April 14
The Art of Bicycling
Outdoor Chattanooga and Hunter Museum of American Art will host a public art bike tour, ending with the HATCH art car and bike parade, beginning at 11 a.m. at Outdoor Chattanooga. Participants can bring their own bike or borrow one from Outdoor Chattanooga. Call Ruth Thompson at (423) 643-6889 to reserve a bike. Helmets are required. The ride is appropriate for adults and kids ages 16 and older when accompanied by an adult.
April 18
Screening of “Food Stamped”
Is it possible to eat healthy on a food stamp budget? Food Stamped is an informative and humorous documentary film following a couple as they attempt to eat a healthy, well-balanced diet on a food stamp budget. Throughout their adventures, they consult with members of U.S. Congress, food justice organizations, nutrition experts, and people living on food stamps to take a deep look at America’s broken food system. The Arts & Education Council will screen the movie and host a panel discussion featuring local food organization leaders at the Gaining Ground, located at 55 East Main Street, at 6:30 p.m.
The evening will begin with a potluck dinner at 6 p.m. (Bring a dish “prepared on a food stamp budget.”) The cost is $10 per person. Call (423) 267-1218 or visit www.backrowfilms.com to buy tickets.
April 19
Tennessee Tourism Committee open forum
In mid-2011, Gov. Bill Haslam formed a statewide tourism committee with the purpose of maximizing Tennessee’s tourism potential. Chattanooga has two members on the committee: Bob Doak, president and CEO of the Chattanooga Convention & Visitors Bureau, and Charlie Arant, presidents of the Tennessee Aquarium. The committee will be hosting an open forum from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the Chattanooga Hotel. The committee will update the public on its progress and answer questions regarding Tennessee’s tourism industry. To attend, RSVP to Pam Huff at phuff@gaylordentertainment.com or 615-316-6288 with the following information for everyone in your group: name, name of company, job title and email address.
April 20-21
Bike to Build
It’s time to check your brakes, chains and safety gear in preparation for the third annual Bike to Build, sponsored by Toyota of Cleveland. It isn’t too late to start training now for the 13, 30 or 60-mile ride, or to rally a team to support the mission of Bike to Build. Early rider check-in will take place at Toyota of Cleveland on Friday from 5-7 p.m. Registration opens April 21 at 7 a.m. Rides will start and finish at Bradley Central High School. Money raised will go toward the building of a Habitat home.
April 21
Chattanooga Spring Fest
Join the City of Chattanooga at Coolidge and Renaissance Parks from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for a celebration of the outdoors, green living and family fun. Chattanooga Spring Fest will feature an Outdoor Expo and Gear Swap, the Office of Sustainability’s annual Green Expo, Chattanooga Parent Magazine’s yearly Summer Camp Expo and an opportunity to adopt a rescue dog.
April 21-22
Spring plant sale at Crabtree Farms
The 12th Annual Crabtree Farms Spring Plant Sale will take place April 21 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and April 22 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. With local vendors, live music, gardening talks and thousands of vegetables, herbs and other plants on hand, the festival will have something for every backyard gardener. The event is free and open to the public.
April 22
Native Plant I.D. Hike
Outdoor Chattanooga invites the public to join professional herbalist Holli Richey for a leisurely hike at Greenway Farm at 2 p.m. Richey will guide hikers through the farm’s ecosystem to identify local plants and how to use them for food and medicine. No registration is necessary. Meet at the canoe and kayak barn at the back of the farm. To learn more, call Outdoor Chattanooga at (423) 643-6888.
May 4
Chick-Fil-A Leadercast 2012
Community, business and church leaders are invited to attend Chick-Fil-A Leadercast 2012 at the Brainerd Crossroads from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Chick-Fil-A Leadercast is a one-day leader development event broadcast live from Atlanta, Ga., to hundreds of sites throughout the nation. Speakers will include CNN anchor Soledad O’Brien, NFL quarterback Tim Tebow and more.