What’s happening in Oak Ridge from Jan. 23-29

Here is a summary of events happening in Oak Ridge starting Thursday, Jan. 23, and continuing through Jan. 29.

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

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During these winter days, don’t forget to take advantage of some indoor fun at “The Oak Ridge Children’s Museum” or the “American Museum of Science and Energy”.

The hours of operation are as follows: 

AMSE:  Open Mon.-Sat., 9:00am – 5:00pm; Sunday 1:00pm – 5:00pm.

Children’s Museum:   Tuesday – Friday 9:00am – 5:00pm; Saturday 10:00am – 4:00pm; Sunday 1:00pm – 4:00pm.

The Tinsletown theatre is a fun thing to do, and is always showing the latest blockbuster movies for you and your family/friends to enjoy.

If you want to get outside and enjoy the crisp air, take a walk on one of the trails at the University of Tennessee Arboretum.  The gate is open every day so walkers can take advantage of one of the trails through the woods.   For a guide to the Arboretum trails, visithttp://forestry.tennessee.edu/walkingtrails.htm .  The Arboretum is located at 901 S. Illinois Avenue, Oak Ridge.   865-483-3571

For outdoor activities such as Golfing, Birdwatching, Hiking, Fishing, Horseback Riding, Swimming, Water Skiing, Camping or ATV fun, visit the following website for detailed information and locations http://oakridgevisitor.com/around-town/what-to-do/outdoor/.

If you’d like to take in some incredible works of art, visit The Oak Ridge Art Center and see their Permanent Art Collection.  Their Collection is composed of a wide variety of works representing both international and regional artists.  The core of the museum’s collection is the Mary and Alden Gomex Collection, the main body of which are, Abstract Expressionism works.  The Art Center is located at 201 Badger Avenue, Oak Ridge, and is open every day.  For more information visit:  www.oakridgeartcenter.org

 

THURSDAY, JANUARY 23

“Bojangle’s” Grand Opening Celebration – January 23

You are cordially invited to join Bojangle’s Grand Opening Celebration from 5-7pm (Official Ribbon Cutting will take place at 5:30pm).  There will be Face Painting, Balloon Animals, and a “Register to Win Bojangle’s Prize Pack”!  There will also be FREE Bo Berry Biscuits ALL DAY with a purchase AND, from 5-7pm there will be “Buy One Get One Free” Supreme or Homestyle Tender Combos FOR EVERYONE!  So come and join us for Fun, Food, and Fellowship!!!

 

FRIDAY, JANUARY 24

Art A La Carte – Brown Bag Learning Lunch – January 24

Oak Ridge Art Center – 201 Badger Avenue, Oak Ridge

12:00pm – 1:00pm

Held at noon on the fourth Friday of each month, 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 but the Center will provide coffee and tea.  Art A La Carte is FREE and open to the public.  For more information visit:  www.oakridgeartcenter.org

 

Open Painting Studio – January 24

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 – January 24

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, JANUARY 25

Ramona Quimby – January 25, 2014

Oak Ridge Playhouse – 227 Broadway Avenue, Oak Ridge – Junior Playhouse.  Time:  1:00pm and 4:00pm

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, visitwww.orplayhouse.com or call 865-482-9999.

 

SUNDAY, JANUARY 26

Ramona Quimby – January 26, 2014

Oak Ridge Playhouse – 227 Broadway Avenue, Oak Ridge – Junior Playhouse.  Time:  2:00pm

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, visitwww.orplayhouse.com or call 865-482-9999.

 

Oak Ridge Community Band/Wind Ensemble Showcase Concert – January 26

Location:  Historic Grove Theater – 123 Randolph Road, Oak Ridge.  Time:  3:30pm

This annual Showcase Concert features band members and area musicians in small group performances.  At the conclusion of the program, free refreshments will be available in the lobby.  Among the groups performing will be the Tanasi Winds Quintet, The Silver Winds Flute Choir, the ORCB Tuba-Euphonium ensemble, and the Oak Ridge Clarinet Choir.  Ticket fees for this concert are $8 for adults and $6 for senior citizens and students.  For more information, visit the band’s web site at www.orcb.org or call 865-482-3568.

 

Ed Westcott Images – American Museum of Science and Energy – Last Day!

American Museum of Science and Energy – Lobby

Ed Westcott’s images provide a look at the 1940’s history of Oak Ridge.  He was the official U.S. Army Manhattan Project photographer.  For more information, visit www.amse.org.

 

MONDAY, JANUARY 27              

Learn to Dance at the Oak Ridge Public Library – Beginning January 27

Location:  Oak Ridge Library Auditorium – 1401 Oak Ridge Turnpike, Oak Ridge.  Class times:  7:30-8:30pm

The “Oak Ridge Folk Dancers” will offer a three part workshop in the Library Auditorium to introduce participants to the joy of folk dancing and provide FREE lessons!  The classes will take place on the following Monday evenings from 7:30-8:30pm: January 27^th, February 3^rd, and February 10^th.  Adults and supervised children (8 years of age and older) are welcome to attend. No prior dance experience is necessary, no partner is needed, and the only equipment required is comfortable clothes and shoes! The group started in Oak Ridge over sixty-five years ago, during World War II.  The dancers come from Oak Ridge and surrounding towns.  To learn more about this three part Library workshop, please contact the Library at 865-425-3455 or[email protected] .  You do not have to be a Library member to participate and there is no fee for the class.

 

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.  Interested participants may register at the Civic Center front desk.  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, JANUARY 28

Zumba Fitness Classes at the Oak Ridge Civic Center – Beginning January 28

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

Join Jessalyn Watson, licensed Zumba Instructor, for this amazing total body workout.  Zumba will get your heart pumping and increase your endurance – you’ll have more energy and burn fat.  Besides the physical benefits, Zumba is a “feel good” workout, not a dreaded chore.  The music is motivating, fun, and you will leave happy!  Participants may register for classes at the Civic Center recreation building, Monday through Saturday from 8am to 10pm.  A discount punch card, good for five classes, is available for $25.  A discount punch card for nine classes is available for $45 and includes a free 10^th class.  The individual class fee is $6.  Punch cards purchased in 2013 will be honored for the new classes.  An annual $20 non-resident fee will be charged to all participants living outside of the Oak Ridge City limits.  For more information about this or other fitness options at the Oak Ridge Civic Center, please check out the Civic Center’s webpage at http://orrecparks.oakridgetn.gov/civic-center/classes-and-activities/  or call 865-425-3450.

 

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.  This course has tee signs, access to a water fountain, and there are two different basket locations and tee lengths on each hold.  For more information, call 865-425-3450.  This schedule will continue every Tuesday until September 25, 2015.

 

Print Making Studio – January 28

Oak Ridge Art Center – 201 Badger Avenue, Oak Ridge

1:30am– 3:30pm

For more information visit:  www.oakridgeartcenter.org

 

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 29

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.  Interested participants may register at the Civic Center front desk.  For further information, call 865-425-3450 or visit the website at www.orrecparks.org.

 

ONGOING EVENTS:

Ebony Imagery XV, Creative CrackerJacks at the Oak Ridge Art Center – thru March 9

Oak Ridge Art Center – 201 Badger Avenue, Oak Ridge

In addition to the featured Exhibition, come and see selections from the Art Center’s Permanent Collection which features International Artists including Henri Matisse, Edouard Manet, Salvador Dali and many others.  This event is FREE and open to the public.  Bring your friends and family!  Call the Art Center for questions at 865-482-1441.

 

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].

 

Outdoor Activities in Oak Ridge (and surrounding areas) – Ongoing

For outdoor activities such as Golfing, Birdwatching, Hiking, Fishing, Horseback Riding, Swimming, Water Skiing, Camping or ATV fun, visit the following website for detailed information and locations http://oakridgevisitor.com/around-town/what-to-do/outdoor/.

 

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.

 

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:

Training Available – TN Small Business Development Center – January 30, February 5, and February 28

The TN Small Business Development Center has several upcoming seminars.  All are FREE, but registration is required.  The upcoming training sessions are as follows:  January 30^th at 11:30am-1:30pm – Small Business Start-Up Seminar; February 5^th at 11:00am-1:00pm – Affordable Care Act; and February 28^th at 11:30am-1:30pm – Small Business Start-Up Seminar.  For more information on any of these seminars or to register, click the following link:  http://orcc.org/tsbdc/seminar.html or contact Jutta Bangs at [email protected] if you have questions.

 

“Souper Bowl 2014” – Oak Ridge Art Center – January 31

Oak Ridge Art Center – 201 Badger Avenue, Oak Ridge

This is the Art Center’s annual soup dinner fundraiser.  Tickets include the dinner and a handmade bowl participants select to eat from and then take home.  Seating is limited and tickets are available until sold out.  Seating for the event will be at 5pm, 6pm, and 7pm.  For more information visit:  www.oakridgeartcenter.org.

 

Learn to Dance at the Oak Ridge Public Library – February 3 and February 10

Location:  Oak Ridge Library Auditorium – 1401 Oak Ridge Turnpike, Oak Ridge.  Class times:  7:30-8:30pm

The “Oak Ridge Folk Dancers” will offer a three part workshop in the Library Auditorium to introduce participants to the joy of folk dancing and provide FREE lessons!  The classes will take place on the following Monday evenings from 7:30-8:30pm: February 3^rd, and February 10^th.  Adults and supervised children (8 years of age and older) are welcome to attend.  No prior dance experience is necessary, no partner is needed, and the only equipment required is comfortable clothes and shoes!  The group started in Oak Ridge over sixty-five years ago, during World War II.  The dancers come from Oak Ridge and surrounding towns.  To learn more about this three part Library workshop, please contact the Library at 865-425-3455 or[email protected] .  You do not have to be a Library member to participate and there is no fee for the class.

 

Career Coach Computer Center Job Search Help – February 4 and March 4

Location:  Oak Ridge Public Library Parking Lot – 1401 Oak Ridge Turnpike, Oak Ridge

Do you need help writing or editing your resume?  Have you been looking for someone to help you with online applications? The Career Coach, sponsored by the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development Employment Security Division, will be returning to the Oak Ridge Public Library parking lot from 10:00am – 3:00pm on February 4^th and March 4^th. This is a free service for the public, and participants do not have to be library members or Oak Ridge residents.  For more information on this program, call the Library at 865-425-3455 or email them at [email protected].

 

Aid to Distressed Families of Appalachian Counties (ADFAC) Dine & Donate Begins – February 10

On February 10, 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, Outback Steakhouse, and Razzleberry’s in Oak Ridge and Hoskins Restaurant in Clinton.   For additional information, please visit,www.adfac.org.

 

Valentine’s Day Dinner Train – Secret City Scenic Excursion Train – February 12-15

This event gives couples the opportunity to experience the romantic setting 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.  A delicious dinner, prepared by Chef Andras, will be served.  Advance reservations are required as seating is limited.  Call for departure times and more information, 865-241-2140

 

6^th Annual Junkie Weekend – February 14, 15, and 16

Location:  Historic Grove Theater – 123 Randolph Road, Oak Ridge.

Tune Junkie Weekend is a weekend of Irish music and fun featuring sessions, workshops and a concert.  The weekend kicks off on Friday night (Feb. 14) with a pot luck dinner, open house and staff session at the Grove Theatre beginning at 6:00pm.  On Saturday (2/15), staff members will be offering workshops in fiddle, vocals, bodhran, accordion, Irish accompaniment, storytelling, and other instruments.  The workshops are from 12:00-1:30pm at the Grove Theatre.  The Grove Theatre will also be the setting for a 7:00pm evening concert featuring performances from some of the best Irish musicians and bands in the Southeast.  The weekend winds up with a farewell brunch and session at BoydÂ’s Jig & Reel in Knoxville, TN.  For more information, or to register online, go to www.tunejunkie.org , to send an email go to [email protected] or to call or text the number is 865-363-1556 or 865-805-0792.  Tickets for the workshops are $25 and tickets for the evening concert are $15 in advance or you can do both for $35.

 

5^th Annual Father-Daughter Hike – February 15

Location:  UT Arboretum – 901 S. Illinois Avenue, Oak Ridge (Meet in the Arboretum parking lot).  Time:  9:00am

This year’s hike will be led by Jeff Holt and Wes Tilley, local foresters.  For more information, call 865-483-3571 or visit the Arboretum’s website at www.UTArboretumSociety.org.

 

International Festival – Children’s Museum of Oak Ridge – February 15

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.  Time is 10:00am – 4:00pm.  For more information, call 865-482-1074 or visit www.childrensmuseumofoakridge.org.

 

Spring Training Begins – Oak Ridge Rowing Association – February 15

Location:  Melton Hill Lake, Oak Ridge

Spring training for Rowing Teams begins the weekend of February 15^th!  For a list of the visiting teams participating in this Season’s Spring Training, go to http://www.orra.org/visiting-crew-schedules .   For other information, including Regatta schedules, go to the ORRA’s webpage at www.orra.org.

 

Other Desert Cities – Oak Ridge Playhouse – February 21 – March 2 (Various dates)

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

In this recent Tony Award-winning Broadway play, Brooke Wyeth returns home to Palm Springs after a six-year absence to celebrate Christmas with her parents, her brother, and her aunt, she announces that she is about to publish a memoir dredging up a pivotal and tragic event in the family’s history – a wound they don’t want reopened.  In effect, she draws a line in the sand and dares them all to cross it.  Performance Dates and Times:  2/21 and 22 at 8:00pm; 2/23 at 2:00pm; 2/27, 2/28 and 3/1 at 8:00pm; and 3/2 at 2:00pm.  For more information or to order tickets, visit www.orplayhouse.com or call 865-482-9999.

 

Aid to Distressed Families of Appalachian Counties (ADFAC) Dine & Donate Begins – March 10

On March 10, 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:  Nature’s Marketplace, Papa Murphy’s, The Other One, and Razzleberry’s in Oak Ridge and Hoskins Restaurant in Clinton.   For additional information, please visit, www.adfac.org.

 

“Assisted Living:  The Musical” – MASSKUS Production’s TN Premier of Musical-Comedy Show – April 3-6, 2014

Location:  The Historic Grove Theatre – 123 Randolph Road, Oak Ridge.

“Assisted Living:  The Musical” is a fast-paced 75 minute show with two performers and a pianist appearing as 18 characters.  It is a good-hearted look at getting older with side splitting humor and catchy tunes.  It’s a show for those of a certain age, those that have parents and friends entering this phase, and for everyone that hopes to grow old with humor and dignity.  It tells the story from inside the “process” by being funny yet without being insulting or sarcastic.  The show will be performed five times at The Historic Grove Theater, dates and times are as follows:  Thursday, April 3 at 7:30pm; Friday, April 4 at 7:30pm; Saturday, April 5 at 3pm and 7:30pm; and Sunday, April 6 at 3pm.  Tickets for these performances are available throughwww.KnoxvilleTickets.com , by phone 865-656-4444, or toll free at 877-995-9961, and in person at Knoxville Tickets outlets or at the door.  Take a look at the “Assisted Living the Musical video link” at http://youtu.be/6PAf5rTGiPA.

 

Butterflies for Hope 5K and Bike Ride – April 4^th and 5^th

The 5K run will be on the evening of April 4^th beginning at 6:00pm.  On April 5^th, the bike ride will begin at the Hot Bagel Company, located at 1155 Oak Ridge Turnpike.  For the April 5^th bike ride details, visithttp://racedayevents.net/events/butterflies-for-hope/ . You can contact Donna Sullivan at the Hot Bagel Company – 865-482-2435, if you have questions.  More details will be presented as the date gets closer.

 

IN THE AREA:

New General Store at Windrock

Windrock Park has a new General Store at the trailhead in Oliver Springs.  In addition to selling trail supplies and permits, the store is where you can rent one of their new Kawasaki Teryx 750 (side by side).  This is a great opportunity for visitors to have easy access to Windrock’s 72,000 acres without bringing or owning their own equipment.

 

Windrock Park Hosts Arctic Cat Wildcat Demo Rides – January 24-25

Location:  Windrock Park – 555 Windrock Park Lane, Oliver Springs.  Time:  9:00am – 4:00pm

Experience the 2014 Arctic Cat Wildcat Trail Firsthand!  The Arctic Cat’s Wildcat side-by-side line-up just got wilder with two new models that are 50 inches wide; behold the Wildcat Trail and Wildcat Trail XT that set a new standard in power, ground clearance and suspension travel!  The Wildcat Trail is definitely passing by the competition with the industry’s leading power-to-weight ratio, higher features and lower price point.  For more information on the Arctic Cat Wildcat demo tour, please visitwww.windrockpark.com or www.arcticcat.com .  You can also call the Park at 865-435-1251.

 

February Classes at the Appalachian Arts Craft Center – Month of February

The Appalachian Arts Craft Center is offering multiple classes throughout the month of February.  Some of these classes include knitted bead cuff bracelet, intensive throwing workshop, beginner wheel and playing with fire!  For information on the class times, how to register, and prices, call 865-494-9854 or visit www.appalachianarts.net.