Thursday, April 21
The Rotary Club of Elizabethton will have its 45th annual bean dinner at the T.A. Dugger Junior High Cafeteria, West E St. at Holly Lane, Elizabethton. Dinner will be served from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $5 per person and may be purchased at the door or from club members or T.A. Dugger Junior High students. Carryouts will be available along with corn dogs and chips for children. For more information call 543-2221.
Friday, April 22
The Elizabethton Senior Dance Club will hold a dance at the Elizabethton Elks Lodge, No. 1847, 1000 N. Sycamore St., from 7 to 10 p.m. The Rambling Rose Band will provide music. Those attending the dances are asked to bring finger foods to share. There is a $6 door charge. The club holds dances the second and fourth Friday nights of each month. All seniors are welcome.
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.
Watauga Valley Fife & Drum Corps — Saturdays 10 a.m. – Noon. The Fife & Drum Corps performs at historical events, dedications, and parades. This group is open to anyone ages 13 & up. Musical experience is welcome but not necessary; just come with a willingness to learn. Meet our volunteer coordinator John Large at the Sycamore Shoals Visitors Center. Lessons are free of charge, just call and let us know you’re coming!
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, coleslaw, 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.
Tuesday, April 26
The Carter County Democratic Women’s Club will meet at the new Democratic Headquarters, 429 East Elk Ave., in downtown Elizabethton. Lewis Combs will present “Campaigning Basics.” Lewis has been a Democrat since the Ned McWherter campaign. He served as President of the Tennessee Young Democrats and Legal Counsel for Young Democrats of America. The group will gather for pizza at 5:30 p.m. The presentation will be at 6 p.m., followed by watching the primary returns. All are welcome to attend.
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
Rock Reunion 2 — The Blue Fox Band from the ’60s and ’70s will play old favorites for one night only, after almost a 35-year hiatus, with the exception of a handful of benefit concerts. It will begin at 6 p.m. at T.A. Dugger Auditorium. The concert is free, but a $5 donation is suggested to benefit the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life in Carter County. Members include Berry Corky Jolly, Randy Campbell, Andy Houston, Lee Gouge, Tony Rominger, John Gardner, Jim Bass and friends.
The Valley Forge Christian Church Relay for Life Team will host a bean supper from 4 to 6 p.m. in the Hampton High School Cafeteria. The meal consists of beans, cornbread, (or corndog and mac-n-cheese), slaw, dessert and drink. Carry-out available. The cost is $5 for ages 10 and up; $3 for those under 10.
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).
Watauga Valley Fife & Drum Corps — Saturdays 10 a.m. – Noon. The Fife & Drum Corps performs at historical events, dedications, and parades. This group is open to anyone ages 13 & up. Musical experience is welcome but not necessary; just come with a willingness to learn. Meet our volunteer coordinator John Large at the Sycamore Shoals Visitors Center. Lessons are free of charge, just call and let us know you’re coming!
Sunday, May 1
A Celtic May Day — The Upper East Tennessee Celtic Society will provide an afternoon of live music, clans, vendors, Scottish Highland Games, children’s crafts, and even a costume contest for adults and children! Also plan to join us for the annual dance around the Maypole, a demonstration hand fasting, and a Welsh Spelling Bee! Don’t miss this afternoon of traditional Celtic customs. The event will take place at Sycamore Shoals State Park on Sunday, May 1, from 1-4 p.m.
Tuesday, May 10
The Liberty Spinners — 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).
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
Bird Walk with the Lee & Lois Herndon TOS Chapter — Meet other birders and naturalists at Sycamore Shoals State Park for a morning of birding during the migratory season. Begins at 8 a.m.
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.
Flint Knapping – Making Stone Tools — Make stone tools such as the arrow point using only traditional techniques. Please be sure to register no later than 1 week prior to the class. Adults only. Instructors: Bob Estep, Chris Edens, Clark Sams
Saturday & Sunday, May 14 & 15 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Cost: $80 (includes supplies).
Watauga Valley Fife & Drum Corps — Saturdays 10 a.m. – Noon. The Fife & Drum Corps performs at historical events, dedications, and parades. This group is open to anyone ages 13 & up. Musical experience is welcome but not necessary; just come with a willingness to learn. Meet our volunteer coordinator John Large at the Sycamore Shoals Visitors Center. Lessons are free of charge, just call and let us know you’re coming!
Sunday, May 15
Flint Knapping – Making Stone Tools — Make stone tools such as the arrow point using only traditional techniques. Please be sure to register no later than 1 week prior to the class. Adults only. Instructors: Bob Estep, Chris Edens, Clark Sams
Saturday & Sunday, May 14 & 15 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Cost: $80 (includes supplies).
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.
Saturday, May 21
Annual Siege at Fort Watauga — Saturday, May 21 and Sunday, May 22 – 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. each day. — It is the summer of 1776 and the Watauga settlement is at war. Join us at Sycamore Shoals State Park as 200 colonial and Native reenactors present this dramatic retelling of the Cherokee attack brought on the settlers of the Watauga valley. Visit the living history camps, shop with period vendors, and witness battle re-enactments both days. Hear the rattle of muskets, smell the campfire smoke and see history come to life at the Siege of Fort Watauga. Contact the park for a detailed schedule.
Sunday, May 22
Annual Siege at Fort Watauga — Saturday, May 21 and Sunday, May 22 – 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. each day. — It is the summer of 1776 and the Watauga settlement is at war. Join us at Sycamore Shoals State Park as 200 colonial and Native reenactors present this dramatic retelling of the Cherokee attack brought on the settlers of the Watauga valley. Visit the living history camps, shop with period vendors, and witness battle re-enactments both days. Hear the rattle of muskets, smell the campfire smoke and see history come to life at the Siege of Fort Watauga. Contact the park for a detailed schedule.
Old Time Music Jam – Led by Art Lang from 1:30 – 4 p.m. at Sycamore Shoals State Park. 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!
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.
Saturday, May 28
Watauga Valley Fife & Drum Corps — Saturdays 10 a.m. – Noon. The Fife & Drum Corps performs at historical events, dedications, and parades. This group is open to anyone ages 13 & up. Musical experience is welcome but not necessary; just come with a willingness to learn. Meet our volunteer coordinator John Large at the Sycamore Shoals Visitors Center. Lessons are free of charge, just call and let us know you’re coming!
Monday, June 20
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.