The Loafer February 2nd

Page 2 | The Loafer | February 2, 2016

www.theloaferonline.com

February 2, 2016 | The Loafer | Page 3

The Progress Edition

Volume 30 • Issue #9 Publisher Luci Tate

Editor Graphic Arts Director Don Sprinkle Cover Design Bill May Advertising Dave Carter Terry Patterson Lori Howell Beth Jinks-Ashbrook 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 representation that the agency and/or advertiser is authorized to publish the entire contents and subject matter thereof.

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

Founder: Bill Williams

happenings 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 15 17 28 89 90 92 95 96

Kelly’s Place - Progress Letter from the Publisher Past and Present Art Depot Holds Fundraiser Storybrook Farm B & B Wins Award Dance Showcase 2016 Index to Progress Edition The Crane Wives at Bone Fire Smokehouse Film explores life of ‘philanthropic’ art forger Underhill Rose at The Willow Tree Things To Do Belk Day at Merlefest 2016 An Evening with Rob Ickes and Trey Hensley Jonesborough Contra Dance Ask an Appalachian!

music & fun 50 Spotlight - Great Music & Fun Times 100 Crossword & Sudoku

columns & reviews 37

Batteries Not Included How To Be House Bound During A Snow Storm 52 Stargazer - Five Planets Dazzle Morning Sky 53 Skies This Week 67 Screen Scenes - “The Boy” 79 Pets Of The Week 86 The Trivial Traveler - The Braves’ Old World 102 Lock, Stock & Barrel - Tactical vs Traditional

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Dictionary.com, which didn’t exist when I began writing this column nearly twenty-seven years ago, defines “Progess” in several different ways, including “a movement toward a goal or to a further or higher stage,” “the promotion of the material well-being of the public through the goods, techniques, or facilities created,” “the development of an individual or society in a direction considered more beneficial than and superior to the previous level,” and “to go forward or onward in space or time.” Needless to say, each of these definitions describes very well the history of this arts and entertainment magazine over the past thirty years. I feel especially privileged to have been given the opportunity of presenting “Kelly’s Place” each week for most of those thirty years, and I look forward to continuing this progression for as long as you and our staff will allow me to do so.

Since 1989, the year my daughter was born, I have worked for two owners and

five editors, and have witnessed and commented on many cultural changes. When I first set my sights on devoting this column to the vast world of popular culture, I knew I would never run out of ideas, although I have come pretty close a time or two. Little did I know when I submitted my first column so many years ago that my “Loafer Log,” the black binder that contains the titles of all my columns, would grow to 1,382 entries and would constitute a journal chronicling a large chunk of my life. My first column, appearing on May 6, 1989, presented my readers with a review of two movies that had recently been released on VHS (yes, VHS, which was then cutting edge technology). From there I went on to comment on a diverse group of topics, including atrocious Christmas lawn art, the bottled water phenomenon, a yearly “Halloween Horrors” series, numerous New Year’s predictions, the short-lived Gregorian Chant craze, Silly Putty, Elvis sightings, alien autop-

sies, the return of Beatlemania, Rugrats (remember those?), paranoia, conspiracy theories, guilty pleasures, Jerry Springer, painting by numbers, tributes to Chet Atkins and George Harrison, Captain Kangaroo, Paris Hilton, the demise of The Weekly World News, energy drinks, “apostrophe phobia,” Web 2.0, the Internet of Things (IoT), bumper stickers, Boo Radley, paradigm shifts, Vermontasaurus, Wikipedia, the Empire State Building, planking, the end of the world, paraskevidekapriaphobia, sweet soul music, ambiguity anxiety, piano jazz, big data, snail facials, fifty shades of Spongebob, Google body maps, 1965, “Mad Men,” curated news apps, and Taylor Swift. And, to commemorate this special issue, you have just read the longest sentence I’ve ever written!

As I have pointed out many times in these pages, the history of my association with “Kelly’s Place” has been in so many ways the history of profound and progressive technological change. My first

column was composed on a Smith-Corona word processor, printed out from the typewriter itself, and then handdelivered to The Loafer office, where my typed pages were reset and made ready for the publisher by our editorial staff.

When my Smith-Corona was eventually replaced by a home computer in the late 1990s, I no longer had to make the drive each Wednesday night to our office because I could now miraculously email my pages to our editor via a “speedy” (for the time) dial-up (yes, dial-up) Internet connection. The transformation that has taken place over the course of thirty years has been the progression of a world based on waiting to one based on instantaneous access to information and services.

My first column was read by people who didn’t recognize the words “texting,” “Facebook,” or “streaming.” Regardless of how you view these changes, however, I wouldn’t want to turn the clock back to the days when I hand-delivered my columns each week to a mail slot. Progress certainly does have its benefits.

Although I have said a great deal about my experiences with The Loafer over the years, progress should never be judged by the efforts of only one person. Progress is a collective effort and nothing is ever accomplished without collaboration. The success of The Loafer is the result of the vision and hard work of many indi-

viduals who have not lost sight of the value of real people in a world of rapid change. Here I am reminded of an observation made by Sir Ken Robinson in his recent book CREATIVE SCHOOLS. Although he is writing about education, his remarks could just as easily be about progress. For him, progress is “just a constant striving to create the best conditions for real people in real communities in a constantly changing world.” And that is what The Loafer means to me and has hopefully meant to our readers over the years.

I am grateful for the vision that Bill Williams had thirty years ago for a regional arts and entertainment publication and for the many ways Luci Tate has allowed that vision to progress under her own creative spirit. And I am indebted to the many staff members who have made (and continue to make) my work better and hopefully more interesting.

And, in the last analysis, true progress is measured by the loyalty of our many readers and advertisers who have made all this possible over the span of four decades. And that certainly includes you who now is holding this issue in your hands or reading it online.

Thanks for being here to celebrate our progress.

See you next week.

www.theloaferonline.com

LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER

The past three decades have witnessed remarkable changes, both in the Tri-Cities and at The Loafer. But as much as I love the vibrant area of today, there are times when I can’t help but shake my head in wonder, remembering how things used to be.

Yet when I call back all the memories, revisiting the turmoil and ferment and adventure, my most enduring impression is the sense that we were really just continually

feeling our way toward some dimly imagined vision: of quality, of creativity, of community.

Thirty years later, I’m not sure how much that’s changed. And perhaps that’s a good thing.

Wait…. that would make me just 12 years old then. (Yes. Do the math. You just figured out how old I am.)

The Loafer added to the vibrancy of an already out-ofcontrol energy level around Tri Cities. Music, arts, and entertainment finally had a voice,

February 2, 2016 | The Loafer | Page 5 and everyone pitched in to get the word out. Founder, Bill Williams, knew it was a successful publication because you would go through any downtown on a Wednesday (delivery day back then); and, everyone was reading it. “It’s still a mainstay of my life every week - how would I know what’s going on around town without a Loafer?” a loyal reader once said.

No business can succeed for 30 years without the continued support of the community it serves. Knowing that, I celebrate The Loafer’s 30th year anniversary by thanking our readers, advertisers and the staff of The Loafer.

To our advertisers, we ex-

tend a heart-felt “thank you” for their patronage. Some have been with us for over 20 years; and, some just beginning. They make all the pieces fit together for us; and, their business is much appreciated. Certainly without them, this publication would not be possible. We devote ourselves to keeping them in front of a key audience!

To our readers, of all ages…. we appreciate your loyalty; and, we pledge to keep the tradition of bringing the best arts & entertainment news in the Tri-Cities alive, and thriving, in future issues.

We have received many positive comments from you, our readers, and advertisers. As we begin our 30th year, we want to hear more of your suggestions, and especially what you

would like to see in The Loafer.

Please feel free to email me with your ideas, concerns and suggestions at info@theloaferonline.com. While we can’t do everything, we will gather the main themes, and work to include them in future issues. At the Loafer, indeed, “We have serious issues -- come be a part of ‘em !”

So sit back, relax, take some time from your busy schedule and read about these local companies that call the Tri-Cities home. Enjoy this Progress Edition of The Loafer. Stick around. You know you want to. And don’t forget to tell our advertisers you Read It In The Loafer!

Luci Tate - Publisher

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Abingdon, Virginia

Johnson City, Tennessee

PAST AND PRESENT Bristol, VA/TN

Kingsport, Tennessee

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Arts Depot Holds

4th Annual, 6”x6” Fundraiser

Horse - Brenda McNenny

The Arts Depot in Abingdon, VA is excited to announce its 4th annual, 6”x6” art sale. The fundraiser and reception will be held on “First Thursday”, February 4th

from 5-8pm The exhibit will be unveiled at exactly 6:36 PM SHARP!!, revealing more than 130, six inch by six inch, original canvases created and donated to the Arts De-

pot by the regions finest artists, each to be sold for only $36.

Prior to the unveiling and art sale, guests are invited to arrive at the Arts Depot as early as 5:00

February 2, 2016 | The Loafer | Page 7 pm on Thursday, February 4th to preview a portfolio and slide show of the exhibit and be entertained with live music performed by the Abingdon Thumb Strummers featuring the Dulcimer and other traditional stringed instruments. At 6 p.m. the winning ticket of the Joe Burnette mystery raffle will be drawn and mystery painting revealed. The Arts Depot invites anyone over 21 to enjoy a complimentary glass of wine from Abingdon Vineyard and Winery.

Resident artists studios will be open and assorted refreshments and hors d’oeuvre will be served throughout the evening. The reception is free and open to the public.

The 6x6 fundraiser has grown to be one of the biggest and most anticipated events of the year at the Arts Depot. All proceeds from this fundraiser will be used to continue the mission of the Depot Artists Association, to support the region’s artists and to further update the galleries in Abingdon’s historic Norfolk and Southern freight depot.

The Depot Artists Association is a non-profit volunteer organization that operates the Arts Depot and is dedicated to promoting the arts in the community and features the region’s artists. The Arts Depot is located in the historic Depot Square area of downtown Abingdon, VA. The gallery and artists studios are open Wednes-

day through Saturday 10-4 pm, until 8 pm on the first Thursday of each month or by appointment.

There is no admission charge. For further information, please contact the Arts Depot at (276) 628-9091, or e-mail at abingdonartsdepot@eva. org, or visit their facebook place page or the web site at www.abingdonartsdepot.org. The Association is supported in part by grants from the Virginia Commission for the Arts, the National Endowment for the Arts.

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Jonesborough’s Storybrook Farm B & B

Wins WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Award® 2016

Photo by: David Hill

WeddingWire, the leading global online wedding marketplace, has named Storybrook Farm Bed & Breakfast as a winner of the prestigious WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Awards® 2016 for wedding venues in the Tri-Cities.

The WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Awards® 2016 recognizes the top five percent of wedding professionals in the WeddingWire Network who

demonstrate excellence in quality, service, responsiveness and professionalism. The esteemed awards are given to the top local wedding vendors in more than 20 service categories, from wedding venues to wedding florists, based on their professional achievements from the previous year.

While many industry award winners are selected by the host organization, the Wed-

dingWire Couples’ Choice Awards® winners are determined solely based on reviews from real newlyweds and their experiences working with Storybrook Farm. Award-winning vendors are distinguished for the quality, quantity, consistency and timeliness of the reviews they have received from their past clients.

“We are thrilled to celebrate such a high-caliber, committed group of professionals for the Couples’ Choice Awards’® eighth year,” said Timothy Chi, CEO, WeddingWire. “We are proud to continue to serve as the industry leader, with over 2.5 million consumer and peer reviews, and feature awardwinning merchants such as Storybrook Farm who understand the impact reviews have on their successful businesses.”

As a Couples’ Choice Awards® winner, Storybrook Farm is highlighted within the WeddingWire Network, which is comprised of more than 400,000 wedding professionals globally.

Storybrook Farm Bed & Breakfast is proud to be one of the top wedding venues in the Tri-Cities region in the WeddingWire Network. We would like to thank our past clients for taking the time to review our business on WeddingWire.

We value all of our clients and truly appreciate the positive feedback that helped us earn the WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Awards® 2016.

For more information about weddings at Storybrook Farm, please visit www.storybrookfarmweddings.com.

To learn more about the Couples’ Choice Awards®, please visit www.weddingwire.com/ couples-choice-awards.

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February 2, 2016 | The Loafer | Page 9

ETSU to host

Dance Showcase 2016

East Tennessee State University will host Dance Showcase 2016 featuring the work of students, faculty and recent graduates. The event will be held Feb. 4-6 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 7, at 2 p.m. in the Bud Frank Theatre on the ETSU campus.

Over 20 performers will be part of the Dance Showcase, which is directed by Cara Harker, an associate professor of Communication and Performance at ETSU. Harker says the showcase begins “in the air” featuring a number of aerial dance works, while the second half of the show “returns to the ground” with several contemporary dance pieces.

ETSU students performing in the show are Whitney Bates, Savannah Bowne, Abby Cate, Camille Clark, Devorah Daught, Trenton Fines, Ali Gibson, Zoe Hester, Taylor Hutchison, Reagan James, Morgan Labelle, Jacob Mencini, Nifemi Moronkeji, Drake Parrott, Kelsea Nickels, Courtney Spencer, Jensyn Teague and Jessica Vest.

Also performing are recent graduates Eva Alom and Suzanne Clemons as well as new adjunct faculty members Claire Woodard and Michael Maughon.

Harker leads the dance program at ETSU and is assisted

by Jen Kintner, who will also perform in the show.

The Division of Theatre and Dance is part of the Depart-

ment of Communication and Performance at ETSU. In 2010, the Tennessee Board of Regents approved the establishment of a minor degree program in dance.

Tickets are $7 for students (with ID) and $15 for general admission and can be purchased at http://www.etsu.

edu/cas/comm_perform/theatre/boxoffice.php. For more information, call the Division of Theatre and Dance box office at 423-439-6511. For disability accommodations, call the ETSU Office of Disability Services at 423-439-8346.

“Souper Bowl” Fundraiser

Join us at the Jonesborough Library on February 3 for the “Souper Bowl!” The Friends of the Washington County Library will be serving a variety of soups and chilies for lunch from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m., or while supplies last. You can eat-in or come to our convenient drive-through for pick-up. Friends will also be making deliveries for group orders around Jonesborough.

The Friends’ menu will include a choice of taco soup, vegetable soup, red chili, white chicken chili, or potato soup. With the soup you will receive a side salad, crackers, and brownie for dessert. All of this for a minimum of an $8.00 donation!

Order forms are available at the Jonesborough Library. For more information, please call the Jonesborough Library at 753-1800.

Unstoppable

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SPECIAL EDITION

PROGRESS

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

11 ...... 50Fifty Sports Tavern

38 ...... Country Club Bar & Grill

68 ...... Kitchen Tune Up

12 ...... A-Ok Auction

39 ...... Damascus Brewery

70 ...... Main Street Pizza Company

14 ...... Abingdon Antique Mall

40 ...... Decor Exchange

71 ...... Mary B. Martin School of the Arts

16 ...... About Face

41 ...... Ducks Unlimited

72 ...... Modern Woodman

18 ...... Acoustic Coffeehouse

42 ...... East Coast Wings

73 ...... Mountain Yoga

19 ...... Alfresco Lifestyles

43 ...... Encore Lending Group

74 ...... Mr. K’s

20 ...... All About Blinds &

44 ...... Faces by Ren

75 ...... Musik Alley

45 ...... For The Love of Suds

76 ...... Northeast State Technical College

21 ...... All That Glitters Salon

46 ...... Hair Waves

77 ...... Off The Grid

22 ...... Alona’s Cafe

48 ...... Harmony Medical Care

78 ...... Olive Oil Divine

23 ...... Art of Body MD

49 ...... Hayworth Tire

80 ...... Peerless

24 ...... Arltandia

54 ...... Healing Hands Health Center

81 ...... Phil’s Dream Pit

25 ...... Berskire Hathaway

55 ...... Healthy Persona

82 ...... Poor Richard’s Uptown

56 ...... Hokie Smokie

83 ...... Results Day Spa

26 ...... Beth Snapp Music

57 ...... Holiday Inn (Exit 7)

84 ...... Sher Extentions

27 ...... Blakley-Mitchell

58 ...... Holston River Brewing

85 ...... Skin Deep Med Spa

29 ...... Bone Fire Smokehouse

59 ...... Hungry I @ Apex

87 ...... Smith Brother’s Harley-Davidson

30 ...... Bortz Graphix Plus

60 ...... Ink Revolution

88 ...... Smokehouse BBQ

31 ...... Breakthrough Medical

61 ...... Into The Fire

91 ...... Smoky Mountain Divers

32 ...... Bridge Home No Kill Shelter

62 ...... J. Frank Restaurant

93 ...... Tipton Street Pub

33 ...... Busted Still Brewery

63 ...... Jiggy Ray’s

94 ...... Uncorked

34 ...... Central Cafe Glade

64 ...... Johnson City Community Theatre

97 ...... Wampler’s Barber Shop

35 ...... Changes Med Spa

65 ...... JRH Brewing

98 ...... William King Museum

36 ...... Cold Smoke Vapor Works

66 ...... Jump TN

101 ...... Wolf Creek Band

The Frame Gallery

HomeServices

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50 TAPS, 50 WINES AND MIXED DRINKS

The ennui had finally gotten to me. I had reached the peak of overwhelming sadness at the lack of a quality sports bar where I felt at home. Dismayed, but determined, I left the comfort of my home and went out into the bitter winter air to continue my search.

I walked without ceasing, almost like a crazy sea captain in search of his elusive white whale. From street to street I journeyed. Snow, ice, wind, seagulls, stale bagels, and all matter of things flying through the air and hitting me in the face.

I fell upon my knees into a snowdrift, I had decided that this is where my journey would end, the ice was coming for me, and I was going to go towards its cold embrace.

Suddenly, a light shown across me that was so bright I had to guard my eyes till they could adjust. The light was a sign. A sign, that read 50Fifty Sports Tavern. Suddenly, I felt a sense of renew inside of me. With newfound energy, I raced over to their doors and entered. Inside I discovered an awe-inspiring sight.

50Fifty Sports Tavern offers fifty beers on tap, fifty wines to choose from, and video walls with fifty screens to give you the best view of the game—no matter where you sit! With a full menu of burgers, wings, salads, and starters, I simply couldn’t have been more struck with a joy I thought I would never feel again. And what if the game I want isn’t on? 50Fifty also has darts,

video games, and pool tables.

Plus, there’s a huge stage and dance area with live music every weekend! All the fun I could handle was there in one location, my search, which had almost become an obsession, was finally at an end. I ordered some wings, a beer, and I sat back in my chair. Life was beautiful once again.

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A-OK AUCTION ....

WE DO IT ALL

With over 30 years experience under their belts, the team at A-OK Auction Company in Abingdon, Virginia, is your top choice. A-OK Auction Company specializes in real estate, antiques, gold & silver, fine jewelry furniture, tin toys, coins, advertising gas and oil memorabilia, etc. Diversity is the key in this business, and A-OK has sold everything from $2 antiques to helicopters, with clientele that ranges from the East to West Coast.

A-OK is a family-owned and operated company, owned

by Alan Shope, who has been in the auction business since he was seven years old. A-OK Auction Company strives to deliver high quality service because they take pride in their work and want you to have

the best auction experience you can have. As a leading provider of auction services, A-OK takes pride in offering the best auction experience you’ll ever have, and are dedicated to serving the needs and desires of their customers each and every day.

A-OK Auction Company maintains a computerized data base listing client’s collecting preferences and items of special interest to them. They invite you to call next time you wish to sell your real estate, one item, a collection, or an entire estate. Personal treatment is their way of doing good business, so feel free to contact one of A-OKs helpful staff members.

A-OK buys and sells antiques, appliances, collectibles, mod-

February 2, 2016 | The Loafer | Page 13

ern furniture, tools, silver and gold, tin toys, antiques, and even entire estates with two locations to serve you and your schedule. Family owned and operated, insured and bonded, serving Southwest Virginia and surrounding areas, there’s not a single reason not to look to A-OK Auction Company when you’re thinking of clearing out an estate or other large collection.

ESTATES - ANTIQUES LIQUIDATIONS

TAKING PRIDE IN

and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Abingdon Antique Mall has over 24,000 square feet of amazing antiques & collectibles available for purchase.

Founded in July of last year ity ornate and unique antiques customer service. Open seven Everything from $2 trinkets

by Alan Shope, Abingdon An- & collectables, all offered with days a week, Monday through to professionally restored gas tique Mall prides itself on qual- small town hospitality and Saturday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. pumps!

One of he most recognizable aspects of their business is that they take care of their customers by providing high quality and unusual pieces, that you don’t find in other antique malls, as well as providing consistent excellent customer service. Abingdon Antique Mall loves the historical aspect of the region that we are in. They are happy to be a part of that history in Abingdon. Abingdon Antique Mall revitalized a well-known landmark building in Abingdon, and they take pride in the selection and quality of antiques that we provide to this region.

Abingdon Antique Mall’s family atmosphere is a great

QUALITY AND SATISFACTION

place to spend the day shopping. Their location is within minutes of the Bass Pro Shop, Cabela’s, and the Pinnacle. Their friendly, helpful staff will help you find just what you’re looking for! When they say everything, they mean everything, from exotic antiques to collectibles from both local and around the world. Abingdon Antique Mall features a huge selection of antique furniture, primitives, Persian rugs, lamps, chandeliers, advertising, clocks, jewelry, statues, artwork, and more!

Come out and visit Abingdon Antique Mall for a fun filled day of pursuing. Perhaps you’ll finally find that one accent rug you’ve been desperately searching for, or maybe that last piece of china to complete that set that has long eluded you. Whatever it is, you’ll have good odds of finding it at Abingdon Antique Mall.

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February 2, 2016 | The Loafer | Page 15

BONE FIRE SMOKEHOUSE PRESENTS

THE CRANE WIVES

Bone Fire Smokehouse Restaurant in Abingdon, Virginia, February 5th at 8pm The Bone Fire Smokehouse is proud to be hosting a free show by the amazing Crane Wives.

Emilee Petersmark (guitar/vocals) and Kate Pillsbury (guitar/vocals) were aspiring solo artists who were working in a Chinese restaurant in Grandville, Michigan. In an attempt to avoid waiting tables, they began performing weekends in the restaurant under the name The Crane Wives but were not well received.

Tom Gunnels (banjo) and Dan Rickabus (drums/vocals) had played together for many years going back to Brandon High School. Just prior to forming The Crane Wives, they were in a small, two-piece coffee shop band, “...Then Came the News” primarily playing in the Grand Rapids area, but also in other parts of Michigan.

The upbeat sound, folk influence, and use of three-part harmony set the band apart in the indie rock-dominated Grand

Rickabus worked as a sound engineer, and also a generous response to the band’s Kickstarter campaign.In June 2011, the band received a degree of national attention when Colin Meloy, lead singer of the De-

Photo by Leah Renee Photography

Rapids music scene. While the band’s moniker came in part from The Decemberists’ 2006 album, The Crane Wife, the members claim a wide variety of influences: folk, blues, ska, punk, and even heavy metal.

The Crane Wives released their first full-length CD, Safe Ship Harbored, in May 2011.

The album was self-produced, backed primarily through donation of studio time from Sound Post Studios, where

cemberists, saw their album at NPR during an interview and had his picture taken with it. In response to the photo, fans and other local artists mimicked Meloy’s pose (profile, with Safe Ship Harbored touching their

noses) and posted their photos to Facebook, creating a flood of support for the band. (A month prior, they had tried to book an opening performance for The Decemberists at Calvin College, but were unable to secure the spot.)

The band received attention and recognition in 2012, garnering several local awards.

Paste Magazine listed them among their “12 Michigan Acts You Should Listen to Now”.

They were also recipients of the “Local Spin of the Year” from Grand Rapids They also took three awards at WYCE’s “Jammies”, a local award ceremony for prominent West Michigan musicians.

Awards received were Album of the Year (Safe Ship, Harbored), Song of the Year (Safe Ship, Harbored), and the Listener’s Choice Award.

The Bone Fire Smokehouse is located in the Hardware building at 260 Main Street in historic Abingdon, Virginia. As always, never a cover charge at the Bone Fire Smokehouse!

For info please contact the Bone Fire Smokehouse at (276) 623-0037 or email doug@bonefirebrands.com.

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IMAGINE A NEW YOU!

Since 2005, About Face, founded by owner Sue Cressel, has been helping their clients reach healthy weight loss goals. If you’re ready to make this important step in managing your weight, they have the plan to get you where you want to be!

Your first visit to an About Face location will require completion of paperwork which includes your medical background, medications taken, and known a l l e r g i e s .

Once completed, you’ll meet with one of their weight loss counselors who will discuss the diet plans About Face offers, any recommended supplements you may require and take your vitals. This is the time you’ll have your first weigh in. You’ll then meet with a licensed nurse practitioner or physician who will review your medical history and determine if you are a candidate for a prescription weight management plan.

Imagine a new you! There are many reasons to want to look and feel better - a wedding or special event, that dream vacation, or a career move. Or perhaps you just decided today was the day. About Face understands that.

You’ll get lots of support from the About Face team as you work towards making

your weight loss goals a reality. In addition to this, About Face also offers a variety of sink care treatments. There are many ways to approach healthy, beautiful skin -- medical-based products,

injectables, topical skin treatments or a healthy diet! About Face has them all.

When you look and feel your best, you are at your best, on top of your game, confident, proud, and happy! Take that first step and call About Face. Trusted for over ten years with providing their clients great services, at affordable prices!

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NOT A CRIME

Mark Landis

Using various guises and false identities, art forger Mark Landis has been wily enough to get more than 100 pieces of his art on the walls of nearly 50 museums in 20 states over a period of 30 years.

His body of work spans painting styles and periods and includes visual art icons, ranging from Picasso to Dr. Seuss, yet Landis remains “at large” – because he hasn’t really committed a crime. He donated the forged masterpieces. “I didn’t do anything wrong or illegal,” Landis says.

On Monday, Feb. 8, at 7 p.m. in Ball Hall Auditorium, Mary B. Martin School of the Arts at ETSU will present Art and Craft – with director/producer Sam Cullman and subject of the film Mark Landis attending – as a part of the South Arts Southern Circuit Tour of Independent Filmmakers. The documentary film is free and open to the public and will be followed

by a Q&A and reception with Cullman and Landis.

“Rich and fascinating … it’s got a crisp pace and a deadpan playfulness, telling a too-good-to-betrue story with humor and empathy,” reports the Epoch Times.

When the story broke in The New York Times about the most prolific art forger in United States’ history, filmmakers Cullman and Jennifer Grausman say they knew that his story needed to be told.

Landis, it turns out, was hiding in plain sight at his mother’s house in Mississippi, the directors say, and was “remarkably transparent” and open about his hoodwinking habit.

After meeting Landis, they realized the story was much more complex than they had originally thought.

“Art and Craft uncovers a unique story of obsession that falls at the intersection of authenticity

February 2, 2016 | The Loafer | Page 17

South Arts film explores life of ‘philanthropic’ art forger

and identity,” the filmmakers say in their directors’ statement. “This intimate character study opens a window onto the disarmingly eccentric world of one man, but in doing so uncovers something much more universal – the search for meaning and purpose.”

The documentary tells the story of Landis and his successful 30-year con of regional art galleries – successful, that is, until he dupes art registrar Matthew Leininger who vows to expose Landis’ “philanthropy.” Starting out as an art mystery, the documentary becomes a story of one man’s battle against mental illness and the lengths one might go to find acceptance.

“Was he a Robin Hood? Was he trying to give art to the masses?

Was he some sort of rejected artist trying to get back at the art world?” asks Cullman in a Tribeca Film Festival interview. “In the end it was actually none of those things and maybe all of those things. But it became a much deeper story … “[Duped curators] kind of treated him as if he were a villain with malicious intent, and really

that was actually not the case so …

Mark became a much more deep and complex character once we realized those sort of classic motivations that would motivate a forger didn’t apply.”

After being diagnosed with schizophrenia and multiple behavior disorders in the 1970s, Landis sought to overcome the marginalization associated with these diseases, devising a plan that allowed him to gain respect among the elites of society: art forgery. What makes Landis’ plan unique is that he has never sold a painting, posing instead as a philanthropist, a priest or a grieving loved one executing a will.

“I like to keep busy …” Landis says at marklandisoriginal.com.

“I’ve been painting as long as I can remember, and it has brought me great joy to share my work with others … What I know is that painting is what keeps me happy, healthy and connected to the people around me.”

Reviewers call Art and Craft “jaunty and engaging,” “expertly crafted,” “spectacular” and “engrossing.” Stephen Holden of The

New York Times says the documentary is “perversely satisfying.

The art world deserves him.”

The film also features a soundtrack composed by Stephen Ulrich to evoke big band music of the 1930s and 1940s as well as the solo guitar work of Eddie Lang.

The music, the filmmakers say, was inspired by the music always playing in Landis’ red Cadillac and has a strong “film noir” flavor, also inspired by Landis’ obsession with old movies. The Washington Post calls the score “jazzy,” with “a jaunty, winking feel.”

“Initially one might think ‘Why are we celebrating a forger?’ ” says Anita DeAngelis, director of the Mary B. Martin School of the Arts, “but the interesting thing with Mark Landis is that he is not breaking the law. He’s skirting this odd area and I think it’s definitely worth a conversation. We are very excited that Landis himself will be joining us for the discussion after the film.”

For more information about the film, visit http://artandcraftfilm. com The Southern Circuit Tour of Independent Filmmakers is a program of South Arts. Southern Circuit screenings are funded in part by a grant from South Arts in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts. South Arts, founded in 1975, is a nonprofit regional arts organization building on the South’s unique heritage and enhancing the public value of the arts. Their work responds to the arts environment and cultural trends with a regional perspective, through an annual portfolio of activities designed to address the role of the arts in impacting the issues important to our region, and linking the South with the nation and the world through the arts.

For more information on South Arts, visit www.southarts.org.

For information about the film, film series or the ETSU Mary B. Martin School of the Arts, call 423439-TKTS (8587) or visit www. etsu.edu/martin. Please “Like” ETSU Mary B. Martin School of the Arts on Facebook and follow it on Twitter and Instagram @ArtsAtETSU.

Page 18 | The Loafer | February 2, 2016

WHERE EVERYONE IS WELCOME

As much growth is happening in downtown Johnson City, you would think it’s all a new thing. This is not so, one of the first wave of new downtown businesses was The Acoustic Coffeehouse on West Walnut

Street. Opened in 2003 by Jim Benelisha, The Acoustic Coffeehouse has been the destination for both downtown visitors and nearby college students, seeking a place to meet, socialize, play, and hear music.

The Acoustic Coffeehouse offers not only a full range of coffee drinks, but has over 21 beers on tap, with countless others by the bottle. The menu at The Acoustic Coffeehouse has everything from vegetarian options, to pizza, burgers, sandwiches, and salads. Open seven days a week, The Acoustic Coffeehouse features live music nightly—check out their Facebook and webpage for a full schedule of bands and artists booked to perform.

I t’s no real mystery why The Acoustic Coffeehouse has been a popular destination in the downtown area for 13 years.

The Acoustic Coffeehouse prides itself on having a casual atmosphere with openness towards all types of people.

Where anyone and everyone

are welcomed, regardless if you’re stopping in for a quick caffeine fix, or hanging out for a while with a burger and good beer.

The Acoustic Coffeehouse is open Monday through Thursday from 2 p.m. to midnight, Friday and Saturday from 2 p.m. to 3 a.m., and Sunday from 5 p.m. to midnight. You

can catch them at almost any hour of the day people are up and moving around. Whether it be that post college exam stress break, or hopping in with a date to catch up and coming artist, The Acoustic Coffeehouse is one of the premier destinations in downtown Johnson City.

www.theloaferonline.com

February 2, 2016 | The Loafer | Page 19

WE’VE BEEN EXPECTING YOU ...

...These words are the greeting words on the door of the showrooms of Alfresco Lifestyles and Blue Ridge Hardscapes located in Abingdon, Virginia.

Becky Nelms and Tim Arrington, owners of the businesses, are proud to offer a wide variety of products and services to make your outdoor living ‘dream room’ a reality.

“We opened our doors in 2009 and had a clear vision of what we wanted to establish for this area. Our region is a perfect climate for all seasons and year round outdoor living is more popular than ever. We saw a need for a business like ours to give customers the quality and high standard options needed for their outdoor living space,” stated owner Becky Nelms.

Outdoor living is one of the fastest growing upgrades for

homeowners. From backyard gathering centerpieces to elegant garden décor to extending indoor space to an outdoor space, this big design trend is for the homeowner who wants to make the most of their property.

are the experts. From start to finish, our customers enjoy the total outdoor living experience with our accessories, including our weather resistant outdoor furniture, rugs, lamps, grills, and, of course, The Big Green Egg and much more!”

a comfortable, relaxing and amazing outdoor living space for you and your family. From contractors to designers, we can help you plan and execute that perfect backyard and patio,” Becky explained. “Today’s outdoor kitchen consists

“We are one of the most unique blends of businesses in this area and really in the region. We offer complete design packages for outdoor patios, kitchens, walkways, driveways, fireplaces and fire pits, and landscape walls,” detailed owner Becky Nelms. “And that is just the beginning.”

The goal of Alfresco Lifestyles and Blue Ridge Hardscapes is to provide their customers the best possible value in furnishings and designing for their outdoor living space. As Becky put it, “We have a passion for the outdoors, which is why we

Be the envy of your neighborhood. No matter how big or small your project, Alfresco Lifestyles and Blue Ridge Hardscapes have what you need to make your dream backyard and patio a reality. “We specialize in creating

of anything from classic builtin grills on a cozy backyard patio to a state-of-the-art kitchen with high tech appliances and gadgets that even include the kitchen sink!”

With dedication to your satisfaction, you can be assured

that Alfresco Lifestyles and Blue Ridge Hardscapes provide the best in products and in customer service. “We have the highest standards of design and durability. If we wouldn’t put it in our own backyard, we won’t try to put it in yours,” stated owner Tim Arrington.

With years of business success, visit the experts at Alfresco Lifestyles and Blue Ridge Hardscapes for functional outdoor kitchen designs to patio furniture suggestions and décor accessories. Let them and their staff assist you in making your dream of an outdoor oasis come true!

Alfresco Lifestyles and Blue Ridge Hardscapes is you’re one stop shop’ for all your outdoor living accessories, including The Big Green Egg… and ‘they are expecting you!’

Page 20 | The Loafer | February 2, 2016

THE ART OF WINDOW DRESSING

Locally owned and operated in Johnson City since 2002, All About Blinds services residential and commercial customers throughout East Tennessee and beyond. Their qualified staff is trained to assist you in the product selection and installation of all types of window treatments. They seek to provide their clients with the very best quality and satisfaction-guaranteed customer service.

Randy and Gail Collins founded All About Blinds, operating out of their home for the first six years. They opened their first retail showroom in July 2008. All About Blinds offers their clients a beautiful showroom where they can experience the window treatments before purchasing. They separate their business from their competitors with exceptional service, offering a quality product. They believe in a saying by Warren Buffett, “Price is what you pay; Value is what you get.”

All About Blinds is a certified dealer for the Hunter Douglas brand window treatments that are ‘Made in America’. Hunter Douglas is a leader in light control, energy efficiency, operating systems, and motorization, offering beautiful style and function - “The Art of Window Dressing.”

When asked for thoughts of why our region is a great place to live and work, Gail said, “East Tennessee is God’s country! We love the beautiful scenery and having all of the seasons. The people are the friendliest and kindest of anywhere you might go.” In addition to window treatments, the Collins bought The Frame Gallery in May 2012 and added it to their business.

The Frame Gallery offers custom picture framing, custom mirrors, canvas stretch, shadow boxes, cross stitch, memorabilia framing, and family treasures. In addition, they have prints, framed art, tabletop frames, and more for sell!

www.theloaferonline.com

ALL THAT GLITTER..

Frances Pentland is known for many things. She’s the world record holder in consecutive wins at the game Mall Madness. First prizewinner at the annual “Carve the Robot from ‘Lost In Space’ Out of Butter” contest. Only person in history to have ever built a BMW from scratch using nothing but old spoons and duct tape. Really, Ms. Pentland has done it all. But none of these impressive achievements can hold to candle to what Ms. Pentland takes the most pride

her associate Tonya for, and they have the luxury of being able to take care of one client at a time in a very private, intimate setting.

Ms. Pentland loves having her business as part of our region, “It’s home,” she says. “The way you truly become family with the people you meet. We get to see our clients more often than family sometimes. We laugh, cry, and grow together. It’s amazing.” Speaking on their background, she adds: “We were

in, her new Spa and Salon in Elizabethton.

A dream for Ms. Pentland since she first took cosmetology at Science Hill, All That Glitters Spa and Salon signed their business license on October 20th last year—Ms. Pentland’s birthday, coincidentally. Taking care of clients is foremost at All That Glitters Spa and Salon. Nobody is the same. There is no cookie cutter service that fits everybody.

They want to make sure that their clients get what they want (and need) out of the service they come to Frances and

both previously at Austin Springs Spa. Myself for almost 11 years and Tonya for three years. I’ve had my nail art in Nails Magazine & Nail Pro Magazine in their reader’s nail art sections as well as an article in each for *my journey* last October for Breast Cancer Awareness month. I don’t think any of this would have ever happened if it wasn’t for my last year and I am so thankful to be able to enjoy and live this dream and give back to everyone who got us through it!”

February 2, 2016 | The Loafer | Page 21

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TASTES THAT ARE OUTSIDE THE BOX

Since February 13, 2012, Alona’s Café and Catering in Bristol has been serving up international cuisine. Founded by chef Alona Kennedy from the Philippines, and local chef Jeff Smith, Alona’s Café and Catering prides itself on their Italian based regular menu with weekly specials of authentic international cuisine. Enjoy a new country every week.

Travel the world by taste under one

roof. Café Alona features a four course meal with soup, appetizer, entree, and dessert for only $26.95.

Alona’s Café and Catering can also handle catering parties of any size, including room rentals and office parties.

Daily lunch specials are offered, and the new weekly international cuisine menu that runs at dinner Thursday through Saturday. You’re welcomed to bring your own wine, but there is a cork fee of $4 per person. They also offer gluten free and vegan options as well. Alona feels that the best part of our region is their ability to show cultures through food of many countries. Being the first full focused international cuisine restaurant in our area, makes them a part of the ever-growing culture change of Appalachia.

Dinner is served Wednesday through Saturday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., and lunch is served Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with a reliable

menu of Italian staples, and the everchanging weekly inter- national menu.

Alona’s Café and Catering is a go to for tastes that are outside of the box, not to mention outside of the country. Give them a call or stop in today for a taste of the international, when that mid day hunger strikes, or when you think you may want something different for that catered affair you’re planning.

www.theloaferonline.com

DISCOVER THE ART

Art of Body MD is the Tri-Cities premier medical spa. Opening their doors for the first time last September, Art of Body was founded by Dr. Miranda Moretz. Dr. Miranda Moretz is a physician, board certified in emergency medicine.

She took a special in-

tere s t in aesthetics and antiaging medicine. As both a consumer and a provider, Dr. Moretz had a more complete knowledge of the subject. She completed specialized training to follow her passion and founded Art of Body MD.

complementary coffee and wine bar to the soothing sounds of the waterfall, the spa is designed with customer comfort in mind.

As a physician, a woman and a mother of three, Dr. Moretz has an inside a n d persona l

knowledge in the struggle to maintain beauty, self-confidence and reverse aging. Dr. Moretz graduated from East Tennessee State University with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, magna cum laude. She

“Discover the Art of a happier, healthier, more beautiful you” Art of Body MD research and practice the safest, most effective aesthetic techniques on the market. Their motto is “Discover the Art of a happier, healthier, more beautiful you”, which describes the way they do business with their customers everyday. They offer everything from Lipo, Botox and Dermal Fillers, all the way to sclerotherapy. Their luxurious spa setting is designed to be welcoming and relaxing. From their

later graduated from the University of Louisville School of Medicine and completed residency training in Emergency Medicine at University of Louisville.

“The natural beauty of the region and welcoming nature of the people in East TN make this the ideal place to live and work,” Dr. Moretz says. If you’re ready to explore the benefits of a medical spa treatment, call Art of Body MD today!

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ARTLANDIA.ORG IS ONE OF THE MANY FLOATERS IN YOUR YUM-YUM STEW. Come on, stir the $7,500 pot.

Artlandia.org is a website that showcases what a grass roots arts initiative looks like.

It’s also a visual reminder and encouragement that your unique art vision does not have to adhere to someone else’s organized and established mission. In other words, striking out on your own, is tough business. And, it’s a business, whether you generate personal profit or not, that is full of surprises.

Most of the surprises that I have encountered, by creating my own arts initiative, is observing people and their behavior including my own.

Goodness gracious...we hu-

mans are a rather interesting and complicated lot. Seven years of observation and a few art projects later, artlandia.org was added to the pot.

Artlandia.org was also created to show what a “dreamer“ can accomplish if the “doer of the dream“ can surface from the shadow of their own life.

And, what has developed from this experience is the cornerstone of my work process which is called “choose the build-up, not the tear down.”

It’s a straight-forward and idealistic notion that stems from the idea that everyone, regardless of their own unique experiences and limitations, has an

opportunity to contribute and encourage each other positively - all of the time - “the build up.” There is also the “tear down” which is unfortunately part of our humanness that is tricky to comprehend, accept and manage. We have all contributed to “building up and tearing down” others. If we collectively agreed to chose the “build up” - imagine what amazing support systems we can be for each other. And, imagine the art opportunities that would present themselves that may not happen otherwise.

Choose the build up, not the tear down.

$7,500 out of a $10,000 artist fee goal has been raised for Johnson City’s bike art project (2nd phase) - a project that began in the Summer of 2010.

Johnson City’s 2-phase Bike Art Project: Phase 1: 11 art bike silhouettes approximately 5’w x 3’h in size that are rotating in different businesses. 18 businesses have participated with 23 artists contributing to Phase 1.

These bike silhouettes are for sale at $500 a piece. Two of the bike silhouettes have been sold (Proceeds of sale go towards the artist’s expense and the other half to Phase 2).

Phase 2: A bicycle-inspired public work of art for Veteran’s Park - next to South Side Elementary - in the heart of the Tree Streets Neighborhood. The 3rd annual YUM-YUM event is a fund raiser for Phase 2.

Artlandia projects include: (a) “Artlandia: An Arts and Crafts Peep Show” (7th annual in November 2015) (b) “YUM-YUM: The Power of the Bite” (3rd annual March 2016) - a food-based fund raiser (c) “2-phase Johnson City bike art project” (d) “FREE RANGE ART - a K-12 program” (1st year to be displayed for sale at YUM-YUM) K-12 children producing work to sell. This year students will create an art project using a bicycle wheel.

This program gives children a formal introduction to the gallery business. Nelson Fine Art to display work for 1 month.

Thanks Dick Nelson of Nelson Fine Art Center, friends, family, volunteers, in-kind and fiscal donors, and business owners that have contributed to these projects. You are the cornerstone of Johnson City’s arts community.

For more information, contact Virginia Buda at 423-833-8474 or vbudadesigns@gmail.com.

Visit artlandia.org, https://www.facebook.com/virginia.buda.1 Or https://www.facebook.com/artlandiajc

www.theloaferonline.com

DREAMS DO COME TRUE

For over ten years, Realtor Sue Alvis has been helping make the American Dream come true for the people of the Tri-Cities. Ms. Alvis: “I always loved working with people, enjoyed being in new homes, seeing the new trends. I had worked hand in hand with homebuilders doing construction cleaning for 20 years; and, had built a good reputation

Dreams do come true, you get to play a small part of that. When you go to the closing table and you think ‘job well done,’ that is what it is all about. Your clients become friends.”

Until becoming a realtor in 2004, Sue had a diverse professional background.

“I sold life insurance in my early twenties, worked at Rainbow Bakery for

with the builders. I thought instead of cleaning them, I would sell them. While I loved doing the construction clean up of new homes, as I got older it was more difficult physically. I have always been a hands-on person so it was then that I decided to sell real estate. Best move I ever made for me, I love it.”

Sue Alvis takes great pride in her work ethic. Clients expect a realtor to be knowledgeable and trustworthy. “If you can’t be honest with your clients, you do not need to be in this business or any other business as far as that goes.

several years (First female route salesperson for Rainbow Bakery), ran a restaurant in the late 70s and early 80s. In 1984 with help from friends and the support of my family I started my cleaning company Tri-Cities Maid Service, joined the Home Builders Association where I served on their Board Of Directors for many years (I was their first female director). In 2004 I became a realtor.”

When you want a personal touch to buying or selling a home, give Sue Alvis a call, she’ll go the extra mile for you!

February 2, 2016 | The Loafer | Page 25

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THAT GIRL IN THE MAGAZINE

Northeast Tennessee native Beth Snapp has been playing music since age six, but her turning point was when, at age 15, she taught herself how to play the guitar. Focusing on the interplay of light and dark using raw honesty, empathy, and vulnerability, Beth peeks into the intricacies of everyday life with almost severe introspection. Beth’s music is a unique musical blend of folk, pop, jazz, and a hint of bluegrass.

“That Girl In the Magazine,” Beth’s debut album was released in June 2014; and, hosts an all star line up of special guests, including Grammy nominees Dave Eggar and bluegrass super group Blue Highway, IBMA Player of the Year Ronnie Stewart, rising star Trey Hensley, and other

notable musicians. Beth has opened for songwriter folk acts such as Iris Dement and Scott Miller and the Commonwealth, and has lent vocal talents on Blue Highway’s “The Game” as well as a featured vocalist on Tim Stafford’s “Just to Hear the Whistle Blow.”

Beth counts artists as diverse as Ella Fitzgerald, Ben Folds, and Allison Krauss among her absolute favorites, and it is reflected in her music. “I try to write songs that we’ve all felt at one point. I try to leave a little bit of my life on the table.

I try to sing as relaxed as I wish life was,” Beth says. Beth’s real passion lies in songwriting, something she began doing at the age of eighteen as a coping mechanism. Beth Snapp can be found playing local venues, and her music is available

from the usual online sources.

You can find Beth through her official Facebook page, and she also has a page on Reverb Nation. Also, through the 23rd

of this month, Beth is running Kickstarter campaign for her sophomore album. You can find it through her Beth Snapp Music page on Facebook, or by

searching her name on Kickstarter. With a driven commitment to her craft, Beth Snapp is one artist to keep your eye on.

www.theloaferonline.com

YOUR SATISFACTION IS OUR SATISFACTION

Blakley-Mitchell has been serving our area since 1933.

They can be found at two locations to serve you better. Their

premier men’s clothing store of Blakley-Mitchell is your full the Tri-Cities. A family owned service men’s clothing store. business; Blakley-Mitchell is Stocking everything from taicommitted to creating a per- lored suits, to casual wear. Every part of your wardrobe from event wear to everyday wear can be found here. The area’s largest selection in hats, including brands such as: Stetson, Dobbs, Bailey, and Pendleton, with shoes by Allen Edmonds, and Florsheim. Get the latest in suits and sport coats from Hart Schaffner Marx, G. Monzoni, Mattarazi, and Austin Reed.

Blakely-Mitchell carries a great line of casual golf apparel from Fairway & Greene, and sport clothes by Nat Nast. They offer six different styles of pants to choose from. You can find home base in Bristol and the sonal relationship that allows it here – from everyday to big Kingsport location opened in their customers to present the and tall clothing.

1987, Blakley-Mitchell is the image of clothing they desire.

In addition to all of this,

February 2, 2016 | The Loafer | Page 27 Blakley-Mitchell also has a full service in house tailor shop. Come take advantage of 15-75% off fall and winter merchandise. Customers from all walks of life have been outfitted by Blakley-Mitchell.

You will find far more than just suit and ties once you step inside.

They carry a wide selection of clothing for the every man, for every occasion. BlakleyMitchell has the clothing for you whether it be wedding attire or to meeting friends for breakfast on the weekends. If you’re looking for it, Blakley-Mitchell’s got it!

Page 28 | The Loafer | February 2, 2016

UNDERHILL ROSE @ THE WILLOW TREE February 6th at 8pm

Harmonies. Soul-touching lyrics.

Eye-catching stage presence. Underhill Rose has become synonymous with beautiful music, charming personalities, and rippling success. In the last three years, the all-female trifecta from Asheville, North Carolina has independently released two albums that have topped Americana and roots music charts alike and garnered critical acclaim from around the globe. Eleanor’s salty blues-inspired voice and Molly’s soaring range lead the group in tandem with Salley’s country twang to create three-part harmony music that is real and inspired. With songcentered music and acoustic string accompaniments, the

trio has carved out a distinctive place in the Americanafolk scene.

After their second album, Something Real, shot up the Americana Music Association Airplay Chart in 2013 to #18, they launched a second successful fan-funding campaign in 2014 that brought in over $25,000 from fans and followed it with a five-week national tour and an appearance on the PBS-syndicated show, The Woodwright’s Shop, with Roy Underhill. By the summer of 2015, their third album, The Great Tomorrow, was climbing the Top 30 of the Americana Music Association Airplay Chart once again and took hold at #1 on The Roots Music Report’s Progressive Bluegrass Album Chart for over nine weeks. Glide Magazine notes, “If justice prevails, The Great Tomorrow will open the door to the wider awareness they so decidedly deserve.”

Molly Rose and Eleanor Underhill’s musical partnership is the result of a chance meeting at a makeshift performance of “Angel from Montgomery” between classes at Warren Wilson College, in the mountains of North Carolina. Molly Rose’s beautiful voice resonated with Eleanor, and the two eventually started performing live together. Their affinity for the music they make has kept them together for more than 10 years. Underhill Rose formed in 2009; the addition of Salley Williamson two years later created the foundation for an internationally-recognized female trio known for blending aspects of Americana, R&B, country, and bluegrass into an authentic sound that is all their own—“Heartfelt Country Soul.

www.theloaferonline.com

TASTY BBQ AND LIVE MUSIC

Originally founded in Kingsport by Doug Beatty in 2007, Bone Fire Smokehouse has since been operating in Abingdon, Virginia, in the former Withers Hardware Store location. Doug and his wife Ann Beaver now own it. At Bone Fire Smokehouse they take great pride in the ability to provide delicious smoked meats paired with unique high country side dishes at an affordable price.

able in sandwiches and platters. Bone Fire Smokehouse is also currently working on a 5,000 square foot second floor. They hope to have live concerts and large social events here. They’re also planning a May opening for their new outdoor patio in the back.

When asked what attracted them to Abingdon, Mr. Beatty said: “its beauty, its history and its music. There is a real renaissance going on in the area and

In addition to the food, Bone Fire Smokehouse is noted for its vintage hardware store home and the outstanding regional and national musicians they bring to their stage. They strive to not only be the area’s favorite place to eat, but to also be a favorite place to see & hear music. Between sets, there’s also the wide array of tasty BBQ to choose from. All the standards are there, avail-

Abingdon is right in the thick of it. With new ideas and people moving to the region, this is a very exciting time for the growth of this area.” With such a rich history in Abingdon, and in the Bone Fire Smokehouse location, it’s easy to see why it’s become a popular choice.

Not just for music, but for tasty ‘Q as well. Go see for yourself next time you find yourself nearby!

February 2, 2016 | The Loafer | Page 29

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BORTZ GRAPHIX PLUS THEY DO IT ALL

Bortz Graphix Plus is a fast growing, innovative graphics business owned and operated

by Gary Bortz. With over twenty-five years in the commercial art industry, Bortz Graphix

Plus offers competitive pricing for the best quality signs and graphics in the area. Almost any type of graphic need can be handled. Bortz Graphix Plus can do signs, banners, lo-

gos, screen-printing, custom airbrushing, hand painted murals, and glass etching.

Need a banner for your business or family gathering? Bortz can do it! How about a banner for your home that simply reads “You’re Killing Me, Buster” or perhaps one for the office that says “It Is Your Birthday?” What about for when your friends have gone too crazy sharing that one Internet meme over and over, simply a banner which reads “INTERVENTION?” Your entire banner needs can be met by Bortz Graphix Plus.

Signs, signs, everywhere a sign for your yard from Bortz Graphix Plus. Be it your desire to support the political candidate of your choice (Rey/Finn 2016), to friendly messages for

neighbors and friends (Bad Mouth Betty White In My House and I’ll End You), Bortz can do it!

Want to finally open up that private detective agency after watching “The Maltese Falcon” for the 900th time? Bortz Graphix Plus offers the finest glass etching, perfect for the glass door entrance to your business. Alternatively, you could also have the windows on the side of your home that face the neighbor you have a crush on done. I know next-

door neighbor Melba would appreciate it! Who cares about her boyfriend who works at the grizzle palace burger joint?

From the professional to the personal, Bortz Graphix Plus is the top choice for the finest graphic work you need done. Custom screen printing for your team, rock band or church group in need of tee shirts, they do it all with hand drawn art work! Call Gary and he’ll be happy to work with you.

www.theloaferonline.com

FREEDOM. REDEFINE. CONTROL.

Medical professionals who realized that something had to change when it comes to addiction treatment found Breakthrough Medical, Inc. in November 2015. The trend for Medication Assisted Treatment with buprenorphine (commonly called ‘Suboxone’) continues to grow. And it is working. This became so starkly clear, that the founders of Breakthrough Medical knew they could no longer use outdated methods when helping patients with dependence struggles. As a result, they followed the calling to work in addiction treatment and founded Breakthrough Medical.

At Breakthrough Medical they pride themselves on their partnership with their patients.

It is time for people suffering

from dependence and addiction to be seen for who they really are, your family, friends, neighbors, coworkers, etc. Treating their patients with the dignity they deserve is the first step to recovery. Despite the myriad misconceptions regarding the Medication Assisted Treatment method, people are being saved. Mothers are returning to their children, fathers are returning to their families, and people are absolutely getting their lives back. The most singular source of pride is very simply that they are helping to return parents to their children.

If just one of these parents changes their own lives, then literally hundreds of lives will change as their descendants experience the benefits of that singular brave decision.

Their comfortable atmosphere is the very first point where their patients are shown that they are accepted, that this is a judgment-free company intent on supporting them in their return to health. Additionally, treating addiction as an illness with physical roots helps their patients to better understand how their own bodies work in the setting of substance abuse and dependence. The war of addiction is now waging over the hearts and minds of friends and neighbors. However, they are fighting back. They are resisting the next attempt to stop the Appalachian way of life.

That is what they love the most about this region. The fact that we endure, we overcome, and we break through.

February 2, 2016 | The Loafer | Page 31

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THE AREA’S ONLY NO KILL ANIMAL SHELTER After 15 years of hard work and dedication, The Bridge Home No Kill Rescue opened the doors on its new 7,300 square foot shelter in Blountville, Tennessee. It is the only true “no kill” shelter east of Knoxville, and serves the entire Tri-Cities area. Regina Isenberg, Founder and President of the rescue, has worked tirelessly over many years to see this dream come to fruition. They currently house approximately 65 dogs and 45 cats. All their residents receive medical treatment, including spay and neutering, vaccines, food, shelter, bathing and grooming.

Dogs are kept in kennels that provide both indoor and outdoor access. The cats and kittens occupy a spacious room with several towers for climbing, scratching posts, and window ledges for sunning. They have the freedom to interact and play together and are not confined to cages or cat condos. The goal, of course, is to find loving, forever homes for all their residents.

There is a story for each of their animals, and how they came to the shelter. Some are strays that have been found, but cannot be kept…. others the “collateral damage,” of a divorce, a job loss, or an unanticipated move. Some are surrendered because their caregivers have passed on, and there is no one left to take responsibility for their four-legged companions. “Life happens,” as the saying goes; and, all too often pets suffer as a result of these unpredictable events.

None of the animals deserve to be abandoned. They don’t understand why their circumstances have changed, and their owners are no longer with them. It’s difficult for them to adjust to an entirely new, unfamiliar environment. Some are timid and shy, others bark and are fearful. Leo and Luther are boxer mixes that were brought in together as puppies. They have been at the shelter for several months, and would like to be adopted together. They

LOVE treats and would love a big back yard to play in. Jack and Jill are beautiful black and tan hounds that need a home. Bella is a sweet dachshund that will steal your heart. Entering the cat room brings a barrage of felines swarming around your feet, purring and playing as they hope for a chance to find their “furever” home.

The Bridge Home No Kill Shelter is a non-profit organization; and, depends solely on private funds in order to keep operating.

Their monthly expenses are approximately $6,000. They need your help in order to continue their ministry to the animals. Volunteers and friends have been very kind and generous in donating food, cleaning supplies, blankets, and toys…but their financial need is even greater.

On February 20th, from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. they will be having a fundraiser at 50Fifty Sports Tavern in Johnson City. Transit Time Band from West Virginia will be pro-

viding entertainment.

In addition they will have prize drawings every half hour to include retail, theater, and dining gift cards. Admission is $5 per person, with all proceeds going to The Bridge Home No Kill Rescue. If you are unable to join them, donations can be mailed to: The Bridge Home, P.O. Box 654, Blountville, Tennessee 37617. You can also go online to thebridgehome.com (no ‘www’) to donate via PayPal or credit card. Volunteer positions are always available, and there are numerous volunteer opportunities. Please contact Regina Isenberg President at (423) 239-5237 for more information.

www.theloaferonline.com

GREAT TIME AND BETTER BEER

Since 2015, Busted Still Brewery has been brewing right in the heart of Appalachia in Scott County, Virginia. Busted Still is a microbrewery specializing in great times and better beer. Busted Still is a craft brewery located on the historic Daniel Boone Wilderness Trail and the Crooked Road in the beautiful mountains of Southwest Virginia. Enjoy a pint of their famous Black Dog Stout or hoist a glass of Boozy Creek Blonde. Busted

Still features six to eight beers on tap and all are produced in-house. Enjoy local music most Saturday nights. Outdoor beer garden is open year round.

Busted Still is family and dog friendly, but you must be 21 or older to purchase or sample beer.

Anyone who is a beer enthusiast would do well to check out Busted Still. There are many new microbreweries in the region, and rarely do any of

them make a bad brew. Busted Still’s tap room and beer garden is open Saturday between 5 – 10 p.m. Busted Still is located close to much of Southwest Virginia’s outdoor recreation - hiking, biking, fishing, hunting and the world famous Carter Family Fold.

All in all doesn’t it sound like the perfect way to spend a relaxed Saturday in our beautiful area? Take in a little hiking or a little fishing, and then top it off with a visit to Busted Still for some drinks and to hear a local band or musician. It’d be hard to think of a better way to spend an early spring day than this way, and with Busted Still right in our own backyard, it’s not going to require a long drive to do so either.

February 2, 2016 | The Loafer | Page 33

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YOUR “OUT OF THE ORDINARY” DESTINATION

Central Cafe Glade was originally opened in November 2013 as a coffee shop/ cafe. Owned and operated by David and Ann Ledgerwood-who are local musicians. They were open for 11 months and then regretfully closed October 2014. Their original intent was to have a cafe as a gathering space for the community to spend time together eating and enjoying live music. Central Cafe Glade hosted live music every Friday and Saturday night for 11 months.

After a year of the space on the market, David and Ann decided to reopen as Central Cafe (no Glade on the end) January 2016 as an event space and listening space for music events.

Central Cafe is a beautiful space. It is located in a fully renovated circa 1920 building in the Glade Spring town square.

It has custom-made Mason jar lights, custom tables, stained

glass, a mosaic coffee bar, vintage Coca-Cola cooler, original oak floors, sound system, and amazing acoustics.

It is the perfect place for special events; there is table seating for 48, a serving area, and a commercial kitchen.

Central Cafe is excited to be an “out of the ordinary” destination for special events. They are also excited and encouraged to offer their monthly concert series “Second Sunday Concert & Dessert”. The first concert in January featured Michael & Jennifer McLain (of the McLain Family Band) from Nashville, Tennessee. The concert was sold out. There has been an incredible interest from the musicians in the area and they are already booked through October of this year.

With renewed interest, Central Cafe is well on its way to becoming another valuable venue to our growing region.

www.theloaferonline.com

LOCAL MEDICAL PRACTICE A Leader in Laser Innovation

Changes Medical Spa and Laser Center, located in the Boones Creek area of Johnson City, is becoming known for bringing new aesthetic laser practices to our region. Under the direction of Richard Jackson, MD, Changes has served patients from 10 states that traveled to the TriCities for innovative services ranging from nonsurgical laser facelifts, to permanent elimination of underarm sweating, to laser treatment of female stress urinary incontinence.

“We strive to offer services needed, but not previously found, in our area. We listen to our patients about their issues, and look for technological advances in treatment approaches to those problems, “ said Dr. Jackson. “Our guiding principles include safety, efficiency (no downtime),

effectiveness, affordability, and comfort.”

Changes have been in operation for 2 ½ years. During that time, Dr. Jackson and staff have served a broad range of patients, from ten states, from ages nine to 92, including two Miss America Runners-up, three Miss Tennessee’s, military firefighters, college athletes, housewives, business executives, and numerous medical professionals. “We treat everyone like family, and strive to provide a welcoming atmosphere. Most of our patients now come from other satisfied patients bringing them in to meet us and tour our facility.

Our business has grown organically through this. We provide free consultations, and try to find a way to meet the person’s needs and budget. Our philoso-

phy is to treat every patient like we would want to be treated,” said Dr. Angela Shelton, director of the business and wife of Dr. Jackson.

Recently, Dr. Jackson and the staff at Changes were surprised to learn they had a visitor en route from Europe to meet them, Jurnej Kukovic, MD, one of the developers of the laser equipment and procedures new to the U.S. and being used in our region exclusively at Changes. Kukovic, from Slovenia, was joined at Changes by Keith Bateman, Executive Vice President of the Fotona Medical Laser Company in the U.S., and several Fotona executives from around the country. While on site, Dr. Kukovic demonstrated new techniques in the NightLase procedure for snoring and

February 2, 2016 | The Loafer | Page 35 sleep apnea and new procedures for dealing with acne and acne scars.

“We were humbled to have Dr. Kukovic visit us here in East Tennessee and to be able to show him how his nonsurgical laser techniques are being used to address problems our patients have suffered from for years. We never imagined 2 1/2 years ago, when we opened our practice, that we’d have someone of his caliber coming to visit us.” Dr. Jackson commented.

The visiting dignitaries were so impressed with the results being achieved at Changes they invited some of Dr. Jackson’s patients to come join them and discuss their experiences. One was asked to sign consent forms to possibly allow use of her before and after photos in their marketing in the US and abroad. “It’s great to hear the success stories of the patients of Dr. Jackson in using Dr. Kukovic’s techniques here in Tennessee. We’ve been privileged to meet a couple of Dr. Jackson’s patients today,

and hear how their treatment improved their lives, especially the one treated for urinary incontinence with the IncontiLase procedure. That made our day. “ The most recent laser innovation at Changes is called LipLase, a method of using laser technology to improve lip volume, a unique and natural alternative approach to lip rejuvenation, without painful injections, lumps or bruising. Dr. Jackson traveled to the Miami area to train under the developer of this procedure, and is now one of a handful of physicians in the US providing the procedure, and the only one in Tennessee. “The look is completely natural, and there was no downtime and no needles” according to a recent LipLase patient. “And it cost less than lip filler injections.” she added.

You can learn more about Changes Medical Spa & Laser Center on their website, www. changesmedical.com, or call for a free consultation and tour.

Page 36 | The Loafer | February 2, 2016

TAKING CARE OF ALL YOUR VAPING NEEDS!

Opening in 2014 by co-owners Grady Mask and Rick Lyons, Cold Smoke Vapor Works of Bristol has been home to premium quality Elixirs and prices you won’t find anywhere else.

As vaping is becoming a more popular alternative to quitting cigarettes for good, the team at Cold Smoke Vapor Works has what it takes to handle all your vaping needs. The staff at Cold Smoke Vapor Works has a combined fifteen years of experience, and they offer quality hardware at great prices.

Every single one of Cold Smoke’s premium elixirs is made right in Bristol and has been hand crafted by their very own mixologist, Grady.

Mr. Mask has studied the culinary arts and spent the last five years perfecting his mixes.

Customers are welcome to watch him work his magic through his controlled environment lab that is completely viewable to the public! The elixirs are predominantly glycerin based with organic nicotine straight from the tobacco plant. Cold Smoke also offers AUTHENTIC top quality name brand hardware. Cold Smoke promises to always provide you with the best experience and products.

Anyone from the experienced vaping enthusiast to the novice can find what he or she is looking for at Cold Smoke Vapor Works. Their experienced and friendly staff is all too happy to help people find the next flavor that they’ll fall in love with, or where to start if you’re completely new to vaping. Their store front, located on the Lee Highway is open Sunday and

Monday from 12 to 8 p.m. and Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. So, come on by, check out their tasting station and let them take care of all your vaping needs!

www.theloaferonline.com As the meteorologists foretold of the coming Wintry embrace, we all ran out to the grocery stores in hopes of getting milk and bread. I have no idea why milk and bread is the thing we must have during a winter storm, but all I know is I was going to be judged by everyone in the store if I didn’t have it in my cart when I went to check out. In addition to the precious milk and bread, I bought enough food stuffs to last three days, and more jars of Nutella than I probably needed.

Night one I made myself a big batch of spaghetti and meatballs that I knew could be re-heated for at least a few more meals. After dinner, I went into my living room and sat by my fireplace reading a booking, in my favorite smoking jacket. As the snow began to fall, I kept expecting a camera crew to suddenly appear and ask me to introduce the latest adaptation of “Nicholas Nickleby” for PBS. I went to bed early that night, but because my brain is a piece of work, I didn’t actually get it to settle down for a good hour and a half before finally falling to sleep.

The first day of being snow bound was what one would expect. A day of movie watching, grazing in the kitchen, and doing random chores around the house. “Hark, I think I’ll re-or-

February 2, 2016 | The Loafer | Page 37

HOW TO BE HOUSE BOUND DURING A SNOW STORM

ganize my board game closet” I found myself thinking while watching “Columbo.” Off I went to the gaming room to take every thing out and put it all back in again. After this project, I felt accomplished, and noticed the hour was getting late.

Off to bed again.

Day two arrived, it wasn’t much different from the day before. I did notice that I had a distinctive yell for my inner kid to be released. I went to my closet and opened up an old storage tub. Inside were my VHS tapes of Abbott and Costello movies, and my talk-

ing Ren and Stimpy dolls I had.

The VCR was hooked up, and I binged on movies I watched constantly growing up.

That night I began to think of the irony of my closet full of board games with the fact that I had no one else to play them with. I’m not sure what caused

me to snap, but after eating the last of the spaghetti and meatballs, I decided I wanted to play Monopoly. I don’t know how one measures when cabin fever has truly begun, but I would think the moment I sat each of my Ren and Stimpy dolls up at my table as the other players for a game of Monopoly would be a clear sign.

After an hour and a half of Monopoly, I yelled at Ren for taking the last railroad. This is when I went to my couch, curled up in a ball, and began to be filled with existential dread.

I napped that night on the couch. I woke the next day I had blanked out what I had done, so when I walked into the kitchen and saw the game still set up at the table, all I could do was sigh and say “I’ve been single a long damn time.”

I spent all of day three trying to get myself back to normal with a binge of “Murder, She Wrote” and copious amounts of hot earl grey tea. Once I felt back to my normal 70 year old 30 year old self.

I put the dolls away and packed Monopoly away. When the roads became passible, I left my house to go into a Walmart, just to gawk at people and watch them fight over road salt.

This is how I survived the winter interment, I hope you fared better than I did. See you next week.

Page 38 | The Loafer | February 2, 2016

A DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH Located just two miles from Interstate 81 on 11W/State St. Country Club Bar and Grill is a great place to meet and mingle and meet new friends or old buddies. With a friendly staff and the best cook in Bristol, Country Club

down, did a complete gut and renovation to the building, and re-opened in 2010 as Country Club Bar and Grill.

Michelle is most proud of the diversity of people who walk through the club’s doors from all walks of life. A

JEFF JOPLING Saturday, Feb. 6th

Bar and Grill is located on an easy route to and from Bristol Motor Speedway or Thunder Valley Dragway.

Owner Michelle Boyd took ownership in February 2010 after her late husband Sam Gibson passed away. In the late 70s, Gibson acquired the property and opened Pink Flamingo; then, later turned it into The Hitching Post, the first club to get liquor by the drink. The building was then leased and opened as Rock N Horse I & Rock N Horse II. After her husband passed, Michelle went to visit the then Rock N Horse and saw a diamond in the rough. She closed it

place where everyone is welcome, and, everyone is safe. Don’t be tricked into thinking Country Club Bar and Grill is just another country bar. Country Club Bar and Grill plays music from all genres, country, rock n roll, top 100 dance and more. Michelle is proud to have her business in our region due to “the music, diversity, and people” that make up the Tri-Cities. With its central location and comfortable atmosphere, it’s easy to see why so many have become regulars at Country Club Bar and Grill.

www.theloaferonline.com

RAISING ALE ALONG THE TRAIL

Since 2011, The Damascus Brewery has been focused on providing high quality beer and customer satisfaction.

Founded by Adam Woodson, The Damascus Brewery makes over 40 different kinds of beer that they rotate on eight taps. Their flagship beer “Beaver Rage IPA” is a delicious hoppy but NOT

that were in his field, chemistry and biotech. Since there was no work in the area, Adam had to create his own job using other skill sets. That is when the idea hit upon Adam of starting a brewery!

Woodson didn’t have a gang of wealthy investors (or any inves-

bitter IPA that they sell in their tasting room and in fine dining establishments in the Bristol and Abingdon area.

The road to The Damascus Brewery started the way many do when Adam began brewing five-gallon batches in college to drink and have fun. From these simple beginnings 12 years ago, Adam began growing his own hops and brewing countless batches of homebrew to completely refine recipes and develop some new ones. Not all were great, just ask his friends, but after a while Adam learned what to do (and what not to do) and his beer started becoming better than what he could find in stores.

Woodson’s family had been desperately trying to find a way for him and his family to move to his wife’s hometown of Damascus, Virginia, for several years but there were no jobs in the area

tors) and the thought of going further in debt during the “Great Recession of 2010” was not really an option so Adam decided to roll the dice and do it all himself.

Adam began looking into it and fully expected to hit a dead end but before he knew it he was a legal brewery! Having worked lots of odd jobs to pay his way through college really helped out building his brewery as Adam was able continue doing it all on his own. Not only has the building of this brewery been a great test of all Woodson’s skills; it has also been a great way to truly make everything “craft”-- not just the beer! When you visit The Damascus Brewery you will see that everything has been handcrafted, the lighting, the welding, the woodwork, and even the graphic art!

February 2, 2016 | The Loafer | Page 39

Page 40 | The Loafer | February 2, 2016

CONSIGNMENT JUST MAKES SENSE

People, generally speaking, love hunting for a treasure.

Look at the rise over the past 15 years of services such as eBay or Craigslist. You can find anything and everything on both of these services; but, what if you’re looking for something that you’d rather find in a local way, without a stranger coming into your home, or having to hop around from here, there, and everywhere to find that one thing you need for your home.

For 11 years, Lesa Horne has been running her business Décor Exchange in Kingsport, Tennessee. With a background in sales, real estate, and finance, the idea for Décor Exchange came to Lesa from her enjoyment of yard sales, thrift stores, and flea markets. “I thought it

would be nice to have ‘all the nice things’ together in one place. That’s how I came up with the idea of a home furnishings consignment shop. I had seen clothing consignment shops, but never one of home furnishings,” Ms. Horne says.

At Décor Exchange customers can find fine accents for their homes at a fraction of retail cost and have the chance to sell their own items in the store. Consignments are only accepted Monday-Friday, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Not more than twenty items will be taken for consignment at one time, and Décor Exchange asks that you please make an appointment for large pieces of furniture.

Since opening in 2004, Décor Exchange has moved and expanded three times. Their

current location is an 11,500 square foot space adjacent to the North Eastman Road Post Office. “I had no idea there

would be such a great demand.

People are able to sell the furnishings they no longer need in a nice, inviting environment; and, buyers find unique, quality merchandise that you don’t see everyday in stores.”

Ms. Horne continues, “By consigning, sellers don’t have to worry about dealing with

phone calls, having strangers come to their home, or not showing up at all. The same goes for buyers. They don’t have to look through advertisements, make phone calls, and spend their time driving from place to place to look at merchandise.

Consignment just makes sense.”

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FILLING THE SKIES WITH WATERFOWL today, tomorrow and forever.

Ducks Unlimited is the world’s leader in wetlands and waterfowl conservation.

Ducks Unlimited got its start in 1937 during the Dust Bowl when North America’s drought-plagued waterfowl populations had plunged to unprecedented lows. Determined not to sit idly by as the continent’s waterfowl dwindled beyond recovery, a small group of sportsmen joined together to form an organization that became known as Ducks Unlimited. Its mission: habitat conservation.

Thanks to decades of abiding by that single mission, Ducks Unlimited is

now the world’s largest and most effective private waterfowl and wetlands conservation organization.

Ducks Unlimited is able to multilaterally deliver its work through a series of partnerships with private individuals, landowners, agencies, scientific communities, and other entities.

Tennessee is part of the Mississippi Flyway and provides important winter habitat for waterfowl that are pro-

February 2, 2016 | The Loafer | Page 41 duced in the Prairie Pothole Region and Great Lakes states. In most years, Tennessee winters significant numbers of mallards and wood ducks across the state. Western Tennessee comprises an important portion of the Mississippi Alluvial Valley, known regionally as the Delta. Historically, flooded forests of the Delta provided reli-

able, high-quality habitats for thousands of mallards, wood ducks, and other waterfowl.

Ducks Unlimited has worked to conserve more than 44,000 acres of waterfowl habitat throughout Tennessee. Their goal is to perpetually secure habitats and the future of Tennessee as a key wintering area in North America. Your support of Ducks Unlimited will help them achieve that goal.

Page 42 | The Loafer | February 2, 2016

TASTE THE REWARDS

With the big game right around the corner, we’ve reached peak wing season. Our area is world renowned for the beauty that comes when wing season arrives. Tourism goes up as people from all over this fine nation or ours comes to see the finest in wings. Naturally, these devotees who are willing to travel so far have their top choice in wing spotting areas, and that choice is East Coast Wings.

East Coast Wings offers over seventy-five wing flavors and a full menu that includes everything

from salads, burgers, wraps, spend. When you collect 100 sandwiches, appetizers, meals points, you will receive over 650 calories and more! All $5 off your next visof which is served in a family friendly environment. Become a member of the exclusive “Taste the Rewards” program and earn one point for every $1.00 you

it. Earn an additional 25 points when you register online. Get a $10 birthday bonus! Lets not forget to mention the special offers, discounts & more.

What’s better than free food?

East Coast Wings also offers catering for any sized party, big or small. But just because it’s peak wing season doesn’t mean you can’t take advantage of living near East Coast Wings and getting your fill any time of the year. Any sporting season, any day, any week, any month. East Coast Wings is there for you.

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WHEN SERVICE MATTERS

Serving residents of the TriCities for over three years, Encore Lending Group works hard daily to earn the trust of their clients. Encore prides itself on providing top-notch customer service, backed by a team with a combined twenty years of experience. Encore Lending Group is known for their wide assortment of conventional and government mortgage products, with low down payments and super competitive rates.

Chad Harold, Stephanie Dickerson, and Jim Hughes founded Encore Lending Group in June 2012. These three are the owners and core group of Encore, all with rich backgrounds in finance and real estate. Mr. Hughes has been quoted as saying “Our goal is to build long-lasting, mutually beneficial relationships with our clients, and hopefully their family and friends as well.” This deep concern for clients and customer service is paying off;

a look around the internet finds multiple five star reviews of Encore Lending Group and their services.

Mr. Hughes takes great pride is his knowledge base in the mortgage field, he maintains a rigorous continuing education program, which allows him to stay current and knowledgeable with ever-changing trends in the mortgage industry that ultimately impact his clients. “We’re not a one size fits all mortgage lending business” he says. Hughes takes great pride in being a business in our growing region “The kindness of the people, our beautiful mountains, and our seasonal weather” all are part of what makes this a great place live. “I love seeing people happy and laughing,” Mr. Hughes says, “I find if I can stay positive when others around me are going through rough times, I can really make a difference.”

Chad Harold is a Residential

Mortgage Professional, and has been involved in the mortgage professional for the past eight years. Mr. Harold is a graduate of King University of Bristol.

Mr. Harold’s key objective is to provide the highest level of customer service, along with fitting the idea mortgage program to fit each borrower’s individual needs and goals, in an efficient and professional manner.

Stephanie Dickerson has been a resident of the Tri-Cities since 2003, making her home in Johnson City. Ms. Dickerson has developed deep roots in the community, through her involvement with various civic groups and volunteer organizations. With a background in finance, Ms. Dickerson brings experience and expertise to the table. Prior to her relocation to the tri-cities area, Ms. Dickerson worked in Atlanta, Georgia. In Atlanta, Ms. Dickerson worked with such a wide array of com-

February 2, 2016 | The Loafer | Page 43

panies from Harley Davidson to David’s Bridal.

Ms. Dickerson’s experience in a fast pass environment, combined with paying close attention to detail, has made her a successful mortgage officer.

Ms. Dickerson prides herself on being an expert lender for First

Time Home Buyers. Her ultimate goal is not only to put you in the home of your dreams but for it to be one of the best experiences of your life. With experience and dedication like this, it’s clear why homebuyers of the Tri-Cities have been turning to Encore Lending Group.

Page 44 | The Loafer | February 2, 2016

BE YOUR OWN KIND OF BEAUTIFUL

Faces by Ren is your full service makeup and body painting studio for eastern Tennessee and beyond: airbrush, commercial, bridal, and fine art body painting, classes and education. Faces by Ren originally started in Pensacola, FL, as a freelance business while Ren worked at other cosmetic companies. It became a formal business here in Tennessee in 2011.

Faces By Ren is best known for high quality makeup and body painting services, with a focus on airbrush. Clients tell Ren that they trust her to listen to them, to really translate what it is they want. Flawless looks that translate well both in-person and for HD video and photography work are Faces by Ren’s signature. Ren

has been working in the industry since 2001 both for herself and for a variety of cosmetic companies, including MAC cosmetics, where Ren’s training became very focused. Over the years, Ren has earned several certifications with MAC and enjoyed an incredible career with them for over a decade.

The Faces by Ren studio is located in the heart of downtown Johnson City, Tennessee, alongside Keith Dixon Studios, the photography business owned

by Ren’s husband. Together they create and collaborate on body painting, weddings, portraits, boudoir, headshots, underwater fashion, and other artistic endeavors. Her work is mostly in eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina

though occasionally it takes her across the U.S. or even abroad.

In 2014, she entered her first competition and placed third in the emerging artist category at Living Art America, the North American Championships. 2015 took her to Austria to compete as an assistant in the World Body Painting Festival and to a second place win in emerging artist at Living Art America. “Some of the most amazing work I’ve done has been with clients being body painted as they learn to embrace their bodies, express their inner colors, or honor a life transition,” Ren says.

“I love these hills and the opportunities that working in a small town offers. It is a wonderful home base for travels,

for building community, and connecting with my region.

I believe in handcrafted, in shopping local, and supporting local food sources. This region

offers amazing opportunities for all of the above, and it is a wealth of beauty for our hiking and photography adventures.”

www.theloaferonline.com

HANDMADE BATH PRODUCTS

February 2, 2016 | The Loafer | Page 45

from the heart of Appalachia

Handmade soaps made without harsh chemicals are often the type of thing one finds in a specialty store usually made somewhere in California or Maine that you’ve never heard of. But since 2010, Lorrie Norman, owner of For The Love of Suds, has been making handmade—harshchemical-free soap and other bath products right here in the Tri-Cities, with a shop front located on East Market Street in Kingsport.

For the Love of Suds began in Bristol. Lorie had been making handmade items for her household for years (detergents, cleaners, bath products), because she did not like

the harsh chemicals in the ones she was buying at the store.

After making several bars of soap and even giving some as Christmas presents she realized that they were a big hit.

Lorie decided to begin making soaps to sell. Lorie is a computer programmer turned stay-athome mom with four wonderful kids.

For the Love of Suds makes use of the local market for product ingredients such as herbs, essential oils, and goat milk. All of their supplies are selected for the best quality.

They don’t make anything that they wouldn’t use on their own family. In fact, all For The Love of Suds products are tested on

humans, and are used in the homes of relatives and friends.

For the Love of Suds is sure you will appreciate the time, love and quality ingredients that go into each of their lovely creations. In fact, if you don’t enjoy your product for whatever reason, they will gladly replace it or give you your money back. With something for every member of the household, there’s no reason to not stop by and try their handmade, chemical free products.

Page 46 | The Loafer | February 2, 2016

WE HAVE IT ALL! Since Peggy Cole was a child, she knew hair would be her destiny. Peggy displayed a rare talent for crafting sharp looks and stylish hair fashions. When Peggy reached an age of maturity, she went off on the most important journey of her life - a pilgrimage to the famed mystic mountains of Erwin, to study the art of hair care. During her time in these famed mountains, Peggy honed her craft. Studying everything from how to shear in seconds, to spotting spilt ends from 30

yards away.

All of her study and dedication payed off when the day arrived that Peggy completed the ultimate test.

The test, of course, is the day Peggy successfully snatched the Barbicide soaked pebble from the hand of the master. Upon this day, Peggy was given her certificates of completion, and the much enviable golden shears handcrafted by a pair of concerned grandmothers who love “The Price is Right.”

Steeped in a rich tradition Peggy Cole set forth to lend her talents to the world, opening up her very own Salon—Hair Waves— on June 1, 1995. Hair Waves is a full service salon specializing in cut, color, waxing, ear piercing, highlights, lo lights, and formal up- dos. She carries a full line of Kenra products, along with Avon and Mary Kay Cosmetics. In addition to Peggy Cole, there is a fully licensed barber working with her at Hair Waves.

Appointments can be made anytime, and walk-ins are welcomed.

For over twenty years, Hair Waves has been a reli- able full service salon, and it’s easy to see why. Peggy has carried the tradi- tion and skill she learned through the years to provide reliable service, and rumor is she can now spot a split end from 50 yards away!

www.theloaferonline.com

February 2, 2016 | The Loafer | Page 47

An evening with

Folk Soul Revival At The Down Home

Saturday, February 6 Folk Soul Revival (FSR) will perform at the southeast’s premier listening room, The Down Home at 8:00 p.m.

Folk Soul Revival is one of the southeast’s most beloved and sought after acts.

Performing original, country-roots-rock, FSR consistently plays sold-out shows from Washington, D.C. and beyond. The band’s radio-ready lyrics, driving melodies, and the distinct, velvety vocals of front man Daniel Davis have garnered the band much success with high profile gigs opening for the likes of Travis Tritt, Jason Isbell, Eric Church, Justin Townes Earle, Dr. Ralph Stanley, and more.

The band is a favorite act at Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion and has also performed at Floydfest and a number of major festivals across the southeast. FSR is also the only act given license to play drums at the esteemed Carter Family Fold, they’ve been told.

The band’s most recent album, Out of the Box, was produced by Barry Bales (Alison Krauss & Union Station, Earls of Leicester)

and is Folk Soul Revival’s most ambitious achievement to date.

“When there’s an opportunity to produce a band as good as Folk Soul who has that level of talent, something outside what people usually associate with me, that was a win,” said Bales. “I definitely think they have the potential to be as popular and well received as anybody in Americana.”

The band emphasizes that Folk Soul shows at The Down Home are a special event, unlike any other performance at other venues.

The band sees it as an opportunity to showcase Folk Soul Revival’s skills as musicians and songwriters, an evolution that’s grown in leaps and bounds over the last few years. part of that history is so cool.” Advance tickets to see Folk Soul Revival at The Down It’s an evolution Ed Snodderly, owner of The Home are $16 and selling fast. Down Home, 300 W. Main St. Johnson City. 423/929-9822 Down Home, recognizes and fosters.

“To have Ed’s stamp of approval on your music is an honor,” said Davis. “When we play at The Down Home it’s more intimate, and audiences there are to really take in the music. It brings out the best in us. We love that room and all the history there. To be

Page 48 | The Loafer | February 2, 2016

YOU ARE NOT ALONE Opioid Dependence is the physical addiction to prescription painkillers and opiates. This includes dependency upon many common drugs with brand names such as Lortab®, Percocet®, Oxycodone®, OxyContin®, Vicodin®, Morphine, Heroin, and others. Opioid dependence is a chronic disease that can affect anyone, of any age, at any time in his or her life. It could be happening right now to a friend, a co-worker, a spouse, a brother, a sister, or a parent.

In 2013, the national Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration reported that in the US there were almost 2.4 million people who had abused or were dependent on opioids – such as heroin or prescription painkillers. According to a 2015 report by the Tennessee Department of Mental

the office. Dr. Brown has over 25 years of medical experience in the Tri-Cities medical community and has been working specifically with addiction treatment for the last five years.

Harmony works closely with local churches and outreach groups, and provides a location that employer or other health care providers can confidently refer patients to when they need assistance. Harmony Medical Care prides itself on developing an individualized treatment plan for every patient in a highly supportive and non-judgmental setting. They truly care about their patient’s happiness and long-term success.

Treatments plans can include screening for substance abuse and mental health problems, avoiding combinations of prescription painkillers and sedatives

Health and Substance Abuse Services, an estimated 212,000 people, or (4%) of Tennessee adults, used pain relievers for non-medical purposes. For adults age 18-25, this increased to 10%. This means that one out of every ten young adults is abusing prescription medications in Tennessee.

However, there is no such thing as a hopeless cause, and addiction can be beaten. Harmony Medical Care is the place to go for caring, easy to work with staff, that truly hope to achieve a drug-free lifestyle for our patients. Dr. Dana Steven Brown, MD, established

unless there is a specific medical need, and aggressively seeking to get people involved in an addiction support group, such as Narcotics Anonymous or a faith-based program.

Remember, getting away from a dependency on drugs is difficult but it can be accomplished with the right form of care, the right doctor, the right support network, and a true willingness to work hard and succeed. If you, or someone you know wants help, Harmony Medical Care is here for them—they are not alone!

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YOU’RE RIDING ON OUR REPUTATION

Since 1974 Hayworth Tire has been your number one source for all local Kingsport, Johnson City, and Elizabethton, Tennessee auto repair and tire services. They are dedicated to giving you the very best auto repair service, with a focus on upfront and honest quotes, timely response to issues, and quality products and parts. Founded by Offie Hayworth, Jr. and now run by his children, Hayworth Tire has always been family owned and operated with customer service and satisfaction being most important. They also started the free mounting and balancing, tire rotation and flat repair for the life of your tires in our region. They treat people like they would want to be treated. Dad always taught them to take care of their customers; and, because of that they receive the repeat customers even through the generation of families.

Three brothers run three Hayworth

Tire locations individually. Jeff Hayworth’s location in Johnson City, Bryan Hayworth’s location in Kingsport, and Kevin Hayworth’s location in Elizabethan/Valley Forge area. Hayworth Tire is happy to be able to service all of the Tri-Cities area. That hometown feel is something Hayworth Tire takes great pride in, being able to run into friends and customers out and about, and not just when they need to have some work done. At Hayworth, they try to meet every need by offering an assortment of brands with different price levels of tires. They offer a full line of custom wheels and lift kits. Additionally, Hayworth Tire is glad to take care of the basic car needs with alignments, oil changes, brake shocks, and struts.

With generations of family owned customer care behind them, it’s clear to see why for over four decades people of the Tri-Cities have been turning to Hayworth Tire.

February 2, 2016 | The Loafer | Page 49

Page 50 | The Loafer | February 2, 2016

SHOOTER (Country, Classic Rock, - TUESDAY - Feb. 2nd SONGWRITERS NIGHT

at Holston River Brewing Company 6pm

CLINCH MT. MOJO SPONGECAKE & THE FLUFF RAMBLERS at Acoustic Coffeehouse

DOWNTOWN COUNTRY at Jiggy Ray’s 6:30pm

- WEDNESDAY - Feb. 3rd OPEN MIC

Oldies) at State Line Bar & Grill 7pm

COAL CREEK w/ BIG DON

at Country Club Bar & Grill NOAM PIKELNY (of Punch Brothers) at Down Home

SOUTHERN 76 at The Family Barn

ROB ICKES & TREY HENSLEY at Kgt. Renaissance Center

CHELSEA STEPP ZACK JOSEPH & THE SOCIETY at Acoustic Coffeehouse

at Acoustic Coffeehouse

- SATURDAY - Feb. 6th NIGHTSHIFT

at Down Home

UNDER THE TABLE

BRIAN RITCHEY OPEN MIC

at WoodStone Deli

- THURSDAY - Feb. 4th LIVE MUSIC at Bone Fire Smokehouse

US-IF / THE KINDEST PEOPLE at Capone’s

at The Family Barn

(Rock, Classic Rock) at Shelbee’s Vintage Cafe

MARK LARKINS at Bristol VFW 7pm

BUTCH TRUCKS & THE FREIGHT TRAIN BAND at Capone’s

HOONAH LIVE

at The Willow Tree Coffee House & Music Room 8pm LAURA THURSTON (Folk) at O’Mainnin’s Pub

at The Willow Tree Coffeehouse & Music Room 8pm

JAMES ODEN

at Jiggy Ray’s 7pm

EMPTY BOTTLE STRING BAND at Carter Fold

SHOOTER

(Country, Classic Rock, Oldies) at The Showplace 7pm

FOLK SOUL REVIVAL at Down Home

FARMHOUSE GHOST at Bone Fire Smokehouse

MOONLIGHT RUN BAND

at Holston River Brewing Company

SOUTHERN SOUND

(Classic Country & Southern Rock) at Elizabethton Moose Lodge

JIM PERKINS

at Holiday Inn (Exit 7)

MATT HALL QUARTET at Blackbird Bakery

JEFF JOPLING

at Country Club Bar & Grill

THE HOTSHOT FREIGHT TRAIN HANDSOME & THE HUMBLES at Acoustic Coffeehouse

- SUNDAY - Feb. 7th JAM SESSION

THE WORLD OF WENDEL WERNER

at The Family Barn 1pm

MELISSA GREENER

at Acoustic Coffeehouse 8pm

at The Willow Tree Coffeehouse & Music Room 2pm

- FRIDAY - Feb. 5th JOE LASHER JR.

BILL & THE BELLES

at 50 Fifty Sports Tavern

at Bone Fire Smokehouse

CRANE WIVES

FRANCIE MOON ERICA RUSSO

at Bone Fire Smokehouse

KEVIN WILDER BAND

at Acoustic Coffeehouse

at Holston River Brewing Company

SOUTHERN SOUND

- MONDAY - Feb. 8th THE CLINCHFIELD MOUNTAIN BOYS

(Classic Country & Southern Rock) at Honker Amvets

MY NEW FAVORITES

at Yee Haw Brewing Company LAURA THURSTON (Folk) at Jiggy Ray’s 7pm NIGHTSHIFT at Washington County Moose Lodge 8:30pm

UNDERHILL ROSE

LAURA THURSTON O’Mainnin’s Pub | Thursday, Feb 4th Jiggy Ray’s | Friday, Feb. 5th

at Bristol’s Pickin’ Porch

OPEN MIC

at Acoustic Coffeehouse

BLUEGRASS JAM

at Hardee’s (Boones Creek)

KARAOKE TUESDAY

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

WEDNESDAY

Karaoke w/ Southern Sounds Karaoke at American Legion 8pm Karaoke At Bristol VFW - BTN Turn the Page Karaoke At VFW Post 2108 - JCTN Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at Smokey Bones - Johnson City TN ***********************

THURSDAY

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 ***********************

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Spotlight Directory

50 Fifty Sports Tavern 2102 N. Roan Street Johnson City Acoustic Coffeehouse 415 W Walnut St. Johnson City 423/434.9872 Amvets Post 67 Honaker VA Blackbird Bakery 56 Piedmont Ave. Bristol VA 276/ 645-5754 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 Down Home 300 W. Main St. Johnson City 423/929-9822 Elizabethton Moose Lodge 288 Lovers Lane Elizabethton 423/542-5454 Family Barn 15559 Lee Hwy Bristol VA Holiday Inn (Exit 7) 3005 Linden Dr Bristol Va 276/466-4100

Holston River Brewing Company 2621 Volunteer Pkwy Bristol TN Jiggy Ray’s 610 E. Elk Ave Elizabethton 423/ 518-1500 Kingsport Renaissance Center 1200 E Center St Kingsport 423/392-8415 Kosher Pickle 3900 Bristol Hwy Johnson City 423/ 979-7000 O’Mainnin’s Pub 712 State St Bristol 423/844-0049 Shelbees Vintage Café 504 State Street Bristol TN 423/ 652-1000 Show Palace 14364 Lee Hwy Bristol VA 276/494-6610 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

JOE LASHER, JR

@ 50 Fifty Sports Tavern | Friday, Feb. 5th

February 2, 2016 | The Loafer | Page 51

Page 52 | The Loafer | February 2, 2016

FIVE PLANETS DAZZLE MORNING SKY

The media is calling it the “Great Naked Eye Planet Show,” and it is coming to your predawn sky everywhere.

Until around Feb. 20 when Mercury moves too close to the Sun, everyone can also see the five “classic” planets strung like celestial pearls across the eastern sky.

It might be while walking the dog before the rising Sun or climbing in your vehicle, but if you look up to the early morning twilight you will see Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn with a few bright stars tossed in between.

Stretching from the horizon to directly overhead, this celestial necklace is an easy target for any telescope, as well as just a breathtaking sight to inspire one to appreciate planet Earth.

In the ancient world, such a gathering of the wandering “stars” would have created a public sensation of astrological predictions and everybody would be talking about the scintillating morning scene.

Ancient stargazer/astrologers would be working overtime trying to figure out what the Gods were trying to tell Earth. And there would be a lot of interpretation as in all the sky just the Sun, Moon and these five bright “stars” move about in predicted patterns.

In our 21st Century world, horoscopes are finally just entertainment and a small percentage of us will even take the time to look up in the pre-twilight morning and see this celestial line up. And that’s a shame, because those of us who look up can watch the Solar System in action.

As the planets move and Earth journeys around the Sun, the whole passion play of planets will

get jumbled up. Before you know it, one May evening after sunset you’ll look up and there will be Jupiter shining down with Mars nearby.

But for the Winter of 2016, they belong to the after-midnight scene.

Following the fascinating rhythm of the stars with just your eyes— called “naked eye” stargazing—is a perfectly good way to enjoy astronomy. And it connects you with our ancestors from civilizations past, who were much more intimate with the stars than modern man.

The morning planetary lineup will be easy to see before climbing in your mechanical chariot for the drive to work. If before 6:20 am, you won’t see illusive Mercury hugging the eastern horizon. But rising up from the horizon will be brilliant Venus, much dimmer red Mars, yellowish Saturn and definitely yellow Jupiter.

Let’s look at the beautiful morning display of the five classic planets of antiquity and the constella-

tion they dwell in this Winter 2016: At 6 am, Jupiter is directly overhead, shining brightly as a golden point of light. That gold light has always been associated with royalty and gold treasure. Rising in the east at 9 pm, Jupiter is in the hindquarters of Leo the Lion, moving into Virgo the Virgin.

Looking at Jupiter, to the right is Regulus, the brightest star of Leo, and to the left is bright, white Spica

in sprawling Virgo the Virgin. And left of Spica is Mars.

The red hue of Mars has been associated through all antiquity with blood. Thus the great warrior Mars of the Romans.

Mars is in Libra the Scales right now, and whips around the entire Zodiac every two years, so it has been watched closely as it might mean trouble to those interpretive astrologers. And what was puzzling to the ancient stargazers was why Mars brightened up with regularity every 18 months or so (it is closer to Earth).

To the left of Mars and rising around 4 am in the claws of Scorpius is Saturn. Looking a creamy yellow, it was associated with the

staple food corn, and Saturn is the Roman god of agriculture. Saturn is the slowest of the classic five naked eye planets taking 30 years to travel around the Zodiac’s constellations. No telling what those ancient astrologers would read into their food god roaming with a desert dweller like a scorpion for a couple years.

Rising in the east around 6 am is the brightest planet, Venus. And

20 minutes later will be much fainter Mercury. So, you have to look quick: twilight starts around 6:40 am. And your last look of Mercury will be around 7 am just before sunrise.

Venus is always the brightest planet, the brilliant white being associated with the purity of women and goddesses like the Roman goddess of love. Today we know that the brightness is caused by a global cloud system that reflects sunlight like a mirror.

The ancient stargazers called Venus the Morning Star or Evening Star, depending when seen. It was even thought to be two different objects. But today we know Venus’ 224-day orbit puts it about 100 days in the morning and 100 days in the evening skies.

Mercury is the illusive one for sure, as the first planet never gets far away from the Sun and takes just 88 days for its solar year. So in Earth’s 365-day solar journey, we see Mercury bobbing back and forth from morning to evening twice in a year.

Mercury will be the only bright star near the eastern horizon, rising ahead of the Sun at around jljl, so by klj it can be easily seen. Like everything else in the sky moving westward as the Earth spins eastward to greet the Sun, the advancing twilight puts out the stars oneby-one.

Mercury will disappear and then Mars and Saturn. But the bright Venus and Jupiter will linger longer in the twilight—a challenge to see how long you see them against the blue sky. Sunshine takes over, and the night is officially day.

The morning offers quite a unique and beautiful sight of our five naked eye planets, one that is worth getting up early to see. But don’t wait as the show will be over before the March winds blow.

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February 2, 2016 | The Loafer | Page 53

the rising Sun at around 7:30 am will extinguish all the stars.

Sun. Feb. 7 Looking southwest there is familiar Orion and his two hunting dogs of Orion, Canis Major and Celestial events in the skies for the week of Feb. 2nd - Feb. 8th Canis Minor. The Big Dog has the as compiled for The Loafer by Mark D. Marquette. brightest star, Sirius, while the LitThough in the after-midnight small, 2-inch spheres that busted hidden as it drags across the north tle Dog has bright Procyon. With sky, the Moon is in focus this week apart on impact into half-inch horizon. In the middle is Polaris, reddish Betelgeuse, they make up as it was 50 years ago a small un- “flags” of Soviet Union symbols the North Star—not the brightest the asterism called the “Winter Tristar, but the one Earth’s axis points angle.” manned spacecraft soft landed, and mottos.

Mon. Feb. 8 toward. and in 1971, the fifth and sixth hu- Wed. Feb. 3 The constellation Orion is mans walked on our nearby alien Three Space Shuttles were Fri. Feb. 5 world. And though all the planets are crowded in the morning sky, the Winter constellations are glorious when seen from a dark, light pollution-free location.

Tues. Feb. 2 Ground Hog day, which is really a “cross-quarter day,” halfway between Winter and Spring.

This is the 1966 date in space history when the Soviet Union safely landed the ball-shaped Luna 9 on the Moon—the first human invasion of another world. Luna 9 bounced several times, and then activated cameras to show earthlings the first view of an alien landscape. Unknown 50 years ago is the spacecraft ejected several

launched on this date in space history: 1984 Challenger, crew of five, first unteathered spacewalk using the Manned Maneuvering Unit; 1994 Discovery, crew of six spent seven days with experiments in the SpaceHab module in the cargo bay; and 1995 Discovery, six people including the first female pilot Eileen Collins spent 8 days conducting experiments and rendezvousing with the Russian Mir Space Station.

Thurs. Feb. 4 Don’t ignore the sky to the north, with the “M”-shaped stars of Queen Cassiopeia in the starrich region of the winter Milky Way. The Big Dipper is nearly

On this 1971 date in space history, Apollo 14 landed on the Moon in a place called Fra Mauro. America’s first spaceman, Alan Shepard, deceased, and rookie Edgar Mitchell, 85, became the fifth and sixth men to walk on the Moon. Shepard, an avid golfer, rigged a six-iron to a tool handle and whacked two Titleist golf balls before boarding in his moonship for the trip home.

Orbiting the moon was Stu Roosa, now deceased.

Sat. Feb. 6 The crescent Moon rises with Venus and Mercury right after 6 am this morning, a beautiful sight.

But look quick as the Sun’s twilight will quickly take hold and

magnificent. Two stars for shoulders, the belt of three stars. The two stars in his legs are “super giants”—larger than the orbit of Mercury if they replaced our Sun. The knee star to the right is Rigel, a blue-white supergiant that is 910 Light Years away. Saiph, the other knee star, is also a super-giant, 1,300 Light Years distant. That means the light we see tonight left this star in 716 AD, when Europe was emerging from the Dark Ages.

Page 54 | The Loafer | February 2, 2016

Celebrating 68,000 patient visits!

More than 18 years ago, Jean Ferguson Poole and the Missions Committee of First Presbyterian Church in Bristol, Tennessee held a communitywide meeting with over 100 people in attendance. Support of providing charitable health care to individuals in our community who are employed, but without insurance, was created.

After an article in Parade Magazine was printed stating that one million more Americans each year would go without insurance and access to affordable health care, Healing Hands Health Center was then founded.

Healing Hands, located at 245 Midway Medical Park, Bristol, Tennessee, provides medical care, needed medi-

cations, dental care through exams, x-rays, cleanings, extractions and fillings, chiropractic care, eye exams and eyeglasses, psychological and spiritual counseling services for our working, uninsured neighbors all at no charge.

The services that the clinic has provided have been free for 16 years, only requesting patient donations. Most patients are happy to give the clinic such a small donation of $10 or $20 compared to the hundreds or thousands of dollars it costs to see a doctor or dentist without health insurance.

Since opening their doors in 1997, Healing Hands has provided more than 68,000 patient visits, and more than $20 million dollars in free medications, to the residents of North-

east Tennessee and Southwest Virginia, who work but don’t have access to affordable health care and/or insurance.

Last August, they moved into a new 9,600 square foot facility, allowing Healing Hands to widened their reach, and expand their services to provide dental care to individuals as far north as Grundy, Virginia, and as far south as Greeneville, Tennessee. Healing Hands’ medical department has expanded its services to include Abingdon and Elizabethton, as well as continuing to serve Bristol, Virginia/Tennessee, Blountville, Bluff City, and Piney Flats. They also provide chiropractic care, eye exams, eyeglasses, counseling and physical therapy to patients without insurance in our com-

Nothing says Happy Valentine’s Day like a delicious Blackbird Bakery cupcake! Won’t you help us reach our goal of raising $40,000 this Valentine’s Day? For more information visit our website www.healinghandshealthcenter.org! munity. Healing Hands goal in 2016 is to begin a wellness program called Passport to Health, which will educate patients on proper nutrition and exercise, provide diabetes, cardiovascular and hyperlipidemia education/medical management, and encourage healthier lifestyles and food choices among our community’s adolescents.

Healing Hands takes great pride that Bristol and the sur-

rounding areas truly exemplify that this is more than a “good place to live,” Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia is the greatest place to live, with the kindest, most generous people supporting our efforts of provide high-quality, overwhelmingly compassionate health care to people who are working to take care of themselves and their families.

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Welcome to Healthy Persona

Healthy Persona is the wellness center for Johnson City, TN. Their trained professional staff is here and ready to offer you their personalized medical weight loss programs, med-spa procedures, and age management hormone therapy. Their expert staff has years of experience and hundreds of satisfied customers in the Johnson City area. Healthy Persona specializes in the following: Medical Weight LossWhen you have decided it is time for a change in your life Healthy Persona is there to help you. They first ask you about your medical history and what your personal weight loss goals might be.

They check your vital signs, your current weight, and your Body Mass Index (BMI). Their

BMI system is the latest in technology in order to give you a real description of your body composition: true weight, body fat (%), visceral fat (up to 30 levels), body mass index, and skeletal muscle (%). This information is then passed to their Nurse Practitioner who will evaluate and recommend the right weight loss program for you. You may be prescribed Phentermine or HCG or just a personalize diet/supplement program as the perfect solution for you. They have a large selection of dietary foods and vitamin supplements to help you reach your ultimate wellness goal. They offer Skinny Magic, Plum Skinny, Cardio-911, and other supplement programs to help you lose weight and boost your daily energy.

Med Spa ProceduresThey are very excited to announce their Med Spa offerings to the women and men in the Tri-Cities area. Their professional staff will be offering the best in laser treatments to include inch loss programs and cellulite reduction units. They are the only group in town offering The Strawberry Inch Loss Laser. This laser is the gold standard in full body fat reduction. They also offer the Chromogenex Ultra Cellulite Reduction Laser. This laser is a real cellulite buster! It can be used on legs, buttocks, abdomens, arm, and other areas of cellulite on the body. They will also offer the best in facial enhancements to include injectables (Botox, Juvederm, Restylane, Dysport, and more),

February 2, 2016 | The Loafer | Page 55 microdermabrasion, chemical peels, and facials. Healthy Persona can help you look years younger in just a few visits.

They also offer teeth whitening by Smile Labs. Smile Labs is dentist quality and is the finest whitening product on the market.

Hormone TherapyPeople age because they acquire deficiencies and their hormones decline.

Healthy Persona is now working with women and men who need a true evaluation of their current hormone balance. Hormone imbalances occur from the age

of 30 onwards. By the time you are 50, you have only 50% of your hormone function for estrogen, testosterone, thyroid, DHEA, progesterone, melatonin, and Human Growth Hormone. Their trained staff will evaluate your simple blood test or saliva test in order to prescribe the right program to bring you back to “being you� again. You will have a new energy level, better mood, increased body mass, and revitalized sex drive. Give yourself the gift of a lifetime by having your hormone levels tested today.

Page 56 | The Loafer | February 2, 2016

It’s Hillbilly Heaven

Hokie Smokie first opened on January 14, 2012. A father and his two sons founded it. The father, Charles Bailey, graduated from Virginia Tech, and the brothers, Chuck and Jeff Bailey both attended the University of Tennessee, thus the name Hokie Smokie. Being directly in the middle of both colleges makes the Tri-Cities the perfect place to establish the long time dream of sharing their culinary creativeness and traditions.

The recipes for the BBQ and comfort food all come from the owners and a long line of their family and ancestors of Appalachian heritage. Hokie Smokie takes pride in their freshness of meats that come from slow smoking overnight, every night. Their brisket is sliced to order, and their pork is pulled of the bone minutes before it arrives at your table. Hokie Smokie’s wings quickly became a local sensation, due to their tri-fecta process of preparation.

Smoked, deep-fried, then sauced and finished on the grill. Their slow smoked prime rib has become a weekend tradition for many as it is offered on Friday and Saturday from around five until it is gone.

Hokie Smokie takes much pride in being a family owned business and providing local residents with wonderful food and job opportunities. They are very humbled by their success at venues such as Racks By the Trax in Kingsport, winning seven trophies in three years of participation. These include

Best Sauce all three years, Best Restaurant the past two years, and Best Overall Ribs in 2015. They are also very excited to have opened their sister location, the Hokie Smokie Grill in Kingsport in the summer of 2014. One the most unique qualities of the business are their wild game weekend special falling on the first weekend of every month. Six large TVs inside and a TV on the patio make Hokie Smokie the perfect spot to eat fantastic food, have a local crafted beer, and watch your favorite sporting event.

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It’s All About You....

In the wild and wooly tundra of exit 7, travelers can be hard pressed to find the perfect place to stay. Exit 7 is famous for it’s wild roaming buffalos and groups of rogue ex-encyclopedia salesmen.

Yet, despite this, exit seven has become over the years a welldeveloped centric hub of our region. Not only to those who live here, but to those who are just passing through as well.

Regardless if you’re traveling through, or just want a quiet weekend getaway, there’s one place at Exit Seven that should be the first choice that springs to mind when it comes to lodging.

Holiday Inn Bristol Conference Center is centrally located in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains in Bristol, Virginia, where East Tennessee meets Virginia’s western border.

You can join them for a lovely

night at the Barter Theatre; or, if you prefer, life in the fast lane, race over to Bristol Motor Speedway and Thunder Valley Dragway in Bristol, Tennessee.

Whether your visit is for business or pleasure, the Holiday Inn Hotel and Suites - Bristol Convention Center is ready to

dishes that set them apart from the average hotel experience.

Room Service is available for both meals. Evening guests can enjoy a full bar with entertainment on the weekends. They proudly serve a wide variety of beverages including local craft beers on tap. Our Friday kara-

February 2, 2016 | The Loafer | Page 57 features 226 guest rooms including 16 concierge suites, two presidential suites, and a honeymoon suite. Holiday Inn Hotel and Suites offers Bristol’s largest banquet and meeting room facilities. Perfect for social gatherings or business conferences. Holiday Inn Bristol offers a full service restaurant for breakfast and the evening meal. They serve

full bar with entertainment on the weekends. They proudly serve a wide variety of beverages including local craft beers on tap. Their Friday karaoke is hugely popular with the locals and Saturday nights frequently showcase the best in area bands. Quieter weekday nights find guests relaxing by the fireplace and chatting with the friendly staff.

Whether your visit is for business or pleasure the Holiday Inn - Bristol Convention Center is ready to serve you! serve you!

Holiday Inn Bristol offers a full service restaurant for breakfast and the evening meal. They serve excellent home fare such as eggs and bacon and hamburgers and steaks. They also have several signature sandwiches and

oke is hugely popular with the locals and our Saturday nights frequently showcase the best in area bands. Quieter weekday nights find our guests relaxing by the fireplace and chatting with our friendly staff.”

Holiday Inn of Bristol is an award winning hotel that

excellent home fare such as eggs and bacon, hamburgers and steaks. They also have several signature sandwiches and dishes that set them apart from the average hotel experience.

Room Service is available for both meals.

Evening guests can enjoy a

There’s no need to fight off the buffalos, or those who still cling to their Britannic’s when traveling around exit 7, take in a quite night at Holiday Inn Hotel and Suites, and get that much needed down time you’ve been desperately seeking.

Page 58 | The Loafer | February 2, 2016

GOOD WATER, GREAT BEER!

tables.

Holston River Brewing is located a few miles from downtown Bristol near Bristol Motor Speedway. Upcoming special events include a Valentine’s Dinner and Super Bowl Party.

Bristol’s first brewery, certs and special events! The Take your sweetheart out for Holston River Brewing has outdoor area has corn hole a Valentine’s dinner. They will been opened since 2013, owned boards, giant Jenga and picnic be having a catered dinner and

by Ella and Jimmie Daugherty.

Holston River Brewing contains several different components, including the brewery, taproom, outdoor area, and stage. They have 138 acres for camping, which includes full hookup sites and hiking on the mountain.

The Taproom boasts a wall with a selection of 12 different taps! The garage doors stay open when it’s warm, and a crackling fire is almost always being lit once the sun goes down. There are picnic tables outside, and seats around the bar to enjoy the music and company in comfort. The stage is utilized for many live con-

beer pairing. Good food, good music, and Great Beer. Now what could be more romantic than that? Space is limited, so call 423-946-2380 for your reservation.

Super Bowl 50 will be played at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, home of the San Francisco 49ers. Kickoff for

Super Bowl 50 is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, Feb. 7, 2016. Doors open at 4:00pm.

As the area becomes richer with more breweries, make a point to stop by one of the first, Holston River Brewing Company!

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Cherish the past at HUNGRY I ....

The city was quiet that night.

I had just put to bed the case of The Maltese Antelope when suddenly I heard a sound. The sound was a quiet shuffling, sliding type of sound. I got up from desk and looked around my office. It wasn’t the pipes, though I had been complaining to the landlord for months about them. No, it was something I couldn’t quite place my finger on. Instead, it was something I could place my foot on.

A piece of paper on the floor of my office caused me to loose my footing and slide back, falling onto my worn, leather couch. The paper that caused this tumble went up in the air, and like a feather, it landed gently on my chest. It was a menu for Hungry I at Apex restaurant. Someone has

slid the menu under my door.

I had heard the rumors. The rumor that the long dormant famed Apex building was being brought back to life again.

The Hungry I at Apex was born after new owner Amir Padyab had seen the empty building sit for so long. With a team of incredible people, the restaurant was designed and prepared to open. Coming from abroad was a challenge, but the greatest challenge for Amir was to bring back a historic and well known location of the APEX. Friends to Colleagues to Families have all had great Memories of the Porky’s to Scotty’s to Terry’s APEX. Hungry I at Apex cherishes that past with the tradition of the delicious burger that were enjoyed dined in or picked up through

the pick up window.

The menu looked great, and varied. Tasty and tempting subs, burgers, salads, appetizers, and main dishes to choose from such as the Slow Roasted Beef, Pork, & Chicken to the Incredible Philly Steak & Cheese and Many More. The Hungry I at Apex also features four beers on tap and a wide selection of bottled beers to choose from. Hungry I has a cozy atmosphere full of warmth and great minded fun, they won’t compromise on quality or character, from the ingredients in the dishes to the attitudes of their staff. I still don’t know who slipped that menu under my door, but after stepping into Hungry I at Apex, I’m awfully glad they did.

February 2, 2016 | The Loafer | Page 59

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Settle for no less than the highest quality

With two locations in Johnson City and Kingsport, Ink Revolution Studios is the first upscale tattoo studio with affordable and competitive prices. In this business you will find out quickly that you get what you pay for. If you only paid $30 for a tattoo, it was probably exactly that, a $30 tattoo. They take pride in their work and understand that you have to live with it for the rest of your life; they spare no expense when it comes to the quality of supplies they use. Ink Revolution uses only safe, sterile, top of the line equipment. You can be rest assured you are in the hands of professionals, and they hope to make your tattoo experience the best one you

could ever have.

Ink Revolution Studios is the Tri-Cities premier studio for permanent body art as well as fine art. The tattoo artists are Justin Page, Summer Hamrick, Tyler Pritchett, Mark Comer, Jordon Pratt, Josh Sullins, Ben Rigg, Chelsea Thacker, and Drew Godsey. Artists of Ink Revolutions have been featured in top tattoo magazines (Savage, Skin Deep, International Tattoo, Tattoo, Prick, Crave, and Tattoo Society). Ink Revolution Studios also features guest artists from across the country so check back frequently to see who will be visiting next.

Appointments are recommended due to busy schedules. They stay booked at an

average of two weeks to three months out, but walk-ins are always welcome. At their studio, they strive for excellence and make sure their customers leave satisfied, knowing they received a high quality piece of work and had a great tattoo experience.

Ink Revolution Studios is 100% health department certified and exceeds the standards set. They use all disposable tubes and high standard single-use needles. Ink Revolution Studios settles for no less than the highest quality inks available.

Justin Page hard at work

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Create a Masterpiece

As our lives become more frantic by the day, we’ve started to see that there’s a great deal of importance to be placed upon craft projects and hobbies. Much has been written lately about the Zen like quality of such crafts as adult coloring books. But what if you combined the fun of coloring with the craft of ceramics? For over 15 years Into The Fire in Johnson City has been doing just that. Into The Fire is a fun place to paint white ceramic pieces using special paints. They give you the tools, you create the masterpiece then they will glaze and fire your pieces.

Into The Fire is the ideal place to let your creative juices flow to get all those art projects in your head out your mind and into reality. They welcome people of all ages to get in on the fun. Children

military, and students, $5 for kids 12 and under. Food and drinks are always welcome. Yes, Into The Fire offers party events and classes as well!

Canvas Panting Class offers individual and couple’s class; we provide all the tools needed to complete your canvas painting. Pottery Technique Class is available as well. Cost is $10 plus pottery piece. Ladies Night takes place every third Friday of each month.

RSVP only, but no deposit is required to join in. Adult parties and kid parties are offered; they’re great for a child’s birthday, bridal shower, baby shower, birthday gathering, team building, or even bachelorette parties. BYOB only after hours at adult parties.

Since Fall of last year, Into The Fire has been under new ownership. The

are welcome, and Into The Fire’s paints are non-toxic and won’t stain clothing.

Kids love getting in on the creative process, and the keepsakes are priceless.

Handprints and footprints are great gifts for parents or grandparents.

No reservations are required to come in and paint. Into The Fire welcomes walk-ins! Their studio fee covers the paint, glaze, and firing of your masterpiece: $7 for adults, $6 for seniors,

new owners bring longer hours and new fun events focused on the whole family. These events include: mommy and me mornings, daddy daughter date nights, family PJ parties in addition to their monthly ladies’ nights, canvas classes and private parties. Be it wanting to create the ceramic master work of your dreams or have a stab at those “happy little trees” on canvas, you can do it all at Into The Fire.

February 2, 2016 | The Loafer | Page 61

Page 62 | The Loafer | February 2, 2016

Fresh and Affordable The Tri-Cities is quickly becoming a place with prideful dining destinations opening in any location possible. But there’s a distinct charm to being a restaurant in a downtown area; and, that charm is doubled when the restaurant is nestled inside a restored Victorian home built in 1850. J. Frank Restaurant is nestled in the heart of downtown Bristol, and is one of its newest inhabitants.

Jason Vanover has a passion for food, so when the property owners of the building that housed the now defunct Troutdale Dining Room contacted him to continue the culinary tradition at the location, Jason was intrigued.

“I thought it might be an excellent opportunity to re-connect with a much broader base of Tri-Cities residents who appreciate excellent food but who do not want to pay exorbitant prices,” Vanover said.

Vanover has years of training as both a chef and a caterer, and the menu being offered at the new J Frank restaurant reflects his eclectic tastes.

“Fresh and affordable are the two key components of the menu,” Vanover said. “We strive to please every customer, to make everyone feel at home. We want to send them out the door feeling satisfied and feeling as though they want to return.”

The J Frank menu consists of a variety of soups and salads, small plates (prices $7 to $19) such as Prince Island Sound Mussels, Rack of Lamb (four bones), Buckhead Chips and Scallops Imperial, and large plates (priced $18 to $26), which include such delicacies as Osso Buco, Cornish Game Hen, Chilean Sea Bass, and Cake and Steak Oscar.

There is also a full-service bar, complete with beer, wine and spirits, and a decadent dessert menu. J. Frank Restaurant also offers Sunday brunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

www.theloaferonline.com

“Itappalachian” - Where Italy meets Appalachia

Located in the heart of downtown Elizabethton, Jiggy Ray’s has been providing not only scratch made pizza, but live music, smoked original jerky, and hundreds of other unique items. Starting with Antimo Caputo flour, Jiggy Ray’s makes their own dough fresh daily. They combine it with quality ingredients and a slow rise process to bring you the best pizza crust this side of the moon. Jiggy Ray’s pizzas are topped with a perfect blend of mozzarella, provolone, and parmesan, and then sprinkled with a touch of oregano.

Choose one of their Itappalachian (Where Italy meets Appalachia) original specialties or you can build your own. Jiggy Ray’s also offers a 12-foot salad bar, stocked with fresh locally

grown veggies.

Daily lunch specials are available, as is happy hour everyday between 3 p.m. & 5 p.m.! Live entertainment happens most weekends as well, with open mic nights on Wednesdays and karaoke every Thursday. Got a pizza centric party kicking around in your head? Whatever you’re planning, from the backyard to the boardroom, Jiggy Ray’s is here to help you make it a success. Big or small, Jiggy Ray’s can handle it all!

Providing their yummy pastas, pizzas, sandwiches, and appetizers. All you need to do is tell them what type of food or pizza you’re craving, and they’ll take care of the rest!

Prefer to have your party on site? They’ve got that covered too. Jiggy Ray’s can host parties

of up to twenty people. They can provide food, drinks, and a great atmosphere for your next celebration. Jiggy Ray’s is open all days except Sunday, which is available to rent out if wanted. Be it dropping in with the family for a slice during the week, a late week chance to belt out “Total Eclipse of the Heart,” or handling all your party needs, Jiggy Ray’s has it all covered!

February 2, 2016 | The Loafer | Page 63

UPCOMING LIVE MUSIC Feb. 5th

LAURA THURSTON

Feb. 6th

JAMES ODEN

Feb. 12

CHRIS LONG

Feb. 19

MERCER & JOHNSON

Feb. 20

LITTLE FRAZIER

Page 64 | The Loafer | February 2, 2016

shows little signs of slowing down as the group, is into their second century of productions.

Johnson City Community Theatre prides itself on its longevity and inclusiveness. They have been truly blessed to be able to continuously invite “The Glass Menagerie,” “Rock new people into our commuof Ages,” and this fall the re- nity as they grow. They have gional premier of Mel Brooks’ “Young Frankenstein: The Musical.”

With over a century of tradition and performances to their credit, it’s easy to see why the dedication of countless people over the years has allowed Johnson City Community Theatre to grow and thrive. Something, which

The Oldest Community Theatre in Tennessee

Johnson City Community Theatre is the oldest theatrical group in the state of Tennessee.

Since 1912, when it was known as the Johnson City Dramatic Society, JCCT has been committed to artistic excellence and quality entertainment for over 100 years. Their first production, An American Girl, came to the VA Memorial Theater in the summer of 1912. The play, American Girl has since been lost to history.

In 1913, that same play was produced at the Johnson City Country Club, which had just opened. Those early years for the theater were nomadic. In addition to the country club, plays were performed at the VA Memorial Theater at Mountain Home, St. John’s Episcopal

Church and Old North Junior High across the street from St. John’s and Munsey Memorial United Methodist Church. The players continued to perform without a place to call their own until, in 1956 they found a permanent home at the former Temple Baptist Church at 600 East Maple Street, where the theater is still located.

The first production mounted at 600 East Maple was The Curious Savage. Darryl Frank, wife of Bud Frank for whom East Tennessee State University’s theater is named directed the play. Johnson City Community Theatre proudly presents their 104th season in 2016, which opens with Ken Ludwig’s “Leading Ladies.” Other shows in the season include

heard, repeatedly, people say how accepted they feel within JCCT. They have had actors and musicians from many other theatres and areas come and participate in shows, and it has made them stronger, not only as Johnson City Community Theatre, but as a theatre community.

www.theloaferonline.com

February 2, 2016 | The Loafer | Page 65

Dedication. Determination.

Delicious Beer

Friends, gather around and I’ll tell you the story of John Henritze, a man who followed his chosen destiny to bring his passion, beer making, to one and all. John first became curious about home brewing during a trip to Busch Gardens during high school, the magic of the brewery tour struck with him more than the loopde-loops of the roller coasters.

Come John’s first year of college, he brewed up a batch of his own.

At first John didn’t see a future in brewing, so he went after a career in medicine.

Working for years as a physician assistant, it finally came to him one night that something was missing from his life.

It’s not known if this revelation appeared suddenly in the

morning, after a night of deep sleep, or if “Labyrinth” era David Bowie came to him in a dream and led him back on the path of his true mission in life: brewing.

John returned to home brewing in 2009 and felt a strong rekindling; the beer was strong with this one. His hobby quickly turned into a passion, and a series of life changing events made John realize that his only goal was to pursue his true dream, opening a brewery in Johnson City.

John focused all his attention on brewing more, studying book after book and honing his craft. At the time John’s friends were heard to have remarked, “John, you’re going to need a montage! (A beer training montage!)” John gradu-

ated from the American Brewers Guild in 2013; full of the knowledge he needed to make his dream a reality.

JRH Brewing opened this past fall. The brewery will be more than just a great place for craft beer, it will be a place to inspire others to follow their own dreams and celebrate their accomplishments no matter how big or small. JRH Brewing’s taproom in not yet open. However, with the launch of the Brewly Noted Trail they will be offering tours on the first and third Saturday of the month. The tour will cost $5 and you will receive a commemorative JRH pint glass. Dreams becoming reality, and providing everyone with locally made beer. What magic.

John Henritze

Page 66 | The Loafer | February 2, 2016

Step Away From The Everyday Jump TN is a group of professional skydivers that have built a skydiving center. As a group member of the United States Parachute Association (USPA), Jump TN is held to the highest safety requirements for skydiving.

Jump TN originally started as East Tennessee Skydiving in 2001 at Greeneville Municipal Airport. Angela Alley became partners with Mikeal Stevens in 2015, and the Skydiving School was

They pride themselves on providing the highest quality instructors and training available for current and future skydivers to develop the skills necessary to become world-class skydivers.

The instructors that teach at Jump TN continue their own progression in the sport and many have become record and medal holders. Their professionalism has helped build a skydiving center that provides the best possible atmo-

renamed Jump TN. Mikeal, who started skydiving in 1996, has logged over 6700 jumps and competed in multiple world championships on the United States Parachute Team. Angela started skydiving in 2007 and has made over 1800 jumps. Together Mikeal and Angela have travelled to drop zones all over the world, performed demonstration jumps for sporting events and jumped from as high as 30,000 feet. With several instructional ratings and unique experiences they were driven to create a new place for people to share in their passion for the sport of skydiving.

sphere to promote the sport of skydiving. They are more than just falling out of airplanes.

In the air and around the bonfire, Jump TN is a welcoming group of people from all walks of life brought together by the love of skydiving. After skydiving all over the world, they believe that the Smoky Mountains make this one of the most beautiful locations to jump and call home. For the first timer, the amateur, or the experienced skydiver, Jump TN is welcoming to anyone curious about the unique sport of skydiving.

www.theloaferonline.com

February 2, 2016 | The Loafer | Page 67

IN THEATRES NOW Box Office Top 10

In Theaters Now Ride Along 2 (2016)

“THE BOY” While I was viewing the new film “The Boy” I kept wondering if the horror film would turn out to be a huge disappointment based on the first act of the film.

The presents itself as a “possessed doll” movie, but is actually something entirely different thanks to a plot twist. The film, directed by William Brent Bell (“Stay Alive”), features “Walking Dead” star Lauren Cohan as Greta, a young woman who has fled an abusive relationship in the U.S. to take a job as the Nanny in a British mansion owned by the Heelshire family. Upon arriving at the castle-like mansion, she meets Mr. and Mrs. Heelshire, a elderly couple who put her in charge of watching over their son Brahms, who turns out to be a like-like porcelain doll. The Heelshires treat the doll just like a living human, and even have rules regarding his care.

As Greata boards the Heelshire crazy train, she eventually discovers, thanks to grocery delivery man Malcom (Rupert Evans), that the real Brahms was killed in a house fire back in 1991 when he was eight. The Heelshires are using the doll as a way to cope with their sons tragic death in their own misguided way. Not long after Greta settles in, The Heelshires announce they are heading out for a much needed holiday and leave Greta alone with “Brahms”. Now, just imagine you are left alone in a large creepy mansion with a life size porcelain doll to care for. While they may sound like a cushy job for some, I would have to be paid mega bucks to do so.

As his wedding day approaches, Ben heads to Miami with his soon-to-be brother-in-law James to bring down a drug dealer who’s supplying the dealers of Atlanta with product.

The Revenant (2015)

A frontiersman on a fur trading expedition in the 1820s fights for survival after being mauled by a bear and left for dead by members of his own hunting team.

Norm of the North (2016)

When a real estate development invades his Arctic home, Norm and his three lemming friends head to New York City, where Norm becomes the mascot of the corporation in an attempt to bring it down from the inside and protect his homeland.

The Forest (2016)

A woman goes into Japan’s Suicide Forest to find her twin sister, and confronts supernatural terror.

Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens (2015) The Big Short (2015) 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.

Four denizens in the world of high-finance predict the credit and housing bubble collapse of the mid-2000s, and decide to take on the big banks for their greed and lack of foresight.

Sisters (2015)

Two sisters decide to throw one 13 Hours: The Secret last house party before their parSoldiers of Benghazi (2016) An American Ambassador is killed during an attack at a U.S. compound in Libya as a security team struggles to make sense out of the chaos.

Daddy’s Home (2015)

Stepdad, Brad Whitaker, is a radio host trying to get his stepchildren to love him and call him Dad. But his plans turn upside down when the biological father, Dusty Mayron, returns.

Even though Great has been instructed to follow a daily schedule for Brahms, she scoffs at the whole idea in the beginning until strange things involving the doll start happening. We are talking clothes disappearing, toys dispersed over a room, and Brahms moving around the house on his own. At this

point, I would have left and said “see you at Toys r Us Brahms”!

However, as with all good spooky films, Greta sticks it out, and with the help of Malcom is able to deal with the surprises and plot twists of the film. I did like the film much better after the surprise twist was revealed, despite the fact it oc-

curred in the latter part of the second act. All the actors, including lead Cohan do a great job of keeping a straight face when interacting with the doll, and I’m sure Cohan was happy to actually appear clean and in full makeup as a contrast with her character on “The Walking Dead”. I did jump several times during the film, and the ending was satisfying but not surpris-

ents sell their family home.

The Hateful Eight (2015)

In the dead of a Wyoming winter, a bounty hunter and his prisoner find shelter in a cabin currently inhabited by a collection of nefarious characters.

IMDb.com (01/30/2015)

ing. This is the type of film that could have easily been made for television as opposed to theatrical release. While “The Boy” did feature some scares, the “kid” needs to be sent to time out or returned for a refund. (Rated PG-13) C+

Rated: PG-13

C+

Page 68 | The Loafer | February 2, 2016

Remodeling your expectations

A kitchen remodel can be an overwhelming experience, with so many options to choose from, yet trying to stay in budget. Kitchen Tune-Up of the Tri-Cities offers options to update kitchens that will not disrupt your life or your budget. David and Pamela Salley locally own kitchen Tune-Up. They opened in 1994 and are part of the National Kitchen Tune Up franchise, which began in 1989.

Kitchen Tune-Up provides small to large scale kitchen remodeling with pricing to fit any budget. Among various services offered are: cabinet & wood finish restoration, cabinet re-facing or re-dooring, add on cabinets, counter tops, organizers and more. They

service the Tri-Cities and surrounding areas. Offering an in home consultation to help the customer with their concerns, needs, and ideas.

Kitchen Tune-Up offers a wide variety of door styles, finishes, materials, and pricing, including quality solid woods and thermo foils all custom made. They also provide a 5-year warranty on all materials for their re-facing and re-door services. Average install time is three-five days.

At Kitchen Tune-Up, they believe that you don’t have to spend a fortune or be displaced from your home for weeks to get the space you’ve always wanted. They offer several service options at different price points, and many projects can

be complete in only one to five days. They have fast and affordable options to get a fresh new look for your kitchen, bath, or business.

They not only do good work,

they understand that it’s often the little things that make the most difference when completing kitchen projects. Don’t tackle that remodel alone give Kitchen Tune-Up a call.

www.theloaferonline.com

February 2, 2016 | The Loafer | Page 69

HIGH ROAD DIGITAL ACQUIRES BOOMTOWN FILM COMPANY

High Road Digital announced on January 25th the acquisition of Boomtown Film Company, a creative video production company based in Johnson City.

“High Road Digital, based in Johnson City, Tenn., has grown exponentially over the last two years and the absorption of Boomtown Film Company supports our continued growth and development,” says Rob Bunch, General Manager of High Road Digital.

“The opportunity for High Road to continue expanding our client reach presented itself with the absorption of Boomtown, and we are excited to see the positive effects it will have as we move forward,” he said. “The Boomtown name may be changing, but the tal-

ent set of Josh (Mancuso) and Seth (Penley), along with their exceptional work, will prove to be assets to High Road Digital and our clients.”

Both Mancuso, who owned Boomtown Film Company and served as a director and producer, and Penley, his business partner and technical director and editor, will join the High Road Digital team. As a Digital Marketing Consultant for High Road, Mancuso will serve as a technology ambassador and consult with existing and new clients on the development of their marketing strategies. As an Interactive Design Specialist for High Road, Penley will collaborate with the rest of the team to execute superior designs and bring ideas to life on the Web.

ative top-notch video production, but we can now provide a much wider range of professional marketing solutions such as website design, social media management, search engine optimization, brand awareness, and more,” said Mancuso. “By the two companies coming together, we can have a broader and deeper impact for the businesses we serve.”

High Road Digital is a full service digital marketing solutions firm serving the needs of businesses in Eastern Tennessee, Southwest Virginia, Western North Carolina, and beyond. The company’s mission is to deliver results for businesses by targeting their messages in a digital world.

As trusted local marketing experts, High Road Digital aims to develop a complete digital marketing program for busiMancuso and Penley are “By joining High Road, we nesses and can target their eager to be joining forces with are able to keep providing cli- messages to any market in the High Road Digital. ents in the Tri-Cities with cre- United States.

Page 70 | The Loafer | February 2, 2016

Just about any hour, day or night, that you could be hungry….

Main Street is cooking!

Correct me if I’m wrong, but I don’t think there’s a woman, man, or child alive today who doesn’t enjoy a tasty pizza. Going back to the days of the cave dwellers, archeologists have discovered drawings of triangular food on the walls of numerous European caves.

Many scientists think that pizza is the oft forgotten food served at the first Thanksgiving. Let’s face it; pizza is the glue that holds the universe together.

The day we neglect this sacred bond that has held generations of humanity together, is the day we all truly fail as a people.

Fortunately, you can please the pizza elders just about any hour of the day or night. For much like a faithful hero keeping watch over our fair metropolis, Main Street is cooking. Jamie Dove— a Kingsport native, started The Main Street Pizza Company in 2009. After the initial success of the restaurant, and as all of the great development projects that Johnson City had implemented downtown started to come to fruition, Jamie’s organization grew stronger; and, began looking for ways to improve their product and improve the lives of their employees.

A general love of gardening and respect for those who bother to do it right, along with looking to lean the enterprise into something they could feel good about on an environmental and ethical level, led Jamie to purchase some farm land down on the Nolichucky River in 2013; and, launch their local food movement project River Creek Farm. In just two years, they have grown, and locally sourced over $200,000 worth of vegetables for a subscription pick up pro- gram or CSA (Community Supported Agriculture), as some call them, that currently serves about 100 families (they are planning for 200+ in 2016!).

They have placed another $50,000 in wholesale produce within the restaurants. This year they will be offering pick up of the vegetable packages,

weekly, biweekly, and monthly at the Kingsport Main Street Pizza location.

Sign up anytime at startthefarm.com.

The Kingsport location of The Main Street Pizza Company opened last year, and the response has been fantastic.

They have now grown to an organization of over 70 people, and hope to continue on out into our region to serve more of the great people of East Tennessee. They want their farm operations to continue to grow, providing more and more properly and cleanly grown food to both their restaurants and CSA Customers, while keeping more of our region’s money right here in the local economy. They also plan to go down the road of getting their Living Wage Certification this year; and, to look at other ways to support their tremendous employees - living happy healthy lives while being a part of something they can be proud of. At The Main Street Pizza Company, it’s not just about the taste of the food, but the world around that food too.

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A TAPESTRY OF ARTS

The Mary B. Martin School of the Arts was established in 2009 following a generous gift to East Tennessee State University from James C. “Jim” Martin in memory of his late wife, Mary B. Martin. A lifelong resident of Johnson City, Mary graduated from Boones Creek High School and while working full time at Eastman Chemical Co. in Kingsport, she took classes and graduated from ETSU with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry in 1962. Jim Martin, who also had worked as a chemist at Eastman, passed away in December 2015.

The School of the Arts brings to the region a program of high-caliber public performances, exhibitions and other activities for students and the greater community. Since its beginning, the Mary B. Mar-

tin School of the Arts has offered seven seasons of music concerts, theater, dance and storytelling performances, film screenings, lectures, exhibitions, visual artists, public art projects, comedy and illusion.

“Our seasons are always eclectic,” says Anita DeAngelis, director of Mary B. Martin School of the Arts at ETSU. “We have a lot to offer many different audiences in our community. To me that is part of the reason why I think every season is exciting.”

“Together with our guest artists, we’ve danced, laughed and sometimes cried,” DeAngelis says. “We’ve learned more about history, about other cultures and about ourselves.”

The Mary B. Martin School of the Arts’ spring 2016 season includes performances

February 2, 2016 | The Loafer | Page 71

Martin School at ETSU interweaves arts, culture, and community

by Grammy Award-winning musicians, international stars of the theatrical and concert stages and the unique South Arts series of independent films with Q&As with the filmmakers, among other “Hip to Hilarious” events.

Previous seasons have brought music, dance and visual art by Tibetan monks; the vocal tradition of Negro spirituals; stories from Turkey, Israel and Asia; Cherokee, Mexican, American and regional art and artists; classical, Appalachian, jazz, old-time and contemporary music; and dance spanning genres and continents.

“We have an interest in not only celebrating our regional culture by hosting events like the Devault Tavern Exhibition of photographs and artifacts,

from as close as Leesburg, Tenn.,” DeAngelis says, “but we also like to bring other cultures to the region for our campus and community to experience, as well …” Jim Martin said his goal in financially supporting the School of the Arts, the local symphony orchestras, the International Storytelling Center and other regional arts programs, was to “weave a tapestry” of arts organizations and events “to form an influential presence in our area.”

The Martins’ influence on the arts has indeed been felt region wide, and DeAngelis and Mary B. Martin School of the Arts have worked to strengthen the network of the area’s arts groups and programs, connect students and community with artists and bring a yearly collection of varied arts

experiences to audiences of all ages and incomes. Because of the Martins’ support most of the School of the Arts’ events are free and ticket prices are much lower than other venues.

“The funding that this endowment provides is exciting for all of arts areas, on campus and off,” DeAngelis says.

“ETSU arts faculty, students and programs have provided the broader community with significant arts events over the years, and we often struggle to fund such activities. Mr. Martin has made it possible for us to bring additional high caliber artists and performers to our community that we wouldn’t have here otherwise.”

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

Page 72 | The Loafer | February 2, 2016

Modern Woodmen of America People helping people achieve quality of life. As a fraternal benefit society, that’s what Modern Woodmen of America is all about.

Derrick Paduch, a Modern Woodmen representative in the Piney Flats area, serves members, their families, and residents in and around the

Tri-Cities region. A unique combination of business and voluntarism, the organization offers life insurance, annuity and investment* products,

along with fraternal member benefits for families and their communities.

Founded in 1883, the organization was named in honor of pioneering woodmen that cleared forests to build homes and communities and provide security for their families.

Modern Woodmen of America was created to clear away family financial difficulties.

While its founding mission has

Derrick Paduch

East Tennessee State University and a 47-year resident of the Tri-Cities area. His office is located at 1217 Rice Cross Road. Piney Flats, TN 37686.

For more information about Modern Woodmen life insurance, annuities, investments, * retirement plans, and member benefits, call Derrick at (423) 360-7908 *Securities offered through MWA Financial Services, Inc.,

When it comes to your finances, how good are you at planning ahead? It takes some time and practice, but it’s worth it! remained, Modern Woodmen’s products and services have changed to meet the changing needs of today’s families.

Based in Rock Island, the organization serves more than 750,000 members nationwide.

Derrick Paduch, Registered Representative is a graduate of

a wholly owned subsidiary of Modern Woodmen of America, 1701 1st Avenue, Rock Island, IL, 61201, 309-558-3100. Member: NASD, SIPC. Products are available in most states. Individual representatives may not be licensed to sell all products.

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Yoga joins the body, mind and spirit

Are you busy and stressed in the New Year? What if you could reduce the feelings of stress, improve flexibility and balance, and improve over all health by adding yoga to your life? Mountain Yoga, located at 151 East Mountcastle Drive in Johnson City (behind Target), and is the area’s premier yoga studio.

The teachers at Mountain Yoga are dedicated to nurturing you and your unique yoga practice. Along with studio classes, workshops, community events, and teacher trainings are also offered to help you find the practice that’s right for you and your body.

The word YOGA translates to yoke together, or to join. Yoga joins the body, mind and spirit.

If you Google “benefits of yoga,” you’ll get over 55 million hits. The bottom line is that you’ll find yourself reaping benefits almost the minute you step onto the mat. Yoga starts to work immediately

by tuning you into your own breath. Along with your breath, you’ll learn to move your body in ways that strengthen your muscles and your mind. Over time, your practice can be grown into whatever you’d like, be it a vigorous physical practice, or a healing, restful place.

No matter your choice, Mountain Yoga offers classes to meet your special needs as a student.

Years ago, Jennifer Chisam, owner and yogini, said she’d love to have her own space for people to learn to move and heal their bodies.

She started teaching in 2008, and Mountain Yoga was born! Her tiny space at the King Center was soon too small.

From one instructor and one room to two yoga spaces, including a hot studio, and a fully stocked yoga boutique, Mountain Yoga has grown into a studio that offers 25 to 30 classes weekly at a variety of times to fit your schedule and your needs.

Classes are available for people who’ve never done yoga to those who’ve been on the mat for years. At Mountain Yoga, your first class is free.

Yoga mats and other equipment you might need are available for you to use while you learn.

At Mountain Yoga, the focus is on you. Make Yoga part of your New Year, and let the experienced teachers at Mountain Yoga guide you to your best practice. For more information, call that studio at (423) 262-9551, or visit www. mountainyogatn.com.

February 2, 2016 | The Loafer | Page 73

Page 74 | The Loafer | February 2, 2016

BUY, SELL OR TRADE BOOKS

Though there are those who would say its days are numbered, physical media is still very present, and, out there no matter where you shop.

From the feel of a book in your hands to the click of a needle landing into the groove of a record, there’s still nothing quite like the tactile nature of physical media. We dedicate rooms and walls in our homes to our books, our music, and our movies. Yet, as is with anyone who collects what they love most, there are those times when you realize the time has come to thin out that collection. When that time comes, Mr. K’s Used Books and More are here for you.

Like a beacon on a hill, Mr. K’s will offer the best prices for your books, CDs, records,

DVDs, Blu-Rays, comic books, audio books, and more! Been debating for years what to do with that copy of the Twilight Saga Aunt Vera gave you for Christmas that one time? Bring it to Mr. K’s! Have 13 extra copies of The White Album from those relatives who know you like music but think you must not know this rare band The Beatles? Bring them to Mr. K’s! Wanna ditch your DVD of “Cop and a Half” before your lover moves in next month?

Bring it to Mr. K’s!

You can get cash in exchange for these items or store credit!

Some books are trade only— but you can take that trade credit and get something you’ll love even more! Mr. K’s has a wide selection of used books, music, movies, and more! Dig

deep and you’ll never know what you’ll come up with!

Mr. K’s also has new books at low prices too. They scour book conventions to bring new

books to their customers! So before you hop on Amazon or eBay looking for that CD or movie that’s been out of reach, stop by Mr. K’s first; they’ve

got you covered. Even if that means quietly getting rid of granny’s copy of “Fifty Shades of Grey.”

www.theloaferonline.com

Still Rockin’ after all these years!

Musik Alley opened its doors in February 1990, owned by Randy and Kay Scalf. The inspiration for opening the business was their four sons becoming musicians at very young ages. They always wanted the next new guitar, amp or drum set. So they decided to open a music store, and put them to work.

Being known as the “Musician’s Choice,” they serve musicians from North Carolina, Virginia, and Tennessee, as well as many other areas. They pride themselves in customer service

and satisfaction. They have always strived to treat the area musicians the way they would want to be treated.

Musik Alley is a full service music store and has served most of the bands in the area throughout the last 26 years, selling guitars, amps, drums, sound systems, and all of the accessories needed to play music. They have a huge selection of guitars, amps and drums.

Musik Alley’s School of Music offers instruction in guitar, bass, fiddle/violin, mandolin, ukulele, piano, and drums.

They have some of the best instructors in the area. They are Jon Tipton and

Shane Leonard, guitar; David Streng, drums and percussion; Vicki Shell, mandolin, fiddle, violin, and piano; Susan Thompson, piano. Their instructors begin teaching children at five years of age and adults as old as 75. Some of their instructors hold music recitals and band camps each year.

Musik Alley caters to all musicians: country, bluegrass, rock, jazz, metal, and gospel/Christian music. There is such a diversity of music in the tri-state area; and, they are so glad to have been

a part of it for the last 26 years. Musik Alley meets their customer’s needs by being able to supply them with any equipment made in the music industry.

They will match or beat any price in the U.S. guaranteed! Located just off Interstate 26 at 2890 Boones Creek Road, Gray, TN. Their hours are Monday-Friday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; closed on Sunday.

“We would love for you to come by and help us to celebrate our 26th anniversary and visit the Musik Alley School of Music!”

February 2, 2016 | The Loafer | Page 75

Page 76 | The Loafer | February 2, 2016

Northeast State kicks off 50th anniversary

Northeast State’s 50th anniversary celebration officially kicked off in January as the College unveiled a year-long calendar of events to mark the occasion.

The College announced a host of festivities planned through December 2016 that include concerts, fund-raising events, alumni gatherings, and a homecoming finale. There will be events every month of the year and each of Northeast State’s campuses will host at least one event in recognition of the college’s 50th anniversary.

Northeast State began in 1966 as a vocational school with two buildings, six programs, and 35 students. Since that time, the College has evolved into a comprehensive community

college with five campuses and 150 programs, serving more than 7,500 students annually.

The school was first named Tri-Cities Area VocationalTechnical School in 1966, Tri-Cities Regional Vocational-Technical School in 1970, Tri-Cities State Technical Institute in 1978, Northeast State Technical Community College in 1990, and Northeast State Community College in 2009.

The school received its first accreditation in 1972 from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and in 1983 it officially became part of the State University and Community College System of Tennessee.

“The 50th anniversary allows us to honor those who brought us here, celebrate our

current accomplishments, and look forward to the future,” said current president Dr. Janice H. Gilliam. “We invite and encourage the community to help us celebrate this exciting time.”

Dr. Gilliam’s is Northeast State’s fifth president, assuming leadership from Dr. William W. Locke who served from 1996 to 2009. Northeast State’s other presidents include Mr. James Pierce (1966-1983), Dr. James Owen (1983-1986), and Dr. Wade R. Powers (19871996). Dr. Anne McNutt served as interim president in 1983.

Upcoming events include Back-to-Classroom lectures by former faculty and staff Feb. 10, 17, and 24; a concert by bluegrass legend Doyle Lawson on March 12, a fund-raising event

anniversary at the Grace Meadows Farm in Washington County on March 19, a Country Music Television concert for veterans on April 22, and an alumni golf tournament on April 29 at the Glen-

rochie Country Club in Abingdon, VA. For more information about the 50th anniversary visit www.NortheastState.edu/50.

www.theloaferonline.com

Experience the Mighty Haggland

Established in December of last year, fully opening in April of this year, Off The Grid Adventures is one the newest ventures coming to the Tri-Cities. Owned by Monie and Janice McCoury, Off The Grid features the longest zip line on the East Coast—3600 feet, the length of 12 football fields, 300 feet off the ground, and with speeds up to 60 mph.

Off The Grid features the only Hagglund tour in the United States. The Hagglund is a Swedish built vehicle, created as a means to transport troops where no other vehicle could. The closest place to experience the Hagglund other than

here is in New Zealand. In addition, their adventure park will feature the amazing cliff swing perched on the top edge of the mountain—several hundred feet above the canyon floor. The Cliff Swing will pull riders up over 50 feet and release them swinging out over the cliff at speeds of up to 50 mph. This only goes to show how unique Off The Grid’s adventure park will be when it opens and what a boom it will be to the area.

Mr. McCoury is no stranger to this world, matter of fact; he’s an old hat at it. Monie brought the first zip line to the region several years ago in Boone, North

Carolina. Mr. McCoury was written up in USA Today and in The New York Times as one of the most exciting

February 2, 2016 | The Loafer | Page 77

zip lines in America. When Monie made the Tri-Cities his home, he realized you have to travel outside the area for the experience, and he wanted to bring the experience here.

“We offer fun and excitement for all ages,” Monie said. In Mr. McCoury’s

Boone operation the youngest zip liner was three years old and the oldest 100 years young. So plan ahead for when spring comes around, and you get in as one of the first to adventure with Off The Grid Adventures.

Page 78 | The Loafer | February 2, 2016

Live Divine!

Olive Oil Divine was conceived in the summer of 2014 and in January 2015, was founded to be independent from any franchisor, nor is it associated with any contracted corporate supplier like many other olive oil & vinegars stores are. Husband and wife, Greg and Shirley Mueller, who, between the two of them, have over 65 years of business operational and ownership experience, started Olive Oil Divine.

They take great pride in offering the “Best in Class” selection of gourmet Extra Virgin Olive Oils as well as the smoothest and tastiest Balsamic vinegars and condiments. In fact, before being offered to the customers, all gourmet products offered at Olive Oil Divine must pass the stringent quality and taste tests that Greg and Shirley have set in place. This is just one of the many characteristics that sets Olive Oil Divine apart from all the olive oil stores!

Olive Oil Divine is recognized as a dynamic, faith-based, and contemporary designed tasting-bar for gourmet

has taken great care in creating a truly one-of-a-kind experience apart from what any franchise or corporately supplied oil and vinegar store could come close to.

A visit to the store will leave you breathless from beauty of the many polished stainless steel product containers called “Fusti’s” that sit atop constantly polished stainless steel tables. The flavors one will experience while tasting directly from the fusti’s will leave you excited about putting insanely delicious flavors back into your food while knowing you have found something very healthy as well!

“We love the warm reception Olive Oil Divine receives from the visitors and customers of this area who visit our store for a tasting experience,” say Greg and Shirley. “The majority of people who walk through our door are such lovely people who share their lives with us as we share what our shopping experience has to offer them. We are blessed when our new friends stop in to just say

ingredients and condiments. This becomes evident when one visits the store and becomes familiar with, not only the products, but also how the ownership and their team addresses and interacts with the customers. As an independently owned business, the local ownership

hi, and of course many times offer how blessed they are to have found us and what our store has to offer! We believe that one should have fun in what they do, and it really is fun for us to open our doors each day to wait and see who the Lord will send through it that day!”

www.theloaferonline.com

Pets Of The Week

February 2, 2016 | The Loafer | Page 79

Sylvia is a 10 week old Shepard mix who is spayed and up to date on all vaccines. Such a sweet and snuggly puppy!

Daisy Mae and Lily Fay - these girls need to be adopted together.

They are 2 year old Chiweenie mixes with Daisy Mae having more Terrier. They are spayed and up to date on all vaccines. They are ready for their forever home!

Please come and visit Gracie and Kiki and their friends at The Bridge Home No Kill Animal Rescue!

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.

Mize Farm and Garden Spring Seminars Classes are at 10:30 on Saturdays. FEB 6 Fruit trees with John Hamrick. FEB13 Vegetable gardening with Phil Ramey. FEB 27 Raised beds with Martin Litz. MAR 5 Attracting birds, bees and butterfly’s with Charlene Thomas. MAR 12 Honey bees with John Hamrick.

215 Old Gray Station Rd (423) 467-2300

Page 80 | The Loafer | February 2, 2016

Big on Seafood, Famous for Steaks!

For decades, The Peerless Restaurant in Johnson City, Tennessee has been the premiere dining destination of our region. A family owned business for nearly eighty years, the Kalogeros family first opened the doors of The Peerless in 1938. Quickly becoming renowned for their Grecian salads, butcher-cut aged premium steaks, and a vast array of fresh seafood delivered from the coast line.

The Peerless is not just a surf and turf house, their menu also offers small plates and casual fare from Steakhouse Burgers to chicken and pasta dishes all handcrafted by their chefs.

The Peerless is the modern steakhouse, using the best local and fresh ingredients for

today’s dining crowd. For the cocktail connoisseur, The Peerless offers a unique selection of signature, hand-crafted cocktails—in addition to all your old favorites. The Peerless has a fine wine selection as well.

Keeping stocked fifty bottles of a variety of wines, served by the bottle or the glass. Perfect for the wine lover.

The Peerless offers additional services too. Banquets, all occasion catering, and they provide private rooms for meetings, parties, or family dining. Catering your next event with The Peerless team is easy! They’ll do a site visit, recommended menus, and work within your budget and help assist with creative ideas for the best custom events you can

imagine! Banquet and Private rooms can suit all party sizes as well.

Attention to every detail.

Professional service and staff.

Quality chef driven food. All of these encompass a strong family philosophy to serve the finest food only, this is the philosophy that the Kalogeros family has operated The Peerless with, the philosophy that The Peerless is famous for. The Peerless team is dedicated to deliver on this promise for all their dining guests, either in the restaurant, or on a catering site. With this philosophy in action, it’s clear why The Peerless has been the go-to restaurant for generations of families from the tri-cities, since 1938.

www.theloaferonline.com

The Quest For Perfect BBQ

If there is one food that the South can claim ownership to it’s barbecue.

I’m not saying that people outside of the South are incapable of making good barbecue, but there’s a distinct something in the air around here that just makes it work. The beauty of this is that us southerners are not in drought when it comes to finding a BBQ joint.

Now this puts someone owning a ‘Q joint in an interesting position. When so few of them are sub-par, what does one do to stand out? When you can hit on any number of barbecue restaurants, and, find perfect slabs of heaven

pared fresh each day, with a consistency that is so hard to beat in the modern ‘Q world. Nothing makes Phil and Dianna happier than when customers feel like family after visiting the Dream Pit. Isn’t that what the best barbecue restaurant can offer? A place to feel right at home while filling yourself with food that simply sends one to a transcendental place of bliss? Ribs, pulled pork, wings, smoked chicken, cole slaw, baked beans; they’ve got it all and then some at Phil’s Dream Pit. “We are truly blessed to be a part of this region, an area small enough

in each, how do you stand out from the crowd? Ask anyone that’s ever been to Phil’s Dream Pit in Kingsport; and, they can tell you.

Since their doors opened in February of 2008, Phillip and Dianna Pipkin have been feeding people food pre-

that you can have a personal relationship with your customers,” say Phil and Dianna. “We want to thank everyone who has supported us. We could not do what we love without the support of the community.”

February 2, 2016 | The Loafer | Page 81

Page 82 | The Loafer | February 2, 2016

POOR RICHARD’S UPTOWN Poor Richard, no one ever gave him much of a chance. In high school he asked the head cheerleader for a dance—she laughed at him. In middle school, his science project on using cheese mold as rocket fuel was failed by all his teachers—his peers laughed at him.

In college, Richard entered a Mick Jagger look-a-like contest, and everyone thought he looked more like Mick Fleetwood.

Poor Richard indeed. Richard would spend time healing his wounds with his hobby, deli food. Notebooks full of recipes and bread to meat ratios were strewn all bout his college dorm room. His roommates would laugh at him “It’s just a sandwich Richard, it’s not science.” Richard ignored their taunts and would spend many sleepless nights alternat-

ing between schemes for sandwiches and studying for exams. One notebook alone was filled with potato chip theory on one page, calculus on the next.

Thought he had been taunted all his life for his dreams

and wishes, Richard took the pain and turned it to fuel to open a deli/eatery of such magnitude his critics could no longer deride him. Post College, Richard took his reputation and opened up Poor Richard’s deli. You can imagine the

shock when his school mates saw Richard’s face posted on the cover of Time Magazine’s “Sandwich Slinger Of The Year” issue. Poor Richard’s soon became THE place to get a sandwich in America.

Everyone was showing up at his door, from locals, to the well known. Everyone has seen the photographs of Andy Warhol and—in a delightful

twist—Mick Jagger eating a turkey on rye there. The cream of the crop of the art world, from Banksy to Alex Trebek, have all been spotted one time or another at Poor Richard’s.

Due to such demand, Richard—now not so poor—knew it was time to open a second location. Poor Richard’s Uptown is the newest part of Richard’s empire of dreams.

For Poor Richard’s Uptown is one of the things foretold in those famed notebooks— which are now a part of the Smithsonian. With such dedication, and such amazing food, you’d be a fool to not visit Poor Richard’s Uptown today. Discover what has been drawing people in for years, and get yourself food that has been dreamed about, and written about, in a way that is usually only reserved for the greatest minds of our generation.

Perhaps, after all, that’s what Richard truly is.

www.theloaferonline.com

February 2, 2016 | The Loafer | Page 83

Committed to harmony, balance and well-being for our clients

The world can be a maddening place. A place where the pace of life is getting faster.

A pace where it feels like the ‘to do’ list gets longer just as quickly as we can check things off it. It’s hard to keep up with what goes on while we’re on top of constantly checking Face- book, Twitter, Vine, YouTube, Tube Face, You Vine, Twit book, and Faceter.

We all need a break sometimes. That can be little gifts like a cup of good coffee, as anyone who has ever taken Agent Cooper’s advice can tell you. Sometimes, however, a single gift to yourself in a day won’t do it. When you need some- thing more, something to indulge and ground yourself with, Results Salon and Day Spa is there for you.

Since November 1987 Results Salon and Day Spa has been committed to harmony, balance, and well being for their clients. Results carefully chosen and highly trained staff is here to exceed your expectations. The same goes for their elegant salon space —dedicated to guest comfort — and their devotion to innovation and artistry. At Results Salon and Day Spa they’re focused on making your day and continually raising the bar. Results were opened by Glenda Ball and Larry Wilson— Ms. Ball retired eight years ago, and since then Results has been under the direction of Mr. Wilson.

Results offer a full range of salon and day spa services, every- thing from haircuts, coloring, and hair removal. All

the way down to nails, facials, make up, and of course, massage. All these elements form the basis of their philosophy for the client: harmony, balance, and universal well being.

Results also use Aveda prod-

ucts in all their services.

Give in to your wishes to take a day for yourself and call Results Salon and Day Spa. Your mood will improve; and, it will be the big gift you give yourself, the gift of self-care,

relaxation, and a break from all the madness. Results is grateful for the growth of our region, which has contributed greatly to the growth of the salon. They hope they see you soon!

Page 84 | The Loafer | February 2, 2016

HAVE FUN ...

LOOK BEAUTIFUL!

There was a time when the concept of being able to extend ones own hair and eyelashes would be seen as witchcraft.

You’d quickly find people trying to compare your buoyancy to that of churches or very small rocks. Fortunately, we live in far more enlightened times, and hair and eyelash extensions are a breeze! When you find yourself needing to obtain the hair and lashes of your dreams, there’s only one place to turn. For nearly 12 years, Sher Extensions has been the top choice for hair and lash extensions in the Tri-Cities. Since 2004 Sher Extensions has grown to a full-service salon caring for all your hair and skin care needs.

Opened by Sherrie Bacon, Sher Extensions is THE place

for extensions. Whether with hair extensions using the world’s finest human hair, or eye lash extensions with Xtreme Lashes™, the premier lash extension system (or both!), Sherrie steps in where

nature left off to give you the amazing look you have always wanted. Sherrie is a licensed, professional extensionist committed to enhancing the natural beauty of women through the cutting edge technology of

hair and eyelash extensions.

Sherrie Bacon is East Tennessee’s only Certified Advanced Xtreme Lashes™ Professional and the area’s first and most

assure you of the most beautiful, professionally applied lash extensions available anywhere.

We all deserve to have fun and to look beautiful. Sher Exten-

experienced Lash Stylist. She is one of only a handful of beauty experts worldwide to be selected by Xtreme Lashes™ as an educator. Experience, advanced training, creativity, and commitment to excellence

sions provides that goal to all who seek it. Don’t fret about the length of your hair or eyelashes before that big event coming up. Give Sherrie a call today!

www.theloaferonline.com

SKIN DEEP MEDICAL SPA

Since 2011, Skin Deep Medical Spa and Weight Loss Clinic have been providing a comfortable, non-intimidating environment where everyone is welcome. Started by Justin Adams, Skin Deep Medical Spa and Weight Loss Clinic provide a wide array of services including massage, aesthetic

services, weight loss, Botox, dermal fillers, and much more.

At Skin Deep Medical Spa and Weight Loss Clinic, the staff is always friendly and ready to offer individual, and customized plans to help fit your own personal weight loss goals. These plans include everything from fitness ad-

February 2, 2016 | The Loafer | Page 85 vice from a fitness instructor on staff, to customizable meal plans. People from all walks of life have sought out Skin Deep Medical Spa and Weight Loss Clinic. Don’t be afraid to get in touch with Skin Deep Medical Spa and Weight Loss Clinic.

They’re there to help you on a journey that can sometimes seem hard to go it alone at.

With their care and help, you’ll see results that aren’t just flash in pan results. No, you’ll see weight that you loose and stays off!

There is no better time than now to achieve what you have always wanted. Are you motivated and ready to lose weight and get in shape? If so, we can help with both. We not only offer medically supervised weight loss, but we also have a fitness instructor on staff to help. Give us a call at (423)282-3333.

Page 86 | The Loafer | February 2, 2016

The Braves’ Old World Aside from this week’s Super Bowl, February means that we find ourselves deep within the doldrums of basketball season.

This is when I normally slow down, try to recharge a little, and wait patiently for Spring, when I can again watch a sport I care much more about – base-

ball. Born in Rhode Island, I’m a Boston fan by birth, but a Braves fan by the grace of God. So this week, I’m thrilled to take a look at the intersection of the two – the Boston Braves.

The Atlanta Braves, as they are now known, began in Beantown, and even predate the Red Sox by more than three decades. In fact, having been created (in Boston) in 1871, they

are the longest-tenured team in the Majors. Yet, despite having played 82 seasons there, few remember the Boston Braves. In truth, they weren’t very good. They never won a World Series, and were generally overlooked in favor of the crosstown Red Sox. Yet, even though they haven’t called Boston home since 1952, much of their old stadium remains

intact and easily accessible to anyone interested in finding it.

Braves Field, as it was called, was erected in 1915 and became the largest ballpark devoted to professional baseball upon opening. Some 46,000 people crowded in the day of the inaugural game, but Braves Field would regularly be more empty then full. Even stunts like trading for Babe Ruth, who was at that point just a shadow of his former self, made little difference. There was a 2,000seat section of bleachers behind right field that came to be known as the jury box, because a sportswriter once noted that there were only 12 patrons seated there.

Ok, so the history may not have been the most glamorous, but Braves Field certainly saw a lot of it. It was a pitcher’s

park in every sense. In fact, it was seven years before anyone ever managed to hit a homerun there (not a Brave, of course).

On a spring day in 1926, the park hosted what remains the longest game in MLB history, a 26 inning affair that ended in a 1-1 tie due to impending darkness.

Though much of the park was demolished following the team’s exodus, several features remain. The park was acquired by Boston University, and was subsequently repurposed as part of BU’s Nickerson Field, a new stadium that is now home to the Terriers’ soccer and lacrosse teams. Today, the outer wall remains, as does a large part of the grandstand and adjacent concourse (now the main seating area for the current stadium). Lastly, the old ticket office now serves as the university police station, so in a sense, its function hasn’t changed much.

So who wants to go see this place that has seen more baseball mediocrity than any other?

Anyone? Anyone? Bueller?

Well, if you do happen to be a person who likes to visit historic ballparks (like me), or you find yourself in Boston with a subway ticket and an hour to kill, there is actually more than just a plaque to see at the site of the old Braves Field.

www.theloaferonline.com

February 2, 2016 | The Loafer | Page 87

SMITH BROTHERS HARLEY-DAVIDSON®

In 1987, Brenda and Mike Smith, from Liberty, North Carolina, purchased a HarleyDavidson® franchise, inventory, and building from Bundy Musick. They opened Smith Brothers Harley-Davidson® with the help of their three sons, Jason, David, and Chris.

Their dreams and expectations were set in motion.

At the time Brenda and Mike had full time jobs in North Carolina, along with raising their three sons. They would load up the station wagon on Friday and head for the hills, the “Tennessee Hills” that is.

They cleaned, mowed, painted, whatever it took to establish their new business. They stayed the weekends at the home of Mike’s brother and sister- in-law, Joe and Wanda Smith.

Smith Brothers was chosen

as the dealership’s name with the dream that their three sons would carry on the legacy of Smith Broth- ers Harley-Davidson®. Joe would take care of operations at the company for three years. Jason came on board June 1992, Chris and David joined their brother in June 1996, their Aunt Nancy, also joined the business at that same time, Brenda came shortly after in October 1996, Mike joined his family in October 1998.

After 12 years of blood, sweat, and tears they had outgrown their Bristol location and moved to Johnson City, Tennessee, in May 1999. The year 2000 brought new dreams and expectations for Smith Brothers Harley-Davidson®.

Mike moved on to new ground, Chris started his own construction business and Brenda, Ja-

son, and David focused their energy into Smith Brothers Harley-Davidson®.

Brenda Smith said “We are fortunate to be able to work at what we love Harley- Davidson® motorcycles.”

Brenda Smith passed away November 1, 2004, Jason, David and Chris now look forward to expanding their horizons and making your dreams come true. They invite everyone to come by and become a part of the Smith Brothers family. Their goal as a business, is to enable their customers to enjoy the Harley-Davidson® way of life. With certified (Prosell – Sales Experts) Motorcycles Sales and (P.A.C.E.- Parts, Accessories, Clothing, Experts) Parts & Accessories and MotorClothes® specialists, and (P.H.D.-Professional HarleyDavidson®) factory trained

technicians, they hope to provide you with the best possible service in the motorcycle market. You can find Smith Brothers online at www.smithbrosharley.com, Face- book, Instagram and Twitter. They also have their very own app that keeps their customers up

to date with the latest happenings.

Smith Brothers HarleyDavid- son® is conveniently located near Kingsport, Asheville, Knoxville, Bluff City, and Erwin, in what is knowns as “The Motor Mile” of Johnson City, Tennessee.

Page 88 | The Loafer | February 2, 2016

Home of TN Toast Nobody Leaves Hungry

Hiking along the Tweetsie Trail, right along mile marker 3.6, you’ll get a whiff of the best smelling BBQ around. Just cross the bridge from the trail and follow your nose and you’ll find yourself at the Smokehouse BBQ. “I just want to THANK all our customers for their loyal business over the last four years,” says owner Mike Miles.

The Smokehouse BBQ, located at 1941 Milligan Highway, provides some of the best finger-lickin’ barbeque around East Tennessee. Miles smokes all the meat on the premises and folks from miles around, even California, come to partake of the variety of menu items. “This is my go-to place any time I get a hanker-

ing for a filling meal,” ways one customer on the Smokehouse Facebook page. From the smoked ribs, beef brisket, pulled pork, and smoked chicken to the slaw or the fried potatoes and onions, customers come back again and again.

Miles has owned the place since 2012, and prides himself on his own method of smoking and the variety of Tweetsie BBQ sauces he’s created. Customers come back because of the quality of food and the friendliness of the staff. Another added bonus of the restaurant is the large banquet room in the back where every couple of months or so, Smokehouse hosts the Murder Mystery Dinner Theater Caravan. Customers also like to book the room

for parties and meetings. Visits to the restaurant in warm weather should include dining at the outdoor picnic tables along Buffalo Creek.

The Smokehouse owner is

proud to be a part of the East Tennessee region and provide a warm, friendly atmosphere along with some of the best BBQ around.

www.theloaferonline.com

THINGS TO DO . . . . .

MPCC offering Zumba Fitness classes

Memorial Park Community Center, 510 Bert St., will offer ongoing Zumba Fitness classes for ages 16 and older from 5:30-6:30 p.m. on Tuesdays beginning Feb. 2. Zumba Fitness is a total workout that combines all elements of fitness – cardio, muscle conditioning, balance, flexibility and boosted energy with a mixture of low-intensity and high-intensity moves for an intervalstyle, calorie-burning fitness party.

Classes will be taught by licensed Zumba Fitness instructor Ashley Whitson.

Cost is $5 per class; pre-registration is not required.

For more information, please call (423)434-5749.

Valentine’s wreath workshop at Gray Library If you’re looking for a gift for that special someone, the answer could be free, unique and as close as your local library!

Consider making a Valentine’s paper wreath at the Washington County Gray Library’s workshop on Saturday, Feb. 6.

Adults are invited to come in from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and create a rolled spiral paper wreath. All basic materials will be provided, free of charge. If you wish to embellish your project, you may bring items to add to your wreath.

A sample of the project is on display at the Gray Library, or on the Facebook page (Washington County TN Public Library). You may register for the workshop by calling the library or via Facebook.

Gray Branch Library is located at 5026 Bobby Hicks Hwy., Gray, and its regular Saturday hours are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, call 423477-1550.

Workforce Solutions to offer ECG technician course Northeast State’s Workforce Solutions will offer an Electrocardiogram Technician course at the Regional Center for Health Professions (RCHP) in downtown Kingsport starting Feb. 15.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in this field is projected to grow more than 20 percent through 2024, much faster than the average for all occupations.

Electrocardiogram (ECG) Technicians peform electrocardiograms and are one of the first providers to assist patients experiencing cardiac symptoms. ECG Technicians are critical members of the patient care team and may be employed in physician offices, emergency rooms, and hospital-based cardiology clinics across the country.

The course includes theory and hands-on instruction during the program. Classes are taught on Mondays from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the RCHP, 300 W. Main St. in Kingsport. The course runs from Feb. 15 through April 18.

Individuals interested in starting a career in the medical field, prospective patient care technicians, current nurses, or those looking to develop skills may benefit from this program. The program includes the National Healthcareer Association certification exam. This course also serves as a prerequisite for the upcoming Certified Clinical Medical Assistant program beginning in May 2016.

Fee for the course is $475 and the deadline to register is Feb. 1.

For more information and how to register for this class, contact Rebecca Moody with Workforce Solutions at 423.354.5520 or rzmoody@northeaststate.edu.

MPCC to offer Warm Power Flow Yoga Memorial Park Community Center, 510 Bert St., will offer Warm Power Flow Yoga for ages 18 and older from 4:30-5:30 p.m. on Mondays beginning Feb. 8. Fee is $9 per class.

Power yoga strengthens and tones muscles while energizing the body. A heated room is a great way to work up a sweat. This class is taught by certified instructors and can be modified for all levels. Participants are asked to bring a mat, towel and water. Please register in person at Memorial Park Community Center, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m.9 p.m., and Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

For more information, please call (423)434-5749.

Arts Array presents

February 2, 2016 | The Loafer | Page 89

“PAWN SACRIFICE”

The Arts Array Film Series presented by Virginia Highlands Community College is in its 45th year. All films are presented at the Abingdon Cinemall on Mondays and Tuesdays at 4 p.m. and again at 7:30 pm.

Pawn Sacrifice

(February 8 and 9) In a gripping, based-ontrue-events story set during the height of the Cold War, American chess prodigy Bobby Fischer (Tobey Maguire) finds himself caught between two superpowers when he challenges the Soviet Empire.

Also starring Liev Schreiber and Peter Sarsgaard, PAWN SACRIFICE chronicles Fischer’s terrifying struggles with genius and madness, and the rise and fall of a kid from Brooklyn who captured the imagination of the world.

Directed by Edward Zwick (The Last Samurai, Blood Diamond).

The Arts Array Film Series is part of the comprehensive cultural outreach program of Virginia Highlands Community College. The series is co-sponsored by the Abingdon Cinemall, the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center, Emory& Henry College, and

ETSU graduate art student exhibiting ‘DollHouse’ at Tipton Gallery Ideas of expression and restriction surrounding dolls and dollhouses are reflected in the current exhibit at Tipton Gallery in downtown Johnson City.

The “DollHouse” exhibition features interactive masks and multidimensional sets created by artist Whitney Goller, a master of fine arts candidate in the East Tennessee State University Department of Art and Design.

Goller calls her work “satirical as well as nostalgic,” and questions the impact of childhood toys in this exhibit, which is her thesis project.

Goller received her bachelor of fine arts degree from the University of

King University.

Admission to the films is free for the faculties and students at the supporting institutions. Members of the general community may attend for $7.75.

For a brochure on the series or more information, please contact Tommy Bryant at 276-739-2451 or email him at tbryant@vhcc.edu.

Findlay (Ohio) and plans to graduate with her master of fine arts degree this spring. Her website is whitneygoller. weebly.com.

Her exhibit will continue through Friday, Feb. 5, when a closing reception will be held from 6-9 p.m. Both the exhibit and reception are free and open to the public.

Tipton Gallery, located at 126 Spring St., is open Thursdays from 4-6 p.m., during scheduled receptions, and at other times by appointment.

For more information or to schedule a viewing, contact Karlota ContrerasKoterbay, director of Slocumb Galleries at ETSU, at 423-483-3179 or contrera@ etsu.edu. For disability accommodations, call the ETSU Office of Disability Services at 423-439-8346.Relations at 276.523.7480 or email info@mecc.edu

Page 90 | The Loafer | February 2, 2016

Saturday at MerleFest 2016 will be Belk Day

MerleFest, presented by Window World April 28 - May 1, 2016, is proud to announce Belk Day at MerleFest on Saturday, April 30. As the Saturday programming sponsor, Belk will have a strong presence at the festival, not only at the Belk Lounge, where festival goers can relax like VIPs, but also on stage. Each year, Belk presents the Southern Musician Showcase. Part of the winning package for this competition is a performance spot at MerleFest.

On Saturday afternoon, one of the Southern Musician Showcase winners will perform on the Watson Stage and later at the Midnight Jam. “At Belk, we know that music and style are a huge part of the Southern lifestyle, which is why we are excited to highlight both through our sponsorship

of MerleFest,” said Jon Pollack, Belk executive vice president of marketing, sales promotion and eCommerce. “Festivals like Merlefest play an important role in the South, and this is a great way to serve our customers and this community.”

2016 will be the third year that Belk presents the Southern Musician Showcase contest as part of The Road South. The showcase is open to solo artists and bands in the Americana, pop country, pop, bluegrass, and rhythm and blues (R&B) genres. Among the prize package is an opportunity to perform at major fashion, sports and music events across the Southeast, including MerleFest.

To learn more about the Belk Southern Musician Showcase, visit www.youtube.com/

watch?v=Ep9APM-O-hE. “We are pleased to continue our partnership with Belk in 2016,” said MerleFest festival director Ted Hagaman. “It is a great North Carolina-based company that has been a passionate, long-time supporter of MerleFest.”

The Belk Lounge will be located between the Traditional and Americana stages. At the Lounge, MerleFest participants can register to win priz-

es, receive giveaways, relax, make use of Belk’s free charging stations and get the chance to meet Southern Music Showcase winners.

About MerleFest MerleFest (www.merlefest.org) 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, rootsoriented 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.

About Belk, Inc. Belk, Inc., a private department store company based in Charlotte, N.C., is the home of Modern. Southern. Style. with 296 Belk stores located in 16 Southern states and a growing digital presence. Belk is a portfolio company of Sycamore Partners, a private equity firm based in New York. Belk and www.belk.com offer a wide assortment of national brands and private label fashion apparel, shoes and accessories for the entire family along with top name cosmetics, a wedding registry and a large selection of quality merchandise for the home.

Belk offers many ways to connect via digital and social media, including Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and Google Plus, and provides exclusive offers, fashion updates, sales notifications and coupons via email or mobile phone text messages. Customers can also download the latest Belk mobile apps for the iPad, iPhone or Android.

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THE THRILL OF DIVING

Since 1980 Smoky Mountain Divers has been your one-stop, full-service SSI recreational and technical Dive Facility.

Smoky Mountain Divers offers a variety of training, regardless of your diving interest. The

professional and courteous staff at Smoky Mountain Divers can help you experience the underwater world that we have learned to love. They invite you to come experience scuba diving in the comfort

February 2, 2016 | The Loafer | Page 91 of an indoor pool where you will discover an exciting way to spend some time under the water, in a new world you may have never explored.

Perhaps you found yourself inspired as a kid by watching “Voyage To The Bottom of The Sea” or perhaps you wanted to get closer to your inner Bill Murray after “The Life Aquatic.” Smoky Mountain Divers, founder Barry Burton, and his crew understand it all. It’s difficult to explain the thrill of scuba diving or the comfortable, peaceful feeling a diver experiences when in a weightless state underwater. As you glide slowly over the tropical reef watching the ballet of thousands of beautifully colored marine creatures, you’re immersed in a spirit of inner space that is nearly overwhelming and beckons you to stay.

Take it from these words from Mr. Burton: “The water is warm and clear as you search

for that “perfect shot” with your underwater camera. Then you realize you’ve moved to the edge of the reef - to the wall, where the bottom drops thousands of feet into wonderful blue infinity. Your first emotion screams, “I’m Fla__... I’m Fla__... I’m Flying” through

this magnificent liquid universe!

Then sometimes you get so comfortable that, just for a couple of seconds, you no longer feel that you’re underwater at all. It’s then when you realize, it seems, you could reach out and touch the face of God!”

Page 92 | The Loafer | February 2, 2016

An Evening with Rob Ickes & Trey Hensley w/ Special Guest JP Parsons LIVE in Kingsport

The Kingsport Office of Cultural Arts and Engage Kingsport present an evening with Rob Ickes & Trey Hensley and special guest Amythyst Kiah on Friday, February 5, 2016 at the Renaissance Arts Center Theatre in Kingsport. Tickets are $15. This show is part of The Engage Kingsport Performing Arts Series 2016. Engage Kingsport Performing Arts Series’ shows feature reserved seating in the Renaissance Arts Center Theatre, a 350 seat theatre. Tickets are available online Click Here or at the Office of Cultural Arts at 1200 E. Center Street, Kingsport or by phone at (423) 3928414.

This unique collaborative effort between two uniquely gifted musicians is bound to be a revelation to traditional music fans on several counts. Rob Ickes is a longtime, well-established instrumental giant, and Trey Hensley is newly arrived in Music City, bursting with talent both as a vocalist and guitarist. Their new album, Before the Sun Goes Down, was nominated for a GRAMMY Award on December 7, 2015 in the category of Best Bluegrass Album of the Year The awards will be held on February 15th at the Staples Center in Los Angeles and will be broadcast live at 8/7c on CBS. From his powerful yet sympathetic vocal interpretations of traditional and contemporary material to his jaw-dropping instrumental skills on both acoustic and electric guitar and considerable songwriting talents, Trey Hensley is bursting at the seams with freshness and musical excitement. His resonant baritone voice is rich, expressive, and equally at ease with classic bluegrass, traditional country, and original compositions. Raised in Jonesborough, Tennessee, Trey began playing guitar and singing when he was 10 years old. Invited by Marty Stuart and joined from the wings

by Earl Scruggs, Trey Hensley landed on the Grand Old Opry when he was only 11. To this day, Marty Stuart remains a fan and booster. Trey has already in his young life played with Johnny and June Carter Cash, Charlie

Three Bells is a true dobro summit, collaborating with fellow greats Jerry Douglas and the late Mike Auldridge. He even once received a surprise phone call from admirer, jazz guitar and harmonica master Toots Thiele-

the world-weary working man’s fears of leaving the only job he’d ever known. Trey was 22 at the time. Trey’s vocal was used on the completed product and has since received considerable positive notice, as has the entire al-

rob ickes & trey hensley

Daniels, Ricky Skaggs, Steve Wariner, The Oak Ridge Boys ,and Janie Fricke. He’s appeared on bills with Sara Evans , Charlie Daniels, Peter Frampton, Randy Owen, Steve Wariner, and Marty Stuart, and has appeared before President George W. Bush, First Lady Laura Bush and Vice President Cheney.

Rob Ickes has been playing bluegrass with his much-decorated band Blue Highway for over twenty years, during which time he has been adjudged Bluegrass Dobro Player Of the year fifteen times. Rob has played on countless sessions, recording with artists such as Merle Haggard, Dierks Bentley, Patty Loveless, and Alison Krauss. He has also helped form a jazz –oriented trio, Three Ring Circle, along with Andy Leftwich and Dave Pomeroy. His most recent album

mans! In Before the Sun Goes Down, the listener will have the chance to view Rob Ickes, by now an acknowledged master of the dobro and lap steel guitar, outside of the box.

Rob has been a supporter since he first heard Trey, a happening that came about in an unusual way. He became aware of the young man’s enormous vocal talent when he heard his scratch vocal (suggested by the album’s engineer) on Rob’s band Blue Highway’s album The Game. Wayne Taylor and Tim Stafford of Blue Highway penned the song “My Last Day In The Mine.” The band had initially hoped to have a prominent lead singer outside the band to perform a guest vocal of the song for the album but found themselves falling in love with the youthful Trey’s evocation of

bum. Shortly thereafter, Trey and his wife Amber relocated to Nashville, and Rob has been showing Trey the ropes.

Before the Sun Goes Down promises to be a breath of fresh air on the country music scene today while bringing traditional country and bluegrass music to the forefront. Accompanied by some of the finest, most accomplished musicians in Nashville , Rob and Trey tackle a diverse group of songs, put a fresh spin on some old ones, polish up some more recent hits, and offer up an original from Trey – all the while drawing influence from artists as diverse as Jimmy Martin, Merle Haggard, Waylon Jennings, Billy Joe Shaver, Bill Monroe, Lester Flatt & Earl Scruggs, Buddy Emmons, Jimmie Rodgers, and Bob Wills. In addition to Rob, Trey’s sterling vocals are bolstered by

a band which includes Aubrey Haynie or Andy Leftwich on fiddle, the ubiquitous (and mighty fine) Nashville acoustic bassist Mike Bub, and drummer John Gardner. Others featured are Jon Randall, Susanne Cox, Dan Tyminski, Shawn Lane, and Ron Block.

Before the Sun Goes Down was recorded mostly live with minimal overdubs, fixes, punchins, or even very many takes, and with all the musicians in one room in only a few days of studio time. Rob, the driving force behind the album and the man largely responsible for its creation, says that his favorite albums by the pioneers of the music, the ones that made him want to make music in the first place, were made in the same manner.

The spontaneity and sheer joy of creation among a small group of master musicians is palpable in listening to the completed product.

Special Guest Opener: JP Parsons Hailed by Pick Bristol as “Bristol’s own troubadour,” Bristol, Virginia native JP Parsons is no stranger to the music scene; he has been a local favorite for years.

Since his debut CD Appalachian Travels in August of 2012 he has been well received as a regional songwriting sensation.

With his unique, gripping voice, and soulful lyrics, Parsons’ music will please your ears while taking you along the journey with him.

www.theloaferonline.com

Eat, Drink and be Merry

We’ve all been there. A day full of sunshine and joy ruined out of the blue. After a quick stop in at the ole corner grocery store, you’re sitting at the stoplight listening to the radio with not a care in the world. Suddenly without warning, there it is. You recognize the notes immediately. It’s “Take My Breath Away”

by Berlin. Thoughts in your mind race back; you still see them when you close your eyes. It was your song. Whatever happened to them? Last you heard they

off, and you drive to the only place you want to be at right now. Tipton Street Pub, downtown Johnson City’s best place to eat, drink, and be merry for almost half a decade. Featuring over 50 beers, imported and domestic, draft and bottle. There’s also that full menu of appetizers, hot wings, salads, sandwiches and burgers. It’s everything you ever needed it to be and more. You’re there during happy hour, and someone brings you free salsa and chips. You can

were managing an office supply store in Roanoke.

You know you don’t want to cry in public, waiting for the light, but you do. You can sense the eyes of those in the other cars looking at you. Wondering what is wrong with you. “Why that person looks to have a trunk full of Slim Jims, why would they be crying?” But you don’t care, you’ve been emotionally destroyed by the one song you two had. You think of getting out of the car, shaking your fist at the heavens and yelling, “Curse you Berlin, and your synth sounds of my pain!”

But you don’t. You sit there with quiet dignity and grace. You turn the radio

feel the pain go away. You can feel yourself coming back to normal.

You order a burger and whiskey. You sit there sipping the whiskey, and you stop and think you recognize the song playing in the background. It’s “I Keep Forgetting” by Michael McDonald. As the music plays and you sip your drink, you think, “Wow, the music here is just as smooth as the whiskey!” This is Tipton Street Pub. You and the former Doobie may need to keep forgetting, but they’ll never forget about you. Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 3 a.m. Saturday and Sunday, 12 p.m. to 3 a.m. You’ll be sure to stay a while each time you visit Tipton Street Pub.

February 2, 2016 | The Loafer | Page 93

Page 94 | The Loafer | February 2, 2016

A RELAXING AND UPSCALE ENVIRONMENT

For over a year, Uncorked wine bar in downtown Kingsport has been providing a classy, upscale environment for people to relax and connect. Founded by Tony and Juli Hughes in November 2014, Uncorked was born out of their love of fine wines and delicious food, with a desire for a quiet, relaxing place to enjoy them.

Uncorked is for people looking for a nice, upscale place to have a light meal and a nice drink.

Tony Hughes: “After traveling the world for business and visiting many wine bars, I felt this was something Kingsport was missing and needed. We decided to make our dream a reality for not only us, but also all of Kingsport. They decided a wine bar in Kingsport for

people to come relax and unwind with great jazz. I love seeing downtown coming back. I remember all the stores I went to as a child and how busy the area was. I would love to see that again. Kingsport is a great town, and we love being part of it. We have many customers that I now consider good friends.”

Uncorked is not a place built off of fast, casual, in and out in a blur. “We try to encourage people to meet, talk, and relax. It’s not uncommon to have customers stay for three to four hours,” Tony says. They also have live music most weekends. Juli spent many hours finding the right, high quality china and stemware. Uncorked stocks the bar with wine and

bourbons that you will not find at any other restaurant in the Tri-Cities, along with their customer built bar, tables, wine racks, and chairs.

Uncorked’s chef offers gourmet items unlike anything in the area, from a range of small plates to complete entrees.

Cheese and meat plates are prepared with only the finest products available. Uncorked ensures the quality of our dishes with the quality of our ingredients. See the menu for daily changes.

The best part of any meal is dessert, of course. Uncorked offer’s a unique experience with every dessert on their menu.

Paired with wine or an after dinner dessert Port. Enjoy the magical taste of bourbon and

port. Uncorked has an area for private parties, and they cater food and alcohol off- site. They have an on staff event plan-

ner that can plan any event for you. Uncorked can make your next event unique and customized to your needs.

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JONESBOROUGH CONTRA DANCE! The Historic Jonesborough Dance Society will hold a contra dance on Saturday February 6, 201 at the Jonesborough Visitors Center, 117 Boone Street at 7:30 PM. DotDot-Dash will play the tunes while Phoebe Williams will do the calling. Admission is $7, $5 for HJDS members and $5 for full time students. A special family package for members is now offered for a total of $15. Parents and all of their own children under age 18 can gain admission for one price. All dances are taught.

The event is smoke, alcohol and fragrance free.

Dot-DotDash has been playing contra dances in the Southern Appalachian region for over 12 years. From a whisper to a growl, they play a variety of traditional dance music as have a large and growing repertoire of original tunes.

Band members include Bill Anderson on fiddle (Boone, NC), Matt Livingston on mandolin (Roanoke, VA), and Patrick Turner on bass (Blacksburg, VA).

Special guest pianist, Kerry Morgiewicz will be joining Dot Dot Dash on keyboards for this event.

Phoebe Williams hails from Blacksburg, Virginia where she is a big part of the traditional dance community. Phoebe was born into a contra dance family. She started calling about five years ago and now teaches swing, waltz, Irish set, Irish step, Scottish country dance.

As a caller, Phoebe focuses on the community aspect of dance, the overall pattern of the dance and making beginners feel welcome.

After the dance gets going, Phoebe has a knack for teaching style points as a refinement.

Contra dancing is hard to explain - it would be better if you just went and experienced it for yourself. It’s vaguely similar to square dancing in that you have a partner and there is some do-si-do-ing involved.

I’ve heard it compared to English country

February 2, 2016 | The Loafer | Page 95

Shake those winter blues on the dance floor!

dancing as well and there’s a bit of similarity to the formality of colonial dancing in the line formations and the greeting of your partner. Contra is associated with both of these dance forms. But it is not at all related to country line dancing!

Upon entering the contra dancing scene, you may be a bit bewildered by what everyone is doing. You can watch for a few songs or just jump right in. Find a partner and line up - the caller will do the rest. There are normally two sets of lines composed of people standing across from each other. You and your partner, who is standing across from you, go through the steps slowly before the music starts, giving you a chance to learn how this dance goes. And then the music starts and you are off! People are pretty forgiving if you miss a turn or confuse your left for your right. This is an especially good exercise for people who don’t do a lot of physical coordination during their work week - it’ll keep you sharp.

So you work your way down the line, staying with your partner, but having different neighbors each time. After five or six times through, you really get the hang of it and it’s a lot of fun. Then, just as you are getting confident, the song is over and it’s time to learn a new dance.

It’s great fun and great exercise. Recommended shoes are those that you can be agile in and that sound good on a wooden floor, also a skirt for swirling around. Occasionally, you may see guys wear kilts. Dress to stay cool, even in cold weather. All those people dancing can really work up a sweat.

Bring a water bottle and stay hydrated.

For more information, contact David Wiley at 423-534-8879, or email to david@ historicjonesboroughdancesociety.org. Also visit the Historic Jonesborough Dance Society on FACEBOOK.

Page 96 | The Loafer | February 2, 2016

Want to know about Appalachia?

Ask an Appalachian!

At a time when it seems there is nothing positive coming out of the mountains of Appalachia, documentary photographer Malcolm J. Wilson is rooting stories and images out of the hills and hollers much like an accomplished ginseng hunter.

Wilson launched the Humans of Central Appalachia (HOCA) Facebook page in June, 2015, as a documentary project aimed at presenting honest stories from Appalachia in an effort to quell stereotypes perpetuated about the region by mainstream shock culture photographers.

Humans of Central Appalachia focuses on the people and stories from nearly 200 counties in Eastern Kentucky, Northeast Tennessee, Southwest Virginia, Western North Carolina and West Virginia.

The page struck a chord, not only with Appalachians living within the region, but also with those who were forced to leave the area to find jobs, as well as those with no ties to the region, but with a natural curiosity about its residents.

“Based on percentages, Humans of Central Appalachia is the fastest-growing ‘Humans of’ page on Facebook, garnering nearly 300 new likes weekly,” said Wilson. Now rapidly exceeding 23K likes, the page has followers from 45 countries, six continents and reflects 38 different languages.

This popularity has positioned Humans of Central Appalachia as an important repository for preserving the dignity and significance of the Appalachian culture.

“There’s a contingent of people who had to leave here, so it’s a good way to be in touch with home. But the largest group of followers is people who still live around these parts. For them it just certifies and fortifies what they already know about Appalachian culture.”

Inspired by Humans of New York, Humans of Central Appalachia began with short, quirky quotes and a photograph.

“As we grew, however, we realized that Appalachians are natural storytellers, and our followers enjoyed reading longer stories. On our Facebook page, you will find over 200 feature-length stories...and occasionally, one that’s so good we just have to make it a two-parter,” explained Wilson.

Photos by Wilson, a renowned Appalachian documentary photographer, respectfully and honestly reflect the personality of each subject. Since the inception of the Humans of Central Appalachian Facebook page, the conscious decision was made to post all images in black and white, although all original images are shot as raw color files. According to Wilson, presenting the photos in gray scale imparts a reality to the images that enables the viewer to connect to the subject on an instinctual level.

Brianna Claxon

Greg Shafer

“I think people respond to the black-and-white imagery. More of the soul of the subject is revealed,” Wilson said.

Traversing Central Appalachia and sharing its people and stories has given Wilson hope for the future for an area that can best be described as dismally beautiful.

“There’s a synergy developing here that I don’t think has existed before. And I think it’s a grassroots synergy; new life coming into old programs and new programs coming up to try and tell our story and try to fertilize this place again.” said Wilson.

That synergy has manifested itself in a variety of ways, such as a gathering of young adults brainstorming about their future, establishing a honey operation on a reclaimed strip mining site, the formation of artist cooperatives, the retraining of displaced miners, talk of tourism initiatives and the revivalist movement to get folks back on the farm.

“I think that’s what Appalachia needs now, by the way, is more people who take it upon themselves, don’t wait on the politicians, or the bureaucrats, or outsiders to come in with volunteers or missionaries or Federal aid,” said Wilson.

‘You’re going to have to save yourself first, and if we save ourselves first as Appalachians, then all the other stuff’s going to come. These other people, all these politicians, and these other people will jump on the bandwagon, but they’re not going to jump on the bandwagon as long as we sit around, and cry and complain. We can’t wait to be rescued,” he added.

There are tales of trials and tribulation, but also of tenacity and a tough tenderness that seems to be a pervasive theme throughout generations of Appalachian culture.

As an Appalachian telling the story of Appalachia, Wilson is passionate about ensuring the accuracy of that message. With Humans of Central Appalachia, he strives to present a constantly shifting living history repository where the minutia of daily life in Appalachia contributes to a larger story. Wilson sees HOCA as an important continuation of the story he began decades ago with other documentary projects spanning his career.

“The problem is the same problem that’s existed since before I picked up a camera. It’s the outsider concept of the culture. I think that’s an issue and it’s probably going to be an issue for a while, he said.

“We’re the only subculture in the country that it’s okay to pick on. It’s politically correct.”

“I think we have an issue with our own identity, too. I think that we, as Appalachians, feed into what

Appalachia ...

continued on page 99

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MODERN BARBERSHOP WITH OLD SCHOOL VIBE

For as increasingly digital as our world seems to be getting, it appears that, every bit as much so, traditional experiences are refusing to die out.

Vinyl records are booming in a way that nobody expected, and the latest film from Quentin Tarantino was released in a special 70mm Roadshow edition before the general release - some- thing that hasn’t happened in 50 years. The same can be applied to things you wouldn’t expect them to be. As much as technology has us all connected, there are those who want to connect as much in person. One way that can happen is down at the barbershop.

Wampler’s Barber Company of Kingsport may have just opened in November 2015,

by Josh Wampler, but its atti-

tude is steeped in generations of tradition. Josh himself is a third generation barber, and his team of master barbers— Todd Reeves, Jon Flanagan, and Bill Wampler—are all seasoned barbers with years of experience. Wampler’s Barber Company prides themselves on being a modern barbershop steeped in the old school vibe. A place for gentlemen to come and unwind before their hair cut. A local business. Not a chain of quick hair cuts and canned conversation.

Wampler’s Barber Company offers great service to each and every customer. Haircuts, VIP beard treatments, and deluxe shaves—done with an old fashioned straight razor.

Wampler’s wants you to realize not only how good you

look post cut; but also, to realize the personalities, love for the job, and the pride and detail each barber puts into their work. Though the analog phone on the wall may have been replaced with a phone in everyone’s pocket, the experience at Wampler’s Barber Company is the same it has been for decades. Coming in, taking a break from your day, shooting the breeze, and making yourself look sharp at the same time.

February 2, 2016 | The Loafer | Page 97

Page 98 | The Loafer | February 2, 2016

A CHERISHED DESTINATION

for residents and visitors Since 1989, The William King Museum of Art has been an integral part of the cultural fabric of Southwest Virginia and beyond. For over 25 years, it’s been a cherished destination for residents and visitors, housed in a historic former school that dates back to 1913. The William King Museum of Art is non-profit and Virginia’s only nationally accredited museum west of Roanoke.

William King Museum of Art is a visual arts and cultural heritage museum, serving the residents of Abingdon and the surrounding areas. The museum is open to anyone seeking enjoyable and enriching visual arts experiences. William King Museum of Art’s mission to develop original contemporary and fine art exhibitions that celebrate the diversity of artistic talent and current trends in our region, and also to preserve the cultural heritage of the mountain region though original exhibitions and permanent archives. The William King Museum also provides an extensive arts education program that serves school and public audiences both on and off museum grounds.

William King Museum of Art is committed to being a forum for engagement in the community, hosting events and programs of local, national and global significance that are intellectually, socially, culturally and physically accessible to everyone—particularly for those with little or no other access to the arts.

The William King Museum of Art houses three primary galleries and two additional galleries that include the student gallery, which displays works from area schools and colleges. The other ad-

ditional gallery is the Panoramic Gallery, which features self-curated shows by local artists. These additional galleries offer displays 24 exhibits a year, in addition to the nine main exhibits. On top of this all, William King Museum Arts also features artist studios, a reference library, research archives, and an

outdoor sculpture garden. A museum with boundless artistic riches to offer our community.

The vision of The William King Museum of Art is to become widely recognized as the leading arts and cultural heritage museum in the region. Drawing visitors from around the country to see the diversity of regional talent and to learn of the rich cultural heritage of Southwest Virginia and Northeast Tennessee. It is, indeed, an asset to our region.

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Appalachia ... continued from page 96 outsiders say we are. I think a lot of us Appalachians don’t know who we are. I think that’s one of the strengths of Humans of Central Appalachia. It says we’re THIS, as told by the people that really live here, not by the people on the outside looking in,” he added.

Wilson travels the region, attending festivals, car shows, events and conducting impromptu on the street interviews with a continual parade of interesting Appalachians who are excited to be asked to share their story. For Wilson, everyone has a story and each story is worth telling.

“Some make me laugh,” says Wilson. “Some make me cry. But every time I do one they’re a friend of mine from here on out.”

All interviews are captured via digital voice recordings and are then transcribed, verbatim, by a dedicated team of HOCA Word Wranglers. The only editing done is for clarity, and to ensure a seamless flow to the story.

“Our HOCA volunteers spend countless hours meticulously transcribing the stories which are shared with as they are told to us…in the subject’s own words, said Wilson. “We care about each and every story, because they are important and compelling stories that are helping to shatter the generations-old stereotypes of Appalachians and our culture,” he added.

Fiercely Appalachian-Proud, Wilson views it as an honor and a responsibility to document the people and the stories he has had the privilege of collecting throughout the course of the four decades he has spent as a photojournalist and documentarian in the region.

“As Appalachians, we share a collective voice and message that needs to be heard. There is much to celebrate and be proud of in our Appalachian culture… creativity, steely determination and passion.

In addition to the Facebook page, Wilson recently launched a dedicated website, humansofcentralapplachia.org. There, visitors are able to learn all about the Humans of Central Appalachia project, read the stories, see the photos and be privy to things not found on Facebook, like the unpublished original color images of some favorite featured “Humans,” hear them tell their stories in forthcoming unreleased audio tracks, and learn ways to help continue the Humans of Central Appalachia story.

One way of continuing that story through the project’s Patreon page. Patreon is crowd-source funding that allows fans of the project to become monthly patrons through donations. Wilson explained that while Humans of Central Appalachia is a labor of love, it doesn’t come without expense.

Like many of the individuals profiled on the page, Wilson and his wife live a modest life and, up until the first of the year, were able to fund all the related expenses of producing “Humans,” such as computers, recording equipment, travel, lodging, food, ad-

Nick Corrnett

mission fees, etc. from their own personal funds. As a self-employed entrepreneur, the loss of three large clients due to buyout and corporate restructuring has drastically reduced the availability of funds for the project.

“We have always been able to operate simply, often sleeping in the back of our vehicle when travel distances were long, but there were months back in the summer where we personally spent $2,000 in the pursuit of our stories,” said Wilson. Wilson hopes that monthly funding through Patreon will allow the project to continue to grow. Wilson added that once a particular funding level has been achieved, they will reinvest the funds in Appalachia through the disbursement of donations and scholarships to deserving Appalachian organizations.

“That folks have already been willing to contribute to the success and longevity of this project legitimizes that this is an important body of work that will, ultimately, have a positive impact on our collective culture.”

A photographer for over 40 years, Wilson is also a web designer, writer, journalist, documentarian, artist and jack-of-other-trades now living in the mountains of Bristol, Tennessee. He has made it his life’s work to capture the volumes that can be written in a smile, and the images that can be painted from the palette of a tall tale.

Originally from Cumberland, Kentucky in Harlan County, he graduated from Cumberland High School in Cumberland, Kentucky. In the early 1980s, Wilson

left the mountains to attend Northern Kentucky University majoring in Fine Arts (Photography) and minoring in journalism.

Ironically, Wilson spent eighteen years in Cincinnati documenting the plight of those urban Appalachians who had to leave the mountains to find work.

He spent a large part of his career as a journalist, working for small papers in eastern Kentucky and metropolitan papers in the Cincinnati area. He also worked as a stringer for United Press International (UPI) and the Associated Press (AP) during his career.

As a commercial photographer, his client list in Cincinnati included The Cincinnati Post, Kings Island, the Cincinnati Reds, Cincinnati Bengals and the Associated Press. Wilson’s photographs have appeared in hundreds of publications and websites around the world including Sports Illustrated, The New York Daily News, The New York Times, Chicago Tribune and USA Today.

The Appalachian Archives at Southeast Community and Technical College in Harlan County, Kentucky, houses nearly a quarter of a million of Wilson’s negatives from his nearly forty years of documenting our Appalachian story. He has documented the depths of sorrow, the height of jubilation and the mundane.

Wilson’s work has been exhibited in the Appalachian region and nationally. His work is included in permanent collections at the University of Kentucky Appalachian Center, Southeast Community College Appalachian Archives and The Kennedy Center Gallery and Archives, the Julia Louis Dreyfuss Collection and in the collections of several local patrons. In 1994, Wilson’s documentary photo project, Women of Coal: A Changing Image won the prestigious Kentucky Humanities Council Humanities Project of the Year award. The project was developed to break the stereotypical views of Appalachian women. Appalachian Realities was shown at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC in conjunction with the Pulitzer Prize winning play, Kentucky Cycle. Wilson was the first photographer allowed to exhibit in the Kennedy Center.

Wilson spent a month in South Wales, Great Britain for the Kentucky Edition of The Cincinnati Post comparing coal miners and coal communities with those in the mountains of Eastern Kentucky. He is a collaborator on several book projects about Appalachia over the years, including one still available on Amazon.

“Right now, I just want to give back. Appalachia is very special to me. It’s been good to me all my life, and I wouldn’t trade any other life on this earth for it.”

Humans of Central Appalachia can be found on Facebook, online at humansofcentralappalachia. org, and on a variety of social media sites such as Instagram, Twitter and Tumblr.

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MUSIC THAT’S AGED TO PERFECTION

Wolf Creek is a five-piece band from East Tennessee.

Their music is an eclectic blend of bluegrass, classic country, blues and rock-n-roll. Formed in November 2007, Wolf Creek is the creative collaboration of five seasoned entertainers immersed in the craft of traditional and eclectic mountain music.

Each of these musicians brings to this group a rich background performing music in a variety of acts playing some of East Tennessee, Western North Carolina and Southwest Virginia’s top venues and events, including: Bristol Rhythm & Roots, Blue Plum, The Down Home, Paramount Theater, Twilight Alive, The Carter Fold, and many more.

Wolf Creek is compiled of the Tri-Cities’ finest musicians and vocalists, together they create a unique musical experience, unmatched by any other

group. The core influence of the band is bluegrass, with a good mixture of classic country and americana/roots. Among the elements that make up their sound is the music of Flatt & Scruggs, The Country Gentlemen, Seldom Scene, Doc Watson, Jimmy Martin, The Stanley Brothers, Tony Rice, Carl Jackson, and Ricky Skaggs.

While strongly acoustic based, the music of Wolf Creek is augmented with the punch and power of drums and electric bass, along with the twang of the Telecaster, flavoring the music with the classic West Coast sounds of Buck Owens and the Outlaw Country ala Waylon Jennings. Combining these elements with the many other styles each of these players bring to the group, Wolf Creek is creating a sound which is unique and fresh yet classic and timeless. Wolf

Creek, the band’s name, was derived from the song of the same name by Dan Fogelberg, which was performed by some of the bands biggest influences

including: Doc Watson, Herb Pedersen, David Grisman, and Jerry Douglas.

The music of Wolf Creek has been aged and blended to per-

fection. Next time Wolf Creek appears at a venue near you, you’ll find it well worth it to check them out.

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Tactical vs TraditionaL

When thinking of the differences between traditional firearms and tactical firearms, one of the first things that comes to mind is the stock. Tactical firearms tend to have black synthetic stocks whereas tradition-

shooter scenarios etc. Therein lies the plan, the goal is to utilize those officers and rifles to minimize collateral damage and loss of civilian life. Therefore that rifle is a tactical rifle not because of the color of its

tend to have less magazine capacity, and longer barrels.

So going back to the original question: why aren’t all guns tactical or traditional instead of both? The answer is that while tactical guns can be used for

al firearms have more elegant wood stocks. However there are actually several differences between the two.

Okay so the first thing to consider is why all guns aren’t tactical or traditional instead of both. To answer this we must first define what it means to be “tactical” according to Merriam Webster the simple definition of tactical is “of, relating to, or used for a specific plan that is created to achieve a particular goal in war, politics, etc.” Take a tactical rifle for example, long before that rifle was machined from steel and plastic, someone, somewhere decided it was a good idea to have law enforcement officers trained and skilled as sharpshooters placed on rooftops to provide cover for active

stock, but because of its intended purpose. Now, certain rifles, and shotguns are designed for those plans and goals, such as the Mossberg MVP Patrol we mentioned in the last article, this rifle is designed to be used by those officers on rooftops, it features a non-reflective black stock, anodized barrel, it has twice the grooves in half the barrel length of traditional rifles, and due to its fluted barrel weighs a lot less than it could.

Traditional firearms on the other hand tend to be more elegant, featuring beautiful wood stocks, blued finishes, checkering, even engraving. Why the stark difference? Because these firearms are designed to cater more towards traditional goals, such as hunting, backyard shooting, skeet, etc. They

traditional activities and traditional guns can be used for tactical activities they are better suited for the purpose they’re designed for. While this is not a political article it is important to note that on Capitol Hill they are well aware of the differences between tactical and traditional firearms and they want to eradicate civilian’s ability to obtain tactical firearms. However, once a type of firearm is forfeited it opens the door for all types to be forfeited. Therefore it is very important to consider each candidates stance on firearms, and vote accordingly.

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.

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