses the exact time on a specific day that the next delivery goes out, they are not only entitled to “Free Pizza”, but more importantly a grab bag of “Gifts” from many of the DreamSpeak TV Sponsors.

Audience participation via “interactivity” truly allows the show to involve its “Social Media Side” as the conversation ultimately makes it to Facebook, Twitter, and Linked in. More importantly, it allows “The Tennessee 3” to Brand “late Nite Delivery” which was a

March 29, 2011 • The Loafer, Page 9 focus of Jamie and the restaurant and a selling point for Jamie that Convergence 3.0 could “Brand” late Nite.

At present, we “Promote” DreamSpeak TV each day on the major social media platforms as we are running the two minute promo with a link to the complete 22 minute show and the show in its entirety. Having the community involved and aware of the DreamSpeak concept is important for the show’s success and the success of the Sponsors that joined us in this unique video journey.

The first show produced by DreamSpeak TV and featuring Downtown Johnson City, TN. may presently be seen on Facebook, Twitter and Linkedin plus www. promotemenow.tv; to be followed

by Online Video Distribution Nationwide, Cable & Broadcast in our local markets.

We would like to take this opportunity to “Thank” so many that have contributed to this incredible creative undertaking. Actors, Script Writers, Lighting, Sound, Editing, Locations, Props, Costumes etc.

A special “Tribute” to one fantastic Videographer: Mr. John M. Bray who was lead shooter & technical adviser to the first episode. John works on the show under the banner of DreamSpeak Productions LLC. John will head the remaining shows in the lst season and will enlist the talent of Doug Puckett as second shooter.

Each episode to be shot in H.D. We would also like to recognize the extraordinary talent of Doug Reiser who plays “Drake”...and Jim Andes who played “Jim” and brought versatility and comedy adlib to the show and the role.

Presently in the process of writing the up and coming episode

which will focus on “Beauty”.

We anticipate Sponsors such as: Persian Rugs,by John Faiz & AAA Oriental, The Dodge Challenger Series from Grindstaff Automotive, Bristol Ballet, Englewood Lawn & Landscapes, Estee Lauder Cosmetics, JC Penny & Belks, Chocolate Elegance, Design Studio & Sam. Beauty will be another interesting challenge, but with one great show in the can, we are hopeful that the learning curve required to write businesses into the storyline utilizing The Tennessee 3 although a difficult video adventure, that can only get easier.

The next shows to follow in the series will likely be centered around: Healthy Living & Music.

For more info on becoming a Sponsor please contact: williamcamelot@yahoo.com . To learn more visit the website: www. promotemenow.tv.

Glad No Matter What

Author’s presentation for Women’s History Month Susan Ariel Rainbow Kennedy, also known as SARK, will present Glad No Matter What at East Tennessee State University on Thursday, March 31, at 7 p.m. in the Martha Street Culp Auditorium in the D.P. Culp University Center.

Over the last 25 years, SARK has written 16 bestselling books and created hundreds of products. She has sold over two million copies of her books, including the national bestsellers Succulent Wild Woman; Bodacious Book of Succulence; Eat Mangoes Naked; Prosperity Pie; and Fabulous Friendship Festival.

Her latest book is Glad No Matter What: Transforming Loss and Change Into Gift And Opportunity. Her books have been translated into a number of foreign languages and are used by colleges and universities as required reading. She is also a contributor to many magazines and periodicals.

SARK is one of the featured trailblazers in the critically acclaimed PBS Series, Women of Wisdom

and Power. She also is the founder of Planet SARK, a company that creates products and services to support empowered living.

Emphasizing living creatively and maximizing joy, SARK’s personal journeys have been “full of challenge, and her lifetime full of choosing roads less traveled.”

Her presentation includes stories and strategies to enhance personal growth and expansion.

This Women’s History Month lecture is sponsored by the ETSU Women’s Studies Pro-

Susan Ariel Rainbow Kennedy

gram and Women’s Resource Center.

For more information, or to arrange special assistance for those with disabilities, contact the Women’s Resource Center at (423) 439-5772.

Page 10, The Loafer • March 29, 2011 Spacecraft Messenger finally went into orbit March 17 around the Sun’s first planet after a long, six-year mission in the inner Solar System.

And stargazers can catch a fleeting glimpse of Mercury for an hour or so after sunset as the planet is the brightest “star” above the western horizon for the next month or so before moving close to the Sun and into the morning sky in the month of May. Between the size of Earth’s Moon and planet Mars, and yet smaller than Jupiter’s moon Ganymede and Saturn’s moon Titan, Mercury is the smallest planet in the Solar System (with the demotion of Pluto).

At 3,032 miles in diameter, it is extremely dense, with an iron core that may make up nearly 50 percent of its mass. By contrast, Earth’s iron core is almost 20 percent of our weight, helping make us and our rocky layers the densest planet Mercury being second.

Mercury’s closeness to the Sun and its gravity mighty made the planet the object of a shooting gallery of meteors and leftovers from the Solar System’s creation some

MARQUETTE

MARK

Stargazer

Planet Mercury is Giving Up Secrets Planet Mercury is giving up its secrets to NASA’s latest planetary robot.

4.5 billion years ago.

So it makes sense that Mercury is the most heavily cratered body in the Solar System. Earth’s Moon is second, while most meteors on Earth and Venus have vanished because of planet-wide erosion created by dense atmospheres.

Mercury has no moons, and its atmosphere is tenuous, probably captured gases from the solar

winds that thinly coat the globe and have it constantly in flux.

Interestingly, and because of its iron core, Mercury has a small magnetic field, so there must be some molten interior to create the electromagnetic dynamo.

This and other questions are to be answered by NASA’s Messenger during its two-year primary mission of orbiting the first planet.

Mission objectives for Messenger include answering questions about Mercury’s high density, its geological history, the nature of its magnetic field, the structure of its core, whether it has ice at its poles, and where its tenuous atmosphere comes from.

Messenger was launched on August 3, 2004, from the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station aboard

a Boeing Delta 2 rocket. It made a fly-by of the Earth in August 2005, and of Venus in October 2006 and June 2007 to place it onto the correct trajectory to reach an orbit around Mercury. A first fly-by of Mercury occurred on January 14, 2008, a second on October 6, 2008, and a third on September 29, 2009.

The long, roundabout journey to Mercury used the gravity assists of Venus and Earth, as well as Mercury itself. This technique was used to cut the costs that could be incurred if a more powerful rocket was used to launch Messenger on a direct flight.

NASA’s Mariner 10 in 1974 made the first fly-by of Mercury after using a gravity assist from Venus— making it the first spacecraft to image two planets. Mariner 10 flew

by Mercury in March 1974, then again in March 1975. Unfortunately, the same hemisphere was photographed during both passes.

The three flybys of Messenger filled in the blanks left by Mariner 10, but now planetary scientists can accurately map the entire globe of Mercury.

Mercury takes 88 days to orbit the Sun once, and it was believed

t

March 29, 2011 • The Loafer, Page 11

Skies This Week Celestial events in the skies for the week of March 29-April 4, 2011, as compiled for The Loafer by Mark D. Marquette.

While this week the planets Jupiter and Mercury are exiting the evening sky in the western twilight, Saturn is rising at sunset. In the morning sky, Venus is bright above the predawn night, while Mars lingers in the eastern twilight close to the horizon. The crescent Moon will be spectacular morning object as it closes in on Venus in the beginning of the week. And at the end of the beginning of next week, the crescent will reappear in the evening twilight.

Tues. March 29 On this 1974 date in space history, Mariner 10 made the first flyby of planet Mercury, giving us the first close-up photos of the first planet.

Today, NASA’s Messenger spacecraft is orbiting Mercury, revising our knowledge of this heavily cratered world that is larger than Earth’s Moon and smaller than Mars.

Wed. March 30 The saying “March goes in like a lion and out like a lamb” refers to the weather, but in the night sky we have Aries the Ram setting in the west while Leo the Lion is directly overhead. Leo is distinguished by a “mane” of stars making a backward question mark, with its hindquarters made of up three stars forming a right triangle.

Thurs. March 31 The crescent Moon and brilliant planet Venus are side-by-side in the morning twilight before sunrise.

Fri. April 1 Bays Mountain Amateur Astronomy club meets tonight at 7 pm in the Discovery Theater, and the public is welcome to attend. A program and informal sharing of telescope equipment and astronomy news is the normal agenda.

Sat. April 2 Come see Saturn and some deep sky objects like nebula and star clusters at the “StarWatch” program at Bays Mt. Observatory beginning at 8 p.m. Members of the astronomy club will be on hand to man the telescopes and explain the visible constellations and their lore.

The program is free.

Sun. April 3 New Moon is today at 10:32 a.m., invisible in the daytime sky below the Sun. Saturn is at opposition, meaning it is opposite the Sun, rising in the east as the Sun sets in the west.

Mon. April 4 Saturn is the lone planet in the evening sky, well to the right of the equally bright star Spica in Virgo the Virgin.

Look to the southeast at 9 pm and you’ll see the star and planet.

for decades that it kept the same face to the Sun, like our Moon does to Earth.

But in the 1960s, astronomers bounced radio waves off Mercury and found it to be completing one rotation in 59 days, and locked in a 3:2 ratio of resonance that makes it rotate three times for every two orbits around the Sun. That creates a “day” on Mercury that is actually longer than its year!

From sunrise to sunrise would take 176 earth days as Mercury rotates slowly at just 7 mph.

Yes, the surface is extremely hot so close to the Sun at 800 degrees F. But it is super cold on the night side at –300 degrees F. But second planet Venus is hotter at 900 degrees F. because of its runaway greenhouse effect caused by thick, global cloud cover.

Like our own Moon’s polar craters that contain frozen water, Mercury has some suspected deep craters at both poles where sunlight never heats up the floors and frozen water from comets might exist. Spacecraft Messenger will hopefully find out for sure.

Mercury has, of course, been known since ancient times, the first records of it being written by Assyrian and Babylonian stargazers 3,000 years ago. Because of its swift movement back-and-forth from evening to morning skies, many cultures named the planet after their messenger gods.

The Greeks called the planet Apollo when it was visible in the morning sky, and Hermes when visible in the evening - thinking it was two separate objects. By the 4th Century BC, the Greeks corrected their error and stuck to Hermes, its messenger god. We call it after the Roman messenger god, the fleetfooted Mercury.

Even the NASA name has been inspired by Mercury’s 107,088 mph trip around the Sun. Messenger stands for MErcury Surface, Space ENvironment, GEochemistry, and Ranging.

Observing Mercury from Earth has always been a challenge because of its nearness to the Sun. And being 60 million miles from Earth and the size of our Moon, details on Mercury have always been sketchy—even with the most powerful telescopes, including the orbiting Hubble Space Telescope.

Like Venus, the other “inferior” planet between Earth and the Sun, Mercury goes through phases like our Moon, and even amateur astronomers could clearly follow

Mercury from NASA Messenger 2011

those since the 1700s.

To observe Mercury, it is necessary for the backyard amateur astronomer to take a trip to a nearby field with a clear western horizon.

Glowing brightly in the twilight in the planet. This is the last couple weeks to see Mercury, as it is “conjunction” with the Sun on April 9th, when it passes from evening to morning sky.

In the 19th Century during the era of great discoveries with earthbased telescopes, astronomers often wondered and looked for another planet inside the orbit of Mercury.

Peculiarities in Mercury’s orbit lead astronomers to look for a new planet, and it was even given a name - Vulcan. Several astronomers claimed to see it, but it was never confirmed. Albert Einstein’s Theory of Relativity solved the irregularities in Mercury’s orbit.

Today, we know there is no planet Vulcan - unless you’re a fan of the TV series and movies Star Trek, where Vulcan is the home planet for the character Spock.

Page 12, The Loafer • March 29, 2011

ETSU to host a showing of the documentary ‘Scrappers’ As part of April’s “Earth Month” at East Tennessee State University, the documentary film Scrappers will be presented by the Mary B. Martin School of the Arts at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 5, in the Martha Street Culp Auditorium of the D.P. Culp University Center.

This event is part of the South Arts Southern Circuit Tour of Independent Filmmakers. Following the screening, producers/directors Brian Ashby and Ben Kolak will engage in a discussion about the film and their work. A reception will take place afterward.

Scrappers explores the lives of two Chicago men who rely on their brains, brawn and battered pickup trucks as they collect scrap metal for cash. The film explores the 2008 financial collapse and crackdowns on undocumented immigrants affecting these men and their families. The themes of poverty, race relations, recycling, self-sufficiency and urban sustainability are examined as the film follows the hidden lives of undocumented immigrants and the complex economics of recycling. This film was named one of Roger Ebert’s “Best Documentaries of 2010” and “Best Documentary Feature” in the Chicago Underground Film Festival.

Ashby studied political science at the University of Chicago, and he has conducted research in India and Cambodia. Currently, he assists photographer Laura Letinshy and does freelance work in photography and videography. This is his first film.

Kolak produced the documentary “THAX” and co-produced “Crime Fiction,” which screened at the Slamdance, Vail and GenArt film festivals. He assists video artist Catherine Sullivan and produces video for clients including Brand New World and the Catherine Edelman Gallery.

The Southern Circuit Tour of Independent Filmmakers is a unique, interactive program that brings independent filmmakers and their films into communities throughout the nine-state region served by South Arts, a not-for-profit regional arts organization. Founded in 1975, South Arts is supported by funding and programming partnerships with the National Endowment for the Arts and the state arts agencies of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. Special support for Southern Circuit is provided by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

The event is free and open to the public, but donations of a canned food items will be accepted for distribution to a regional food bank or other charitable organizations.

For more information, or to arrange special assistance for those with disabilities, contact the Mary B. Martin School of the Arts at (423) 439-TKTS (8587) or artsinfo@etsu.edu, or visit www.etsu.edu/cas/arts. For more information on South Arts and its programs, visit www.southarts.org.

March 29, 2011 • The Loafer, Page 13

Doyle Dykes to perform at Tusculum College Guitarist Doyle Dykes will be the featured performer at a fundraising concert for the Greene County Food Bank, set for Saturday, April 2, at Annie Hogan Byrd Auditorium on the Tusculum College campus.

Also appearing will be the Glade Holler Boys from the Bowmantown Music Barn.

All proceeds from the concert will directly benefit the Greene County Food Bank.

The event begins at 7:30 p.m. and tickets to the concert are $20 per person.

The concert features open seating.

Tickets are available at Gosnell Music Store, Corley’s Pharmacy and all Heritage Bank locations. They may also be ordered by calling Dick Merrill at 713446-8290.

Although influenced by a wide variety of musical styles and musicians from

the country of Chet Atkins to the rock and roll of Duane Eddy and the Beatles, Dykes has developed a distinct, recognizable sound that amazes audiences with skill while capturing hearts with sincerity and soul.

Doyle’s appreciation for various styles of music is reflected in his albums as they include signature compositions like Jazz in the Box and Martha’s Kitchen and hymns like the powerful How Great Thou Art. Gitarre 2000 was released by Windham Hill Records, and Dykes’ music has appeared on several of the label’s compilation albums like Here, There, and Everywhere (a tribute to the Beatles).

Internationally, Doyle attracts record audiences in many continents around the world. Whether to a guitar player or music enthusiast, Dykes’ music will make a lasting impression on anyone given the opportunity to listen.

For more information, contact Merrill, who is organizing the event, at 713-446-8290.

Page 14, The Loafer • March 29, 2011 I used to do a lot of sewing, especially when my four daughters were young. But over time, they no longer wanted to wear the hand made dresses and shorts with matching doll outfits that I made for them, so I spent less and less time at it. Now, jeans from Bangladesh and tee shirts from China have taken over my closet as well as my girls’.

I still spend time doing hand work, but most of it is time spent fixing rips or sewing buttons back on to the inexpensive clothing that we now wear. While I personally find the quiet time that I spend doing the mending rewarding and relaxing, it gives me time to consider the big picture about how the world in general, and my family in particular, is being clothed.

Last night as I was replacing some snaps that had come off of a stylish dress after daughter #4 washed it for the very first time, I realized that some woman in India had probably sewn those missing snaps on at the end of a very long, tiring day at her factory and simply missed a few stitches.

The difference in her sewing

JONES

SAM

Transitions

Made By Hand There’s always been a higher premium for hand made things because they are not only unique and often one of a kind. and mine is of course, that the love is missing in the clothing she makes. She’s too busy earning her pitiful paycheck to have the time or energy to add any love to the garments she makes. She’s got quotas to meet and a family to feed and that’s what drives her. Her employer is driven by the same issues, only he has to answer to more people than she does.

From nails to wagon wheels, our forefathers had to make

everything by hand, and many of those items are still around today, an indication that their craftsmanship was superb.

We are incredibly lucky to live in a time where automated machines of every kind imaginable make the goods we need. Yet the very fact that goods can be produced quickly and cheaply via mass production have brought us to a ‘disposable’ mentality.

Who cares if the wheel falls

off your kid’s plastic truck two days after you bought it? It only cost $5 to begin with and he did have a GREAT time playing with it in the sandbox all afternoon. And really, who cares if the $10 toaster quits popping up the toast after only a few months? It was only $10!

I mean, does one really expect a lifetime of dependability from a cheap appliance or toy?

Of course we don’t, but this type of thinking has turned

us into a nation of consumers. This constant consumption has in turn caused us to have to work harder and longer to acquire the things we feel that we need in this life, mainly because we have to keep purchasing replacements and upgrades! (don’t get me started on ‘newer, faster, better’ upgrades of everything from my morning cereal to Apple I products!)

There’s always been a higher premium for hand made things because they are not only unique and often one of a kind, but they are felt to be of a better quality and value for your dollar. Witness the price you might pay for homemade breads or the local Mennonite hand made donuts. Think about the value that we place on owner- built homes and hand made soaps, hand knit scarves or home made jams.

When I sit down to do my mending, I try to make sure that I will only have to make the repair once, and so I try to give it the time and patience that’s needed to do it rightwhich brings me to the point of this column. My personal revelation during last night’s mending session made me

March 29, 2011 • The Loafer, Page 15 realize that I’m not using the skills that I worked for so long to perfect. And wearing clothing that is made in sweatshops by underpaid and unfairly treated women no longer fits in with my values of living sustainably and justly in this world. So I’ve decided to recommit to making at least my own clothing in the future. I’ve got the skills and tools and if I don’t use them, I’ll lose them.

I realize that not everyone has the time or ambition to make their own clothing but most of us have the ability to learn to do some things for ourselves or our families-perhaps things that we’ve grown accustomed to paying for because we’ve been too busy. (Fast food meals and manicures come to mind, as do Jiffy Lube oil changes or paying a lawn service to cut the grass).

Why not take the time to learn a new skill or to make

WEDNESDAYS

something you use? Even if it’s just learning to do once a month cooking in bulk, cooking ahead is not only easy, it’s a great way to save money, time and resources. Not to mention you’d have some great tasting meals that you can freeze and eat later. That would give you extra time to do other things after work besides coming home to cook supper. Like taking a walk, or gardening, or whatever you enjoy doing instead of cooking every night.

Handmade things also lend themselves extremely well to trading, as in, “I’ll trade you 6 quarts of my homemade chili in exchange for you building me a raised garden bed.” Even if you don’t barter or sell your skills or homemade goods, the coming energy supply contraction will force us all to learn how to ‘use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without’.

If you’re still in denial about climate change and peak oil, at the very least learning to make or do things for yourself, rather than paying someone else to do them for you, might offer you an alternative to having to work overtime.

The world is in a transition period now, with the citizen revolts in the Mid East and rising oil prices that are affecting the prices of the things we do have to buy. Learning to rely less on store bought and more on ourselves and our community is good insurance against a shaky economy and uncertain future. That said, I’ll fix your broken sleeping bag zipper if you’ll tune up my chain saw!

P.S. A correction to last week’s column: The tune Hard Times was by Stephen Foster, NOT Robert Johnson

Page 16, The Loafer • March 29, 2011

Thursday, April 7, at 7 p.m., East Tennessee State University’s Bluegrass, Old Time, Country Music, and Celtic bands take the stage at the Paramount Center for the Arts in Historic Downtown Bristol for “Spring Celebration 2011.”

The annual concert, now in its eighth year, showcases exuberate and extraordinary talents of the ETSU program’s students. Special guests will be The Boxcars.

Offering the world’s first Bachelor of Arts in Bluegrass, Old Time, and Country Music, East Tennessee State University is widely considered the home of bluegrass music in higher education.

Since 1982, students from all over the world have learned the music of the mountains on the ETSU campus.

This year, 15 student bands will perform, as will members of the ETSU teaching faculty. There will also be a special guest appearance

by The Boxcars featuring the Bluegrass, Old Time, and Country Music program’s own Adam Steffey (2010 IBMA Award winner for Instrumental Recorded Performance of the Year and Mandolin Player of the Year) .

Tickets for this year’s concert are $14 for adults and $10 for students, children, and seasoned citizens over 65.

For ticket availability call the Paramount box office at (423) 274-8920.

For more information about the Bluegrass, Old Time, and Country Music Program at ETSU call (423) 439-7072.

March 29, 2011 • The Loafer, Page 17

Pat Anderson returns to Acoustic Coffeehouse Nashville based roots rock singer/songwriter Pat Anderson, coming to the Acoustic Coffeehouse in Johnson City April 1 at 8 p.m., awoke early one August morning a while back to find himself on the floor of a group cell in the Bullitt County Jail roughly thirty miles south of Louisville, Kentucky. He wasn’t there for reasons nearly as dark as the circumstances depicted in some of his songs, but the experience provided the spark for Bullitt County Cage, a Southern rock character sketch of rural methamphetamine abuse and the first track he would write for his debut album Magnolia Road.

All eleven cuts on the new album reflect Anderson’s personal background (born in Oklahoma and raised hard by the foothills of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains) and his self- described “healthy obsession” with American roots music.

While he often performs live solo, armed only with acoustic guitar and harmonica, a stellar Nashville backing band helps fill out the record with a resonating Americana vibe owing as much to Tom Petty and Lynyrd Skynyrd as it does to more typical touchstones of that genre Steve Earle, T-Bone Burnett, and Ryan Adams.

Page 18, The Loafer • March 29, 2011 This weeks film is Limitless, described as a techno-thriller.

If you are not familiar with the new term “techno-thriller”, let me say it does not describe a special DJ dance mix, but is actually a hybrid genre, that often combines elements of spy/thrillers, science fiction and war novels.

Now that we are educated, on to the film at hand. What if you could take a pill that would allow you to use 100% of your brain power? Would you take it, or feel it may be too risky?

That question is certainly something to contemplate, but as with most drugs, I am sure there would be side effects and potential dangers.

I suppose if you are in the position of Bradely Cooper’s character, Eddie Morra, you would take the pill without hesitation.

In the film, Eddie is a writer who has a really bad case of writers block, which has resulted in his missing the books deadline. Eddie is also dumped by his girlfriend Lindy(Abbie Cornish), after she grows tired of having to support him.

So while Eddie is at his most vulnerable, he runs into his exwife’s brother, Vernon (Johnny Whitworth), who convinces the writer to sample the new drug NZT-48, which will make him more focused.

While he is at first skeptical, Eddie almost immediately becomes more focused and intelligent. It’s as if Eddie has jumped into light speed, and the results are amazing.

After experiencing new heights of intelligence, Eddie is after Vernon for more of the illegal drug.

The only problem is, Vernon meets with an unpleasant end due to someone else being after the drug. Eddie manages to find the stash of NZT-48, and heads out for a new life thanks to the drug. Eddie becomes so smart and popular he is soon hanging with the jet set, and decides to leave the world of writing for the

SILVERS

KEN

Screen Scenes

Would you want to be ‘Limitless’? stock market.

Due to his enhanced brilliance, Eddie’s becomes rich at a very fast pace, and soon draws the attention of powerful businessman Carl Von Loon (Robert DeNiro), who decides to employ the new Wall Street wonder.

Meanwhile, due to all of Eddie’s new-found riches and success, the fickle Lindy has decided she made a mistake, and is back in the picture. I guess “through richer or poorer” doesn’t apply to this gold digger. Despite Eddie’s new found happiness and success, the side effects of the drug start to manifest with feelings of physical and mental restlessness. Eddie also begins to have memory lapses, in which he has no idea where his body

has taken him. As if side-effects weren’t enough of a problem, Eddie is being pursued for his possession of the drug, and this is thwarting his efforts to remain in the good graces of Von Loon. Thus, Eddie is not only battling a difficult drug addiction, but bad guys as well.

Will Eddie be able to survive both his addiction and those out to kill him? Of course, it doesn’t take a pill to figure out the answer to that question, but the fun is getting to the answer.

The film has plenty of plot twists, and the special effects are in the vein of Inception, but not as groundbreaking. The pace of the film was perfect, and never lagged for a moment, allowing us to be a

part of Eddie’s fantastic journey without too much excess.

As for Mr. Cooper, he brought great confidence to the role of a character who endures an amazing transformation, and his piercing blue eyes are used to great effect.

I actually entered the theater with mild expectations for Limitless, but left realizing what a creative, fun and thought provoking film I had just seen.

So see the film, and then question if you would take such a brain enhancing pill if it existed. I am still pondering if I want to be Limitless.

(Rated PG-13) B+

March 29, 2011 • The Loafer, Page 19

A new event coming to the Kingsport Town Center April 1 – 3 will feature ideas and information on everything summer, and products for practically any summer activity.

The Backyard/Summer Fun Expo will showcase boats, golf, watersports, landscaping and backyard living, gardening and lawnmowers, hot tubs and pools, grills, recreational vehicles and campers, even how to plan the perfect “staycation.”

The Summer Fun Main Stage will host lots of activity and summer-specific information during the weekend.

Jerrod Funk, one of the top golf instructors in Tennessee, will be on stage on Saturday, April 2, from 4–5 p.m., speaking on “Do You Have a Funky Swing?”

Summer Fashions, presented by

Summer Fun! the Kingsport Town Center merchants and Mary Hamilton, will take center stage on Friday from 5-6 p.m.

Curves of Kingsport and Colonial Heights will demonstrate zumba fitness on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

Dr. Phil Jones from the Allergy, Asthma, Sinus, Pulmonary and Sleep Center will talk about “Spring Allergies” on both Friday and Saturday.

Three travel seminars will also be presented from the main stage: “Drive to the Bahamas” by Carnival Cruise Lines, “Alaska – The Last Frontier” by Holland America, and “Freestyle Cruising” by NCL Tours & Groups.

A number of gardening

workshops will also be presented on the main stage throughout the weekend by University of Tennessee Master Gardeners. Seminar topics include: Add Motion to the Garden with Butterflies and Hummingbirds, Water Gardening 101, The Advantages of Raised Bed Gardening and Composting, Hostas and Their Shady Companions, How to Create a Small Topiary, and Plan an Intimate, EasyCare Herb Garden for All Seasons.

Experts will also be on hand at exhibitor booths throughout the weekend to help choose the right boat, the best mower for one’s lawn, and the proper eyewear for the summer sun.

A Charity Motorcycle Bike ride to benefit the Kingsport Animal Shelter will start from Cycle City in Kingsport at 9 a.m., ride to Shady Valley, and back to Kingsport Town Center by 2 p.m. Cycle City will present donations to the Kingsport Animal Shelter at 3:15 p.m. To participate in this ride, call Duane at Cycle City at (423) 245-2245.

Admission to the Backyard/ Summer Fun Expo is free. Show hours are Friday, April 1, 10 a.m.

– 6 p.m.; Saturday, April 2, 10 a.m.

– 6 p.m., and Sunday, April 3, 1-5 p.m.

For more information, call (423) 245-2878 or go to www.timesnews. net/summerfun .

Page 20, The Loafer • March 29, 2011

The Tennessee Iris Invitational sponsored by James-Ben: Studio and Gallery Art Center will be on display March 30-May 28 at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center, overlapping the Greene County Iris Festival, May 20-22.

A Meet the Artists reception will be held May 1 from 1-3 p.m., followed at 3 p.m. by a Greeneville High School band concert.

Featured works include reverse painting on plexiglas, manipulated digital images, oil on canvas, watercolors and sculpture by dozens of artists from across the state. Viewing hours are Monday — Friday, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

For more information, call James-Ben Stockton: 423-787-0195.

Top to bottom: “Tennessee’s Iris,” a watercolor

by Barbara Miller, and “Electric Iris” by Ron Chory (manipulated digital image on paper) are part of the “Tennessee Iris Invitational” at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center.

March 29, 2011 • The Loafer, Page 21

Two causes, one purpose: The Bandana Project at Northeast State The Spanish and Art clubs of Northeast State Community College are participating in a unique national campaign to highlight two unspoken social issues that coincide during the spring semester.

National Farm-workers Awareness Week (FWAW) is commemorated through April 1. This year, the last day of FWAW is also the first day of Sexual Assault Awareness Month. How are these two issues related? In more ways than most would think.

“Working in the fields is one of the most dangerous jobs in the U.S., and the fields are often not a safe environment for women, especially undocumented immigrant and migrant women,” says Francis Canedo, instructor of Spanish at Northeast State. “Undocumented women farm-workers tend to believe they have no rights or protections from the law. They feel scared, afraid to speak out against sexual violence because they feel they may lose their job.”

This year the Northeast State Spanish and Art student clubs organized participation in The Bandana Project, a national campaign to raise awareness and educate farm-worker women about their rights. According to the Southern Poverty Law Center, a staggering 80 percent of migrant women farm-workers have reported some type of sexual harassment or assault.

Because women farm-workers wear bandanas to hide their faces in the fields to guard against sexual harassment, in the Bandana Project, bandanas are being painted and decorated across the country as a symbolic gesture of support for farm-worker women.

The Bandana Project involves students with an art contest to decorate up to three bandanas highlighting both issues. Contest entrants create art with their bandanas including messages written in Spanish and English. Submissions are evaluated by a faculty committee composed of art, Spanish, theatre, and English instructors.

Combining the farm-worker’s tool of sanctuary with art to communicate a message of solidarity demonstrates the power of art in society.

“This project represents how I’ve always looked at art: If it can break down barriers it is useful,” says Christal Hensley, instructor of Art at Northeast State. “I think art can speak to people and change the way they think.”

Of the estimated three million farm-workers in the United States, 1 in 5 is a woman, according to the Department of Labor’s 2005 National Agricultural Workers survey. Farm-workers labor in fields, packing sheds and nurseries. They harvest and pack fruits, vegetables, seeds, nuts, sod and a range of other agricultural products. Low-wage immigrant women are also employed in meatpacking, poultry, hotels, cleaning services, restaurants and factories, where they also face sexual harassment and violence.

Northeast State Spanish Club will also screen two documentary films about the exploitation of migrant and immigrant farmworkers in the United States including Edward Murrow’s Harvest of Shame and Morristown: In the Air and Sun as well as other activities to create awareness about the plights of farm-workers.

Student or student club representative can pick up bandanas in H107 or H120 of the Locke Humanities Building, through March 18 and decorate it with a pertinent theme. The entry deadline is March 21. Student and club bandanas entries selected as winners will remain on display in the Basler Library during Farm-workers Awareness Week.

For more information, contact 423.279.3694 or ffcanedo@NortheastState.edu.

The Bandana Project involves students with an art contest to decorate up to three bandanas highlighting both issues.

Page 22, The Loafer • March 29, 2011 Facebook has changed our modern world, there’s been a movie about, we tweet about it, we check it like mad.

You can now update your Facebook page from your phone, your iPad, your car, even in a box with a fox. Now, if you have the Facebook, you know that you can click a “like” button that shows that you find favor, agreement, or compassion with someone’s post. The reasons that I just listed are why I usually click that little like button, just a nice way of saying “Yes, I’m glad for you” is the way that I view it. Several friends like what I post each day, and I like seeing their clickage of the “like” button.

But you see apparently I have committed a heinous Facebook crime, I “liked” something, and for someone, it was just one “like” too much.

It seems after liking some pleasant things on a body’s Facebook page, my last like drove them over the edge... they left town, and shot a man in Reno just to watch them die. I’m sure you saw the headlines “Famous Writer “Likes” A Man To Death”, or “Facebooks of Death” just to name a few. Now I’ve been called out for a variety of stupid reasons in my life: “No Andy, that spray on hair in a can isn’t that cool, and shouldn’t be applied to farm animals” or “No Andy, you should leave Mr. Woodchuck alone—he doesn’t want to play pong”, but never in my lifetime would I imagine I would cause death and deep psychological trauma with one, simple, little, “like.”

You see, I have a dear friend in Nashville named Angie, and she often clicks that little “like” button and tells me she likes something I have posted on Facebook. This happens once, twice, sometimes up to four times a day. Never once, when I see the notification “Angie likes you link” or “Angie likes your post”, have I ever felt the need to go “FOR THE LOVE OF CHEESE! ANGIE LIKED ANOTHER ONE! WHY!????” then gouge my eyes out with forks and dive out the nearest window into a kiddie pool filled with lime Jell-O. But perhaps now is the time to come clean, after seeing no less than two people catch on to me on the Facebook, I suppose I should finally admit it. I am overly-liking your Facebook status updates way too much, it’s part of my plan. I have many different aliases on Facebook: Patrick J.

ROSS*

ANDY

*batteries not included The Mad Liker! ... just a nice way of saying “Yes, I’m glad for you”

Wilson, Johan Boatwright, & Buffy St. Marie. Slowly, one by one, I will drive everyone crazy by liking all your wall posts, status updates, YouTube videos, and events.

Once I have driven everyone bonkers, I shall take over with the power of my secret underground mole-man army. Soon the entire world will gather in peace and harmony, to drink soda pop, watch cartoons, and enjoy 1960s Batman. Then again the whole plan could fall apart tomorrow, it’s really expensive to keep and maintain an underground mole-man army - you go through a whole case of Purina’s Mole-Man Chow each week!

Till the great mole-man uprising, I hope you “liked” this column, and I hope you felt a need to talk about it on the Facebook. Now if you’ll pardon me, I have some updates to “like” and an mole man cage that needs to be cleaned - good thing I installed a floor drain in my underground bunker. See you next week.

March 29, 2011 • The Loafer, Page 23

Larry Sparks to Headline Song of the Mountains April 2

Larry Sparks and the Lonesome Ramblers will headline the Saturday, April 2nd concert “Song of the Mountains” at the Lincoln Theatre in Marion, VA. ‘The most soulful voice in bluegrass music’ is how Larry has been described.

He is a legend in bluegrass music performing early in his career with Ralph Stanley and the Clinch Mountain Boys. Larry Sparks has won awards in the bluegrass music field almost too numerous to count. His April 2nd appearance will be his second on the “Song of the Mountains” concert series.

Joining Larry Sparks and the Lonesome Ramblers on Saturday, April 2nd will be Lori Carter Bennett and Ronnie Williams providing some fantastic Carter Family music. This will be their second appearance on “Song of the Mountains” as well. Bill and Maggie Anderson will also be making their second appearance on the concert series and will also be bringing Carter Family style music as well as some of their original tunes.

Also on “Song of the Mountains” April 2nd will be Baltimore, Maryland based “Bluestone”. Their music is very traditional bluegrass with hard driving hoedown numbers as well as tasteful ballads and waltz tunes.

Rounding out the “Song of the Mountains” concert on April 2nd will be the five piece female bluegrass band “Sweet Potato n Pie”. Their bluegrass music is amazing with fine picking and harmonies.

Song of the Mountains features bluegrass, old time, Celtic and Americana Music and is currently airing on over 190 Public Television outlets across the United States. The series is hosted

by Tim White. Tickets for the Saturday, April 2nd concert at the Lincoln Theatre in Marion, Virginia are $25. Reserved tickets may

be purchased at the Lincoln Theatre Box Office in Marion, VA or online at www.songofthemountains.org.

The concert begins at 7:00 pm. For information or tickets by phone call 276-783-6093.

Song of the Mountains is underwritten for public television by the Virginia Tobacco Commission, Mountain States Health Alliance www.msha.com, Virginia Tourism Corporation www.virginiaisforlovers.com, Bryant Label Co. of Blountville, TN, TEDS, the General Francis Marion Hotel in Marion, VA, Blue Ridge Country 98.1 fm, The Bank of Marion, Alpha Natural Resources, and Emory & Henry College. Special support from Marion, and Smyth County, VA. Memberships and Song of the Mountains merchandise are available at the website and your purchases help support the concert series.

Song of the Mountains/The Lincoln Theatre is a non-profit organization.

Page 24, The Loafer • March 29, 2011

This Week In The Tuesday, March 29 The Rogersville Arts Council is now accepting applications for vendors and crafters at its 12th Annual Shakespeare and Friends Renaissance Faire on June 4 and 5, in Rogersville TN. All items sold must be pertinent to the late 1500s to early 1600s. Acceptable merchandise would be jewelry, paintings and artwork, stained glass, woodworking, pottery, weaving, clothing, Celtic items, armor and swords, etc. This is not a juried show and commercial merchandise is accepted.

For more information visit our

website at www.shakespeareandfriends.org or call (423) 923-3581.

Wednesday, March 30 Blountville: What started out as a simple adventure became a international humanitarian campaign when three young filmmakers discovered the heartbreaking plight of children in Uganda. Representatives of the Invisible Children humanitarian aid campaign give a free and open presentation at Northeast State Community College at 10:30 a.m. on March 30 in the Wellmont Regional

Mountain Empire

Center for the Performing Arts.

Invisible Children operates as a non-profit to transform apathy into activism. By documenting the lives of those living in regions of conflict and injustice, the founders hope to educate and inspire individuals in the Western world to use their voice for change. The Invisible Children campaign creates an opportunity for people to become part of a grassroots movement that intelligently responds to what’s happening in the world. The presentation is free and open to the public and is sponsored by the Northeast State office of Student Activities and Development. For more information, contact 423.354.2474 or keglover@ northeaststate.edu.

Arts. This is a new location for the annual event. It is free and open to the public. The annual expo allows second-year OT students to showcase new or improved adaptive equipment, assessments, promotional material, books and training materials. There will be 28 projects on display. The event is an opportunity for current occupational therapists, health professionals, occupational therapy students, individuals with disabilities, family members or caregivers of individuals with disabilities and anyone in the community to see and learn more about new and creative ideas in the field of occupational therapy.

For additional information, call 423.975.8010 or email MSOT@ Milligan.edu.

Milligan: Milligan: Milligan College’s master of science in occupational therapy program (MSOT) will host its Occupational Therapy Expo from 3-7 p.m. in Milligan’s Gregory Center for the Liberal

Thursday, March 31 ETSU: Susan Ariel Rainbow Kennedy, also known as SARK, will present “Glad No Matter What” at East Tennessee State University at 7 p.m. in the Mar-

tha Street Culp Auditorium in the D.P. Culp University Center.

Over the last 25 years, SARK has written 16 best-selling books and created hundreds of products. She has sold over two million copies of her books, including the national bestsellers Succulent Wild Woman; Bodacious Book of Succulence; Eat Mangoes Naked; Prosperity Pie; and Fabulous Friendship Festival. Her latest book is Glad No Matter What: Transforming Loss and Change Into Gift And Opportunity. Her books have been translated into a number of foreign languages and are used by colleges and universities as required reading. She is also a contributor to many magazines and periodicals.

SARK is one of the featured trailblazers in the critically acclaimed PBS Series, “Women of Wisdom and Power.” She also is the founder of Planet SARK, a company that creates products and services to support empowered living. Emphasizing living creatively and maximizing joy, SARK’s personal journeys have been “full of challenge, and her lifetime full of choosing roads less traveled.” Her presentation includes stories and strategies to enhance personal growth and expansion.

For more information, or to arrange special assistance for those with disabilities, contact the Women’s Resource Center at (423) 439-5772.

Johnson City: East Tennessee State University will present its annual Spring Dance Concert Thursday, March 31, and Friday and Saturday, April 1-2, at 7:30 p.m. at the VA Memorial Theatre. This annual event is coordinated by the Division of Theatre and Dance in the ETSU Department of Communication. The program will feature a number of styles -

March 29, 2011 • The Loafer, Page 25

.

Ginger is apprx. 1 year old terrier mix, she is very sweet and loves to play. She is spayed and current on her shots. To adopt Ginger call Regina at 239-5237

jazz, ballroom dance, aerial trapeze and silk, tap and modern in some 14 solo, duet, trio, and group numbers choreographed and performed by more than 30 students, faculty, community members and guest artists.

Tickets are $7 for students and $15 for adults. Group rates are also available. For more infors mation, or to request special accommodations, contact the ETSU Division of Theatre and Dance at (423) 439-6511

Knoxville: The Knoxville Museum of Art announces the spring series of Alive After Five, premiering with The Streamliners Swing Orchestra from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Initially formed as a smaller band over 13 years ago years ago by bassist Mischa Goldman and trumpeters Mike Spirko and Thomas Heflin, the Streamliners grew into a fabulous 17-piece orchestra that became Knoxville’s preeminent swing e dance band. The music of Duke Ellington is featured prominently in their repertoire, along with the big band classics of Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman, Count Basie, Ella Fitzgerald, and Peggy Lee, with a little Louis Jordan and Louis Prima mixed in for extra fun. Admission to the spring series premier of Alive After Five is $10 for general admission and

$6 for museum members and college students with ID. Ages 17 and under are admitted free.

Alive After Five is sponsored

by Cherokee Distributing Company, East Tennessee PBS, Metro Pulse, and WDVX89.9FM. For more information about the Alive After Five series, please contact Michael Gill at (865) 934-2039.

Milligan: Dan Ott, a senior at Milligan College, will present A Number, a two-man tour de force written by the contemporary British playwright Caryl Churchill, April 1, 2 and 3, at 7 p.m. in Milligan’s McMahan Student Center. All performances are free and open to the public. Doors open at 6:45 p.m.

The play is produced, directed

and performed by Ott, a native of Wooster, Ohio, as his senior showcase. Dr. Dennis Elkins, professor of the practice of theater and humanities at Milligan, will play the role of Salter.

A Number deals with both the essentials and extremities of human experience. Written in 2003, the play revolves around Salter, a man who subjected his four-year-old son to cloning in an ethically murky situation in order to get a “better” child. The play takes place years later when his cloned son confronts Salter about the past.

All of a sudden, Salter is thrust into a whirlwind of memories bringing him face to face with his first child. Salter must try to piece together the past for

his sons while dealing with his own guilt and confronting any number of his son’s clones. For more information about arts events at Milligan, visit www. milligan.edu/arts.

Friday, April 1 Jonesborough: The Historic Jonesborough Visitors Center will host a Senior Citizens Dance featuring “The Mailmen” band. The dance will last from 7 to 10 p.m. Admission to the event is $5.

Mars Hill: Mars Hill: Join Mars Hill College’s nationalchampion Bailey Mountain Cloggers for a spring concert called Warped Wonderland, on

through April 3 in Moore Auditorium in Mars Hill. Warped Wonderland follows the Bailey Mountain Cloggers as they embark on a fascinating journey in the world of Alice, and retell the adventure through their own eyes.Showtime on Friday, April 1 and Saturday, April 2 is 7:00 pm. On Sunday, April 3, showtime will be 2 pm. Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for senior adults, and free for children under 6. Group rates are available by request. Contact Danielle Plimpton for group rate requests, or to purchase advanced tickets: 828-689-1113 or dbuice@mhc.edu.

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Author of Deadly Spin will speak at Quillen 2011 Health Care Forum A former public relations executive for two major health insurance providers who now advocates for reform of the American health care system will be the keynote speaker Thursday, March 31, when ETSU’s James H. Quillen College of Medicine Organization of Student Representatives holds its 2011 Health Care Forum.

Wendell Potter will present “Patients, Profits and Healthcare: The Impact of Insurance on Affordability and Access” in Quillen’s Stanton-Gerber Hall large auditorium from 7-8:30 p.m.

After Potter left his post as chief corporate spokesman for CIGNA, one of the nation’s largest health

insurers, he wrote the book Deadly Spin about his experience working in corporate public relations, particularly in the health insurance industry. He was also motivated to write the book after returning to his home state of Tennessee, where he visited a health fair offered

by Remote Area Medical (RAM),

which provides free medical and dental care to people in rural areas throughout the world.

Prior to his 15-year stint at CIGNA, Potter was head of communications for Humana, another health insurer. He was also director of public relations and advertising for Baptist Health System of East Tennessee.

During his talk at Quillen, Potter will offer his perspective on issues related to the insurance industry and health care, including the role and influence of the insurance industry on health care delivery, how the current health insurance system affects medical practice and access to care, and the influence of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act on patient access and health care affordability.

A graduate of the University of

Tennessee and a former journalist, Potter is accredited by the Public Relations Society of America and is a member of the Society of Professional Journalists and the National Press Club. He is a senior analyst at the Center for Public Integrity, a non-profit organization that produces original investigative journalism on issues of public concern.

He is also a senior fellow on health care for the Center for Media and Democracy, a public interest organization that advocates for an overhaul of the American health care system.

Admission is free, but registration is required through the ETSU Office of Continuing Medical Education. Online registration is available at www.etsu.edu/com/ cme or by calling (423) 439-8027.

The Quillen College of Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

Saturday, April 2 Abingdon: Want to find that perfect item to decorate your home? Want to find a gift for that special person? If so, then Saturdays at the Arts Depot in Abingdon, Virginia is the place to be. This year, from April through October, member artists will be outside the Arts Depot from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. each Saturday displaying and selling their own creations. There will be jewelry, pottery, baskets, note cards, painted tiles, clothing, fabric art, photographs, paintings, sculptures, and much, much more, all made by our talented members. Look for the tables, tents, and umbrellas with the smiling faces behind them. Of course the Arts Depot will also be open during that time and all the Resident Artists will be in their studios demonstrating their skills and offering their works for sale. This is your chance to support local artists

March 29, 2011 • The Loafer, Page 27 and a local non-profit organization that offer quality creations at reasonable prices. For further information, please contact the Arts Depot at (276) 628-9091, or e-mail at abingdonartsdepot@ abingdon.com, or visit their web site at www.abingdonartsdepot.org. The Association is supported in part by grants from the Virginia Commission for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Asheville: Asheville: Auditions for The Complete Works of Wm. Shakespeare (abridged) will be held Saturday and Sunday, April 2 & 3, at the Hazel Robinson Amphitheatre from 4-7 p.m. Montford Park Players is seeking 3 male OR female actors, 20-50, with high energy, a familiarity with Shakespeare and good comedic timing. Bring your headshot and resume if you have them; if not, don’t worry; it’s not required. A prepared monologue

is also not required – actors will be asked to read from the scripts and will have sufficient time to study the lines prior to auditioning. Reservations for audition times are not required.

The production will be directed

by Jeff Catanese and will open May 12 – 29. For more information, call 254-5146 or email info@montfordparkplayers.org.

Big Stone Gap, VA: The Southwest Virginia Museum will host its First Saturday Community Coffee House from 7-9 p.m. Bill and Nancy Smith will perform as this month’s host musicians. Bill and Nancy live in Powell Valley and are accomplished entertainers.

Nancy has performed throughout the United States as part of Roadside Theaters touring ensemble. Bill plays a variety of instruments including bass and fiddle, and has organized events and performed at music venues across the country. The

Behind the Scenes at Grandfather Visitors to Grandfather Mountain will get a deal on the Mountain’s “Behind the Scenes” Animal Habitat tours this April.

The tours that let guests see what happens beyond the viewing areas, regularly $30, are being offered for $20 per person in April.

Grandfather’s knowledgeable and experienced keepers will show guests where the cougars and otters sleep overnight and share the ins and outs of what it takes to care

for the animals year-round. Guests also get to observe a training session with the animals. Each tour lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

“It’s a really great opportunity to see the animals up close and personal,” said Christie Tipton, manager of Grandfather’s Wildlife Habitats. “You get to learn so much about each animal’s individual personality and see things they like to do.”

Cougars, otters, black bears, white-tailed deer and a golden eagle call Grandfather Mountain home. Guests may even catch a glimpse of the Habitat’s mascot, Moochie the Cat. “One of the most unique things the guests get to experience is a training session with the animals,” said Tipton. “The animals are taught different verbal commands and hand signals so they learn to present certain body parts for veterinary procedures on command.”

Tour participants must be capable of walking up and down steep, rough terrain and must wear

closed-toed shoes. No wheelchairs, strollers or pets are allowed.

The tours take place rain or shine (unless there is thunder and lightning) on Saturdays at 10:30 a.m. and 1p.m. and on Sundays at 1 p.m. The Easter weekend schedule includes a tour at 1 p.m. on Friday, April 22 and two tours a day (10:30 a.m. and 1p.m.) on Saturday, Sunday and Monday.

The minimum number of people required for a tour is two and the maximum in a group is six.

Visitors can sign up for the Behind the Scenes Tour at the Grandfather Mountain Nature Museum.

To ensure there is space available when you plan to visit, send an e-mail to habitats@grandfather. com or phone 828-733-8715. Please allow 24 hours for a response.

Grandfather Mountain is a scenic travel attraction and nature preserve located near Linville, NC on US Highway 221, one mile from the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 305. For more information phone 800-468-7325 or plan a trip at www.grandfather.com.

Page 28, The Loafer • March 29, 2011 couple both sings and writes songs, having collaborated on several original songs. The First Saturday Community Coffee House is an open mic event and is open to all family- friendly performers. All interested musicians, storytellers and poets should arrive by 6:30 p.m. for sign-up and scheduling. Admission is free to this program.

Refreshments will be available for purchase.

Victory Trial Association (OVTA) employee, Christian graduating in May with a masters in storytelling degree from ETSU, will be presenting his senior storytelling piece, Finish to Start at 7 p.m. at Milligan College in the Gregory Center. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased at the door. For more information, visit www. storytellerct.com or email christianthompson1984@yahoo.com

Gray: The Pharaoh’s Curse, Teen Murder Mystery Night, from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. at the Gray Library, 5026 Bobby Hicks Highway. Join your fellow Detectives in solving the mystery The Pharaoh’s Curse.

You must investigate the crime scene and carefully examine the evidence in order to solve the crime. Detectives in grades 6-10 are welcome to attend. Pizza and other refreshments will be provided. Space is limited! To register, please call the Gray Library at (423) 477-1550.

Milligan: Dan Ott, a senior at Milligan College, will present A Number, a two-man tour de force written by the contemporary British playwright Caryl Churchill, at 7 p.m. in Milligan’s McMahan Student Center. All performances are free and open to the public.

Doors open at 6:45 p.m. Free.

Johnson City: Citizens are invited to a tree giveaway/ planting event at Metro-Kiwanis Park, 817 Guaranda Drive.

From 9 a.m. until noon, 2,000 tree seedlings will be handed out on a first-come, first-served basis. The free trees are part of a campaign to plant 10,000 trees in Johnson City, and varieties offered will include Crabapple, Redbud, Pin Oak, Shumard Oak, Persimmon and Yellow Poplar. A limited number of seedlings will be available per person. From 10-11 a.m., City Forester Pat Walding will demonstrate the best planting methods for tree survival.

Attendees will learn how to plant balled-and-burlapped and container-grown trees as well as bare root seedlings. The demonstration will take place next to the basketball courts adjacent to the parking lot. This event is free to the public and is catered to the do-it-yourself homeowner.

Milligan: Christian Thompson, a former Overmountain

Sunday, April 3 Johnson City: Johnson City: Princeton Arts Center (PAC), 2516 E. Oakland Ave., will host an artist reception and gallery opening for Jalyn Bishop Weston from 2-5 p.m. Jalyn is a 7-year-old autistic artist from Sweetwater, Tenn., whose work has been exhibited at the Knoxville Museum of Art, the Chattanooga Zoo, and the Tennessee Performing Arts Center in Nashville. He has been awarded the VSA Arts Tennessee Young Artist of the Year award, and one of his pieces was selected to be part of a national traveling exhibit. Jalyn also represented Tennessee at the “State of the Art” exhibition during the 2010 International VSA Festival. PAC gallery hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

Milligan: Dan Ott, a senior at Milligan College, will present A Number, a two-man tour de force written by the contemporary British playwright Caryl Churchill, at 7 p.m. in Milligan’s McMahan Student Center. All performances are free and open to the public.

Doors open at 6:45 p.m. Free.

Monday, April 4 Johnson City: Johnson City: Princeton Arts Center, 2516 E. Oakland, will offer an 8-weeks course on the Basics of Belly Dance, beginning on Monday, April 4. 5:30 - 6:30 P.M.. A great way to exercise in a fun way, no experience necessary! For women of all ages, shapes and sizes! Girls ages 11 - 17 also welcome if accompanied by an adult. Wear flexible clothing. $30 for 4 weeks, or $55 for the full 8 weeks, prepaid. Call PAC at 283-5800 to register or for more information.

Kingsport: SingleVision Movie Night - Secretariat, 6:30 p.m., Theater room, 2nd floor, Wesley Wing, First Broad St., United Methodist Church in Kingsport. Fresh popcorn and cold drinks. No reservations required. For questions call (423) 246-1727.

Thursday, April 7 The second annual Spring Expo & Health Fair will take place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Historic Jonesborough Visitors Center. Health Screenings will be available for blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, 02 stats, as well as free chair massages from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. with free hot dogs, drinks and popcorn.

Friday, April 8 Johnson City: Scott Dameron and Jay Ladd, a contemporary folk duo from Raleigh, NC, will be playing the Coffeehouse at 10 p.m.

Saturday, April 9 Blountville: The Poetry Society of Tennessee - Northeast Tennessee Chapter, (PST-NE), will conduct its monthly meeting from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. on the campus of Northeast State Community College in the Wayne G. Basler Library room 226. Contact Todd Bailey at 423367-0532 for more information.

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Louise Mosrie, a folk/ Americana songwriter based in Nashville will be playing at the Acoustic Coffeehouse in Johnson City on Friday, April 1 at 8 p.m.

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Niswonger Center presents Southern Jazz If you enjoy Dixieland music that really sizzles, plan a visit to the Niswonger Performing Arts Center on Thursday, April 7, 7:30 to see Southern Fried Jazz.

Darrell Bryan, executive director of NPAC says, “Their performance blends high-energy Dixieland music with narration and personal anecdotes into a seamless history lesson of early jazz in America.”

With resumes that date back to Big Band tours and early jazz clubs, the show-wise members of this eight-piece ensemble include three horns and four rhythm, along with female vocals that stir the soul.

The band is led by Don Edwards, a veteran trumpet player whose first professional job was performing with his dad and teacher in the American Legion Band at the age of eight. His real career began while in high school working in combos and later with territory bands from his hometown of Greensburg, PA. Following high school, Edwards entered the armed service for three years, serving as first trumpet, and youngest member, with the 661st and 716th Army Air Force Bands.

Through the years, he has worked with such greats as the Mills Brothers, Fred Astaire, Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra, Mel Torme, Pearl Bailey and more. He moved to Charlotte, NC in the mid 70s, and formed Southern Fried Jazz Band.

“Jazz is the only original art form America has given the world,” says Edwards.

Shortly after making their CD entitled It’s What’s Cookin, it was picked up by a local radio station whose manager liked it so well, he sent it to the legendary George Buck in New Orleans who featured it on many of his coast to coast jazzology radio shows. Edwards has since incorporated the Southern Fried Jazz Band into a show with the history of early jazz in America as its theme. To date, Southern Fried Jazz has performed in more than 90 cities throughout the country. Along with the show, the band also conducts outreach programs for students of all ages.

Southern Fried Jazz will be presented at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center, where the stars are always shining, on Thursday, April 7, 7:30, For ticketing information, call the Box Office at 423-638-1679 (open from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday), or visit the Web site at www.greenevillenpac. com.

March 29, 2011 • The Loafer, Page 31 Bristol: Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion and Alpha Natural Resources will bring WDVX 89.9/102.9 FM Knoxville, back to Bristol for a special evening edition of the Blue Plate Special, 7 p.m., at The Paramount Center for the Arts on State Street in historic Downtown. Respected singer/ songwriter Shawn Camp headlines the show, with his newly formed band, The World Famous Headliners. The Hackensaw Boys, Duty Free and Wise Old River round out the evening’s event. General admission tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door.

Tickets can be purchased at The Paramount Center for the Arts box office at 518 State Street, Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, 416 State Street, and online at www.bristolrhythm.com Jonesborough: Historic Jonesborough will pay tribute to the American flag beginning at 7 p.m. at the Historic Jonesborough Visitors Center. The event is held each year in order to provide funding for the flags that mark the downtown streets of Tennessee’s oldest town year round. Activities will include a silent auction, cake walk and entertainment

by the Jonesborough Novelty Band and the children’s Celebration Choir. The Daniel Boone Marine Corps and Jr. ROTC will also be in attendance to pay special tribute to the American flag. Guests will have the opportunity to adopt flags as drawings will also be held for two flags that were flown over the nation’s capital in Washington, D.C. This event is free and open to the public.

For more information contact Ruth Verhegge at (423) 794-0237 or The Cranberry Thistle at (423) 753-0090.

Monday, April 11 Kingsport: SingleVision will be having an evening of Special Easter Music with John Powers at 6:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall at First Broad Street United Methodist Church in Kingsport. He is the music director of Kingsley United Methodist Church in Bloomingdale. He is also an English teacher. He and some friends will share special music of the season as well as involve us in singing and playing music of the season: “The Cross and the Resurrection”. His music will inspire you; bring tears to your

eyes and goose bumps to your skin. Dinner begins at 6:30 p.m. at a cost of $6. The program will start at 7:15 p.m. Reservations for dinner are required by noon on Friday, April 8 by calling (423) 224-1502. No reservations are required for the program only. Questions? Call (423) 246-1727.

Friday, April 15 Johnson City: Beginners Guitar Class for ages 8-12 will begin at the Gold Star Fitness Center on Ft. Henry Dr. in Colonial Heights. Students will have opportunities to perform after learning to read music, basic chords, notes and picking technique.The instructor, Tony Prevette is an experienced performer and teacher with a B.A.Degree in Music from Radford University. The class will meet each Friday at 6:15 P.M. Only $30 for six weeks! To register, phone 288-8346 or email tricitiestalent@hotmail.com

Sunday, April 17 Johnson City: The East Tennessee State University chapter of Alpha Xi Delta Sorority invites sisters - past and present - and the campus community to a celebration of Founders Day and the chapter’s 50th anniversary at ETSU. A reception will be held at 3 p.m. at the Johnson City Country Club.

An entrance fee of $20 includes light refreshments. Chapter achievement awards will be presented during the event. For further information or reservations, contact Kaitie Sneed, Public Relations Vice President of Alpha Xi Delta, at sneedk@ goldmail.etsu.edu.

Thursday, April 28 Greeneville: Book Sale, by the Greeneville/Greene County Public Library, April 28-30.

Hours and prices: 4-8 p.m., Thursday (hardback $2, paperback $1); 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Friday (hardback $1, paperback 50¢; 8

a.m. - 2 p.m., Saturday (hardback 50¢, paperback 25¢); after 11a.m., $2 per bag (available at sale). 406 North Irish, Greeneville, TN. Friday, April 29 Johnson City: Pick Your Switch at the Acoustic Coffeehouse Next Door The Next Room at the Acoustic Coffeehouse. Fronted by Paul Edelman, winner 2009 Flat Rock Music Festival songwriter competition, Pick Your Switch is a tight, crisp Americana rock trio.

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The Preacher's Wife In 2010 the lives of three unique musicians united and Tracee Lee Davidson, Mike Godsey and Thomas Bettini, realized that they had something incredibly God-inspired between them. This launched the extraordinary beginning of Preacher’s Wife. Writing original music that is organic, exclusive, and adds an innovative twist to mainstream worship music, Preacher’s Wife has a distinct sound and states publicly how radically powerful God really is.

Tracee Lee started singing at age three and playing piano at seven. She is currently the Worship Leader at The Bridge in Bristol, Tennessee, where husband Mark Davidson is Lead Pastor. Both of them are “international missionary kids.”

“My life started off in St. Paul Minnesota, and soon after my overseas adventures began in the Canary Islands off the coast of Spain. Then my family headed to the mainland of Spain. When we were living in Valencia, my parents gave me a choice of being homeschooled or boarding school. I’m a social butterfly so I chose boarding school in Kandern, Germany.” After returning to the US, Mark and Tracee married and had three children while living in Oklahoma and from there, Dublin, Ireland!

Mike Godsey, drummer for Preacher’s Wife, grew up in Kingsport, Tennessee, listening to his dad play gospel and bluegrass. “After hearing the drummer play in a country rock band with my Dad, I decided that drums would be my instrument of choice. I modeled my drumming style after the great players like John Bonham, Buddy Rich, and Ian Price. At 27, I quit playing the local club scene and began to play contemporary Christian and Gospel music. I’ve been playing in church for the past 15 years and at The Bridge since 2007.”

Guinness World Record holder and professional bassist, Tom Bettini, a Kingsport native, is well-known to the Tri-Cities as the founding bass player for the platinum-selling and internationally recognized band Jackyl. After resigning from Jackyl in 2000, Tom has either started or joined some of the best bands in the regional area.

Nobody realized, including Bettini, Godsey, and Davidson, that when Tom walked through The Bridge doors in 2009 it was going to create a stirring within the three musicians that is changing their lives. They began to sense that it has been God’s dream to get the three of them together because they shared a rare vision. This mission is to create songs with a sound so different and passionate and reveal a genuine God to a real world.

Preacher’s Wife first CD will debut in Concert on Friday, April 1st, at 7:00 p.m. at The Bridge Church in Bristol, TN. www.preachers-wife.com

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Saturday, April 2, at 7:30 p.m., the Carter Family Fold in Hiltons, VA, will present a concert by Audie Blaylock and Redline.

Admission to the concert is $7 for adults, $1 for children 6 to 11, under age 6 free.

Four-time IBMA Guitar Player of the year candidate, Audie Blaylock has performed with some of bluegrass music’s most distinguished acts over the years including the great Jimmy Martin and Rhonda Vincent and the Rage. His session work earned him a Grammy nomination for Best Bluegrass Album and an IBMA nomination for Recorded Event of the Year for A Tribute to Jimmy Martin: The King of Bluegrass. This group project included Audie on guitar and vocals along with a stellar lineup of musicians including former Sunny Mountain Boys J.D. Crowe, Paul Williams, and Kenny Ingram. Audie has also performed with the legendary Red Allen, the Lynn Morris Band, and songwriting great Harley Allen. Audie Blaylock and Redline had the honor of being nominated for the IBMA’s Emerging Artist of the Year award in both 2005 and 2006.

In October, 2007, while Blaylock was the featured artist with Michael Cleveland and Flamekeeper, they brought home the Instrumental Group of the Year award at the 18th Annual IBMA Awards show. This particular award had previously gone to groups like Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder, Nickel Creek, and Del McCoury.

Born in El Paso, Texas, into a family whose roots go back to the hills of Virginia and Tennessee, Audie learned to play guitar and sing with his parents and siblings and went on to play locally in the Lansing, Michigan, area where he grew up. In 1982, at age 19, Audie joined Jimmy Martin and the Sunny Mountain Boys and spent nine years on the road learning the craft of bluegrass from one of the genre’s first-generation legends.

The group Redline features exceptional fiddle, mandolin, banjo, and bass players. After three releases, Audie has settled into a traditional bluegrass style full of energy and soul that sounds as durable as bluegrass itself has proven to be over time. His mellow, wailing tenor and lightening-fast guitar picking have made him one of the names to watch in the world of traditional bluegrass. For more information on Audie and Redline, go to: http:// audieblaylock.com/.

If you love traditional bluegrass, be sure to come out and see Audie Blaylock and Redline at the Carter Family Fold. This will be their first performance at the Fold, but we feel sure they’ll quickly become a Fold favorite and be back often. Bring your friends and your dancing shoes, and join us for an evening of some of the best bluegrass in the world! In addition to a large national fan base, the group has fans as far away as Ireland and Australia.

Carter Family Memorial Music Center, Incorporated, is a nonprofit, rural arts organization established to preserve traditional, acoustic, mountain music. For further information on the center, go to http://www.carterfamilyfold.org.

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April 2011 Traditional Arts Workshops at Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area Please pre-register and pay in advance for workshops, by calling the park at 423-543-5808 Watercolor Painting Instructor: Barbara Jernigan Saturday, April 2 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Cost: $12 (plus supplies) or $20 (includes supplies) Min: 5 Max: open Learn and practice watercolor techniques and style. Dress to take a short walk outdoors for photos and observations, weather permitting.

18th Century Eastern Cherokee Style Trade Necklace Instructor: Gary Stevens Saturday, April 2 Noon – 3 p.m.

Cost: $25 includes materials Min: 1 Max: 15 In this class you will make an early trade necklace using authentic 150 to 200 year old beads. You will also add bone spacers, and/or coyote or buffalo teeth.

Beginners Spinning Instructor: Amy Gawthrop Sunday, April 3 1:30 – 4 p.m.

Cost: $40 includes fleece (1st time students in this class) $15 for returning students Min: 1 Max: 5 Plying your yarn; ‘Z’ twist and ‘S’ twist, plying from a lazy kate, Navajo plying, and additional spinning instruction.

How to Sew an 18th century Petticoat and Apron Instructor: Ramona Invidiato Saturday, April 9 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Cost: $10 plus materials Min: 5 Max: 10 If you are in the play, Liberty, or a re-enactor, this class is a must if you want to make period correct clothing at a good cost. You will learn how to hand sew these garments, using period sewing techniques or machine sew (where it won’t show). The pattern is based on directions by Kass McCann’s RECONSTRUCTING HISTORY and a handout will be provided so you can finish or make a petticoat at home. Please ask for the materials list when you register.

Watercolor Painting Instructor: Barbara Jernigan Sunday, April 10 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Cost: $12 (plus supplies) or $20 (includes supplies) Min: 5 Max: open Learn and practice watercolor techniques and style. Dress to take a short walk outdoors for photos and observations, weather permitting.

Basketry – Fill Heart Basket Instructor: Candy Alexander Saturday, April 16 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Cost: $26 Min: 4 Max : 15 This basket will begin with an open weave bottom that will be filled in with inserts, using notched corner construction to emphasize the skill of shaping.

Finished basket will be 6” square x 3” high. This basket is suited to all levels of weavers, including beginner. You will need to bring with you a pair of garden or kitchen shears, a kitchen towel, a pencil, a spray bottle of water and 12 small spring clips or spring clothespins.

18th Century Soapmaking Instructors: Nat and Sherri Hyder Saturday, April 16 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Cost: $55 Min: 8 Max: 12 Learn to make lye soap the 18th century way using lye, lard, and water. We will be cooking soap in a cast iron kettle over a fire. Please wear close-toed shoes, bring a lunch, wear a hat, and old clothes. You will be taking some of the soap home with you. Materials included in cost of class.

Primitive Tin Punching in the Country Tradition Instructor: Doug Ledbetter Saturday, April 16 10 a.m. – noon Cost: $15 includes tin and pattern Min: 5 Max: 15. Adults Only In the country tradition of the early American pie safe’s of East Tennessee, you will create a 12 x 15” design from patterns taken from antique pie safe’s

Sherrie Hyder (right)

March 29, 2011 • The Loafer, Page 37

Barbara Jernigan of this region. There will be several patterns to choose from. You will also learn how to collect, age, cut tin, and make patterns. Bring a hammer, a medium to small flat screwdriver and Phillips head screwdriver.

Intermediate Spinning Instructor: Amy Gawthrop Sunday, April 17 1:30 – 4 p.m.

Cost: $40 includes fleece (1st time students in this class) $15 for returning students Min: 1 Max: 5 Plying your yarn; ‘Z’ twist and ‘S’ twist, plying from a lazy kate, Navajo plying, and additional spinning instruction.

Step by Step Oil Painting Instructor: Kay Braswell Saturday, April 23 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Cost: $50 (includes supplies) Min: 6 Max: 15 Discover oil on canvas through wet-on-wet painting techniques. Beginners are welcome or come to improve the skills you already possess.

Step by Step Oil Painting Kay Braswell Saturday, April 27 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Cost: $50 (includes supplies) Min: 6 Max: 15 Discover oil on canvas through wet-on-wet painting techniques. Beginners are welcome or come to improve the skills you already possess.

Making a Native American Flute Instructor: Danny Bigay Saturday, April 30 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Cost: $100 (includes supplies) Min: 4 Max: 10 Discover the art of making a traditionally tuned Cherokee-style flute. Wear old clothes. All materials provided.

Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area 1651 W. Elk Avenue Elizabethton, TN 37643 423-543-5808 www.tnstateparks.com/SycamoreShoals/ www.sycamoreshoalstn.org

Page 38, The Loafer • March 29, 2011 Ever since the last century (remember the 20th century?), we Americans have had an obsession with packaging our history in tidy little ten-year packages. Take an American History course and you will no doubt be bored with lectures about the 1920s, 1930s, 1940s, 1950s, and so on.

Historians like to do these kinds of things because it simplifies their work and makes their lectures seem more coherent and logical - and it’s much easier to design tests and quizzes around these little ten-year tidbits.

Unfortunately, history doesn’t package itself in these kinds of packages—real history, as opposed to textbook history, is a pretty messy and untidy thing.

I should know, because I teach American history, but I refuse to subscribe to this deceptive tenyear plan and I don’t care much for lecturing or giving traditional tests and quizzes. I prefer thinking of history thematically rather than decade-by-decade, and I prefer learning over teaching.

But try as we may to correct things, many people persist in believing in the fallacy of decades.

Take David Sirota’s new book’s long-winded title, for instance - Back To Our Future: How the 1980s Explain The World We Live In Now, Our Culture, Our Politics (Ballantine, 2011). I am currently reading an excerpt of it on my iPad, and while I find it very interesting, I keep comparing it to the countless other books that preceded it, each claiming that their chosen decade (particularly the 1960s and 1970s) gave birth to the “world we live in now.”

In many ways, I tend to agree with Barbara Tuchman, whose very enlightening book, A Distant Mirror (1987), locates the origins of the “world we live in now” not in the 1950s or any other 20th century decade, but, rather, in what she refers to as the “calamitous 14th century.” To be honest, you can pick practically any decade, any century, and make some sort of claim that it was responsible for the mess we find ourselves in today.

It appears that the decade of choice at the moment is, much to Sirota’s delight, the 1980s, the decade of Ronald Reagan, J.R. Ewing, Ferris Buehler, and Indiana Jones. I remember the Eighties well, and I find it amusing that we are suddenly filled with

KELLY

JIM

Kelly’s Place

REMEMBERING THE 1980S (IF YOU DARE): THE DECADE OF ROAD HOUSE nostalgia for a time that most Americans at the time loathed as much as the times we find ourselves in today - nostalgia, you see, always looks better from a distance.

In keeping with this wave of Eighties nostalgia, I plan on devoting one column each month to a 1980s movie - and, after taking a look at the long list of movies from that decade, I am very enthusiastic about a self-appointed task that lets me choose from really interesting stuff like Aliens, Blade Runner, Blue Velvet, Raging Bull, The Blues Brothers, Tootsie, Motel Hell, The Shining, and Fatal Attraction. And even the worst of the worst are worth a second look - tripe like Slumber Party Massacre II, Garbage Pail Kids: The Movie, Cobra, Ishtar,

and The Stuff.

Without doubt the 1980s was a pop culture paradise (or wasteland, depending on your point of view and tastes). And, as an extra added bonus, the 1980s is significant in terms of this publication - as you know, or should know, this year marks the 25th anniversary of The Loafer, which first appeared in 1986 as audiences were thrilling to Top Gun (the year’s top movie), Crocodile Dundee, Hannah and Her Sisters, Ferris Buehler’s Day Off, and Pretty In Pink.

If I were approached by a person (or outer space alien) who knew nothing about the 1980s and asked me for something that would give them (or it) a clue about that seemingly long-ago time, I would present them with

a copy of Road House, the 1989 movie starring Patrick Swayze in a career-making role. Could very well be that this movie gives you everything you need to know about the Reagan years.

In keeping with The Loafer staff’s plan to feature vintage columns from time to time this year, I present you with some of the things I said about Road House about three years ago (which at that time was an update of an every earlier column I had written on the movie) When this now-iconic and slightly notorious movie premiered, on May 19, 1989 [one month after my daughter was born and a little over a month after my first column appeared in this paper], Roger Ebert - in a piece published on the same

day - set the tone for most of the reviews to come.

According to Ebert, “Road House exists right on the edge between the ‘good-bad movie’ and the merely bad. I hesitate to recommend it, because so much depends on the ironic vision of the viewer.”

He then adds that “this is not a good movie. But viewed in the right frame of mind, it is not a boring one, either.”

The key is to find the right frame of mind in which to view the movie. Seems like every time I watch it, however, I am in a different frame of mind. But I haven’t yet found a frame of mind that prevented me from having a lot of fun. And that includes the times I’ve enjoyed it while listening to the hilarious Mystery Science Theatre comment track created by Mike Nelson and Kevin Murphy (available on the Film Crew website - I highly recommend it).

What, after all, can you say about a movie that contains the line “A polar bear fell on me”? Or one based on the career of a bar bouncer with a PhD in Philosophy from New York University?

Ben Gazzara, who portrays a thoroughly evil thug, and Sam Elliott, who we are asked to believe is the No. 2 bar bouncer in the world and a practitioner of Zen, rounds out the cast, along with a female physician named Doc, who inspires Swayze to utter the film’s tagline, “Pain don’t hurt.”

A surreal experience indeed, especially if you’re drawn to movies featuring shirtless men who inhabit a bar that wisely sequesters its blues band behind a Plexiglas shield.

Road House speaks volumes about the reasons I’m such a fan of popular culture and why I am very grateful to be living in a world that affords me the many pleasure of such a good/bad film. It has just about everything a movie lover could want, and more - an unbelievable plot, corny dialogue, falling polar bears, naked torsos, and a bizarre mixture of shirtless karate, Zen, inexplicable lines like “Pain don’t hurt,” Sam Elliot, and knife fighting.

This review has pushed me over the edge - I now feel compelled, if not exactly inspired, to write columns about 1980s movies. Send me some suggestions and I’ll see what I can do.

March 29, 2011 â&#x20AC;˘ The Loafer, Page 39

Page 40, The Loafer â&#x20AC;˘ March 29, 2011

Arts

Looking for someone to hand quilt a quilt top. Please call in Kingsport @ 423-863-5911 or email tnfreckles@ gmail.com Scrapbooking Classes! Learn about exciting new ideas and techniques whether you’re a beginner or not!

Individual classes, workshops and crops available. Contact teachu2scrap@charter.net or call (423) 383-2897 for more information.

The Art Gurls, who are a group of creative women who get together once a month at the Wild Flour Restaurant in Abingdon, VA. To eat, drink, exchange stories and ideas, and to hatch out art projects. For further information call Barbara Carter at (423) 239-5757 or (423) 943-7505.

Ceramic Classes, Fridays 5-8 p.m., Drop-ins welcome. All day on Thursday, Friday & Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Call (423) 426-1027 or (423) 257-5117 for more information.

Wednesday Morning Painters meet at 10 a.m. each Wednesday at Abingdon’s Arts Depot for a few delightful hours of painting and artistic interaction. All persons interested in painting in an informal, relaxed atmosphere are encouraged to attend. All skill levels are represented and there is no fee. Contact the Arts Depot at (276) 628-9091 for more information.

Flowers by Fran. Classes for painting flowers, wild life & landscape. Classes being taught. Call Fran at (423) 753-7310.

Art Life will offer a Creative Arts Program for children featuring workshops in creative writing, drama, play writing, are and photography. Workshops will be held Saturdays throughout the year. Cost is one-time (per year) fee of $40 per student, $60 for two in one family, and includes all workshops, art events and subscriptions to an arts publication featuring stories, poetry and other works by students. Call Kim at (423) 245-4711.

Classes/Workshops

Breastfeeding Support/LLL Johnson City Meeting – NEW Second Sundays 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Munsey Memorial United Methodist Church, 201 East Market Street, Johnson City, TN 37601. Meets in the lower level, room LL14.Call Samantha with questions at 423-956-3525 Parenting Information and Support - Johnson City Meeting – NEW TriCities Parenting, API Second Sundays 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Munsey Memorial United Methodist Church, 201 East Market Street, Johnson City, TN 37601 Meets in the lower level, room LL14. Call Samantha with questions at 423-956-3525 Parenting information and help – NEW TriCities Parenting, API Second Wednesdays 10:00 to 11:00 am Java Js coffee house on State Street in Bristol (501 State Street, Bristol, VA, 24201) Students from King College will have something for older children to do - this is optional and for your convenience, as desired. More info: Samantha, 423-956-3525 Breastfeeding Cafe – NEW Second Wednesdays 11:00 am to 12:00 p.m. Java Js coffee house on State Street in Bristol (501 State Street, Bristol, VA, 24201) Meeting style is casual, come get your questions answered, encourage others, etc. Students from King College will have something for older children to do - this is optional and for your convenience, as desired. More info: Samantha, 423-956-3525 Breastfeeding Support/LLL Bristol Evening Meeting Fourth Tuesdays 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. YWCA Bristol, State Street, Bristol, TN Call Katherine with questions at 276-466-4860 Breastfeeding Support/LLL Bristol Day Meeting First Fridays 10:00 p.m. - 11:30 p.m. Avoca Branch Library, Volunteer Parkway, Bristol, TN Call Katherine with questions at 276-466-4860 Preparing for 2012-Before, Then & After Workshops are ongoing and held in Gray, TN. The 10-week workshop series explains the 2012 phenomena and provides the information necessary for students to understand what is happening on our planet and what they must do about it. Students learn to prepare themselves and their families mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually to effectively endure these occurrences. These workshops are not about fear, panic and desperation; they provide comfort, awareness, and knowledge of the truth during times of uncertainty. Dr. Mitzi Pyles intuitively received this vital information, and it is scientifically supported throughout the series. Contact Dr. Pyles at 423-467-3302 or visit www.PreparingFor2012.com for more information or dates and times of upcoming workshops.

An Introduction to The Heart of Huna: 7 steps to a whole-hearted life. Meets the 2nd Wednesday from 6:30-9:30p.m..

Imagine living your perfect life! This introduction to Hawaiian Huna and Aloha offers simple principles to live in harmony in relationship with oneself, each other and the environment. By applying the ancient principles of Huna you can achieve a life centered in love-for a more meaningful, whole-hearted life. For more information contact Kaleo Wheeler (423) 926-1648 or www.kaleowheeler.com

Are you looking to give your life meaning? Therapeutic Foster Parenting offers tremendous fulfillment. We need singles or married couples in Washington County, VA or Bristol, VA to work with children from ages 5 to 18, who have some history or emotional instability. Specialized training and a monthly fee are both provided. Call Andre-Highlands Community Services at (276) 645-4781 for more information.

Interested in fostering or adopting a Child? The Tennessee Dept. of Children’s Services is currently offering a FREE Foster/Adoptive Parent Training. Classes will be offered in Johnson City, Greeneville, Rogersville, Elizabethton, and Blountville. Please call 877-DCS-KIDS (877-327-5437) for more information.

Therapeutic Yoga. To manage & control Parkinson’s Disease. Learn concentration, techniques, to neutralize, daily stresses & increase focus & memory. For more information call (423) 246-3805 or (423) 246-5149

Mavis Beacon Typing - Free of Charge. Boost efficiency and enhance productivity with excellent keyboarding skills. Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing 15 is an ideal tutorial program for any keyboard user. Featuring customized lessons, motivating speed tests and progress reports, dictation practice and more, this versatile program is equally effective for the young student typist, the busy executive or the professional administrative assistant seeking to improve their skills. Instructor: Kim Skeens, Lab Coordinator. Visit our website @ www.ywcabristol.org or for more information call for details, (423) 968-9444.

Trinity Baptist Church announces the start of two new programs for children. Daughters of the King is a class for young ladies in 4th-6th grade where they will explore the basics of beauty. Through games, discussion, visiting consultants, and field trips we explore the world of beauty and then they will learn about what God describes as beautiful. Sons of the King is a program designed to build Godly character in young men grades 4-6 through Bible study, games, skill building and adventure. Both groups meet on Mondays from 3:30-5 p.m. separately at the church located on Headtown Road in Jonesborough. Transportation may be available. Call the church at (423) 753-4394 for more information.

Learn to use therapeutic grade Essential Oils to benefit mind and body. Day and evening workshops limited spaces. For information and registration call (423) 232-6254.

Magic Classes. Learn to do amazing magic tricks with everyday items. Tuesday nights at “Top Hat Magic Supply” in Bristol, TN from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Limited space. All ages welcome! Call Dave Vaught or Ryan Robinette for further information at (423) 968-3200.

Spanish Classes. John Arredondo & Associates is offering a variety of Spanish classes including Basic Spanish, Spanish II, Spanish for Building Trades, Spanish for Healthcare Workers, Spanish for Home Schoolers, Spanish Tutoring. For more information call (423) 483-4650.

Floral designing courses. A complete custom floral designing course day and night classes. Limited space, 10 persons per class. Call Fran (423) 753-7310.

Knit Too Together (Regional knitting guild) meets the third Tuesday each month at 1 p.m. at Christian Fellowship Church off Interstate 81 at exit 63. Johnson City knitters carpool to meetings. Call (423) 232-0644 in Johnson City for further information.

Blue Ridge Quilt Guild, Johnson City – meets 1st Wednesday of month. Social 9:30 am, meeting 10 am. Our Savior Luthern Church, Sunset Dr. Meeting times/locations subject to change per current program schedule. Ask at local quilt shops for specific contact information.

First Frontier Quilters, Kingsport – meets 3rd Tuesday of month, 10 am at Bethel Presbyterian Church, Warpath Drive. Meeting times/locations subject to change per current program schedule. Ask at local quilt shops for specific contact information.

Holston Quilters Guild, Bristol TN – meets 3rd Saturday of month, 10 am at the First United Methodist Church, Vance Drive, Bristol. Meeting times/locations subject to change per current program schedule. Ask at local quilt shops for specific contact information.

Sycamore Stitchers, Elizabethton – meets 2nd Thursday of month, 9 am. At Sycamore Shoals State Park. Meeting times/locations subject to change per current program schedule. Ask at local quilt shops for specific contact information.

Appalchian Heritage Quilters, Gray – 1st Thursday of month is stitch-in, 3rd Thursday of month is meeting/program. Gray Community Center. 6 p.m.. Meeting times/ locations subject to change per current program schedule. Ask at local quilt shops for specific contact information.

Unaka Piecemakers Quilt Club, Erwin – 1st Tuesday is business meeting, then working on projects. 3rd Tuesday is stitch-in. Social, 9:30 a.m., meeting 10 a.m. at Grace United Methodist Church, Rock Creek Rd. Meeting times/locations subject to change per current program schedule. Ask at local quilt shops for specific contact information.

Quilting Classes. Sponsored by Tennessee Quilts in Jonesborough. For additional information phone at (423) 753-6644.

Dance

West Coast Swing Classes! Thursdays at 7p.m.. Only $10 per class! Held at Stardust Dance Centre. 321 E. Sullivan St. Downtown Kingsport. Call (423) 292-9512 for more information.

Dancing Divas Class for Women! Ladies, learn Hip Hop, country and western, salsa, line dancing, belly dancing and more. Great workout. Lots of fun! Thursdays at 8p.m..

Held at Stardust Dance Centre. 321 E. Sullivan St. Downtown Kingsport. Call (423) 292-9512 for more information. Group discounts available.

Hip-Hop. Learn the hottest new street dance moves and burn the floor! Every Thursday we offer beginner lessons for adults and kids. Children 7-12 meet at 4p.m.. Ages 13 and up meet at 5p.m.. Learn short routines to the latest songs or join a dance team and perform. Classes are held in downtown Kingsport. Monthly payments are the lowest in the tri-cities. Taught by Mike and Mark. Call now to pre-register 292-9512.

Beginner Belly Dance Class. “Veil and Zill” This class will focus on dancing with accoutrements (veils and finger cymbals). Dancers must bring their own accoutrements or they can be purchased at the studio on the first day of class. This (8) week class will be held on Mondays at 7p.m.. Coin skirts are recommended but not required. Dancers will learn short routines. Belly dancing is great for toning abs, thighs, triceps, biceps and buttocks. Routines are sexy, fun and mildly aerobic. Call 292-9512 to pre-register.

Magic Classes. Classes for beginners and up. Weekend workshops also available. Call Andrew Hyder for more information or to set up a time. (423) 213-9312

Tumbling, ballet, hip hop, tap classes available for ages 2 through 14 in Kingsport, Johnson City, Blountville, Allandale. No registration fees or contracts. Parents observe in the classroom. For more information phone (423)288-8346

Chics ‘n Chaps women’s motorcycle club meets the first Friday of each month at at 6:30p.m.. Please call (423) 341-8914 or (423) 292-7923 for meeting location.

Monthly Ballroom Dance: Fourth Friday of each month at Virginia Ballroom at 300 Senior Drive Abingdon - a relaxed way to practice your skills or hone them at the lesson before the dance. Lesson 7p.m., Dance 8p.m. - 10p.m.. Alcohol and smoke free. No partner or experience necessary. A $5.00 donation to the Senior Center and a snack to share will be appreciated. Beverages will be provided. Call 276-623-4400 for more information.

Learn to get what you want out of life. Personal Empowerment Workshops, Meditation and other new ongoing classes are now being formed. All of these workshops and classes offer powerful, practical techniques and tools that are specifically designed to help enhance all aspects of one’s life. Workshops are held each Monday night.

Meditation classes are held on the first and third Wednesday of each month. Other classes are offered as needed.

Dr. Mitzi Pyles facilitates them. For more information call (423) 467-3302.

Latin Dance Aerobics Class – Salsa, Cha-Cha, Swing, Samba, Merengue, Hip-Hop, Belly Dance, Pasa Doble. Loose weight, tighten and tone. Fit into that new bikini or little black dress! Learn a new dance and make new friend. This class is an exciting and fun way to get in shape for the summer. Just $10 per dancer. No pre-registration or partner required. Just show up! Classes are every Monday at 6p.m.. 321 E. Sullivan St. Kingsport. Call 292-9512 for more information.

Beginner Belly Dancing - $10 per dancer. Mondays at 7p.m.. Classical, Egyptian and Tribal styles. Lean basic belly dance movements and mini routines. Dress in beautiful costumes. Fun way to tone target areas. Low impact but full body workout. Bring your friends, family and co-workers. Call Sharah for more information at 292-9512.

FREE Summer Hip-Hop High School Class – Tuesdays at 5p.m.. Hip-hop / cha-cha / salsa / lyrical. High school students only, no exceptions. 321 E. Sullivan St. Kingsport. Taught by Brooklynn. Call 292-9512 for more information.

required areas of study and meets from 8:30am-4:30p.m. on the second Wednesday of each month. The CSAC and CSAC-A are the baseline credentials for individuals seeking to enter the field of addictions treatment in Virginia. For more information, call Eric Greene at (276) 523-8300.

There will be Line Dance Lessons held every Tuesday at Fanatics Sports Club in the DoubleTree Hotel. Beginner lesson is at 6:30 and intermediate is at 7:30. Dance to the latest dances being done nationwide to country, pop, latin, tango and hip-hop music. No experience needed and no partner required. Located at 211 Mockingbird Lane, Johnson City. For more information call (423) 282-1848 or tnlinedancer@hotmail.com.

Federation of Families: Lee, 2nd Monday 6:30 p.m. Jonesville First United Methodist Church Federation of Families meets monthly to provide support and education for families dealing with the challenges of raising a child with emotional, behavioral, or mental health issues.

The group meets the 2nd Monday of each month from 6:30 to 8:30. Registration is encouraged. For more information and to register, call Brenda or Theresa at 276-431-4370 or 888-443-1804. Children are welcome. Calling 888-443-1804 can provide transportation assistance.

Lyrical for Children and Adults! Learn to express the lyrics of a song with movement! Children Thursdays 5-6p.m., Adults Thursdays 6-7p.m.. Pre-registration required. Call (423) 292-9512 for more information.

Federation of Families: Scott, 3rd Monday 6:30 p.m. Holston View United Methodist Church Federation of Families meets monthly to provide support and education for families dealing with the challenges of raising a child with emotional, behavioral, or mental health issues.

The group meets the 3rd Monday of each month from 6:30 to 8:30. Registration is encouraged. For more information and to register, call Brenda or Theresa at 276-431-4370 or 888-443-1804. Children are welcome. Calling 888-443-1804 can provide transportation assistance.

Toddler Dance Class! 18mo’s, 2’s and 3’s. 1 parent must attend with child. 10 student maximum (so hurry and reserve your child’s spot.)

Learn rhythm, movement and get some socialization. Pre-registration required. Call (423) 292-9512 for more information. Saturdays 11am.

Youth Ballroom! Waltz, Rumba, Tango, Cha-Cha, Foxtrot, Swing and More!

Dance lessons being taught for couples and singles every Friday night at the Elizabethton Parks and Recreation Center, 300 W. Mill St. in Elizabethton. Class begins at 6:30 p.am. and includes a one hour lesson and 30 minutes of practice. Cost is $10 for singles and $15 for couples. Dances includes Two-step, swing, waltz and more. You do not need a partner to attend. Call 547-6441 for more information.

Federation of Families: Wise, 1st Monday 6:30 p.m. Presbyterian Church Federation of Families meets monthly to provide support and education for families dealing with the challenges of raising a child with emotional, behavioral, or mental health issues. The group meets the 1st Monday of each month from 6:30 to 8:30. Registration is encouraged. For more information and to register, call Brenda or Theresa at 276-431-4370 or 888-443-1804. Children are welcome. Calling 888-443-1804 can provide transportation assistance.

Line dance lessons every Tuesday at The Doubletree Hotel, Johnson City. Beginner lessons from 6:30-7:30 and Intermediate from 7:30-8:30. $5 for one or both lessons. Learn the latest dances to Music including Country, Pop, Waltz, Tango and Swing. No partner or experience needed. For more information contact (423) 282-1848 or tnlinedancer@hotmail.com

Lee County Suicide Prevention Coalition 4th Thursday, 2 p.m. Lee County Behavioral Health Services. The Suicide Prevention Coalition, formed to raise awareness and determine the available resources in the Lee County community for suicide survivors, will meet the fourth Thursday of every month. Anyone interested in helping support this cause, please contact Bill or Phyllis Russell at (276) 346-1641.

Monthly Social Dance for couples and singles. There will be a Social Dance held for couples, singles and line dancers on the second Saturday of each month at the Jonesborough Visitor Center. There will be a brief couples lesson and a brief line dance lesson at each event. Cost is $5 at the door and includes the lessons and the dance. Everyone is welcome. No dance experience is needed. Come and learn to dance or just enjoy watching in a friendly non-smoking atmosphere. 117 Boone St. Jonesbrough. For more information call (423) 928-2786 or email tndancer1@comcast.net

Moral Reconation Therapy Group, Wednesdays, 2-4 p.m. Wise County Behavioral Health Services. A Moral Reconation Therapy (MRT) Group meets each Wednesday from 2-4 p.m. The group will be ongoing and juveniles ages 13-17 may join any time. Pre-registration is required by calling Jessica Williamson at 523-8370. MRT is a group designed to help juveniles on probation or who have a criminal or substance abuse history to make good choices by doing what is right.

The Bellydance Company is offering a promotional free of charge into to belly dance classes. Youth groups ages 14 to 25. Classes cover veil dancing and how to dance with finger cymbals, basic steps and combination. For additional information call (423) 202-3208.

Bellydance workshop now offering at The Broadway Café, Kingsport Saturdays from 5-6:30p.m.. Also, sponsoring a FREE to the public, International Language Club every Sunday from 11am – 2p.m.. Any level of language skills. Students, instructors & bilinguals of French, Italian, Portuguese, Hindi, Arabic, Spanish, German, Japanese, and Chinese, Tagalog, Hebrew and Latin are welcome. Call (423) 246-4666 for more information.

Shimmering Oasis! The first belly dance school in the Tri-Cities has relocated. Anna Broyles (aka Ozma) teaches American/Middle-Eastern Dance or belly dance at Shimmering Oasis. Learn the ancient form of belly dance while toning your body. An excellent core workout that engages the entire body. Classes run Beginning through Advanced. For anyone regardless of age, size or previous experience. Try the first class free! Gift certificates are available. Also, dance troupe HIPnotic: The Gypsy Queens is available to perform at local events.

Contact Ozma at (276) 591-9736 or email: ozmadances@bvunet.net New Dance Class for Children at The Rose Center. The Rose Center is extremely pleased to offer new dance classes for children. We have an excellent teacher in Tammy Plasencia who will teach ages 3 and older in ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop, modern and lyrical dance as well as acrobatics. Classes are offered Monday through Friday; contact Rose Center for the specific schedule for your child. Fees range from $30 per month for pre-school 30-minute classes to $60 for advanced student classes; substantial discounts are offered for more than one class per week. Call Rose Center at 423-581-4330 for more information and to register for class.

In the Introduction to Ballroom Dance class, students will start with the four basic movements used in ballroom dancing. Three to four dances will be taught with 3 to 5 patterns used in each dance. A native of Knoxville, Kennedy has been teaching and competing in ballroom dancing for over 20 years and is a certified adjudicator in all five categories of competition. He has trained some of the finest teachers in the country and has worked with some of the world’s top champions. He teaches the American style of dance. Private lessons are also available at $50 per session. Contact Lynn directly at 865-455-6975 to schedule private lessons. Kennedy would also like to offer a call to those who would like to become dance instructors. Contact Rose Center if you are interested in learning to teach ballroom dance.

Contra Dances are held twice a month in the Historic Jonesborough Visitors Center, 117 Boone St. Live music in a smoke/alcohol free environment. For more information and schedule visit www.historicjonesboroughdancesociety.org or call David Wiley at (423) 913-3246 Mountain Empire Shag Society dances the Carolina Shag on Monday evenings at 7 p.m. in the lounge at the Holiday Inn on N. Roan St., Johnson City. Free basic lessons at 8 p.m. Private lessons available by appointment. Club DJ Bigfish Calhoun plays the best in shag, r&b and beach until 10 p.m. For more information call Carl Edwards, VP, (423) 878-5877 or Larry Calhoun, DJ, (423) 239-5906.

Ballroom Dance. Learn the waltz, swing, cha-cha, rumba, salsa, tango, foxtrot and more in your choice of a group or class or private lesson.

Both male and female instructors make learning easy, fun and exciting. A national champion offers Competitive and social instruction available and ongoing classes. Couples are welcome but no partner or dance experience is necessary. Friday night parties are offered to practice what you’ve learned. Classes conveniently located in Johnson City. Group class and parties $10/person. Please contact Amanda at (423) 833-5093 for more information.

Education

Tobacco Education programs. Tobacco Education Group (TEG) offers a positive alternative to suspension from school for students in trouble because they have violated their school’s policy on tobacco use. This 8-week program motivates students to reduce tobacco use, make healthier choices, quit tobacco on their own, or join a voluntary tobacco cessation program. Tobacco Awareness Program (TAP) helps students with information, motivation, and support to quit using tobacco. Each student designs his or her approach by choosing a suitable quit date and cessation methods. Both programs, available in Lee, Scott, & Wise Counties, and the City of Norton, are fully funded by the Virginia Tobacco Settlement Foundation (VTSF), Planning District 1, and Frontier Health. For more information, call 276-523-8360.

TRACES Foster Care. Frontier Health’s TRACES Foster Care Program needs therapeutic foster parents in Northeast Tennessee. TRACES foster parents receive free training, 24-hour support services, and tax-free reimbursement for care. Caseworkers are available 24-hours a day, seven days a week for emergency needs. Call 423-224-1043, for more information on becoming a foster parent.

VALUES Foster Care. Frontier Health’s VALUES Foster Care Program, a child-placing agency licensed by the Virginia Department of Social Services, needs therapeutic foster parents in Lee, Wise, and Scott counties and the city of Norton. The program offers training, guidance and links to services needed to maintain foster care placement. Caseworkers are available 24-hours a day, seven days a week for emergency needs. To become a foster parent, call 1-888-443-1804.

Didactic Training Requirement for the Certified Substance Abuse Counselor, Frontier Health and Planning District One Behavioral Health Services is presenting a 10-month comprehensive training for people seeking to fulfill the 220 hours of Didactic Training Requirement for the Certified Substance Abuse Counselor Credential offered by the Virginia Department of Health Professions. The training covers all 10

“Children in the Middle”. Frontier Health offers a SAMSHA Model divorce education program titled CHILDREN IN THE MIDDLE. This program is a skills-based curriculum that helps parents deal with their children’s reactions to divorce. Classes are offered each month in Lee, Scott and Wise Counties. The registration fee is $15 and participants will receive a workbook, guidebook and a certificate of completion. For more information, call Tracie Johnson at 1-888-443-1804.

American Sign Language. The Communication Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing teaches several classes in American Sign Language, including Level I, Level II, Level III, and Level IV. When scheduled, the six-week classes are scheduled on Tuesdays at the Victory Center, Johnson City. Each Level class is $75 and will be taught by CCDHH instructors. For more information, for a schedule, or to register, call 434-0447. The Communication Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing is a division of Frontier Health and provides communication between people who are hearing and people who are deaf or hard of hearing. CCDHH is a community service center providing services under contract with Federal and State Government Agencies, Businesses, Industries, Hospitals, Service Agencies, Courts and Individuals who are in need of assistance in communicating with people who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing. Services are available in Carter, Claibourne, Cocke, Greene, Hamblen, Hancock, Hawkins, Johnson, Sullivan, Unicoi, and Washington. This program is funded in part by the Tennessee Division of Rehabilitation Services.

Job Corps has a limited number of openings for eligible youth between the ages of 16-24 in NE Tennessee area. The program helps young people complete their high school education and obtain skills training in high demand occupations. The program has been in existence since 1964 and operates 122 full-time residential training centers throughout the country. Training will last from 6 months to 2 years + there is an opportunity for advanced education following completion. If eligible, there is no cost for this training. To obtain more information contact Patty Sausser at the Northeast Tennessee Career Center located in Johnson City at (423) 610-0222 ext. 222.

Upper East Tennessee Human Develop.m.ent Agency’s Head Start Program is currently accepting applications 3 & 4 year old children for the 2009-20010 school year. Head Start is a comprehensive educational and nurturing program which also addresses the emotional and physical needs of each enrolled child. Children must meet the eligibility requirements of the federal income guidelines and local Policy Council standards.

The Head Start program also provides services to three and four year old children with disabilities. All this is totally FREE to the family. In addition, transportation is provided except for the two Full Day/Full Year classes. Slots are limited. Apply today. For more information about an application or qualifications call Melissa Roark at (423) 764-7365 or come by 703 Florida Ave. Bristol, TN.

Venture Crew 1861 now seeking young men and women between the ages of 15 and 21 who enjoy scouting and outdoor activities but want an added twist of adventure and living history. VC 1861 is a co-ed Venture scout group portraying civilians and military, Confederate and Federal, from the Civil War. We do living history in our area and re-enactment’s at major battlefield sites in other states. Interested in joining or want more information? E-mail us at venture_1861@yahoo.com with your name, age, address and telephone # and we will get back with you with more information.

Patricia Freedman Literacy Academy offers help with GED preparation, remedial reading and math, English as a second language, English for Speakers of Other Languages, military entrance test/ASVAB, and college entrance exams. The Literacy Academy also offers computer classes for Windows, Internet Usage, Basic Excel, keyboarding, resume writing, and assistance filing for financial aid. There is no charge for this assistance, but donations are always appreciated. For more information, call (276) 645-8790. Patricia Freedman Literacy Academy is located at 701 Goode St. inside the Bristol Public open Mon-Fri. 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

State of Franklin Homeschoolers (SOFH) has several regular activities each month for area homeschoolers, as well as occasional field trips and other opportunities. SOFH is an inclusive group open to ALL homeschoolers regardless of race, religion, creed or educational philosophy.

For more information contact Michelle at (423) 538-6159.

Toastmasters: Learn to develop effective communication and leadership skills! Participate in a self-paced program designed to improve your speaking, listening and thinking. The Mission of Toastmasters Club is to provide a mutually supportive and positive learning environment in which every member has the opportunity to develop communication and leadership skills, which in turn foster self-confidence and personal growth. Wednesday Orators Toastmasters Club meets every Wednesday from 12:05-1 p.m. at the Toy F. Reid Eastman Employee Center on Wilcox Drive in Kingsport. For more information, contact Kathy Padgett at (423) 247-7983 or email at kpadgett@eastman.com.

Toastmasters: Learn to develop effective communication and leadership skills! Participate in a self-paced program designed to improve your speaking, listening and thinking. The Mission of Toastmasters Club is to provide a mutually supportive and positive learning environment in which every member has the opportunity to develop communication and leadership skills, which in turn foster self-confidence and personal growth. Twin City Toastmasters Club meets the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month from 5:45-6:45 p.m. at the Central Christian Church located at 424 Melrose St. in Bristol, TN. For more information contact Wanda Earp at (423) 764-2288 or email at wandaearp@chartertn.net.

YMCA Elementary After School Care. Kingsport YMCA is currently accepting applications for enrollment in the Elementary Age After School Child Care Program in the following schools: Jackson, Kennedy, Lincoln, Jefferson, Rock Spring, Indian Spring, Kingsley, Miller Perry, Holston and Sullivan. For further information, please call the YMCA office at (423) 247-9622.

Gardening

Plant Swap. Meeting at Mize Farm & Garden, 929 W. Watauga Ave. JC. The first Saturday of each month at 1 p.m. Trade plants/seeds you have in excess for something you don’t have. Have fun and meet new friends. For information call Sarita at (423) 434-1800.

with the serious disease of diabetes. This help comes in the various forms of informative meetings, events and personal support. For more information call Jim Smallwood at (423) 288-4576.

Health/Fitness

Color My World Healthy classes at Carver. Come and learn how you can keep a healthy heart after by-pass, stent, or other cardiac surgery. The class will be taught by members of “Mended Heart”, an American Heart Association affiliated group. Join us Tuesday morning, 10:00am – 12:00 noon Feb. 9th at Carver Recreation Center, 322 W. Watauga Ave. Johnson City. Space is limited so call and reserve your seat. For more information call (423) 461-8830.

Pilate’s Classes. Beginning Pilate’s mat classes offered Tuesday and Thursday at 5:30 p.m. Wear comfortable clothing, mats are supplied or bring your own. 112 W. Main St. Kingsport, TN. For additional information call (423) 392-4325.

Masters Swimming Program in Johnson City. Certified coach tailors the program to meet each participant’s needs and abilities. Practices are held Monday, Wednesday and Friday 6-7 a.m. For further information, contact Coach Chris Coraggio at (423) 833-5595.

An introduction to Jin Shin Do Bodymind Acupressure. The Neck & Shoulder release. 3rd Mondays of the month from 6:30p.m.-8:30p.m. at Waterfalls of Wellness Healing Center. 739 Bluff City Hwy, Bristol.

Want to quit smoking? Lose weight? Reduce Stress? Improve your performance at school, work or sports? Healing Energies can help you meet your goals through Hypnosis. Please five us a call if you want to change your life. (423) 257-3521.

An introduction to Free Your Voice – Free Your Self. 3rd Tuesdays of the month. 6:30p.m.-8:30p.m.. Kaleo Wheeler (423) 202-3862.

The Johnson City Judo Club offers beginning classes in the sport of Judo for adults only at Girls, Inc. every Tuesday at 7 p.m. Classes are $2 per session. You will need to purchase a uniform. Visit www.johnsoncityjudo.com for more information, or call Brian Rowe at (423) 439-2047 or Bill Perkins at (423) 975-0171, We are a non-profit organization.

Gentle Flow Yoga Classes. Tuesday evenings from 7:15-8:15p.m. at Piney Flats United Methodist Church (fellowship hall). Suitable for all levels of students. Please bring your own mat and blanket. Only $5.00. Call Wendy @ (423) 220-0552 for more information.

Come and learn how you can take simple and affordable steps to improve the health and quality of your life. This series of workshops will present a variety of ways to improve your personal health, the health of your home, manage stress, deal with change, and more. The workshops will be held every 4th. Thursday of the month starting at 7p.m.. at Wellness Way Chiropractic: 103 Keystone Dr. in Blountville. Space is limited so call and reserve your seat. For further information please call 423-646-4038 or email us at WillVanInwagen@gmail.com Aikido in Johnson City! Classes held Mon and Thurs in downtown Johnson City. 103 W Market St. All skill levels welcome. Traditional Hombu style. Directions and more information at www.jcaikido.com Roller Derby – Are you female, over 18, and need to get out some aggression? Come try roller derby! Strap on some skates and join one of the fastest growing competitive sports in the nation. The Little City Roller Girls are currently seeking new skaters and referees to expand their roster. No previous experience or special skill sets necessary. Women of all shapes and sizes welcome! Men can join in on the fun as referees. Stop by our practices held every Wed 6:30-8:30p.m. and every Sun 12-2p.m. at the Johnson City Family Skate Center to get more info. The JCFSC is located at 930 W Watauga Ave at the corner of State of Franklin and Watauga. Check us out on the web at www.littlecityrollergirls.com ZUMBA – The hot new aerobic workout. Zumba is inspired by Latin dance and music, Zumba uses a variety of styles in its routines, including cumbia, merengue, salsa, reggaeton, hip-hop, pop, mambo, rumba, flamenco, and calypso and Salsaton. Music selections include both fast and slow rhythms to help tone and sculpt the body. Anyone can do it..beginners to advanced. Only $7 per class Mondays & Wednesdays at The Muscle Factory, 2318 Buffalo Rd. Johnson City. For more information call (423) 929-7471.

Yoga Classes – Iyengar Inspired yoga classes offered at New Paradigm Health Center, 113 E. Unaka Ave. Johnson City on Fridays at noon and Saturday s from 9-10:30am. Call (423) 928-9394 for details.

Basics of Belly Dance! Ladies, get a jump start on that New Year’s resolution! All ages, sizes, fitness levels. Tone your body and boost self-esteem through tasteful Middle Eastern dance movements. Classes held every Monday, 6-7 P.M. at the Princeton Arts Center (2516 Oakland Ave.). Cost is just $5 per session. Call PAC at (423) 283-5800 for info or to sign up. Wear flexible clothing and join the fun!

Mountain Yoga, inside Mullins Shaolin Kung Fu on Springbrook St. in JC, offers yoga classes. Class times are Monday s & Wednesday s at noon and Tuesday s & Thursday s at 6:30am. First class is free. After that, there is a $10 drop-in fee, or $50 for a month of unlimited classes. Contact Jennifer Chisam at (423) 262-9551.

Learn to maintain a healthy weight naturally. Programs individually crafted by holistic nutrition and healthy living consultant Marie Browning. Sessions provide the information, guidance and support your need to improve your own health and well being. For information call (423) 367-1396 or visit www.healthiersolutionsbymarie.com Learn to maintain a healthy weight naturally. Programs individually crafted by holistic nutrition and healthy living consultant Marie Browning. Sessions provide the information, guidance and support you need to improve your own health and well being. For information call (423) 367-1396 or visit www.healthiersolutionsbymarie.com Take Yoga with an experienced Yoga Teacher and leave class feeling calm and refreshed. Yoga helps with pain management, Fibromalgia, Back problems, Stress management, and general well being. Stretch your body and relax your mind. Certified with Asheville School of Yoga. Beginner and advanced classes available. Call (423) 384-6440 for times and locations.

Yoga-Pilates classes on Tuesday and Thursday s at 6:30p.m. at Science Hill ALC. Call (423) 434-0206 ext. 1 to pre-register.

Pilates on the ball class at Breastfeeding Essentials. Monday nights at 5:30p.m.. Stroller Fitness classes Wed. & Fri. at 9am. Meet at Warriors. $5 per class. Call Lorie for more information at (423) 299-4014.

Aikido – Traditional Aikido. Increase your balance and center, refine your movements, and enjoy a vigorous practice. Classes taught on Tues. & Thurs. Dojo is in downtown Johnson City above Albert’s Pawn. ASU affiliated. All affiliations, ranks, and skill levels are welcome. Adult classes only. Call (423) 232-9600 for more information.

Karate/Yoga/Tai Chi for mind, body conditioning. $25/mo or $5/drop in. Call (423) 335-3903 for more information.

Learn the ancient form of belly dance while toning your body. An excellent core workout that engages the abdominals, legs, arms, shoulders and back. Try the first class for free! For any woman regardless of age, size or previous experience. Beginning through advanced. Gift certificates are available! Also, dance troupe Gypsy Queens is available to perform at local events. Contact Ozma at (276) 591-9736 or email: ozmadances@bvunet.net Attend a free workshop that will help you to create greater levels of health and wellbeing in your life. For more information call Will at (423) 646-4038.

American Cancer Society’s Look Good…Feel Better is a free program that teaches beauty techniques to women cancer patients in active treatment to help them combat the appearance-related side effects of cancer treatments. Class will be held at Wellmont Outpatient Center, 130 W. Stone Dr. Kingsport from 12p.m.-2p.m. the first Monday of each month, at Laughlin Memorial Hospital, 1420 Tusculum Blvd. Greeneville from 10am-2p.m. the second Monday of each month and at American Cancer Society, 508 Princeton Rd. Johnson City from 1p.m.-3p.m. the third Monday of each month. Please contact 1-800-ACS-2345 for more information.

Water Aerobics. Tired of not having the energy to function during the day? Need a way to relieve stress? Want to be fit? Reduced your blood pressure? Increase muscular strength and endurance? Have a healthier, stronger heart? If your answer is yes to any of these questions, the water aerobics program at Elizabethton High School is for you. Beginner to advanced. Every Tuesday and Thursday at 6:00p.m. (water walking) and 6:30-7:30p.m. (structured class) $3 per session. Dressing rooms available. Doors open 15 minutes prior to class. Lifeguard on duty. For more information contact Cindy Gober at (423) 474-0140 The Kingsport Diabetes Association meets the second Tuesday of each month at Indian Path Hospital Bldg 2002, 2 floor, Room #203 across from the emergency room. All are welcome. The KDA helps diabetics, parents of diabetics and their families to deal better nd

Christian Life Center at Munsey; indoor walking track, exercise room (includes Body Solid Weight Machine, Nordic track/elliptical crosstrainer, treadmill, stepper, rowing machines, stationary bike, etc.) Annual Fees: $25 - adults; $15 - youth/college. Also offered (some additional fees): Tai Chi, Scottish Country Dancing, Volleyball, Badminton, Yoga, Basketball, Softball, Ballroom Dance Lessons/Dances, Upward Basketball. Open Daily, Mon-Thurs. 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m; closes at 4p.m. on Fridays. Call for additional information (423) 461-8070 ext. 213.

The YWCA Fitness Spa invites members and non-members to participate in our Group Fitness Classes at our new 106 State St. facility. We are offering both Classic and Specialty Classes. All classes are appropriate for beginners. Please call (423) 968-9444 for more details and scheduling.

“Secure Plus Medicare Seminars” are held every Monday at the Slater Community Center from 11 a.m. -1 p.m. by John Deere Health Care.

Call the Bristol Tennessee Leisure Services at (423) 764-4023 for more information.

Strength Training is offered on Tuesdays at 10 a.m. and Thursdays at 9 a.m. for adults 55+ at the Slater Community Center. Becky Harris is the instructor. Call the Bristol Tennessee Leisure Services at (423) 764-4023 for more information.

Seniorcise for adults 55+ is held Monday through Friday at 10 a.m. at the Slater Community Center. Shirlene Coffey and Anna Horne are the instructors. Call the Bristol Tennessee Leisure Services at (423) 764-4023 for more information.

Therapeutic Touch/Energy Healing. Learn to use bioenergies to heal you and others. Limited size group for intensive learning experience.

No experience needed, only an open mind and heart Call Liza (423) 247-6765.

Aerobic classes. Held at Johnson City Seniors’ Center on Mon, Wed, & Fri. from 8:30 - 9:30 a.m. Teachers provided by students at ETSU. Classes are $1. per class. For info. Call (423) 434-6237

Reiki Clinic and Classes. Experience the profound healing effects of the Reiki System of Natural Healing. Clinic is open to the public, free of charge, 1st and 3rd Monday evenings, 7-9 p.m. Classes are held monthly for first and second degrees. For information and appointments, call Reiki Master/teacher, Sylvia Lagergren, (423) 928-0747.

T.O.P.S. The Take Off Pounds Sensibly Club meets every Monday at 9:45 a.m. at the Harmony Baptist Church Fellowship hall. For more information call (423) 349-7239.

Science of Deliberate Creation study group. Meets each Wed. night at 7p.m. to listen to and discuss the “Abraham” tapes. Contact Dan at jcmassagetherapist@yahoo.com or (423) 741-1566.

Meetings

Interested in amateur (HAM) radio or are you a ham that’s looking for a local club? Come visit Johnson City Amateur Radio Association at their monthly club meeting held at the North Side Hospital on every third Tuesday at 7p.m. in Johnson City. For more information, please visit www.jcara.org or call Dick, N4ARO, at (423) 929-1256.

Chanting Circles for Healing and Peace meets the 2nd & 4th Friday of the month from 6:30-8:30p.m. at Waterfalls of Wellness Healing Center, 739 Bluff City Hwy. Bristol. For more information contact Kaleo Wheeler (423) 202-3862

Wolf Hills Fan Club is a gathering for seniors, 60 plus, with a Free lunch, starting at 10am at Abingdon Senior Center. For information, please contact (276) 628-5859.

Tuesday Morning Breakfast Club starts at 9:00am on the 1st, 2nd and 4th Tuesday of every month. Breakfast, fellowship, and so much more at the Abingdon Senior Center, 300 Senior Dr. Abingdon, VA. For information, please contact (276) 628-5859.

The Quilting Club meets every Tuesday at 9:30am at the Abingdon Senior Center. You can learn, work on existing projects, or help with a community project. For information, please contact (276) 628-5859.

Law enforcement officers from the area recently organized a Fraternal Order of Police Lodge based in Erwin, TN. The name of the Lodge is Tennessee Unaka Lodge #93. The Fraternal Order of Police started in Pittsburgh, PA in 1915 with 23 members. Today the organization has over 2100 Lodges with 325,000 members. Unaka Lodge is the newest lodge in Tennessee and was started by Dan Moeser, an 18 year veteran of the National FOP organization and a retired federal law enforcement officer. He has also worked 5 years with the Unicoi County Sheriff’s Office. In 1998 Moeser also started a local Chapter of the Blue Knights Motorcycle Law Enforcement Club which is comprised of active and retired law enforcement officers who own and ride a motorcycle. That club presently has over 50 members. The FOP organization has a Mission Statement which in part encourages fraternal, educational, charitable and social activities among law enforcement officers. It strives to cultivate a spirit of mutual helpfulness among members and the people they serve with a goal to increase the efficiency of the law enforcement profession and establish the confidence of the public in the service dedicated to the protection of life and property. Membership in the Unaka Lodge is open to all certified full time law enforcement officers and those retired from full time law enforcement duties, regardless of where they work or have worked in the past. Presently the Lodge has 20 members and applications are being processed for additional members. Meetings are held at the Erwin police department on the fourth Thursday of the month. Anyone interested in joining the Unaka Lodge may contact Dan Moeser at 423-232-8825.

More information about the National and TN State FOP is available at www.tnstatefop.com.The General William Campbell chapter of the Virginia Society of the Sons of the American Revolution meets on alternating months at the Abingdon Senior Citizen’s Center located at 300 Senior Drive just off White’s Mill Road. The meetings begin at 11:30 on the third Saturday of Apr, Jun, Aug, Oct, and Dec. Programs are presented primarily on historical subjects by interesting and informed guest speakers. Interested men are invited along with their friends to visit and explore membership in this organization which is dedicated to promoting education of America’s Heritage and the values esteemed by the founding fathers of our Nation. For further information please contact Joe Alexander at 276-494-6079 or joealexander@ bvunet.net, or Jack Butterworth at jbutter208@Charter.net 423-652-2240, or Sydney Wike at 423-878-3474 or sidneywike@embarqmail.net

A monthly women’s circle, 4th Wednesday of the month at 7p.m.. Come together, share stories and discover commonality with other women.

This Circle of Women’s Voices gives women the opportunity to come together in community to help find our strength, independence, selfesteem, and satisfaction with ourselves and who we are. Through talk story, informal and interactive dialogue, we rediscover our own stories and realize our commonality. For more information contact Kaleo Wheeler (423) 926-1648 or www.kaleowheeler.com

New Moon Gatherings. As the moon regularly moves through its phases and the year moves through the seasons, so human life has cycles and phases. This is an opportunity to come together in sacred space and celebration to experience the lunar cycle in action – setting our intentions for what we choose to create during this particular month and phase. For more information contact Kaleo Wheeler (423) 926-1648 or www.kaleowheeler.com Ex-Pats of Great Britain and Ireland are meeting the 1st Saturday of each month from 6:30-7p.m. at The Celtic Cupboard in Jonesborough. Come and meet others from your homeland. Refreshments served. Call (423) 948-9076 for more information.

The Newcomers Club of Kingsport is a women’s club that provides a fun, friendly, informal venue for both current residents and new residents to gather for social activities and to meet others in the community. Meetings of the Newcomers Club of Kingsport are generally held on the 2nd Tuesday of each month, Sept. through May, at the MeadowView Marriot Resort and Convention Center, 1901 MeadowView Dr. Kingsport at 11:00am. The meetings will feature a social half hour, a cold buffet lunch for $11, a guest speaker, and discussion of events and activities in the great Kingsport area. Log onto www.newcomersclubofkingsport.com for more details.

The Twin City Photo Club of Bristol conducts their monthly meeting on the first Tuesday of each month at the meeting room of Bristol Chamber of Commerce, corner of State and Volunteer/Commonwealth streets. Anyone interested in photography at any skill level is welcome to attend the meetings. TCPC has a monthly “Photo Safari” for location photography and are organizing the inaugural Rhythm & Roots Photography Contest. For more information, please call (423) 946-4132 Same-Sex Fellowship is an alliance of men 30 and older. This is a newly formed group which will engage in bi-monthly social activities with emphasis on strengthening a social support system. For more information email Shayne at doforothers101@yahoo.com Friends of Nature. We are now looking for new members to come join us in promoting both parks and nature programs. Meetings are held every 3rd Tuesday each month at Wing Deer Park. Please join us in the boardroom, behind the main office at 6p.m.. If you have any questions, contact Brad Jones at (423) 283-5821 or email chjwdp2@ johnsoncitytn.org The Happy Hillbillies Volkswagen Club, a newly formed club for all VW enthusiasts in the Tri Cities area, are meeting each second Saturday of the month to caravan to a local eatery and discuss events for Volkswagens. We welcome anyone who would like to come meet with us, learn more about our club and fellowship. Call for meeting places and times or for more information at (423) 743-0341 or (423) 735-2577.

Overmountain Sam’s club camps once a month and is looking for new members. We enjoy the outdoors, fishing, cookouts, traveling and meeting fellow campers. Contact Ron Hughes at (423) 928-1919 or John Williams at (423) 422-6287 for further information Center for Light and Healing invites you to attend their “Opening to the Miracles” Natural Healing Group from 12 to 6 p.m. on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of each month, except on holidays. Join us for a wonderful afternoon of meditation, healing, enlightenment, and fellowship! When healers come together with the same intent, our collective energy is increased manifold. We are delighted to have more than two dozen healers from our area working together, and the healing energy of our group is simply amazing! Group healing is a powerful way to manifest miracles! If you are an experienced healer or simply have an interest in healing yourself or others, join us as we open to the miracles! We meet at the Round Table Conference Center, 1104 Tusculum Blvd., in Greenville, on a love-offering basis. For further details on our group, services, or other activities sponsored by the Center for Light and Healing, visit our website at www.centerforlightandhealing.com or call (423) 638-2461.

Beaver Creek Storytelling now meets at Java J’s the 3rd Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. with storytelling program at 7:30 p.m. Contact Mimi Rockwell at (276) 669-8358 or appalachianstory@aol.com Wine Lovers in the Tri-Cities area. The Tri-Wine Bunch, a non-profit group of friendly folks who share the love of wine, food, and good friends is heading into its 6th year.

Wine tastings, wine dinners, charitable events with wine and food themes are regularly held in the Johnson City area. Please visit our website, click on the buttons and become more familiar with us, and if you are interested in attending our events, just send an email to the address given on the website. www.sites.google.com/site/triwinebunch “The ARC, Alternate Realities Center”, is a internationally recognized research and membership organization dedicated to the philosophical and scientifc study of paranormal phenomena including Ghosts and Haunted Places, Bigfoot, UFOs - or Unidentified Flying Objects, Alien Abduction, Psychic Abilities as well as how these extraordinary experiences affect the human psyche. The ARC staff of Certified Ghost Hunters perform paranormal investigations of historic structures for the levels of spiritual presence. We offer monthly special interest group meetings to discuss personal experiences and hear about those of others. Local meeting times and locations may vary. In addition, through our public awareness tour company - Appalachian GhostWalks - we offer guided haunted history tours of the Historic Districts throughout our region and these operate nightly, year round. Our tours showcase the rich history and heritage of the Appalachian Mountains dating back to the Cherokee occupation of the area through the Frontier, Revolutionary, and Civil War eras of our past. Ten percent of our annual profits go to support Saint Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.

Please visit our website at www.AppalachianGhostWalks.com for more information, or call (423) 743-WALK (9255) to schedule one of our haunted historic walking tours, or attend one of our local monthly group meetings.

The Moms Club of Bristol TN/VA Chapter Moms offering moms support. Are you a stay-at-home mom or just new to the area? Come on and join the fun and meet other moms just like you - playgroups, park days, field trips, community service and social MOMS night out are some of the events we do monthly. For more info call Mary Johnson at (423) 391-8818 or Veronica Hurley at (423) 383-5473 The Tri-Cities Miata Club meets the first Tuesday of each month at 6:30p.m., alternating between Ryan’s Steakhouse in Johnson City and The Golden Corral in Kingsport, TN. Club drives take place the third Saturday of each month. Check www.tri-citiesmiataclub.com for details.

The Kingsport Gems and Minerals Society meets the third Monday of each month at 7 p.m. Normally, the meeting place is in the Eastman Toy F. Reid Employee Center, room 219. Some meetings will be in member’s homes to see their collections. Show and Tell will begin at 6:30p.m. followed by a seminar. Bring things you want to show off or get help identifying. If you are interested in gems and minerals, come join us! Visitors are always welcome at our meetings. Contact Jim or Anne Small at (423) 357-1509 for more information.

The Iris Chapter of the American Business Women’s Association meets the second Tuesday of every month at 5:30p.m.. Meetings are usually held at Peerless Restaurant, 2531 N. Roan St. Johnson City. ABWA offers great networking opportunities for professional businesswomen. Come join us for friendship and community involvement.

For more information, please call Barbara Barfield (423) 895-1726 The Newcomers Club of Johnson City meets at The Johnson City Country Club, 1901 E. Unaka Ave. on the third Thursday of every month. Social time begins at 10:30 a.m., and business meeting at 11 a.m. A buffet lunch, at the cost of just $14 all-inclusive, will follow. For luncheon reservations, please contact Bonnie Tuttle at (423) 477-3646. If you are interested in joining The Newcomers Club, contact Benita Turner at (423) 283-7217 or (423) 202-1679.

Women Social Group meets every Thursday at Hibbert Davis Coffee Gallery at 9:30 a.m. 1459 E. Center St. Kingsport. (423) 245-0443. Women, come and join us and learn to play mahjongg.

Voluntary Simplicity group meets the first and third Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Holston Valley Unitarian Universalist Church, located at 136 Bob Jobe Rd. in Gray. The purpose of the group is to motivate individuals to examine and transform personal values and habits, to accept responsibility for the Earth, and to act on that commitment. For directions or more info, call (423) 349-6119 or email simpleintn@yahoo.com Tennessee Right To Life is the state’s oldest and largest pro-life advocacy organization. We are a non-profit, non-sectarian, volunteer-based organization affiliated with the National Right to Life Committee in Washington, D.C. Local chapter serves all counties of Northeast Tennessee. Tennessee Right To Life is an advocate for protection of human life through educational outreach, protective legislation and the develop.m.ent of an active grassroots movement statewide. Members of Tennessee Right To Life assist in providing direct and tangible resources to women and families facing difficulty or unexpected pregnancies. For more information on what you can do to participate or to attend our meetings call (423) 282-9621.

in writing is welcome to attend. For more information call Donna (423) 245-4711.

Sullivan County Genealogical Society meets on the third Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Sullivan County Archives beside the courthouse in Blountville. Those researching ancestors from any area are welcome. Call (423) 323-1477 or www.scgs-tn.org

SEEKING TRI-CITIES PARROTHEADS!! The Hillbilly Parrot Head Club of the Tri-Cities TN/VA invites all interested persons who would love to “Party With A Purpose” to join in on the fun each month. Meeting dates, events, and times are always subject to change. For up to date event/ meetings schedule, visit us online www. hillbillyphc.com OR email hbphc@yahoo.com. Our club supports several local charity & environmental causes while occasionally living the life that Jimmy Buffet sings about.”

State Line All Scalers Model Railroaders Club meets the second Saturday of every month. Please contact Richard Armstrong for locations and time, (423) 538-6578.

WAND. Tri-Cities Chapter now forming! Tri-Cities WAND (Women’s Action for New Directions) is a part of a grassroots organization working to empower women to act politically to reduce militarism and violence, and to redirect excessive military resources toward human and environmental needs on both the local and national levels. Meetings are held the first Thursday of every month at the Princeton Arts Center, 2516 Oakland Ave in Johnson City. For information or directions, please call Wendy at (423) 926-5116.

What is Altrusa? It is an international organization of business & professional women and men who want to make a difference in their community. While it was first organized in Nashville in 1917, it is far from being an old fashioned ladies group.” The Johnson City club is involved with the Elizabethton Emergency Child Shelter, the International Students at ETSU, and scholarships for women improving their lives by returning to school after being out in the work force. Meetings are held on the first Tuesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. For further information call Susan Miller at (423) 833-3449 or email susanalbromiller@yahoo.com Kingsport Bicycle Association has rides year round. Those interested in this social/touring club can call 239-4406 or link to www.kba.tripod.com.

Christian Motorcyclists Association. Rays of the Son meets the 1st Saturday of the month at Mama’s House Buffet, 2608 N. John B. Dennis Hwy, Kingsport (across from North Highschool). Guests welcome. Call (423) 239-4921.

Book Review Group meets from Noon-1 p.m. at the Women’s Resource Center, Panhellenic Hall, basement suite 2 (ETSU campus). Participants in this Book Review Group for women at ETSU discuss published works by and about women. Participants are welcome to bring their lunch. Regular meetings are planned for the third Wednesday of each month. For more information, call the Women’s Resource Center, (423) 439-7847.

Tri-Cities Metaphysical Study Group meets each Thursday at Holston Valley Unitarian Church, Interstate 26, Eastern Star Exit #10, Gray, TN. TMSG is a group dedicated to love, peace and wisdom and provides a place to share information for those interested in new age sciences. For information call Peggy at (423) 477-3339.

The First Tennessee Regional Group of the Mustang Club of America meets the fourth Thursday of each month excluding November and December at 7 p.m. at Mama’s House Buffet, 2608 N. John B. Dennis Hwy. Kingsport, TN. Open to all Mustang enthusiasts. Call (423) 323-8345.

The Phoenix Group plastic modelers. Meetings held the 1st Thursday of each month in Bristol, TN at 7p.m.

Modelers of all ages and abilities are encouraged to attend. Workshops available. For additional information, please contact Jerry Hughson at (423) 968-9699.

Mental Health Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network meets at 10:30 a.m. on the 4th Tuesday of every month at Boone’s Creek Christian Church, 305 Boone’s Creek Rd. in Johnson City. The network is a grassroots collaboration of Tennesseans and organizations working to eliminate the stigma of suicide, educate the community about the warning signs of suicide, and ultimately reduce the rate of suicide in our state. For more information, contact Harold Leonard at (423) 857-5231.

National Alliance on Mental Illness Johnson City affiliate meets on the second Thursday at 7 p.m. each month at Harrison Christian Church, 2517 Browns Mill Rd. Johnson City. For information call (423) 282-0676 or (423) 543-4315.

Does it feel as if life is too much to handle? Do memories keep you locked in the past not letting you move forward? Are you questioning your spiritual beliefs wondering just where you fit in? Healing Energies can assist you in reducing your stress, healing past events, and finding answers to your questions. Please give us a call if you want to change your life. (423) 257-3521.

YWCA girls after School Program. The YWCA girls after school program will meet after school, Monday through Friday from 2:30 ñ 6:30p.m..This program is designed to meet the individual needs of each girl to assist her in maintaining good grades in school, to increase her knowledge in technology and introduce her to potential career choices. The State of Tennessee Department of Education funds the YWCA girls after school program.

Girls who participate in this new innovative program are selected through the Bristol Tennessee City Schools by referrals (only) from the School Counselors. Visit our website@www.ywcabristol.org or for more information call for details @ (423) 968-9444.

Tennessee Mental Health Consumers’ Association (TMHCA) is a statewide advocacy and education organization for mental health consumers. For more information please call toll free (888) 539-0393.

Problem solving. Learn how to solve problems in life and create success in daily living. Call (423) 246-3805 or (423) 246-5149.

The Depression/Bipolar Group of Bristol VA/TN meets each Fridays from 1-3 p.m. in the meeting room of the Bristol Public Library, 701 Goode St. Room 22 ground floor. If you need to arrive later than 1 p.m., or leave earlier that 3 p.m., that’s OK. This is a meeting only of people suffering from these illnesses, and not for family members or others, although anyone may make a referral. All names, and any other information, are kept strictly confidential.

Lesbifriends: a great group of women, 40+ years, who get together for various events, including parties, dinners, hiking, atving, kayaking, games, golfing, and just hanging out. Come join the laughter, fun and support. Call (423) 753-4364 and ask for Carol.

Attention high school and college students: Do you want to earn recognition towards scholarships, or build up your resume? You can, as a Care Companion or Hotline Worker at The Crisis Center. Be a part of an agency that’s been helping neighbors for over 30 years. You can even volunteer from home! For more information contact Darlene at (276) 466-2218. The Crisis Center serves Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia as well as several national hotlines. Be a part of our volunteer team!

For Love of Words, a writers group meets the third Thursday of each month at Hibbert-Davis Coffee Gallery, 1459 E. Center St. Kingsport at 6 p.m. Anyone interested

Post Abortion Women’s Group. For women struggling with a past abortion. Group meets weekly at the Crisis

Pregnancy Center and provides in-depth discussion, spiritual help and support. Services are free and confidentiality is respected. Group participants will decide day and time of meetings. For more information call (423) 968-4673.

& B, Jazz style, ‘70s funk, classic rock and original music for any event. We play for private parties, company parties, special events, nightclubs, car shows, reunions, country clubs, etc. Do you like good music ya, ya? Call (276) 782-1842

CONTACT. Troubled? Need someone to talk to? Someone will listen and talk to you about any problem at all.

Call CONTACT confidential. Dial (423) 926-0144.

Up-to-date information about Drum circles in the Tri-Cities area is available online at www.FairyDrum.com or by emailing Tiffany@FairyDrum.com.

Adult Children of Alcoholics. Meets every Monday at 7:30 p.m. at Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church on Princeton Rd. in JC. For more information call (423) 926-0144.

Grief counseling. By Medical Field professional. Modest fees for individuals by Parish Nurse (RN) Call (423) 753-6182.

Music Singer for former show band needs musicians. Bass, Key Board, Guitar, Ect. To appear in up coming movie. Serious inquiries only. Contact. Earl 423-232-1938, 423-737-1162.

Female Back Up Singer Needed For Corporate Band. Must be able to sing soprano harmonies, move well on stage, have positive attitude, and be available for weekend gigs. For more info call (423)483-8001 Girls Vocals needed for a girls band. No instruments needed. Top 40’s and 80”s songs. Please contact (423) 202-3208.

Experienced keyboard looking for funky drummer with good r & b and jazz chops. Needed immediately for bookings. Funk, jazz, disco, rock. Experienced keyboard looking for funky drummer with good r & b and jazz chops. Needed immediately for bookings. Funk, jazz, disco, rock apply to bass37615@yahoo.com.

Appalachian Express Men’s A Cappela Chorus. The Appalachian Express Men’s A cappella Chorus meets each Monday evening at 7:00 p.m. in Suite 203, Building 2002, at the Indian Path Medical Complex, Kingsport.

Visitors and prospective members are welcome. Call 423-384-9992.

Seeking Male vocal talent for on-going studio session work located in Bristol, TN. We seek top notch Nashville calibre vocal talent, country, country cross-over a plus, but not limited to. Permanent, steady part time contract work for the right exceptionally talented individual. (423) 878-3535 e-mail: studiocat2@yahoo.com Nashville Label, looking for lead guitar player for artist. Contact (423) 534-3909.

Lead Guitarist looking to join/form band. Mix of classic and new rock and blues. Plenty of experience and equip.m.ent. Call Wayne at (423) 737-8724.

Vanderbilt performance major offering affordable flute and piccolo lessons for the summer. 11+ years of experience. Call (423) 341-1872.

Band in need of guitar player and keyboardist for local hot cover band with booked gigs. Must have experience, work ethic, good attitude, and be on time. Weeknight rehearsals and weekend gigs possible at any time. Call (423) 833-8178 A new Beginning Guitar class will start at Rose Center on Saturdays .The group class meets from 11 AM to 12 P.m. each Saturday for ten weeks. Beginning Guitar will cover all the basics to lead into any style of playing.

Basic chords, strums, notation reading, and basic music reading will be taught as well as physical technique how your hands work to play guitar. Craig Carroll is the instructor for this class. The fee is $50 for the 10-week course. Students must provide their own guitar and will purchase a chord chart and music book from the instructor at a cost under $15. Group size is limited to ten students. Call Rose Center at (423) 581-4330 or 586-6205 for more information or to pre register.

Need Keyboard Player for 4 to 6 person Jazz Band. Call Chuck McVey (423) 245-6932.

Violin Lessons - All ages and levels. 30 minute and 1 hour lessons available. Call 534-5359 for more information.

Piano Lessons – Beginner to adult. In your home or mine. It’s never too late to learn. Contact tricitiespianostudio@yahoo.com for more information Piano Lessons - beginner to intermediate. Free orientation. Contact David at (423) 538-4486.

Flute Piccolo, Pennywhistle and Irish Flute Lessons. Beginners, intermediate, and advanced players welcome. Also, flute repair service available. Martha A. Egan, teacher.

For information contact (423) 677-8909 or maegan26@yahoo.com

The Hills are Alive! Chorus of Sweet Adeline’s International meets each Tuesday from 7-9:30p.m. at the Carolina Pottery Outlet Mall, Suite 247, located on Interstate Hwy 81 at Exit 66. New members are placed by voice range and trained in their particular parts. For more information contact: Jane McKamey at (423) 247-5465 or Jean Miller at (423) 926-5572.

Parenting Parenting Classes, Wednesdays, 10 a.m.Develop.m.ental Services, Big Stone Gap, Va. Free parenting classes for parents and guardians of children age 5 and under are offered every Wednesday from 10 to Noon for parents in Lee, Scott, Wise counties and the City of Norton. Siblings are welcome to attend any class. Call to schedule at (276) 523-8376.

Parenting Wisely. Frontier Health is offering a program for parents of children ages (8-18), titled Parenting Wisely. There is no charge for this program. Pre-registration is encouraged. For more information, call Tracie Johnson or Amy Bledsoe at 1-888-443-1804.

Parents as Tender Healers. Children in foster care need adults willing to look out for their best interests and put them on the road to healing. Adults who think they may want to be foster parents can explore that option through “Parents As Tender Healers” (PATH), an intensive training program for prospective foster parents. Frontier Health, Planning District One Behavioral Health Services and VALUES Therapeutic Foster Care sponsor this event. The program is free; participants’ interest will determine location and time. For more information, call Jon Holmes at 1-888-443-1804.

Parents Who Care, Mondays, 9 a.m., Addington Hall, Duffield, VA. Frontier Health and PD1 offers a program for parents of teen-agers in Lee, Scott and Wise counties and the city of Norton on Monday mornings from 9 to 10:30. There is no charge. Pre-registration is requested. 1-888-443-1804.

Attention Mothers of Preschoolers: MOPS is a program designed to help mothers with children from infancy to kindergarten be the best moms they can be through teaching, discussion and community while children are cared for in the parallel program called MOPPETS for the morning meeting. Abingdon MOPS will meet the first Wednesday morning of each month at Abingdon Bible Church, 9:15am to 12:15 p.m. MOPS offers two night meeting times: the third Monday night at 7 p.m. or the third Wednesday night at 6:45 p.m. Both night meetings will study the 5 Star Family Curriculum, which includes segments of Love, Fun, Loyalty, Faith and Growth. For more information on MOPS, call Christina Moore, MOPS Coordinator, (276) 356-8225.

MOMS club of Johnson City - Expecting Mom? New Mom? New in town? Just a mom that needs support? We have activities to keep you busy throughout the month such as playgroups, park days, luncheons, field trips and moms night out. We also do service projects to benefit our community. Come on and join the fun and meet other mothers just like you! For more information visit www.geocities.com/momsclubjohnsoncity or call Janice at (423) 753-3891.

Breastfeeding support and information. La Leche League meets every fourth Tuesday at 6 p.m. at the YWCA of Bristol; TN. Mothers-to-be and nursing mothers are all welcome. For further information, please contact Samantha at (423) 878-8359 Do you have room in your Heart and Home - for a child? Holston Home for Children has been serving children and families in East Tennessee and Southwest Virginia since 1895. We are currently looking for individuals and families to become part of this vital ministry to children and youth. To find out how you could open your home to a child in need please call 1-800-628-2986 or visit our website at holstonhome.org

New Tri-Cities Contemporary Christian band is looking for a Guitarist and a Keyboardist. E-mail or call for more information. (423) 202-8416, stclowe@yahoo.com.

Children’s Cultural Arts. Providing private sessions in sculpturing, drawing, painting and fibers, which facilitates your child’s art with history and science. To generate more interest, excitement and creativity, call for your appointment with Marty King at (423) 239-3104.

Christian Musician available. Experienced with church music. I play piano, organ & direct church choirs. Call Susan at (423) 542-2911.

Tri-Cities Twins and More Club, an affiliate of the National Organization of Mothers of Twins Clubs. We offer support and education to mothers of twins, triplets, etc.

Meetings are every fourth Monday of each month at 7p.m. in the Cafeteria of the Johnson City Specialty Hospital, 203 E. Watauga Ave. Johnson City. For more information, call Jill at (423) 257-2177.

The Zonkers, a dynamic 4-piece group featuring sax, keyboards, Tropical rock, Buffet, classic saxophone rock, “limbo rock”. “We’re Bonkers for Zonkers” available for all events both corporate and private. Contact Zane Wooten at (423) -5554 or www.thezonkers.net Keyboard Player available. 30+ years professional experience. I play all styles/good references. Call Bruce at (423) 323-9378 Have an open night on your entertainment calendar? Don’t worry at all, call “Wail’n Perry Show. The live music specialist with the lowest rates! Free Audition/CD (276) 646-3680 The Civic Chorale is an auditioned volunteer choir drawing its members from throughout the Tri-Cities region.

The choir offers a concert season featuring a variety of musical styles at area venues. Audition information, concert schedules, and repertoire listings can be found at www.thecivicchorale.org or contact the conductor, David Hendrickson at conductordavid@embarqmail.com or call (423) 247-1147.

Religion St. John’s Episcopal Church is seeking singers to assist our choir with the Christmas season. For more information contact Kyle Osborne at musicstj@charterinternet.com.

Jonesborough Prayer Shawl Ministry meets the 1st Tuesday of each month at 2p.m. at Jonesborough Presbyterian Church. Contact Zel Hester at (423) 913-1214 for more information.

Light House Ministries of the Tri-Cities, Inc. An independent, alternative Christian Community. We welcome ALL of God’s people! With NO exceptions! Sunday evening services at 7 p.m. 136 Bob Jobe Road, Gray, TN. (423) 913-2715

Young adults and college students are invited to the Upper Room CoffeeHouse, every Wednesday at 9 p.m. at First Assembly of God, 2213 Brandon Lane, Kingsport.

For information please call (423) 247-1169

Musical Seeds Ministry is a faith-based ministry promoting Unity in the body of Christ. We encourage people to discover their gifts and talents and use them for the Kingdom of Heaven. We are also establishing a Unity Quest – a gathering of God’s people. For more information please call Robert and Susan Hawkins at (423) 542-2911.

Drummer – 40 years experience playing many styles-seeks R & B, Funk, Jazz type gig. Also do BG vocals and play congas/bongos. Call Bob at (423) 946-5294

Looking for like-minded people who believe in Protecting the Earth, Elimination of prejudice, Equality of men and women. There are spiritual solutions of economic problems. Check our web site at www.bahai.org or call (423) 232-6254. Give us a call and let’s get together.

Honky Tonk Piano, B3-style keyboard player needed to fill the fourth spot of a new local Original/Rock band.

Please, professional players only! Please call (423) 943-5552 for an audition and more information.

St. Anne Catholic Church invites anyone who is interested in learning about the Catholic Church, is Catholic but no longer attends Mass, is curious about what Catholics really believe, to come talk with us on Wednesday evenings at 7 p.m. in the Parish Library. St. Anne Catholic Church is located at 350 Euclid Ave. Bristol, VA. For directions to St. Anne’s or for more information, call Jim Yencha at (276) 669-8200 ext. 23 or email Jim at jpy@stannes-bristol.org. We’re here to listen and answer your questions.

With a voice like that, you should be singing! Singer’s Network connects singers with ensembles and venues for performance. Madrigals, Classic 40’s & 50’s, Vocal Jazz, Celtic, Americana and beyond – Celebrate the human voice and the gift of song. (423) 542-9799 or rg2sing@yahoo.com Wanted: Lead Guitarist w/ experience to join working Rock-n-Roll cover band. Background vocals a plus.

Contact J.R. at (423) 677-3702 Seeking Saxophonist and vocalist for Tri-Cities jazz ensemble. Call (423) 483-3243.

Glenn Body and The Blues Cruzers, a top notch pro styled band plays the best of 50’s, 60’s, Motown soul, R

Trinity Baptist Church is offering a scrapbooking Bible Study titled “Fruits of the Spirit.” Participants will enjoy 10 weeks of a two-hour class, which incorporates a bible study devotion with the hobby of scrapbooking. Each class member will complete a 20-page album. The class is open to novice as well as experienced scrapbookers.

Classes will meet on Saturdays from 10am until noon. There is a $16 fee for the class book and some supplies will be necessary. Please call (423) 753-4394 for more information or to register.

The Oasis Church has moved to 1109 Old Gray Station Rd., Gray, TN. And is meeting Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. and Wednesday nights at 7 p.m. Are you dried up from boring, pointless sermons, sad, lifeless music, cold unloving people and powerless services? Well, come to the Oasis and get a drink of the Living Water! It’s full of life, love, power, uplifting music, and instructions for living. You’ll find something for every member of your family. For more information call (423) 292-4728 to talk with Pastor Tony Marshall. We are affiliated with the Assemblies of God.

Christ’s Church United of Northeast Tennessee holds services at 7 p.m. every Sunday evening. Communion is held on the third Sunday of each month. The church meets at 136 Bob Jobe Rd., Gray, TN. (at HVUUC facility). Call the church office at (423) 915-0655 and leave a message or send us an e-mail to frankflanigan@earthlink. net for more information.

Trinity Kid Express, the children’s ministry division of Trinity Baptist Church, announces the return of the Daughters of the King class. This class is for you ladies ages 10, 11 and 12. The group meets every Monday from 3:30-5 at the church to learn about beauty tips, fashion tips, etiquette, and more. They also study what the Bible teaches about Godly beauty. Crafts and visiting consultants are also included in the curriculum. Interested young ladies should call (423) 753-4394 for more information.

Transportation may be available to those who need it.

Unity Church of the Tri-Cities – A “Spiritual Home” where ALL ARE TRULY WELCOME! Please come see us at 703 S. Roan St. in Johnson City. Warm, loving people, great music, great messages, and None of the guilt! Sunday church service start at 10:30am, adult and children Sunday school. A Course in Miracles class Wednesday nights at 7p.m.. Rev. Sharon Davidson, Minister. Call (423) 975-9159 for more information.

Seniors If you are 55 or older, unemployed, living on a limited income and want a job, we can help. Meritan is a non-profit organization offering paid training and job placement assistance for qualified seniors. For more information, call Holly Hudson at (423) 610-0222 ext. 221 or email her at hollyhudson@meritan.org. TN residents only.

Johnson City Senior’s Center serves all adults 55 and over. The Center hosts card groups, computer classes, a varied sports program, art classes, regular health screenings and much more to keep you active and healthy. Please call (423) 434-6237 for more information.

The Kingsport Senior Center offers a variety of exercise classes for all fitness levels. Monday – Friday, including aerobics, strength training, yoga, Pilates, dance and stretching using resistance bands. Call (423) 392-8400 for more information.

Kingsport Senior Center. The resource for senior service information and recreation! Open to all adults 50 and over. The Center offers over 20 exercise/fitness classes, as well as computer, art, basket and woodcarving classes, a fully operational woodshop and clay studio, weekly jam session for area musicians, plus much more. City residents pay $15. per year and county pays $60. For additional information call (423) 392-8400.

Omnbudsman Program. Volunteer to assist residents of long-term care facilities by mediating and resolving concerns and problems. Training is required and provided.

For more information call (423) 246-1650.

Sports Little City Roller Girls is an all female flat track roller derby team in the Tri-Cities area. Currently recruiting females 18 years of age and up. We hold practice on Wed. from 7-9p.m. and Sundays from 12-2p.m.. Practice is located at the Johnson City Family Skate Center located at the corner of Watauga & State of Franklin. For more information visit our website at www.littlecityrollergirls.com.

The Barracuda Swim Club is multi-level youth swim team for children ages 7 through high school. New swimmers are always welcome. We have practice locations for Johnson City and Kingsport. A free trial can be arranged with the coach. For more information call (423) 833-5595 (Johnson City) or (504) 231-9941 (Kingsport), or check us out at www.BarracudaSwimClub.org The Kingsport Judo Club will be offering free Judo classes to girls who are of 8-9 years of age. For more information call Mr. Collier at (423) 288-6862. Visit us online at www.kingsportjudo.com. We are located at 2305 Ft. Henry Dr. Kingsport.

course offered by Pregnancy Resources, Inc. PACE allows a women the openness and encouragement she needs to work the healing process. The PACE groups are lead by trained volunteers, many of whom have experienced an abortion themselves. If you want more information on PACE for yourself or a friend, please call Elaine Wallen at (423) 276-9070.

GriefShare is a friendly, caring group of people who will walk alongside you through one of life’s most difficult experiences, the death of a loved one. You don’t have to go through the grieving process alone. GriefShare support groups are led by people who understand what you are going through and want to help. You’ll gain access to valuable GriefShare resources to help you recover from your loss and look forward to rebuilding your life. We meet weekly on Monday nights at 7p.m. in Room 205 at Celebration Church, 427 Shipley Ferry Rd, Blountville. There is a registration fee of $12, which includes the workbook. Pre registration is requested and can be done at the Welcome Center or by calling the church office at (423) 323-3969 and leaving a message. For more information check out thecelebrationchurch1.org or visit www.griefshare.com

Wee Remember Support Group, Every Quarter, 7 p.m. Wellmont Lonesome Pine Hospital, Big Stone Gap. A parent support group for families who have experienced the death of a baby is held every quarter. Call (276) 423-8641 for next meeting date.

Wise County Suicide Prevention, 10 a.m. Wise Trinity United Methodist Church TBA. The coalition formed to raise awareness and to determine available resources in the Wise County community for suicide survivors. Anyone interested in helping support this cause, please contact Jean Layell at (276) 328-6825.

SAFE House Domestic Violence Support Group. Weekly in Kingsport For information on the location and time of meetings, please call 246-2273.

SAMSON Support Group. Mondays, 7 p.m. His Ministries, 407 Wood Ave., Big Stone Gap.SAMSON Support Group for people with addictions meets weekly on Mondays. SAMSON, or Steps and More Strength Overcoming Narcotics, helps individuals face everyday life situations, overcome their addictions and create purpose through a step process, education, life skills training and most important, unconditional love. Call (276) 523-7447, for more information

Scott County Suicide Prevention Coalition. 3:45. Addington Hall. The coalition is working to raise awareness on the issue of suicide and to find out more about available resources in the Scott County community for suicide survivors. Anyone interested in helping support this cause or wishing to attend meetings, please contact Amy Bledsoe at (276) 431-4370.

Southwest Virginia Regional Suicide Prevention Coalition, 11 a.m., Develop.m.ental Services, Big Stone Gap. The regional coalition is working to coordinate suicide prevention efforts in local communities. For more information on upcoming meetings, contact Ken Taylor at (276) 523-8300.

Pickleball, Thursday evenings, 7-9 p.m. at Munsey Memorial UMC (Christian Life Center); Roan/Water St. entrance. Call (423) 461-8070 ext. 213 for more information.

Survivors of Suicide Support Group – Virginia, 1st, 3rd Monday, 6 p.m. Lee Regional Medical Center. A support group for Survivors of Suicide is being held every 1st and 3rd Monday of each month beginning at 6 p.m. The group meets in the Medical Plaza West Wing classroom. For more information, call Bill Russell at (276) 346-1641.

The Appalachian Whitetail Association is a state chartered non-profit organization that is offered to all sportsman and their families. The Appalachian Whitetail Association focuses on 3 main issues. Preservation of the Whitetail Deer as a species. Preservation of quality habitat for all wildlife. And preserving the heritage of Whitetail Deer hunting in the Appalachian region and beyond. Monthly meetings are held on the 3rd Tuesday of each month starting at 7 P.m. in Kingsport at Mama’s House Buffet, 2608 N. John B Dennis Hwy. For more information on other locations, call (423) 247-6249.

NAMI “With Hope in Mind”/Bridges Support Groups, 7 p.m. Harrison Christian Church, Johnson City. Journey of Hope is open to family members and friends of those who suffer from a neurobiological brain disease. Bridges Support Group meets with “With Hope in Mind” before breaking off into a separate meeting. It is for mental health consumers of all diagnoses. For more information, call Shelby Ward at 543-4315.

Cherokee Rod & Gun Club, a Family Oriented Organization, meets on the first Thursday night of each month at 7 p.m. at the Clubhouse on Reservoir Road. Cherokee offers practice ranges for Pistol, Rifle, Archery, Trap & Skeet in addition to classes appropriate for all ages. Call (423) 247-6249 or visit www.cherokeerodandgunclub.com.

In-Fuze Support Group Wednesdays, 7 p.m. Lee County Behavioral Health Services Support group members will learn the signs and symptoms of substance abuse; what to expect in the recovery process; and how substance abuse and dependence affects mental, physical, and spiritual develop.m.ent. The group will teach how to encourage recovery, about relapse and how to help maintain recovery, and will show family members how to care for themselves during their loved one’s recovery process. Call Frontier Health’s Martha Davis or Kathy Rowles at (276) 346-3590.

The Mountain Empire Tennis Association (META) is forming junior and adult social and competitive leagues. Membership is $10 for juniors, $15 for adults and $20 for families. Visit us on the web at www.meta-web.org or call (423) 282-4727 for info.

The East Tennessee State University Cycling Club meets regularly on Wednesdays at 4:30 p.m. and Sundays at 1:30 p.m. at the dual slalom course at ETSU, gathering in the same area where the challenge will be held. Area cyclists with any level of experience and any bike, including mountain, road, BMX, trials or any other type are invited to ride with the group. For further information contact McIntyre at (423) 433-2294. 3-01 Co-ed Ultimate Frisbee with the Tri-City Ultimate Club. For information, please visit www.tricity-ultimate.tripod.com or call (423) 929-1446.

Christian Bass Anglers Association. Meets the second Monday of every month at the Blountville Court House in the upstairs courtroom. Meeting begins promptly at 7 p.m. All are invited to attend. For more information call (423) 246-7764.

Come join us for some fun! The East TN Mashers Ski club does more than just ski. We are a year round club engaged in a variety of activities for socialization, friendship, and charitable cause. Visit us at our website for the latest event/meetings schedule at etmn.net. For more information, email president@etmn.net or call Barb at (276) 275-3061.

The Senior Basketball league for adults 55+ will be held on Mondays with practice starting at 7 p.m. at the Slater Community Center gym. Fred Overbay is the coordinator. Call the Bristol Tennessee Leisure Services at (423) 764-4023 for more information.

Kingsport Bicycle Association has rides year round. All adult riders are welcome to this social / touring club. Call (423) 239-4406 or link to www.kba.tripod.com Support Groups You don’t have to wait for an overdose or jail sentence to get help from N.A. It is possible to overcome the desire to use drugs with the help of the Twelve Step Program of Narcotics Anonymous and the fellowship of recovering addicts. For more information call (866) 360-4929 or mana-e-tn.org Support Group for Individuals Experiencing Divorce. This support group is for anyone in the Tri-Cities area who has experienced divorce and/or the challenges of coparenting. For more information please contact Diana Puckett, BSW at (423) 737-4695 or (423) 952-2612.

OA – Overeaters Anonymous – A 12 step program for those with food problems, meets every Thursday at 7:30pp.m. at First Church of God in Bristol. Corner of E. State and Georgia Ave. For more information contact Christy at (423) 383-3541.

MidSouth Lupus Support Group meets the 2nd Tuesday of each month at WellCare, Ft. Henry Mall/Kingsport Town Center, 2101 Ft. Henry Dr. Kingsport at 5p.m., light refreshments provided. For further information contact the Lupus Foundation of America, Mid-South Chapter. www.lupusmidsouth.org, or (877) 865-8787. Email: info@ lupusmidsouth.org. Volunteers are needed!!!

A new meeting of the peer group BRIDGES (Building Recovery and Individual Dreams and Goals through Education and Support) will begin at 7p.m., at Wesley UMC, Room 107 every third Tuesday of each month. BRIDGES is a self-help program, facilitated to provide a safe atmosphere of respect, honesty and encouragement for persons managing mental illness/emotional conflict. For more information, call Jenny Roman at (865) 599-0481.

Do you know someone who/you had an abortion? If you are experiencing symptoms of Post-Abortion Syndrome, there is hope for healing and reconciliation. If you are ready to deal with your abortion, a qualified lay counselor can help you through the steps of healing. The PACE (Post Abortion Counseling and Education) program ministers to women who have been victimized by abortion, and is designed to lead them through the healing process of God forgiveness and love. PACE is a 12-week

Lee County Foster Parent Support Group. A new support group is being formed for foster parents in Lee County to provide education, support, and information. Call Frontier Health’s Eric Greene, (276) 523-8300.

Women’s low self-esteem/social anxiety/shyness/domestic abuse support group. The purpose of the session is to provide support & healing through sharing common feelings & ideas. FREE. Please call (423) 794-8909 or (423) 929-7575. 100 W. Maple St. Johnson City.

Hepatitis C Support Group: near Tri-Cities airport, The Center for Digestive Wellness meets the first Tuesday from 6:30p.m.-8:30p.m.. The group is for people with Hepatitis C or B. Guest Speakers monthly. 10461 Wallace Alley Dr. Kingsport, TN. Contact Tracy Luther, FNP at (423) 279-1400.

Lupus Foundation of America Kingsport Area Support Group meets the 3rd Thursday of the month at 914 Broad St. West Park Professional Bldg. Classroom #1 (Take elevator to lower level) Kingsport. For more information call (877) 865-8787.

Social Anxiety Disorder/Shyness support group meeting at the Bristol Library study room every Saturday from 10:00-11:30am. We are a group of individuals dealing with social anxiety who have come together to share our stories in a mutually supportive environment. You will not be ‘put on the spot’ or expected to join in. Feel free to just come and listens. Contact Tracy from more info: (276) 429-2338 or tracyw@ntelos.net

A.W.A.K.E. – N.E. Tennessee A.W.A.K.E. support group for people with sleep apnea, their family members, and friends. The group will be part of the American Sleep Apnea Association (ASSA) A.W.A.K.E. (Alert, Well and Keeping Energetic) Network. The purpose of these sessions is to provide support through education and sharing of ideas and information among person affected by sleep disordered breathing. Together we can help each other with similar interests, problems, and solutions. Meetings held every other month in Johnson City and Erwin. Call Michelle at (423) 283-1003 for more information.

Hope House of Scott County, Inc. will be providing confidential weekly support groups for victims and survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. For more information call (276) 386-1313. Childcare will be provided.

Celebrate Recover. Every Sunday Evening. 6:00 p.m. Refreshments, 6:25 p.m. Celebration Service, 7:15 p.m.

Open Share Groups: Life Hurts for Women and Men, Issues for Women, Issues for Men, Chemically Dependent Men, Chemically Dependent Women, Codependent Women, Divorce recovery for Men and Women, CR 101 for those who are wondering how to get plugged in? What group is best for me? 9 p.m. Recovery Cafe. First Baptist Church, Kingsport, Fellowship Hall. For more information call (423) 247-4122

In a custody battle over your children and feel discouraged? Need a listening ear and support? I’m starting a

support group for people going through this. Please call Camille at (423) 773-5862 if interested.

The “Young and the Breathless” a support group for persons with chronic lung disease, their friends and family are invited to attend our monthly meeting on the 4th Thursday of each month, at Wellmont Holston Valley Hospital, D-bldg., 4th level at 6 p.m. A featured speaker will present at each meeting. Light refreshments are provided. For more information, please contact Pulmonary Rehab at (423) 224-5800.

24-Hour Hotline! Do you need to talk to someone? Someone who will listen without judgement, gives options instead of telling you what you should do? There is no “crisis” too big or too small. All you have to do is give The Crisis Center a call 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Walk-ins welcome from 9am - 5 p.m. weekdays.

Celebrating 31 years of compassionate response to your needs. Volunteers welcome and all training is free!

Hotline: (276) 466-2312 or (276) 628-7731 Business Line” (276) 466-2218.

The BRIDGES program is based on the belief that those of us living with psychiatric symptoms can and do recover a new and valued sense of purpose by accepting and overcoming the challenges of a disability that has affected every aspect of our lives: physical, intellectual, emotional and spiritual. Support groups are being held in Johnson City, Kingsport (2), and coming soon Bristol. For more information please call (888) 539-0393 Widowed Persons’ Service Support Group. Monthly meetings, persons who have experienced widowhood are invited to attend the meeting. Call (423) 926-9101.

NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) of Bristol affiliate meets on the first Tuesday at 6:30p.m. at Redeemer Lutheran Church at 672 Island Rd. in Bristol. For information call (423) 234-2516.

NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) - Johnson City area, meets second Thursday of the month at 7 p.m., at Harrison Christian Church, Browns Mill Rd., JC. A support group for families and friends of those who suffer from mental illness. For more information call (423) 543-4315 or (423) 282-0676.

NAMI (National Alliance of Mental Illness) of Kingsport for families who encounter mental illness meets on the 1st Thursday of each month at 7p.m. at First Baptist Church, 200 W. Church Circle, Kingsport (Room #304 in the Welcome Center located off Holston St.) Contact Connie Whaley at (423) 234-2516 or (866) 337-3291 for more information.

Tri-Cities Survivors of Suicide Support Group meets every 4th Monday at Johnson City Medical Center, 5th floor Conference Room from 6-8 p.m. Facilitator: Dorothy Gregory. For more information call (423) 224-1300.

We welcome family, friends, or anyone that has been affected by a suicide of someone they know and love.

SAFE House, Kingsport’s Domestic Violence Shelter, has a weekly support group for women and children who are victims of family violence. For more information call (423) 246-2273. All services are free and confidential.

Cancer Patients, caregivers and families are welcome to the Take Time support group, meeting the first Tuesday of every month at 7 p.m. in the Cedar Room of the Conference Center at Wellmont Hospital in Bristol. The group also meets the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month in Kingsport at the Holston Valley-Wellmont Hospital at 6:30 p.m. Call Diane Cross at (423) 844-2180 or Kathy Visneshi at (423) 244-5592 for more information.

Crohn’s Disease and Colitis Support Group. Meets fourth Monday of each month at Colonial Heights Baptist Church. For more information, call Kathy Cassidy at (423) 224-5197.

Abingdon Resource Center, sponsored by Hospice and Palliative Care of Virginia, is holding a Caregiver’s Support Group. The group will meet the fourth Tuesday of every month at the Abingdon Resource Center from 1-3 p.m. This group is designed to provide information and support to those in the community who are taking care of friends or family experiencing long term illness or disability. The Abingdon Resource Center is located on the second floor of the Ellis Professional Building, 211 West Main Street, Abingdon. Refreshments will be provided. For more information call (276) 628-4343.

Crisis Center is organizing several new support groups for victims of sexual violence. If you are an adult molested as a child, an adult rape survivor or the friend, spouse or other family member of someone who has been sexually assaulted, there is a group organizing now. There is no cost to attend and all meetings are confidential.

If interested contacted The Crisis Center, (276) 466-2218 or (276) 628-7731.

Volunteers Want to help people in your community while learning valuable life skills? Volunteer as a Hotline Worker for the Crisis Center’s 24/7 Crisis Hotline. Volunteers assist callers with emotional and personal crises, with crisis intervention along with information and referral to community agencies. 40 hours training offered in interactive classroom atmosphere. Must be over 18 and NO experience is necessary. Contact Micah Morris at (276) 4662312 or email at mmorris@crisiscenterinc.org Amedisys Hospice Care is looking for volunteers in Kingsport, Bristol, Blountville, Church Hill and Fall Branch. We have volunteer opportunities to visit patients and provide companionship (no patient care). Our patients are wonderful people. Please call 423-288-9777 and ask for the volunteer coordinator. We would love to have you join our team!

Appalachia Service Project Tri-Cities is seeking individual or group volunteers for home repair projects in the Tri-Cities area. ASP is a Christian ministry, open to all people, that fosters human develop.m.ent by addressing the housing needs of Central Appalachia. Projects range from wheel chair ramp construction to roof repair, prior construction experience is not required. If you or your club/group is interested in volunteering for a Saturday or a week long project please contact Amanda at (423) 854-8800 ext. 239 or email amanda.gastreich@asphome.org.

CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children) is a non-profit volunteer organization dedicated to ensuring that abused, abandoned, and neglected children have a voice in court. In many cases only stability in the lives of these children comes from their volunteer Advocate. We have a great need for more volunteer advocates to serve the children in our community. For more information please contact CASA of Northeast Tennessee, PO Box 1021, Johnson City, TN 37605, (423) 461-3500 or (423) 741-3181 Big Brothers Big Sisters are seeking volunteers who live or work in Washington County, VA. You must be 18 years of age or older. Being a Big Brother or Sister is a great way to make a difference in the life of a child in your community. You will be mentor, a friend, and a confidant to your little brother or sister. Contact Stephanie at 276-628-7053 or email stephaniebbbs@gmail.com to get started.

Give back to those individuals that have given so much, THE VETERANS. The James H. Quillen VA Medical Center has numerous volunteer positions available like visiting, assisting with the feeding, and escorting patients to and from other areas of the Medical Center as well as parking lot shuttle drivers. Other administrative/clerical positions are also available. Hours are flexible and no experience is needed. To find out more on how you can GIVE BACK, please contact the Voluntary Service Office at (423) 979-2891.

CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) volunteers are desperately needed in Bristol and Sullivan County to advocate for alleged abused and neglected children in the juvenile courts. CASA volunteers conduct investigations that help judges make the best decision for the safety and future of a child. Do you have a passion to help children fin a safe and secure home? CASA is looking for you! CASA volunteers receive extensive classroom training, mentorship with other volunteers and support from CASA for Kids, Inc. staff. Training classes are forming for May for the Bristol area; to find out how to become a CASA, contact Jan Marshall at (423) 652-1171.

Adventa Hospice of Kingsport is in need of Volunteers. We currently need volunteers to visit patients and provide Companionship. Our patients are wonderful people and would be so happy to have somebody visit. Please call, Desiree Saunders, Volunteer Coordinator, at (423) 288-9777. We would love to have you join our team!

Volunteers needed at local domestic violence, sexual abuse and homeless shelter program. Training provided for crisis calls, administrative assistant, direct services.

Marginalized underserved populations encouraged to apply. Call (423) 276- 386-1313 for application. EOC

Hope House “Women’s Shelter” of Scott County, Inc. is seeking dedicated individuals to volunteer their time and assist with the Sexual Assault Specialist and Outreach Programs. Volunteers must reflect the county demographics and willingness to assist with the traditionally underserved populations of Scott and Lee counties. Individuals of color are encouraged to apply. For more information call (276) 386-1373. EOC

SCORE (Counselors to America’s Small Business) Chapter 584 are looking for volunteers in the Northeast Tennessee area. SCORE is a non-profit nationwide organization staffed by active and retired businessmen and women who volunteer their time and services to offer free individual counseling in all areas of starting and improving a small business. Responsibilities of counselors include meeting with new and future business clients, to guide them on their way to starting or continuing with their business.

As a SCORE member, training in our policies and procedures is provided. New counselors will team with an experienced member. Volunteers also support out efforts using computer, computer maintenance, graphics, and web page creation skills and writing, proof reading, photography and general office skills. If you are interested in becoming a SCORE volunteer, please call our office (423) 461-8051 Monday – Friday, 9:00am – 12:00 noon. Our website address is scoretn.org and the email address is scoretn@wireco.net Northeast Tennessee SCORE, 2203 McKinley Rd. Johnson City, TN. 37604

The Crisis Center is accepting applications for Volunteer Hotline Workers, Sexual Assault Care Companions, Computer/Technical Office Assistant, and Board of Directors positions. The Crisis Center, Inc. is accredit by the American Association of Suicidology, Tennessee Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence, Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance, and is a participating member of: Rape, Abuse, Incest, National Network, RAINN: sponsored by Lifetime TV for Women, The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, The Virginia Sexual Assault Hotline, The National Domestic Violence Hotline. Intensive training and ongoing support provided to prepare the volunteer as they serve victims of crime and those facing life-changing crisis. Contact staff at (276) 466-2218, (423) 230-0900 or (276) 628-7731 for more information.

Volunteers to Touch Your World at King Benevolent Fund, a 501(c)-(3) ministry located in Bristol, VA. That serves the hungry, hurting and neglected here at home and around the world. We are looking for volunteers to help with cooking onsite meals, sorting various donations and packing items for ship.m.ent. Call our volunteer supervisor, Audrey Lambert, at (276) 466-3014, ext. 255 for further information.

Volunteers Needed: Tipton Haynes Historic Site, Johnson City. Our upcoming fall season has several opportunities for individuals interested in various activities. We are looking for people who have skills/abilities/interests in sewing costumes, portraying living historians of the antebellum era, gardening, and working “behind the scenes”.

For more information, please contact Penny McGlaughlin- director Tipton Haynes at (423) 926-3631 Hope house of Scott County, Inc. is in need of some male volunteers to help families that move from our shelter into independent living. For more information call (276) 386-1313

Volunteers are needed at a local domestic violence shelter. Answering the 24-hour crisis line, providing transportation, childcare, light housekeeping, yard work, minor repairs and assisting with residents’ needs. Training provided. For more information, please call Ann Jones at (888) 250-HEAL.

Have you always wanted to be a hero? Ever wonder how you can make a difference in your world? If you have just 10 hours a month to spare, you can be a hero by making a difference in a child’s life. Each year over one million children are abused and neglected and these children’s futures are put at risk. As a CASA you can stand up for these children and speak out for them, helping ensure these children find safe, permanent homes – something every child deserves. Be a hero. Volunteer as a Court Appointed Special Advocate and change the world; one child at a time. Call (276) 642-2344. Training classes are forming now.

Adventa Hospice Care is looking for volunteers in Kingsport, Bristol, Blountville, Church Hill and Gray. We have volunteer opportunities to visit patients and provide companionship (no patient care). Our patients are wonderful people and would be happy to have somebody visit them. Please call (423) 288-9777 and ask for a volunteer coordinator. We would love to have you join our team!

Volunteers needed. Can you give an hour a week to assist with parties, or bingo? Do you have a craft demonstration to share or a performance that would entertain? The Grand Court is looking for volunteers to add a spark to residents’ lives. If interested, call (276) 669-1111 and ask for Libby Bailey to find out more about how you can help.

Abuse Alternatives, Inc. of Bristol, serving victims of domestic violence is presently in search of volunteers to be trained to take Hotline calls and monitor the shelter/ clients on occasion during M-F, between 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. and on Tues. 5:30 p.m.- 8 p.m. Also registering individuals & small groups for “on-call talent bank”, consisting of volunteers with special skills such as clerical, mentoring, parenting, tutoring, bi-lingual, budgeting/finances, organize donations & storage area, ability to help transport/ move clients into new residences, etc. For more info, please call (423) 652-9098.

Volunteers are needed at a local domestic violence shelter answering the 24-hour crisis line, providing transportation, childcare, light housekeeping, yard work, minor repairs and assisting with residents needs. Training is provided. For more information, please call Ann Jones at (888) 250-HEAL (4325).