What’s happening in Oak Ridge from Dec. 5-11

Here is a summary of events happening in Oak Ridge starting Thursday, Dec. 5, and continuing through Dec. 11.

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

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6

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 visithttp://childrensmuseumofoakridge.org/index.php/events/gala.

 

Annual Christmas Tree Lighting and Reception – December 6

Location:  Bissell Park, Oak Ridge.  Time:  6:30pm

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, visitwww.orrecparks.org.

 

Annie – Oak Ridge Playhouse – December 6

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.

 

Horse and Carriage Rides – December 6

Location:  Comfort Inn – 433 South Rutgers Avenue, Oak Ridge.  Time:  4pm – 7:30pm

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.  For more information, call 1-800-555-7830 or visit the Comfort Inn website at http://www.comfortinnoakridge.com.

 

Open Painting Studio – December 6

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 – December 6

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, DECEMBER 7

“Breakfast with Santa” to benefit CASA – December 7

Location:  Comfort Inn – 433 South Rutgers Avenue, Oak Ridge.  Time:  9:00am-10:30am

The Comfort Inn will host “Breakfast with Santa” to benefit CASA.  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.

 

Santa Train Rides – Secret City Excursion Train – December 7

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

 

Horse and Carriage Rides – December 7

Location:  Comfort Inn – 433 South Rutgers Avenue, Oak Ridge.  Time:  3pm – 7pm

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.  For more information, call 1-800-555-7830 or visit the Comfort Inn website at http://www.comfortinnoakridge.com.

 

Annie – Oak Ridge Playhouse – December 7

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.

 

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8

Horse and Carriage Rides – December 8

Location:  Comfort Inn – 433 South Rutgers Avenue, Oak Ridge.  Time:  2pm – 6pm

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.  For more information, call 1-800-555-7830 or visit the Comfort Inn website at http://www.comfortinnoakridge.com.

 

Annie – Oak Ridge Playhouse – December 8

Oak Ridge Playhouse – 227 Broadway Avenue, Oak Ridge.  Time:  2pm

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.

 

Santa Train Rides – Secret City Excursion Train – December 8

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

 

MONDAY, DECEMBER 9

Aid to Distressed Families of Appalachian Counties (ADFAC) Dine & Donate Begins – December 9

On December 9, 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: Dean’s Restaurant & Bakery, Mediterranean Delight, Ruby Tuesday, and Razzleberry’s in Oak Ridge and Hoskins Restaurant in Clinton.   For additional information, please visit, www.adfac.org.

 

Special December Program – Aqua Power Classes – Every Monday and Wednesday

Location:  Oak Ridge Civic Center – 1403 Oak Ridge Turnpike, Oak Ridge.

The program is geared toward participants who wish to receive a workout in the water and will be encouraged to work at their own pace.  Participants do not have to be able to swim or get their hair wet.  The Special December Fee is $32 for the month or $5 per class.  Classes will not meet on December 25.  This Special one-month class will begin on December 2 thru December 30.  Interested participants may register at the Civic Center front desk before each class.  Janice Greenwood is the Instructor of this program and holds numerous exercise certificates.  For further information, call 865-425-3450 or visit the website at www.orrecparks.org.

 

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, DECEMBER 10

Print Making Studio – December 10

Oak Ridge Art Center – 201 Badger Avenue, Oak Ridge

1:30am– 3:30pm

For more information visit:  www.oakridgeartcenter.org

 

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11

Special December Program – Aqua Power Classes – Every Monday and Wednesday

Location:  Oak Ridge Civic Center – 1403 Oak Ridge Turnpike, Oak Ridge.

The program is geared toward participants who wish to receive a workout in the water and will be encouraged to work at their own pace.  Participants do not have to be able to swim or get their hair wet.  The Special December Fee is $32 for the month or $5 per class.  Classes will not meet on December 25.  This Special one-month class will begin on December 2 thru December 30.  Interested participants may register at the Civic Center front desk before each class.  Janice Greenwood is the Instructor of this program and holds numerous exercise certificates.  For further information, call 865-425-3450 or visit the website at www.orrecparks.org.

 

ONGOING EVENTS:

 “Pictures with Santa” to benefit CASA – 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 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 http://www.comfortinnoakridge.com.

 

 “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 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.

 

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].

 

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:

Horse and Carriage Rides – December 13, 14, 15, 20, and 21

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 13 and 20 from 4pm-7:30pm; December 14 and 21 from 3pm-7pm; and December 15 from 4pm-6pm.  For more information, call 1-800-555-7830 or visit the Comfort Inn website at http://www.comfortinnoakridge.com.

 

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.  Ages 8-12.  Fee:  Members – $25, Non-Members – $30.  Time:  4pm.  Class limit is 15.  For more information, visitwww.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 atwww.oakridgechamber.org.  For more information, contact the Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce at 865-483-1321

 

ORCO presents Symphonic Sounds to Celebrate the Season – December 14

Location:  Sanctuary of the First Baptist Church of Oak Ridge – corner of the Oak Ridge Turnpike and LaFayette Drive

Time:  2:00pm  Cost:  FREE

The ORCO will be performing famous music associated with traditional celebrations.  Everyone will immediately recognize the dashing Sleigh Ride by Leroy Anderson, and the Christmas Carols captured by William Burkhart in his special arrangement, While in the Fields.  You can savor the traditional Russian flavor with Polonaise from the Christmas Eve Suite by Rimsky-Korsakov, andRussian Christmas Music by Alfred Reed.  Moreover, you will enjoy the lilting style of the traditional Jewish music in Festive Sounds of Hanukah by Bill Holcombe.  Admission is free, but modest donations at the door to support the orchestra’s routine operating expenses will be appreciated.  For more information, visit www.OakRidgeCommunityOrchestra.com.

 

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].

 

Santa Train Rides – Secret City Excursion Train – December 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:  12/14 at 11am, 1pm and 3pm; 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.

 

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].

 

Oak Ridge Community Band/Wind Ensemble Christmas Sing-Along Concert – December 15

Location:  First Baptist Church Sanctuary – 1101 Oak Ridge Turnpike.  Cost FREE

The Community Band/Wind Ensemble will perform seasonal favorites and accompany the audience as they sing familiar Christmas carols.  Refreshments will be provided at the conclusion of the program.  Bring family and friends to this special celebration of Christmas with music.  For more information, call 865-482-3568 or visit http://orcb.org.

 

Varying Degrees – Oak Ridge Public Library – December 17

Location:  Oak Ridge Public Library Auditorium – 1401 Oak Ridge Turnpike, Oak Ridge.  Time: 7:00pm

“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].

 

The “Shepard’s Pipes” performing Renaissance Carols – December 19

Location:  Oak Ridge Public Library Auditorium – 1401 Oak Ridge Turnpike, Oak Ridge.  Time: 7:30pm – 8:15pm

Shepard Pipes play seven sizes of instruments which are copies of period instruments.  They range in size from the deepest-sounding five-foot tall great bass to the chirpy-sounding seven inch garklein.  For more information on this FREE program, call the Public Library at 865-425-3455 or email [email protected].

 

Ramona Quimby – January 25-26, 2014

Oak Ridge Playhouse – 227 Broadway Avenue, Oak Ridge – Junior Playhouse

Exasperating, Boisterous, and independent, that’s Ramona Quimby.  Always aggravating her older sister, Beezus, constantly getting into trouble, and sometimes “making a big, noisy fuss” when things don’t go her way.  But, the typical problems facing the middle-class Quimby family help Ramona realize that life is not always fair, and eventually she and Beezus discover that while sisters may not always agree, they can be good to have around.  For more information or to order tickets, visit www.orplayhouse.com or call 865-482-9999.

 

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.

 

Lake City Christmas Parade – December 6

The theme is “A Christmas to Remember”.  The parade will start at 7pm.  For more information about the parade or registering to participate, visit http://www.lakecitychambertn.com/parade/.

 

Clinton Christmas Parade – December 7

This year’s parade theme is “A Christmas to Remember”.  The parade will begin at 6pm and will travel down Market and Main Streets in downtown Clinton.  Participants must pre-register.  Entry forms and parade maps are available on the Anderson County Chamber’s website at www.andersoncountychamber.org or call 865-457-2559.

 

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 visitwww.museumofappalachia.org.

 

“Fishing University” on the Outdoor Channel – December 10

Location:  Museum of Appalachia.  Time:  6:00pm-7:30pm

Mark your calendars:  The Anderson County Tourism Council is hosting the “Outdoor Channel” who is coming to Anderson County to film their show “Fishing University” on Norris Lake!  Their website is www.fishingu.com.  You will have the opportunity to meet the hosts of the show, Charlie Ingram and Ray Brazier and their guests, Dean Smith, CEO and Kody Bradbury, Brand Manager of Legend Boats.  This is a FREE event for the entire family and will give you the opportunity to ask the pros everything you always wanted to know about bass fishing.

 

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.