Here is a summary of events happening in Oak Ridge from Friday, December 5, and continuing through December 10.
This weekly listing of events is compiled by the Oak Ridge Convention and Visitors Bureau:
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5
13th Annual Gala – Children’s Museum of Oak Ridge – December 5
Location:  Children’s Museum of Oak Ridge – 461 West Outer Drive.  Time:  6-11pm
Enjoy authentic Celtic cuisine and culture, as well as music and dancing.  For more information and ticket prices, call 865-482-1074 or visitwww.childrensmuseumofoakridge.org.
Grounds Beautification Work Day at AMSE – December 5
AMSE is seeking volunteers to help beautify their grounds from 9:00am – Noon.  Volunteers are encouraged to bring gloves, planting tools, and any extra plants to donate to our flowerbeds.  Hot beverages will be provided.  For more information, contact Ken Mayes at 865-574-9584 or visit www.amse.org.
Oak Ridge Senior Citizens Holiday Reception – December 5
Location:  Oak Ridge Senior Center – 728 Emory Valley Road, Oak Ridge.  Time:  11:30am – 1:00pm
Come join us for a light lunch of sandwiches, chips and cookies as well as holiday music and fellowship.  The Senior Center guitar group will be playing live Christmas music.  Bingo will be offered and door prizes given away.  Goodie bags will be given out while they last.  For more information about this and other programs at the Senior Center, call us at 865-425-3999, or visit www.orrecparks.org or call Linda McGhee at 865-425-3999.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6
Pancakes with Santa – December 6
Location:  First United Methodist Church – 1350 Oak Ridge Turnpike.  Time:  8:00am – 10:00am
Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus will be there to greet children of all ages, and parents can take photos of their children with Santa.  Youth choirs will entertain the crowd with carols, and there will be plenty of merry elves serving pancakes with butter and syrup, bacon, fruit juices, hot chocolate, milk and coffee, too.  All proceeds benefit the crisis call center.  For more information call the business office at 865-312-7450 or email Deb Patterson at [email protected].
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Oak Ridge Chamber Music Series – December 6
Location:  Pollard Technology Conference Center – 210 Badger Avenue.  Time:  7:30pm – 9:30pm
Oak Ridge Civic Music Chamber Music Series presents Vega String Quartet featuring Joseph HaydnÂ’s String Quartet No. 5 in D Major:  I AinÂ’t Broke by David Kirkland Garner: and MendelssohnÂ’s String Quartet in F Minor.  Please join us for an evening of the cutting edge of the new generation of chamber music ensembles.  Tickets:  Adult and Seniors – $25; Age 29 and under – $10.  For more information, visit www.orcma.org or call 865-483-5569.
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Oak Ridge Community Orchestra Concert – December 6
Location:  First Baptist Church of Oak Ridge – Sanctuary – corner of Oak Ridge Turnpike and LaFayette Dr.
This concert will feature the Emperor (Kaiser) Waltzes by Johann Strauss, Jr., the Cinderella Suite No. 1 by Prokofiev, the Radetzky March by Johann Strauss, Sr., and A Christmas Festival by Leroy Anderson.  This is an exciting program that you will not want to miss!  Admission is FREE but a modest donation at the door to support the orchestra’s routine operating expenses will be appreciated.  Time:  The Concert will begin at 2:00pm.  For more information, visit www.OakRidgeCommunityOrchestra.com.
Library Sponsors Affordable Care Act Enrollment Events – December 6
Location:  Recreation Center – AB Room – 1403 Oak Ridge Turnpike.  Time:  1:00pm – 6:00pm
The window for open enrollment in ACA healthcare plans is November 15, 2014 thru February 15, 2015 and the Oak Ridge Public Library will sponsor two opportunities for you and your family members to enroll.  Trained, certified enrollers and volunteers with the Tennessee Health Care Campaign will provide support, information, computer stations, and enrollment assistance.  For more information, visit [email protected] or call 865-425-3455.
Holiday Concert – Sound Company – ChildrenÂ’s Choir of Oak Ridge – December 6
Location:  High Places Church at Grove Center – 123 Randolph Road.
Concert date and time:Â Â 3pm
Don’t miss the festive costumes and seasonal styling of more than 100 talented young vocalists in grades 1-12.  They will present everything from classical holiday carols to Louis Armstrong jazz.  Tickets:  Adults are $7; Seniors/Students are $5.  For information, contact Linda Ripley at www.soundcompanytn.net.
Santa Train Rides – Secret City Excursion Train – December 6
Ride dates and times:Â Â 11am, 1pm, and 3pm
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.  For more information, call 865-241-2140 or visitwww.secretcityrailroad.com.
“Scandal in the Secret City” book signing – December 6
Diane Fanning will be a guest of the American Museum of Science and Energy signing copies of her latest novel, “”Scandal in the Secret City”.  Time:  2:00pm – 4:00pm.  The book signing is a FREE event.
Saturday Tennis – Saturday Tennis Group – Every Saturday
Location:  Jackson Square Tennis Courts – Broadway Avenue, Oak Ridge
This group meets each Saturday at 1:30pm when it is 40 degrees or warmer.  Community players of all levels are invited.  Just show up and ask for the Coordinator, Rangan Sukumar, he will get you started with players at your own level.  There is no cost.  For more information, contact Rangan Sukumar at 865-474-0519.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 7
Cinderella – Oak Ridge Playhouse – Various Dates thru December 7
Location:  Oak Ridge Playhouse Mainstage –Jr. Playhouse – Historic Jackson Square – 227 Broadway, Oak Ridge.
The most celebrated of all fairy-tale characters is back in Rodgers and Hammerstein’s classic, Cinderella!  The ultimate rags-to-riches story sparkles in a far-away kingdom where princes, fairy godmothers, pumpkin carriages and soaring sweeping musical moments take you and the whole family on humor-filled flights of fancy and delight. Enchantment abounds in this newer version drawn from the ABC-TV production featuring Whitney Houston and Brandi.  Performance dates and times:  11/27, 28, and 29 at 8pm; 11/30 at 2pm; 12/5 and 6 at 8pm; and 12/7 at 2pm.  For more information, visit http://www.orplayhouse.com/ or call 865-482-9999.
Holiday Concert – Sound Company – ChildrenÂ’s Choir of Oak Ridge – December  7
Location:  High Places Church at Grove Center – 123 Randolph Road.
Concert time:Â Â 6pm
Don’t miss the festive costumes and seasonal styling of more than 100 talented young vocalists in grades 1-12.  They will present everything from classical holiday carols to Louis Armstrong jazz.  Tickets:  Adults are $7; Seniors/Students are $5.  For information, contact Linda Ripley at www.soundcompanytn.net.
Santa Train Rides – Secret City Excursion Train – December 7
Ride dates and times:Â Â 1pm and 3pm.
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.  For more information, call 865-241-2140 or visitwww.secretcityrailroad.com.
“Steam out Hunger” exhibit at AMSE -  Opening on December 7 thru January 5
Grade-school students from the Stanford Eisenberg Knoxville Jewish Day School are building a canned food sculpture, featuring the school’s name and ram mascot, for a “Steam Out Hunger”.  For more information, visit www.AMSE.org.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 8Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
Ballroom Dancing – Every Monday, 6:30 p.m.
Location:Â Â 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 9
Methodist Medical Center (MMC) Holiday Lights for Hospitality Houses – December 9
Location:  Methodist Medical Center Main Lobby – 990 Oak Ridge Turnpike.  Time:  7:00pm
Each year, MMC raises money for their Hospitality Houses to ensure that all of their guests are provided the very best FREE lodging, food, rest and companionship for their difficult diagnoses and stressful times.  The houses have provided a home for thousands of patients and their families over the last 18 years thanks to the generosity of people like you.  For more information, visit   http://www.mmcoakridge.com/upload/docs/Methodist%20Medical/0200-1415%202014%20MMCF%20holiday%20lights%20bro%20-%20FINAL.pdf
Children’s Museum of Oak Ridge hosts “Toddlers’ Playtime” – Every Tuesday at 10:00am
Location:  Children’s Museum of Oak Ridge – Preschool Room
Moms, dads, grandparents, and other caregivers are invited to bring children aged four and younger.  The kids can play while the adults visit with each other.  Admission is FREE for members and included with entry fee for non-members.  For more information, visit www.childrensmuseumofoakridge.org/toddlers-playtime/.
Print Making Studio – December 9
Oak Ridge Art Center – 201 Badger Avenue, Oak Ridge
Time:  1:30pm– 3:30pm.
Non-instructed studio session.  For more information visit:  www.oakridgeartcenter.org
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Disc Golf:  Random Draw Doubles – Every Tuesday
Location:  Carl Yearwood Disc Golf Course – Bus Terminal Road, Oak Ridge
Time:  6:00pm – 8:00pm.  This is a challenging but short Par 3 disc golf course.  For more information, call 865-425-3450.  This schedule will continue every Tuesday until September 25, 2015.
ONGOING EVENTS:
The Art of the Creche III:  Folk Art Nativities from Around the World – thru January 10
Location:  Oak Ridge Art Center – 210 Badger Avenue
Featuring new selections on loan from a private collection and selections from the Art Center’s Permanent Collection.  International Artists Henri Matisse, Edouard Manet, Salvador Dali, and many others are featured.   In the Foyer Gallery, “New Nativities by Local Artists” and “Mary – Mortal and Divine – Manifests the Feminine”.  For more information, visit [email protected] or call 865-482-1441.
 “Masterworks:  Prints from the Collection of Children’s Museum of Oak Ridge”
Location:  Children’s Museum of Oak Ridge – 461 West Outer Drive, Oak Ridge.
“Masterworks: Prints from the Collection of Children’s Museum of Oak Ridge” is a newly opened exhibit at the Museum’s “Imagination Gallery”.  The exhibit features works by the world’s greatest artists, including Picasso, Van Gogh, Monet, and Rembrandt.  For more information, visit http://www.childrensmuseumofoakridge.org , or call 865-482-1074.
“Kids Go Green” classes
Location:  Children’s Museum of Oak Ridge – 461 West Outer Drive, Oak Ridge.
A new list of “Kids Go Green!” classes is now online at http://www.childrensmuseumofoakridge.org/kids-go-green/.
TN Creates – Oak Ridge Art Center – Tuesdays – Saturdays
Location:  Oak Ridge Art Center – 201 Badger Avenue, Oak Ridge.
Time:Â Â 9:00am-5:00pm (M-F); 1:00pm-4:00pm (Saturdays)
The Oak Ridge Art Center is a Regional Museum and Teaching Facility offering the following activities:  Free Changing Exhibits; Opening Receptions & Gallery Talks; Exciting Special Events; Workshop and Classes that include all painting mediums, pottery & sculpture, children’s classes, jewelry fabrication, printing & etching, art appreciation, and many other arts and crafts.  For more information, visit www.oakridgeartcenter.org or call 865-482-1441.
Aqua Power Classes – Every Monday and Wednesday
Location:  Oak Ridge Civic Center – 1403 Oak Ridge Turnpike, Oak Ridge.
Interested participants may register at the Civic Center front desk.  For more information, visit www.orrecparks.org.
Exercise for Fitness – Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings
Location:  Oak Ridge Civic Center – 1403 Oak Ridge Turnpike, Oak Ridge.  Time:  9:00am-10:30am
Classes meet year round.  Fees are $31 per month or $5 per class.  An annual “non-resident” fee of $20 per year is charged where applicable.  For information, visithttp://orrecparks.oakridgetn.gov/civic-center/classes-and-activities/ or call 865-425-3450.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
 “Holiday Homecoming” Christmas Parade – December 13
Location:  Oak Ridge.  Time:  6:00pm
Line-up for the parade will take place at Corporate Center on the corner of Lafayette Road and Laboratory Road.  The theme of this year’s parade is “Holiday Homecoming”. To register your entry, visit https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07e9qgzq1g0269bc21&oseq=&c=&ch= .  Plenty of volunteers will be needed to make the parade a fun and safe event so if you’d like to help out, contact Greta Ownby at [email protected].
Santa Train Rides – Secret City Excursion Train – December 13 and 14
Ride dates and times:
12/13 (Saturday) at 11am, 1pm, and 3pm; 12/14 (Sunday) at 1 pm and 3pm.
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.  For more information, call 865-241-2140 or visitwww.secretcityrailroad.com.
“Steam out Hunger” food drive – December 13-14
As part of the “Steam Out Hunger” exhibit, AMSE is offering free admission during the weekend-long food drive.  Admission will be free to visitors who bring four canned or non-perishable food items per person.  All food collected and the cans from the exhibit structure will be donated to the Second Harvest Food Bank to provide hunger relief in the East Tennessee community.
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony – Patterson’s Appliances – December 16
You are invited to a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony to celebrate the new location of Patterson’s Appliances at 170 Oak Ridge Turnpike.  Time:  2:00pm (Ribbon Cutting at 2:15pm).
So, It’s a Solstice, So What? – AMSE – December 21
Participate in activities like making snow, doing the “Solar Slide,” making a solar clock, and investigating “How Cold Is Cold”?  Time:  1:00pm – 3:30pm.  For more information, visit www.amse.org.
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Boys’ Night Out – New Year Celebration – December 31
Location:  DoubleTree – Oak Ridge.  Time:  Begins at 8pm
East Tennessee’s favorite rhythm and blues group rings in the New Year with this special performance at the DoubleTree Hilton Ballroom.  Graze all night on sumptuous hors d’oeuvres, groove on a large dance floor, and enjoy a champagne toast at midnight!  There will be a full cash bar available.  Book a room at the DoubleTree for only $50 on this fun night!  Price:  $60.  For more information, call 865-481-2468 or 865-656-4444.
IN THE AREA:
Rocky Top Christmas Parade – December 5
Location:  Main Street, Rocky Top.  Time:  Parade begins at 7:00pm
Registration will begin at 5:00pm.  For more information, call 865-426-9595 or visit www.rockytoptnchamber.com.
Outdoor Network to air again on December 7-10
The Fishing University was filmed here last year and featured on the Outdoor Network.  It will be filmed here again on December 7-10.  The video can be viewed on the following website:  http://www.yallcome.org/anderson-county-highlights/norris-lake.
Christmas in Old Appalachia – Museum of Appalachia – thru December 24
Museum of Appalachia -2819 Andersonville Highway
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 13
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 approx. one mile, so dress warmly and bring a flashlight.  For more information, call 865-426-7461 or visit www.norrisdamstatepark.org.
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