The Loafer March 14th

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theloaferonline.com | March 14, 2017

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Volume 31 • Issue #15

Editor Graphic Arts Director Don Sprinkle Cover Design Bill May Advertising Dave Carter Patti Barr Shawn Hale Paul Kavanaugh

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

Office Coordinator Amanda Lane

20 Stargazer Historic First Space Walk Almost A Disaster 21 Skies This Week 22 Batteries Not Included Farewell Robert O 26 Pop Life Logan 28 Appalachian Wanderers Abingdon to Damascus 29 The Casual Word Titanic 22 Mountain Movers The Jeff Lane Interview 32 Puzzle Page 25 Kelly’s Place Self-Help From The Twilight Zone

your week’s line-up

on the cover Life begins at Night.

Publisher Luci Tate

4 4 5 6 6 7 8 9 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 17 17 18 23 24 25 27 30 30 31 33 34

From the Publisher Bars, Clubs, Resturants.... Johnson City From Metal to Classical Regeneration: A Johnson City StorySLAM The McLain Family Band Bars, Clubs, Restaurants.... Johnson City Bars, Clubs, Restaurants.... Bristol, TN/VA Civil War Encampment Grief Recovery Group Chloë Agnew w/Altanta Pops Orchestra ETSU Students To Screen New Films Bars, Clubs, Restaurants.... Bristol, TN/VA III Tyme Out @ Carter Family Fold The Malpass Brothers Bars, Clubs, Restaurants.... Kingsport Chris Night @ Down Home St. Patrick's Day Weekend in Jonesborough Spotlight Bars, Clubs, Restaurants.... Elizabethton, Greeneville, Abingdon & Beyond Friday Night Dance Kingsport Book Fair Theatre, Performing Arts, Marinas, Extra Curricular & More Night Life St. Patrick's Day Contra Dance Sigean's Upcoming Events Singer Songwriters Celebrate Pets Of The Week Things To Do

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When it comes to nightlife and me, an evening on the town sometimes leaves me feeling a bit out of my skin. Postbabies, I Goodwilled my slinky dress. I swapped stilettos for wedges right about the time that I looked to down to see, what looked to be, a Shar-Pei dog on my knees. With dance moves that some generously describe eclectic (ok, more like 80’s), Netflix came close to the new plus-one.

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ot long ago I was able attend an event with some co-workers and friends. It was my first real fancy evening out after a heady succession of life shifts. Yep. Even bought a new outfit for it and actually curled my hair. Being immersed in a party scene after being out of it for a while felt familiar. It reminded me of when I was in college, with a part time job. I had savored the blissful numbness of nights out with friends to ease the pressures of grades, social or otherwise. Initially, at the event, I found myself clinically observing social interactions. As the night unfolded, however, the richness of the setting and the company of interesting, open, fun people heightened the sense of being alive. That was the moment that I realized the power of the night. The communal experience of getting together with others – engaged in the moment. Enjoying things that are much closer to primal, than pressing, on the life scale. This region abounds with those opportunities. This issue is packed with nocturnal adventures for you to discover, cocktails to quaff and characters you may meet out on our town. Whether it be frolicking with your besties, spending the night out with your children or loved one, it’s the night that brings us together. Life begins at night for most of us. And for those it doesn’t, we thank you for working to be able to cater to others that need the night. Because during the day, our minds are focused on what it takes to survive. But at night, we can, and are, allowed to let it go. What’s your night life? Cocktails? Movies? Bowling? Comedy? Paint ball or mixing up paints at your local masterpiece store? Dancing? Children? Whatever it is for you, go….enjoy it. Don’t forget to thank all these fine establishments in The Loafer for their continued support of the Arts & Entertainment in the area. After all, it’s what you do with your free time that counts.

Luci Tate

Johnson City

Publisher

BARS, CLUBS, RESTAURANTS and more….

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50 Fifty Sports Tavern 2102 North Roan Street Johnson City Atlantic Ale House 111 McClure Street Johnson City Capone’s 227 E Main Street Johnson City The Crow Bar 123 E. Springbrook Drive Johnson City The Hideaway 235 E. Main Street Johnson City Holiday Inn 101 E Springbrook Drive Johnson City Horseshoe Lounge 908 W. Market Street Johnson City Hungry I at the Apex 604 W. Market Street Johnson City Johnson City Brewing Company 300 E. Main Street Johnson City Johnson City Moose Lodge 1801 W. Lakeview Drive Johnson City Johnson City Senior’s Center 510 Bert Street Johnson City JRH Brewing 458 W. Walnut Street Johnson City Kosher Pickle 3900 Bristol Hwy Johnson City Luke’s Pizza 3111 W. Market Street Johnson City The Mecca Lounge 117 Spring Street Johnson City Numan’s 225 E. Main Street Johnson City Our House Restaurant 4903 N. Roan Street Johnson City


Sullivan native ‘revolutionizes guitar world,’ to return to area for concert

Matt Palmer has been called one of the world’s best classical guitarists, but he can also rock with the heavy metal electric guitar icons and shred with the neoclassicists.

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he Fall Branch, Tenn., native’s early riffs were inspired by Ozzy Osborne, Slash and the thrashers of Slayer, as he learned his craft with heavy metal bands, competing with his guitar-playing brothers and friends to be “the best” and fastest. “I wanted to be a rock star when I grew up,” says Palmer, who graduated from Sullivan South High School and played in a cover band called Psycho Boulevard. “At that time, MTV actually showed music videos and … had something called ‘Headbanger’s Ball.’ It was pure heavy metal and I was really taken by that scene and the looks of the guitarists and the way they played.” The story goes that as a teen, Palmer’s mother gave him a Christopher Parkening CD, which he promptly tossed into the depths of his closet. A few years later, as the heady heavy metal ‘drug’ was wearing off, Palmer decided to give classical guitar a try at Middle Tennessee State, becoming a student of Bill Yelverton. Once again, he says, the technical challenge was the initial attraction. “But it wasn’t very long before I saw the more artistic side,” Palmer says, “and really fell in love with that.” Now known for his speed and technique, Palmer returns to the Tri-Cities to perform – with “stunning precision and unwavering accuracy,” says Classical Voice of North Carolina – on Thursday, March 23, at 7:30 p.m., at First Presbyterian Church, 105 S. Boone St., Johnson City. Palmer’s debut CD, Un tiempo fue Itálica famosa, was applauded as “an album of the highest quality” by Guitar International Magazine and prompted Classical Voice to suggest that “Palmer was simply beamed fully formed to Earth on a blue shaft of light and started playing a guitar this way.” But he didn’t. As with his heavy metal guitar, he worked at it. In his quest to play with extraordinary speed and dexterity, Palmer has developed his

own technique called The Virtuoso Guitarist, an approach to playing scales with speed and efficiency. Yet Palmer’s repertoire is by no means exclusively classical. He commissions, performs and records music by contemporary musicians, such as Dominican composer Rafael Scarfullery and Olga Amelkina of Belarus. On his second CD, Appassionata (2014), Palmer premieres Amelkina’s "The Heaven's Hundred," which she “dedicated to Matt Palmer, whose artistry was one of my main inspirations for this work,” the composer says. Palmer’s 2016 CD is titled after and contains a world premiere recording of Scarfullery’s “Sonata Sentimental.” Both of those pieces will join a Bach Chaconne, a fantasy by Sergei Rudnev and sonata by Stepan Rak on the Johnson City program March 23. The Rak is a “fireworks type piece,” Palmer says, with an array of advanced techniques and unexpected textures for guitar. “Right now, about half of my program is music I have commissioned, music that I have had written specifically for me,” Palmer says. “This is a new road I am taking, trying to do my part to expand the guitar repertoire by having composers write music. I think, although not entirely by design, I cover a wide spectrum of emotions and textures in my programs.” “Overall it will be a program everyone will enjoy and understand and, as always, I will put everything I have into it to make it fun and exciting.” Tickets are $5 for students of all ages with ID, $15 for seniors 60-plus, and $20 for general admission. Group rates are available. For more information on Palmer, go to www. mattpalmerguitar.com To purchase tickets online or for information about ETSU Mary B. Martin School of the Arts, visit www.etsu.edu/martin or call 423-439-TKTS (8587).

theloaferonline.com | March 14, 2017

From Metal to Classical

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A Johnson City StorySLAM Regeneration: A Johnson City Story Slam is back for more of your stories! Our next slam is Friday, February 17 at 8:00 PM. We will be celebrating once again at the new location with our friends at Buffalo St. Downtown Deli.

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he ETSU Storytelling Division and the ETSU Tale Tellers would like to thank Krissy and Tim for providing a warm environment for the StorySLAM this last month. Let’s pack the house again and enjoy great food from 7pm -8pm, StorySLAM from 8 to about 10 and a roaring celebration with libation and good folks to follow the Slam! After a fantastic visit to the Deli the first of the month, we are happy to now be able to offer food and other beverages before each Slam. Tim Swinhart and Krissy Knipfing are full of energy, kind, considerate and professionals of their art. The food is excellent and the space is a beautiful place to share personal stories. This month's StorySLAM will be held Friday, March 17 at Buffalo St. Downtown Deli, 109 Buffalo St. Johnson City, TN 37604. Sandwiches, salads, and appetizers will be served from 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm and the Slam will start promptly at 8:00pm. The event will run until 10 pm. This month's theme is FAIR WEATHER. We encourage you to come listen, laugh, cry and perhaps share in the wonderful world of storytelling. A $5 - $10 donation is requested at the door. To learn more please contact the ETSU Storytelling Division at Storytel@etsu.edu or 423439-7606.

featuring The McLain Family Band

Regeneration:

The VHCC Arts Array Series

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The VHCC Arts Array series Spencer-Miller concerts will be featuring the McLain Family Band on Sunday afternoon March 19 th 2017 at 3:00.

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he concert will be at Sinking Spring Presbyterian Church on Main St in Abingdon. The concert is free for all area students and $10.00 for the general public. For many decades, the enthusiastic outstanding McLain family band has been performing, and spreading the wonderful traditions of bluegrass and Appalachian folk music. Founded by their father Raymond K. McLain, the family group has made 14 international tours under the sponsorship of the US State Department. In addition to concerts at the Grand Ole Opry, they also played with symphony orchestras featuring works with McLain themes. They have also appeared at Carnegie Hall and at the Lincoln Center. Raymond W. McLain leads the band today and is most likely the best known outside of the family band.


Bristol, VA/TN

Poor Richards 825 W. Walnut Street Johnson City

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Wellington’s Restaurant Carnegie Hotel 1216 W State of Franklin Road Johnson City The Willow Tree Coffeehouse & Music Room 216 E Main Street Johnson City

Rainbow Asian Cuisine 2412 N. Roan Street Johnson City Tulips American Grub & Pub 3002 E. Oakland Avenue Johnson City

Yee Haw Brewing Company 126 Buffalo Street Johnson City

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theloaferonline.com | March 14, 2017

Johnson City

BARS, CLUBS, RESTAURANTS and more….

Peerless Steakhouse Lounge 2531 N. Roan Street Johnson City


Bristol, VA/TN

theloaferonline.com | March 14, 2017

BARS, CLUBS, RESTAURANTS and more….

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620 State Street 620 State Street Bristol, TN

Family Barn 15559 Lee Hwy Bristol, VA

Quaker Steak & Lube 629 State Street Bristol, VA

Blackbird Bakery 56 Piedmont Avenue Bristol, VA

Machiavelli’s 8 5th Street Bristol, TN

Sportsman’s Pub 1403 Bluff City Hwy Bristol, TN

Bristol Station Brews & Taproom 41 Piedmont Ave

O’Mainnin’s Pub 712 State St Bristol

State Line Bar & Grill 644 State Street Bristol, TN

Piedmont Station 14 Piedmont Ave. Bristol, VA

Studio Brew 221 Moore Street Bristol, VA

Bristol’s Pickin’ Porch Mountain Music Museum 626 State Street Bristol, TN Bristol VFW Post 6975 14 16th Street Bristol, TN

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The Department of East Tennessee (DET) will be hosting its Camp of Instruction at Tipton-Haynes State Historic Site on Saturday and Sunday, March 18 and 19. The gates will be open to the public from 9am till 3pm on both days.

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ave you ever wondered what camp life was like during the Civil War? Come and learn as reenactors from the DET camp, drill, march, and prepare for their 2017 reenacting season. During the encampment visitors will be able to study how soldiers lived in tents, examine different types of uniforms, watch how soldiers drilled, hear the numerous commands of the officers, see the various weapons carried during the war, and so much more. Bring a picnic and simply enjoy the day as you step back in time to the Civil War. Also, come and explore the eleven historic buildings, cave, and nature trail.

Admission is $5 for adults and $2.50 for children twelve and under (children 3 and under are free). As always, Tipton-Haynes members are FREE! Donations are welcomed and will go to help the site continue its mission values. Tipton-Haynes is a Tennessee Historical Commission State-Owned Historic Site. Tipton-Haynes is located at 2620 South Roan Street in Johnson City. For additional information, please call 423-926-3631 or email tiptonhaynes@embarqmail.com.

theloaferonline.com | March 14, 2017

Offered at Meditation Center

at Tipton-Haynes State Historic Site

Grief Recovery Support Group

Civil War Encampment

The Appalachian Dharma & Meditation 9 Center (ADMC) invites the public to a free 10-week session called "A Mindful Journey Through Grief: Grief Recovery Support in the Tri-Cities Community," led by Debra Brewer, a clinically trained chaplain who has experience leading grief support groups for seven years. The support group is for anyone who has lost someone through death; however, the program is open to anyone who has suffered a loss of any kind and wishes to learn more.

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he next 10-weekly sessions begin Monday, March 20, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at ADMC located at 108 W. 10th Avenue, Suite 3, Johnson City. The sessions involve mindful meditation, group discussion and specific topics to help members demystify grief and gain the support of others going through recent loss. Topics covered are living with grief, your grief and society, the effects of grief, losing your partner, grief and your family, your unique grief, stuck in your grief, spirituality and grief, emerging from grief, and remembrance. The Appalachian Dharma & Meditation Center opened in June 2011 and welcomes all to join us for meditation and Buddhist studies. ADMC is located at 108 West 10th Avenue, Suite 3, Johnson City, TN. Learn more or sign up at www.dharma4et.org.


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Chloë Agnew with the Altanta Pops Orchestra Now in their 72nd year of touring, the Atlanta Pops Orchestra is teaming up with former Celtic Woman vocalist Chloë Agnew to present “An Irish Heart.” It’s an evening of music not to be forgotten at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center on St. Patrick’s Day, Friday, March 17th at 7:30 PM.

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he Atlanta Pops Orchestra is best known for entertaining audiences worldwide with a diverse repertoire of arrangements from movies, Broadway shows, and popular tunes. Ireland's Chloë Agnew rose to fame as one of the original members of the internationally acclaimed singing group Celtic Woman, with whom she honed her rich, beautiful voice and warm spirit. After touring with Celtic Woman for nearly ten years, she is now on her way to become a musical sensation all on her own. Chloë performs her live show, An Irish Heart, with the Atlanta Pops Orchestra for a program of Irish songs, beloved standards, movie tunes and Broadway musical favorites. This special engagement features new arrangements written specially to show off Chloë’s unique vocal range, along with the timeless sounds of the fabulous Atlanta Pops.

Chloë and the Pops will be joined at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center by special guests Irish Tenor, Dermot Kiernan and Celtic dancer, Scott Porter. Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center (NPAC) in historic downtown Greeneville, TN on Friday, March 17th at 7:30 PM. Tickets are $40 for orchestra seating, $35 for mezzanine level seating, and $25 for balcony seats. Tickets may be purchased online at www.npacgreeneville.com, in person at the NPAC box office, or by calling 423-638-1679. This performance is sponsored by Greeneville Federal Bank.

Great for checking out local music." Robert S.


It’s estimated that 72% of Americans suffer from digestive distress, such as bloating, gas, nausea, constipation and/ or diarrhea on a regular basis. Found commonly in our modern diet, gluten is often responsible for these types of digestive problems, as well as joint pain, sinus congestion, skin rashes and mood disorders. Gluten is a protein found primarily in wheat, but also in other grains, such as rye, barley and oats, but can be found in other unsuspecting foods, such as condiments, sauces and dressings. We have an extensive selection of gluten-free foods, such as breads, cereals, pastas, crackers, cookies and pizza crusts. Other than eating gluten-free, you can also protect yourself with GlutenShield, a synergistic blend with twenty plant-based enzymes, eleven probiotics and a vegetarian fiber to help improve digestion, immunity and regularity. For IBS, leaky gut syndrome and/or chronic constipation, GlutenShield has triple protection and is locallymade right here in Johnson City. As always, we guarantee your satisfaction.

Locally Owned for 35 Years

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ETSU students to screen new films at Real to Reel

Short films and documentaries created by students from East Tennessee State University will be presented Tuesday, March 21, at the Real to Reel Theater beginning at 7 p.m.

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hese works were produced by students in the Radio, Television and Film (RTVF) program in ETSU’s Department of Media and Communication. This is the sixth annual event. “We are thrilled to present original films by our students for the sixth year in a row,” said Shara Lange, who oversees the university’s RTVF program. Work will include films from narrative, documentary and capstone classes in the Radio/TV/Film program. “Bibo,” by Kelsey Tweed introduces audiences to Christmas elves gone astray, while “Colors” by Stephen Jansen is a documentary that talks with people about beauty. Student filmmakers will be in attendance for a question-andanswer session after the screening. Money raised from the event will support the Tom Headley Student Production Award, which recognizes outstanding film projects. Headley is the founder and a longtime supporter of ETSU’s broadcasting program. He retired in 2010. Other awards to be presented at the event include the Audience Award (sponsored by Spark Plaza and Digital Fridge), The @oplivelife Inspiration Award (sponsored by Operation Live Life), Best in Show (sponsored by PUSH! Film Festival) and this year’s Tom Headley Student Production Award. Tickets are $3 per person and can be bought at the Real to Reel box office. There will also be a silent auction to raise money for the Headley award. Real to Reel is located at 130 W. Springbrook Drive. For more information, contact Lange at langes@etsu.edu or 423-439-7572.


Bristol, VA/TN

theloaferonline.com | March 14, 2017

BARS, CLUBS, RESTAURANTS and more….

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IIIrd Tyme Out At Carter Family Fold Saturday, March 18th, 2017, at 7:30 p.m. the Carter Family Fold in Hiltons, Virginia, will present a concert of bluegrass music by IIIrd Tyme Out. Admission to the concert is $15 for adults, with children 10 and under free. This concert is part of the group’s 25th anniversary tour and celebration – Tyme for 25.

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hile many bands have come and gone since that May in 1991, Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out have endured. In the process, they’ve managed to climb to the top not just once, but twice - winning a slew of IBMA vocal awards, including two Male Vocalist of the Year honors in the mid and late 1990s, then persevering through rough times to see Moore recapture the Male Vocalist trophy for three more years. Along the way, they’ve made a whole new generation of fans, and with the release of Timeless Hits From The Past... BLUEGRASSED for the Cracker Barrel Old Country

Store and their latest self-produced album, It’s About Time, the quintet are poised to deliver their distinctive kind of music more widely than ever. For Moore, it’s been a long journey from his childhood Texas home. Raised in Pasadena, near Houston, he heard a lot of country music growing up - “I was five miles from Gilley’s right during the Urban Cowboy craze,” he notes - but it was bluegrass that really turned his head as he moved into his teen years. “Bluegrass was accessible,” he recalls. “The bands, the musicians, they were so approachable - and even though we weren’t in the bluegrass mainstream geographically, I was able to see

artists like Bill Monroe, Larry Sparks, and the Lewis Family, and you could just be around them. That was intriguing to me.” Within a few years, Russell was playing mandolin in a regional band, and by the time he was in his early 20s, he had teamed up with a couple of like-minded youngsters to create the band Southern Connection, making the move to North Carolina to pursue bluegrass success - though it turned out that when he first found it, it was actually as a guitarplaying sideman. Joining Bluegrass Hall of Famer Doyle Lawson and his now legendary band, Quicksilver, Moore quickly found himself in the bluegrass forefront, remaining there

with Lawson through six years and as many bluegrass and bluegrass gospel albums. And though his time with Doyle & Quicksilver barely overlapped the establishment of the IBMA’s awards, Moore shared in the first of many to come when the group took home the Song Of The Year crystal in 1990 for “The Little Mountain Church House.” The Center is a family-friendly, alcohol and drug free venue. For further information on the center, go to our web sites at www. carterfamilyfold.org or www. carterfamilyfold.com. To speak to a volunteer Fold staff member, call 276-594-0676.


The Malpass Brothers

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Traditional country music up-and-comers, the Malpass Brothers, will bring their unique sound to the stage at Tusculum College on Thursday, March 16.

Photos © Chris Charles

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he siblings and their band will perform at 7 p.m. in the auditorium of the Annie Hogan Byrd Fine Arts Building on the Tusculum campus. The concert is part of Tusculum Arts Outreach’s Acts, Arts, Academia 201617 performance and lecture series. “These guys just don’t just sound retro, they are retro,” has been said of the Malpass Brothers, and it is an apt description of siblings Christopher and Taylor. As youngsters, the brothers soaked up the music of their grandfather’s record collection, and today they promote the music of the classic country artists they treasure while writing new songs and making their own mark in the lineage of a rich American cultural heritage. With sincerity, honesty and an utter ease on stage beyond their years, the brothers’ smooth vocal blend and

talented musicianship reflect their respect of the legends who have paved the way, such as the Louvin Brothers, Johnny Cash, Marty Robbins and Hank Williams, Sr. Add some goodhumored quips between the siblings, and the Malpass Brothers take their audiences on a fun and engaging time-traveling musical journey. “My brother Taylor and I do the type of music we do because this music speaks to us, and speaks to the souls of its listeners,” says Christopher Malpass. “For us, traditional country music is the ‘real deal’ – every song portrays life’s joys, heartaches, problems and happiness. It comes from the heart, and has depth and truth. Nothing is sugar coated. Our goal, really, is to see this music be revived, to help ensure it doesn’t fade away. It is so encouraging to have young people come to our shows

with a new interest in our ‘old music.’ Being able to introduce what we love to another generation feels like a great accomplishment for us. We want this music to be around for our children’s children.” Their video for “Memory That Bad” made CMT Pure Country’s Top Ten, and their most recent recording, the self-titled “Malpass Brothers” was produced by bluegrass legend Doyle Lawson. The brothers are also the focus of a film now in production showcasing a performance and their lives in their hometown of Goldsboro, N.C. Admission is $15 for adults, $12 for seniors 60 and over and $5 for children 12 years of age and under. For more information or to reserve tickets, please call 423-798-1620 or email jhollowell@tusculum.edu.


S T CJ’St • Kingsport3,PM-2AM

on. tree d. lock S : Thurs.–M s accepte e r o M s d r r 6 u a 1 5 Ho it C cials: r Cred Majo ightly Spe aoke r N ay: Ka ke d s r u ao art Th y: Kar rtainment ables, 2 d orn. a d i r F ool t ente popc : Live e floor. 3 p cks. Free y a d r a Satu rge danc d and sn yone. he la t foo ever e on t njoy. Grea modate c n a d e om Come rn hole to ck to acc e o d c s, ing board Smok Rush Street 1229 E Stone Drive Kingsport, TN Kingsport Eagles 926 E. Stone Drive Kingsport, TN

The Shack 4231 Ft. Henry Drive Kingsport, TN

Kingsport Moose Lodge 935 Wilcox Drive #105 Kingsport, TN Macado’s Restaurant 210 Broad Street Kingsport, TN

Sleepy Owl Brewery 151 E. Main Street Kingsport, TN

Stone Drive Eagles 926 E Stone Drive Kingsport, TN Triple B Brewery 935 Wilcox Ct. #105 Kingsport, TN Woodstone Deli 3500 Fort Henry Drive Kingsport, TN

Tavern @ Ridgefields 2320 Pendragon Road Kingsport, TN

The Outdoorsman 4535 Highway 11W Kingsport, TN

Stir Fry Café 125 Broad Street Kingsport, TN

The Pit Stop 2705 N. John B Dennis Hwy Kingsport, TN

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15 theloaferonline.com | March 14, 2017

Kingsport

BARS, CLUBS, RESTAURANTS and more….

Bar423-390-1361 s t r o p N•


theloaferonline.com | March 14, 2017

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March 15th

C

Downhome • 423-929-9822 www.downhome.com

hris Knight doesn’t like to say much. Won’t chat about his worldview or engage in conversations on his creative approach. For 15 years, 7 acclaimed albums and a hard-nosed career that’s been hailed as “where Cormac McCarthy meets Copperhead Road”, Knight has always let his music do most of the talking. And on record – as well everywhere across America, from roadhouse taverns to majorcity concert halls – his songs have had plenty to say. But with his latest album Little Victories (September 2012), Chris Knight has taken the discussion to a whole new level.

P

articipate in the Jonesborough Gold Hunt, a mobile friendly scavenger hunt, taking place throughout downtown all weekend long. The hunt will include 20 locations incorporating Jonesborough’s unique history and architecture. Complete the hunt to be eligible to win a downtown prize pack with gift certificates from downtown merchants. While exploring downtown Jonesborough, keep your eyes peeled for Paddy the Leprechaun. Clues providing information on where Paddy may be will be announced live on Main Street Jonesborough’s Facebook, Instagram and Twitter pages. When you find Paddy, he may have a special treat to share with you and be sure to get your picture made with him and hashtag #OnlyInJonesborough #FindPaddy to be entered to win a giveaway each day. Then on Saturday, join us for Shamrockin’ on the Plaza in front of the Storytelling Center from 5-8 p.m. Enjoy music from the ETSU Celtic Pride Band, beers from Depot Street Brewery featuring a special Chocolate Mint Stout and a special Irish menu from Noli. Downtown merchants will be offering promotions and special menu items throughout the weekend in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day. Also enjoy St. Paddy’s inspired arts with the McKinney Center at the corner of Fox Street on Saturday and Sunday from 2-4 p.m. For more information, go to Main Street Jonesborough’s Facebook page or call 423-753-1010.

theloaferonline.com | March 14, 2017

in Jonesborough

at Down Home

St. Patrick’s Day Weekend

Chris Knight

Come celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, Jonesborough 17 style March 17-19 in Tennessee’s Oldest Town. Join in on the weekend-long fun with a scavenger hunt, leprechaun search, live music, brews and more throughout the weekend.


Spotlight

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- TUESDAY - Mar. 14th -

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

Downtown Country

The Buddz Music Video Shoot

Ben Ricketts

The Boxcars

Jiggy Ray’s Pizzeria

Acoustic Coffeehouse

- WEDNESDAY - Mar. 15th Ryan Gregory Floyd The Harvest Table

Chris Knight

Down Home

Capone’s

Wild Wing Cafe

Cornbeef & The Pillbillies

Marcus Boyd Band

Wild Wing Cafe

Acoustic Coffeehouse

3.0

Bakkwoodz

Bluegrass Sweethearts

Ron Short & The Possum Playboys

Country Club Bar & Grill

Acoustic Coffeehouse

- THURSDAY - Mar. 16th The Goddam Gallows / Domestic Dispute

The Hideaway

The Trifinity: Yheti, Toadface, Mt. Analogue, and friends

Country Club Bar & Grill Bone Fire Smokehouse

Rock & Roll Freakshow

CJ’s Sports Bar

CJ’s Sports Bar

Old School Revue

Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out

at Athen’s Steakhouse

Brad Parsons

Steve Smith / Jason “The Comeback Kid” Edwards”

Acoustic Coffeehouse

Benny Wilson / Railway Express / Silver Bullet

O’Mainnin’s Pub

Nostalgia Duo

Peerless Steakhouse Lounge

The Blair Experience

Down Home

Bone Fire Smokehouse

Loose Leaves

- SATURDAY - Mar. 18th -

- FRIDAY - Mar. 17th -

Mick Kyte

Holston River Brewing Company

- SATURDAY - Mar. 18th Indighost / Acorn People / Field Notes

Carter Family Fold

Southern Rebellion

Holston River Brewing Company

The Diamonds

Rock’s Wood Fired Pizza & Grill

- SUNDAY - Mar. 19th -

Capone’s

Acoustifried

LIL WYTE

Virginia Ground and C2 and the Brothers Reed

Rhythm & The Roosevelts

Sleepy Owl Brewery

The Willow Tree Coffeehouse & Music Room

Nostalgia Duo

Justin Crider Band

Jason Keiser

Mark Larkins

Double Shott

David G Smith / Hey Dave Music / Chad Elliot

Nightshift Band

Andy Farrell

Southern Countrymen Band

Capone’s

Curb Side Orchestra

Rock’s Wood Fired Pizza & Grill

Rush Street

Bristol VFW Post 6975 The Silver Spur

Blackbird Bakery Acoustic Coffeehouse

Country Club of Bristol

Bone Fire Smokehouse

David Thompson’s Produce

Anthony Magnum on the keys

Monk & Malone

Zachary’s Steak Hous

- FRIDAY - Mar. 17th Spank

Wild Wing Cafe

Faded Travelers

Studio Brew

Folk Soul Revival

The Willow Tree Coffeehouse & Music Room

Jake Quillin Band

Sleepy Owl Brewery

My New Favorites

Bristol Station Brews & Taproom

The Impaladors

Jiggy Ray’s Pizzeria

Jiggy Ray’s Pizzeria

The Whiskey Sticks

The Damascus Brewery

Shooter

Slater Community Center

The Hideaway

Studio Brew

Acoustic Coffeehouse

Jacob Green

Bone Fire Smokehouse

- MONDAY - Mar. 20th State Street String Band Blackbird Bakery

J Luke Live

Wild Wing Cafe

Open Mic

Acoustic Coffeehouse

Open Mic

Rock’s Wood Fired Pizza & Grill

Shades of Refinement

Hansonville Music Barn

The Billy Crawford Band Down Home

Rockin’ Road to Dublin

Paramount Center for the Arts

Rusty Steel w/ Quarter Bounce

O’Mainnin’s Pub

for show time & more details, visit

theloaferonline.com


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

Sonny’s Marina & Café 109 One Street Gray, TN 423-282-9440

Alfredo’s Mediterranean & Italian Restaurant 812 Commonwealth Avenue Bristol, VA 276-644-3030

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

Valentino’s Italian Restaurant 1501 King College Road Bristol, TN 423-968-7655 or 1101 Volunteer Parkway Bristol, TN 423-444-6394

Athens Steakhouse 105 Goodson Street Bristol, VA 276-706-6927 Bone Fire Smokehouse at the Hardware 260 W Main St Abingdon VA 276-623-0037

Eatz on Moore Street 17 Moore Street Bristol, VA 276-591-4755 Holiday Inn (Exit 7) 3005 Linden Dr. Bristol VA 276-466-4100 Holston River Brewing Company 2621 Volunteer Pkwy Bristol TN

Borderline Billiards 628 State Street Bristol, TN 423-989-7665

Model City Tap House 324 E Market St. Kingsport 423-765-0875

CJ’S Sports Bar 516 Morelock St. Kingsport 423-390-1361

Rock’s Wood Fired Pizza & Grill 3119 Bristol Hwy. Johnson City 423-262-0444

Wild Wing Café 71 Wilson Avenue Johnson City TN 423-461-0071 Zachary’s Steak House 724 State Street Bristol, TN 423-239-8100 and 4223 Fort Henry Drive Kingsport, TN 423-239-8100

Corner Pocket 1742 Edgemont Avenue Bristol, TN 423-844-0369

JACOB GREEN Sunday, March 19th

KARAOKE

Bone Fire Smokehouse

TUESDAY Karaoke w/ Sean at Dawg House Tavern Karaoke at Numan’s *********************** WEDNESDAY Karaoke w/ Southern Sounds Karaoke at American Legion 8pm Karaoke w/ DJ Marquez & Open Mic Entertainment at Holston River Brewing Company Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at Smokey Bone Turn the Page Karaoke At VFW Post 2108 *********************** THURSDAY Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at Macado’s Karaoke at Numan’s Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at New Beginning’s Karaoke at Jiggy Rays Pizzaria ***********************

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 Karaoke at CJ’s Sports Bar Karaoke at Elizabethton VFW Karaoke w/ DJ Marques At Holiday Inn (Exit 7)Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at Moe’s Original BBQ Karaoke at Numan’s *********************** SATURDAY Karaoke at The Horseshoe Lounge Karaoke at Kingsport Moose Lodge Turn the Page Karaoke at VFW Post 2108 Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment At Macado’s - Kingsport Karaoke at Numan’s ***********************

19 theloaferonline.com | March 14, 2017

SPOTLIGHT DIRECTORY

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


theloaferonline.com | March 14, 2017

20

HISTORIC FIRST SPACE WALK ALMOST A DISASTER

T

Stargazer

By Mark Marquette since 1996 stargazermarq@ gmail.com

“The tranquility of space was profound—far greater than anything you might imagine on Earth from diving deep beneath the surface of an ocean.” Alexi Leonov, first spacewalker

his week we celebrate a landmark event in space history that today is taken for granted—the first human to exit a spaceship into outer space. That brave man is 82-year-old Alexi Leonov who is Russia’s most revered spaceman and loves to tell of the time walked in space. Now he does. At the time of Leonov’s spacewalk on March 18, 1965, only he and fellow cosmonaut Pavel Belyayev, deceased, watching inside their Voskhod 2 spacecraft how close the hand of death was lurking. The truth took nearly 30 years after the dangerous exit into the void of outer space. Instead, the first spacewalk rocked the world with screaming newspaper headlines and news interruptions on television and radio. The press called Leonov’s 12-minute sortie into space “easy”...but it was extremely hard. “Soviet Walks In Space” “Cosmonaut Exits Spaceship for 20 Minutes” “Communist Spacewalk Puts America Behind In Moon Race” It was the height of the USA vs. USSR Space Race that had the undeclared prize of the first Moon rocks brought back to Earth. Of course, Apollo 11 grabbed the first lunar booty in July 1969. But in 1965, America was perceived to be behind. That may or may not have been true. The uncertainty who was leading the Space Race is because of the tight secrecy in which Russia conducted its space program. And the deception, propaganda and outright lies the official USSR news agency TASS spread across the world. That’s why it took into the 1990s and cooperative spaceflights by the American Space Shuttle to the Russian MIR space station to start breaking the code of silence. As cosmonauts and astronauts began sharing training facilities in Star City and Houston, the vodka and beer was poured and tongues began to wag. And then new Russia emerged at the dawn of the 21st

Century to ease any repercussions from telling the truth. Cosmonaut Leonov has written and retold many times his brush with death in a harrowing Extravehicular Activity (EVA) where nearly everything went wrong. Leonov’s spacesuit ballooned out, and he couldn’t get inside the tunnel airlock! He had to let air out of his suit, a dangerous decision, and had just enough time to squeeze in headfirst with the help of Belyayev. Leonov struggled in a controlled panic as globs of sweat poured out of his body, his hands and feet slipped out of their gloves and boots and his body moved inside independent of the ballooned spacesuit. The spacewalk was televised live to the Russian people after Leonov deployed two cameras, but the coverage ended when the problems arose. Safely inside, Leonov recorded notes of his EVA, and an artist, he made four sketches of Earth and space with colored pencils. Decades later he made serious paintings of his space walk. Some of the photos released by TASS were actually staged rehearsals with a cloudy Earth background. A shadow over Leonov’s shoulder had people claiming the spacewalk was a hoax. Indeed, magazines like Popular Science had a field day speculating about Soviet space forgeries and disasters. Even after Leonov’s personal description of crawling out a disposable, pressurized exit tunnel, photos were scarce and it was hard to imagine what it looked like. That is until the fabulous Cosmosphere museum in Hutchinson, Kansas acquired a training Voskhod spaceship complete with the EVA tunnel and Leonov’s training spacesuit and helmet. It is a rare piece of hardware that attracts space geeks (like me) from around the world. What is surprising about the collapsible tunnel is it is made of a heavy canvas. And the outer layer of Leonov’s EVA suit was also a heavy cloth material. America’s first EVA was three months later on June 3 by Ed White. It was harder than everyone thought, and the following Gemini spacewalks continued to be a challenge for NASA astronauts in gaining strength and control over their bodies. And Russia wasn’t truthfully sharing their space walking experiences. That all changed for the better. Now about once every two months a Russian and American are found outside the International Space Station performing routine maintenance on the amazing facility. The joint USA-USSR space ventures began with the docking of an Apollo module to a Soyuz spaceship, the famous space spectacular in July 1975 largely orchestrated by President Richard Nixon. Leonov was the Russian commander for that historic spaceflight. The famous spaceflight of Voskhod 2 had more dangerous moments than the spacewalk. The spaceship was actually blasted about 50 miles higher than the planned orbit, and that created problems for reentry. The Voskhod 2 spacecraft landed in a remote area of Siberia where the cosmonauts were stranded the first night in freezing temperatures, afraid to build a fire that might attract wolves. The rescue crew found them in the morning, dropped supplies and the cosmonauts skied out of the snowed-in forest. From near death in space to fearing the thrashing from a pack of wolves, Belyayev and Leonov lived through one of the most harrowing of any manned spaceflight.


S

ay goodbye to blazing Venus as she get lost in the solar glare after sunset and is all but gone next week. The evening skies will seem a bit naked without Venus tricking our eyes with her brightness. But don’t worry; the second planet will pop up in the morning sky in April. And Spring finally arrives, on time and welcome after a pretty mild winter in the Appalachians. Tuesday, March 14 The gibbous Moon rises around 10:30 pm right after Jupiter and Spica in Virgo the Virgin. Each day the Moon rises about 40 minutes later than the day before. Wednesday, March 15 While you say goodbye to Venus, don’t forget Mars, still hanging around in Pisces the Fishes until setting around 9:30 pm DST. There are six spacecraft orbiting Mars and two crawling around the surface. We’re living in the Golden Age of Mars Exploration. Thursday, March 16 As darkness descends around 7:30 pm the mighty lion rises in the east standing on his hind legs. Yes, Leo is a sure sign of Spring, and for amateur astronomers it is filled with faint, fuzzy galaxies in their telescopes.

21 Friday, March 17 St. Patrick’s Day…which has nothing to do with astronomy. But on this 2011 date in space history, NASA’s Messenger spacecraft began orbiting Mercury. The successful mission continues as the entire surface of the first planet has been photographed by Messenger. 19th. Saturday, March 18 On this 1965 date in space history, Alexei Leonov, 83, took the world’s first space walk outside the Voskhod 2 spaceship. Watching inside the spaceship was cosmonaut Pavel Belyayev. Leonov also commanded the Soviet spaceship that docked with an Apollo manned spacecraft in 1975, and is a Russian national hero. Sunday, March 19 With Daylight Saving Time in effect for a week, sunset will be noticeably pushing back each week as we have a 7:30 pm time today, leaving twilight until 8:30 pm or so. And as it warms up, those brilliant stars of the Winter Octagon will make you look skyward! Monday, March 20 Vernal Equinox is today as the Sun enters Aries the Ram at 6:29 am…and the long, hard Winter is over. Seen from the equator, the Sun is directly overhead at noon, and around the world there are an equal 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of night.

theloaferonline.com | March 14, 2017

THIS WEEK

SKIES

Celestial events in the skies for the week of March 14-20, 2017 as compiled for The Loafer by Mark D. Marquette.


theloaferonline.com | March 14, 2017

22

Farewell Robert O

It was a New Year’s Eve of my early 20s. My family had plans, my friends had plans. I, however, did not have plans. I suddenly thought that I should have plans. I should be out with someone, I should have someone over. I began calling people as those were the days when you actually phoned someone. Every person I called had plans, no one was free to come over. Depressed and sunken I accepted that this would be a New Year not spent with the company of a charming lass, but alone

I Batteries Not Included

By Andy Ross aross@ theloaferonline.com

decided to see what would be on Turner Classic Movies that evening. I didn’t want to watch the ball drop, I didn’t want to see people making out in Times Square, I just wanted to watch something else. TCM was showing a marathon of Marx Brothers movies that night, favorites of mine and I thought to myself “At least I’ll have some company.” As the clock crept closer to eight I placed a frozen pizza in the oven, went out to the sunroom where the TV was, and flipped it to TCM. On the dot at eight o’clock was Robert Osborne, wearing a tuxedo and holding a glass of champagne, welcoming me and telling me how happy he was I would be joining him for the evening. It wasn’t a bad way to spend New Year’s Eve. I never met Robert Osborne, but when he passed away last week at the age of 84 I felt like I had a lost a friend. Since its inception in 1994 Robert Osborne was the heart and soul of Turner Classic Movies. Sometimes at the end of a terrible day I knew I could rely on my friend to be there for me with a movie, perhaps one I had never seen before, with a little bit of info as why I ought to check this one out. Osborne had been, in essence, preparing his whole life for his TCM hosting gig. A native of Washington state, Osborne moved to Hollywood as a young man with the goal of becoming an actor. Osborne found himself under contract to Desilu studios and soon hanging out with Lucille Ball. It

continued on page 24


Elizabethton

Greeneville VFW 70 Harlan Street Greeneville, TN Houston Valley Club 1125 Bolton Road Greeneville, TN The Hyperion 1759 E. Andrew Johnson Hwy Greeneville, TN Rio’s Sports Bar & Grill 70 Harlan Street Greeneville, TN VFW Greeneville 70 Harlan Street Greeneville, TN

Abingdon Moose Lodge 15605 Porterfield Hwy Abingdon, VA

Boozy Creek Community Center 1989 Shelley’s Road Hiltons, VA

JJ’s Restaurant 115 Charwood Drive Abingdon, VA

Buffalo Ruritan 200 Willowbrook Drive Bluff City, TN

Washington County Moose 15605 Porterfield Hwy Abingdon, VA

Busted Still Brewery 185 Homeplace Drive Gate City, VA

Wolf Hills Brewing Company Carter Family Fold 3449 A.P. Carter Highway 350 Park Street SE Hiltons, VA Abingdon, VA

e dwar r a H the 037

se aVtA • 276-623-M0-9PM u o h e 1A n, Smok bingdo nday: 1

ire in Street • AM-10PM • Su pted. F e n Bo W Ma rinks s acce t. 11A 260 – Sa nd d Card Mon. jor Credit r, coffee a .com : s r u q Ho Ma inne sebb nch, d mokehou u l g n Servi .bonefires www

The Harvest Table Restaurant 13180 Meadowview Square Meadowview, VA

The Damascus Brewery 32173 Government Road Damascus, VA

Elizabethton Elks Lodge 1000 N. Sycamore Street Elizabethton, TN Elizabethton Moose Lodge 288 Lovers Lane Elizabethton, TN Elizabethton VFW 2001 W. Elk Avenue Elizabethton, TN Elizabethton Senior Center 428 E. G Street Elizabethton, TN Jiggy Ray’s 610 E. Elk Avenue Elizabethton, TN

Damascus Old Mill 215 W. Imboden Street Damascus, VA David Thompson’s Produce 251 Highway 107 Jonesborough, TN The Dispensary 271 Oak Avenue Spruce Pine, NC Eagles Club 1097 Boody Road Castlewood, VA Erwin Moose Lodge 50 Jones Road Erwin, TN Handle Bar & Grill 8310 E. Andrew Johnson Hwy Chuckey, TN

The Lions Club 116 Industrial Park Road Chilhowie, VA Ma & Pa’s Restaurant 18928 US Highway 58 Castlewood, VA Shirley’s Restaurant 3266 Highway 321 Hampton, TN TN Veterans Post #1 3041 Old Hwy 25E Morristown, TN VFW Post #4933 830 Minga Road Boone Dam Willoughby Ruritan 5145 Marvin Road Bulls Gap, VA

23 theloaferonline.com | March 14, 2017

General Morgan Inn 111 N. Main Street Greeneville, TN

Abingdon, VA & beyond

Greeneville

BARS, CLUBS, RESTAURANTS and more….

11 E Sports Bar 5580 Blue Springs Parkway Greeneville, TN


theloaferonline.com | March 14, 2017

24 continued from page 22 was Ball who noticed that Osborne had such an intense curiosity for classic Hollywood, encouraging him to become a writer and chronicle about the movies he loved most. “It was the best advice I was ever given” he would later recall. His first book “Academy Awards Illustrated” was published in 1965 and he would soon find himself striking many friendships with the stars he adored so much. In the late ‘70s he began a long running stint as a columnist for “The Hollywood Reporter,” in 1982 he began a five year run on a local Los Angeles TV station as an entertainment reporter, all leading up to his “dream job that didn’t exist yet” as the host of Turner Classic Movies. TCM wasn’t the first place to show classic movies on TV, nor the first cable outlet to do so with hosts (that would have been American Movie Classics, aka AMC long before anyone thought of zombies). But at TCM is where Osborne made his biggest impact. By the early 2000s TCM was starting to develop a strong and fervent fanbase of young people. Countless numbers of people in their 20s and 30s who fell in love with film noir, Bette Davis, Joan Crawford, Cary Grant, Jimmy Stewart, Fred and Ginger, Howard Hawks and Billy Wilder. I count myself as one of those young people who began watching TCM regularly when I was in high school. Sometimes if a film was coming on TCM that I had seen, and I was rushing to get ready to go some place, I’d tune in as I’d just wanna see what Robert Osborne would have to say about it. The greatest gift he gave us classic film fans was sharing his love and infectious joy for these films with an entire generation who had never seen them before. In an interview from a few year back

Osborne remarked that the number of young people who attend the TCM Film Festival in Hollywood every year is “a huge percentage.” I’ve been fortunate to be involved with The Capitol Theater, a restored movie house from the 1930s in downtown Greeneville. There I’ve been able to introduce some of the films that I and Robert Osborne love so dearly. Whenever I work on my notes for an introduction I always think to myself “What would Robert Osborne do?” Robert Osborne was one of a kind, he was to TCM what Walter Cronkite was to CBS. To say he will be missed is an understatement of the grandest order. TCM is in good hands with Ben Mankiewicz, who joined the network in 2003, Tiffany Vazquez, who joined last year, and Eddie Muller who hosts the new Noir Alley spotlight that began this month. TCM will always be “The house that Robert Osborne built.” It’s my great hope that he knew the wonderful legacy he left behind, the impact he made on people’s lives, and how much he meant to us. TCM has become more than just a cable channel, it’s become a community with TCM as the clubhouse. I’ve made so many friends through the TCM internet community that I have nothing but the greatest thanks for. To those of us, especially in our 20s and 30s, who love these movies, talk about these movies, obsessed about these movies--we owe Robert Osborne a debt we can never repay. I’ll try my best my showing these movies to as many people as I can get my hands on. Sleep well, Mr. Osborne. Thank you so much for everything you did for classic film. The world will be a much poorer place without you, though you leave it richer.

Friday Night Dance Featuring Kids Our Age

Citizens are invited to join Senior Services the first and third Friday of each month to dance the night away to live music. Memorial Park Community Center, 510 Bert St., hosts Friday Night Dances from 7-10 p.m. Next up is Kids Our Age on Friday, March 17.

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ost is $5 with a Silver Sneakers® discount for eligible participants. Please pre-register and pay in person at the MPCC Senior Services desk. For more information, call 423-434-6237.


Profits to support local literacy programs

Friends of Kingsport Public Library and First Book – Greater Kingsport announces the 2017 Kingsport Book Fair, March 16-19, Kingsport Civic Auditorium, 1550 Fort Henry Drive. Regular Book Fair hours are Friday, March 17, and Saturday, March 18, 9am – 7pm and Sunday, March 19, 12:45 - 5pm. No admission fee is charged throughout the entire weekend. Shoppers are encouraged to make multiple trips to the Book Fair!

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special Preview $ale event will be held Thursday, March 16th, 5-9pm. Admission for the Preview $ale is $10. Continuing from previous Book Fairs, sales of at least $25 are cash or major credit cards. Sales under $25 are cash only. Most donated Items are priced from 25 cents to 10 dollars, based on age, condition, and popularity. The 1/2 price sale begins at 4pm on Saturday and the $10 Bag $ale begins at 12:45pm on Sunday. Received since mid-March 2016 from local residents, the donated items include thousands of printed books, audiobooks, music CDs, DVDs, and vinyl record albums. Each item has been individually priced and sorted in one of 30+ categories (based on format and topic). Kingsport Book Fair does not scan books for "gems" to be sold online. As with previous Book Fairs, the 2017 inventory has exceptionally quality and quantity: fiction, non-fiction, history, biography, children’s, religion, music, cookbooks, DIY, gardening, textbooks, vinyl, and art/coffee table books. The Regional Interest category includes books by TimesNews’ Vince Staten to the FoxFire series to hiking the AT or Great Smoky Mountains to fiction by Jefferson Bass and Adriana Trigiani to cookbooks from local churches and other civic groups. Each year the donations have a 'personality'. This year there will be over 2500 new & used comic books for sale and over 100 vinyl albums. Based

on customer requests, a new category for Sports and Transportation will segment books on professional athletes, sports, fitness, automobiles, trains, airplanes, etc. Small, gift, and blank books are separated from the other donations to make them easier to locate. As always, cookbooks, gardening, and various DIY categories will be abundant and priced to sell. Kingsport Book Fair is an excellent example of recycling and sustainability. All items collected and sold are locally, preowned books. The donations are stored in reused boxes. Many are reused milk boxes or egg boxes from local church kitchens. Most of the boxes are reused from year to year, some on the 4th or 5th Book Fair! Except for the minimal monthly fees charged to store the books and move to the Civic Auditorium, the usage fee for the Civic Auditorium, and the targeted advertising, all of the labor is donated by book loving, caring volunteers. Profits from the Book Fair are split 50/50 by Friends of the Kingsport Public Library and First Book – Greater Kingsport. Each organization uses these funds to support local literacy programs. Additional volunteers are welcomed to help un-box books (Thursday, March 16, any time after 9am), throughout the weekend for the actual sale, and reboxing (Sunday, March 19, 4:35pm). This is a fabulous opportunity for youth needing volunteer hours for high school graduation or college applications.

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2017 Kingsport Book Fair

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Logan

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Pop Life

By Ken Silvers ksilvers@ theloaferonline.com

(Rated R) 1 1/2 X-Men (out of 4)

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I always look forward to superhero movies. For me they are always exciting event films, and often times the tie-ins (t-shirts, etc.) are just eventful as the film. However, over the years there have been disappointments and outright disasters. "Catwoman", "Daredevil", and the "Fantastic Four" films come to mind as epic misses

he latest superhero film to grace the big screen is "Logan", featuring Hugh Jackman reprising his role as Wolverine. I have really enjoyed Hugh's other ventures as the adamantium clawed hero, which include solo adventures and "X-Men" appearances. The new effort starring Jackman, "Logan", his supposedly last time starring as Wolverine, left me cold. I really don't know where to begin concerning this film. The first part of the film, set in 2029, plods along at a deadly pace, while introducing us to the current state of Logan, which is grumpy and sickly, no doubt caused by the adamanitum in his bones which has started poisoning him. Logan is currently working as a chauffeur, and when he is not working he lives with an albino mutant named Caliban (Stephen Merchant) and Professor Xavier (Patrick Stewart), who is suffering from a neurodegenerative disease just across the border in Mexico. Depressed yet? One day during his job, Logan answers a call from a mysterious woman who harbors a young mutant, who just happens to be a female clone of Logan, named Laura/X-23 (Dafne Keen). After meeting the duo, Logan eventually takes Laura under his wing, and the duo along with Professor X hit the road in an attempt to flee a villainous group of humans who are out to destroy all mutants. The group of humans, called the Reavers, are led by Donald Pierce (Boyd Holbrook), who appears to be a reject from the "Fast & Furious" film series. Donald is making every effort to

catch Laura and her other young mutant friends, and no manner of bad acting will stop him. The film also features Logan fighting a clone of himself, X-24, in one of the films best moments. Wolverine vs Wolverine would have made a great stand alone film, but alas was not meant to be. Eventually a showdown between the Reavers, Logan and the kids, results in a tragedy, and I don't mean just the film. This film ran at least an hour too long, and could really have used some editing. The dark and depressing story-line left me squirming in my seat, and I kept wondering when the film would ever end. With the exception of a few scenes, Jackman didn't exactly appear to be having a good time in the role, but as grumpy as the character was most of the time, it was hard to tell. Meanwhile, his co-star Keen, nearly stole all the scenes from Jackman, but even at times she was annoying. I really tried to like this film, but I simply could muster any excitement during the film. This dark, dank, joyless film would leave even the most ardent film fan feeling down. Comic book fans, of which I am one, may feel different, but I am not among them. The best part of the film was the fight between the two Wolverines and the Deadpool teaser that ran before the film, which had nothing to do with "Logan". For me sitting through "Logan" was pure torture, and with this film I am one and done. What a sad way for Jackman to end his run as Wolverine. Go see "Logan" at your own risk. You have been warned.


The Bonnie Kate Theater 115 S. Sycamore Street Elizabethton, VA

The Lincoln Theatre 117 E. Main Street Marion, VA

Birthplace of Country Music Museum 520 Birthplace of Country Music Way Bristol, VA

Niswonger Performing Arts Center 212 Tusculum Blvd Greeneville, TN

Capitol Theatre 104 S. Main Street Greeneville, VA

Paramount Center for the Arts 516 State Street Bristol, TN

EXTRA CURRICULAR Night Life…..

Laurel Marina 191 Shady Ford Road Bristol, TN

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8pm obe East ward 1308 anagers R t. 12pm to ave a t! h a M / S e s . r 6 W Owne ours: Mon since 200 g studio. eck us ou H Open dy piercin me and ch d Bo t. Co oo an vironmen m t t a T t o ed en s bes lery.c r area t in a relax w.2tongal e f f o tis We ww ing ar s winn horuol, VA C ! e t v re Asltiol Mall • Br-i9sPM A s l l Hi evel – Bri from 7PM hts. et L g f Swe se s i r t o n e h t r y g w i a a Lo ay n s-p urpo uesd Tuesd al every T en choru n whose p le. We m o ty tio ars Rehe is an all w t organiza rbershop s s fi a u r o b Cho n pr ny – rea. Alive! nal – a no art harmo ight e r A the a o s i d n p t n y a 4 u Hill a n on ter esd ghts aro ublic i ry Tu nes In Adeli cate the p meet eve on other n u d 8 m e r rfo is to ers • 423-833-60P2M. x nd pe i a , M s l a ce :30 TN hears erpiJeohnson Cit1y0PM & 9PM-9 t for re s a M ue #6 • Med. m 7P pted. n o e r f v mend sary. s A e e a m s c k o s c a c a a l e n ards neces ons r ast U Sat. c 101 E hurs. Fri. or Credit C reservati nstruction , birthday s: T Maj e. Online dio, no i e events camp Hour stu orat ilabl kids s ava aint party y do corp te night, e i t r a The t, da te p sap Priva e Mixers i rom 5-95! nights ou c f s l e rpi ges , gir ne. Maste ter to all a te parties come alo t a t e c s or ju They , bachelor s e i t r pa

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Lee Theatre 41676 W Morgan Street Pennington Gap, VA

THEATRE & PERFORMING ARTS CENTERS MARINAS

Barter Theatre 127 W. Main Street Abingdon, VA


Abingdon to Damascus It's hard to believe spring is almost here. The daffodils have already turned brown and the blossoms on the Bradford pears have succumbed to the bright green of new leaves. Winter seems to have missed our region entirely. For the last month, many have been anxiously waiting for the snowy winds to swoop down from the north once again, but with each sunny March day, that chance seems to fade faster than the daffodils.

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Appalachian Wanderers

By Jason & Daniel Worley jdworley@ theloaferonline.com

Riders will cross over a dozen original train bridges from Abingdon to Damascus. Here one crosses where the South and Middle Fork of the Holston River meets.

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ummer bugs, heat, and humidity are sure to arrive in force within record time, so it's best to make the most of the warm weather before allergy season sets in. Last weekend was so beautiful that we decided to return to a favorite location of ours: the Virginia Creeper Trail. The ride from Whitetop to Damascus is an easy downhill cruise we've enjoyed several times over the past few years; in fact, it was the subject of our very first article last year. This trip we decided to conquer the lower portion which winds its way north from Damascus to end in Abingdon. This lower portion is much more challenging, as there is very little cruising and several uphill portions. Stretching sixteen miles through the suburbs and countryside, the terrain and sights vary widely from the upper stretch through the forests of Mount Rogers National Recreation Area. You'll want to give yourself a good four to five hours to complete this segment, so it's best to arrive early. Take your time to enjoy the views, have a riverside picnic, or take a much-deserved rest. Once again we enjoyed the great services provided by Blue Blaze Bike Rental and Shuttle. Friendly staff have a thorough knowledge of the trail and a great selection of bikes to choose from, so you can be sure to receive one perfectly matched for your size. Since they are located in Damascus, we had them drop us off at the Abingdon end so we could bike back to their trailside location. A small parking area and a historical steam engine mark the start of the pathway, located just a mile from downtown. This portion is popular with local residents who use it as a jogging and walking path. Watch out for the occasional stray puppy! Soon the houses and sounds of the busy town will be far behind as the trail passes under Interstate 81 and escapes into the countryside. Soon the woods begin to close in and offer a refreshing respite from the hot morning sun. Several historic trestles cross high above the numerous creek valleys which pass through the area and offer some great views of the surrounding forest canopy. Shortly after is a parking area next to a dangerous crossing of Watauga Road. Cars travel fast along this road, so please be careful and look both ways.

Once again the trail enters a patch of woods as it passes through a gap. Cliffs rise up on the right side and offer some interesting views of geologic formations and several smaller caves. Soon the sounds of flowing water can be heard on the left, and as the trail rounds the next bend Middle Prong of the Holston River can be seen far below. The next portion of the trail passes through open fields of a farm and requires passage through several gates. Please be courteous and make sure they are closed as you pass through. Throughout this area you may notice that the landscape may look a little odd; the trees are almost devoid of branches or are twisted into strange shapes. It was here in 2011 that a powerful tornado swept through the area after skipping across Watauga Lake. The long bridge you will soon cross is completely new, as strong winds ripped the original historic trestle completely off its foundation and threw it in the nearby field. After several years of planning and construction by the City of Abingdon, the new bridge opened in 2014. Soon the Middle Fork will return and hug the left side of the trail until you arrive at its junction with South Fork. A long, curving bridge takes you out over the upper reaches of Watauga Lake. Interpretive displays explain the history and importance of the two rivers, as well as the reason for their different colors. Middle Fork is usually dark brown, as the churning waters are filled with silt and mud due to erosion from area farms. South Fork, on the other hand, has just arrived here after rushing down the slopes of Mount Rogers and through the national recreation area. The difference between the two is striking, as the waters remain divided even as they form one river. South Fork will remain your companion the rest of the journey to Damascus as you wind through farmlands and begin to pass through area neighborhoods. Traffic noise will soon indicate the presence of Highway 58, and from here it’s only another two miles to downtown. While the quietness offered by the countryside may be lacking here, the river still provides beautiful scenery to accompany you on this last leg of the trek.

Directions: From I-81 North, take exit 19 in Virginia for US-11/US-58 toward Abingdon/ Damascus. In 0.3 mile turn right onto US-11 N/US-58 E, and then turn slightly right to stay on US-58E. In 10.0 miles, turn right onto South Smith Street. Blue Blaze Shuttle will immediately be on the right, and parking is available behind the building in the gravel lot. Reservations are recommended but not required for Blue Blaze. Visit their website at blueblazebikeandshuttle.com or give them a call at 276-475-5095.


Titanic The Casual Word

By Langley Shazor Follow Langley at TheCasualWord

You were supposed to have been

Pulled beneath the very waves

Someone I could lean on

You rode to safety

A person to help keep me afloat

Once you reached the shore

But instead You watched me sink

Did you even look back?

As you rowed away

Or did you scamper

No sense in risking two lives

Falling into the arms of a first

When you could save yourself

responder

Lacking the strength

So elated to be with your savior

To pull me in the boat with you

Failing to mention

The safer bet

The one left behind

Was to let me drown

The one truly in need

I

Of rescue

Caught in a rip tide

TANAMA COLIBRI

Tanama Colibri was born in New York City to Puerto Rican and Dominican parents, and started writing poetry at the age of five. Tanama aspires to be an impactful writer and hopes to continue learning about the world and its ways in order to assist those in need. She grateful to all the supporters of her interpretation of life through art.

ON A DAY LIKE THIS NOTHING EVER GOES AS PLANNED I'VE COME TO TERMS WITH THE UNPREDICTABLE DROP EVERY FEELING AND MOVE ON LOOKING BACK ONLY MAKES YOU SLACK HAUNTED BY WHAT NEVER OCCURRED BY A CAN'T UNDONE YET CHANGE STILL CAN BREATHE LIFE INTO THE NEW IMAGINATION THOUGHTS TURNED ACTION CAUSE CREATION REFRESHING THE CYCLE AS NATURE DIES AND IS REBORN SO MUST WE RESPECT THE NON EXPECTATION OUR INFLUENCE ISN'T ALWAYS NEEDED TRUST SEPTEMBER 27 2015

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“Sigean” highlights St. Patrick’s Day

Contra Dance in Jonesborough!

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The Historic Jonesborough Dance Society will host the next contra dance of the season on Friday March 17, 2017 at the Jonesborough Visitors Center at 117 Boone Street at 8:00 PM. The featured band is “Sigean” from Bristol, TN. Blacksburg, VA sends us Phoebe Williams to do the calling. Admission is $7, $5 for HJDS members and students. Same prices is offered to any Sigean fans who wish to come and listen to the music. A special family package for members is now offered for a total of $15. Parents and all of their own children under age 18 can gain admission for one price.

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his St. Patrick’s Day dance is sponsored by Andrew Johnson Bank of Jonesborough. “Andrew Johnson Bank has seen the value of our community dance program in its 12th year, and is showing their financial support for this event” offers event organizer, David Wiley, President of the Historic Jonesborough Dance Society. “Normally, our dances are held on the first and third Saturdays, but Sigean came available on St. Patrick’s Day. So, we moved our dance to Friday” adds Wiley. Sigean was formed in Bristol, TN in 1997 for the sole purpose of performing traditional Irish music. Since then, the band has performed for all of the major festivals in East Tennessee and additionally performed at events in North Carolina, Virginia, and California. The band has also performed for many private venues, pubs, bars and restaurants, and private functions such as the Media General Annual Meeting, the 100th Anniversary of the Bristol TN/VA Chamber of Commerce, Studio One with Dave Carter and The Down Home. Come as you are; wear soft flexible shoes for dancing. Being St. Patrick’s Day, everyone is encouraged to wear GREEN. Forget to wear green on St. Patty’s Day? Don’t be surprised if you get pinched. No surprise, it’s an entirely American tradition that probably started in the early 1700s. St. Patrick’s revelers thought wearing green made one invisible to leprechauns, fairy creatures who would pinch anyone they could see (anyone not wearing green). People began pinching those who didn’t wear green as a reminder that leprechauns would sneak up and pinch green-abstainers. Not Irish? Not too worry. Everyone can be Irish on St. Patrick’s Day. The caller will teach a class for beginners at 7:30 PM and the dance will run from 8:00-11:00 PM. Come to dance or come to listen. No partner is necessary. It is customary at contra dances to change partners after each dance. As always, our dances are smoke, alcohol and fragrance free. Families, students and singles are welcome. All dances are taught by the caller. No previous dance experience is necessary. For more information, contact David Wiley at 423-534-8879, or email to david@historicjonesboroughdancesociety.org. Also visit the Historic Jonesborough Dance Society on FACEBOOK.

More Upcoming Sigean Dates

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www.sigeanmusic.com

arch 18th 7pm - Sigean performs with the Bristol Ballet in a very exciting production entitleed “Celtic Flair” at Heritage Hall in Mountain City, TN. Heritage Hall is located at 211 North Church Street, Mountain City, TN. Information concerning tickets for this event can be obtained by calling 423-727-7444. March 19th – 3pm - Sigean performs with the Bristol Ballet again in “Celtic Flair” at the McGlothlin Center for the Arts which is located on the campus of Emory and Henry College at Emory, VA. Information concerning tickets for this event can be obtained by calling 276-944-6333.


Singer Songwriters Celebrate

The power of the written word matched to melody and presented with soul is what singing is all about. On Saturday, March 25, two dynamic singer/songwriters come to The Down Home in Johnson City, TN to deliver both a songwriters’ workshop and a duo performance. The occasion is a celebration of Women On Air’s 30th anniversary of radio broadcast on NPR member station WETSfm, and radio IQ station, WEHC.

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his is a sort of ‘west-coast-meets-east-coast-in-thesouthern-Appalachians’ with play list favorites, “ says Susan Lachmann, Host and Producer of Women On Air. “They are both highly accomplished and skilled in the craft of songwriting as well as stage performance. It’s an honor to bring musicians of such high caliber here for live performance. It’s what my show is all about: supporting, promoting and illuminating women’s voices.” Hailing from Boston, Catie Curtis has become something more than a songwriting star. Her career spans 14 albums, songs featured on TV shows Dawson’s Creek, Chicago Hope, and Felicity; and movies like Finding Graceland and A Slipping Down Life. For over 20 years, she’s been a perennially popular headliner, appearing at performing arts centers, concert halls, folk clubs, music festivals, Lilith Fair, Carnegie Hall, and the White House. “Any fool can write a love-gone-wrong song; it takes a genius to write

a love-gone-right song. No urban songwriter does that better than Catie Curtis.” Rolling Stone wrote, “With her deceptively gentle voice, she can turn on a dime and thrill the listener with unforeseen power and emotion. Intricate acoustic picking sometimes recalling Joan Armatrading…but Curtis is very much an original.” New York Times magazine called her a “folk-rock goddess.” LA producer and performer Maia Sharp, has equal share in stage spotlights as well as national radio and television. With a keen sense for lyrics and story lines, she has penned songs for Bonnie Raitt, The Dixie Chicks, Trisha Yearwood, Cher and many more. She’s co-written with Carole King, Lisa Loeb, Jules Shear and David Wilcox, and worked studio consoles to produce for Garfunkel, Edwin McCain and others. Her touring credits include Keb' Mo', Patty Griffin, Art Garfunkel and Jonatha Brooke. Many of Sharp's songs come from her own experiences and observations. In the case of "Standing Out in a Crowd, " she speaks to the loneliness that young girls in particular can feel when ostracized for being "different." Trisha Yearwood released this song

several years ago; now Sharp includes it on one of her own solo releases. Clearly, Sharp has proven her ability to excel wherever talent manifests itself in music. "I don't have one style of instrumentation that's always right," Sharp insists. "I love to incorporate some new, signature sound that maybe you didn't hear on the last song. Could be strings, horns, piano, organ, just some new color every time." Songwriters’ workshop is 11:00am – 3:00pm on Saturday, March 25th at the Down Home in Johnson City, TN, where students have access to both Curtis and Sharp in a nationally revered listening room. All skill levels are welcome; participants are encouraged to get comfortable, get creative and gain skills. The instructors’ fee of $145 includes a ticket to the evening performance. Doors open at 7:00pm for the 8pm show, tickets for the double header are $20, available for purchase at the door or from www. brownpapertickets. For more information, see FB public event pages for each event, or call 423-4442972. Workshop is limited to 18 participants, please do call to register.

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Answers on page 34


Chloe is a 4 year old domestic long hair female. She is spayed and up to date on all vaccines. Such a social and vocal cat! She loves treats too!

Stripes is a one year old male domestic short hair. He is neutered and up to date on all vaccines. This sweet kitty loves to play and be petted!

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

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PETS

OF THE WEEK

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THINGS TO DO Applications being accepted for Citizens Police Academy The Johnson City Police Department is accepting applications for the 46th session of the Citizens Police Academy, which will begin Tuesday, April 18. The nine-week academy is designed to develop a better understanding of the police role in the community through a hands-on approach. Participants must sign required waivers and agreements, have no criminal history, be at least 21 years old, and be physically able to meet training requirements. Participants are expected to attend three-hour weekly sessions and one eight-hour Saturday session, and to ride with a patrol officer for two eight-hour shifts. Applications may be obtained online at www.johnsoncitytn.org/ police and at the Johnson City Police Department, 601 E. Main St. Deadline for registration is Friday, April 7. For more information, please contact Glenda Aschenback at 432-434-6170. •••••••••••••••••••••••••• Computer Classes @ the Jonesborough Library Tuesdays @ 2:00 The Jonesborough Library will offer a series of computer classes on Tuesdays at 2:00 p.m. in March: March 21 – Email Basics (Jaden) March 28 – Organizing Files on your Computer (Kate) Our classes will be taught by Jonesborough Library staff. These classes are free and open to the public. Space is limited and registration is required. To register, please call the Jonesborough Library at 7531800. If you have a laptop or tablet, you're welcome to bring it. We are also looking for a computer savvy person who is interested in volunteering to teach computer classes! If you are interested, please

contact Dorothy Linton at the Jonesborough Library, dlinton@ wclibrarytn.org, or 423-753-1800. •••••••••••••••••••••••••• Hands On! Calendar of Events Now thru 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 day. Tuesday, March 14th - Sunday, April 2nd - Springtime Science Ring in spring with some fun and silly springtime science experiments. You won't believe your eyes in our growing marshmallow Peeps experiment, test out an EGG-cellent floating egg experiment, and even try out some candy chromatography. The Eastman Discovery Lab will be open by announcement periodically throughout each day. (***Please note this program may contain peanuts and small parts that may not suitable for children under 3 years of age.) 315 E. Main St., Johnson City. 423-434-HAND.. •••••••••••••••••••••••••• Abingdon Contra Dance The Community Center of Abingdon hosts contra dances twice a month on the second and fourth Saturday. Times will alternate between afternoon dances from 3-6pm and evening dances from 6-9pm to accommodate all schedules. A live caller and band will be on hand for added fun. All ages and levels are welcome. March dances will be held on Saturday, March 25th from 6-9pm with caller Terry Doyle. Admission is $7 and full-time students are

$5. Family rate is $20. Add to the fun with lessons and country dance waltzing an hour before each dance with Ashby Dickerson. A lesson for beginner contra dancers will be held in the first 30 minutes of each event. Snacks will be available for purchase. Come as you are; wear soft flexible shoes for dancing. All dances are taught. This dance is smoke and alcohol free. For further information call The Community Center of Abingdon at 276-628-3911 or visit thecommunitycenterofabingdon. com. •••••••••••••••••••••••••• BunnyHop 5K set for April 15 State of Franklin Healthcare Associates and LIFEWTR will host the BunnyHop 5K on Saturday, April 15, at Founders Park beginning at 8:30 a.m. The event is powered by the Blue Plum Organization and will be followed by a Community Easter Egg Hunt, also at Founders Park, sponsored by Munsey Memorial United Methodist Church. The 5K event includes the run, a kids’ dash immediately following the race as well as health and wellness activities. Underground Fitness will lead warm-up activities prior to the race. The entry fee for the 5K is $20 per person in advance and $25 on the day of the race. Kids 12 and under can participate in all events

at no cost, and the first 50 kids at the race will receive bunny ears. Participants who are 13 years and older and pre-register will receive a T-shirt. Awards will be given for the top overall winners (male and female), top masters (over 40) male and female, and top three male and female in the following age brackets: 10 and under; 1114; 15-19; 20-29; 30-39; 40-49; 5059; 60-69; and 70 and over. The Easter egg hunt is free and open to the community and will also occur at Founders Park beginning at the amphitheatre at 10:30 a.m. Children 12 and under are invited to bring their baskets to use to collect eggs. The egg hunt will be divided into age groups. Online 5K registration, which closes April 13, can be completed at www.athlinks.com/event/ bunny-hop-5k-kids-dash-196147. A course map is also available at this link. Public parking is available in the Pavillion lot and at Munsey Church. Founders Park is located at 226 Commerce St. For more information, contact blueplumdirector@gmail.com. •••••••••••••••••••••••••• Gardening opportunities at Sycamore Shoals State Park! Do you love to work outdoors and enjoy the beauty that results from your efforts in your gardens?

If you do, Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park would like to invite you to join the Sycamore Shoals Gardeners! The Sycamore Shoals Gardeners is a group of dedicated folks who enjoy gardening and especially love to create and nurture natural places of beauty for others to enjoy. Currently the group takes care of a North American Butterfly Association certified garden and Monarch Waystation near our trail by the Watauga River in addition to the herb gardens at the Carter Mansion. We are planning a spring orientation and gathering and would like to know if you would like to learn more about these volunteer opportunities at Sycamore Shoals! For additional information, please contact Jennifer Bauer by calling 423-5435808 or email, jennifer.bauer@ tn.gov. •••••••••••••••••••••••••• Carver Rec to offer St. Patrick’s Day crafts Carver Recreation Center, 322 W. Watauga Ave., will offer free St. Patrick’s Day crafts for grades K-12 on Thursday, March 17 from 4-5 p.m. Artwork will be displayed at the center. For more information, call (423)461-8830.

Cryptogram:If a farmer fills his barn with grain, he gets mice. If he leaves it empty, he gets actors. Drop Quote: "The expectations of life depend upon diligence; the mechanic that would perfect his work must first sharpen his tools."


When “Where Is Everybody?” first appeared on our small TV screens on October 2, 1959 as the premiere episode of a new weekly anthology series called “The Twilight Zone,” no one at the time could have foreseen how important that broadcast would become in the annals of popular culture.

I Kelly’s Place

By Jim Kelly since 1989 jkelly@ theloaferonline.com

n fact, the series’ future was never a foregone conclusion as the network heads tried to wrap their brains around a series that departed from the usual mindless fare that was attracting advertising dollars at the time. On the Friday night it premiered on CBS, “The Twilight Zone” shared it’s half-hour time slot (10:00) with “The Detectives Starring Robert Taylor” on ABC and “The Gillette Cavalcade of Sports and Phillies Jackpot Bowling” on NBC. Hard as it is for some to believe, those were the choices viewers had during those days before the arrival of cable TV and streaming services. And, before the advent of 24/7 on-demand viewing, if you wanted to see an episode of “The Twilight Zone” you had no choice but to be in front of a TV at 10:00 on a Friday evening. That’s why I see Netflix and related services as downright miraculous, and you should too. Of course, when I want to watch an episode I can easily pick a Blu-Ray disc from my complete series box of “Twilight Zone” episodes, complete with commentaries, featurettes, interviews, isolated music scores, and related stuff. Will miracles never cease? These are truly the good old days, aren’t they? I’ve written about Rod Serling’s now-iconic series several times in these pages, and the occasion for my revisiting this “fifth dimension” again is the publication of yet another book on the series--Mark Dawidziak’s clever book EVERYTHING I NEED TO KNOW I LEARNED IN THE TWILIGHT ZONE: A FIFTH-DIMENSION GUIDE TO LIFE (2017, Thomas Dunne Books). Mark has written several books, including one on the Barter Theatre, and two of my favorites are his analyses of my favorite TV series, “Columbo,” and his blow-by-blow treatment of the short-lived TV horror series “Kolchak.” In his new book about his lifelong obsession with “The Twilight Zone,” he takes his cue from the many “Everything I Need To Know” books that have proliferated in the past few years (i.e. books about lessons learned from Kindergarten, Little Golden Books,”The Andy Griffith Show,” and, as you can guess, Star Wars). And he also pokes fun at the way--too--many self-help and leadership books that claim to offer magic formulas for turning our lives around, as if they need turning at all--of course, the first step to self-improvement is contributing to the author’s bank account by purchasing his or her book. The two other books that most closely resemble Dawidziak’s are Dave Thompson’s

THE TWILIGHT ZONE FAQ: ALL THAT’S LEFT TO KNOW ABOUT THE FIFTH DIMENSION AND BEYOND (2015), which takes a thematic approach to the series, and Douglas Brode’s (with assistance from Rod Serling’s widow, Carol) ROD SERLING AND THE TWLIGHT ZONE: THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY TRIBUTE (2009), which

is organized around topics and themes like the American West, threats from outer space, death, identity crises, time, and nostalgia. Dawidziak divides his book into fifty short chapters, each corresponding to a “lesson” drawn from series episodes. These lessons include “Always keep your heart open to the magic that comes your way,” “Nobody said life was fair,” “Dogs really can be your best friend,” “It’s never too late to reinvent yourself,” “Respect your elders,” “Make the most of the time you’ve got,” and “Be careful what you wish for.” These chapters sound like topics for high school and college graduation, don’t they? Actually, we can only hope the next graduation speaker we have to suffer through takes his or her inspiration from Dawidziak’s book. After all, most graduation ceremonies all-too-closely

resemble encounters with the Twilight Zone. I will choose three lessons for this column. First, as a nostalgia debunker, I like Dawidziak’s chapter, “Don’t Live In The Past,” that examines five key episodes that all deal with our frequent desire to return to the days of our youth. “Walking Distance,” one of these episodes, is about a tired businessman who finds himself transported to the hometown of his youth, where he sees himself as a boy. His father, after realizing who the businessman is, addresses his grown son’s desire to change the past with the following advice: “I guess [you want to change the past] because we only get one chance. Maybe there’s only one summer to every customer. That little boy, the one I know, the one who belongs here, this is his summer, just as it was yours once--don’t make him share it. . .You’ve been looking behind you, Martin. Try looking ahead.” Second, “When You Reach A Fork In The Road, Take It” (stealing a quote from baseball great Yogi Berra) uses a stellar episode, “A World Of Difference” to teach its lesson. Arthur Curtis, another bewildered businessman, comes to the horrifying and disorienting conclusion that his well-ordered life is nothing more than a role he is playing on a movie set (shades of “The Truman Show,” which undoubtedly used this episode as its inspiration). After being pursued by those who think he has lost his mind, Mr. Curtis finds a way out, and starts a new life. My third example is the lesson found in “Divided We Fall,” which takes a look at a favorite episodes I often share with my history classes. “The Monsters Are Due On Maple Street” is a compact and frightening little parable that dramatically demonstrates what happens when a community turns on itself as fear and paranoia replace reason and trust. Needless to say, this is an episode that should be required viewing today. I hope you will, with the assistance of Dawidziak’s book, revisit “The Twilight Zone” and learn some of the valuable fifth-dimension lessons that await you there. As the author reminds us in the preface to his book: “You gain this understanding and appreciation while grappling with the lessons in that middle ground between light and shadow” And then he asks “Isn’t that where most of us live our lives, struggling toward the light while coping with the shadows that threaten to overwhelm us?” See you next week with more “lessons’ from the multi-faceted world of pop culture.

theloaferonline.com | March 14, 2017

Self-Help From The Twilight Zone

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theloaferonline.com | March 14, 2017

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