What’s happening in Oak Ridge from Feb. 12-18

Here is a summary of events happening in Oak Ridge from Thursday, February 12, and continuing through February 18.

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

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12

Vietnam Vet Performs “The Buffalo Soldiers of the American West” –  February 12

Location:  Pollard Auditorium – 210 Badger Avenue.  Time:  11:30am-12:30pm

In recognition of Black History Month, join ORAU for a day in history:  “The Buffalo Soldiers of The America West,” presented by Mr. William “Bill” Valentine.

 

Valentine Dinner Train – Secret City Scenic Excursion Train – February 12

Dinner Train Time:  6pm

This train ride gives you the opportunity to experience the journey enjoyed by travelers during the golden age of rail travel in the 1930’s and 40’s.  Passengers will begin their journey back in time abroad Southern Railway coach Fort Oglethorpe, built in 1947.  On the “dinner train ride”, a delicious dinner prepared by Chef Andras will be served.  Advance reservations are required as seating is limited.  Call for ticket prices at 865-241-2140 and visit the website at www.southernappalachia.railway.museum.

 

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 13

ORFD recognizes members for exceptional service – February 13

Location:  Fire Station Number 3 – 333 Tuskegee Drive, Oak Ridge.  Time:  6:00pm

The Oak Ridge Fire Department will be hosting this ceremony to recognize members for some recent accomplishments.  The Department will also recognize the 2014 Firefighter of the Year and 2014 Fire Officer of the Year during this ceremony.  The public is welcome to attend!  For more information, please contact Chief Darryl Kerley at 865-425-3520.

 

Valentine Dinner Train – Secret City Scenic Excursion Train – February 13

Dinner Train Time:  6pm

This train ride gives you the opportunity to experience the journey enjoyed by travelers during the golden age of rail travel in the 1930’s and 40’s.  Passengers will begin their journey back in time abroad Southern Railway coach Fort Oglethorpe, built in 1947.  On the “dinner train ride”, a delicious dinner prepared by Chef Andras will be served.  Advance reservations are required as seating is limited.  Call for ticket prices at 865-241-2140 and visit the website at www.southernappalachia.railway.museum.

 

Open Painting Studio – February 13

Oak Ridge Art Center – 201 Badger Avenue, Oak Ridge

Time:  9:30am-Noon

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 – February 13

Oak Ridge Art Center – 201 Badger Avenue, Oak Ridge

Time:  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, FEBRUARY 14

Valentine Dinner Train – Secret City Scenic Excursion Train – February 14

Dinner Train Time:  6pm

This train ride gives you the opportunity to experience the journey enjoyed by travelers during the golden age of rail travel in the 1930’s and 40’s.  Passengers will begin their journey back in time abroad Southern Railway coach Fort Oglethorpe, built in 1947.  On the “dinner train ride”, a delicious dinner prepared by Chef Andras will be served.  Advance reservations are required as seating is limited.  Call for ticket prices at 865-241-2140 and visit the website at www.southernappalachia.railway.museum.

 

Father-Daughter Valentine’s Day Hike – UT Arboretum – February 14

Location:  UT Arboretum – 901 S. Illinois Avenue, Oak Ridge.  Time:  9:00am

Come out to the Arboretum for a fun, short trail hike (1 to 1.5 hours) on Valentine’s Day!  This is a great winter occasion to get some outdoor exercise with your young or older valentine!  Wear clothes appropriate to the weather and boots or good shoes for outdoor walking.  Just for fun, wear red!  The hike will be led by Jeff Holt and Wes Tilley, both foresters.  Meet at the Arboretum parking lot at 9:00am.  For more information, call 865-483-3571 or visit www.utarboretumsociety.org.

 

Family Day at the Oak Ridge Civic Center – February 14

Location:  Oak Ridge Civic Center.  Time:  Noon – 4:00pm

All activities except public swim and concessions are FREE!  Concession items will include hot dogs, nachos, chips, juice and soft drinks.  A free cookie decorating activity will be offered.  Family activities offered throughout the Civic Center will include pool, ping pong, foosball, crafts, cookie decorating, face painting and board games.  Active games, including family versions of volleyball and basketball are planned for the gymnasium.  For more information or to volunteer to help, please call the Civic Center front desk at 865-425-3450 or visit www.orrecparks.org.

 

Sweet on the Grove – February 14

Location:  Historic Grove Theater – Oak Ridge

The Historic Grove Theater is reaching out to the community with a FUN-filled Valentine Day event.  Offerings at the event include special desserts for pickup, childcare while you enjoy your valentine’s dinner, artist portrait/sketches, and photography booths for couples and families.  Proceeds to benefit “Friends of the Grove Theater” at www.thegrovetheater.org.

 

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.

 

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 16                     

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, FEBRUARY 17

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 – February 17

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

 

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:

New Classes at the Children’s Museum of Oak Ridge will be held over the next several weeks.  For more information on these classes and all events going on at the Museum, visitwww.childrensmuseumofoakridge.org or call 865-482-1074.

 

Oak Ridge City Events for 2015

Click on the following link to flip through the 2015 Online Guide which includes information about Oak Ridge’s parks, centers, and events for 2015:  http://en.calameo.com/read/000993940053d454c498b.

 

“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:  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, visitwww.oakridgeartcenter.org or call 865-482-1441.

 

UPCOMING EVENTS:

International Festival – Children’s Museum of Oak Ridge – February 21

Location:  Children’s Museum of Oak Ridge. Time:  10:00am – 4:00pm

This annual festival showcases the world’s cultures through international performances, food, crafts, children’s activities and more than two dozen booths highlighting countries and regions of the world.  Featured entertainers will be the dance group, “Spice of India”.  There will be food, entertainment, and culture from over 20 countries and crafts for kids throughout the museum.  Display and demonstrations of model trains will be available, and the train garden will be open, weather permitting.   For more information, call 865-482-1074 or visit www.childrensmuseumofoakridge.org.

 

Oak Ridge Wind Ensemble/Community Band Jazz & Show Concert – February 22

Location:  Historic Grove Theatre.  Time:  3:30pm

This concert will be a definite crowd pleaser with a program of jazz favorites and popular show tunes; also featuring vocalist Deidre Ford, soloist Ra Naye Dreier on flute, soloist Don Batchelor on trombone, and guest percussionist Dr. Bill Burkhart.  Make your plans to attend this entertaining performance.  Admission is $8 for adults, $6 for senior citizens and students.  For more information visit www.orcb.org or call 865-482-3568.

 

One Voice – One Vision – Randy Boyd, Speaker – March 4

Location:  Oak Ridge High School, Wildcat Arena – 1450 Oak Ridge Turnpike.  Time:  12:30pm

The deadline to RSVP to this event is Friday, February 27^th.  To register, visit https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07eags27hsab5976ac&oseq=&c=&ch= .  The One Voice-One Vision luncheon is the opportunity for the Chamber to announce its 2015 initiatives as well as its 3-year strategic plan.  The speaker for the event will be Randy Boyd, Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner.  For members, the cost to attend is $50, for non-members the cost is $100.  For more information, contact Greta Ownby at [email protected].

 

13 Bells of Boglewood – Oak Ridge Jr. Playhouse – March 7 and 8

Date and Times for Performances:  3/7 at 1pm and 4pm; 3/8 at 2pm

An action-packed play for young audiences that illustrates the choices we make between doing what is right and doing what satisfies our greed.  Two gold diggers find themselves on opposite sides of this equation as they encounter fairies, spriggans and the Greedy Bogle, who answers questions in exchange for gold.  The treasure is discovered but is guarded by magic and a 13-bel warning.

 

Retirement Plans for Small Businesses Seminar – March 10

Location:  Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce – 1400 Oak Ridge Turnpike.  Time:  11:30am – 1:00pm

This seminar will provide an overview of retirement plans for small businesses.  The seminar is part of the Pugh CPAs VALUE Series, a monthly networking and business education opportunity held at the Chamber office.  Cost to attend is FREE for members and $30 for non-members.  For more information, visit www.oakridgechamber.org or call 865-483-1321.

 

American Red Cross Lifeguard Course – March 19-22

For more information and details on this course, visit http://www.oakridgetn.gov/content.aspx?article=3394  or call the Oak Ridge Recreation and Parks Department at 865-425-3450.

 

14^th Annual Big Ed’s Memorial Golf Tournament – April 24

Location:  Oak Ridge Country Club

Time:  Two flights starting at 8:00am and 1:30pm

The Big EdÂ’s Memorial Golf Tournament supports Community Mediation Services of Anderson County.  The tournament honors Big Ed Neusel and David Neusel, who exemplified community spirit and caring. There will be a complimentary breakfast, lunch, and prizes!  For information or to register, please visit www.peacefulresolution.org, call 865-463-6888, or email [email protected]. Early deadline is Thursday, April 16.

 

EVENTS IN THE AREA:

Outdoor Channel’s Fishing University – February 17, 21, and 22

Norris Lake was featured for the second year in a row on the Outdoor Channel’s Fishing University .  The crew was here in December filming and the show will air on the following dates:  Tuesday, February 17 at 11:30am; Saturday, February 21 at 3pm; and Sunday, February 22 at 7am.  To see last season’s episode, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-EjcJFs25vw&feature=youtu.be .   The show will air again later in the year, after which, we will get a copy to add to our website at www.yallcome.org.

 

CASA’s 12^th Annual Barbecue and Bluegrass Bash! – February 21

Location:  205 Main Street, Clinton.  Time:  6:00pm

Jack Ryan of Merle FM will be the emcee, The Ridge City Ramblers will be providing live bluegrass music, Sugarlands Distillery will be offering moonshine flights, Lauren Howard will be leading line dances, Juicebeats Photography will be catching memories of it all, and of course Bear Stephenson will be auctioning off goodies!  Tickets are $50 each or $350 for an 8-person table and includes barbeque buffet dinner, drinktickets and lots of entertainment!  For more information, contact CASA of the Tennessee Heartland at 865-425-9888 or visit www.casatnh.org.

 

East Tennessee Regional Science Olympiad Competition – February 21

Location:  Pellissippi State Community College

Hundreds of middle and high school students will compete against one another in science, technology, engineering and math events.  For more information, visit www.pstcc.edu or call 865-694-6400.

 

Appalachian Arts Craft Center in Norris, TN offering Featured Tennessee Artist Workshops – Feb.- April

Mosaic Stepping Stones, Nuno Felted Scarf, and Market Basket in March and Splint Reed Seat Weaving and Handcaning and Raku in April.  There are still some scheduled classes for February as well.  Visitwww.appalachianarts.net or call 494-9854 for more information on these classes as well as the entire current list of classes.