Editorial

Kids Time at Riverpark

Thursdays in June and July

Through July 24, Hamilton County Parks and Recreation will be hosting free hands-on learning activities every Thursday (except July 3) beginning at 10 a.m. A different organization will lead the program each week: June 26 – Read 20 will host story time at the Fry Center; July 10 – Scenic Cities Beautiful will present “Creative Critter Pots” at Tennessee Riverpark Shelter No. 4; July 17 – Parks and Recreation will host “NSI: Nature Detectives” at Tennessee Riverpark Shelter No. 4; and July 24 – Read 20 will host story time at the Fry Center. This program is for elementary school children ages 5 and up. Groups of eight or more must call for a reservation. Adult supervision of the attending children is required during the program. Most programs last 45 minutes to one hour. For more information, call 842-6748.

Emerging Artist Exhibit

Through July 25

The Association for Visual Arts (AVA) will host the 2014 FRESH Emerging Artist Exhibit through July 25. FRESH is an annual exhibition designed to help emerging artists gain professional experience and exposure for their work. This competitive, juried exhibition features artists at an early stage in their career. This opportunity is open to artists residing in the Southeast who have not had a major solo show and who do not have gallery representation. AVA is presenting 11 emerging artists, including four from Chattanooga: Aaron Cowen; Ashley Hamilton; Adam Kirby; and Lisa Srok.

Paddle sports clinic

Saturday, June 21

Join outdoor Chattanooga and Rock/Creek for free SUP racing, kayak demos, roll practice and more Saturday, June 21 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Harrison Bay State Park.

Chickamauga Battlefield Bicycle Tour

Saturday, June 21

Outdoor Chattanooga and the National Park Service will host a free history tour of Chickamauga Battlefield on Saturday, June 21 at 9:30 a.m., beginning in the lower parking lot of the Battlefield Visitors Center in Ft. Oglethorpe, Ga. Adults and kids ages eight and older are invited to join the tour with their own bicycles, or riders five feet tall and over may borrow a bike from the Outdoor Chattanooga Mobile Bicycle Fleet. To borrow a bicycle, call the visitors center at (706) 866-9241. All riders under the age of 16 must wear a helmet.

July 4th luncheon at the Jewish Federation

Friday, July 4

The Jewish Federation of Greater Chattanooga invites the community to celebrate Independence, Day, rain or shine, with a lunch time picnic of chicken barbeque, live music, and in an air conditioned setting. The indoor picnic will take place at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, July 4 at the Jewish Cultural Center, located at 5461 North Terrace Road.  The Power Players Show Band will entertain participants. The cost for the luncheon is $10 for adults, $5.00 for children ages 8-16 years old, and $25 for a family of four if you RSVP by July 1. The costs increase by $4 per person at the door. Space is limited. RSVP to 493-0270, ext.10, or rsvp@jewishchattanooga.com.

Movies in the Park

Beginning Saturday, July 12

First Things First, a non-profit organization dedicated to strengthening marriages and families, welcomes the return of Movies in the Park to Coolidge Park each Saturday in the month of July. This event is free to the public on July 12, 19 and 26. The movie will start each week at sundown (just after 9 p.m.). Families are welcome to bring picnic baskets, blankets, strollers, or lawn chairs. Additionally, concessions will be available for purchase on site. Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent after 6 p.m. For more information, call First Things First at 423.267.5383 or visit www.firstthings.org.