What’s happening in Oak Ridge from Nov. 22-27

Here is a summary of events happening in Oak Ridge starting Friday, Nov. 22, and continuing through Nov. 27.

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

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22

CONTACT Care Line’s 40^th Ruby Anniversary Celebration – November 22

Location:  Pollard Technology Conference Center – 210 Badger Avenue, Oak Ridge.  Time:  7:00-10:00pm

There will be great Americana music from the Ridge City Ramblers, fun games and prizes, and tasty eats, all to support a great cause!  Your $40 donation to CONTACT comes with a buffet of hearty hors d’oeuvres and two drinks.  All proceeds support the crisis call center!  You can purchase tickets at http://www.contactcarelinetn.org/40th-anniversary-tickets/

 

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

Children’s Museum of Oak Ridge.  Time:  4:00-5:30pm.  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.

 

Annie – Oak Ridge Playhouse – November 22

Oak Ridge Playhouse – 227 Broadway Avenue, Oak Ridge.  Time:  8pm

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.  For more information or to order tickets, visit www.orplayhouse.com or call 865-482-9999.

 

Open Painting Studio – November 22

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

 

Art A La Carte – Brown Bag Learning Lunch – November 22

Oak Ridge Art Center – 201 Badger Avenue, Oak Ridge

12:00pm – 1:00pm

Art A La Carte is a series of brown bag luncheons that may include video tours of other museums or special exhibitions, profiles of national, international, and regional artists and their work, and features on specific media and techniques for handling that medium.  Occasionally, artists will offer slide presentations of regional work, gallery tours of their exhibitions in the Art Center galleries, or demonstrations with discussion.  Call the Art Center for a specific schedule.  Guests should bring a bag lunch.  The Center provides coffee and tea.  Art A La Carte is FREE and open to the public.  For more information visit:  www.oakridgeartcenter.org

 

Open Fiber Studio – November 22

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 23

Annie – Oak Ridge Playhouse – November 23

Oak Ridge Playhouse – 227 Broadway Avenue, Oak Ridge.   Time:  8pm

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!  For more information or to order tickets, visit www.orplayhouse.com or call 865-482-9999.

 

Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker” – November 23

Location:  Oak Ridge High School Performing Arts Center.   Time:  7:00pm

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.

 

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 24

Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker” – November 24

Location:  Oak Ridge High School Performing Arts Center.  Time:  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^th century, 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.

 

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25

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 26

Print Making Studio – November 26

Oak Ridge Art Center – 201 Badger Avenue, Oak Ridge

1:30am– 3:30pm

For more information visit:  www.oakridgeartcenter.org

 

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27

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:

Life Development Center – Haw Ridge Park

Located:  Haw Ridge Park on Edgemoor Road, Oak Ridge

This facility has a challenging but safe rope course and the staff can provide other exciting adventures such as rock climbing, backpacking, white water rafting, and caving.  The center is also available for camping, family reunions, team building retreats, company picnics, birthday parties, and youth group outings.  The CenterÂ’s proximity to Haw Ridge Park and Melton Hill Lake also make it ideal for mountain biking, trail running, and canoeing.  The rates are determined based on the size of the group and the activities.  You can contact the staff at 865-200-1790 or send an email to [email protected].

 

“The Art of the Photograph” – Gallery Viewing – thru January 2, 2014

Location:  Y-12 New Hope Center – 602 Scarboro Road, Oak Ridge

Dates and Times for viewing opportunities:  Monday – Thursday from 8:00am – 5:00pm.  For more information, send email to [email protected].

 

“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 visitwww.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:

Annie – Oak Ridge Playhouse – November 28, 30 and December 1

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:  11/28 (Thanksgiving) – 11/30 at 8pm; 12/1 at 2pm.  For more information or to order tickets, visit www.orplayhouse.com or call 865-482-9999.

 

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.

 

Career Coach – December 3

Location:  Oak Ridge Public Library Parking Lot.  Time:  10:00am – 3:00pm

Do you need help writing or editing your resume?  Have you been looking for someone to help you with online applications?  The Career Coach will be at the Oak Ridge Public Library to give you job assistance.  With access to the TN Department of Labor and Workforce DevelopmentÂ’s state of the art computer workstations and well-trained team, you can successfully navigate online job searching and get on track to find the job you want.  For more information on the Career Coach, check out the website at www.getonthecoach.tn.gov or find them on www.facebook.com/GetOnTheCoach .  This is a FREE service for the public, and participants do not have to be library members or Oak Ridge residents to receive assistance.  For more information on this FREE program, call the Library at 865-425-3455 or send email to [email protected].

 

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.

 

Annie – Oak Ridge Playhouse – December 6-8

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:  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.

 

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 visit www.comfortinnoakridge.com and click on the “Santa Clause” drop-down menu to access the “Breakfast with Santa” page.

 

Holiday Paper-Crafts – Children’s Museum of Oak Ridge – December 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:  4pm.  Class limit is 15.  For more information, visit www.childrensmuseumofoakridge.org or call 865-482-1074.

 

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

 

Camera Club of Oak Ridge Gallery Viewing – December 14

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

Time:  10:00am – 3:00pm.  For more information, send email to [email protected].

 

Oak Ridge Symphony & Chorus Concert:  Holiday Celebration Sunday – December 15

Location:  Oak Ridge High School Performing Arts Center.  Time:  3:00pm

One Symphony, two choirs and two conductors – Oak Ridge Chorus and Sound Company!  Plus Dan Allcott will share conducting duties with Seth Maples, the new conductor of the Oak Ridge Chorus.  WeÂ’ll help you get in the holiday spirit with excerpts from HandelÂ’s Messiah, holiday favorites, and a portion of John RutterÂ’s Mass of the Children.  Be prepared to sing along with some holiday favorites as well.  Tickets $25 (adult)/$10 (young adult)/$5 (youth).  For tickets, call the ORCMA office at 865-483-5569 or send an email to [email protected].

 

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:

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.