The Loafer 03

A Family Tradition Coming Back....

The Nashville Sound is Reopening Soon!

Publisher Lisa Durbin Creative DIrector Jon Bill Forrester Managing Editor Peggy Gale Advertising Representative Sarah Gale Entertainment Coordinator Andreax Jarre

your week’s line-up

Volume 03 Issue 03

04

Tri-Cities Faces & Places

06

Car Shows & Bike Nights

07 Pro-Art Presents Amythyst Kiah 08 Spotlight 10 Sycamore Shoals October Events 11 Karaoke

Andy Ross

14 Puzzle Page

For those of us who enjoyed some Fall Break from school last week I hope it was great. It was packed at our house as our kids and grandbabies came to visit from Texas. We enjoyed a weekend in Pigeon Forge and the leaves are already starting to look like the result of a beautiful painting. I hope you had a great week or you have a break coming up soon to enjoy some family time.

15

Pets of the Week

15 Johnson City Parks and Rec to Offer Halloween Events 17

The Spooky History of All Hallow's Eve

Craft Days Festival

Wendy Hayden

26 Photography Exhibition Depicting

Tim SImpson

'Latino Life in the South' on

The Loafer

Display at Reece

Po Box 39

28 WKMA: Will The Circle

Telford, Tn 37690

Be Unbroken?

423-930-7319 www.theloaferonline.com theloaferonlineprint@gmail.com All advertisements are accepted and published by the publisher upon the representation that the agency and/or advertiser is authorized to publish the entire contents and subject matter thereof. The agency and/or advertiser will indemnify and save the publisher harmless from any lossof 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

LBD FAMILY MEDIA Let’s Get Social!

PUBLISHER Hello Loafer Readers!

22 MECC Celebrates the 50th Home

Ken Silvers

FROM THE

13 Things To Do

21 WQUT Concert Schedule

Kathie Scalf

NOTE

11 Trivia

19 Haunted Attractions

Contributing Staff

columns & reviews

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2

23 Ponderings to Ponder Ode to October 25 Social Sentiments: What Mood Does Your Content Create?

27 Tea Time with Appalachian Barbie: Filling Glasses from an Empty Pitcher 29 Pop Life: Firedrake the Silver Dragon 30 Batteries Not Included: The Siren Song of Comfort

We have several new clients in print and social media and we want you to know how much we appreciate every single one of you. Without the advertising clients and readers, The Loafer would not survive. Please keep us in mind for your needs and keep picking up those Loafers.

If you can do one thing this week I would ask that you show some kindness to someone or pay forward.

We don’t have to be wealthy to help others. We can all afford a few kind words if nothing else.

Take care and Be Kind!

Lisa Durbin Publisher

Name: Dylan Cortese Age: Height: Weight: Eyes: Hair:

17 year old male 5’10” 130 lbs Blue (Wears Glasses) Light Brown

Dylan was last seen in Kingsport, TN. He is driving a green/silver 99 Acura TL with black rims (License Plate: 8Z8 2A7).

Please contact Kingsport or Johnson City Police with any information.

KPT: (423) 229-9300 JC: 423-434-6158

theloaferonline.com | October 12, 2021

MISSING RUNAWAY JUVENILE

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theloaferonline.com October 12, 2021

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Tri-Cities Faces and Places Celebrating the people and places of our community!

Celebrating the people and places of our community!

theloaferonline.com | October 12, 2021

Tri-Cities Faces and Places

5

theloaferonline.com October 12, 2021

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CAR SHOWS & BIKE NIGHTS CAR SHOWS Elizabethton, TN

Saturdays Thru October Downtown Elizabethton 5pm-9pm

Bristol, TN

Saturday Oct 9th Cars&Coffee at the Colosseum 8:00am at Bristol Motor Speedway

BIKE NIGHTS Rogersville, TN

Tuesdays 6pm at Mel’s Riverside Bar and Grill

Bristol, TN/VA Thursdays 7pm Bike Nights at Quaker Steak

Johnson City, TN Fridays 7pm Bike Nights at Tulip Grub & Pub Thursdays Bike Nights at Kickback Jack’s

Kingsport, TN Thursdays 6:00pm Bike Nights at Kingsport Moose Lodge

Bulls Gap, TN Thursdays 6:00pm at Roadhouse Bar & Grill

Jonesborough, TN Wednesdays Jonesborough VFW

Send your event to: theloaferonlineprint@gmail.com

Located at:

129A East Main Street in Historical Abingdon, VA

(276) 628-2700

Facebook: @forgetmenotabingdon Instagram: @fmnboutique

clip this ad for 10% off purchase

221 E Main Street Johnson City, TN Terrariumplantstore.com • (423) 773-4593 @terrariumplantstore

Fall is in the air!!! Pumpkin planters and new fresh foliage are in store now, plus new classes available on our Instagram account… hope to see you soon!!

Shop. Learn. Create.

A season ticket to 20+ shows can be purchased for $40 – less than $3 per show. Season tickets can be purchased at www.proartva.org, in person at any show, or by calling 276-376-4520. Please note that masks are currently required on the UVA Wise campus. To help reduce the spread of Covid-19, Pro-Art requests patrons to wear a mask for the duration of the performance.

Amythyst Kiah is a powerful new voice with Appalachian roots. The Pro-Art Association welcomes the Tennessee-bred singer/songwriter in partnership with UVA Wise and the Appalachian African-American Cultural Center for the W. Campbell Edmonds Concert Series. Kiah will perform on Saturday, November 6th at 7:30 PM in the Lakeview Room of the Convocation Center at The University of Virginia’s College at Wise. Amythyst Kiah’s unforgettable voice earned national attention with her Grammy nominated hit “Black Myself,” which also won Song of the Year at the 2019 Folk Alliance International Awards.

Kiah is a graduate of ETSU’s Bluegrass, Old-Time and Country Music Studies program in the Department of Appalachian Studies.

“I stumbled into Bluegrass, OldTime, and Country Music Studies out of sheer curiosity. I’ve always been a very curious person and fortunately it has usually rewarded me as opposed to getting me into trouble.

My creativity has always been a bit scattered and sporadic and learning about the cultural history helped give me some structure and a sense of identity and purpose.

That program really whipped me into shape to develop a sense of discipline, and I’m so grateful for it.”

“I’m interested in experimenting

with different sounds and instrumentation and continuing to push my creative boundaries. I’ve always been an alternative kid at heart, and I want to embrace that,” she said in an August interview with Bristol’s A! Magazine. Kiah’s music seamlessly fuses her own take on Appalachian tradition with roots and alternative music to create a style that is uniquely her own. She characterizes this blend as a “mix of roots and alternative.

There’s always going to be a roots music element. The concept was to reconcile my alternative background with my roots background. I compartmentalized those things for so long, and I realized I don’t have to do that. It’s all interconnected anyway with roots being the foundation of all American music.

It’s not that big a stretch, it’s just a matter of exploring the sounds and seeing how to connect everything.”

Tickets for this event are on sale now. General admission tickets are $15 and all students are free to attend. Pro-Art season tickets will be honored for this performance.

Due to limited venue capacity, students and season ticket holders are encouraged to make ticket reservations ahead of the event.

Interested patrons can purchase tickets and make reservations at proartva.org/amythyst-kiah.

Pro-Art partners with a variety of venues, therefore individuals with mobility issues are encouraged to call or email the Pro-Art office to make arrangements for parking.

For evolving conditions related to the global pandemic, inclement weather, or similar unforeseen circumstances, patrons are encouraged to visit proartva.org or call 276-376-4520 for

up-to-date information.

Pro-Art’s mission is to promote the arts and expand accessibility to cultural experiences for residents and students in Wise, Lee, and Dickenson Counties and the City of Norton. For more information about planned performances, please visit proartva.org. You can find the ProArt Association on social media @ ProArtVA. Pro-Art is supported in part by a grant from the Virginia Commission for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts, as well as the Slemp Foundation, The University of Virginia’s College at Wise, and Mountain Empire Community College. If you have any questions, please visit proartva.org, call the office at (276) 376-4520, or send an email to pro-art@uvawise.edu.

theloaferonline.com | October 12, 2021

Pro-Art Presents Amythyst Kiah

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Spotlight

Johnson City, Tn

Abingdon, VA Abingdon, VA

Kingsport

Tuesday Oct 12th

Thursday Oct 14th

Friday Oct 15th

Brim & Marci Leal 6:30pm at Rocks Wood Fired Pizza

Thursday in the Vines with Cole Chaney & Logan Halstead

Brad Shankwiler 7:000pm at

Johnson City, TN

Wednesday Oct 13th HB Beverly 6:30pm at Rocks Wood Fired Pizza The Western Flyers w/Redd Volkaert 7:30 at The Down Home

Thursday Oct 14th Justin Mychals 6:30pm at Rocks Wood Fired Pizza

Friday Oct 15th The Local Honeys w/Jesse Lewis 8:00pm at The Down Home Bloodthorne: Let the Bad Times Roll Album Release with special guest Hempire 10:00pm at Capones

Saturday Oct 16th

7:00pm at Abingdon Vineyards

Friday Oct 15th Michael Litton 5:00pm at Abingdon Vineyards

Saturday Oct 16th The Boys 3:00pm at Abingdon Vineyards

Bristol, TN/VA Bristol TN/Va Tuesday Oct 12th The Guido Awesome Show 10:00pm at O’Mainnin’s Pub

Wednesday Oct 13th Adam Bolt 7:00pm at Cascade Draft House

Friday Oct 15th

Kentucky Take Over with Edgar Red and Wyld Ryde 10:00pm at Capones

Natalie Grace 7:00pm at Cascade Draft House

Sunday Oct 17th

Saturday Oct 16th

Edgar Loudermilk Band 7:00pm at The Down Home

Alex Clemmons7:00pm at Cascade Draft House

Kingsport, TN

Gypsy Circus Cider Company Borderline Band 9:00pm at CJs Sports Bar Well Dogs 7:00pm at High Voltage

Saturday Oct 16th Stone Creek 4 & Hillbilly Highway9:00pm at CJ’s Sports Bar

Rogersville, TN Rogersville Saturday Oct 16th Rusty Steel 9:00pm at Mel’s Riverside Bar & Grill

Sunday October 17th Nancy Bonifest 6:00pm at Mel’s Riverside Bar & Grill

Submit Your Live Shows to: theloaferonlineprint@gmail.com or call 423-930-7319 to be Featured in the Loafer Spotlight

9

10.7.21

Collective Soul 10.9.21

Gaelic Storm 11.5.21

703 State Street Bristol, VA Historic Downtown Bristol thecameotheater.com

Christmas with the Nelsons 11.27.21

Clay Walker 10.29.21

The Wizards of Winter 12.3.21

Robert Earl Keen 11.3.21

The Fab Four 12.7.21

Come Experience Epic Entertainment at the newly renovated Cameo Theater!

Last Week's Puzzle Answers Sudoku

Crossword

Cryptogram:

Dropquote:

"There is no justification without sanctification, no forgiveness without renewal of life, no real faith from which the fruits of new obedience do not grow."

"When we are young we take pains to be agreeable, and when we are old we take pains not to be disagreeable.."

There are Five Halloween Ghosts Hidden in this issue of The Loafer.

Can you find them all?

3636 Fort Henry Dr. Kingsport, TN 37660 423-246-6801 www.bandbpackage.com

theloaferonline.com | October 12, 2021

Ben Sollee

theloaferonline.com October 12, 2021 10

TUESDAY Karaoke at Numan’s - Johnson City WEDNESDAY

Turn the Page Karaoke at VFW Post 2108 – Johnson City Karaoke Night at Wonderland Lounge and Bar Karaoke at Quaker Steak and Lube (Bristol, VA) 7pm Karaoke at Kingsport Moose Lodge 6pm Karaoke at Thunder Valley Tavern 8pm Karaoke at Marker 2 Grille at Lakeview Marina

THURSDAY

Karaoke at Zachary’s Steakhouse Michael’s Krazy Karaoke at Stateline Bar & Grill Karaoke w/ DJ Marquez Top Shelf Entertainment at Wild Wings Café JC Karaoke at Numan’s - Johnson City Karaoke at Jiggy Rays Pizzeria Karaoke w/Tony & Rod at CJ’s Sports Bar 8pm Karaoke at Tipsy Toad (Jonesborough) Open Mic & Karaoke at Wonderland Lounge/Bar N Grill Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at Tulips Grub & Pub 7-10 Karaoke at Midnight Oasis - Brtistol, TN Karaoke at Sonny's Marina/The French Quarter Restaurant

FRIDAY

Karaoke w/ Shane Rouse at Bear’s Bar Karaoke at Kingsport Moose Lodge Karaoke w/ Reverb Karaoke at The Cottage 8:30pm Turn the Page Karaoke at VFW Post 2108 – Johnson City Karaoke at Elizabethton VFW Karaoke w/ Michael Hawkins at Holiday Inn (Exit 7) – Bristol, VA Karaoke at Numan’s – Johnson City Karaoke at 27 Lions (Marion, VA) 9:00pm Karaoke with Absolute Entertainment at Rainbow Asian Cuisine 9pm Karaoke with Absolute Entertainment at Laurel Marina on South Holsten 9pm

Trivia TUESDAY

Wild Wing Café JC- Team Trivia Tuesdays 8:30pm Johnson City Brewing Company- Trivia Tuesdays 7pm Aubrey’s Johnson City- Trivia Night 7pm 27 Lions - Trivia Night 7pm Union Street Taproom - DJ Trivia 6pm

WEDNESDAY

Tipton Street Pub- Trivia Wednesdays 9pm Aubrey’s Bristol- Trivia Night 7pm Johnson City Moose Lodge 1831 - DJ Trivia 7pm Tipsy Toad (Jonesborough) - Trivia 7pm

THURSDAY

Holy Taco & Cantina Trivia Night 9pm JRH Brewing - Trivia Night 7pm Mellow Mushroom Johnson City - Mellow Trivia 7pm Gypsy Circus Cider Company - Trivia 6:30pm

MONDAY

Barley Waters- Trivia Night 7pm Yee-Haw Brewing- Trivia Mondays 7pm Woodstone Deli - DJ Trivia 7pm Model City Tap House - Live Team Trivia Night 7pm

SATURDAY

Karaoke at Kingsport Moose Lodge Turn the Page Karaoke at VFW Post 2108 – Johnson City Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at Tulips Grub & Pub 8-11 Karaoke at Numan’s – Johnson City Karaoke w/ Tony & Rod at CJ’s Sports Bar

SUNDAY

7pm Open Mic with Karaoke at Go Burrito Johnson City Karaoke at Kingsport Moose Lodge 6pm

MONDAY

Karaoke at Thunder Valley Tavern 8pm

**The schedule is subject to change due to the request for social distancing at this time.**

theloaferonline.com | October 12, 2021

Kara ke

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theloaferonline.com October 12, 2021

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2291 Old Elizabethton Hwy Johnson City, TN 37604

423) 914-6347

Only Dealer in Tennessee

Paint & Body Repair • Paint Wheels • Headlight Restoration

13

theloaferonline.com | October 12, 2021

THINGS TO DO JOHNSON CITY

FRIDAY OCT 15TH

SATURDAYS

Nature: Fall Foliage Hike 10;00am at Bays Mountain Park THURSDAY OCT 14TH

ACOA (adult children of SUNDAY OCT 17TH alcoholics) 1:30-3:00pm.

Call for info Bill 423-444-6107 Stories of the Mountain Medium Hike 2:00pm or Cheryl 423-262-6149 at Bays Mountain Park WEDNESDAY OCT 13TH WEDNESDAY OCT 20TH Fall Break Moonlight Meow Nature: Evening Paddle Kids Canvas 6:00pm at Bays 10:30am at Into the Fire Mountain Park THURSDAY OCT 14TH

BRISTOL

LIMESTONE Forged Neck Knives 9:00am at Washington College Academy SATURDAY OCT 16TH Making A Coin Ring 9:00am at Washington College Academy

WEDNESDAY OCT 13TH

ELIZABETHTON

FRIDAY OCT 15TH

Comedy Open Mic 7:30pm at Blue Ridge Comedy Club

Fall Break Door Hanger 10:30am at Into the Fire

SUNDAY OCT 17TH Fellowship English Country

SATURDAY OCT 16TH

Dancing 1:30pm at

King Fest 12:00pm at King University

Sycamore Shoals State Park

Fall Break Pumpkin Painting 10:30am at Into the Fire

SATURDAY OCT 16TH Stories from the Pumpkin Patch 3:00pm at TiptonHaynes State Historic Site

ABINGDON, VA WEDNESDAY OCT 13TH

KINGSPORT

Bingo 5:00pm at Abingdon Community Center

FRI OCT 15TH - OCT 17TH

SUNDAY OCT 17TH

Tennessee Bigfoot Conference Bingo 5:00pm at Abingdon 11:00am at Bays Mountain Park Community Center

To be featured in The Loafer's Things to Do email us at: theloaferonlineprint @gmail.com or call 423-930-7319

PUZZLE

theloaferonline.com October 12, 2021

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SUDOKU

CROSSWORD

Down

1. "How precious you ____ me..."

2. "Look out ___!"

3. Make things right 4. Indoctrinates 5. Over there 6. Torn 7. "L'____, c'est les autres": Sartre 8. South African grassland 9. Prefix with dermal or gram 10. SWV song of 1993 11. Puts a damper on 12. Cherishes 14. Actor Nick and family 16. Exam giver

DROP QUOTE

DROP QUOTE

C RY PTOG RAM

ACROSS 1. 1988 Kevin Bacon film "She's Having___" 6. Fanciful musing 13. So out, it's in 14. Bowling game 15. Online mortgage broker 16. Best of the best 17. Braxton or Morrison 18. Assisted 19. Get going 20. Author of "The Virginian" 22. "Wouldn't ____ Loverly?"

23. Drunk as a skunk 24. "I didn't know he had it ___!"

25. Contract demands 26. Starts

CRYPTOGRAM NXQWMX JI RPG QISJRV. JG JI Q BPRVJRV PH GDM

IPEB. JG JI UQJBW QUZJIIJPR PH PRM'I YMQSRMII. JG JI AMGGMX JR NXQWMX GP DQKM Q DMQXG YJGDPEG YPXUI GDQR YPXUI YJGDPEG Q DMQXG.

— Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi

27. Call to duty 28. Backpack toters 29. Prepared potatoes 30. ___ Shriver, sister of J.F.K. 31. Needed Tylenol, say 32. Oft-blown piston part 33. "___ Always a Woman" (Billy Joel hit) 34. Meetings 38. Spanish hero, with "El" 39. Like angel heads 40. Apple innards 41. Irregular 43. Accepted fact 44. Plant trees again 45. Times to attack 46. "___ as a daisy" 47. Actress Della

18. Spoke like a snake 21. Stood in line 22. Raid, for one 24. Blacker 25. Left quickly 26. Sounded like a sow 27. Appliances 28. Lulls 29. Makeup item 30. Visit the restaurant 32. Rubber shoe 34. Heavy winds 35. Exploding stars 36. ABC medical hit, familiarly

Answers to last week’s puzzles can be found on page 9.

37. Common or horse follower 39. Jackrabbit 42. N. African nation 43. Former Eur. country

M

Johnson City Parks and Recreation has scheduled several family friendly, Halloween-themed events for later this month.

Memorial Park Community Center, 510 Bert St., will host the following:

is s D ai sy

Miss Daisy is a little shy at first, but warms up after she gets to know you and will start purring the minute you say her name. She is such a sweetheart. Daisy loves

attention, plays well with other cats. No small children. Daisy has been spayed and is up to date on shots. Bday 7/18/17

hi lo h is currently being trained on a leash and is doing quite well !!! He has been neutered, is up to date on shots and is somewhat potty trained. Shiloh will need at least a 6 ft. fence due to him being a jumper.

If you are interested in adopting : The Bridge Home No Kill Animal Shelter 423-239-5237 • 2061 Highway 75 Blountville, TN Facebook: bridgehome

Center staff hope to see a large turnout of ghosts, goblins and revelers for the very popular Super Spooky Saturday. This outdoor event will include free games, arts and crafts, a cake walk, marshmallow roasting, pumpkin patch inflatables and more. Children ages 2-12 are encouraged to participate in the costume contest scheduled for 6 p.m. An indoor haunted walk themed Return to Redrum Asylum will be available during the event for $2 per person. For more information, please call 423-434-5749.

Pups and Trucks Trunk or Treat Date: Oct. 28 Time: 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Ages: All ages welcome Cost: Free Registration: Not required; proof of dog’s vaccination required Pups and Trucks Trunk or Treat is a Halloween extravaganza featuring candy, emergency vehicles, and a costume contest for four-legged

S Meet Shiloh !!! He is a Tennessee Walker Hound, approximately 7 years old and weighs 60 lbs. Shiloh does not appear to be a hunting dog anymore, meaning he has been socialized, so no hunters please. He loves to show affection and wants it in return. Shiloh

Super Spooky Saturday Date: Oct. 23 Time: 5-8 p.m.

Ages: All ages welcome Cost: Free Registration: Not required

thebridgehomerescue.org

attendees. Kids can climb aboard vehicles of all shapes and sizes while collecting candy at this free event.

The doggie costume contest starts at 6 p.m. Prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place. Participants must bring their own bag for candy. For more information, call 423-434-5749.

Pumpkin Swim Date: Oct. 29 Time: 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Ages: All ages welcome Cost: $5 per person Registration: Register in person at MPCC or by calling 423-434-5749 by Monday, Oct. 18.

The Pumpkin Swim allows kids ages 1-15 and their parents to swim around, secure their pumpkin, and enjoy a little pool time before taking their pumpkin to the activities room for decoration.

Pumpkins are limited.

Carver Recreation Center, 322 W. Watauga Ave., will host the following: Halloween Festival Date: Oct. 30 Time: 4-8 p.m.

Ages: All ages welcome Cost: $1 per person but kids under 18 in costume receive free admission; carnival tickets are $1 each.

Registration: Not required This annual festival features inflatables, carnival games and much more. Everyone is encouraged to come in costume. For more information, please call 423-461-8830.

theloaferonline.com | October 12, 2021

PETS

City Parks and Rec OF THE Johnson to Host Halloween Events WEEK

15

theloaferonline.com October 12, 2021

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2015 Acura TLX w/Tech

2020 Honda Civic LX

2513 Volunteer Parkway Bristol, TN (423) 797-5050 • 423AUTOSALES.COM

Honest, No-Hassle Car Shopping Experience All Cars Serviced and Come with a Free 6 month/6000 Mile Powertrain Warranty and No Processing Fees

2015 Ford Explorer Limited

2015 Kia Optima LX

17

By [https://EzineArticles.com/ expert/Fiona_S/2312966]Fiona S Halloween is a popular celebration, celebrated in Autumn in the northern hemisphere and spring in the southern hemisphere. Wearing scary costumes, carving pumpkins, trick-or-treating and Halloweenthemed decorating are all fun traditions partaken on the day.

But, how did Halloween came to life? When did this kind of celebration start?

The custom of celebrating Halloween started back in the days when the ancient Celts were roaming Britain and other areas in Europe. It was first known as Samhain (meaning ‘Summer’s End’) and was celebrated at the end of the summer, a time of year when the Celts believed that the line between the real world and the world of ghosts and spirits got significantly thinner. When this happened, the ancient Celts thought that the creatures of the other world, which possessed all sorts of strange powers, had the chance to walk into our world. The Celt’s would blacken their faces and dress up in white costumes to trick their dead ancestors into

thinking they were also spirits, allowing them some level of safety on the night when the dead returned.

From the Celts, the holiday passed to the Christians, bearing the name of All Hallows’ Eve, which was the day celebrated before the 1st of November, before All Saints’ Day. Even though the ancient Celtic holiday got governed by a different religion, the power of spirits still existed in people’s minds and they were both respected and feared.

In order to protect themselves and their livestock and gain benevolence from the spirits, people used to offer them food, drink, and even portions of their crops. It was believed that the spirits of people that passed away returned to their homes, in search of hospitality so extra places were set at the table and by the fire, making the spirits feel welcome once they returned.

The carved pumpkin became a symbol of Halloween, although it wasn’t the first vegetable used during this celebration - in Scotland and Ireland turnips were carved.

The North American immigrants introduced the pumpkin as it was

much larger, softer and generally easier to carve figures and lanterns.

The first recordings of pumpkin carvings in America date back to 1973 and it was initially associated with the period of the harvest and not with Halloween. The first association between Halloween and the carved pumpkin happened during the 19th century.

treats through fear of reprise. But, as one newspaper reported in 1927, the acts were nothing more than ‘strenuous fun’ with just a few missing wagon wheels and barrels which were later recovered in the streets outside.

Please good Missis, a soul-cake!

Today, Halloween is celebrated in many places around the world.

Children still dress as ghosts and spirits but Halloween costumes can now be anything from super heroes to fairies - it’s more about the dressing up and less about spirits crossing over. Many traditions have remained however, including the carving of the Halloween pumpkin, decorating and trick-or-treating for sweets.

An apple, a pear, a plum, or a cherry,

Happy Samhain, All Hallows’ Eve & Halloween!

Any good thing to make us all merry.

Find [https://www.byronbaygifts. com.au]gift baskets for every occasion in our online store.

Another favourite Halloween custom ‘trick-or-treating’ began in the Middle Ages where both children and adults would dress up and go begging door to door for food in exchange for songs and prayers. A popular song they would use is: A soul! a soul! a soul-cake!

One for Peter, two for Paul Three for Him who made us all.

The ‘trick’ part of trick-or-treating began when children, who were dressed in disguise, saw an opportunity to extort money and

Article Source: [http:// EzineArticles.com/?TheSpooky-History-Of-All-HallowsEve&id=9809832] The Spooky History Of All Hallows’ Eve

theloaferonline.com | October 12, 2021

The Spooky History Of All Hallows’ Eve

149 N. Lincoln Avenue Jonesborough, TN We will meet you Anywhere for:

Jonesborough for:

Oil Changes:

Repairs:

Synthetic or Conventional

Major or Minor

Replacements: Headlight WindShield

Come to us in

Tires Tune-Ups

LIVE MUSIC AT ROCKS

theloaferonline.com October 12, 2021

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TUESDAY OCT12th, 19th & 26th

BRIM & MARCI LEAL WEDNESDAY OCT 13th, 20th & 27th

H.B. BEVERLY

THURSDAY OCT 14th, 21st & 28th

JUSTIN MYCHALS

GRANITE | MARBLE | QUARTZ | QUARTZITE 3507 E Andrew Johnson Hwy Greeneville TN 711 Asheville Hwy Greeneville TN 423-946-1500 granitequartzgreeneville.com We install within 7-10 business days after template.

Family owned and operated.

100’s of colors available.

STONE COUNTERTOPS SALES • FABRICATION • INSTALLATION

19

theloaferonline.com | October 12, 2021

Haunted Attractions Tennessee

Beck Mountain Corn Maze

110 Corn Maze Ln, Elizabethton, TN (423) 543-1045

Frightmare Manor

7588 W Andrew Johnson Hwy, Talbott, TN(865) 471-2878

The Dam Haunted Woods

3460 TN 75 Kingsport, TN

Elizabethton’s Haunted Forest

172 Big Springs Rd, Elizabethton, TN(423) 213-6122

Hartman’s Corn Maze & Zombie Paintball Hunting

7941 Blue Springs Pkwy, Mosheim, TN (423) 422-4836

Stickley Haunted Farm

531 Timber Mill Private Dr, Bluff City, TN (315) 777-2004

Fender’s Farm & Corn Maze

Virginia

The Warehouse

254 TN-107, Jonesborough, TN (423) 753-4469

313 Legion St, Weber City, VA 24290

The Haunted Factory

Backwoods Haunted House

1171 Shipp St, Kingsport, TN (828) 702-7911

Avondale Haunted Barn

1662 US-11W, Rutledge, TN

471 Cedar Hill Church Rd Jonesville VA (276) 346-7904

Arrow B Ranch Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch

2585 Flanary Bridge Rd. Jonesville, VA

The Nickerson Snead House Museum

33365 Lee Hwy, Glade Spring, VA (276) 451-8596

North Carolina

Terror by the River

3380 Big Hill Rd, Todd, NC 28684 (828) 964-5392

Lake Hickory Haunts

520 Carolina Ave, Hickory, NC 28601(828) 212-1442

theloaferonline.com October 12, 2021

20

Mandolins, Violins, Keyboards, Dr um S ets, G ui ta r s, A m p s

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Gibson, Epiphone, Guild, Boucher, Bourgeois, Larrivee, Charvel Jackson, Breedlove, AMI, Blue Ridge Guitars, And Many More in Stock

Check out The Music Retail Show’s interview with Honeycutt Music on

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honeycuttmusicstore.com choneycuttdrums@yahoo.com

Hand Selected & Custom 525 W Oakland Ave, Ste 3 Johnson City, TN Shop Guitars In Stock

Over 1000 Instruments in Stock

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theloaferonline.com | October 12, 2021

CONCERT SCHEDULE Bristol

Greenville

Pigeon Forge, TN

PARAMOUNT Oct 2 The Black Jacket Symphony perform Pink Floyd’s The Wall Oct 6 Trace Adkins Oct 9 Diamond Rio Oct 10 Jim Messina Oct 13 Sebastian Bach Oct 14 Home Free Oct 15 Josh Turner Oct 23 Blind Boys of Alabama Oct 24 Tab Benoit Nov 16 The Robert Cray Band Dec 2 Jefferson Starship Dec 5 Sara Evans Dec 12 Ronnie Milsap

NISWONGER PERFORMING ARTS CENTER Oct 11 Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo Oct 16 The Commodores Nov 6 Crowder (sold out) Nov 13 Brian Culbertson Nov 14 Tracy Byrd Dec 5 Preacher Lawson Dec 10 The Texas Tenors

LE CONTE CENTER Oct 15/17 Monsters on the Mountain with Vince Neil, Kix, Night Ranger, Tesla, Winger, Firehouse, Pat Travers, Slaughter, Vixen, Bullet Boys

BRISTOL TN/VA

GREENVILLE TN

Knoxville KNOXVILLE

TN

TENNESSEE THEATRE Oct 6 Earth, Wind & Fire Oct 7 The Monkees Oct 12 JohnnySwim Oct 15 Chicago BRISTOL MOTOR SPEEDWAY Nov 2 TobyMac Oct 30 Morgan Wallen with Nov 4 Kip Moore Granger Smith, Larry Fleet, Nov 10 Watchhouse John Langston and Earnest THOMPSON BOWLING ARENA Oct 30 The Avett Brothers CAMEO THEATER Nov 5 Lynyrd Skynyrd and Tesla Oct 2 The Frontmen of Country Nov 11 Lil Baby & Friends w/ Lil Durk Oct 7 Ben Sollee Nov 12 Eric Church Oct 9 Collective Soul Dec 5 Chris Stapleton Oct 14 Buddy Guy Nov 3 Robert Earl Keen KNOXVILLE CIVIC COLISEUM Nov 5 Gaelic Storm Oct 27 Kevin Gates Nov 27 Christmas with the Nelsons Nov 18 Brantley Gilbert Dec 3 The Wizards of Winter Dec 7 The Fab Four BIJOU THEATRE Dec 10 Lilly Hiatt Oct 21 Drive-By Truckers Oct 22 Scott Miller Johnson City JOHNSON CITY TN Oct 24 Michael W. Smith Nov 5 The Dirty Guvnah’s FREEDOM HALL Nov 6 & 7 Leanne Morgan Oct 9 Zach Williams Nov 19 James Gregory Oct 15 Foreigner Dec 4 Larkin Poe Oct 30 For King & Country Dec 15 Anderson East Dec 18 Marty Stuart Dec 5 Aaron Tippin

PIGEON FORGE TN

Nashville NASHVILLE

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ASCEND AMPHITHEATER Oct 3 Alice Cooper and Ace Frehley Oct 4 Modest Mouse Oct 6 Machine Gun Kelly Oct 9 St Vincent Oct 16 Johnnyswim NASHVILLE MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM Oct 21 Judas Priest Nov 6 Erykah Badu RYMAN AUDITORIUM Oct 3 Rival Sons Oct 4 Drive By Truckers Oct 8/9 Joe Bonamassa Oct 11 Boz Scaggs Oct 15/16 Jason Isbell Oct 17 Earth Wind & Fire Oct 21 Patti Smith Nov 2 Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real Nov 3 Daughtry Nov 10 Crowder Nov 18-20 Sturgill Simpson Nov 24 Three Dog Night Nov 24 ZZ Top (at the Opry House) NISSAN STADIUM Oct 9 Rolling Stones

BRIDGESTONE ARENA Oct 1 Harry Styles & Jenny Lewis Oct 7 Pitbull Oct 8 Alan Jackson Oct 17 Zac Brown Band Oct 22/23 Chris Stapleton Oct 25 Doobie Brothers Oct 29 NeedtoBreathe Nov 14 MercyMe Nov 17 Jeff Dunham Nov 19 Lauren Daigle & Johnny Swim Dec 1 Trans-Siberian Orchestra Asheville ASHEVILLE

NC

THE ORANGE PEEL Oct 22 Modest Mouse Oct 23 Drive By Truckers Oct 28 Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real Oct 29 Black Label Society Nov 9 Crowder Nov 10 GWAR Dec 3 Larkin Poe Dec 14 Anderson East THOMAS WOLFE AUDITORIUM Oct 9 Cody Jinks

CHEROKEE Cherokee, N.C.:

NC

HARRAH’S CASINO Oct 15 Little Big Town Nov 5 Straight No Chaser Nov 13 In This Moment and Black Veil Brides with DED and Raven Black

CALL WQUT @ 477-1015 FOR MORE CONCERT INFORMATION OR VISIT W W W.W Q U T.CO M

MECC Celebrates the 50th Home Craft Days Festival Mountain Empire Community College will celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the college’s Home Craft Days Festival, October 15-17, with the same great music, crafts and artistry that brings thousands to the campus each year.

for free Dough & Joe and Wayne Park’s Kettle Corn while supplies last. Back Draft Bar-B-Q will also offer a paid dinner options for guests.

For the first time ever, this cultural heritage festival has partnered with the Trail of the Lonesome Pine Drama in Big Stone Gap, to feature two free performances for guests. The performances will be held at the June Tolliver House at 1 p.m. and at 3:30 p.m.

Tickets for the 2 free Trail performances can be obtained at the Information booth in Parking Lot C, and will be distributed on a first come, first served, basis. Mountain Empire Older Citizens will offer a free shuttle from the festival to the theater, returning to the campus following each performance.

MECC, in coordination with the Virginia Department of Health’s COVID-19 mitigation team, has modified some events to promote the health and safety of all attendees. Masks will be required both in indoor and outdoor spaces as crowd sizes may limit the ability to social distance.

The 50th Anniversary Home Craft Days Festival will feature two full days of concerts, craft vendors, and demonstrations of weaving, pottery making, grist milling, wood crafting, basket weaving, broom making, quilting, tatting and more.

Heading this year’s free Friday night concert are Tommy Bledsoe, Rich Kirby, Tyler Hughes, and Todd Meade; the McClain Family Band, and The Blue Ridge Girls. The concert will begin at 6 p.m. in MECC’s Phillips-Taylor Hall Goodloe Center. In celebration of the 50th anniversary, guests are invited to join us

According to festival director Mike Gilley, “This annual festival is a homecoming, a chance for family and friends to gather and share our cultural heritage. We are excited to showcase the best of the region’s music, crafts, and food!”

Craft and food vendors will be open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Saturday’s music schedule includes featured performers:

Todd Meade and Family, Rich Kirby, Bill & the Bells, the Empty Bottle String Band, Jim Lloyd, Whitetop Mountain Band, Ed Snodderly, Anndrena Belcher Tribute, Town Branch Bluegrass, Jack Wright, Square Dance with Crooked Road Ramblers, Mountain Melody School, Brandon Maggard, Angie Debord, The White Brothers, Joy Blair, Danny Whited and Friends of Bluegrass, Nobody’s Business, Thomas Cassell & Tray Wellington, and Richard Phillips and Friends.

High School) – Front Parking Lot Curbside, Wood Ave, in Front of Food City Curbside, Municipal Parking Lot behind Post Office/Federal Building, Country Inn, Quality Inn For more information on the event, including a detailed schedule of vendors and musicians, visit the Home Craft Days website at www.homecraftdays.org.

50th

Home Craft Days

Sunday’s performers include: John Haywood, George Reynolds, The Childress Family, Bill McCall, Tommy Bledsoe, Trinity Valley Travelers, Siegan, Oscar Harris and Heather Pace, Smith Family Singers, Gap Civil, MECC String Band, Travis Kern, Roxanne McDaniels, Jack Beck, Hillbilly Hippies, My New Favorites, and Andrew and Rebecca Barnes.

~ Our Appalachian Homecoming Festival ~ October 15-17, 2021 • Big Stone Gap, Virginia www.homecraftdays.org

Admission is FREE to all the festival events.

MECC is located on US Route 23 just south of Big Stone Gap, Virginia. Parking and shuttles for the festival will be offered at five locations in Big Stone Gap. Shuttle rides are free. Masks are required on buses, no exceptions.

Locations include: Union High School (formerly Powell Valley

Natural Tunnel State Park Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park

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hour and few minutes to views it. In a world where cgi is the mainstay in horror movies this one is still very impressive. It is as close to magic as one could get watching the invisible man remove his bandages and see nothing underneath knowing there are no computers to aid in this, well it’s amazing to think of the creative minds it took to pull something like this off in 1933. You need to see it for yourself.

And it’s free on peacock.

In the time in which we live movies Plus as a bonus the two sequels are have advanced incredibly and also available. impressively but when I am searching through Amazon prime, Hulu, Hbo My favorite movies however were max and others looking for horror produced by a company called movies I can find all of the newest hammer. These movies redone the and by some considered superior but classic universal horror movies My favorite month by far is most for me well, the other day I passed like Dracula, Frankenstein, and the definitely October. I love the chill in up what I am sure are dozens of good mummy. They also introduced me the air, the smell of the leaves as they modern horror flicks to watch the to the man that would become my change colors, the crisp clean feeling. original invisible man with Claude favorite actor of all time even to this It always put me in a good mood. As a rains. If you have never watched it I day I consider Peter Cushing the child my parents would take us trick highly recommend you take a mere best. He played Dr. Frankenstein, or treating but as I grew a little older around nine I was more interested in staying home and watching the old horror movies that were played all night long. Some were hosted by a woman dressed in black lying on a sofa called Elvira; I was in love with her. I would often sit up and record all the movies I could fit on a vhs tape, I would watch Bela Lugosi, Lon Chaney Jr. Boris Karloff and many others it was these wonderful horror actors that fueled my love for horror movies forever. When I was around twelve my friend Adam came over for my birthday and he had bought me a gift. It was a copy of the 1925 versions of the phantom of the opera on vhs, starring Lon Chaney sr. It is a silent movie and one I still love to this day.

Ponderings to Ponder

By Tim Simpson timsimpson2008 @gmail.com

van Helsing and many others and in their many sequels. Where the universal was done in glorious black and white which I also love, these were done in color and with an atmosphere of the Victorian age with vibrant colors, breathtaking sceneries, and for the first time some gore. None of it was over done just added enough for a beautiful effect.

I do enjoy modern horror movies, not so much slasher movies. I have always felt those movies were done to get cheap thrills from teenagers.

Well with the exception of Freddie Kruger he always cracked me up. So if you are looking for a good horror movie and have never seen some of the classics then it will be a brand new experience and I envy you for witnessing them for the first time.

Just something to ponder.

theloaferonline.com | October 12, 2021

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Does your social media content set a mood? Does it motivate your audience to think of you for solutions to their problems?

Does it inspire them? What mood should you strive for when creating content?

Inspirational content can help your audience through tough times. It shows them that you care about them on a personal level. It can bring your audience together through hope for a brighter future.

Content that solves issues can bond your audience through confidence. When your audience feels confident that you are the solution to their issues, they have a common bond with previously

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By Wendy Hayden socialsentiments @outlook.com

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assisted customers.

Sales content can get tricky.

Social media users are looking for solutions, not sales.

Following the 80/20 rule can help steer content away from being seen as sales versus solutions. The 80/20 rule suggests that 80 percent of content should be helpful to your audience and 20 percent should be sales. This ensures less promotion which instills confidence in your audience.

Setting the right mood can make or break your social media presence. Research the perfect mood to create a bond with your audience and leave a lasting impression.

theloaferonline.com | October 12, 2021

What Mood Does Your Content Create?

theloaferonline.com October 12, 2021

26

Photography Exhibition Depicting ‘Latino Life in the South’ on Display at Reece Museum “Al Norte al Sur: Latino Life in the South,” a traveling photography exhibition by José Galvez, is on display through Nov. 26 at the Reece Museum on the campus of East Tennessee State University.

celebration. The Tucson, Arizona, native and Pulitzer Prize-winning artist and documentarian has been capturing Latino life in the United States for more than 40 years.

This exhibition is in conjunction with the celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month at ETSU and is sponsored by the Reece Museum in partnership with the Mary B. Martin School of the Arts, Language and Culture Resource Center, Office of Equity and Inclusion, Department of Literature and Language and Department of Art and Design.

Through photographs, Galvez studies the behavior of immigrants adapting to and navigating a new multilingual, multicultural existence. The “Al Norte al Sur” exhibition represents a more nuanced contribution to current debates on immigration and assimilation.

The work, which evolves every year as Galvez travels, has recently shown at dozens of colleges and universities.

“Al Norte al Sur: Latino Life in the South” is the result of Galvez’s intense documentation of Latinos living in the southern United States and contains dozens of images of work, play, protest and

the South, documenting the lives of from 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Latinos and their continued impact For more information, call the on the landscape.

Reece Museum at 423-439-4392.

For disability accommodations, The Reece Museum is open to call the ETSU Office of Disability the public and admission is free.

Services at 423-439-8346.

Regular hours are Monday-Friday

Galvez and his wife and son have been living in North Carolina for the past 17 years. The artist continues to travel throughout

Your ad could be in

Call us at (423) 930-7319 for more information

by Kathie Scalf

I’ve made it no secret in this column that I’m a big proponent for therapy and mental health. For years I saw the same therapist, but since my move and losing my HSA benefits I’ve only met with him via telephone twice. I was discussing this matter with a close friend who just started therapy here in the Nashville area, to see if she liked her new doctor, as a potential person I could consider switching to. During our discussion she told me about an exercise this doctor instructed her to perform, where she was asked to pull cards out of a deck that represented things that were most important to her. Then she was asked to re-select cards that reflect where she devotes most of her time and attention and the stacks did not match up in the least. The point of the exercise was to highlight the reason we sometimes feel unfulfilled is because we are dedicating so much of our lives to things that ultimately aren’t what matter to us, and that sentiment really struck a nerve for me. I’m attempting to fill my happiness glass with a bone dry, and extremely superficial, pitcher.

treatments like injections, hair, nails and the such. That is all well and good, but ultimately these are base-level, meaningless, selfserving endeavors that will never fulfill me, as there is always going to be someone with “better.” That mentality is doing the opposite of what it should, and instead of feeling better about myself, I’m just constantly feeling like I’m not enough in comparison.

Sometimes really terrible traumatic things occur that bring things into focus, which is exactly what spurred this re-examining of my values this week. A couple days ago I received an unexpected blow that brought me to tears for the first time in well over a year, and while I was sobbing and at my lowest point, I was verbally crying out for my Momma and Daddy. Not a Gucci handbag, not a Maserati, not a syringe of Botox.

It took something absolutely devastating to make me realize what was truly important in my life and just how neglectful I am of these things in favor of shallow empty material items.

If I had to pull my “important” cards from the deck, I would As someone who grew up without pull ones that reflect the things that make me FEEL something. a lot of material riches and now resides in one of the most affluent My family. My dogs. My writing. My long-term career zip codes in the US, I think my goals. Contributing something desire for expensive things is to people less fortunate than pretty understandable. Beyond the pressure of “keeping up with myself. Physical health and wellness. But if I pulled the cards the Jones’s” here in Franklin, it also makes me feel accomplished that reflected where I actually invest the majority of my time, it to dine in nice restaurants, is embarrassing. Social media. carry expensive handbags and Mindless dating for self-validation. treat myself to pricey beauty Throwing my money away in bars and restaurants. Not one of these stupid things contribute to bettering my life; in fact, it’s making my life worse. Aside from

being completely asinine habits (not even worthy of the title ‘hobbies’) these activities set off a chain reaction that leads to selfloathing, racking up credit card debt, hangovers, which in turn leads to overeating and skipping workouts, anxiety, and worse. So why do I do it?

I think like most people who find themselves in this position, I am distracting myself from deeper issues. Honestly I’m scared to let myself feel anything due to past trauma; if you don’t let anything affect you, you can’t get hurt.

But that just makes you dead inside, and all puns aside, that’s no way to live. I can get on here and preach about living a good, fulfilling life, but I’m clearly not walking the walk. In the end, money, cars, houses, Instagram likes…it just really doesn’t matter.

When truly important things happen like family illness or even happy milestones, that material crap is going to be the furthest thing from your mind.

This column doesn’t really have a recurring theme, as I’m sure you all have realized by now. But the one thing I strive for week after week is to be authentic and speak from the heart about what is happening in my life. Some weeks it’s light and fluffy food and wine pairings or dating advice.

Other weeks it’s emotional and a bit dark. It’s not my intention to be all over the place, but as a regular human being I’m growing and learning every single day. I try to share lessons that impact me in some way, in the hopes that maybe it can impact someone else’s life who might need it.

Whether it’s a healthy recipe or a gift idea or working through heartbreak, career changes and

overcoming demons, I hope above all else these little articles can make a small change in someone’s day.

With that in mind, I urge you all to stack your own personal decks.

Make a list of the things that truly bring fulfillment to your life, that tangibly fill your heart so full of emotion it either brings you to smiles or tears. Then make an honest list of where you’re devoting your time. How do they stack up, and what can you do to fix it? Are you going nowhere trying to fill your internal cup from empty pitchers? I’ve always said we humans are so stupid we ignore the simplest solutions when they’re right in front of our face, simply because we don’t want to admit the truth to ourselves. For me personally, it’s going to require filling my pitcher with items of substance, and a lot of self-examination. It’s not going to be pretty, but it’s time.

XO - Kathie

theloaferonline.com | October 12, 2021

Filling Glasses from an Empty P itcher

27

theloaferonline.com October 12, 2021

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Will the Circle be Unbroken?

New Exhibition Opening at WKMA Will the Circle Be Un broken?, on display November 11, 2021 -- March 13, 2022 at William King Musuem of Art in Abingdon, VA, takes a look at the ephemeral items and lasting objects surrounding both the beginning and end of life, as well as the traditions carried on in our Appalachian region.

Focusing heavily on the way that we mourn, celebrate, and honor the dead, items such as a hair wreath,

popular version known today.

Explore the circle of life and its lasting cultural influences in our Appa lachian region. Learn more about Will the Circle Be Unbroken? online at WilliamKingMuseum.org or call (276) 628-5005 ext.107.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) now recom mend that fully vaccinated people wear a fa ce covering for indoor settings.

Therefore, all staff and visitors to the museum, regardless of vaccination status, will be expected to wear masks. For outdoor events, this policy will apply to unvaccinated visitors and is recom mended for those fully vaccinated.

William King Museum of Art is open seven days a week: Mon Wed, Fri & Sat from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Admission to the Museum is FREE. For information on exhibitions or events at William King Museum of Art visit williamkingmuseum.org or call 276-628-5005. Register for classes and events on WKMA’s website.

hair ring, and funeral ribbon blan ket remind us that often, we attempt to hold onto a loved one through an object related to them. These beautiful, albeit macabre, objects outlive the individuals they honor and can be passed from generation to generation, much like songs and customs.

This exhibition aims to discuss rituals and traditions relating to birth and death throughout our region, such as baptisms/christenings, death masks, photography of infants and children, and funeral hymns, such as the titular “Will The Circle Be Unbroken?”, a song frequently sung at graveside services’. The song also ties to the region with the 1930s recording by the Carter Family, which changed the lyrics to the more

William King Museum of Art is located at 415 Academy Drive, off West Main Street or Russell Road, in Abingdon.

Accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, William King Museum of Art is a partner of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, a member of the Virginia Association of Museums, and is funded in part by the Virginia Commission for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts.

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Who doesn't love a good dragon every now and then? From the fiercely loyal dragons of "Game of Thrones" to the talking dragons "Dragonheart" and "The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug", the mystical creatures have fascinated audiences for decades. A new dragon makes his mark in the current animated film "Firedrake The Silver Dragon", previously titled "Dragon Rider." The film is based on a 1997 German children's novel, and is a German produced 3D computer animated adventure. The film is the story of Silverdrake, a young, and rare, silver dragon, who along with his fellow dragons, have had to live for years staying hidden from humans. At one point during their history, these dragons were partners with humans, who would ride them, aka Dragon Riders, until at one point the humans turned

Pop Life

By Ken Silvers ksilvers@ theloaferonline.com

against the dragons, after the creation of a beast made of gold was created to hunt them down and kill them. The dragons have been living a peaceful life in their hidden wooded valley, but Silverdrake becomes tired of staying hidden.

When Silverdrake discovers his family's last refuge is about to be destroyed by encroaching humans, he sets out on an adventure with a forest brownie (a creature from Scottish folklore) named Sorrel. The two are determined to find the "Rim of Heaven", a mysterious haven for dragons. While on their journey, the two encounter a human orphan and stray named Ben, who tells the two he is a dragon rider, due to his liking of the film "How to Train Your Dragon." Ben develops a fast relationship with Silverdrake, despite the misgivings of Sorrel. The newly formed trio continue the effort to find the Rim of Heaven, in order to help save the other dragons. While continuing on their adventure, the trio are constantly being pursued by the aforementioned monster named Nettlebrand, who loves to munch on tasty dragons, and is voiced by the marvelous Patrick Stewart.

While on their trek, Sorrel is constantly trying to get rid of Ben, who she doesn't trust.

Despite her misgivings, she eventually realizes, despite his lie about being a dragon

rider, he is willing to help the duo in their effort to help save dragons from mankind.

The trio eventually have a showdown with Nettlebrand, and it doesn't end well for one of the characters (hint... the good guys win). As one might expect, the film ends on a happy note, as the dragons survive their near run-in with humans. The film features wonderful computer animated imagery, and has a very magical tone and look. The dialogue is very witty, with Stewart's Nettlebrand getting some of the best quips. At one point, Nettlebrand's tiny assistant signs him up on a dating app, leading to some of the film's best laughs. Oh, and

there is also an encounter with a genie, resulting in a genie/monster battle. Aside from the wonderful Stewart, the rest of the voice cast includes Thomas BrodieSangster ("Maze Runner"), Felicity Jones ("Rogue One: A Star Wars Story") , and Freddie Highmore ("The Good Doctor:), so the film is well cast with talented actors. If you enjoy dragons, animated films, or are in search of a fun film to enjoy with the family for the Halloween season, add "Firedrake The Silver Dragon" to your list. Now playing on Netflix.

(Rated TV-Y7)

theloaferonline.com | October 12, 2021

Firedrake The Silver Dragon

theloaferonline.com October 12, 2021

30

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It’s been a long, cold winter. It’s been a long, cold winter for about two years ago. There was a moment in the Summer of reprieve. A window in which the clouds appeared to be lifting and I had hope for the Fall into Winter. But no. Morons had to ruin the party for us. It’s like getting in trouble in Middle School for something you didn’t do. Most of my ire at life right now is due to other people. I know I’m not alone in that club.

that’s gonna leave me with longterm spiritual fulfillment. Yet, it’s what I needed. What is this magical thing my soul was grasping for? My friends, it’s the only thing I found I could count on these days. People?

Pah! You can’t count on them anymore. What you can count on?

The annual Halloween section at Target.

Every year it’s there. Without fail.

Neither rain, nor sleet, nor snow, hai, nor pandemic will keep Target from filling the seasonal section with spooky wonders. It begins towards the end of September. You start to slowly stalk the aisles to see if all the lesser back-to-school items are gone.

Hoorah! An aisle is empty, this must surely mean the comforting embrace of plastic skeletons is nigh!

three days later I found there were just more empty aisles, more backto-school things moved to clearance, and no sign of spooky decorations.

Oh, sure. There was a tiny trickle of Halloween-themed bags of fun-sized candy. That steadied me. That gave me the courage I needed to know that soon, very soon, spooksville would be alive and well at Target.

More time passes. Then, as if Brigadoon itself was emerging from the mists of time, it appears. Aisles So as my discontent trudges on I are full of candy, treats, costumes, find new and challenging ways to decorations for both my walls, tables keep myself motivated. The tricks and my lawn. It’s as if one was just that worked in 2020 don’t work as been led through the door to Willy well as they did then. I had to find Wonka’s Chocolate Factory. My heart a new “life raft” to keep my going swelled, joy rushed through my as my hopes for Halloween 2021 veins. I began to be that person who quickly dashed away. Halloween presses the “try me” button on every is an important holiday to me. If But no.

It was a falsehood.

Returning single thing that has one. you’ve followed my adventures here for a long time you know that. It’s Christmas level big in my family, always has been.

This is why I chose to seek comfort in Halloween. Halloween in one particular place. Sure, it’s a giant retailer. Sure, it’s not anything

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By Andy Ross aross@ theloaferonline.com

As I stood there looking and listening to the various displays with their catchy melodies and haunting sounds, I found myself gently singing under my mask “Did you ever know that you’re my hero?”

My cart was soon full of candy, wooden Halloween wonderland village displays, party favors, and a decorative plaid pumpkin that was destined to go on my mantle.

I found my reprieve again. Sure, it wasn’t going to last for days and days, maybe a day at the most. But there it was. A sense of peace. A sense of calm. A sense of trying to not overdo it on fun-sized kit-kats.

Halloween. In all its blessed glory is here again. Maybe. Just maybe, it will be “normal” next year. See you next week.

theloaferonline.com | October 12, 2021

The Siren Song of Comfort

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