The Loafer December 22nd by The Loafer

Page 2 | The Loafer | December 22, 2015

www.theloaferonline.com

December 22, 2015 | The Loafer | Page 3

Merry Christmas

Volume 30 • Issue #3 Publisher Luci Tate

Editor Graphic Arts Director Don Sprinkle Cover Design Bill May Advertising Dave Carter Terry Patterson Lori Howell Beth Jinks-Ashbrook Don Stuck Contributing Staff Jim Kelly Andy Ross Ken Silvers Mark Marquette Brian McManus Joshua Hicks Brian Bishop 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 (editorial) adcopy@theloaferonline.com (advertising) All advertisements are accepted and published by the publisher upon the

happenings 5

MBM School of the Arts announces spring season

Midnight on Main Returns

Grandfather Mountains hosts sunrise opportunity

Grayson Highlands Band & Adam Steffey at Carter Family

Blue Highway announces newest member

Annual Christmas Dinner

Carter Railroad Museum ‘Home for Christmas’

MerleFest adds to 2016 lineup

music & fun 14

Spotlight - Great Music & Fun Times

Crossword & Sudoku

columns & reviews

representation that the agency and/or advertiser is authorized to publish the entire contents

Batteries Not Included -The Pageant

Stargazer - Apollo 8 Christmas Eve Stargazing Memories

Skies This Week

infringement.

Screen Scenes - Ken’s Favorite Christmas Movies

Founder: Bill Williams

Pets Of The Week

Lock, Stock & Barrel - The Gift of Firepower

Kelly’s Place - Fantasy Apps for Christmas

and subject matter thereof. The agency and/or advertiser will indemnify and save the publisher harmless from any loss of expense resulting from claims or suits based upon contents of any advertisement, including claims or suits for defamation, libel, right of privacy, plagiarism, and copyright

Page 4 | The Loafer | December 22, 2015 I had one job. My job was to pick up my seven year old cousin from school, be his after school daycare, prepare him for the Christmas Pageant at church that night, and take him to said pageant. It had been an overwhelmingly busy season for me to begin with. I was doing all the things, going to all the parties, and sustaining myself on amounts of coffee so great that even the most ardent of Starbucks supporters would say “Dude, slow down.” I was in the pick up line at my cousin’s school, listening to Louis Armstrong sing “Christmas Night in Harlem” from the Jazz Christmas station on my phone, and sipping on a large eggnog latte. I usually spend a good twenty minutes in the pick up line waiting for it to move. Sometimes I sit and meditate, sometimes I have epic sing-a-longs, but that’s just any day in the car for me. I retrieved the seven year old, and we made our holly jolly way on to Uncle Andy Daycare. While asking him the usual routine of questions, we landed on that night’s pageant. He was nervous, “I’m worried I’ll forget my part about Mary and Joseph at the inn.” I reassured him that he would be fine, and he asked if he could change the music on my phone. “Sure, go for it” I said, most seven year olds aren’t really into Jazz anyway. I wasn’t focusing on what the seven year old was pulling up to listen to, my eyes were on the road, the horrific traffic, and the car in front of me whose bumper stickers indicated that they were a loving Christian who hated anyone that wasn’t. After a moment, the Christmas tunes were replaced by the familiar opening notes of “Centerfold” by J. Giels Band. “OK, he founds the 80s Party Tape station” I thought to myself. He must have liked the song, as he played it again right as I was making the turn into the subdivision. He’s only seven, so clearly he

The Pageant

isn’t going to pick up on what all is going on here. I let him enjoy the song. At home I made him a quick snack, and he sat at my kitchen table watching “Batman” on my iPad. My cousin confessed to me that he was full of nerves about the pageant, he can be a little shy, and being in the spotlight is not his favorite thing. He went over his part for me, he was fine. I smiled, nodded, and asked if he wanted to go over it one more time. He did, and he nailed it. I reassured my cousin that he totally had this, and sent him off to get some homework done. “Don’t

worry about it, you’ve got this!” I also had his shirt and tie he would be wearing that night, which I went off to press and pre-tie for him. The appointed hour arrived, I got him ready, and off we went to church. I dropped my cousin off at the entrance for the kids at the side, parked the car, and went in the main entrance. I joined my cousin’s grandmother along with his other family, and sat quietly waiting for it all to start. I did my usual of looking over the program while waiting. The pastor took the stage, addressed the audience and the pageant began.

The pageant was cute, it was going smoothly. A few stumbled words, but they kids were doing a great job. About five minutes before my cousin’s part, I saw him waiting to walk up to the microphone on the side of the stage, looking anxious. The pageant was set up so that hymns were sung breaking up sections of the story of Jesus’s birth. They just finished with “It Came Upon a Midnight Clear” as my cousin walked up to the microphone. As he walked, I could hear my aunt gently speak, perhaps with a tear “Oh, look at how precious! He

is so precious!” His mother took out her camera and started to take pictures, and my aunt’s husband had his phone out shooting video of it. When my cousin reached the microphone, he looked out over the audience. Being a kid pageant, no one was pushing anyone to rush it along. My cousin cleared his throat, said “um” then stopped. A look of slight panic started to appear on his face. I recognized that face before, but no one else in the church did. Someone in the back pews coughed, and I could tell that he had forgotten what he was going to say. However, he had heard the phrase “the show must go on” brandished about my house on numerous occasions. Not wanting to stop the show, he said the first thing that he could think of. “My blood runs cold. My memory has just been sold. My angel is the centerfold, angel is the centerfold.” A laugh began from the back, which was quickly followed by silence as my cousin quietly walked away from the microphone. The children’s choir then began to sing “O, Come All Ye Faithful.” My aunt was crying, and the rest of the family slowly turned and looked at me. I shrugged my shoulders with my best “don’t blame this on me you ungrateful jackals” look. The rest of the pageant had no more 80s pop hits, and I honestly think my cousin didn’t even realize what he had done. I didn’t hang around to see if that was the case, for as soon as the choir hit the last note of “Joy To The World” I made my way towards the back and out the door. I went home, and when family members called that night, I let it go to voicemail. At the big family Christmas gathering it wasn’t brought up at all, which I was thankful for. In years to come I’m sure it will all be looked back upon as a cherished memory of the season. Merry Christmas.

www.theloaferonline.com

While fall season at Mary B. Martin School of the Arts at East Tennessee State University began with the unique sounds of Squonk Opera, the spring season will open with the mellifluous poetry and drama of revered writer W.B. Yeats. Soon to follow, in spring 2016, at ETSU’s School of the Arts will be the sounds of laughter, classic bluegrass and Latin-classical music, wordless theater, art experts in hot pursuit of a wily forger, drag queens in vibrant performance and the peaceful passage of time in nature. On a scale from hip to hilarious, the Mary B. Martin School of the Arts will open its spring season on the more serious end of the arts spectrum, celebrating Nobel Prizewinning Irish poet and playwright W.B. Yeats with a two-day series of events, “For the Ear Alone: A Festival in Honor of W.B. Yeats.” The festival, a collaboration with ETSU’s Department of Literature and Language and Storytelling Program, will feature five events – some free, some ticketed. The festival begins with a free panel discussion, “W.B. Yeats and the Poetic Drama,” at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday,

December 22, 2015 | The Loafer | Page 5

Mary B. Martin School of the Arts announces spring 2016 season Jan. 27, in Reece Museum. Another free panel discussion, “Yeats and Contemporary Poetry,” follows on Thursday, Jan. 28, at 3:30 p.m., again in Reece Museum. The panel discussions will include readings and performance excerpts, since the panelists are performers and poets themselves. Two stage performances are festival highlights. Coole Lady: The Extraordinary Life of Lady Gregory – a one-woman memory play told by Yeats’ patron and collaborator Lady Augusta Gregory and portrayed by Irish actress Joan McCready – will unfold at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 27 in ETSU’s Martha Street Culp Auditorium. On Thursday, Jan. 28, at 7 p.m., In the Deep Heart’s Core: A Mystic Cabaret from the Works of W. B. Yeats, a theatrical song cycle of Yeats’ poems and stories from his autobiographical writings, written by ETSU storytelling professor Joseph Sobol, will be performed in the Culp auditorium. Immediately following the performance, A Terrible Beauty Is Born: A Yeatsian Slam will conclude the festival at 9 p.m. in the Culp auditorium, with readings, spoken word performances, music and open mic slots.

musicians to create The Earls of Leicester to perform the legendary music of Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs. The group has already won a GRAMMY® for the 2015

Martin ...

continued on page 6

Joan McCready The poetry slam and panel discussions are free and open to the public. Tickets for Coole Lady and In The Deep Heart’s Core are $10 general and $5 for students of all ages with ID. Special discounts will be available for tickets purchased for both stage performances.

Spring 2016 features three additional ticketed events, beginning with Jerry Douglas Presents The Earls of Leicester on Friday, Feb. 19, at 7:30 p.m. in Culp auditorium. A 13-time GRAMMY® winner, Douglas has arrayed his “all-star dream team” of bluegrass

Page 6 | The Loafer | December 22, 2015

Martin ..... continued from page 5 Best Bluegrass Album with its debut self-titled recording. The Earls include Douglas on dobro, Shawn Camp on lead vocals and guitar, Barry Bales on bass and vocals, Charlie Cushman on banjo and guitar and Johnny Warren on fiddle. Bales is a Kingsport native, an ETSU alumnus and a former ETSU bluegrass faculty member. ETSU’s Bluegrass Pride Band will open the show. Tickets are $30 general admission, $25 seniors 60 and over and $12 for all students with ID. On Thursday, March 17, PUSH Physical Theatre will tumble, quite literally, into the Culp auditorium beginning at 7:30 p.m. Intensely athletic, gravity-defying and soulful, the award-winning PUSH Physical Theatre moves audiences “from hilarity to awe,” says Casey Carlsen of Rochester’s City Newspaper, with its physical storytelling of joy and sorrow, humor and tragedy, in a combination of theater, comedy, acrobatics and dance. Tickets are $25 general admission, $20 seniors 60 and over and $5 for all students with ID. Dalí Quartet, on Friday, April 8, will combine American classical conservatory virtuosity with Latin-American repertoire for “an extraordinary concert experience that takes listeners on an eclectic journey of rhythm and sound.” The Dalí concert will be held at 7:30 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 105 S. Boone St., Johnson City. The Philadelphia-based quartet is composed of award-winning

solo and chamber artists who have appeared at Carnegie Hall and toured widely in Europe and Asia: Simón Gollo and Carlos Rubio on violins, Adriana Linares on viola and Jesús Morales on cello. Tickets are $20 general admission, $15 seniors 60 and over and $5 for all students with ID. Laughter, long known as the best medicine, will accompany the annual “An Evening of Health, Wellness and the Arts,” featuring comedian and 2015 America’s Got Talent runner-up Drew Lynch on Tuesday, Feb. 16, at 7 p.m. in the Culp auditorium. Since suffering a vocal cord injury playing softball at age 20, Lynch has laughed a lot, using the profound stutter that is a result of the injury to launch a comedy career. In the wake of his America’s Got Talent success, the endearing 23-year-old now is in the midst of a national tour. He will bring his humor and his story to ETSU – free of charge – for a special evening that crosses and connects disciplines, co-sponsored by the School of the Arts and the College of Public Health. A talk by Indiana-based sculptor and professor of art Joyce Ogden will offer insights that explore the human relationship to nature, time and space based on her own experiments with and observations of the evolution of time and natural elements. Her media include soil, sap, sand, seeds and pods, often from her home region of Southern Indiana. Her talk will be held Wednesday, March 2 at 7

Drew Lynch p.m. in Ball Hall Auditorium and is free and open to the public. Finally, the Mary B. Martin School spring season will feature three more eclectic independent films from the South Arts Southern Circuit Tour of Independent Filmmakers – all free and followed by Q.A sessions and receptions with the filmmakers. On Monday, Feb. 8, at 7 p.m., in Ball Hall Auditorium, filmmakers Sam Cullman and Jennifer Grausman will take the audience on an adventure in Art and Craft, pursuing Mark Landis, called one of the most prolific art forgers in U.S. history. Landis will also attend the documentary’s screening and be a part of the talkback. Embers, a science fiction feature film, will be screened on Monday, March 21 at 7 p.m. in the Culp auditorium. Embers interweaves the stories of five characters who, after a global neurological epidemic, are left to search for meaning and connection in a world without memory. Filmmaker Claire Carré will talk with audience members afterward. The last film of spring, Kings, Queens & In-Betweens, follows the personal stories of eight drag performers and their troupes, inviting viewers into a conversation about the distinct differences between gender, sex and sexuality, as well as presenting the spectrum of male, female and trans-gender experiences. The documentary will be screened Monday, April 25 at 7 p.m. in at the Culp auditorium. Co-filmmaker Gabrielle Burton accompanies the film. Purchase tickets online at www. etsu.edu/martin. For further information about spring events, contact Mary B. Martin School of the Arts at 423-439-TKTS (8587).

www.theloaferonline.com

Midnight On Main Returns To Ring In 2016

The Town of Greeneville announces the return of Midnight On Main, the city’s celebration to ring in 2016. In its second year, the New Year’s Eve party will bring the community together for live music, dancing on Main Street, food, drinks, and fireworks, according to event organizer Amy Rose, the town’s Public Relations Manager. “Once again, we’ll have three main venues for Midnight On Main – General Morgan Inn, Catalyst Coffee Company, and the Capitol Theatre. Add these to the dance parties, and we’re sure to have a fun-filled night,” Rose said.

LIVE MUSIC

Midnight on Main kicks off at 7 p.m. with the Whiskey Sticks, of Johnson City, in the Lobby of the General Morgan Inn, an event sponsor. According to their website, the Whiskey Sticks exhibit a high degree of talent, energy, soul, and variety in every musical performance, maintaining an ever evolving musical vocabulary ranging from Folk to heart-pounding rockn-roll. The Whiskey Sticks perform originals and covers ranging from Steve Miller Band, Stevie Wonder, The Jackson Five, Little Feat and The Allman Brothers. At the Catalyst, live music will start at 8 p.m. Warm food, drinks and desserts will be available. The Capitol’s show for $5 admission will feature three bands with something for everyone: High Culture at 9 p.m., Sunflowers & Sin at 10 p.m., and Shiloh at 11 p.m. Adult beverages will be available. More information on live music at the Catalyst and the Capitol will be announced soon.

DANCE PARTIES

Main Street will be bustling with activity as family friendly entertainment is presented by “The Karaoke Man” KJ and DJ Services. Beginning at 7 p.m., the crowd can dance to upbeat hits and watch a giant screen featuring video feed from various locations. Be sure to visit the selfie photo booth, sponsored by Computer Pros. Admission to the street dance

will be free, although several downtown businesses will offer special deals on food, drinks and other items. Brumley’s Restaurant inside the General Morgan Inn will open at 5 p.m. DJ Robbie Britton will entertain the 21 and older crowd for a $10 cover charge on the hotel’s Terrace. The party, including a cash bar, will begin at 10 p.m. and end just in time for the big fireworks show on Main Street. Alcoholic beverages will not be allowed on the street. In addition to Computer Pros

and General Morgan Inn, initial sponsors for Midnight On Main are: Landair Transport, Inc., Waste Management, Creamy Cup, John Deere Power Products, Popcorn Video, and Gosnell’s Stereo & Music. Anyone who would like to sponsor the event can contact Rose by calling Greeneville Town Hall at 423-639-7105 or e-mailing her at arose@greenevilletn.gov. For more information on Midnight on Main, please visit www. facebook.com/TownofGreeneville.

December 22, 2015 | The Loafer | Page 7

Page 8 | The Loafer | December 22, 2015

Give Yourself A Gift:

A Year-End Tax Write-Off

The holiday season isn’t quite over and you still have time to give yourself a gift – a tax deduction! You can help your 2015 tax returns and your wallet by donating your gently used clothing and other unwanted items to Goodwill Industries of Tenneva for an endof-year tax deduction! By cleaning out your closet, your children’s closet, garage and even the basement, your gently used donations aren’t just filling our retail stores. Goodwill uses the revenue from your donations to help fund its job training programs, employment placement services and other community based programs for people with a barrier to employment. Goodwill Industries of Tenneva channels 95 percent of its revenues directly into its services! “Goodwill knows it’s a conscious effort to donate to us,” says Bob Miller, President and CEO of Goodwill Industries of Tenneva. “Because of this, we’re not

only very appreciative, but also to make them aware that their donations are helping fellow community members through our employment services.” Goodwill accepts donations of gently used clothing, housewares, children’s items and even cars. Donations are sold in our 14 retail stores across northeast Tennessee and southwest Virginia. Donors interested in claiming tax deductions should keep itemized lists of their donations. The Internal Revenue Service allows a deduction for each item, but the donor determines each item’s value. Generally, an item’s value should be based on fair market value – what the item would sell for in a thrift store. Goodwill provides receipts to donors at its drop-off sites, and attendants can validate itemized lists when they are presented. For general guidelines, please visit www.goodwilltnva.org or www.irs.gov.

Save the date for the Deerslayer 5K Obstacle Course Race The inaugural Deerslayer 5K Obstacle Course Race is set for April 16, 2016. Racers will receive a T-shirt and medal. When: Saturday, April 16, 2016 Where: Winged Deer Park, 4137 Bristol Highway Entry Fee: Now-Jan. 15: $45/person Jan. 16-Feb. 15: $50/person Feb. 16-March 15: $55/person March 15-April 14: $60/person Ages: 18 and older (proof of age required) Levels: Competitive (must complete course and all obstacles) Just for Fun (attempt or pass obstacles, work as team to complete course) How to register: • Online at www.johnsoncitytn.org • Download a form from www.johnsoncitytn.org (click on the Deerslayer icon) and mail form to: Deerslayer 5K, Johnson City Senior Center Foundation, 510 Bert St., Johnson City, TN 37601 or drop off your registration form at Memorial Park Community Center, 510 Bert St., Monday through Friday, 7 a.m.-9 p.m. or Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. • No race day Registration • Watch for a registration form coming soon in the Johnson City Press and News and Neighbor. • Make checks payable to the Johnson City Senior Center Foundation. Course Map: Will be released April 11, 2016. Course is 3.1 miles of mixed terrain, paved/unpaved areas over hilly forested areas and open fields. Obstacles: Tire Flip, Monkey Bars, Dew Claw Small Walls, Bucket Brigade, Rope Climb, Bow Hunter Balance Beam, and many more. Sponsorships: Potential sponsors area asked to contact Frank Calderala at fecvets1@live.com or (423)4346230.

www.theloaferonline.com

Grandfather Mountain hosts New Year’s Day sunrise opportunity

There are sunrises, and then there are Grandfather Mountain sunrises. And then there are Grandfather Mountain New Year’s Day sunrises. Ring in an epic New Year on Friday, Jan. 1, 2016, for Grandfather Mountain’s first sunrise opportunity of 2016. Sunrise opportunities allow guests the rare chance to visit the popular Linville attraction before regular operating hours. “These events are popular among photographers of all skill levels, as well as nature lovers hoping to see the Blue Ridge Mountains in a new light,” said Frank Ruggiero, director of marketing and communications for the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, the nonprofit organization that oversees the attraction. “Sunrise on Grandfather Mountain is nothing short of magnificent.”

Sunrise is at 7:38 a.m. Jan. 1, and Grandfather’s gates will open at 6:30 a.m. Due to safety regulations, participants may only visit the Mile High Swinging Bridge area during the event. Guests are encouraged to bring a flashlight and to wear heavy winter jackets, hats, gloves and rubber-soled shoes, as there may be slick surfaces on the mountain. The event may be cancelled upon short in notice in case of inclement weather. Admission to the New Year’s sunrise opportunity costs $10, in addition to general admission. Guests are free to remain in the park all day, but those who leave before the mountain’s 9 a.m. opening time will have their general admission charge refunded. Bridge Club members, who receive free admission to the mountain, will only pay $5 for the sunrise. The event is open to no more than 30 participants, and regis-

December 22, 2015 | The Loafer | Page 9

JCFD offering free smoke detectors

The Johnson City Fire Department is offering citizens a service to help ensure a safe and enjoyable season – installation of free smoke detectors “One of the best ways you can protect your family in the event of a fire is to make sure your home is equipped with working smoke alarms,” said Fire Chief Mark Scott. “As a service to our citizens, we will provide and install up to three detectors in residences within city limits. These detectors come with a 10-year battery.” According to the U.S. Fire Administration, the risk of injury can be cut in half by installing at least one working smoke alarm inside and outside each bedroom, and on Grandfather Mountain will host a New Year’s Day sunrise every level of a home. opportunity on Friday, Jan. 1. Any city resident who does Photo courtesy of the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation not have working smoke alarms tration is required. To register, tion strives to inspire conservation in their home or need assistance contact Mickey Shortt, director of of the natural world by helping replacing batteries may contact Grandfather Mountain’s Depart- guests explore, understand and the Johnson City Fire Department ment of Education and Natural value the wonders of Grandfather at (423) 975-2840. A request for Resources, at (828) 733-4326 or Mountain. For more information, smoke detectors may also be submickey@grandfather.com. call (800) 468-7325, or visit www. mitted online at https://jcfd.wuThe not-for-profit Grandfather grandfather.com to plan a trip foo.com/forms/smoke-detectorMountain Stewardship Foundarequest-form/.

Page 10 | The Loafer | December 22, 2015

Grayson Highlands Band with Special Guest Adam Steffey at Carter Family Fold Saturday, December 26th, 2014, at 7:30 p.m., the Carter Family Fold in Hiltons, Virginia, will present a concert of old time music by the Grayson Highlands Band with special guest Adam Steffey. Admission to the concert is $10 for adults, $1 for children 6 to 11, under age 6 free. The Grayson Highlands Band, from the Jefferson, North Carolina area, plays a variety of old time music, ranging from rousing fiddle tunes to traditional songs and ballads. They are regulars at the Christmas in July Festival, the Albert Hash Festival, the Rugby Fall Festival, the Greater Lansing Area Festival, and the Wayne Henderson Festival. They have also been the guest band on the Gary Poe Live radio show several times, and have won numerous awards at regional fiddlers’ conventions. Tina Trianosky Steffey is a multitalented musician who plays the claw hammer banjo for the group. She also plays bass, guitar, and

fiddle - and she is an award-winning flatfoot dancer. Tina has won first place in claw hammer banjo at many area contests, including the world’s largest - the Old Time Fiddlers’ Convention in Galax, Virginia.. Tina was featured on the debut release by guitar virtuoso

Clay Jones - Mountain Tradition. She is married to Adam Steffey. They are parents to two beautiful twin boys – A.P. & Riley. A.P. & Riley’s first visit to a music venue was to the Fold, and we hope they’ll be coming to the show. An east Tennessee native, Adam Steffey found a place in the Tennessee-Virginia border area’s thriving bluegrass scene in short order, serving early stints with the Lonesome River Band (Dan Tyminski was his replacement there) and then helping to found the near legendary group, Dusty Miller, along with Barry Bales and guitarist Tim Stafford. The three jumped to the big time together when Alison Krauss recruited them into Union Station; and for nearly seven years, Steffey lived the life of a high profile musician as the band earned Grammy awards and IBMA trophies, toured extensively, made national TV appearances, and recorded albums that reached far beyond the core bluegrass audience. Yet by 1998, the restless side of Steffey’s spirit made itself felt when he left the group and, after helping to lay plans for what later became Mountain Heart, joined the bluegrass gospel group The Isaacs – a

Carter Family ...

continued on page 23

www.theloaferonline.com

Blue Highway Announce Gaven Largent as Newest Member

Blue Highway has influenced two decades of musicians since the band premiered in December 1994 --from “The Voice” contestant and Knoxville teen Emily Ann Roberts who recently citedBlue Highway as one of her first musical influences, to the 19-year old phenom the respected powerhouse band has just announced as its new member. Blue Highway announced today the addition of Gaven Largent as dobro player, filling the spot which opened when founding memberRob Ickes departed three weeks ago. Gaven grew up in a musical family spanning five generations in the heart of Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley in Winchester, the hometown of legendary Patsy Cline. Gaven worked on his great grandparents’ farm from the time he was a youngster. The high

value his family placed on music, honesty, and hard work enabled him to become a fine and multitalented young man, gifted with most anything his hands touch, from playing dobro, guitar, bass, banjo, and mandolin, to fine-tuning the engines of vintage tractors like McCormick Farmalls and Minneapolis Molines. Largent began playing guitar at age 8, resophonic guitar at age 9, and at age 13 was honored to be invited to perform with Rhonda Vincent and the Rage on the hallowed stage of the Grand Ole Opry. Since 2012 Largent has performed in several bands including Bud’s Collective, Lonesome Highway, and most recently Michael Cleveland and Flamekeeper. “Gaven is a true find for Blue Highway,” said Wayne Taylor. “He’s a great person and the perfect person to fill this spot in the band!” “I’m so excited to have Gaven in the band!” said Jason Burleson. “He’s an amazing dobro player and an all around great musician and good guy. I can’t wait for everyone to hear this cat!” “Gaven has really impressed me in the short time I’ve known him, both as a musician and person,” said Tim Stafford. “He’s a natural, and his talent and dedication to his instrument and the music is inspiring. We’re very excited to have him in the group!” “We couldn’t have found a better musician for this spot than Gaven,” echoed Shawn Lane, who summed it all up, relaying, “Gaven rocks!!” Gaven grew up listening to Blue Highway, but came to meet the members of the band through his

good friend, Jacob Burleson, son of Blue Highway banjo player, Jason Burleson. Largent expressed his excitement to be invited join Blue Highway: “I’d first like to say it’s my extreme honor to join a band that has been such a huge influence on the way I think about bluegrass music and the way that I play. Tim, Shawn, Wayne, and Jason are all huge heroes of mine, and as a young dobro player, Rob Ickes has always been one of my idols! He is one of the best, and it’s going to be tough for me to try to follow such a respected and talented musician. But that said, I am very excited for the challenge of learning all these tunes (even though I’ve listened to Blue Highway for years!) and thankful for the opportunity to join the ranks and share the stage with this band. Playing music full time has been a goal and dream for me since I was eight years old when I started, and to do it now seems surreal. I hope I can make all the family, friends and fans proud!” Fans will have their first opportunity to hear the new Blue Highway line-up in January 2016 in Jekyll Island, GA, at the Jekyll Island Convention Center on Friday, January 1, at 3 p.m. and 9 p.m., with tickets at www.adamsbluegrass.com/new-year-s-bluegrassfestival.html; and in Kingsport, TN, at the Renaissance Center on Friday, January 15, at 7:30 p.m., with tickets at www.EngageKingsport.com. For more info on Blue Highway and Gaven Largent, please visit www.BlueHighwayBand.com and www.Facebook.com/BlueHighway.

December 22, 2015 | The Loafer | Page 11

Page 12 | The Loafer | December 22, 2015

Emmanuel Episcopal Church 34th Annual Christmas Dinner

Emmanuel Episcopal Church will once again open its doors to the community for the 34th Annual Christmas Dinner. This year the Christmas celebration will be Friday, December 25 from 4:006:00 pm, 700 Cumberland Street, Bristol, Virginia, and will include all the traditional holiday dinner trimmings. Reservations are not necessary and there is no fee for the dinner. Just bring your family and friends and some holiday spirit to share. We welcome everyone to partake in the joy of Christmas as we share a wonderful meal and a fun-filled evening of fellowship, entertainment, and caroling. Late parishioner and Bristol businessman, Jack Trayer, began the Christmas Dinner at Emmanuel in 1981. In the wake of the recession that year and with unemployment and inflation soaring, Trayer recognized the need to offer assistance to the families in our area. With the cooperation

MECC Offers Spring 2016 Specialty Courses MECC to Offer EKG Technician Certification Course

Mountain Empire Community College will hold an EKG Technician Certification Course beginning January 19. The class will be held Tuesdays, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Students will also be required to attend additional assigned clinicals. Students completing this course will earn a Certified Cardiographic Technician (CCT) Certification. For more information, contact the MECC Health Sciences Division at 276.523.7456.

MECC to Offer Online Real Estate Certification Course

Mountain Empire Community College will offer an online Principles of Real Estate course beginning in January. Persons interested in obtaining a certification to practice real estate in the State of Virginia should complete the class and take the state licensing exam. The course will run through May. For more information or to register, contact Sabrina Ward at sward@mecc.edu or by phone at 276.523.2400, ext. 224.

MECC Offers Genealogy Class of then rector, George Bunn, Jack Trayer funded the first dinner in December of 1981 and remained an active benefactor and participant in the event until his death in 2006. Jackâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wife, Loretta, and

many church volunteers carry on this annual tradition. For additional information please contact Emmanuel Episcopal Church at 276-669-9488 or emmanuelbristol@gmail.com.

Mountain Empire Community College is pleased to offer Topics in Genealogy (HMS 195) beginning in spring 2016. Students will be introduced to methods of genealogical research and organization. The impact of family history on current health will also be explored. The class will be held on Wednesdays from 2 p.m. to 3:50 p.m. and will run from March until May. For more information, or to register, contact the MECC Enrollment Service Office at 276.523.7474.

www.theloaferonline.com

December 22, 2015 | The Loafer | Page 13

Carter Railroad Museum ‘Home for Christmas’ on December Heritage Day

On Saturday, Dec. 26, East Tennessee State University’s George L. Carter Railroad Museum will hold its monthly Heritage Day with the theme “Home for Christmas: Railroading in the Cold Weather States.” The day will focus on railroads above the Mason-Dixon Line and in the northern Plains. Videos will feature special snow train features from a time when rail traffic increased dramatically between Thanksgiving and the start of a new year. Heritage Day Coordinator Geoff Stunkard says, “We have used the final Heritage Day of the year to highlight holiday travel for several years. This seemed to be a good opportunity to recall the time when fast passenger trains, mail extras and freight were running at their peak.” With fine dining and Pullman sleeper service parts of some trips, travel itself was part of the holiday experience. Artifacts from this

time period will be on display, including toy trains from the past. Members of the George L. Carter Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society and the Mountain Empire Model Railroaders (MEMRR) club will coordinate the exhibits. Visit www.memrr.org to learn more about MEMRR, which helps demonstrate and maintain the model layouts, museum exhibits and other projects. The Carter Railroad Museum is open every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is free, but donations are welcomed. The museum can be identified by a flashing railroad crossing signal at the back entrance to the Campus Center Building. Visitors should enter ETSU’s campus from State of Franklin Road onto Jack Vest Drive and continue east to 176 Ross Drive, adjacent to the flashing RR crossing sign. For more information about For disability accommodations, To learn more about the museum, visit http://johnsonsdepot. Heritage Day, contact Alsop at call the ETSU Office of Disability 423-439-6838 or alsopf@etsu.edu. Services at 423-439-8346. com/glcarter/cartermuseum.

The Kingsport Office of Cultural Arts & Engage Kingsport Announce their winter line up for the Engage Kingsport Performing Arts Series 2016 The schedule of Headliners w/ their opening acts is as follows: Friday, Jan. 15 – Blue Highway w/ The Loose Strings Band - $25 Friday, Jan. 2 – Becky Hobbs & EG Kight w/ Lucy Billings - $10 Friday, Jan. 29 – The Fiddlin’ Carson Peters Band w/ Jeffrey Benedict - $15 Friday, Feb. 5 – Rob Ickes & Trey Hensley w/ JP Parsons - $15 Friday, Feb. 19 – The Stray Birds w/ Amythyst Kiah - $15 Friday, February 26 – The Barefoot Movement w/ Rebecca Lee Daniels - $15 All shows feature reserved seating in the beautiful Renaissance Arts Center Theatre. Tickets are available online at EngageKingsport.com or at the Office of Cultural Arts at 1200 E. Center Street, Kingsport or by phone at (423) 392-8414.

Page 14 | The Loafer | December 22, 2015

KARAOKE TUESDAY

- TUESDAY - Dec. 22nd DOWNTOWN COUNTRY

Karaoke At Numan’s - JCTN ***********************

at Jiggy Ray’s 6:30pm

WEDNESDAY

Karaoke w/ Southern Sounds Karaoke at American Legion 8pm Karaoke At Bristol VFW - BTN Turn the Page Karaoke At VFW Post 2108 - JCTN ***********************

- WEDNESDAY - Dec. 23rd OPEN MIC at WoodStone Deli

- THURSDAY - Dec. 24th JAZZ at Wellington’s - Carnegie Hotel 8pm

THURSDAY

- FRIDAY - Dec. 25th -

MERRY CHRISTMAS

- SATURDAY - Dec. 26th OPEN JAM

at Kosher Pickle

at Elizabethton Moose Lodge 9pm

GRAYSON HIGHLAND BAND ADAM STEFFEY

SOUTHERN 76

at Carter Family Fold

OLD SCHOOL REVUE

at Jiggy Ray’s 7pm

at The Family Barn 7:30pm

at David Thompson’s Produce 7pm SUNDOWN BAND (Country) at Washington County Moose Lodge

CHRIS LONG

at Triple B Brewery

SHOOTER

(Country, Classic Rock, Oldies)

STACY FOX & SCOTTY MELTON TOBY JUG BAND at Capone’s

JOHN MALAYTER

- MONDAY - Dec. 28th OPEN MIC

at Acoustic Coffeehouse

Toby returns. East TN’s own Toby Jugg Band will return to Capone’s in Johnson City on Saturday Dec. 26th to celebrate the holidays with their friends, fans and family. This time it will be with new tunes, to include the recent release of Southern Stan which is receiving air play on west coast radio, compliments of the good Dr! This “NOT” so little band from TN, has recently made arrangements to send there sounds to TX, to be heard on the Dewberry Jam in San Anton compliments of The Dew! The new album Rock, Stock & Barrell is going well. Talks are in the works to head for Fla., sometime in the spring of 2016. After many years of rocking till you drop, and running on empty (lol) this group is ready to burn your house down. Don’t miss this show because you can’t see this band just down the street next week or just across town because they seldom come around. There are a few new suprises coming with this Tour in 2016. So git ya a sample (XXX) early and plan to stay late, because you’ll need to rest before you leave at the end of Toby’s hard rocking, jam dropping, sweat swapping, “High” energy Southern Rock Show, and just for kicks don’t miss (OTS) Only The Strong from JC opening the show. Hope to see you Juggheads the night after Christmas!!!!!!! Show starts @ 9:30 till Midnight or beyond. Tickets $10.00’s Party, Party, Party???? so long til then. P.S. TOBY says Rock N Roll people.

Karaoke At Numan’s - JCTN Karaoke w/ Southern Sounds Karaoke at Macadoo’s 8pm Karaoke At Holiday Inn - JCTN Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment At Everette’s Bar & Grille - JCTN ***********************

FRIDAY

KaraokeAt Bristol VFW - BTN Karaoke w/ Southern Sounds Karaoke at Sportsman’s Bar & Grill 9pm Karaoke w/ Reverb Karaoke at The Cottage 8:30 pm Turn the Page Karaoke at VFW Post 2108 - JCTN Karaoke At Elizabethton VFW Karaoke w/ DJ Marques At Holiday Inn (Exit 7) - BVA Karaoke At Numan’s - JCTN ***********************

SATURDAY

Turn the Page Karaoke at VFW Post 2108 - JCTN Karaoke At Numan’s - JCTN Karaoke at Bristol VFW Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment At Macado’s - Kingsport ***********************

SUNDAY

Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment At Everette’s Bar & Grille - JCTN ***********************

www.theloaferonline.com

Spotlight Directory

50 Fifty Sports Tavern 2102 N. Roan Street Johnson City Abingdon Moose Lodge 15605 Porterfield Hwy Abgindon VA 276/628-2756 Acoustic Coffeehouse 415 W Walnut St. Johnson City 423/434.9872 Blackbird Bakery 56 Piedmont Ave. Bristol VA 276/ 645-5754 Bone Fire Smokehouse at the Hardware 260 W Main St Abingdon VA 276/623-0037 Bristol’s Pickin’ Porch 620 State St Bristol 423/573-2262 Capone’s 227 E Main St Johnson City 423/928-2295 Carter Family Fold 3449 A. P. Carter Hwy Hiltons VA 276/594-0676 Country Club Bar & Grill 3080 W State St Bristol 423/844-0400 David Thompson’s Produce 251 Highway 107 Jonesborough 423/913-8123 Elizabethton Elks Lodge 1000 N. Sycamore St Elizabethton 423/ 543-2341 Family Barn 15559 Lee Hwy Bristol VA The Hideaway 235 E. Main St Johnson City 423/ 926-3896 Holiday Inn (Exit 7) 3005 Linden Dr Bristol Va 276/466-4100 Jiggy Ray’s 610 E. Elk Ave Elizabethton 423/ 518-1500

Kosher Pickle 3900 Bristol Hwy Johnson City 423/ 979-7000 Natural Tunnel State Park 1420 Natural Tunnel Parkway Duffield, VA 276/ 940-2674 Peerless Steakhouse Lounge 2531 N. Roan St. Johnson City 423/ 282-2351 Quaker Steak & Lube 629 State St Bristol VA 276/644-9647 Salsarita’s 200 Linden Square Bristol VA 276/ 591-1260 The Shack 4231 Ft. Henry Drive Kingsport 423/212-3110 Triple B Brewery 935 Wilcox Ct. #105 Kingsport 423/963-3609 Show Palace 14364 Lee Hwy Bristol VA 276/494-6610 Sleepy Owl Brewery 151 E. Main St. Kingsport 423/390-8476 Uncorked 316 Broad St. #102 Kingsport Wellington’s Restaurant Carnegie Hotel 1216 W State of Franklin Rd Johnson City 423/979-6400 The Willow Tree Coffeehouse & Music Room 216 E Main St Johnson City Woodstone Deli 3500 Fort Henry Dr Kingsport 423/245-5424 Yee Haw Brewing Company 126 Buffalo St. Johnson City

Scotty Melton ••••• @ Jiggy Ray’s •••••

Sat, Dec. 26th - 7pm

December 22, 2015 | The Loafer | Page 15

Page 16 | The Loafer | December 22, 2015

Apollo 8 Christmas Eve Stargazing Memories The holidays are built around memories of family and friends, and that’s part of the magic of the season. And for many stargazers, Christmas brings memories of that first telescope under the tree, or pointing out a planet and a few bright stars to curious relatives, connecting everyone to the stars of Jesus’ birth 2,000 years ago. Those familiar star patterns can comfort the stargazer’s soul when spending holidays away from home, as looking up at the stars are comfort food for the brain. And to avid stargazers like myself, the Moon and stars of Christmas week can have special meaning. Maybe that telescope from Santa Claus started a life-long avocation to be enjoyed all year round. It did for me in the early 1960s. Or there might be a favorite Grandpa, Aunt or cousin who helped you trace out the stars of Orion the Hunter one Christmas night. For me, the most exciting Christmas Eve of all was Dec. 24, 1968. That’s the night that three American astronauts orbited the Moon in a spaceship called Apollo 8. For one moment on that Christmas Eve, the entire world was mesmerized in one conscious thought on that beautiful, silent night. I was a 15-year-old nerdy, rock n roll teenager, and had received an early Christmas present of an RV-6 Dynascope made by Criterion Mfg.—the hottest reflector telescope on the amateur astronomy market! My parents hosted the family Christmas Eve party at our Northwest Ohio home in Findlay. And

with all the newspapers, TV and radio abuzz about the Apollo trip to the Moon, I had the telescope set up before twilight, watching the crescent Moon above the western treetops. The Moon was just a few days before First Quarter, hanging above the skies in the constellation Aquarius. Setting below the Moon was the brilliant planet Venus; above it was the ringed planet Saturn. But this Christmas Eve, the Moon was just no ordinary silvery sight. There were three Americans orbiting it! One by one I coaxed my grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins out in the chilly December Ohio night to peer at the Moon through my new telescope. Everyone asked if you could see the spaceship orbiting the Moon. No, you couldn’t see the Apollo 8 spacecraft with even the most

powerful telescopes in the world. But during the evening, there was a live broadcast of the astronauts from lunar orbit. Our family TV/radio/phonograph console on legs was tuned to the CBS channel, listening to anchor Walter Cronkite report the excitement of the first humans to visit an alien world. Apollo 8 had begun orbiting the Moon at 4 a.m. EST after a threeday journey. And the astronauts were to have a live broadcast at 9 p.m. that Tuesday Christmas Eve from 240,000 miles away. All evening I ran in and out amid the family feast of Christmas goodies, hogging the TV to listen to the latest news, then running outside to just stare at the Moon in awe. Shortly after 9 p.m., astronauts Frank Borman, William Anders and Jim Lovell gave their impressions of the Moon out the windows of their moonship as they

orbited 60 miles above the surface. I crowded in front of the television screen, taking photos with a Retina camera my father owned. Suddenly on TV, the Earth could be seen rising above the Moon’s horizon, and the astronauts talked about the beautiful blue and white globe in the pitch-blackness of space. With their outstretched thumb, they could cover up the home planet of more than 3 billion people. The chattering din in my parent’s house that was full of Marquettes and McKinleys fell silent. All eyes were on the black and white cratered Moon terrain moving below the spacecraft camera—and it was live! Then, concluding the telecast, the astronauts took turns reading the first 8 verses of the Bible Book of Genesis… “In the beginning, God created the heaven and the Earth…” As the astronauts performed their impromptu reading from Genesis—something NASA had a vague idea about—a half-billion people around the world watching television listened with their private thoughts. I watched the amazing live telecast filled with emotion hard to hold back in front of my family members. Americans were circling the Moon! And then hurried outside to look through the eyepiece at the cratered face of the Moon, trying to figure out what part of the surface Apollo 8 was sending back to Earth. My imagination running wild, I tried in my mind to be there with those brave astronauts. The USA was in a real race to the Moon with the Communist USSR. Americans were stirred to fulfill the challenge of President John F. Kennedy, murdered five years before in 1963, to go to the Moon before the year 1970. With the Apollo 8 triumph, America was now poised to land on the Moon and beat the Communist Soviet Union to the surface. Which Apollo 11 did just 7 months after Apollo 8’s historic orbital odyssey. The added treat for the evening of Christmas Eve 1968 was a look at the ringed world Saturn. My captive relatives—once out in the cold looking at the Moon—had to wait for a swing of the telescope to the one-of-a-kind sight of Saturn. The o-o-shs and a-a-hs from the

family was my reward for showing them something most had never seen before. I hope many of my family remember that night. And the thrill was magnified by my best Christmas present ever— that early purchase by mom and dad of a telescope I still own and use! Christmas time is filled with memories of family, friends and special moments. And I shall never forget the Night-Before-Christmas when three men sailed around the silvery Moon right in my own backyard. The Moon is full phase on our Christmas 2016 night skies. Take a moment this weekend and look up and our closest celestial neighbor, about one-fourth the size of our Earth. And think about the 24 men who’ve orbited, and 12 who’ve walked on the Moon. After the poignant remarks by the Apollo 8 astronauts, the television transmission ended with commander Borman saying, “And from the crew of Apollo 8, we close with Good Night, Good Luck and a Merry Christmas, and God bless all of you, all of you on the good Earth.” For on that Christmas Eve of 1968, mankind had traveled through outer space to explore the Moon, and discovered the Earth. And everyone had a new meaning for Peace on Earth.

www.theloaferonline.com

December 22, 2015 | The Loafer | Page 17

Sun. Dec. 27

Celestial events in the skies for the week of Dec. 22nd - 28th, 2015 as compiled for The Loafer by Mark D. Marquette. Santa Claus won’t need the headlights on his sleigh to see his destinations—the Full Moon will be shining brightly all night. The Moon in all its glory will be at the feet of Gemini the Twins, just above Orion. The last Full Moon on Dec. 25th was in 1977, and the next one will be 2034—so enjoy the moon beams. This week is also the first one of Winter 2016, the Solstice occurring, which brings Summer to the Southern Hemisphere.

rect and hotter. Our northern half Moon. Born on this day in 1642 is tilted away and the sunlight is is one of the world’s quintessenslanted more and not as warm. tial geniuses Isaac Newton. Two little known facts about Newton, Wed. Dec. 23 The night sky can be a sanctu- he pursued alchemy in the quest ary of sanity from the craziness of to make gold, and was a scholar holiday shopping. Taurus, Auriga, of the Bible. But he is best rememOrion and Gemini are rising in the bered for this laws of physics, creeast, adding some brilliant “bling” ating calculus and inventing the reflecting telescope, called a Newin the sky. tonian telescope.

Thurs. Dec. 24

On this 1978 date in space history, the Soviet Union landed VenTues. Dec. 22 era 11 on Venus. Its twin spacecraft The Sun reaches its farthest point Venera 12 landed Dec. 20, and south, and we experience the Win- both transmitted lots of data for a ter Solstice at 4:48 am. While this few hours. But a faulty design on is the first full day of Winter, don’t a lens cap for the spacecraft camforget our friends “down under” eras left them stuck and no phoin Australia, Africa and South tos could be taken. Recent NASA America are enjoying their first landers on Mars had clear lens day of Summer. The difference is covers in case they didn’t pop off. Earth’s Southern Hemisphere is Fri. Dec. 25 tilted 24.5 degrees toward the Sun Christmas Day and Full Moon. making the solar rays more diCalled the Cold Moon or Yule

Sat. Dec. 26

Anybody getting a Christmas telescope has the Full Moon to get acquainted with. There are usually three lenses with even the cheapest telescope…say, a 25 mm, 10 mm and 6 mm. The higher the number the lower the power, so put that 25 mm in the telescope and experience 80-100x power. The 12-10mm lenses will give about 200x power, and that 6-4mm lens is almost worthless at close to 400x on anything but the Moon.

Another tip on that new telescope: It is important to understand all the motions the telescope can go through so you are familiar with them in the night. So, set up the telescope during daylight hours and look at nearby trees, telephone poles, whatever. The image will be upside down because of optics, but that doesn’t matter in outer space.

Mon. Dec. 28

A red flashlight, made with cellophane or light bulb painted red if need be, is essential to see the telescope focusing assembly as well as reading star charts and a Moon map. The red light will not spoil the night vision of our eyes as the pupils dilate to allow faint light to be seen. And don’t forget those free books on how-to-stargaze at the library!

Page 18 | The Loafer | December 22, 2015

IN THEATRES NOW Box Office Top 10

In Theaters Now

Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015)

Ken’s Favorite Christmas Movies Before I tackle the monster that is “Star Wars”, I have decided to list my favorite films set during the time of candy canes, church plays and Jolly Ole St. Nick.The list I have complied are films set during Christmas that I never tire of watching, and attempt to watch every year at this time. You should compile your own list and share at a Christmas party and see how many of the films on your list match others. Here we go, with a boisterous ho, ho, ho. 10- “The Nightmare Before Christmas”. This awesome stopmotion animated film from 1993 can be enjoyed both at Halloween and Christmas. The film follows the adventures of Jack Skellington and his encounter with Santa Clause and Christmastown. The film is both joyous and heartbreaking. 9- “It’s a Wonderful Life”. The 1946 classic is a great film to reassure us despite all of life’s troubles we have much to be thankful for. This film contains so many unforgettable scenes and often quoted dialogue. 8- “Christmas with the Kranks”. Not many critics liked this film, but that didn’t bother me at all. I loved all the silly moments and antics of stars Jamie Lee Curtis and Tim Allen. I dare you not to laugh when Allen prepares for a failed Christmas cruise with a tan and an injection in his face to make him appear younger. Plus, the film has Bill Murray! 7- “Love Actually”. I was introduced to this 2003 film in 2014 and was really impressed. I’m not sure

Three decades after the defeat of the Galactic Empire, a new threat arises. The First Order attempts to rule the galaxy and only a ragtag group of heroes can stop them, along with the help of the Resistance.

Krampus (2015)

A boy who has a bad Christmas ends up accidentally summoning a Christmas demon to his family home.

Spectre (2015)

A cryptic message from Bond’s past sends him on a trail to uncover a sinister organization. While M battles political forces to keep The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 2 (2015) the secret service alive, Bond peels As the war of Panem escalates back the layers of deceit to reveal to the destruction of other districts the terrible truth behind SPECby the Capitol, Katniss Everdeen, TRE. the reluctant leader of the rebellion, must bring together an army The Night Before (2015) against President Snow, while all On Christmas eve, three lifelong she holds dear hangs in the bal- friends, two of whom are Jewance. ish, spend the night in New York City looking for the Holy Grail of Christmas parties. In the Heart of

the Sea (2015)

why I never saw this film over the years, but the story of nine intertwined stories sure made an impression on me. With stars such as Hugh Grant, Emma Thompson, and Colin Firth, how can you go wrong? 6- “The Polar Express”. This film was unique in its presentation of life-like animated characters, but was criticized by some due to their appearance. Bah, humbug. The film is filled with wonderful original songs, and moments of pure joy that will make you long for how magical Christmas was when you were a kid. Speaking of kids, they will love the train trip to the North Pole. But then who doesn’t? 5- “White Christmas”. The 1954 classic will certainly make you long for snow Christmas Eve. Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye and Rosemary Clooney venture to an Inn in rural Vermont where they plan a Christmas show to help the owner save his business.

4- “Home Alone”. Who can forget Macaulay Culkin smacking his jaws and screaming after putting on aftershave? The kid who was accidentally left at home during the holidays by his family, not only thwarts burglars, but gives us a warm and fuzzy feeling for family and Christmas. 3-”Christmas in Connecticut”. This heartwarming comedy from 1945 stars Barbara Stanwyck as a 1940’s Martha Stewart, who turns out to be anything but. If you have never seen this film, watch it now and avoid the mediocre remake. 2- “”Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas”. Yes, I love the animated version from the 1960’s, but this live-action version is a blast with Jim Carrey running wild in the title role. If ever was a role perfect for Carrey’s manic talents, it’s the Grinch. The Grinch may steal Christmas in this colorful film, but he also steals our hearts. 1- “National Lampoon’s Christ-

A recounting of a whaling ship’s The Peanuts Movie (2015) sinking by a giant whale in 1820 Snoopy embarks upon his greatthat would inspire the great novel, est mission as he and his team take Moby Dick. to the skies to pursue their archnemesis, while his best pal Charlie The Good Dinosaur (2015) Brown begins his own epic quest An epic journey into the world back home to win the love of his of dinosaurs where an Apatosau- life. rus named Arlo makes an unlikely human friend. Spotlight (2015) The true story of how the Boston Globe uncovered the massive Creed (2015) The former World Heavyweight scandal of child molestation and Champion Rocky Balboa serves cover-up within the local Catholic as a trainer and mentor to Adonis Archdiocese, shaking the entire Johnson, the son of his late friend Catholic Church to its core. and former rival Apollo Creed. IMDb.com (12/19/2015) mas Vacation”. If there is film I will NEVER miss watching during Christmas it is certainly the misadventures of the Griswold’s, led by Clark Griswold (Chevy Chase). I can’t count the times over the years I have seen a house covered in lights and decorations I haven’t labeled a “Griswold house”. From the cat in a box to the squirrel in the tree, this film has many mo-

ments that will leave you chuckling admiring Clark’s eternal optimism. Honorable mention: “Elf” and “A Christmas Story”, both of which are just under my top 10. Merry Christmas from me to you and your loved ones! Be sure to watch your favorite Christmas films and I’ll see you next week in a galaxy, far, far, away.

www.theloaferonline.com

December 22, 2015 | The Loafer | Page 19

A “Local Music Rocks” T-SHIRT THAT HAS BECOME A MOVEMENT..! Written by William Camelot Sometimes a community defines itself through unselfish acts of compassion. This is that Time..! We have created an incredible T-shirt; designed by Gary Bortz: “Local Music Rocks” that is currently being sold at Woodstone Deli and Smokey Bones, to “Protect” Homeless Vets. All Proceeds via our non-profit will go to local organizations that are providing services to these Veterans that are presently down on their luck. We are also seeking additional “Sponsors” following Budweiser’s lead, to help us print more shirts, so we may expand distribution to additional venues. We all need to get behind this campaign so Homeless Vets have places to go to seek relief and help putting their lives back together. They don’t want a hand out they want a hand up..! We invite all of you to join this noble cause and make our communities proud of a concentrated effort to “protect” our Homeless Vets..! May we wish all Loafer followers a very Merry Christmas & Happy New Year..!

rhythmsofthemountainempire.com facebook.com/rhythmsofthemountainempire williamcamelot@mymorningcoffee.tv

Page 20 | The Loafer | December 22, 2015

Additions to the MerleFest 2016 lineup Tickets on sale now!

MerleFest, presented by Window World and slated for April 28May 1, 2016, is proud to announce additions to the 2016 lineup: Old Crow Medicine Show, Alison Brown, Peter Rowan and Doug Seegers. The four-day event, the largest roots and Americana music festival in the nation, takes place on the campus of Wilkes Community College in Wilkesboro, North Carolina, in the heart of Appalachia. MerleFest continues the legacy of Doc Watson and is a benefit for the college. The homecoming of roots music fans draws nearly 80,000 participants every year. Old Crow Medicine Show – Old Crow Medicine Show got its start on the streets, busking in New York and up into Canada, winning audiences one street corner at a time. In Boone, N.C., the band caught the attention of folk icon Doc Watson while playing in front of a pharmacy, and Old Crow’s subsequent all-star performances

at MerleFest helped jumpstart its career. Now the band has joined the Grand Ole Opry, cut five albums, toured the world and redefined Americana. MerleFest 2016 will mark Old Crow Medicine Show’s fifth highly anticipated performance on the Watson Stage. Alison Brown – Acclaimed as one of today’s finest progressive banjo players, you’ll rarely find Alison Brown in a conventional bluegrass setting. With her new Compass Records project, “The Song of the Banjo,” and a 2015 IBMA Distinguished Achievement Award behind her, this Grammy Award-winning musician, composer, producer and entrepreneur has planted another flag in her ongoing journey of sonic exploration. Peter Rowan – Grammy Award winner and six-time nominee, Peter Rowan is a singer-songwriter with a career spanning over five decades. From his early years

playing under the tutelage of Bill Monroe, to his time in Old & In the Way, to his breakout as a solo musician and bandleader, Rowan has built a devoted, international fan base through a solid stream of records, collaborative projects and constant touring. He is a bluegrass legend who never tires of creating. Doug Seegers – Discovered on the streets of Nashville by a Swedish country star, 62-year-old singer-songwriter Doug Seegers grew up on the hard-country sounds of Hank Williams and ended up living the kind of rough life that country songs have always immortalized. After becoming a smash hit in Sweden, Seegers’ triumphant return to Nashville has proven that the depth and honesty of his songwriting transcends place.

MerleFest .....

continued on next page

www.theloaferonline.com

December 22, 2015 | The Loafer | Page 21

MerleFest ..... continued from previous page MerleFest has announced 97 artists so far, and there are additional performers to be announced in the coming months. The 2016 lineup (www.MerleFest.org/lineup) is stacking up to be a crowd pleaser: John Prine, Dave Rawlings Machine, The Wood Brothers, Steep Canyon Rangers, Jerry Douglas, Scythian, The Kruger Brothers, Donna the Buffalo, Becky Buller, The Annie Moses Band, Ash Breeze, Jim Avett, Banknotes, The Barefoot Movement, Roy Book Binder, Blue Mafia, Laura Boosinger and The Midnight Plowboys, The Brothers Comatose, The Brothers Landreth, Mark Bumgarner, Jonathan Byrd & The Pickup Cowboys, Carbon Leaf, The Clydes, The Commons, Commonwealth Bluegrass Band, The Contenders (Josh Day & Jay Nash), Kristy Cox, Sherman Lee Dillon, EmiSunshine, Tom Feldmann, Fireside Collective, Foghorn Stringband, Liz Frame and The Kickers, Susie Glaze & the Hilonesome Band, Grace & Tony,

Britt Gully, Wayne Henderson and Friends, High Plains Jamboree, Bob Hill, Sierra Hull, In With The Old, The InterACTive Theatre of Jef, Fruteland Jackson, Jeni & Billy, Kacy & Clayton, Jack Lawrence, Wanamaker Lewis and Rootology, Jeff Little Trio, The Local Boys, Bonnie Logan, Lindsay Lou & The Flatbellys, Love Canon, Bill Mathis, Andy May, David and Valerie Mayfield, Will Overman Band, Penny and Sparrow, Sarah Potenza, Lou Reid & Carolina, Carol Rifkin with John Fowler and Jeanette Queen, Sparky & Rhonda Rucker, Salvador, Jeff Scroggins & Colorado, Karl Shifflett & Big Country Show, Shinyribs, Sigmon Stringers, Junior Sisk & Ramblers Choice, The Slocan Ramblers, Kenny and Amanda Smith, Steve and Ruth Smith, Joe Smothers, South Carolina Broadcasters, Stemwinder, String Madness with Mitch Greenhill, Billy Strings, Bryan Sutton, Sutton, Holt and Coleman, Mark “T”, Tellico, The Buck Stops Here, Happy Traum, April

Verch, Liz Vice, Seth Walker, The Waybacks, We Banjo 3, Charles Welch, Pete & Joan Wernick, Westwend, The Whiskey Gentry, Uncle Ted White, Shannon Whitworth, The Williams Brothers, Wood & Wire and Zoe & Cloyd. “We keep Doc Watson’s ‘traditional plus’ spirit alive each year at MerleFest by inviting artists who will showcase a wide variety of music from multiple genres,” said Steve Johnson, MerleFest artist relations manager. “As in years past, the lineup will continue to develop in the coming months. MerleFest fans have grown accustomed to the special ‘moments’ that organizers plan each year. And the possibility for ‘spontaneous special moments’ is highly likely given the combination of artists that are known to pull together onstage jams at MerleFest.” “As MerleFest fans have learned, we release up-to-theminute lineup additions and other festival news through our social media platforms; so staying in

touch with us via our electronic newsletter, website (www.MerleFest.org), Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Twitter is crucial,” Johnson adds. “We take pride in always presenting a lineup that is dynamic and diverse,” says Ted Hagaman, festival director. “It’s the quality of the artists and performances that our guests see over the four days of the festival that, in turn, creates another important element of MerleFest’s success: people truly feel that the festival is a great value. So many music fans and families return year after year, making MerleFest a regular spring tradition. We will always work to make that tradition continue.” Tickets may be purchased at www.merlefest.org/purchase or by calling 1-800-343-7857. A threetiered pricing structure is offered for MerleFest 2016. The Early Bird Tier 1 ticket discount is available

through February 15, 2016. An Early Bird Tier 2 ticket discount will run from February 16, 2016, through April 27, 2016. The third price tier will be gate pricing. MerleFest was founded in 1988 in memory of the son of the late American music legend Doc Watson, renowned guitarist Eddy Merle Watson. MerleFest is a celebration of “traditional plus” music, a unique mix of music based on the traditional, roots-oriented sounds of the Appalachian region, including bluegrass and old-time music, and expanded to include Americana, country, blues, rock and many other styles. The festival hosts a diverse mix of artists on its 13 stages during the course of the four-day event. The annual event has become the primary fundraiser for the WCC Endowment Corporation, funding scholarships, capital projects and other educational needs.

www.MerleFest.org/lineup

Page 22 | The Loafer | December 22, 2015

Pets Of The Week

Storm is a 12 year old male that is neutered and up to date on all vaccines. He was brought to the shelter when the familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dog became aggressive to him. He is a beautiful and sweet cat!

Ralphie is a 7 month old neutered male and up to date on all vaccines. Ralphie has had a hard time. Previous owner threw him out of a moving car window. He had part of his leg amputated and is fine now. He is such a sweet and loving boy even after so much abuse. Please come and visit Storm and Ralphie and their friends at The Bridge Home No Kill Animal Rescue!

Join Santa for breakfast at MPCC

Memorial Park Community Center, 510 Bert St., will offer all ages an opportunity to have breakfast with Santa on Wednesday, Dec. 23 from 8-10 a.m. Admission is $5 per person (ages 4 and younger are free). Pre-registration is required and will be open Dec. 1-22, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m.-9 p.m. and Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at MPCC. There will be no registration day of the event. Participants will enjoy a special Christmas story, and parents are welcome to take photos of their child with Santa. Please call (423)434-5749 for more information.

The Bridge Home No Kill Animal Rescue recently moved in to their new 7,300 sq foot building @ 2061 Hwy 75 Blountville, TN,37617. The Bridge Home is a non profit 501(c)(3) organization established in 2002 dedicated to the welfare of homeless or abandoned animals. They provide care and compassion for stray and unwanted cats and dogs until they can be adopted into a forever home. 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 12pm-6pm Sat 12pm-3pm and Sun 2pm-4pm. Website is www.bridgehomerescue@gmail.com or like them on Facebook: www.Facebook.com/bridgehome?fref=ts.

www.theloaferonline.com

December 22, 2015 | The Loafer | Page 23

Carter Family ..... continued from page 10 setting in which he played a different role. During his years with Alison Krauss and Union Station, Adam became good friends with Dan Tyminski - thus leading to a slot as mandolin player for the Dan Tyminski Band. Adam is also an in-demand session player and has recorded with numerous artists from various genres. He has received the mandolin player of the year award five times from the International Bluegrass Music Association, and is a Grammy award winner. Adam credits visits with his Grandpa to the Fold when he was a young man with sparking his interest in bluegrass. Susan Trianosky, Tina’s mother, is featured on acoustic bass, guitar, and vocals. She was a founding member of the Appalachian Mountain Girls, an all-girl old time band, prior to joining the Grayson Highlands Band. Paul Trianosky, Susan’s husband, plays mandolin and sings lead and harmony. He has played with some well-known bluegrass bands, including the McPeak Brothers, Southern Rail, and Blue

Plate Special, as well as having a number of original songs published and recorded by various artists. Jerry Smith, Susan’s father and Tina’s grandfather, is the leader of the band, playing guitar and acoustic bass. Jerry has been in the band 18 years, calling square dances and providing lead vocals and emcee work. Rhoda Kemp is an award-winning musician who plays acoustic bass with the Grayson Highlands Band. Rhoda has performed on

banjo, autoharp, guitar, and vocals with a number of well-known regional bands including the Original Orchard Grass Band and the Clifton Family Band. The band will be bringing along a fiddler, so you can be sure there will be lots of dance tunes. For some of the best old time music around, don’t miss the Grayson Highlands Band at the Carter Family Fold. Bring along your dancing shoes, and join us for an evening of fun-filled family entertainment by one of the best old time family bands you’ll ever see. Shows from the Carter Family Fold can be accessed on the internet at http://www.carterfoldshow.com. Carter Music Center is part of the Crooked Road: Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail. You can visit the Crooked Road Music Trail site at http://thecrookedroad.org. Partial funding for programs at the center is provided by the Virginia Commission for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts. For information on shows coming up at the Fold, call 276-386-6054.

Page 24 | The Loafer | December 22, 2015

www.theloaferonline.com

sure the person your buying the gun for has the strength to pull the slide back (assuming it’s a semiauto handgun) Kar’s for example have notoriously difficult slidepull. Next we look at function, ask yourself “What will they be using the firearm for?” If your uncle is an avid duck hunter, you don’t want to buy him a Glock handgun, instead you should be looking at a semi-auto 12 gauge shotgun. One of the biggest mistake people make is buying too big of a gun for concealed carry, for example a proud dad learns his college-age daughter has just completed her concealed carry training and he wants to get her a pistol for Christmas. He carries a .40 Smith & Wesson M&P Shield, and buys her the same gun, only to find out she finds the gun cumbersome and she a Glock to be bulky. Likewise if may have been begging you for can’t properly control the recoil. they have big hands they might years to buy her a gun, that doesn’t Perhaps an Airweight Smith & find guns with smaller grips like necessarily mean you should buy Wesson .38 Special revolver would a Kel-Tec to be uncomfortable. The her a full-size 1911 as the recoil have been a better choice. Last we look at price; you might weight of the firearms vs the per- might make her whack herself in son is crucial as well. Your mom the face with the gun. Lastly make expect to be told “Don’t buy the

The Gift of Firepower So Christmas is right around the corner, and you’ve likely already bought everyone’s gift, but if you haven’t, and you’ve got that gun lover (or lovers) in the family this article should help you sift through the countless options before you ever set foot in the store. There are three key aspects to consider when purchasing any firearm be it a gift or for yourself: Fit, Function, and Price. Does the person you’re buying the gun for have big hands or small hands? If they have small hands they might find guns with thicker grips like

December 22, 2015 | The Loafer | Page 25

most expensive thing” but the truth is there is a reason price comes last. If you find a gun that is a good fit and serves the right function, but it costs a little more than a gun that doesn’t meet those requirements you owe it to yourself to spend a little more. One of the main things to consider is what extra goodies come with the gun, such as the warranty, extra mags, accessories etc. For example the Taurus PT111 G2 is made in Brazil, and comes with two mags and a limited warranty, it retails for $289 and Taurus is currently offering a $50 rebate. The SCCY CPX-2 is made in the USA and comes with two mags and an unconditional lifetime warranty which also covers theft and loss and retails for $299. Which is the better deal? That is up to you as the shopper, but to look at the two in the store you might not know these differences. As always I hope you enjoyed this article if you have any questions or concerns please feel free to email me, I look forward to your feedback, and I wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas!

Page 26 | The Loafer | December 22, 2015

sounds. “Looky” is a very useful App when you want to avoid eye contact with the person standing in front of you. It uses your phone or device’s camera to stream a picture of the person, which appears in the corner of your screen. That way, you can fiddle with your device while avoiding any embarrassing eye contact.

graph. Written by Matthew Moore, this column describes twenty fantasy Apps that may (or may not) find themselves onto next year’s Christmas list. We can only hope. How about “Hot Water Bottle”, an App that reacts to cold temperatures (the user can set a range) by automatically setting your smartphone to “pocket radiator

there’s “Jail Time”, which provides “instant sentencing guidelines for the most common offences, so would-be criminals can make informed choices.” Of course, this could be a handy App for everyone who has even contemplated doing something outside the law. I really like “False Number”, which is designed to come to the rescue when an annoying person asks for your number and you take theirs instead to avoid ever having to contact them. When they insist that you call them, you can have this App give out a false number when you input theirs. Hopefully this might get rid of the annoyance, although I doubt it. “Anecdote Shortener” automatically takes your SMS messages and shortens them to fit the word limitations of tweets and text messages. Of course, this won’t eliminate embarrassment if the edit leaves out key words or phrases or misspells names, etc. For those who use their smart-

My favorite App on Albo and Duarte’s list is the aptly (pun intended) titled “NoApp.” This App “blocks all your other apps, and then does absolutely nothing.” Once this App is turned on, it allows you to discover “what life was like before apps, without the terror of being app-free and losing your carefully curated, Mayfair-filtered identity.” No device should be without this very clever and useful App. This type of list continued in last Wednesday’s edition of The Tele-

mode” and “emitting a comforting warmth”? Of course you achieve the same effect by running several applications at once while your phone is in roaming mode. Another handy App, called “Fresh Bread”, alerts you to when your favorite bakery is temporarily out of fresh bread so you don’t make a useless trip there. A related App, Eggs Benedict, seeks out restaurants that specialize in this tasty egg concoction and alerts you when it is being served. For the criminally-minded

phones or tablets to impress other people (and who doesn’t?) we have “Fake Apps” which creates a faux screen that mimics your operating system and populates it with lots of impressive-yet-nonexistent Apps that will send your friends on a frustrating trip to the App store. Try “Placebo Fan” on a hot day to create the illusion that your phone or tablet is cooling you off. Of course, all your friends (and you) are seeing is an animated fan that is doing absolutely nothing except stimulating your power of

Fantasy Apps for Christmas If you are still searching for that perfect last-minute Christmas gift, you can always give the gift of Apps. It’s not like you don’t have thousands upon thousands to choose from. But sometimes you just can’t find the perfect App amid all these seemingly-endless choices. So, thanks to the folks at The New Yorker and The Telegraph we can indulge in a little fantasy App shopping this week. Although these Apps don’t yet exist (at least I don’t think so), we can only hope they will come into existence soon. First up is a very neat little list from The New Yorker writers Mike Albo and Amanda Duarte. Included in this wish list are Apps like “uHUH,” which gives you automatic replies to your “narcissistic friend” when you don’t want to be bothered by all his or her self-centerdness. “It will provide responses like “Right!” “Really?” and “No Way!” whenever it hears your friend’s voice. Pretty neat, huh? Another really useful fantasy App is “Avoyd,” which “notifies you when your neighbors have left the building, so you don’t have to run into them in the hallway.” Who can not want “Crowdz,” which will “locate a nearby bar or restaurant that is free of inexplicably wealthy thirtysomethings screaming at one another about wine, real estate, and their P.R. jobs”? Hopefully someone will develop this App very soon. “WhoRaisedU” is the perfect App when you find yourself sitting “next to one of those adults who still chews with his or her mouth open, like a four year old.” In order to disguise these annoying and generally disgusting chewing sounds, this App generates white noise that “cuts out seventy-two per cent” of the

suggestion. One item on this fantasy list, “Leaf Identifier”, already exists, which points out that we can never be certain our fantasy Apps haven’t already been invented. And what would I include on my fantasy App list? Without knowing if these already exist (which they probably do), here is what I would like to see appearing on my phone and tablet screens in the very near future. “Egg Sniffer”. Because I have developed an unpleasant physical reaction to eggs, I would use this App to sniff out foods that contain large amounts of egg content. Just hover the phone or tablet over a plate of food and this App will display the percentage of egg content. “Pretentiousness Meter”. I think I do a pretty good job spotting pretentiousness, but this voice and camera activated App will give me a graphic representation of just how much pretentiousness I am up against during a conversation. Needless to say, the hazard is that the App will also identify pretentiousness in the user as well. This App will also be marketed under the title “BS Meter”. These will, of course, work well with the aforementioned “uHuh” and “Crowdz” Apps. “Excuse Generator”. This very useful App works with voice activation and gives you a list of (hopefully) plausible excuses when you speak into it. For instance, you can say “I don’t want to meet Theobald for lunch,” and this App will generate a list including excuses like, “My cat just ripped a hole in my dryer duct while I was drying clothes and lint is everywhere,” “My long lost second cousin just dropped in for a surprise visit,” and “The left front wheel of my car fell off while I was backing out of my driveway.” Sure beats the heck out of the old standby, “Something just came up.” You can only hope that Theobald doesn’t rush over to your house to help clean lint off your ceiling and furniture, meet your second cousin, or assist with your car problems. I’m sure you can add to this wish list, and I will leave you to do that. In the meantime, I hope you and your loved ones have a wonderful Christmas, filled with joy and lots of neat new Apps. See you next week with my annual Best Books Of The Year list. There’s probably an App for that.

www.theloaferonline.com

December 22, 2015 | The Loafer | Page 27

Page 28 | The Loafer | December 22, 2015