The Loafer 30

Felony Spirits Launch Party APR with The Mile High Band

7:00pm at Capones in Johnson City, TN

28

Volume 03 Issue 30 Publisher Lisa Durbin Creative DIrector Jon Bill Forrester Managing Editor Peggy Gale DIstribution Elizabeth Armstrong Sales Jessica Carlisle Entertainment Coordinator Andreax Jarre

your week’s line-up

04 Spotlight

Contributing Staff

05 25th edition of the Old Oak Festival at Tusculum University to provide a broad selection of family-friendly activities 06 Johnson City Public Library Upcoming Events 07 Karaoke 07 Trivia 08 Puzzle Page 09 Pets of the Week 10 Johnson City Public Art to Host Art-Struck Festival This April 11 Things To Do 12 Ceremony Marks Completion of

Andy Ross

Trails at Mountain Bike Park at

Kathie Scalf

Winged Deer

Ken Silvers

13 Felony Spirits

Wendy Hayden Ann Hartley

14 Tri-Cities Faces and Places

The Loafer

15 Tri-Cities Faces and Places 16 University School to Host

Po Box 39

"Pickin' in the Schoolyard"

Telford, Tn 37690 423-930-7319

Fundraiser

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!

columns & reviews

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19

WQUT Concert Schedule

23

Beanz Biker Corner

25

Social Sentiments: What Do Your Brand Colors Imply About You?

27 Tea Time with Appalachian Barbie: Lemons to Lemonade 29 Pop Life: The Bubble 31 Batteries Not Included: The GIrl Can't Help it.

NOTE

FROM THE

PUBLISHER Hello Loafer Readers! hope everyone is having a great week!

We are so excited to bring you a story about Felony Spirits! Please take the time to read inside about this family with ties to Al Capone. Also join all of us on the 28th for their official launch at Capone’s in downtown Johnson City.

Hopefully you have been outdoors enjoying the nice weather and spending time with your family. I love seeing the Spring flowers.

Thank you so much for your support and keep us in mind for any of your advertising needs.

Have a great week!

Love, Lisa Durbin Publisher

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theloafer.net | April 19, 2022

Spotlight

theloafer.net | April 19, 2022

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Metal Souls with The Side Effects and Sumo & the Chicken Bones 10:00pm at Capone’s Kingsport Kingsport, TN

Johnson City, Tn Johnson City, TN TUESDAY Apr 19th Brim & Marci Leal 6:30pm at Rocks Wood Fired Pizza WEDNESDAY Apr 20th HB Beverly 6:30pm at Rocks Wood Fired Pizza THURSDAY Apr 21st Justin Mychals 6:30pm at Rocks Wood Fired Pizza FRIDAY Apr 22nd Night Breed 7:00pm at Tulips Pub & Grub Gentlemen and Liars 9:30pm at Wild Wing Cafe Bassline at Capone’s with Enelek 10:00pm at Capone’s SATURDAY Apr 23rd Gents & Liars 7:00pm KC at Sonny’s Marina Johno Clayton Band 9:30pm at Wild Wing Cafe

FRIDAY Apr 22nd Songs & Stories with Logan Fritz and Andrew Scotchie 7:00pm at Gypsy Circus Cider Company

Below 7 7:00pm at Quaker Steak & Lube FRIDAY Apr 22nd StoneCreek Four 7:00pm at Quaker Steak & Lube Momma Molasses and JP 7:00pm at Cascade Draft House SATURDAY Apr 23rd 2 Hours 7:00pm at Michael Waltrip Brewing Company

Savage Outlaws 9:00pm at CJ’s Sports Bar

Knox by Night 7:00pm at Cascade Draft House

SATURDAY Apr 23rd

Ron Addison & the Tomcats 7:00pm at Quaker Steak

Donnie & the Dry Heavers 7:00pm at Gypsy Circus Cider Company Rusty Steel 9:00pm at Krazy Chicken International Hillbilly Highway & Halfmoon Trench 9:00pm at CJ’s Sports Bar

Travis White 7:00pm at Delta Blues BBQ Asylum Suite and Cheri Loope Band 9:00pm at Thunder Mountain Tavern

Jonesborough Jonesborough, TN

THURSDAY Apr 21st Chris Long 6:00pm at Jonesborough Barrel House FRIDAY Apr 22nd James Meadows 6:00pm at Jonesborough Barrel House SATURDAY Apr 23rd Big Son 6:00pm at Jonesborough Barrel House Elizabethton Elizabethton, TN TUESDAY Apr 19th Downtown Country 6:30pm at Jiggy Ray’s

Abingdon, VA Abingdon, VA SATURDAY Apr 23rd Florencia & the Feeling 6:30pm at Wolf Hills Brewing

Bristol, TN/VA Bristol TN/Va WEDNESDAY Apr 20th Feel Good Fest 7:00pm at Cascade Draft House THURSDAY Apr 21st Scotty Melton 7:00pm at Cascade Draft House

Momma Molasses

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

Family-friendly fun centered around traditional favorites such as vendors, musicians and children’s play areas will greet guests at the upcoming Old Oak Festival at Tusculum University.

vehicles will be present from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday.

Two additional events connected with the Old Oak Festival will take place in the Annie Hogan Byrd Fine Arts Center.

This year’s festival, which will be held on Caleb Johnson & The Ramblin Saints will perform Saturday at 7 p.m. in the the Greeneville campus Saturday, April Marilyn duBrisk Theatre, and one of 23, and Sunday, April 24, will be the the six “Schoolhouse Rock Live! Jr.” 25th edition for Tennessee’s first higher education institution. Abundant activities performances will be held at 2 p.m.

Sunday in the Behan Arena Theatre. will be available for people of all ages from 9 a.m.-8 p.m. April 23 and 10 a.m.-5 Johnson is the winner of the 13th season of “American Idol,” and his brother is a p.m. April 24.

Tusculum student. The concert will serve “We’re thrilled to bring back one of our as a fundraiser for Tusculum’s favorite annual events and welcome arts program. residents throughout the region to join On Sunday, Tusculum Baptist Church us on our scenic campus,” said Nicole Rader, director of alumni and community will hold a service at 10 a.m. at the Doak House Museum. engagement. “A broad spectrum of activities will appeal to our guests All other elements of the festival will and enable them to relax and enjoy be available both days. Located in the themselves. After a two-year absence Library Bowl between the Thomas J. due to the coronavirus, we are excited Garland Library and the Old College everyone can come together again for the and in the shade of the Old Oak Tree, Old Oak Festival at such a beautiful time musicians will play from noon-7 p.m. of year.”

Saturday and noon-5 p.m. Sunday.

The festival will include a new event this Country, bluegrass and rock will be the primary genres on Saturday, and year – the Old Oak Show & Shine car show, which will feature vintage vehicles Christian and gospel music will be for everyone to enjoy in the parking lot of Sunday’s focus. the Scott M. Niswonger Commons. Guests The university has assembled more than are welcome to look at and reminisce 70 vendors, which include craftsmen, about the vehicles, and they will have an artisans and boutiques, many of which opportunity to vote on their favorite. The will be stationed in the area of the

A family enjoys a previous Old Oak Festival.

Tusculum Arch, McCormick Hall and the library. Other vendors will be located on the main floor and lower level of the library.

The festival will also have several food vendors, who will provide a variety of delicious food items in front of the Niswonger Commons.

Another popular event throughout the festival will be Authors’ Row, where writers will showcase their works on the main level of the library. As a bonus, some authors will read from their works.

They are Tusculum students who won Curtis and Billie Owens Literary Awards at 11 a.m., alumna Serina Marshall at 1 p.m. and Jan and Clay LaPerle at 4 p.m. Their readings will take place where displays of art, provided by the Greeneville Arts Council, will be shown near Authors’ Row. The Kiddie Korner children’s play area in the Quad in front of the Niswonger Commons will be open from 10 a.m.4 p.m. Saturday and noon-5 p.m.

Sunday. Attendees can also visit the Tusculum bookstore inside the Niwonger Commons, where merchandise will be available for sale.

Another family enjoys the Old Oak Festival.

All activities associated with the festival except for the Caleb Johnson concert and “Schoolhouse Rock Live! Jr.” are free.

Tickets for Caleb Johnson are $25 and available at https://arts.tusculum.edu/.

Tickets for “Schoolhouse Rock Live! Jr.” are $17 for anyone 12-59, $15 for anyone 60 and older and $5 for anyone younger than 12 and are available by emailing

Jennifer Hollowell, director of Tusculum’s Center for the Arts, at jhollowell@ tusculum.edu or calling 423-798-1620.

“Our connections to the community are important to all of us at Tusculum, and we look forward to seeing old friends and meeting new ones throughout the region on our campus,” Rader said. “Now that spring has arrived and the days are warmer, our festival is a great opportunity to come outdoors and celebrate this special time of year.”

Guests are encouraged to use the parking lots next to the Meen Center at the Indoor Practice facility and use the free shuttles to the areas where festival activities are taking place. Campus safety officers and other Tusculum representatives will be available to assist guests in reaching their destination. A campus map is available at bit.ly/3v2J9RB. Additional festival details, including the schedule, are available at: web.tusculum.edu/oldoakfestival/.

Authors’ Row is a popular part of the Old Oak Festival.

theloafer.net | April 19, 2022

25th Edition of The Old Oak Festival at Tusculum University to Provide a Broad Selection of Family-Friendly Activities

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Johnson City Public Library Upcoming Events Bring Your Own Book What: Book discussion group that meets on the fourth Thursday of every month. April’s Bring Your Own Book is Shakespearethemed. Come talk about your favorite Shakespeare plays and literature.

When: Thursday, April 28 at 6:30 p.m.

Where: Johnson City Brewing Company Boones Creek location 2362 Boones Creek Rd Johnson City, TN

Artful Aging Banjo and Mandolin Performance What: Participants in the Library’s Artful Aging banjo and mandolin classes will perform music to showcase skills they learned in their eight weeks of instruction.

When: Saturday, April 30 at 2 p.m.

Where: Atelier 133 133 N. Commerce St. Johnson City, TN For more information Call: (423) 434-4450 or visit: www.jcpl.org

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TUESDAY TUESDAY

Karaoke at Numan’s - JohnsonEntertainment City Karaoke with Absolute at The Pub Out Back Karaoke with Bert & L.A. at Kingsport Moose Lodge 7pm (The Italian Pizza Pub) - Johnson City 7pm

WEDNESDAY

WEDNESDAY

Turn the Page Karaoke at VFW Post 2108 – Johnson City Karaoke Night at Eric Wonderland Karaoke w/ HuskinsLounge VFW and PostBar 2108 – Johnson City, TN 8pm Karaoke NightSteak at Wonderland Lounge and Bar Karaoke at Quaker and Lube (Bristol, VA) 7pm Johnson Moose City, TN 9pm6pm Karaoke at- Kingsport Lodge Karaoke with RonValley at Kingsport Moose Lodge 6:30pm Karaoke at Thunder Tavern 8pm

THURSDAY THURSDAY

Karaoke at Zachary’s Steakhouse Karaoke with Karaoke with Open Mic Entertainment Michael’s Krazy Karaoke at Stateline Bar & Grill at Wild Wing Café Johnson City, TN 8pm Karaoke w/ DJ Marquez Top Shelf Entertainment Wild Wings Café JC Karaoke at Numan’s - Johnson City, TN at 10pm Karaoke at Numan’s Johnson City Karaoke at Jiggy Rays Pizzeria - Johnson City, TN Karaoke at Hell JiggyYeah Rays Pizzeria Abby’s Karaoke at CJ’s Sports Bar - Kingsport, TN 8pm 8pm Karaoke w/Tony & RodToad at CJ’sTavern Sports Bar Karaoke at Tipsy - JonesboroughTN Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at Tulips Grub & Pub 7pm 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 - Brtistol, Karaoke w/ EricOasis Huskins VFWTNPost 2108 – Johnson City, TN 8pm Karaoke at Sonny's Marina/The French Quarter Restaurant Karaoke at Numan’s – Johnson City, TN 10pm

FRIDAY

Karaoke with Absolute Entertainment FRIDAY at Rainbow Asian Cuisine 9pm

Karaoke w/ Shane Rouse at Bear’s Bar Karaoke at Kingsport Moose Lodge Karaoke w/ Reverb Karaoke at The Cottage Karaoke w/ Eric Huskins VFW Post 8:30pm 2108 – Johnson City, TN 8pm Turn the Page Karaoke at VFW Post 2108 – Johnson Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at City Tulips Grub & Pub 8-11 Karaoke at Elizabethton VFW Karaoke at Numan’s – Johnson City, TN 10pm Karaoke w/ Michael Hawkins at Holiday Inn (Exit 7) –Macado’s Bristol, VA Kingsport Karaoke with Absolute Entertainment 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

SATURDAY

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.**

theloafer.net | April 19, 2022

KARAOKE Kara ke

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theloafer.net | April 19, 2022

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SUDOKU

DROPQUOTE QUOTE DROP

C RY PTOG RAM

J DWEJWXW UMW BMGJBW UG DW CRYPTOGRAM

DWKJHZ LJUM VEJKHJHK NGRT UMGRKMUZ VHY LGTYZ LJUM UMW TWIRJTW SGTW CTGS NGRTZWEC.

PUZZLE

CROSSWORD

Down

1. Range pts.

2. Uzbekistan's ____ Sea 3. Secretarial work 4. Like some arms 5. 106, to Caesar 6. Blue-green shade 7. Punjabi prince 8. Glossy finish 9. Emily Dickinson's home, in Massachusetts 10. Life story, in brief 11. A Wright brother, for short 12. Colorado native 13. Wed. follower (var.)

18. Bungle 22. Solo in the movies 24. Luau entertainment 26. "____ the night before Christmas..."

27. Backpackers 28. 1980's George Peppard series, ACROSS 42. Stitched line with "The" 1. ____ Odie ("The Princess and 43. Clarinetist Shaw 29. Frauds the Frog" voodoo priestess) 45. Warm in the microwave 30. Soup ingredient 5. PC key 31. Boars Head product 47. Hotel offerings (abbr.)

9. "It's ____ time!"

32. Express a viewpoint 14. Long day's journey 48. Let the cat out of the bag 15. Calf meat, to Collette 52. Household hints columnist 33. Disconcert 16. Jocularity 34. ___ diem (seize the day) 53. Appalachian st.

17. Some Africans 38. Prefix with hertz 54. Rotates 19. Move like a helicopter 40. Three-man vessel 57. Author Madeleine L'___ 20. Replay effect, briefly 41. Slant unfairly 61. Ancient Greek coins 21. Shaping aid 44. Apostrophe's purpose, often 23. Appliance spec.

65. Tuffet 46. Roof edges 25. Kitt and namesames 67. Off-limits activity 49. Med. unit 30. Oppose 68. Like omelets 50. Member of a herd 33. Whiz 69. Flemish painter Jan van ___ 51. Port on the Loire 35. Pile 55. Cancellation 70. Bayou cooking style 36. "___ hike!"

56. Gets soaking wet 71. Pasadena's ____ Bowl 37. Possible drive-thru site 58. Spanish painter Francisco 72. Neiman Marcus rival 39. "NYPD Blue" actor 59. Deadbolt 60. Red deer WFBWEEWHU 61. Nonprescription: Abbr.

Answers to last week’s 62. Ewe sound JHUWHUJGH UG puzzles can be found 63. Grammatical element (abbr.) on page 09.

64. Gehrig of baseball — Oprah Winfrey 66. Nautical rope

theloafer.net | April 19, 2022

PETS

OF THE WEEK

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K at ie Katie is a sweet and calm girl that gets along with other cats. She would like to go to a quiet home with older children or just adults. She’s not a fan of being picked up but it might change once she has a stable home.

She really enjoys back rubs!

She does have a skin allergy that is very easily maintained with medication and good food. Katie has been spayed and is current on her vaccinations.

She was born in 2016.

There are 5 Red Daisies hidden in this issue of The Loafer.

Can you find them all?

Last Week's Puzzle Answers

D

Crossword

Cryptogram:

Dropquote:

"The farmer is the only man in our economy who buys everything at retail, sells everything at wholesale, and pays the freight both ways.."

"There is no faith which has never yet been broken, except that of a truly faithful dog."

oz

Sudoku

er Hi, my name is Dozer. I’m an 8 yr old Dachshund/Chihuahua mix. I am a sweet and gentle boy with a mild energy level. I like car rides but be careful, I do like to try to drive from your lap !!! I love to be petted,

scratched and am fond of squeaky toys and I’m housetrained. I’m good with kids 12 and up and other dogs.

I have been neutered and I’m up to date on vaccinations.

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 | April 19, 2022

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Johnson City Public Art to Host Art·Struck Festival in April

149 N. Lincoln Avenue Jonesborough, TN

Come to us in

We will meet you Anywhere for:

Jonesborough for:

Oil Changes:

Major or Minor

Synthetic or Conventional

Replacements: Headlight WindShield

Repairs: Tires Tune-Ups

The Johnson City Public Art Committee will host its second Art·Struck Festival on April 23 at The Pavilion at Founders Park, 105 W. Main St., in downtown Johnson City from 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. The festival will bring together artists and arts organizations to celebrate and support the arts community while highlighting the public art pieces that have been installed throughout Johnson City. The event will include art vendors, art activities and demonstrations, and several live performances.

public along with smaller prints on items such as bandanas. Giant paper mache puppets designed and constructed by the East Tennessee State University Marching Band and Professor Jonathon Taylor will make an appearance during the event, lending a whimsical flair to the celebration.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to enjoy hands-on activities such as a weaving fence, sculpture assembly, wand making, art puzzles, bucket drumming, painting, and chalking. Other highlights include music, dance, storytelling, and aerial acrobatics performances. This family-friendly event is free and open to the public.

The festival’s art market will feature the work of more than 60 artists in mediums ranging from painting, printmaking, and digital art to ceramics, fiber art, and jewelry. Artists Laken Bridges and Sage Perrott will oversee on-site steamroller printmaking, generating oversized prints of To learn more about the Art·Struck Festival or the Johnson City Public Art Committee, original, hand-carved designs. The largescale prints will be offered for sale to the visit: jcpublicart.com.

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

Call for info Bill 423-444-6107 or Cheryl 423-262-6149 THURSDAY APR 21ST IBN Biz Lunch 6:00pm at Logan's Roadhouse FRIDAY APR 22ND Johnson City Classic Car Auction 5:00pm at Dealers Auto Auction of East TN SATURDAY APR 23RD Johnson City Classic Car Auction 10:00am at Dealers Auto Auction of East TN Art Struck Festival 10:00am at Founders Park Remote Worker Downtown Johnson City Tour & Brewery Hop 11:00am at Spark Plaza

KINGSPORT FRIDAY APR 22ND Bays Mountain Earth Day Yoga Hike 12:00pm at Bays Mountain Park SATURDAY APR 23RD Farmer's Market 7:00am at Kingsport Farmers Market

Spring Day of Service/Caring 8:30am at Warriors' Path Park 2022 Walk for Wellness Expo 11:00am at Lynn View Community Center Nature: Wolf Howling 10:00am at Bays Mountain

BRISTOL FRIDAY APR 22ND Truck Night 7:00pm at Quaker Steak and Lube SATURDAY APR 23RD

JONESBOROUGH TUESDAYS Jonesborough Storytelling Guild “Stories n’More” Show 7:00pm at The International Storytelling Center SATURDAY APR 23RD Historic Jonesborough Town Tour 1:00pm at Chester Inn State Historic Site and Museum

GRAY

Car Show and Cruise In 5:00pm THU, APR 21 – SUN, APR 24 at The Cave Pizza Appalachian Antique Farm ABINGDON, VA Show at Appalachian Fair WEDNESDAY APR 20TH Bingo 5:00pm at Abingdon Community Center FRIDAY APR 22ND

WEDNESDAYS Comedy Open Mic 7:30pm at Blue Ridge Comedy Club FRIDAY APRIL 22ND Andrew Rudick and Casey Crawford 7:30 at Blue Ridge Comedy Club James Gregory 8pm at Capitol Theatre of Greeneville

ROANE MOUNTAIN

SATURDAY APRIL 23RD

FRI, APR 22 - SUN, APR 24

Andrew Rudick and Casey Crawford 7:30/9:30 at Blue Ridge Comedy Club

Spring Roan Mountain Movies for Grown-Ups 2:00pm at Naturalists Rally at Roan Washington Co. Public Library Mountain State Park SUNDAY APR 24TH Conference Center Bingo 5:00pm at Abingdon Community Center GREENVILLE

ERWIN

SATURDAY APR 23RD

FRI, APR 22 - SUN, APR 24

Rockin For Rescues Dog Pawty 11:00am at Greene County Fairgrounds

NoliFest 2022 at USA Raft Adventure Resort

COMEDY SHOWCASE

Comedy Showcase 8:00pm at Wallace Theatre James Gregory 8pm at Jettie Baket Center Clintwood, VA SATURDAY APRIL 30TH Comedy and Magic 8:00pm at Wallace Theatre

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

theloafer.net | April 19, 2022

THINGS TO DO

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theloafer.net | April 19, 2022

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Ceremony Marks Completion of Trails at Mountain Bike Park at Winged Deer SORBA Tri-Cities members and City of Johnson City officials celebrated completion of the 5-mile Mountain Bike Park at Winged Deer Park with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Sunday, April 10.

The trail system at Winged Deer Park, 204 Carroll Creek Road, was completed by SORBA volunteers on March 20 with final construction of The Kidd Dreamline Trail, a .5-mile section built mainly for beginners and youth.

The mountain bike trails at Winged Deer can be traced back to the completion of the Tweetsie Trail in 2014, which generated an interest in additional trails. Jim Hughes, who was serving as the City’s director of golf, invited representatives from SORBA to speak about mountain biking to the Johnson City Parks and Recreation Advisory Board.

This led to mountain bike trails being included in the 2015 Winged Deer master plan and work days scheduled soon after its approval.

“As someone who was an avid mountain biker, I found it an atrocity that Johnson City didn’t have a mountain bike trail system,” Hughes said. “This was a prelude to Tannery Knobs, and the only exceptions were the smaller bike trails at ETSU that are not managed by the City.

“I got together with former Parks and Recreation Director Roger Blakely. We looked at various parks, and Roger and I basically came up with the idea that Winged Deer Park would be a great site. It just evolved from there.”

Former SORBA president and current Parks and Recreation Advisory Board member Marc Upton credits several people with the bike park’s success.

“Jim Hughes was instrumental in making this happen and new Assistant Parks and Recreation Director Charles Ridlehuber has taken on that role following Jim’s retirement,” Upton said. “Parks and Recreation Director James Ellis has also been involved a lot, and City Commissioner and former Mayor

Jenny Brock has been very supportive of the trails, coming to speak at events, meeting with the mountain bikers, and providing letters of support.”

Since beginning the project in 2015, SORBA has tracked the following volunteer hours, donations, grant funding and other data: ·

Over 350 volunteers

·

3,000 recorded volunteer hours

·

$27,000 in donations and grants

·

25 organized volunteer workdays, and countless informal volunteer workdays

·

5 miles of total new trail

·

Value of trails if professionally built is calculated at $160,000

423Cycling will utilize the Mountain Bike Park and Winged Deer on April 30 to host locally sanctioned mountain bike races.

For more information about the Mountain Bike Park at Winged Deer, call 423-283-5815.

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moonshiners during the prohibition in Johnson City but they were also linked to Cincinnati gangster George Remus and Al Capone in Chicago.

Blevins’ family tree with the Johnson City roots and “Little Chicago” days runs deep. His great grandparents Sam and Carrie Wheelock bought their first store in Local native Stephen Alfred 1918 on what is now known Blevins is launching a new as West Main Street. Their 3 brand Felony Spirits. Blevins, sons Alf, Don and Bruce all a genealogy enthusiast made helped run the store. The some fascinating discoveries Wheelock’s had many run ins in his family history dating with the law over the years. all the way back to the This crime family eventually prohibition. With numerous opened the Sunshine newspaper clippings to Restaurant speakeasy in support his findings Blevins 1928 just as Don was headed found that his family were to Federal prison in Atlanta not only the most notorious right ahead of Capone

and Remus.

In 1930 Sam Wheelock received a shipment from Cincinnati at Clinchfield Train Depot which is now Yee haw Brewery. This was reported as the biggest liquor bust in Johnson City history.

By 1932 Sam and Don were in prison with Al Capone. Don worked with Capone sewing in the overall shop. In 1934 after Don was released from prison and headed home to Johnson City to face escape charges where he was convicted and sent to Brushy Mountain Prison for 10 years.

Sam later did time at the Tennessee State prison in Nashville for a notable crime while Carrie continued to run a new beer store in Keystone.

Ultimately Blevins family

criminal records span to 1944 where Sam Wheelock was given a pardon by the Governor of Tennessee.

Blevins vowed to carry on the tradition of making corn whiskey which is the ancestral heritage in the mountains of East Tennessee. He has teamed up with East Tennessee Distillery to release his brand Felony Spirits. This is a flavored “white Likker” with a family member on each bottle and a newspaper clipping detailing each arrest. Blevins was the first legal distiller within the city limits.

Join them on April 28th at Capone’s and taste some of this white likker laced with crime!

theloafer.net | April 19, 2022

Felony Spirits Tells the Story of the Most Notorious Bootleggers in East Tennessee History.

theloafer.net | April 19, 2022

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

“You can cut all the flowers, but you cannot keep Spring from coming.” – Pablo Neruda

Celebrating the people and places of our community!

“You can cut all the flowers, but you cannot keep Spring from coming.” – Pablo Neruda

theloafer.net | April 19, 2022

Tri-Cities Faces and Places

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theloafer.net | April 19, 2022

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University School to Hold “Pickin’ in the Schoolyard” Fundraiser University School will host “Pickin’ in The Schoolyard” on Saturday, April 23 on the campus of East Tennessee State University from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

This event is an annual fundraiser for the Junior Appalachian Musicians Program (JAM) at University School. It will include several student groups performing Appalachian music throughout the event. Members of ETSU’s Bluegrass, Old-Time, and Roots Music Studies, JAM string bands and other University School students are scheduled to perform on both the school lawn and in the gymnasium.

JAM is an after-school music program that introduces students to the Appalachian music of their communities and the region through small group and string band instruction.

University School was the first school in Tennessee to offer this program to its students.

“Pickin’ in The Schoolyard” will also include food/vendors for purchase. Suggested admission is $3. In the event of inclement weather, the event will be moved inside.

For more information, call (423) 439-4333 or email allisonk@etsu.edu.

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3507 E Andrew Johnson Hwy Greeneville TN 711 Asheville Hwy Greeneville TN 423-946-1500

at Rose & Remington and Curve & Clo th

Tuesday, April 19 at 5:00pm

We install within 7-10 business days after template.

Family owned and operated.

100’s of colors available.

GRANITE | MARBLE | QUARTZ | QUARTZITE

STONE COUNTERTOPS SALES • FABRICATION • INSTALLATION

The Loafer invites you to come socialize and shop with us at Rose & Remington and Curve & Cloth in the Mall at Johnson City. Both stores will be offering a 20% discount on regular priced clothing , jewelry and accessories. Clearance items are up to 70% off! Sizes small - 3Xl are offered.

A $100 gift card will be given away at 7:00pm! You must check in at The Loafer table inside Rose & Remington to shop with discounts and enter the giveaway. Come shop, eat,drink and meet your Loafer staff and get to know the newest local boutique. Discounts on advertising (if you come meet us).

theloafer.net | April 19, 2022

Ladies Night Out with The Loafer

theloafer.net | April 19, 2022 18

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theloafer.net | April 19, 2022

CONCERT SCHEDULE Bristol

BRISTOL TN/VA

PARAMOUNT Apr 3 Crowder Apr 7/8 The Black Jacket Symphony: The Police’s Synchronicity Apr 9 Mark Lowry Apr 16 Bela Fleck & The Flecktones Apr 22 Don Felder May 15 Scotty McCreery May 29 Million Dollar Quartet CAMEO THEATER Apr 22 10,000 Maniacs Apr 23 Three Dog Night May 20 Bellamy Brother BRISTOL MOTOR SPEEDWAY Sept 30-Oct 1 Country Thunder Music Festival with Morgan Wallen, Jason Aldean, Hardy, Lauren Alaina, Tracy Lawrence, Travis Tritt and others

May 1 May 14 May 20 May 21

Dailey and Vincent The Oak Ridge Boys The Commodores Boston singer Tommy DeCarlo with American Idol Singer Rudy Cardenas performing the music of Boston and Journey

KNOXVILLE TN

Knoxville

TENNESSEE THEATRE Apr 3 Newsboys Apr 15 Postmodern Jukebox Apr 24 Taylor Tomlinson Apr 25 Primus Apr 28 Walker Hayes Apr 29 Amos Lee May 4 Tom Segura May 13 Blue Man Group May 22 Needtobreathe May 29 Bonnie Raitt June 16 Three Dog Night Aug 17 Weird Al Yankovic Aug 27 Little River Band

BRISTOL RHYTHM & ROOTS REUNION Sept 9-11 JJ Grey and Mofro, Tanya Tucker, Roseanne Cash, Del McCoury Band, THOMPSON BOWLING ARENA Apr 8 Elton John Jerry Douglas Band and many others.

Apr 16 Alabama May 7 Shinedown JOHNSON CITY May 14 Brooks & Dunn with Walker FREEDOM HALL Hayes & Morgan Wade June 19 David Victor formerly of Boston May 31 Paul McCartney Oct 21 Chris Janson KNOXVILLE CIVIC AUDITORIUM MARTIN CENTER FOR THE ARTS Apr 7 Reo Speedwagon Apr 11 Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Apr 20 My Morning Jacket Apr 27 Melissa Etheridge Apr 21 Modest Mouse Apr 25 Rainbow Kitten Surprise WILLIAM B. GREENE JR. STADIUM Jun 9 Jo Koy Apr 29 Miranda Lambert

JOHNSON CITY TN

KINGSPORT TN

Kingsport

KINGSPORT’S RED WHITE AND BOOM INDEPENDENCE CELEBRATION Jul 2 38 Special and Ultimate Garth, the Ultimate Garth Brooks Tribute Band

GREENVILLE TN

GREENVILLE

NISWONGER PERFORMING ARTS CENTER Apr 8 Hotel CaliforniaSalute to The Eagles

KNOXVILLE CIVIC COLISEUM Apr 15 For King & Country May 5 Justin Moore with Granger Smith BIJOU THEATRE Apr 6/7 The Wood Brothers Apr 8 Girl Named Tom Apr 11 Henry Rollins Apr 14 The Zombies Apr 26 Shelby Lynne & Allison Moorer May 11 Justin Hayward with Mike Dawes May 17 Rodney Crowell

Nashville

Asheville

NASHVILLE MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM Apr 22 Ryan Upchurch May 7 Deftones May 8 Mike Epps Comedy Tour

THE ORANGE PEEL Apr 1/2 The Wood Brothers Apr 27 Matt Kearney Apr 30 Paul Thorn May 27 Robert Earl Keen

NASHVILLE TN

RYMAN AUDITORIUM Apr 3 Daryl Hall and Todd Rundgren Apr 3 Lorde (Opry House) Apr 5 Micky Dolenz Apr 8 Trace Adkins Apr 9 The Wood Brothers Apr 10 Tanya Tucker Apr 13 The Zombies Apr 13 JohnnySwim (Opry House) Apr 17 Jerry Cantrell Apr 18 Kid Rock’s Comedy Jam Apr 25 Gladys Knight Apr 29 Walker Hayes May 3 Van Horrison May 5 Melissa Etheridge May 6-8 Billy Strings May 9 Primus May 12 Don McLean May 19 George Thorogood and the Destroyers May 26/27 Bonnie Raitt May 28 Weird Al Yankovic ASCEND AMPHITHEATER Apr 30 Jack White May 1 Jack White May 13 Leon Bridges May 18 Sting BRIDGESTONE ARENA Apr 8 2Cellos Apr 13 John Mayer Apr 15 Chris Tomlin Apr 27 Journey and Toto Apr 28/29 Eagles Apr 30 Bon Jovi May 4 Shinedown May 6 Megadeth and Lamb of God May 13 New Kids On The Block May 17 Justin Bieber May 21 Kid Rock with Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening

ASHEVILLE NC

THOMAS WOLFE AUDITORIUM Apr 2 Bob Dylan Apr 27 Indigo Girls Apr 30 Amos Lee May 5 Tom Segura May 15 Chicago May 20 Kenny G May 26 Little Feat Jun 24 Leanne Morgan Aug 12 Foreigner

CHEROKEE NC

Cherokee, N.C.:

HARRAH’S CASINO Apr 1 Grand Funk Railroad Apr 23 Blackberry Smoke May 6 38 Special May 13 Blues Traveler June 4 Tanya Tucker June 25 Kansas

GREENVILLE SC

Greenville, S.C.

BON SECOURS WELLNESS ARENA Apr 11 Bon Jovi Apr 22 Zac Brown Band Apr 23 Annual Greenville Blues Festival Apr 25 Eagles May 4 Megadeth and Lamb of God May 6 Shinedown June 17 Brooks & Dunn June 19 The Temptations and The Four Tops

PIKEVILLE KY

Pikeville, KY

APPALACHIAN WIRELESS ARENA Apr 8 Whiskey Myers SONESTA AIRPORT HOTEL July 9 Poison with Lita Ford and May 27/29 Creatures Festival with Ace Grimsley Rose Frehley, Vinnie Vincent, Quiet Foreigner Riot, Enuff Z’Nuff, Vixen and more Aug 2

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

theloafer.net | April 19, 2022

20

“As a retired Criminal Court Judge who served Washington, Carter, Johnson, and Unicoi Counties for 16 years, to say the least, I became quite familiar with a lot of lawyers, including the three candidates for General Sessions Judge, Part III. Without question all three are fine folks. However, in my opinion Johnathan stands out with the right mixture of transparency, character, and legal competence you want to see in a courtroom. Many of you have seen the difference a good Judge can make, and I believe Johnathan can make that difference. He will make you an excellent Judge.”

-THE HONORABLE ROBERT E. CUPP RETIRED JUDGE

EARLY VOTING: APRIL 13TH – 28TH ELECTION DAY: MAY 3RD FIND HIM ONLINE: www.voteminga.com | mingaforjudge

“I’ve worked alongside Johnathan in the Court system for many years. He is exactly the type of person that our community needs as a Sessions Court Judge. Johnathan will bring judicial leadership and the ability to bring others in the community together as we expand the recovery courts and move toward a residential recovery court in East Tennessee.

He has the expertise and experience of knowing the problems children and families face and how they impact our region in a larger scale. Johnathan will be a true asset to the people in our region.”

-LISA TIPTON EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, FAMILIES FREE

Paid for by Committee to Elect Johnathan Minga, Robert Williams, Treasurer

21

theloafer.net | April 19, 2022

theloafer.net | April 19, 2022 22

23

Heads Up Folks’ Biker Wear Is Moving Soon We are still at our old location for now on the motor mile, but we are moving to downtown Johnson City. New address will be 116 Buffalo Street.

Beside Yee-Haw Brewing. We will announce our Grand Opening Date soon. We love all of you and thank you for being such great customers.

We look forward to seeing you at our Grand Opening.

stand as the centerpiece of Natural Tunnel State Park in Scott County, Virginia. While this naturally formed cave, which is so large that it is used as a railroad tunnel, easily merits a visit on its own, this Virginia state park boasts a whole range of additional attractions that make Natural Tunnel State Park the ideal destination for your next RV trip.

With cave tours and canoe trips on the nearby Clinch River, a swimming pool The 8th Wonder Of The World (about with a 100-foot slide, miles of hiking, 86 miles round trip). Referred to as the mountain biking, fishing, and selfEighth Wonder of the World by William guided trails, the historic Wilderness Jennings Bryan, the Natural Tunnel Road Blockhouse, live music, and a stretches more than 850-feet long chairlift to the tunnel floor, Natural and is as tall as a 10-story building.

Tunnel State Park has something to The Natural Tunnel is more than lure in every kind of guest from bikers, one million years old and has been hikers and paddlers to history buffs attracting visitors for more than two and casual sightseers. centuries. You can ride the chairlift down to hiking trails, picnic tables, Now here is how to get there. Start and of course, the tunnel itself. The at the Holiday Inn in Johnson City. 1.

Natural Tunnel, located in Duffield, Turn right at light 11E S, 250 ft. 2. Turn is a marvelous landmark that can be right on I-26 W/ US 23 N, 22.9 mi. 3. explored in a number of ways. By far Continue straight on US 23 N/US 58 W/ the most memorable is the chairlift US 421 N, 17.4 mi. 4. Turn right on SR that will take you right down to the 871, 1.3 mi. 5. Turn right on Chairlift opening of this fascinating tunnel.

Loop, 0.2 mi. 6. Turn right on Natural The tunnel was carved naturally Tunnel State Park. 7. Turn left on over thousands of years through a Chairlift Loop, 0.2 mi. 8. Turn left on SR limestone ridge, and today, it helps 871, 1.3 mi. 9. Turn left on US 23 S/US to make this breathtaking formation 58 E/US 421 S, 17.4 mi. 10. Turn right on I-26 E / 23 S, 22.9 mi. 11. Turn right on Exit 20, Roan St.

3515 Bristol Hwy Ste 101 Johnson City, TN • www.bikerweartn.com • (423) 631-0542

EVENTS Local Events: World of Outlaws Bristol Bash April 28th – 30th

Rallies: 1. Thunder Beach Rally April 27th – May 1st Panama City, FL 2. Thunder In The Smokies April 29th – May 1st

Rides:

1. Benefit Ride for Chris Calloway Washington County Moose April 24th 2. 2nd Annual Feeding 5,000 Fun Ride April 31st 3. Smokey Mountain HD Cannonball Run April 31st

Bike Nights:

1. Kingsport Moose Riders 2nd & 4th Wednesday Each Month 2. 19E Pit Stop Every Wednesday 3. Quaker Steak & Lube Every Thursday 4. Tulips Grub & Pub Every Friday 5. Thunder Mountain Tavern Every Tuesday 6. Peacemakers Bike Night 801 Boozy Creek Every 3rd Friday of each month 7. East Coast Wings Every Wednesday

A few places you might want to stop:

Beanz Biker Corner

By Anne Hartley 423-297-5675

1. Gray Fossil Site - Take a prehistoric adventure 2. Natural Tunnel State Park Experience incredible views and discover a wonderful natural formation.

3. Cootie Browns - Unique, locallyowned restaurant with an eclectic menu and fun atmosphere.

4. Phil’s Dream Pit - A local BBQ favorite.

5. Mona Lisa’s Gelato - Perfect for some lighter fare or delicious, traditional gelato.

6. Kingsport Carousel - Wonder at this local delight, or select one of the handcarved animals and take a ride

Useless Facts: 1.

2.

3.

4.

Movie trailers got their name because they were originally shown after the movie.

Rubber bands last longer when refrigerated.

Pope John Paul II was an honorary Harlem Globetrotter.

If you plug your nose, you can’t tell the difference between an apple, a potato, and an onion.

5. There are 293 ways to make a change for a dollar.

6. A Harry Potter book filled with typos sold for $90,000 7. Rainbows were called “bows of promise” in Victorian English.

8. Hershey’s makes one million miles of Twizzlers every year.

9. Maine is the only state whose name is just one syllable.

10. One-quarter of your body’s bones are in your feet.

11. The average person spends 6 months of their life sitting at red lights.

12. The average American/Canadian will eat about 11.9 pounds of cereal per year!

13. The thumbnail grows the slowest and the middle nail the fastest, nearly four times faster than toenails.

14. It’s impossible to sneeze with your eyes open.

15. Oreo has made enough cookies to span five back and forth trips to the moon.

theloafer.net | April 19, 2022

Beanz Biker Corner

Sponsored By Biker Wear

theloafer.net | April 19, 2022

24

SHERIFF Paid For By Campaign To Elect Keith Sexton SHERIFF- Sandra Conley, Treasurer

REAL EXPERIENCE PROVEN INTEGRITY PROVEN LEADERSHIP

Meet Keith Sexton

I am a lifelong resident of Washington County, attending school at Towne Acres Elementary, Sulphur Springs Elementary/Middle School, and graduated from Daniel Boone High School in 1987. I earned my bachelor’s degree in criminal justice in 2014 while working full-time as a police officer.

I am a family man, married to my wonderful wife Ashley, and blessed with three grown children, two grown stepchildren, and six grandchildren.

They are my life’s greatest possessions.

I am a conservative Christian with strong beliefs in God, family, and service to our fellow man. I am an honorably discharged veteran, having served in the United States Marine Corps and the Tennessee Army National Guard.

A NEW DIRECTION

SEXTONFORSHERIFF.COM

now. I started my law enforcement career in January of 1991, working with Washington County Sheriff’s Office for 17 years, where I was promoted through the ranks to the rank of Lieutenant/ Watch Commander. The Johnson City Police Department currently employs me as a Lieutenant in charge of the training unit. I am also an FBI certified Bomb Technician, the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team commander, and the SWAT team commander.

I have a great deal of real law enforcement leadership experience in both agencies working in the patrol divisions, criminal investigations units, special operations, drug enforcement investigations, and training. Throughout my career, no matter my rank or I have spent my life as a public servant, position, I have always believed in choosing a career as a law enforcement treating people the way that I want to be treated, respectful, polite, officer serving Washington County and professional. and Johnson City for over 30 years

25

Your brand colors tell your customers what you can offer them. Will you be packing their order in eco friendly packaging?

Offering them sales? Or maybe just wanting to put them at ease? The color you choose subtly gives a hint about your intentions.

Blue branding creates trust and a feeling of relaxation.

It puts your customers into a calm state where they feel comfortable with their purchasing decisions. If the buyer does not regret their purchase, the sale is retained instead of returned.

Excite your audience by creating red branding.

Sales branding in red will attract budget conscious

Social Sentiments

By Wendy Hayden socialsentiments @outlook.com

socialsentiments.net

buyers to your store who will likely be able to purchase more due to lower pricing.

Optimism in your brand shows through yellow branding. Yellow creates a vision for a successful future with your brand. Returning customers create a steady profit flow. Yellow branding can subtly assist customers in seeing their future through shopping with you.

A friendly environment can be created through orange branding. Friendly service is an important factor in creating consistent sales.

Customers will want to return to your store knowing they will receive friendly service, which is uncommon in our fast

paced world.

A peaceful and eco friendly vibe can be created through green imagery. A focus has been placed on environmentally friendly products and services over the past few years and green branding shows that you are in tune with the path the rest of the world is taking.

Any color outside of this list that speaks to your brand should be used in conjunction with the color of the mood you are attempting to create.

The ultimate goal is to create a subtle connection that resonates with your customers and your brand and creates return business.

theloafer.net | April 19, 2022

What Do Your Brand Colors Imply About You?

theloafer.net | April 19, 2022

26

Elect

Josh

Edens

County Commission District 4

ELECT Josh Edens for Washington County Commission District 4.

Service comes in many forms.

Everyday we have a chance to make a difference in a positive way.

I am blessed beyond measure to be able to serve my community in a variety of ways.

As a youth pastor I serve my community, students, and church family through matters of life and faith.

As a teacher I serve my community, school, and county by mentoring young people on their educational journey.

As a coach I serve my community by leading young men and women on the field of competition with humility and grace.

As parents my wife Ashley and I try to show our children what a marriage should look like through good times and bad.

As a father I try to guide the steps of my children in the way they should go as they continue on the journey that is their life.

I love my life and I am truly blessed to be right where God

has placed me. I have always had a heart for service and I hope to serve my district as your next County Commissioner.

I humbly ask for your consideration and VOTE for Washington County Commissioner district 4.

Thank you and God Bless Early Voting - April 13th through April 28th Primary Day - May 3rd

Paid for by Josh Edens County Commission

I just got back from the best/worst trip of my life.

I was sent to New England for work training last week, and since I was flying into LaGuardia and have never spent any time in the city, I decided to head up a couple days early and explore Manhattan on my own. The day started on a downward trajectory, with a 5:30am flight out of Nashville, meaning a 2:30am wakeup call for me. After missing the exit for long term parking twice due to lack of sleep and slowly losing my night vision to old age, I rushed inside to check my bags, expecting no more than a handful of people at that unholy hour.

Unfortunately, it seems everyone in Nashville decided they were flying to NYC at the crack of dawn on a Monday, because I was on an overfilled flight. (Literally, they booked too many people, then offered $1000 in airline credits to whomever bumped themselves to the next flight.) With that being said, the line to check bags was outrageous, made worse because the First Class Only airline Southwest (that’s sarcasm by the way) only has automated kiosks where you print your own bag tag and boarding passes instead of humans, and half of those were non-operational. When I finally made it to security, the body scanners were down meaning the lovely agents of TSA (again, that’s sarcasm) were relying on sniff dogs, metal detectors, and their own ceaseless screaming to ensure public safety. Thankfully, the flight was on time and short and I landed in one piece in Queens, where I had booked a black car service to get me to my hotel in Manhattan by 10am.

I am definitely a southern girl, born and raised below the Mason-Dixon, so I’m used to a certain level of nature, cleanliness and manners that are not the norm in that area. I’m not being derogatory in this assessment it’s just the facts; it’s simply a different lifestyle.

I was expecting the fast paced city of glitz and glamour portrayed on TV and movies; instead there was piles of trash, tons of homeless and the whole city smelled like urine and THC pens. I spent most of Monday strolling around Central Park and getting situated in my hotel, then capped the night off having a few drinks with a friend who lives there and almost getting trafficked by some very shady characters with thick Easter Europe accents. Let me re-state my opening sentence- Monday was a bust.

weekend to airports. With not even so much as a rental car available, I resigned myself to my fate and decided once again to just wake up Friday and “make the best of it.”

I asked one of our Texas reps if she wanted to grab some fresh seafood and bloody mary’s for lunch before she headed out to NY. After several suggestions, we decided on The Restaurant at Rowayton, a local, family-owned seafood restaurant and market right on the water. It was a mere 10 minute Uber ride away, so I thought nothing of being dressed in yoga pants and a hat, my dining companion in her Ugg slippers and travel/leisure clothes. What the person didn’t mention is that Rowayton is basically a whole other city, comparable to The Hamptons, where some of the wealthiest people in America call On Tuesday I awoke with a fresh home. The owner of NASAQ resides mindset and decided I was not going there, as well as the former owner of to repeat another crummy day of vacation. I spent my morning exploring National Enquirer, whom was sitting 2 the galleries at the Museum of Modern seats away. To say we were mortified to be so underdressed would be an Art, then whittled away the afternoon understatement, but my life motto taking in all the beautiful architecture being “confidence over competence,” along 5th avenue. I did a tour of the we sat down to enjoy some lobster Rockefeller Center, climbing all the bisque and cod tacos anyway. I am way to the Top of the Rock for their so glad we stayed. The owner of breathtaking views of the city. And I ended the night at an exclusive rooftop the restaurant was there and began where I had a cheeseboard and martinis chatting with us, keeping us there among the iconic NY nighttime skyline. the entire day. We made so many amazing connections and everyone My impression of NY completely flipwas incredibly nice. The views were flopped simply because I changed my outrageous at sunset and quite frankly mindset and my surroundings. it ended up being the best part of Wednesday and Thursday I was off to my trip.

Connecticut for intensive work training, Life is all about perspective and state and a much anticipated return to of mind, which is a constant battle Nashville by 8:30am Friday morning. for me. There are always going to be Following our final team dinner on curveballs thrown your way in spite My first day in the city was kind of a Thursday night, a few of us stayed of the best laid plans. I booked every downer. I will preface this by saying out for cocktails and it was during moment of this trip 2 weeks in advance everyone local I spoke to said things that time I received notification my and still managed to have those plans have changed for the worst since Covid, flight back home was canceled. I was completely blown due to no fault of my and I’m sure that is true. I will also say fuming. Having been in travel since own. With the mindset I had Thursday the Friday before, all I wanted was my own bed, not to mention I was now stuck in CT another day alone and since the rescheduled flight was later on Saturday, I would lose my entire

XO - Kathie

by Kathie Scalf

night, I planned to spend Friday locked in my hotel room and pouting. I’m so glad I decided to make the effort to think positive and push myself out of the comfort zone of negative thinking, because I would have missed this incredible opportunity to network and most of all have the most fun day of my trip!

It’s easy to let negativity run your life, especially in this day and age. It seems people only want to share inflammatory or heartbreaking news, so it’s become the norm to exist in that headspace.

You have to be absolutely diligent in taking life’s lemons and turning them into lemonade-or lemon drop martinisto survive. The more times you say “NO” the more opportunities you’re missing out on; seriously, you could actually miss meeting the person who could change your life simply because you were being stubborn because things didn’t go your way. Plan to the best of your ability, but when things go wrong you have to roll with the punches and keep a smile on your face. Take it from me, an expert in this arena- the worst thing to ever happen can become the best, life-changing event; it’s all about a positive mindset and a survivor spirit.

theloafer.net | April 19, 2022

Lemons to Lemonade

27

CALVIN CLIFTON

theloafer.net | April 19, 2022

28

Candidate for Commissioner of Highways •

Calvin Clifton spent 11 years with the City of Kingsport, working first in the transportation department before becoming Water/Wastewater Manager. He served as Public Works Director for the City of Athens and, later, entered the private sector.

Calvin has spent the last 18 years working for engineering firms serving counties and cities in multiple states.

He presently serves as Business Development Manager for Mattern & Craig Engineers-Surveyors.

• Calvin earned his AAS degree from Northeast State Tech and a BS degree from ETSU. He is a member of several professional organizations, including the American Public Works Association. Governor Bill Lee appointed Calvin to serve as a member of the Tennessee Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations. TACIR works to address concerns and issues while building relationships among government

agencies at the state, county, and municipal levels. He has been involved in numerous community organizations including the Boy Scouts, Chamber of Commerce, Kiwanis Club, and the Republican Party.

• In local government, he serves as vice-chairman of the Kingsport Board of Zoning Appeals, a member of the Sullivan County Planning Commission, and the Sullivan County E-911 Board. At the state level, he is active with the Tennessee County Highway Officials Association.

• Calvin and his wife, Leslie, are active members of Mountain View United Methodist Church. Leslie is in her 34th year as a sixth-grade science teacher at Ross N. Robinson Middle School. The Cliftons are the parents of Peyton and Megan and grandparents to three.

29

The new film "The Bubble" gives the world of filmmaking a good smack in the face (perfect timing considering what happend at the Oscars this year), while making us laugh. The plot of the film involves the stars of the big budget film franchise "Cliff Beasts" which features flying dinosaurs, gathering at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic to film a sixth installment of the series. The new film has the ridiculous title "Cliff Beasts 6: Battle for Everest: Memories of a Requiem", and features the return of one of the stars, Carol Cobb (Karen Gillan), who did not appear in the fifth installment as Dr. Lacey Nightingale. Her return is met with less-than-enthusiastic reactions from many of her co-stars, especially Lauren Van Chance (Leslie Mann) who immediately states Carol adondended them. One of a very few films being produced during the early days of the pandemic, the stars gather at a swanky English hotel where they must self-quarantine for two weeks before filming begins.

After the two weeks have ended, Carol and the rest of the cast, Krystal Kris (Iris Apatow), a TikTok megastar recruited for the the film, Dieter Bravo (Pedro Pascal), a veteran actor appearing in the series for the first time, the aforementioned Van Chance, who is the soon-to-be divorced wife of fellow actor Dustin Mulray (David Duchovny), also on hand to reprise his role, Sean Knox (Keegan-MIchael Key), who promotes

Pop Life

By Ken Silvers theloaferonlineprint @gmail.com

himself as a wellness guru when off camera, and Howie Frangopolous (Guz Khan), the comic relief of the film, finally are able to gather for a welcome back party. Also on hand for the party is new director Darren Eigan (Fred Armisen), who is better known for indie films. Also on site is the executive producer of the series, Gavin (Peter Serafinowicz), who is trying to run a tight ship and keep everyone in line. The cast also features Harry Trevaldwyn as Gunther, a wellmeaning but hilarious COVID safety officer who constantly instructs the cast how to remain safe on and off set, and quite often steals the film.

The cast also has Nick Kocher as Scott Dawson, the behind-the-scenes still photographer, constantly attempting to get the cast to cooperate with his efforts. As filming begins, all appears to be going as planned, but soon derails after one of the characters quits the film due to a panic attack, and is killed off in the film in a gruesome manner. Other problems develop with TikTok star Krystal, attacks on the script by Dustin, and an outbreak of influenza caused by a delivery girl. The delay of filming and other future happenings delight hotel owner Ronjon (Vir Das), who knows the delays will only bring more money to his hotel. As if the cast isn't feeling enough claustrophobia, tighter security measures are implemented by head of security Mr. Best (Ross Lee), who begins using drastic measures to keep the cast at the hotel. Scenes involving the cast filming the sequel are quite funny, with dippy dialogue, questionable acting, and moments of diva behaviour adding to the mayhem of the production. The studio has even placed a mole among the group to spy on the cast and to be sure they are behaving. However, the cast, led by Carol, have had enough of the chaos and demanding studio, devises a plan to escape via helicopter one of the actors believes he can fly.

Despite his limited ability to only fly the helicopter up and not forward, he is aided by his fellow castmates, and they all fly off from the hotel and set.

Flashforward two years and the cast is celebrating the release of the hit

"Beasts of the Bubble", a behind-thescenes documentary of the troubled set as filmed by the aforementioned Scott Dawson. Of course with the documentary being a hit, all of the cast members are thrilled with the project and the reception by the public and critics. While the film did make me laugh at the spoofing of spoiled Hollywood actors and executives, there are some cringe worthy moments, and some jokes fell flat.

With all the talent on hand, I expected

more, and I felt as I mentioned earlier, the actor playing the health safety officer, Harry Trevadlwyn steals the movie every time he appears on screen, and we needed more of him.

Overall, "The Bubble" is an average comedy/satire needing a bit more comedy in its satire. Now playing on Netflix. (Rated R)

theloafer.net | April 19, 2022

The Bubble

theloafer.net | April 19, 2022

30

My name is Danny Edens and I am running for Washington County Clerk in the May 3rd Republican Primary. I am a current Washington County Commissioner, having served for sixteen years. In my tenure I have dedicated myself to serving the citizens of this great county with loyalty and My name is Danny Edens and I am running Washington County Clerk dependability.

If elected I willforcontinue that same in the May 3rd Republican Primary. I am a current Washington County leadership theforClerk’s Commissioner, havinginto served sixteen office. years. In my tenure I have dedicated myself to serving the citizens of this great county with loyalty and dependability.

I will continueand that same Thank youIf elected for your support yourleadership vote. into the Clerk’s office.

Thank Early you for your support your vote.

Voting : April and 13th-28th Primary Election: May 3rd Early Voting : April 13th-28th Primary Election: May 3rd

31

Director Frank Tashlin is something of an overlooked and underappreciated director.

Tashlin holds a unique place in cinema history, as the only film director to begin his director career working for Warner Brothers directing Looney Tunes cartoons in the 1930s. Tashlin would bounce around from various Animation studios, then worked as a gag writer in the late 1940s, before he directed his first live-action film in the early 1950s.

One of Tashlin’s most celebrated films is 1956’s “The Girl Can’t Help It,” not only for the cartoon sensibility he brought to the pop-culture satire but also for it being an incredible document of performers from the birth of Rock and Roll. The film stars Jayne Mansfield and Tom Ewell, alongside Little Richard, Fats Domino, The Platters, Gene Vincent, Eddie Cochran, and Jazz singer Julie London.

In lesser hands, “The Girl Can’t Help It” would have been

Batteries Not Included

By Andy Ross theloaferonlineprint @gmail.com

another “crank ‘em out before the fad ends” exploitation film.

In the mid-1950s as Rock grew in popularity, several filmmakers did their best to get cheap B-films rushed to theaters to make a buck off of the teenage audiences. Usually, these films have loose plots to hang musical numbers on to. “The Girl Can’t Help It” is centered around a mobster who wants to make his girlfriend into the next singing sensation. The mobster hires a washed-up agent to help, who takes the bombshell around to various nightclubs to be seen.

In Tashlin’s hands, the music numbers don’t feel shoehorned in. They feel part of the story.

Another thing that makes this movie unique is it was a big studio film made with a sizable budget and shot in color with 20th Century Fox’s then-new widescreen process “CinemaScope.” Something the film jokes about, in very Tashlin style, with Tom Ewell addressing the audience directly about the wonders of the film being shown in CinemaScope.

Only the film is in black and white and the traditional square aspect ratio of the era. This is something Ewell fixes on-screen by flicking the black bars on the left and right off, then has to yell to get the film to switch into Color. “The Girl Can’t Help It” is a funny, energetic, absurdist cartoon of a movie that has is gently poking fun at the popular music of the era as it celebrates some of the genre’s biggest pioneers who are in it.

“The Girl Can’t Help It” makes its blu-ray debut this week from The Criterion Collection, the new edition features an HD transfer

from the original 35mm negative.

It looks good, not perfect, but some of that softness is due to problems that were baked in with the earliest lenses used for CinemaScope films. The colors are bright and vivid, which is what you want for a film like this.

and an interview with one of Mansfield’s biographers.

Rounding out things is a trailer, an episode of the podcast “You Must Remember This,” an essay

by Rachel Syme, and excerpts from Tashlin’s 1952 book “How To Create Cartoons.”

As usual, Criterion has packed their blu-ray full of special features. There’s an audio commentary from a previous release of the film, a new video essay by critic David Cairns, an interview with one of the film’s biggest fans—the great John Waters, a chat between two WFMU DJs about the music,

“The Girl Can’t Help It” is a great delight of 1950s moviemaking. A silly, absurd, live-action cartoon of a film with visual gags most filmmakers would be too afraid to think up. It’s a delightful movie and one I’m so pleased to see out in this fantastic blu-ray from The Criterion Collection. Highly recommended.

See you next week.

theloafer.net | April 19, 2022

The Girl Can’t Help It

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