Tuesday, April 12
The Carter County/Elizabethton Retired Teachers will meet at 2 p.m. at Memorial Presbyterian Church. Devotions and music will be presented by Ronnie Campbell of Beck Mountain Baptist Church. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held. All retired teachers are welcome.
The Johnson City United Auto Workers Retirees will hold their monthly meeting at 10 a.m. at the Pipefitters Union Hall, 655 Watauga Road, Watauga. All UAW retirees are invited to attend, bring their spouses or friends, and join the group for fellowship and coffee. For local information, call 727-7393, 772-4777 or 743-8778.
Freedom from Smoking Class will be held at the Elizabethton/Carter County Public Library at 5 p.m. Classes are free and educational childcare is provided along with class materials, dinner and incentives. For more information, contact Health Educator Jilian Reece at jilian.reece@tn.gov or 543-2521 ext. 312.
Carter Proud will meet at 6 p.m. at the Smokehouse BBQ Company, 1941 Milligan Highway, Elizabethton. Guest speaker Mike Cook with Tennessee Department of Transportation will speak about ways the group can work with TDOT to clean up litter and end dumping around Carter County. The community is invited to hear about and join in the progress.
Thursday, April 14
Red Cross Blood Drive — All blood types are needed, and those interested may donate at Unaka High School from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. A blood donors card or driver’s license or two forms of identification are required to check-in. Most donors must be at least 17 years old, weigh 110 pounds and be in generally good health. The non-profit American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families.
Saturday, April 16
Rocky Top Gun Permit School will hold a state certified handgun carry permit school beginning at 8 a.m. The class will be held at 135 Keenburg Road in Elizabethton. Ken Potter, State Certified Instructor, will be teaching the class. To enroll call 341-1709 or 543-6048 or you can email Ken at kpotter641@yahoo.com to learn more about the program.
A Country Breakfast will be held from 7 to 10 a.m. at Fairview United Methodist Church. Everyone is invited to come and enjoy good food and great fellowship. The breakfasts, which are held every third Saturday of each month, consist of bacon, fresh ground sausage, eggs, pancakes, gravy and biscuits, and more. Cost is by donation. The church is located about five miles from downtown Jonesborough going towards Fall Branch at 878 Highway 81 North.
Deerslayer 5K Obstacle Course Race and Fun Run will include 18-20 obstacles throughout a 5K race on paved and unpaved terrain. Participants must be 18 or older and may compete in the competitive race, which includes all obstacles and awards cash prizes, or they may run in the Fun Run and attempt obstacles. It will take place at Winged Deer Park in Johnson City. You must register in advance at www.jcdeerslayer.com or in person at the Memorial Park Community Center in Johnson City.
Landscape Seminar & Plant Auction — An exciting array of unusual ornamental and native perennials, trees and shrubs will be auctioned during this event. A great opportunity to add new species to your landscape! Sponsored by The UT Extension Service, East Tennessee Nursery Association and the Elizabethton/Carter County Chamber of Commerce. This event will be held at Sycamore Shoals State Park from 9 a.m. until noon.
Trail Maintenance — Tennessee Eastman Hiking and Canoeing Club will be doing trail maintenance with a trail crew from Appalachian State University to repair some long-term wet areas from Walnut Mountain Road to Elk River. It will likely require installation of turnpikes to raise the trail surface and will involve the construction of log cribbing and fill rocks and soil. All are invited to join and meet at Parkway Wine and Liquor at 7:50 a.m., at Brown’s Grocery at 8:15 a.m or at Bear Branch Road at US 19E where the AT crosses at 9 a.m. RSVP to Carl Fritz at atvolunteer@tehcc.org.
Monday, April 18
Z Girlz Travel Softball Team Fundraiser will be held at Pizza Hut, 415 W. Elk Ave., Elizabethton, from 5 until 8 p.m. Parents and players will be working and whether it is dine-in, carryout or delivery will receive a percentage of all sales plus tips. Everyone is encouraged to come out and help support the IOU Travel Softball Team. These girls are local and attend Carter County schools. For carryout and delivery orders, call 543-5811.
Alzheimers Tennessee Caregiver Support Group will meet at noon at Sycamore Springs Senior Living Center at 1504 W. Elk Ave. for caregivers of friends or relatives suffering from Alzheimers or another form of dementia. Attending the support group can help people to feel less isolated and to make connections with others facing similar challenges. For more information, contact Regional Director Tracey Kendall at 423-330-4532.
Saturday, April 19
Carter Mansion Celebration & Militia Muster — Join us for two days of history, traditional arts and family fun as we celebrate the oldest frame house in Tennessee, and the historically prominent Carter family. Travel back to the 1780s and tour the Carter Mansion. Witness living history re-enactors demonstrating aspects of 18th century life, and see local craftsmen showcasing traditional skills. This event will be held at the Carter Mansion on Broad Street Extension from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Friday, April 22
How to Read a Nutrition Label Class will be held at the Elizabethton Recreation Center at 300 W. Mill St. at 9 a.m. for those wishing to better understand nutritional food decisions while shopping on a budget. Classes are free. For more information, contact Kelly Kitchens at 423-547-6441.
Saturday, April 23
A benefit ride for Chayse Andrews will be held. Chayse is the 12-year-old son of Greg and Kristal Andrews. He was recently diagnosed with Alexander’s Disease, a very rare disease which can be fatal. Chayse will be going to Philadelphia Children’s Hospital in May to see a specialist who is trying to find a treatment that will slow the progression of this awful disease. The ride is being held to help Chayse and his family with the expense of this trip. Registration will begin at 9:30 a.m. at the Hampton High School Track. The cost is $20 for singles and $30 for doubles. Lunch will be served after the ride. In the event of rain, the ride will be held on Saturday, May 7. Please come out and help support this cause. It will be a wonderful ride and you will be helping one amazing little boy!
Community Plant Exchange — Sycamore Shoals State Park will be bustling this morning! Bring cuttings and potted outdoor and indoor plants, to exchange for species you don’t have — a fun way to meet other gardeners and increase your collection. This event will be held from 9-10 a.m. in the front parking lot.
Basketry – Around the Block — This basket is easier to weave than it looks. The pattern is created by using dyed reed on one half and natural on the other for each side of the basket. Dimensions: 6” cube. Bring garden or kitchen shears, an old hand towel, pencil, small measuring tape, small spray bottle of water and strong clothespins. The instructor for this workshop is Candy Alexander. The workshop will be held from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. at Sycamore Shoals State Park and cost to attend is $22.
Sunday, April 24
West Side Ham Lunch — is a community fundraiser to support the construction of a new, handicap accessible playground at West Side Elementary School. The event will take place from noon to 3 p.m., and the menu will feature ham, green beans, mashed potatoes, cole slaw, dessert, roll and beverage. Tickets are $9 and are available at the door or in advance from students. Grade levels are competing for the most ticket sales.
Thursday, April 28
Young Elizabethton Professionals will hold its charter meeting at Beef’O’Brady’s at 5:30 p.m. The group will function as a young professionals branch of the Elizabethton/Carter County Chamber of Commerce and is open to professionals under the age of 40 to network and build working relationships in order to have greater community impact and stronger personal development.
Saturday, April 30
Oil Painting for Beginners and Beyond: Lighthouse and Landscape — This beginner class is also open to anyone who has experience with oils and is taught by Rhonda Abbott. We will complete a seascape with focus on perspective and adding dynamic quality to your art! Please bring oil paint in white, blue, yellow, red and dark brown; paper towels; linseed oil; a stretched canvas or canvas board; pencil and ruler; and at least 2 paint brushes (1 large and 1 small that comes to a point). The workshop will be held at Sycamore Shoals State Park from 9 a.m. until noon. Cost to attend is $25 (supplies not included).
Friday, May 13
Portion Control/Drink Choices Class will be held at the Elizabethton Recreation Center, 300 W. Mill St., at 9 a.m. Classes are free. For more information, contact Kelly Kitchens at 423-547-6441.
Saturday, May 14
Community Garden Kickoff will be held at the Covered Bridge Park from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. featuring live music, plant and seed swap, announcement of the winners of garden naming contest and gardening classes for kids and adults.
Monday, May 16
Alzheimers Tennessee Caregiver Support Group will meet at noon at Sycamore Springs Senior Living Center at 1504 W. Elk Ave. for caregivers of friends or relatives suffering from Alzheimers or another form of dementia. Attending the support group can help people to feel less isolated and to make connections with others facing similar challenges. For more information, contact Regional Director Tracey Kendall at 423-330-4532.
Friday, May 27
Calorie Needs/Weight Loss Class held at the Elizabethton Recreation Center at 300 W. Mill St. at 9 a.m. Classes are free. For more information, contact Kelly Kitchens at 423-547-6441.