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on the cover
Volume 32 • Issue #2
Oh The Holiday
Drama
Publisher Luci Tate Editor Graphic Arts Director Don Sprinkle
Advertising Patti Barr Paul Kavanaugh Janie Jarvis
Contributing Staff Jim Kelly Andy Ross Ken Silvers Mark Marquette Brian Bishop Daniel Worley Jason Worley Distribution Jerry Hanger Teresa Hanger 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 adcopy@theloaferonline.com All advertisements are accepted and published by the publisher upon the representation that the agency and/ or advertiser is authorized to publish the entire contents and subject matter thereof. The agency and/or advertiser will indemnify and save the publisher harmless from any lossof expense resulting from claims or suits based upon contents of any advertisement, including claims or suits for defamation, libel, right of privacy, plagiarism, and copyright infringement.
Founder: Bill Williams
Let’s Get Social!
columns & reviews
Office Coordinator Amanda Lane
22 Stargazer Time to Shop For That Stargazer On Your LIst 23 Skies This Week 24 Batteries Not Included Thoughts While Reluctantly Caroling With A Group of Friends 30 Pop Life Murder on the Orient Express 32 Mountain Movers The Brian Malone Interview 36 Puzzle Page 39 Kelly’s Place To See The World In A Paper Clip The Appalachian Wanderers are out wandering... see you next week!
your week’s line-up
Cover Design Bill May
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Holiday Dramas & Events It's A Wonderful Life A Christmas Story Kingsport Ballet stages The Nutcracker Holiday Baking Workshop RAPT Christmas Show Christmas Fun @ Historic Johnson Farm Christmas Charity Drive Carter Family Christmas Show State Street Just Got Sweeter Clay Babies @ Acoustic Coffeehouse 'Twilight' Story Slam DaDa Does Christmas National Lampoon's Christmas Spank-ation Laura Story performs @ NPAC Heartwood features The Yates Family Band Spotlight Old Time String Band Class Christmas Contra & Waltz Paramount Partners Pets Of The Week Things To Do
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Oh THE HOLIDAY Drama T his holiday season, stop the drama and go watch one. Grab your friends, your significant other, your children, whoever, and enjoy the season with them. We are blessed to live in a region that provides so many great theatrical holiday dramas at this time. We’re providing a great list of this years Holiday Dramas around. Look it over. Find one. Relax and enjoy the season. Have a very Merry Christmas.
Theatre Bristol’s Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells through December 17th 512 State St. Bristol
Tickets on sale now for holiday hilarity by a cast of 18 in "Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells" at Theatre Bristol's ARTspace The children of Room One are excited about Christmas and the celebrations, especially singing, "Jingle Bells, Batman Smells." That sounds like it makes for an interesting outcome so be sure to see Theatre Bristol's holiday production of "Junie B in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells" when it comes to the ARTspace stage for three weekends from December 1 through 17. Tickets are now on sale (www.TheatreBristol.org) to see Junie B. make her debut on the Theatre Bristol stage and bring holiday cheer in her own spunky way. For more information, visit Theatre Bristol’s website or Facebook page, contact Theatre Bristol at 423-212-3625, or email info@theatrebristol.org.
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation Capitol Theatre 104 S Main Street Greeneville
The Griswold Family Christmas comes to The Capitol this December! The Capitol Theater of Greeneville, Tennessee continues their monthly Classics At The Capitol film series with a screening of National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation on December 15th at 7:00 PM, tickets for the event will cost $5.00, and will be available at the door and online at www.capitolgreeneville.org. This 1989 movie stars Chevy Chase and Beverly D’Angelo as Clark and Ellen Griswold, the family who tries have to the perfect vacations and holidays, only to find circumstance get in the way.
It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play
adapted for the stage by Joe Landry Blue Moon Theatre Company 215 E Main Street Johnson City December 16 - 23
A Christmas Carol with Tim Lowry
International Storytelling enter 116 W. Main St. Jonesborough December 16
A Charlie Brown Christmas Live on Stage
Niswonger Performing Arts Center 212 Tusculum Blvd. Greeneville December 13
This beloved American holiday classic comes to captivating life as a live 1940s radio broadcast. With the help of an ensemble that brings a few dozen characters to the stage, the story of idealistic George Bailey unfolds as he considers ending his life one fateful Christmas Eve. All Tickets Just $17 including tax!! For a truly special holiday outing, see storyteller Tim Lowry in his renowned one-man show, Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol. Dressed in Victorian costume, Lowry invoices the spirit of Mr. Dickens with his quick wit, rapid-fire delivery, and flair for the dramatic. The Ghosts of Christmases Past, Present, and Future along with Ebeneezer Scrooge and Tiny Tim will return to the stage for these memorable performances, suitable for ages 10 and up. Refreshments follow the show. Reservations Strong Recommended. All seats $20. A Charlie Brown Christmas, the Emmy and Peabody award-winning story by Charles M. Shultz, has warmed the hearts of millions of fans since it first aired on television over 50 years ago. Now the classic animated television special comes to life in this faithful stage adaptation featuring all of your favorite characters and classic Vince Guaraldi score. Join Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus and the rest of the Peanuts gang as they mount a play, save a tree and uncover the true meaning of Christmas. $30 / $25 / $20. Ticket Fee: $1.50 per ticket
A sign posted anonymously in the town square of Rumor's Mill declaring that "A King is Coming to Town!" has sparked a lot of excitement. This Children’s Musical 40-minute musical for children takes the audience along into the confusion “A King Is Coming of, "just who is this king?" Is it King Tut, King Kong, or the King of Rock & To Town” Roll? Join the mayor, town reporter, sheriff and president of the Chamber Boones Creek Christian Church of Commerce as they all try to sort through the town uproar. Ellie and Drew 305 Christian Church Road Johnson City have the answer and finally get everyone to listen to the real Christmas December 13 story. There are seven main characters and eight songs. It is definitely an excellent children's choir pick and good for puppets and choir together.
Under a Starry Sky
Towering Oaks Baptist Church Dec. 14 -17 1985 Buckingham Rd Greeneville
Join us for a dramatic musical designed for the whole family this Christmas.
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Christmas Celebration with Elsa Carnegie Hotel 1216 W State of Franklin Rd Johnson City December 17 12pm-6:30pm
Escape the icy FROZEN weather and join Queen Elsa as she celebrates her favorite holiday, Christmas. She's been practicing her favorite carols and reading her favorite Christmas books. Join her for a joyful Christmas celebration and lots of princess fun! Tickets are $30 per child and limited. Each ticket includes 1 free adult chaperon. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Formal attire is encouraged. This event will be approximately 90 minutes long. All tickets must be purchased in advance. Tickets will NOT be sold at the door. Tickets are limited. You may call 423-483-2001 to purchase tickets by phone or purchase through our website by clicking the "buy now" option located on this page. If purchasing through our website, please fill out the information above and click "submit" once fully completed. Shortly after submitting your information and purchasing, you will receive a confirmation email. Please make sure to purchase immediately after sending your information. Due to the high volume of interest, we are unable to reserve any tickets. All tickets must be paid upon request. This event is appropriate for ages 4 and up. However, 3 year olds are welcome but may need assistance with some of the activities. No refunds on any ticket purchases. For more information email princesspartiesbymalinda@gmail.com
Erwin Nativity Parade December 20 7pm
Hundreds of little shepherds and angels will flow down Main Street singing traditional Christmas songs and lighting the way with candlelight for sheep and other animals as they search for the star of Bethlehem. The scene will be set to link activity to the First Baptist Church of Erwin as the shepherds and angels arrive to see Mary, Joseph, and the wise men with baby Jesus. Spectators and onlookers can join in on the reverent event and follow the holy family to the manger while singing familiar carols along the way. The Erwin Candlelight Nativity Parade is free and open to the public and will take place on Wednesday, December 20th at 7:00pm. Everyone is encouraged to participate, and we ask that you bring a small white candle from home to fill the street with candlelight. We are looking for hundreds of angels, shepherds and carolers of all ages willing to spread love and light to our entire town. Participants (including church groups) looking to join the parade should please meet at the Erwin Post Office parking lot by no later than 6:30 pm. Please call Jamie Rice for more details at 423-220-7624
Santa Sighting Brunch with Santa Harvest Worship Center 3750 Highway 421 Bristol TN December 17
Brunch with Santa is a fundraising event used to help raise money for a youth trip, my church youth group are going on in February. We are going to be hosting your choice of waffles, eggs, and bacon or gravy and biscuits, drinks are included. The cost to get in is $5 for children ages 6 and up (5 and under get in for free). We are going to get Santa to come in and take pictures with the kids if you want to have their picture taken, and if you want a copy of their picture it will be $10 per picture. Bring the kids and come on down for a fun and eventful evening full of games and laughter. It is welcome to any one who wants to come.
Tri-Cities TN Christmas Light Displays Daily Until Jan. 1, 2018 2017 Tri-Cities TN Christmas Light Displays List
Adam's Christmas Light Display 21382 Hanover Lane Damascus, Virginia 105.9 FM Through Dec. 31st. The Dean Family Christmas Light Show 2344 Stuart Drive Kingsport, TN 106.7FM Through Jan. 1st 2018, 6 p.m. til 10 p.m. Poe Family Christmas Light Show 1120 Fiddlers Way Kingsport Tn FM 107.5. Ending Dec 31 Sunday- Thursday 6:30-10p. Friday & Saturday 6-11pm. LaBarbera’s 3838 Hwy 390 Bluff City 37618 1425 Plainview St, Kingsport 37664 Tune to 105.9FM 354 Cherry Hill Rd Limestone, TN 37681 105.1FM Through Jan 1 6p-11p (near Fall Branch) On all night Dec 24, 25, 31 Cookie's Lights Synced to music. Through Jan 6th 6pm-11pm 3045 Main St Surgoinsville, TN 37873 3805 Alderwood Dr kpt TN 37664 6:30pm until 9pm from 12/8 12/22 and 6:30-10pm 12/23-12/26 Jeter Family 1529 Carolina Ave. Kingsport, TN 37664 530pm - 1030pm 11-24-17 to 1-1-18 Combs Family Light Show 103.3FM, 1033 Stagshaw Ln Kingsport, TN 6-10 pm Sun-Thurs, 6-11 Fri and Sat
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An Angel Is About To Get It's Wings in Downtown Johnson City!
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he Blue Moon Theatre Company located in Downtown Johnson City will present a family friendly production of It's A Wonderful Life:A Live Radio Play, whch runs during the holiday season from December 16 to December 23. A live radio play adaptaion of Frank Capra's film It's A Wonderful Life written by Joe Landry. "It's the perfect holiday show for our return to the stage" says Artistic Director Edward Breese " It's a heartwarming story of family and friendship and nothing could be more fitting for our family run theatre and our many friends in Downtown Johnson City." Hailed as "magical" by The boston Globe and "fresh and inventive" by the Chicago Sun-Times. It's a Wonderful Life: A life Radio Play transoposes the cinematic classic (and holiday trelevision tradition) to the theatre by staging the story as if it was a live radio broadcast in front of a stufio audience. Five Actors perform the voices of dozens of characters while a foley artist creates the sound effects. As in the movie, everyman George Bailey must learn that "no man is a failure who has friends" when he must face off against local robber baron (and all aroun curmudgeon) Henry F Potter. Bringing the voice characters to life are local actors Larry Bunton, Linda Wakely Chris Graf, and real life married couple Edward and Moira Breese as the voices of George and Mary Bailey. Featuring Dave Carter as the Sound FX Foley artist and Anthoney Frazier running lighting and music. Tickets are show only and are just $17 (tax included) For more information or to purchase tickets online, visit The Blue Moon Theatre Company on Facebook or call 423-926-1044. The Blue Moon Theatre Company - Where the Stars Come Out To Shine.
Santa Sighting Lunch with Santa December 16. 12pm-2pm Quaker Steak and Lube 629 State St. Bristol VA
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alphie pleads his case before his mother, his teacher and even Santa Claus himself, at Higbee's Department Store. The consistent response: "You'll shoot your eye out!" All the elements from the beloved motion picture are here, including the family's temperamental exploding furnace; Scut Farkas, the school bully; the boys' experiment with a wet tongue on a cold lamppost; the Little Orphan Annie decoder pin; Ralphie's father winning a lamp shaped like a woman's leg in a net stocking; Ralphie's fantasy scenarios and more.
SANTA WILL BE HERE!
What do you want for Christmas little boy? I want a spring action single shot red Ryder BB gun!
December 15, 16 @ 7 p.m. December 16, 17 @ 2 p.m. School show offered December 15 @ 10 a.m. KTG Mainstage • Renaissance Theatre 1200 East Center Street 423.392.8427 • www.kingsporttheatre.org
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alling all kids! Come see Santa Claus and tell him your Christmas wish list. Santa will be visiting the Renaissance Center in between the matinee and evening shows of "A Christmas Story" on December 16th from 4:30-6:30 pm. Top-secret location will be posted that day. Please be in line by 6:00pm as Santa has to leave by 6:30 to visit elsewhere. Light refreshments will be served. **This event is FREE but we are asking kids to bring an unwrapped toy to be donated to local children in need this holiday season.
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Humorist Jean Shepherd's memoir of growing up in the 7 midwest in the 1940s follows 9-year-old Ralphie Parker in his quest to get a genuine Red Ryder BB gun under the tree for Christmas
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The Nutcracker Kingsport Ballet stages traditional
Kingsport Ballet prepares for an exciting season kickoff with The Nutcracker, December 15th- 17th, 2017 at Northeast State's Wellmont Performing Arts Center.
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holiday favorite around the world, this ballet is a popular family outing during the holiday season. The school performance of The Nutcracker will be staged on Thursday, December 14th at 10am. This show is sold out. There will also be three public performances, December 15th and 16th, both at 7pm, and Sunday, December 17th at 2:30pm. “Staging The Nutcracker just before Christmas provides folks an optimal event to kick off the season with the whole family,” said board president Lee Houston. “We have had sold out performances for the last several years, so I intend to plan early and get our tickets in advance!” All seats are numbered and assigned and sold on a first come-first served basis. Tickets are available at the door provided they have not sold out prior to performance dates. Updates will be posted on the company's social media outlets and their box office answering service. It is
strongly advised to purchase tickets early. Kingsport Ballet's traditional Russian version is full of holiday warmth, elegance, and the magic of the season. Fittingly, they will once again feature an impressive roster of international artists, four guest performers with Columbia Classical Ballet – all new to the Kingsport Ballet stage. And as a special treat, the company will once again feature Lyvan Verdecia, recipient of the Princess Grace Award 2017 for his performance artistry. Mr. Verdecia has been a guest artist with Kingsport Ballet for three years and has been featured in several company productions, such as Swan Lake and The Nutcracker. He is a principal dancer with Ballet Hispanico, with whom he has performed around the world in addition to guest performances at the White House and other unique venues.
Last week in our Gift Guide, the elves forgot to list Bristol Golf Club. Santa told them to correct it or they would get coal in their stocking.
Bristol Golf Club
Give the Gift of Golf Get 12 rounds for $100 Use throughout 2018. Limited time only Golf Club of Bristol Formerly The Cedars
Holiday Baking Workshop at Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park
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he Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park continues its 2017 Artisan Series of programs with the December theme of “Holiday Baking,” taught by park staff. The “Holiday Baking” workshop will be held on Monday, December 18, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Museum’s Victorian Parlor. Participants who register for the “Holiday Baking” workshop will join park staff for a fun-filled evening learning how to create and make their own unique holiday treats. The fee for the “Holiday Baking” workshop is $15 per person. All supplies and materials are included. Spaces are limited, so register early by calling (276) 523-1322.. For more information about upcoming workshops, please contact the park at 276- 523-1322.
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New instructor Odoardo Bordoni, who recently joined the KB faculty, has been assisting artistic director, Valeria Sinyavskaya with rehearsing of the ballet, as has Erika Ballard, long-time faculty member and modern instructor. Kingsport Ballet will feature an expanded ballet boutique at the theater during Nutcracker performances, as an extension of their in-house store, kbBoutique. Unique, handmade gifts, ornaments, holiday cards and Rifle Paper gift wrap are available for purchase. Tickets are now on sale through www.kingsportballet.org or through the Kingsport Ballet facebook page. Purchasers may print their tickets at home, or pick them up at ‘will call’ the night of the performance. Children ages 4-11 will enjoy the traditional Clara's Tea and Chocolate, which takes place just prior to Saturday evening's performance on December 16th The tea party is 5-6pm, and tickets are sold separately at $10 per child, by calling Kingsport Ballet: 423-378-3967. Parent chaperons attend the tea party free of charge. All tickets to performances and tea party may now be purchased online through the website: kingsportballet.org For school groups and homeschooled families who are unable to get seating during the sold out school performance of The Nutcracker, there is the option of making early reservations for Seeds of Change – a Centennial Production featuring the company's original, contemporary ballet inspired by Kingsport's history. Seeds of Change will be performed April 13th-15th, 2018 at Eastman's Toy F. Reid auditorium. Tickets are available through the company's website. Kingsport Ballet is a non-profit, 501-c-3 organization and is supported in part for general operations by the Tennessee Arts Commission, under an agreement with the General Assembly and the National Endowment for the Arts. Outreach programs are supported in part by TAC's Funds for At-Risk Youth, the City of Kingsport. The Massengil De-Friece Foundation and the Junior League of Kingsport. Additional support comes from area businesses and private donors.
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Christmas Show The Rogersville Arts Puppet Troupe (RAPT) is bringing their Christmas Show on December 16th to you at the Local Artists Gallery in Downtown Historic Rogersville.
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he time is 2-4pm and includes a snack, a take-home craft, a Christmas Sing-a-Long, and a visit from our special guest, Mrs. Claus after the show. Tickets are $15 for 1 adult and 1 child. Additional kids’ tickets are $10 each, additional adults are $5 each. There is a coloring contest (crayons available) as part of the program; and bring your letter to Santa! Mrs. Claus will deliver them to the big guy and make sure he replies! The Rogersville Arts Council has sponsored RAPT since 2015, sending them to Elementary Schools, Girls, Inc., and hosting them for quarterly public performances. Each show has a theme that includes a message about safety during the summer and at Halloween, bullying, and ecology lessons, complete with specially designed sets for each show. The five member troupe is available for private parties and schools at a reasonable price. Come enjoy the show, talking with Mrs. Claus, snack, take-home craft, and coloring contest on December 16th, from 2-4 at the Local Artists Gallery on the corner of South Church and East Main Streets. For further information on this and future programs, be sure to follow the Rogersville Arts Council on Facebook, our website at www.rogartscouncil. org, email at rogersvilleartscouncil@gmail.com, or call 423-293-0882. There is no cost for photos taken of your child and Mrs. Claus with your own camera.
at Historic Johnson Farm
"Christmas Fun at Historic Johnson Farm" is scheduled for two evenings of twilight tours with an old-fashioned flare, on Friday, December 15 and Saturday, December 16 from 4-7 pm.
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he celebration features activities for all ages, including visits with Santa, ornament making, raffle prizes, cake walk, visits with animals, wagon rides, hot chocolate bar and more. Free cookies and cider will be offered to visitors. The Heritage Weavers and Fiber Artists who occupy the renovated 1920s boarding house welcome visitors to try their hand at weaving a mug rug Like the fair, people will buy tickets for each activity. Each ticket is $1.00 with bulk deals. All proceeds from the event go to support the preservation and operation of the non-profit Historic Johnson Farm. Historic Johnson Farm is a heritage education center owned by Henderson County Public Schools, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a NC Cultural Treasure. Address: 3346 Haywood Road, Hendersonville, NC. Parking is available at the farm for those needing handicapped accommodations and for others at Rugby Middle School with a shuttle. For questions please call Interim Farm Director Ingrid McNair at 828-891-6585.
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Christmas Fun
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Bring in 3 items from the 'preferred foods' list to receive 10% off your purchase* in MotorClothes or Parts & Accessories! We will also be doing FREE gift wrapping with a $5 donation. Please see below for a list of preferred items.
Every year, Smith Brothers Harley-DavidsonÂŽ holds a special fundraiser in honor of Brenda Smith.
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his year we are working to end hunger with a local hunger relief program called Flexing on Hunger, started by Tri-Cities Premier Trainer, Chris Ford. Seeing people waiting outside a local food bank inspired Chris to start the Flexing on Hunger program. A lot of the places that feed the homeless are closed on the weekends, so started making food bags to give out on Friday to, kind of, "bridge the gap." It took off after that with, not only food bags, but also food for the pantry and hygiene products. Hopefully, it will continue to grow into a full-time program. Smith Brothers Harley-DavidsonÂŽ will be accepting both monetary and food donations for Flexing on Hunger through December 16th.
- Bottled Water - Boxed packs crackers - Boxed packs of cookies - On-the-Go chicken/tuna salad kits - Boxed fruit snacks - Boxed Instant oatmeal packs - Boxed packs of trail mix - Flavored Water packets - Boxed granola bars - Boxed packs of dried fruit - Boxed packs of peanut butter - Boxed fruit cups - Packs of mini-boxes of cereals - Boxed cereal bars - Boxed pudding cups - Boxed pop-tarts *Discount cannot be combined with other offers. Smith Brothers Harley-Davidson 3518 Bristol Hwy, Johnson City, Tennessee 37601
Christmas Show
Saturday, December 16th, 2017, at 7:30 p.m. the Carter Family Fold in Hiltons, Virginia, will present a special Christmas program. In lieu of admission, please bring a donation of canned goods for the local food bank (suggested amount $10 per person). Those not bringing a canned goods donation are asked to make a donation of $10 for adults with all proceeds going to the Food Bank.
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nyone under 12 will be admitted free of charge. Those attending are asked to bring finger foods, two-liter drinks, and cups, plates, or napkins. Christmas music will be performed as refreshments are served. Afterwards, we’ll have music by the Scott County Jam students. Musicians donate their time for this special Christmas show. JAM (Junior Appalachian Musicians) is a program that encourages the preservation of old time Appalachian music. This program is in its’ 4th year in Scott County. It is open to any student in 4th through 12th grade. JAM is an after-school program for children that introduces music through small group instruction on instruments common to the Appalachian region, such as fiddle, banjo and guitar. The JAM String Band was created for students who excel in their instrument and have a desire to entertain and share the music with others. Some of the String Band members are award-winning musicians who have won first place and placed in local as well as regional competitions. The Scott County JAM String Band has played at many venues including Heartwood Youth Music Festival, Mountain Empire Home Craft Days, WGOC Can-Jo Radio Program, Clinch Mountain Music Fest, and at the Carter Fold. They have performed at many civic and private functions, and they ae sponsored by many civic and private donations. Members of the Scott County JAM Band are Maelee Taylor on fiddle, Elisbeth Roberts on banjo, Lillie Miller on fiddle, Emerson Brown on fiddle, Savannah Williams on fiddle, Ben Peters on banjo, Katie Pearcy on guitar, Hunter White on guitar, and Chase Hughes on guitar. The JAM program was started by longtime Fold musician and Carter Family friend Helen
White. Helen plays with Wayne Henderson and Friends. She has now retired from her life-long career of teaching, but she and Wayne continue to give both their time and support to introducing and educating the youth of Appalachia to the music of our Appalachian mountain home. For more information on the Scott County JAM program, visit their Facebook page – Scott County JAM – or contact the Scott County Public School administrative office. Come out and join us at the Carter Family Fold for a special Appalachian Mountain Christmas celebration. It’s a great opportunity to hear some of the best music our region has to offer and to support good causes at the same time. More people than ever need assistance from our nation’s food banks. Many of them simply don’t have enough resources to help everyone in need. Help us make this a record year for the amount of canned goods donated. You’ll be supporting and encouraging the talented young musicians of Scott County and helping to preserve the music of our region. The A.P. Carter birthplace cabin will be specially decorated in the mountain Christmas tradition – including homemade Christmas decorations by the special needs youth of Sullivan County. Spending time with us during our Christmas celebration will take you back to a time when the true meaning of the season wasn’t lost in the commercial frenzy of modern-day Christmas. Carter Family Memorial Music Center, Incorporated, is a nonprofit, rural arts organization established to preserve traditional, acoustic, mountain music. The center is family-friendly, and an alcohol and drug free facility. For further information, go to carterfamilyfold.org. For recorded information on shows coming up at the Fold, call 276-386-6054.
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Carter Family Fold
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State Street Just Got Sweeter That Cookie Dough Opens in Mercantile on State
It’s been an interesting year for Stephanie Cox. She started in April as a vendor in Mercantile on State, the eclectic shop that has a little of everything.
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he was selling her wares and enjoying some success, so naturally she wanted to expand. She has. The back portion of the store is now That Cookie Dough, and that is lucky for all of us. This Sweets Bar features edible cookie dough naturally, but also features many types of baked goodies, gelato, sundaes, coffee, hot chocolate and umpteen varieties of cookies. Stephanie rotates her selections so that there is always something new to try. Looking for a different photo op? That Cookie Dough has a photo booth, somewhat harkening back to yesteryear while keeping modern at the same time! The place is also available for parties, showers and other gatherings. She can hold 40-50 folks, so if you’re looking for a change-of-pace venue, this is it. Personally, I am just glad there is a new spot to indulge my sweet tooth!
Clay Babies @ Acoustic Coffeehouse
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im & Lillie Potts love playing acoustic music of various genres, especially folk, Appalachian old-time, and Celtic. Their instruments include guitars, mandolins, fiddle, Irish bouzouki, Irish tenor banjo, harmonica, and soon-to-beadded Appalachian clawhammer banjo. Tim got his start on guitar by playing rock and blues in GA as a teenager. Lillie started later in life with mandolin and fiddle in NC, playing for folk dances (contras, squares, waltzes). Together, they are most passionate about singing together and playing the kind of music their Scotch-Irish ancestors might have played – the kind of music still being played all over the Appalachian mountains. Clay Babies will be playing on Sunday, December 17th at 8:00pm. The Acoustic Coffeehouse, 415 W Walnut St Johnson City.
Festivals
Got an event coming up?
Events
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Concerts
Exhibits
‘Twilight’
The theme of ETSU’s December Story Slam “Twilight” is the theme for December in East Tennessee State University’s “Re-Generation: A Johnson City Story Slam” series.
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his free public Story Slam will be held Friday, Dec. 15, at 8 p.m. at the Acoustic Coffeehouse’s “Next Door,” located at 415 W. Walnut St. Donations at the door are welcome. The Story Slam is a live storytelling competition similar to events organized by New York literary society The Moth. It is meant to foster real-life tellers of true stories, and the format guarantees spontaneity, excitement, risk and laughter. Storytellers in the audience may share true tales based on their interpretations of the “Twilight” theme. Such interpretations could include tales of sparkly vampires, darkness and light, or the dwindling year; reflections on what has been or visions of what may be ahead; or creepy stories venturing into “Twilight Zone” territory. Stories should be 10 minutes or less in length and should be told and not read from a manuscript. Patrons who wish to tell a story may drop their names into a hat, and names will be drawn at random to
compete. Judges selected from the audience will pick the winners, and the first-place winner will receive a cash prize from donations collected at the door. Individuals whose names are not drawn to compete will have an opportunity to share their stories during an “open mic” session following the competition. The December Story Slam will feature emcee Brandon Bragg, an alumnus of the ETSU Storytelling program and an accomplished performer and storyteller. “Re-Generation: A Johnson City Story Slam” is sponsored by the ETSU Department of Communication and Performance and its Storytelling Program. Dates for story slams during the spring 2018 semester are Feb. 16, March 16 and April 20. This event is not suitable for children. For more information, contact the ETSU Storytelling Program at 423-439-7606 or storytel@etsu.edu, or Dr. Delanna Reed at 423-439-7601 or reeddk@etsu.edu.
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Dada Cabaret Dada Does Christmas
Dada Cabaret invites audiences to celebrate the “ho-ho-holidays” with “Dada Does Christmas” on Sunday, Dec. 17, at 3 p.m. at the Willow Tree Coffeehouse and Music Room, 216 E. Main St.
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ada Does Christmas” will be not only the daring, eclectic chamber ensemble’s first Christmas-themed show, but also its first family-friendly matinee, with programming suitable for all audiences. “We’ve had many audience members tell us that the one thing they wished Dada Cabaret would do differently is hold more performances,” said Dr. Heather Killmeyer, an assistant professor of oboe in the East Tennessee State University Department of Music. “So we’re trying something a little bit different. It will be a Sunday afternoon performance geared to a wider audience, in terms of ages, with arrangements of holiday tunes for our instrumentation. We’re aiming to reimagine the typical Christmas stories and music in Dada Cabaret fashion.” A story being penned for the program by Dada writer and narrator Andy Ford takes place on Christmas Eve 2020. On that night, Santa Claus goes missing while the world sleeps under a
magician’s spell, and only three childhood friends can save him. In addition to Killmeyer and Ford, members of Dada Cabaret include ETSU music faculty members Dr. Stephanie Frye on tuba and Dr. Alan Stevens, tenor. Dada Cabaret is inspired by literary nonsense; transgressive cinema, which uses shock value and humor; the early 20th century artistic movement of Dadaism, which illustrated absurdity through paintings of purposeless machines and collages of discarded materials; and the avant-garde movement, which featured experimental, innovative art that went beyond what was accepted as the norm. This experimental ensemble seeks to push the boundaries of classical music and transcend the divide between audience and performer. Admission is $5 for adults and free for college students with ID and children 17 and younger. For more information, call the ETSU Department of Music at 423-439-4276.
theloaferonline.com | December 12, 2017
Featuring Spank
National Lampoon’s Christmas Spank-ation
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By Paul Kavanaugh
Spank is a hot party band out of Ft. Lauderdale making a Tri Cities appearance at the Brewery for National Lampoon’s Christmas Spank-ation.
H
ow did they come up with the name Spank? “We just need to spank the audience until they call us daddy!” T hat was the solution guitar wielding Kevin Doolittle offered drummer Dale Reed when creating their band and discussing concerns that their ‘look’ was perhaps a few years and a few donuts past a ‘trendy group of heartthrobs'. Of course, "Spanking” is how Doolittle describes the jaw dropping experience the musicians strive to deliver to audiences each time the band performs their unique arrangements of rock favorites. (What did you think he meant by spanking??...Get your mind out of the gutter!) Reed and Doolittle first performed together in the ‘90s when the barefoot drummer auditioned for Kevin’s original project called Doolittle. Soon after, they formed a cover band called Fool's Errand which enabled them to apply their masterful skills and unique style to crowd favorites from almost every genre. They joined forces again in 2013 when the duo reunited to perform in a South Florida event band. Soon after, Reed and Doolittle decided to form SPANK the band in order to return to their Rock & Roll roots. Dale recruited top saxophonist James Drury (Jimmie D.) and bassist Robert Sherber to complete the collective of musicians who deliver a fun, unique, party-rock experience to South Florida audiences – and now we get them here in Tennessee. Saturday, December 16th will be a really fun night at the Brewery. Come on out, have some great craft beer or a delicious cocktail and just enjoy getting Spanked!
theloaferonline.com | December 12, 2017
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Christian Artist
Laura Story Performs at NPAC
Contemporary Christian artist Laura Story brings beloved holiday classics to the Niswonger Performing Arts Center’sstageonSaturday,December 16 at 7:30 p.m. Laura Story is a Grammy® and Dove Award-winning singer/songwriter best known for her inspiring songs “Indescribable” and “Blessings.” Laura Story will be joined by the Greeneville High School Advanced Chorus for several songs as they share this special evening.
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tory has been recognized for her amazing musical ability and knack for getting to the heart of difficult issues. Her song "Blessings" won a Grammy® Award, a Billboard Music Award and three Dove Awards. Her fifth studio album, "Open Hands," was released in March of 2017. “‘Open Hands’ is more than just a lesson God is teaching me right now,” Story said. “It’s the lifestyle God calls every Christian to live. It’s about surrender, and trusting God with the smallest details, as well as our greatest struggles.” Story writes her own songs, is a powerful storyteller and worship leader and often draws from personal struggles in her own life for inspiration. She has an ability to connect with others through her gift of music and her way with words. Her music and writing show God’s love and grace intersecting with real life, and serve as a reminder that despite questions or circumstances, He is the ultimate author of our story.
Join Laura Story this Christmas season as she performs beloved holiday classics along with brand new original Christmas songs sure to become favorites for your holiday season - Saturday, December 16th at 7:30 p.m. at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $25 for orchestra level seating, $20 for mezzanine seating and $15 for balcony seats. Tickets are on sale now for all performances for the entire 2017-2018 season and may be purchased online at NPACgreeneville.com, in person at the NPAC box office, or by calling 423638-1679. This performance is sponsored by Baker Donelson and Charter Foods.
NPAC offers online seat selection with no processing or delivery fees. There is an additional $1.50 ticketing fee per ticket regardless of purchase method. The box office hours are Monday through Friday, 10 AM until 5 PM. The 1150 seat performing arts center is located adjacent to the campus of Greeneville High School. For venue information, and to purchase tickets, please visit www. npacgreeneville.com.
Santa Sighting Cranberry Lane 623 State Street Bristol
Great news....mark your calendars Santa will be here on December 16th from 10-4 and December 17th from 1-4. Come get your picture taken with him in his sleigh. Enjoy some hot chocolate or cider while you visit.
theloaferonline.com
The Yates Family Band Featured at Heartwood
theloaferonline.com | December 12, 2017
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The Crooked Road: Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail presents The Yates Family Band in concert on Thursday, December 14th from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at Heartwood in Abingdon, VA. This concert is part of The Crooked Road Music Series at Heartwood.
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he Yates Family Band features Molly Yates (age 17) performing on guitar, mandolin, and banjo and Sadie Yates (age 15) performing on the doghouse bass and guitar. The girls have been performing on stage with their parents Tim (guitar) and Debbie (banjo/ fiddle) since they could hold an instrument in their hands. This family based old time and bluegrass band from Smyth County, VA has performed at The Carter Fold, the International Bluegrass Music Association festival, and many more venues. Tim and Debbie have combined their lives, talents, and musical roots to create one of the area’s most entertaining musical groups today. The Crooked Road Music Series takes place each Thursday at Heartwood. The series features youth artists each 2nd Thursday along with open jams on the 1st, 3rd, 4th (and 5th) Thursdays to showcase Southwest Virginia performers. The Crooked Road Music Series is sponsored by Heartwood, Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development, Virginia Commission for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts. Heartwood - Southwest Virginia’s Artisan Gateway is located off I-81 at Exit 14 in Abingdon, VA, and features food, music, and craft of Southwest Virginia. As part of The Crooked Road's Thursday night live music, our restaurant features delicious southern BBQ to make for a food and music experience only Southwest Virginia can deliver. Admission to the concert is free and donations will be accepted for
Photo by: Dusty Edwards Photography Crooked Road Traditional Music Education Program (TMEP). More information can be found at The Crooked Road website, thecrookedroad. org, and at heartwoodvirginia.org. For additional information, please call (276) 492-2409 or email: admin@thecrookedroad.org.
Spotlight
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- TUESDAY - December 12th -
- THURSDAY - December 14th -
If you or your band are playing in the upcoming week and would like to be in The Spotlight, call in advance to (423) 283-4324 or go online to: theloaferonline.com. Due to last minute cancellations or changes, please call the location to confirm.
- SATURDAY - December 16th -
- SATURDAY - December 16th -
Kids Our Age Kingsport YMCA
Ryan Ward O’Mainnin’s Pub
Dirty Soul Revival Capone’s
Retro Rockets Model City Tap House
Greta Van Fleet w/ Goodbye June Capone’s
Acoustic Jam Session Acoustic Coffeehouse
Shooter Band Johnson City Moose Lodge
Justin Mychals Woodstone Deli
Downtown Country Jiggy Ray’s Pizzeria
Rusty Steele Woodstone Deli
This Mountain Down Home
Rock & Roll Freakshow CJ’s Sports Bar
Povertybomb / Yog Sothoth Dead Wait The Hideaway
Nostalgia Duo Rock’s Wood Fired Pizza & Grill
The March Divide/Jaeger Wells Acoustic Coffeehouse - WEDNESDAY - December 13th -
James Meadows Wild Wing Cafe Open Hoot Down Home The Bosses Down Home Open Mic The Willow Tree Coffeehouse & Music Room Jason Lloyd O’Mainnin’s Pub Chris Long Acoustic Coffeehouse - THURSDAY - December 14th -
Jam w/ Like Mind Wellington’s Restaurant Live Music Bone Fire Smokehouse The Diamonds Blackbird Bakery The Ian Feathers Band The Willow Tree Coffeehouse & Music Room
- FRIDAY - December 15th -
Earth Suits / Iliad / The Baby Born with the End of the World The Hideaway Mike Snodgrass Band Wild Wing Cafe Jet Black Audio w/ Armed and Dangerous Capone’s Moose & Th’ MonkeyPaws w/ 49 Winchester Bloom Cafe and Listening Room Live Music Bone Fire Smokehouse Mipso w/ Brandon Wadley The Willow Tree Coffeehouse & Music Room 415 In Progress Woodstone Deli Kids Our Age Memorial Park Community Center Christmas Jazz Blackbird Bakery Alliez Country Club Bar & Grill Below 7 O’Mainnin’s Pub
Rusty Steele Woodstone Deli
Regeneration Johnson City Story Slams/ Matt Hogan Acoustic Coffeehouse
dRachEmUsik Elderbrew
Broad Street Station CJ’s Sports Bar
Live Music Bone Fire Smokehouse
- SUNDAY - December 17th -
Clay Babies Acoustic Coffeehouse
Nightshift Band Show Palace
- TUESDAY - December 19th -
Downtown Country Jiggy Ray’s Pizzeria
Before The Storm Blackbird Bakery Rylee Peters Bristol Station Brews & Taproom Bulls Eye Band David Thompson’s Produce Shades of Refinement Kingsport Eagles Southern Countrymen Buffalo Ruritan Spank Holston River Brewing Company Junkyard Dogz Bears Bar
Rayla Ray
Rayla Ray Country Club Bar & Grill
Country Club Bar & Grill Saturday, Dec. 16th
Quarter Bounce with Rusty Steel O’Mainnin’s Pub Bella Bane/ David Wiseman Acoustic Coffeehouse
for show time & more details, visit
theloaferonline.com
Country Club Bar & Grill 3080 W State St Bristol 423-844-0400
Model City Tap House 324 E Market St. Kingsport 423-765-0875
Bear's Bar 4460 Highway 421 Bristol TN 423-502-1975
Holiday Inn (Exit 7) 3005 Linden Dr. Bristol VA 276-466-4100
Quaker Steak & Lube 629 State St. Bristol VA 276-644-9464
Bone Fire Smokehouse at the Hardware 260 W Main St Abingdon VA 276-623-0037
Holston River Brewing Company 2623 Volunteer Pkwy Bristol TN
Rock’s Wood Fired Pizza & Grill 3119 Bristol Hwy. Johnson City 423-262-0444
CJ’S Sports Bar 516 Morelock St. Kingsport 423-390-1361
Lakeview Marina 474 Lakeside Dock Drive Kingsport
TUESDAY
Karaoke w/ Crossroads & Josh Blevins at Dawg House Tavern Family Night Karaoke at CJ’s Sports Bar Karaoke w/ Marques at The Cave Karaoke at Numan’s ***********************
WEDNESDAY
Karaoke w/ Southern Sounds Karaoke at American Legion Karaoke at CJ’s Sports Bar Karaoke w/ DJ Brad & Top Shelf Entertainment at Quaker Steak & Lube
Sonny’s Marina & Café 109 One Street Gray, TN 423-282-9440
FRIDAY
Karaoke at Kingsport Moose Lodge Karaoke w/ Reverb Karaoke at The Cottage Turn the Page Karaoke at VFW Post 2108 - Johnson City TN Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at Moe’s Original BBQ Karaoke w/ Toddzilla at Sportsmans Pub Karaoke w/ DJ Brad & Top Shelf Entertainment at BoBo’s - Damascus VA Karaoke at Elizabethton VFW
Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at Smokey Bones - Johnson City TN
Karaoke w/ DJ Marquez & Top Shelf Entertainment at Holiday Inn (Exit 7) - Bristol VA
Turn the Page Karaoke at VFW Post 2108 - Johnson City TN ***********************
Karaoke at Numan’s ***********************
THURSDAY
Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at Macado’s - Kingsport
SATURDAY
Karaoke at The Horseshoe Lounge
Karaoke at CJ’s Sports Bar
Karaoke w/ Toddzilla at Sportsmans Pub
Karaoke at Numan’s
Karaoke at Kingsport Moose Lodge
Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at New Beginning’s
Turn the Page Karaoke at VFW Post 2108 - Johnson City TN
Karaoke at Jiggy Rays Pizzaria ***********************
Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at Macado’s - Kingsport
Karaoke w/ Southern Sounds Karaoke at Sportsman’s Bar & Grill
Karaoke at Numan’s ***********************
FRIDAY
Karaoke w/ Shane Rouse at Bear’s Bar
21 theloaferonline.com | December 12, 2017
SPOTLIGHT DIRECTORY
KARAOKE
Acoustic Coffeehouse 415 W Walnut St. Johnson City 423-434-9872
theloaferonline.com | December 12, 2017
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Time to Shop for That Stargazer on Your List While Santa Claus is trying to decide if you stargazers are naughty or nice, it’s time to write down your gift wishes. And there are plenty of starry items and gadgets to satisfy any stargazer on your gift list
F Stargazer
By Mark Marquette since 1996 stargazermarq@ gmail.com
irst, a word about telescopes. Basically, you get what you pay for. Any scientific tool priced cheaply, whether a telescope, microscope, metal detector, etc., might be a good introductory item for a youngster, but pales in comparison to a quality instrument. In other words, those $100 bargain telescopes will show craters on the Moon and Saturn's rings, but they suffer in durability and workmanship of the gears, lenses and optics that make them a mere scientific toy. Quality instruments from Meade, Orion, TeleVue and other optical companies can be bought for a price point of $300 and up. And with weeks until Christmas, there should be plenty of time for shipping. Always true about telescopes is the bigger the better. But there is a limit in size that can be carried in a vehicle and set up by one or two people. Most telescopes have a DVD explaining how to use it, and there are always forums on all types of telescopes on the Internet at websites like CloudyNights.com. And don’t be afraid to buy a quality telescope on Internet sites like E-bay or Amazon as you can check the instrument out by doing a product search. There are some good bargains to be had! The 21st Century marketing feature of all quality telescopes is a “go-to” computer that will automatically move the telescope to any chosen object in the sky after a simple setup procedure. Those telescopes start in the $300-500 price point. Rather than tell you the difference in telescopes, it is easier for you to see for yourself by surfing the Internet for the website catalogs. Just put “retail telescopes” in a search engine and surf around. A quality telescope and its accessories are a lifetime investment—many amateur astronomers still have their first serious telescopes...I do! You might consider a quality pair of binoculars, particular if your stargazer doesn't have a pair. Of course, they can be used at ball games, the lake or nature watching. In fact, birdwatchers are the largest consumer group of binoculars, and many turn them skyward at night. Observing with binoculars is one of the joys of stargazing whether a beginner or pro as there are many objects best seen at the low power. A subscription to either of the two popular magazines, Sky and Telescope or Astronomy, is a great gift for about $45 a year with cheaper discounts available. Buy the latest issue for under the Christmas tree after subscribing and it will surely be read before the day is done. Looking up the websites of these two magazines will harvest more gift ideas, like globes of the planets, T-shirts and stargazing gear. Another idea for that hard-to-buy-for amateur astronomer on your Christmas list is a piece of the Moon, or name a star after them. Just google “buying the Moon” and you’ll find several places that will sell you property with a deed and
fancy papers to show off. There are even “space realtors” selling acreage on Mars, Venus and Mercury—though the property claim is probably worth the paper it’s printed on. Still, owning a piece of the Moon is a novelty item that shows off one’s enthusiasm for their hobby. I own a few acres in the lunar Sea of Vapors! Just five years ago I wrote about stuffing a stocking with a “sophisticated devices that rely on GPS to identify a star or planet when pointed to the sky.” Those hand-held star identifiers were a little pricey in the $200 price range, but in less than a decade they are obsolete because any Smart Phone can download a free application for the same sky maps. Or just buy a traditional planisphere wheel with the constellations for any date in the year for around $10. Maybe there's a stargazer on your gift list that prefers “armchair astronomy” as opposed to braving the winter cold. Well, of course, there are many books, star charts and software to buy. A cruise through the local book stores may find the unexpected astronomy treasure. One year I found packaged in a tin oversized postcard replicas of an 1832 set of constellation artwork for just $10. Other ideas that will make as stargazer smile include a digitized set of the 1980s PBS Cosmos series of the 1980s, or a DVD set of the HBO From Earth to the Moon would also make any stargazer smile. And such astro video sets are a bargain on Amazon for either new or gently used copies. I’ve bought several beautiful coffee table books of space imagery for two or three dollars plus $5 shipping There are some recent books on the Mars rovers and orbiters that are proving the planet was once drenched in oceans, lakes and rivers. Space history and NASA's 50th anniversary are also popular books for the holiday season. There are so many free planetarium programs out there for your Smart Phone and computer (like Stellarium.org) that any purchased software is for serious amateur astronomers most likely into astrophotography and guiding their telescopes. Some amateur astronomers with a decent telescope are ready for a digital astro camera, which begin at the $100 price point and are actually simple to use. Astro cameras come with software and complete instructions, and there are always forums on the Internet to help the new “deep sky” photographer. As for my gift list to Santa, I've always told gift-givers that anything with a star or moon on it will make me happy. And I have a house full of blankets, tables loaded with coasters and candle holders, and shelves covered with knick-knacks that all have an astronomy motif. Starry-eyed friends and family on your holiday gift list are easy to buy for—and the sky is the limit!
H
ow are you doing with just 10 hours of sunshine a day—assuming it’s not cloudy? We are in the stretch of the earliest sunsets—around 5:15 pm! —and with sunrise around 7:30 am, that leaves us in the dark most of the time. Next week is the Winter Solstice, the longest night and shortest day, and things will be picking up by the new year of 2018. This week you might see meteors from the reliable Geminid Meteor Shower, which peaks Thursday morning and worth losing sleep over.
Tuesday, December 12 Are you getting through the cold thinking of summertime memories? Well there are still signs of summer lingering in the western skies as two of the three stars of the Summer Triangle are still hanging in there. Altair, to the left, and much brighter Vega, right, are visible in the 6 pm twilight, and set around 8:30 pm. Vega in Lyra the Harp is almost circumpolar—visible all night—and will be the North Star in about 10,000 years. Wednesday, December 13 Tonight, into tomorrow morning is the peak of the Geminid Meteor Shower, one of the most reliable of the year with up to 100 meteors an hour peaking before dawn. The Moon is a crescent near new phase, ideal for seeing plenty of “shooting stars.”. Thursday, December 14 In 1972, this was blast off day from the Moon for Apollo 17, which linked up to its command module piloted by astronaut Ron Evans. Their booty was about 250 pounds of rock and soil from the Moon. Friday, December 15 The north constellations are highlighted by Cassiopeia the Queen, whose five brightest stars now look like an “M” branded in the sky. There are several wonderful clusters of stars in this constellation, easy targets for binoculars.
Saturday, December 16 The first stars of the special string of celestial lights in the southwest will probably be zero magnitude Vega, the brightest and to the far right. Next to poke through the violets of twilight will be first magnitude Altair, to Vega’s left. Both stars are very white, their light violently twinkling in the refraction of our atmosphere. First magnitude Fomalhaut to the far left is going to be visible before Mars because it is farthest from the sunlight of twilight. Accentuated by the unmistakable reddish glow of first magnitude Mars, this string of lights is a good gift for our curious minds. Sunday, December 17 Most “baby-boomers” would come close to guessing the date of the historic Apollo 11 moon landing in July (20), 1969, but who can correctly guess the first powered flight through the air? On this 1903 date in history on a beach at Kitty Hawk, NC, Orville Wright flew the airplane he and his brother Wilbur built in Dayton, Ohio. Monday, December 18 New Moon, our natural satellite invisible in the daytime sky below the Sun. Early morning risers get to see brilliant planet Jupiter above the horizon, and above it are reddish Mars and white star Spica in Virgo the Virgin. These pair will dazzle our evening Spring skies.
23 theloaferonline.com | December 12, 2017
THIS WEEK
SKIES
Celestial events in the skies for the week of Dec. 12 - 18, 2017 as compiled for The Loafer by Mark D. Marquette.
theloaferonline.com | Decem ber 5 2017
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Thoughts While Reluctantly Caroling with a Group of Friends Batteries Not Included
By Andy Ross aross@ theloaferonline.com
Did we really need to carpool? I don’t think this fold-down third-row seat was really designed with a sixfoot-two, adult human in mind. It’s cold outside, so I wore my heaviest of coats. Which is great for when I’m trying to nail that Tenor part of “Deck The Halls” but hell sitting back here in Tammy’s SUV with the heat blasting. OK, we’ve hit another neighborhood. Now for the 10-minute long pile out of the SUV.
I
’m glad Tammy is the one ringing the doorbells. I don’t particularly feel like trying to convince people they need to stand in the cold and listen to us sing at them. Johnny is awfully off-key this year, and he smells like he bathed in Axe Body Spray. Should I admit I don’t know my part to “Good King Wenceslas” and I’m actually just pretending to sing along? No one caught it yet. Back in the SUV. Are we going to eat later? I could go for a triple hash brown at the Waffle House when we are done. Coffee. Sweet, lovely coffee. OK. Who in this vehicle just said I was flat during “Jolly Old St. Nicholas?” It wasn’t me. I was on pitch and perfect! Johnny Axe Body is the one who was flat! I swear if people keep saying it was me I’ll kick them right in their pa-ra-pa-pum-pum. Alright, another street, another hour goes by and getting closer to maybe going to Waffle House. I have to pee. I have to pee really bad. Can you ask to come in and use someone’s bathroom after you sang “O Holy Night” at them? Wait, this house has a giant, inflatable minion in the yard to one side. Maybe I can hide behind it and go. But what if I get caught? I’ll get arrested and wind up in the papers “Jaunty Jackass Pee-Pees Behind Minion, Destroying Christmas for All.” Oh, this house has an absolutely lovely nativity scene in the yard! Wow, that’s really something. Looks homemade, not store bought. I wonder how long they’ve had it? Ah, I can tell they must have had this for well over 30 years, judging by the fact that up close you can tell the Baby Jesus is played by a cabbage patch doll. I’m not really knocking them for it, it’s a nice design. Last time I tried to woodwork anything I got a lung full of sawdust.
OK, last street we’ll be on tonight. I hope this ends soon so we can go eat, I’m starving. That’s funny, looks like the first group got here before us and is already caroling. They must be hungry too! Wait, the first group is pulling up behind us. Is this another group of carolers? Oh, my, it is! This won’t end well, this could break out into a turf war. I saw a caroler war once. It ended my marriage. Thoughts of Sheila still haunt me on a cold Winter’s night. I don’t think the other group knows we’re here yet, they’re too far up the top of the street. This looks like a cul-de-sac, so there’s no place for us to duck out of the way. This may go down like the great Four Hills subdivision Caroler Battle of 1998. I was just a child then, but I remember seeing my uncle almost sever his vocal cords getting into a fight with a baritone. He spent all of Christmas day gargling with warm salt water. Welp looks like one of the other carolers have spotted us, I can see them pointing and telling the others to all look. We’re getting closer and closer to meeting in the middle. We’re just three houses apart from one another. “Your high notes suck!” I can hear one of them yelling. This is the most wonderful time of the year, it’s no time to fight. We’re getting closer to one another, sizing each other up, “Your Dickensian outfits are trash!” I hear the leader of our group say. This isn’t good. This isn’t good. I just want to finish singing “Away in a Manger” and go get hash browns at Waffle House. You know what? I’m gonna quietly back out of this fight and wait in the car. “Oh, my trick, tender, sprained buttock!” I will yell. I’ll limp back to the car, and watch these jerks make fools of themselves on a suburban street. They ask me to do this next year I’m gonna fake a cold. See you next week.
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VHCC Old Time String Band Class
T
he VHCC Old Time String Band is an exciting and fun performance class that has been offered on the campus of Virginia Highlands Community College each spring since 2012. The music director at VHCC Mary Munsey designed this class and has opened the class to students, faculty and community members from all walks of life. The class is currently a non-credit course taught for enjoyment only and offered through the Workforce Development office at VHCC each spring. The members have varying musical backgrounds and entrance abilities. Some are beginners and others have been playing for several years. Several of the members
already knew how to play another musical instrument but chose to broaden their musical horizons by trying a new instrument or a different style of music. The class meets once a week for an hour and 45 minutes on Monday afternoons in the spring semester. One of the class requirements is to attend a live Old Time or Bluegrass event at the Carter Fold in Scott County, Heartwood in Abingdon or at other regional venues. In addition to playing on a Thursday evening at Heartwood in April they’ll also be playing at White’s Mill sometime in April and at the Heartwood Youth Festival in May. Playing in the Old Time String Band is a fun musical
Photo by: Kevin Morley
journey for all of the participants and for the instructor. There have been members of the group that ranged in age from 15-81 in past sessions. Some folks come back each spring to play again. If you wish to join the group or you would like to donate a guitar, fiddle, banjo, mandolin, bass or other string instrument to the Old Time String Band program, please contact Mary Munsey at 276-739-2454 or at mmunsey@vhcc.edu . You may also contact her if you know of performance opportunities for the group. The next session will begin at 4:00 on January 8th in the MEC building room 114 at VHCC.
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A
A is for Abingdon Olive Oil
C
C is for Camp Ruff-N-More
G
G is for Give here, help here! Marsh Regional Blood Center
ABCs
D
H
D is for Don Hill Used Car Value Center
H is for Hamlett-Dobson
I
It's a wonderful day when you pick up a Loafer!
J
J is for Jonesborough Wines & Spirits
E
E is for Express Oil Change
F
F is for Flowers at White's Floral
K
K is for Kingsport Pirannahs
L
L is for Lafayette Heat & Air
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s a m t s i r h C of
B
B is for Blackbird Backery
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M
M is for Mac's Medicine Mart
O
O is for Open to Everyone! Washington Co. Co-Op
U
U is for URL Stellar Studios
ABCs
P
V
P is for Pit Row Wine & Liquor
V is for VPR Roofing
Q
W
Q is for Questions about Monat?
W is for Win with Warranty 1
R
R is for Rainbow Motors
X
X is for Xtreme Lashes by Sher Extensions
S
Y
S is for Shop on Buy at House Dressing
Y is for Your BEST Choice for Pizza Johnny Brusco's
T
Z
T is for Tan Tanks Are Us Admiral Proane
Z is for Zoom on up to Bays Mountain Park!
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s a m t s i r h C of
N
N is for New Looks begin at Studio 33
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Murder on the Orient Express
All aboard the Orient Express! Well maybe not, if murder is involved. Never one to pass up a chance for a remake, Hollywood has released a new version of "Murder on the Orient Express", which is now the fourth screen adaptation of the novel by Agatha Christie.
Pop Life
By Ken Silvers ksilvers@ theloaferonline.com
(Rated PG-13) 2 1/2 trains (out of 4)
F
eaturing a cast of hundreds, well actually only 17 characters, the film follows renowned detective Hercule Poirot (Kenneth Branagh) who seeks to solve a murder mystery on the famous European train. The film is set in the 1930's so you know the train will be fabulous, and one we would all love to travel aboard. The story first introduces the audience to Poirot, and his not to be missed mustache, in the Middle East where he solves a crime and then hopes to rest a bit from his detective duties. However, when he is notified he must return to London for another case, he is able to board the Orient Express thanks to his friend, and owner of the train Bouc (Tom Bateman). While on the train he meets the other passengers: Pilar Estravados (Penelope Cruz), a missionary; Gerhard Hardman (Willem Dafoe), a professor; Princess Dragomiroff (Judi Dench); Samuel Ratchett (Johnny Depp), a sleazy businessman; Hector MacQueen (Josh Gad), an assistant to Samuel, Edward Henry Masterman (Derke Joacobi), a butler; Dr. Arbuthnot (Leslie Odom); Caroline Hubbard (Michelle Pfeiffer), a husband hunting widow; Mary Debenham (Daisy Ridley), a governess; Countess Helena Andrenyi (Lucy Boynton); Pierre Michel (Marwan Kenzari) a conductor; Biniamino Marquez (Manuel Garcia-Rulfo) a salesman; Count Rudolph Andrenyi; and Hildegard Schmmidt (Olivia Colman) a maid. Whew. Shortly after the journey begins, one of the passengers is savagely murdered, leaving Poirot bewildered but determined to solve the mystery. When the train is trapped by an avalanche, the unexpected
natural disaster provides Poirot ample opportunity to question all the passengers. All those on board the train, even the owner, can account for their whereabouts the night of the murder, leaving the detective wondering if he can solve the puzzling mystery. However, one surprising twist provides the detective with hope, and just as the snow from the avalanche is cleared, Poirot has solved the murder, but the ending, for those who have never read the novel or haven't seen any of the screen versions is quite shocking. The cast of the film is certainly interesting, with Depp in perfect sleaze mode for his role, Pfeiffer displaying both her physical beauty and acting chops, Dame Judi Dench almost typecast as a Princess. As for Branagh, his mustache is practically a co-star, and after you see what he places over his facial hair at night, you will agree. Branagh, despite the distracting mustache, is in fine form as he takes complete command of his role. The scenery in the film is breathtaking, and provides a marvelous backdrop for the story line. However, despite all the quality acting and wonderful scenery, there are several slow moments in the film that nearly derail the film. In addition, I really don't understand the need for another version of this story. Maybe "Return to the Orient Express" or "OE 2" might have better suited for another journey on the famous train. Despite Branagh's performance and his direction of the film, "Murder on the Orient Express" barely stays on track.
Santa Sightings
Breakfast with Santa & Elf Cow Chic-fil-A West Market Street Johnson City December 16. 9am
Cookies with Santa Blackbird Bakery 56 Piedmont Ave Bristol VA
Ho, Ho, Ho! It’s that time of year again and Santa will be visiting Blackbird to hand out cookies to all the boys and girls (while supplies last) that attend. Don’t miss this opportunity to tell Santa what you want for Christmas! December 19. 6:30 - 9:30pm
With Crooked Pine
The Historic Jonesborough Dance Society and the Jolly Ole Elf will hold a dance extravaganza on Saturday December 17, 2016 at the Jonesborough Visitors Center, 117 Boone Street at 7:00pm featuring the North Carolina based band “Rip the Calico” with Phoebe Williams calling the dance. Admission is $7, $5 for HJDS members and $5 for full time students.
A
class for newcomer contra dances will run from 7:00-7:30pm. The dance will go from 7:30-10:30pm. Dancers are invited to bring their favorite holiday desserts for the 9:00pm intermission. This event will cap a twelve-year run of contra dances in Jonesborough! Dancers are invited to waltz from 6:00-7:00pm to recorded music. “We do country dance waltz compared to ballroom style waltz” offers David Wiley, event organizer. When people say “I can't waltz”, they're probably thinking back to their ballroom dancing days. But a ballroom waltz is quite a different animal from a country dance waltz. For one thing, it's a lot slower. For another, you spend almost the whole time in ballroom position. But the crucial difference is that a ballroom waltz is made up of three steps. The man steps forward, putting his right leg between his partner's legs, then he takes his left leg forward and to the side, then he closes right to left. In the next bar he steps backward on his left, and it's the lady's turn to step forward on the right. The folk waltz is quite different; it's sometimes described as a “one-step waltz”. You still do three steps: right, left, right — but the second and third are pretty much on the spot; the first step
is where you do most of the travelling. It really isn't forward-sidetogether; it's step-two-three, step-two-three. If you concentrate on the first step and let the other two just happen, you'll find the whole thing much easier. Turn your shoulders and your feet will follow — it sounds silly, but it's absolutely true. HJDS is planning a series of waltz workshops in the next few months to teach country waltz. Rip the Calico is a high energy contra dance band from North Carolina. Drawing heavily from Celtic influences (and origins), the “Calicos” will take you on a dance journey from dulcet circlings to mad romps across the dance floor. Alison Arnold is the force behind the band’s soaring melodies and rich harmonies. Alison is an accomplished ethnomusicologist on the music faculty at North Carolina State University and teaches diverse classes on music and culture. In addition to being fluent in Irish traditional music, Alison is an expert on Hindi film music, having traveled extensively in the remotest regions of the world in search of rare instruments and localized music.
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Brian Malone: The Interview
This one starts at the beginning. When I entered elementary school in Kingsport all those years ago, there were so many kids in our grade named Brian, they called us by our last names. Ladies and gentleman, meet Malone.
BISHOP: First of all, thanks for taking time to do this on short notice. Second, it has been a while since we caught up, but tell folks about growing up here and what that was like from your perspective. MALONE: I’ve been in Kingsport most all of my life. I did stay a brief stint in Michigan around age 6 before moving back here to live with my Uncle and Aunt in Church Hill until Mom moved back from Michigan. My mom spent most of her life as an amazing single mother, so we moved around; I went to a different elementary school every year K-5. The End of 4th grade is actually when I lived in your neighborhood and we went to Jefferson in 5th. We finally stayed in Highland for 4.5 years, before settling in my grandparent’s old home in Lynn Garden where mom still is today. I have nothing but fond memories of my childhood around Kingsport. Though I do wish I had all the money back I had spent in Rowe’s laundry arcade in those 4.5 years.
Mountain Movers
part of Leadership Kingsport 2018 class.. #lk18bestclassever… where we learn so much about the great city ,the history of where it came from, and look into the future of where it is headed. We have some great leaders in the city now, our city manager is 2nd to none both professionally and personally. Chamber of commerce staff is 1st class from top to bottom. They all have Kingsport and its people in my mind for its growth. Growing up and still living now in Kingsport along with spending some time in Eastern Hawkins Co has really helped me meet and appreciate a wide diversity of people. This started for me at a young age. I remember Coach Bob Bingham in 8th grade Social Studies use me as an example of being able to hang out with the jocks and cheerleaders before school, doctor’s kids at lunch, and the “smokers and chains” gang after school. Most folks here are very humble and appreciative of one another and what they have. I have learned so many values from traditions here that I am just now learning to cherish. BISHOP: With both of us being here, we share a lot of the same values. But tell people why is family so important to you every day? MALONE: As I said above my wife Jennifer and I started off as friends, she became my best friend and now my amazing wife of 2 years and going. She is one of the strongest women I have ever met. She has very professional job where she is responsible for over 200 people from Chattanooga to Tri Cities, yet is the one that holds us 5 crazies together.. Briana is 15 and a sophomore at Dobyns Bennett, she is an awesome kid, God really blessed me there too. She just got her 2nd job at age 15 at Food City and I couldn’t be more proud of her for the person she is and her love and desire to follow Christ. Jackson is 13 and a strong dual athlete playing football and baseball at Col Heights middle, along with being a straight A student. Isaac is our wild guy, he is 8 and all boy. He keeps us going and laughing constantly. Life would not be nearly as interesting without him. Though we have a blended family, those 3 kids have never had a harsh word between each other (aside from the normal little annoying stuff) and would fight a tiger for each other. We honestly live a great life, we moved to Rock Springs when we got married and love the neighborhood, some of our best friends moved in across the street now as well and it makes life that much better. (and not just because they have a pool). My mom and sisters all live in Kingsport, Jennifer’s family lives in Piney Flats so it’s awesome to have everyone close that we can all get together. I love our family we have made.
By Brian Bishop bbishop@ theloaferonline.com
BISHOP: It is hard to explain to people who are not from here or haven’t been here for an extended period of time. How would you try to tell someone about this region and the people from here that make them so special? MALONE: I love Kingsport and all it has to offer. Not many places you can live to have great industrial value and include the great parks, recreation and nature this area has to offer. I am very honored to be
BISHOP: Faith is an integral part of the foundation in the region. How does your faith impact you on a daily basis at home, at work, and everywhere else? MALONE: My mom always kept us in church so I have always been attending somewhere though sadly my retention skills were never strong. As most do I wavered in and strayed away from the Good
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Santa Sighting
high energy without sacrificing any of the elements that dancers need like good phrasing, great tempos and a solid beat. Some bands give dancers what they need. Other bands give dancers what they want. Rip the Calico gives them both!” The contra dance will include several historic dances that have a Christmas theme including “Holiday Jig” by Ted Sanella, “Christmas Eve Quadrille” by Tom Hinds and “Christmas Hornpipe” by Ralph Page. Phoebe Williams was born into a contra dance family. She started calling contra dances about 6 years ago. A dance enthusiast in her own right, Phoebe has participated in a variety of dance styles. She can teach swing, waltz, Irish set, Irish step, Scottish country style dance. As a caller, she likes to focus on the community aspect of dance and the overall pattern of the dance. Making beginners feel welcome and giving advanced dancers style points to think of is her only goal. For more information on Saturday’s dance or any upcoming events, please call David Wiley at 423-534-8879 or visit www.historicjonesboroughdancesociety.org. Or Historic Jonesborough Dance Society on FACEBOOK.
Santa is Coming East Coast Wings & Grill 2637 East Stone Drive Kingsport Santa is coming! Join us on Wednesday, December 20 from 5-7pm for complimentary holiday crafts in conjunction with kids eat free after 3:30. You won't want to miss this!
Discounts available with ticket stub day of performance
Gordon Arnold is on the vanguard of bringing the cello back to the forefront of community dance music. He does so not only with the heart wrenching beauty that only the cello can render, but also with modern slap, funk, and groove that gets up under the dance floor and shakes the hall. Gordon is also an award winning claw hammer banjo player. The band leans on him for old time music when Irish tunes are just too intellectual. Mairead Brady provides Rip the Calico’s driving melodies and gorgeous harmonies on the fiddle. Mairead hails from central North Carolina, where she grew up listening to Martin Hayes, Marc O’Conner, and Kenny Baker. She was classically trained but made the conversion to Irish fiddle styles and hasn’t looked back. Tyler Johnson handles the bands’ fretted strings on tenor banjo, mandolin, octave mandolin, and guitar. He has over thirty years of experience as a musician and provides a great deal of the bands’ chordal interpretation, texture and mood. Nationally renowned dance caller, Tom Hinds, shares this: “I’ve worked with hundreds of dance bands and Rip the Calico is one of the best. Their music is interesting and
Paramount Partners
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• Bristol Station Brews & Taproom Half off first pint or flight • Broad Street on State 20% off your check of $6 or more • Stateline Bar & Grille 2 for 1 Appetizers • Studio Brew 1/2 Half off first pint Free Appetizer or dessert w/Entrée Purchase • Machiavelli’s Free order of breadsticks with any entrée • Whiskey Rebellion Half off your appetizer • J Frank Free dessert and immediate parking Discounts valid for all performances of Annie.
Lord, He knows momma tried..ha. But Brian really until a few years ago when God gave me a real wakeup call I never pursued him the way I should. My life came crashing down to where I was living with my mom, no job, and not knowing where I would go from there but I had to do something for my daughter and mostly myself. I had a great friend who really helped me search myself, what I had done with my life, and what direction I wanted for my life… Now she’s my wife of 2yrs. We began attending Harvest Community Church downtown and our lives are forever changed by the people we have met and love we have received since being there. Bud Beverly the pastor and his wife Carla are 2 amazing people, they have been so good to us, they put us in a small group with them and those are some of the dearest friends we’ve ever known. Now we try to be very active in the church and support it all we can. We recently were asked to join the Younglife committee board and are getting involved with its ministry in Kingsport with middle and high school students. So God has been really, really good to me personally and professionally. BISHOP: Final question and your time to shine! Can you tell folks about your work and how they can find out more about what you do when the time is right in their life? MALONE: I have always been in the “service of people” line of work starting after high school with The US Marines to Sullivan Co EMS, and various law enforcement agencies. Now even in my old age I am busier than I have ever been. A year and half ago I got my real estate license and became an agent with Conservus Real Estate Group downtown. I feel serving people is a calling I was given to continue to pursue and now I get to put people in their first home or dream home and it’s a great opportunity to be blessed with. Through that I began a friendship with Mike Morrison who has Express Title & Closing in Johnson City and Kingsport. He has a rapidly growing business and wanted someone to do his marketing for the business but mainly for his Kingsport office so in August I took that position and am happier than ever. I have met tons of new people, and have learned a ton more about the real estate business during this. Business continues to stay steady even during these “slower” months so I like to think I am doing well. I also joined in with a couple of friends on “Southern Sheds” in Church Hill, we have outdoor wooden sheds, metal carports, and garages. So now I tell people “From the outhouse to the dream house I’m your man” If I can ever help anyone with a real estate need whether its buying, selling, or closing a purchase and even refinance, or you need a storage building or carport, call me 423-335-2221 or visit www. bmalonehomes.com and www. expresstc.com
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Answers on page 42
Sylvia is a sweet and friendly lap cat! She communicates well! She is spayed and up to date on all vaccines.
Sylvester is a year old male and is neutered and up to date on all vaccines. This beautiful cat is very laid back and loves to be petted! Please consider bringing him home for the Holidays!
Large dogs and adult cats are at half price adoption price until Dec. 15th!
T
he Bridge Home has an ongoing aluminum can can collection in front of the shelter at 2061 Hwy 75 in Blountville, TN 37617 and a second aluminum can collection site at Airworks Heating and Cooling, 5633 Memorial Blvd Kingsport. The cans are collected by a volunteer and the money from the aluminum goes towards badly needed food and supplies for the animals. The Bridge Home No Kill Animal Rescue has started a pet food pantry for people that have had financial hardships because of job loss or medical problems and are struggling to feed their pet. They can come by the shelter and get cat or dog food to get through the tough time.
Donations can be sent to The Bridge Home Shelter PO Box 654 Blountville, TN 37617 Every animal in their care is spayed or neutered and fully vaccinated before being adopted. Being a non profit the shelter is funded entirely by membership dues and private donations. They always need volunteers or monetary donations. Other always needed items:pet food, cat litter & cat toys dog treats & dog toys,paper towels, cleaners, office supplies,Purina weight circles. Phone: 423-239-5237 Hours are Mon-Fri 12pm6pm Sat 12pm-3pm and Sun 2pm-4pm. Website is www.bridgehomerescue@ gmail.com or like them on Facebook: www.Facebook.com/bridgehome
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PETS
OF THE WEEK
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THINGS TO DO Big Brothers Big Sisters Looking for Community Volunteers Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Tri-Cities (BBBSGTC) is looking for community volunteers to make a difference in a child’s life. Spending approximately 4 hours a month with an at-risk youth can help them improve in school, their behavior and their self-esteem. “Our kids have a need, and we are looking for caring adults to step up and volunteer,” said Kathy Lowdermilk, Regional Director of BBBSGTC. “If you have a few hours a month and the desire to make a difference, we want to talk with you about our program.” Our local Big Brothers Big Sisters office, which serves the Bristol, Kingsport, and Johnson City area, is part of one of the oldest and largest youth mentoring organizations in the United States. It’s a system that has been proven to work and transforms the lives of children who might not otherwise ever get the support they need to grow and successfully meet life’s challenges. Child-volunteer matches are made based on in-depth and comprehensive interviewing with parents, children and potential volunteers. Stringent safeguards are in place to assure that all parties are safe. Volunteer and parent engagement and training also play a big role.Anyone wanting to find out more about Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater TriCities should contact the office by calling 423-247-3240, or visiting TennesseeBig.org. •••••••••••••••••••••••••• Blood Drive Marsh Regional Blood Center will conduct public blood drives at the area locations. Visit http://tinyurl. com/n4aujx9 to find a location near you. In addition to scheduled blood drives, donors are welcome at Marsh Regional’s collection centers: 111 W. Stone Drive, Suite 300,
Kingsport, 2428 Knob Creek Road, Johnson City and 1996 W. State St., Bristol. For more information about scheduling a blood drive at a local business, church, school or community organization, please call 423408-7500, 423-652-0014 or 276-6794669 or visit marshblood.com. •••••••••••••••••••••••••• The Casual Word Adult Creative Writing Class Join us for a free, fun, engaging, and different look into writing. In this class, we will not focus on structure, form, or rules, but on the freedom of writing. It is the goal of this class to open the mind to its full creative potential by allowing participants to write what they want, how they want to write it. Sessions will be student lead; we will engage in topics and subjects that are of interest to the students. The atmosphere is casual and jovial. This class is designed for all those 18 and up who wish to try their hand at creative writing. Thursdays @ 6:00 p.m. Jones Creativity Center. Bristol Public Library. •••••••••••••••••••••••••• Gratitude Gala Dec 16, 2017 from 9am-6pm Free Event including Yoga, Flow, Meditation, Demonstration by our Practitioners, Kirtan, and a Raffle. Samadhi Healing Arts Center is located at 423 West Walnut Street, Johnson City. For more info follow us on facebook at: https://www. facebook.com/SamadhiHealingArts. Email us at samadhihealingartscenter@gmail.com •••••••••••••••••••••••••• New Sabine Hill Tours On Saturday, December 16 at 10 am we will be offering tours of historic Sabine Hill recently dedicated November 1st of this year. These tours are by reservation only.
Built by the widow of Brigadier General Nathaniel Taylor, Mary Patton Taylor, this beautiful surviving example of Federal architecture is a must see. Restored by the Tennessee Historical Commission and operated by Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park, the house has been returned to its 1818 splendor. During your tour you will have the opportunity to take in the colorful and architecturally detailed interior while learning about the Taylor family who called Sabine Hill home in the early 19th century. To Register: Please visit: tnstateparks.com/parks/events/sycamoreshoals. Choose “Upcoming Events” in the left hand menu and search for the date and time of the tour, click on the box of your choice and you will be taken to the registration page. Meet at Sabine Hill State Historic Site 2328 West G. Street, Elizabethton, TN. Please note there are no restroom facilities on site at Sabine Hill. Plan accordingly before your arrival. •••••••••••••••••••••••••• Reading with Agape at the JCPL Families are invited to read and sing holiday songs with the residents of Agape Nursing and Rehabilitation Center on Wednesday, De-
cember 20 at 4:00 p.m. Participants will meet at the Youth Services desk of the Johnson City Public Library and walk together to Agape at 4:00 p.m. No registration is required for this free program. For more information and about this free program or other Youth Services programs, please call 423434-4458. To learn more about this and other upcoming events, like the library’s Facebook page, or follow the library on Twitter or Instagram. •••••••••••••••••••••••••• The Civic Chorale presents "Christmas Around The World" The Civic Chorale, under direction of its Music Director, Dr. Rodney Caldwell, will present its annual seasonal concert on Saturday, December 16 at 7:00 PM at First Presbyterian Church, 105 South Boone Street, Johnson City, Tennessee. The concert, entitled “Christmas Around the World”, features repertoire from Nigeria, Spain, Argentina, Austria, England, and Norway. In addition to the performance, there will be a special remembrance of the chorale’s founding director, Robert LaPella. There is a $10 suggested donation at the door.
The Civic Chorale, founded in 1973, is the region’s premiere auditioned volunteer adult chorus. Dr. Caldwell is also the director of choral studies at Mars Hill University in Mars Hill, North Carolina. For additional information, visit the Civic Chorale web site at www. thecivicchorale.org. •••••••••••••••••••••••••• “First Footing” At the Historic John & Landon Carter Mansion 9:00 a.m. Monday, Jan. 1. Join historic interpreter Chad Bogart for a New Year’s Day visit to the oldest frame house in Tennessee. Built circa 1775, the historic Carter Mansion boasts architectural details which are quite elaborate when compared to most homes on the frontier. Enjoy the beauty of this site and learn about 18th century New Year and 12th Night traditions and superstitions. The event is free, however a reservation is required. Please log on to the following website, and follow the links to make your reservation or simply call the park at 423-5435808. tnstateparks.com/parks/ events/sycamore-shoals/
Cryptogram: The more you stay in this kind of job, the more you realize that a public figure, a major public figure, is a lonely man. DropQuote: "People may live as much retired from the world as they like, but sooner or later they find themselves debtor or creditor to some one."
In A Paper Clip
A Kelly’s Place
By Jim Kelly since 1989 jkelly@ theloaferonline.com
While flipping through Flipboard last week, I came across a piece by John Brandon that asks the provocative question, “Are you a divergent thinker?” Based on an experiment reported in a 2011 presentation by popular TED talk speaker, Sir Ken Robinson, that used paper clips as a way of discovering how people think, Brandon focuses on “metacognition” to better understand what this business of divergent thinking is all about. Things are already getting pretty philosophical, aren’t they? Stay tuned for the fun part later on.
ccording to Brandon, metacognition is “not navel-gazing, and it’s not just being analytical. It’s a process of understanding why we think, how we think, and what drives us.” So, metacognition is all about encouraging us to think about thinking. In Robinson’s study, a simple paper clip was used to show how divergent thinkers “ponder deep patterns of thought and even arrive at a totally different way of doing things.” A good way of measuring the power of divergent thinking is to ask a very simple question: “How many uses can you find for this paper clip?” Most people can probably find a half dozen or so ways of using a paper clip. However, divergent thinkers, “the ones who are good a thinking about thinking and have a corner on metacognition, can come up with 200 uses.” How is this possible? Let’s take a look. This is where the fun part comes in. At this point I am reminded of a well-known project at Whitwell Middle School in Whitwell, Tennessee, where eighth-grade students collected paper clips to represent casualties of the Holocaust. What began as a very ambitious project to collect six million clips resulted in world-wide attention that brought in over twenty million paper clips, a few of which came from celebrities like Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks. This fascinating project is welldocumented in the film “Paper Clips,” which garnered several awards, including a Top Five documentary award for 2004 from The National Board Of Review Of Motion Pictures. So, paper clips can be used to commemorate important events, and they can be used for more mundane and entertaining purposes. The Innovation IQ site lists “100 Uses For Paperclips,” and I am listing a few below. If you want to exercise your own imagination first, I advise your not reading any further until you make your own lists for comparison sake. According the to site, we are not being very imaginative if all we do is list the many things that can be clipped together using paper clips (Note: there are other sites devoted to the many imaginative ways we can use binder clips of all sizes to do imaginative things, but we won’t go into that vast territory this week). Some things found on the Innovation IQ list include: • Bubble wrap popping tool • Lock picker (for the more criminally-minded readers out there) • A tool for carving “fine details into nail polish on fingers and toenails” • Worm hook • A handy-dandy hanger (I currently am using a paper clip to hang my calendar) • A device for removing dirt and debris from small cracks • A DVD drive opener (do we still use those devices?) • A splint for non-emergency finger and toe injuries • Earrings • When twisted, can be used to create numbers, letters, and other artsy things • A light and ornament hanger for holiday decorations • Necklace (you are advised to make sure there are no protruding sharp points) • “Water divining rod for idiots” (should work as well as full-sized divining rods) • Marshmallow sticks • A cheese picker • A mini-skewer for mini-meals • “Porcupine quills on a paper mache sculpture” • A device for cleaning your cat’s nails (Good Luck!!) • A miniature paint scraper (depending on the size of the clip, of course) •“Clamping an artery” (don’t try this at home!!) • A glass etcher • Guitar pick • A device for popping balloons • A shark nose stabber (see cleaning cat’s nails above) • An olive swizzler • A miniature sun dial • A golf tee (ask a golfer about the practicality of this) • Use in a “guess how many” fundraiser
I couldn’t resist consulting another list site before running out of ideas, and came up with these suggestions from One Good Thing By Jilee: • When bent, a small Easter Egg dying tool • A clip for keeping wrapping paper from unraveling (admittedly, not that imaginative) • A lint remover for brushes and brooms • A cherry pit remover • A spray bottle or salt-pepper shaker unclogger • A replacement for a broken zipper pull • An improvised letter opener The lists can go on and on, as you might well imagine, and as you can see, some of the above uses are practical while some are downright goofy, yet imaginative.The whole point here is not to create practical tools but to exercise our imaginations by engaging in divergent thinking / metacognition. And, most important, you can have fun at the same time. There is hardly any argument that we need more divergent thinking in today’s world, and we might as well start with paper clips to hone our skills. It all goes back to the basic question: “What could it be?,” which is not often asked once we think we have fully understood something. And, of course, this is all related to creativity, an essential ingredient that is not measured by standardized tests. I will bring this week’s column to an end by encouraging you to take a long look at that pile of paper clips on your desk while practicing your metacognition skills. You will be no doubt impressed to know that I was able to send this column to our editor by depressing the SEND key on my laptop with a paper clip (a task not listed in either of the above lists) See you next week.
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