The Loafer February 7th

theloaferonline.com | February 7, 2017

2

Volume 31 • Issue #10 Publisher Luci Tate

Cover Design Bill May

Office Coordinator Amanda Lane Contributing Staff Jim Kelly Andy Ross Ken Silvers Mark Marquette Brian McManus Brian Bishop Daniel Worley Jason Worley Langley Shazor Matt Messer Distribution Jerry Hanger Teresa Hanger Published by Pulse Publishing, LLC., P.O. Box 3238, Johnson City, TN 37602 Phone: 423/283-4324 FAX - 423/283-4369 www.theloaferonline.com info@theloaferonline.com e-mail: editorial@theloaferonline.com adcopy@theloaferonline.com All advertisements are accepted and published by the publisher upon the representation that the agency and/ or advertiser is authorized to publish the entire contents and subject matter thereof.

The agency and/or advertiser will indemnify and save the publisher harmless from any 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 Let’s Get Social!

columns & reviews

Advertising Dave Carter Patti Barr Shawn Hale Paul Kavanaugh

40 Stargazer Death of NASA Heroes Always Overcome 41 Skies This Week 46 Batteries Not Included Seduction My Way 49 Pop Life Split 49 The Casual Work Arachnophobia 52 Appalachian Wanderers The Greeneville Tailor 57 Mountain Movers The Keith Lester Interview 72 Puzzle Page 75 Kelly’s Place Some Things I Love, Part One

Special Thank You!

Andy Ross

your week’s line-up

on the cover 2017 Loafer Progress Edition

Editor Graphic Arts Director Don Sprinkle

4 4 5 6 6 7 7 8 8 38 70

71 71 73 74

Naturalists' Rally Valentine's Dinner & Swing Dance Benefit Crochet Artist to speak @ ETSU Darwin Day @ Gray Fossil Site & Museum Photo Contest The Dustbowl Revival Bloggin @ Gray Library PROGRESS Guide Letter from the Publisher Spotlight Thomas Cassell & Peyton Kendrick @ Heartwood Phoebe Hunt & The Gatherers Local Author Book Release Pets Of The Week Things To Do

For his ongoing writing support of this Progress Edition!

theloaferonline.com | February 7, 2017

3

theloaferonline.com | February 7, 2017

NATURALISTS' RALLY Roan Mountain State Part

4

Join Friends of Roan Mountain on Saturday, February 11th at Roan Mountain State Park for a winter celebration of the Roan Highlands!

For 10 years the Winter Naturalists' Rally has drawn hardy nature enthusiasts from far & wide to Roan Mountain on the Saturday closest to Valentine’s Day. Top naturalists volunteer their time and energy to make the event both enjoyable and educational for people of all ages. The 2017 Winter Rally continues this celebration of our natural world by providing top speakers on topics concerning the environs of the Roan Highlands. Guided afternoon hikes will follow the indoor morning presentations.

SATURDAY MORNING PROGRAM (9:30 AM - 12:00 PM) • Jamey Donaldson: GREAT GRAMINOIDS! Quantifying vegetation on Roan Mountain’s Western Balds over the last 80 years (1936-2016) • Cindy Barrett: Range-wide Prevalence and Impacts of the Lily Leaf Spot Disease on Gray’s Lily with an Assessment of Turk’s Cap Lily and Michaux’s Lily as Disease Reservoirs • Dr. Jay Franklin: Late Prehistoric Towns and Cherokee Archaeology in the Upper Reaches of the Tennessee Valley Dr. Franklin’s program description A 1958 TVA report held that the upper reaches of the Tennessee Valley along the Holston, Watauga and Nolichucky rivers were not suitable for permanent Native American villages. However, archaeological research conducted by East Tennessee State University from 2006 to the present indicates that our region contained dozens of large, vibrant Native American towns from at least AD 1350 to 1650. Jay will discuss his recent work at several of these sites. His research suggests that the upper reaches of the Tennessee Valley were not marginal hinterlands but rather newly discovered and well-connected cultural centers. It appears that at least some of these communities came into direct contact with early Spanish explorers.

LUNCHTIME PROGRAM (12 PM – 1 PM) • Bob Estep: Flint knapping demonstration POST-LUNCH GUIDED HIKES (1 PM +) The hikes will leave from the Roan Mountain State Park Conference Center.

• Hike option #1. Jamey Donaldson of the Baatany Goat Project will lead a hike to the alder balds on the ridgeline of Roan Mountain. Dress warmly for this one!

• Hike option #2. Marty Silver, Ranger with Warriors’ Path State Park, will lead a wildlife tracking and animal signs hike down near the Doe River in Roan Mountain State Park.

• Hike option #3. Dr. Frosty Levy, Professor Emeritus of Biology at East Tennessee State University, will lead a winter tree identification hike in Roan Mountain State Park.

FOR REGISTRATION FORM: http://www.friendsofroanmtn.org CONTACT FOR MORE INFORMATION: Richard Broadwell at 828-989-8010; rbroadwell@gmail.com

A previous Winter Naturalists' Rally field trip.

Photo by Ken Turner

Valentine’s Dinner and Swing Dance Benefit

The Tusculum College Pioneer Jazz Band will host a Valentine’s Day Dinner/Swing Dance benefit on Tuesday, Feb. 14, at the General Morgan Inn. The reception begins at 6 p.m. and dinner at 6:30 p.m. The event includes dinner and a performance by the Pioneer Jazz Band, along with special guests.

The event is a fundraiser to raise money for much-needed equipment for the entire Tusculum band program, according to David A. Price, director of music at Tusculum College.

“This will be our fourth year for this event and it has proven to be a popular and enjoyable way to celebrate Valentine’s Day,” said Price. “Each year we have had tremendous feedback on the quality of the food, as well as the fun of dancing the night away to the sounds of jazz standards.”

Ticket prices for the event are $55 per person or $400 for a table of eight guests. Ticket or table purchases include dance tickets, free dance lessons, an opening reception, dinner and a special dessert. Please call in advance to request a vegetarian substitution. A cash bar will be available.

There will be dance lessons starting at 5:30 p.m. taught by Dr. Bob and Christine Thorpe the night of the dinner dance. This year in preparation for the event we are also featuring swing dance lessons at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 31 and Thursday Feb. 9, in the Chalmers Conference Center in the Niswonger Commons on the Tusculum College campus. The lessons are free to anyone that has tickets and has signed up to attend the event. Dance lessons only are $10 per person.

Tickets are available for purchase at the General Morgan Inn or by contacting Price at 423636-7303 or emailing daprice@tusculum.edu. A hotel package special is also available by contacting the General Morgan Inn at 423-787-1000.

Special table reservations are available for larger group seating by contacting Price.

The Pioneer Band Program at Tusculum College began in 2010, with the creation of the Pioneer Pep Band. The Pep Band became a much-enjoyed feature of the 2010 Pioneer football and basketball seasons, as the band performed at the Pioneer Club tailgate parties before each home football game and during pregame and half-time festivities.

Since that time a concert band, jazz band, marching band, handbell choir and several small ensembles have been added to the program. The groups play several events on campus each year, as well as events in the community.

Tusculum College, the oldest college in Tennessee and the 28th oldest in the nation, is a liberal arts institution committed to providing a liberal arts education in a Judeo-Christian and civic arts environment, with pathways for career preparation, personal development and civic engagement. Approximately eighteen hundred students are enrolled on the main campus in Greeneville and two off-site locations in East Tennessee. The academic programs for both traditional-aged students and working adults served through the Graduate and Professional Studies program are delivered using focused calendars.

Improvisational crochet artist

theloaferonline.com | February 7, 2017

5

To talk at ETSU

Sheila Pepe’s Italian-American mother taught her to crochet when she was 7, and for about 30 years – as she honed her visual art skills – that was her secret.

“There was a 30-year gap because you wouldn’t have caught me dead crocheting,” says the New York artist/educator in an Institute of Contemporary Art-Boston video, “and then I began to do it at a time when I was being called a conceptual artist, which made sense.”

With her degrees from the Massachusetts College of Fine Arts and School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, Pepe was absorbed, creating conceptual installations with electricity, light and shadow. “So when I began to crochet, I said, ‘I am crocheting. Now, is that conceptual art?’” she says with a chuckle.

“And I think the answer was silently, ‘No.’” Nevertheless, Pepe has taken the feminist legacy of her mother and grandmother and woven together dozens of solo, duo and group exhibitions from New York to Florida and abroad, using what she calls “improvisational crochet” technique to mesh shoelaces, yarn, nets, nautical tow line, rubber bands – anything that can be crocheted, knitted or sewn.

Pepe will share her artistic vision – conceptual and crocheted, personal and monumental – in an artist talk on Thursday, Feb. 9, at 7:30 p.m. in East Tennessee State University’s Ball Hall auditorium, room 127. A reception from 5-7 p.m. precedes the talk and occurs simultaneously with a gallery talk by Michael Fischerkeller, whose work is currently on exhibit in Slocumb Galleries.

“Sheila’s art connects perfectly with our string theme this season,” says Anita DeAngelis, director of Mary B. Martin School of the Arts at ETSU. “She is a well-established visual artist coming here from New York to talk with us about her unique works in improvisational crochet and to also work with students while she is on campus.”

The improvisation happens as Pepe crafts a vision, carefully selects materials from her favorite small businesses and begins crocheting, but then lets the spaces – ceilings, balconies, staircases – mold the works in place. One installation, at the Institute of Contemporary Art in Boston, actually moved as the gallery’s elevator rose and fell.

And crochet is the perfect medium for Pepe’s creations. She considers them “drawn” with the shoelaces, rope or string.

“Crocheting is just a perfect enterprise because it’s one tool in variable directions,” Pepe said in preparing for her “Red Hook” installation at Smith College in 2008. “You can go line. You can go volume. You can just drive it around in any which way and I like that mutability.”

In addition to her intricate ephemeral works, Pepe is “an educator who likes to trespass the boundaries of fixed disciplines in art and design,”

and at the same time, pass on the legacy of the traditional home crafts she learned, “even though (she) broke with tradition in a very serious way – by engaging in a life of the mind.”

“Mostly I want to pass on a love of ideas and history and understanding that we are making our relationships, and thus history, every day,” says Pepe, who has taught since 1995 and is presently instructing at Yale, Columbia, the State University of New York-Purchase and the School of Visual Arts in Manhattan. “Making up the kind of ‘play-spaces’ we call ‘installation’ is a metaphoric world, an experimental world, but it must be executed on the ground with all of the same common sense that must apply to any other more practical ‘building’ project.

“Facts and fantasy apply to all equally, and facts of materials and the physics of space still apply to all humans. We come from different cultures and this makes those things richer through difference – but it can’t change the ground we share.”

Each installation, or building project, is a learning experience. “I love them all,” she says. “I learn so much with each work – and if I’m not learning, I’m not happy.”

Also intertwined into her visual art, DeAngelis says, is Pepe’s work in the LGBTQ community and with social justice issues. “Sheila has such a strong reputation in not only the art world,” says DeAngelis, “but other significant areas of our world.”

“My activism is lending love, learning and imagination together in ways that aim to raise some awareness – some empathy – and now, more recently, understanding, between desire and reality. You could call it a bit more of the ‘reality check’ pragmatism I was raised with.”

The Feb. 9 artist talk will tie together Pepe’s cultural history and the way she looks at the world through that lens, she says, as well as how she thinks about the things she creates.

She hopes that her talk will inspire in ETSU’s campus and the community “Curiosity! The best reason for even going to college at all!”

For more information on Pepe, visit www.sheilapepe.com.

For more information on the artist talk or the Mary B. Martin School of the Arts, visit www.etsu.edu/martin or call 423-439-TKTS (8587). For disability accommodations, call the ETSU Office of Disability Services at 423-439-8346.

Regardless of your weight-loss goals, addressing metabolism is core to your success. A healthy metabolism can be supported with our complete “Sport-Performance Protein” that refuels and repairs your muscles to help you more effectively burn fat, boost energy, curb cravings, stabilize blood sugar and lose weight.

Our new “Sport-Performance Protein” products in either certified “grass-fed” whey or organic plantbased protein, are both verified GMO-free.

Also available are two drink mixes: “Energy/Focus” for a quick boost of energy and “Recovery” for faster muscle recovery. For protein-on-the-go, plant-based protein bars with 20 g of protein in several flavors are quick, easy and delicious.

Get going with our new line of “Sport-Performance Protein” products that help you prolong your thermogenic (fat-burning) activity to more effectively regulate your energy, metabolism, hunger, blood sugar and weight.

As always, we guarantee your satisfaction.

Locally Owned for 35 Years

Gray Fossil Site & Museum

A Photographic Vision of Bristol

DARWIN DAY

PHOTO CONTEST

theloaferonline.com | February 7, 2017

6

Darwin Day will be celebrated with activities for all ages at the Gray Fossil Site and Museum on Saturday, Feb. 11.

The day features educational talks and a variety of offerings for visitors of all ages.

Darwin Day is an annual international recognition of science that occurs around Feb. 12, the birthday of Charles Darwin, who was born in 1809. The mission of Darwin Day is to recognize the scientific accomplishments of Darwin and his concept of evolution through natural selection, as well as to explain the farreaching impacts of science.

The schedule for Darwin Day includes activities from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Among these are a scavenger hunt and lessons on such topics as human evolution, dog domestication, how natural selection works, and understanding geologic time from fossils. This year, for the first time, the event is co-hosted by ETSU faculty, staff, students and volunteers, as well as staff from Hands On! Museum.

The first talk of the day will be “Human Evolution and Homo naledi: Redefining our Family Tree and Science Outreach.” It will be presented at 11 a.m. by Dr. Zach Throckmorton, an assistant professor of anatomy at Lincoln Memorial University, Harrogate.

“Evolution and Creationism: Defining Science, Creating Controversy” is the topic of the second talk, presented at 2 p.m. by Dr. David Harker, an associate professor of philosophy at ETSU. The Gray Fossil Site and Museum is located 1.8 miles off Exit 13 on Interstate 26.

For more information, call the museum at 423-439-3659 or 866-202-6223 (toll-free), email gfsm@handsonmuseum.org or visit www.facebook.com/ grayfossilmuseum. For disability accommodations, call the ETSU Office of Disability Services at 423-439-8346.

Paper Windows: A Photographic Vision of Bristol, a community photo contest, begins a year-long call for photo entries in twelve different sessions during the next twelve months as a means of collecting and sharing images of our community.

This is the second time the City of Bristol has held the photo contest. “This project is one that anybody can participate in. The Paper Windows project was introduced in 2012 and was a tremendous success with well over 100 entries. Paper Windows is not an annual project, it is only re-introduced once every 4 years for competition,” Said Terrie Talbert, Director of the Office of Community Relations.

The project intends to collect photos of the people of Bristol, the downtown area, as well as nature and wildlife scenes showcasing our community. Each session will carry a theme and will last approximately 30 days. Entries must be submitted before the last day of each session. The first theme “Hidden Hearts” began on February 1 and ends on February 21, 2017.

Amateurs and professionals, young and old are encouraged to enter.

Photographers are welcome to use any type of camera, including Smartphones. Entries will only be accepted in digital format and must be submitted through the City’s website by the last day of each session.

Judging will be conducted by a panel of judges with backgrounds in the arts.

Rules, entry and release forms are available online at www.bristoltn.org by clicking on the Paper Windows tab on the home page. Parents or guardians must submit entries and release forms for entrants younger than 18 years.

1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners will be announced during each session, with an over-all winner at the end of the year-long contest. The top three winners in each session will be featured on the City’s website and social media pages.

For more information on the project contact Terrie Talbert at tsmithtalbert@bristoltn.org or call 423-764-4171.

This isn’t a throwback band. It’s a celebration of the sounds that have kept America moving for more than a century, performed with all the flair of a medicine show and rooted in the sweat and swagger of a juke joint song swap.

They formed in L.A.’s bohemian enclave of Venice Beach in late 2007, the result of a hopeful Craigslist ad posted by bandleader Z. Lupetin, a Midwestern transplant who hoped to join together players in the string band and brass band traditions.

To watch them onstage is to take part in an evolving conversation between a high spirited group of music conjurers and their audience. The horns blast, the fiddle and mandolin swoon, and the howling vocals — which Lupetin shares with Liz Beebe — rattle off stories about preachers, drinkers, lovers, and holy rollers.

Over the last few years, the band has steadily gained recognition while playing festivals and venues across North America and Europe, notably with Lake Street Dive, Trombone Shorty, Rebirth Brass Band and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band.

With every show, the band is participating in the evolution of American roots music, tipping a hat to what’s come before while looking ahead to what’s on the horizon.

Their new soul-dipped singles "Busted" / "Only One” - produced by Grammy winning producer Ted Hutt (Old Crow Medicine Show, Dropkick Murphys) show the striking new direction the band is headed - and with the new album and international tours on the way in 2017, Dustbowl is ready to reach a whole new audience.

BLOGGING at Gray Library

If you're interested in learning to blog, come and join us at Gray Library on Tuesday, Feb. 14, at 11 a.m. We will begin by exploring the opportunities for blogging, as compared with journaling. Call the library at 477-1550 for more information.

7

theloaferonline.com | February 7, 2017

300 W Main St., Johnson City • 8 pm, $20

THE DUSTBOWL REVIVAL Tuesday Feb. 14: The Down Home

The Dustbowl Revival is what you could call an American roots orchestra with eight full-time members — and they play it all, mashing the sounds of traditional American music into a genre-hopping, time-bending dance party that coaxes new fire out of familiar coal.

UNSTOPPABLE PROGRESS

theloaferonline.com | February 7, 2017

8

9 Absolute Granite & Cabinetry 10 Alsco 11 Annie's Room Bridal & Formal 12 Appalachian Caverns 13 Artlandia 14 Best Western 15 Bone Fire Smokehouse & Musictorium 16 Bortz Graphix Plus 17 Brian K. Rieck Music Studio 18 Buchanan's Auto Sales 19 Cartridge World 20 Changes Medical Spa & Laser Center 21 Country Club of Bristol 22 Cruise Planners 23 Dècor Exchange 24 East Coast Wings + Grill 25 Engage Kingsport 26 Epic Ink 27 Eureka Inn 28 The Fried Alligator 29 General Morgan Inn 30 Hayworth Tire & Auto Service 31 Horror at Industrial Park 32 Ink-a-zoid 33 Johnson City Community Theatre 34 Johnny Brusco's New York Style Pizza 35 JRH Brewing

36 37 42 43 44 45 47 48 50 51 53 54 55 56 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69

Kingsport Carousel Kingsport Theatre Guild Legg Motor Company Marsh Regional Blood Center Mary B. Martin School of the Arts Masterpiece Mixers Model City Tap House Monkee's of Johnson City Mortgage Investors Group Mr. K's Used Book Store Northeast State Off The Grid Mountain Adventures Olive Oil Divine Peerless Phil's Dream Pit Quality Heat & Aire Sam's Package Store Sher Extensions Smoky Mountain Divers The Law Office of Stephanie A. Sherwood Summit Insurance Group Sylvan Learning Theatre Bristol Tusculum College Western Son Vodka William King Museum of Art

Letter from the Publisher

Luci Tate

Publisher info@ theloaferonline.com

Turning the calendar to a new year offers each of us an opportunity to assess our past, present, and future, and to forward practical steps toward our hopes and dreams and spiritual progress. It can be a time of transition as we leave behind what no longer serves our own and other's highest goals.

I don't know about you, but many folks I have spoken with have told me that 2016 was a rough year for them. Between fires and floods, relationship and family challenges, and the election, it has been rough for many, and admittedly for myself too. So, with a sense of relief, I lovingly let 2016 go.

But not all of it was so bad. Here at The Loafer, 2016 was a busy one. We welcomed Shawn Hale and Paul Kavanaugh to The Loafer team. New columnists, Langley Shazor, Matt Messer, Jason and Daniel Worley began

writing great columns. We created a new Loafer logo with a more modern and updated man on his lamppost and also rebranded the look of the overall paper to help with ease of flow when reading.

2016 brought The Loafer a new, and desperately needing, website. Enhancing its mobile compatibility and has increased traffic on the side by 60.57% in page views and a 53.16% increase in users. Just as exciting, The Loafer won the 2016 KOSBE award.

Even though we feel that maybe 2016 was a rough year in our personal lives, progress has been made. Progress never stops. Anticipating what 2017 will hold may elicit feelings from excitement about plans to trepidation about inevitable unknowns. We each make hundreds of choices every day defining who we are and wish to be, how we help or hinder

others in their own journey; everyone is a work in progress. As are businesses. Each step we take in the direction of making decisions that honor others and ourselves are a step towing living life to the fullest. And we hope that The Loafer can help bring happiness by sharing all that our region has to offer.

This progress edition highlights some of the region’s successful businesses. Grab your cup of joe, relax, and enjoy The Loafer’s 2017 Progress Edition. These business succeed because of your patronage. So please, next time you are out shopping, visit one of these fine companies. And let them know you saw them in The Loafer.

Welcome, 2017. You are going to be a work in progress. I'll let you know how it turns out next year.

Luci Tate - Publisher

Absolute Granite and Cabinetry, a local firm founded in January of 2013, is a company that strives to produce the best cabinetry and countertops available.

Within the company, they have over 35 years' experience in the kitchen and bathroom industry.

Absolute Granite and Cabinetry is a one-stop shop for your kitchen and bathroom needs. Their goal: strive to help you create your dreams! As you walk into Absolute Granite and Cabinetry, they make you feel right at home, their knowledgeable staff waiting to assist you any way possible to bring your ideas to life!

Jeff Colley, the company's co-owner, tells us that they will walk you through the entire process of your

project, so you are always comfortable and stay informed about what is going on. At Absolute, their dedicated professionals will assist you in finding your perfect styles, colors, and designs in counter top materials and cabinetry. Most importantly, they will be there for you until your project has been completed. Come on in for a visit; they are excited to hear about your plans!

Customer Testimonial:

"Absolute has been ‘absolutely' great! After moving here, we shopped many of the granite and cabinet shops including the two big boys in the Tri-Cities area. Unfortunately, most were not full service or were way too expensive for what you received. With Absolute, we received a great product, professional service, and coordinated installation‌all at a reasonable price!

Thank you to Deena, Jeff, Dario, Eric, Jamie, and Alan."

-Paul & Sandy Herrmann

theloaferonline.com | February 7, 2017

Absolute Granite & Cabinetry We build beautiful kitchens

9

theloaferonline.com | February 7, 2017

10

You want your business to stand out for all the right reasons – boosting your image can be as easy as keeping your business healthy and going green.

Alsco takes hygiene service to a higher level, helping you to fulfill the promise of a clean and environmentally friendly workplace for your employees and your customers.

Here's how they do it: • They evaluate their suppliers based on some factors, including environmental friendliness. In fact, their paper supplier, SCA, was recently ranked the 2nd Greenest Company in the World.

• They offer a variety of products and services designed to promote hygiene while reducing waste.

• The Auto Faucet 2 uses an automatic 30-second shutoff feature to conserve water.

• The Single Service Cloth ToTheylSM is a reusable textile that eliminates paper waste.

• The classic mops are made with recycled post-consumer content.

• The All Fresh Clean FlowSM uses a biodegradable, non-toxic formula.

• All Fresh Disposable Wraps are biodegradable.

• All the fragrance ingredients for the All Fresh Natural BreezeSM system comply with the code of practice of the International Fragrance Association and are certified by EnviroKleen.

• The All Fresh foam soaps meet the EPA's Design for the Environment standards.

• The mats are 100% PVC free.

• The All Fresh Bio ScreenSM uses beneficial bacteria rather than chemicals and is a VOC- compliant alternative to aerosol air fresheners.

• They provide A-TrackSM online account management to reduce paper waste and save time.

All you need to know about textile services.

Alsco has been in the textile services business longer than any other supplier.

They've come to understand their customers and their needs more deeply than just about anyone. Their line of products and services reflects that understanding. They can supply textiles for rent, lease, or purchase, along with washroom supplies and services, dust control products—even comprehensive goods and services to support any size cleanroom operation. Alsco customer care representatives pride themselves on a unique ability to manage and contain costs while upholding health, safety and the all-important image of Their clients' businesses. Their pricing is straight forward: low unit costs, with no hidden charges. That's how They can back their services with a 100% product and service satisfaction guarantee.

• Linen and Uniform Rental Services • • Hygiene and Theyll-Being Services • • Washroom Cleaning • • Dust Control •

They can be two of the most stressful events any one person could have to pick a dress out for. Proms lesser so, but the stress of wanting to find the perfect one for your special day could drive anyone up the wall. Annie’s Room, located in the heart of Kingsport’s shopping district on North Eastman Road, specializes in ladies formal wear.

Annie’s room has dresses for Brides, Bridesmaids, Cocktail parties, Chamber Dinners, Formal Galas, Pageants, Proms, and Sorority events. Featured Designers at Annie's Room include Allure Bridals, Alfred Angelo, Casablanca Bridals, Dave & Johnny, Eden Bridals Bridesmaids, Faviana, Jovani, La Femme, Maggie Sottero, Madison James, Sherri Hill, and Tony Bowls. Like Annie’s Room on Facebook, Follow us @anniesroom on Instagram, Snapchat & Twitter. Annie’s Room is open Monday-Friday from 11:00 AM -7:00 PM, Saturday from 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM, and by appointment only on Sunday.

Don't go into a fugue of panic and terror when your special day comes around. Annie's Room dedicates themselves to helping you look your best, looking like the cover of a magazine. After all, "The day of all days deserves the dress of all dresses." Call Annie's Room for all your formal wear needs.

11

theloaferonline.com | February 7, 2017

Bridal & Formal

Annie's Room

Proms and weddings. What do they have in common?

Tennessee's Most Historic Natural Attraction

theloaferonline.com | February 7, 2017

Appalachian Caverns

12

Since 1991 Appalachian Caverns has been Tennessee’s most historic natural attraction with over 500 million years in the making!

Roger W. Hartley has been the steward at Appalachian Caverns for past 13 years. After serving in the air force and working at various factory jobs, Mr. Hartley says “Working at the cavern is a joy. Meeting people from all over the world, and giving them a small sample of our culture.”

All tours at Appalachian Caverns are lead by a well-trained guide.

There are three levels of a tour, starting with a walking tour, to a down and dirty three and a half hour tour—where a hot shower is provided afterward in warm weather. But there’s more to Appalachian Caverns than just the caverns, there’s also a campground and gem mine. Mr. Hartley: “When you come to Appalachian Caverns we want you to enjoy your visit. If you don't like history, geology, or nature at all then maybe you can still learn something. Our tours are not on a script so if you come here a few times during a year some things will be different, a different guide or with the same guide each tour we try to base it on the group.”

Groups are all welcome, with discounted rates offered. Every kind of group from school, scout and church groups have visited Appalachian Caverns. When you’re looking for a different kind of nature activity in the region, Appalachian Caverns should be on the top of your list.

We've done it! Artlandia, Inc., led by Virginia Salazar-Buda, has raised the promised artist fee goal of $10,000 for a bicycleinspired public work of art slated for Veteran's Park, adjacent to South Side Elementary School, in South Side Neighborhood (a.k.a. The Tree Streets) for 2017-2018.

The next step of the process is finding the artist and raising more funding for the artist's fee through tax-deductible sponsorships of $1,000 to $10,000. "A $1,000 donation will ensure that your name will be placed on the signage," said Salazar-Buda.

"We started off by creating fundraising events that were accessible to the general public to encourage arts engagement in the community. Now, we are asking for fiscal support through individual and business donors that understand the value of public art and how it enriches and continues to grow our community through this particular public art project," said Salazar-Buda. The Tree Streets neighborhood is comprised of a diverse population of people which are community-connected through events and programming which encourages accessibility and tolerance for all individuals. "One example of the uniqueness and availability is our neighborhood's annual Yard Sale where 200 families participate, and 10,000-15,000 people attend. This is an example of a community-oriented place where people engage with each other that would not communicate otherwise," said Salazar-Buda. "We have a tremendous opportunity to expose a lot of different folks to the arts through this fashion. And, we need your financial support to make it happen," added Salazar-Buda.

There are several positive outcomes for this project which includes an arts accessibility to the general public; engaging with a public works artist; and seeing work installed within a centralized part of the neighborhood. "What's exciting is knowing the project will be installed next to an elementary school where there is approximately 400 elementary students, staff, and families. The transient university population at East Tennessee State University; the individuals and families that live in the neighborhood; and those frequent visitors that are here because of the various city to privately held events that bring 1000's of people on our streets," added Salazar-Buda.

"I would also like to thank all individuals and businesses who believed in this bike art project and for supporting this grassroots arts initiative which began in 2010," said SalazarBuda. "At the end of the day, if I have encouraged or inspired at least one person to be a part of the arts whether it is a child to a seasoned arts professional than all of this effort was worth it," said Salazar-Buda.

"We can all advocate for art and make a difference by sharing events on your social media platforms which are the easiest method of helping out. Please do not delay and support art today," concluded Salazar-Buda. Listed are state of Tennessee groups that advocate for art: Tennessee Specialty License Plate program (choose the art plate) at http://tnspecialtyplates. org. This license plate program directly helps The Tennessee Arts Commission who is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year (http://tnartscommission.org); and by being a member of Tennessean for the Arts at http://tn4arts.org.

Thanks to the businesses who participated (some are still participating) in showcasing Phase 1 of the bike art project (11 5’w x 3’h art bicycle silhouettes, produced by close to 30 people with 19 Johnson City businesses participating).

• Nelson Fine Art Center and Dos Gatos Coffee Shop • Main Street Pizza Company • South Side Elementary School • The Willow Tree Coffeehouse and Music Room • Energy Fitness • TREK • The Johnson City Public Library • Fizz Soda Shop • Fouled Anchor • YEEHAW Brewing • Downtown Farming • One Stop Wines and Liquors • The Fresh Market • Lifestyles Fitness • Subaru/Volkswagon, Wallace Imports • Atlantic Ale • Summit Leadership • Norris Bicycles • Hands-On! Regional Museum Artlandia, Inc., is a non-profit arts organization where Virginia Salazar-Buda has been advocating for art and creative projects since 2010. For more information, please contact vbudadesigns@gmail.com or visit artlandia.org.

13 theloaferonline.com | February 7, 2017

Artlandia

We've done it! Artlandia, Inc. meets $10,000 artist fee goal with more funding in the works!

Johnson City Hotel & Conference Center

theloaferonline.com | February 7, 2017

Best Western

14

The Best Western Hotel in Johnson City, TN accommodates thousands of groups, corporate companies, and leisure guests each year.

Last year the hotel went through a complete interior, and exterior renovation to better accommodate the community as well as guests traveling to our area. Best Western has everything to make your stay as comfortable and relaxing as ever.

Highlights of the renovated property include: in-room fridge and microwave, desk with ergonomic chair, 36 inch flat screen tv, free wifi, full hot breakfast, complimentary fax and copy service, restaurant and lounge on site, fitness center, special group rates, bus/truck parking, and the largest outdoor pool in the Tri-Cities. Additionally, Best Western Johnson City offer meeting and banquet space to accommodate from twenty to two hundred guests, regardless of classroom style, reception style, or anything in between.

It’s obvious that dedication to fitting guests needs to be led to the chance to renovate, and Best Western Johnson City—located conveniently off I-26—has everything you could offer. Regardless if you’re looking for a place to hold a convention, or a place for the relatives coming in for a holiday to stay at, Best Western Johnson City is your best choice.

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.

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 be not only the area's favorite place to eat but also the favorite place to see and hear the music. Between sets, there is a wide array of tasty barbecue to choose from. All the standards are there, available in sandwiches and platters.

When asked what attracted him to Abingdon, Mr. Beatty said: "its beauty, its history, and its music. There is a real renaissance happening in this area, and 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 is easy to see why it's become a popular choice among residents and tourists—not just for music, but for delicious ‘Q as well. In fact, Bone Fire was last year's Regional Winner of Best BBQ by "Virginia Living Magazine." Bone Fire was also awarded the honor of "Best Ribs in America" by "Regis and Kelly" in 2009. Go see for yourself next time you find yourself nearby!

15 theloaferonline.com | February 7, 2017

Tasty BBQ and Live Music

Bone Fire

Originally founded in Kingsport by Doug Beatty in 2007, Bone Fire Smokehouse has been operating in Abingdon, Virginia, in the former Withers Hardware Store building, since 2012.

You Dream It ... We Create It.

theloaferonline.com | February 7, 2017

Bortz Graphic Plus

16

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

They can also do anything from a pencil portrait of your Aunt Myrtle to a canvas painting of her dog Rufus.

Need a banner for your home or business?......

Bortz has it covered.

Signs, signs, everywhere a sign from Bortz Graphix Plus.

Real estate signs, political signs, lighted sign panels, or custom vehicle wraps and lettering. Directions to an engagement party? Done! Signs that say “Welcome Home Grad?” Done! Announcing the arrival of that baby boy or girl? Simple, easy and done!

Need custom printed T-shirts for your church group, band, school fundraiser, o’r athletic team? Bortz Graphix Plus has that covered too!

From the commercial and professional to something with a personal touch, Bortz Graphix Plus is the top choice for the graphic work you need to be done at a great price. No matter how small or how big the need is, Bortz Graphix Plus is waiting to create something for you, call them today.

Though Brian K. Rieck Music Studio is only 12 years old, Mr. Rieck has been in the music repair business since 1990. Joining the Navy shortly after his college days, Mr. Rieck spent many years playing in Naval bands, before leaving the Navy in the early 1980s and working in the defense industry.

A native of Cucamonga, California, Mr. Rieck’s first music business, Vintage Winds Musical Instrument Repair opened 1991, and by 1994 they were servicing over 5,000 musical instruments a year for area school districts. After many happy and successful years in California, Mr. Rieck sold the business and re-located to the ti-cities area in the early 2000s, working out of Joesph’s Musicenter.

Mr. Rieck loves the hometown feel of the ti-cities region, very familiar to his own hometown he grew up in, priding himself on his studio’s customer service, Brain K. Rieck is most grateful to the people of Bristol and it’s surrounding areas for their loyalty.

With years of experience, including performing at Barter Theater, Theater Bristol, and The Paramount Theater, Brian Rieck has all the knowledge anyone needs when it comes to learning a new instrument, or getting an old favorite up and running again.

17 theloaferonline.com | February 7, 2017

Music Studio

Brian K. Rieck

Brian K. Rieck Music Studio, now in its second location at 604 Volunteer Parkway, Suite 3, Bristol, TN—has been a rich resource for sales, repair, lessons, and rental of a wide array of instruments since 2005.

theloaferonline.com | February 7, 2017

18

Buchanan's Auto Sales If I wont't drive it, I will won't it!

Since 1975 Buchanan's Auto Sales of Johnson City has been serving customers as an independent auto dealer. One of the oldest independents in the area, Buchanan's Auto Sales has been owned by Kingsport native Brian Mann since 2009—who bought the business from Tom Buchanan. Mr. Mann has been in auto sales since 1979, and with Buchanan Auto Sales since 1986.

“Our mission is to provide an experience to each and every customer that is beyond their expectations," says Mr. Mann, “treating them in a friendly, professional, and efficient manner, creating real customer value. We will serve our clients as we would our family, helping them meet their transportation needs.”

Mr. Mann has lived locally for 56 years and been married to his wife Rhonda for 38. Together they have one son and two grandkids.

With love for East Tennessee, The Manns have no plans for moving or any plans for retirement. Mr. Mann,

“

I love being in the car business, we have a great team at Buchanan Auto Sales."

Mr. Mann

When you're looking to buy a car, you can trust the decades of experience and dedication at Buchanan's Auto Sales.

12 Years of Giving Back

In February of 2005 Cartridge World of Johnson City opened their doors, thus becoming the first franchise location in the state of Tennessee.

Franchise owners, Larry and Debbie England, would soon open a second location, this one in Kingsport followed by a third in Bristol and fourth in Greeneville. Cartridge World of the Tri-Cities offers businesses and consumers an alternative to high priced ink and toner printer cartridges. For their accounts of activities, Cartridge World also offers FREE delivery to anywhere in the Tri-Cities and beyond. In 2009 the England’s traveled to Washington, DC where they were awarded the “Blue Ribbon – Small Business Award” by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, one of only 56 small businesses recognized across the country to honor American companies that showcase excellence in several categories of entrepreneurship. That same year the England’s received the Franchisee of the year award at the Cartridge World National Convention in Las Vegas. Larry served for several years on the Cartridge World Franchise Advisory Council.

During their twelve years of business, the England’s have also been busy giving back to their community; both have been or currently are members of local Rotary Clubs. Larry is a past President of the Johnson City Morning Rotary Club and past President of the MSHA Foundation Washington County Community Board. During his ten years on the MSHA Foundation Board Larry chaired or co-chaired many of the signature events such as the Dragon Boat Festival, Niswonger Golf Classic, and the Spirit Gala. Larry has also served for four years as the Board Chair of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation

(JDRF) East TN Chapter.

Larry also currently serves as Chair-Elect of The Chamber of Commerce and currently serves as a Washington County - County Commissioner and also serves on the Community Advisory Board for SunTrust Bank. The England’s have one son, Russell, who is a student at ETSU. Fast forward twelve years from the opening of their first location and many changes have taken place. The Bristol and Greeneville stores are no longer open, and the Johnson City and Kingsport stores have moved to new locations. The Kingsport store is now located at 1420 East Stone Drive, not far from the original site and the Johnson City store is now located at 805 Sunset Drive, across from Mahoney’s. Although the Bristol and Greeneville stores are no longer in operation, FREE deliveries continue to be made in both areas to their business customers. Not only does Cartridge World offer savings up to 30% on printing consumables but they now offer printer repair and a FREE printer lease program to qualifying business accounts.

theloaferonline.com | February 7, 2017

Cartridge World

19

YOU’LL LOVE YOUR CHANGES!

Serving East TN, Southeast KY, Southwest VA, Southern WV, and Western NC

theloaferonline.com | February 7, 2017

Helping You Look and Feel Your Best

Changes Medical Spa

20

Changes Medical Spa & Laser Center's Drs. Jackson and Shelton had a vision when they opened three years ago: to bring the latest, research-proven, most innovative non-surgical aesthetic treatments to the region.

Patients from 16 states have come to the TriCities for those services, including one patient from Long Island, New York, who came to Changes last year for the Fotona 4D nonsurgical laser facelift, which was not yet available near her. According to Dr. Richard Jackson, Medical Director, their goals are simple: To offer services that are state of the art, affordable, efficient, safe, and that have little or no downtime.

“Our personal business philosophy guides everything we do, every day. We treat everyone like family and have a friendly, welcoming environment. We listen, and explain recommendations and alternatives, and do not pressure or rush patients. As Medical Director, I'm on-site daily, which is not the case at most medical spas.” said Jackson.

The goal of providing innovative laser services has been more than met, with Changes being the only place in the region, sometimes one of the first in the nation, offering these new treatments: • SculpSure and TightSculpt lasers, for fast, permanent elimination of unwanted fat, • Fotona 4D Non-Surgical Face Lift, and a new fractional laser resurfacing & rejuvenation procedure.

• IntimaLase, immediately-effective vaginal rejuvenation postmenopause, and vaginal tightening post-childbirth.

• IncontiLase treatment, for female stress urinary incontinence, • NightLase procedure, for snoring and sleep apnea.

• miraDry, for the permanent elimination of unwanted underarm sweat, odor, and hair, in only 1 – 2 treatments.

According to Dr. Shelton, "Our patients' needs, and those of the community drive our continual growth and training." And the latest new service offering is no exception: Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) using all natural hormone pellets and products for preventive healthcare, to reduce the effects of aging, and to correct hormonal imbalances in both men and women.

Changes Medical is partnering with the top BHRT company in the country, bioTE Medical. Natural hormone correction has been shown to reduce the risk of cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's Disease, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, loss of bone mass and osteoporosis, and painful arthritis. The patient's unique needs are determined through blood tests, which are much more reliable than saliva tests. The physician implants precise doses of estrogen or testosterone pellets beneath the skin. The hormones are slowly released, maintaining safe, efficient, natural levels for 3 - 5 months. Thyroid hormone levels are also monitored, and treated, if necessary, with natural thyroid, which may be more effective than commonly used forms. We also check for other deficiencies, and natural vitamins and supplements are utilized.

The ten most common symptoms of hormone imbalance include: • Difficulty Sleeping Fatigue and lack of energy • Reduced mental focus and memory • Moody, anxious, depressed • Weight gain, especially belly fat • Difficulty losing weight • Decreased muscle strength • Muscle or joint pain • Reduced sexual desire and performance • Hot flashes and menopause symptoms Drs. Jackson and Shelton encourage anyone with any of these symptoms to contact Changes at 423-328-0488 for a free consultation about getting back to feeling and looking, your best.

The railroads were a major contributor to the new-found prosperity. It was at this time that an investor from the Northeast came to the area. He had been a golfer back in Boston, and it wasn't long before he and some friends from Bristol proposed the establishment of a golf club. The group agreed, and in 1894 they formed the Association which is now the Country Club of Bristol, thus becoming the birthplace of organized golf in the state of Tennessee.

The first course was then built on land that was owned by the Bristol Land Co. and was loaned to the club for development that was pending for residential homes. It was then located at the upper end of Park Street near the site that is now Sullins Academy and the United Coal Company. In September of 1900, The members decided that they wanted to own their course.

They incorporated and had a charter recorded to make that possible.

The club evolved on several different tracts of land, first near the Fairmont School and then on Maple Street near the present King University. It was 1933 before the club owned its land, fulfilling the 1900 plan.

They eventually outgrew the Maple Street facility, and in 1958 the members decide to move to the area where it currently resides, on Old Jonesborough Road. Interestingly enough, this was considered "out of town" at the time, and the roads weren't even paved. Nevertheless, the club moved in the 1959-60 period, and they got the clubhouse completed.

The course itself features a challenging 6,474-yard, par-71 layout that was situated on 150 acres of rolling hills. The course was then reshaped in 1999 by the Mark McCumber design group. The changes were executed by Course Crafters, the same company responsible for reshaping Augusta National. It is in excellent shape with simple, quick greens that enhance the overall toughness (yet fairness) of the layout. The Country Club of Bristol is proud to be the home course for both King University and Tennessee High; youth golf is the future of the game, and the club wants to be a part.

So, the oldest Country Club in Tennessee and one of the oldest in the country has quite a history all right. But the best is yet to come. After enduring some rather well-documented difficulties over the recent past, the Club has emerged with a solid management team and aggressive plans to get all aspects of the “Country Club” experience going again. Shelbees on the Green, the club restaurant, and bar, serves top-notch food and drinks and is becoming the center of club activity again. Now featuring live music on Saturdays and with a refurbished ballroom to handle larger affairs, the club is well-positioned to become a hub for the membership and the surrounding area. Their Valentine’s Day special dinner for couples, offered on two different days, is the latest example of the club’s positive direction.

With the club’s resurgence, they want to attract as many members as possible. General Manager Patrick MacNeil invites you to give him a call or shoot him an email to take advantage of the current JOIN FOR FREE program along with exclusive member benefits (423) 652-1700 or email Patrick@ccob.club).

Country Clubs are great fun and good places to meet new people.

Maybe you should give it a try. Oh, and you can always read The Loafer in Shelbees!

21 theloaferonline.com | February 7, 2017

A brief history of the Oldest Country Club in Tennessee

Country Club Of Bristol

Back in the mid-90s – the 1890s – the economic prospects of NE Tennessee were looking up.

Vacations for every need

theloaferonline.com | February 7, 2017

Cruise Planners

22

It happened to me just last week. I was drinking my morning coffee and looking out the bay window of my kitchen when I said the words aloud "Play the song, Christopher." My Amazon Echo is programmed so that when these words were spoken, "Sailing" by Christopher Cross plays. As the music swirled around my head, I began to think "Perhaps the time for a rest has come, I've been working so hard lately. There's been the big client at work and the PTA meetings."

For twenty-three years, Annie Maturino, has been providing people with the cruses and trips of their dreams. Annie, a native of California, has spent the last seven years with Cruise Planners, serving as one of their top selling agents. Annie has been living in Tennessee for over sixteen years; she says she loves "being in a beautiful location, that happens to be within days drive from most east coast ports.�

Annie's Cruises and Travel takes pride in their immediate service, most calls and questions answered within minutes. They're open seven days a week from eight to eight to better serve their clients, they've traveled to the most requested destinations themselves, and can give the best advice for each customer. When you feel that call to change your scenery for a few days, to take a break from the rat race, to "Play the song, Christopher"—Annie's Cruises and Travel are waiting to help build the vacation you need.

Consignment Home Furnishings

Most people today love hunting for treasure. On the other hand, many people have too many treasures and need to sell.

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 sites; but, what if you’re looking for something that you’d rather buy or sell 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.

That is where Décor Exchange in Kingsport comes in. In 2004 Lesa Horne, having a love for the yard sale and flea market bargain hunting, came up with the idea of home furnishings consignment. She declares “I thought it would be great to have ‘all the nicer things’ in one location. I had seen clothing consignment shops, but never one with furniture and home décor. “ As a single mother, taking the plunge to start a business was scary, but she soon realized there was a huge demand for this service in the tri-cities.

By consigning, sellers don’t have to worry about dealing with phone calls, having strangers come to their home, haggling over price or just not showing up at all. Décor Exchange prices the items, display them in an attractive setting and will even provide a third party for pickup and delivery where needed. 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. At Décor Exchange shoppers will find anything from antiques, vintage, traditional and modern décor, as well as finer jewelry and handbags. Additionally finding lots of unique and one of a kind items from all over the globe.

Since opening in 2004 with 1500 sq ft, Décor Exchange has expanded three times and is now in an 11,500 square foot showroom adjacent to the North Eastman Road Post Office.The store is open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Small furniture and home décor consignments are accepted Monday-Friday, from 10:30m AM to 5:30 mPM and larger furniture are taken by appointment.

theloaferonline.com | February 7, 2017

Décor Exchange

23

Eat Good, Feel Good

theloaferonline.com | February 7, 2017

East Coast Wings + Grill

24

East Coast Wings + Grill has a lot to offer.

Locals rave about the family friendly environment while also featuring a full bar and an ever-growing collection of over nineteen craft beers, several of which are local to the area.

East Coast Wings + Grill is pleased to offer a huge selection of craft beers as well as the option for customers to craft their wings with their combination of flavor and heat. Offering over fifty unique flavors and eight levels of heat, guests can customize their perfect flavor for the ultimate wing experience.

Enjoy a subtle and mild heat level, heat it all the way up with the insanity sauce, or land somewhere in the middle with the award-winning hot sauce. East Coast Wings + Grill offers more than just incredible wings; there is a wide variety of delicious items on the menu such as fresh salads, savory wraps, mouthwatering quesadillas, towering all-beef Angus burgers, and so much more. Healthy eats at ECW+G are anything but ordinary, featuring options such as Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps and a Spinach Salad that offer big flavor and little guilt.

Wings are a staple of any great tailgate, and East Coast Wings + Grill is proud to cater to the needs of any hungry sports fan getting ready to cheer their team on. Catering doesn't stop with just tailgating; the catering menu features options for every need, such as meetings, parties, study sessions, family reunions, and more! The catering menu features a wide variety of items featured in the full menu as well, sized and portioned to please each guest such as Buffalo Chicken Salad, Chicken Tenders, Wrap Platters, and of course, America’s Best Wings. East Coast Wings + Grill dedicates itself to making your catering experience perfect.

There are currently two East Coast Wings + Grill locations in the Tri-Cities area, one in Johnson City at 198 Marketplace Blvd and in Kingsport at 2637 East Stone Dr. East Coast Wings + Grill is pleased to be a member of both the Johnson City and Kingsport Chambers of Commerce and stays active within both communities. East Coast Wings + Grill is an “Eat Good Feel Good” destination with Healthy Kingsport and sponsors the Kingsport Town Planner and the Hometown Festival. The growing restaurant group also sponsors the ASA Fast Pitch softball tournament in Johnson City and supports the local university by being a member of the UConnect app with East Tennessee State University. East Coast Wings + Grill is proud to be a member of these beautiful Tri-Cities communities and is pleased to support the area by sponsoring and donating to a variety of local events throughout the year. Whether you are planning a low-key dinner at home, enjoying a lunch out with coworkers, or taking some wings to the stadium, East Coast Wings + Grill is thrilled to be a part of the community and your meal destination in the Tri-Cities.

Tickets are available online at www.

EngageKingsport.com or at the Kingsport Office of Cultural Arts (1200 E. Center Street) or by calling 423-392-8414.

Engage Kingsport Performing Arts Series hosts a variety of local, regional, and national touring performers. Shows feature reserved seating in the Renaissance Arts Center Theatre. This intimate 345-seat theatre boasts a good view from every seat. These performances are sponsored in part by a grant from the Tennessee Arts Commission. The Tennessee Arts Commission is a state agency that cultivates the arts for the benefit of all Tennesseans and their communities. The Kingsport Office of Cultural Arts manages cultural spaces, public art and engagement for a vibrant creative community.

Friday, February 10, 2017 Beth Snapp Album Release Concert

The Kingsport Office of Cultural Arts in partnership with Engage Kingsport presents Beth Snapp – Album Release Concert on Friday, February 10, 2017 at 7:30 PM. Tickets are $15, reserved seating. Tickets are available at the door or in advance at www.engagekingsport.com, or by calling 423392-8414.

Singer-songwriter Beth Snapp might be considered pop infused roots, but her appeal has little to do with the box of a genre. It’s a connection. She flits around and between

Beth Snapp – Album Release Concert, Friday, February 10, 2017 at 7:30 PM. Rob Ickes and Trey Hensley Concert, Friday, March 10, 2017 at 7:30 PM.

folk, bluegrass, pop, early R&B and jazz to create a unique sound with one purpose – to serve a story. Beth highlights the complex emotions that fall on every day moments, and reels the listener in with an “I’ve been there before” kind of sensation. Her new album “Write Your Name Down”, recounts the introspection and growth of a new chapter in life. Produced by Grammy winning bluegrass guitarist Tim Stafford, this album features a number of acclaimed artists as well as Beth’s talented band, whose members bring diverse backgrounds to further engrain her detour from standard classifications of music. Regardless of style, Beth hovers where modern meets tradition, to create an experience that speaks to the listener.

Friday, March 10, 2017 Rob Ickes and Trey Hensley Concert

The Kingsport Office of Cultural Arts in partnership with Engage Kingsport presents Rob Ickes and Trey Hensley Concert on Friday, March 10, 2017 at 7:30 PM. Tickets are $15, reserved seating. Tickets are available at the door or in advance at www.engagekingsport.com, or by calling 423392-8414.

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, wellestablished 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, is slated for release this winter.

25 theloaferonline.com | February 7, 2017

Engage Kingsport

The Kingsport Office of Cultural Arts in partnership with Engage Kingsport presents two more upcoming concerts this season… www.EngageKingsport.com

A Different Take on the Traditional Tattoo Parlor

theloaferonline.com | February 7, 2017

Epic Ink

26

When Phil Burchette founded Epic Ink five years ago, he did so with several goals in mind.

He wanted to surround himself with uber-competent artists who were comfortable in more than one style; he wanted to provide a healthy environment; and, he wanted most of all to provide a quality tattoo at a fair price. We are happy to report that he has successfully accomplished all these goals.

Phil and his artists remember what it was like, the excitement around getting their first tattoos back in their younger days.

They want their customers to experience that same feeling.

To that end, fortunately, all the artists at Epic Ink get along with each other, they’re friends. That makes a big difference in the shop’s atmosphere and is a big reason why the business continues to grow. Their clientele comes from all walks of life, all ages, and all economic strata. This dovetails nicely with Phil's business philosophy, treat people right, and they will continue to be your customers.

Phil himself has been a tattoo artist since 1993. He worked in many different cities around the country, experiencing all kinds of artists and shops while he learned and perfected his craft. When Phil was ready to do his own thing, he came back to his original hometown. Epic Ink is the poster child for how he believes a tattoo parlor should be run.

Scotti Lee, one of Phil's three senior artists, is known throughout the Tri-Cities area as the top piercer around; he likes to design with micro dermal and can tackle any request.

Originally from this area, Scotti has been at Epic for three years and has been a tattoo artist for 16.

Chris Hicks has the honor of being the longest working of the senior artists at Epic. He began his career in 1991. Although from our area, he spent considerable time in the Roanoke area while refining his skills. He is quite comfortable with all types of tattoos and has a particular affinity for bright colors.

Kim Lambert has been with Epic since the beginning, rising to become one of the senior artists. She is also from our area and is beginning to have quite a following.

She especially likes fine line, ornate and intricate designs.

It’s a nice, multi-talented group Phil Burchette has assembled. He wants to stress that they operate more like a family than a business, keeping in mind his credo: a quality tattoo at a fair price in a comfortable environment.

Discover this boutique inn as it sets the standard for hospitality in the South. The Eureka offers many luxurious amenities, but Blake and Katelyn's friendly service, hospitality, and full Southern Breakfast are what sets them apart. Each of their thirteen rooms is uniquely decorated in the style of the late 1800s; complete with all of the essential modern amenities; you actually will experience the best of both worlds.

Pull up a rocking chair and enjoy the view from one of their three inviting porches or stroll through their private organic gardens with a gazebo and brick courtyard. All perfect settings for a quiet romantic moment, or a large gathering of family and friends. Â The Historic Eureka Inn is located across

the street from the International Storytelling Center and directly beside the Jonesborough Repertory Theatre. Please call, visit their website, or stop in to speak with the Innkeepers to find out more information about packages and special events.

theloaferonline.com | February 7, 2017

Time Stands Still

Eureka Inn

The Historic Eureka Inn is located on Main Street in the heart of Downtown Jonesborough, voted One of the Prettiest Southern Streets in the Nation.

27

Fine Cajun Eatery

theloaferonline.com | February 7, 2017

The Fried Alligator

28

In 2012 on a trip down to New Orleans, Kingsport native Scott Compton began to think that maybe it was time to bring a slice of The Big Easy back home with him.

Alumni of ETSU, Scott was no stranger to the foodservice world before the idea of opening his restaurant struck him. Scott began working in foodservice at the age of 15, becoming a manager at Pal’s at 17, and staying with them for 13 years.

The Fried Alligator has been bringing the New Orleans cuisine people crave to the tricities at their Kingsport location and their new food truck. The Fried Alligator serves only the freshest of seafood, including alligator, oysters, catfish, scallops, shrimp, crawfish, and even shark! “This is home. My family is from right here. I've traveled to numerous cities, and nothing beats our region" Mr. Compton says, "At The Fried Alligator we pride ourselves on having the best food within 200 miles, and the best Cajun food this side of the Mississippi!”

When you're sitting at home, and you're wondering what dinner will be, don't be shocked when you find a quiet whisper filling the air around you saying "jambalaya…beignets….Po' boys…fried gator….catfish….crawfish….” Listen to what the wind is trying to tell you and head to The Fried Alligator. Nothing but the best and tastiest delights await you there.

Greeneville's Favorite Wedding Venue

In the heart of Historic Downtown Greeneville rests the General Morgan Inn, one of the most beautiful aesthetic gems of East Tennessee, second only to the enchanting mountainous views.

The hotel was first a simple, wooden structure in the 1790's known as the De Woody Tavern. Graduating from De Woody Tavern to Bell Tavern, to Lane House, the General Morgan Inn finally got its lasting namesake from General John Hunt Morgan were his last moments were spent.

Stories of the past are etched into the soul of the old hotel that has serviced weary travelers to active vacationers since 1882. But the downtown district in which the General Morgan Inn lies sports a plethora of history and wondrous relics. Main Street supports some privately owned businesses with that Southern "Mom and Pop" charm. Any leisurely shopping trip can also become a site-seeing adventure as one wonders the streets of Downtown Greeneville, passing sites like the historic library, the old courthouse, the Capitol Theatre, the Andrew Johnson Home, and even a church with a Civil War cannonball embedded in its outer wall!

The General Morgan Inn proudly stands hand-in-hand with the small businesses up and down Main Street as well as the famous Niswonger Performing Arts Center. The small community has worked together for generations to become one of East Tennessee’s most alluring places to visit.

With the hotel's exquisite grand ballroom and its romantic garden terrace

with an enthralling sun-kissed view of Downtown, the General Morgan Inn has long been revered as Greeneville's favorite wedding venue. On-site catering and event-planning in coordination with the many options for everything a bride need to make the hotel a perfect one-stop contact for that special day.

But not only is the hotel equipped with party and wedding space and utilities, but it is also a perfect place to have lunch or dinner for anyone from a family outing to a corporate meeting. Brumley’s Restaurant and bar inside the hotel hold three dining rooms, one of which can be used for private dining and meetings, excluding the lobby's private boardroom as well. The restaurant's award-winning cuisine and wine list allow for any citizen to experience an elegant atmosphere full of art deco themes with a modern flare while enjoying a delicious and exceptional meal to fill your soul and your appetite!

The General Morgan Inn is honored to have visitors in the area as well as from well out of town and pledges to continue to be one of Greeneville’s favorite rest stops and vacation spots for generations to come. For more information, please visit GeneralMorganInn.com or call (423) 787-1000.

theloaferonline.com | February 7, 2017

General Morgan Inn

29

Eat Good Feel Good

theloaferonline.com | February 7, 2017

Hayworth Tire & Auto Service

30

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 accurate 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 areas. 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.

The Horror Returns in 2017

Horror at Industrial Park's inaugural season admittedly had a few bumps according to owner Mark Hendrix. "It was a growing experience for us, but as a whole, we feel our first year far exceeded our expectations."

Horror at Industrial Park is the tri-cities newest Halloween haunt focusing on a thematic, story-centered experience rather than a traditional haunt. "We wanted to create a horror experience for our customers rather than the typical jumpscare walk through, and we feel like we built a solid foundation to improve upon next year and learned many valuable lessons along the way," said owner Mark Hendrix. "We'll be working all year in our down time to improve upon what we started.

We'll be adding more screams & upping the intensity and hopefully expanding in year two. We want each visitor to take the fear home with them, not just leave it at the exit. That's our end game." Visit Horror at Industrial Park this September and October for more scares in season two and follow them on Facebook for updates.

theloaferonline.com | February 7, 2017

Horror at Industrial Park

31

We Love to Create

theloaferonline.com | February 7, 2017

Ink-a-zoid

32

When it comes time for your first or next tattoo, there are numerous places in the area to consider, but few have as much artistic talent behind them as Ink-a-zoid in Kingsport, TN. Opened in 2011 by Scott Compton, Ink-a-zoid was a way for Scott to further his artistic endeavors. Scott has always been an artist. In the early 1990s, he worked as a freelancer for numerous publications such as Marvel, DC, Lighting Comics, Walt Disney, and much more.

Scott’s background is as big as his personality. Classically trained as a painter and sculptor—with a masters degree in fine arts—Scott decided to take his talents to the tattoo industry, working in numerous shops before opening Ink-azoid. Ink-a-zoid now has three resident artists, Scott Compton, Mark Comer, and Paul Sensabaugh—Mark having 30 years of experience, and Paul eight. Also, they are proud to announce that Darby Pain is now piercing at Ink-a-zoid, bringing 15 years of experience. Darby is one of the most well-known, recognized, and respected piercing specialists in the country.

Ink-a-zoid strives to be the best tattoo parlor around. No attitudes, n so negativity. Just fantastic tattoos and piercings are done in a fun, friendly environment that is 100% certified by the Tennessee Department of Health. But they do more than just tattoos. They also have a complete graphics studio capable of everything from copies, logo designs, and even vehicle wraps. "We are all crazy good artists here, and we love to create. We're not limited to what we can do"— Scott Compton.

theloaferonline.com | February 7, 2017

105 Years and Still Going Strong

Johnson City Community Theatre

It’s 2017 and Johnson City Community 33 Theatre is starting its 105th season standing strong and ready to rock. With a season designed to delight theatre patrons from all walks of life, the launch of a new partnership with Barter Youth Theatre, and the annual Rocky Horror Show fundraiser in October, this is the just beginning of what is sure to be an epic year at JCCT.

Starting the 105th season is the Off-Broadway musical sensation I LOVE YOU, BECAUSE directed by Daniel Harr. Set in New York City, this love story that twists on Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, follows a young, uptight greeting card writer’s life that is changed when he meets a flighty photographer. Add in eccentric friends and siblings, their tumultuous relationship teaches them both how to learn to love each other not in spite of their faults, but because of them.

I LOVE YOU, BECAUSE opens Thursday, Feb. 9 and runs through Feb. 18. Show times are Feb. 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18 at 8 p.m., and Feb. 12 at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are $18 for general admission, $15 for students, seniors, and military. Tickets may be purchased by going to www.jcct.info or by calling the box office at 423-926-2542.

Coming up next is the hilarious British comedy See How They Run, directed by JCCT President Scott Elliott. The title, which comes from the nursery rhyme “Three Blind Mice,” is an accurate description of this intensely comedic farce. Audiences should prepare for mistaken identities, doors, vicars, and to leave the theatre truly exhausted from laughing.

In July, the jukebox musical hit All Shook Up directed by JCCT Lifetime Member Sharon Salyers will be rocking audiences.

A take off Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night but set to the music of Elvis Presley, All Shook Up follows a small town girl who falls in love with a motorcycle-riding stud with the help (and sometimes hindrance) of their friends and family.

Another new addition to the JCCT family is the new partnership with Barter Youth Academy, who will be offering classes once a week through the spring for children ages K-12th grade at the theatre. Classes start Feb. 14 and will end with a Demo Night for each class in April at JCCT. For more information, or to register, please visit www.bartertheatre.com.

Other shows to look for this season include Little Shop of Horrors and The Rocky Horror Show, with a few more surprises hidden up their sleeves for the year, so be sure to “stay tuned.”

Additional information for all shows will be announced on the Facebook page and www.jcct.info.

For 2017, JCCT is making giving back to Johnson City and local theatre patrons a top priority with workshops, classes and one-night only events happening throughout the year. JCCT holds open meetings on the second Sunday of every month at 6:00 p.m., and all are encouraged to attend, give feedback, voice opinions, and help JCCT continue to grow. For more information on shows, auditions, volunteering, sponsoring, or donating, please visit www.jcct.info or call 423-926-2542.

theloaferonline.com | February 7, 2017

34

Johnny Brusco's New York Style Pizza

Several years ago Bristol Native Chuck Richani was living and working in Atlanta, having lunch at this favorite pizza spot, Johnny’s New York Style Pizza.

As Richani looked over the menu, he noticed “For franchise opportunities call…” printed on the back of the menu. Knowing there was nothing like Johnny’s in his hometown region, Mr. Richani began putting together a business plan and work to bring it all to life.

Johnny Brusco’s has been giving Tri-Cities dwellers the finest in New York Style pizza, subs, pasta, and other tasty bites since opening the first location in Johnson City in May of 2004. Mr. Richani graduated from ETSU in 1986 with a degree in Computer and Information Sciences. Despite the technical path being his initial plan, he wasn't a stranger to the restaurant world; his parents were restauranteurs. Before opening, Johnny Brusco’s Mr. Richani’s only familiarity knew how hard the work was.

"I don't think people know what it takes to run a restaurant," Mr. Richani says, “When I opened the store in Johnson City, I worked fourteen hours a day, seven days a week for almost a year straight. There were a few times when someone would close for me so I could get home early—8:30 PM. For the couple of hours I had to myself, it felt like a vacation.” All that hard work paid off, and soon additional locations opened in both Kingsport and Bristol. “It’s a passion of mine for people to leave the restaurant stating it was the best pizza they ever had. I think if you get into the restaurant business for the money, the chances of failure double. Satisfied customers are the best reward."

Mr. Richani plans to bring more of Johnny Brusco’s NY pizza to other locations, with an eye towards the Knoxville market.

When you need that thin foldable, NY style pizza, call or drop into your nearby Johnny Brusco’s New York Style Pizza!

The Camaraderie of Brewers

Over the past year JRH Brewing has had the pleasure of working with other local craft breweries in the area; from collaboration beers to the interstate beer trail known as the Brewly Noted Beer Trail. The willingness of all brewers to share ideas and offer assistance is why it is one of the best industries.

The definition of collaboration is “the action of working with someone to produce or create something.” When it comes to beers, JRH feels like partnerships really create something "special." All over the globe, you will find breweries coming together to offer their patrons something above and beyond! It's what sets the Brewing Industry apart. Other industries have rigorous competition between companies, and while competition exists in the brewing world as well, it is on a much different level. Everyone strives to master their craft but can still congratulate and enjoy their competitors' brews.

The competition amongst breweries is to produce good beer, which in the end, is good for everyone. Because after all, we all love good beer! So as for now, let’s leave the competition for the festivals and the beer judges of the world. As brewers and brewery owners, they know that we are stronger together than individually. As a consumer, enjoy the local libations they have to offer and spread the love!

theloaferonline.com | February 7, 2017

JRH Brewing

35

theloaferonline.com | February 7, 2017

36

Kingsport Carousel Memberships available now

Are you one of our frequent visitors to the Kingsport Carousel? Have you ever thought about a membership to the carousel? You may purchase an either an Individual or a Family Membership to the carousel.

• Individual Membership: Allows the member to come by the carousel Wednesday through Sunday to pick up 1 (one) token a day to be used at a visit of their choice. Price is $75 for the year. That means you could get 260 rides for the price of $75!

• Family Membership: Allows the member to come by the carousel Wednesday through Sunday and receive 4 (four) tokens a day to be used whenever the member would like. Price is $150 for the2017 calendar year.

With this membership, you could get 1,040 rides for the price of $150!!

The carousel now has birthday party packages available!

Package A: Wednesday through Sunday • Price: $100 Includes: • UNLIMITED rides on carousel during rental time • Access to Party Room (accommodates up to 20 people including parents, kids, friends) • 1(one) 8ft Table •12 chairs Package B: Wednesday through Sunday • Price: $200 Includes: • UNLIMITED rides on the carousel during the event •Access to our Party Room •Access to 50Ft hallway for table and chair setup •Use of onsite tables and chairs during event •You MAY have access to your site 30 minutes prior to RIDING TIME to setup for an additional $50 and/or 30 minutes after RIDING TIME, to takedown for an additional $50 to the $200.

For specific times and availability, please contact 423-392-8418.

69 Years of Continuous & Quality Aervice Kingsport Theatre Guild (KTG) takes pride in celebrating 69 years of continuous and quality service to Kingsport and surrounding communities. All KTG: Mainstage shows have two school show offerings. KTG is partnering with Barter Theatre to present the Barter Youth Academy three times a year. This allows KTG's young actors access to professional training which they then bring back to KTG's stage. KTG offers an After-School program for at-risk middle and high school students. These students would typically walk home from school to an empty house.

Kingsport Theatre Guild (KTG) is headed by a part-time Executive Director (ED), Tina Hite Radtke, who holds a B.S. in Theatre and Photography and an M. Ed. in K-12 Theatre. The Executive Director is governed by a volunteer board of directors. The Executive Board meets quarterly, and the full board meets periodically to monitor and provide input concerning current and future operations and projects. KTG's ED also serves as production manager during live productions.

Artistic directors and volunteers report to the Executive Director.

The mission of KTG is to foster family friendly, live theater performances and related activities.

This season offers a variety of genres through its show selection, with the intent of pulling in a wide range of interested audience members. KTG: Downtown has the additional goal of drawing regular patrons into the growing downtown area of Kingsport. Professional, artistic directors are contracted for each production, ensuring the quality of shows. Youth productions feature large casts to accommodate new actors and families with multiple siblings.

KTG Mainstage, administrative office, costume shop, scene shop and classrooms are located at the Renaissance Arts Center & Theatre. This is a city-owned, multi-use facility that houses various arts and cultural non-profit organizations. KTG's auditions, rehearsals, and productions take place in the center's 340-seat theater.

KTG: Mainstage 2016-2017 season: August - High School Musical, September - The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, October - Evening with Edgar Allen Poe, December - Believe! & Follow the Star, February - Diary of a Wallflower, March - Oklahoma!, May - Little Women.

KTG: Downtown 2016-2017 season: September - Look to the Stars (2015 KTG Playwriting Competition winner), November - Sorry Wrong Number, January - Driving Miss Daisy, February -

Crimes of the Heart, April - Importance of Being Earnest.

KTG also hosts a professional Film Camp each summer and a Playwriting Competition which ties in with the local summer festival, Fun Fest.

Open calls for Artistic Directors are publicized in the newspaper, on radio, e-newsletters, KTG website and public postings. Potential contractors submit resumes to KTG for the position of Artistic Director.

This year, the ED has created several volunteer teams to help execute productions. These teams are led by a House Manager, Box Office Manager, and a Head Costumer. Together, the ED and these leads are in the process of creating training manuals for each area and building the teams to a larger capacity. These leads are responsible for organizing, scheduling and overseeing all the volunteers in their respective areas.

KTG's film camp is coordinated and taught by Dustin Street (owner/producer Big Small Town Studios) and his professional production crew.

This year, KTG invested in a program called "Sunday Stories" in conjunction with the local newspaper. KTG receives four full-page, front-page articles during the year, as well as a fullcolor ad in the paper every week for the year, which can be changed weekly to promote shows, auditions or other events.

Through a partnership with the Kingsport Office of Cultural Arts and its EngageKingsport.com website, KTG's reach expanded exponentially by listing productions, auditions and other events on the monthly calendar run by the city office and accessible by anyone.

Kingsport Area Transit System (KATS) has a stop located at the Renaissance Arts Center & Theatre where KTG is housed. Production dates and times are made available to KATS participants and posted inside the vehicles.

KTG engages in partnerships with Title 1 schools and community groups such as Boys & Girls Club, Girl Scouts, and Kingsport Housing Authority to provide theater performances and workshops.

In FY16, KTG's average attendance for the run of a show is 520.

theloaferonline.com | February 7, 2017

Kingsport Theatre Guild

37

Spotlight

theloaferonline.com | February 7, 2017

38

Acoustic Coffeehouse

- WEDNESDAY - Feb. 8th -

Blue Mother Tupelo Studio Brew

Double Shott

Country Club Bar & Grill

Jim Lord

The Harvest Table The Willow Tree Coffeehouse & Music Room

The Ledgerwoods

Wolf Hills Brewing

Gaelynn Lea

Acoustic Coffeehouse

- THURSDAY - Feb. 9th -

Joe Williams / Swingin Hammers Acoustic Coffeehouse

- SATURDAY - Feb. 11th -

Chris Long

Model City Tap House

Acoustifried

O’Mainnin’s Pub

Ryan Ward

O’Mainnin’s Pub

Nostalgia Duo

Rock’s Wood Fired Pizza & Grill

Marshall Ballew

Bone Fire Smokehouse

Cameron Tate

Acoustic Coffeehouse

The Diamonds

Blackbird Bakery

- FRIDAY - Feb. 10th -

Shooter

Elizabethton Elks Lodge

Borderline Band

Rush Street

Acoustic Reaction

Holston River Brewing Company

Lord Nelson

The Willow Tree Coffeehouse & Music Room

Beth Snapp

Renaissance Arts Center & Theatre

Black Plague

Capone’s

JB5nDime

Phoebe Hunt & The Gatherers

Birthplace of Country Music Museum

Shades of Refinement

Elizabethton VFW

Chris Jones & The Night Drivers

Live Music

Bone Fire Smokehouse

Open Mic

- SATURDAY - Feb. 11th -

- FRIDAY - Feb. 10th -

- TUESDAY - Feb. 7th -

Mad Dog / Nathan Leigh

If you or your band are playing in the upcoming week and would like to be in The Spotlight, call in advance to (423) 283-4324 or go online to: theloaferonline.com. Due to last minute cancellations or changes, please call the location to confirm.

Down Home

Sundown Band

Willoughby Ruritan

Railway Express Kingsport Eagles

Double Shott

Country Club Bar & Grill

Appalachian Trail Bluegrass Band Carter Family Fold

The Green Fingers w/ special guest Love Unit and US, IF

Bone Fire Smokehouse

The Low Counts

CJ’s Sports Bar

Marcus Boyd Band

Acoustic Coffeehouse

Nerve Endings / Indighost / Hectoring Secret Bleeders

O’Mainnin’s Pub

Capone’s

Sleepy Owl Brewery Holston River Brewing Company

The Hideaway

The Old Regulars Woodstone Deli

Jessica Reno & Southern Ride

Honey Badgers Suthern Boyz Breadfoot

Rusty Steel w/ Quarter Bounce The Diamonds

Rock’s Wood Fired Pizza & Grill

- SUNDAY - Feb. 12th -

tarset

Rio’s Grill & Sports Bar

Capone’s

Southern Breeze

Singer/Songwriter Night

The Silver Spur

Borderline Band

Studio Brew

Ashley Heath w/ Hannah Kaminer

Rush Street

The Willow Tree Coffeehouse & Music Room

Shooter

Bill & The Belles

Jericho Temple

Paul Lee Kupfer

The Willow Tree Coffeehouse & Music Room

Bone Fire Smokehouse

Jason Keiser Music

Acoustic Coffeehouse

Before The Storm

Yee Haw Brewing Company

- MONDAY - Feb. 13th -

Open Mic

Jiggy Ray’s Pizzeria

Nightshift Band

David Thompson’s Produce

Acoustic Coffeehouse

Fred Eaglesmith

Southern Countrymen Band

Rock’s Wood Fired Pizza & Grill

Down Home

Bristol Music Show Palace

Sundown Band

Nightshift Band

Kingsport YMCA

David Thompson’s Produce

Open Mic

for show time & more details, visit

theloaferonline.com

Elizabethton Elks Lodge 1000 N. Sycamore St Elizabethton 423-543-2341

Barter Theatre 127 W. Main St. Abingdon, VA

The Hideaway 235 E. Main St Johnson City 423-926-3896

Birthplace of County Music Museum 520 Birthplace of Country Music Way Bristol 423-573-1927 Blackbird Bakery 56 Piedmont Ave. Bristol VA 276- 645-5754 Bone Fire Smokehouse at the Hardware 260 W Main St Abingdon Va 276-623-0037 Bristol Station Brews & Taproom 41 Piedmont Ave Bristol VA 276-608-1220 Capone’s 227 E Main St Johnson City 423-928-2295 CJ’S Sports Bar 516 Morelock St. Kingsport 423-390-1361 Country Club Bar & Grill 3080 W State St Bristol 423-844-0400 David Thompson’s Produce 251 Highway 107 Jonesborough 423-913-8123

KARAOKE

Down Home 300 W. Main St. Johnson City 423-929-9822

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

Rio’s Sports Bar & Grill 70 Harlan St. Greeneville TN Rock’s Wood Fired Pizza & Grill 3119 Bristol Hwy. Johnson City 423-262-0444 Rush Street 1229 E Stone Dr Kingsport 423-247-3184 Sleepy Owl Brewery 151 E. Main St. Kingsport 423-390-8476 Studio Brew 221 Moore Street Bristol VA 423-360-3258

Kingsport Eagles 926 E. Stone Dr. Kingsport

Tulips American Grub & Pub 3002 E. Oakland Ave. Johnson City 423-232-0868

Kingsport Renaissance Center 1200 E Center St Kingsport 423-392-8415

VFW Post #4933 830 Minga Road, Boone Dam 423-323-9243

Kingsport YMCA 1840 Meadowview Parkway Kingsport Model City Tap House 324 E Market St. Kingsport O’Mainnin’s Pub 712 State St Bristol 423-844-0049 Paramount Center for the Arts 516 State St. Bristol TN 423-274-8920 Rainbow Asian Cuisine 2412 N. Roan St. Johnson City 423-232-6688

TUESDAY Karaoke w/ Sean at Dawg House Tavern Karaoke At Numan’s - Johnson City TN *********************** WEDNESDAY Karaoke w/ Southern Sounds Karaoke at American Legion 8pm Karaoke w/ DJ Marquez & Open Mic Entertainment at Holston River Brewing Company Karaoke at VFW Post #4933 Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at Smokey Bones - Johnson City TN Turn the Page Karaoke At VFW Post 2108 - Johnson City TN *********************** THURSDAY Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at Macado’s - Kingsport Karaoke w/ Open Mic Entertainment at Tulips American Grub & Pub Karaoke At Numan’s - Johnson City TN Karaoke at Jiggy Rays Pizzaria ***********************

Wellington’s Restaurant Carnegie Hotel 1216 W State of Franklin Rd Johnson City • 423-979-6400 Wild Wing Café 71 Wilson Avenue Johnson City TN 423-461-0071 Willoughby Ruritan 5145 Marvin Rd Bulls Gap VA The Willow Tree Coffeehouse & Music Room 216 E Main St Johnson City Wolf Hills Brewing Company 350 Park St. SE Abingdon VA 276-451-5470

FRIDAY Karaoke w/ Southern Sounds Karaoke at Sportsman’s Bar & Grill 9pm Karaoke at Kingsport Moose Lodge Karaoke w/ Reverb Karaoke at The Cottage 8:30 pm Turn the Page Karaoke at VFW Post 2108 - Johnson City TN Karaoke at CJ’s Sports Bar Karaoke At Elizabethton VFW - Elizabethton TN Karaoke w/ DJ Marques At Holiday Inn (Exit 7) - Bristol VA Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at Moe’s Original BBQ Karaoke At Numan’s - Johnson City TN *********************** SATURDAY Karaoke at The Horseshoe Lounge Karaoke at Kingsport Moose Lodge Turn the Page Karaoke at VFW Post 2108 - Johnson City TN Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment At Macado’s - Kingsport Karaoke At Numan’s - Johnson City TN ***********************

39 theloaferonline.com | February 7, 2017

SPOTLIGHT DIRECTORY

Acoustic Coffeehouse 415 W Walnut St. Johnson City 423-434-9872

theloaferonline.com | February 7, 2017

40

Death of NASA Heroes AlwaysOvercome The 50-year anniversary of the first fatal tragedy in the American space program helps focus us on the positive that has come out of it all: a technological revolution.

Stargazer

By Mark Marquette since 1996 stargazermarq@ gmail.com

Coincidentally, the two other space disasters in the U.S. manned space program all occur in the same, darkest week of NASA. There is so much in our 21st Century that we owe to the 1960s Space Race between the U.S. and U.S.S.R. This spawned the Moon rivalry, won by America and then abandoned for the Earth-orbiting Space Shuttle. Today, China says they are determined to return humans to the Moon: America, Russia and Japan are also making vague plans.

Now after six decades as a space-faring civilization, the handful of space disasters by both America were quickly overcome and have resulted in an incredible safety record during the 10-year construction and 15 year of continuous occupancy of the orbiting International Space Station (ISS).

Russia, too, has had its share of fatal setbacks. It also quickly recovered from two deadly missions in the early days of their three-man Soyuz spaceship. The SUV-sized capsule has gone through three generations of upgrades over 50 years of operation. And the Soyuz-MS is the only spaceship available in 2017 to ferry astronauts to the ISS. NASA is developing their 4-6 person Orion spaceship, which looks like the Apollo capsule. It is 3-5 years away from launch. Also trying to develop manned spacecraft in the next five years are Space X and its ship called Dragon; Orbital Science with Cygnus; and Blue Origin’s New Shepard. All are 5-10 years from becoming a reality, fraught with the unique dangers of space travel.

The space disasters of the old Soviet Union cost them the Moon Race when their gigantic rocket booster, called the N-1, blew up three times, once on the launch pad—killing dozens of their top rocket scientists. This was Top Secret stuff in the 1960s, known only by Department of Defense spy satellite imagery and sensors.

The incredible disasters, and many details of the Soviet space program, were not confirmed to the public until the 1990s—30 years later. That’s when cosmonauts and astronauts began training together for the Shuttle/Mir Space station missions in Houston and Moscow. And, well, people everywhere talk!

The two fatal space disasters of the U.S.S.R. occurred in the early days of their Soyuz spacecraft, each accident providing a brutal lesson in the dangers of conquering the unforgiving outer space environment.

The three American space fatalities and two Russian ones all occurred in Earth atmosphere: • Apollo 1 had a flash fire inside the spacecraft that claimed the lives of Gus Grissom, Ed White and Roger Chaffee while rehearsing on the launch pad on Jan. 27, 1967. A spark in the pure oxygen atmosphere ignited combustibles, suffocating the astronauts struggling to open the complicated hatch. The Apollo module inside was completely redesigned and proved reliable as 15 were flown on successful missions.

• Soyuz 1 was cussed at as the “Devil Ship” by its lone cosmonaut, Vladimir Komarov, as he knew the orbiting spacecraft was at the wrong angle and in peril during reentry. Break downs in major spacecraft systems doomed the maiden voyage of the spacecraft from the start. Komarov, the first person to fly in space twice (Voskhod 1) had openly criticized the flight worthiness of his spaceship. His ashes are interred in the Kremlin Wall.

• Soyuz 11 ended with the death of three cosmonauts when a valve cracked opened one-sixteenth of an inch during reentry, caused by a pyro blast of separating modules. Quietly asphyxiated as air escaped were Georgy Dobrovalsky, Vladislav Volkov and Viktor Patsayev. That was June 30, 1971. They had just spent a month on the world’s first space station,Salyut 1.

• Challenger and the entire Space Shuttle system were destroyed just 70 seconds into launch when the right side solid rocket booster sprung a leak, the hot fire ripping through the segmented section and then crashing into the Orbiter and the huge, orange External Fuel tank. Seven American astronauts died in front of a television audience that mid-morning of Jan. 28, 1986. Forever remembered across the country in the names of streets, schools and science centers: Dick Scobee, Smith, Ellison Onizuka, Ron McNair, Gregory

Jarvis, Judy Resnick and teacher-in-space, Christa McAuliffe.

• Columbia, the flagship of the Space Shuttle fleet, was destroyed the 28th time it reentered from a successful mission on Feb. 1, 2003. A hole in its left wing ripped the spaceship apart at 30,000 mph and 7 miles above Texas. Like Salyut 11, the seven astronauts performed flawlessly in a 16-day science mission aboard a Space Lab in the cargo bay. Columbia’s hole was punched by a suitcase-sized chunk of insulation foam on the outside of the orange, External Tank, filled hydrogen and oxygen fuel, -200 F. degrees below zero. The threefoot hole went undetected, and the astronauts died, not know knowing what happened or why. They were: Rick Husband, Willie McCool, Michael Anderson, Kalpana Chawla, David Brown, Laurel Clark, and Ilan Ramon, Israel’s first spaceman.

Those are the 21 astronaut/cosmonaut pioneers who died, all because of human errors in their spaceship.

But there are a dozen or more who have been killed while on active spaceflight status, including seven NASA astronauts killed in flying accidents or car crashes.

The most famous of those are the prime crew of Gemini 9, Elliott See and Charles Bassett. On Feb. 28, 1966, they were flying a T-38 jet front-seat, backseat and landing during a storm at the air strip at the St. Louis aerospace factory constructing their spaceship. The jet clipped the very building at the McDonnell plant manufacturing the Gemini 9 and 10 spaceships, and the astronauts were killed in the crash.

Watching in horror from another astronaut T-38 taxi behind them were back-up crew Tom Stafford and Gene Cernan. They carried out the Gemini 9 mission in June 1966.

World hero and first man in space Yuri Gagarin was also killed in a training jet crash when his MiG-15 washed-out in a tail spin caused by another passing jet.

That’s according to Soviet space hero Alexi Leonov, the first spacewalker, who had a close call on his historic 1965 mission.

Close calls were the growing pains of exploring the unknowns of outer space.

There were plenty that were certainly underplayed by NASA, and all Russian mishaps were swept under the rug by the Soviets.

The Apollo 13 rescue in April 1970—just before the three astronauts ran out of air and energy needs!—was a small miracle.

Another lucky break was the ability of Neil Armstrong to stop the once per second, end-over-end tumble of 4-ton Gemini 8 (caused by a stuck thruster) just seconds before he and mission-mate David Scott passed out from the centrifugal force.

Scott Carpenter’s Mercury spacecraft overshot by 250-miles its Pacific Ocean target after a 3-orbit, 5 hour flight. His whereabouts went unknown for about an hour, and he waited three hours in a lifeboat next to his floating spaceship until rescued by ship.

The USSR widely exaggerated their space successes, and lied about their failures.

Many unmanned tests of their moonship, Zond, were referred to as “Cosmos” missions; the name the Russians gave most of their satellites regardless of their purpose to confuse the Western space watchers.

In the early decades of the 21st Century, China has begun an anticipated dominance of Earth orbit by making calculated steps in building small space stations and testing the abilities of their spaceships and “taikonauts.”

Meanwhile, America, Russia, Europe and Japan are winding down the commitments of their two-decade cooperation, the $200 billion International Space Station. Each space-faring nation wants to go their own way.

Humans in outer space are serious business. After six decades of manned exploration, we are lucky that the only fatalities have occurred during the blast off and the fiery reentry.

Nobody has been left for dead in space or the Moon. Not yet. But as we push outward off Earth into the space frontier, fatalities are inevitable.

Let’s put that off as long as possible.

The Bristol Astronomy Club is attempting to revitalize its membership this year and welcomes all novices to bring their telescopes to meetings for hands-on, free instruction. The Friday, Feb. 10, 7 pm meeting at the King University’s Burke Observatory will have telescope instruction and a program on space museums. The public is invited to the free program.

Bristol Astronomy Club, in its 53rd year, usually meets the second Friday of the month. And with the Great American Solar Eclipse on Aug. 21st, BAC is your source for safely observing this once-in-a-lifetime event.

Tuesday, Feb. 7

The Moon does its dance across our winter skies, reaching full phase on Friday night/Saturday morning. This week our closest celestial neighbor moves through the constellations Gemini tonight, Cancer on Wednesday, and Leo on Thursday through Saturday The gibbous Moon ends the week in Virgo the Virgin.

Wednesday, Feb. 8

Even under this week’s moonlight, the constellation Orion is still magnificent. The two stars in his legs are supergiants—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 another supergiant, 1,300 Light Years distant.

Thursday, Feb. 9

Red star Betelgeuse, the left shoulder star of Orion, is 310 Light Years away, a bloated, old star that is one of the largest “supergiants”—filling the orbit of Mars if placed in our Solar System. Bellatrix, the other shoulder star, is a blue giant 360 Light Years away.

Friday, Feb. 10

The Bristol Astronomy Club meets tonight at 7 pm at the Burke Observatory on the campus of King University. Visitors are welcome to the free program.

Saturday, Feb. 11 At 5:30 am, the pre-dawn sky is spectacular as the summer constellations are on display. Scorpius is rising directly south with its heart being the red star Antares. High over the south skies are bright yellow Jupiter, with the bright white star Spica below in the constellation Virgo the Virgin.

Sunday, Feb. 12

Gemini, with Pollux to the left and Castor above his brother. Pollux is one of the closest stars to Earth, only 36 Light Years away. Castor, 45 Light Years away, is an amazing star with five other stars orbiting it—two easily seen in a telescope.

Monday, Feb. 13

The evenings have the continuing conjunction of Venus and Mars, now moving into the twilight. By mid-March, they will both the gone, passing near the Sun and into the morning sky.

41 theloaferonline.com | February 7, 2017

THIS WEEK

SKIES

Celestial events in the skies for the week of Feb. 7th - 13th 2017, as compiled for The Loafer by Mark D. Marquette.

theloaferonline.com | February 7, 2017

42

Legg Motor Co.

Industry Veterans Establish Dealership on Bristol Highway

Great Deals on Great Vehicles

Brothers Chris and Shane Legg opened the Legg Motor Company on the Bristol Highway in Piney Flats a little over a year ago; they are keeping a family tradition alive and well.

The brother’s grandfather opened the original Legg Motors in 1954 and followed that with the Legg Ford Dealership in Norton, VA for twenty years. Chris and Shane's father began Legg Auto Sales in their native Big Stone Gap, VA in 1974. Well-grounded in the automobile industry, Chris and Shane have been working in the Tri-Cities area since 1999.

Shane has a background of 15 years as a Finance Director for two dealerships, and Chris has spent many years as an Internet Manager and Used Car Manager. The family moved to Blountville in 2015. The Legg Brothers are proud to carry on the family tradition in the TriCities. “Coming from a small town like Big Stone Gap, we can appreciate the hometown feeling that comes with this area, along with the restaurants and attractions that we love," Shane says.

Buying and selling used cars with a dedication towards customer service, Legg Motor Company carries on a proud family tradition. Look them up on Facebook or their website (www.leggmotorcompany.com) to see comments from happy customers as well as many pictures of their current stock.

One of their particular, customer-centric services is their Car Finder. The guys are experts at finding individual vehicles for their customers. Simply give them a call or use the website to specify what car you are looking to find. They will dive right in and find that vehicle and then give you a call to come over and take a look.

Although Legg Motor Company handles all types of vehicles, they currently have a focus and matching inventory, on Jeeps, Tundras and other quality pick-up trucks as well as some smart looking Mustangs. Give them a call or stop by to find that perfect vehicle!

The timing was unique because many women were being forced out of the United States workforce as soldiers returned home from World War II. Mrs. Marsh held tight to her vision and worked to make it a reality for the remainder of her career.

Her efforts were successful, and the Marsh Regional Blood Center began to grow and meet the continually increasing need for blood and blood products.

Today we realize the success of Marsh remains largely thanks to local donors made up of friends, neighbors, and relatives.

It is because of the generosity of the people in this area that the vision of one person has now grown for 70 years and is the only locally-based blood supplier for 17 hospitals and four cancer centers spread throughout the region.

“Lois Marsh was an incredible woman, and we consider ourselves very fortunate to continue working to keep the blood supply for this region locally-based and ready to go every time it is needed. We serve anyone who needs blood and blood products to live thanks to our donors,” Marsh Director Don Campbell says. “That commitment to the people of our region is evident in our list of partner facilities. We want everyone to continue to feel confident that, when they enter a facility served by Marsh Regional Blood Center, the lifesaving blood they need will be there without question.”

To celebrate the 70th anniversary, Marsh is holding special promotions throughout the year to say thank you to donors.

One primary source of blood donations is the growing number of regional high schools which hold blood drives. Marsh holds a golf tournament in April each year to raise funds for scholarships which are given to local students. In 2016, Marsh awarded $19,000 in scholarship funds for these efforts. In another move to increase awareness, Marsh is placing the blood center logo on the entrance doors to all of the facilities they serve. Marsh wants patients and families to walk into hospitals served by the blood center and know the supply is safe and dependable.

Marsh provides over 30-thousand units of blood to the region each year, holds over 700 mobile collection drives annually throughout the region and partners with countless organizations in the community to hold regular drives at their facilities. Marsh facilities are located in Kingsport, Johnson City and Bristol for donor convenience. For more information about Marsh or blood donation, please call 423-408-7500 or visit www.marshblood.com. Donors can also connect at www. facebook.com/MarshBlood and @Marsh_Blood on Twitter.

43 theloaferonline.com | February 7, 2017

Celebrating 70 Years of Saving Local Lives

Marsh Regional Blood Center

In 1947 Lois Marsh had a vision. She wanted to create a locally-based blood bank which could serve the needs of residents.

theloaferonline.com | February 7, 2017

44

Mary B. Martin Accessible Arts

Martin School at ETSU keeps it exciting, eclectic, affordable.

The Mary B. Martin 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. Martin School of the Arts has offered eight 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. We've learned more about history, about cultures and ourselves."

The Mary B. Martin School of the Arts’ spring 2017 season includes viol music of the 17th century, classical guitar, the beloved Mountain Stage with Larry Groce – featuring the Claire Lynch Band – two stunning one-man theatre performances, several exhibitions and talks by visual artists, as well as the unique South Arts series of independent films with Q&As with the filmmakers.

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.

All of this is made possible because of a generous gift by James C. Martin. The Mary B. Martin School of the Arts was established in 2009 following this generous gift to East Tennessee State University from “Jim” Martin in memory of his late wife. A lifelong

resident of Johnson City, Mary B. Martin 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.

“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 a significant presence in our area,” DeAngelis says.

The Martins’ influence on the arts has indeed been felt regionwide, 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 with students and community with artists and bring a yearly collection of varied arts experience 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 the arts areas, on campus and off," DeAngelis says. "ETSU arts facility, students, and programs have provided the broader community with significant arts events over the years, and we often struggled 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 more information about Mary B. Martin School of the Arts, call 423-439-TKTS (8587) or visit www.etsu.edu/martin.

Paint & Party

When it comes to what to do in the area, there are many options of the same old same old available. All perfectly good, but if you’re looking for something unique and different, Masterpiece Mixers—should be on your radar.

Since 2014 Elizabeth Greenwell has been giving area residents a place to express their artistic side no matter if they’re five years old or ninety-five years old. "We make art fun," Greenwell says, "Our motto is "It's fun art, not fine art."

Most people that come to the studio have never picked up a paint brush in their life, and they leave with a masterpiece.”

Masterpiece Mixers hosts birthday parties, girls night outs, date nights, corporate events, private parties, and fundraisers. Masterpiece Mixers also offer open classes usually on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. They even have been painting off sight at venues like JRH Brewery, ETSU, and Bishop’s Art and Framing. Full schedules and classes can be found online at www. masterpiecemixersjc.com or www.mmbristol.com. Greenwell is to open another location in Bristol in February 2017, at 1250 Volunteer Parkway. Adult classes and sessions also offer a BYOB option.

"We take pride in what we do. I like to call it cheap therapy. For most people, they consider it relaxing." Greenwell also is proud of having gone to schools and even bringing school groups in on field trips. “Art is lost in schools and my favorite part of it all is to see children's faces light up when they created something they just didn't think was possible.” With passion and dedication to art for all, Masterpiece Mixers is a unique option for a relaxing evening with friends or loved ones.

theloaferonline.com | February 7, 2017

Masterpiece Mixers

45

theloaferonline.com | February 7, 2017

46

SEDUCTION My Way

With Valentine’s Day next week many are starting to make plans for what they will do with their lover. Lately I’ve been getting numerous tweets asking me “Andy, you’re a well known stud muffin, what can I do to make Valentine’s Day most memorable?” Since I have much to say on this topic, I thought I’d take time this week and share my advice for a most special February 14th.

Batteries Not Included

By Andy Ross aross@ theloaferonline.com

Now you may have read that last paragraph and thought to yourself “Andy, I have no lover, why did you write something useless for me!?”

Don’t worry friend, I got you. If you need a pick up a line to score the date of your dreams, simply get up the courage to walk up the one you’ve been dreaming about, take a deep breath, and tell them the following. “Hey, do you wanna fall over a cliff in love with me? ‘Cause I’m the yodeling guy from Price is Right and you just incorrectly guessed the price of a toaster oven.” Never fails.

Now comes the task of picking the right restaurant for the date. At this late time, finding a restaurant that isn’t booked may be tricky. It could, after all, be more impressive if you prepare a meal for your date yourself. Grocery stores are always open and stocked. You don’t even have to go all out, a simple meal of Chicken Parmesan at home will be appreciated. Should you go this route make sure your home is clean and has a good seductive aroma. I recommend frying an entire pound of bacon before the sun goes down. Nothing says torrid love like the smell of crisp bacon.

House thoroughly baconized, you should have meal prep just underway as your date arrives. Your date should be greeted with a lite appetizer. When they arrive immediately greet them with a soft senusality, and lead them over to a bubbling pot of fondue with a whole loaf of fresh bread. Nothing says bristling eroticism like ripping apart fresh bread with your bare animal hands, then dipping it into hot cheese.

As you serve the meal you’ve so lovingly prepared, whisper sweet nothings into the ear of your lover. My favorite is to lean in close and say “I’d like to take you to a beautiful weekend in Waco, Texas.” With your stomachs and hearts full of cheese, Chicken Parm, and romance, comes the time for the closer of the meal. You serve dessert, and it’s a most rich and sensious dark chocolate moose.

As the opening to "When Doves Cry" swelled in the air around him, Clark had an epiphany. Shelton fired up his trusty auto and cruised around Downtown Kingsport. Spotting a vacant building, Clark called his son Will—a recent graduate from UT, who had been managing a craft beer establishment in Knoxville—and said, "It's time."

Opened in August of last year, Model City TapHouse is the home of cold craft beers and steamed deli sammies. Model City TapHouse features twenty taps of Craft Beers with a local and regional focus, rotated weekly. Their sandwich menu includes tasteful meats, cheeses and fresh produce with “sammies” made as you order. Several specialty sandwiches are featured including the Kitchen Sync, the Reuben, a Turkey Cuban, an Italian Sammie and the Deli Special. The TapHouse even offers catering and will customize your large orders— with pick-up and delivery available.

Live music is featured on Thursdays with some of the best area talents, though it's currently unknown if anyone has performed "Raspberry Beret" yet. Team Trivia is there on Monday nights, and they often have Tap Takeover events highlighting beers from a featured brewery. You can find plenty of activities to entertain you including board games, card games, darts and corn hole and even Nintendo 64. Also, four TV's are always on for you to watch the latest sporting events including the Vols and the Bucs.

Model City TapHouse is open six days a week with hours Monday-Thursday: 11am-10 pm, Friday: 11:00 AM -12:00 AM and Saturday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM. A dream realized in downtown Kingsport, scored to the music of Prince.

theloaferonline.com | February 7, 2017

20 Taps of Craft Beer & Sammies!

Model City Tap House

Sitting in his car one night, listening to 47 the "Purple Rain" soundtrack, Shelton Clark was pondering his future. Nearing retirement from the Insurance world, Clark was wondering what a second career to keep him occupied could be.

Monkee's

theloaferonline.com | February 7, 2017

48

Look and Feel Bbeautiful

Monkee's of Johnson City is an upscale ladies boutique that features designer clothing, shoes, handbags, jewelry and giftable.

Established in 1995 in Wilmington, NC, and headquartered in Winston-Salem, NC, Monkee's was built on a love for fashion and grown through a focus on personal customer relationships. The franchised boutique is based in North Carolina, and also has locations (each individually owned and operated) in South Carolina, Virginia, Ohio, Texas, Kentucky, Alabama, Florida, and Tennessee.

Johnson City is the only Tennessee location.

The Monkee's brand has become synonymous with personalized customer service and cuttingedge designer fashion. Shopping at Monkee's has never been about the sale; it's about helping a friend feel and look beautiful. The goal of the owner and staff at Monkee's is to make each person walking in the boutique feel welcome and extraordinary. They want each customer's shopping experience to be fun and enjoyable with no pressure to purchase, and they'll always give an honest opinion!

There is a misconception that boutiques are only for the very thin and wealthy, but that's not true at Monkee's. This chic boutique carries clothing that is age-appropriate for girls in their teens to women in their 80s. There are styles to fit sizes 00-16. And while Monkee's does sell upscale designer lines, they also offer lines with prices starting at under $20 for jewelry and under $50 for clothing.

Some of the lines featured in Monkee's of Johnson City include Frye boots, Jack Rogers sandals (for ladies and babies!), BCBG, Free people, Kate Spade, Trina Turk, Tolani, DL1961 denim, Rebecca Minkoff, Hammitt handbags, and much more! Monkee's was recently chosen by Reese Witherspoon herself to be the first boutique in the country to carry her new fashion and accessory line Draper James! Monkee's also sells vintage Louis Vuitton (handbags) and Chanel (handbags and jewelry).

Monkee's of Johnson City is located at 2515 North Roan Street in the Peerless Centre (two doors

down from Talbot's). They are currently receiving new spring styles, arriving almost daily! Styles range from ultra casual clothing and sandals to cocktail dresses and dressy heels.

Please follow @monkeesofjohnsoncity on Facebook and Instagram to see their posts of new arrivals, promotions, and sales. The staff is ready to help you with all your personal fashion and gift-giving needs. Gift cards are also available, and they offer free gift-wrapping!

SPLIT

theloaferonline.com | February 7, 2017

49

Director M. Night Shyamalan sure has a spotty record with it concerns his films. For every hit ("The Sixth Sense") the director has, there seems to be a flop ("The Village").

Pop Life

By Ken Silvers ksilvers@ theloaferonline.com

So how does the director fare with his latest effort "Split"? Well is you can shake the horrible memory of "After Earth" from your mind, I recommend giving his latest effort a chance. "Split" is a psychological horror film featuring James McAboy in the lead role, or should I say roles. You see, McAboy's character Kevin Wendell Crumb suffers from an extreme case of dissociative identity disorder, a mental disorder previously known as multiple personal disorder. Kevin has 23 personalities, several of which come to light during the film. Kevin's dominate personality, "Barry", has frequent appointments with Dr. Karen Fletcher (Betty Buckley), his psychiatrist, who believes his psychological unbalance can actually cause physiological changes.

The story begins by introducing us to three teenagers, of which I will only mention one, as the other two are basically "every teens". The most interesting of the trio of teens is Casey (Anya Taylor-Joy), an outsider who has a sordid back story. One day while out with one of the teens dads, the trio are kidnapped by "Dennis", one of Kevin's personalities, and taken to a mysterious location where they are locked up. While the girls are attempting to devise a way to attack their captor, they meet several of Kevin's other personalities, including "Patricia" and "Hedwig", a personality claiming to be a nine-year-old boy. As if that isn't enough, "Hedwig" informs the girls they are to sacrificed to "The Beast", which would be a 24th personality.

While the girls continue to devise a way to escape, Dr. Fletcher is so alarmed by the number of emails she has received from "Barry", she rushes to Kevin's residence. When Dr. Fletcher

arrives, matters really take a nose-dive when she discovers the girls being held by Kevin. The movie ends with several surprises, including the expected Shyamalan "twist" that directly relates to one of his earlier films.

This film was extremely intense, and the performance of McAvoy totally saves the film from being merely average. The actor is totally creepy in the film, and his performance is one that will not soon be forgotten. As for Taylor-Joy, she is equally on target with her heartfelt performance as the misunderstood and tragic Casey. This film is disturbing and thrilling, and plants Shyamalan back in the winners column. Save for one scene where McAvoy goes a tad bit over-the-top, the film succeeds on every level. For fans of psychological thrillers, "Split" is your chance to catch a winner at your local theater.

(Rated PG-13) ***1/2 (out of 4)

Arachnophobia The Casual Word

By Langley Shazor Follow Langley at TheCasualWord

Ulterior

No matter which one is speaking

Having concealed

They both converse at high decibels

Or alternative motives

So we can pretend that your words

Plans that are slightly separate

Can be acted upon

From their outward appearance

Without substance

Underhanded

Empty promises

Intentionally hidden

Leave empty hopes and destroyed dreams

From the eyes of those

Weaving half truths

For which they were intended

In full webs of deception

theloaferonline.com | February 7, 2017

50

Mortgage Investors Group Your Local Tri-Cities Lender

There’s an expanse of property around where my grandparents live. In the warmer months, I like to walk around it and think to myself what I would do if it were mine. I don't know who owns it, maybe no one does, and it's a magical wonderland for thought and contemplation.

It's such a beautiful place. One day I was walking around the land, thinking that if I had a house on it, I would throw a fancy hat party—where mine would be the grandest of all—when suddenly in my daydream wandering I walked smack dab into a "For Sale" sign.

Sensing beautiful opportunity in front of me, I called Jeremy Livesay of Mortgage Investors Group in Johnson City, TN. Since 2002, Mr. Livesay, a graduate of ETSU, has been working as a mortgage consultant. He wanted a career connected to Real Estate, after taking a few finance classes. He knew the field of mortgage work was the one he wanted to be in. With a focus on service, communication, and product knowledge, Mr. Livesay and Mortgage Investors Group seeks to be the lender of choice for all in the Tri-Cities.

“I love working with the public; I'm able to see all walks of life." Mr. Livesays says, "I get to meet new people every day, and if you sit down with them and listen to their stories, it’s fascinating to hear about all of the different journeys in life people have made. The individuals in this area are for the most part very kind and generous. Some people take that for granted around here.” I haven’t regretted calling Mr. Livesay. I’ve since bought that land, built a home, and had my fancy hat party. Only in the end mine wasn’t the grandest of all, that honor went to my fiancé, Sheila.

Used Books, Music & More 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. 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 is 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, audiobooks, 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 next love interest 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 an extensive 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’ll be 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.”

theloaferonline.com | February 7, 2017

Mr. K's

51

THE GREENEVILLE TAILOR

On the outskirts of downtown Greeneville, Tennessee, sits a small, isolated hill overlooking the town of fifteen thousand people. Marble gravestones extend down its slopes, while the crest is adorned with an obelisk reaching towards the sky. High atop it, an eagle with wings outspread clutches Old Glory, its gaze fixated eastward over the valley and on the distant Bald Mountains rising beyond. It’s here on this peaceful knoll that one of the nation’s most controversial presidents lies in final repose.

Appalachian Wanderers

By Jason & Daniel Worley jdworley@ theloaferonline.com

High on Monument Hill you will find President Johnson's final resting place, with the American flag wrapped around him and his head resting on the Constitution of the United States as he wished.

theloaferonline.com | February 7, 2017

52

Andrew Johnson National Cemetery is one of four sites spread throughout the town which together form the Andrew Johnson National Historic Site.

This national park seeks to tell the life story of this extraordinary man while also preserving a plethora of artifacts which belonged to him. Beginning his early years as an apprentice and later the city’s resident tailor, Andrew Johnson advanced from his lowly roots through the state’s political system to finally become President Lincoln’s right hand man. When Lincoln was assassinated shortly after his reelection, the task of rebuilding the country fell on Johnson’s shoulders. He bears the rather unpleasant distinction of being the first president to be impeached by Congress.

Arriving at the park, the first stop should be the visitor center, located just a block of Main Street.

Here visitors can get directions and watch a short fifteen-minute film which gives a great overview of President Johnson’s life, and specifically, what led to his impeachment hearing. A walkthrough museum holds several personal items that belonged to the president and his wife Eliza, and provides a much more in-depth look at the events of his presidency.

Here also visitors will find his original log tailor shop, housed inside a large brick building built in the early 1900’s to protect the historic structure.

Kids can have fun dressing up in period costumes, while adults view the details of the recreated shop inside. A suit made by Johnson himself is a highlight of this portion of the museum. Before leaving the visitor center, don’t forget to pick up your tickets for the guided walkthrough of the Andrew Johnson Homestead. Kids might also want to pick up a Junior Ranger booklet; this allows children to participate in several activities throughout their park visit to receive a Junior Ranger badge from the visitor center.

Directly across the street and next to the parking area sits Andrew Johnson’s Early Home. This was the first residence he purchased when he arrived in

Tennessee after leaving his childhood home in North Carolina. The restored building provides exhibits on the president’s early life, following his career from apprentice, to tailor, to mayor of Greeneville, and beyond. It also touches on the more sobering topic of slavery, covering the lives of several of Johnson’s personal slaves he owned.

Two blocks away sits the Andrew Johnson Homestead. This brick home was purchased later on after Johnson had become successful through his career. Even after he left the presidency, he returned to this property to live out the remainder of his life in the community he loved. The inside has been extensively restored and is furnished with authentic belongings and period pieces.

Due to the value of the collection, guests are only allowed to visit with a ranger in guided groups of no more than twelve. Five tours are offered daily, and guests must pick up a ticket at the visitor center desk. It’s recommended that you call ahead, because larger groups may fill up the tours quickly.

Unfortunately, we were unable to visit this portion of the park on our last visit due to a staff shortage, but we plan to return soon as it is the highlight of the entire park experience.

To conclude a park visit requires visitors to make a short drive to Monument Hill. Here at the Andrew Johnson National Cemetery lie the Johnson Family plot. This place was special to Johnson because he liked to sit here and meditate while looking at the Appalachian peaks rising in the distance, and so he bought it 1852. Much later in 1906 the family gave up possession of the site so that it could become a national cemetery. Today, it is only one of two cemeteries under the jurisdiction of the National Park Service which is still active. Before you leave, pause to meditate and enjoy the views of Cherokee National Forest in the distance, as Johnson himself did so long ago.

Directions: From Johnson City, take U.S.-11E S/US-321 S/W 27 miles to Greeneville. Turn left onto North Main Street, and after 1.1 miles turn left onto East Church Street. In 400 feet turn right onto North College Street, and the visitor center parking lot will be on the right. For information on the park, visit www.nps.gov/anjo.

Today, the school is a comprehensive community college with five campuses, 150 academic programs, and more than 7,500 enrolled students. Below are a few highlights from the year: • Northeast State was named as a new Tennessee service provider for adult education services. The College is one of eight service providers announced by the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development (TDLWD) to coordinate adult education programs in each of the state's 95 counties. The College was awarded a $798,000 grant to oversee the delivery of the program. The College now serves TDLWD District 1 which includes Carter, Greene, Hancock, Hawkins, Johnson, Sullivan, Unicoi, and Washington counties.

• Victoria Hewlett, the College’s 2016 outstanding student, was accepted to Yale University and currently attends there on an academic scholarship. A high school dropout, Hewlett enrolled in Northeast State in 2013 and quickly excelled in academic and leadership roles. She is enrolled in the university's Ethics, Politics, and Economics program.

• Northeast State at Elizabethton celebrated two decades as a higher education fixture in Carter County with the campus’s 20-year anniversary this. The campus celebrated the anniversary throughout the year in conjunction with the College’s celebration of its 50th anniversary.

• Rising country performer Courtney Cole performed at the WRCPA Theater in April to raise awareness of educational opportunities for U.S. veterans in Northeast Tennessee.

The concert was sponsored by Northeast State and the CMT Network.

• Northeast State’s Advanced Technologies Division announced the addition of a new associate of applied science degree program in Aviation Maintenance Technology.

Created through a partnership with the Bell Helicopter aeronautics company, the Aviation Technology program seeks to fill the demand for aeronautic mechanics in the regional and national workforce.

• Hundreds of people attended Northeast State's 50th-anniversary Homecoming event on Sept. 29 with a free concert from The Breakfast Club and the Grammy-nominated band Fastball. The day opened with former College presidents Drs. Wade Powers, James Owen, Bill Locke, and Janice Gilliam reflecting on the growth of the College and

53

their years of service at Northeast State. The homecoming and concert also celebrated the Northeast State Foundation’s annual Because of You Campaign (BOYC) week, designed to allow the College’s clubs and organizations to raise funds for scholarships, programs, and projects.

• The National Science Foundation awarded Northeast State a $190,000 grant to recruit high school students and prepare them for careers in cyber security. The two-year project will combine technical, entrepreneurial, and soft skills training to produce wellround professionals who can not only solve technological issues but also work well with individuals and teams to identify and fix problems.

• The College’s Police Department was the first community college police department in the state to be granted accreditation status by the Tennessee Law Enforcement Accreditation (TLEA) Program. To achieve accreditation with TLEA, an agency voluntarily submits to a process of enhancing the agency’s professionalism and effectiveness using more than 160 law enforcement standards and participating in a thorough on-site assessment.

• Northeast State’s Regional Center for Advanced Manufacturing (RCAM) held a groundbreaking ceremony for a new 15,000 square-foot expansion. The expansion adds workforce development capacity adjacent to the existing 26,000 square-foot facilities. The extra space will provide for expanded content delivery for both credit and continuing education The Grammy-nominated band Fastball performing at NE State’s programs.

50th Anniversary homecoming.

theloaferonline.com | February 7, 2017

Northeast State Celebrated its 50th Anniversary in 2016

Northeast State

Northeast State wrapped up 2016 after a yearlong celebration of its 50th anniversary.

The school opened for classes in 1966 with two buildings, six programs, and 35 students.

theloaferonline.com | February 7, 2017

54

Off The Grid Mountain Adventures

Thanks to you our customers, now our friends, Off the Grid Mountain Adventures Is now 5 * Rated *****Trip Advisor, Facebook, Google, and Yelp Off the Grid Mountain Adventures was established last year right here in Elizabethton TN on 76 acres. Monie McCoury and his wife Janice wanted to bring a new and exciting venture to our area. They succeeded with one of the longest, fastest and highest zip lines in the country at 3,000 feet long, 300 feet above the canyon floor and reaching speeds of up to 60 mph; they provide an ATV ride to the tip top of the mountain to get things started.

The goal was not to be like any other zip line; Off the Grid has one of the country's best zip lines and they give their customers the very best value at $39.00 per person. If you search zip lining, you will see most companies charge $79 and up per person - with no super zip. Off the Grid gives you a 3,000-footer, and oh, by the way, it’s a dual zip line so you can race family and friends. So far, our youngest zipper is 15 months old, and our oldest is 90! Fun for all ages!

Off the Grid features other attractions with different levels of adrenalin like our Gravity Defying giant swing; once harnessed you step up onto the platform where the guides securely hook you up. Then you sit on a padded seat as you’re slowly hoisted 50 feet up in the air; it’s all up to

you to pull the release and, for a second, know what it’s like to be weightless, swinging 50 mph in a 100-foot pendulum.

Wanting more adrenalin? Take the leap of faith. This is from our 60-foot tower; our guides hooks the quick jump device to your harness. Now you walk the plank and just step off, free falling 20 + feet before the quick jump kicks in and lowers you an additional 30 feet safely to the ground where one of our guides will be waiting for you. What a rush!

Another first for Off the Grid is their nighttime Backlight zip line tours. These were a huge success last year, so we are bringing it back this summer, Friday and Saturday nights starting at 9:00 pm; reservations required for this tour.

NOW, to keep you in suspense, they are adding another adventure this year - just not letting it out of the bag yet! Just one more reason why Off the Grid has been voted the #1 thing to do on TripAdvisor.com.

A final note from Monie; we are humbled by the welcoming community and each and every customer that has supported us. It is our goal to exceed your expectations, always treating you like family! Visit us.

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 vinegar 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 set 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 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 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 the 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 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 is fun for us to open our doors each day to wait and see who the Lord will send through it that day!"

55 theloaferonline.com | February 7, 2017

Olive Oil Divine Gourmet Olives, Spices, Pastas & More

Olive Oil Divine was conceived in the summer of 2014 and in January 2015, was found to be independent of any franchisor, nor is it associated with any contracted corporate supplier like many other olive oil & vinegar stores is.

theloaferonline.com | February 7, 2017

56

Peer-less

Unequaled; unmatched!

For decades, Peerless Restaurant in Johnson City, has been the premiere dining destination in 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.

Peerless is not just a surf and turf house, their menu also offers small plates and casual fare from their signature steakhouse burgers, to chicken and pasta dishes all handcrafted by their chefs. Peerless is the modern steakhouse, using the best local and fresh ingredients for today's dining crowd. For the cocktail connoisseur, Peerless offers a unique selection of signature, hand-crafted cocktails—in addition to all your old favorites. They also have an excellent wine selection as well, keeping stocked with fifty bottles of a variety of wine, served by the bottle or by the glass. Perfect for the wine lover.

Peerless offers additional services too, all occasion catering, banquets, and private rooms for meetings, parties, or family dining. Banquet and private rooms can suit all party sizes as well with seating for 6-200 people. They will take care of you, whether it is a corporate dinner, wedding rehearsal dinner, family gathering or any other party or event.

Attention to every detail. Professional service and staff. Quality chef-driven food. All of these qualities encompass the strong family philosophy that the Kalogeros family has operated Peerless with, the philosophy that Peerless is famous for. The Peerless team is dedicated to delivering 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 Peerless is and has been the go-to restaurant for generations of families from the Tri-cities, since 1938.

KEITHTHE LESTER INTERVIEW When you or someone you love needs blood, time is of the essence and if it isn’t available they might not live. That supply is maintained by people who dedicate their lives to make sure inventory levels are maintained, quality is monitored and lives are saved. You want someone you can count on to maintain the precision and intensity needed to monitor it all 24/7. My friend Keith is that guy. You can set your clock by him and I want you to have the same peace of mind I do because you know the watchman on the wall. Meet Keith, he’s good people.

Mountain Movers

By Brian Bishop bbishop@ theloaferonline.com

BRIAN: I mean this with all do kindness, you aint from here. Will you tell folks a little about where you grew up and how it shaped you as a person?

KEITH: I grew up in Gary, WV – a small coal mining town in the southern part of the state. It was a thriving area when the mines were working. There was a strong sense of community – you knew your neighbors and, for that matter, most of the people around town. People looked out for each other.

Technology in the 60’s and 70’s wasn’t what it is now, so most of my time growing up was spent with my twin brother and all of the other neighborhood kids playing ball, riding bikes, and anything else we could get into without getting into trouble! I think being raised in such a community-minded town has a definite effect on how you look at things later in life.

BRIAN: Family is an important factor for you as it is for everybody around this region. Why do you make that drive to Knoxville every weekend instead of just taking it easy around the house?

KEITH: I mentioned my twin brother….he lives and works in Knoxville. Our mother (and stepfather until his passing) lived with him for about 12 years now, so he’s been there for family. There have been times in the past when I allowed life to get in the way…I don’t want that to happen now.

Plus, there’s a bond between twins that’s hard to explain. We have a lot in common, as you can imagine, so it’s fun hanging out and doing things that we both enjoy.

BRIAN: I reference “this region” quite a bit. You could take a job anywhere in the country you wanted, but you choose to stay here.

What about this place and these people makes you want to live here?

KEITH: I love this area! In a way, Kingsport reminds me of the town I grew up in. It’s a great community with hard-working, down to earth people. I like the small town feel, yet there’s a lot to do here. As for the people…I don’t think you can find better folks anywhere. Friends here are like family. That’s quality you just don’t find in other places.

BRIAN: I know you and we have had long conversations about this topic. Why is your faith so important to you? And how does it affect your daily choices and decisions?

KEITH: I was almost 35 years old when I accepted Christ. Until that time, I thought I had things pretty well under control, but that wasn’t the case. We can’t do this on our own. I fall short every day, and I have a LONG way to go, but I have a hope and assurance now that I didn’t have before. As for choices and decisions, I still make my share of wrong ones. Faith doesn’t make you perfect. I just have to strive to do better today than yesterday, and better tomorrow than today.

The reward of eternal life with Christ is worth it.

BRIAN: Your work with inventory might sound less important than it is to some people who don’t understand what you do. How do you explain the importance to those who ask and how can they educate themselves more?

KEITH: Managing inventory in a Blood Bank is a bit more complicated than it sounds.

Without getting too technical, there are different blood products with different blood types that have to be distributed between multiple hospitals and cancer centers. Blood products have limited shelf lives too, so they have to be rotated constantly. Occasionally, there are needs for special blood products that we don’t have in our inventory, so those must be sourced from a network of qualified blood banks outside of our region.

It really is a 24/7/365 operation. I work with a team of professionals that makes it appear easy, but you can be sure that a tremendous amount of work went into making sure that blood was available when someone needed it. Of course, none of this happens without volunteer blood donations. The best way to become educated is to participate.

We’ve talked a bit about community. Chances are good that the blood you donate will help someone you know. It’s a great feeling.

theloaferonline.com | February 7, 2017

57

The Quest for Perfect BBQ

Phil's Dream Pit theloaferonline.com | February 7, 2017

58

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 the drought when it comes to finding a BBQ joint.

Now, this puts someone owning a ‘Q joint in an exciting 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 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 prepared 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 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.”

They specialize in prompt and professional heat pump repair and service. With thousands of installations and “Gold Plated” service repairs that include both residential and commercial systems such as some of the following companies: Kingsport Press, Heritage Federal Bank, Moe’s Restaurants, Eastman Credit Union, Armed Forces Center, various Churches, Taylor Properties, Taylor Brands, including Schrade Knives & Smith and Wesson, just to name a few.

They take pride in ourselves with a Better Business Bureau rating of an A+. To achieve and retain this rating you must have no complaints from your customers. Your home is your Castle. They treat it like that.

They always implement the “Golden Rule” in every process They use. That being, treat others as you would want to be treated. This is where our slogan shines above others. “Where Quality Still Counts.”

They are Quality Heat and Aire, and they are here to help with the heating and cooling systems in your home or office. More than three decades of industry experience have proven that they’ve got the skills and experience to get the job done right. As members of the Air Conditioning Contractors of America and the Better Business Bureau, you can rest assured that they provide the highest standard of services available. So, whether you need a whole new system, a repair to your old system, ductwork installation or indoor air quality equipment, Quality Heat & Aire is the contractor for you.

There was a man who passed rigorous standards for the HVAC Industry and helped the Coleman Factory install one of the first heating and air conditioning systems in East Tennessee. That man was my father, Floyd Brown, Sr. Shortly after this major accomplishment, my dad came to work at Johnson Hilliard Inc. in Kingsport, TN. As they say - Like Father like Son. “He taught me the HVAC trade. My father is a very smart man and shared with me the best way to master the heating and air conditioning trade, along with numerous trade secrets. His experience, knowledge and work ethic earned him a place among the top companies in the region” says Sonny Brown.

For that Gold Plated Service they are known for, give Sonny Brown at Quality Heat & Aire a call 423-246-6833.

59 theloaferonline.com | February 7, 2017

Where Quality Still Counts

Quality Heat & Aire

Quality Heat & Aire is one of the most trusted and respected heating & air conditioning contractors in Kingsport, Tennessee.

Fine Wines and Choice Spirits

theloaferonline.com | February 7, 2017

Sam's Package Store

60

A Kingsport business owner has purchased and rehabilitated a local landmark, and the makeover is lifting "Spirits"!

Sam's Package Store on East Stone Drive is one of the oldest liquor permits in the city, but after 50+ years in business, the building was faded and dated. Now the store has a completely remodeled interior to enhance the shopping experience and hundreds of new and exciting products. One thing that has remained unchanged is the commitment to excellent customer service. Now that a bottle of wine can be procured at any grocery or big box store, Sam's has endeavored to offer a carefully selected assortment of exclusive and highly rated wines in addition to the brands you already love. The staff is knowledgeable and passionate about matching shoppers with the perfect bottle, whether it's for an event, wedding, or quiet evening at home. Sam’s Package prices their wines at the legal minimum markup for Tennessee, so customers can save the most money whichever day is most convenient for them.

Located in the heart of Kingsport's retail and restaurant district, Sam's Package Store is a great place to pick up a gift.

In addition to wine and liquor, they stock home bar accessories and supplies, glassware, and mixers. They also are expanding their beer selection to include more local and seasonal craft favorites. On Friday evenings, you can enjoy tastings that frequently feature industry experts and local distillers. Recent tastings have featured Hook and Ladder Distillery, Tennessee Legend Distillery, and Tennessee Mellowmoon Distillery. Check out their Facebook page and Instagram for more information.

Have Fun ... Look Beautiful

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

You'd quickly find people trying to compare your buoyancy to that of churches or tiny 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 eyelash extensions with Xtreme Lashes™, the premier lash extension system (or both!), Sherrie steps in where nature left off to give you an 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 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 assure you of the most beautiful, professionally applied lash extensions available anywhere. We all deserve to have fun and to look amazing. Sher Extensions 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!

theloaferonline.com | February 7, 2017

Sher Extensions

61

theloaferonline.com | February 7, 2017

62

Smoky Mtn. Divers Learn to Scuba Dive!

Since 1980 Smoky Mountain Divers has been your one-stop, full-service PADI Recreational and Technical Dive Facility. Smoky Mountain Divers offers a variety of training, regardless of your diving interest.

Now in a new larger, and more convenient location, a quarter mile North of the intersection of Highway 75(Airport Rd.) and Hwy 36 in Gray, TN. 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 experience scuba diving in the comfort 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 "Sea Hunt" or maybe 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!" Smoky Mountain Divers now has a local site for open water certifications and fun dives, The Gray Quarry (Only 5 minutes from the dive shop). They will still be traveling to the Florida Springs, Caribbean, and Bonaire as they have for many years. In fact, they have a trip planned to Bonaire the third week in June 2017. If you are interested call Barry at the shop or go to smokymountaindivers.com.

Your Hometown Lawyer

The Law Office of Stephanie A. Sherwood has been serving the Tri-Cities and beyond for the past eight years. Stephanie will travel to any county in the State of Tennessee to advocate for you.

Her office specializes in criminal defense, divorce, and estate planning.

Whatever your legal needs, she and her staff can take care of you or find the right person to represent you in your particular case. Stephanie is known for providing personal, hands-on client care and for passionately fighting for her clients in the courtroom. Experiencing divorce, custody conflicts, criminal charges, or planning for the distribution of your property after your death all bring exhausting emotional challenges.

Stephanie will be there every step of the way to listen, advise, and fight for you.

Stephanie is a native of Johnson City and a 1996 graduate of University High School. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Theatre Studies from Emerson College in Boston in 1999 and went on to pursue a career in acting, directing, and teaching. In 2005 she continued her education at New England Law of Boston, earning a Juris Doctor in 2008. Missing her mountain home, Stephanie sat for the Tennessee Bar Exam and opened her practice in Johnson City that same year.

Stephanie became a Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 31 listed mediator in January of 2016. In recent years, mediation has become an indispensable tool for resolving legal disputes with less expense to the parties and more control over the outcome than a traditional trial.

Resolving cases as quickly and efficiently as possible is always our goal.

In addition to working as an advocate and mediator by day, Stephanie has kept close her love for the theater. Since returning to the TriCities, she has appeared in numerous productions at the Blue Moon Dinner Theatre, formerly in Downtown Johnson City. In 2015, she founded Shakespeare in Founders Park, soon to be an official nonprofit organization known as Shakespeare in Johnson City. The local troupe of all volunteers made their debut in September of 2015 to rave reviews with an outdoor production of Twelfth Night, followed by 2016's The Winter’s Tale. Stephanie produced and directed both plays.

Shakespeare in Johnson City will be back for a 3rd season in April of this year with the Tragedy of Macbeth. It's a free show and picnics, and lawn chairs are encouraged. Eventually, the organization would like to expand into educational programming and productions for young people. The sky is the limit!

Whether arguing a case before a judge in the courtroom or entertaining hundreds from the stage, Stephanie does not hold back.

Her commitment to her clients and her community is inexhaustible and heartfelt.

“And do as adversaries do in law,

Strive mightily, but eat and drink as friends.”

The Taming of the Shrew, William Shakespeare

theloaferonline.com | February 7, 2017

Stephanie A. Sherwood

63

theloaferonline.com | February 7, 2017

64

Summit Insurance Group

For over a decade Summit Insurance Group has been providing businesses of all sizes access to the best possible risk management tools available.

First opened in Bristol in 2005, Summit Insurance Group now has offices in Bristol, Johnson City, Kingsport, and Knoxville. Summit team members come from a variety of backgrounds, including safety, construction management, manufacturing, finance, and underwriting. This diversity of backgrounds allows Summit to help their clients design the best possible risk management and insurance strategies to fit their needs.

Summit takes pride being centered in the Tri-Cities region, which has a wealth of resources for local businesses. The local Chambers of Commerce, universities, and municipal governments provide great support to businesses of all types and sizes. The Tri-Cities is very supportive of local businesses and committed to helping them succeed. A great environment to grow a business with affordable office space, a quality workforce, and convenient location to connect with the surrounding region.

Summit Insurance Group is proud of the resources and value that their staff can provide to their clients. Summit see themselves as advisors first and focus on building strategic relationships that allow our clients to structure insurance and risk management programs to fit their specific business needs. As part of the Summit family of companies, Summit Insurance Group can partner with the other Summit companies to provide a full range of business services, including Human Resources, Business Management, Strategic Planning, and Financial Management.

Results Matter. Sylvan Delivers

As students near the end of the school year, they and their parents can become anxious, like a contestant on The Price is Right desperately waiting to see $1.00 come around on the big wheel.

For parents looking to help their child end the year strong, Sylvan Learning located in Kingsport and Johnson City are offering a Spring Academic Checkup for students at a special price of $49 for a limited time. Typically a $99 assessment, the Spring Academic Checkup provides valuable insight on how a student is doing in school and how they compare to national norms. This innovative assessment is designed to uncover how each child does on skills aligned to Common Core and other state standards in math, reading and language arts and gives parents the information they need to put an action plan in place to help their child finish the academic year on a high note.

"This point in the school year is a great time to schedule a Spring Academic Checkup for your student and make sure they are on the right path heading into the final weeks of school, " said Leanna Blevins of Sylvan Learning Centers located in Kingsport & Johnson City. "Each assessment only takes 1.0-1.5 hours to complete, and we can share the results with parents the same day. If parents want a personal learning plan that addresses the best course of action to get their student the help he or she needs, we can provide that as well."

For additional information on Sylvan Learning or the Spring Academic Checkup, please contact Leanna Blevins of Sylvan Learning located in Kingsport at 423-239-9215, slc1017@ earthlink.net; or, Rachel Moon of Sylvan Learning located in Johnson City at 423-2834480, sylvan1012@aol.com. You may also visit http://www.SylvanLearning.com for more information. With more than 35 years of experience and more than 800 locations throughout North America, Sylvan Learning is the leading provider of personal learning for students in grades K-12. As the leader in supplemental education, Sylvan is transforming how students learn, inspiring them to succeed in school and life. The company was founded in 1979 and is headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland.

theloaferonline.com | February 7, 2017

Sylvan Learning

65

theloaferonline.com | February 7, 2017

66

Theatre Bristol Theatre Bristol Announces 2017 Season

Mark your calendars for performances, auditions, and other ways to get involved in your community theater!

Theatre Bristol is pleased to present it's 2017 Season, featuring a year of favorites, including the spectacular "Disney's Beauty and the Beast" directed

by Glenn Patterson at the Paramount Center for the Arts this summer.

Theatre Bristol's 52nd Season kicks off with a special collaboration between Theatre Bristol and River's Way directed by Dottie Havlik. Performances for this show, “Three Times Three,” will be February 25 at 10:30 am and 5:30 pm.

Tickets are available at the door at the ARTspace, 506 State Street.

A timely spring production of "The Adventures of Peter Rabbit and His Friends" follows, directed by Laura O'Bryan. Public performances at the ARTspace are March 24, 25, 26, 31, April 1 & 2, at 7:30 pm on Fridays, at 10:30 am and 5:30 pm on Saturdays, and at 2:30 pm on Sundays. Schools interested in performances may contact info@theatrebristol.org.

In June, Theatre Bristol will present “Disney's Beauty and the Beast” at the Paramount Center for the Arts. Auditions for Disney's Beauty and the Beast will be March 4, 5, 6, 11 & 12 at Theatre Bristol, 512 State Street, Bristol, TN. Performances will be June 16, 17, 18, 23, 24, & 25. Times and additional important details are available at www.theatrebristol/audition.

In the fall, "Tom Sawyer" takes us on an adventure at the Theatre Bristol ARTspace. Auditions for this production will be announced at www. theatrebristol/audition. In time for the holidays, Theatre Bristol musical favorite "Annie" returns to the Paramount Center for the Arts stage and Junie B. Jones makes her Theatre Bristol debut in "Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells." Please follow Theatre Bristol's site and Facebook page for audition announcements and performance dates for both of these shows.

The 52nd Season will also include the annual Youth Service Board production, The Importance of Being Earnest," and Theatre Bristol's favorite summer camp, July 17-21, for children ages kindergarten through sixth grades.

Theatre Bristol is currently welcoming Show and Season sponsors and souvenir program advertising for the 52nd Season. Please contact info@ TheatreBristol.org or 423-212-3625 for more information.

Those interested working backstage as part of the production team and stage crew are welcome to come to any of the audition dates and discuss their interest and skill. This invitation includes those interested in the orchestra, costuming, set design and construction, lighting, sound, stage management, props, publicity, and many other roles. All roles are a volunteer, as there is no paid staff. No experience is necessary for crew work, though welcome.

Contributions to Theatre Bristol may be made to support its mission to offer skills and opportunities to children that increase their self-confidence, as well as to provide an outlet for a live performance by community members for audiences throughout the region. The vision is that all children experience the unique benefits of live performance and that no child be turned away from opportunities for learning, whether through workshops or attending a show.

Theatre Bristol is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, a Great Nonprofits 2016 Top Nonprofit, and a Gold-level Guidestar organization.

Founded in 1965, Theatre Bristol is the oldest continually running children's theater in northeast Tennessee. Its season consists of five to seven productions. Performances take place in the ARTspace, a multi-purpose, black box theater which seats up to 120, or at the Paramount Center for the Arts. Theatre Bristol is a volunteer-operated organization, and we invite you to get involved.

For more information, visit the Theatre Bristol’s website or Facebook page, contact Theatre Bristol at 423-212-3625, or email info@theatrebristol.org.

Theatre Bristol’s production of ANNIE: Book by THOMAS MEEHAN, Music

by CHARLES STROUSE, Lyrics by MARTIN CHARNIN, Original Broadway Production Directed by MARTIN CHARNIN, Based on "Little Orphan Annie"®,

By Permission of Tribune Content Agency, LLC The Theatre Bristol production of Disney's BEAUTY AND THE BEAST: Music

Theatre Bristol Announces 2017 Season Featuring Disney's Beauty and the Beast, Annie, Peter Rabbit, Tom Sawyer, and Junie B. and More

by Alan Menken, Lyrics by Howard Ashman & Tim Rice, Book by Linda Woolverton, Originally Directed by Robert Jess Roth, and Originally Produced by Disney Theatrical Productions

ANNIE and DISNEY’S BEAUTY AND THE BEAST are presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also provided by MTI. www.MTIShows.com

The Pioneer Experience

The Pioneer Experience is INNOVATIVE. Tusculum College provides students with learning opportunities that encourage forward thinking and intellectual growth Engagement is the real difference in a Tusculum education. Tusculum knows that there is more to becoming a successful individual than what happens inside the classroom.

Last year, Tusculum had over 2,500 community-wide participants in service-oriented activities. Tusculum is committed to engaging students individually and encouraging them to achieve their goals and grow into well-rounded citizens poised for lifelong success.

As Tennessee’s first college, Tusculum was established in 1794 to develop citizens distinguished by academic excellence, public service, and high moral character.

Tusculum's mission is to provide a liberal arts education in a Judeo-Christian and civic arts environment with pathways for career preparation, personal development, and civic engagement.

Tusculum’s innovative and pioneering roots remain strong, focusing on workforce development and education needs of the economic future. The Ronald H. and Verna June Meen Center for Science and Mathematics opened January 2017, offering students approximately 100,000 square feet of state of the art learning facilities including wings for biology, chemistry, mathematics, nursing, computer science and environmental science. The Meen Center represents Tusculum’s continuing commitment to offering students an education that prepares them to succeed.

The Pioneer Experience is CONNECTED. At Tusculum, you’ll find a rich campus life where you’ll create lasting relationships and be supported by a community invested in your success. Tusculum's campus is in proximity to all the beauty the Smoky Mountains have to offer and a multitude of regional attractions in nearby Asheville, Knoxville,

Sevierville and Johnson City. With 18 NCAA Division II athletic programs, a variety of intramural sports and over 30 student organizations, there’s always something exciting happening on campus.

In 1984, the college created the Graduate and Professional Studies (GPS) program to combine the values and ideals of its founders with the needs of today’s busy working adult learner. The GPS program is uniquely focused and practical, enabling graduates to obtain the degrees they need to succeed professionally and personally while continuing to work full-time and maintain active personal lives.

Our Graduate and Professional Studies students have the opportunity to study at either our main campus in Greeneville or our other campuses in Knoxville and Morristown, as well as pursuing their undergraduate or graduate degree through one of the several fully online programs.

The Pioneer Experience is A WORTHY INVESTMENT. In a recent ranking of American colleges and universities, titled “The Value of University,” The Economist ranked Tusculum College 7th in the state of Tennessee. Tusculum is listed among the Best Regional Universities in the 2017 U.S. News and World Report’s Best Colleges ranking.

Our uniquely focused 8-week block calendar gives you the flexibility to personalize your schedule, allowing you to create your custom road map to graduation. Even affording the opportunity for an energetic student in one of our Traditional programs to graduate in as few as three years, or a master’s degree seeking working adult to achieve their master’s degree in as few as 12 months through one of our Graduate and Professional Studies programs!

theloaferonline.com | February 7, 2017

Tusculum College

67

Small, Slow, Craft, Delicious.

Western Son Vodka Download favorite cocktail recipes at westernsonvodka.com

theloaferonline.com | February 7, 2017

68

Gold Medal Winning, Local North Texas Vodka 10x Distilled Texas Vodka

by Western Son Distillery in Pilot Point, TX. In early 2011, Jem Beverage Company carefully constructed its North Texas distillery.

Unlike the "big guys" with mass produced products and huge marketing budgets, Western Son Texas Vodka is based on quality, not quantity. Their passion is simply to make the best Vodka possible. Their New distillery, in Pilot Point Texas produces only the finest small-batch, hand-crafted products.

They skillfully craft and taste every batch to ensure it meets our rigorous quality standards. Try Western Son for yourself, and you will see, sometimes the small guys can do it better.

The Process: • The grain is selected from high-quality, food grade corn, grown in ideal growing regions of Texas and the US. • Ten times distilled from a 20ft column still • Refreshing Pilot Point TX water that goes through a reverse osmosis process and then filtration.

• Their vodka goes through a quad filtration process to produce an incredibly smooth finished product.

Western Son is hand-crafted vodka that captures the spirit of the American West. They use pure Texas water and 100% American yellow corn to create a vodka that, like the men and women of the West, is independent, honest, and original. Western Son vodka is distilled ten times in small batches that produce a clear, clean taste you can trust.

Western Son Vodka is proud to contribute to Peter Burks Unsung Hero Fund. An outfit dedicated to carrying on the legacy of 2LT Peter Burks.

Since starting in December of 2007, they have sent more than eleven tons of supplies to soldiers throughout Iraq and Afghanistan.

Celebrates 25 Years

William King Museum of Art opened its doors on March 29, 1992, following a two-year renovation of the historic William King school, and years of planning by local citizens who wanted to preserve the facility by using it to promote the arts in the region.

What began as an artist cooperative and arts center has become a nationally-accredited fine arts institution, the only one in far Southwest Virginia. WKMA hosts over 20 exhibitions each year in its Cultural Heritage, World Fine, Contemporary Regional, Panoramic, and Student Galleries. In addition to its in-house programming, the Museum’s award-winning VanGogh Outreach program provides arts education to every second-grader in 13 Southwest Virginia school districts. In December of 2017, the Museum plans to debut a new, permanent gallery that will house the Cultural Heritage Collection, the flagship asset of the Cultural Heritage Project, launched in 1994 by WKMA Founder and Director Betsy White.

William King Museum of Art will celebrate the 25th anniversary of its opening this spring on March 29 with a series of events, including the opening reception of Connoisseur: Private Collecting in Southwest Virginia & Northeast Tennessee on April 6; “Hike the Hill,” a community active lifestyle and health-awareness walk on April 15, as well as a plain air lawn party on the same day; and the installation of WKMA’s collection of original O. Winston Link photographs in the Findlay House on April 22.

William King Museum of Art is located at 415 Academy Drive, off West Main Street or Russell Road, in Abingdon. Accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, the William King Museum of Art is a partner of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, a member of the Virginia Association of Museums and is funded in part by the Virginia Commission for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts.

theloaferonline.com | February 7, 2017

William King Museum of Art

69

featured at Heartwood

Thomas Cassell & Peyton Kendrick

theloaferonline.com | February 7, 2017

70

The Crooked Road: Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail presents Thomas Cassell & Peyton Kendrick in concert on Thursday, February 9th from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at Heartwood in Abingdon, VA. This concert is part of The Crooked Road Music Series at Heartwood.

Thomas Cassell & Peyton Kendrick are two young bluegrass musicians hailing from Southwest Virginia. With Cassell on mandolin and Kendrick on guitar, they have worked together with several groups including Fox Run, Caney Creek Conspiracy, and the Thomas Cassell Project. The duo has performed at the Blue Plum Festival, Wolf Hills Brewery and Bristol Rhythm and Roots reunion. Cassell is the 2016 Rockygrass mandolin champion as well as the 2015 Bristol Rhythm and Roots mandolin champion, and Kendrick is most noted as guitar player for rising country star Kaitlyn Baker.

The Crooked Road Music Series takes place each Thursday at Heartwood.

The series features youth artists each 2nd Thursday along with open jams on the 1st, 3rd, 4th (and 5th) Thursdays to showcase Southwest Virginia performers. The Crooked Road Music Series is sponsored by Heartwood, Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development, Virginia Commission for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Heartwood: Southwest Virginia’s Artisan Gateway is located off I-81 at Exit 14 in Abingdon, VA, and features food, music, and craft of Southwest Virginia.

Admission to the concert is free and donations will be accepted for Crooked Road Traditional Music Education Program (TMEP).

More information can be found at The Crooked Road website, www. thecrookedroad.org, and at www.heartwoodvirginia.org. For additional information, please call (276) 492-2409 or email: info@thecrookedroad.org.

“

This weekly is a great way (especially someone not originally from the area) to keep abreast of the goings on in this beautiful community!"

John B.

Birthplace of Country Music Museum Intimate Concert Experience Is Also A Catered Affair

Book Release

Local Author

Just in time for Valentine's Day, the Birthplace of Country Music proudly presents Phoebe Hunt & The Gatherers for an intimate concert experience at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum on Saturday, February 11, 2017 at 7:30 p.m.

Hors d'oeuvres and cocktails are included in the ticket price, making the evening a perfect night out for couples or anyone who loves great, original live music in an amazing venue.

"This is not Phoebe Hunt's first visit to Bristol," said Leah Ross, Executive Director of the Birthplace of Country Music.

"She has performed at our festival and she is a great talent. I suggest everyone purchase tickets as soon as they can, these performances usually sell out."

Fans of Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion may remember Phoebe Hunt from her performances with The Belleville Outfit at the festival in 2009, the same year they were nominated for Best New and Emerging Artist by the Americana Music Association. The group disbanded in 2011, but this gave Hunt the creativity to make her own musical exploration.

"An accomplished Americana instrumentalist with foundations in jazz and swing music, Phoebe makes an impressive creative leap with her new album Shanti's Shadow.

It's the culmination of a five year journey that has taken her from her Austin roots through Music Row, Brooklyn, and even to India to study with seventh-generation master violinist Kala Ramnath. Along the way, Phoebe found her voice and delivered her most inspired set of songs to date the soundtrack to her self-discovery.

Tickets to Phoebe Hunt & The Gatherers are $81 and includes taxes and fees. The doors open at 6:30 p.m. and attendees are urged to get their early to enjoy food and drinks prior to the show. For tickets and more information visit BirthplaceofCountryMusic.org.

The Book Of Homes ‘the Final Chapter’

In a couple of weeks The 18th audio book released by Author Tim Simpson will be available. For download.

The book Of Holmes is the conclusion (volume 6) to the M series which began with a group of the most famous villains history had to offer, the likes of which were lead by, Elizabeth Bathory, and evil monarchist bent on eternal youth at any cost, also joining here are Professor Moriarty, the phantom of the opera, the headless horseman of sleepy hollow (who was sent to resurrect Dracula.) However where there is evil there is always good, so Van Velsing recruited the likes of Sherlock Holmes, Zorro, Jekyll and Hyde and many others to aid in stomping the evil countess. The audio books can be found on audible.com or ITunes, narrated by, Andrew Sims (UK) Deanna Delany (UK) Rocco Salata (US) and Roy Bennett (UK)

theloaferonline.com | February 7, 2017

Phoebe Hunt & The Gatherers

71

theloaferonline.com | February 7, 2017

72

Answers on page 74

Tigger is an eight month old male domestic short hair.

He is neutered and up to date on all vaccines. This lively boy loves to play!

Marshmallow is an one year old female domestic short hair. She is spayed and up to date on all vaccines. This sweet girl is the perfect lap cat!

The Bridge Home has an ongoing aluminum can can collection in front of the shelter at 2061 Hwy 75 in Blountville,TN 37617. The cans are collected by a volunteer and the money from the aluminum goes towards badly needed food and supplies for the animals The Bridge Home No Kill Animal Rescue has started a pet food pantry for people that have had financial hardships because of job loss or medical problems and are struggling to feed their pet. They can come by the shelter and get cat or dog food to get through the tough time.

Donations can be sent to The Bridge Home Shelter PO Box 654 Blountville, TN 37617 Every animal in their care is spayed or neutered and fully vaccinated before being adopted.

Being a non profit the shelter is funded entirely by membership dues and private donations. They always need volunteers or monetary donations.

Other always needed items:pet food, cat litter & cat toys dog treats & dog toys,paper towels, cleaners, office supplies,Purina weight circles.

Phone: 423-239-5237 Hours are Mon-Fri 12pm-6pm Sat 12pm-3pm and Sun 2pm-4pm. Website is www. bridgehomerescue@gmail.com or like them on Facebook: www.

Facebook.com/bridgehome

73 theloaferonline.com | February 7, 2017

PETS

OF THE WEEK

THINGS TO DO

theloaferonline.com | February 7, 2017

74

Auditions for Disney’s Beauty and the Beast at JRT

“We currently have over 40 children on the waiting list,” says Lowdermilk, “and we need volunteers for these great kids.”

Child-volunteer matches are made based on in-depth and comprehensive interviewing with parents, children and potential volunteers. Stringent safeguards are in place to assure that all parties are safe. Volunteer and parent engagement and training also play a big role.

Anyone wanting to find out more about Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Tri-Cities should contact the office by calling 423-247-3240, or visiting TennesseeBig.org. ________________

Hands On Museum February Events Tuesday, February 21st Sunday, March 12th Can You Hear Me Now? Discover some of the smallest bones in our bodies - the ones in our ear! Celebrate Alexander Graham Bell's birthday by learning about sound and how Mr. Bell used sound in many of his inventions. Play a song on our palm pipes, listen to our singing crystal water glasses, and even try out our Boomwhackers!

The Eastman Discovery Lab will be open by announcement periodically throughout each dayIf you have any questions on these or other programs, please call 423-434-HAND ________________

College will offer PED 195 Old Time Dance on Monday’s from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. This course will cover basic styles of traditional dance from the central and southern Appalachian region.

Classes will provide an overview of solo and group dancing history, accompanied by instruction and performance of each dance. The instructor is Tyler Hughes. To enroll, call 276-523-2400 ext. 372 or register online at www.mecc. edu. ________________

provided on a first-come, firstserve basis.

To learn more about this and other upcoming events, call Youth Services at 434-4458, like the library’s Facebook page, follow the library on Twitter or Instagram, or visit the Event Calendar at www.jcpl.net.

The Jonesborough Repertory Theatre will hold auditions for the Disney musical Beauty and the Beast on Sunday and Monday, February 12 and 13, at 7:00pm for ages 14 and up. There will be a 5:00 audition on Sunday for the role of Family Markerspace at the Chip for ages 8-13. The audition Johnson City Public Library will consist of a cold reading, Patrons of all ages are invited and a group sing and dance. If to the Johnson City Public you want to be considered for Library Jones Meeting Room on a primary role, please have a Thursday, February 9 at 6:00 p.m.

1-minute solo prepared. Auditions to make paper circuit valentines will be at the theatre at 125½ E. using conductive ink, LED lights Main Street in Jonesborough.

‘Brazilian Colors’ theme and button cell batteries. No For more information, visit of ETSU Guest Artist Recital registration is required for this jonesboroughtheatre.com MECC Offers Old Time Mountain Empire Community free program.

Materials are or contact Pam Johnson at Dance Class jrtpublicity@gmail.com.

Mountain Empire Community ________________ College will offer PED 195 Old Time Dance on Monday’s from Big Brothers Big Sisters 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. This course will cover basic styles of traditional Looking for Volunteers Big Brothers Big Sisters of dance from the central and Greater Tri-Cities (BBBSGTC) is southern Appalachian region. looking for community volunteers Classes will provide an overview to make a difference in a child’s of solo and group dancing history, life. Spending 2 to 4 hours a accompanied by instruction and month with an at-risk youth can performance of each dance. The help them improve in school, their instructor is Tyler Hughes. To enroll, call 276-523-2400 ext. 372 behavior and their self-esteem.

Cryptogram: Every thought you entertain is a force that goes out, and every thought comes back laden “We have a need in our or register online at www.mecc. with its kind community, and are looking for edu.

Drop Quote: "Writers write to influence their readers, their preachers, their auditors, but always, at botcaring adults to be mentors,” ________________ tom, to be more themselves." said Kathy Lowdermilk, Regional Director of BBBSGTC. “If you have MPCC to offer a few hours a month and the Functional Interval Training desire to make a difference, we Memorial Park Community want to talk with you about our Center, 510 Bert St., will offer program.”

Functional Interval Training (F.I.T.) Our local Big Brothers Big for ages 50 and older from 8:30Sisters office, which serves the 9:30 a.m. on Fridays in February.

Greater Bristol, Kingsport, and Participants will experience Johnson City area, is part of one a high-energy class that of the oldest and largest youth combines aerobic movements mentoring organizations in the with strength and stabilization United States. It’s a system that exercises. F.I.T. workouts offer the has been proven to work and ability to reach fitness goals in a transforms the lives of children challenging yet fun way. who might not otherwise ever Cost is $2 per class. Preget the support they need to registration is not required. grow and successfully meet life’s For more information, please challenges. call423-434-5749.

SOME THINGS I LOVE PART ONE

Since February is the customary month of love, I want to focus on things each week that I love.

Kelly’s Place

By Jim Kelly since 1989 jkelly@ theloaferonline.com

Notice that I said “things” and not “people.” Yes, I do love people, but rather than devoting each of my four columns to people I love, I will be taking a look at what MIT professor Sherry Turkle calls “evocative objects.” In one of my favorite books, edited by Turkle, EVOCATIVE OBJECTS: THE THINGS WE THINK WITH (2007), she observes that “We think with the objects we love; we love the objects we think with [because] evocative objects bring philosophy down to earth.” The argument can be made that the human world is nothing more than a collection of evocative objects, with each one reflecting the ideas of the person or persons who made it. In turn, we infuse these human-made objects with our own emotions and perspectives. The study of history, as I often tell my students, is a contemplation of evocative objects rather than the memorization of “facts and dates” lists.

This week’s evocative object is my new Yamaha Reface FM keyboard, which is my current “go-to” instrument when I want to play some music on the couch or in the bed (much easier than trying to do that with a grand piano!). The best evocative objects in my life have been keyboard instruments, and I agree with Tod Machover, who wrote the following passage in an essay in Turkle’s book about his love affair with his cello: “I play the cello to concentrate, to meditate, to relax. It remains for me the perfect gauge of complexity, of how much an individual human being can shape or master, follow or comprehend.”

Substitute “keyboard” for “cello” in Machover’s passage and you have, in a nutshell, my perspective on why I love to play music on the various keyboards that have shaped my life.

My love affair with keyboards began in the 1960s when my parents rented a Hammond Organ in hopes that I would learn to play it. Music in the 1960s was greatly influenced by the sounds of the Hammond--which played prominent roles in songs like “Whiter Shade of Pale” (Procol Harum), “Green Onions” (Booker T and the MGs), “Gimme Some Lovin’” (Spencer Davis Group), anything and everything by Jimmy Smith, and “Green Eyed Lady” (Sugarloaf), which features a dazzling organ solo I have yet to figure out. Although my parents didn’t listen to the aforementioned songs, preferring instead the sleep-inducing tones produced by “Lawrence Welk Show” organist Jerry Burke, I learned to play the Hammond after giving up on the guitar, but not on my membership in The Ventures’ Fan Club.

It wasn’t too long before I began playing the organ for church, at weddings, funerals, and various get-togethers, including some rather embarrassing stints with local pop bands. In the 1980s, I was taken away for some time from the academic career I had planned when I became a keyboard department salesperson in a Knoxville music store. For several years I sold a wide array of pianos, organs, and keyboards, and

witnessed the seismic shift to portable keyboards, digital pianos, and synthesizers that ushered in the 1980s. I continued that path by moving to Johnson City and working in keyboard sales until I resumed my academic career by becoming a faculty member at Northeast State Community College.

Keyboards have, in ways that I could have not foreseen when I first touched them, given shape to my life by providing meanings and perspectives I could have never acquired had I never learned to play them. In fact, I have often envisioned a movie called “Killer B” that would tell the story of post-World War II American though the eyes (and fingers) of a Hammond Organ player (the “B” in the title refers to the model B3 that catapulted The Hammond Organ Company to fame). Of course, I have diverted myself many times imagining what the soundtrack to such a movie would include. For starters, it would start by blasting Earl Grant’s “Swingin’ Gently” over the opening credits, then featuring end credits accompanied by Jon Lord’s incredible organ solo from Deep Purple’s rendition of “Hush.”

Although my plans for this movie will probably never materialize, I am happy to report that I am currently realizing my keyboard fantasies as keyboardist for my favorite rock and roll band, The PF Flyers, who would love to play for your next event. Be on the lookout for a profile article in the near future.

All this rambling brings me back to my neat little Yamaha Reface FM, an ultra portable synthesizer that fits comfortably in my lap. I am seldom far from it and often noodle around on it while writing this column, watching TV, or listening to music (I like to figure out the chord progressions). And, no, I don’t own stock in Yamaha, although I sold their instruments for many years. Of the seven other keyboards I currently own, this is my evocative object of choice, along with GarageBand, that wonderful iPad app that can be connected to my Reface keyboard, transforming it into a recording studio and rhythm machine.

What will they think of next? There is indeed an app for that.

Stay tuned for more of my favorite evocative objects as this month unfolds. In the meantime, I encourage you to make a list of your favorite evocative objects and all the things that have done to influence your life. I suggest you read Sherry Turkle’s book for some good ideas.

See you next week.

theloaferonline.com | February 7, 2017

75

theloaferonline.com | February 7, 2017

76