What’s happening in Oak Ridge from Feb. 5-11

Here is a summary of events happening in Oak Ridge from Thursday, February 5, and continuing through February 11.

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

 

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5

Learn more about Honeybees and Pollinators – February 5

Location:  Roane State Community College in Oak Ridge.  Time:  6:30pm-8:30pm

Dr. John Skinner PhD, UT Professor of Entomology, Extension Apiculturist and Extension Coordinator, will give a talk on honeybees and pollinators.  The issue of honeybee’s health is one of great importance because of their vital role in agriculture and horticulture.  About a third of foods in Western nations rely on these bees!  This is a FREE program.  For more information, visit the UT Arboretum at www.utarboretumsociety.org or call 865-483-3571.

 

The Man Who Came To Dinner – Oak Ridge Playhouse – February 5

Location:  Oak Ridge Playhouse – 227 Broadway – Historic Jackson Square.  Mainstage.  Time: 8pm

In Kaufmann and Hart’s 1940s comedy, famed author and personality Sheridan Whiteside invited to dinner during a speaking tour, slips on the doorstep, breaking his hip.  A tumultuous six weeks of confinement follows as the irascible and disagreeable invalid takes over the host family’s home and destroys their domestic tranquility with the arrival of strange and exotic get-well gifts, a parade of celebrity friends, and a devious plot to undermine his secretary’s budding romance.  For more information or for tickets, visitwww.orplayhouse.com or call 865-482-9999.

 

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6

7^th Annual Junkie Weekend – February 6-8

Location:  Historic Grove Theater.  Time: 6:30pm

Tune Junkie Weekend is a weekend of Irish music and fun featuring sessions, workshops, and a concert.  Friday, 2/6 kicks off with a pot luck dinner, open house and staff session at Grove Theater beginning at 6:30pm.  On Saturday, 2/7, instructors will be offering workshops in Irish fiddle, Scottish fiddle, vocals, bodhran, Irish accompaniment , storytelling and other instruments.  The workshops are noon to 1:45pm.  Saturday at 7pm there will be an evening concert featuring performances from some of the finest Irish musicians and bands in the Southeast.  Performers include Four Leaf Peat, Jamie Laval, the Red Wellies, and others.  The weekend winds up with a farewell session at BoydÂ’s Jig & Reel in Knoxville at 1pm on Sunday.   For more information, or to register online, go to www.tunejunkie.org , email [email protected] or call or text 865-947-4514.  Tickets for the workshops are $25 and tickets for the evening concert are $15 in advance or do both for $35.

 

The Man Who Came To Dinner – Oak Ridge Playhouse – February 6

Location:  Oak Ridge Playhouse – 227 Broadway – Historic Jackson Square.  Mainstage.  Time:  8pm

In Kaufmann and Hart’s 1940s comedy, famed author and personality Sheridan Whiteside invited to dinner during a speaking tour, slips on the doorstep, breaking his hip.  A tumultuous six weeks of confinement follows as the irascible and disagreeable invalid takes over the host family’s home and destroys their domestic tranquility with the arrival of strange and exotic get-well gifts, a parade of celebrity friends, and a devious plot to undermine his secretary’s budding romance.  For more information or for tickets, visitwww.orplayhouse.com or call 865-482-9999.

 

Open Painting Studio – February 6

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 6

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 7

7^th Annual Junkie Weekend – February 7

Location:  Historic Grove Theater.  Time:  12:00pm (Noon)

Tune Junkie Weekend is a weekend of Irish music and fun featuring sessions, workshops, and a concert.  On Saturday, 2/7, instructors will be offering workshops in Irish fiddle, Scottish fiddle, vocals, bodhran, Irish accompaniment , storytelling and other instruments.  The workshops are noon to 1:45pm.  Saturday at 7pm there will be an evening concert featuring performances from some of the finest Irish musicians and bands in the Southeast.  Performers include Four Leaf Peat, Jamie Laval, the Red Wellies, and others.  For more information, or to register online, go to www.tunejunkie.org , email [email protected] or call or text 865-947-4514.  Tickets for the workshops are $25 and tickets for the evening concert are $15 in advance or do both for $35.

 

Bursting the Blues Concert – February 7

Location:  Pollard Conference Center – 215 Badger Avenue, Oak Ridge.  Time:  6-10pm

The Ridge City Ramblers will perform at this event to raise funds for the Crisis Call Center and raise awareness of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).  Your $50 admission comes with a hearty buffet, drinks, balloon prizes, and an auction.  ALL proceeds benefit CONTACT.  To purchase tickets for this event, visithttp://www.contactcarelinetn.org/bursting-blues/.

 

Hike for your Heart – Kick off Health Month – February 7

The community is invited to join the City Wellness Committee and the Coordinated School Health on their February walk!  The walk will be held at Haw Ridge Park, Phase 4. This is a 4.2 mile walk with optional trail hiking included.  The walkers will leave the Haw Ridge parking area on Edgemoor Road promptly at 9:00am.  Please dress for the weather and in the event of extreme weather visit the City’s website at www.OakRidgeTN.gov for information.

 

The Man Who Came To Dinner – Oak Ridge Playhouse – February 7

Location:  Oak Ridge Playhouse – 227 Broadway – Historic Jackson Square.  Mainstage.  Time: 8pm

In Kaufmann and Hart’s 1940s comedy, famed author and personality Sheridan Whiteside invited to dinner during a speaking tour, slips on the doorstep, breaking his hip.  A tumultuous six weeks of confinement follows as the irascible and disagreeable invalid takes over the host family’s home and destroys their domestic tranquility with the arrival of strange and exotic get-well gifts, a parade of celebrity friends, and a devious plot to undermine his secretary’s budding romance.  For more information or for tickets, visitwww.orplayhouse.com or call 865-482-9999.

 

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, FEBRUARY 8

The Man Who Came To Dinner – Oak Ridge Playhouse – February 8

Location:  Oak Ridge Playhouse – 227 Broadway – Historic Jackson Square.  Mainstage.  Time: 2pm

In Kaufmann and Hart’s 1940s comedy, famed author and personality Sheridan Whiteside invited to dinner during a speaking tour, slips on the doorstep, breaking his hip.  A tumultuous six weeks of confinement follows as the irascible and disagreeable invalid takes over the host family’s home and destroys their domestic tranquility with the arrival of strange and exotic get-well gifts, a parade of celebrity friends, and a devious plot to undermine his secretary’s budding romance.  For more information or for tickets, visitwww.orplayhouse.com or call 865-482-9999.

 

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 9              

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 10

Speed Networking – PUGH CPAs VALUE Series – February 10

Location:  Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce’s Joyce Conference Room.  Time:  11:30am – 1:00pm

Speed networking is an opportunity to make those quality, lasting, professional connections that are so important in today’s business climate.  You will spend a few minutes one-on-one with each participant in attendance.  Fee:  Members-Free; Non-Members-$30.  To register for this VALUE Series, visithttps://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07eafus2okfea1b4dd&oseq=&c=&ch=.  Pugh CPAs will provide a light lunch for all participants.

 

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 10

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:

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, visit www.oakridgeartcenter.org or call 865-482-1441.

 

UPCOMING 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, visit www.childrensmuseumofoakridge.org or call 865-482-1074.

 

Valentine Dinner Train – Secret City Scenic Excursion Train – February 12, 13, and 14

Dinner Train Rides:  Thursday 2/12 at 6pm; Friday 2/13 at 6pm; Saturday 2/14 at 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.

 

Oak Ridge Fire Department 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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

EVENTS IN THE AREA:

First Hike of the Month at Norris Dam State Park – February 7

Location:  Norris Dam State Park.  Time:  10:00am

Norris Dam State Park will be featuring a “Hike of the Month” on the first Saturday of each month.  February’s hike is 1.5 miles and is rated moderate to difficult.  For more information on this hike and others, call 865-426-7461.

 

East Tennessee Wanderers Walk – February 7

Come out for a pleasant walk (6 or 11K, your choice) with the East Tennessee Wanderers in Townsend.  The walk will begin at the Townsend Visitor Center – 7906 E. Lamar Alexander Parkway.  Please park in the field behind the center.  The 11K walk begins at 10:00am; the 6K walk begins at 11:00am.  The walk route is on the Townsend Historic Trail which is mostly paved with gentle hills in places.  Local restaurant lunch following  walk.   For more information, visit www.easttennesseewanderers.org or call 865-291-8149.

 

7^th Annual Junkie Weekend – February 8

Location:  Boyd’s Jig & Reel, Knoxville.  Time:  1pm

Tune Junkie Weekend is a weekend of Irish music and fun featuring sessions, workshops, and a concert.   For more information, or to register online, go towww.tunejunkie.org , email [email protected] or call or text 865-947-4514.  Tickets for the workshops are $25 and tickets for the evening concert are $15 in advance or do both for $35.

 

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, visithttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-EjcJFs25vw&feature=youtu.be.

 

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 or an 8-person table and include barbeque buffet dinner, drink tickets and lots of entertainment!  For more information, contact CASA of the Tennessee Heartland at 865-425-9888 or visit 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, visitwww.pstcc.edu or call 865-694-6400.