Here's a number of upcoming community events you may want to add to your calendar as posted on the Williamson County-Franklin Chamber of Commerce Web site:

March 31, Keep Williamson Beautiful Environmental Leader Class at 420 Century Court in Franklin.  Six week classes held every Thursday evening 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Cost is $35.00.  Contact Jo Ann Jackson 615-790-5848

April 7, Graceworks Benefit Bonanza at The Factory at Franklin in Liberty Hall.  230 Franklin Rd.  6:00 p.m..  $62.50 per person, $125.00 a couple.  Contact Kristi:  615- 794-9055

April 8-10, The 8th Annual Bloom ‘n Garden Expo, Williamson County Ag Expo Park, 4215 Long lane, Franklin.  Over 100 booths, display gardens, Tennessee’s largest plant sale and workshops.  Hours 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Sunday.  Admission:  $8 adults, children under 12 free, $10 for a 3-day pass.  Contact 615-973-2112 or www.bloomngarden.com.

April 16, Shred Day for Williamson County Residents, 420 Century Court, Franklin, 8 a.m. -  2 p.m. Only personal documents that could be used for identiy theft will be accepted.  NO commercial documents.

April 30, Annual Team Rio running/walking for Big Brothers Big Sisters.  Contact Ingrid Castioni 615-522-5661 or www.teamrio.org

April 30-May 1, The 28th Annual Main Street Festival, Historic Downtown Franklin. More than 200 arts/crafts vendors, 20 food vendors and three stages.  Free admission 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. Saturday; Fourth Avenue Street Dance continuing 7-10 p.m.; noon – 6 p.m. Sunday.  Contact: 615- 591-8500.

May 1-31, Tennessee Renaissance Festival, 2124 New Castle Road, Off Hwy 96, ArringtonTriune.  Weekends and Memorial Day. Hours 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., rain or shine.  Contact:  Mike and Jackie Freeman, 615-395-9950 or www.tnrenfest.com

May 7, Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day, 1320 West Main st., Franklin at the Williamson County Administrative Complex.  8:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.  Contact 790-5848

Summer Arts & Crafts Camps 2011-Franklin Recreation Complex

Teens-Adults

June 13, 15 & 17 Cake Decorating-Essentials Teens-Adults

June 20, 22 & 24 Cake Decorating-Rolled Fondant Teens-Adults

Children

June 6-7 Go Fish! Ages 3 to 8

June 6-7 Wild Wool-Making Felt Fabric Ages 8 & older

June 6-10 Beginning Drawing Ages 7 & older

June 8-9 Cosmic Creations Ages 3 to 8

June 8-9 Funky Masks Ages 8 & older

June 13-14 Famous Artists Ages 3 to 8

June 13-16 Abrakadoodle’s Wild Wild West Ages 3 to 5

June 15-16 Designer Projects Ages 3 to 8

June 20-21 Costume Party Ages 3 to 8

June 20-21 It’s a Zoo in Here! -Clay Creations Ages 8 & Older

June 22-23 Rumble in the Jungle Ages 3 to 8

June 22-23 Totally Tiled-Clay Collage Ages 8 & Older

June 27-28 Second Time Around Ages 3 to 8

June 27-July 1 Knit and Loom for kids Ages 7 & Older

June 27-30 Abrakadoodle’s Summer Surfing Ages 6 to 11

June 29-30 Patriotic Parade Ages 3 to 8

July 11-12 Printmaking for Crafty Kids Ages 8 & Older

July 11-14 Abrakadoodle’s Zoo Doodle Safari Ages 3 to 5

July 13-14 Collaborative Printmaking Ages 8 & Older

July 18-22 Knit and Loom for Kids Ages 7 & Older

July 18-21 Abrakadoodle’s Art Rocks! Ages 3 to 5

July 25-28 Abrakadoodle’s Pirate Island Ages 3 to 5

July 25-28 Abrakadoodle’s Pirate Island Ages 6 to 11

SUMMER ARTS AND CRAFTS CAMPS FOR KIDS 2011

All camps held at the Franklin Recreation Complex, 1120 Hillsboro Road, Franklin, TN

REGISTRATION BEGINS MONDAY, MARCH 21

To register for an Abrakadoodle camp, call Linda at (615) 804-6997. To register for all other camps, call (615) 790-5719, ext. 10.

GO FISH!

Explore all the fish in the sea. Create one-of-a-kind fishy art creations.

Days: Monday & Tuesday

Dates: 6/6 – 6/7

Session Length: 2 days

Time: 9:00am to 11:00am

Ages: 3 to 8

Class Fee: $24.00

Supply Fee: $6.00 payable to instructor

*Students must be potty trained

Instructor: Miss Cindy Hester

WILD WOOL-Making Felt Fabric

Learn the ancient form of felt making. Using dampened wool, students create a felt snake, flower of hair clip. Includes stitching and finishing techniques.

Days: Monday & Tuesday

Dates: 6/6 – 6/7

Session Length: 2 days

Time: 9:00am to 11:00am

Ages: 8 & older

Class Fee: $30.00

Supply Fee: $10.00 payable to instructor

Instructor: Casey Kirk

BEGINNING DRAWING

Build self confidence through drawing. Learn basic drawing techniques like shading and perspective.

Days: Monday - Friday

Dates: 6/6 – 6/10

Session Length: 5 days

Time: 1:00pm to 2:30pm

Ages: 7 & older

Class Fee: $75.00

Supply Fee: $5.00 payable to instructor

Instructor: Dawn Pharris

COSMIC CREATIONS

Aliens, UFOs and bottle beings are created in this art class. Students use both new and recycled materials.

Days: Wednesday & Thursday

Dates: 6/8 – 6/9

Session Length: 2 days

Time: 9:00am to 11:00am

Ages: 3 to 8

Class Fee: $24.00

Supply Fee: $6.00 payable to instructor

*Students must be potty trained

Instructor: Miss Cindy Hester

FUNKY MASKS

Explore advancing felt making and create a mask from wool fibers. Learn to pound wool into a beautiful work of art.

Days: Wednesday & Thursday

Dates: 6/8 – 6/9

Session Length: 2 days

Time: 9:00am to 11:00am

Ages: 8 & older

Class Fee: $30.00

Supply Fee: $10.00 payable to instructor

Instructor: Casey Kirk

FAMOUS ARTISTS

Create works of art inspired by Picasso, Van Gogh, Pollock and others.

Days: Monday & Tuesday

Dates: 6/13 – 6/14

Session Length: 2 days

Time: 9:00am to 11:00am

Ages: 3 to 8

Class Fee: $24.00

Supply Fee: $6.00 payable to instructor

*Students must be potty trained

Instructor: Miss Cindy Hester

ABRAKADOODLE’S WILD WILD WEST!

Have a rootin’ tootin’ doodlin’ good time creating a western art adventure, singing songs and telling campfire stories.

Days: Monday – Thursday

Dates: 6/13 – 6/16

Session Length: 4 days

Time: 9:30am to 12:00pm

Ages: 3 to 5

Class Fee: $89.00

Supply Fee: $29.00 payable to instructor

*Students must be potty trained

Instructor: Linda Gladson- Call to register: 804-6997

DESIGNER PROJECTS

Transform an old t-shirt into a work of art using paints, fabric markers and more. Make a hat and bag, too.

Days: Wednesday & Thursday

Dates: 6/15 – 6/16

Session Length: 2 days

Time: 9:00am to 11:00am

Ages: 3 to 8

Class Fee: $24.00

Supply Fee: $6.00 payable to instructor

*Students must be potty trained

Instructor: Miss Cindy Hester

COSTUME PARTY

Create a costume for the end-of-camp party. Get creative with hats, masks, capes and lots of imagination.

Days: Monday & Tuesday

Dates: 6/20 – 6/21

Session Length: 2 days

Time: 9:00am to 11:00am

Ages: 3 to 8

Class Fee: $24.00

Supply Fee: $6.00 payable to instructor

*Students must be potty trained

Instructor: Miss Cindy Hester

It’s a Zoo in Here!- CLAY CREATIONS

Explore many types of clay, and learn to shape clay into animals. Finish with acrylic paints.

Days: Monday & Tuesday

Dates: 6/20 – 6/21

Session Length: 2 days

Time: 9:00am to 11:00am

Ages: 8 & older

Class Fee: $30.00

Supply Fee: $10.00 payable to instructor

Instructor: Casey Kirk

RUMBLE IN THE JUNGLE

Explore spots, stripes, fur and feathers. Create a jungle animal using a variety of art supplies.

Days: Wednesday & Thursday

Dates: 6/22 – 6/23

Session Length: 2 days

Time: 9:00am to 11:00am

Ages: 3 to 8

Class Fee: $24.00

Supply Fee: $6.00 payable to instructor

*Students must be potty trained

Instructor: Miss Cindy Hester

Totally Tiled-CLAY COLLAGE

Use a pasta roller to create tiles using polymer clay. Explore stamps and paints for decorating tiles. Finish by creating a tile collage.

Days: Wednesday & Thursday

Dates: 6/22 – 6/23

Session Length: 2 days

Time: 9:00am to 11:00am

Ages: 8 & older

Class Fee: $30.00

Supply Fee: $10.00 payable to instructor

Instructor: Casey Kirk

SECOND TIME AROUND

Use recycled materials to create art. Bring up to five items to use along with provided materials.

Days: Monday & Tuesday

Dates: 6/27 – 6/28

Session Length: 2 days

Time: 9:00am to 11:00am

Ages: 3 to 8

Class Fee: $24.00

Supply Fee: $6.00 payable to instructor

*Students must be potty trained

Instructor: Miss Cindy Hester

KNIT & LOOM FOR KIDS

Choose a project and learn to knit. Learn to make a hat on a loom. Great adult/child activity.

Days: Monday - Friday

Dates: 6/27 – 7/1

Session Length: 5 days

Time: 10:00am to noon

Ages: 7 & older, incl. adults

Class Fee: $45.00

Supply Fee: $15.00 payable to instructor

Instructor: Karen at

ABRAKADOODLE’S SUMMER SURFING

Surf’s up! Catch a wave in this salute to summer using art and creativity.

Days: Monday – Thursday

Dates: 6/27 – 6/30

Session Length: 4 days

Time: 9:30am to 12:00pm

Ages: 6 to 11

Class Fee: $89.00

Supply Fee: $29.00 payable to instructor

Instructor: Linda Gladson- Call to register: 804-6997

PATRIOTIC PARADE

Three cheers for the red, white and blue! In this camp we will get ready for our nation’s birthday celebration. We will make projects to show our patriotic pride. Come join the fun and create stars and stripes.

Days: Wednesday & Thursday

Dates: 6/29 - 6/30

Session Length: 2 days

Time: 9:00am to 11:00am

Ages: 3 to 8

Class Fee: $24.00

Supply Fee: $6.00 payable to instructor

*Students must be potty trained

Instructor: Miss Cindy Hester

PRINTMAKING FOR CRAFTY KIDS

Learn the fine art of printmaking and come prepared to get messy! Students will create a pillow using simple printmaking tools. This class is for all levels and techniques are easy to understand.

Days: Monday & Tuesday

Dates: 7/11 – 7/12

Session Length: 2 days

Time: 9:00am to 11:00am

Ages: 8 & older

Class Fee: $30.00

Supply Fee: $10.00 payable to instructor

Instructor: Casey Kirk

ABRAKADOODLE’S ZOO DOODLE SAFARI

We'll make safari art with paints, modeling compounds and wild animal print paper. During camp, we'll keep a jungle journal to take notes and create pictures of your adventure. We will play games, listen and sing along to music, plus tell animal stories while on the exploration! Kampers will need to bring a snack and drink each day.

Days: Monday – Thursday

Dates: 7/11 – 7/14

Session Length: 4 days

Time: 9:30am to 12:00pm

Ages: 3 to 5

Class Fee: $89.00

Supply Fee: $29.00 payable to instructor

*Students must be potty trained

Instructor: Linda Gladson- Call to register: 804-6997

COLLABORATIVE PRINTMAKING

Combine art and science with printmaking to create a unique periodic table of the elements. Draw inspiration from the collaborative art piece at http://azurecrackle.com/periodictable/table/).

Days: Wednesday & Thursday

Dates: 7/13 – 7/14

Session Length: 2 days

Time: 9:00am to 11:00am

Ages: 8 & older

Class Fee: $30.00

Supply Fee: $10.00 payable to instructor

Instructor: Casey Kirk

KNIT & LOOM FOR KIDS

Choose a project and learn to knit. Learn to make a hat on a loom. Great adult/child activity.

Days: Monday - Friday

Dates: 7/18 – 7/22

Session Length: 5 days

Time: 10:00am to noon

Ages: 7 & older, incl. adults

Class Fee: $45.00

Supply Fee: $15.00 payable to instructor

Instructor: Karen at

ABRAKADOODLE’S ART ROCKS!

Art Rocks combines fun music and energetic art for a creative adventure. Campers will make musical instruments and learn about rhythm.

Days: Monday – Thursday

Dates: 7/18 – 7/21

Session Length: 4 days

Time: 9:30am to 12:00pm

Ages: 3 to 5

Class Fee: $89.00

Supply Fee: $29.00 payable to instructor

*Students must be potty trained

Instructor: Linda Gladson- Call to register: 804-6997

ABRAKADOODLE’S PIRATE ISLAND

Back by Popular Demand!! Our Mateys will create pirate ships, sand castles, treasure maps, sea monsters, ship flags, doubloon necklaces and more! They will explore sand, sculpture, puppetry, paper construction and lots more using their very own Abrakadoodle Pirate Kit. At the end of camp students take home the rest of their art materials for added fun at home. Kampers will need to bring a snack and drink each day.

Days: Monday - Thursday

Dates: 7/25 -7/28

Ages: 3 to 5

Session Length: 4 days

Time: 9:30am to 12:00pm

Class Fee: $89.00

Supply Fee: $29.00 payable to instructor

*Students must be potty trained

Instructor: Linda Gladson- Call to register: 804-6997

ABRAKADOODLE’S PIRATE ISLAND

Back by Popular Demand!! Our Mateys will create pirate ships, sand castles, treasure maps, sea monsters, ship flags, doubloon necklaces and more! They will explore sand, sculpture, puppetry, paper construction and lots more using their very own Abrakadoodle Pirate Kit. At the end of camp students take home the rest of their art materials for added fun at home. Kampers will need to bring a snack and drink each day.

Days: Monday - Thursday

Dates: 7/25 -7/28

Ages: 6 to 11

Session Length: 4 days

Time: 9:30am to 12:00pm

Class Fee: $89.00

Supply Fee: $29.00 payable to instructor

Instructor: Linda Gladson- Call to register: 804-6997

SUMMER ART CAMPS FOR TEENS/ADULTS 2011

All classes held at the Franklin Recreation Complex

1120 Hillsboro Road Franklin, TN 37064

REGISTRATION BEGINS MONDAY, MARCH 21

For more information, visit www.wcparksandrec.com. To register, call (615) 790-5719, ext. 10.

ENJOY CAKE DECORATING-ESSENTIAL SKILLS

In addition to basic cake decorating skills, students will learn advanced skills and piping techniques like image transfers, color flow and royal icing flowers. All supplies included in supply feee.

Days: Monday, Wednesday, Friday

Dates: 6/13, 6/15, 6/17

Session Length: 3 days

Time: 1:00pm to 4:00pm

Ages: Teens & Adults

Class Fee: $75.00

Supply Fee: $25.00 payable to instructor

Instructor: Darla Davidson: , (615) 957-4900

ENJOY CAKE DECORATING-ROLLED FONDANT

This camp focuses on cake decorating with rolled fondant. Learn the basics, then move on to more advanced techniques. All supplies included in supply fee.

Days: Monday, Wednesday, Friday

Dates: 6/20, 6/22, 6/24

Session Length: 3 days

Time: 1:00pm to 4:00pm

Ages: Teens & Adults

Class Fee: $75.00

Supply Fee: $25.00 payable to instructor

Instructor: Darla Davidson: , (615) 957-4900

Here's a list of notable community events found on the Williamson County-Franklin Chamber of Commerce Web site at www.williamson-franklinchamber.com/events/upcoming-events:

March 11, Benefit Concert to help the Mangrum family who were displaced by the floods of last May.  7-8 p.m. at Epworth United Methodist Church, 4340 Arno Road, Franklin.  Epworth Mountain Soul, a Christian Bluegrass Band will be pickin’ and singing for a worthy cause.  Contact Peggy Henson at 615-790-0399 for more information.

March 12, American Red Cross Lifeguard Training Courses registration begins at 12 noon. Williamson County Parks and Recreation will be holding the last session Saturday, March 26 through Saturday April 16, 2011 at the Inddor Sports Complex, 920 Heritage Way, Brentwood, 37207; and at the Longview Recreation Center at Spring Hill, 2909 Commonwealth Drive.  Pre-registration is required, space is limited.  Cost $125.00 per person.  Contact Brentwood 615-370-3471, ext 22; Sprin Hill 615-302-0971, ext. 22 or www.wcparksandrec.com

March 12, Main Street Brew Fest (Formerly Feile Franklin), Historic Downtown Franklin.  Scots/Irish street festival, noon- 10 p.m., free.  Irish beer and whiskey tasting, 6-9 p.m. in Main Street area shops, $30 in advance, $35 day of event.  All proceeds go to the Downtown Franklin Association.  Contact:  The Heritage Foundation, or 615-591-8500.

March 17, Performance of “Mrs. John Marsh” (a.k.a. Margaret Mitchell) at the Williamson County Public Library, 6 p.m. The Southern Writers’ Theatre will present a reading of “Mrs. John Marsh,” a one actor play about “Gone With the Wind.” Contact: 615-595-1250

March 31, Keep Williamson Beautiful Environmental Leader Class at 420 Century Court in Franklin.  Six week classes held every Thursday evening 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Cost is $35.00.  Contact Jo Ann Jackson 615-790-5848

Some of the top community events in February as found on the Williamson County Franklin Chamber of Commerce Web site:

February 4 The 10th Annual “Black Tie Affair,” Embassy Suites Cool Springs, 820 Crescent Center Dr., Franklin. Event supports the African American Heritage Society. Social hour with cash bar begins at 6:00 p.m. Program starts at 7:00 p.m., evening festivities until 11:00 p.m. Admission: $50 per person. Contact Tom Murdic, or 615-794-6029.

February 5 Father/Daughter Dance, “Daddy’s Little Princess Ball” Fairview Recreation Center, 2714 Fairview Boulevard, Fairview 7-9 p.m.  For details call 615-799-9331.

February 10 HeART to Heart Luncheon to benefit United Way of Williamson County , Jamison Hall, The Factory at Franklin , 230 Franklin Rd., Franklin . Tickets $50/person. Silent auction 10:30 a.m., followed by luncheon 12:30 p.m. Mistress of ceremony is Laura Faber. Entertainment provided by FiftyForward with a short play.  Contact: Debby Rainey 615-771-2312.

February 10 HeART to Heart “After Dark” to benefit United Way of Williamson County, The Commons, The Factory at Franklin, 230 Franklin Rd., Franklin. Tickets are $50/person or $100/couple. ”Sports Talk with Mike Keith, Voice of the Titans”. Event begins at 6 p.m. with 5 live auction items including a fiddle signed by Charlie Daniels. Contact: Debby Rainey 615-771-2312.         

February 10, 2011 BrightStone’s 2011 Songwriter’s Night with the Judd’s in Liberty Hall at the Factory at Franklin, 230 Franklin Rd., Franklin. Includes additional performers, a full buffet meal and a silent auction showcasing many great items.  Reservations: www.brightstone.org or 790-4888.

February 11  American Red Cross Lifeguard Training Courses, Indoor Sports Complex, 920 Heritage Way, Brentwood. Pre-registration required beginning Saturday, February 6 at 12:00 noon at the I.S.C. Cost: $125.00 includes all materials. Contact: 615-370-3471, ext.22.

February 21 Franklin Family Night Franklin Recreation Complex 1120 Hillsboro Rd., Franklin. Friday Night, 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. Magic Show and Pizza Party. Admission: $6/person; 2 & under are free. Cost includes 2 slices of pizza, a drink, dessert & entertainment. Reservations required. Contact 615-790-5719 ext.10.

February 28 Public Affairs Roundtable, 7:30 a.m., Williamson County Administrative Complex. Contact the Chamber office for more information at 615-794-1225.

Which country has the most grape acreage in the world?
*Answer is at the bottom of this email.

• A. Italy
• B. France
• C. Spain
• D. United States
• E. Turkey

Answer at the bottom.

Click here for the full calendar
Feb 02 (Wed)	NEW - F.Scotts hosting a Vina Robles Wine Tasting [x] Nashville | F.Scotts Restaurant | $10
Feb 03 (Thu)	Dinner with the winemaker Andrea Faccio [x] Nashville | City House | $57 per person
Feb 07 (Mon)	Wine, Food & Film [x] Nashville | The Belcourt Theatre | $20 for Belcourt Members and $25 for non-members o
Feb 10 (Thu)	Sugar Social - An Exclusive Dessert and Cocktail Experience [x] Nashville | Zeitlin & Co InTown | $25 - $40 | Buy Tickets
Feb 19 (Sat)	Strings & Stories Special Event: Wine Tasting, Dinner, Singe [x] Franklin | Little Red House | $150/person, $600 for a table of 4
Feb 21 (Mon)	NEW - Wine, Food & Film [x] Nashville | The Belcourt Theatre | $20 for Belcourt Members and $25 for non-members o
Feb 25 (Fri)	Three Blind Vines [x] Franklin | Jamison Hall at The Factory in Franklin | $25 in advance - $30 at the door   ANSWER TO WINE QUIZ - SPAIN

During Black History Month, stories of courage and triumph will be told throughout Tennessee with music, exhibits, discussions and more. See below for Black History Month events happening throughout the state.

Clarksville - The CW150 Commission will host a Civil War Freedmen's Cotillion at 5:30 p.m. Feb. 5 at Riverview Inn. There will be dinner, period music, dancing and historical interpretations and a special guest, FREED, during the event. For more information, please visit www.clarksvillecivilwar.com.

Dickson - The Clement Railroad Hotel Museum/Hotel Halbrook Historic Site will host a presentation by researcher/author John Baker at 2 p.m. Feb. 26. Addressing African American genealogical research, Baker will present the challenges he faced while researching his family history. For more information, please call (615) 446-0500.

Franklin - On Feb. 26, The Battle of Franklin Trust will host interpreter and storyteller Dr. Naima Johnston-Bush who will perform Negro spirituals and will discuss the songs' history and significance as a historical American art. The event will be held at 1 p.m. at the Fleming Center. For more information, please contact Leigh Bawcom at .

Hartsville - William Herman Wright will be recognized at St. John Missionary Baptist Church at 2 p.m. Feb. 5. Wright is one of two living African Americans from the Macon/Trousdale area who served in World War II.

Knoxville - The Beck Cultural Exchange Center is a learning museum of African-American history and culture that researches, collects, conserves and exhibits achievements of African Americans. The museum's exhibitions are on display 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday. For more information, please visit http://www.discoveret.org/beckcec/index.html.

Lebanon - Fiddlers Grove Historic Village will host "Emancipation to Leadership," which will feature tours and demonstrations with a special focus on the Cartmell Cabin, Wheeler School and AC Wharton Store.  For more information, please visit, www.fiddlersgrove.org.

Livingston - The Overton County Historical Society will host The Underground Railroad Code, a colorful and informative demonstration of how quilts were used to send messages to runaway slaves during the 1800s. Quilts will be on display Feb. 1-3 at the Millard Oakley Public Library. For more information, please visit www.overtonco.com.

Memphis - The National Civil Rights Museum celebrates this year its 20th anniversary. The museum will offer a number special programs and activities throughout the year in commemoration. For more information, please visit www.civilrightsmuseum.org.

Nashville - The Hermitage: Home of President Andrew Jackson will present various celebrations throughout the month of February. A Celebration of Music, taking place Feb. 3, will present spirituals to contemporary gospel songs sung by area church choirs. A Celebration of Dance, held Feb. 10, will present a retrospective of dance, from African traditions through the present day. Culinary historian Michael Twitty will present an interactive food program during A Celebration of Food on Feb. 17. During A Celebration of Legacy, representatives from the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center will be on hand to discuss the legacy of slavery and its continued impact  on Feb. 24. For more information, please visit www.thehermitage.com.

Celebrate Black History Month at Cheekwood Botanical Garden & Museum of Art with a special program where visitors can learn about the stone carvings of William Edmondson, his contribution to African American Art, and the intriguing time in which he lived and worked. For more information, please visit www.cheekwood.org.

The Adventure Science Center's Biomedical Faces of Science exhibit focuses on minorities in science careers. The exhibit, on display throughout February, is a multi-media, inquiry-based exhibit designed to encourage the next generation of researchers and scientists. The center will also feature the planetarium show, "Skywatchers of Africa," which highlights the diversity of African astronomy and celebrates the shared human experience. For more information, please visit www.adventuresci.com.

Jazz guitarist, Geary Moore, an accomplished composer and master technician will perform Feb. 3 at the Frist Center for the Visual Arts' Music in the Café program. Moore spent a large portion of his professional career working in New York and has performed with a "Who's Who" of musicians, including George Benson, Jimmy Ponder, Arthur Prysock, Ruth Brown and more. For more information, please visit www.fristcenter.org.

The Scarritt-Bennett Center will host Dialogues on Racism every Tuesday, Feb. 1-March 8. The event features a dialogue circle of eight to 12 diverse individuals discussing feelings, opinions and thoughts in a non-defensive, non-critical environment. For more information, please visit www.scarrittbennett.org.

B.B. King's Blues Club and Restaurant will host its Music City Soul Series every Thursday in February. Each week, a different group of artists will perform during this soul music concert series. For more information, please visit www.bbkingclubs.com.

Part of Vanderbilt University's International Lens Film Series, "Freedom House: Street Saviors," will be shown, taking a look at the economically disadvantaged African Americans in 1967 who created the country's first specially-trained paramedic emergency unit. For more information, please visit www.vanderbilt.edu/internationallens/.

The winter pilgrimage of the majestic American Bald Eagle annually brings these fantastic creatures back to northwest Tennessee from their summer homes in the upper Great Lakes and Canada. With wingspans of six to eight feet and weights up to 16 pounds, the American Bald Eagle has been returning to the open water, marshes and cypress-laden sloughs of Reelfoot Lake for generations.

“The return of the American Bald Eagles to Reelfoot Lake has become one of the most exciting winter events in Tennessee,” Reelfoot Lake State Park Manager James Cox said. “The entire staff at Reelfoot Lake State Park looks forward to providing several unique opportunities for guests to see our national symbol in its natural habitat.”

Reelfoot Lake Eagle Festival

This year’s Reelfoot Lake Eagle Festival is set for Feb. 4-6 and will celebrate one of the largest wintering populations of bald eagles outside Alaska. In its seventh year, the Eagle Festival offers a wide range of opportunities for Reelfoot Lake visitors to see these magnificent birds in the wild. Guided van and bus tours will be offered for $5 per person, leaving twice daily from the Reelfoot Lake State Park Visitor Center. Tour reservations are required.

Local park and wildlife experts also will present several unique programs throughout the three-day event, offering something for all ages including walking tours, interpretive sessions, an art and photography contest, storytelling, a silent auction and several arts and crafts vendors. The Saturday evening program on Feb. 5 will feature John Stokes and his live Birds of Prey program, giving the audience a rare up-close look. Other displays and live birds of prey will be present throughout the weekend.

The annual Reelfoot Lake Eagle Festival is sponsored by the Reelfoot Lake Tourist Council, Reelfoot Lake State Park, the University of Tennessee at Martin’s Reelfoot Lake Research and Teaching Center, Eagle 97.3 radio station, and several local businesses in the area. For eagle tour reservations, please call (731) 253-9652. For a complete schedule of events and information on lodging during the Eagle Festival, call the Tourist Council at (731) 253-2007 or e-mail at . Additional information can be found at www.reelfoottourism.com.

Reelfoot Lake State Park / Ranger Programs

Bald eagle and waterfowl tours, along with several educational lectures, will continue through Feb. 28 at Reelfoot Lake State Park. A special Saturday evening program series will be held at the park’s visitor center beginning at 7 p.m., covering a variety of topics. Free to the public, program topics include:

• January 22 – Raptor Rehabilitation: The team at Reelfoot Lake State Park will enlighten park visitors on the rehabilitation and release of injured birds of prey back into the wild. Also on hand will be several non-releasable birds, used in their educational and outreach programs.
• January 29 – Birds of Prey: Join Reelfoot Lake’s park staff for their own Birds of Prey program, introducing the audience to several raptors that call Reelfoot Lake home. Experts will shed light on why these raptors are so important to the ecology of the area. Special Programming Note: encore presentations of Reelfoot Lake State Park’s Birds of Prey program will be held Feb. 12, 19 and 26.
• February 5 – Save Our American Raptors: John Stokes and Dale Kernahan will give the audience an extraordinary opportunity to experience birds of prey at close range. Their program features a variety of hawks, owls, eagles and other majestic birds – some of which will soar above the audience.

Designated a national natural landmark, Reelfoot Lake was created by a series of violent New Madrid fault zone earthquakes in northwest Tennessee during the winter of 1811-1812. Reelfoot Lake State Park offers outstanding recreational activities, such as wildlife viewing, fishing, boating, hunting and hiking. The park is located in Lake and Obion counties near Tiptonville. The park’s 280 acres are divided into 10 segments along 22 miles of the Reelfoot Lake shoreline. The park’s visitor and interpretive centers, auditorium and picnic and camping areas are located along State Highways 21 and 22.

For more information about Reelfoot Lake State Park, including lodging and activities, please call the park’s visitor center at (731) 253-9652 or visit www.tnstateparks.com/reelfootlake.