What’s happening in Oak Ridge Aug. 29-Sept. 4

Here is a summary of events happening in Oak Ridge starting this evening, Aug. 29, and continuing through Sept. 4.

This weekly listing of events is compiled by the Oak Ridge Convention and Visitors Bureau:

 

FRIDAY, AUGUST 30

DOE Facilities Bus Tour – Last Day!

Location:  American Museum of Science and Energy - 300 S. Tulane Avenue, Oak Ridge

The guided bus tour includes highlights of the history of Oak Ridge and the history of science technology at the three U.S. Department of Energy/Oak Ridge facilities.  Bus departs from AMSE.  Bus tour is from Noon – 3:00pm Monday-Friday.  For more information, visit www.amse.org or call 865-576-3218.

 

Open Painting Studio – August 30

Oak Ridge Art Center – 201 Badger Avenue, Oak Ridge

9:30am -– 12:00pm

Non-instructed studio time.  Bring all your materials and work at your own pace.  Any media.

For more information visit:  www.oakridgeartcenter.org

 

Open Fiber Studio – August 30

Oak Ridge Art Center – 201 Badger Avenue, Oak Ridge

1:30pm-4:00pm

Non-instructed studio time for all fiber/textile enthusiasts.  Bring your machine if desired and work with others.

For more information visit:  www.oakridgeartcenter.org

 

SATURDAY, AUGUST 31

Oak Ridge Farmers Market – Opens at 8am every Saturday

Location:  Parking lot across from Jackson Square – East Tennessee Avenue, Oak Ridge

For more information, visit www.easttnfarmmarkets.org.

 

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 2

Labor Day Concert – Oak Ridge Community Band – September 2

Location:  A.K. Bissell Park, Oak Ridge. Time:  7pm

The Community Band performs a variety of music programs that feature classical, swing, movie themes, big band, jazz, Dixieland, and marches.  The concerts are FREE to the public and refreshments by Razzleberry’s will be available.  For more information, visit www.orcb.org or call 865-483-3044.

 

Blue Star Museum admission program to AMSE, Children’s Museum – Last Day!

American Museum of Science and Energy

FREE AMSE Admission available to active-duty military ID holder and five immediate family members.  Active duty military include Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, active duty National Guard and active duty Reserve members.  Must show active duty military ID for free admission.  For more information, visitwww.amse.org or call 865-576-3200.

The Children’s Museum of Oak Ridge also participates in the Blue Star Museum program giving free admission to active military and their families. It runs Memorial Day to Labor Day.  865-482-1074

Aqua Power Classes at Oak Ridge Civic Center – Every Monday

Participants do not have to be able to swim, and do not have to get their hair wet.  Classes will be held Mondays and Wednesdays from 7:30-8:30pm.  Cost is $5 per class, or $42 for a 6-week session.  Call Civic Center for details and holiday closings at 865-425-3450.

 

Ballroom Dancing – Every Monday, 6:30 p.m.

Location:  Wildcat Den Room of the Midtown Community Center.

Come join the Secret City Ballroom Dancers every Monday night at 6:30pm for ballroom dancing.

Fee:  Admission is $6 on live band nights and $3 on regular Mondays.

For more information contact Ann Stuck at 865-482-2658 or Patti at 865-482-3701.

 

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3

Print Making Studio – September 3

Oak Ridge Art Center – 201 Badger Avenue, Oak Ridge

1:30am–-3:30pm

For more information visit:  www.oakridgeartcenter.org

 

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4

Oak Ridge Farmers Market – Every Wednesday from 3:00-6:00pm

Location:  Parking lot across from Jackson Square – East Tennessee Avenue, Oak Ridge

For more information, visit www.easttnfarmmarkets.org.

 

ONGOING EVENTS:

Exercise for Fitness

Location:  Oak Ridge Civic Center

The Oak Ridge Recreation and Parks Department is sponsoring “Exercise for Fitness”, an adult exercise program taught by Charlotte Hensley.  The class meets at the Oak Ridge Civic Center on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings from 9-10:30am.  This well balanced program offers exercise routines that include stretching, toning, Pilates, and aerobics.  The instructor incorporates the use of a variety of equipment including fitness balls, hand weights, steps, and hoops to provide a comprehensive workout for each participant.  Participants may register for the class at the Civic Center Information desk from 8am to 10pm Monday through Saturday.  The cost for the class is $30 per month or $5.00 per class.  An annual non-resident fee of $20 per year is charged where applicable.  For more information, call the Civic Center front desk at 865-425-3450 or check out their web site at www.orrecparks.org.

 

Nikon Small World – thru September 15

American Museum of Science and Energy

This is a traveling exhibition featuring 20 award winning photomicrographs of various science subjects on the nanoscale.  See the unseen!  AMSE Second Level.  For more information, visit www.amse.org or call 865-576-3200.

 

Fall/Winter/Spring activities at Girls, Inc.

Girls Incorporated Sports Program, offers a variety of sports each year such as, volleyball, tumbling and running in the Fall; basketball and bowling in the Winter; and softball, tennis and a basketball clinic in the Spring.  For more information, contact Tracy Crossno, Sports Director at 865-482-4475 or email her at[email protected].

 

Sports in Oak Ridge

If you are looking for sports activities in Oak Ridge, check out the Oak Ridge Recreation and Parks Department webpage, www.orrecparks.org.  Many different sports are played throughout the year for adults and children, (men and women’s softball, soccer, basketball, swimming, tennis, volleyball, etc.)  You will find the schedules for team sign-ups, and the dates and times that each sport is played on their webpage.  You can also contact them at 865-425-3450.

 

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Fall Classes begin at the Oak Ridge Art Center – September 6

A full listing of the Fall classes offered at the Oak Ridge Art Center is available now at the Art Center or on the website at www.oakridgeartcenter.org or can be emailed to you, simply request it by phone or email at 865-482-1441.

 

The Secret City Scenic Excursion Train – Back in School – September 7

Train Departure times:  11am, 1pm and 3pm

This train ride gives you the opportunity to experience the journey enjoyed by travelers during the golden age of rail travel in the 1930’s and 40’s.  Passengers will begin their journey back in time abroad Southern Railway coach Fort Oglethorpe, built in 1947.  Call for ticket prices at 865-241-2140 and visit the website atwww.southernappalachia.railway.museum.

 

Secret City SUP Classic – Melton Hill Lake Rowing Venue – September 8

Location:  Melton Hill Lake, Oak Ridge, TN

This race benefits “Open Doors TN – For the Family”.

 

Safety Fest – September 9

Location:  The New Hope Center – 602 Scarboro Road, Oak Ridge

This event offers FREE training classes to promote safety and good health at work and home.  These classes are for individuals, small businesses, local government employees, and teachers.  More information will follow soon about this event.  Class registration deadline is September 2.  For more information, or to register for a class, visit http://safetyfesttn.org/.

 

Private Lives – Oak Ridge Playhouse – September 13-22

Oak Ridge Playhouse – Mainstage.

When Elyot and Amanda, a formerly married couple, meet by chance while honeymooning with new spouses at the same hotel, old sparks reignite and the two impulsively elope.  But, after only a few days of being reunited, their alternating passions of love and anger remind them of why they divorced in the first place.  Matters only escalate when their aggrieved recent spouses arrive and new partnerships are formed.  Performances schedule:  9/13 and 14 at 8pm; 9/15 at 2pm; 9/19-21 at 8pm; and 9/22 at 2pm. For more information, visit www.orplayhouse.com or call 865-482-9999.

 

The Secret City Scenic Excursion Train – L&N Recognition Day – September 13

Train Departure times:  1pm and 3pm

This train ride gives you the opportunity to experience the journey enjoyed by travelers during the golden age of rail travel in the 1930’s and 40’s.  Passengers will begin their journey back in time abroad Southern Railway coach Fort Oglethorpe, built in 1947.  Call for ticket prices at 865-241-2140 and visit the website atwww.southernappalachia.railway.museum.

 

Fall Wildflower Walks – Oak Ridge Arboretum – September 14

Location:  UT Arboretum – 901 S. Illinois Avenue, Oak Ridge.  Time:  10am and 2pm

Wildflowers in the fall?  Yes!  We offer two opportunities to spend some time outdoors to see fall wildflowers again this year.  Due to high demand, we’ll have two walks this year!  The 10am walk will be with Kris Light and the 2pm walk will be with Charles Samuels.  This is a great family friendly activity and an opportunity to spend some time outdoors.  You’ll need to call the Arboretum office at 865-483-3571, to register for one of the walks.  Both walk leaders can help you discover plenty of wildflowers. Remember to bring a camera!  For more information, visit www.utarboretumsociety.org.

 

Annual Giant Attic & Garage Sale benefitting the Community Mediation Services – September 20 and 21

Location:  1650 Oak Ridge Turnpike, Oak Ridge

Time:  9/20 from 4pm – 8pm and 9/21 from 8a to 1pm.  Household goods; china; electronics; furniture; jewelry; children’s items; clothing; and books!

 

Neon Vibe 5K Run or Walk – September 21

Location:  A.K. Bissell Park, 1403 Oak Ridge Turnpike, Oak Ridge

This is a fun nighttime 5K that is untimed and non-competitive and involves covering participants in neo colored cornstarch as they run through black lights on the course, and an aftervibe party with a dj.  At this time, this is the first and only event of its kind in the State of Tennessee, so get ready for the most colorful and fun night of your life!  Get your friends and family together for this amazing 5k run/walk!  Be there before dark so you don’t miss any of the pre-race fun!  To register, visithttps://theneonvibe.webconnex.com/oakridge.

 

The Secret City Scenic Excursion Train Ride and Dinner – Back in School – September 21

Train Departure times: 11am, 1pm, 3pm and a Dinner Train at 6pm

This train ride gives you the opportunity to experience the journey enjoyed by travelers during the golden age of rail travel in the 1930’s and 40’s.  Passengers will begin their journey back in time abroad Southern Railway coach Fort Oglethorpe, built in 1947.  The 6pm Dinner Train gives you a choice of four delicious entrees prepared by Chef Andras and served by his staff for you to enjoy during your train ride! Call for reservations and ticket prices at 865-241-2140 or visit the website atwww.southernappalachia.railway.museum.

 

Learn how to Conquer Home Paper Piles – Oak Ridge Public Library – September 21

Location:  Oak Ridge Library Auditorium – 1401 Oak Ridge Turnpike.  Time:  2:00-3:00pm

Are you suffering from stacks of papers, magazines, and catalogs?  Learn systems to make your stacks disappear into organized material that you can retrieve when you need it!  Mary Pankiewicz, Certified Professional Organizer in Chronic Disorganization (COP-CD), will show you how to conquer your paper piles!  She is the author of “Fast, Easy Organizing Solutions for Paper Piles” and “Your Office” has been quoted in the Wall Street Journal, Readers Digest, and on WBIR-NBC.  For more information about this FREE program, please contact the library at 865-425-3455 or [email protected].

 

How will the Affordable Care Act affect you and your family? – September 24

Location:  Oak Ridge Public Library Auditorium.  Time:  5:30-6:30pm

David Vudragovich, a local insurance agent who has been designing health insurance strategies for individuals and families since 2007, will be giving a two part presentation on the impact of the Affordable Care Act.  Part 1 will be on September 24 from 5:30-6:30pm and will be a brief overview of the insurance changes that are coming and how they affect individuals and families.  Part 2 will be on Saturday afternoon, September 28 from 2:00-4:00pm.  DonÂ’t miss out on this FREE program!  Please save your spot by registering at email [email protected] or by calling 865-425-3455.

 

Memory Magic Scrapbook Event:  Scrapping on the Wild Side – September 27 and 28

This event will include vendors, classes and a large crop area.  Online registration is open and will continue until September 22.  Walk-in registration begins on September 27 at 8:00am.  There is limited seating in the crop area and in each class.  For a listing of classes check the following website: http://orrecparks.oakridgetn.gov/memory-magic-scrapbook-event.  For more information, email Pat Sloan at [email protected].

 

Taste of Oak Ridge – September 28

Location:  Historic Jackson Square.  Time:  4:30 – 10:00pm

The food sampling event features small “tastes” of dishes from local restaurants including Dean’s Restaurant, The Market House, Razzleberry Lab & Kitchen, The Soup Kitchen, and many others.  Proceeds from this event go to the Free Medical Clinic in Oak Ridge.  This event will also include live music provided by several local bands and music groups.  For more information, or to volunteer to help with the event, contact Barbara Ferrell at 865-483-0961.

 

Mad Hatter Garden Party – September 28

Location:  Willow Ridge Garden Center.  Time:  6:00pm

This is a fundraiser to support the Oak Ridge Symphony Orchestra, Chamber Series, Chorus, educational outreach and Coffee Concerts (ORCMA).  Mark your calendars, more details will be coming soon!

 

Fall Plant Sale – UT Arboretum – Oak Ridge – October 12

Location:  UT Arboretum – 901 South Illinois Avenue, Oak Ridge.  Time:  9:00am-3:00pm

The Arboretum will have another great selection of plants from various vendors and from UTAS supporters.  Fall is often the best time to get your plants in the ground because it gives them an opportunity to establish their roots before their primary growth season in the spring.  For more information, visit www.utarboretumsociety.org or call 865-483-3571.

 

IN THE AREA:

East Tennessee Wanderers Walking Club – August 31

Here’s your chance to do a gentle hike in the Smoky Mountains National Park with a fun group.  Join the East Tennessee Wanderers walking club on Saturday, August 31, for a 10K/5K (your choice) hike along the Sugarlands Nature Trail to Cataract Falls and by the Little Pigeon River.  Meet at 9:45am at the Sugarlands Visitor Center, 1420 Oak State Highway 73 Scenic, Gatlinburg.  Don’t forget your hiking shoes, water, and walking stick.  For information call 865-386-3329 or visitwww.easttennesseewanderers.org.

 

September Classes at the Appalachian Arts Craft Center

The Appalachian Arts Craft Center has multiple classes offered during the month of September.  The classes range from beginner to advanced and include classes such as, Delightful Mini Dishes and English Smocking.  For more information on the classes and times, call 865-494-9854 or visit www.appalachianarts.net.

 

UTV Rally Raid Race Series – Windrock Park – September 7

UTV Rally Raid is four hours of adrenaline packed racing against the clock during the hours of daylight and dark at high speed!  No prior race experience is necessary and all classes of driver and vehicle are catered for.  There will be a race each month through the 2013 year.  You can race the entire series or just one race.  For more information, call 865-435-1251 or visit, www.utvrallyraid.com.

 

Days of the Pioneer Antique Show – Museum of Appalachia – September 13-14

This show will feature over sixty of the finest selection of the 18^th & 19^th century antique dealers.  During the show, traditional craftsmen will be on the grounds demonstrating their various and centuries-old talents.  The venue will also provide mountain music in different locations on the grounds, while other areas will highlight Civil War-era soldiers and civilians in their period dress.  Tickets also include a tour of the Museum, a farm-village with some three dozen historic log structures, exhibit halls filled with authentic Appalachian artifacts, and gardens and farm animals in a picturesque setting surrounded by split-rail fences.  For more information, call the Museum at 865-494-7680 or visit www.museumofappalachia.org.

 

Peter Francisco:  Remarkable American Revolutionary War Soldier – September 21

Location:  Church of Christ – Lawnville Road, Kingston, TN.  Time:  11:00am

Travis Bowman, a 7^th generation descendant, standing 6’6” tall just like Peter Francisco, has spoken at historical societies all across the country.  He has brought Peter Francisco to life in his book “Hercules of the Revolution” which has been purchased by readers all over the world.  He produced The Peter Francisco Story, which airs on PBS Stations around the country.

 

5 County Norris Lake Clean-up – September 28

Location:  Norris Lake

Norris Lake is one of East Tennessee’s most loved recreation destinations, but the garbage that is constantly dumped in the lake is causing an eye sore.  Therefore, the five counties that contain Norris Lake have banned together to clean up the problem.  Volunteers from Anderson, Campbell, Claiborne, Grainger and Union counties are needed!  Clean up will take place from 9:00am – 1:00pm.  For more information on where to meet for clean-up and how you can volunteer to help, call 1-800-524-3602 or visit www.lakenorris.org.

 

 “Wing Night” – Every Friday Night at Sequoyah Marina

Start off your weekends on Friday night with Sequoyah’s famous “Wing Night” at the dock.  Sequoyah Marina serves the best wings on Norris Lake.  For more information, call 865-494-7984 or visit www.sequoyahmarina.net