Thursday, Aug. 16

ENTERTAINMENT · Four Scenic City Songwriters will perform at 7 p.m. (Central Standard Time) Thursday, Aug.16, at Kamama Gallery in Mentone, Ala. Earl Brackin, August Bruce, Robert Thatcher, and Tom Brown will share original Americana music. Kamama Gallery is at 5951 Alabama Highway 117, Mentone, Ala. The doors will open at 6 p.m. (Central Standard Time) Admission $10. Seating is limited, reservations are encouraged. For more information or to make reservations, call 256-634-3001.

COMMUNITY · First Step Dance Studio will hold an open house from 4-6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 16, at 5125 North Highway 27 between LaFayette and Noble. For more information, call 423-667-6913 or visit firststepdancestudio.com.

COMMUNITY · Artist Ginger L. Lowry will exhibit artwork throughout August at the Chattooga County Library, 360 Farrar Drive, in Summerville. Lowry is known for painting equestrian (horse riding) scenes. Hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday and Friday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday, and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday. For more information, call 706-857-2553.

COMMUNITY · Blood Assurance asks residents to consider donating blood to help save a life. Donors must be at least 17-years-old (16-years-old with parental consent) and weigh at least 110 pounds. Donors are eligible to give blood every 56 days. Donors who do not know their blood type can call Blood Assurance at 1-800-962-0628 or present a photo ID at any area blood drive. A list of area blood drives can be found at bloodassurance.org/blooddrives.

COMMUNITY · Voting has begun in the 2012 Best of Walker contest, sponsored by the Walker County Chamber of Commerce and the Walker County Messenger. This is the fifth annual contest in which residents are encouraged to vote for the favorites in local services in 55 categories. This contest is completely electronic and all votes must be made online. To vote go to walkercochamber.com/bestofwalker2012.htm or catwalkchat.com. Voters are encouraged to fill out as many categories as they wish; however when voting for a specific person please list their business name and/or geographic location. Only one submission will be allowed per computer. The deadline for submitting votes is at noon Sept. 28.

COMMUNITY · A Diabetes Education Class will be held from 1:30-4:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 16, at Erlanger Chattanooga Lifestyle Center. This class will explore ways to manage diabetes. Call 778-9400 for more information on physician referral and insurance reimbursement.

COMMUNITY · The YMCA Summer Food Program is conducted at LaFayette Municipal Park, at LaFayette Recreation (Department), 638 South Main Street in LaFayette. Children will be served free lunches from noon-1 p.m. at the picnic tables and pavilion next to the gym entrance. The program will end on Aug. 24; public school begins Sept. 4. There is no cost to attend or receive a meal. Any child under age 18 may come and eat. For more information, visit ymcachattanooga.org/usda-summer-food-program.

COMMUNITY · “Get Fit!,” an interactive presentation for seniors will be presented by Erlanger at Hutcheson at 2:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 16, at Alexian Grove, 100 Asbury Oak Lane, Chattanooga (Across from Black Creek Golf Course). Dr. Lori Emerson will discuss healthy eating and knowing your health numbers. Hutcheson's rehab department will also be on hand to discuss physician therapy, balance, and heart health issues. Seniors can also have their blood pressure checked. The program is free and open to the public. RSVP to Brenda Crane at 423-825-5557.

COMMUNITY · North Georgia Community YMCA will offer After School Programs for students in pre-K through fifth grades throughout the school year at Cherokee Ridge, Fairyland, Rock Spring, Tiger Creek and West Side Elementary schools. Cost is $40 per week for YMCA members, $60 per week for non-members. There is a one-time (per year) $50 registration fee per family. For more information, call 706-935-2226 or visit ngaymca@ymcachattanooga.org.

COMMUNITY · Need to take weight off? Come join TOPS (weight-loss support group) on Monday's at 7 p.m. at Center Post Community Center, 8125 Highway 337, LaFayette. For more information, call Beverly Byrd at 706-638- 1045.

COMMUNITY · First Baptist Church of Chickamauga has a few spots open in the 3- and 4-year old preschool classes. Registration packets may be printed from the children's ministry page at fbcchickamauga.com. For more information, call Susan Veazey or Donna Christol at 706-375-2829 or 706-375-2733.

COMMUNITY · Carrie Streets with Crest Financial Services will present a program about preventing identity theft Thursday, Aug. 16, at noon at Alexian Village on Signal Mountain. Lunch is provided and seating is limited. To reserve a seat, call Barbara Nausley at 423-886-0542.

COMMUNITY · Film Chattanooga will hold a quarterly meeting and “Art of casting” seminar for film and television professionals and those aspiring to work in the industry at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 16, at the downtown YMCA in Chattanooga. Admission is free for Chattanooga Film Society members and $5 for non-members. Film Chattanooga is an initiative of the Chattanooga Film Society, a non-profit organization that supports independent filmmaking locally and promotes professional film and television production across the region. It is currently working on the launch of a major film festival in downtown Chattanooga. For more information, visit chattanoogafilmsociety.org.

COMMUNITY · Coosa Valley Regional Services will meet at 10 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 16, at the main office, 3 Riverside Industrial Parkway NE, Rome.

COMMUNITY · The Chief John Ross house is open for the summer from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday through August. Admission is free. The house is at the intersection of East Lake Avenue and Spring Street (behind the Bi-Lo) in Rossville. For more information or to schedule a private tour, call 423-400-7400. COMMUNITY · Want to learn to play tennis? Call the LaFayette Park and Recreation staff at 706-639-1590 for more information.

Friday, Aug. 17

ENTERTAINMENT · “The Never-Ending Story” will be performed live on stage at The Colonnade in Ringgold. Performances are Aug. 17, 18, 24 and 25 at 7:30 p.m. and Aug. 25 at 1 p.m. Tickets are $11 adult admission, $9 seniors (age 55 and older), $9 students, and $8 for groups of 15 or more. Call 706-935-9000, ext. 103, for more information or visit the website colonnadecenter.org.

COMMUNITY · The Chamber of Commerce will hold a ribbon cutting from noon-1 p.m. Friday, Aug. 17, to celebrate the grand opening of The Plantation at Pigeon Mountain in LaFayette. The Plantation at Pigeon Mountain is an upscale and premier events venue. The event location is at 235 Glenn Acres Drive in LaFayette. For more information, visit http://business.walkercochamber.com.

COMMUNITY · A yard sale will be held from 1-4 p.m. Friday, Aug. 17, and from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 18, at the LaFayette Senior Center, 636 South Main Street in LaFayette (near the city recreation center).

COMMUNITY · The Blunt House at 506 South Thornton Avenue in Dalton will show a historical bridal collection from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. every Friday through the end of August. Admission is $5. For more information, call the Dalton Convention and Visitors Bureau at 706-270-9960 or the Whitfield Murray Historical Society at 706-278-0217.

COMMUNITY · The Center Post Community Center at 8125 Highway 337 in Walker County will hold a family movie night featuring “The Lorax” at 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 17. Admission is free.

Saturday, Aug. 18

COMMUNITY · Kids 4 Christ will hold a Back-2-School Blast beginning at 9 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 18, for at-risk students to receive book bags and school supplies. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to receive school supplies. There will be inflatables, games and refreshments. Kids 4 Christ is at 108 W. Withers Street in LaFayette. For more information, call 706-639-3234.

COMMUNITY · One-Eleven restaurant on the square in downtown LaFayette will host a benefit for Brandon Lowe from noon-5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 18. Brandon is a LaFayette High School student recently diagnosed with a form of bone cancer. Proceeds will go toward Brandon’s medical expenses. Several bands will perform. Tickets cost $10 per person and are on sale at One-Eleven, Bank of LaFayette, Bedazzled, Hope’s (new curvy ladies’ clothing store at 1109A N. Main Street) and Salon Etc.

COMMUNITY · A benefit concert will be held at 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 18, at Chattanooga Valley Baptist Church off Nickajack Road in Flintstone. Infant Faith Allen, the daughter of Eddie and Jill Allen, needs surgery for a rare disorder known as DiGeorge syndrome. Baby Faith was born without a pulmonary artery. Donations will be accepted. Musicians and singers from the church and community will perform. For more information, call 706-820-1911.

COMMUNITY · A yard sale will be held from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 18, at the LaFayette Senior Center, 636 South Main Street in LaFayette (near the city recreation center).

COMMUNITY · A benefit spaghetti dinner will be held at 6 p.m. at Midway Baptist Church on Highway 41. Proceeds will help Frank and Sarah Shaw with medical expenses. Frank Shaw is battling leukemia and is scheduled for a bone marrow transplant. Menu is spaghetti, salad, dessert and a drink. Adult plates cost $5, child plates for ages 12 and younger cost $3. A bake sale and auction will follow dinner. For more information, call Debbie at 423-280-5210 or Michelle at 423-413-0819.

COMMUNITY · The Train Collectors Association, Volunteer State Chapter will host a Chattanooga area toy train show from 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at The Colonnade, off Old Mill Road in Ringgold. Admission is $7.

COMMUNITY · The Catoosa County Democratic Party will host its August breakfast meeting at 9 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 18, at the Democratic Headquarters located in the OSA, Inc. Building, 7638 Nashville Street in historic downtown Ringgold next door to Catoosa Hall. The 2012 General Election, candidate support, and grass-roots re-building are items on the agenda.

CHURCH · New Bethel Baptist Church will hold a singing starting at 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 18. The church is at 1635 Salem Valley Road in Ringgold. The event features Jim Ricketts and Crystle Elam , the 2012 Duo of The Year / Traditional Gospel. Bro. Don Self is pastor. For more information, call Nelson at 706-965-2778 or Bobby at 706-935-4208.

ENTERTAINMENT · “The Never-Ending Story” will be performed live on stage at The Colonnade in Ringgold. Performances are Aug. 18, 24 and 25 at 7:30 p.m. and Aug. 25 at 1 p.m. Tickets are $11 adult admission, $9 seniors (age 55 and older), $9 students, and $8 for groups of 15 or more. Call 706-935-9000, ext. 103, for more information or visit the website colonnadecenter.org.

COMMUNITY · Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park and Outdoor Chattanooga are offering a free, historical bike tour through Chickamauga Battlefield Saturday, Aug. 18. The public can bring their bicycles and join in a leisurely-paced two-hour ride. Loaner bicycles from the Outdoor Chattanooga Mobile Bicycle Fleet will be available for riders five feet tall and over at no charge. Reservations are required; contact the Chickamauga Battlefield Visitor Center at 706-866-9241. Ride length is three to four miles on flat to moderately hilly terrain. The rides are appropriate for adults and children ages eight and older when accompanied by an adult. All participants are required to wear helmets. Additional Saturday battlefield bicycle tours are scheduled for Sept. 15, and Oct. 20.

COMMUNITY · North Georgia YMCA Soccer Association will offer Rookies Soccer for boys and girls ages 3-5. Children will have weekday practices and Saturday games from Sept. 8-Oct. 13, at Heritage High School in Ringgold. Cost is $50 for everyone. Registration deadline is Saturday, Aug. 18. For more information, call 706-935-2226 or visit ngaymca@ymcachattanooga.org.

COMMUNITY · North Georgia YMCA Soccer Association will offer Youth Soccer for boys and girls ages 6-15. Children will have weekday practices and Saturday games from Sept. 8-Nov. 3, at Heritage High School in Ringgold. Cost is $60 for YMCA members and $80 for non-members. Registration deadline is Saturday, Aug. 18. For more information, call 706-935-2226.

COMMUNITY · Point Park on Lookout Mountain will hold a living history weekend Saturday, Aug. 18 and Sunday, Aug. 19. Volunteers representing Western Federal Infantry will conduct infantry demonstrations and present talks about the life of the soldier Saturday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. They will conduct rifle-firing demonstrations at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., and 4 p.m. on Saturday, and at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 2:30 p.m. on Sunday. For more information, call the Lookout Mountain Battlefield Visitor Center at (423) 821-7786, or visit the park’s website at nps.gov.chch.

COMMUNITY · The 15th annual Spring Place Community Festival will be held Saturday, Aug. 18 at the Old Spring Place Methodist Church just off Georgia Highway 225 South in Chatsworth. Sponsored by the Spring Place Ruritan Club and the Whitfield-Murray Historical Society, the Festival commemorates Spring Place’s heritage and raises funds for the continued preservation of the Old Spring Place Methodist Church. Tickets are $2 each or seven tickets for $5. The festival starts at 8 a.m. An auction will be held at 10 a.m. Parking will be available on Elm Street and across the road from the church. For more information, call Carlton McDaniel at 706-695-2110, Jyana and Chuck Smith at 706-695-8297, or Tim Howard at 706-695-2740.

COMMUNITY · Boot Camp for Dads will be held from 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, Aug. 18, at Erlanger East (Gunbarrel Road, Chattanooga). This session is for first time dads who want to learn more about the upcoming new addition in their family. Topics include diapering, feeding, why babies cry and how to handle it, how you can help the new mom, learn about postpartum depression and general hands-on infant care. A new “veteran” dad is invited (along with his new baby) to the class for question and answer time. Call Erlanger’s HealthLink at (423) 778-LINK (5465) to register.

COMMUNITY · A breastfeeding class will be held from 9-11:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 18, at Erlanger East (Gunbarrel Road, Chattanooga). This class is designed to help participants make an informed choice about breastfeeding. Learn breastfeeding basics, what to expect the first few weeks and special tips for success. Concerns about returning to work/school will also be discussed. This course is coordinated by a board-certified lactation consultant. Registration fee is $30. Call Erlanger’s HealthLink at (423) 778-LINK (5465) to register.

COMMUNITY · A Minority Health Fair will be held from 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 18, at Eastgate Town Center. The fair is being organized by Kappa Alpha Psi and Omega Psi Phi Fraternities, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and the 28th Legislative District. More than 100 vendors will provide health information, health screens, give-a-ways, and hands-on activities. Participants will also be able to participate in a Fun Walk from 7:30-8:45 a.m. or donate blood to Blood Assurance during the fair. Erlanger Health System will offer cholesterol and blood glucose screenings and prostate screenings for men. Registration for the fair, fun walk, and screenings is required. Call Erlanger’s HealthLink at (423) 778-LINK (5465) to register.

COMMUNITY · The Bessie Smith Heritage Festival, a celebration of culture, music, and visual arts, will take place Saturday, Aug. 18 and Sunday, Aug. 19, at the Bessie Smith Cultural Center (200 E. Martin Luther King Boulevard, Chattanooga). Visit bessiesmithcc.org for a complete schedule of events.

COMMUNITY · Saturday, Aug. 18, is National Homeless Animals Day and Catoosa Citizens for Animal Care invites you to Tractor Supply in Fort Oglethorpe for a pet appreciation celebration from 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. Cornerstone Veterinary Services will sponsor a vaccine clinic. With help from volunteers, CCAC has coordinated 139 adoptions this year, and of these, 41 cats and 27 dogs were taken out of the Catoosa County Animal Shelter and placed with homes. CCAC is in need of volunteers. If you love animals and are interested in making a difference, please visit the CCAC website or Facebook page, call their help line at 706-937-2287 or email helpccac@gmail.com.