What’s happening in Oak Ridge from April 17-23

Here is a summary of events happening in Oak Ridge starting Thursday, April 17, and continuing through April 23.

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

THURSDAY, APRIL 17

Registration now open – Ninja 5K race

Registration is now open for the inaugural Ninja 5K race coming to Oak Ridge, TN on June 28, 2014.  This race was created to raise funds for the local Graduation Celebration event and to support the Wounded Warriors Project.  The Ninja 5K is a 3.1 mile race and walk planned for the Horizon Center in Oak Ridge.  The race course is very flat and accessible for all ages and abilities.  The race will be timed, but both runners and walkers are encouraged to participate.  The early-bird price is $20 for youth and $30 for adults.  Pre-registered race participants get an event t-shirt, and all youth participants will receive recognition for participating.  Awards will be given to the faster-than-lightning top 3 runners for both men and women.  All participants will be given access to our environmentally friendly virtual goodie bag as well which includes a free magazine subscription or a $20 cash back option.

To register, go to www.ninja5k.com.

 

FRIDAY, APRIL 18

SIRA Regatta – April 18

Location:  Melton Hill Lake, Oak Ridge.

 

Open Painting Studio – April 18

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 – April 18

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, APRIL 19

Spring Colors – The Secret City Scenic Excursion Train – April 19

April 19 – Spring Colors – 11am, 1pm, and 3pm

April 19 – Easter Dinner Train – 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 and departure times at 865-241-2140 and visit the website at www.southernappalachia.railway.museum.

 

SIRA Regatta – April 19

Location:  Melton Hill Lake, Oak Ridge.

 

Oak Ridge Farmers Market – Every Saturday

Location:  Adjacent to Historic Jackson Square (East Tennessee Avenue, Oak Ridge).  Time:  8:00am – Noon

In addition to locally-grown vegetables, herbs, fruits and berries, local producers offer honey, meats, and specialty cheeses.  Fresh baked breads, cookies, granola, scones and more are market favorites from local bakers.  A diverse collection of flowering and vegetable plants and fresh cut flowers are available from seasoned local growers.

 

Saturday Tennis – Oak Ridge Tennis Club – Every Saturday

Location:  Jackson Square Tennis Courts – Broadway Avenue, Oak Ridge

Participate in an informal get-together of local tennis players on Saturdays. Play begins at 1:30pm in the winter, 9:00am during the Spring through Fall, weather permitting (above 40 degrees and dry courts).  If play is cancelled on Saturday, we try again on Sunday afternoon at 1:30pm.  All skill levels are welcome.  Just ask for the coordinator when you arrive.  To join the Saturday tennis email list, visit [email protected].

 

SUNDAY, APRIL 20

“Atomic Energy:  A Life Magazine Exhibition Prepared in Consultation with the United States Atomic Energy Commission” – Last Day!

Location:  American Museum of Science and Energy (Lobby) – 300 South Tulane Avenue.

A 1948 panel exhibition prepared by Life magazine for distribution, and was announced in National Committee on Atomic Energy newsletter 66 years ago.  The vintage photographic panel exhibit portrays the constructive uses of atomic energy, and the need for international control.  Artifacts included are the panel display shipping crate, an exhibition pamphlet stamped American Museum of Atomic Energy, and at least one book mentioned in the pamphlet will be displayed.  This exhibit was donated to AMSE in 2013 by the Samuel P. Hayes Research Library at Perkins School for the blind in Watertown, MA.  For more information, visit www.amse.org or call 865-576-3200.

 

MONDAY, APRIL 21           

STEM Standards Workshop – Children’s Museum of Oak Ridge – April 21

Location:  Children’s Museum of Oak Ridge – 461 West Outer Drive, Oak Ridge.    Time:  6:00pm – 8:00pm

For more information on this workshop, please visit www.childrensmuseumofoakridge.org/workshops.

 

Exercise for Fitness – Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings

Location:  Oak Ridge Civic Center – 1403 Oak Ridge Turnpike, Oak Ridge.  Time:  9:00am-10:30am

This class will help you look and feel healthier!  Exercise for Fitness is an adult, well balanced program that 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, stretch bands and h oops to provide a comprehensive workout for each participant.  Classes meet year round.  Fees are $30 per month or $5 per class.  An annual “non-resident” fee of $20 per year is charged where applicable.  For more information about this or other fitness options at the Oak Ridge Civic Center, please check out the Civic Center’s webpage athttp://orrecparks.oakridgetn.gov/civic-center/classes-and-activities/  or call 865-425-3450.

 

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, APRIL 22

Election Selection for Anderson County Mayor and Anderson County Sheriff – April 22

Location:  Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce – 1400 Oak Ridge Turnpike, Oak Ridge.  Time:  7:30am

Join fellow Oak Ridge Chamber Members and learn more about the candidates so you can determine your Election Selection!  This week, we will host candidates for Anderson County Mayor and Anderson County Sheriff.  There will be time to meet the candidates during unstructured social time followed by a structured question and answer session.  This is a wonderful opportunity to talk with candidates and learn first-hand their thoughts and positions on key issues facing our community.  These sessions are FREE and are open to the public.  For additional information, contact Greta Ownby at [email protected].

 

Print Making Studio – April 22

Oak Ridge Art Center – 201 Badger Avenue, Oak Ridge

1:30am– 3:30pm

For more information visit:  www.oakridgeartcenter.org

 

Zumba Fitness Classes at the Oak Ridge Civic Center – Tuesdays and Thursdays

Location:  Oak Ridge Civic Center – 1403 Oak Ridge Turnpike, Oak Ridge.  Time:  6:00pm

Are you ready to party yourself into shape?  That’s exactly what the Zumba program is all about.  It’s an exhilarating, effective, easy-to-follow, Latin-inspired, calorie-burning dance fitness-party that’s moving millions of people toward joy and health.  Join us on Tuesday & Thursday evenings at 6:00pm for an hour-long workout party!  Fees are $6 per class, or you may purchase a punch card for 5 classes for $25 and a 10 class card for $45.  Click here to print out a release form to have signed and ready to turn in at your first class: http://orrecparks.oakridgetn.gov/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/ZUMBA-Release1.doc .  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.

 

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23

Veterans and Franchising:  A Perfect Fit! – Seminar – April 23

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

The Tennessee Small Business Development Center (SBDC) offers free seminars to small businesses and those who are interested in starting a small business.  All are free, but registration is required.  Veterans and Franchising:  A Perfect Fit!  This FREE educational seminar will help you decide whether business ownership is a path you wish to pursue.  The speaker will be Jerry Bird of FranNet of Alabama & East Tennessee.  For more information contact Jutta Bangs at [email protected] , to register visithttp://orcc.org/tsbdc/seminar.html.

 

Oak Ridge Farmers Market – Every Wednesday

Location:  Adjacent to Historic Jackson Square (East Tennessee Avenue, Oak Ridge).  Time:  3:00 – 6:00pm

In addition to locally-grown vegetables, herbs, fruits and berries, local producers offer honey, meats, and specialty cheeses.  Fresh baked breads, cookies, granola, scones and more are market favorites from local bakers.  A diverse collection of flowering and vegetable plants and fresh cut flowers are available from seasoned local growers.

 

Exercise for Fitness – Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings

Location:  Oak Ridge Civic Center – 1403 Oak Ridge Turnpike, Oak Ridge.  Time:  9:00am-10:30am

This class will help you look and feel healthier!  Exercise for Fitness is an adult, well balanced program that 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, stretch bands and h oops to provide a comprehensive workout for each participant.  Classes meet year round.  Fees are $30 per month or $5 per class.  An annual “non-resident” fee of $20 per year is charged where applicable.  For more information about this or other fitness options at the Oak Ridge Civic Center, please check out the Civic Center’s webpage athttp://orrecparks.oakridgetn.gov/civic-center/classes-and-activities/  or call 865-425-3450.

 

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:

Spring Classes begin at the Oak Ridge Art Center – April and May

Location:  Oak Ridge Art Center – 201 Badger Avenue, Oak Ridge.

Many classes and workshops now available at the Oak Ridge Art Center!  To see a list and register, visit www.oakridgeartcenter.org or call 865-482-1441.

 

Need some one-on-one Kindle Help? – Make an appointment at the Library! – Ongoing

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

This is a FREE program for the community and only requires that you bring your Kindle, your library card number and PIN, and the email address and password associated with your Amazon account.  Joan Kearney, a Kindle enthusiast, has worked at the Library for thirty years and owns different generations of Kindles.  Joan will be available for one-on-one Kindle tutorials by appointment.  To obtain a Library card or to make an appointment with Joan, call the Library at 865-425-3455.

 

Registration Open for AMSE Science Explorer Camp – thru May 1

Science field explorations, hands-on activities, and a tour of Oak Ridge National Laboratory will be offered during the AMSE’s Science Explorer Camp for rising fifth (must be 10 years old by June 10, 2014), sixth and seventh graders during two June sessions.  Located at Freels Bend Cabin in Oak Ridge, AMSE’s Science Explorer Camp is scheduled for June 9-13 (Mon – Fri) and June 16-20 (Mon – Fri) from 8:00am-3:30pm.  Cost for a one-week camp session for AMSE members is $150 and for Non-Members $175.  Camp registration is available online now at http://amse.org/visitors/summer-camps or you can pick up a registration form at the Museum.  For more information, visit www.amse.org or call 865-576-3200.

 

“Through the Vision of Children” exhibit – thru May 5

Location:  Children’s Museum of Oak Ridge – 461 West Outer Drive, Oak Ridge.

This is an art exhibit, showcasing the work of students in Oak Ridge schools.  The exhibit is located in the Museum’s “Imagination Gallery” and will be on display until May 5, 2014.  For more information, including the Museum’s hours of operation, visitwww.childrensmuseumofoakridge.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].

 

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/.

 

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:

Fiesta Primetime – Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce – April 24

Location:  Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce (Parking Lot) – 1400 Oak Ridge Turnpike, Oak Ridge.  Time:  4:30-6:30pm

This is one of the ChamberÂ’s biggest networking opportunities of the year!  We hope youÂ’ll plan to participate.  Visithttp://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07e8wzuwq0f1706f6a&llr=sttrkqcab to reserve your spot.  Contact Lisa Hoyt at [email protected] for information on how to join the Chamber of Commerce.

 

“Let’s Go Bat-ty Lecture Series at the UT Arboretum” – April 24

Location:  UT Arboretum Visitors Center – 901 S. Illinois Avenue, Oak Ridge.  Time:  7:00pm

Lecturer:  Jerry Middleton, Biologist III, TN Department of Environment & Conservation, Division of Remediation, DOE-Oversite Office.  For more information, visit http://forestry.tennessee.edu/arboretum.htm.

 

13^th Annual Big Ed’s Memorial Golf Tournament – April 25

Location:  Oak Ridge Country Club – 150 Gum Hollow Road, Oak Ridge

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

The Big EdÂ’s Memorial Golf Tournament supports Community Mediation Services of Anderson County.  This yearÂ’s tournament will also honor David Neusel, who, along with Big Ed, exemplified community spirit and caring.  There will be a complimentary breakfast and lunch and prizes.  For information and registration forms, please call 865-463-6888, or send an email to [email protected] ; or check the website www.peacefulresolution.org for on-line registration.  Early deadline is Wednesday, April 16.

 

AinÂ’t MisbehavinÂ’ – Oak Ridge Playhouse – April 25 – May 11 (Various Dates and Times)

Location:  Oak Ridge Playhouse – 227 Broadway Avenue, Oak Ridge.  Mainstage

This Tony-winner evokes the delightful humor and infectious energy of honky tonk dives, rent parties, and stride piano players, in 1930’s Harlem.  The rollicking, swinging music of the inimitable “Fats” Waller gets the joint a-jumpin’ as the cast struts, strums and sing songs made famous in a career that ranged from uptown clubs to downtown Tin Pan Alley to Hollywood and concert stages in the U.S., Canada, and Europe.  For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit www.orplayhouse.com or call 865-482-9999.

 

Teen Battle of the Bands – April 25

Location:  Oak Ridge Civic Center Pavilion – 1403 Oak Ridge Turnpike, Oak Ridge.  Time:  6:00pm – 9:00pm

This is a community event that is fun for all ages.  Snappy Tomato and RazzleberryÂ’s Ice Cream Lab will be selling concessions. Talented bands representing Blount, Anderson, Knox, Campbell and Roane counties will compete for prizes.  In case of rain, the competition will be held at Paradox Teen Center at 305 New York Avenue, Oak Ridge.  For more information, contact[email protected] or [email protected].

 

Oak Ridge Garden Club Spring Wildflowers Sale – April 26

Location: Historic Jackson Square parking lot (in front of the Oak Ridge Playhouse) – East Tennessee Avenue, Oak Ridge.

Time:  8:00am – sell out

Proceeds from the sale will go to the Emma Spray Gardens in Historic Jackson Square.  If you have questions, please call Becky Gabbard at 865-483-0761.

 

Methodist Medical Center’s Casino Night 2014:  Secrets, Science and Swing! – April 26

Location:  New Hope Center – 602 Scarboro Road, Oak Ridge.  Time:  6:30pm

Join the Methodist Medical Center Foundation for an evening honoring the early days of Oak Ridge!  The event will feature dinner, auctions, live music and some friendly casino-style games.  Tickets are on sale now!  Visit www.mmcoakridge.com/casino to learn more.

 

Eugenia Zukerman, Flutist – Chamber Concert – April 26

Location:  Pollard Auditorium – 210 Badger Avenue, Oak Ridge.  Time:  7:30pm

In demand from New York to China as an orchestral soloist, chamber musician and recitalist, flutist Eugenia Zukerman has been praised by The New York Times for her performances.  A true Renaissance woman, Zukerman has achieved distinction working as an arts administrator, author, educator, Internet entrepreneur, and journalist while maintaining an international concert calendar with more than 30 performances annually.  For more information and to buy tickets, visit www.orcma.org.

 

2014 Oak Ridge Earth Day – April 26

Location:  A.K. Bissell Park (Oak Ridge Turnpike and Tulane Road).  Time:  11:00am to 4:00pm

Keep Anderson County Beautiful will be hosting this seventh annual Earth Day Festival!  East Tennesseans living in or around Oak Ridge are invited to participate in this festival that features free activities and events that promote healthy living, environmental education and encourage individuals to create and contribute to a sustainable community.  There will be a Trashformations art exhibit created by local area students made from recycled/found materials.  To find out more about this event, visit www.orearthday.org.

 

Protomet Ribbon Cutting Ceremony – April 29

Location:  1010 Larson Drive, Oak Ridge.  Time:  10:00am (actual ribbon cutting at 10:15am)

There will be a brief ceremony followed immediately by a tour of the new facilities.  Come celebrate the culmination of this 14-month expansion project.  Light refreshments will be served.  RSVP by calling 865-425-0600.

 

PPG Paints Ribbon Cutting Ceremony – May 1

Location:  136 Fairbanks Road, Oak Ridge.  Time:  10:30am (actual ribbon cutting at 10:45am).

A barbeque lunch will be served immediately following the ribbon cutting ceremony.

 

Spring Colors – The Secret City Scenic Excursion Train – May 3

May 3 – Spring Colors – 11am, 1pm, and 3pm

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.   Advance reservations are required as seating is limited.  Call for ticket prices and departure times at 865-241-2140 and visit the website atwww.southernappalachia.railway.museum.

 

Joining Voices – An Oak Ridge Chorus exclusive – May 3

Location:  First Baptist Church of Oak Ridge.  Time:  7:30pm

Oak Ridge Chorus, Seth Maples, Director.  Selections from Candide by Leonard Bernstein.  For more information, visitwww.orcma.org/concerts/symphony-and-chorus/season-schedule.

 

Kerry Trammell Memorial 5K – Oak Ridge Track Club – May 4

Location:  Oak Ridge Marina.  Time:  Begins at 8:00am

Proceeds from this race will go towards purchasing and installing emergency mile markers on the Melton Lake Greenway.  To register or for more information, visit http://www.imathlete.com/events/EventOverview.aspx?fEID=18523.

 

Leadercast – Beyond You – May 9

Location:  New Hope Center – 602 Scarboro Road, Oak Ridge.  Time:  9:00am – 4:30pm

Leadercast – Beyond You, will be simulcast on Friday, May 9 from 9:00am-4:30pm.  The event will be broadcast LIVE from Atlanta, GA to hundreds of sites around the world, including Oak Ridge, TN.  This yearÂ’s speaker lineup includes:  Andy Stanley; Archbishop Desmond Tutu; Malcolm Gladwell; Randall Wallace; Bill McDermott; Laura Schroff; Dr. Henry Cloud; Simon Sinek; and Laura Bush. Leadercast exists to positively change the way the world thinks about leadership.  This yearÂ’s theme – Beyond You – challenges leaders to focus outward rather than inward.  Experience Leadercast and discover what it means to be a leader worth following.  Cost to participate is $99 per person.  Register before April 15 and the cost is only $69 per person.  To register, visithttp://leadercast.com/location/oakridge/ .  For additional information, contact Greta Ownby at [email protected].

 

Conference USA Championships – May 10 and 11

Location:  Melton Hill Lake, Oak Ridge.

 

Aid to Distressed Families of Appalachian Counties (ADFAC) Dine & Donate Begins – May 12

On May 12th, 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:  Buddy’s bar-b-q, El Cantarito, Emma Lou Bakery, and Razzleberry’s in Oak Ridge and Hoskins Restaurant in Clinton.   For additional information, please visit, www.adfac.org.

 

Camera Club of Oak Ridge Meeting – May 13

Location:  Roane State Community College – City Room – 701 Briarcliff Road, Oak Ridge.  Time:  7:30pm

Bob Stephenson is presenting “Video for Still Photographers”.  He will explain the video mode in a DSLR camera, talk about planning your shooting to make editing easier and introduce us to the editing software Adobe Premier Pro.  For more information, visitwww.cameraclubofoakridge.org.

 

Back by Popular Demand:  Career Coach at the Oak Ridge Library – May 14, June 11, and July 9

Location:  Oak Ridge Public Library (parking lot) – 1401 Oak Ridge Turnpike, Oak Ridge.  Time:  10:00am – 3:00pm

Are you looking for work, need help with your resume or an online application?  Are you worried you donÂ’t know where to find the most recent job listings?  The Career Coach, sponsored by the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development Employment Security Division, will be on-hand to give you job assistance with access to their state-of-the-art computer workstations and well-trained team.  You will be able to successfully navigate online job searching and find the job you want.  For more information on the Career Coach, check out their website at www.getonthecoach.tn.gov .  This is a FREE service for the public and participants do not have to be library members or Oak Ridge residents to receive assistance.  For more information on this FREE program, call the Library at 865-425-3455 or send an email to [email protected].

 

Spring Colors – The Secret City Scenic Excursion Train – May 17

May 17 – Spring Colors – 11am, 1pm, and 3pm

May 17 – Dinner Train – 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 and departure times at 865-241-2140 and visit the website at www.southernappalachia.railway.museum.

 

“MOTH-ers Night Out” – May 17

Location:  Arboretum Visitors Center – 901 S. Illinois Avenue, Oak Ridge. Time:  7:30pm

We’ll have moths in May to add to our night creature features.  Learn about moths and their habitats.  Kris Light is an outstanding naturalist and educator and this event is a special treat for everyone.  Bring your camera to capture moths that show up on the black-lighted sheets that Kris puts up.  For more information, visit http://forestry.tennessee.edu/arboretum.htm.

 

Oak Ridge Dragon Boat Race and Festival – May 31

Location:  Melton Hill Lake Park – Oak Ridge.

The Oak Ridge Rotary Clubs are hosting this Dragon Boat Race and Festival on May 31^st at Melton Lake Park.  They have partnered with Penny Behling of Dynamic Dragon Boat Racing, who has years of experience all over the U.S. with Dragon Boat Racing. Volunteers are needed!  If you are interested in volunteering at the Dragon Boat Race, please email [email protected] with the subject line “Dragon Boat Volunteer” and provide your name, phone number, and the assignment you prefer.  To see all positions needing volunteers and to learn more about the race, visit http://oakridge.racedragonboats.com/.

 

Summer Camp – Children’s Museum of Oak Ridge

Imagination Station Summer Camps will run from June 9 to August 8, a nine-week schedule, up from seven weeks in past years. Information about the camp sessions is now available at http://childrensmuseumofoakridge.org/camps and parents can register children on that webpage or by calling the museum at 865-482-1074.

 

IN THE AREA:

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

The Appalachian Arts Craft Center is offering multiple classes throughout the month of April.  Some of these classes include intro to Wet Felting and Learning to Sew.  For information on the classes being offered, times, how to register, and prices, call 865-434-9854 or visit www.appalachianarts.net.

 

Free Yoga Class – Take Charge Fitness Program – April 14-18

Location:  1921 N. Charles Seivers Boulevard, Clinton, TN.

Class times:  Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 9:30am; Tuesday and Thursday at 6:00pm.  Chair Yoga (for VERY beginners) on Monday at 10:50am and Friday at 10:30am.  These classes are open to the community to help bring awareness to the Stress Reducing qualities of yoga exercise!  For more information, please call Anna Dark, Fitness Director at 865-457-8237.

 

Windrock Park Spring Jamboree – April 24-26

Windrock Park – 555 Windrock Park Lane, Oliver Springs.

Guided rides, ATV Rodeo, rock crawl, poker run, Windrock Wide Open, Windrock Challenge, Drag Race, Mud Bog, and Dash for Cash, are just a few of the activities at the Jamboree!  Also, a fun addition to the Spring Jamboree is the rockin’ country music band, The Fairview Union, will be performing live!  The concert will include a light show and 2 hour concert on the mountain!  The performance will begin around 8:30!  For more information about the event or the area, call 865-435-1251 or visit www.windrockpark.com.

 

Sheep Shearing Day – Museum of Appalachia – April 25

In pioneer Appalachia, farmers sheared their sheep each spring for wool to spin into yarn or fill quilts.  The Museum of Appalachia will renew this annual ritual on April 25 from 10:00am to 2:00pm, trimming the winter’s growth of heavy wool from its flock of sheep.  The wooly animals will be trimmed by Kentucky native John Cooper, who will explain the process to onlookers while using vintage hand-cranked shears operated by “student power”.  Spinning, weaving, and quilting demonstrators will show how wool was used to make yarn and quilt batting in the days before ready-made clothing and superstores.  For more information, call 865-494-7680 or visitwww.museumofappalachia.org.

 

10^th Annual Clinch River Spring Antique Fair – May 2 and 3

On Friday night, the 20+ shops on Market and Main Street will open from 6:00pm to 9:00pm, then on Saturday, starting at 9:00am, over 90 collectors from East Tennessee, Kentucky, Virginia, North Carolina and Ohio will offer a wide range of antiques and collectibles to suit every taste.  Bring along your heirloom and have it appraised on Saturday from 10:00am to 4:00pm.  For more information, call 865-457-5250.