Saturday, April 28

Rocky Top Gun Permit School will offer a handgun carry permit class at 135 Keenburg Road, Elizabethton, starting at 8 a.m. Ken Potter, a veteran law enforcement officer, is the instructor for the class. Cost of the class is $55. You will need to bring your weapon and 50 rounds of ammo. Potter says for those who haven’t yet purchased a gun, loaner guns are available. You may call Ken at (423) 341-1709, (423) 543-6048 or email him at kpotter641@yahoo.com.

Carter County Proud is partnering with Elizabethton Lowe’s and Elizabethton Parks and Recreation on a beautification-landscaping project. This event is planned to celebrate Arbor Day. The group will be planting native trees, shrubberies and then mulching the plot. The plot is on the Tweetsie Trail at the corner of Mary Patton Highway (SR362) and West G. Street. Kickoff is at 9:30 a.m.

Spring Naturalists’ Rally 2018 — Sign up for dinner, lectures, hikes, bird watching, viewing the night sky, and more! Led by the Friends of Roan Mountain. Pre-registration is required, please visit www.friendsofroanmtn.org for more information.

Community Plant Exchange from 9-10 a.m. at Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park. The front parking lot 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.

Watauga Valley Fife and Drums from 10 a.m. until 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 at the Sycamore Shoals Visitors Center. Lessons are free of charge, just call and let us know you’re coming.

Sunday, April 29

Butler Eastern Star will have a fundraising lunch at Rhea Lodge from 12 until 2 p.m. Cost is $8 for adults and $3.50 for children under 12. Takeouts available.

Rhea Lodge No. 47, 210 Second Ave., Jonesborough, will host a Steak and Gravy Dinner from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Tickets are $8 at the door. Children 12 and under will eat fee (limit 2 per family).

Spring Naturalists’ Rally 2018 — Sign up for dinner, lectures, hikes, bird watching, viewing the night sky, and more! Led by the Friends of Roan Mountain. Pre-registration is required, please visit www.friendsofroanmtn.org for more information.

Monday, April 30

TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) will meet at First Baptist Church, 212 East F St., Elizabethton. Weigh-in begins at 5:30-6:30 p.m. with the meeting starting at 6:45 p.m. Everyone is welcome to attend these meetings. For more information, or in the event of inclement weather, please call Joan Jarrett at 423-268-2100 or 423-914-1954 or Teresa Teague at 423-213-2770 or go to our website at www.tops.org (800-932-8677).

Tuesday, May 1

The Watauga Post No. 49 American Legion and Ladies Auxiliary will meet at the Post Home on Watauga Avenue. Dinner will be served at 6 p.m. Business meetings will follow. All Legionnaires and Auxiliary members are urged to attend. Any veterans interested in becoming a member of the post are invited to attend.

Thursday, May 3

The Blevins Cemetery meeting has been rescheduled due to Election Day falling on the first Tuesday in May. The meeting will be held at 7 p.m. in the New Liberty Freewill Baptist Church Fellowship Center.

The National Active and Retired Federal Employees will hold their monthly meeting at 11 a.m. at the Empire Buffet, 2614 N. Roan St., Johnson City. The guest speaker is Stephanie Walker from 1st Tennessee Human Resources Center. For additional information contact Wayne Robertson at (423) 741-0612.

Friday, May 4

First United Methodist Preschool will have pre-registration at 10 a.m. in the church fellowship hall. This registration is for children ages 3-5. The child must be 3 years old on or before August 15 to be registered. A fee of $20 must be paid at this time for those students who obtain placement in he preschool for next fall. If you have any questions, please call the preschool at (423) (423) 543-3505 Ext. 232.

Saturday, May 5

Watauga Valley Fife and Drums from 10 a.m. until 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 at the Sycamore Shoals Visitors Center. Lessons are free of charge, just call and let us know you’re coming.

Sabine Hill Guided Tour at 11 a.m. Described as one of the finest examples of Federal architecture in the State of Tennessee, Sabine Hill is a must see! Restored by the Tennessee Historical Commission and operated by Tennessee State Parks, the house has been returned to its 1818 splendor. Adults – $7; Ages 7 to 17 years – $3; 6 and under free. Tour will meet at the site: 2328 West G St., Elizabethton. Registration required – www.tnstateparks.com/parks/events/sycamore-shoals

Sunday, May 6

Watauga Valley Art League Meeting and Program at 1:30 p.m. in the Visitor’s Center at Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area. This monthly meeting is open to all! Each month a unique program is planned that ranges from talks, to demos, to hands on projects.

Sabine Hill Guided Tour at 2 p.m. Described as one of the finest examples of Federal architecture in the State of Tennessee, Sabine Hill is a must see! Restored by the Tennessee Historical Commission and operated by Tennessee State Parks, the house has been returned to its 1818 splendor. Adults – $7; Ages 7 to 17 years – $3; 6 and under free. Tour will meet at the site: 2328 West G St., Elizabethton. Registration required – www.tnstateparks.com/parks/events/sycamore-shoals

Monday, May 7

Elizabethton Shrine Club will meet at Dashiell Masonic Lodge F&AM at 6:30 p.m. For more information, call George Lopota, 432-725-4123, or John Colbaugh, 423-895-2349.

TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) will meet at First Baptist Church, 212 East F St., Elizabethton. Weigh-in begins at 5:30-6:30 p.m. with the meeting starting at 6:45 p.m. Everyone is welcome to attend these meetings. For more information, or in the event of inclement weather, please call Joan Jarrett at 423-268-2100 or 423-914-1954 or Teresa Teague at 423-213-2770 or go to our website at www.tops.org (800-932-8677).

Tuesday May 8

Jericho Shrine Temple will meet at 7:30 p.m. at the Airport Exit. For more information or needing a ride, call George Lopota, 423-725-4123 or 423-943-7440.

The Liberty Spinners will meet at 9:30 a.m. in the Visitor’s Center at Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park. This gathering of spinners and fiber artists is open to anyone interested in the art of spinning. Join us at 9:30 a.m. on the second Tuesday of each month  from April to November.

Beyond Beginning – Mountain Dulcimer. Join instructor Jim Miller on Tuesdays, May 8, 15, and 22 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area lo learn the dulcimer. Continue your learning on this traditional Appalachian instrument which covers chords, harmonies, and several intermediate tunes. Cost for 3 weeks: $45.

Thursday, May 10

Unit 17 of the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) and the Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary (DAVA) will meet at 5:30 p.m. in the fellowship hall of Eastside Freewill Baptist Church in Elizabethton. The DAV Auxiliary is open to anyone wishing to attend and a meal is provided. The DAV/DAVA meet the second Thursday of every month.

Saturday, May 12

Watauga Valley Fife and Drums from 10 a.m. until 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 at the Sycamore Shoals Visitors Center. Lessons are free of charge, just call and let us know you’re coming.

Bird Walk with the Lee & Lois Herndon TOS Chapter —8 a.m. on Saturday, May 12. Meet other birders and naturalists at Sycamore Shoals for a morning of birding during the migratory season.

Jr. Ranger Poisonous Plant and Critter ID —from 11 a.m. until noon at Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area. This program is geared for children ages 6-12. Ready to play outside this summer? Learn how to be safe while you’re having fun! Bring your kids to join Ranger Davis and discover how to identify common poisonous plants, snakes, and insects that live in our area. A Field Guide will be provided for the kids to write and draw in during “class” and take home for their outdoor adventures this summer! Parents are encouraged to be present to assist with “note taking” but do not need to register. Please dress appropriately for the weather and bring your own water. Meet in the picnic area beside the Visitor Center. Cost is $5 per child and pre-registration is required – www.tnstateparks.com/parks/about/sycamore-shoals and choose “Upcoming Events” in left hand menu.

Recycled Camping Stoves from 2-3 p.m. at Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area. Cook in a can with Corbin! Reuse recyclables to make a camping cook stove out of aluminum cans, plant fertilizer and gas-line antifreeze. Meet Ranger Corbin Hayslett in the amphitheater behind Fort Watauga. Ages 10 and over. Parents accompanying youth who do not wish to participate are free. All supplies provided and you get to take the stove home! Cost: $5 per person and pre-registration required – www.tnstateparks.com/parks/about/sycamore-shoals and choose “Upcoming Events” in the left hand menu.

Monday, May 14

TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) will meet at First Baptist Church, 212 East F St., Elizabethton. Weigh-in begins at 5:30-6:30 p.m. with the meeting starting at 6:45 p.m. Everyone is welcome to attend these meetings. For more information, or in the event of inclement weather, please call Joan Jarrett at 423-268-2100 or 423-914-1954 or Teresa Teague at 423-213-2770 or go to our website at www.tops.org (800-932-8677).

Saturday, May 19

24th Annual Siege at Fort Watauga — from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area. It is the summer of 1776 and the Watauga settlement is at war. Join us 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.

Watauga Valley Fife and Drums from 10 a.m. until 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 at the Sycamore Shoals Visitors Center. Lessons are free of charge, just call and let us know you’re coming.

Sunday, May 20

24th Annual Siege at Fort Watauga from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area. It is the summer of 1776 and the Watauga settlement is at war. Join us 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.

Monday, May 21

TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) will meet at First Baptist Church, 212 East F St., Elizabethton. Weigh-in begins at 5:30-6:30 p.m. with the meeting starting at 6:45 p.m. Everyone is welcome to attend these meetings. For more information, or in the event of inclement weather, please call Joan Jarrett at 423-268-2100 or 423-914-1954 or Teresa Teague at 423-213-2770 or go to our website at www.tops.org (800-932-8677).

Alzheimer’s Tennessee Caregiver Support Group will meet the third Monday of each month at noon at Sycamore Springs Senior Living, 1504 West Elk Ave., Elizabethton. The confidential group provides education, hope and encouragement to caregivers and family members of loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease or any related dementia. Participants can learn about community resources, share coping techniques and gain insight and feedback from others who understand. For information, call Tracey Kendall Wilson at 423-330-4532 or email tracey.wilson@tnalz.org

Saturday, May 26

Watauga Valley Fife and Drums from 10 a.m. until 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 at the Sycamore Shoals Visitors Center. Lessons are free of charge, just call and let us know you’re coming.

Sunday, May 27

Old Time Music Jam – Led by Art Lang from 1:30 – 4 p.m. at the Visitor’s Center at Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area. Enjoy the rich musical traditions of our region each month. Old time musicians of all levels are welcome. Don’t play an instrument? Come on over, kick back, and enjoy the tunes!

Monday, May 28

TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) will meet at First Baptist Church, 212 East F St., Elizabethton. Weigh-in begins at 5:30-6:30 p.m. with the meeting starting at 6:45 p.m. Everyone is welcome to attend these meetings. For more information, or in the event of inclement weather, please call Joan Jarrett at 423-268-2100 or 423-914-1954 or Teresa Teague at 423-213-2770 or go to our website at www.tops.org (800-932-8677).