The Loafer April 21st

p a g e

10

40th Annual Spring Thing

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27

Goodwill & Food City Collaborate for Earth Day

...plus so much more

Page 2, The Loafer • April 21, 2015

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April 21, 2015 • The Loafer, Page 3

Volume 29 Issue #20 Publisher Luci Tate

MerleFest!

Editor Graphic Arts Director Don Sprinkle Office Manager Luci Tate Cover Design Bill May Advertising Dave Carter Elaine Farris Terry Patterson Lori Hughes Contributing Staff Jim Kelly Andy Ross Ken Silvers Mark Marquette Brian McManus Joshua Hicks Nathan Cox Published by Pulse Publishing, LLC., P.O. Box 3238, Johnson City, TN 37602 Phone: 423/283-4324 FAX - 423/283-4369 www.theloaferonline.com info@theloaferonline.com e-mail: editorial@theloaferonline.com (editorial) adcopy@theloaferonline.com (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.

Founder: Bill Williams

in this issue ....

4 6 8 11 13 14 15 18 22

MERLEFEST An Evening with THE STEEL WHEELS & IBCF Stage is Set for the First Ever Mountains of the Music Homecoming Everplay Sport & Social Club Roan Mountain Spring Naturalists Rally Kentucky School of Bluegrass Ensemble at Carter Family Fold Tibetan Buddhist Teacher to speak in Tri-Cities Asheville’s Lyric Opera production of West Side Story Real Live X-Files

music & fun 16 28

Spotlight - Great Music & Fun Times Crossword & Sudoku

columns & reviews 19 Batteries Not Included - “I Wonder If There’s Beer On The Sun?” 20 Stargazer - “News Flash: Liquid Water on Mars....”

21 Skies This Week 25 Thoughs of Yesteryear - “Appreicate The Age In WhichYou Dwell” 34 Screen Sceens - “Home” 26 Lock, Stock & Barrel - “Knowing Your Target and Beyond” 29 The Trivial Traveler - “Visiting Minnesota for Peanuts” 30 Kelly’s Place - “Are you Curious?”

Page 4, The Loafer • April 21, 2015

Preparations are well underway for MerleFest 2015, presented by Window World, which officially begins next Thursday, April 23, at 2:30 p.m., and runs through Sunday, April 26, on the campus of Wilkes Community College in Wilkesboro, North Carolina.

With over 80 acts performing on 13 stages during the four-day festival, attendees should expect the unexpected with special sur-

MerleFest - This Week!

winning The Earls of Leicester,” said Ted Hagaman, festival director. “Béla Fleck and Abigail Washburn’s 2015 appearance is creating a lot of buzz as well.

“Of course, we will continue to honor and memorialize Doc, who helped found this festival.

Through his guidance and artistic creativity, MerleFest has grown into a world-class festival. MerleFest will always honor the memory

MerleFest draws thousands of fans to the Watson Stage each day of the four-day event. prises, spontaneous jam sessions and one-of-a-kind musical collaborations.

“It seems our fans are really thrilled about this year’s complete lineup. They always get excited to see Sam Bush, Peter Rowan, Jim Lauderdale, David Holt, The Kruger Brothers, the Nashville Bluegrass Band and others who performed with Doc Watson. And, we are pleased to welcome back Hot Rize, last seen at MerleFest in 2003.

This will mark the first MerleFest appearance for Grammy Award-

and contributions of Doc and his son Merle,” added Hagaman. “As always, we take pride in the diversity presented in our lineup. That is a credit to Doc Watson, who always believed that all genres of music should be celebrated.”

As in previous years, the list of performers fits the “traditional plus” definition originally described by the late Doc Watson.

Watson coined this term to describe the unique mix of music found at MerleFest: traditional, roots-oriented sounds of the Ap-

palachian region, including bluegrass and old-time music, and expanded to include Americana, country, blues, rock, “plus whatever other styles we were in the mood to play,” Doc said.

The complete lineup and stage schedules are posted at www. merlefest.org and available on the MerleFest mobile app; festival updates are delivered via Twitter (@ MerleFest) and Facebook.

Thursday, April 23, will feature performances by artists that include Trampled By Turtles, Lee Ann Womack, Hot Rize, Béla Fleck & Abigail Washburn, Larry Stephenson Band and others. That afternoon, participants in Pete Wernick’s MerleFest Bluegrass Jam Camp will perform on the Cabin Stage, and the Opening Night Dance with Donna the Buffalo will begin at 10 p.m. at the Dance Stage.

Thursday is also a day for community outreach, with several MerleFest artists visiting and performing at local schools. MerleFest Outreach touches the lives of nearly 11,000 students each year.

On Friday, April 24, fans will hear performances by The Marshall Tucker Band, Jim Lauderdale and North Mississippi Allstars, The Earls of Leicester, the Del McCoury Band performing songs of Woody Guthrie, Sam Bush Band, Bruce Robinson and Kelly Willis, The Kruger Brothers, Spinney Brothers, Chatham County Line, Mipso, Ballie & The Boys, The Honeycutters and others.

Finalists in the Chris Austin Songwriting Contest compete on Friday to determine who will win first place and some great surprises, including the opportunity to record a song with Pinecastle

Records. The culmination of the contest is Friday evening when contest chairperson Jim Lauderdale announces the winners, and the songwriters perform the winning entries on the Cabin Stage at 8 p.m.

Friday also offers the Doc and Merle Watson Performing Arts Showcase, hosted by Joe Smothers and Bob Hill of Frosty Morn on the Austin Stage. The series is in-

Steel Wheels, Front Country, Del Barber, New Country Rehab and Blind Boy Paxton, among others.

In the afternoon, fans can enjoy the Doc Watson Guitar Tribute on the Watson Stage, starting at 1:45 p.m., with host Jack Lawrence and David Holt, T Michael Coleman, The South Carolina Broadcasters, Roy Book Binder, Tim Stafford (Blue Highway), Bill Mize, Stephen Mougin, Uwe Kruger, Adam

The Americana Stage provides a relaxed atmosphere for fans of the groove and rhythm of Americana music. tended as a diverse, eclectic sampling of local and regional talent, allowing festival-goers to see the artists in a more intimate setting.

And in what is becoming a “mustdo” event, Scythian’s Friday night show at the Dance Stage will start at 10:30 pm – it’s recommended that you get there early!

The lineup for Saturday, April 25, includes performances by The Avett Brothers, Willie Watson, The Gibson Brothers, Peter Rowan, Blue Highway, JOHNNYSWIM, The Jim Lauderdale Band, The

Lawrence and Jacob Burleson.

Also of note will be several events at the Creekside Stage, including “Memories of Doc and Merle,” hosted by T. Michael Coleman (with many special guests expected) and the always-popular Mando Mania set.

The MerleFest 2015 Band Competition kicks off at the Plaza Stage at 10 a.m. on Saturday, as well.

Music fans can watch ten bands

MerleFest .......

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April 21, 2015 • The Loafer, Page 5

MerleFest ...... Continued from previous page perform sets throughout the day, with the winning band earning a coveted performance slot on the Watson Stage at 4:30 pm.

The highly-anticipated Hillside Album Hour – where a revered or iconic album is performed live from start to finish – will once again be hosted by The Waybacks, with many surprise guests joining in the performance, including previously announced guest lead singer Joan Osborne. The Midnight Jam will take place in the Walker Center (separate ticket required and available for purchase by 4-day and 3-day ticket holders and Saturday-only ticket holders). This year’s Jam is presented in partnership with The Bluegrass Situation and hosted by The Steel Wheels. In addition to The Steel Wheels, the Midnight Jam will feature Willie Watson, Jim Lauderdale, The Gibson Brothers, Front Country, Mipso, New Country Rehab, The Honey Dewdrops, Moore Brothers Band and Stephen Mougin, along with a few other surprises.

Sunday, April 26, will feature performances by Dwight Yoakam, Robert Earl Keen, Steep Canyon Rangers, The Kruger Brothers with the Kontras Quartet performing “Lucid Dreamer,” Paul Thorn, The Black Lillies, Shannon Whitworth and others.

In addition to the Sunday Blues with Roy Bookbinder set, featuring Richard Watson, Doug MacLeod, Blind Boy Paxton, Veronika Jackson, Rev. Robert B. Jones and Charles Welch, fans can experience the “Spirit of Sunday” set with the Nashville Bluegrass Band as well as the Gospel Hour with Jim Avett.

Throughout the four-day festival, the Dance Stage will feature various workshops and dance instruction with plenty of opportunities for festival attendees to cut loose with some stellar music performers. Additionally, Mayes Pit/Cohn Auditorium in Thompson Hall at MerleFest is devoted to a wide variety of workshops and demonstrations on Friday and Saturday, where world-class performers share their expertise with attendees. Avid MerleFest fans will be interested in the “History of MerleFest” workshop being presented by “B” Townes, the first director of MerleFest, who worked very closely with Doc Watson to

bring MerleFest to life. The Songwriters Showcase Coffeehouse at the Austin Stage in Alumni Hall offers a venue where songwriters can showcase their original songs.

The Pickin’ Place is an area for musicians of all levels and genres to meet old friends and make new ones while singing and playing their favorite tunes together.

Stage. Children can also meet Flattop, the big raccoon who serves as the MerleFest mascot.

In addition to music, MerleFest offers special activities and shopping, all in a family-friendly atmosphere. The Shoppes at MerleFest is a centrally-located shopping village featuring demonstrating artisans, vendors, convenience foods,

The Acoustic Kids Showcases will be held: Friday, Austin Stage 5:30-7 p.m.; Saturday, Dance Stage 10-11:30 a.m.; and Saturday, Mayes Pit 3:45-5:15 p.m. Additionally, from among this year’s pool of applicants, several performers will be chosen for a special “Acoustic Kids Ambassadors” performance hosted by Andy May on the Cabin Stage, Saturday 6:20-6:45 p.m.

These showcases allow music fans the opportunity hear the next generation of pickers, singers and traditional-style artists.

The Little Pickers Family Area offers children’s activities, crafts and entertainment, as well as performances at the Little Pickers

official MerleFest memorabilia and services such as first aid, lost and found, and Internet access.

Lowes Foods “Raised Right Here,” offering fruit, vegetables and delistyle sandwiches, will be a welcome addition to the expanded list of food vendors that will be at the festival this year.

Also new to MerleFest is the Belk Lounge, which will be located between the Traditional and Americana stages. Festival patrons can relax like a VIP there, as well as register to win prizes, receive special giveaways, and use the lounge’s cellphone charging station.

For those who would like to start

their day with a little Downward Facing Dog, a yoga class will be offered at 10 a.m. on Sunday morning at the Dance Stage. Beginners and yogis alike are welcome to attend! Additionally, nature walks of the gardens and forest on the WCC campus will be offered on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

“For those wanting an afford-

Tickets for MerleFest may be purchased at www.MerleFest. org or by calling 1-800-343-7857.

A ticket discount is still available through April 22, 2015, and tickets will be available for purchase at the gate. Fans are encouraged to take advantage of the extended early bird discount.

MerleFest 2015 is presented

by Window World. MerleFest is grateful to 90+ sponsors and advertisers for their support in making the event possible, including: Belk, Pepsi, Charlotte and Greensboro area Burger King restaurants, G&B Energy, Tyson, Wilkesboro Tourism Development Authority, The InterFlex Group, Hardee’s, Winston-Salem Journal, WXII 12, the Law Offices of Timothy D. Welborn, Bojangles’, Carolina Ford Dealers, Carolina West Wireless, CenturyLink, Lowes Foods, Wilkes Communications, Wilkes Regional Medical Center, Wells Fargo and Mast General Store. A complete listing of all MerleFest sponsors and additional information about all aspects of the festival can be found at www.

MerleFest.org.

MerleFest, considered one of the premier music festivals in the country, is an annual homecoming of musicians and music fans held on the campus of Wilkes Community College in Wilkesboro, North Carolina. MerleFest was founded in 1988 in memory of the son of the late American music legend Doc Watson, renowned guitarist Eddy Merle Watson. MerleFest is a celebration of “traditional plus” music, a unique mix of music based on the traditional, roots-oriented sounds of the Appalachian region, able weekend getaway, MerleF- including bluegrass and old-time est provides a true value to its music, and expanded to include customers,” said festival director Americana, country, blues, rock Ted Hagaman. “The admission and many other styles. The festiprices are extremely reasonable val hosts a diverse mix of artists - especially considering that we on its 13 stages during the course feature over 80 acts on 13 stages. of the four-day event. The annual Also, there are no hidden charges. event has become the primary We provide free parking, a free fundraiser for the WCC Endowshuttle that will deliver you to the ment Corporation, funding scholentrance, a free program guide as arships, capital projects and other you enter, and all children 12 and educational needs. under are admitted free with a Facebook: MerleFest (www.facepaid adult. In addition, our Little book.com/MerleFest) Pickers Family Area for children Twitter Handle: @ M e r l e F e s t offers each child the opportunity https://twitter.com/MerleFest) to make crafts and participate in Instagram: @MerleFest several interactive exhibits – all Hashtags: #MerleFest #Midfree of charge.” nightJam #BanjoRama #HAH2014

Page 6, The Loafer • April 21, 2015

Spend the evening with

The Steel Wheels

with special guest If Birds Could Fly proceeds to benefit the Kingsport Carousel Project tion). The Steel Wheels were nominated for five Independent Music Awards in 2010, with “Nothing You Can’t Lose” taking top honors as Best Country Song. The Steel Wheels continue to take the Americana scene by storm with their latest album, Lay Down, Lay Low, which lingered for 10 weeks on the AMA’s Top 40 Chart. NPR named “Rain in the Valley” their Song of the Day, marveling that the “heavy hymn […] is sparse and dense all at once.” Already celebrated as the darlings of Merlefest 2012, the band looks forward to further accolades.

Kingsport Office of Cultural Arts proudly presents an evening with The Steel Wheels Friday April 24, 2015 at the Farmer’s Market in Kingsport, TN. Southwest Virginia Country/Rock n’ Roll band If Birds Could Fly will open the show. Show begins at 7pm, and it is recommended that you bring your own chair. All tickets are $25 and can be purchased online atwww.EngageKingsport.com or by phone at (423) 392-8414. Proceeds from the concert will benefit the Kingsport Carousel Project.

The Steel Wheels have captured audiences across the country with their heady brew of original soulful mountain music and their deep commitment to roots and community. Based in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, this dynamic four-piece string band marries old-time musical traditions with their own innovative sound and lifestyle, generating a truly magnetic revival.

The Steel Wheels is an amalgamation of hard work and easy rapport. The band is renowned for their raw energy and chemistry on stage where they often cluster tightly around a single microphone to adorn Trent Wagler’s unmistakable tenor with bell-clear four-part harmonies inspired by their shared Mennonite heritage.

Add to this Eric Brubaker’s lively and evocative fiddle, Brian Dickel’s grounded yet buoyant upright bass, and Jay Lapp’s signature mandolin style, and it’s no surprise that The Steel Wheels have enthralled the contemporary Americana scene.

Their breakout album, Red Wing, garnered critical praise and enjoyed tremendous success on the radio. It spent 13 weeks on the Americana Music Association’s Top 40 Chart, where it reached the number 15 slot, and cracked the Euro Americana Chart top 10. Red Wing ranked 70th out of the top 100 Americana albums of 2010 and second out of all independent releases (Americana Music Associa-

The Kingsport Farmer’s Market facility is located at 308 Clinchfield St., at the corner of Clinchfield St. & Center St. in Downtown Kingsport. The Farmer’s Market facility, which opened its doors just a few years ago, has become the premier festival and special event venue for Kingsport. The new Kingsport Carousel is in the final stages of construction and will soon be co-located at the facility and open to the public.

For more information call the City of Kingsport Office of Cultural Arts at (423) 392-8414 or go online atwww.EngageKingsport. com or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/KingsportOfficeofCulturalArts

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Milligan Jazz Ensemble Spring concert set for April 27

The Milligan College Jazz Ensemble will perform a variety of jazz styles in celebration of “Jazz Appreciation Month” on Monday, April 27, at 7:30 p.m. in Milligan’s Mary B. Martin Auditorium in Seeger Chapel.

The spring concert will feature the college’s 21-piece ensemble, under the direction of Rick Simerly, associate professor of music, along with special guest tenor saxophonist, Doug Henry.

A resident of Charlotte, North Carolina, Henry started playing tenor saxophone in 1961 and has performed throughout the

country with artists including Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, The Four Tops, The Temptations, Tony Bennett, Harry Connick, Jr. and numerous others. He holds a Master of Arts in music education from the University of Alabama and has taught for 39 years. Now retired, Henry has continued playing Broadway shows and touring the world with the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra.

“Without a doubt, Doug Henry is one of the greatest tenor saxophonists I’ve ever heard,” said Simerly. “We are excited for audiences to hear him perform with

our ensemble at this very special jazz performance.”

The Milligan Jazz Ensemble consists of Milligan students as well as students and adults from throughout the region. They will be performing a variety of songs from the libraries of Stan Kenton, Charlie Parker, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Buddy Rich, Duke Jordan and Kenny Dorham.

This event is free and open to the public. For more information on Milligan arts events, visit www. milligan.edu/arts.

The Crooked Road Music Series at Heartwood to feature Allen Hick’s Jam

The Crooked Road celebrates the traditional music of the communities of Southwest Virginia.

Many of those communities have regular gatherings of musicians for jam sessions or concerts and each gathering is different from the next. These regional gatherings are presented once a month at Heartwood in Abingdon, Virginia,

by The Crooked Road as part of their Venue Showcase series. The next Venue Showcase will be at 6:30 pm on Thursday, April 23rd, and will feature the Allen Hick’s Jam from Nickelsville, Virginia.

Instrument maker’s shops are a popular hangout for local musicians and a natural place for jamming. That is exactly how the Allen Hick’s Jam got started when loiter-

ing pickers at his woodworking shop began gathering on a regular basis to try out Allen’s handmade mandolins and share some tunes.

Allen spent 32 years as a steel worker and farmed tobacco on the side. About 15 years ago he created his first mandolin and has made 22 or 23 so far. His son, Larry, has built approximately 40 guitars over the years. Allen’s granddad was a furniture maker near Nickelsville so they are carrying on a family woodworking tradition.

This mostly bluegrass jam has been attended by people from all over the world, including France, Switzerland, Canada, San Francisco, New York and Pennsylvania. A few years ago, Allen put in a completely new gathering room

for the Jam with a professional sound system and concessions upstairs. “Visitors seem to enjoy the Jam and it’s nice to meet different people who come to it,” says Allen. “Mostly, I just treat folks like I want to be treated.”

Heartwood: Southwest Virginia’s Artisan Gateway is located off I-81 at Exit 14 in Abingdon, VA, and features food, music, and crafts of Southwest Virginia. Admission to the concert is free and donations will be accepted for Crooked Road Traditional Music Education Program (TMEP).

For more information on The Crooked Road Music Series call (276) 492-2409 or email: info@ thecrookedroad.org.

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Page 8, The Loafer • April 21, 2015

The Crooked Road Sets Stage for 1st Ever

Mountains of Music Homecoming

Virginia’s heritage music often plays to a standing room only crowd.

The Crooked Road, Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail, is pleased to announce the Mountains of Music Homecoming, a nine-day celebration of the communities in Southwest Virginia – their heritage music, cultural assets and outdoor amenities. This inaugural event, covering 19 counties, four cities, and over 50 communities, will be held June 12 - 20, 2015 and features Crooked Road concerts in more than 30 communities, dozens of community cultural experiences, and over 70 existing traditional music-related concerts, jam sessions and festivals.

Known internationally as a

mecca of old time, bluegrass and gospel music, The Crooked Road connects the home places of some of the most cherished figures in American music – the Carter Family, the Stoneman Family, the Stanley Brothers and bluegrass pioneers, Jim and Jesse McReynolds, among others – and spans across a region celebrated for its beautiful landscape, storied culture, and seminal contributions to the nation’s art and music.

The Mountains of Music Homecoming has been made possible

Homecoming .......

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April 21, 2015 • The Loafer, Page 9

Homecoming ...... Continued from previous page through the generous support of the Virginia Tobacco Commission, Virginia Tourism Corporation, Food City, the National Endowment for the Arts, and significant sponsorships from numerous businesses and organizations in Southwest Virginia.

“The contributions made to American music by this area of Virginia are profound,” said Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe.

“The Mountains of Music Homecoming will highlight not only those historical traditions, but also showcase just how vibrant those traditions, and the entire culture, are today.”

“The Tobacco Commission is honored to be a leading funding partner in this historic homecoming event that will highlight our regional assets,” stated Delegate Terry Kilgore, Chairman of the Virginia Tobacco Commission.

“The Commission continues to focus on economic development opportunities that will diversify our part of the Commonwealth.”

Festival events will be as wideranging as the Southwest Vir-

ginia region they cover, including concerts at the legendary Carter Family Fold at the foot of Clinch Mountain, exhibits at the Ralph Stanley and Birthplace of Country Music museums, classes in flatfoot dance, seminars on traditional music, and long-running community jam sessions at places like the Floyd Country Store where visitors are encouraged to bring their own instruments and join in. Each evening, festivalgoers can choose from two to four Crooked Road concerts in different communities in the region.

“We have a tremendous wealth of artists and performance venues, and this event will allow visitors to experience both in a whirlwind nine-day period,” said John Kilgore, president of The Crooked Road. “For centuries, people here have come together with extraordinary handmade instruments, iconic songs and melding of voices and heart. The Mountains of Music Homecoming is a first-ever celebration that will give voice to the rich tapestry of lives and heritage that have significantly influenced

music worldwide.”

Travelers seduced by the sweet sound of all that music will also discover first-rate wineries, excellent cycling opportunities, fly-fishing, hiking, theatre, world class galleries and museums, community picnics, pancake breakfasts, and a wealth of unforgettable experiences and activities to wile away the hours between the ancient tunes and encores.

As Crooked Road executive director Jack Hinshelwood put it, “This is where people have unforgettable encounters with a unique culture. Some visitors have said they felt like they found the real America along The Crooked Road, and it was because they were able to connect so easily with the people who keep this musical heritage and culture alive.”

Southwest Virginia’s musical heritage is as vital today as it was when its iconic figures blazed new pathways in American music. The Crooked Road’s Mountains of Music Homecoming seeks to insure that, for current and future generations, the song remains the

The Crooked Road, Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail, will host the 2015 Mountains of Music Homecoming. same. ditional music lovers will be able “The variety of experiences that to come to the Mountains of Music await a visitor to Southwest Vir- Homecoming when our music and ginia is truly incredible,” said Rita culture are in full bloom for nine McClenny, CEO of the Virginia magical days,” said Kilgore.

Tourism Corporation. “This is an Tickets for Mountains of Muarea of the country with a very au- sic Homecoming will be available thentic and distinctive culture that on the festival website and locally is reflected in many things besides beginning in April 2015. For more just the music.” information, please visit www.

“Flower lovers go to Holland mtnsofmusic.com. when the tulips are in bloom – tra-

Page 10, The Loafer • April 21, 2015

40th Annual Spring Thing 2015 Coming to Greeneville

Pictured is Bob Southerland, local member of The Smoky Mountain Region Porsche Club of America, at Brass Town Valley’s Porsche “Rennfest” 2014 in Northern Georgia after winning the Full Concours D’Elegance The Smoky Mountain Region of the Porsche Club of America will be returning to Greeneville for the 40th Annual Spring Thing event on April 24-26. The host hotel, the historic General Morgan Inn, will be the staging location for the three-day event.

Judging will begin on Saturday at 9 a.m. for the Concours D’Elegance on West Depot Street next to the hotel, followed in the afternoon by the Tour and Rally on area roads. Sunday morning organizers will host an autocross event at the Greeneville airport.

“This is our second year in Greeneville which provides an excellent venue for the event and has proven to be very popular with the participants,” stated Peter Lepir, vice president of the Smoky Mountain Region Porsche Club of America. “We expect more than 40 Porsche vehicles representing many different years and models. Spectators are welcome to come and see some beautiful Porsches and meet participants from various states around the southeast.”

Local retired businessman Bob Souther-

land, who spent his career with Super Dollar Markets and Food City in the advertising and marketing field, as well as in community and governmental affairs, has been with the group for a number of years. “Since a young boy, I have always had a love for sports cars of all makes and models,” stated Southerland. “It’s great having the Smoky Mountain Region “Spring Thing” back in Greeneville with Porsche people coming from as far away as Ohio and Florida.”

Bob has won several awards in the past years with his 997 white Carrera S. They include three “People’s Choice” Awards: Smoky Mountain Region, Carolinas Region, “Winterfest” Chattanooga, TN; “Judges’ Choice”, Chattanooga Region: “Best of Show,” European Charity Concours d’Elegance, Knoxville and eight first place awards in class in Porsche regions in the southeast.

For more information on the event, contact Peter Lepir at 865-458-3303 or visit the website www.smtpca.org.

Blugrass Gospel Fundraiser

Siam Baptist Church is hosting a Bluegrass Gospel Fundraiser April 28, 2015 The event is Free and donations will be accepted to support the building fund.

Bean Supper is from 4:30-6:30 p.m. with Music starting at 7:00 p.m.

The Bands include: Hunter Berry performing with Singin’ for the Savior, Fiddlin’ Carson Peters & Duty Free For further information, contact Siam Baptist Church 2414 Siam Road Elizabethton, TN 37643, 423-542-8789. E-Mail: SiamBaptist@charter.net

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Everplay Sport & Social Club Explodes First Season In The Tri-Cities

Everplay Sport & Social Club – Tri Cities began, in January 2015, as a way for adults, over the age of 21, in the Tri-Cities area to play recreational sports, such as Kickball, Dodgeball, and Volleyball with the primary focus on making new friends, socializing and having fun. One of the many great features of Everplay is the ability to sign up as a whole team, a partial team or as a single.

Tyler Pavlis, the Chief Operating Officer, has been with Everplay, based out of Knoxville, Tennessee, since March 2012. “I began by applying to a Part-Time Knox Area Event Coordinator position with helping run a Sports company.

Three years later we are in 8 Cities, including our brand new location in the Tri-Cities, with Kickball, being played at Indian Trail Middle School.” This Spring, its first ever season in the Tri-Cities, Everplay had a whopping 135 participants on 8 teams.

“When I saw the success early on and how passionate folks in Knoxville were about Kickball, and some of the other sports we offered, I quickly began to grow into the position. I saw a bigger picture for what I wanted it to be and I became determined to make Everplay the premier choice for socialization, recreational activities, and fun for adults over the age of 21 in the East Tennessee area,” Pavlis says.

To go along with that, Everplay has also begun to take in several corporate Sponsors for the League, starting with their Title Sponsor, Coors Light, which is distributed

by Cherokee Distributing in the Tri-Cities and Knoxville.

“The MillerCoors Sponsorship just began and they have been great to work with. They are the official beverage company for Everplay in the East Tennessee Region and have their logo on the front of our shirts, website, and email blasts” Pavlis said.

After the games, players pack their Sponsor Bar for their league, which is currently Senor Papa’s and Beer located in Johnson City.

“I am not going out every single week with the players to the Sponsor Bar,” says Pavlis. That is the job of the General Manager and Field Manager, whose name is Adam Carver. Pavlis continues, “Adam is a local and native of the Tri-Cities. I have been unbelievably pleased with him. Without his efforts, none of this would’ve been possible. We both believe that Everplay Tri-Cities will be the biggest and best thing to do in the area for adults twenty-one and up.”

Everplay Sport and Social Club – Tri-Cities always will have room for new teams, players, groups, companies, etc… They are now registering for their Summer Season as well, beginning in June, with the first games slated to begin in June. For more information, anyone can visit their website at www.everplaytricities.com and get on their general announcement e-mail list, or you can follow Everplay Tri-Cities on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ everplaytricities

April 21, 2015 • The Loafer, Page 11

CONGRATULATIONS! and the winner is......

L. Vest of Kingsort is the winner of The Loafer’s Egg Count Contest.

A total of 61 eggs were hidden in the March 31st issue of the Loafer.

Thank you to all who entered. Be sure to pick up the Loafer each week to check for future contests!

Page 12, The Loafer • April 21, 2015

Juried Spotlight Gallery Exhibit:

Monique Carr “The French Connection”

Monique Carr will present an exhibition in oils titled, “The French Connection” in the Juried Spotlight Gallery of the Arts Depot in Abingdon, VA. The Exhibit will run from April 22nd through June 6th, 2015. There will be a Meet-theArtist reception on Saturday, April 25th from 2-4 pm It is impossible to believe that one year ago Monique Carr almost did not mail her proposal for a solo exhibit at the Arts Depot simply because, she says, “a lack of confidence.” Thank goodness her husband encouraged her to send it. After learning that she did indeed win an exhibit she set out to produce 25-30 new works with the theme ‘The French Connection’.

Monique grew up in Montreal, Canada. She moved to East Tennessee in 1999 with her husband, Johnson City native Hank Carr.

After retiring as a graphic designer in 2009, she took her paint-

ing from a hobby to a full time pursuit. Monique has been fortunate to have taken classes and workshops from many respected artists. She is a daily painter and conducts workshops regularly as she loves sharing her passion. She is an impressionist oil painter who finds her inspiration in the beauty of simple things.

The subjects Monique chose for her show at the Arts Depot are a combination of her experiences, particularly her life in Quebec and travels in France. Monique says, “I want to express the romance of my French heritage and share my ‘French Connection’ with viewers of my artwork.”…”My focus in painting is to translate a magical moment into an artistic statement.

Evoking the emotion of a scene, I first draw the abstraction of what I’m seeing, often making adjustments to the overall composition.

Once satisfied with that, I consider

Lac Des Bouleux Oil on Panel M. by M Carr. imagery, atmospheric conditions and colors - often pushing or calming them to create the mood I’m after. In the final stage of a paint-

ing, I mold and reshape the representational likeness of the scene by adding a few details, emphasizing light, shadows and vibrant pops

of color. Beyond the technical process of oil painting is the passion and the challenge that I find in it that make my life exciting. I’m so grateful that I can do what I love and I thank God for that.”

The Depot Artist Association is a non-profit volunteer organization that is dedicated to promoting the arts in the community and to featuring the region’s artists. The Association operates the Arts Depot in the historic Depot Square area of downtown Abingdon, VA. The viewing hours for regular exhibits and resident studio artists Wednesday through Saturday 10 am – 4 pm, until 8 pm on the first Thursday of each month or by appointment. Exhibits are free to the public. For further information about the exhibits, classes, or other offerings and activities of the Arts Depot, Abingdon, VA, call (276) 628-9091 or e-mail abingdonartsdepot@eva.org, or visit their facebook place page or 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.

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Roan Mountain Spring Naturalists Rally Celebrates 57th Year

The 57th annual Spring Rally will continue the tradition of offering nature enthusiasts the opportunity to enjoy field trips and engaging programs that cover many aspects of the natural history of Roan Mountain and the surrounding area.

The Roan Mountain State Park’s Conference Center will host programs, meals, information booths and registration, while field trips will leave from the field on the left before entrance to the cabins in the park. Registration will also be available at the field prior to the field trip departures.

To kick off the weekend, we welcome Randy Hedgepath, State Naturalist for Tennessee State Parks, who will present a photographic and narrative program on the watershed of Tennessee’s namesake river. Flowing down from the highest mountains in the eastern United States, our streams make a long journey to the largest river in the country. Along the way are outstanding natural landmarks and a cross section of our history and culture. Travel with the water of the Doe and Watauga in this entertaining program.

Randy is a native of West Tennessee where the family farm was just 15 miles from the Tennessee River.

After graduating from UT-Martin and working seasonally for several years for the National Park Service and Tennessee State Parks, he has spent the last 31 years with state parks. Randy worked as a RangerNaturalist at South Cumberland State Park on the Cumberland Plateau and at Radnor Lake Natural Area in Nashville until 2007 when he was given the opportunity to be the statewide naturalist for the state park system.

On Saturday evening & for the lunchtime workshop, we are very excited to have Tavia back as a speaker! Her presentation will describe how flowers use color, scent, shape, and tricks to attract pollinators. Tavia is Executive Director of Creasey Mahan Nature Preserve in Goshen, KY, where she has established a two-acre Woodland Garden that highlights native wildflowers and ferns. The Nature Preserve hosted a record number of 38,000 visitors in 2014. Tavia is highly regarded as a lecturer, educator, writer, and photographer and routinely offers lectures on wildflowers, flora-lore, creating woodland gardens, and gardening with native plants to regional and national groups that include gardeners, college students, and academic audiences. She is co-author

and the lead photographer of Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest, winner of a 2011 Gold Nautilus Book Award, and co-author of the 16-state field guide Wildflowers of Tennessee, the Ohio Valley, and Southern Appalachians, which covers 16 states, 1,250 wildflowers, and presents 800 photographs. She currently is writing and taking photographs for her third book, titled How Flowers Flirt and Flourish – The Tricks and Trials of Floral Reproduction. She was selected as “Today’s Woman” in the September 2011 issue of Today’s Woman magazine, is serving her third term on the executive board of the Louisville Audubon Society, and is on the board of the Prospect Area Chamber of Commerce. Tavia considers herself a very lucky woman to be married to Matthew H. Brown. They garden and live on a family farm in Louisville.

The complete schedule of events for the weekend follows at the end of this page and can also be found at www.friendsofroanmtn.org Friends of Roan Mountain sponsors four quality, educational outdoor events each year; a Winter, Spring, and Fall Rally, in addition to an annual Kid’s Rally – Roan Xtreme Adventures, each July.

April 21, 2015 • The Loafer, Page 13

Because of the continued support of the Friends of Roan Mountain, the Naturalists Rallies have the resources they need to prosper and grow. The Friends of Roan Mountain also provides support for research and restoration projects on the Roan. Consider joining the Friends of Roan Mountain, if you are not a member. Members receive free admission to all Naturalists Rally events and our newsletter, “Friends of Roan Mountain.”

The Friends of Roan Mountain thanks Roan Mountain State Park for their long-time support of the Naturalists Rallies.

This event is sponsored by Friends of Roan Mountain, Gary Barrigar, President. For additional information on the spring rally, please contact Jennifer Bauer at 423-543-5808 or Jennifer.bauer@ tn.gov or James Neves at706-2243355 or jamesneves@gmail.com

Page 14, The Loafer • April 21, 2015

J.P. Mathes and the Kentucky School of Bluegrass Ensemble at the Carter Family Fold

Saturday, April 25th, 2015, at 7:30 p.m., the Carter Family Fold in Hiltons, Virginia, will present a concert of bluegrass music by J.P. Mathes and the Kentucky School of Bluegrass Ensemble. Admission to the concert is $10 for adults, $1 for children 6 to 11, under age 6 free.

JP Mathes has been performing at the Carter Fold since he was 16 years old - first as a member of the ETSU Bluegrass Band and later as the Ensembles Director of Hazard Community College’s Kentucky School of Bluegrass & Traditional Music (KSBTM). The student performers include Caleb Edwards (mandolin) from Indiana; Bobby Earl Whitaker III (guitar) from Jackson, Kentucky; and James Colwell (bass) from Hazard Kentucky.

Special guest performers will include Dean Osborne, two-time Grammy award winner, Curtis “Dr. Dobro” Burch, and on fiddle Leona Tokutake Mathes from Tokyo, Japan.

JP has performed all across the United States and the world as a student musician, music professor, and as a private performer. Performance highlights include 12 tours of Japan, the Kennedy Center, the Grand Ole Opry, the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, bluegrass and music education tours of Alaska and Hawaii, and many others. JP will be touring Japan again this summer for 6 weeks with his wife

Leona as ambassadors of bluegrass music. The duo along with Japanese musicians will be performing at music venues throughout Japan and holding workshops for Japanese college students who are learning bluegrass and traditional American music.

The Kentucky School of Bluegrass & Traditional Music is an accredited program that operates under Hazard Community & Technical College’s: College of Heritage, Humanities, and Fine Arts. Students can receive an associate’s degree, diploma, and certificate in Bluegrass & Traditional Music. The KSBTM is located at a satellite campus in Hyden, Kentucky. Students who enroll at the KSBTM take courses such as ensemble, individual instruction, bluegrass history, audio recording, harmony singing, and much more. The program will unveil its state of the recording facilities in the fall semester of 2013, which includes a large professional level recording studio, a smaller studio B, and three enclosed student audio workstations. The KSBTM has already welcomed students from 18 states since it’s opening in 2007. Faculty members at the KSBTM include Dean Osborne, Curtis Burch, Chris Mullins, Grand Ole Opry member and bluegrass legend Bobby Osborne, and JP Mathes. For more information or to schedule a tour of the school

visit the Facebook page at www. facebook.com/kybluegrassschool or call 1-(606) 487-3499.

For some of the finest bluegrass music the southeast has to offer, don’t miss the Kentucky School of Bluegrass Ensemble at the Fold.

There will be traditional bluegrass tunes, lively fiddle tunes and instrumentals, gospel tunes, and beautiful harmony. Don’t forget your dancing shoes, and be sure to bring along your friends!

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. Shows from the Carter Family Fold can be accessed on the internet at http://www.carterfoldshow.com. Carter Music Center is part of the Crooked Road: Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail. You can visit the Crooked Road Music Trail site athttp://thecrookedroad.org.

Partial funding for programs at the center is provided by the Virginia Commission for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts. For recorded information on shows coming up at the Fold, call 276-386-6054. The Fold is on Facebook – page Carter Fold – and Twitter – Twitter @carterfoldinfo.

To speak to a Fold staff member, call 276-594-0676.

ARTS DEPOT in Abingdon, VA Issues Call for Exhibit Proposals

The Arts Depot in Abingdon is now accepting proposals for exhibiting in their Juried Spotlight Gallery during 2016. The deadline for submission is noon on Saturday, May 23, 2015. No late proposals will be accepted. All artwork should be original work recently created by the artist. All media are eligible and you do not have to be a member of the Depot Artists Association to submit a proposal. The

six artists juried into the Spotlight Gallery will each be awarded an exhibit lasting approximately six weeks during 2016. More detailed information, show dates, and submission specifications are listed in the Call for Proposals Guide available on the Arts Depot’s website a www.abingdonartsdepot.org or by calling the Arts Depot at 276628-9091.

The Depot Artists Association is a non-profit volunteer organization that operates the Arts Depot and is dedicated to promoting the arts in the community and features the region’s artists. The Arts Depot is located in the historic Depot Square area of downtown Abingdon, VA. The gallery and artists studios are open Wednesday thru Saturday, 10-4 pm or by appointment. There is no admission charge. For further information, please contact the Arts Depot at (276) 628-9091, or e-mail at abingdonartsdepot@eva.org, 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.

Artists and Community Working Together

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Civility Week

Tibetan Buddhist Teacher to Speak about Compassion & Meditation in Everyday Life

“Be Different, Be One: Embrace Diversity, Encourage Unity, Celebrate Civility,” East Tennessee State University’s 2015 Civility The public is invited to hear Week observance, will take place Acharya Lama Gursam Rinpoche next week (April 19-24). speak about “Compassion and Meditation in Everyday Life” at • Earth Day Cookout – the Appalachian Dharma & MediWednesday, April 22, from tation Center (ADMC) in John4:45-6:30 p.m. at Tri-Hall Field son City. He is holding several (the green space between Cen- sessions over the weekend that will focus on a variety of Dharma tennial, Governors and Davis (Buddhist teachings) talks. The residence halls). events are free but donations are encouraged to cover traveling ex• Relay for Life – This event, penses. which raises awareness and Lama Gursam was born in Tifunds for the American Can- bet and began studying Buddhism cer Society, will begin at 2 p.m. from a very young age to become Friday, April 24, and continue a monk. He has received both until 2 a.m. Saturday, April 25, bachelors and masters degrees in Buddhist philosophy, history at the ETSU Quad. and languages from Tibetan UniCivility Week is organized by versity Sarnath in India. For six ETSU’s Student Government months out of the year, Lama GurAssociation (SGA). sam visits North America to provide teachings to Westerners. It is A complete schedule is avail- very fortunate to have someone so able at www.etsu.edu/civility. For learned visit TriCities. more information, contact SGA On Friday, May 1, 7 - 9 pm, Secretary of State Kammy Kuang at 423-439-8337 or kuangx@goldmail.etsu.edu.

MPCC to host

Princess Ball

Memorial Park Community Center, 510 Bert St., invites girls of all ages to put on their prettiest dresses and be princesses for the day on Saturday, May 16. The Princess Ball will be held from 1-3 p.m., and light refreshments will be served while the girls watch Disney’s “Snow White.”

This is a special event for mothers, grandmothers, or guardians to enjoy a day with their daughters and spoil them. Special guests will be on hand to do makeup and hair for all fairy princesses. Cost is $5 per child and $2 per adult. Ages 3 and younger are free. Tickets can be purchased at Memorial Park Community Center beginning March 2.

For more information, contact Sarah Jennings at (423)461-4852.

Lama Gursam will give a talk on developing one’s meditation practice and the meaning of the mantra Om Mani Padme Hum. On Saturday, May 2, noon - 5 p.m., Lama Gursam will conduct a mini retreat on the “Four Immeasurable” which are loving kindness, compassion, equanimity and joy. At the end of the retreat he will conduct a refuge ceremony for anyone interested, and participants are invited to bring a dish to share for a pot luck dinner afterward.

On Sunday, May 3, from 1-3 p.m, Lama Gursam will give a talk on loving kindness and compassion. He will be available for private sessions, by appointment, from 3 - 4 p.m.

ADMC is a non-profit center for mindfulness and meditation studies. It is located at 108 West 10th Ave., Suite 3 (downstairs), Johnson City, TN. For more information go to www.dharma4et.org.

April 21, 2015 • The Loafer, Page 15

Page 16, The Loafer • April 21, 2015

Spotlight D

TUESDAY - April 21 JASON LLOYD & FRIENDS at Biggie’s Clam Bar

CAVEMAN DAVE at Acoustic Coffeehouse

WEDNESDAY - April 22 JASON EDWARDS & RANDALL SHELTON at Mad Greek Restaurant

TAYLOR ALEXANDER DREW KOHL at Acoustic Coffeehouse

THURSDAY - April 23 JAZZ at Wellington’s - Carnegie Hotel RETROVILLE 7pm at Sonny’s Cafe

DAISI RAIN

at Veterans Benefit at Remington House

NEW COUNTRY REHAB at The Willow Tree Coffeehouse & Music Room

RYAN WARD (Indie)

10pm at O’Mainnin’s Pub & Grill

DENNY COLEMAN & NIGHTSHIFT

ELIJAH FEELGOOD (Classic Rock, 80’s hairband) 8pm at The Shack

JASON EDWARDS & RANDALL SHELTON

8pm at Bone Fire Smokehouse

BAKERSFIELD (Country)

NEW COUNTRY REHAB ACOUSTIFRIED (Country)

at Marker “2” Grill

SOUTHERN SOUND

7pm at The Show Palace

Rock, Oldies) at The Lion’s Club

COPPER RIDGE

at Kingsport Farmer’s Market

ANNIE ROBINETTE

at Biggie’s Clam Bar

JERRY PIERCE & THE NIGHTLIFE BAND

NIGHTSHIFT (Country, Southern THE STEEL WHEELS ASYLUM SUITE

SOUTHERN COUNTRYMEN BAND (Country) at The Outdoorsman JAKE & THE COMET CONDUCTORS AMYTHYST KIAH DEMON WAFFLE at Sleepy Owl Brewery

HUNTER GRIGG

at The Willow Tree Coffeehouse & Music Room

SOUTHERN RIDE

at Country Club Bar & Grill

SATURDAY - April 25

6pm at Acoustic Coffeehouse Next Door

WOLF CREEK

TBA at Bone Fire Smokehouse ETHAN SMITH BENEATH TREES at The Acoustic Coffeehouse

FRIDAY - April 24

ZACH JOSEPH MOONSHINE DISTRICT At Acoustic Coffeehouse

LAST WORD

7pm at Sonny’s Marina & Cafe

7pm at David Thompson’s Produce

SOUTHERN COUNTRYMEN BAND (Country)

(Classic Country & Southern Rock) at Triple B Brewery

at The ShowPalace

GSAP BENEFIT CONCERT

at The Horseshoe Lounge

SHOOTER (Country, Classic Rock,

Oldies) 9pm at Elizabethton Moose Lodge

at Country Club Bar & Grill at Holiday Inn (Exit 7)

8pm at The Dispensary

CAVEMAN DAVE

at The Harvest Table Restaurant

SCOTTY MELTON at Triple B Brewery

BLACK MOUNTAIN REVIVAL at Bone Fire Smokehouse BLUE CARPET CORNER

THE THREADBARE SKIVVIES at Acoustic Coffeehouse

SUNDAY - April 26 JEFF SHAYNE

4pm at Sonny’s Marina & Cafe

9pm at Biggie’s Clam Bar

IVY ROAD

7pm at Sonny’s Marina & Cafe

KARLA DILLER

at Carter Family Fold

NATHAN KALISH & THE LASTCALLERS

JOE LASHER JR.

KENTUCKY SCHOOL OF BLUEGRASS 49 WINCHESTER

at The Willow Tree Coffeehouse & Music Room

ALI RANDOLF & THE OUTTA LUCK BAND at Marker “2” Grill

at Marker “2” Grill

at Bone Fire Smokehouse

at Acoustic Coffeehouse

MONDAY - April 27 CAROLINA EXPRESS at Bristol’s Pickin’ Porch

OPEN MIC at Acoustic Coffeehouse

Acoustic Coffeehouse 415 W Walnut St. Johnson City 423/434.9872 Biggies Clam Bar 417 W Stone Dr Kingsport 423/765-9633 Bone Fire Smokehouse at the Hardware 260 W Main St Abingdon Va 276/623-0037 Bristol’s Pickin’ Porch 620 State St Bristol 423/573-2262 Carter Family Fold 3449 A. P. Carter Hwy Hiltons Va 276/594-0676

Country Club Bar & Grill 3080 W State St Bristol 423/844-0400

David Thompson’s Produce 251 Highway 107 Jonesborough 423/913-8123 The Dispensary 271 Oak Avenue, Spruce Pine NC 828/765-0050 Elizabethton Moose Lodge 288 Lovers Lane Elizabethton 423/542-5454 The Harvest Table Restaurant 13180 Meadowview Sq Meadowview Va 276/944-5140

Holiday Inn (Exit 7) 3005 Linden Dr Bristol Va 276/466-4100

The Lions Club 116 Industrial Park Rd. Chilhowie VA 276/646-3916 Mad Greek Restaurant 2010 Franklin Terrace Johnson City 423/328-9070

Marker “2’ Gril at Lakeview Marina 474 Lakeside Dock, Kingsport 423/323-4665 The Outdoorsman 4535 Highway 11W Kingsport Remington House

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April 21, 2015 • The Loafer, Page 17

Directory Kingsport TN Sleepy Owl Brewery 151 E. Main St. Kingsport 423/390-8476 Silver Spur Gate City VA Show Palace 14364 Lee Hwy Bristol Va 276/494-6610

Sonny’s Marina & Café 109 One St. Gray TN 423/283-4014 Triple B Brewery 935 Wilcox Ct. #105 Kingsport 423/963-3609 Wellington’s Restaurant Carnegie Hotel 1216 W State of Franklin Rd Johnson City 423/979-6400 The Willow Tree Coffeehouse & Music Room 216 E Main St Johnson City

New Country Rehab performs at

Bone Fire Smokehouse Restaurant in Abingdon, Virginia, April 24, 2015 at 8 p.m.

The Bone Fire Smokehouse is proud to be hosting a free show by the band New Country Rehab. On April 24, 2015 at 8:00 p.m. the Bone Fire Smokehouse invites you to join them and the band, New Country Rehab, for a night of music and fun. New Country Rehab cuts through the clutter of watered-down musical limitations with a modern, high-voltage, altcountry sound. New Country Rehab proves that combining sharp innovation and a deep respect and knowledge of timeless musical themes and motifs pays off.

Zack Joseph • Friday, April 24th

Zack Joseph isn’t your typical 24 year old Nashville based singer/songwriter. Accompanied by upright bassist, Chris Kay, the duo nationally tours the country and is often described as a modern ode to early country, folk and rock&roll. If you’re a fan of Buddy Holly, Patsy Cline, or Bob Dylan, you won’t want to miss their show at The Acoustic Coffeehouse in Johnson City, TN on Friday April 24th at 8pm. zackjoseph.com • facebook.com/zackjosephmusic

Join us for a great show and some terrific barbeque on an evening that is guaranteed to be a good time. The Bone Fire Smokehouse is located in the Hardware building at 260 Main Street in historic Abingdon, Virginia. As always, never a cover charge at the Bone Fire Smokehouse!

If you have any questions please contact the Bone Fire Smokehouse at (276) 623- 0037 or email admin@bonefirebrands.com.

Zack Joseph The Acoustic Coffeehouse Friday, April 24th | 8 PM

Zack Joseph isn’t your typical 24 year old Nashville based singer/songwriter. Accompanied by upright bassist, Chris Kay, the duo nationally tours the country and is often described as a modern ode to early country, folk and rock&roll. If you’re a fan of Buddy Holly, Patsy Cline, or Bob Dylan, you won’t want to miss their show at The Acoustic Coffeehouse in Johnson City, TN on Friday April 24th at 8pm. zackjoseph.com facebook.com/zackjosephmusic

Page 18, The Loafer • April 21, 2015

Asheville’s Lyric Opera’s production of

West Side Story at the Paramount Asheville Lyric Opera is bringing West Side Story to the Paramount Center for the Arts, Bristol, TN Saturday, May 2, 2015. Using traditional orchestral accompaniment, this production of West Side Story prepares to be intimate yet grand with a cast of over 30 performers. All new set design and choreography preserving the musical genius of Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim will make this production an unparalleled live theatre experience.

The Paramount Center will be fully utilizing the orchestra pit for the first time since the opening in 1991. The full classical orchestra of 18 will enchant the audience with no electrical amplification, produced as Bernstein and Sondheim envisioned it, with sweeping operatic lines in the music and elegant dance numbers heavily influenced by drama and ballet.

Bringing to life the central character of Maria is Kathryn Sandoval Taylor, an Asheville native based now in Nashville, TN. Ms. Taylor not only had extensive performing experience but also volunteered in the arts community in Asheville before leaving for the New England Conservatory.

Fellow graduate of the New England Conservatory and North Carolina native, Joshua Collier, is playing the role of Tony, Maria’s

forbidden lover. Collier, hailed by Classical Voice of North Carolina for his “pleasing tone, and excellent command of his high range” is a tenor equally comfortable with the musical theatre and oratorio.

Director JJ Hudson will be making his Asheville Lyric Opera directorial debut with the cast of West Side Story. He had the honor of assisting Jamie Bernstein, daughter of Leonard Bernstein, in her 2011 directorial debut of her father’s opera, Trouble in Tahiti.

Hudson is particularly noted for his sensitive and dynamic work with young and emerging artists.

Asheville Lyric Opera’s production of West Side Story will be staged in the historic Paramount Center for the Arts, Saturday, May 2, 2015 at 7PM. Tickets are available online at www.etix. com or by calling our box office at 423.274.8920.

Join us for our 2015 Season Jason Isbell May 28, 2015 GaelicStorm May29,2015 LesMiserables une19, 20, 21, 26, 27, 28

4th Friday Dancers

We never stop-dancing that is!

Steve and Nancy will play for us on April 24 at the Jonesborough Visitors Center. Since they normally dance WITH US they know the music we love so expect a fun time with these two at the mike. Put on your dancing shoes for everything from shag to waltz and join the fun. Line dance lessons from 6:307:00 with the dance from 7-10:00.

Cost $6. For additional information call 423-952-0772.

Jonesborough Celebrates Arbor Day with Tree Planting April 24

The Town of Jonesborough’s Tree annual Arbor Day celebration will take place on Friday, April 24th at 10 a.m. at Jimmy Neil Smith Park located behind the International Storytelling Center.

Arbor Day is a nationally-celebrated observance that encourages tree planting and care. Founded

by J. Sterling Morton in 1872, it’s celebrated on the last Friday in April.

A tree will be planted to demonstrate the significance of the Arbor Day celebration at Jimmy Neil Smith Park. The public will also have the opportunity to select a tree to take with them, courtesy of the Town of Jonesborough and Tree City USA. The celebration is hosted by Jonesborough’s Tree & Townscape Board.

For more information about Jonesborough’s Arbor Day celebration, call 423.753.1030 or visit jonesboroughtn.org.

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April 21, 2015 • The Loafer, Page 19

I Wonder If There’s Beer on The Sun? Ahoy, Sports fans! Once again your intrepid reporter found himself on another thrilling expedition! Recently I was scaling one of the trickiest climbs in all the Arctic, Mt. Mitchell! I was invited to go on this thrilling climb by none other than that famous outdoorsman Trout Griddles. Mr. Griddles told me to bring only the essentials for our week long trek. Outside of the list of items provided to me, I took coffee, a portable record player, and a collection of Nick Fury comics.

On a bright and early Tuesday morning, I took a oneway flight from Erwin to the Arctic, and met with Mr. Griddles and his crew at base camp right below the towering beauty of Mt. Mitchell itself.

After a night of good rest, the morning of our climb began with a breakfast that you would have to see to believe. A mess of flapjacks a mile high, and five feet wide.

Covered in butter and good maple syrup, yum yum. It was enough to fill any outdoorsman’s appetite, my my.

After breakfast I was fitted with a harness and all kinds of safety gear, when you climb with someone as experienced as Trout Griddles, you really know you’re in good hands. Trout, his crew, and I began our climb along wall worn trails used by previous adventurers. The early parts of the climb were seemingly the easiest, but about midway into the first day, things began to get a bit tricky. Mt. Mitchell has a few spots where the ice can give way, I slipped and fell the first day, but thankfully I was

caught by the safety rope, and I was noticed by the sounds of my terrified screaming.

We stopped at the half way point and set up camp for the night, it was important to stay warm and get as much rest as possible for the following day’s jaunt to the summit. Mr. Griddles had prepared some canned provisions for us, we ate from them as we enjoyed the peace of a clear night sky. It sure is a sight to see deep in the heart of the arctic! I retired to my tent for the night around eight, it didn’t take me long to get to sleep. After

the day of climbing, I was more than ready for night of rest, boy howdy!

My morning began with some of the strongest coffee I’ve ever tasted, with enough granola and protein bars to take down a whale!

While enjoying this, I had the privilege of seeing Mr. Griddles doing what he called his “daily ritual.”

Mr. Griddles likes to spend five minutes of each morning yelling expletives at the sun. I asked Trout about why he does this, and he told me “It’s important for that glowing ball to know its place,

someone has to do it.” With that out of the way, we began our ascent.

The last third before the summit was the absolute trickiest, even to someone as experienced as Trout Griddles. For your humble typist, it was one of the most challenging physical tasks I’ve ever attempted. The climb only became colder and more difficult with jagged edges and the fear of the Snow People coming to bore us with stories of how they were the true inventors of the Oreo cookie.

I felt every bit of my dexterity and energy drained as I wondered if I could actaully make it to the summit. Trout Griddles in a shocking example, he never seem to be

drained of energy, and even sang half the score to “Oklahoma” before we reached the summit.

We reached the summit just as the sun was beginning to set. We all paused to take in the majesty of a view that simple words could not possibly describe. The silence of appreciating nature was broken

by Mr. Griddles, pointing at the sun as it set, and yelling “That’s right, hide you coward! I own you!” It was an amazing adventure that this journalist will never forget, and I know I’ll reflect on it for years to come, as much as I did the entire time I was on the plane back to Erwin. Boy howdy! See you next week.

Page 20, The Loafer • April 21, 2015

NEW FLASH:

Liquid Water on Mars; Ceres exploration begins

Liquid water on the surface of Mars and dwarf planets revealing their secrets—these are a few headlines that might slip through the media cracks of e-mails, blogs, pods and tweets!

Amazing discoveries are rapidly happening around our Solar System as our 21st Century robots provide the techno-senses to human exploration of alien worlds.

Defying the predictions that liquid water on Mars hasn’t existed for at least 2 billion years, NASA’s Curiosity rover has found the precious liquid right beneath its six wheels.

Just one or two inches below rouge-tinted soil of an alien world,

it is now believed a very salty brine of liquid briefly forms on some nights, possibly harboring microscopic creatures, and then evaporating with the morning Sun. The result of a years’ worth of data on humidity and temperatures on the Martian surface, Curiosity has been “dowsing” for water since its landing in August 2013 at Gale Crater. Inching its way up the side of three-mile-high Mt. Sharp, the SUV-sized rover is equipped with a complex weather station as well as sophisticated instruments to analyze the chemistry of rocks. It can zap rocks with a powerful laser or drill into them with hopes of revealing more com-

plex data that helps piece together the puzzle of Mars.

The salty brine detected by Curiosity is linked to perchlorate, a salt compound found in Mars’ soil that draws moisture out of the super-thin atmosphere and lowers its freezing point. Small pockets of liquid water that are inches below the surface are believed to be forming in the soil, maybe lasting just hours.

The temperature and humidity of the soil has been measured by a probe pointed at the ground. The smaller, 10-year-old rover Opportunity doesn’t have the full weather station of Curiosity.

The news, published by researchers in Nature Geoscience Journal, is astounding—liquid water on Mars! And water is the elixir of life. We are so close to that tremendous discovery. Imagine those brine-loving shrimp we all love—Sea Monkeys—partying in the Martian pools of magic liquid.

The new evidence of a daily water cycle in the soil of Mars is just more verification that the Red Planet has the current conditions to support life. Orbiters have found evidence of water seeping out of sides of craters, and other landers have found past chemistry matching a wet Mars.

Solid ice was found beneath the legs of the North Pole lander Phoenix in 2003, and dry ice has been observed to form and evaporate on spaceship parts. Curiosity is roving amidst an ancient riverbed that flowed down from Mt. Sharp, which it has started climbing. From orbit, an armada of spacecraft during 40 years of exploration have confirmed that

one hemisphere of Mars was once covered with seas of water.

If life is found on Mars, it will likely be underground. The harsh radiation from the Sun is a hundred times more powerful than on the surface of Earth where we are protected by a thick 5-mile layer of atmosphere. Sunburn is the result of too much solar radiation on Earth—and the unchecked Sun rays have sterilized the surface of Mars.

Mars is now 140 million miles from the Sun but on opposite sides from Earth and 220 million miles from us this Spring 2015. Beyond Mars 300 million miles away is the edge of the asteroid belt, the realm of millions of rocky objects ranging in size from boulders to a few miles. There is former asteroid Ceres, the only round object now classified as a Dwarf Planet.

At 584 miles wide, Ceres is now being orbited by the NASA spacecraft Dawn, which began its complex ballet with the alien world in March 2015.

Dawn is powered by a revolutionary ion-charged engine that required special celestial mechanics to catch up and begin orbit of Ceres. The spacecraft is actually in a downward spiral from 22,000 miles above the dwarf planet, locked on its night-side as Ceres’ gravity pulls Dawn into a stable orbit.

That’s why no photos have been taken in a month; Dawn has been looking at the night side of the icy world. But the spacecraft’s ion propulsion is gently pushing it to a lower orbit and photos have begun again showing the cratered North Pole. By the end of April 2015 the spacecraft will be at a stable orbit of 8,400 miles where its first surveying efforts at high

resolution will begin.

Astro geologists are anxious to see close up the two bright areas in a crater seen during the spacecraft’s approach in February. It’s not sure if the white spots are reflections off of ice or “cryogeysers” of erupting, icy material. Ceres is a cold world with surface temperatures at minus -100 F. below zero.

Yet an atmosphere of gases exists, which is a priority for Dawn to investigate.

The Dawn spacecraft is another in a long list of dozen NASA robot explorers. Launched in September 2007, Dawn reached its first destination in 2011, the brightest and second largest asteroid Vesta.

After spending a year orbiting cratered, potato-shaped Vesta, Dawn powered up its revolutionary ion-charged engine and made the three-year journey to Ceres, its final destination. The spacecraft’s name is not a NASA acronym—it represents the investigation of the objects created at the dawn of our Solar System.

Ceres was the first asteroid discovered in 1801 by Giuseppe Piazza on New Year’s Day. It was at first thought to be a planet or maybe a huge comet. And then other bodies were discovered in the orbital area between Mars and Jupiter.

Dawn has already found a tenuous atmosphere and water frost on the surface. And the hot spots seen during the pre-orbit encounter are definitely throwing water ice into the air, solid evidence for cryovolcanism around the planet.

Possible fissure in the surface are releasing gases and water from inside, which is similar to the process observed in comets.

The year 2015 is when astronomers will finally see the surfaces of the final two largest objects not yet seen close up—dwarf planets Ceres and Pluto. While Dawn surveys Ceres, the NASA spacecraft New Horizon is months away from its July 15th flyby of the former planet.

Pluto was demoted and Ceres reclassified as Dwarf Plants in 2006 after the earlier discovery of a halfdozen objects their size and larger, most ice and rock worlds. The dwarf planets could be a link between planets and comets, as they act a little like both. Soon astronomers may have the data to solve this mystery.

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April 21, 2015 • The Loafer, Page 21

Celestial events in the skies for the week of Apr. 21 - Apr. 27, 2015 as compiled for The Loafer by Mark D. Marquette.

Saturday is National Astronomy Day in North America, and the Bays Mt. Astronomy Club will roll out the Red Carpet for anyone interested in outer space. Exhibits, demonstrations and observing at night will be featured at the Kingsport Park. The crescent Moon will be waxing through the night while planet Jupiter is overhead.

At dark and setting into the landscape is brilliant planet Venus, the blazing “star” in the west after sunset.

Tues. April 21

On this 1972 date in space history, Apollo 16 safely landed on the Moon in a mountainous area called Descartes. John Young, 84, and Charlie Duke, 80, camped out for three days on the lunar surface, driving their Lunar Rover 17 miles during three, 7-hour exploration trips outside the safety of their moonship.

Wed. April 22

In the north, the Big Dipper is visible in all its glory, its three star handle arching to bright star Arcturus, speeding on to bright white star Spica in the ancient a huge constellation Virgo the Virgin.

Thurs. April 23

Virgo is a sprawling star pattern with a couple dozen faint stars occupying most of the southern sky.

Bright star Spica draws attention to Virgo along the ecliptic. This sprawling constellation has few bright stars, and she eventually gets a visit from all the planets.

Looking at the direction of Virgo is to look away from our Milky Way Galaxy and into the depths of the Universe. In this region we see hundreds of galaxies in backyard telescopes.

Fri. April 24

On this 1970 date in space history, China became the fifth spacefaring nation by launching their first satellite. Today, China has an escalated manned space program that has already occupied a small space station while plans are being made to go to the Moon.

Sat. April 25

National Astronomy Day. The Moon is at First Quarter. AND, happy 25th birthday Hubble Space Telescope! It was on this date in 1990 when Space Shuttle Discovery deployed the telescope with a 96-inch mirror into an orbit 450 miles above the Earth. Five service missions by Shuttles have lengthened the life of the amazing Hubble. It will probably last two or three more years before being plunged in the atmosphere to destruction in a fiery reentry.

Sun. April 26

You can’t ignore the brilliant Jupiter, high overhead in front of Leo the Lion. Any telescope will show the four moons that Galileo discovered 400 years ago. If you see less than four moons, one or two might be in front of or behind the globe of Jupiter as they move throughout the night back and forth.

Mon. April 27

Say goodbye to the great hunter, Orion as he’ll be below the horizon by 10 pm. Right behind will be the brightest star in the sky, Sirius, skirting the southwest horizon. Taurus and The Pleiades are the first to dip below the horizon, with Mars and even planet Mercury skirting the horizon as twilight loses its hold on the night.

Page 22, The Loafer • April 21, 2015

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Real Life X-Files

‘Britain’s Fox Mulder’ to share secrets of writing, UFO reports, theories of unexplainable phenomena

Are you a skeptic or a believer when it comes to aliens, alien abductions, UFOs, conspiracy theories, crop circles and other unexplainable manifestations? Author and journalist Nick Pope doesn’t care which you are. He’s glad to share his data and expertise with you – as long as it has been declassified by his former employer.

The longtime British Ministry of Defense officer, who oversaw England’s UFO Project in his last MoD post, will bring what he calls “the real life X-Files” to ETSU on Thursday, April 23, with a free lecture at 7 p.m. in Rogers-Stout Hall Room 102. A Q&A session and reception with Pope will follow.

“It’s a chance to get an insight into what the British government thought about this subject, what we knew, what was in our files,” Pope says. “Whatever you think about UFOs, the release of these files shines a light on one of the most intriguing subjects ever studied by the British government.”

Pope recently moved from the U.K., and is now residing in California and Arizona. He spends much of his time traveling to appear as an expert on television

April 21, 2015 • The Loafer, Page 23 shows such as Larry King Live, CNN News, the History Channel’s Ancient Aliens and Conspiracy Theories, NASA’s Unexplained Files and Close Encounters and has helped promote films including Super 8, The X-Files: I Want to Believe, War of the Worlds and Close Encounters of the Third Kind. In addition to his appearances, Pope has written five books – three on UFOs: Open Skies, Closed Minds, The Uninvited and the 2015 release, Encounter in Rendlesham Forest; and two science fiction: Operation Thunder Child and Operation Lightning Strike.

Pope brings to campus a refreshingly unbiased perspective on these hotly debated and often inexplicable subjects, says Dr. Katherine Weiss, chair of ETSU’s Department of Literature & Language, event co-sponsor with Mary B. Martin School of the Arts.

“His agenda is not to persuade people that UFOs or UFO sightings are real,” Weiss says. “He’s not there to debunk people’s beliefs. He shows us the data, the evidence, and he lets us make up our minds.”

Pope often gleans his stories from the British government’s declassified UFO files. “These real life XFiles are almost my best source of information because I worked on some of these cases,” Pope says. “I wrote some of these files. Now that the U.K. government is actually releasing them, I am still bound of course by my secrecy oath. It binds me for life, but when the U.K. government itself under the Freedom of Information Act declassifies and releases this material, of course the media say, ‘Who can we ask about

X-Files .......

Continued on page 27

Page 24, The Loafer • April 21, 2015

In Theaters Now

Box Office Top 10 Furious Seven (2015)

The latest 3D animated film to hit the big screen is the comedy “Home”, featuring aliens so colorful they are like a bag of Skittles come to life. “Home” is based on the 2007 children’s book “The True Meaning of Smekday”, and features an all-star cast, led by Jim Parsons (“The Big Bang Theory”), providing their voices to bring the various characters to life. The aliens in the film are called the Boov, and are on the run from their enemy the Gorgs, when they find planet Earth, and decide our planet will be their new home.

One of the Boov is named Oh (Parsons), and he is sweet, but being more free-thinking and excitable than the typical Boov, he is often ignored or rejected by his kind.

Upon landing on Earth, Oh and the Boov begin the process of relocationg the humans to their own “happy place” area of our planet.

The relocation has resulted in a human girl named Tip (Rihanna) and her cat Pig, being separated from her mom Lucy (Jennifer Lopez).

Tip has actually managed to avoid the Boov and is hiding in the families apartment, until she ventures out with Pig to gather supplies to take on their journey to find Lucy. While in the convenience store, Tip runs into Oh, who is on the run from his fellow Boov after he accidentally sent a “reply all” message for a party at his place that will spread throughout the galaxy and allow the dreaded Gorgs to locate the Boov on their adopted home. After much reluctance, Tip allows Oh to travel on her journey to locate Lucy. The trip also allows Oh the ability to stay ahead and away from the perusing Boov. The journey of Tip and Oh has plenty of narrow escapes

force after getting involved in Deckard Shaw seeks revenge a sexual encounter. against Dominic Toretto and his family for his comatose Woman in Gold (2015) brother.

Maria Altmann, an octogenarian Jewish refugee, takes on the Home (2015) Austrian government to recovOh, an alien on the run from er artwork she believes righthis own people, lands on Earth fully belongs to her family. and makes friends with the adventurous Tip, who is on a Kingsman: quest of her own.

The Secret Service (2014) A spy organization recruits an Get Hard (2015) unrefined, but promising street When millionaire James King kid into the agency’s ultrais jailed for fraud and bound competitive training program, for San Quentin, he turns to just as a global threat emerges Darnell Lewis to prep him to from a twisted tech genius. go behind bars.

“Home”

Cinderella (2015)

When her father unexpectedly passes away, young Ella finds herself at the mercy of her cruel stepmother and her daughters.

Never one to give up hope, Ella’s fortunes begin to change after meeting a dashing stranger.

Insurgent (2015)

Beatrice Prior must confront her inner demons and continue her fight against a powerful alliance which threatens to tear her society apart with the help from others on her side.

It Follows (2014)

Do You Believe? (2015)

When a pastor is shaken by the visible faith of a street-corner preacher, he is reminded that true belief always requires action. His response ignites a journey that impacts everyone it touches in ways that only God could orchestrate.

The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2015)

As the Best Exotic Marigold Hotel has only a single remaining vacancy - posing a rooming predicament for two fresh arrivals - Sonny pursues his expansionist dream of opening a second hotel.

A young woman is followed Source: imdb.com by an unknown supernatural and laughs, and eventually the two have a happy ending. As I mentioned earlier, the aliens are extremely colorful, which adds to the fun, and the film works well in the 3D format. All the actors who do the voices are great, and the cast also includes Steve Martin as a Boov captain. Unlike most animated films of this ilk, “Home” doesn’t offer much in the way of

humor adults can appreciate, as is the case with the “Shrek” and “Toy Story” series. Thus, while “Home” is bright and colorful, the overall tone is definitely more kid friendly.

Rated: PG

B+

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April 21, 2015 • The Loafer, Page 25

Appreciate The Age In Which You Dwell

Have you ever wondered how you arrived at this point in time? At this particular point in history? Have you ever paused to consider the incalculable chain of human events that brought you here? Sadly, most of us haven’t—and never will. But the existence of each one of us is the culmination of the many thousands of related lives played out before us. If one link—one life—in that related chain had been altered or removed, your existence here today would be doubtful.

Toward the end of his life, as I sat comfortably by his blazing woodstove in a crowded but cozy basement, my grandfather revealed to me that in 1945, during the last months of WWII, he and his shipmates were heading to participate in an amphibious assault on Japan—or so they were led to believe. But it was not to be. The assault, which some estimated would have cost America one million men in casualties, was instead replaced by the dropping of the atomic bombs, effectively punctuating the end of the most ruinous war in human history. If the development of the first atomic bomb or the decision to employ it had been delayed by only a few weeks, my grandfather and so many others might have been among the estimated 50 to 60 million who lost their lives in WWII. My mother would not exist; therefore, neither would I. Consider the global impact of WWII. Now consider that barely 30 years prior, The Great War, WWI, had also ravaged the world’s population, killing an estimated 10 million people while, at the same time, the world flu epidemic was raging, killing an additional 20 million. By those three cata-

strophic events alone—all occurring inside the last 100 years—it’s difficult to imagine how most people’s lineage wasn’t affected in some way. And all we have to do is step back another 50 years to include America’s most personal example of all: the Civil War. But what other instances are there that rattle the imagination? Even removing the more obvious factors of war, disease or famine, centuries prior to the 1900’s were times when longevity was an uncommon accomplishment. Using Europe as the example, from 1500 to 1800, average life expectancy was from the late 30’s to the early 40’s. One estimation shows that, by the late 1700’s, less than 80 people out of 1,000 would live to expire of old age. But sadly, childbirth could be the most tragic example of all. By the mid-1700’s, at a time when women averaged 5 pregnancies or more, 1,100 mothers, per 100,000 births, would die during delivery. And as late as the mid-1800’s, roughly 25% of infants never lived to reach their first birthday. But even if one did survive infancy, surviving childhood was another milestone.

In early 1800’s France, for example, less than half of all children reached the age of 10.

Thanks to eventual improvements in hygiene and nutrition, and breakthroughs in science and medicine, our lives have been drastically improved in comparison to our ancestors’. Be thankful for those who came before you and placed the cornerstones of your existence, as random as your ancestral chain might seem. We owe it to them, never to forget. Take a moment to consider your fortune. Appreciate the age in which you dwell.

Page 26, The Loafer • April 21, 2015

Knowing Your Target and Beyond

There are four cardinal rules of gun safety:

1. Always keep the gun pointed in a safe direction 2. Always keep your finger off the trigger until you’re ready to shoot 3. Don’t load the gun until you’re ready to shoot 4. Always know your target and beyond (What’s behind the target)

If everyone follows these rules than the likelihood of a shooting accident is almost nonexistent. That being said the emphasis of this article will be the fourth rule, because when defending your home failure to follow that rule can result it grave consequences. For example on the range it is easy to see what is beyond your target, typically a dirt-bank, berm, or trap. All of which are designed to absorb or trap the bullets being fired from your gun. However if you find yourself in a situation where you need to use a firearm indoors, where does the bullet go? Movies have taught us that bullets stop once they hit the human body, that’s why Arnold and Sylvester always grab one of the bad guys and uses them as a shield. Unfortunately in real life most bullets travel through the person and continue until they lose velocity or hit a harder object. They can go through walls and travel up to two miles.

If you find yourself in a situation where you need to defend yourself indoors, know the layout of your home. For example you come home for lunch and walk in on an armed robbery in progress. You only have a split second to react; you shoot the intruder center mass, however the intruder is standing in front of a glass sliding door. The bullet travels through the intruder, through the glass door into the neighbor’s yard striking their home. What if the neighbor had been mowing the yard? Nobody wants to think

about that, but it happens. Heaven forbid you shoot an intruder in the bedroom and the bullet goes through the wall into the nursery, or your kids bedroom. So now that you’re thoroughly terrified, and considering getting rid of your guns, let’s discuss how you can avoid an accidental shooting while defending yourself.

The first thing to consider is the type of ammunition you’re using. If you are using a full metal jacketed round, that bullet can travel through a body, and two interior walls usually lodging in an exterior wall. However a jacketed hollow point is designed to fragment upon impact with a body, or an interior wall. Therefore for home defense hollow points are a safer option. Also solid lead ammo will usually flatten or “pancake” upon impact with a solid object. There are home defense shotgun shells which contain plastic shot instead of lead shot. These rounds have been deemed “non-lethal” but will certainly get your intruder’s attention.

Bird or rock salt also work well as most of the shot will stay in the body, and any pellets that escape will merely pepper the wall behind it. Using a rifle indoors is extremely danderous not recommended as rifle rounds are typically full metal jacket and are high powered. Although the thought of an accidental shooting is horrible, taking these steps can greatly reduce the likelihood of you ever having to experience one.

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April 21, 2015 • The Loafer, Page 27

Goodwill & Food City Collaborate For Earth Day

For the third year, Goodwill Industries of Tenneva and local Food City stores have partnered up once again for an Earth Day donation drive! You can donate your clothes, linens, toys and other gently used items at your local Food City from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on April 22, 2015!

Goodwill staff will be on site at various locations to take your donations and provide a tax write-off receipt. With multiple Food City stores participating on either or both of the days, please call your local Food City or call the Goodwill office to see which day Goodwill will be there collecting donations!

“With Earth Day now more than four decades old, more Americans

than ever before are concerned about environmental issues,” said Robert Miller, President/CEO of Goodwill Industries of Tenneva.

“Yet it is easy to lose track of the ways that one person can make a difference. For more than a century, Goodwill has linked protecting the environment to helping people find jobs and strengthen their communities.”

All of the donations Goodwill collects from the Earth Day donation drive and throughout the year are resold at one of our 13 retail stores. The proceeds from these sales support our employment services for individuals with barriers to employment. Your donation will be ‘recycled’ and will help create jobs!

Wetlands Water Park Celebrates

22 Years with Discounted Season Passes

Wetlands Water Park, located at 1523 Persimmon Ridge Road in Historic Jonesborough is pleased to announce that season passes for the 2015 Season are on sale now.

This year, the best value for your summer time fun just got a whole lot better as they will be selling these passes for a limited time discounted rate.

Purchase your season passes from now until May 11, 2015 and save $10 on each pass you buy.

Passes can be purchased at the Jonesborough Water Department Office, located at 123 Boone Street in Jonesborough or online by visiting wetlandsjonesborough.com and printing off the registration form.

“There is no better way to enjoy a summer at Wetlands than purchasing a season pass and this year, it’s an even better value,” Wetlands Water Park Director Matt Townsend said.

Celebrating its 22nd season of being East Tennessee’s local destination for summer time fun, Wetlands Water Park, operated

by Jonesborough’s Department of Parks and Recreation, offers patrons: Three flume water slides, Two child’s otter slides, A lazy river, Zero depth entry pool, A Full service café, Beach volleyball court. For more information,

opening date and hours, visit wetlandsjonesborough.com like “The Wetlands Water Park” on Facebook at or call 423-753-1553

X-Files ...... Continued from page 23 this?’ and I get called in … The media cannot get enough of this subject at the moment.”

The pop culture aspect, Weiss says, as well as his wide array of writings and journalistic endeavors made Pope a perfect choice to lecture and discuss science fact and fiction writing with students.

“Universities have the reputation of sometimes being too high brow, too stuffy,” Weiss says, “so I’m hoping this event will bring in a lot of new faces. I think it will be fun.”

Weiss and School of the Arts Director Anita DeAngelis collaborated to make the event and outreach with professor Mark Baumgartner’s Creative Writing students happen. “This is our second opportunity just this season to connect Literature & Language students with a professional writer,” DeAngelis says. “Bringing in a science fiction writer is a little different, but creative writing takes all forms, and Nick’s expertise in so many fields should incite some interesting discussions.”

Discussions can indeed get animated, Pope says. “ ‘Ufology’ is actually the word [being] used for a new religion,” Pope says, “and I think it does pose interesting questions about what is evidence and what is just faith and belief.

So it doesn’t surprise me that I hear some deeply entrenched and polarized views about UFOs, because you actually find the same in religion.”

Because of his numerous appearances on TV, radio and in lectures, people often share their own stories with Pope. After years as an investigator, he does not summarily dismiss reports. “I’m broadly skeptical, but I stay openminded about it,” he says. “I think it would be such a game-changer

to discover extraterrestrial life. It is worth looking into …

“Questions like, ‘Are we alone or not in the universe?’ are the biggest and most profound questions … we can ask ourselves, so it holds huge interest for people.

In the Ministry of Defense … we always told ourselves, ‘Skeptics have to be right every day. Believers only have to be right once.’ ” Find out more about Pope at www. nickpope.net.

For information about the ETSU Mary B. Martin School of the Arts, call 423-439-TKTS (8587) or visit www.etsu.edu/martin.

Please “Like” ETSU Mary B. Martin School of the Arts on Facebook and follow it on Twitter and Instagram @ArtsAtETSU.

Page 28, The Loafer • April 21, 2015

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April 21, 2015 • The Loafer, Page 29

Visiting Minnesota for Peanuts

AAUGH!!! Such was the collective response in 2000, when Charles M. Schultz, cartoonist and creator of everyone’s favorite schoolyard gang, passed away at the age of 77. For nearly 50 years, Schultz drew the comic strip “Peanuts” which, at it’s height, appeared in more than 2,600 newspapers in 75 countries around the world. In so doing, he brought to life numerous memorable characters who captured our imagination, encouraged us to reminisce on simpler times, and even taught us the true meaning of Christmas.

The last time I was in Minnesota’s capital of Saint Paul, a few years after Schultz’s passing, I was pleasantly surprised to see that the “Peanuts” gang is alive and well.

You see, although he was born just across the Mississippi River in Minneapolis in 1922, Schultz grew up in Saint Paul and spent

his formative years there. So it is the city of Saint Paul that sought to honor its native son in grand fashion - such that his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame now seems like an afterthought.

Saint Paul’s city government went about this by promoting a contest for sculptors nationwide to design and produce likenesses of Peanuts characters Charlie Brown and Snoopy which were then displayed along the sidewalks of Saint Paul during the summer of 2000. Following this temporary exhibit, called ‘Peanuts on Parade’, the sculptures were auctioned off and the proceeds used to contract design firm Tivoli Too, Inc. to create a series of larger, bronze statues to be situated at various points around the city’s Landmark Plaza. The first of these, a likeness of the hapless Charlie Brown resting with his beloved dog Snoopy,

was unveiled in 2003, and others soon followed. All are maintained by the Parks and Recreation Office of Saint Paul using funds garnered from the original promotion.

A quick tour of the plaza reveals a plethora of these homages to Schultz’s artistic ability and imagination. Among these are some of the following: Linus (complete with blanket) and Sally together leaning on a low wall; Lucy captivated by Schroeder’s mastery of the piano; Charlie Brown petting Snoopy, who lies lazily across his lap; and Marcie sitting on a bench, engrossed in a book while Peppermint Patty kicks a ball in the background. There are other statues as well, such as additional Charlie Browns and Snoopys, and even a small Woodstock perched next to Marcie. No Pigpen though – which I guess isn’t such a bad thing.

Page 30, The Loafer • April 21, 2015

Are You Curious?

Every time someone asks me to voice my opinion about the muchdisputed Common Core for education, I generally respond that all schools should aim to produce students who are curious, creative, and connected. That’s it—once that’s done, we will have a generation of students equipped with the skills necessary to create a more interesting and productive world.

No more standardized testing, no more standardized anything. Always be curious, and everything else will fall into place.

The subject of curiosity is currently enjoying a great deal of attention (as it should, of course), and if I have piqued your curiosity, I suggest you dive into these recent, and very interesting, books:

ceived as annoying or disruptive.

Many people don’t like other people who ask questions, and in fact we live in a culture that discourages questioning. Be that as it may, nothing inventive or innovative ever occurs without the spark of curiosity, and nothing much happens until someone asks a question. So, I hope you will find lots of things to be curious about this week. All you have to do is open your eyes and ears.

This week, as with all weeks, I have found many things to be curious about, especially in the pages of one of my favorite Flipboard magazines—a little gem curated by Aly Juma and bearing the catchy title, “Always Be Curious.” Who could resist perusing

I need something like this? Probably not, but the picture certainly got my attention and indeed made me curious to learn more about the ever-changing world of consumer gadgets. From here I was led to the lead article, “31 Insanely Clever Products To Organize Your Whole Life.” Although I didn’t see a lot of things I would want to help me organize my life, I did pause a moment to learn about a handy-dandy “Refrigerator Note Organizer.” Here is the description: “Keep notes, bills, photos, and other important slips of paper organized on your fridge (or elsewhere) using this gripping gadget.

When you use magnets, things

A MORE BEAUTIFUL QUESTION: THE POWER OF INQUIRY TO SPARK BREAKTHROUGH IDEAS

by Warren Berger

CURIOUS: THE DESIRE TO KNOW AND WHY YOUR FUTURE DEPENDS ON IT

by Ian Leslie

A CURIOUS MIND: THE SECRET TO A BIGGER LIFE

by Brian Grazer (the well-known filmmaker)

CURIOUS? DISCOVER THE MISSING INGREDIENT TO A FULFILLING LIFE

by Todd B. Kashdan

HOW TO FLY A HORSE: THE SECRET HISTORY OF web for your learning pleasure, end up falling down and fluttering CREATION, INVENTION, AND DISCOVERY ideas, insights, and information,” away—not with this guy.” And

by Kevin Ashton

And then, when you’ve exhausted the wisdom found in these stimulating books, there’s always those wonderful Curious George bedtime stories and Britney Spear’s line of “Curious” perfume.

Unfortunately, curious people are not always the life of the party, and very often curiosity is per-

the pages of something like this?

Flipboard, which recently purchased Zite, another of my favorite apps, is a treasure trove of interesting and vital information, and “Always Be Curious” is a very welcome addition to their evergrowing list of must-have online publications. “Always Be Curious,” with its byline, “The curated

is pretty irresistible, especially if you are already curious or want to be.

The current issue of “Always Be Curious” immediately attracts your attention with its picture of a clever new innovation: A series of round magnets that attach to the ceiling of your fridge, allowing you to conveniently suspend your beer bottles in mid air. Will

for a mere $18.48, how can you go wrong?

Other intriguing columns in the current issue of “Always Be Curious” are: “The Messy Business of Reinventing Happiness,” “Why You Shouldn’t Trust The MyersBriggs Test For Serious Results,” “How To Outsmart The Robots In The Next Hiring Boom,” “Where Does The Phrase ‘Nice Guys Fin-

ish Last’ Come From,” “What I Learned From A Week Away From Tech Distractions,” “Why Multitasking Is Bad For Our Brains,” and “Science Has Discovered Why Your Parents Hate Your Music” (surprise: it is their age).

Sure, some of these titles sound fluffy, and we’re not talking about The New York Times here, but this publication certainly does arouse my curiosity and I look forward to diving into it each week. Of course, there are some pieces I’d rather not read, such as “Procrastination Is Literally Killing You” (I’d rather not know), “How Many Items From Isaac Newton’s ‘Sin List’ Are You Guilty Of?” (probably all of them), “Stop Working On Your Days Off” (that’s generally the only time I can get my work done), and “Can A Bunch Of Balloons Tied To A Lawn Chair Really Life Me Into The Sky?” (I must admit I’ve never wanted to know the answer to this question).

Obviously, I will never be at a loss for words as long as I have this stuff close at hand. Back “in the day” when I first started writing this column, I wasn’t so lucky.

I had to watch the daily news on TV, read the newspaper, listen to the radio, or peruse the stack of magazines to which I subscribed in order to find my “Kelly’s Place” topic each week. Now, all I need is just a swipe or a click away. Curated magazines like Flipboard are a dream come true. As I’ve said many times, we live in a day and time when the phrase “go to” doesn’t make much sense. Used to be we had to physically “go to” something in order to find answers; and we often had to wait hours, even days for results. Now, all the answers are right in front of us (or lurking on our arms, once the idea of wearable technology catches on). Surrounded by so much information, we often forget we must be curious enough to ask the right questions in order to test whether something is trustworthy. Learning something new every day is not really an easy task.

It takes work, but the benefits are incalculable.

Here’s hoping you will always be curious, creative, and connected. And never stop asking questions.

See you next week with more stuff from the wonderful, and often strange world of popular culture.

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