The Loafer 104

Hello November

Publisher Lisa Durbin Creative Director Jon Bill Forrester Managing Editor Peggy Gale Distribution Herbie Durbin Jon Bill Forrester Entertainment Coordinator Andreax Jarre Public Relations Correspondent Lee Lee Williams

your week’s line-up

Volume 03 Issue 104

Contributing Staff Andy Ross

03

Connecting with Nature

04 Spotlight 05

Pro-Art Sets Sights on Montreal

06 Greeneville Christmas Parade 06 Beezwax

Ken Silvers

08 Puzzle Page 09 Pets of the Week 10 Nourishing and Flourishing 11 Things To Do 13 Tri-Cities Faces and Places 14

Brighten the Season

14

Biker Events

16 "James and the Giant Peach" Coming to ETSU

20 City to Hold Informational Event

Wendy Hayden

22 WQUT Concert Schedule

Ann Hartley

The Loafer Po Box 39 Telford, Tn 37690 423-930-7319 www.theloafer.net 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!

NOTE

FROM THE

PUBLISHER

07 Tri-Cities Nightlife

18 ETSU Invites Veterans to Campus for Free Lunch

Kathie Scalf

columns & reviews

theloafer.net |November 07, 2023

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Hello Friends!

Happy November! We have arrived at the month of Thanksgiving. What are you thankful for? Family, faith, friends, jobs or just the ability to live in a country of freedom? The world is not the easiest place right now to survive and I realize how hard it may be some days to remember how much we are blessed with day to day.

Myself included. I saw something online this week about telling yourself three positive things every morning when you wake up. I think that is a wonderful idea.

November also means Holiday season is upon us. We are working hard on our Holiday/Christmas issues this year and we would absolutely appreciate your business in our issues. Please contact us if you would like to participate.

Have a great week!

15 Beanz Biker Corner Autumn and Halloween 17

Social Sentiments: Ghosted

19 Tea Time with Appalachian Barbie:

Wine 101 21 Pop Life: Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning Part 1 23 Batteries Not Included: The Joy of Elvira

Love, Lisa Durbin Publisher

make, especially on days that are sunny, warm and enjoyable,” said Novotny. “Natural environments restore our attention and focus As the fall season progresses and (and) give us more mental temperatures drop, now is the perfect time to step outside and take bandwidth, and that has a lot to do in the beauty of the season change. with the expansiveness of nature.”

Connecting with nature offers numerous benefits, ETSU professor says

Dr. Bethany Novotny, associate professor in East Tennessee State University’s Department of Counseling and Human Services, said that it is crucial for students to explore the outdoors. She said that with the increase in technology being incorporated into our daily lives, we are spending less time outdoors. Additionally, technology is bringing added anxiety and stress into students’ lives.

The solution is to spend more intentional time outside, she said.

“I don’t think it’s a surprise to anybody to hear ‘When I go outside, I feel better.’ That’s kind of a common statement that people

For our physical health, Novotny says that nature allows us to become more physically active, reduces our stress hormone cortisol, and facilitates a boost in our immune systems.

“When people are outside, they’re using their body more, so that puts them in a state of physical exertion, which can also help them sleep better,” said Novotny. “Additionally, spending time in nature engages our parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes a state of ‘rest and digest’, providing time for our bodies to recovery from everyday stressors as well as regulate our bodily functions and emotional states.”

Throughout the past few years, the University Counseling Center began weekly Forest Walks throughout campus trails to promote physical activity and better mental health.

In the past, the walks consisted of a guided tour throughout the trails in which they came to a “sit-spot” and returned to the beginning of the trail.

Novotny said that people began to lose interest, so she teamed up with counselor Rhonda Hubbard to reinvent the weekly Forest Walks.

“Every week we alternate who facilitates (the walks) and we’re doing more activities, engaging people’s senses more intentionally, so that it’s a different experience every time,” said Novotny.

These activities include mindfulness exercises, one of which she calls “360-degree senses.” She leads the group through a series of prompts which allow them to open their senses, one at a time, to get them “out of their heads and into their bodies.”

“In the United States, on average, we spend about 90% of our time indoors,” said Novotny. “As a college

student, you’re spending not only a lot of time indoors attending class and, on your computer, doing homework, but any extra time you have is probably spent engaging in something on a smartphone or watching TV.” When you consider the amount of technology that is incorporated into our lives, she said, it is clear that we need a break from it all. Even just a 15-minute break in nature is shown to restore attention and focus.

For college students, a simple 15-minute break could make a difference in the grade of a paper they could be writing at the time.

From a lovely greenspace to the beautifully renovated D.P. Culp Student Center, ETSU has worked to make the campus experience an exceptional one.

For more information, contact ETSU’s Counseling Center at counselingcenter@etsu.edu. If you are interested in partaking in the weekly Forest Walks, call (423) 4393333 or visit this site.

theloafer.net | November 07, 2023

Connecting with Nature Offers Numerous Benefits

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Spotlight

theloafer.net |November 07, 2023

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Johnson City

Kingsport

BLOUNTVILLE

TUESDAY Nov 7th

FRIDAY Nov 10th

Saturday Nov 11th

Old Time Jam 5:00pm at Yee-Haw Brewing Company

Dan Herrell & The Troubadours 9:00pm at CJ’s Sports Bar

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

SATURDAY Nov 11th

Limited Edition“Veterans Day Celebration” 7:00pm at the Outdoorsman

Johnson City, TN

Bristol, TN/VA Bristol TN/Va WEDNESDAY Nov 8th Damon Heath 7:00pm at Cascade Draft House THURSDAY Nov 9th Into The Fog 6:00pm at Bristol Casino Bar

WEDNESDAY Nov 8th Rheva & Keegan’s Irish Fiddle Tunes 5:30pm at Mulligan’s Gaming Pub

Kingsport, TN

Strangers When We Met 8:00pm at Model City Taphouse Full Sirkle 9:00pm at CJ’s Sports Bar

Blountville, TN

Abingdon, Va Abingdon, VA Sunday Nov 12th Josh Bowes 2:00pm at Abingdon Vineyards

HB Beverly 6:30pm at Rocks Wood Fired Pizza THURSDAY Nov 9th Justin Mychals 6:30pm at Rocks Wood Fired Pizza

FRIDAY Nov 10th

FRIDAY Nov 10th

K.T. Vandyke 5:00pm at Bristol Casino Bar Dallas Danger 7:00pm at Cascade Draft House Blues Drivers 7:00pm at Delta Blues BBQ The Dimestore Cowboys 8:00pm at Bristol Casino Bar Damon Heath 8:00pm at The Corner SATURDAY Nov 11th RJ Smith 7:00pm at Cascade Draft House Drew Shinhearts 8:00pm at The Corner Lauren Cole Band 9:00pm at Bristol Casino Bar Dusty Leigh Huston 11:00pm at Bristol Casino Bar

Jeff Lane 6:30pm at Rocks Wood Fired Pizza Bill and the Belles 8:00pm at the Down Home Orchid Thief | Raviner | Halo Scars 10:00pm at Capone’s SATURDAY Nov 11th Dr. Enuf Presents Stemwinder 6:00pm at Boones Creek Opry Pop Evil 7:30pm at Capone’s Samuel Quinn’s Cartwright Brothers 8:00pm at The Down Home SUNDAY Nov 12th Rheva & Keegan’s Irish Fiddle Tunes 5:30pm at Mulligan’s Gaming Pub

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

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Pro-Art is organizing a group field trip to the beautiful and culturally rich cities of Montreal and Quebec City in Canada this spring. This educational and immersive experience will take participants through the heart of French Canada, offering a unique blend of history, culture, and adventure. Group members will have the opportunity to engage with the art, music, theater, and architectural landscapes of these cities while enjoying the many benefits of group travel, like cost savings, safety and security,

organized logistics, and a flexible itinerary allowing for solo/smaller group travel. The trip will include transportation and accommodations.

If you’re interested in group travel to Montreal and Quebec City in spring 2024, please attend the general interest meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 15th at 7 p.m. in Cantrell Hall at UVA Wise. ProArt Executive Director, Michael McNulty, and long-time board member and UVA Wise Associate Professor of Modern Language, Amelia Harris, will facilitate the

field trip and lead discussion at the meeting. If you are unable to attend but are interested in participating, please email pro-art@uvawise.edu or call (276) 376-4520.

The field trip is a unique opportunity for participants to delve into the vibrant culture and history of French Canada while enjoying the stunning landscapes and experiences these cities have to offer. As both Montreal and Quebec City are located in the French-speaking province of Quebec, the significant influence of French culture is evident in the language, cuisine, architecture, and cultural traditions of the cities. The organization will need to have a reasonable level of interest to pursue travel options

and discounts available to groups, so please help get the word out through your friends, family, and social networks.

Embark on an incredible journey through Montreal and Quebec City this spring on what Pro-Art hopes will be the first field trip of many.

Pro-Art is supported in part by a grant from the Virginia Commission for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Pro-Art is additionally supported by the Slemp Foundation, The University of Virginia’s College at Wise, Mountain Empire Community College, and the Columbus Phipps Foundation.

For more information, please visit proartva.org.

theloafer.net | November 07, 2023

Pro-Art Sets Sights on Montreal

theloafer.net |November 07, 2023

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Greeneville Christmas Parade to Make its Annual Appearance on Sunday, December 3rd!

The Greene County Partnership and the Exchange Club of Greeneville proudly announces the return of the annual Christmas Parade on Sunday, December 3rd at 2 p.m. This year’s parade promises to be a highlight of the year with its heartwarming theme of “Christmas Movies.” The parade staging area will be on Bohannon Avenue and the route will then take a left turn onto Main Street. The route will then make its way through the downtown Greeneville area, along South Main, West Main, and ultimately concluding at Carson and West Main streets in front of Crescent School.

Parade registration will begin on November 1st and all participants must complete a registration form to be eligible to participate in the parade. Online applications will be taken this year and can be accessed on www.

GreeneCountyPartnership.com. Paper applications and payments will also be accepted at the Greene County Partnership located at 115 Academy Street. Please note the deadline for submitting registration forms is noon on Wednesday, November 22nd, 2023.

Entry fees for the parade are as follows: Commercial/Business Float - $50 Non-Float Vehicle (cars, tractors, etc.) - $40 Non-Commercial Floats (civic/church/clubs/ elementary sports teams) - $20 Pageant Title Holders (must furnish own car) - $25 Motorcycle Groups (each additional motorcycle is $2) - $25 In the spirit of community, several categories, including High School and Middle School Marching Bands, Cheerleaders, ROTC Groups, Veteran’s Groups, Elected Officials and Emergency Vehicles, will be exempt from entry fees. Please note that, at the request of safety officials, entries will be limited to the first 100 registrants on a first-come, first-served basis.

All participants wishing to compete for prizes must declare their intention to do so on the registration form.

Please be aware that no free entries in the parade will

be eligible for prizes. Participants in the competitive categories should also be prepared to provide individuals to walk in the parade and carry banners for first, second, and third place winners, should their entries be victorious.

Entries will be judged on how well the float represents the parade theme (Christmas Movies). Judges will take into consideration the originality and creativity of the design and construction of the float. Overall appearance will also be taken into consideration when awarding the winners.

Prizes will be awarded in two categories: Commercial: 1st Place: $100 2nd Place: $50 3rd Place: $25 Non-Commercial: 1st Place: $100 2nd Place: $50 3rd Place: $25 In the interest of safety, the entire parade route will be closed off at midnight on Sunday, December 3rd. To accommodate churchgoers, we kindly advise seeking alternative routes and parking options around Main Street on the morning of the 3rd. Parking spaces along the parade route will be reserved for spectators, ensuring their enjoyment of the parade. Ample parking facilities can also be found in various lots throughout the downtown area.

On parade day, participants (excluding elected officials) are encouraged to access the staging area via Burns Street on the 11E Bypass, while elected officials should approach from Austin Street. Parents are urged to coordinate with their group leaders for convenient drop-off points, with a designated location available at the intersection of Bohannon Street and Austin/ Housley Avenue.

Decorated floats entering to be judged are asked to arrive at the Bohannon Avenue staging area no later than 12:30 p.m. Judging will commence promptly at 1 p.m. For all other entrants, the window for arrival is between 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m., allowing ample time for organizing the lineup.

For registration forms and additional information, kindly visit the Greene County Partnership’s Website at www.greenecountypartnership.com or visit the office located at 115 Academy St. For inquiries, please call 423-638-4111 or email info@greenecountypartnership.net.

NIGHTLIFE

WEDNESDAY Karaoke with Absolute Entertainment at The Pub Out Back (The Italian Pizza Pub) - Johnson City 7pm Karaoke w/ Eric Huskins VFW Post 2108 – Johnson City, TN 8pm Karaoke Night at Wonderland Lounge and Bar - Johnson City, TN 9pm Karaoke with Ron at Kingsport Moose Lodge 6:30pm Loudmouth Karaoke at Michael Waltrip Brewing Company - Bristol, VA on Wednesday, April 5th at 7pm THURSDAY Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at Tulips Grub & Pub - Johnson City, TN 8pm Karaoke with Absolute Entertainment at Wild Wings Cafe - Johnson City, TN 9pm Karaoke at Numan’s - Johnson City, TN 10pm Karaoke at Jiggy Rays Pizzeria - Johnson City, TN Karaoke at Tipsy Toad Tavern - Jonesborough, TN FRIDAY Karaoke with Absolute Entertainment at Rainbow Asian Cuisine - Johnson City, TN 9pm Karaoke with Absolute Entertainment at The Sports Mill - Kingsport, TN 8pm Karaoke w/ Eric Huskins VFW Post 2108 – Johnson City, TN 8pm Karaoke at Numan’s – Johnson City, TN 10pm Karaoke with Handsome Hodge Entertainment at O’Mainnin’s Pub and Grille - Bristol, TN 10pm SATURDAY Karaoke with Absolute Entertainment at Tulips Grub & Pub Johnson City, TN 8pm Karaoke at Numan’s – Johnson City, TN 10pm Karaoke w/ Eric Huskins VFW Post 2108 – Johnson City, TN 8pm Karaoke at Numan’s – Johnson City, TN 10pm Karaoke with DJ Clyde and Prestige Entertainment at Macado’s -Kingsport, TN 9pm Karaoke with Handsome Hodge Entertainment at O’Mainnin’s Pub and Grille - Bristol, TN 10pm

TRIVIA

TUESDAY Team Trivia at Wild Wing Café Johnson City TN DJ Trivia at Union Street Taproom Erwin, TN 5pm Trivia at The Corner Bar Bristol, VA 8pm Trivia at Aubrey’s Johnson City 7pm WEDNESDAY Trivia at Tipsy Toad Jonesborough, TN 7pm Trivia Night Mellow Mushroom Bristol, VA 7pm Trivia at Aubrey’s Bristol 7pm THURSDAY Mellow Trivia at Mellow Mushroom Johnson City, TN- 7pm Trivia at Riverside Taphouse at South Fork Bluff City, TN 7pm

BINGO

TUESDAY Singo at Riverside Taphouse at South Fork Bluff City, TN 6:30pm

DJ NIGHT THURSDAY DJ B-Digital at O’Mainnin’s Pub and Grille Bristol, TN 10pm

WEDNESDAY Bingo at Tipton Street Pub Johnson City, TN 9pm Singo at Holy Taco & Cantina Boones Creek, TN 8pm Blazin’ Bingo at Mellow Mushroom Johnson City, TN 6pm

FRIDAY Handsome Hodge Entertainment at O’Mainnin’s Pub - Bristol, TN 10pm

THURSDAY Bingo at Mellow Mushroom Bristol VA 6pm Singo at Aubrey’s Bristol 7:00 PM

SUNDAY DJ B-Digital at O’Mainnin’s Pub and Grille Bristol, TN 10pm

SATURDAY Handsome Hodge Entertainment at O’Mainnin’s Pub - Bristol, TN 10pm

To have your events added to this list email: theloaferonlineprint@gmail.com or call: 423-930-7319

theloafer.net | November 07, 2023

TRI-CITIES

7

theloafer.net |November 07, 2023

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SODOKU

CROSSWORD

DROP QUOTE

C RYPTO G RAM

SHZSGH TKZA ZGY XJ YHBHKPQLT PIHQK QYHMGB. JHMKB UMJ AKQLVGH PIH BVQL, XOP PZ TQCH OS AKQLVGHB PIH BZOG.

— Douglas Macarthur

Down

1. ___ rage (bodybuilder's problem) 2. Suffix with convert 3. Dropped down 4. Tutti-___ ice cream 5. ___ supra (as above) 6. Poke 7. Miser's favorite pronoun?

8. Bootlicker 9. Blemish on a record 10. Smog stat.

11. Convent resident 12. Blemish 13. Product plugs 18. Shrewdness 22. Tilly or Ryan 24. "The Da Vinci Code" priory 26. A grand 27. Rake with fire 28. "You don't ____!" (relationship retort) 29. Dieter, ideally 30. Humble 31. Half a quartet ACROSS 42. Candy Land or Canasta 32. Subjects of worship 1. Bit of guitar 33. Writer of severely strict laws 43.

Fully informed 5. "That's right ___ alley" 34. Hawkeye State resident 45. Put down, as track 9. Tony of "Taxi" and 38. "Maverick" brother "Who's the Boss?"

47. ___-de-lance 40. ___ Tak (Hong Kong airport 14. Fräulein's upper 48. Like some passwords closed in 1998) 15. Soft, white cheese 41. Setting 52. Previous 44. Noted Bengals quarterback 16. Horse, for one 53. Devon river 46. Classic whistler's tune 17. Some magic tricks 54. Slanted 49. Ambulance driver, for short 19. After-dinner candies 50. Stable sounds 57.

Writer Shaw 20. Actress Burke 51. Creepy creatures 61. Burdens 21. Film director Jonathan 55. Winter Olympics event 23. Show showers 65. Neighbor of El Salvador since 1964 25. Spray can stuff 56. London art museum 67. "___ Marry a Millionaire" 58. Seat of Texas's 30. Splitting 68. "Design on a Dime" channel McLennan County 33. Tool's partner 69. Sounds of disgust 59. Kinds 35. "___ better watch out..."

60. Poet Ogden 70.

Actress Cicely 36. Gull relatives 61. Primary cause of male pattern 71. Come across as 37. Lynda Bird Johnson ____ baldness (abbr.)

39. Partner of crannies 72. Enjoy a snack 62. Rainbow start?

63. Sympathetic sounds Answers to last week’s 64. Muscle car puzzles can be found 66. Texter's abbr. for "I appreciate that!" on page 09.

theloafer.net | November 07, 2023

PETS

OF THE WEEK

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B a s h fu l Meet Bashful, the beloved female cat from Snow White. With her soft, snow-white fur and timid greenish/ yellow eyes, Bashful embodies purity and gentleness. She’s a 1 yr old responsible companion, spayed,

up to date on vaccinations, and microchipped. Bashful’s calming presence and gentle purrs make her a cherished member of the enchanted forest, where she resides with Snow White.

There are 5 Maple Leaves hidden in this issue of The Loafer.

Can you find them all?

th

Last Week's Puzzle Answers Crossword

Cryptogram:

Dropquote:

"Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome."

"It is said that our anxiety does not empty tomorrow of its sorrows, but only empties today of its strength."

u

Sudoku

n d er

Meet Thunder!!! He is a friendly Beagle/Dachshund mix that loves attention, very affectionate, likes cats, selective with some dogs, kids 5 and older as long as they know not to pull my tail, ears or pet me too

hard. Thunder can be a little food aggressive and that’s due to no one giving him boundaries or telling him what’s not allowed. He weighs 25 lbs, neutered, current on vaccinations and microchipped. Bday 11/2/21

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

bridgehome.org

theloafer.net |November 07, 2023

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Nourishing and Flourishing: Tea, Truffles, and Art in Create Appalachia’s Kingsport Gallery Thursday, November 16, 6 PM to 8 PM Location: The Gallery at Create Appalachia’s Kingsport Center for Art & Technology, 225 W Center Street, Kingsport, Tennessee 37660.

Admission: $18 per ticket for members, $20 for non-members purchased online. $21 per ticket at the door.

Registration: tinyurl.com/23ue2ssp Three regional nonprofits are teaming up for a tea and truffle tasting and a lively conversation about food and art. This unique family-friendly event will showcase the current Nourishing and Flourishing exhibit in Create Appalachia’s Kingsport gallery. Each guest is welcome to sample six flavors of Bellafina Chocolates gourmet truffles as they enjoy a cup of premium hand-blended tea, served in full British style

by Ren Allen from The Philosopher’s House in Johnson City. As guests sip, sample, and enjoy the art in the gallery, they will learn a little about each non-profit’s work and mission. They will also hear from the exhibit’s guest curator, Jocelyn Mathewes

of Eat/Art Space. There will be plenty of room for questions, conversations, and a lively exchange of ideas about food, art, and food as art.Ticket sales benefit Create Appalachia’s Exhibit Committee.

businesses, and highlight the important role that creativity plays in the region’s economic vitality.

Bellafina Chocolates’ mission is helping children threatened by disease, neglect, abuse, or poverty and empowering women in recovery through meaningful employment. We do this by creating gourmet chocolates and donating 100% of the profits into children’s charities.

We offer shipping and customization of packaging and truffles.

Doors open at 6 PM. Guests may park in the Shelby Street parking garage or in the municipal lot just behind the building. The first brief presentation will begin at 6:30.

The event will end at 8 PM. Tickets are $18 for paid Create Appalachia members and $20 for non-members.If they are not all reserved in advance, there may be some tickets available at the door that evening on The Philosopher’s House is a liberal a first-come-first-served basis. All tickets will arts tea house–a gathering space, library, and class space in one. Designed be $20 at the door. to be a “living room” for inquisitive To reserve tickets and for more and compassion-focused people, information, go to: The Philosopher’s House is a place tinyurl.com/23ue2ssp. to relax and explore new ideas in an Create Appalachia strives to make the intellectually-curious and supportive our region a better place to live and community. work by supporting innovation and Eat/Art Space is a private entrepreneurship centered around the pop-up gallery from a dining room arts and creativity. We work to sustain in Appalachia, curated by an environment that will generate new Jocelyn Mathewes. businesses, provide jobs in arts-based

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JOHNSON CITY SATURDAYS ACOA (adult children of alcoholics) 1:30-3:00pm.

Call for info Bill 423-444-6107 or Cheryl 423-262-6149 WEDNESDAY NOV 8TH IBN Biz Lunch 11:30am at Holy Taco And Cantina Boones Creek THURSDAY NOV 9TH Farmers Market 10:00am at ETSU Pridewalk Storytime in the Park 10:30am at King Commons Park FRIDAY NOV 10TH Johnson City Love & Hiking Date For Couples (Self-Guided) 7:00am at Willow Springs Park SATURDAY NOV 11TH

SUNDAY NOV 12TH ELIZABETHTON Hiking Date For Couples WEDNESDAY NOV 8TH 7:00am at Willow Springs Park IBN Biz Lunch 11:30 at The Black Olive BRISTOL SATURDAY NOV 11TH WEDNESDAY NOV 8TH State Street Farmer's Market Beginning Basics of Art 2:00pm at Downtown Center 3:00pm at August Muse Open Mic Nite 8:00pm SUNDAY NOV 12TH at Blue Ridge Comedy Club Fall Fiber Show 10:00am at Sycamore Shoals State Park SATURDAY NOV 11TH State Street Farmers Market JONESBOROUGH 8:00am at Downtown Center TUESDAYS Board Game Night 5:00pm Jonesborough Storytelling Guild at Bristol Public Library “Stories n’More” Show 7:00pm at The Intl. Storytelling Center Comedy Cage Match 10:00pm at Blue Ridge SATURDAY NOV 11TH Comedy Club Jonesborough Farmers Market 8:00am KINGSPORT at Downtown Jonesborough WEDNESDAY NOV 8TH

Farmers Market 7:00am at Kingsport Farmer's Market Johnson City Love & Hiking Date For Couples (Self-Guided) THURSDAY NOV 9TH 7:00am at Willow Springs Park IBN Biz Lunch 11:30am at Pratt's BBQ Johnson City Farmers Market 8:00am at Founders Park SATURDAY NOV 11TH Farmers Market 7:00am Bike and Beans 9:00am at Kingsport Farmer's Market at Trek Bicycle Johnson City The Christmas Connection!

Johnson City Symphony 2023 9:00am at MeadowView Orchestra 7:30pm Conference Center at ETSU Martin Center for the Arts Nature: Wolf Howling Boomtown Improv! 8:00pm 10:00am at Bays Mountain at Wallace Theatre Park & Planetarium To be featured in The Loafer's Things to Do email us at: theloaferonlineprint@gmail.com or call 423-930-7319

Historic Jonesborough Town Tour 1:00pm at Chester Inn State Historic Site Old Jonesborough Cemetery Tours 2:30pm at Heritage Alliance

ABINGDON, VA WEDNESDAY NOV 8TH Bingo 5:00pm at Abingdon Community Center FRIDAY NOV 10TH Movies for Adults 2:00pm at Washington County Public Library SUNDAY NOV 12TH Bingo 5:00pm at Abingdon Community Center

theloafer.net | November 07, 2023

THINGS TO DO

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Biker Events sponsored by biker wear Local Events: 1. Haunted Graham Mansion Sept. 29th- 30th Oct 6th–7th Oct 13th-14th Oct 20th – 21st 2. Howl-O-Ween Car Show Oct 21st Winged Deer Park JC, TN for Misfit Hounds 3. The Battle Town Witch Festival Oct 28th 11am – 6pm Meade Olin Park Brandenburg, KY 4. Brews & Boos Ghost Stories in the park Oct 28th Jonesborough, TN 5. Swat Meet & Cruise In Oct 28th at VFW Post 2108 6. Trick or Treat Oct 31st 4pm – 8pm Downtown Johnson City, TN 7. Dirty Mike & Butch Pig Roast Nov.4th Boozy Creek Peacemaker Club House 8. Speedway In Light Nov 18th to Jan 7th Bristol Motor Speedway 9. Thanksgiving Party Nov. 25th at Greeneville Peacemakers Club House

Rallies: 1. Thunder Beach Autumn Rally Panama FL. Oct 23rd – 29th

Biker Events

sponsored by biker wear

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Hello everyone, summer is begin to drop and most vegetative gone, and Autumn has arrived. growth decreases. Animals begin Halloween is just around the to prepare for the dearth of food corner. Please watch out for that generally comes during the the kids when they are out winter, gathering supplies or trick or treating. There are still traveling to warmer climates. The motorcycles out riding every timing of color changes and the chance they get before the onset of falling leaves is primarily cold weather hits. Don’t forget regulated by the calendar as Daylight Savings Time ends and nights become longer. None of the our clocks fall back. other environmental influences – such as temperature, rainfall, food Autumn is the season when supply – are as unvarying as the the duration of daylight steadily increasing length of night becomes noticeably shorter during autumn. As days grow and the temperature cools shorter, and nights grow longer considerably. Day length and cooler, biochemical processes decreases and night length in the leaf begin to paint the increases as the season landscape with Nature's progresses until the Winter Solstice in December. Autumn autumn palette. is the time of year when leaves Autumn is associated with change color, and the autumnal Halloween. Halloween is a equinox signals that days are holiday celebrated each year on getting shorter. It’s a good October 31, and Halloween 2023 time to go for a ride and see will occur on Tuesday, October stunning colors this time of 31. The tradition originated year has to offer. Sandwiched with the ancient Celtic festival between blazing summer and of Samhain, when people chilly winter, autumn is the would light bonfires and wear "cooling off" season. Nighttime costumes to ward off ghosts. In arrives earlier, temperatures the eighth century, Pope Gregory III designated November 1 as a time to honor all saints. Soon, All Saints Day incorporated some of the traditions of Samhain. The evening before was known as All Hallows Eve, and later Halloween.

Over time, Halloween evolved into a day of activities like trick-ortreating, carving jack-o-lanterns, festive gatherings, donning costumes and eating treats.

Beanz Biker Corner

By Anne Hartley 423-297-5675

Hope you enjoy this Autumn season and all it has to offer. From the cooler temps, the stunning colors, Halloween, the festive gatherings, the candy, and so much more.

116 Buffalo Street Johnson City, TN • www.bikerweartn.com • (423) 631-0542

Useless Facts Autumn & Halloween: 1. Autumn is “aurora season” because geomagnetic storms are about twice as frequent as the annual average during the fall. This increases the chances of observing the stunning Aurora Borealis in the northern regions.

2. A “Harvest Moon” is the full moon closest to the autumn equinox. Before artificial lighting, such moonlight was essential to a farmer’s successful harvest.

3. Autumn infants, those born between September and November, have a higher chance of living to be 100 than

those born at other seasons of the year.

4. In the fall, both men’s and women’s testosterone levels are at their peak. Scientists believe the increase is the consequence of old mating impulses (e.g., the fall “rutting season”) or that it is triggered by diminishing daylight.

5. Halloween means saint’s evening.

6. Blue moons on Halloween are rare.

7. Owls are associated with witches.

8. The first Jack O Lanterns were actually made from turnips.

theloafer.net | November 07, 2023

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theloafer.net |November 07, 2023

16

‘James and the Giant Peach’ Coming to ETSU Roald Dahl’s “James and the Giant Peach” has captivated audiences for generations.

And East Tennessee State University’s Department of Theatre and Dance is bringing the production to the Appalachian Highlands later this year.

as Ladybug, Lindsay Flewell as Spiker, Jonah Harris-Furches as Grasshopper, Charles Landry as Centipede, and Katie Thorpe as Sponge.

The ensemble is made up of Flynn Anderson, Gracee DeJarnette, Max Fleming, Katie Greene, Shelby Keller, “‘James and the Giant Peach’ is a musical Ellise Parman, Kas Reeves, Christina Ward, Skylar Zaugg and Olivia Zimanek. for the whole family to enjoy,” said Cara Harker, director, as well as a professor Harker is the show’s director and associate chair of the department. and choreographer.

“Through music, dance, puppetry and The rest of the production team is more, this story celebrates the lasting comprised of Karen Brewster, producer; bonds of friendship where everyone, be Natasha Carpenter, assistant lighting it human or insect, finds the love they designer; Brad Fugate, music director; so richly deserve.”

Kyla Jernigan, costume designer; Performances are set for 7:30 p.m.

Victoria Keller, accompanist; Zach Olsen, Thursday-Saturday, Nov. 16-18, and at technical director/sound designer; 2 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Nov. 18-19.

Jessica Richardson, costumes; Sarabeth All performances happen at the Bert Roberts, assistant sound designer; Emily C. Bach Theatre in the ETSU Martin Russell, assistant stage manager; Melissa Center for the Arts.

Shafer, lighting designer; Beth Skinner, costume director; Savannah Spangler, The cast, starring ETSU students, props designer/puppet master; Matt includes: Molly Blackburn as James, Cal Blagg as Earthworm, Grayson Buchanan Stevens, assistant technical director; Jonathon Taylor, scenic designer; and as Spider/Dance Captain, Stephen Cradic as Lahdalord, Natalie Duncan Rebekah Williams, stage manager.

Making up the band is Wesley Bratton, drums; Glenn Diamond, bass; Michael Jones, viola; David Kovac, violin; Joshua Kovac, cello; and Marcus Pack, violin.

For tickets, visit: www.etsu.edu/ martin-center/events-tickets/ theatre_dancedepartment.php ETSU is home to a thriving arts community, and the Department of Theatre and Dance is a tremendous source of creative energy and entertainment in the Appalachian Highlands.

“We expect these performances to sell out quickly, so get your tickets as soon as possible,” said Harker.

“James and the Giant Peach” is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. For disability accommodations, call the ETSU Office of Disability Services at (423) 439-8346.

17

Local events are generally posted online to capture a large audience. Unless you're keeping up with your favorite venues and entertainers directly, Your demographic information you may miss notifications is still stored in the database. of events. Friends may send Even if social media doesn't invitations to group outings interest you now, it did at via Facebook instead of texting one point. The networks are or calling. Will you be left at interested in what interests home while your friends are out you so they can show you having fun? and similar users the same information.

Leaving social media might be We've all contemplated leaving social media for various reasons, mainly drama and spam, but what happens if we actually leave?

Social media makes it convenient to update everyone at once about important information instead of sending individual texts or making individual calls. Leaving social media may mean missing important life updates from your friends and family.

Social Sentiments

By Wendy Hayden socialsentiments @outlook.com

socialsentiments.net

tempting in the moment, but in an internet focused world, the fear of missing out will create a bigger impact than your absence. Before you make the decision to leave, ask yourself how much you'll be missing versus how much you'll be missed.

theloafer.net | November 07, 2023

Ghosted

theloafer.net |November 07, 2023

18

ETSU Invites Veterans to Campus for Free Lunch East Tennessee State University invites veterans and military service members to enjoy a free lunch on Monday, November 13, the same day the university will hold a Veterans Day Program.

“Your courage, commitment and sacrifice shape the very fabric of our nation and our ETSU community,” ETSU President Dr. Brian Noland wrote in a message to campus earlier this week.

The free lunch is open to ETSU employees and students, as well as community members. Lunch runs from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at the ETSU Dining Hall, located on the third floor of the D.P. Culp Student Center.

Veterans may pick up a free

meal ticket at any of the following locations on ETSU’s main campus: Military and Veteran Services, 125 Yoakley Hall.

ETSU Army ROTC, 206 Brooks Gym. Office of Equity and Inclusion, 109 Burgin Dossett Hall.

From regularly securing the prestigious Military Friendly® designation to helping veterans launch a business, ETSU has a long and established history of assisting those who served in the U.S. Armed Forces.

For questions, please contact Jason Wilder at (423) 439-5273 or wilderjd@etsu.edu.

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effortlessly as they passed around the bread baskets and bottles of wine.

By the time I excused myself to head home two hours later, I couldn’t even get the car key in the ignition before I burst into tears. In that moment I swore to myself I would learn everything I could so I never felt like the Podunk nobody from nowhere who knows nothing at the table ever again.

I would be lying if I said I’ve never again felt like the dumbest person in the room with regards to wine; that still happens to me weekly! The difference is that now I welcome that I frequently discuss wine within feeling of cluelessness because it this column, simply because it is means I’m about to learn something truly one of my few passions. I new, and that’s exciting! The more spent approximately six years of I learned about wine, the more I my sales career devoted strictly to realized it’s impossible to know it all, vino, and outside of that time I’ve and the people who know the most worked within the restaurant industry don’t mind taking time to inform the serving wine to customers as well novices because they love sharing as continuing my education on the their passion with others. I never subject by obtaining my WSET Level 2 want you all to feel self-conscious or and hopefully this January my WSET stupid for not knowing, so I wanted Level 3. That being said, for me wine to share some of the basics I wish I’d is endlessly fascinating and everknown sooner that made a world of changing but for the same reason, difference on my wine knowledge other folks can find it kind and greatly improved my joy in of intimidating. consumption. This is definitely not I’ve not always been this enthusiastic a comprehensive list, but it’s a great place to start! about the subject though. The first First, no one knows everything about week I moved to Nashville, my new wine, not even Jancis Robinson company had a dinner with one of and she literally wrote the book. So our Italian importers at a beautiful never be intimidated by someone reservation only French restaurant. else’s’ perceived knowledge. It is Not only was I already wildly in my experience, the people who uncomfortable being the new hire know the least are the ones who act in a brand new city, but I also had the snottiest. True wine lovers and never dined at a restaurant this nice and couldn’t pronounce anything on educators are more than happy to discuss with people no matter what the menu. For 2 hours I stared at my their experience level. plate and tried to disappear while the 20 people around me discussed Train yourself to stop being scared fine wine and global cuisine, flipping of stuff you’ve never heard of or can’t pronounce and instead start between various languages as reaching for it. The biggest detriment to your wine tasting experience will be your tendency to stay in your California comfort zone. Whether it’s an unfamiliar producer or a foreign

grape, if it’s offered by the glass, ask your server for a taste. Don’t bypass something beautiful because you keep returning to your old faithful cabernet or chardonnay.

This is a biggie: proper glassware is more important than you can imagine. I used to taste dozens of beautiful wines during weekly sales meetings while working in distribution, but when I got those exact bottles home – sometimes less than an hour later – they always tasted flabby and lifeless. It turns out the thick, art deco designed wine glasses I was using looked beautiful in my China cabinet, but completely impeded the subtle nuance of aroma and flavor in wine. There are multiple styles of wine glasses for various varietals, but investing in one good set of universal crystal will be just fine. You want a bulb large enough to give a good swirl and a rim that is smaller than the base to push the aromas up toward your nose. For the love of god, I beg of you, never use a stemless glass. There are few things in this world as offensive to me as being served wine in a stemless glass.

A nice, long, thin stem is my favorite, so you keep the heat of your hands away from warming the liquid itself.

While we’re speaking about heating the wine, serving temperature is another very underrated subject I learned about far too late. Everyone knows red wine is to be served at “room temperature” but what you’re not told is that human room temperature is too hot for wine.

Conversely, most know to chill white wine, however, the average refrigerator is far too cold and deadens the flavor profile. An easy rule of thumb to keep in mind is the 30 rule – put red wine IN the fridge and REMOVE white wine from the fridge 30 minutes prior to serving.

This will give the liquid enough time to adjust closer to where It should be. To get down to brass tacks, if you want to be precise, red wine is to be

by Kathie Scalf served between 55-65 degrees, with thinner skinned grapes like Pinot Noir being served closer to 55 and thick skinned, more tannic grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon showing best closer to 62 or 65 degrees. White wine and Rose is to be served between 45-55 degrees, again, based on body.

Something like Pinot Grigio or Vinho Verde would be best served colder, while a big buttery Napa Chardonnay would be perfect at 55. And finally, sparkling wines are coldest of all, best at 42 or so. Do not make the mistake of getting your bubbles too cold, or you risk exploding and foaming upon open.

This is a great place to start, and I hope it helps to ease your mind if you’ve been hesitant to try explore the wine world out of intimidation.

Everyone has to start somewhere and there’s always something new to learn! So let your taste buds guide you and don’t be afraid to ask the “stupid” questions; true wine lovers will leap at the opportunity to answer them for you!

XO - Kathie

theloafer.net | November 07, 2023

Wine 101

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theloafer.net |November 07, 2023 20

21

In 1996 Hollywood released a remake of the 1960's television series "Mission Impossible" starring Tom Cruise, and here we are in 2023 with the latest film in the successful franchise "Mission Impossible- Dead Reckoning Part One". Cruise continues in the role of IMF agent Ethan Hunt, along with fellow agents Luther (Ving Rhames) and Benji (Simon Pegg). The trio is also assisted by IIsa Faust (Rebecca Ferguson), a disavowed MI6 agent who allied with Hunt's team in the 2015 MI film "Rogue Nation". The film follows the 2018 release "Fallout" and is the seventh installment in the series. The latest film features Hunt on a mission to retrieve a key from the aforementioned IIsa, on whom IMF has placed a bounty. Hunt manages to find IIsa in the Arabian Desert, and advises her to lay low due to the bounty on her, but not before a fight with the bounty hunters.

When he travels back to the U.S., Hunt sneaks into a meeting of the various intelligence agencies where he learns about an experimental Artificial Intelligence called the Entity that has managed to go rogue. The Entity has infiltrated intelligence networks and military systems causing panic among those in charge. Ethan decides he must

Pop Life

By Ken Silvers theloaferonlineprint @gmail.com

find a way to destroy the AI, so he and his teammates head to the airport in Abu Dhabi where they plan to intercept the holder of half a key, of which if united its other half, could lead to world domination for the holder of said key. The intelligence community has sent operatives to catch Ethan, so not only is he after the holder of part of the key, he must outwit and outrun the agents after him. While at the airport he encounters the mysterious Grace (Hayley Atwell), who is a professional thief. Ethan and Grace soon find themselves a target at the airport and devise a way to escape. While at the airport, a man from Ethan's past makes an unexpected appearance, but will play a huge role in the film's plot. Grace, being the expert thief, escapes Ethan and takes a flight to Rome, where she is arrested and rescued by Ethan who manages to track her down. The excitement in Rome is action packed with a car chase for the ages that even manages some humorous moments despite all that's at stake. After the whirlwind chase, Grace again escapes from Ethan, but the two eventually cross paths again in Venice where arms dealer Alanna Mitsopolis (Vanessa Kriby) shows up and is directly involved in the search for the keys. The mystery man I mentioned earlier is Gabriel (Easi Morales), a powerful terrorist and a major adversary of Ethan, who is also coveting the keys so he can control the Entity to control the world, but then what good villain wouldn't?

The action then moves from Italy to the Alps, where the mission involves the Innsbruck bound Orient Express. The train is where Alanna will meet the buyer of the keys, but her efforts are thwarted by the IMF team, involving plenty of action and thrills. The film ends with a tease for Part 2 of the film, which will hit theaters in June 2024. I can't say enough about the

action and intrigue in this film, as I expect such from MI films, and they never disappoint. Cruise had stated these two films would end the series, but later decided to continue in his role as Ethan Hunt.

The stunts in the film are thrilling, as each film attempts to top its predecessor. The film is directed

by Christopher McQuarrie, who has directed two previous MI films, and his familiarity with the series serves the film well. The movie is one of the most expensive ever made, and you can clearly understand why after viewing

the film. If you are a fan of the MI films, this latest in the series will definitely please you. If you have never seen any of the previous films, start them now and let them lead up the action-packed "Mission Impossible- Dead Reckoning Part 1". I encourage you to run to the theater like Cruise does in all these films. Now playing in theaters.

(Rated PG-13)

theloafer.net | November 07, 2023

Mission ImpossibleImpossible- Dead Reckoning Part One

theloafer.net |November 07, 2023

22

P

CONCERT SCHEDULE Bristol

BRISTOL TN/VA

PARAMOUNT Oct 14 Lady SupremeTribute to Diana Ross Oct 19 Farm & Fun Time featuring Rodney Crowell Oct 21 Bristol Truth & Freedom Music Festival Nov 4 James Gregory Nov 9 Gaelic Storm Nov 10 Kathy Mattea Nov 11 Chi-Town Transit AuthorityTribute to Chicago Nov 15 Henry Rollins Nov 19 Joan Osborne Dec 1 Lewis Black Dec 15 Cherry Poppin Daddies Christmas Canteen Dec 16 Soultown to MotownTribute to Motown BRISTOL MOTOR SPEEDWAY Oct 6 & 7 Country Thunder: Eric Church, Brooks & Dunn, Jelly Roll, Randy Houser, Jackson dean, Parmalee, Chase Matthew, Cooper Alan, Megan Moroney, Lauren Watkins and Storme Warren.

JOHNSON CITY TN

JOHNSON CITY

FREEDOM HALL Oct 29 ETSU Fall Music Festival with Flo Rida, Doublecamp and Graham Barham Nov 1 Foreigner Dec 1 Keith Anderson Dec 2 Theory of a Dead Man and Skillet MARTIN CENTER FOR THE ARTS Oct 10 Blue October Nov 16 Rodney Carrington Dec 13 Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder Christmas

GREENVILLE TN

GREENVILLE

NISWONGER PERFORMING ARTS CENTER Oct 1 Etta May & The Southern Fried Chicks Oct 14 Shenandoah

Oct 28 Nov 16 Nov 18 Dec 2 Dec 15 Dec 17

Firehouse Bret Michaels Brian Culbertson Home Free for the Holidays Rhythm of the Dance Christmas Special David Phelps It Must Be Christmas

PINEY FLATS TN

PINEY FLATS

EAST TENNESSEE DISTILLERY Oct 1

Quiet Riot with Slick Cadillac

KNOXVILLE TN

Knoxville

TENNESSEE THEATRE Oct 7 JohnnySwim Oct 26 Lewis Black Nov 10 Ben Rector Dec 1 Wynonna Judd Dec 23 Manheim Steamroller Christmas THOMPSON BOWLING ARENA Oct 6 Elevation Worship & Steven Furtick Oct 16 Shania Twain Nov 3 Tool Nov 24 Kiss: End of the Road Tour Dec 7 Trans-Siberian Orchestra Dec 8 Lauren Daigle KNOXVILLE CIVIC COLISEUM Nov 16 Turnpike Troubadours Nov 30 Kevin Gates Dec 1 & 3 Nate Bargatze KNOXVILLE CIVIC AUDITORIUM: Oct 12 Nurse Blake Oct 20 James “Murr” Murray Nov 19 The Newsboys Dec 26 The Illusionists: Magic of the Holidays BIJOU THEATRE Oct 3 Robert Cray Oct 4 The Wallflowers Oct 7 Henry Cho Oct 8 Mike Campbell & The Dirty Knobs Oct 10 Brad Upton Oct 27 Rodney Crowell Nov 13 Graham Nash

Dec 1 & 2 WatchHouse Dec 6 The Gatlin Brothers Dec 9 Dave Barnes

NASHVILLE TN

Nashville

RYMAN AUDITORIUM Oct 2 Brian Setzer Oct 3 Janelle Monae Oct 7 Lucinda Williams and Her Band Oct 8 Mary Chapin Carpenter & Shawn Colvin Oct 9 Pat Methany Oct 17 Nick Cave Oct 18 Wheeler Walker Jr. Oct 12-22 Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit Oct 23-24 Kesha Oct 25 Brandy Clark Oct 26 Chris Tucker Oct 27 & 28 All Them Witches Oct 29 Steve Hackett Oct 31 Les Claypool’s Flying Frog Brigade ASCEND AMPHITHEATER Oct 3 & 4 Noah Kahan Oct 5 Hozier Oct 7 Brothers Osborne Oct 14 Darius Rucker Oct 21 Mt. Joy Oct 22 Fantasia BRIDGESTONE ARENA Oct 1 & 2 Drake Oct 6-8 Phish Oct 9 Jonas Brothers Oct 11 John Mayer Oct 19 Depeche Mode Oct 23 Kiss End of the Road Oct 25 Queen & Adam Lambert Nov 15 NeedToBreathe BROOKLYN BOWL Oct 19 Phillip Phillips Oct 31 Here Come the Mummies Dec 9 49 Winchester Dec 20 & 21 Dogstar BROWN COUNTY MUSIC CENTER Oct 5 Brian Setzer Oct 7 Christopher Cross Oct 12 Aaron Tippin, Sammy Kershaw & Collin Raye

Oct 15 Oct 17 Oct 18 Oct 19 Oct 20 Oct 22 Nov 2 Nov 3 Nov 4 Nov 11 Nov 14 Nov 26

Patti LaBelle Yes Collective Soul The Zombies Craig Morgan LeAnn Rimes Ace Frehley The Oak Ridge Boys Del McCoury Band Blues Traveler Paul Anka Allman Betts Family Revival

NASHVILLE MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM Oct 10 Three Days Grace and Chevelle Oct 26 -28 Hardy with Lainey Wilson

HAMPTON VA

Hampton va

HAMPTON COLISEUM Dec 8 & 9 Goose

ASHEVILLE NC

ASHEVILLE, NC

SALVAGE STATION Aug 18 Darrell Scott’s Electrifying Trio Aug 25 & 26 Umphrey’s McGee Sep 17 The Original Wailers Sep 24 Wheeler Walker Jr Oct 15 Here Come the Mummies/ Perpetual Groove Oct 17 Duane Betts and Friends Oct 20 The Wood Brothers Oct 21 Leftover Salmon’s Brew Ridge Jam EXPLOREASHEVILLE.COM ARENA Sep 26 Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats RABBIT RABBIT Oct 18 Willie Nelson & Family Oct 20 Band of Horses Oct 28 Dropkick Murphys THE ORANGE PEEL Oct 9 Henry Rollins Nov 7 Gaelic Storm Nov 13 Porno For Pyros Nov 28 Postmodern Jukebox -Life in the Past Lane Nov 30 49 Winchester

CALL WQUT @ 477-1015 FOR MORE CONCERT INFORMATION OR VISIT WWW.WQUT.COM

23

I often will describe things that I enjoy, that hits all the right buttons in my brain, and that leaves me feeling elevated and better about life as it “makes my heart happy.” If there is one seasonal favorite that I can truly describe as a movie that makes my heart happy, it’s 1988’s “Elvira: Mistress of the Dark.” I’m very glad to be alive in a time when the character of Elvira exists.

The creation of performer and writer Cassandra Peterson, Elvira has been a Halloween staple for 40 years. Created as a horror host for movies on local Los Angeles TV, Elvira quickly evolved into a pop culture icon. From local TV her show, “Movie Macabre” was shortly syndicated nationally and soon the character began to appear everywhere.

The 1980s was a particularly rich time for a series of unique comedic characters, some with origins on stage and some in commercials, to become stars at the box office.

Paul Ruebens, who was a cast-mate in LA’s famed improv group The Groundlings with Peterson, soon was all over TV and movies with “Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure” and Saturday morning classic “PeeWee’s Playhouse.”

A series of local ads for a dairy in middle Tennessee eventually led to Jim Varney staring as Ernest P. Worrell in “Ernest Goes to Camp,” and later a short-lived Saturday morning show “Hey, Vern! It’s Ernest.” It was inevitable the same would happen with “the vamp of camp” Elvira. At first, the plan was to create a sitcom centered around the character, but that was put on the back burner as a movie was to be made first.

First in a series of popular beer commercials—I can still recall seeing the cutouts at the grocery Produced by a then-new movie stores at Halloween—and eventually appearing in no less than three pinball machines, all of which are absolute blasts to play. Along the way, she appeared on various talk shows and even has a guest star shot in an episode of the classic motorcycle cop TV series “CHIPs.”

Batteries Not Included

By Andy Ross theloaferonlineprint @gmail.com

production side of NBC, “Elvira: Mistress of the Dark” has our famed host leaving her TV job when she learns she has a great aunt who has died and left her part of the estate. Elvira soon finds herself in the sleepy town of Falwell, Massachusetts and while up-enduing the town with her presence, she also finds herself at odds with her creepy uncle Vincent, who seems to be obsessed with a secret book that belonged to her aunt.

The movie, sadly, bombed at the box office due to the distributor going bankrupt shortly after its release. Yet, it has found a devoted cult following on home video and is now rightly seen as the great gem it is. It’s a go-to comfort movie for me as it’s such a blast from start to finish, full of her trademark double entendres and some overthe-top characters the movie, much like the character of Elvira,

is as much a part of Halloween as candy and “The Monster Mash.”

In a perfect world, this movie would have busted out at the box office and we’d have a whole series of movies with Elvira. But though the film was a flop, Elvira certainly wasn’t. She’s kept right on appearing in video games, TV ads, guest star roles, and a California staple for years with an annual live show each October at Knott’s Berry Farm. Peterson recently published a memoir and it’s a great read that I highly recommend.

“Elvira: Mistress of the Dark” makes my heart happy. It’s a movie that’s too fun to not get swept up in, and I’m awful thankful to be alive in a time in which the character exists. For those of us who have grown up with her presence, Halloween just wouldn’t be the same without her. See you next week.

theloafer.net | November 07, 2023

The Joy of Elvira