The Loafer 73

Theodor Seuss Geisel aka Dr Seuss 1904 –1991

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

Volume 03 Issue 73

Contributing Staff Andy Ross Kathie Scalf

03 Dr Seuss, Read Across America and Reading Tips Too 04 Spotlight 06 Sycamore Shoals March Schedule 07 Tri-Cities Nightlife 08 Puzzle Page 09 Pets of the Week 10 World Fusion Folk Ensemble Comes to Big Stone Gap 11 Things To Do 12

Tri-Cities Faces and Places

15

Useless Facts

22 WQUT Concert Schedule

Ken Silvers Wendy Hayden Ann Hartley

The Loafer Po Box 39 Telford, Tn 37690

NOTE

FROM THE

PUBLISHER Hello Friends!

This week we are thrilled to feature the amazing Dr. Seuss on our cover! How many of you and your children learned to read with one of his famous books? I absolutely loved reading those books to my kids!

Reading is such a great habit to teach your children at a young age and Dr. Seuss made it so fun to read. What is your favorite book?

It is only 24 days to Spring! I am so excited for nicer weather every day and not just random days. Right now we have to check the weather every morning to see if a jacket is needed. The nice weather this past week has me so spoiled!

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!

15 Beanz Biker Corner

columns & reviews

theloafer.net | February 28, 2023

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Poker Run 17

Social Sentiments: Spring Sunshine Into Your Feed

19 Tea Time with Appalachian Barbie:

No Waste Meal Planning 21 Pop Life: Your Place or Mine 23 Batteries Not Included: A Common Gratitude

Love, Lisa Durbin Publisher

By [https://EzineArticles.com/ expert/Carol_Josel/308241]Carol Josel Calling himself Dr. Seuss, Theodor Seuss Geisel took 236 vocabulary words, rhymed them and repeated them for a grand total of 1,629 words, and called it The Cat in the Hatabout two kids home alone on a rainy dayand their one-of-a-kind visit from the Cat, Thing One and Thing Two. Kids loved it right from the start, vaulting him to fame.

Like the 45 books that followed, the language is spirited and fun.

Simple, too. Indeed, in the whole story, only one word, another, has three syllables; fourteen have two, while the remaining 221 are all monosyllabic. Just right for young readers-older ones, too.

with Read Across America, now in its twelfth year. Everywhere, teachers, parents, and kids will be honoring this masterful writer and illustrator and the joy of reading.

for a book talk and snacks.

For local events, check your local library, school, and bookstore.

7. With your preschooler, point out and sound out words on everything from cereal and pizza boxes to milk and egg cartons, stop signs, billboards, labels, headlines, and so on.

Meanwhile, celebrate at home, too, by rereading all those favorite Dr. Seuss books and make some placemats based on them, too. Talk about a dinnertime conversation starter! And then keep books and reading uppermost in your family life every day.

1. Read to your child from infancy on-

In all, more than 200 million copies of his books have been sold-and in 15 languages, including Latin. And no wonder. Dr. Seuss’s whacky, laughout-loud rhyming stories have gifted children everywhere with a love for reading. As he says in I Can Read with My Eyes Shut, “I can read in red; I can read in blue; I can read in pickle color, too.” It’s what we all do when we’re in his company.

Along with the fun, come lessons, too. Take, for example, what the Grinch learned that night he stole Christmas: “Maybe Christmas,” he thought,” doesn’t come from a store.

Maybe Christmas... perhaps... means a little bit more.” That’s, of course, when his heart grows three sizes, he returns all the toys and food he’s taken, and ends up carving the roast himself.

6. Talk about what you’re reading, sharing your thoughts about the author’s writing style, the characters, story line, etc.

8. Make up stories for one another.

9. Be seen reading.

•

Cookbooks

•

Travel brochures

•

Magazines and newspapers

•

Restaurant menus

•

Catalogs

•

Comic books

•

Maps

•

Manuals

• Phone books 10. Turn off the cell phone, TV, computer, And then share these words from and video game players and read the mother of Dr. Benjamin Carson, together. director of pediatric neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital: “Bennie, if you can read, honey, you can learn just about anything you want to know. The doors of the world are open to people who can read.”

Theodor Seuss Geisel would second that.

Then there’s everyone’s favorite graduation gift, Oh, The Places You’ll Go, which reminds readers that “Life’s a Great Balancing Act” and ends with: “Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting. So... get on your way!”

-even older kids love hearing a good 11. Make reading a bedtime ritual-but story-and read expressively, perhaps read at other times, too. altering your voice for each character. 12. Present your child with her own library card.

2. As you read, stop every so often asking for a prediction of what might 13. Together, visit your local library and happen next. bookstore often and remember that self-selection ensures interest.

3. After a book is finished, ask for your child’s opinion about the plot, 14. Make sure that books, either characters, ending, etc., and do it borrowed or purchased, are written below his grade level to avoid conversationally. Dr. Seuss knew that reading should be an enjoyable, frustration. relaxing experience and not one that 15. Give books as gifts-based on ends in an interrogation. interests and reading level.

4. Ask your child to recommend a 16. Subscribe to such kid-friendly book and/or author to you, and do publications as Kids Discover and Time the same for her. for Kids.

The festivities celebrating Dr. Seuss’s 106th birthday begin on March 2nd

5. Start a book club for your child, gathering his friends once a month

Or consider the advice in Oh, Beyond Zebra: “Oh, the things you find if you don’t stay behind.”

Meanwhile, all around the house keep within easy reach such items as:

17. Maintain a home library for both you and your child

Carol is a learning specialist who worked with middle school children and their parents at the Methacton School District in Pennsylvania for more than 25 years and now supervises student teachers at Gwynedd-Mercy College. Along with the booklet, 149 Parenting School-Wise Tips: Intermediate Grades & Up, and numerous articles in such publications as Teaching Pre-K-8 and Curious Parents, she has authored three successful learning guidebooks: Getting School-Wise: A Student Guidebook, Other-Wise and School-Wise: A Parent Guidebook, and ESL Activities for Every Month of the School Year. Carol also writes for examiner.com; find her articles at http://www.examiner.com/x-6261Montgomery-County-Wise-ParentingExaminer For more information, go to http://www.schoolwisebooks.com or contact Carol at [mailto:carol@ schoolwisebooks.com]carol@ schoolwisebooks.com.

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles. com/?Dr-Seuss,-Read-AcrossAmerica,-and-Reading-TipsToo&id=3854168] Dr Seuss, Read Across America, and Reading Tips Too

theloafer.net | February 28, 2023

Dr Seuss, Read Across America, and Reading Tips Too

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Spotlight

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MONDAY Mar 6th Anthony Childress 7:00pm at Cascade Draft House Kingsport Kingsport, TN FRIDAY Mar 3rd

Bristol TN/Va Bristol, TN/VA WEDNESDAY Mar 1st Ed Snodderly w/ Brandon Story & Guests!

6:30pm at Machiavelli’s Ashton Brown and Ashton Davison 7:00pm at Cascade Draft House THURSDAY Mar 2nd Jace Smith 6:00pm at Delta Blues BBQ RJ Smith 7:00pm at Cascade Draft House FRIDAY Mar 3rd Hospital State followed by Scotty Melton 7:00pm at Cascade Draft House

Banjo Bar-Bee & the Buzz 7:00pm at Gypsy Circus Cider Company The Color 7 9:00pm at CJ’s Sports Bar SATURDAY Mar 4th

No Filter 8:00pm at Tulips Grub & Pub

Abingdon Abingdon, VA

Flannel- Ultimate 90’s Grunge Tribute 9:30pm at Wild Wing Cafe Weekend Vertigo | Basement Days | The Ruminations

Victor Lawson and Boogie Chillen 6:00pm at Wolf Hills Brewing

SATURDAY Mar 4th Kayla McKinney and Twisted Trail 9:30pm at Wild Wing Cafe Savage Outlaws 10:00pm at Capone’s

FRIDAY Mar 3rd

Bluff City, TN Bluff City SATURDAY Mar 4th The Fitzgeralds 9:00pm at Riverside Taphouse at South Fork

Dan Herrell & The Troubadours 9:00pm at CJ’s Sports Bar Johnson City City, TN Johnson TUESDAY Feb 28th Brim & Marci Leal 6:30pm at Rocks Wood Fired Pizza WEDNESDAY Mar 1st HB Beverly 6:30pm at Rocks Wood Fired Pizza THURSDAY Mar 2nd Justin Mychals 6:30pm at Rocks Wood Fired Pizza

TJ Darnell 8:00pm at Quaker Steak & Lube

Thomm Jutz & Tim Stafford 7:30pm at The Down Home

SATURDAY Mar 4th Matt Byrd Band 7:00pm at Cascade Draft House

FRIDAY Mar 3rd Jeff Lane 6:30pm at Rocks Wood Fired Pizza

Noah Spencer 8:00pm at Quaker Steak & Lube

Tannahill Weavers 8:00pm at The Down Home

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

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Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park March 2023- Programs and Tours Come Share in the Glorious Cause of Liberty!

Carter Mansion Guided Tour Wednesday, March 1 1:00 pm Wednesday, March 2 1:00 pm Thursday, March 9 1:00 pm Thursday, March 22 1:00 pm Adults - $9.00; Ages 7 to 17 years $5.00; 6 and under free Tax included Registration required www.tnstateparks.com/parks/ events/sycamore-shoals Join Park staff for a tour of Tennessee’s oldest frame house!

Discover the secrets of this elegant frontier home and learn the history of the family who built it between 1775 and 1780.

The John and Landon Carter Mansion is located at 1031 Broad Street, Elizabethton, TN 37643 Accessibility to the home includes steps and an interior staircase. Tour may be subject to cancelation in the event of severely inclement weather.

Sabine Hill Guided Tour Friday, March 10 1:00 pm Friday, March 23 1:00 pm Adults - $9.00; Ages 7 to 17 years $5.00; 6 and under free Tax included Max: 15 Registration required www.tnstateparks.com/parks/ events/sycamore-shoals Join Park staff for a guided tour of this stately home built by Mary Patton Taylor, widow of Brigadier General Nathaniel Taylor. The site has been described as one of the finest examples of Federal architecture in the State of Tennessee. During your tour you will have the opportunity to take in the colorful and architecturally detailed interior while learning about the influential Taylor family who called

Sabine Hill home in the early 19th century. Sabine Hill is located at 2328 West G Street, Elizabethton, TN 37643 Please note, only portable toilet facilities are available at this time.

Accessibility to the home includes steps and an interior staircase. Tour may be subject to cancelation in the event of severely inclement weather.

Weed Wrangle 2023 Saturday, March 4 10:00 am – 1:00 pm Admission: Free! Max: 20 Registration required www.tnstateparks.com/parks/ events/sycamore-shoals Have you ever wanted to get involved with your favorite state park? On March 4th we will be hosting a weed wrangle event, removing the invasive English ivy along our historic riverfront trail. The event will last for 3 hours and we will provide gloves and bags for removal. Please call park visitor center if you have further questions at 423-543-5808.

Tennessee. Class is open for all ages 5+ - adults. Wear comfortable shoes!

Provided in conjunction with Sabine Hill Social Society.

Overmountain Weavers Guild Fibers Show and Sale Saturday, March 11 10:00 am – 4:00 pm Sunday, March 12 10:00 am – 4:00 pm Don’t miss this great opportunity to visit with some of the best fiber artists of our region! If you love fibers, this is the place for you!

Demonstrations include weaving, spinning, knitting, natural dyeing, and more. A variety of handmade items will be offered for sale.

Transylvania Purchase Celebration Friday, March 17 1:30 pm – 4:00 pm Join Park staff at Sycamore Shoals State Park for various demonstrations of trade goods, tools, and currency to celebrate the 248th anniversary of the Transylvania Purchase.

Workshop: Traditional Irish Dance Vegetable Gardening with Ben Hunter Sunday, March 5 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm Class Fee: $6.00 Max: 30 (Friends of Sycamore Shoals Members - Free) Registration Required www.tnstateparks.com/parks/ events/sycamore-shoals Have you ever wanted to learn how to Irish Step Dance? If so, join Irish Dance instructor, Kimberly Mullinex, Appalachian Irish Dance Co., for an afternoon of learning basic Irish Dance steps. Mullinex is originally from the Hampton area. After becoming familiar with traditional Irish Dance as an adult in Boston, MA, competing on performance teams and then teaching in other states; Mullinex hopes to bring Irish dancing back to the hills of

Saturday, March 18 9:00 am – 12:00 pm Free! Max: 50 Registration required www.tnstateparks.com/parks/ events/sycamore-shoals The second session in our gardening seminar series will focus on vegetable gardening. Gardener extraordinaire, Ben Hunter, will be joining us to share his experiences & techniques for growing the garden of your dreams!

Watauga Valley Art League Meeting Sunday, March 19 1:30 pm All are welcome to join our area

Visitors Center Hours:

artists for their monthly meeting, highlighted by an art related presentation.

Tennessee Tree Day 2023 Saturday, March 18 9:00 am – 12:00 pm Reserve Trees Here www.flipcause.com/secure/cause_ pdetails/MTcwMjAy This year Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park has partnered with the Tennessee Environmental Council to participate in the 2023 Tennessee Tree Day. There will be 40 trees of various species to choose from, 1 tree per person, while trees last. However, participants can go to the link above and reserve their own trees for this year. Pick up times are listed above, for further information please call the park visitor center at 423-543-5808.

First Day of Spring Hike Monday, March 20 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm Admission: Free! Max: 10 Registration required www.tnstateparks.com/parks/events/ sycamore-shoals Join Park Ranger Cory Franklin on the first day of spring hike! This guided hike will feature native tree identifications and a guided walk along the Watauga River. Learn how to recognize a tree with or without leaves, how our ancestors used the trees, and other unique facts.

If you want to learn something new or enjoy an easy hike, the 1st day of spring hike has something for everyone.

Old Time Music Jam – Led by Art Lang Sunday, March 26 1:30 pm – 4:00 pm Enjoy the rich musical traditions of our region each month. Old time musicians of all levels are welcome. Don’t play an instrument? Come on over, kick back, and enjoy the tunes!

9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Monday through Saturday (closed 11:00 -12:00 for lunch & cleaning) 1:00 PM – 4:30 PM Sunday Our Visitors Center is closed on most State holidays. Park grounds are open from dawn until dusk.

In the event of extremely inclement winter weather, contact the park about program cancelations and park office closings.

1651 W. Elk Avenue- Elizabethton, TN 37643 423-543-5808 sycamoreshoalstn.wordpress.com • facebook.com/sycamoreshoals • tnstateparks.com/parks/sycamore-shoals • friendsofsycamoreshoals.org

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 THURSDAY Karaoke w/ Absolute Entertainment at Tulips Grub & Pub - Johnson City, TN 8pm Sing Your Heart Out Karaoke 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 with Absolute Entertainment at Union Street Taproom - Erwin, TN 8pm Jan 28, Feb 18 & Mar 4 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 WEDNESDAY Trivia at Tipsy Toad Jonesborough, TN 7pm Trivia Night Mellow Mushroom Bristol, VA 7pm

THURSDAY Mellow Trivia at Mellow Mushroom Johnson City, TN- 7pm

BINGO

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 THURSDAY Bingo at Mellow Mushroom Bristol VA 6pm

DJ NIGHT THURSDAY DJ B-Digital at O’Mainnin’s Pub and Grille Bristol, TN 10pm FRIDAY Handsome Hodge Entertainment at O’Mainnin’s Pub - Bristol, TN 10pm SATURDAY Handsome Hodge Entertainment at O’Mainnin’s Pub - Bristol, TN 10pm SUNDAY DJ B-Digital at O’Mainnin’s Pub and Grille Bristol, TN 10pm

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

theloafer.net | February 28, 2023

TRI-CITIES

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SODOKU

CROSSWORD

DROP QUOTE

C RYPTO G RA M O'U KYR ZYKZXLKXC WVYFR WBB NXBB VLXWEOKM BYYHX, VFR RNWR W JWLR YI NXBB GOBB VLXWE BYYHX... OR'BB VX UFZN NWLCXL RY CXRXZR. —George Carlin

ACROSS 1. Small armed warship 8. Oblong eatery 13. Undeterred 14. Idolizes 16. Lifts 17. Square dance call 18. Respected church leaders 19. Waste container 21. "___ Call You Sweetheart" 22. Oxfords 23. Tulsa's st.

24. Application abbr.

25. H.S. subj.

26. Beginning phase 27. Bazaar 30. ___ pro nobis 31. Pianist Chick with 14 Grammys

33. Emulate Gauguin 35. Sailor 36. Person with a goal 40. Came to a close 42. Music boosters 43. Weep 46. Oklahoma city 47. Prime time rating, often 48. Prodded, with "on" 50. Spinning firework 52. Steep-roofed house 53. Online seller or bidder 54. Rather than 56. One bringing home the bacon 57. Name on a 1945 bomber 58. Paul of "Bye Bye Birdie" 59. Make more attractive, as a deal

Answers to last week’s puzzles can be found on page 09.

Down 1. Set 2. Familiar with 3. Thanksgiving's month 4. Be loud, as a radio 5. On the ___ 6. Consumed 7. More snappy 8. Bits of baby talk 9. Vow phrases 10. Have a nibble of 11. Actor Leif 12. State of readiness 13. Rod attachment 15. Musical composition 20. Do-fa link 22. Le Duc ___ (1973 Peace Prize winner) 25. Auditors 26. Muscat is its capital 28. Honey-based liquor 29. Dress ____ (wear a costume of) 31. Anthropophagite 32. Commonplace 34. "I love this!"

35. Conical domicile 37. Make a driveway 38. Hints at 39. Anti-tank weapon, for short 41. 1949 Emmy winner for Most Outstanding Live Personality 44. Model-railroad scale 45. Lament 47. Lyon land 48. Send tax returns via the Internet 49. "____ Gravity" ("Wicked" merchandise slogan) 51. Listen to 52. Lotion additive 55. L.A.-to-Seattle dir.

theloafer.net | February 28, 2023

PETS

OF THE WEEK

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M in x Hi! My name is Mink! I am 2 yrs old, like to give hugs, like to be held, love to hide under my blankets, will give love nibbles but not too hard, older kids, please. I

am litter box trained, up to date on my vaccinations, neutered and will be microchipped when you come to adopt me !!!

There are 5 Cat Hats hidden in this issue of The Loafer.

Can you find them all?

R

Last Week's Puzzle Answers

ed fo

Crossword

Cryptogram:

Dropquote:

rd

Sudoku

Hi! My name is Redford. I am a 2 yr old Husky mix. I was a stray for a long time until someone was able to catch me. The people that caught me, held me for a week or so and were going to keep me, but I messed up and killed 2 of their chickens.

They said I was good around other dogs and cats, but we are not sure how I get along with kids. I know basic commands like sit, lay, stay but until I get to know

you, I would probably be a flight risk, so keep me on a leash. I do attach quickly and might have some separation anxiety.

The people that caught me did take me on a couple hikes and I enjoyed that, they also took me to a restaurant, and I had very good manners. I’ve been neutered, current on vaccinations and microchipped.

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

"Games played with the ball and others of "Journalists do not live by words that nature, are too violent for the body alone, although sometimes they and stamp no character on the mind. have to eat them."

Let your gun therefore be the constant companion of your walks.."

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World-Folk Fusion Ensemble Comes to Big Stone Gap Project Locrea will perform compositions and contemporary arrangements inspired by folk music from around the world on Wednesday, March 1st at 7 p.m. in the Goodloe Center on the Mountain Empire Community College campus in Big Stone Gap. Combining sound and instrumentation of world folk traditions with classical, jazz, and contemporary music conventions, Project Locrea’s focus is to foster better understanding and deeper connection between cultures. The world-folk fusion ensemble blends traditional musical instruments including the Chinese Hammered Dulcimer, Andean Pan Flutes, and Argentinian Bombo, with modern western instruments, namely the flute, guitar, drums, and percussion.

Tickets are $15 at the door and all children and students are free to attend. This performance is brought to you by the Pro-Art Association and Mountain Empire Community College in conjunction with Pro-Art’s 46th season and the W. Campbell Edmonds

Concert Series. More information and reservations at proartva.org.

Founded by Bulgarian-born flutist Yana Nikol in 2018, the project introduces audiences to different musical traditions through the lens of artistic creativity. The instrumentation at the group’s inception included flute, Chinese dulcimer, Azeri tar, guitar, bass, and drums. Since then, Project Locrea has expanded and welcomed many new members and instruments including a Peruvian pipes player, a Bulgarian kaval player, and an Ethiopian vocalist. The ensemble has performed at Blues Alley (DC), Creative Cauldron (Falls Church, VA), Atlas Performing Arts Center (DC), Levine School of Music, Casa Phoenix (DC), Culture Center at the Opera House (Havre de Grace, MD) and internationally at the MACAO Youth Music Festival in Macao, China.

Pro-Art partners with a variety of venues, therefore individuals with mobility issues are encouraged to call (276) 376-4520 or email the Pro-Art office at pro-art@uvawise.edu to

make arrangements for parking. For evolving conditions related to the global pandemic, inclement weather, or similar unforeseen circumstances, patrons are encouraged to check proartva.org for upto-date information.

Pro-Art is supported in part by the Virginia Commission for the Arts, which receives support from the Virginia

General Assembly and the National Endowment for the Arts, as well as the Slemp Foundation, The University of Virginia’s College at Wise, Mountain Empire Community College, and the Columbus Phipps Foundation. For more information about Pro-Art, please visit proartva.org, call the office at (276) 376-4520, or send an email to pro-art@uvawise.edu.

JOHNSON CITY

SATURDAY MAR 4TH Jericho Shriners Johnson City Love & Hiking SATURDAYS Date For Couples (Self-Guided) Gun and Knife Show ACOA (adult children of 7:00am at Willow Springs Park 9:00am at Jericho Temple alcoholics) 1:30-3:00pm.

Nature: Wolf Howling Call for info Bill 423-444-6107 Guest Artist: Dawn Kalis or Cheryl 423-262-6149 5:00pm at ETSU Martin Center 10:00am at Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium WEDNESDAY MAR 1ST BRISTOL Innovate Wrestling Festival of Ideas: David Brooks WEDNESDAY MAR 1ST Homecoming 2023 7:30 at 7:00pm at ETSU Martin Center Kingsport Civic Auditorium Comedy Open Mic 7:30pm for the Arts SUNDAY MAR 5TH at Blue Ridge Comedy Club FRIDAY MAR 3RD Jericho Shriners THURSDAY MAR 2ND Johnson City Love & Hiking Gun and Knife Show Date For Couples (Self-Guided) Swing into Spring 9:00am at Jericho Temple Canvas Class 6:00pm 7:00am at Willow Springs Park JONESBOROUGH at Kil'n Time Contemporary Second Annual 52 Film Fest Ceramic Studio TUESDAYS 8:00am at Wallace Theater Improv 101 Graduation Show Jonesborough Storytelling St. Patty's Gnome Door Hanger 8:00pm at Blue Ridge Guild “Stories n’More” Show 6:00pm at Into the Fire 7:00pm at The International Comedy Club Storytelling Center Weekly YuGiOh Duel Night FRIDAY MAR 3RD 6:00pm at CardFox WEDNESDAY MAR 1ST Brian Bates 8:00pm SATURDAY MAR 4TH IBN Biz Lunch 11:30am at Blue Ridge Comedy Club at The Black Olive Cat Adoption Event for Humane SATURDAY MAR 4TH Society of Washington County Board Game Night 5:00pm at The Mall at Johnson City at Bristol Public Library Johnson City Love & Hiking Date For Couples (Self-Guided) Brian Bates 8:00pm 7:00am at Willow Springs Park at Blue Ridge Comedy Club Bike and Beans 8:00am at Trek Bicycle JC Reception: Old Deery Inn & Museum 1:00pm at Reese Museum

SUNDAY MAR 5TH

KINGSPORT

THURSDAY MAR 2ND First Thursday Shop and Hop 5:00pm at Downtown Kingsport To be featured in The Loafer's Things to Do email us at: theloaferonlineprint@gmail.com or call 423-930-7319

SATURDAY MAR 4TH Historic Jonesborough Town Tour 1:00pm at Chester Inn State Historic Site Music on the Square Fundraising Event 6:00pm at McKinney Center at Booker T. Washington School SUNDAY MAR 5TH Simple Elegance Bridal Show 1:00pm at Historic Jonesborough

ABINGDON, VA WEDNESDAY MAR 1ST Bingo 5:00pm at Abingdon Community Center FRIDAY MAR 3RD Movies for Adults 2:00pm at Washington County Public Library SUNDAY MAR 4TH Bingo 5:00pm at Abingdon Community Center

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THINGS TO DO

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Useless Facts sponsored by biker wear 1. The reason the taste of artificial banana flavoring and artificial banana flavored products doesn’t taste like bananas is that it is based on a type of banana that was wiped out by a plague in the 1950s.

2. Australia has over 10,000 beaches. You could visit a new beach every day for over 27 years!

3. It was Nicholas Cage who first advised Johnny Depp to pursue a career in acting, during the mid-1980s.

4. The national animal of Scotland is the Unicorn.

5. The directors of the film Despicable Me actually wrote their own language for the Minions called Minionise.

6. Viagra, when dissolved in water, can make cut-flowers stay erect for up to a week longer than they usually would. Try it!

7. There is an uninhabited island in the Bahamas known as Pig Beach, which is populated entirely by swimming pigs.

8. Catnip is ten times more effective at repelling mosquitoes than DEET, the main substance used in insect repellents.

9. Hares are born with fur and can see whilst rabbits are born ‘naked’ and blind.

Local Events: 1. 1st Annual St. Patty’s Day Party at True Sons MC Club House March 18th 2pm

Rallies: 1. Daytona Bike Week March 3rd – March 12th 2. Cave Creek Bike Rally March 24th – April 2nd Cave Creek AZ

3107 W. Market Street Suite 1 Johnson City, TN (423) 328-7991

ERIN MCARDLE LAW CAN HELP YOU WITH YOUR LEGAL NEEDS. • Criminal Defense • Juvenile/Family Law

Let the experience work for you.

ERIN MCARDLE LAW erinmcardlelaw@gmail.com

www.erinmcardlelaw.com

Get unparelled legal representation from a former prosecutor who has handled thousands of criminal matters and has tried difficult jury trials.

Rides: 1. Benefit Ride for Jill Cassandra Sly Funeral Expenses March 19th The Cave KSU 1pm 2. WesMen Ride For The Ramp April 22nd 3. Annual Spring Ride Combat Vets March 18th Lexington, SC

Bike Nights: 1. Quaker Steak & Lube Thursdays starting April 13th

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Hello everyone, ready to say playing cards, the participants must bye bye to February and hello to ride to predetermined locations March. Don’t forget Daylight Saving and acquire the poker chip card. A Time is Sunday March 12th. Spring poker run is an organized event in is just around the corner. With which participants, usually using warmer weather coming more motorcycles, must visit five to seven and more bikes are out and about. checkpoints, drawing a playing card Poker Runs will be happening. at each one. The object is to have If you see a large pack of bikes the best poker hand at the end of roaring down the road it is most the run. Having the best hand and likely they are riding for a cause. winning is purely a matter of chance.

You can opt not to play cards and What is a Poker Run? Poker runs roll dice instead at each stop. A dice usually require a fee to enter run is one variation, where instead and some for each additional of collecting cards, participants roll hand; in some events a small dice at each stop. The object is to part of the fee may go to funding have the highest score as determined the event, including the prizes, by the sum of the dice rolls. The while the rest goes to the event's player with the highest number and charity recipient. A poker run the lowest number wins a prize at is a platform for motorcyclists, the end of the ride. Each checkpoint amateur riders, and biking might offer food or entertainment, enthusiasts, allowing them to either covered by the entry fee or at take unconventional routes and additional cost. Each participant is explore the roads while also raising funds for events, including responsible to maintain the integrity of their hand during the run. Hands charity, service, or a cause for are usually written down or marked welfare held by motorcyclists or with punched holes on a ticket, vehicle-based organizations. It is rather than assembled from actual patterned based on traditional poker where the dealer hands out cards given to the riders. The only the players five or seven cards, and requirement is that riders arrive at the final checkpoint by the time the player with the best hand is declared as the winner. Similarly, prizes are awarded, usually near the end of the day, typically at a party instead of being handed out the with food and refreshments. It might be required that participants collect all of the requisite number of cards, five or seven. Although most events are on motorcycles, off-road vehicles, boats, or horses, events involving small aircraft, ATVs, bicycles, golf carts, snowmobiles, skateboards, running, canoeing and kayaking, and geocaching have been held. Poker runs are a great way to get people together and have some fun, usually while raising money for a good cause. They have been organized for all sorts of transportation – kayaks, speedboats, ATVs, horses – and

By Anne Hartley even travelled on foot. But most commonly they tend to appeal to the 423-297-5675 biker community, and it isn’t hard to see why. Poker runs are organized over a set route with five or seven

theloafer.net | February 28, 2023

Beanz Biker Corner

different checkpoints. Riders are issued a map at the start and sent on their way. It isn’t a race, but rather an organized ride, often through great scenery and places you may not have been. There is usually a generous time limit, so everyone is finished by a reasonable hour.

The organizers know how to make the ride enjoyable and will go out of their way to include some great roads and sights to enjoy, either riding solo or with your mates. Poker runs have been organized in cities and across open country. With rides publicized well in advance, it’s not unusual to find bikers travelling from all over the country to take part in a particular ride. After all, getting too the starting line is often part of

the adventure. Bikers turn out in the hundreds for poker runs, so they’re also a great place to meet like-minded individuals and talk all things motorcycle. You’ll see all different kinds of bikes, from revamped classics to modern muscle, and get a chance to swap maintenance tips and share ideas.

It’s the socializing before and after the ride that draws people in as much as the journey itself.

In fact, large poker runs can almost have a festival atmosphere. And by adding in an extra element through poker, event organizers can make the ride even more exciting.

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17

Social media, if used correctly, can be extremely motivational. It can motivate you to start that project you’ve been working on through groups filled with expert advice. It can also inspire you to start a business that shows the world what you are truly passionate about. Negativity runs rampant on social media, but with some tweaks, you can have the positive experience you deserve.

Ridding yourself of negative followers is a great way to add more sunshine into your feed. Content created and shared by negative people can significantly impact your mental health. Don’t be afraid to click the unfollow

Social Sentiments

By Wendy Hayden socialsentiments @outlook.com

socialsentiments.net

button on negativity. That button is the start of your path to a positive social media experience.

Comments are able to be deleted for a reason. Negative comments can have a lasting effect on mental health, whether intended or not. You hold the power to remove comments that interfere with your ability to maintain a positive outlook.

Take control of your feed by using your settings to your advantage. Filter negative language, block harmful users, and control tagging settings along with deleting negativity through followers and comments to ensure a positive social media experience that leaves you feeling fulfilled.

theloafer.net | February 28, 2023

Spring Sunshine Into Your Feed!

theloafer.net | February 28, 2023

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by Kathie Scalf

I probably don’t need to tell you that it’s getting very expensive to live.

From housing to vehicles, lumber and gas, virtually everything we use in our day-to-day lives has increased exponentially in cost, and nowhere has this become more obvious than on our grocery receipts.

Being a single female I’ve always been able to budget my grocery allowances from $50-$75 a week- that was until 2020. Since then my pantry and refrigerator staples have doubled in cost, with a carton of egg whites alone now running almost $7.

I already had these inflation issues at top of mind when I decided to write this article, sharing my lighthearted hacks for stretching your dollar at the grocery store. But in the hours before I sat down at my computer a video came across my Instagram feed that really put into perspective a much deeper reason to share these tips. The video was a gut-wrenching moment captured somewhere in war and disease-ridden Africa, of a starving child being given a few slices of bread. It was only a few seconds long, but it hit me like a ton of bricks, snapping me out of my selfish mindset of “first-world problems” and reminding me there are people experiencing true unimaginable pain and suffering. This child, who due to the shocking advanced state of starvation actually could have been anywhere between 5 and 20 years old, almost seemed fearful to take the slices of white bread, his large hollow eyes darting back and forth before he shoved it in his mouth and the video ended.

I’m not an emotional woman and I rarely cry, but this shook me. However, what shook me even harder was the disgusting facts I discovered when I immediately began Googling statistics on US food consumption.

We are now a nation that is 73.6% overweight, with 41.9% of those people considered obese. With 2/3 of our population ingesting so much food we are overfed to the point of disease, one would think there would be a food shortage in this country. On the contrary, we have a massive food waste problem. Each year, 119 billion pounds of food is wasted in the US, which is nearly 40% of all food in America; which equates to 130 billion meals. For the record, the entire population of Africa is 1.2 billion, with 278 million (or 20%) suffering from chronic hunger. So if I did my math correctly, that means with just the food we throw away each year in the US we could feed every person who is starving to death 467 times.

I’m truly disgusted by this data.

We have got to be better people, to ourselves and to others. It’s unacceptable that we live in such a land of comfort that we’re making up reasons to hate one another that don’t even exist outside our own minds.

It’s unacceptable that we are actively choosing to kill ourselves with excess food while others are dying from lack of it. And the fact that our world’s leaders have figured out how to get anything my heart desires delivered to my front door in less than 24 hours via Amazon but somehow hasn’t figured out how to freeze and ship surplus food to dying people and instead chooses to let it rot in landfills should tell you everything you need to know about how much they really care about humanity.

bodies with superfluous amounts of toxic foods. I firmly believe obesity is a mental health issue and not a physical one, and should be treated as such; there’s no shame in seeking help for compulsive over-eating just as with any other addiction having a negative impact on your life.

Now, I’ll finally get to the initial point of this article and that is some advice on how to more effectively manage your grocery purchases, which will not only reduce personal waste, but will also keep more dollars in your pocket. The most important thing you can do, like most things in life, is to make a plan and stick to it. Only make one trip to the store each week; as the week rolls on and you run out of necessities, add them to a list for the following week.

But while I’m a big fan of having a strict list for necessities like toilet paper, dishwasher pods, etc, I actually don’t make a set list of meals for the week.

Instead, I “hunt” at the grocery store, and build my meals around what I find.

Let me explain.

I eat basically the same breakfast every single morning. When it comes to lunch and dinner however, I like to mix it up. Kroger (and most other stores) is amazing for having daily markdowns on items that are going out of date the next day. So when I go in, the first section I visit is the meat department, as that is the focus of my meals. I see what good deals I can score and build my meals around that. Last week for $3.85 I got 6lbs of seasoned chicken thighs and legs on markdown, which after cooking With all that being said, I can’t stand people who complain but never act and pulling off the bones came out to toward resolution. I Googled “how 2.5lbs of meat, or 9 4oz servings. Then I took all those bones and tossed them in can we help starvation in Africa” and the first piece of advice I was given the crockpot with onion, celery, carrots, was to “pray for them.” While I’m not salt, pepper and water and cooked it on low for 16 hours which yielded 12 knocking the power of prayer, I would prefer a faster acting and more hands- cups of homemade bone broth, saving me another $12 off my grocery bill. on solution to this crisis, and I firmly believe charity starts at home, so the Each and every department in Kroger most important thing we here in the US has a markdown section, filled with discounted foods that can be cooked could do would be to help ourselves first. We have to stop this madness in the next day or two or frozen for of hoarding and disrespecting our later. Breads, produce, dairy and even

shelf stable items that are just going out of season can be purchased at a fraction of their original cost, saving you a boatload of money and keeping them from being needlessly wasted in a dumpster. And I know this is easier for me as one person who isn’t a picky eater, but this is when we all need to reevaluate our priorities and stop being so finicky about what we eat. Get creative and make it a fun family bonding time to explore new recipes and tastes together. Remember, that broccoli you can’t stand would be the dream of that child in the video.

Finally, if you have the capacity to garden, do so. Even if you live in an apartment, you can grow your own herbs and patio plants like tomatoes and peppers in containers. Buy locally sourced and sustainable goods to the best of your budget. And again, only buy what you can reasonably consume; we are blessed to live in the land of plenty, but it’s high time we stop taking it for granted, look outside ourselves and try to give as much if not more than we take.

XO - Kathie

theloafer.net | February 28, 2023

No Waste Meal P lanning

theloafer.net | February 28, 2023 20

21

I have always loved Reese Witherspoon. My favorite film from the Nashville raised actress is "Legally Blonde", and to a lesser extent its sequel.

Reese is back in the new film "Your Place or Mine" with costar Ashton Kutcher ("That 70's Show") now showing on Netflix.

Reece stars as Debbie Dunn, who 20 years ago hooked up with Peter Coleman (Kutcher), and even though the two never went on to pursue a romantic relationship, have remained best friends since that one night together. Debbie currently lives in L.A. and is a single mom raising her son Jack (Wesley Kimmel) while trying to pursue a career that will help with finances even though she would rather be part of the book publishing world. Meanwhile, Peter is a highly successful consultant living in New York City. The two communicate daily much to the dismay of Peter's girlfriend Minka (Zoe Chao), who begins to wonder just how serious Peter is about their relationship. When Minka discovers Debbie is coming to New York to complete an

Pop Life

By Ken Silvers theloaferonlineprint @gmail.com

accountancy course to secure a pay raise, she decides to dump Peter after the news and his refusal to make a commitment to her. Meanwhile, back in L.A., Debbie is hit with the news her sitter for Jack has an unexpected job opportunity leaving her without a sitter.

Upon hearing the news, Peter tells Debbe he would be happy to fly out to care for Jack while she takes her class in New York. Debbie, a very "smothering" parent, agrees to the arrangement and heads to New York after Peter arrives in L.A. Jack has always lived under the uber strict rules of his mom, and while he finds Jack strange at first, beings to love how his replacement sitter gives him the most freedom he has ever experienced. Jack, who has been rejected by two of his best friends, is receiving help from Peter to win them back.

While she is in New York, Debbie begins her class and meets Minka who wants to see what Peters sees in his best friend.

Minka actually takes Debbie under her wing, and one night while the two are out they see famous book publisher Theo Martin (Jesse Williams), strike up a conservation, and soon Theo and Debbie are crushing on each other. In a roundabout way, Peter discovers the budding romance between Theo and Debbie, and begins to realize he has feelings for Debbie and should have never let her go. As for Debbie, while she may be falling for Theo, she discovers something hidden in Peter's apartment that awakens feelings in her as well. From this point forward, one awaits

the eventual reunion between Peter and Debbie. The film has plenty of "cute" moments as one would expect from this type of film, and even provides some laughs. Reese is her usual peppy self, and this role is perfect for her. Kutcher is a fine co-star for bubbly Reese, and the two have great screen chemistry. The supporting cast is also great, with Chao perfectly cast as the ditzy "I don't read"

Minka. Steve Zahn is also on hand as Zen, Debbie's rich neighbor who is always tending to her garden while harboring a crush on his neighbor. All of the aforementioned results in an enjoyable romcom romp. If you enjoy this genre of film, and are a fan of Reese, "Your Place of Mine" is the film for you. Now playing on Netflix. (Rated PG-13)

theloafer.net | February 28, 2023

Your Place or Mine

theloafer.net | February 28, 2023

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BRIDGESTONE ARENA Feb 17 Adam Sandler Feb 19 TobyMac with Crowder Feb 24-25 Billy Strings Mar 1 Carrie Underwood Mar 31 Kane Brown Apr 7 Chris Tomlin Apr 16 New Edition May 4 Janet Jackson with Ludacris Jun 13 Duran Duran Jun 17 Bryan Adams and Joan Jett NISSAN STADIUM Apr 15 Luke Combs May 5-7 Taylor Swift May 19 Billy Joel and Stevie Nicks Jun 11 CMA Fest Jul 22 Ed Sheeran Jul 28-29George Strait, Chris Stapleton & Little Big Town BROOKLYN BOWL Mar 7 Theory of a Dead Man Mar 9 moe.

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At the start of this year, I how you feel day to day. decided I wanted to take some There are two pages for each steps toward improving my day, one for the morning and mental health. The first of which one for the evening. These is giving mindfulness a try. It’s a pages have prompts for you tool you use to be more mindful to fill in about your goals for of your thoughts and how they that day on the morning side, affect your mood. So if you and your thoughts on how feel like a failure instead of the day went on the evening accepting the fact of your brain side. There’s even a 1-10 chart saying “I’m a failure” you simply for you to circle how you felt say “I notice I had the thought your energy was that day. My that I think I’m a failure.” favorite part of the evening side is where it asks you to list Sometimes my brain is like “thoughts to clear your mind.” a giant ball of knotted-up Christmas lights that have This works wonders for me as been in storage for 11 months. I often tend to lay in bed with Tangled with half the lights out my brain in a loop over a variety and three of them are blinking of things. I’ve noticed an actual and you don’t know why. I told change there from being able a few friends about my goal to to write some of those thoughts try this and one of them, for my down. Now on the morning birthday, surprised me with a side of things, which I do when mindfulness journal. It looks I sit with my first cup of coffee like any other kind of spiralfor the day, it lets you list three bound notepad or journal, but things you’re feeling grateful for the pages inside are designed to that day. help you be more aware of you I write the date at the top of the page each morning so I can keep track, and look back on down the road. So far, for the almost two months I’ve been filling out the journal, I’ve noticed one common thing that I list each day in the “things I’m grateful for” section. Coffee.

Almost every single day I’ve listed coffee as the first thing Batteries I’m grateful for. Maybe it has to Not Included do with the fact I’m having my first cup, but really, I think it’s

By Andy Ross just a fact of my life that one of theloaferonlineprint my great loves is coffee.

@gmail.com

Let’s look at the fact. I’m a writer, writers traditionally thrive on coffee. I’m also a

creative type of person, and they tend to be drawn to coffee. Yes, coffee does rule all around me. I’ve talked before in these pages about how I am very much a “do not speak to me till I’ve had that first cup” kind of person. I need that time to come to terms with myself.

Yes, I am grateful for coffee. It’s what I need to get me going and sometimes I turn to it too much. I do, sadly, find that as I’m getting older I have to switch over to decaf at a

certain part of the day unless I wanna be up all night wired and ready to run a marathon.

Yes, coffee. I shall keep listing it every single day when I journal, then drink it while I work, then hopefully not get the jitters and be a nervous wreck all afternoon.

Or maybe I should embrace that. As noted coffee lover Jerry Seinfeld once said “I like the anxiety” you get from coffee.” See you next week.

theloafer.net | February 28, 2023

A Common Gratitude

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