BLOOD DRIVES
American Red Cross
• 1:30-6 p.m. Monday, Oak Street Baptist Church, 804 Oak St.;
• 2:30-7 p.m. Tuesday, American Red Cross, 818 Sunset Drive, Johnson City;
• 1-5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Johnson County EMS Rescue Crewette Building, 203 Vandilla St., Mountain City;
• 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesday, American Red Cross, 818 Sunset Drive, Johnson City; and
• 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, American Red Cross, 818 Sunset Drive, Johnson City.

FUNDRAISERS
Sundae Sunday
12:15 p.m. Sunday
First Presbyterian Church,
119 W. F St.
543-7737
First Prebyterian will hold an ice cream social to raise money for Appalachia Service Project’s Cup of Cold Water program. The money will be used to help families with plumbing and electrical needs, including people who do not have indoor plumbing or electricity.

WORKSHOPS
& CLASSES
Flint and Steel Fire Starting
3:30 p.m. today
Sycamore Shoals State Park,
1651 W Elk Ave.
423-543-5808
We all enjoy a nice cozy fire now and then.Meet Gillian inside Fort Watauga to learn how the early settlers of Tennessee made fire with only a few simple items.

Leaf Prints
3:30 p.m. Saturday
Sycamore Shoals State Park,
1651 W Elk Ave.
423-543-5808
Parents and children both will enjoy this fun activity. Meet Gillian in the Visitors Center and walk down to banks of the Watauga. Together, you all will help Gillian collect various leaves and flowers to use for some pretty awesome leaf prints!

The Music That Made America
3:30 p.m. Sunday
Sycamore Shoals State Park,
1651 W Elk Ave.
423-543-5808
There are so many important tunes that we sing and instruments that we play today that were also used on the early frontier. Swing by the Visitors Center to learn about these tunes and instruments that have been a part of our culture for centuries!

Tennessee Handgun Permit Class
6 p.m. Monday and Tuesday
Carter County Courthouse,
801 E. Elk Ave.
474-6467, 542-8672, 542-2433
Carter County Hunting and Fishing Association will hold the class on the second floor of the courthouse. The CCHFA will supply pistols and ammunition for the qualification part of the test. Club and classes covered by National Rifle Association insurance. Bring a valid driver’s license and pen and paper. Cost: $50. Pre-registration available at apps.tn.gov/handgun.

Atlatl and Dart
9 a.m.-4 p.m. July 18-19
Sycamore Shoals State Park,
1651 W Elk Ave.
423-543-5808
Make an atlatl and dart, a tool used for hunting and warfare by prehistoric cultures worldwide. Bring any wood working tools you have especially a good knife. All materials will be supplied. Adults only. Instructor: Bob Estep. Class minimum: 2. Class maximum: 6. Cost: $65.

MUSIC & THE ARTS
Covered Bridge Jams
7-9 p.m. Saturdays
Covered Bridge Park,
downtown Elizabethton
• Retroville, Saturday
• Blue Carpet Corner, July 18
• 40 West, July 25
• Mayberry Deputy and John Goad * New Hawkins Co. Grass, Aug. 1
• Sacred Harmony, Aug. 8
• Hollow Ground Bluegrass, Aug. 15
• ETSU Bluegrass Pride Band, Aug. 29

Southern Countrymen
Saturday
Thompson’s Produce,
Highway 107, Jonesborough
Admission: $6.

Southern Countrymen
8-11 p.m. July 25
Johnson City Moose,
1901 W. Lakeview Drive,
Johnson City
Admission: FREE.

Old Time Music Jam
July 26
Sycamore Shoals State Park,
1651 W Elk Ave.
423-543-5808 Enjoy the rich musical traditions of our region each month. Old-time musicians of all levels are welcome. Don’t play and instrument? Come on over, kick back, and enjoy the tunes! Led by Art Lang.

TOURS & EXHIBITS
Carter Mansion Tours
2 p.m. today, Saturday and Sunday
Carter Mansion, 1013 Broad St.
423-543-5808
Meet Gillian at the oldest frame house in Tennessee for a look inside this beautiful frontier home and hear the stories of the family that built it.

“From an African-American Perspective”
through Aug. 14
Opening reception 4-6 p.m.
July 18
ETSU’s Reece Museum
423-439-4392
The exhibition of 76 works was curated by the late Sammie L. Nicely and features works from his collection, as well as the collections of Jan and Sylvia Peters and Dr. Jerome W. Wright.

Summer Art Show
through July 26
Sycamore Shoals State Park,
1651 W Elk Ave.
423-543-5808
This multimedia exhibit is two art shows in one: “13th Annual Judged Show” and the “21st Annual Watauga Valley Art League Member Show.” Public is invited to the June 28 Reception and to enjoy the art exhibit all month.

MEETINGS
Watauga Valley Fife & Drum Corps
10 a.m.-noon Saturdays
Sycamore Shoals State Park,
1651 W Elk Ave.
423-543-5808
The Fife & Drum Corps performs at historical events, dedications and parades. It is open to anyone 13 or older. Musical experience welcome but not required. Lessons are free. Just call and let them know you’re coming.

Women Matter Northeast Tennessee
5:30 p.m. Tuesday
Cranberries Restaurant, 1904 Knob Creek Road, Johnson City
Heather Brack, site coordinator for the Johnson City/Washington County Family Justice Center, will speak. She will share information about the Family Justice Center and its domestic violence and sexual assault services. Bring finger food to share.

The Liberty Spinners
9:30-11:30 a.m. Tuesday Sycamore Shoals State Park,
1651 W Elk Ave.
423-543-5808
This gathering of spinners and fiber artists is open to anyone interested in the art of spinning. Join us at 9:30 am on the 2nd Tuesday of each month (April to November).

REUNIONS
Whitehead Roberson Family Reunion
Saturday’Roan Mountain State Park, Shed No. 1
725-4461
The family of William Grant and Eva Whitehead Roberson will hold a reunion Saturday. Call Pat Glover at 725-4461 for more details.

65th VonCannon/VonCanon/
VunCannon Family Reunion
noon Saturday
Watauga Pointe Recreation Area
The VonCannons will caravan from Watauga Pointe Recreation Area to the Elk Mills Family Cemetery and Elk Mills Christian Church for group pictures.

Ward Arnold Family Reunion
11:30 a.m. July 25
Pleasant Beach Baptist Church, 108 Pleasant Beach Road
262-7521 or 768-2252
Those who attend are asked to bring a covered dish. Paper products and drinks will be furnished. Please bring photos and other memorabilia relating to family members who have passed.

Potter Timbs Family Reunion
1 p.m. July 25
Watauga Valley Free Will Baptist Church, 965 Tenn. Highway 91
Louise Timbs, 543-1858
The descendants of William “Bill” and Mary Jane Potter Timbs will hold a family reunion in the church fellowship hall. Those attending are asked to bring covered dishes and desserts.

FESTIVALS & EVENTS
“Liberty! The Saga
of Sycamore Shoals”
7:30 p.m. today, Saturday, July 16-18 & July 23-25
Sycamore Shoals State Park,
1651 W Elk Ave.
423-543-5808
Tennessee’s official outdoor drama, presented by local performers against the backdrop of Fort Watauga. See the Revolution as told by the Overmountain Men: colonists who defied British law and settled on Cherokee lands. These settlers formed an independent government, made treaties with the Cherokee, defended their homes and fought a British army at the epic battle of King’s Mountain. Bleacher seating is available in the Amphitheater. Sponsored by Friends of Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area. Admission Charge.

ON THE HORIZON
Tour of Historic Washington County
Sept. 26
The Jonesborough Genealogical Society will host a tour of Washington County. Lunch will be provided. Cost: $35 for guild members, $40 for nonmembers. More information pending.

Annual Cranberry Festival
10 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 10
Shady Valley Elementary School
423-727-5800
Parade, quilt show, crafts, exhibits, music, demonstrations and food. Book signing by Darrell Brinkley, Mr. Shady Valley. Admission: FREE.

CALENDAR POLICY
The Elizabethton Star will publish in its calendar any nonprofit event in Carter, Johnson or Washington County. To submit your event, send an email to dawn.meade@elizabethton.com. You also may mail or drop off your notice at 300 N. Sycamore St., Elizabethton TN 37643.
Please include the following information:
• The name of the event;
• The date and time of the event;
• The location of the event;
• A phone number or website the public may use to obtain more information; and
• A brief description of the event.
Please also include the name and phone number of someone we can call if we have questions about your submission. This contact number will not be published.