november 27, 2012

, The Loafer • November 27, 2012

www.theloaferonline.com November 27, 2012 • The Loafer,

Volume 26Issue #51

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www.theloaferonline.com • [email protected]: [email protected] (editorial)

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NEW ROUTE FOR 2012-2013WHAT: Ford Speedway in Lights Powered By TVA, the largest holiday light show in the SouthWHO: Presented by Bristol Chapter of Speedway Children’s CharitiesWHERE: (NEW THIS YEARH – Enter at Bristol Dragway Entrance on Highway 394 NOT on Volunteer ParkwayWHEN: (FridayH Nov. 16 through (SaturdayH Jan.5; 6–10 pm nightlyWHY!"#$"%&'&()*"+,$-,./0".'1"$,-.')2.*)$'0"supporting the needs of children in the Tri‐Cities regionHOW: By producing one of the largest holiday light shows in the country; a route of approximately four miles and two millions lights, providing entertainment for thousands and raising money for charities for children

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: MAJOR CHANGE TO ENTRANCE! A new entrance/route for the event gives visitors a fresh look at Ford Speedway In Lights as they begin their drive‐through trek at the Bristol Dragway entrance, on Hwy. 394; NOT the South entrance of the Speedway on Volunteer Parkway

COST/ADMISSION: Cars ‐‐ $12 Sunday through Thursday; $15 Friday and Saturday; Activity vans ‐‐ $20 (each nightH Buses ‐‐ $85 each night

DISPLAYS: The route of sparkling lights features such favorites as the:

Ripley’s Penguin Playhouse and the Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies display, located under the front stretch grandstands at the Speedway.

The SUBWAY Symphony of Lights; a spectacular exhibit covering the Darrell Waltrip Grandstand inside Bristol Motor Speedway that features more *3.'"4556555"789":)-3*0"0;'<3,$')2&1"*$"/=0)<>

The route includes a lap around BMS and a trip through legendary Thunder Valley

The Twelve Days of Christmas; complete with 12 animated individual scenes

Dinosaur Village, which features six dinosaurs, including a towering Tyrannosaurus Rex and an erupting volcano

Other favorites include the cannon shot, the dueling dragsters and the Coal Mountain Gift Mine, which is 70 feet long and 22 feet tall. The mine features a continuous miner tossing presents through the air into a front‐end loader with some help from an elf

GENERAL SHALE CHRISTMAS VILLAGE: General Shale ?,)<@"A3,)0*/.0"B)::.-&")'"*3&"?CD")'()&:1"E&.*=,&0"various carnival rides and food vendors. Before his duties at Christmas take him away Santa Claus is on hand as well.

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES:

Johnson Controls Ice Rink Open Thursday, Nov. 15 – Sunday, Jan. 13

HVAC Chill Hill Open Thursday, Nov. 15 Sunday, Jan. 13

Santa Sleigh ‐‐ leaves from a boarding station located near the HVAC Chill Hill every Wednesday

and Thursday night at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. Tickets, available at the station, are only $8 per person. Groups can reserve the entire sleigh, but are asked to call in advance. Parking is located in the North Entrance parking lot of BMS.

For more information concerning Speedway In Lights, the Johnson Controls Ice Rink or HVAC Chill Hill, please call 423.989.6900.

Ford Speedway in Lights powered by TVA


The Historic Jonesborough Dance Society l presents a contra dance on Saturday, December 1, at the Jonesborough Visitors Center, 117 Boone Street. The featured band will be local band, Sigean with Keith Eustis, leading the dance. Admission to the dance is $7, HJDS Members $5 and full time students $5. No partner is necessary. All dances are taught by the caller. All dances are smoke and alcohol free. A workshop for beginning contra dancers will be led by the caller at 7:00pm. The 1.'<&" F)::" ,='" E,$/" G!45HI5!45+/" F)*3" ." F.:*2"break at 9:00pm where, once again, Klondike Bars will be served to all who attend. #3&" 0$='1" $E" ()11:&0" .'1" +)+&0" <$/&0" *$"

J$'&0%$,$=-3"*$" ()::" *3&"1.'<&"3.::"F)*3" *3&" ()'&0*"Celtic music in the region. Sigean is a traditional Celtic band that has some Americana/bluegrass/old‐time roots because of its members’ musical experience. Sigean was formed in 1997, in Bristol, Tennessee, in order to allow local musicians to +&,E$,/" K,)03" *,.1)*)$'.:" /=0)<>" L=)*.,06" ()11:&06"Irish pipes, whistles, bodhran (Irish frame drumH tenor banjo, and sometimes 5‐string banjo, upright bass and vocals from a Scottish vocalist. Traditional reels and jigs, airs, ballads from Scotland, Ireland and the British Isles.The band consists of Tom Swadley on guitar,

M,.'@" N)'-" $'" ()11:&" .'1" *&'$," %.'O$6" J$3'"P=03)'-" $'" %.006" C.,<).''&" QR9.;" $'" ()11:&" .'1"9&%%)&"D3,&F0%=,;"$'"(:=*&".'1"F3)0*:&0>"""P&<&'*"recordings include “Live at the Paramount” during 2007 Bristol Rhythm and Roots Festival and “Lone Shanakyle” from 2010. For more information, please visit their website: www.sigeanband.com or their fan page on FACEBOOK.The area of East Tennessee, Southwest Virginia,

Western North Carolina and Eastern Kentucky was heavily settled by “Scots‐Irish” immigrants in the 18th and 19th Centuries. Therefore, Sigean exists to perform the music of the Celts, the jigs and reels that were once and are still heard throughout the -,&&'"()&:10"$E"K,&:.'16"*$"."<$'*&/+$,.,;"S/&,)<.'"

audience or room full of contra dancers. Their /=0)<" )0" -,&.*:;" )'(:=&'<&1" )'" *3&" *,.1)*)$'" .'1"(:.T$," $E" K,&:.'16" D<$*:.'16" N.:&06" .'1" *3&" $*3&,"Celtic nations.Having called for over 18 years, Keith Eustis has

found a following of dancers who enjoy her clear teaching and joyful calling. Choosing interesting 1.'<&0" *3.*" (:$F"0$" *3.*"1.'<&,0" <.'"-,$$T&"F)*3"the music, and move with ease through the dance, is one of her strengths. Keeping the dance moving F3):&")'T)*)'-"'&F"1.'<&,0"*$"*3&"(:$$,")0"+.,*"$E"3&,"welcoming approach to dancers of all skill levels. Eustis, from Greenville, SC, has called at numerous local dances, festivals, dance weekends, and dance camps throughout the United States and Canada and on dance trips to several other countries, including Costa Rica, Peru, and New Zealand. Her calling has been described as “joyful”, “scintillating”, “fun”, “exciting”, and “welcoming”. Her smiling enthusiasm and love of the dance radiates through *$"*3&"<,$F1>""#3)0"F)::"%&"U&)*3R0"(),0*"<.::)'-"-)-")'"Jonesborough.Now that contra dance has become so popular

all over this country, there are many step‐by‐step guides on how to do contra dance on the internet. “Even though we teach a brief workshop prior to the dance, there are other resources including contra dance videos, essays and other instruction .T.):.%:&" .::" $T&," *3&"F&%" V0*.*&0" &T&'*" $,-.')2&,"David Wiley. “We also encourage newcomers to +.,*'&,"F)*3"&W+&,)&'<&1"1.'<&,0"E$,"*3&"(),0*"E&F"1.'<&0" *$" %=):1" *3&)," <$'()1&'<&" .'1" 03$F" *3&/"how easy and fun it is to contra”.Beginner dancers are offered buttons that say

“Dancer in Training, Handle with Care”. Experienced dancers pin on the words “I Like Beginners, Ask Me to Dance”. For more information, please contact event

$,-.')2&,6" 9.T)1" N):&;6" .*" XY4HZ4XH[[G\" $," T)0)*"www.historicjonesboroughdancesociety.org or visit the Historic Jonesborough Dance Society on facebook.

Celtic Band “Sigean” Plays for Jonesborough Contra!

December 1st


Saturday, December 1st, 2012, at 7:30 p.m., the Carter Family Fold in Hiltons, Virginia, will present a concert by Kilby Spencer and the Crooked Road Ramblers. Admission to the concert is $8 for adults, $1 for children 6 to 11, under age 6 free. The Crooked Road Ramblers play traditional old time dance music from the mountains of Virginia and North Carolina. Members of the band are Kilby Spencer on ()11:&6"S/.'1."D+&'<&,"$'"%.'O$6"

John Perry on guitar, Donald Hill on guitar and vocals, and Karen Carr on bass and vocals. Kilby grew up in a musical family. His parents are Thornton and Emily Spencer of the Whitetop Mountain Band. Kilby’s wife, Amanda, plays banjo in the old time clawhammer way – a style she learned from Kilby’s mom Emily. Amanda is an instructor in the Junior Appalachian Musicians programs for Ashe and Watauga counties. Kilby

and Amanda live in Crumpler, North Carolina. John Perry is well‐known throughout our area for his guitar playing. With his individualistic slides and runs, he could even make a person with two left feet hit *3&" 1.'<&" (:$$,>" 7$*0" $E" +&$+:&"remember John for playing in the award‐winning band the New River Ramblers. John lives in Independence, Virginia. Donald Hill has been playing music his entire life. His father, Leon Hill, was a musician and singer as well. Don has two sons who are also great pickers. Donald lives in Fries, Virginia. Karen Carr is a dream‐come‐true for any old time or bluegrass band. She loves to play music and sing. She and Don also handle comedy for the group. Karen is deeply rooted in the musical heritage of the region with relatives who played including Fred Cockerham and Wilson Ramey. Karen lives in Galax, Virginia. Don’t miss Kilby Spencer and the Crooked Road Ramblers at the Carter Family Fold. It will be an evening of down‐home entertainment. Bring along your friends and your dancing shoes! For more information on

Saturday’s concert, contact the Mountain Music Museum at 276‐645‐0035. For recorded information on shows coming up at the Fold, call 276‐386‐6054.

Kilby Spencer and the Crooked Road Ramblers

Carter Family FoldDecember 1st


Of Sea & Shore, an ambient hard rock band plays a rare acoustic set as a result of the drummer breaking his ankle, The Neverwills, upbeat 0:&.2;"+$+",$<@6".'1"C)<"A$/+.';"."white boy hip hop party containing members who formerly or currently play in rock bands at Capones on November 30th. Cover charge.

Mix of Bands performing at

Capone’sNovember 30thETSU Chorale presents “Arise, Your Light Has Come,” its annual

Christmas Concert, on Friday, Nov. 30, and Saturday, Dec. 1, at Munsey Memorial United Methodist Church, 201 E. Market Street. Under the direction of Dr. Alan Stevens, the 80‐voice Chorale will perform both familiar carols and masterworks of the season, accompanied by Dr. Jennifer Marshall on organ. The program includes Benjamin Britten’s “A Hymn to the Virgin,”

Sergei Rachmaninoff’s “Bogoroditse Devo” and Charles Stanford’s VC.-')()<.*" )'"A"C.O$,>]" "D+&<).:"-=&0*".,*)0*"A)'1;"^)<@0"F)::" O$)'"the choir for several works on harp, such as Britten’s “This Little Babe,” Jeffrey Van’s “O Be Joyful” and a dramatic arrangement of the Finnish carol, “Pium Paum,” which will also feature soloist Karen Smith. Hicks will also present a solo work, “Variations pastorals sur un vieux Noel.” The ETSU women’s ensemble 10 Times a Lady, directed by Dr.

Zachary Marshall, will perform a world premiere by composer Phillip Rhodes, “A Lullaby for the Nativity,” featuring ETSU faculty member Jane MacMorran on violin. The men’s group 10BucsWorth will present “He Will Carry You,” with soloist Caleb Smith.Performances begin at 7 p.m. on Nov. 30 and 3 p.m. on Dec.

1. Tickets are $10 per person and are available for credit card purchase by calling the ETSU Department of Music at (423H 439‐XYG_>""A.03"$,"<3&<@"0.:&0".,&".T.):.%:&")'"*3&"1&+.,*/&'*"$E()<&"$'"*3&"(),0*"(:$$,"$E"C.*3&0"^.::"E,$/"[".>/>HX!45"+>/>"C$'1.;HM,)1.;>""Remaining seats will be sold at the door (cash or check onlyH on a (),0*"<$/&6"(),0*"0&,T&1"%.0)0>

ETSU Chorale Annual Christmas Concert


Singing, dancing, laughter, and love set to the incomparable music of Irving Berlin. That’s Holiday Inn, showing at the Jonesborough Library on Tuesday, December 4 at 5:30 p.m. “I want to %&" :.2;>>>>]" #3.*R0" ?)'-" A,$0%;R0" )1&." HH" -)T)'-" =+"hectic show business with the woman he loves for a life down on the farm. He’ll be leaving his partner, played by Fred Astaire, behind ‐‐ he thinks. When reality hits him in the head, he decides to open the farm as an inn but only on holidays. Follow the crooner and the hoofer as they

compete for the affections of the lovely Marjorie Reynolds. Tunes by Irving Berlin set the stage for this love story. You don’t want to miss a rattled Der Bingle in his powdered wig or the introduction of “White Christmas” to the world. Our Christmas show time features kettle corn, spiced cider, and dessert. Tuesday Night @ the Movies is a free event sponsored by the Friends of the Washington County Library. For more information, please call the Jonesborough Library at 753‐1800.

Tuesday Night @ the MoviesJonesborough Library

Tuesday, December 4th, 5:30 pm


Author Joe Tennis is sharing ghost tales and comical stories from his children’s mystery, “Finding Franklin,” about the Lost State of Franklin, at the public library of Jonesborough, 200 Sabin Drive, on Monday, Dec. 3, 6:30 p.m. Tennis, 43, of Bristol Va.,

is the author of seven books featuring ghosts, legends and

local history, including “The Marble and Other Ghost Tales of Tennessee and Virginia,” “Haunts of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Highlands,” and “Sullivan County, Tennessee: Images of America.” A book signing both precedes and follows the author’s appearance. For more information, contact

the library at (423H 753‐1800.

Author JOE TENNIS

reads “Finding Franklin” and

ghost talesJonesborough

libraryDecember 3

They are back and better than ever. Guitar legends Ed Gerhard .'1" ?)::" C)2&" ,&*=,'" *$" `$,*3&.0*" D*.*&" A$//=')*;" A$::&-&" E$," ."free Christmas concert on Thursday, Dec. 6 at 7 p.m. in the Wellmont Regional Center for Performing Arts on the College’s main campus at Blountville.The duo will perform instrumental Christmas and holiday favorites

as well as selected original works. Gerhard is a multiple Grammy Award winner. His guitar work can be heard on recordings by Arlo L=*3,)&".'1"J$,/."U.=@$'&'".'1")'"*3&"U&'"?=,'0"():/"C.,@"#F.)'>""He has released two critically praised holiday albums, Christmas and On a Cold Winter’s Night. After several restarts, remixes, multiple mastering sessions, his newest album There and Gone, was recently released. The album features 14 tracks of Gerhard’s masterful musical style." C)2&" )0" .:0$" ." L,.//;HF)'')'-" -=)*.,)0*" .'1" ,&'$F'&1"

instrumentalist. His music was recently selected for two documentary ():/0!" #3&" S++.:.<3).'" #,.):!" a.0*6" a,&0&'*" .'1" M=*=,&" %;" M.,,.,"& Ketelle Productions, Common Cents: Philanthropy Roundtables by YourStoryFilms. He has released albums Sugarlands, Tender Explorations, Coastin’, and Joyful Noise. His latest release, The Angel’s Share, was called one of the “essential acoustic albums” to own by S<$=0*)<"L=)*.,"C.-.2)'&>"9$$,0"$+&'".*"_!45"+>/>"S1/)00)$'")0"E,&&".'1" $+&'" *$" *3&" +=%:)<>" " M$," /$,&" )'E$,/.*)$'6" T)0)*" %)::/)2&><$/"and www.virturerecords.com. For additional information, contact 423.279.7669.

a3$*$bL&,3.,1".'1"C)2&!""81"L&,3.,1"c:&E*d".'1"?)::"C)2&",&*=,'"*$"Northeast State on Dec. 6 to play a Christmas concert. (Photo courtesy of Virtue RecordsH

Gerhard & Mize

Return to Northeast

State for Holiday

Concert

December 6th


Jennifer Pharr Davis, author and avid hiker, will speak at both King College and the Bristol Public Library on Monday, Dec. 3, as part of the Buechner Institute Lecture Series. A graduate of Samford

University, Jennifer Pharr Davis <$/+:&*&1"3&,"(),0*"S++.:.<3).'"Trail thru‐hike in 2005 at 21 years old. Since then, she has hiked more than 11,000 miles on six continents, completing *3&"a.<)()<"A,&0*"#,.):6"A$:$,.1$"Trail, Long Trail, Foothills Trail, Bibbulmun Track, Inca Trail, a summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, and others.Her adventure memoir,

“Becoming Odyssa,” follows Pharr Davis during her travels on the Appalachian Trail. With every step she takes, Jennifer transitions from an over‐<$'()1&'*" <$::&-&" -,.1=.*&" *$"a student of the trail, braving situations she never imagined before her thru‐hike. The trail is full of unexpected kindness, generosity, and humor. And when tragedy strikes, she learns that she can depend on other people to help her in times of need.The book has become a

required read of both the freshman and transfer seminar classes at King College as well as a community based read for many across the Tri‐Cities. “When we were (),0*" 1)0<=00)'-" *3&"speakers for the fall 2012 Buechner Lecture Series and thinking about whose work might make an interesting and engaging community read, I was immediately struck by what I knew about Jennifer Phar Davis,” said Matt Peltier, dean of students for King College. Since 2011, Davis

has been the record holder for completion of the Appalachian Trail, traversing those miles in 46 days in 2008. But “Becoming Q1;00.]")0".%$=*"3&,"(),0*"S#"*,)+"in 2004, a journey of the mind and spirit as well as the body. Many readers will discover here ."=0&E=:" ,&(:&<*)$'"$'" *3&),"$F'"trails. Dr. Dale Brown, director of the

Buechner Institute and chair of the English department at King said of Pharr Davis’ memoir, “Life on the trail was not so much a retreat, an escape, as an attempt to clear the mind and spirit for the years ahead, the winding paths of her life.” Brown continued, saying,

“On the trek, she learned about the power of the simple, the importance of the basics. She explored the possibility of the attentive, as opposed to the distracted, life. She walked into the difference between being and doing, discovering a reverence for life along the way. She says, echoing Thoreau, that she didn’t miss the news. (Thoreau says, “The news doesn’t change so the perceiver must.”H I think it is this change that Davis will still be talking about when she comes to King on Dec. 3.”A staff member for Blue Ridge

Q=*1$$,0"C.-.2)'&",.T&1".%$=*"

Pharr Davis’ book, saying, “Many books have been written by thru‐hikers, but none measure up to Jennifer Pharr Davis’ epic. The Appalachian Trail speed record holder describes her journey from college graduate to a student of the trail in stunningly beautiful detail. Her tales from the trail are full of adventure and inspiration, and her writing is as lyrical as her Odyssey‐inspired trail name. She offers concrete, trail‐tested advice for aspiring thru‐hikers, and she candidly shares her failures and frustrations along with her successes. If you’re searching for the one A.T. book that best captures the spirit of the trail, follow in the footsteps of Odyssa.”In addition to Pharr Davis’

memoir, she was also named a 2012 Adventurer of the Year by National Geographic. She is also the owner of Blue Ridge Hiking Company, an Asheville, North Carolina based outdoor and hiking store and a member of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, *3&" 7$'-" #,.):6" .'1" *3&" a.<)()<"Crest Trail Association. “Jennifer is not only an

accomplished young woman and an incredible athlete, but she is a winsome speaker and lovely person. Hearing her speak is a real treat, and an inspiration,” said Jennifer Holdberg, chair of Buechner Institute National Advisory Board and professor of English for Calvin College. “There’s something very real

and raw about her journey thus far. Her prose isn’t overly edited and polished, but instead has a rough and rugged quality about it that makes it feel as though

you are a part of her journey,” Peltier commented. Jennifer Pharr

Davis will speak at 10:30 a.m. in King’s Memorial Chapel, and again that same evening at 7 p.m. at the Bristol Train Station. Both events are open to the public and free to attend. For more information, contact Dale Brown at 423.652.4156 or visit www.buechnerinstitute.org.

Author of “Becoming Odyssa” Speaks

at King College & Bristol Train Station


The Walker Center, on the campus of Wilkes Community College, presents “Restless Heart Christmas” on November 30 at 8 p.m. This performance is sponsored by Hardee’s. Legendary country music band combines songs of the season with their greatest hit to create a wonderful holiday evening to remember. With over 27 years of /=0)<.:" 3)0*$,;" *$" *3&)," <,&1)*6" *3&" ()T&"original members of Restless Heart continue to thrill audiences with their

award‐winning talent, showmanship and (:.F:&00"3.,/$')&0"$'"3)*0")'<:=1)'-"VKR::"Still Be Loving You,” “Why Does It Have to be (Wrong or RightH,” “Bluest Eyes in Texas,” and “Dancy’s Dream” just to name a few. Gold became the standard for the

group with the release of their self‐titled album. Three more gold albums followed along with Grammy, Country Music Association and Academy of Country Music nominations that culminated

in Restless Heart being named ACM’s Vocal Group of the Year. Restless Heart continues to thrill old and new fans by doing what they do best – appreciating their audiences and having a good time making great music. A limited number of

tickets are available for this performance. For more information, or to purchase tickets, contact the N.:@&,"A&'*&,"?$W"QE()<&".*"336‐838‐6260 or walker.%$W$E()<&eF):@&0<<>&1=>

The Walker Center Presents"Restless Heart Christmas"

November 30th

ETSU Student Ceramic Association will hold a sale on Wednesday and Thursday, Nov. 28 and 29, from 10 a.m.‐6 p.m. each day in the ballroom of the D.P. Culp University Center. For further information, contact Don Davis, faculty member in the Department of Art and Design at (423H 439‐7864 or [email protected]

ETSU Student Ceramic Sale Provides Unique Holiday Gifts


The Indescribable Gift is a new musical presented in traditional Victorian fashion. It is a production based on the real person of St. Nicholas and the events surrounding his life and love for those in need. This heart‐warming musical brings to the stage the sounds and images of Old World Christmases gone by. Carols and original songs herald the message of hope as *3&;"()::"*3&"0*,&&*0"$E"D3,$+03),&6"England. Come experience this magical production based on the true story of St. Nicholas.The story is told from the

viewpoint of Abigail and Frederick Pendry who are unable to have children of their own. In an effort to help out a local orphanage, they welcome two orphans, Seth and Lily, to stay in their home for a few days before Christmas. During their stay, Lily .'1"D&*3"()'1"$=*"*3&"*,=*3".%$=*"St. Nicholas through stories shared by the Pendry couple and their whimsical maids, Myrtle and Nettie. The bed‐times stories of St. Nicholas come to life as we are swept back in time through

the pages of history and the Holy Scriptures. The production’s ending has a heart‐wrenching, magical twist that is guaranteed to bring tears to all who attend.The Indescribable Gift brings

music, laughter, love, joy and peace to your Christmas season. This one‐of‐a‐kind production is bound to be a classic as it captures your heart and inspires you with the true message of St. Nicholas.Performances for The

Indescribable Gift will be held nightly Dec. 7th through 16th at 7:00 p.m. Additional matinee performances will be held on Saturdays Dec. 8th & 15th at 2:00 p.m. and on Sundays Dec. 9th & 16th at 3:00 p.m. Doors will open one hour prior to performances.Seating is limited, so

reservations are recommended. Walk‐ins will be seated as spaces are available. Reservations may be made by calling the LampLight %$W" $E()<&" .*" XY4H4X[HG_I56"Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. or online at www.lamplighttheatre.com.A suggested donation for

each performance is $8.00 for adults, $5.00 for students, FREE for children 5 years of age and under. A love offering will be taken at each production.For more information

call 423‐348‐7610. For a complete theatre schedule, visit www.lamplighttheatre.com. LampLight Theatre is located at 441 Horton Highway, Fall Branch, TN.

The Story of St. Nicholas Comes to Lamplight Theatre“The Indescribable Gift”


A century ago, the Daughters of the

American Revolution marked Daniel

Boone’s Trail, from 1912 to 1915, erecting 45

bronze tablets across 400 miles through North

Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and Kentucky,

the path that enabled America’s Western

Movement. The idea for marking the trail

began in North

Carolina.

A patriotic public

gathered to dedicate

each marker,

including the joint ceremony at

Cumberland Gap attended by thousands. The

project took place against a backdrop of the

Progressive Era, including presidential

elections, campaigns for equal suffrage, war

in Europe, and opening the Panama Canal.

Follow the Daughters as they mark Daniel Boone’s Trail.

100th Anniversary Celebration !

Oct. 22, 2012

Sunday, Dec. 2, 12:30pm

www.danielboonefootsteps.com [email protected]

Randell Jones is the author of the awardwinning 2005 book,

In the Footsteps of Daniel Boone, and the awardwinning companion DVD,

On the Trail of Daniel Boone.

Virginia markers placed by

Elizabeth Preston Gray,

Sycamore Shoals Chapter,

Bristol, VA, during 1914.

Virginian Golf Club

22512 Clubhouse Ridge, Bristol, VA

Bristol Historical Association invites you to join in a

2012

Award Winner

Kentucky History Award, Kentucky Historical Society

Willie Parker Peace History Book Award, NC Society of Historians

Bristol Historical Association Christmas Buffet Luncheon“Trailing Daniel Boone”.

The Bristol Historical Association Annual Christmas Buffet Luncheon is scheduled for Sunday, December 2 at 12:30pm at The Virginian Golf Club. The association is proud to announce that the program will be led by author Randell Jones on the topic “Trailing Daniel Boone”. One hundred years ago, the Daughters of the American Revolution left for us all a legacy of patriotic commemoration — Daniel Boone’s Trail. During 1912‐1915, the Daughters in North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and Kentucky erected 45 metal tablets across four hundred miles to honor the life of Daniel Boone and to mark for future

generations his path through the Appalachian Mountain barrier, a path that enabled America’s Western Movement. This is a story that has been too

long forgotten, one resurrected now from the pages of century old newspapers, the annals of the DAR, and a diligent search .<,$00" *3&" <$='*,;0)1&" *$" ()'1"the remaining 27 markers and to discover what happened to those which have disappeared. Randell Jones is the author of

the award‐winning book, In the Footsteps of Daniel Boone, and the award‐winning companion DVD, On the Trail of Daniel Boone. His 2011 release, Before They Were Heroes at King’s Mountain, also received a Willie Parker Peace History Book Award. He lives in Winston‐Salem, NC.The public is invited to attend

this special holiday luncheon.

The cost is $28 per person and reservations will be received through November 26. Please mail your check made to the Bristol Historical Association to: Roxann Coulthard, 140 Peachtree Circle, Bristol Virginia 24201.

Bristol Historical AssociationChristmas Bu!et Luncheon

“Trailing Daniel Boone”


The King College Photography Department has a mission to transform culture through the arts and to promote the making of innovative unique work. The 2012‐2013 school year marked the beginning of several new initiatives to +,$/$*&" *3&" .,*0>" #3&" (),0*"new program was to start an Artist‐In‐Residence which saw two emerging photographers, Jordan DF.,*2" E,$/"B),-)')." ?&.<36"VA, and Justin Kaneps from San Francisco, CA, living on campus for several weeks each and making new work. The other new program is the High School Photo Contest.#3&" (),0*" )/.-&0" *3.*" ."

young artist makes often are the most exciting. This contest is to reward young photographers with the

most potential. High school students within 400 miles of Bristol, TN/VA were eligible to enter up to 3 images representing “hometown” during September and October of 2012. The top 50 photographers

will be in an upcoming publication. The top 30 photographers are the stars of the exhibit at the Virgie R Fleenor Gallery. The top 5 photographs were awarded 0<3$:.,03)+0" .'1" +,)2&0>"The top photographer has a brand new Canon T4i camera and photography scholarship to King College with the highest award amount possible. The other top entrants received iPads, *,)+$106" -)E*" <&,*)()<.*&06" .'1"scholarships.A reception will be held

Friday, December, 7 at 5pm.

The King College Photography Department hosts High School

Photo Contest to display in Bristol Public Library’s Virgie R. Fleenor Art Gallery during the month of

December

M),0*"+,)2&"F)''&,!"S%)-.):"J$'&0"$E"L,&&'T)::&"^)-3"D<3$$:")'"#&''&00&&>


The East Tennessee Historical Society and the Tennessee State Museum are pleased to announce that the Tennessee Civil War Sesquicentennial A$//)00)$'R0" $E()<).:" *,.T&:)'-"exhibition, Common People in Uncommon Times, will be on view at the Museum of East Tennessee History through January 13, 2013. The exhibition commemorates the 150th anniversary of the Civil Will and is accompanied by a tie‐in exhibit, In Death Not Divided: Civil War Tombstones and the Stories They Tell, $,-.')2&1" %;"the East Tennessee Historical Society.In Death Not Divided: Civil

War Tombstones and the Stories They TellFrom bridge burners to

hangings, heroes to villains, grand monuments to simple stones, In Death Not Divided: Civil War Tombstones and the Stories They Tell is an intensely personal look at East Tennessee’s Civil War experience. “620,000 national casualties is a number,” says ETHS Director Cherel Henderson. “But when you ,&.:)2&" *3.*" *3)0" '=/%&,"represents death and suffering multiplied by 620,000, then

the real impact on individuals, families, communities, the nation becomes almost incomprehensible.” The exhibit also features brief histories of the National Cemeteries in the region and the attempt to locate and gather the remains $E" T&*&,.'0" 0<.**&,&1" )'" ()&:10"and along roadsides for proper reburial. Common People in

Uncommon TimesThis pictorial narrative

represents a diverse array of personalities‐‐Confederate 0$:1)&,06" f')$'" 0;/+.*3)2&,06"African‐Americans, gallant women‐‐ whose sagas illustrate a land divided. The saga of personal struggle and endurance during the Civil War is presented on 10 graphic panels taken from the State Museum’s collection of photographs and artifacts from the era, as well as from other collections across the state. Each panel portrays a different theme: Confederate leaders, Union leaders, African‐Americans, civilian home front, common soldiers, war on the water, reconstruction and commemoration. “Tennessee, being

geographically centered between the North and the Deep

South, was destined to be the focal point of the Civil War,” explained Myers Brown, the exhibition curator and the museum’s curator of extension services. “The state became ." /.O$," %.**:&()&:16"supply center, transportation hub, and invasion route for both Union and Confederate armies. The war disrupted and impacted the people of Tennessee in ways that are

almost unimaginable.” Visitors will learn about the

lives of the common soldier. Almost 187,000 Tennesseans served in the Confederate armed forces, while more than 50,000 served in the Union army, including some 20,000 African‐Americans. Confederate Tennesseans fought in every major battle east of the Mississippi River, from Gettysburg to New Orleans, forming the backbone of the largest army in the western theater, the Army of Tennessee. Whether Union or Confederate, the soldiers’ stories are individual and varied, including boys from the mountains and from the Delta. Aristocrats, farm boys, or former slaves were all impacted by the Civil War.The Tennessee home front,

especially the rural areas, suffered immensely during the war. Crops and farms were destroyed and livestock

<$'()0<.*&1>" #$F'0" .'1" <)*)&0"faced the uneasy and unfamiliar aspect of occupation by Union or Confederate armies. The exhibition explores the home front through the stories of people like John Fielder, a store keeper in Henderson A$='*;g" U.*&" A.,'&;" ." 1&().'*"secessionist in Murfreesboro, and C.A. Haun, a noted potter from Greene County. The exhibit will present Tennessee’s unique story among former Confederate states during Reconstruction and illuminate the Volunteer D*.*&R0" 0)-')()<.'*" ,$:&" )'" *3&"manner in which the Civil War was remembered by post‐war generations.A Brown Bag lecture and

gallery tour with curator Myers E. Brown II is planned for Wednesday, December 5, at noon at the East Tennessee History Center.

New Exhibitions at Museum of East Tennessee History “Common People in Uncommon Times: The Civil War

Experience in Tennessee” &“In Death Not Divided: Civil War Tombstones and the

Stories They Tell”


Songfest 2012 will be held on December 2, 2012 from 3:00 to 5:30 p.m. at the Northeast State Community College Center for the Performing Arts. This will be Songfest’s 8th annual event. Performing will be the talented group, Lou Reid & Carolina www.loureidandcarolina.com/fr_home.cfm, the Dennis Cove Band www.denniscoveband.com/, the ETSU Old Time Band, and Ed Snodderly.Tickets are available for

pre‐sale at Campbell’s Morrell Music, eight area Bank of Tennessee locations in Johnson City (3 locationsH, Gray, Blountville, and Kingsport (3 locationsH and at IHNJC. Tickets can also be purchased by credit card by calling IHNJC at 423‐202‐7805. The cost is $15 for

adults and $5 for children and students. Very limited seating may also be available at the door until the event is sold out. Purchasing tickets in advance is recommended.Songfest brings the

community together for an afternoon of family fun and entertainment while supporting a local faith‐based ministry. IHNJC shelters, feeds, and provides support to homeless families with children in a six‐county area. #3&0&" E./):)&0" %&'&()*" E,$/" *3&"work of the ministry, its 1200 volunteers and the 40 area faith congregations that support its efforts. IHNJC is a program that is “Keeping Families Together.” The social service and business communities are equally

involved in the work of IHNJC. Lou Reid & Carolina’s most

recent album, Callin’ Me Back Home has been named the n 1 album for November 2012 by Bluegrass Unlimited Magazine’s Bluegrass survey and the song “Carolina Moonshine Man” is currently n 1 on the Bluegrass Unlimited Magazine’s Top 30 Song Chart. “Carolina Moonshine Man” has also been n 1 on !"#$%&'(() *#(+,) -&./+"$( chart for 3 months as well as n 1 on Bluegrass Today’s weekly chart. On the evening before Songfest, Lou Reid & Carolina will be performing and recording a live 20th anniversary DVD at the Down Home in Johnson City.For more information visit

www.ihnjc.com/songfest

Songfest 2012Bluegrass, Mountain

Music, & MoreDecember 2nd 3:00-5:30pm

!"#$%&%'(#)&(%*+,-(.#/"01-(,2-(3#4%(5"*6#"+#Greater Johnson City (IHNJC)


The Tusculum College band program will welcome the Christmas season in its annual holiday concert on Tuesday, Dec. 4. Tusculum’s Concert Band, J.22" ?.'1" .'1" ^.'1%&::" A3$),"will be joined by some special guests providing narration and vocals during the concert, which is free and open to the public. The performance will be at 7 p.m. in the auditorium of the Annie Hogan Byrd Fine Arts Building.Visuals and a few surprises are

planned for the concert that will feature Christmas standards and contemporary carols. The Concert Band will be performing “We Three Kings,” and it will be joined by the Handbell Choir for

“American Bell Carol” by Robert W. Smith, “Away in a Manager,” “Carol of the Bells” and “All I Want for Christmas is You.” The holidays will take on a

0F)'-" 0*&+" .0" *3&" J.22" ?.'1"performs “Christmas Time is Here,” “Rest Ye Merry Samba,” “Doctor No‐el,” “Santa Baby” and “Holiday Joy,” based on Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy” with .,,.'-&/&'*" %;" B)<*$," 7$+&2>""The Handbell Choir will perform “Welcome Christmas” from Dr. Seuss’s “Grinch” and “A Midnight Clear.” The band program began in 2010 with the formation of a pep band and has grown to include a Marching Band, Concert ?.'16"J.22"?.'16"^.'1%&::"A3$),"and various small ensembles.

The Washington County Library is pleased to announce that the Jonesborough and Gray Libraries now have wireless networks available for public use. The networks were developed as a part of the BTOP grant that brought the portable computer labs to both the libraries. The access to the wireless network is available only when the libraries are open. “We are so excited and pleased to be able to offer this service to the community,” said Pat Beard, Library Director. “This is something we have been working toward for a long time. I believe it will open up our library services to a whole new segment of the community. Those with wireless devices will be able to come in to access the Internet, download e‐books, do homework, etc.”The computer labs and wireless access were paid for as a part of the Broadband Technology and Opportunities Program (BTOPH grant administered by the Tennessee State Library and Archives and matching donations.

Wi-Fi Computer LabsWashington County:

Jonesborugh & Gray Libraries

Tusculum College band program

Christmas concertTuesday, December 4th


Theatre Bristol will hold auditions for “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” in the ARTspace December 27, 28 and 29 from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” is one of William Shakespeare’s most popular comedies for the stage and is widely performed across the world. “Theatre Bristol is proud to bring such a beloved piece to our community. We are looking for local talent to bring this playful, imaginative production to life,” says board president Spence Flagg.Those interested should

prepare a Shakespeare monologue for the audition or can perform a cold reading. Callbacks may be held on December 30. “A Midsummers Night’s Dream” will be performed *3&" (),0*" .'1" 0&<$'1" F&&@0"in March. E‐mail and phone reservations are encouraged. For more information please contact Daniel Potts at [email protected] or 423‐968‐4977.

Theatre Bristol Presents

Peter Pan the Avenger

Theatre Bristol, the oldest children’s theatre in the region, will delight children of all ages when the boy who will never grow up brings Neverland to downtown Bristol December 7 through December 16. A magical adventure with Peter, Wendy, Tinkerbell, the Lost Boys and of course the sinister Captain Hook awaits your family this holiday season.This never‐before‐seen

adaptation by local playwright, Daniel Reed Potts, inspired by J.M. Barrie’s “Peter and Wendy” focuses on the relationship between Peter Pan and Wendy Darling. Potts, the YMCA Afterschool Program Director will also be directing the show. “While Peter Pan isn’t exactly

the typical traditional holiday story, it is very much a child and family favorite and we’ve got a

wonderful original adaption of the play with the characters and storyline that people know and love,” said Mike Musick. Actors from Johnson

City to St Paul, Va. came out to audition for this show. “It is .'" ./.2)'-" +,$1=<*)$'" F3)<3"has been written, produced, and performed by local talent. This is what we’re all about. Come and see what we, as a community, can accomplish. It’s truly magical,” states Audrey Scyphers, stage manager.There are 21 actors in the

production including familiar faces to the Theatre Bristol stage: Daniel Freeman (Peter PanH, Katelyn Morrell (WendyH and Steve Baskett as Smee. In addition to the cast, there are 30 volunteers from allover the Tri‐Cities that have come together to make the production possible. As for the look of this never‐

before‐seen Neverland, “The nursery always remains in the background. Each scene, from Mermaid Lagoon to the

Lost Boys’ Hideout, blends into one another to give a fanciful sensation. The design truly captivates the imaginations of adults and children alike,” said Nora Beth Moran, set designer. “The costumes for ‘Peter

Pan the Avenger’ will be all the eye‐candy you could hope for. There are beautiful, original mermaids, messy Lost Boys, and classic Indian Braves. You won’t want to miss this show!” states Camille Gray, costume designer.“This rendition of one of the

world’s most celebrated plays &W+:$,&0" *3&" 1)E()<=:*)&0" .'1"complexities of a childhood romance unlike any adaptation prior. Everyone knows the story of Peter Pan; this is the story of Peter and Wendy. It will unveil the concept of playtime in such a way that will make children of all ages leave the theatre with a smile,” said Director Daniel Potts.“The proceeds from this

performance go to support Theatre Bristol. Founded in

1965, Theatre Bristol is the oldest children’s theatre in the region. At Theatre Bristol, our /)00)$'")0"*$"=*):)2&"+&,E$,/)'-"arts to inspire, educate, and entertain people of all ages. We know ‘Peter Pan the Avenger’ will deliver on this promise. Don’t miss the opportunity to share this experience with your family this holiday,” said Spence Flagg, board president. For ticket information and reservations e‐mail [email protected] or call 423‐646‐0828. In your message, please include name, phone number, performance date, and number of seats.Fridays, December 7th and

14th at 8:00 PMSaturdays, December 8th and

15th at 8:00 PMSundays, December 9th and

16th at 2:00 PM General admission is $15.00.Children under 10 ‐ $10.00.Seniors and students with ID ‐

$12.00.Located at 512 State Street

Bristol, TN.

Upcoming at Theatre Bristol


The Crooked Road Receives “Bluegrass

)&&"7,("*8#9*,&(#:5,*;The Crooked Road (TCRH received a Foundation

For Bluegrass Music “Bluegrass Innovator” grant award for 2013. The $2,000 award will assist with the creation of a Traditional Music Artists Roster and implementation of School Assembly Programs through TCR’s Traditional Music Education Program (TMEPH. Foundation For Bluegrass Music grants for

2013 have been named in honor of two legendary contributors to the genre, both who passed away in 2012: banjo player Earl Scruggs, a member of the International Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame; and California event producer Warren Hellman, a recipient of the IBMA Distinguished Achievement Award. Qualifying for a grant is a competitive process, and candidates must meet the Foundation’s Grant Application Guidelines. TCR’s grant was one of four grants awarded for 2013. The Foundation for Bluegrass Music, Inc. is a non‐

+,$()*"<3.,)*.%:&"$,-.')2.*)$'"<,&.*&1")'"Y55G"*$"0&,T&"as an “umbrella” under which funds can be placed and disbursed to support educational, literary, artistic and 3)0*$,)<"+,&0&,T.*)$'".<*)T)*)&0"$E"+=%:)<"%&'&()*>"#3&"M$='1.*)$'"1)0*,)%=*&0"E='10"*$"E=:()::")*0"/)00)$'>"#3&"M$='1.*)$'" 3.0" ." %,$.16" (:&W)%:&" +=,+$0&" +,$T)1)'-"support to a wide variety of initiatives.

4-05"&<%*#Performing Arts =%&(%*#,;;0#(5"#,5,*;#5-&&-&<#>2?%<*,00#0."50Darrell Bryan, Executive Director of

the Niswonger Performing Arts Center, announces that NPAC has added two new award‐winning bluegrass shows to this year’s line‐up.First, coming up Friday, Jan.

18, International Bluegrass Music Association’s Male Vocalist of the Year for the second year in a row, Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out will be in concert at 7:30 p.m. Then on Saturday, April 27, the award‐winning Lonesome River Band will perform.#)<@&*0".,&"$'"0.:&".*"*3&"%$W"$E()<&"

hours at NPAC 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and can be reached by calling (423H 638‐1679. For more information see www.greenevillenpac.com. The Niswonger Performing Arts Center is located at 212 Tusculum Blvd., in Greeneville, TN next to Greeneville High School.


Northeast State Theater Students Earn Kennedy Center Nominations

for Living Dead

Two actors showing off the work of T.J. Laws and Richard Curtis who were nominated for their work in costume design and make‐up, respectively. (Photo by Dave Grace)

NOTLD actors Richard Jackson and Anne Rowell were nominated for their performances. (Photo by Dave Grace)


Northeast State Theater’s Night of the Living Dead proved to be a big hit with audiences. The production also won over the

critics earning several students and the play’s director nominations for their work from the Region IV Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival (KCACTFH judging body. Student earning

nominations were: Anne Rowell and Richard Jackson (ActingH; Aaron Bradley (Scenic Design and Sound DesignH; T.J. Laws (Costume DesignH; Richard Curtis (MakeupH; and Amanda Neas (Stage ManagementH. Region IV judges also nominated Northeast State’s Brad C<U&'2)&"E$,"*3&"M.<=:*;"Directing award.Based on the classic

I\_[" 2$/%)&" ():/6"C<U&'2)&" /&,-&1"stage action with brief television news clips shared by the audience and cast creating an element of drive‐in movie nostalgia. The play’s tension swept audiences into an apocalyptic vision being played out in a living

room. The play ranks as the Northeast State Theater’s second most popular production ever staged only trailing last spring’s

+,$1=<*)$'"$E"#3&"N)2.,1"$E"Q2"in the number of ticket sales.“One thing I’ve tried to do is push

my students as artists and theater majors,” said McKenzie. “Theater is a creative art form where you learn to use your imagination. I want see my students grow beyond what they believe they are capable of doing.”A proctor from Region IV

attended a performance to assess the play. The production’s quality was graded and then considered for nominations to the regional competition. The KCACTF Regional Festival gives each nominee display space to exhibit his or her work. Judges review *3&"F$,@".0")*"()*0")'*$"*3&"$T&,.::"production. All the nominees will travel to the Region IV festival competition in Albany, Ga., next spring to compete against theater programs from across the Southeast. “I’m really excited for Brad’s

Directing Award and the opportunities these students are going to get at the Region IV festival,” said Sloan. “It is because of his artistic vision, hard work and dedication to the students that we have these nominations and that once again, a national spotlight will be focused on Northeast State Community College.”

Aaron Bradley’s scenic design of a lonely farmhouse and sound design of marauding zombies received nominations. (Photo by Dave Grace)

D.'*."*3&"D*.,-.2&,"has some recommen‐dations for that spe‐cial person on your list who seems to al‐ways be looking up. To recommend a

telescope is hard, as there are so many at different levels of ex‐pertise, but remem‐ber, you get what you pay for. But there are many of the “go‐to” variety around the $500 price point that .,&"<$/+=*&,)2&1".'1"F)::"-$"*$"thousands of celestial objects on command. For that young‐ster who shows an interest in the starry realm, the depart‐ment store variety of telescope around the $100 price point can be an inexpensive introductory *$" 0*.,-.2)'-" &h=)+/&'*>" ?=*"these are built cheaply with lots of plastic and low quality optics that are good on the Moon and planets and only the brightest of deep sky nebula and galaxies. Don’t forget about a good pair

of binoculars, available at sport‐ing goods stores and astronomy /.'=E.<*=,&,0>" " #3&,&" .,&" 1$2‐

&'0" $E" &.0;" *$" ()'1" -.:.W)&0" .'1"star clusters with binoculars, and nothing is better to see the star clouds of the Milky Way. 8T&'" 0+$,*0" %)'$<=:.,0" .,&" ()'&"E$," 0*.,-.2)'-6" :)@&" GW4Z0>" " #3&"(),0*"'=/%&,")0"*3&"/.-')()<.*)$'"power of the binoculars, and the second number is the diameter in millimeters of the lenses at the end. So, a good astronomy pair of binoculars are something like 10x50 (10 power with a big 50 mm wide lensH. Buy an inexpen‐sive binocular mount that attach‐es to the front of the instrument .'1".E()W&0"*$".';"*,)+$1"*$"@&&+"a steady view. Both binoculars and a good telescope are a life‐time investment that will be used

for decades. S" 1&()')*&" F)''&,"

on your list is one of the monthly maga‐2)'&0" .%$=*" *3&" 3$%‐by—Sky & Telescope or Astronomy. Either the current monthly issue to include with another starry gift or a yearly subscription will whet the appe‐*)*&" $E" .';" 0*.,-.2&,>"Full of the latest dis‐coveries and what to see in the night

sky and a star chart, a monthly /.-.2)'&" )0" *3&" +&,E&<*" -)E*" *$"see just how interested someone is in astronomy. And it is a great resource to weave your way through all the nuances of star‐-.2)'->"S'1"&.<3"/.-.2)'&"3.0"their own publishing house and astronomy product line that is full of practical and educational spacey things. From star charts to Mars globes to posters, there is plenty gift items to choose.Books, books, books. I am

a book nut, and have quite an extensive library of astronomy and space exploration volumes. There are lots of books on ama‐teur astronomy at any of the national bookstore chains. And those bookstores usually have a simple, inexpensive star wheel that will show you the night sky for any time of the year. Here are a few of /;"E.T$,)*&"%&-)''&,"0*.,-.2‐ing books that are available through on‐line sellers:365 Starry Nights by Chet

Ramo A night‐by‐night look at what’s up, written with


Christmas for the Stargazer on Your List

Continued on page 23

lots of historical anecdotes. Richly illustrated to explain the +,.<*)<.:" 0)1&" $E" 0*.,-.2)'-6" )*"uniquely takes each day of the year and highlights what’s up in the starry sky. And it can be picked up cheap on the Internet.New Atlas of the

Moon by Thierry Legault and Serge Brunier. An over‐0)2&1" +3$*$" .:%=/"that take the Moon day‐by‐day and )1&'*)()&0" E&.*=,&0"with plastic over‐lays. With binocu‐lars or a telescope you can identify craters, ancient lava (:$F0" .'1" %,&.*3‐taking mountains and their shadows.The Monthly Sky

Guide by Wil Tirion and Ian Ridpath; and Guide to the Night Sky by Da‐vid Levy. These are

more detailed tomes about the constellations of the night and the wonders they contain. Any of the many books by these three astronomy authors are great to own. Tirion and Ridpath are two of the best in creating star charts

that guide amateur astronomers to their destinations of galaxies, nebula and star clusters. Levy, who has discovered numer‐ous comets and writes about astronomy in a weekly Sunday supplement, is the 21st Century +$+=:.,)2&,"$E"*3&"3$%%;"O=0*":)@&"the late Carl Sagan was in the late 20th Century.Riding Rockets by Mike Mu‐

:.'&>""#3$=-3"'$*".%$=*"0*.,-.2‐ing, this book is all about what it was like to ride the Space Shuttle by an astronaut who did so four times. Written with humor and a refreshing frankness that is ab‐sent from most astronaut tell‐all

%$$@06" /.';" 0+.<&" :$T&,0" ()'1"this book to be the best—myself included.9$&0" ;$=," 0*.,-.2&," .:,&.1;"

have the equipment and know‐how books of the hobby? Well, there are many practical gifts. Consider a gift like warm weath‐er clothing, from gloves to warm 0'$F0=)*06" E$," ;$=," 0*.,-.2&,>" S"wool hat is nice, and there are all kinds of hand and feet warmers that would make nice stocking stuffers. Also a good gift for that ama‐

teur astronomer on your Christ‐/.0" :)0*" )0" .';" (:.03:)-3*" *3.*"emits red light! That’s a sure

hit gift for any 0*.,-.2&," .0" ,&1"light doesn’t affect night vision as the eyes dilate to ad‐just to faint light. A skywatcher has to look at charts, handle eyepieces c.'1" ()'1" 3)0" 3$*"chocolate!H, so ." ,&1" ():*&," $'"." (:.03:)-3*6" $,"some unique light that goes on a 3.*"$,".E()W&0"*$"."telescope leg will be a great gift.S'1" ()'.::;6"

how about a gift idea for some‐body on a low budget? Con‐sider giving a

framed 8x10 photo of one of *3$0&" ./.2)'-" )/.-&0" E,$/" *3&"orbiting Hubble Space Telescope. The American taxpayer actually owns all the images of any space probe launched to the Moon, Mars, or anywhere else NASA has been. Go to www.hubblesite.org/gallery and you’ll see a tab for the “astronomy printshop.” Just follow the instructions and you can own a museum qual‐ity image from the Hubble Tele‐scope. Download the largest +$00)%:&" ():&" *$"."A9")E";$="F.'*"to take it to a photo lab—or print it out yourself. Slap the image in a frame, and grab the Christmas wrapping paper! The Hubble F&%0)*&"&T&'"3.0"F.::H0)2&1"/=‐rals of three astronomy objects that can be downloaded in sec‐tions and taken to a local printer to reproduce. There you aressome astrono‐

my ideas for Santa’s helpers. And as for my own Christmas wish list—anything with a star or /$$'"$'")*")0"O=0*"()'&"F)*3"/&i


WEDNESDAYS

Continued from page 22


Celestial events in the skies for the week of Nov. 27‐Dec. 3, 2012, as compiled for The Loafer by Mark D. Marquette.

The last full Moon of the year will dominate the late autumn skies as its silvery light strikes the ground through barren trees and illuminates our landscape.

Daylight has been dwindled to just over 10 hours as night grips our evenings by _"+/>""S'1".0"*3&"()'.:"<=,*.)'"<.::"$E"*3&"0=//&,"C):@;"N.;")0"3.++&')'-")'"*3&"

west, in the east are rising the brilliant stars of the winter constellations.

Tues. Nov. 27

A spectacular morning event today as the planets Venus and Saturn are less than one degree apart in Virgo the Virgin—side‐by‐side as they rise together in the pre‐dawn at 6 am and are visible until sunrise just after 7 am. Lurking beneath

*3&0&"0*,)@)'-"+.),"$E"+:.'&*0")0"C&,<=,;6"O=0*".%$T&"*3&"&.0*&,'"3$,)2$'"

Wed. Nov. 28

Full Moon is today at 9:46 am when it is precisely opposite the Sun. And when the traditional Yule Moon rises at 5:15 pm, right beside it will be the bright

planet Jupiter, both objects in Taurus the Bull.

Thurs. Nov. 29

Today the Sun enters the constellation Ophiuchus the Serpent Handler, a giant constellation between Scorpius and Sagittarius—and not a member of the

traditional 12 constellations of the Zodiac. Perhaps because it is the “unlucky” 13th constellation in the Zodiac, it has been ignored by astrology for hundreds of years. The Sun doesn’t enter the next constellation Sagittarius until Dec. 18th,

and actually spends more time in Ophiuchus than Scorpius!

Fri. Nov. 30

We all feel safe in our homes, but on this date in 1954, an Alabama woman was bruised on the hip when a 10 pound meteorite crashed through her home and landed in her bed. Thirty‐one‐year‐old Ann Hodges was napping in her couch in Sylacauga, Alabama when the space rock crashed through the roof and hit

her on the hip. She was bruised, and the meteorite was placed on display in the Alabama Museum of Natural History in Tuscaloosa. She is the only human known

to be struck by a meteorite.

Sat. Dec. 1

#$"*3&"'$,*3"03)')'-"*3,$=-3"*3&"/$$':)-3*".,&"*3&"()T&"0*.,0"$E"*3&"')-3*R0"queen, Cassiopeia. Looking like a “W” or “M,” this constellation contains some

nice star clusters that are easy targets in binoculars.

Sun. Dec. 2

Planet Jupiter rises at sunset, called opposition, putting the largest planet in our night skies through Spring 2013. You can see a couple of its four huge moons as star points in binoculars held steady and a hint of the globe, which are easy targets even in the

cheapest telescopes.

Mon. Dec. 3

On this 1973 date in space history, NASA’s Pio‐'&&,"I5"0+.<&<,.E*"(:&F"%;"+:.'&*"J=+)*&,6"0&'1‐)'-"%.<@"*3&"(),0*"<:$0&H=+")/.-&0"$E"*3&"-.0"-)‐ant. Those crude images were a sensation three decades ago and pioneered the more extensive `SDS"/)00)$'0"*$"J=+)*&,"*3.*"E$::$F&1j(:;%;0"

Voyager 1 & 2 and orbiter Galileo.


The fourth annual First Lego League Regional Tournament was held Saturday at the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center in Abingdon, VA. This tournament is one of 20 regional tournaments throughout Virginia with over 600 participating teams Championship winners from each tournament will compete at James Madison University December 7‐8 for the State title. Twenty‐nine teams competed in the SW VA Regional Tournament. Thirteen teams were Division I (ages 9‐11H and 16 teams were Divisions II (ages 12‐14H.

All teams compete and are scored by Division in four categories: project presentation, robot design, team core values, and robot performance. Awards of excellence are presented to the team with the highest points in each category. Championship awards are presented to the teams with the highest total points in all four categories. The Judges’ Award is presented to the team *3.*" &W&/+:)()&0" $=*0*.'1)'-" +&,E$,/.'<&" )'" .'" .,&."

other than the designated categories. The 2012 winning teams are as follows:

Division I Ages 9‐11!"#$%&'( !"%)%*'+,#*-.#/0%*( 1%2%*0)--3'( !+4/( 5/%6%*'+"7-3'(!+4/8(9#:#'(;%)<2*=9#:#;+>2?--!#>%//(@+//%7(A<00/%--B<2(3'#*%(.+C8(D#"%(@+/4%)--E%&F*#(1#2<G--3F#%6+H%"(5/%6(IJ--.+'%(D<'79#:#'( !%"K#"6+*&%( Lst ( !/+&%--9#:#*+4'?--34//<*)( M&+0%-67=B"<)'#/8(N*0(!/+&%--B"+<*)'#"6%")--O%:%"(D<'7(5/%6%*-'+"7--O%:%"(D<'7( ( (( ( (Championship:Lst( ( !/+&%=9#:#*+4'?--34//<*)( M&+0%67=B"<)'#/8( N*0( !/+&%--3+P%( Q4"( 3%*<#")=B/+&H):4"28( R402%)(M>+"0--( 3H<S/%( 5+,*2( !+&6+*( D#"*%")'#*%( DF"<),+*-M:<*20#*

Division II Ages 12‐14 !"#$%&'( !"%)%*'+,#*)--AAT(A#4'FH%'%%")-A#4*'+<*(A<)-)<#*(3&F##/-."4*079#:#'(;%)<2*=M<"J+')-U@+(D#//%2%(V(O<)%-O<)%D#"%(@+/4%)--W/+6<*2(!F#%*<G%)-3O@(J<2F%"(504&+,#*(D'"(-M:<*20#*9#:#'(!%"K#"6+*&%XLst(!/+&%-(3'"<C%/%))(Y%:"+)-34//<*)(M&+0-%67(ZB"<)'#/8(N*0(!/+&%=1%6#*#&+/7C)%-D#"*%")'#*%(DF"<)-,+*-M:<*20#*Championship:Lst( !/+&%--[<*$+( 3'+")-U@+( D#//%2%(V(O<)%-O<)%8( N*0( !/+&%--3'"<C%/%))( Y%:"+)-34//<*)( M&+0%67-B"<)'#/8(T"0(!/+&%=M<"J+')-( U@+(D#//%2%(V(O<)%-O<)%Z" A3./+)$'03)+" *&./0" h=.:)()&1" *$" <$/+&*&" )'" *3&"Virginia State Championship Tournament at James Madison University, December 8‐9, 2012.

2012 First Lego League Regional Tournament

“ To create a world where science and technology are celebrated... where young people dream of becoming science and technology heroes.”

-Dean Kamen, Founder

!"#$%&'()#*+)"&$*&,$-./"0&)+)"&$"1$

2/).&/.$*&,$3./4&"5"06

Become a Volunteer!You don’t have to be a parent or teacher to be involved in VA-DC FLL®. Get involved as a mentor, coach, referee or judge at a local tournament. To volunteer for any of these positions please email: [email protected]

Become a Sponsor or Host!FLL® teams are happy to acknowledge their sponsors on their T-shirts, pit deco-rations and websites! To find a local Virginia or DC FLL® team to sponsor, contact us at: [email protected]

Host an FLL® Tournament!If you or your organization want to support FLL® at a larger level, please consider contributing funds, supplies or space to host a local tournament. Con-tact our VA-DC FLL® Partner, Nick Swayne, at [email protected]

!"#$%&'(&)*$+,-'.-#/0$1$2-#&$345666$7#)*/$8'&.98+9#5$$$$$$3465666$:"+.9&#,$%)&7+:+%)7+,(;

1$<,$7"#$=;>;$),9$?),)9)5$'-#&$@5A66$$$$$7#)*/$:'*%#7#$+,$'-#&$B66$$$CD).+EF+,($7'D&,)*#,7/$),9$,#)&.F$$$@6$:")*%+',/"+%$7'D&,)*#,7/;

1$G+&(+,+)1H?$IJJ®$")/$'-#&$KB6$7#)*/$$$$$%)&7+:+%)7+,($+,$3A$&#(+',).$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$CD).+EF+,($7'D&,)*#,7/;$

1$L,$)-#&)(#$'E$MN$7#)*/$)9-),:#$7'$$$$$7"#$:")*%+',/"+%$7'D&,)*#,7;

1$ $ ?")*%+',/"+%$!'D&,)*#,7$+/$$$ $ $ "#.9$+,!H#:#*O#&$$$ $ $ $$$$$)7$P)*#/$Q)9+/',!!!! ! ! $$=,+-#&/+7F$(JMU).

!"#$%&'is an international non-profit organization.

The operational Partner for FLL® in VA and DC coordinates all official FLL® events.

MSC 6911800 S. Main Street

Harrisonburg , VA 22801

Refer to www.vadcfll.org or contact: [email protected] for specific information.

Time Commitment for Participants:Commitment to FLL® is similar to that required by a little league sports team:

-Members must be ready to dedicate at least 5-8 hours per week during the challenge season (September - November).

-Team members must also prepare a research presenta tion, based on the science behind the challenge theme.

-Teams must be available to compete in regional events.

With activities beginning in September, coaches spend about 1-3 hours per week preparing and 3-8 hours a week meeting with their team in order to prepare for the VA-DC FLL® Tournament in December. Coaches work with the students to assemble the Mission Models, which are made out of LEGO® pieces, and must understand the basics about the robot.

For Coaches:

“ To create a world where science and technology are celebrated... where young people dream of becoming science and technology heroes.”

-Dean Kamen, Founder

!"#$%&'()#*+)"&$*&,$-./"0&)+)"&$"1$

2/).&/.$*&,$3./4&"5"06

Become a Volunteer!You don’t have to be a parent or teacher to be involved in VA-DC FLL®. Get involved as a mentor, coach, referee or judge at a local tournament. To volunteer for any of these positions please email: [email protected]

Become a Sponsor or Host!FLL® teams are happy to acknowledge their sponsors on their T-shirts, pit deco-rations and websites! To find a local Virginia or DC FLL® team to sponsor, contact us at: [email protected]

Host an FLL® Tournament!If you or your organization want to support FLL® at a larger level, please consider contributing funds, supplies or space to host a local tournament. Con-tact our VA-DC FLL® Partner, Nick Swayne, at [email protected]

!"#$%&'(&)*$+,-'.-#/0$1$2-#&$345666$7#)*/$8'&.98+9#5$$$$$$3465666$:"+.9&#,$%)&7+:+%)7+,(;

1$<,$7"#$=;>;$),9$?),)9)5$'-#&$@5A66$$$$$7#)*/$:'*%#7#$+,$'-#&$B66$$$CD).+EF+,($7'D&,)*#,7/$),9$,#)&.F$$$@6$:")*%+',/"+%$7'D&,)*#,7/;

1$G+&(+,+)1H?$IJJ®$")/$'-#&$KB6$7#)*/$$$$$%)&7+:+%)7+,($+,$3A$&#(+',).$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$CD).+EF+,($7'D&,)*#,7/;$

1$L,$)-#&)(#$'E$MN$7#)*/$)9-),:#$7'$$$$$7"#$:")*%+',/"+%$7'D&,)*#,7;

1$ $ ?")*%+',/"+%$!'D&,)*#,7$+/$$$ $ $ "#.9$+,!H#:#*O#&$$$ $ $ $$$$$)7$P)*#/$Q)9+/',!!!! ! ! $$=,+-#&/+7F$(JMU).

!"#$%&'is an international non-profit organization.

The operational Partner for FLL® in VA and DC coordinates all official FLL® events.

MSC 6911800 S. Main Street

Harrisonburg , VA 22801

Refer to www.vadcfll.org or contact: [email protected] for specific information.

Time Commitment for Participants:Commitment to FLL® is similar to that required by a little league sports team:

-Members must be ready to dedicate at least 5-8 hours per week during the challenge season (September - November).

-Team members must also prepare a research presenta tion, based on the science behind the challenge theme.

-Teams must be available to compete in regional events.

With activities beginning in September, coaches spend about 1-3 hours per week preparing and 3-8 hours a week meeting with their team in order to prepare for the VA-DC FLL® Tournament in December. Coaches work with the students to assemble the Mission Models, which are made out of LEGO® pieces, and must understand the basics about the robot.

For Coaches:


Sycamore Shoals

State Historic AreaDecember 2012 Special EventsTraditional Arts Workshops are by

registration only and must be prepaid.

Call (423) 5435808 for more

information.

Sycamore Shoals Fife & Drum Corps

Saturdays 11:00 am

The Fife & Drum Corps performs at historical

events, dedications, and parades. This group

is open to anyone ages 13 & up. Musical

experience is welcome but not necessary;

just come with a willingness to learn. Meet

our volunteer coordinator John Large at the

Sycamore Shoals Visitors Center. Lessons are

free of charge, just call and let us know you’re

coming!

Winterfest Lamplight Christmas

Wreath Exhibit

Month of December until January 4th

A visit to the park Visitors Center is sure to

inspire as the rooms will be graced with wreaths

of all designs and colors hung from old time

lampposts. Please contact the park to request

a place in this show. Wreaths will be made by

community members, civic groups, and schools

to bring to life the Christmas spirit of our

region.

Winterfest Art Show

Month of December until January 4th

Opening Reception: Sunday, December 2 1:30

pm – 4:00 pm

Kick off the holidays at Sycamore Shoals! The

Watauga Valley Art League exhibition and

sale begins with a reception on December 2

with great opportunities for holiday shopping!

Artwork from the Watauga Valley Art League

will remain on display in the theater and lobby

during regular park hours throughout the month

of December until January 4th.

Christmas at the Carter Mansion

Friday & Saturday, December 7 & 8 6:00 pm –

9:00 pm

Spend a candlelit evening in the oldest frame

house in Tennessee, decorated with bright

greenery for the holidays. Enjoy music,

refreshments, and costumed interpreters acting

out scenes from an 18th century Christmas.

Our monthly gatherings with The Liberty

Spinners, Shape Note Singing, and the

Old Time Music Jam will not be held in

December. Please plan to join them in

January of 2013!

For more information or to register for

workshops, contact

(423) 5435808

Mars Hill College

Christmas Concert November 30

The Mars Hill College Department of Music will present its annual Christmas Concert on Friday, November 30, 7:30 pm in Moore Auditorium. Featured ensembles will include the College Wind Symphony, College Choir and Chamber Singers. Each ensemble will perform music from its fall repertoire as well as many audience favorites of the holiday season. The concert will conclude with the Lara Hoggard setting of Personent Hodie which features the brass ensembles, percussion, singers and 60‐rank Aeolina‐Skinner organ. Everyone is invited to attend free of charge.


Thanksgiving is over, folks. That means one thing. The holidays are here, and there’s no stopping it. For some, this is a magical time ()::&1"F)*3" E./):;6" E$$16".'1"causing Target’s stock to rise. For others, it means having to actually spend time around your family, and being thankful that someone brought a bottle of wine. But fret not my friends, I am here with some helpful hints to make your holiday full of ho ho ho and not woe woe woe (See what I did there? Fork over the a=:)*2&,>d"There’s an inherent

awkwardness built in with holiday gatherings. The sense of things going awry in the blink of an eye. This being an election year, you get that added into the proceedings. Members of your family either grumbling or gloating—depending on the breaks. I advise to just nod your head and leave these situations as quickly as possible, tell them you gotta go put on that big ole moose sweater. You might be involved in the

food preparation, and if you are, then chances are very good you’ll wind up in a hot kitchen with a bunch of elders—who enjoy gossiping about everything and anything. You just want to focus on making a great pecan pie, and all you hear in the background are children playing in the living room, and your mother and aunt discussing your failed relationships. This is a stress .,&.6" F3&'" ;$=" ()'1" ;$=,0&:E"getting dangerously close to that tipping point. There are three ways to handle

this situation. One, you can start screaming at everyone and

recreate the ending of “Carrie”, however this means you’ll be an evening news report. Secondly, you could just break down in the /)11:&" $E" *3&" (:$$,6" <,;)'-6" .'1"grunting “Christmas, Christmas,

Christmas!!!” over and over. Third, you rock your stress out, outdoors, running, 80s montage style. I think we all know this is the best option. `$" /.**&," 3$F" 0+&<)()<" F&"

were with our gift requests for the year, someone is gonna give you a gift that completely befuddles you. It might be clothing that, let’s say your grandma, claims to be new, but looks like it’s from 1982. It might be socks, underwear, or a gift card to Golden Corral.

Whomever the gifter is, they bought this under the impression that it would make you, the giftee, full of all encompassing joy and happiness. There is no way out of

this, and your reaction will be a dead give away immediately. You have to smile, just keep smiling, thank them for it. Hug them greatly when you leave, tell them how thoughtful it was of them. Then on the drive home, think of who you can pass it off to as a kind gesture. The holidays can be full of strife, pain, sorrow, drinking (hopefully without drivingH, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t traverse it with ease and simplicity. Just doing a few basic sense things will cause you

to have a yuletide with as little stress as possible. See you next week, follow me on Twitter @ThatAndyRoss

Got to Get You Into My Strife


Hopefully you survived Black (and BlueH Friday last week (which began much too early on ThursdayH and now have your embattled treasures safely at home. I, too, survived those two days the way I do every year—I didn’t go near any stores on those two days, valuing being able to sleep late and avoid crowds over any once‐in‐a‐lifetime deals I might have missed. I consider the relaxation simply priceless, and I took advantage of that opportunity. Don’t worry—I will do my part to keep the &<$'$/;" .(:$.*" :$'-"after the Black Thursday / Friday carnage, and because I will be paying higher prices, I will actually be contributing more to the economy than those shoppers who decided to show up earlier. And that makes /&"E&&:"F.,/".'1"E=22;"inside.While overcoming

just a faint twinge of guilt over my yearly decision to not participate in the Black #3=,01.;bM,)1.;"E,&'2;", I was comforted by a very interesting blog by Kevin Roose in New k$,@" C.-.2)'&R0" V`&F0"& Features” section. In “Why Black Friday Is A Behavioral Economist’s Nightmare,” Roose presents several reasons why choosing to participate in Black Friday is an irrational act (not that irrationality is a bad thing, of course—I’ve

built most of my major life decisions on its principlesH. And while perusing his column, I learned what “behavioral economics” is all about, and have been delving into some very thoughtful pieces by one of its chief practitioners, Dan Ariely, author of Predictably Irrational and other books (check out his website and many YouTube videos, including a fascinating and somewhat disturbing RSS Animate video, “The Truth About Dishonesty”H.

According to Roose, “among the most potent reasons no sane person should participate in Black Friday is this: It is carefully designed to make you behave like an idiot.” Although behaving like an idiot is not always a bad thing, Black Friday just takes this activity to a higher (or lower, depending on how you see itH level. Roose goes on to explain that “from a behavioral economist’s perspective, every incentive a consumer should possibly have to participate—the promise of ‘doorbuster’ deals on big‐ticket items like TVs and computers, the opportunity to get all your holiday shopping done at once—is either largely illusory or outweighed by a disincentive on the other side. It’s a nationwide experiment in consumer irrationality, dressed up as a cheerful holiday add‐on.” And it can be extremely dangerous—witness the countless, and all‐too‐often‐tragic, accounts of shopping violence that appear in Saturday morning’s press releases.Let’s examine some of

Roose’s claims. First, so‐called “doorbusters” are hooks designed to get you in the door (once you’ve fought your way

through, that isH. If you left the store with only that one irresistible doorbuster you stood in line for you might actually save money. However, hardly anyone will leave the store with only one fought‐over item. In fact, most people spend far more money than they would have had there been no Black Thursday/M,)1.;" 1$$,%=0*&,0" )'" *3&" (),0*"place. So, saving money on Black Thursday/Friday is largely a myth, right up there with the Loch Ness Monster, the faked moon landing, and the world ending this December. I will admit that the plentiful people‐watching opportunities afforded by such madness are tempting, but I still prefer sleeping in or staying away.A really interesting thing I

learned about from reading Roose’s blog is a phenomenon <.::&1" V+.)'" .'&0*3&*)2.*)$'>]"According to a 2007 study, “Neural Predictors of Purchases,” which used brain scans “to show how deeply irrational the purchasing process is,” the authors of this study “found that if a shopper saw a price that was lower than expected, his medial prefrontal cortex (the part of the brain responsible for decision‐

makingH lit up, while higher‐than‐expected prices caused the insula (the pain‐registering partH to go wild.” So, this kind of brain activity, based on the avoidance of pain (a perennial philosophical contentionH, drives much of our shopping behavior. With this in mind (no pun intendedH, it certainly behooves wily retailers and marketers to present us with choices that stimulate the medial prefrontal cortex. In short, pleasure should be accentuated and pain should be avoided. Never mind that those things that give us pleasure (i.e. doorbusters and early‐bird discountsH are based on sheer illusion and deceptive marketing—sometimes we just have to admit that the chase is more gratifying than the conquest.Roose concludes his holiday

meditations with a very interesting observation: “If shopping on the other 364 days of the year is the behavioral economist’s version of bringing a @')E&" *$"."-='()-3*6"-$)'-"$=*"$'"Black Friday is going to that same -='()-3*"F)*3"."@')E&"/.1&"$=*"$E"Play‐Doh. Between retail tricks .'1" ;$=," $F'" <$-')*)T&" (:.F06"you have almost no chance of actually saving money or making

rational decisions.”Lest you think I’m

0$/&" 0$,*" 8%&'&&2&,"Scrooge, let me assure you that I do enjoy many of the crasser and ultra‐materialistic aspects of the Christmas season. But I don’t think these experiences have to be crammed into two days of stressful and often dangerous activity. And, looking back on your sleep‐deprived experiences last week, how many happy shoppers did you encounter? So, here I am looking forward to nearly four more weeks of indulging in the truly enjoyable excesses of behavioral economics. Let the fun begin.See you next week

with more holiday ,&(:&<*)$'0>

@%A%B(-"&0#"&#Black (and Blue)

Friday

, The Loafer • November 27, 2012 www.theloaferonline.com

november 27, 2012

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