Here is a summary of events happening in Oak Ridge from Saturday, March 21, and continuing through March 25.
This weekly listing of events is compiled by the Oak Ridge Convention and Visitors Bureau:
Important Event Notice:
Community Open House for National Park Service Delegation – March 26
Location:  Oak Ridge Civic Center – A/B Room – 1403 Oak Ridge Turnpike.  Time:  10:00am – 11:00am
This Open House is to welcome the National Park Service (NPS) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) team that will be visiting Oak Ridge to begin planning for the Manhattan Project National Historical Park. This is open to the public and no RSVP is required. This will provide an opportunity for our community to meet and interact with the planning team as they begin implementation of this innovative three-site national park. Mayor Warren Gooch would like to encourage citizens to attend this important event. The Manhattan National Historical Park legislation was passed by Congress in December 2014 and signed into law by President Obama on December 19. The law designates sites in Oak Ridge, Los Alamos, New Mexico, and Hanford, Washington as a three-site national park.  The law recognizes the Manhattan Project as one of the most significant events in U.S. History, with assets and history that must be preserved.  For more information, visit the city’Â’s website atwww.oakridgetn.gov.
SATURDAY, MARCH 21
Cypress String Quartet – March 21
Location:  Pollard Auditorium.  Time:  7:30pm
Known for its elegant performances, the acclaimed Cypress String Quartet combines technical precision with imaginative programming. The Quartet performs on 17th and 18th century instruments and has commissioned and premiered over 25 new works. To purchase tickets, visit https://www.vendini.com/ticket-software.html?t=tix&e=97120fd29320d123bd07e0ae9a14aeff.
Heather Haley, WVLT-TV Meteorologist talks about Weather in East Tennessee – March 21
Location:  Roane State Community College – 701 Briarcliff Avenue, Oak Ridge.  Time:  10:00am
Heather will speak about our interesting weather phenomena and explain how she delivers her message to viewers.  Bring your questions about East Tennessee weather to get answers from a meteorologist.  This is a FREE event.  For more information, visit www.utarboretumsociety.org or call 865-483-3571.
Spring Swimming Lessons – Begins March 21 (Registration going on now)
The swimming lessons begin Saturday, March 21; Tuesday, March 24; and Thursday, March 26.  These classes include the Preschool Aquatics, Parent-Child (children 6 months to 3 years with their parent) and additional levels of 1-6 and adult.  There are 8 classes, each 30 minutes.  The fee is $65 with a $10 non-resident fee for children who reside outside of Oak Ridge. Registration is at the Civic Center Front Desk with payment due at the time of registration, cash and checks are accepted.  For further information, please call the Recreation and Parks Department at 865-425-3450.
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, MARCH 23Â 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, MARCH 24
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 – March 24
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:
DOE Facilities Public Bus Tour – March thru August Schedule
Departs from the American Museum of Science and Energy – 300 South Tulane Avenue at Noon.
Bus Schedule:Â Â Month of March:Â Â Mondays and Fridays;Â Months of April and May:Â Â Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays;Months of June, July, and August:Â Â Monday-Friday.
Explore original Manhattan Project sites around Oak Ridge and learn the history behind the world’s first atomic weapon which helped to end World War II.  US Citizens only.  Age 10 and up.   For more information, call the Museum at 865-576-3200.
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.
“Some of my Favorites:  Photos by Ray Smith” – Exhibit thru end of March
Location:  Oak Ridge Children’s Museum – 461 West Outer Drive.
Ray Smith is the Historian at the Y-12 National Security Complex and a journalist for the Oak Ridger newspaper.  This exhibit is a wonderful selection of favorite images from Ray Smith’s archives of nature photographs.  His images depict wildflowers, trees, rivers and streams from various East Tennessee locations including the UT Arboretum and Frozen Head State Park.  This exhibit has been extended to run through the end of March.  For more information, visitwww.childrensmuseumofoakridge.org.
“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 and Gallery Talks; Exciting Special Events; Workshop and Classes that include all painting mediums, pottery and sculpture, children’s classes, jewelry fabrication, printing and etching, art appreciation, and many other arts and crafts.  .  For more information, visit www.oakridgeartcenter.org or call 865-482-1441.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Dale Carnegie Employee Engagement Seminar – March 26
How great organizations create a culture of engagement.  You can recognize an engaged organization from a mile away. Client service is on point, employees are proud, and most importantly the organization is beating their competition.  Cost for members of the Chamber is $30; cost for non-members is $50.  To register, visithttps://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07ealtigesf580d398&oseq=&c=&ch=.
Ribbon Cutting for Fulin Asian Cuisine – March 27
Location:  1556 Oak Ridge Turnpike.  Time:  11:00am (Ribbon cutting at 11:15).
2015 City Egg Hunt – March 28
Location:  Oak Ridge Civic Center.  Time:  11:00am
Hundreds of children are expected to participate in this annual spring event!  Over 15,000 candy and prize filled eggs will be hidden in Bissell Park with a first, second, and third place prize egg in each age group.  This event will be held rain or shine so participants should dress for the weather.  If severe weather prevents hiding the eggs outdoors, they will be given away in the gym and a drawing will be held for the prizes.  Participants should assemble in the Civic Center gymnasium prior to 11:00 am. The children will be divided into separate age groups.  Volunteers are needed!  For more information, call the Civic Center front desk at 865-425-3450.
Garden Tool Sharpening Workshop – Arboretum – March 28
Location:  UT Arboretum Shop – 901 S. Illinois Avenue.  Time:  9:00am – 11:00am
The workshop will be led by Roger Clary and Doc Ferguson of Downtown Hardware in Oak Ridge.  The workshop will focus on chainsaws, lawnmowers and garden hand tools.  To learn more about this lecture, or the UT Arboretum Society, go to the Arboretum website at http://www.utarboretumsociety.org/.
“In It to Win It” – Putting the Fun in Fundraising – March 28
Location:  Tech 2020- 1020 Commerce Park Drive, Oak Ridge.  Time:  6:30pm
The Methodist Medical Center Foundation is excited to bring you a whole new event featuring some of the craziest 60-second party games around.  Balance, coordination, aim, and humor will all be needed for these creative challenges.  There wi’ll be games galore, a silent auction, food, and loads of fun!  Proceeds will benefit the Hospitality Houses of Methodist Medical Center, which provide temporary lodging for patients and families traveling long distances for medical treatment.  For tickets or more information, call 865-835-5267 or visit www.mmcoakridge.com/InitToWinit.
Oak Ridge Summer Camp Registration Begins April 1
Registration for the 2015 Summer Camp sponsored by the Oak Ridge Recreation and Parks Department will begin on Wednesday, April 1.  A link to online registration and the camp calendar is available at www.oakridgetn.gov and at http://orrecparks.oakridgetn.gov/.  For more information, call the Civic Center front desk at 865-425-3450.
New Exercise Class at the Oak Ridge Senior Center – Beginning April 1
Location:  Oak Ridge Senior Center – 728 Emory Valley Road, Oak Ridge.
This new exercise class is for those 50 and over.  The classes will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30am – 10:30am beginning April 2.  The cost is $18 per month.  Please call the Senior Center at 865-425-3999 to reserve a spot as soon as possible.
Spring Colors and Easter Dinner Train Ride – Secret City Scenic Excursion Train – April 4
Train Ride Times:Â Â 11:00am, 1:00pm, and 3:00pm
Easter Dinner Train Time:Â Â 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.
Primetime Fiesta – April 16
Location:  Chamber of Commerce – 1400 Oak Ridge Turnpike – in the parking lot.
Time:  4:30pm – 6:30pm
This is one of the biggest networking events of the year!  For more information, visit www.oakridgechamber.org or call 865-483-1321.
Spring Plant Sale – April 18
Location:   UT Arboretum – 901 S. Illinois Avenue, Oak Ridge.
There will be some special plants this year in honor of UTAS’ 50th Anniversary.  Find out about our vendors’ special selections of golden plants, and the “Rising Sun” Redbud trees which will be offered at the sale.  Artisan Brad Greenwood of Clinton will return with his forge and metal art!  Regular vendors, Beaver Creek Nursery, Riverdale Nursery, East Fork Nursery, and Sunlight Gardens will be returning this year with special selections of golden plants along with their array of offerings for the sale.  For more information, visit www.utarboretumsociety.org or call the Arboretum at 865-483-3571.
International Flavors – Oak Ridge Symphony Orchestra – April 18
Location:  ORHS Performing Arts Center.  Time:  7:30pm
Xenophobes beware!  We’ll travel with composers far and wide as they explore the musical influences away from home. Come enjoy a delicious and harmonious blend of cultures.  Felix Mendelssohn:  Symphony No. 4 “Italian”; Camille Saint-Saens:  Danse Bacchanal from Samson and Delilah; Dmitri Shostakovich:  Tahiti Trot from the Golden Age; Nicolia Rimsky-Korsakov:  Capricio Espagnol.  To purchase tickets, visit https://www.vendini.com/ticket-software.html?t=tix&e=72dc0072380cc75ce153d5e1ad9535ae.
Murder Mystery Dinner Theater – April 18
Location:  Oak Ridge Unitarian Universalist Church.  Time:  7:00pm – 11:00pm
All proceeds benefit TORCH.  For more information, visit www.oakridgetorch.org.
Spring Colors Train Ride – Secret City Scenic Excursion Train – April 18
Train Ride Times:Â Â 11:00am, 1:00pm, and 3:00pm
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.  Call for ticket prices at 865-241-2140 and visit the website at www.southernappalachia.railway.museum.
14th Annual Big Ed’s Memorial Golf Tournament – April 24
Location:Â Â Oak Ridge Country Club
Time:Â Â Two flights starting at 8:00am and 1:30pm
The Big Ed’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.
A Little Night Music / Oak Ridge Playhouse / Mainstage – May 1-17
Location:  Oak Ridge Playhouse – Mainstage.
With hilariously witty and heartbreakingly moving moments of adoration, regret, and desire, this sweeping musical explores the tangled web of affairs centered around actress Desiree Armfeldt, the men who love her, and their jealous wives –all invited for a weekend in the country.  With everyone in one place, infinite possibilities of new romances and second chances bring endless surprises in Stephen Sondheim’s masterful musical take on Ingmar Bergman’s comedy of manners, “Smiles of a Summer Night”.   Dates and Times of Performances:  May 1 and 2 at 8pm; May 7, 8, and 9 at 8pm; May 10 at 2pm; May 15 and 16 at 8pm; and May 17 at 2pm.  For more information, visit www.orplayhouse.com.
EVENTS IN THE AREA:
5 County Norris Lake Clean-Up – March 28
We are looking for volunteers to help with the 5 County Norris Lake Clean-Up on March 28th.  Norris Lake is one of East Tennessee’s most loved recreation destinations, but the garbage that is constantly dumped in the lake is causing an eye sore. Therefore, the five counties that contain Norris Lake have banned together to clean up the problem.  Volunteers from Anderson, Campbell, Claiborne, Grainger and Union counties are needed.  For more information on where to meet for clean-up and how you can volunteer to help, call 1-800-524-3602 or visit www.norrislakeproject.com.
East Tennessee Wanderers – March 28
Join the East Tennessee Wanderers for a 6K/10K (your choice) walk through city streets of charming historic Rogersville. Walk begins at the Rogersville Food City – 1287 E. Main Street (Hwy 66); 10K starts at 10:00am; 6K at 11:00am  Restaurant lunch following walk.  For more information, visit www.easttennesseewanderers.org or call 865-291-8149.
Appalachian Arts Craft Center in Norris, TN offering Featured Tennessee Artist Workshops – thru 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.  Visit www.appalachianarts.net or call 494-9854 for more information on these classes as well as the entire current list of classes.
War at Windrock – April 11
50K and 11 Mile Trail Run.  For more information, visit www.dirtybirdevents.com.
Windrock’s Spring Jamboree – April 16-18
Location:  Windrock Hollow – Hoskins Gap Road, just a short distance from the main Trailhead.
This year’s Spring Jamboree includes an array of vendors, competitions in the new “Windrock Hollow” Events Area and performing Saturday night, April 18th is Janelle Arthur, Oliver Springs native and American Idol’s Season 12, top 5 performers!  For more information, visit www.windrockpark.com.
Leave a Reply