The Loafer March 29th

8 10

Rocky Mount presents ‘Wooly Day’ US Women’s Disc Golf Championship Set For Johnson City

23 28

The Arts Array presents Macbeth Good Food For All Challenge

2 | March 29, 2016 | theloaferonline.com

Tri-Cities CRAFT BEER WEEK

Volume 30 • Issue #17

happenings

Publisher Luci Tate Editor Graphic Arts Director Don Sprinkle Cover Design Bill May Advertising Dave Carter Terry Patterson Lori Howell Beth Jinks-Ashbrook Patti Barr Contributing Staff Jim Kelly Andy Ross Ken Silvers Mark Marquette Brian McManus Joshua Hicks Brian Bishop

columns & reviews 20

Batteries Not Included - Your April Community Calendar

20

Stargazer - Circling Satellites Make You Dizzy

Published by Pulse Publishing, LLC., P.O. Box 3238, Johnson City, TN 37602 Phone: 423/283-4324 FAX - 423/283-4369

21

Skies This Week

23

Screen Scenes - The Divergent Series: Alegiant

e-mail: editorial@theloaferonline.com (editorial) adcopy@theloaferonline.com (advertising) All advertisements are accepted and published by the publisher upon the representation that the agency and/or advertiser

Why Craft Beer?

5

Craft Beer Week Events

7

Thirsty Orange Brew Extravaganza

9

George Orwell’s “1984” On Stage

10

Good Water, Great Beer

11

Arts Series presents Cheryl Parish

12

Merlefest Adds John Oates To Lineup

14 The Band J4 CD Release

Distribution Jerry Hanger Teresa Hanger

www.theloaferonline.com info@theloaferonline.com

4

15

Larry Sigmon and Martha Spencer at Carter Fold

17

Making Over 40 Kinds Of Premium Beers

22 TCAP Hosting Scholorship Saturday 26

Gypsy Circus Cider Company Release 1st Cider

29 Vermont Band To Visit Jonesborough 32 Things To Do 35

Classifieds

24 Trivial Traveler - The Seat Of Power 27

Lock, Stock & Barrel - The Skinny On Skinny Jeans

33

Pets of the Week

34

Kelly’s Place - Movie Freaks And Fiends

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

BETH SNAPP

at The Willow Tree Coffeehouse & Music Room Saturday,, April 2nd

music & fun 18

Spotlight - Great Music & Fun Times

30

Puzzle Page theloaferonline.com | March 29, 2016 | 3

Why craft beer?

S

Written by John Henritze JRH Brewing

o why is there so much hype about craft beer? The answer to that question could take days to discuss, but hopefully with this article, I can shed some light on the subject. Over the past 30 or so years, the craft brewing industry has exploded. The reason is simple. Great beer. For nearly 50 years after prohibition in America, we drank a lager beer that has roots from Germany. With modernization including television and magazine advertising, we were told as beer drinkers that this lager beer was what we needed. And so for 50 years, that beer was what we drank.

1977. Enter Jack McAuliffe and New Albion Brewery in Sedona California and the first Ale of the 20th century is consumed in America. Over the next 20 years there is a slow steady trend of consuming ale.

With more and more option and flavors to choose from, the craft scene begins to boom.

T A

he reason craft beer has seen this explosion is in the life of the breweries. The flavors of the beer, the creations ranging from coffee and jalapenos to citrus, banana and cloves.

You name it, and someone somewhere has created a craft beer with your flavor of choice.

nother reason craft beer is so refreshing is the people. Most of us in the craft world are making beer because we love it. That says a lot about what we as consumers want to buy. Now, there are more than 4000 breweries in America, most of which are owned and operated by a handful of people that just really love craft beer. More and more people are searching for locally made items, including beer. Consumers thrive on knowing where the beer is made, where the ingredients are sourced, and who is making their favorite brew.

So the next time you are out for an afternoon or evening, enjoy a well hand-crafted pint of craft beer!

TricitiesCraftBeerWeek.com Tri-Cities Craft Beer Week is part of the Tennessee Craft Beer Month.

April is Tennessee Craft Beer Month, as declared by a State House Joint Resolution in late March 2015.

The resolution, sponsored by Representative Jon Lundberg of the 1st District, recognizes the 18-percent growth rate of craft beer production in the Volunteer State, and a 17-percent growth rate of sales.

Tennessee’s approximately 30 craft breweries contribute to the tourism base, tax revenue and local jobs. The economic impact of craft beer in Tennessee amounted to 445-million dollars in 2012, the most recent data available. The industry employs 29,000 people in the state, ranking it 24th nationally.

4 | March 29, 2016 | theloaferonline.com

events

2016 tri-cities craft beer week

APRIL 1ST – 9TH, 2016

Tri-Cities Craft Beer Week celebrates Tennessee Craft Beer Week with 9 days of amazing events for the local Brewly Noted Beer Trail Brewers.

APRIL 1ST - FRIDAY 1pm - Tri-Local II collaboration tapping @ JRH Brewing Co. – Johnson City Mayor will be there to ring in the good times, and the first tapping of this sought after brew!

2:30pm – The Keg of Greatness will make its comeback to TCCBW this year! It will be making appearances at events all week!

APRIL 2ND - SATURDAY 10am-2pm - Home Brew and Swap @ Studio Brew A gathering of Home Brewers and Home Brew Clubs for a swap meet and a brew session day. Tours of the brewery also available!

2pm-11pm – Brews & Chews @ Holston River Brewing Co. – A food and beer pairing event.

5pm-10pm – Brews & Bites @ Johnson City Country Club w/ JRH Brewing Co. – Come enjoy an evening of good beer, good food, & good music at the Johnson City Country Club, as they host Brews & Bites: A Beer Pairing Event 9:30pm-11pm – Samantha Gray in concert @ Studio Brew - Release Party for the new Sprinker Riser IPA!

Come on out and support local.

APRIL 3RD - SUNDAY 1pm-5pm – Paws for Pints @ Studio Brew - Outside our brewery for all pets who would like to bring their friendly humans. This will be a fun event where pets can gather with their humans and enjoy the company of a fine craft beer & amazing foods. Spent Grain pet treats will be offered as well.

3pm-7pm – Mario Kart Tournament @ Johnson City Brewing Co. - Twenty-one and older only event.

Tournament limited to the first thirty-two people to sign up in JC Brewing Co’s tap room.

APRIL 5TH – TUESDAY 5pm-8pm – Honey Hop @ Tupelo Honey w/ YeeHaw Brewing Co. - Featuring the Honey Maibock at both locations as well as 2 food pairings at each stop. $15 gets you a pint at each stop (2 total), a swag pack, as well as 2 snacks paired with the honey maibock at each location (4 total).

6pm-10pm - Hop on Hop off Tour @ Sleepy Owl Brewing Co. - Jump onto Tri-Cities Brew Tours with a hop on hop off tour of Sleepy Owl Brewery and other great Kingsport craft beer spots.

BEER WEEK ...

continued on page 6

theloaferonline.com | March 29, 2016 | 5

events BEER WEEK ... continued from page 5 APRIL 6TH – WEDNESDAY 5pm-8pm – Bourbon Barrel aged South- bound Scottish Ale Release Party @ Depot Street Brewing Co. - After resting peace- fully at the brewery for over 3 months in a Buffalo Trace bourbon barrel, this mahog- any hued masterpiece has attained an as- tonishing level of complexity and balance.

6pm-10pm – Hop on Hop off Tour @ Bristol Brewing, Holston River Brewing & Studio Brew - Jump onto Tri-Cities Brew Tours with a hop on hop off tour of Bristol Brewery, Studio Brewery, and Holston River Brewery.

6pm-8pm – Masterpiece Mixers @ JRH Brewing Co. - We’ll supply the canvas, the paint and the brushes, and our profession- al and fun teachers will guide you step-by- step in creating your own piece of art that you take home at the end of the event. Fees apply 6pm-10pm – Farm to Firkin Crawl @ John- son City Brewing Co. - Join JC Brewing as we experiment with winter/spring herbs and produce from four different local farms! Styles and flavors to be announced but look forward to a unique and flavorful firkin experience as you travel the streets of downtown and get to know some in- credible local agriculturalists.

7pm-9:30pm – An Evening Amongst Barrels @ Studio Brew - A rare opportunity to have an evening with our Brewers in our Barrel Aging Room. This is a relaxed evening of education and entertainment.

APRIL 7TH – THURSDAY 4pm-8pm – Food Truck Round Up @ JRH Brewing Co. - Multiple food trucks including B and B BBQ, Backdraft BBQ, Caribbean Grill, Foodie Fiction, Me and K’s, and possibly more will be onsite for a great craft beer and food extravaganza.

6pm-10pm - Hop on Hop off Tour @ Depot Street Brewing Co., Johnson City Brewing Co., JRH Brewing Co., and Yee Haw Brewing Co. Join Us! 6pm-9pm – Tug-o’-War Tournament @ TVA Credit Union Ball Park (formerly Cardinal Park) with Johnson City Brewing Co. - Sign up your team of five people to participate in the First Annual Tug-of-War Tournament hosted by Johnson City Brewing Company and the Johnson City Cardinals! Fees apply 6pm-9pm – 2nd Annual Bocce Tournament @ Depot Street Brewing Co. - Back again for a second year, its the Bocce tourna- ment for beer lovers! Come and play on Depot Street Brewing’s regulation sized bocce court and drink some amazing beer APRIL 8TH – FRIDAY 5pm-10pm - JC Brewing Company’s Special Beer Release: Barrel-Aged Dark Cherry Bourbon Stout @ Johnson City Brewing Co and One-Stop - Dark Cherry Bourbon Stout, the second in the line of barrel-aged releases, has been happily chugging away in a Buffalo Trace Bourbon barrel for nine months.

5:30pm-9:30pm - Gypsy Circus Caravan Tour – Founders Park - Join Tri-Cities and East Tennessee’s first cidery, Gypsy Circus Cider Company for the roaming Caravan Tour. First Stop on the Tour is Johnson City for Tri-Cities Craft Beer Week. This is a FREE event for the bohemians in all of us.

6pm – TN Championship of Beers – Founders Park - The 2nd annual Tennessee Championship of Beer (TNCB) is born from a need to recognize commercial breweries of the Southeastern USA for the quality pints currently being served in the region.

APRIL 9TH – SATURDAY 11am-5pm - Running of the Beers – Founders Park - Join Gypsy Circus Cider Company in kicking off the 5th Annual Thirsty Orange Brew Extravaganza’s Running of the Beers. Proceeds benefit HelpUsAdopt.org. The Running of the Beers (and Ciders !) runs inside the perimeter of Founder’s Park on the April 9th before the festival.

1pm-6pm – 5th Annual Thirsty Orange Brew Extravaganza – Founders Park - The 5th Annual Thirsty Orange Brew Extravaganza presented by Superfly Fabulous Events will be held on April 9, 2016 in Johnson City, TN as the official closer of the Tri-Cities Craft Beer Week

6 | March 29, 2016 | theloaferonline.com

festival

events

Founder’s Park Welcomes 5th Annual Thirsty Orange Brew Extravaganza

F

ive years ago if you said the icon of a massive Orange holding a mug of craft beer would be a Tricities celebrity, folks might have thought you drank too much beer yourself.

But Brewski and the Thirsty Orange Brew Extravaganza have managed to squeeze their way to the top of the Tricities Craft Beer Scene (Yes, we have a “scene” now.)

“We’re incredibly proud of what the Thirsty Orange represents to the community, it’s brewers, and craft beer lovers around the state. It’s become a forum for trends in craft beer, and a pinnacle beer event for lovers of the craft,” said event organizer, Stephanie Carson, with SuperFly Fabulous Events.

This year, Thirsty Orange outgrew its space at the Millennium Centre and will move to Founder’s Park. The large grassy area, with a closer proximity to downtown and a scenic park, will provide a perfect space for expansion, says Carson.

“City leaders and the community supported the development of Founder’s Park and we’re excited to help showcase what it can offer in terms of events. The space is giving us plenty of room to expand our footprint to include more craft beer and cider, eye-catching entertainment and more

craft vendors,” she said.

The Thirsty Orange has expanded its vendor options with people selling everything from beer bracelets to “Fairy hair”. Additionally, the festival welcomes back the Tennessee Championship of Beer, which is a medal competition among commercial breweries as well as a Home Brew Competition.

This year the festival is expanding its signature Mixology Bar with the help of Universal Wine & Spirits. The store, now with two locations in Johnson City, will offer fresh ingredients to enhance the flavor of the beers offered. Additionally, manager Matt Greene and his team have created Beer Cocktails to offer folks who visit their tent.

The morning of Thirsty Orange will be the Inaugural Running of the Beers (and Ciders).

The run, sponsored by Gypsy Circus Cidery Company will circle the circumference of Founder’s Park over a 10-minute period. The people who circle the park the most number of times will win prizes and get to sample Gypsy’s new craft cider. Proceeds from the race will benefit HelpUsAdopt. org – an organization which offers grants to individuals and families to help offset the cost of adoption.

More information on Thirsty Orange and the Running of the Beers can be found at

www.thirstyorange.com

theloaferonline.com | March 29, 2016 | 7

events

R

Rocky Mount presents “Wooly Day”

ocky Mount State Historic Site will present its annual “Wooly Day” on April 9th from 11-5. Wooly Day is Rocky Mount’s spring event which features hand shearing of its flock of Cotswold sheep, wool processing techniques of the 18th century and other spring activities on a frontier farm.

“Rocky Mount is the only TN State Historic Site to provide daily the engaging method of First Person Interpretation; which very effectively ‘brings to life’ our area’s rich cultural history” says T.J. DeWitt, Education Director.

Admission is $5 for everyone aged 5 and up. Members of Rocky Mount Museum receive free admission. Group rates available with reservation. Candle Dipping cost an additional $2 per craft per person.

Four Cotswold lambs have been born so far this spring, with four more ewes expecting [Note to Media: These lambs are available photo/video opportunities] As in years past, Rocky Mount will have a contest to name these lambs for children 11 or younger. Submissions can be made at Rocky Mount and will be taken through April 9th. The newborn lambs are always a hit at Wooly Day; children will have opportunities throughout the day to meet and pet the lambs.

Adults will have special programing as well: Frontier Academy, Rocky Mount’s continuing series for adults, will guide adults (ages 16+) through the textile process: letting them try their hand at shearing, spinning and weaving for a deeper engagement, at no extra cost. Registration can be found on Rocky Mount’s website, and a sign up will be provided on Wooly Day. Rocky Mount’s Wooly Day is an opportunity for visitors to experience the spring activities of the early settlers of Tennessee. Wool processing is featured during this event. Rocky Mount’s flock of sheep will be sheared throughout the day using hand shears. This is a great opportunity for children to get a close look, and even pet sheep, feel their wool and learn how it would be made visitors can make a candle. Living History Tours of the Cobb into clothing. Visitors will be given the opportunity to wash the freshly sheared wool, use wool House and buildings will be given throughout the day.

For more information call (423) 538-7396 or 888-538-1791 or cards to straighten the fibers, and see how it is spun into yarn, and woven into cloth. Other demonstrations include hearth-side cooking, gardening and 18th century toys. For an additional cost, visit rockymountmuseum.com.

8 | March 29, 2016 | theloaferonline.com

theatre

HUMAN NATURE ON TRIAL AT BARTER STAGE II

A

George Orwell’s “1984” Takes the Stage With Powerful Messaging

provocative adaptation of George Orwell’s dystopian masterpiece, “1984,” will appear at Barter Stage II for a limited time only April 5 through April 24, featuring only 21 performances.

Director Richard Rose said, “The story is gritty, sexy, compelling, surprising and has remained as alive today as when it was written, attesting to the universality of its themes.”

In a world of constant war, Winston Smith, the central character of “1984” is viewed as a cog in the giant machine of the State. He is physically and mentally under the omnipresent eye of “Big Brother,” the leader of Oceania. Winston uncovers indisputable proof that the leader is lying.

Can Winston escape this place where independent thinking is considered a “thought-crime?”

Andrew Hampton Livingston, who will portray Winston Smith, said, “Winston represents all of us. He is anyone with a desire to be free, a desire for truth. Except, he lives in a world where freedom and truth are no longer options. What risk would you take? What price would you pay to get your freedom back? In Winston’s case, he risks everything.”

This ferociously prophetic work will grasp any audience member who values their independence in our times, which creep ever-closer to George Orwell’s vision each day.

Rose said, “These great works of dystopian literature are cautionary tales that are truly meant to warn and awaken us. They are not a prophesy of disaster, but, instead, meant to help us see what in our nature might allow us to veer off-course should we not be vigilant.”

“1984” includes content and language which may be offensive to some viewers. Because “1984” is frequently taught in schools, Barter Theatre will be offering modified performances for school groups.

George Orwell’s “1984” is made possible by corporate sponsor the Bristol Herald Courier. Barter Theatre is funded in part by The Virginia Commission for the Arts and The National Endowment for the Arts.

Four party members stand over Winston Smith.

theloaferonline.com | March 29, 2016 | 9

Holston river brewing

B

Good Water, Great Beer

ristol’s first brewery, Holston River Brewing has been opened since 2013, owned by Ella Daugherty and Deanna Cole. Holston River Brewing contains several different components, including the brewery, taproom, outdoor area, and stage. They have 138 acres for camping, which includes full hookup sites and hiking on the mountain.

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

Holston River Brewing is located a few miles from downtown Bristol near Bristol Motor Speedway. Upcoming special events include a Valentine’s Dinner and Super Bowl Party. Take your sweetheart out for a Valentine’s dinner. They will be having a catered dinner and beer pairing. Good food, good music, and Great Beer. Now what could be more romantic than that? Space is limited, so call 423946-2380 for your reservation.

United States Women’s Disc Golf Championship

set to be played in Johnson City in 2017

T

10 | March 29, 2016 | theloaferonline.com

he Johnson City Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) is happy to announce the United States Women’s Disc Golf Championship will be hosted in Johnson City in 2017. The Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA) selected Johnson City for the Major event because of its beautiful location, challenging courses and the CVB’s commitment to make the championship a memorable experience for athletes, fans and the community. Winged Deer Park will serve as the featured course and site for the finals. Though the disc golf course located just off Bristol Highway is a relatively short track, it rewards accuracy over distance, is well maintained and has several other amenities. The satellite course will be a temporary track at Buffalo Valley Golf Course designed by Tournament Director, Tim Barr. In addition to nearly 100 athletes from across the country, the United States Women’s Disc Golf Championships will also bring family and fans to Johnson City. The championships take place September 21st-24th, 2017. The Lakefront Disc Golf Club based in Kingsport, Tennessee will assist the CVB with hosting the event.

music

The Arts Series presents

SOPRANO CHERYL PARISH

O

n Sunday, April 3, at 3:00 p.m., the First Presbyterian Church of Bristol, Tennessee continues its 201516 Arts Series with a concert by soprano Cheryl Parrish, accompanied by Vicki Fey at the organ. The program will include English songs, Schubert, Mozart, and Donaudy. In addition to her program at First Presbyterian Church, she will be teaching a master class for students at King University.

Cheryl Parrish is best known for her sensitive and moving portrayals of Mozart and Strauss heroines.

She has performed in major operatic, symphony and recital venues around the world. Her career began at the San Francisco Opera where she was chosen to participate in the inaugural group of Adler Fellows and was catapulted to prominence by the televised program “Pavarotti Plus! Live from Lincoln Center.” Appearances include The Mostly Mozart Festival in Alice Tully Hall, Avery Fisher Hall, the Ravinia Festival, Cleveland Orchestra, Carnegie Hall, The Chautauqua Institute, Houston Grand Opera, New York City Opera, San Francisco Opera, The Canadian Opera Company, Zurich Opera, Opera Köln, and Maggio Musicale in Florence, Italy, Santa Fe Opera, Vancouver and Calgary Opera, Austin Lyric Opera, and many more. She is featured as Kitty Hart in the recent Houston Grand Opera production of DEAD MAN WALKING, released on DVD as part of the celebration of the operatic farewell of Fredericka von Staade. Her recent performances include Parthy Ann Hawks in Houston Grand Opera’s SHOWBOAT and as Senior Overseer/Capo in the North American Opera Premiere of Mieczyslaw Weinberg’s THE PASSENGER produced by the Houston Grand Opera and presented at the Lincoln Center Opera Festival.

Miss Parrish is in her eleventh year with the voice faculty at Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas and holds the rank of Assistant Professor of Voice.

She served on the voice faculty for two summers at the Opera Institute in Gallup, New Mexico and has given master classes around the country at high schools and universities. Cheryl earned degrees in Vocal Performance from Baylor University and Texas State University and has studied abroad at the Hochschule für Musik und Darstellende Kunst Lied and Oratorio Program in Vienna, Austria with renowned accompanist, Dr. Erik Werba. She was also a two-time recipient of a San Francisco Opera Guild Grant for study in Paris, France with the late French soprano, Régine Crespin. From 2002-2004, she was the Director of the Young Artist Program at the Austin Lyric Opera and since then has made Austin, Texas home.

The Arts Series of the First Presbyterian Church strives to share with the community events that enrich and inspire the life of the people of Bristol, share our unique and marvelous facilities, and encourage the artistically gifted of our region and beyond. Admission is a suggested donation of $10.00 for adults, $5.00 for students. The church is located at 701 Florida Avenue, just west of King University. For more information contact the church at 423-764-7176.

theloaferonline.com | March 29, 2016 | 11

music

MerleFest adds John Oates to lineup,

M

Donna the Buffalo to host Midnight Jam

erleFest, presented by 21 albums which have sold over 80 Window World and million units, making them the most slated for April 28-May successful duo in rock history. They 1, 2016, is pleased to anhave scored 10 number one records, nounce that John Oates, over 20 top 40 hits and have toured a legend of American the world for decades. In addition to music, will be joining the official 2016 their numerous American Music and festival lineup as the final addition. With MTV awards, in 2005 they were inover 100 artists featured, including John ducted into the American SongwritPrine, Old Crow Medicine Show, Jason ers Hall of Fame and in May of 2008 Isbell, Dave Rawlings Machine, Brandi were presented the prestigious BMI Carlile, The Wood Brothers, Steep CanIcon Award for their outstanding yon Rangers, Tim O’Brien, Tommy Emcareer achievement in song writing. manuel, Jerry Douglas, Sam Bush, Peter Since 1999, John has recorded five Rowan, Alison Brown, Doug Seegers solo albums: “Phunk Shui,” “1000 and more, MerleFest 2016 is living up Miles of Life,” “Mississippi Mile” to its reputation as the nation’s annual and a live album called “The Blueshomecoming of music lovers! Also anville Sessions.” His latest project is nounced, Donna the Buffalo will host called: “A Good Road to Follow,” the much-anticipated Midnight Jam at which began as a series of digital sinthe Walker Center, and the Jam will be presented by again The Bluegrass Situation. gles featuring collaborations with legendary as well as new rising stars.

John Oates is one-half of pop music’s legendary group Hall & Oates. Since the formation of their partnership in the early 70’s, Hall & Oates have gone on to record ... continued on page 13

MERLEFEST

12 | March 29, 2016 | theloaferonline.com

music MERLEFEST ... continued from page 12

Donna the Buffalo Hosts Midnight Jam MerleFest is also pleased to announce that renowned Americana band Donna the Buffalo will host the Midnight Jam, sponsored by The Bluegrass Situation. This popular Saturday afterhours hootenanny gathers together many performers from the festival for impromptu artistic collaborations and one-of-a-kind superstar jams that have become legendary in the festival’s history. The Midnight Jam takes place at the Walker Center; a separate ticket is required and available for purchase by four-day ticket holders and Saturday-only ticket holders. Artists confirmed to play the Midnight Jam include Donna the Buffalo, Tommy Emmanuel, Peter Rowan, Mipso, Jeff Scroggins & Colorado, Wood & Wire, Billy Strings, Becky Buller, South Carolina Broadcasters, Jim Lauderdale, Lindsay Lou and The Flatbellys and Joe Smothers. Additional artists may be added.

“Many years ago, Tony Rice and a few others started the Midnight Jam,” remembers Steve Johnson, Artist Relations Manager at MerleFest. “From there the Midnight Jam has become a highlight of the MerleFest weekend, bringing together unique configurations and surprising ensembles of musicians gathered at the festival. You never know who may walk out from behind the curtain to take the stage on Saturday night in the Walker Center!

And, for 2016, we are extremely excited to have MerleFest fan favorite Donna the Buffalo serving as the host band along with available on the mobile app and online at www.MerleFest.org/lineup.

Tickets for MerleFest 2016 may be purchased at www.MerleFest.org or by calling 1-800-343The Bluegrass Situation.”

The current MerleFest 2016 lineup and stage schedules are 7857. An Early Bird discount is available through April 27, 2016.

Donna the Buffalo

theloaferonline.com | March 29, 2016 | 13

music

The Band J4

to launch newest CD at The Blackbird Bakery

T

he newest CD from The Band J4 titled “A New Revival” will be released worldwide on April 1 via digital download and compact disc. The Blackbird Bakery Bristol will host their release party with the band performing that evening at 7pm and again at 8:30pm. “The kids are coming here because they want to spend time with their super fans!” says mom, Lori Smith, “They get to hangout with everyone between sets and make the evening more of a party atmosphere.”

Under the musical guidance of their parents, Jessi, Jeddi, Josiah, and Josey grew up singing and performing, yet it wasn’t until entering and winning a national competition on CBS that they became serious about a professional performing career. Jessi, the oldest of The Band J4 says, “since we won the competition that started it all on April 1st seven years ago, we thought it would be awesome to launch our CD that same date!”

After years of road trips to Nashville and pursuing their passion for music, the family made the decision to pick up and move to Music City in a camper! Defining their sound and working with producer Andy Sheridan, the band recorded their CD at the spectacular Ocean Way Nashville Recording Studios.

The Band J4 is ready to share their music with the world, reaching out to the youth of today with a positive message while bridging the generational gap with musical versatility and style.

Folks, mark your calendars for FRIDAY, APRIL 1ST! The band eagerly invites you to their hometown celebration of their newest album, “A New Revival”!

The event is free to the public as a thank you to fans.

For more information about the band and the CD launch, please visit: www.thebandj4.com

WILDFLOWER HIKE Johnson City Parks and Recreation invites participants of all ages to take a stroll around the wooded section of Winged Deer Park and observe a large collection of naturalized Bluebell flowers. Hikes will take place from 10-11:15 a.m. and 1-2:15 p.m. on Saturday, April 2.

Cost is $1 per person. Participants will meet at the disc golf parking lot across from the Kinch Landing boat ramp.

For more information, please call (423)283-5821.

14 | March 29, 2016 | theloaferonline.com

music Carter Family Fold Presents

T

Larry sigmon and martha spencer

Saturday, April 2nd, 2016, at 7:30 p.m., the Carter Family Fold in Hiltons, Virginia, will present a concert of old time music by Larry Sigmon and Martha Spencer – the Unique Sound of the Mountains. Admission to the concert is $10 for adults, $1 for children 6 to 11, under age 6 free.

If you ever saw Larry Sigmon and the Unique Sound of the Mountains, you know the sound was unlike anything you ever heard before. Over the course of more than ten albums and several years of performing, Larry Sigmon and his late partner Barbara Poole continuously brought the house down with a variety of fast-paced mountain music tunes fueled by Sigmon’s highspeed claw hammer banjo picking and Poole’s infectious “heartbeat” bass plucking. While there were several groups out there that could get you onto the dance floor, no old time band could wear out your clogging shoes faster than the Unique Sound of the Mountains.

Both Larry and Barbara played mountain music from childhood, learning their craft from their families while growing up surrounded by the rich musical heritage and scenic beauty of southern Virginia. Larry first learned to play guitar at the age of 15 and eventually taught himself to play the banjo and breath harp. His father, fiddler Lewis Sigmon, also taught him how to perform classic dance songs in the true raw southern style. As for Barbara, she was playing her stand-up bass as early as age 13 in her brother Jimmy’s band. Both musicians spent several years playing in other groups before they first jammed together at a local fiddlers’ convention. The more the duo performed together, the more their audiences grew until Larry and Barbara decided to work together long-term, dubbing themselves the Unique Sound of the Mountains. That partnership continued and flourished until Barbara’s death in 2008 after a long battle with cancer.

Throughout their partnership, Larry and Barbara battled loss and sickness but nonetheless remained dedicated to their music and their fan base and never missed a show. They played alongside the likes of Bill Monroe, Ralph Stanley, Jimmy Martin, Grandpa Jones, Mac Wiseman, Jim & Jessie, Porter Wagner, Mike Snider, and Johnny and June Carter Cash. In 2002, Barbara performed with Johnny and June Carter Cash on June’s final album, the critically acclaimed Wildwood Flower. Larry also had the prestige of taking part in workshops at the Tennessee Banjo Institute, where his skills were cherished by banjo players from across the country. In September 2005, the Unique Sound of the Mountains performed live on the Grand Ole Opry (a life-long dream of Barbara’s), leaving their audience screaming for more as the curtain lowered.

CARTER FAMILY ... continued on page 25 theloaferonline.com | March 29, 2016 | 15

opinion

A

Your April Community Calendar

pril 8: The Johnson City Swing Choir will be presenting a tribute to Radiohead at The Culp Center.

Tickets cost $8, and it is suggested you arrive early.

Show starts at 7:00 PM. April 9: The Farmers Market will be featuring a special collection of artisanal marshmallows, on sale from sunrise till sell out.

April 9: Penny Farthing Bicycle Ride. Taking place at Hollow Berry Park, what is hoped to be the first annual Penny Farthing Bike Ride event will be taking place from 2:00 to 5:00 PM. Come ride with us on wonderful, old-fashioned bikes for charity! Dress in your finest of vintage attire, come enjoy a picnic lunch, with a band playing your favorite marches. Tickets are $10 April 9: Hipster Gawking & Outdoor Lunch: Bring a friend, some food, and join us as we watch our regions hipsters in their natural habitat. This event will take place from 2:00 to 5:00 PM on the grassy hill directly across from Hollow Berry Park.

April 11: Reminder to parents, schools will be closed this day in order to celebrate the founding of Eastman at Kingsport. Random

16 | March 29, 2016 | theloaferonline.com

boxes full of chemicals will be distributed in the wee hours of the morning by the boy scouts. Check your local paper for further details.

April 15: Taxes are due, and it’s the annual Abingdon Monopoly tournament. Winner gets a coupon to Food City, and the coveted golden top hat award.

April 16: Record Store Day. Take your kids, your wife, your parents out and buy records from a mom and pop shop.

April 17: Annual Andy Ross Does Outdoor Work Day: Come and stand outside the fence at famed Stately Ross Manor, and listen as our region’s own Andy Ross curses and rants up a storm trying to do mundane lawn care. It’s a day you’ll remember for a long time.

April 23: Bath Fitter Tub Car--Fury Road Race. This is self explanatory.

That’s all we have for now, look for further events to be posted as we receive word of them, and be on the look out for your Community Calendar for May!

DAMASCUS BREWERY

D

Making over 40 different kinds of premium beers

o you like the great craft beer and getting outside to hike, bike, kayak, and rock climb? Then look no further than The Damascus Brewery, located in Damascus, VA. This brewery is nestled right in the middle of a mecca of outdoor activities and is also the closest brewery to the Appalachian Trail! Making over 40 different kinds of premium beers in their nano-brewery, owner and ex-biochemist Adam Woodson brings the latest in brewing technique and his attention to detail to every step of his brewing process resulting in some amazing beers. Their flagship beer, Beaver Rage IPA, is a hoppy yet not bitter ruby-amber colored IPA that is said to be “The IPA for people who don’t normally like IPAs”. They also make some cutting edge in new genres of styles such as IPL (short for India Pale Lagers), non-bacterial Sour Beer, Schwarzbeirs (a German Dark Lager Style), Rauchbeirs (smoked beers), and have a Woodford Reserve Bourbon Porter that is amazing.

Wait -- you like high gravity beer? They also have you covered with their Imperial Red Ale “The Dankness Monster, “The Chocolate Putin” a Russian Imperial Chocolate Stout, and several other beers in the 11% ABV range.

The Damascus Brewery operates on the belief that beer brings people together and though this social lubricant people are able to communicate and share ideas uninhibited. Their tasting room is always full of laughter and interesting people from around the world that come here to take in the scenic beauty of the surrounding national forest, bike the world famous Virginia Creeper Bike Trail, and sample the fine selection of award winning beers at The Damascus Brewery.

theloaferonline.com | March 29, 2016 | 17

S O LG T P

T I

- TUESDAY - Mar. 29th -

- FRIDAY - April 1st -

GUS MOON

THE WHISKEY STICKS

DOWNTOWN COUNTRY

SOUTHERN REBELLION

at Acoustic Coffeehouse at Jiggy Ray’s 6:30pm

- WEDNESDAY - Mar. 30th -

OPEN MIC at Jiggy Ray’s

OPEN MIC

at The Willow Tree Coffeehouse & Music Room 6pm

AARON ROBERTS at Acoustic Coffeehouse

- THURSDAY - Mar. 31st -

ACOUSTIC SINGER SONGWRITER NIGHT

at Holston River Brewing Company 9pm (Country, Classic Rock, Southern Rock) at Country Club Bar & Grill

RUSTY STEEL

at O’Mainnin’s Pub 8pm

HIDDEN VALLEY BOYS at The Family Barn

ANDREW DELANEY AMY KUCHARIK at Acoustic Coffeehouse

- SATURDAY - April 2nd -

at Capone’s

ROCK EM’ SOCK EM’ DUELING PIANOS

at Bone Fire Smokehouse

SOUTHERN 76

at Down Home

THE PYTHIA

LATAZZA CLASSE (Italian Bluegrass) IRENE KELLEY

SYMPHONIC BAND

at 50Fifty Sports Tavern at The Family Barn

at Holston River Brewing Company 9pm

THE GENTLEMEN & LIARS

JEN ALLEN & THE TENNESSEE ZIP

LAURA THURSTON (Folk)

RUSTY STEEL

at Paramount Center for The Arts 7pm

at Holston River Brewing Company 7:30pm

at Acoustic Coffeehouse

- FRIDAY - April 1st -

JERRY PIERCE & THE NIGHTLIFE BAND

at Down Home

at Woodstone Deli

SOUTHERN COUNTRYMEN BAND (Country)

at David Thompson’s Produce 7pm

BAD HABIT

at Bristol Brewery 8pm

at JC Senior Center

CHRIS LONG

at Sleepy Owl Brewery

SOUTHERN SOUND

at 50Fifty Sports Tavern

LARRY SIGMON & MARTHA SPENCER

PAPER LIGHTS

ROCK EM’ SOCK EM’ DUELING PIANOS AGAINST THEIR WILL w/ SHADOWED SELF at Capone’s

TIM SHELTON at Down Home JAMES GREGORY

at Uncorked

(Classic Country & Southern Rock) at Honaker AmVets

at Carter Fold

BETH SNAPP & JENNIFER NICELEY

at The Willow Tree Coffeehouse & Music Room 8pm

at Paramount Center for the Arts

THE BAND CONCORD

at Bone Fire Smokehouse

ACOUSTIFRIED

at Washington County Moose Lodge

KINGSPORT ART HUB BENEFIT VARIETY SHOW

BLUEGRASS SWEETHEARTS SUNDOWN BAND (Country) LAURA THURSTON (Folk)

at Jiggy Ray’s 7pm

18 | March 29, 2016 | theloaferonline.com

H

at Bone Fire Smokehouse

at Country Club Bar & Grill

at Acoustic Coffeehouse

If you or your band are playing in the upcoming week and would like to be in The Spotlight, call in advance to (423) 282-1907 or go online to: theloaferonline.com. Due to last minute cancellations or changes, please call the location to confirm.

- SUNDAY - April 3rd -

OPEN JAM at The Family Barn 1pm THE RALIEGH RANGERS at The Lincoln Theatre

BILL & THE BELLES at Bone Fire Smokehouse THE STEEL WHEELS at The Willow Tree Coffeehouse & Music Room

FRAZIER BAND at Acoustic Coffeehouse - MONDAY - April 4th -

ETSU at Bristol’s Pickin’ Porch SOUTHERN REBELLION

Country, Classic Rock, Southern Rock) at Quaker Steak & Lube 7pm

OPEN MIC at Acoustic Coffeehouse BLUEGRASS JAM at Hardee’s (Boones Creek)

KARAOKE

TUESDAY Karaoke at 50Fifty Sports Tavern Karaoke at Numan’s - Johnson City TN Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at Boomershine’s Pizza - Bluff City *********************** WEDNESDAY Karaoke w/ Southern Sounds Karaoke at American Legion 8pm Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at Smokey Bones - Johnson City TN Turn the Page Karaoke at VFW Post 2108 - Johnson City TN *********************** THURSDAY Karaoke at Numan’s - Johnson City Karaoke at Bristol VFW Karaoke at Holiday Inn - Johnson City *********************** FRIDAY Karaoke at Bristol VFW - Bristol TN Karaoke w/ Southern Sounds Karaoke at Sportsman’s Bar & Grill 9pm Karaoke w/ Reverb Karaoke at The Cottage 8:30 pm Turn the Page Karaoke at VFW Post 2108 - Johnson City TN Karaoke at Bristol VFW Karaoke at Elizabethton VFW Elizabethton TN Karaoke w/ DJ Marques at Holiday Inn (Exit 7) - Bristol VA Karaoke at Numan’s - Johnson City *********************** SATURDAY Turn the Page Karaoke at VFW Post 2108 - Johnson City TN Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at Macado’s - Kingsport Karaoke at Bristol VFW Karaoke at Numan’s - Johnson City TN ***********************

Spotlight Directory 50 Fifty Sports Tavern 2102 N. Roan Street Johnson City Acoustic Coffeehouse 415 W Walnut St. Johnson City 423/434.9872 Amvets Post 67 Honaker VA Bone Fire Smokehouse at the Hardware 260 W Main St Abingdon Va 276/623-0037 Bristol Brewery 41 Piedmont Ave Bristol VA 276/ 608-1220 Bristol’s Pickin’ Porch 620 State St Bristol 423/573-2262 Capone’s 227 E Main St Johnson City 423/928-2295 Carter Family Fold 3449 A. P. Carter Hwy Hiltons VA 276/594-0676 Country Club Bar & Grill 3080 W State St Bristol 423/844-0400 David Thompson’s Produce 251 Highway 107 Jonesborough 423/913-8123 Down Home 300 W. Main St. Johnson City 423/929-9822 Family Barn 15559 Lee Hwy Bristol VA Holiday Inn (Exit 7) 3005 Linden Dr Bristol Va 276/466-4100

Holston River Brewing Company 2621 Volunteer Pkwy Bristol TN Jiggy Ray’s 610 E. Elk Ave Elizabethton Johnson City Senior’s Center 510 Bert St. Johnson City 423/ 434-6238 O’Mainnin’s Pub 712 State St Bristol 423/844-0049 The Outdoorsman 4535 Highway 11W Kingsport Paramount Center for the Arts 516 State St. Bristol TN 423/ 274-8920 Quaker Steak & Lube 629 State St Bristol VA 276/644-9647 Sleepy Owl Brewery 151 E. Main St. Kingsport 423/390-8476 Uncorked 316 Broad St. #102 Kingsport Washington County Moose 15605 Porterfield Hwy Abgindon VA 276/628-2756 Wellington’s Restaurant Carnegie Hotel 1216 W State of Franklin Rd Johnson City 423/979-6400 The Willow Tree Coffeehouse & Music Room 216 E Main St Johnson City Woodstone Deli 3500 Fort Henry Dr Kingsport 423/245-5424

LAURA THURSTON

@ Acoustic Coffeehouse Thursday, March 31st & @ Jiggy Ray’s Friday, April 1st

theloaferonline.com | March 29, 2016 | 19

astronomy

MODERN ASTRONOMY CAN BE FOOLISH

W

ith many astronomical facts being actually stranger than some fiction, it’s pretty easy to play a practical joke on anyone, particularly around April Fool’s Day. And in astronomy, there have been some really goods ones pulled on the gullible public long before social media was in vogue.

There have been pranks leaked to the media or published in scientific journals that proclaim the two Martian moons as alien satellites; moons around nonmoon planets Mercury and Venus; worms in moonrocks; and the discovery of a new element called “bigons.”

In the Internet age of our 21st Century, some might say that every day is an “April Fools” day as there is so much information at all societal levels that is questionable at best.

Certainly one the biggest jokes that seems to make the social media rounds each year is planet “Mars being as large as the Full Moon.” Never will that happen. It stems from the closest approach of Mars and Earth in 2003 at 35 million miles.

Not even in a telescope is Mars e v e n close to the size of the Moon! Yet, it’ll make the rounds again.

Mars is full of hoaxes, none more famous than the “War of the Worlds” invasion radio broadcast on Halloween night of 1938 kjklj.

That sent many people in panic, thinking aliens had arrived.

Today, NASA is invading Mars with a series of unmanned rovers that have found interesting structures that resemble familiar features. Like faces, utensils and petrified animals.

That’s right, you can find all kinds of objects in the NASA surface photos of Mars—if you look hard with a wild imagination.

That seems to be the full-time job of several space conspiracy websites that promote alien existence and a huge, world-wide government cover up. Some even make a lot o f money promoting their alien agenda as “celebraties” at UFO conferences and such gatherings.

Those fans of late night radio programs like “Coast-to-Coast” and the original Art Bell shows hear lots of incredible claims about alien artifacts all over the Solar System. None is more famous than the “Face on Mars,” promoted in the 1980s by one of those kljl celebrities, Richard Hoagland.

Yes, the plateau in the Martian region called Cydonia does look like a human face in the images taken by NASA’s Viking 1 orbiter in 1977. So does “Grandfather Mountain” in North Carolina. But when a series of Mars orbiters beginning in the 1990s began sending back new photos of the Cydonia Region, it was apparent that the “Face” is just a crumbled plateau of Martian rocks.

Still, Hoagland and his naïve followers have for decades continued their belief in an ancient Martian

20 | March 29, 2016 | theloaferonline.com

civilization that maybe has spawned the colonization of Earth millions of years ago. And when you see some of the “artifacts” discovered by these conspiracy researchers, well, a few do make you scratch your head.

Like possible Martian hieroglyphics, a long spoon and lots of fossilized critters like crabs and mice. These claims are from imagery of Mars rover Curiosity, working in an ancient streambed and heading up

a mountain slope. Look at them for yourself and judge.

Why am I skeptical? Because I would like to believe that IF there was evidence of life on Mars, NASA would want us to know about it.

That epic revelation might blow the minds of some, but for others it might unleash a desire to explore Mars more. And that means more funding for the dozens of Martian missions on the drawing boards, aka computer simulations.

The evidence from more than 10 years continuously roving the surface is all but conclusive for life. Any living organism would have to exist below the surface, protected from the deadly intense solar and cosmic rays. And those same deadly rays would quickly breakdown anything resembling animal bones.

But Martian fossils could be petrified into rock like on Earth. And what if Curiosity or Opportunity came across some ancient animal?

The April Fool’s would be on me, wouldn’t it?

Well, that’s okay. I want to believe these objects on Mars are evidence of intelligent life. But I want more conclusive evidence. Like a rover picking up one of these items, shaking the Martian dust off it and taking close-up photos.

But my bet on the first evidence of life will come from a microscope on Mars. A drill will bring up some Martain mud, melt it down and see an alien ameba backstroking. It’s the small minority that doesn’t believe that will happen, if not on Mars, but also moons Europa, Triton and Titan. Even Pluto may have some sort of exotic life on its very active, minus -350 F. below zero world!

Celestial events in the skies for the week of Mar. 22nd - 28th as compiled for The Loafer by Mark D. Marquette.

A

Astronomical hi-jinx on April Fool’s Day is no stranger to the nerdy science think-tanks in science history.

Some of the pranks over the years include the revelation that the two moons of Mars are actually Martian satellites; life discovered on Jupiter; Google accepting applications for a new research center on the Moon. And how about the Space Shuttle accidentally landing at Bristol Motor Speedway! Watch out for Twitters of alien invasions and Facebook posts of messages from Little Green Men. And as always, trust none of what you see or hear without giving it a serious once over!

Tues. March 29 The Moon is next to the planet Saturn rising after midnight in the constellation Scorpius. On this 1974 date in space history, NASA’s Mariner 10 made the first close flyby of inner planet Mercury. Revealed was one of the most heavily cratered surfaces in the Solar System, the small, 1,365-mile diameter planet looking much like our 1,250-mile-wide Moon. Today we know Mercury in great detail thanks to NASA’s Messenger orbiter that spent 10 years sending back images and data. The iron heavy first planet, revealing water ice at the poles and an 800 degree hot, sulfur laden surface.

Wed. March 30 The Moon is at Last Quarter today, rising after 1 am and becoming a crescent in the dark of morning. You’ll really feel Daylight Saving Time this evening when it takes from 8 pm sunset to almost 8:30 pm for the stars to come out. After your day of maybe church, recreation and friends, recharge your mind under the canopy of Spring stars that are astounding to gaze upon.

Thurs. March 31 On this date in space history, the mission of interplanetary spacecraft Pioneer 10 was officially ended by NASA. The first unmanned robot to visit Jupiter, it is the “grandfather” of today’s high-tech spacecraft New Horizon, heading to a dwarf planet after flying by Pluto in July 2015.

Fri. April 1 The Marquette Meteor Shower will begin shortly after dark

and rain hundreds of meteors a minute. The sky will be moonless, so enjoy the setting of the Winter constellations as the evening moves along.

Sat. April 2 On this 1845 date in space history, the first photograph of the Sun was taken by two French physicists. Today, several websites provide a live, 24/7 look at our most important star. Jupiter is the bright “star” high in the east as darkness descends in the night.

Sun. April 3 On this 1966 date in space history, the Soviet Union’s Luna 10 became the first spacecraft to orbit the Moon. Today NASA has the Lunar Recognizance Orbiter (LRO) sending back data about our closest celestial neighbor. In operation since 2007, LRO has imaged all six Apollo landing sites many times, as well as other unmanned landers. It will last about another year as it is in an elliptical polar orbit that takes it within 12 miles of the lunar surface.

Mon. April 4 On this 1930 date in space history the American Interplanetary Society was formed by science fiction writers G. Edward Pendray, David Lasser, Laurence Manning and others. The younger generation embraced it, while mature adults thought the idea of rocket travel was crazy. Four years later, renamed the American Rocket Society, it was pioneering liquid fueled rocket tests, and gaining popularity among those followers of rocket pioneer Robert Goddard. By 1959, there were 21,000 members, all eager to see mankind reach for the stars.

theloaferonline.com | March 29, 2016 | 21

human interest TENNESSEE COLLEGE OF APPLIED TECHNOLOGY ELIZABETHTON IS HOSTING

T

SCHOLARSHIP SATURDAY for tn reconnect

he Tennessee College of Applied Technology Elizabethton will host an open house from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 2, for area adults to sign up for the TCAT Reconnect Grant, a program that allows Tennesseans to attend a technical college tuition-free.

The event is designed to encourage adults to enroll in the TCAT Reconnect program, Governor Haslam’s initiative to provide eligible adults the opportunity to earn a technical diploma or certificate at a Tennessee College of Applied

Technology free of tuition and mandatory fees. The TCAT Reconnect Grant is part of the Drive to 55, an initiative focused on increasing the number of Tennesseans with a college degree or technical certificate.

The TCAT Reconnect Grant is a last-dollar scholarship, meaning it will cover the remaining costs of tuition and mandatory fees for a TCAT program after other state and federal financial aid has been applied.

James D. King, Vice Chancellor for the Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology, states, “We look forward to potential students visiting our 27 campuses to learn more about how technical education can change their lives and provide a successful future through a variety of high skilled and high wage programs, such as Administrative Office Technology, Computer Information Technology, Diesel Powered Equipment, Welding, and Practical Nursing.”

During Scholarship Saturday, adults may come to TCAT Elizabethton between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. to tour the campus, learn more about available training programs, and use the college’s computers to sign up online. Free refreshments will also be on hand for anyone signing up.

“TCAT Reconnect is such an incredible opportunity for adults to gain critical skills and enter the workforce,” said TCAT Elizabethton Director Dean Blevins. “Scholarship Saturday is an op-

22 | March 29, 2016 | theloaferonline.com

portunity to come see firsthand the opportunities we offer at TCAT Elizabethton and take the first step towards admission.”

Drive to 55 Executive Director Mike Krause said he hoped many Tennessee adults would attend the event nearest them.

“As we enter the second year of the TCAT Reconnect Grant, there continue to be incredible opportunities for adults students at their local TCAT,” Krause said. “Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology offer an incredible chance for an adult to gain a new skill, become workforce-ready, and learn real-world skills from skilled faculty.”

For additional information, visit the college website, www. tcatelizabethton.edu, or telephone 423-543-0070.

In Theaters Now

reviews

The divergent series: allegiant

T

he latest film in The Divergent series, “The Divergent Series: Allegiant”, has been released to theaters, and once again features Shaliene Woodley and Theo James in the roles of Beatrice “Tris” Prior and Tobias “Four” Eaton. For those who may have never seen this movie series, or need to catch up, the films are based on novels by American author Veronica Roth, and are set in a very challenging future. The series was introduced to cinemas in 2014 and tells the story of the citizens living in a futuristic Chicago where all are divided into five factions: Agnegation (the selfless), Amity (the peacful), Candor (the honest), Dauntless (the brave), and Erudite (the intellectual). The rest of the population are know as the Factionless, and have no special privileges in the society. The star of the series, Tris, is born into Abnegation, but is later discovered to be “pure”, meaning she has all the attributes of factions.

In other words, Tris is Divergent. If you are discovered to be a Divergent, you are considered a threat to the government due to independent thinking. As the story continues, Tris chooses to be part of the Dauntless where she meets, and falls in love with her trainer Four (James). Later, Four is also revealed to be a Divergent, and he and Tris must blend in to avoid being executed.

After managing to fool the leader who is out to destroy all Divergents, Tris, Four and several others escape the compound they

have been held in. Flash forward to the latest film, which picks up after the 2015 “Insurgent” sequel. Tris has always had it in her mind to leave Chicago, which is surrounded by a huge wall, in order to see what lies beyond. In the new film Tris and Four, along with several cohorts, including brother Caleb (Ansel Elgort), manager to climb over the massive wall surrounding the city, and discover both pleasant and unpleasant things on the other side. The group comes in contact with a group, led by David (Jeff Daniels), who have been studying the citizens of Chicago for years, and have watched Tris since she was a girl. David’s group are very advanced technologically, and have been dealing in genetic studies for years.Tris must decide if she trusts David or should return to Chicago and face the consequences of leaving. I will not reveal her decision, but needles to say everything works out for Tris and most of her company, and the story ends with the set up for the final film in the series. I was impressed with the special effects in the movie, especially the scene where Tris and her small group ascend the great wall around Chicago. The film features plenty of action and thrills, and like “The Hunger Games” series, provides movie fans with a strong female lead/action hero. Woodley’s co-star James, also proves to have the capacity to lead a sci-fi action series on his own, and I keep wondering why he hasn’t been cast in a superhero film. Overall, “The Divergent Series: Allegiant” is a fun and exciting addition to the series and expect the fourth and final installment in 2017. (Rated PG-13) B

IN THEATRES NOW Box Office Top 10

Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016) Zootopia (2016) Allegiant (2016) Miracles from Heaven (2016) 10 Cloverfield Lane (2016) Deadpool (2016) London Has Fallen (2016) Whiskey Tango Foxtrot (2016) The Perfect Match (2016) The Brothers Grimsby (2016) IMDb.com (03/26/2016)

The Arts Array presents

Macbeth

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

Macbeth (April 4 and 5) Macbeth, a loyal subject of the realm, is told by three witches that he will one day hold the crown, which moves Macbeth to take devious steps to secure that position. His betrayal is successful and he soon takes the throne for himself. But, his arrogant manner spawns even more vicious murders, royal madness, and growing insecurity within his newlyformed kingdom. Directed by Justin Kurzel (The Snowtown Murders), starting Michael Fassbender as Macbeth, and Marion Cotillard as Lady Macbeth.

The Arts Array Film Series is part of the comprehensive cultural outreach program of Virginia Highlands Community College.

The series is co-sponsored by the Abingdon Cinemall, the Southwest Virginia Higher Education

Center, Emory& Henry College, and King University.

Admission to the films is free for the faculties and students at the supporting institutions.

Members of the general community may attend for $7.75.

On Tuesday, April 5th, there will be a talk-back discussion following the 7:30PM screening featuring King University instructors Dr. Craig McDonald and Dr. Martin Dotterweich.

For a brochure on the series or more information, please contact Tommy Bryant at 276739-2451 or email him at tbryant@vhcc.edu.

theloaferonline.com | March 29, 2016 | 23

travel

The Seat of Power

R

oughly a seventyfive minute drive from downtown Los Angeles sits the city of Riverside, CA. The largest city of the Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario metropolitan area (pop. 4.2 million), Riverside is often overlooked in favor of its gargantuan neighbor to the west. Nevertheless, those who take the time to explore the “Inland Empire” as the region is known, can find some fascinating historic and cultural attractions, not the least of which is the Mission Inn and its most interesting artifact – President Taft’s oversized chair.

This chair I speak of is larger than life - as it was built for a larger than life figure. William Howard Taft, the country’s 27th president and (some say

hand-picked) successor to Theodore Roosevelt, was a man of rather generous proportions. At his peak, toward the end of his presidency, he tipped the scales at a bit over 330 lbs. An oft-repeated story claims that Taft once became stuck in the White House bathtub, and while that particular tale is generally seen as apocryphal, his weight was still equal to approximately three (3!) James Madisons.

Such being the case, President Taft was often thought to be a threat to the structural integrity of surrounding furniture. This was clearly a concern to Frank Miller, owner of Riverside’s Mission Inn, as he prepared for a presidential visit in September of 1909. Fearing that the seating he had on premises would not be able to accommodate Taft’s portly frame, Miller took it upon himself to have an extralarge chair built just for the president.

Upon seeing the chair, Taft felt insulted and refused to sit in it. He only relented when his advisors pointed out that breaking a smaller chair and winding up on his backside would be far less dignified. He agreed to use the chair, but only under the provision that he not be photographed while sitting in it under any circumstances.

More than one hundred years later, President Taft’s chair is still on display at the Mission Inn, just one of many interesting artifacts that comprise the local landmark’s collection. The hotel’s long, colorful history is preserved with a small museum (and of course, a museum store) on site, which is free to visit – even for those who aren’t guests. You can find all sorts of art and architecture, a collection of VERY old bells (dating from as far back as the twelfth century), a Chinese garden, and an ornate chapel festooned with stained glass from Tiffany & Co. Docent-led tours take you around to see it all. And of course, there’s the giant chair, which you are free to sit upon if you like. And despite what President Taft might have thought, it makes for an excellent photo opportunity.

24 | March 29, 2016 | theloaferonline.com

CARTER FAMILY ...

continued from page 15

Larry Sigmon and Barbara Poole were truly an American treasure, delighting fans who often drove hundreds of miles just for a chance to dance to their rollicking and unforgettable mountain music. Proud craftsmen who knew hundreds of both classic and obscure musical treasures, they often left audiences wondering how so many sounds can come out of only two people.

After Barbara’s death, Larry stopped performing publicly. He and his wife Linda cared for Larry’s father during an extended illness. Never able to find anyone who could play quite the way Barbara did, Larry wasn’t sure he would play again.

Enter Martha Spencer of the Whitetop Mountain Band. Martha grew up surrounded by music at her Whitetop Mountain home. Her parents are Emily and Thornton Spencer of the Whitetop Mountain Band. With a voice like an angel, she could easily sing in an angel band. There aren’t many instruments she doesn’t play – guitar, banjo, fiddle, and bass are examples. A world-class dancer, she’s truly a born entertainer. Her infectious smile lights up the room, and audiences are spell-bound by her. Martha personifies old time, mountain music.

Her love for what she does is unmistakable, and it shines through clearly in every performance. Mar-

tha grew up playing on the stage of the Carter Family Fold. The Whitetop Mountain Band is one of only two or three bands still playing on the Fold stage today who were there performing 41 years ago when Janette Carter started music shows in the old A.P. Carter Store.

At our 2015 annual festival in August, Larry came mostly to jam. When a series of accidents on the interstate prevented Big Country Bluegrass from taking the stage, Larry and Martha took the stage and brought the house down. As the Fold’s director, I have rarely seen an audience react as our festival audience did. I was moved to tears, and they received at least four standing ovations. Since that time, they have played the Albert Hash Festival and several other shows.

The Fold could not be more excited to welcome anyone back than we are to welcome Larry and Martha as the Unique Sound of the Mountains.

Don’t miss the Unique Sound of the Mountains at the Carter Fold. This will mark the second performance for the Unique Sound of the Mountains – Larry and Martha. No one knows more old time music than Larry Sigmon.

Martha Spencer may be as close to that as it gets. It is an honor and a privilege for the Fold to welcome back the Unique Sound of the Mountains. Be sure to bring your dancing shoes. It’s impossible to sit still when Larry and Martha hit the stage! For more information on the duo, check them out on the internet.

Carter Family Memorial Music Center, Incorporated, is a nonprofit, rural arts organization established to preserve traditional, acoustic, mountain music. For further information on the center, go to www.carterfamilyfold. org or call 276-594-0676.

TREE GIVEAWAY - arbor day observance

Citizens are invited to a tree giveaway on Saturday, April 2 at Metro-Kiwanis Park, 817 Guaranda Drive, from 9 a.m. until the supply of seedlings run out. More than 2,600 tree seedlings will be handed out on a first-come, first-served basis. Varieties will include White Dogwood, Yellow Poplar, Japanese Maple (green leaf), Redbud, Prairifire Crabapple (dark pink bloom), Peking Lilac, and Sugar Maple. A limited number of seedlings will be available per person. Since Spring 2010, the City has celebrated Arbor Day by distributing a total of 20,450 trees to the public. This Arbor Day marks the 16th consecutive year that Johnson City has been named a Tree City USA by the National Arbor Day Foundation. To maintain the Tree City USA designation the City must have an Arbor Day observance, a tree ordinance, a tree board, and meet the minimum funding requirements for tree maintenance and planting.“By participating in the Tree City USA program, Johnson City is able to highlight its commitment to green infrastructure for the benefit of citizens and visitors alike. The annual recognition helps draw attention to the fact that trees and other plants are an important part of life in our community,” said City Forester Patrick Walding.

theloaferonline.com | March 29, 2016 | 25

community

Good Fortune Comes to Tricities:

Gypsy Circus Cider Company Releases First Cider

B

eginning this month, the Tricities’ newest addition to the craft beverage scene – Gypsy Circus Cider Company – will release its first cider during Tricities Craft Beer Week. The cidery, with its 40-barrel production facility in Kingsport, will initially offer a limited release of its ciders.

“We’ve created a quality product, made from fresh apple juice and using allnatural ingredients. We’re proud of what we’ve created and are excited to share it with the market,” said head cider blender, Aaron Carson.

The high quality of the Gypsy Brand is already receiving recognition. In February the cidery won a Gold Medal for one of its flagship ciders, the Rain Dancer, at the International East Meets West Wine Competition in California.

Beginning in April, Gypsy Circus Cider will be available at Atlantic Ale House, Sleepy Owl Brewery and at the Gypsy Circus Caravan Tour on April 8th at Founder’s Park in Johnson City.

The Caravan Tour will feature free entertainment from one of the best Gypsy-style bands in the southeast, The Renosant Rogues. Festivities will begin at 5:30pm and cider will be available for purchase by the glass.

Carson, a native of Telford, is the owner of SuperFly Fabulous Events – the company behind Thirsty Orange Brew Extravaganza, Tennessee’s Oktoberfest (formerly Kingsport Oktoberfest), and several other

26 | March 29, 2016 | theloaferonline.com

Photo credit: Keith Wright

festivals in the southeast and Colorado. After six year of creating craft beer festivals, he noticed a unfilled niche in the market.

“The Tricities is creating a lot of incredible craft beer. What I kept hearing was there was a desire for local, quality craft hard cider. We’re excited to be able to offer that,” he said.

More information is available at www.gypsycircuscider.com.

firearms

The Skinny on Skinny Jeans

A

A question I get quite often by both men and women (albeit most are under the age of 30) is “How can I carry in skinny jeans?” presumably skinny jeans might make it difficult to conceal much of anything, especially a handgun. However there are steps that can be taken to carry concealed while looking fashionable.

The first thing to consider are your carrying options, outer-waistband is out because chances are if you’re wearing skinny jeans you’re likely wearing a form-fitting shirt as well, which would prevent you from concealing under your shirt tail.

The next option could work with a slight alteration of you outfit, inner-waistband could work assuming there’s enough room in your waistband to accommodate the thickness of your handgun.

Even with a form-fitting shirt inner-waist band carry can be quite inconspicuous. Now for the compromise, you might have to buy

a size bigger jeans to accommodate the handgun, which can be a bit awkward if you’re not carrying. The third and probably the best option if possible is pocket carry, most pocket holsters like those from Uncle Mikes are square shaped so the outline they make looks like a wallet or cellphone. If you can’t fit anything in your pockets than this method won’t work for you. Lastly we have ankle carry, which depending on the cut of your jeans might also prove impossible. It is important to keep in mind that only certain guns can be pocket or ankle carried. While considerably lighter and smaller these guns tend to sacrifice magazine capacity and accuracy.

As I tell my students compromise exists in almost all things. Sometimes you have to choose between being stylish, and being able to

carry concealed. For me personally it’s a no brainer, but I’m a bit biased considering I’ve never owned a pair of skinny jeans and likely never will. I’m not here to critique you fashion sense though. I just want you to be safe and effective when you carry concealed, and part of that is being comfortable in what you’re wearing. Try the above mentioned methods and find the one that works best for you. Then practice accessing and presenting your firearm, until it’s no longer clumsy and awkward.

As always I hope you enjoyed this article, if you have any questions or concerns please feel free to email me, I look forward to your feedback.

theloaferonline.com | March 29, 2016 | 27

community

A

Good Food for All Challenge launched by local citizens

ppalachian Sustainable Development’s food access program, Healthy Families-Family Farms (HFFF) has launched the Good Food for All Challenge to support local farmers and provide free, fresh vegetables to people in need. The Good Food for All Challenge will take place from now - May 15, 2016. Donations can be made at www.asdevelop.org or by mailing a check to: Healthy Families-Family Farms, P.O. Box 791, Abingdon VA 24212 with ‘Challenge’ in the memo line.

HFFF is dedicated to increasing access to fresh, healthy food for everyone in the community. A local grassroots group, ‘Friends of HFFF’, strongly committed to the work of HFFF, has established a fund to match each donation made during the challenge. All donations received during this time will have 30% added to it from ‘Friends of HFFF’. Healthy Families-Family Farms provide greater access to healthy, local fruits and vegetables to citizens in the region. Since 2004, Healthy FamiliesFamily Farms has raised money and purchased seconds produce (nutritious, delicious fruits and vegetables that do not meet strict aesthetic retail guidelines) from local farmers in ASD’s Appalachian Harvest network. All seconds are then donated, 100% free of charge to the Feeding America Food Bank and distributed at

28 | March 29, 2016 | theloaferonline.com

Ecumenical Faith in Action and other local food pantries.

Since 2004, Healthy Families-Family Farms has donated over 1,000,000 pounds of seconds produce to food banks and pantries.

In 2012, HFFF implemented the Garden Box project. Garden boxes are bottom watered, raised garden boxes on casters allowing those with limited physical ability or limited garden space the opportunity to grow their own food. By 2015, more than 100 Garden Box Project families grew their own fresh, healthy food at places like Bristol Redevelopment and Housing Authority, private residences and Girls Inc., Bristol TN/VA. Appalachian Sustainable Development is dedicated to its mission to grow food, communities and opportunities to build a thriving Appalachia. For 21 years, ASD has been serving: Buchanan, Dickenson, Lee, Russell, Scott, Smyth, Tazewell, Washington, and Wise counties in southwest Virginia and Greene, Hamblen, Hancock, Hawkins, Sullivan, and Washington counties in northeast Tennessee. ASD operates programs in sustainable agriculture/food system development, sustainable forestry/wood products and food access. For more information please visit www.asdevelop. org.

dance

T

Vermont Band to Visit Jonesborough for Contra Dance Fun!

he Historic Jonesborough Dance Society will hold a community contra dance on Saturday, April 2, 2016, at the Historic Jonesborough Visitors Center, 117 Boone Street. Admission to the dance is $7, $5 for HJDS Members and $4 for students. There will be a 30-minute lesson for all beginner contra dancers at 7:00pm.

New England roots music ensemble Atlantic Crossing will be appearing from 7:30-10:30 p.m. Based in the Champlain Valley of Vermont, Atlantic Crossing has performed songs and instrumental music of New England, Canada, and the British Isles, as well as original material inspired by these musical traditions, for over a dozen years. Viveka Fox, Rick Klein, Peter Macfarlane and Tristan Henderson between them play fiddle, guitar, mandolin, bouzouki, tenor banjo, low whistle, cornet, bodhran, djembe, and Quebec-style foot percussion. Featuring rich harmonies and driving rhythms, Atlantic Crossing’s arrangements show a deep love for the tradition along with a high level of creativity, emotional expression and just plain fun.

Atlantic Crossing is among a small group of Vermont musicians who are bringing to life the music of the Helen Hartness Flanders Collection of traditional songs. Flanders was Vermont’s most important folklorist, recording hundreds of tradi- the archives of field recordings at Middlebury College and then tional songs from an older generation of singers in the 1930s and arrange the songs for the contemporary listener. They also re‘40s. The members of Atlantic Crossing gather material from search, write and perform material related to Vermont history.

Atlantic crossing CONTRA ...

continued on page 31

theloaferonline.com | March 29, 2016 | 29

Answers found on page 32

30 | March 29, 2016 | theloaferonline.com

CONTRA ... continued from page 29 Their ability to tell the stories of ordinary men and women living in extraordinary times has led to collaborations with the Mount Independence state historical site, the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum, and the Lake Champlain Quadricentennial Commission. In 2007, Atlantic Crossing was recognized by the Vermont Arts Council with an American Masterpieces designation for their program exploring the cultural heritage of the Champlain Valley through music.

The three Americans and one transplanted Englishman all cut their teeth as dance musicians, and have appeared at many of the major contra dance series in the U.S. Contra dancing, which has its roots in the English and Scottish social dancing of colonial New England, came into its own in the 19th Century. Traditional Yankee fiddlers swapped tunes with newly arrived Irish and French-Canadian immigrants, while furloughed army band musicians brought their fifes, flutes and brass instruments to village dances. Now-classic dances, like Hull’s Victory and Sackett’s Harbor, were written to commemorate American victories in the War of 1812. Later in the century, new rhythms, popularized by African-American minstrel shows, ragtime and early jazz, began to infiltrate dance halls. By the end of the 19th century, contra dancing was popular with both rural and urban New Englanders. But with the advent of radio and television, this homemade form of entertainment began to fade away. It remained underground until the back-tothe-land movement of the 1970s, when young New Englanders began to seek out and value contra dancing for its community spirit. Since 1980, contra dancing has exploded onto the national scene, gaining popularity across the United States in an updated, high-energy form.

Due to other commitments, Atlantic Crossing performs mainly in New England and northern New York, but makes the time to do an extended tour each April.

This will be their 6th trip to the mid-South. They were drawn by the region’s reputation for having a lively contra dance scene (not to mention much better weather than Vermont in late March!) and have not been disappointed. There is a great atmosphere of fun at southern dances, and they are a little rowdier (in a good way) than most of those in the frozen North. Nearly all the dances done in the south are modern contras (written since 1970), so there is not quite the sense of history or tradition that callers and dancers in New England have. But one thing which Atlantic Crossing has found to be universal is the joyful connection between dancers and musicians which makes contra dancing so appealing.

Donna Hunt calls contra and square dances with interesting choreography and variations. She is known for utilizing clear, concise instructions to minimize teaching time and maximize dance time. Equally comfortable calling with a “techno” DJ as a “traditional” band of musicians, she offers programs of exciting dances in a variety of figures and formations for the dancers’ enjoyment. Donna infuses the dancers with confidence, regardless of their skill level, and she enjoys guiding new dancers and challenging experienced ones.

Donna presently lives near Philadelphia, Pa and she is a regular caller at the Thursday Night and the 3rd Saturday Contra Dances in the Mt Airy neighborhood of Philadelphia, PA, the Valley Contra Dance in Bethlehem, PA, and the Arden Contra dance in Arden, DE. Since she began in 1989, Donna has called for dances throughout New England and the Mid-Atlantic States and as far away as Colorado and California. She has called for weekend events including NEFFA, Dance Flurry, Philadelphia Folk Festival, Gender-free Dance Camp, Folk Project Festival, Head for the Hills and the now defunct Heritage and NOMAD Dance Festivals.

Donna has been an avid dancer since the late 1980’s, enjoying a variety of dance styles including Contras, Squares, Cajun/Zydeco, Swing, Waltz, Irish Sets, Appalachian Clogging and English Country dancing among others. In addition to presenting workshops on any topic related to Contra Dancing, Donna teaches couple dancing for Waltz, Swing, and Schottische including variations. She can create a workshop specifically for your group, just ask!

For more information, please contact event organizer, David Wiley, at 423-5348879 or visit www.historicjonesboroughdancesociety.org and on FACEBOOK. theloaferonline.com | March 29, 2016 | 31

area interests Applications may be found on the the Bristol Public Library at 701 Goode city’s website at www.bristoltn.org.

Street, Bristol, Virginia. Registration is For further information, please required for the class and can be done contact Nathan Greene, Community by calling Roscoe Trivett at rhtrivett@ bles, the community garden is also pro- Programs Officer at (423)989-3647or gmail.com or the Bristol Public Library Marketing Officeat 276-821-6148 or viding an avenue for residents to grow ngreene@bristoltn.org. emailing marketing@ Bristol-library. vegetables for our local food bank, Study of the U. S. Constituorg.

Jonesborough Food Pantry. Any extra A portion of the class will be conducttion to be held at the Bristol produce from gardens will be donated ed by video by Dr. John Eidsmoe, prodirectly to The Jonesborough Food Pan- Public Library fessor of Constitutional Law at Thomas try, which is supported by the JonesborGoode Jones School of Law, Faulkner Reclaiming America’s First Principles ough Area Ministerial Association.

University in Montgomery, Alabama.

(RAFP) a local public interest organiFunding for the community garden He is also AL and Senior Staff Attorney zation will host a thirteen week study was provided through a grant from the to the Alabama Supreme Court. course on the U. S. Constitution.

The Tennessee Recreation and Parks AssociAlso presenting will be Jeffrey Cobble, Institute on the Constitution, creator ation. If you would like to participate by Esq., an attorney in Greeneville, Tenof the course, says the class will “help renting a space for the year, or if you’re nessee.

Mr. Cobble graduated from individuals across America understand interested in volunteering, please conGreeneville Christian Academy. After their own history and more fully aptact Rachel Conger, 423.791.3869 or graduation from Pensacola Christian preciate their heritage by reacquainting rachelc@jonesboroughtn.org. them with the worldview and vision of College, he taught high school and our founding fathers. Information from served as a coach for several years and Applications being accepted the Institute goes on to say, “We be- completed his Master of Art in Edufor Citizens’ Police Academy lieve that by understanding the way in cation at Tusculum College. Later he which the framers of our Constitutional went to law school at Regent UniverThe Bristol Tennessee Police Depart- Republic viewed their relationship to sity School of Law. In 1999 he founded ment is accepting applications for the God, to other nations, among the vari- the Cobble Law Firm in Greeneville. upcoming Citizens’ Police Academy. ous states and each other, we can gain Mr. Cobble is admitted to practice in in The Citizens’ Police Academy will be- valuable insight into the foundational federal courts and before the Supreme gin on April 4, 2016 and meet on Mon- principles of America and the difficul- Courts of both Tennessee and Pennsylday evenings from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 ties that face us in this time and the vania. He is a published author, frep.m. through June 13th. All classes will times to come.” quent speaker, lecturer, and teacher.

The information presented in this program be held at the Slater Community Center The class is free and open to the Disclaimer: located at 325 McDowell St. Bristol, TN. public, but for those who want a “Cer- is not necessarily the views of the Bristol Public Library, its staff, and the Board of Trustees.

The Citizens’ Police Academy is aimed tificate of Completion” a $50 course sylat providing area residents with an in- labus with lecture notes, articles, test, side look at the operations and servic- copies of historical documents, etc., is Spring into action and donate es of the police department as well as required. blood with the Red Cross fostering a better working relationship The class will begin on April 2 and run between the Department and the pub- through June 25th. It begins at 9:30 am Upcoming blood donation opportunilic. The program includes classroom and ends at 12:30 pm. Classes will meet ties: American Red Cross, 818 Sunset instruction, exciting hands-on training in the J. Henry Kegley Meeting Room of Drive, Johnson City, 2:30 pm - 7:00 pm and a graduation ceremony.

The class costs $50.00 and is open to DROP QUOTE: “Corporation. An ingenious device for obtaining individual profit without individual responsibility.” interested area residents.

During this course, Officers from CRYPTOGRAM: If there is any country on earth where the course of true love the Department will instruct citizens may be expected to run smooth, it is America. in several areas including Law, Crime Prevention, Patrol, Investigations, Defensive Tactics, SWAT, Traffic, and Firearms training. The Academy is not designed to make participants certified police officers, nor does it give the graduates authority to act as police officers. The focus of the curriculum is to provide an informative overview of the fundamentals of police operations. This two-way communication will certainly be an effective and successful way to build a partnership between the community and the police department.

things to do MECC Recruiting Employers to Participate in 2016 Job Expo Mountain Empire Community College is currently recruiting employers to participate in the 2016 Job Expo on Wednesday, April 6 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Phillips-Taylor Hall Goodloe Center. This free event allows employers to meet one-on-one with prospective job applicants, including current students, graduates, and community members.

MECC’s Job Expo is a great networking opportunity for regional businesses and those interested in learning more about potential internship opportunities with existing MECC academic and technical programs. Participating employers will be provided lunch, Wi-Fi access, and a table and two chairs for the event. Set up will be held begin at 8:30 a.m., with the event to be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Goodloe Center.

To register to participate, please visit Mountain Empire Community College’s website at www.mecc.edu/jobexpo. To learn more about the 2016 Job Expo, contact Beth Boggs, Career Counselor, at (276) 523-2400 ext. 324. Join us for some fun and creativity.

Jonesborough Community Garden The Town of Jonesborough’s Parks and Recreation Department is offering both new and experienced gardeners a chance to participate in the Jonesborough Community Garden for the 2016 planting season. The garden is located off of Hillrise Drive in Jonesborough and beds are available on a first come, first serve basis. The land is being offered for use to the public through a shared partnership between the Town and local resident, Jim Eldridge.

There are 24, 4’ x 8’ raised beds available for use by the public for a low fee of $20/year to cover the cost of water usage. Applications are available by emailing rachelc@jonesboroughtn.org.

In addition to offering residents the opportunity to grow their own vegeta-

32 | March 29, 2016 | theloaferonline.com

pets of the week

Baby is a beautiful calico eight year old domestic short hair female.

She is spayed and up to date on all vaccines. She is at the shelter because her elderly owner could no longer take care of her.

She is a sweet and vocal cat!

Abby is a 2 year old domestic short hair female. She is spayed and up to date on all vaccines. Look at those green eyes! She loves to be petted and “makes bread� with happiness!

The Bridge Home has an ongoing aluminum can can collection in front of the shelter at 2061Hwy 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 recently moved in to their new 7,300 sq foot building @ 2061 Hwy 75 Blountville, TN,37617. The Bridge Home is a non profit 501(c)(3) organization established in 2002 dedicated to the welfare of homeless or abandoned animals. They provide care and compassion for stray and unwanted cats and dogs until they can be adopted into a forever home.

Every animal in their care is spayed or neutered and fully vaccinated before being adopted. Being a non profit the shelter is funded entirely by membership dues and private donations. They always need volunteers or monetary donations. Other always needed items:pet food, cat litter & cat toys dog treats & dog toys,paper towels, cleaners, office supplies,Purina weight circles.

Phone: 423.239.5237 Hours are Mon-Fri 12pm-6pm Sat 12pm-3pm and Sun 2pm-4pm. Website is www.bridgehomerescue@gmail.com or like them on Facebook: www.Facebook.com/bridgehome?fref=ts.

SELL .... YOUR .... STUFF

www.theloaferonline.com theloaferonline.com | March 29, 2016 | 33

opinion

MOVIE FREAKS AND FIENDS

W

ay back in 1989 (“back in the day”) I began my association with this magazine with high hopes that I would become a movie critic. Not long after my first column was published, I realized I wanted to cast a much wider net by taking a look at the more spacious world of pop culture in general. And, with the arrival of our long-standing movie critic, Ken Silvers, I was glad for the decision I made. Of course, I often focus on movies in this column, but not so much as a critic as a connect-the-dots sort of person. My interest is in how movies connect to the larger culture rather than with the relative merits of particular movies. I’ll leave those kinds of judgments to people like Ken. With all that said, I am very fond of reading movie criticism. We are of course long past the era when re- views were the sole province of professional movie critics. Today, with the advent of IMDB, Rotten Tomatoes, and Amazon, literally everyone c a n be a critic. So, then why do we need to pay people to review movies?

The answer to this question appears in many forms, particularly in the form of books written by movie critics—I know, this sounds very self-serving, and it no doubt is.

After all, what respectable movie critic would argue that his or her job is not necessary? Although you will be hard pressed to find a critic who advocates his or her own demise, you can nevertheless find some very interesting ideas in the pages of these collections and memoirs.

A good place to start is with Entertainment Weekly critic Owen Gleiberman’s new book, MOVIE FREAK: MY LIFE WATCHING MOVIES. You should be forewarned that Gleiberman is quite the egotist, and his book is filled with perhaps too many accounts of his trysts with various women in his life. If you can get through these self-indulgences (which, in all honesty, do provide valuable insights into what makes Mr. Gleiberman tick), you will find some fascinating and insightful perspectives from which to

34 | March 29, 2016 | theloaferonline.com

view the many movies he recommends. You will, for instance, learn that Gleiberman’s favorite movies include “Nashville,” “Sid and Nancy,” “Carrie” (the Brian DePalma version), “Taxi Driver,” “Natural Born Killers,” and “Blue Velvet.” And you will learn that he doesn’t particularly care for “Pretty Woman.”

Self-indulgences aside, Gleiberman has some very important things to say about why we should value movie critics, despite the fact that we don’t actually need them in today’s world. After admitting that an argument about why we need critics “cannot be made in practical terms,” he goes on to say that when movie critics are doing their job, we are not asked to agree with their judgments but to think about different perspectives and new ways to view the world we live in. Critics are paid to make us THINK and to ultimately exercise our own critical judgment.

Another very valuable memoir about why thinking about movies is so important is Patton Oswalt’s quirky memoir SILVER SCREEN FIEND: LEARNING ABOUT LIFE FROM AN ADDICTION TO FILM. The title says it all—movies are not just forms of entertainment, but are keys to our identity. This point was expressed very well in Roger Ebert’s bittersweet account (he knew he was dying as he wrote) of his life as a movie critic, LIFE ITSELF: A MEMOIR. In looking back over his origins, Ebert tells us that “I was born inside the movie of my life. The visuals were before me, the audio surrounded me, the plot unfolded inevitably but not necessarily. I don’t remember how I got into the movie, but it continues to entertain me.” Ebert, like Oswalt, sees his life as a movie. And this realization is probably the reason most people decide to become movie critics.

Once we can agree that movie critics are valuable because they invite us to see connections between movies and life itself and to think more deeply about our experiences, we can understand their value. Needless to say, we can the same thing about many of the amateur reviews we can read on Amazon, but these reviewers probably don’t have the same level of responsibility as professional critics (who should earn their keep by asking—even demanding—that we think more deeply about movies).

What follows is a very abbreviated list of books I recommend you consult if you are the least bit interested in the work that movie critics do. A volume I particularly treasure is AMERICAN MOVIE CRITICS: AN ANTHOLOGY FROM THE SILENTS UNTIL NOW, edited by Phillip Lopate (2006). A volume in the esteemed Library of America series, this book collects under one cover the major works of film critics from the early twentieth century until the time this book was published. Included in this anthology are several reviews by Carl Sandberg, who I didn’t know was a movie critic until I picked up a copy of the book.

The selections found in this book also remind us that movie criticism—good movie criticism, that is—is a literary art. Just read the justly-famous reviews by the legendary Pauline Kael to see what I mean. And, while you’re at it, take a look at Brian Kel-

low’s marvelous biography, PAULINE KAEL: A LIFE IN THE DARK (2011) to learn how movie criticism is inseparable from the larger world of social history and pop culture.

My two favorite movie critics are Geoffrey O’Brien and David Thomson. Although you can pick up any book by these two authors, I particularly recommend O’Brien’s STOLEN GLIMPSES: WRITING ON FILM, 2002-2012 (2013) and Thomson’s HOW TO WATCH A MOVIE (2015); his review of Ingmar Bergman’s “Persona” is worth the price of the book.

And if you are especially interested in the history of the movies and their place in our lives, I urge you to read O’Brien’s THE PHANTOM EMPIRE (1993) and Thomson’s THE BIG SCREEN: THE STORY OF THE MOVIES (2013).

In the last chapter of PHANTOM EMPIRE book, O’Brien asks us to imagine a world where movies have ceased to exist. He then asks us to imagine how the inhabitants of that world would carry on without movies: “And then what would they do, as they began learning again how to live in a world without movies? What would it then become possible for them to see? What a world that would be. What stories could be told of it. What a movie it would make.”

And that is why we still need movie critics.

See you next week. In the meantime, watch a movie or two and read what critics have to say. And then think for yourself.

PLACING A CLASSIFED LINE AD:

Go to: www.theloaferonline.com, create an account, and enter your classified. Call 423282-1907 or email: classifieds@theloaferonline.com if you have any questions.

137 Transportation 141 Motorcycle/Scooters

2004 Honda XR50

107 Services 121 General Services

NOTHING MAKES A PROPERTY LOOK BETTER THAN A NICE SLATE-BLACK PARKING LOT OR DRIVE70 Real Estate WAY!!

Asphalt Sealing 72 For Sale Crack Repair ***Condo for sale *** Price: $ 99,900.00 Line Striping Woodstone Condos. 2 bedroom / Book your appointment today 1.5 bath. Remax Checkmate. Con- for a free quote! 423-383-3553

Phone: 423-383-3553 Price: $ 600.00 Great running bike

tact: Wayne Bartley 423-292-2595, Deborah Bartley 423-686-6180

85 Jobs

107 Services

107 Services

133 Painting

107 Services

129 Legal

Homes like this don’t come SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY BENEFITS. Unable available often! to work? Denied benefits? We Phone: 423-612-1367 Can Help! WIN or Pay NothPrice: $ 132,000.00 306 Mockingbird Place, Blount- ing! Contact Bill Gordon & Asville, TN. 3 bedrooms, 1 bath - sociates at 1-800-864-9032 to 1,080 sqft. Completely remodeled start your application today! with features including hardwood floors throughout the home, updated bathroom, recessed lighting, crown molding, new roof in 2010, multi zone surround sound system wired to every room and outside the home, ADT pulse security system with motion sensors and video cameras. Contact David Fletcher - Caldwell Banker 423612-1367

107 Services

107 Services

107 Services

121 General Services

133 Painting

Creative Interior Home Painting. Creative Interiors Painting, Bedrooms, Living Rooms, Kitchens, Offices, WHOLE HOUSES, anything you want, Competitive Pricing, Flexible Schedules, Call David or Lisa, 423-430-7358

103 Sales/Marketing

Account Representative

Phone: 423-283-4324 The Loafer is seeking motivated account representatives to service various territories throughout TriCities. Must be enthusiastic, hardworking, positive, successful. Part time - Full time. Flexible hours.

Must have reliable transportation, smart phone & self-motivated.

Join The Loafer team today! Email resumes to info@theloafeornline. com

93 Drivers/Delivery

You’re important. Let us show you how! Hiring Drivers: OTR, Regional, Teams, Owner Opps.

Morristown Drivers Service, Inc. 844-MDS-Jobs. www.MDStrucking.com theloaferonline.com | March 29, 2016 | 35