What’s happening in Oak Ridge from Nov. 7 to 13

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony – November 8

You are invited to celebrate the new location of the Free Medical Clinic at 116 East Division Road, Oak Ridge.  The event will be held from 4:00-6:30pm.  The ribbon cutting will take place at 4:30pm.  Refreshments will be served.  Come join us in celebrating with the Free Medical Clinic.

 

AMSE Discovery Shop Discount Day – November 8

American Museum of Science and Energy

This is a one-day event; shoppers receive 20% off regular priced merchandise in the Discovery Shop from 10:30am – 4:45pm.  For more information, visitwww.amse.org.

 

Photography – Children’s Museum of Oak Ridge – November 8

Children’s Museum of Oak Ridge.  Time:  3:30-5:30PM.  Ages:  8-13

Learn basic functions of your camera and explore the possibilities of your camera’s creative settings.  Experiment with portraiture and microphotography using the museum and its garden as your backdrop.  Hand-color your photos and create a mixed-media collage with them and host a reception in the gallery.  Students should bring their own digital camera.  Fee is $50 for members and $55 for non-members.  Class limit is 15.  For more information, visitwww.childrensmuseumofoakridge.org or call 865-482-1074.

 

Open Painting Studio – November 8

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 – November 8

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, NOVEMBER 9

Ed Westcott Images – American Museum of Science and Energy – November 9 – January 26

American Museum of Science and Energy – Lobby

Ed Westcott’s images provide a look at the 1940’s history of Oak Ridge.  He is the official U.S. Army Manhattan Project photographer.  This exhibition is sponsored by the Y-12 National Security Complex.  For more information, visit www.amse.org.

 

HollyFest – UT Arboretum in Oak Ridge – November 9

Location:  UT Arboretum – 901 S. Illinois Avenue, Oak Ridge – Elmore Holly Collection

The public is invited to this workshop which will feature:  A Tour of the Holly Collection; Demonstration of Planting, Pruning, and Mulching Techniques; Holiday Decorating Tips; and Free Holly Plant for Participants.  For more information about this event or to sign up, contact Dennis Superczynski at 865-675-8502 or email at[email protected].

 

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.

 

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 10

Oak Ridge Kids’ Safety Day – November 10

Location:  Security Square Shopping Center – Oak Ridge, TN.  Time:  12:00pm – 3:00pm

This is an event to help kids learn about safety.  There will be safety demonstrations, visits from emergency medical personnel, fingerprinting, and many more kidsÂ’ activities.  For more information contact Dustin Koppel at [email protected] or call 951-595-5428.

 

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 11

Aid to Distressed Families of Appalachian Counties (ADFAC) Dine & Donate Begins – November 11

On November 11, the following restaurants will be donating a significant portion of their sales to ADFAC, a local nonprofit working to provide hope and stability to our less fortunate neighbors:  Mediterranean Delight, Papa Murphy’s, Razzleberry’s, and Ruby Tuesdays in Oak Ridge and Hoskins Restaurant in Clinton.   For additional information, please visit, www.adfac.org.

 

Aqua Power Classes at Oak Ridge Civic Center – Every Monday and Wednesday

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, NOVEMBER 12

Annual Dinner and Silent Auction – UT Arboretum – November 12

Location:  Elks Lodge in Oak Ridge – 684 Emory Valley Road, Oak Ridge

Time:  6:00pm  Cost:  Dinner is $25 per person and there will be a cash bar available.

After dinner there will be a very brief business meeting to discuss the status of the auditorium project from Dr. John Hodges, III, Director of the East Tennessee Research and Education Center.  Then, weÂ’ll hear from our Featured Speaker, Dr. Robert Trigiano, UT Professor of Entomology and Plant Pathology.  According to his website, the aim of his work with dogwoods is to develop new cultivars with superior horticultural traits, which include disease resistance, more attractive bracts and foliage, including color and size, and adaptation to climate change.  Also, there will be a Silent Auction, including items such as:  gardening tools, plants, bulbs, bird houses, fountains, sculptures, books, wind chimes, gift certificates to area restaurants or garden centers, handmade crafts, wine, and food items.  All proceeds go to help support the Arboretum!  For more information, contact Lynda Haynes at 865-483-0525 or contact her at [email protected] or call Pat Row at 865-482-9096 or send an email to [email protected].

 

Social Media University:  How to Engage Your Audience – November 12

Location:  Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce – Joyce Conf. Room – 1400 Oak Ridge Turnpike

Join Nicky Reynolds, Vice President of the CVB in Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce, to learn some tips and tricks on how to have a social media conversation.  Fee:  Chamber Members are Free; Non-Members $30.  To RSVP to this event, please go to https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07e8e63ar0df1a92e7&oseq=&c=&ch=.  For more information, contact Lisa Hoyt at [email protected].

 

Print Making Studio – November 12

Oak Ridge Art Center – 201 Badger Avenue, Oak Ridge

1:30am– 3:30pm

For more information visit:  www.oakridgeartcenter.org

 

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13

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:

“Oak Ridge in Art” – American Museum of Science and Energy – thru January 5, 2014

“Oak Ridge in Art” features eight framed prints and paintings by residents or former residents of Oak Ridge, including work by Nick Fielder, Helen Guymon, Fred Heddleson, Pat McWilliams Hoskins, Nancy Smith, Irvin Grossman, and Helen Bayless.  For more information, call 865-576-3200 or visit www.amse.org.

 

“The Science Maze”- American Museum of Science and Energy – thru January 12, 2014

“The Science Maze” where visitors get lost in science facts and discover interesting tidbits of science fields from astronomy to zoology as they make their way through The Science Maze.  For more information, call 865-576-3200 or visit www.amse.org.

 

Ed Westcott Images – American Museum of Science and Energy – thru January 26

American Museum of Science and Energy – Lobby

Ed Westcott’s images provide a look at the 1940’s history of Oak Ridge.  He is the official U.S. Army Manhattan Project photographer.  This exhibition is sponsored by the Y-12 National Security Complex.  For more information, visit www.amse.org.

 

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.

 

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:

Photography – Children’s Museum of Oak Ridge – November 15 and 22

Children’s Museum of Oak Ridge.  Time:  3:30-5:30pm.  Ages:  8-13

Learn basic functions of your camera and explore the possibilities of your camera’s creative settings.  Experiment with portraiture and microphotography using the museum and its garden as your backdrop.  Hand-color your photos and create a mixed-media collage with them and host a reception in the gallery.  Students should bring their own digital camera.  Fee is $50 for members and $55 for non-members.  Class limit is 15.  For more information, visitwww.childrensmuseumofoakridge.org or call 865-482-1074.

 

Annual Parade of Trees – November 16

Location:  Pollard Auditorium – 210 Badger Avenue, Oak Ridge.  Time:  6:30pm

This event is a fundraiser for the Girls Incorporated!  Fee:  $70 per person in advance and $75 at the door.  For more information, contact Suzanne Shipley Kline at Girls Incorporated of Oak Ridge at 865-482-4475.

 

Annie – Oak Ridge Playhouse – November 22 – December 8 (various dates)

Oak Ridge Playhouse – 227 Broadway Avenue, Oak Ridge.

Leapin’ Lizards!  The popular comic strip heroine is back in one of the world’s best-loved musicals.  With equal measures of pluck and positivity, determined little orphan Annie escapes the orphanage and the clutches of embittered Miss Hannigan, in search of her parents who abandoned her years ago.  Yet, with a next-to-nothing start in 1930s New York City, she manages to charm the hearts of billionaire Oliver Warbucks, a loveable stray mutt named Sandy, and even the President! Dates and times of performances:  11/22 and 23 at 8pm; 11/28 (Thanksgiving) – 11/30 at 8pm; 12/1 at 2pm; 12/6 and 12/7 at 8pm; 12/8 at 2pm.  For more information or to order tickets, visit www.orplayhouse.com or call 865-482-9999.

 

Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker” – November 23 and 24

Location:  Oak Ridge High School Performing Arts Center.

Time: 11/23 at 7pm; 11/24 at 2:30pm

Gala celebration at 5pm is included with admission (11/23 show only).  Tickets are $25 for adults, $20 for seniors, and $10 for students.  Go to the following website to learn about the Encore and School Performances and the “Penny 4 the Arts Program” or to order tickets:  http://orcba.org/Default.aspx .  You can also email Wendie Aurin, ORCBA President, at [email protected], for more information.

 

“Early 20^th Century Music” Concert – Oak Ridge Community Band/Wind Ensemble – November 24

Location:  Historic Grove Theater Performing Arts Center – 123 Randolph Street, Oak Ridge

Featured guest conductor will be Paul Brown, Anderson County High School band director.  The concert program will be music from the first decade of the 20^thcentury, the Roaring Twenties, Thirties, and from the Big Band Era.  Tickets are $8 for adults and $6 for senior citizens and students.  There will be free refreshments in the lobby at the conclusion of the performance.  For more information, call 865-482-3568 or visit the band’s website at www.orcb.org.

 

AMSE CLOSED for Thanksgiving holiday – November 28

The American Museum of Science and Energy will be closed on November 28 for Thanksgiving.  It will reopen on Friday, November 29 from 9:00am-5:00pm.

 

Thanksgiving Specials – Secret City Excursion Train – November 29

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.  Train Ride times:  11am, 1pm and 3pm.  Call for reservations and ticket prices at 865-241-2140 or visit the website at www.southernappalachia.railway.museum.

 

Holiday Paper-Crafts – Children’s Museum of Oak Ridge – November 29

ChildrenÂ’s Museum of Oak Ridge

Make homemade paper from recycled paper using traditional methods of papermaking.  Create exciting designs using paper marbling effects, then come back the next week and make personalized holiday cards using the handmade paper and rubber stamps.  Ages 8-12.  Fee:  Members – $25, Non-Members – $30.  Time:  1-3pm.  Class limit is 15.  For more information, visit www.childrensmuseumofoakridge.org or call 865-482-1074.

 

“Pictures with Santa” to benefit CASA – November 29 thru December 21

Location:  Comfort Inn – 433 South Rutgers Avenue, Oak Ridge.

The Comfort Inn will serve as the official site for “Pictures with Santa” throughout the holidays.  T. Whigham Photography will be taking professional photos with Santa at the hotel from Friday, November 29 through Saturday, December 21.  The hours are as follows:  Monday-Friday from 4pm-7:30pm; Saturdays from 10am-7pm; and Sundays from Noon-6pm.  One dollar from every photo taken will benefit CASA and will be matched by Enrichment Federal Credit Union in Oak Ridge. For more information, call 1-800-555-7830 or visit the Comfort Inn website at www.comfortinn.com.

 

Thanksgiving Specials – Secret City Excursion Train – November 30

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.  Train Ride times:  11am, 1pm and 3pm.  Call for reservations and ticket prices at 865-241-2140 or visit the website at www.southernappalachia.railway.museum.

 

Secret City Half Marathon and Expo Weekend Event – November 30 – December 1

Join us in Oak Ridge, TN, for an entire weekend of events!  From children to adults, individual and teams, with any skill level, there is a race for you!  November 30^th the race will be at the Oak Ridge Civic Center and AK Bissell Park.  On December 1^st the race will start at the National Fitness Center at 750 Briarcliff Avenue, Oak Ridge.  For all details or to register, go to www.SecretCityHalfMarathon.com.  Proceeds from the race will go to the following local organizations:  CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children), ASAP (Allies for Substance Abuse Prevention of Anderson County) and TORCH (Trinity Out-Reach Center of Hope).

 

Horse and Carriage Rides – Month of December

Cinderella Carriage will be offering “Horse and Carriage Rides” from the Comfort Inn in Oak Ridge during December with all proceeds going to CASA.  The cost will be five dollars per person and will be available on the following days: December 6, 13, and 20 from 4pm-7:30pm; December 7, 14, and 21 from 3pm-7pm; December 8 from 2pm-6pm; and December 15 from 4pm-6pm.  For more information, call 1-800-555-7830 or visit the Comfort Inn website at www.comfortinn.com.

 

12^th Annual Gala – Rocketing through the 70’s – Children’s Museum of Oak Ridge – December 6

Location:  Children’s Museum of Oak Ridge.  Time:  6pm-11pm

This event will feature 70’s-style cuisine, music by Saxophone Jack and Friends, silent and live auctions, and more.  Celebrate the 70’s and our 40^th anniversary through pop, rock, and folk culture.  Tickets are $125.  Support levels and corporate tables are available upon request.  For more information, please call Carroll Welch at 865-482-1074 ext. 105, or visit http://childrensmuseumofoakridge.org/index.php/events/gala.

 

Annual Christmas Tree Lighting and Reception – December 6

Location:  Bissell Park, Oak Ridge

Participants should gather at the Secret City Commemorative Walk on the east side of the Oak Ridge Library parking lot for a brief ceremony.  Following the tree lighting, a reception will be held in the Civic Center gymnasium.  Participants will enjoy seasonal music and refreshments provided by the Oak Ridge Woman’s Club Civic Affairs Committee.  For more information, visit www.orrecparks.org.

 

Holiday Paper-Crafts – Children’s Museum of Oak Ridge – December 6 & 13

ChildrenÂ’s Museum of Oak Ridge

Make homemade paper from recycled paper using traditional methods of papermaking.  Create exciting designs using paper marbling effects, then come back the next week and make personalized holiday cards using the handmade paper and rubber stamps.  Deadline to sign up is November 29.  Ages 8-12.  Fee:  Members – $25, Non-Members – $30.  Time:  1-3pm.  Class limit is 15.  For more information, visit www.childrensmuseumofoakridge.org or call 865-482-1074.

 

Santa Train Rides – Secret City Excursion Train – December 7, 8, 14, and 15

This ride is a one-hour excursion with narration!  Santa is sure to delight all the children as he and Mrs. Claus make their way through the coaches passing out Christmas gift bags and posing for pictures.  The train will be decked out in true holiday style.  During the ride, passengers will hear the story of the Manhattan project, which was one of the most remarkable industrial achievements ever accomplished!  Refreshments and souvenirs are available for purchase in the train’s commissary car.  Train Ride times:  12/7 and 14 at 11am, 1pm and 3pm; 12/8 and 12/15 at 1pm and 3pm.  Call for reservations and ticket prices at 865-241-2140 or visit the website at www.southernappalachia.railway.museum.

 

 “Breakfast with Santa” to benefit CASA – December 7

Location:  Comfort Inn – 433 South Rutgers Avenue, Oak Ridge.

The Comfort Inn will host “Breakfast with Santa” from 9am-10:30am.  Each breakfast will be limited to 100 children and a suggested donation of $5 per child is appreciated.  All proceeds from the breakfast will go to CASA.  For more information, or to make an online breakfast reservation, please visitwww.comfortinnoakridge.com and click on the “Santa Clause” drop-down menu to access the “Breakfast with Santa” page.

 

Oak Ridge Christmas Parade – December 14

This year’s Parade theme is “Inside Santa’s Workshop” and it promises to provide spectators with plenty of music, lights, and beautiful floats!  The parade will begin at 6pm at Corporate Center on the corner of Lafayette and Laboratory Road.  From there, the parade will travel down Lafayette to the Oak Ridge Turnpike.  It will then continue west on the Turnpike to the Oak Ridge High School.  The judge’s stand will be located in front of the Chamber of Commerce building.  Online entries will be accepted through Monday, December 9.  Entry forms are available on the Chamber’s website at www.oakridgechamber.org .  For more information, contact the Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce at 865-483-1321

 

Varying Degrees – Oak Ridge Public Library – December 17

Location:  Oak Ridge Public Library Auditorium – 1401 Oak Ridge Turnpike, Oak Ridge

“Varying Degrees” is a singing group comprised of five Oak Ridge women, brought together by their love of music and performing.  They will sing a collection of holiday tunes for your pleasure!  The members have been together for six years now and have a repertoire of popular hits, a cappella tunes, and seasonal numbers complete with props and choreography.  For more information on this FREE event please call the Library at 865-425-3455 or send an email to[email protected].

 

IN THE AREA:

Norris Lions Club Turkey Shoot – November 9 and 16

Join the Norris Lions Club for their annual Turkey Shoot fundraiser!  Funds raised at the event will support community projects such as the Norris Food Pantry, Habitat for Humanity, Remote Area Medical organization, Kids Sight Screening, eye exams and glasses, and hearing aids for the hearing impaired.  The Turkey Shoots will be held from 8:00am – 2:30pm.  The location is on Highway 61 East toward Andersonville, just over 1 mile past the traffic light at Hwy. 441.

 

Appalachian Arts Craft Center Chili Supper – November 9

Location:  Norris Community Building.

The Arts Craft Center in Norris is hosting a Chili Supper with music by the Woodpickers and a silent auction from 5:00-8:00pm.  The cost is $7.50 for homemade chili, cornbread, dessert, and drink, plus live music by the Woodpickers.  Those wanting to purchase a meal served in their own handcrafted pottery bowl (which they can take home after they are through eating), can do so for only $20.  There will also be a range of homemade crafts, services, and other items up for bid at a silent auction going on during the evening.  For more information, call 865-494-9854 or visit www.appalachianarts.net.

 

UTV Rally Raid Race Series – Windrock Park – November 9

UTV Rally Raid is four hours of adrenaline packed racing against the clock during the hours of daylight and darkness 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.

 

7^th Annual Anderson County Veterans Day Parade – November 11

Location:  Downtown Clinton beginning at 6:00pm

The parade will take place on Market and Main Streets in downtown Clinton.  The theme of this year’s parade is “Showing All Veterans We Care”.  There will be a mini concert with Russ and Becky Jeffers at the Ritz Theater immediately following the parade.  For more information, call Leon Jaquet at 865-463-6803 or Lynn Fox at 865-719-9947.

 

Fall Ford Wheelin’ Weekend – November 15-16

Location Windrock Park

Join the staff of Bronco Driver Magazine, True Blue Trucks Magazine and James Duff Inc. for a weekend of fall family fellowship and wild wheelin’!  For more information, call 865-435-1251 or visit www.broncodriver.com.

 

December Classes at the Appalachian Arts Craft Center – Month of December

Need a special handmade Christmas gift?  The Arts Craft Center is offering a “Soy Candles” class on December 7 from 10am-1pm.  All materials are provided with the cost of the class.  This class is for beginners to intermediate.  Registration deadline is December 1^st.  For more information on this class and other upcoming classes, call 865-494-9854 or visit www.appalachianarts.net.

 

UTV Rally Raid Race Series – Windrock Park – December 7

UTV Rally Raid is four hours of adrenaline packed racing against the clock during the hours of daylight and darkness at high speed.  No prior race experience is necessary and all classes of driver and vehicle are catered for.  For more information, call 865-435-1251 or visit www.utvrallyraid.com.

 

Christmas in Old Appalachia – Museum of Appalachia – December 7-24

Music of the season can be heard across the grounds, cabins will be decorated in pioneer style, recalling times past when Christmas was a simple family holiday, including cedar Christmas trees draped with paper chains, popcorn strings, sweet gum and sycamore balls.  Christmas shoppers will find many hand-crafted items in the gift shop.  Hot, country-style lunches are served daily from 11am to 2pm in the museum restaurant and homemade cakes, pies, cookies and other holiday treats are available all day.  For more information, contact the museum at 865-494-7680 or visit www.museumofappalachia.org.

 

Holiday Homecoming Celebration – Norris Dam State Park – December 14

Join us for a walk through time discovering old time traditions representing Tennessee Holiday Homecomings in the local region.  Celebrations will take place on the east side of the park as our rustic cabin area transforms into a winter village of festivities for the holiday season.  There will be live animal demonstrations, historical depiction of Appalachian like, horse drawn wagon rides, old time music and holiday treats.  Be expected to walk approximately one mile, so dress warmly and bring a flashlight.  For more information, call 865-426-7461 or visit www.norrisdamstatepark.org.