Kingsport Hosts 2021 Iron Pour and Scratch Mold Workshops
Fun, food, flames & white-hot iron!

You don’t want to miss being a part of this! The 2021 Kingsport Iron Pour will take place on Saturday, May 8, with workshops taking place in the weeks prior. You have a chance to create your own iron artwork!

You’re not just invited to watch—you’re invited to make your own art. On Saturday, May 8, the furnace will roar, crackle, flame, and spark with power and excitement! Join us for an iron pour demonstration conducted by sculpture artist Tripp Jarvis and a team of master sculptors as they heat 500 pounds of iron until it’s white hot, then pour it into molds made in the Scratch Mold Workshop. Let the fireworks begin! 

The iron pour is free to spectate. To participate, it’s only $15 to create your own Iron Art through one of the workshops.

Food trucks will be on site as the iron pour is heating up. Visit the Inventor Center at 118 Shelby Street from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. to join in on the fun!

Scratch Mold Workshops:
Class option 1: Friday, April 30, 10 a.m. – noon        
Class option 2: Friday, April 30, 6 – 8 p.m.    
Class option 3: Friday, May 7, 10 a.m. – noon
Class option  4: Friday, May 7,  6 – 8 p.m.
Class option 5: Saturday, May 8, 10 a.m. – noon  (*This is the morning of the Iron Pour event.  All molds must be completed no later than 1 p.m.)

Workshop:
Create your own iron artwork by making a Scratch Mold. In this class that’s suitable for beginners and students of all skill level, you’ll scratch unique designs into an 8-inch sand mold which will be cast with molten iron by professional artists during the main event (held on Saturday, May 8). At the end of the night, take home your one-of-a-kind art. The ticket cost includes all materials needed for the workshop and the casting of your piece in iron on May 8 during the main event. Rain or shine. Advance registration is required. $15 scratch block mold.

Visit www.EngageKingsport.com and click on the “Buy Tickets” tab at the top to reserve your spot! Call 423-392-8414 with any questions.

The Scratch Mold Workshops and Iron Pour are hosted by Engage Kingsport and the Kingsport Office of Cultural Arts at the Inventor Center located at 118 Shelby Street.

Kingsport Public Library & Friends of the Kingsport Public Library Host

Behind the Book Series

Join Kingsport Public Library and the Friends of the Kingsport Public Library for the next in the Behind the Book series with Dr. Kellie Brown on April 8 at 7 p.m. Behind the Book will feature discussions with regional authors and illustrators to find out more about their books. The discussion will be held virtually with the link available at www.kingsportlibrary.org.

Dr. Brown has been a member of the Milligan University music faculty since 1998 and holds the positions of Chair of the Music Department, Professor of Music, and conductor of the Milligan Orchestra. She is a frequent clinician and performer throughout the country and serves as the assistant conductor and associate concertmaster of the Johnson City Symphony Orchestra.

Upcoming Behind the Book discussions will feature Hannah B. Olsen, Larry D. Thacker, and J. Dianne Dotson. Visit kingsportlibrary.org for more information, or contact the Kingsport Public Library at 423-224-2539.

Kingsport Public Library Celebrates National Library Week

Kingsport Public Library encourages all community members this week to visit their website to explore and access virtual services and programs in celebration of National Library Week. Kingsport Public Library offers a wide array of online resources that are available from the comfort of home, including Libby, hoopla, Tumblebooks, and Creativebug.

The week of April 4 – 10 is National Library Week, a time to highlight the essential role libraries, librarians and library workers play in transforming lives and strengthening communities. The theme for this year’s National Library Week is “Welcome to your library,” which promotes the idea that libraries extend far beyond the four walls of a building and that everyone is welcome to use their services. Whether people visit virtually or in person, libraries are accessible and inclusive places that foster a sense of belonging and community through learning, discovery and exploration.

During these challenging times, libraries of all types have been going above and beyond to adapt to our changing world by expanding their resources and continuing to meet the needs of their patrons. Libraries across the country are making a difference in people’s lives by providing electronic learning resources like online homework help and Wi-Fi access for students and workers who may lack internet access at home.

Kingsport Public Library is supporting the community by providing digital access at home with hotspots and Chromebooks available for check out. The library also offers a wide array of online resources that are available from the comfort of home, including Libby, hoopla, Tumblebooks and Creativebug.

This National Library Week, the public can show their appreciation and support for libraries by visiting kingsportlibrary.org, following KPL on Facebook and Instagram and using the hashtag #NationalLibraryWeek.

First sponsored in 1958, National Library Week is a national observance sponsored by the American Library Association and libraries of all types across the country each April.

For more information, visit the library’s website at kingsportlibrary.org.

Spring Programming at Natural Tunnel State Park

April 10, May 1, 8, and 22

9 a.m. – Spring Bird Walks  Join volunteer Randy Smith to celebrate spring and enjoy the beautiful birds of Natural Tunnel State Park with an easy guided bird walk. Binoculars and field guides will not be available due to Covid restrictions, so guests are encouraged to bring their own. The hike will take place on the Birding and Wildlife Trail, sturdy shoes are recommended. Meet at the Blockhouse Parking Lot. Free

April 10 and 17

1 p.m. – Wild About Wildflowers  Enjoy a casual walk in the woods to discover the various wildflowers in bloom during the spring season. Meet at the Visitor Center. Free

April 19 – 25: Self-Guided Earth Day Celebration

Self-Guided Wildflower Walk

April is a great month to enjoy spring ephemerals, the short-lived wildflowers that light up the forest floor before the leaves from the tree canopy above return. This self-guided brochure highlights some of the most common wildflowers seen throughout the park, as well as tips on how to identify them. The best trails to find wildflowers are the Stock Creek Trail and Tunnel Trail. How many will you find during your visit? Brochures can be found at the Visitor Center or main office. Free

Self-Guided Trail Cleanup

Trash is an eyesore, especially in nature. Help keep our trails beautiful and litter-free for future park visitors. At the Visitor Center, there will be trash bags available. Grab a bag before you hike and pick up any litter you see along the way. Any trash collected during your hike can be disposed of in the trash cans located throughout the park.

Self-Guided Opportunities: Self-guided activities can be found at the Visitor Center. A self-guided tour of the Natural Tunnel and Blockhouse are available as well as a variety of scavenger hunts.

Adventure Day Packs 

Adventure Day Packs are now available to be checked out from the Camp Store during your visit to Natural Tunnel State Park. There is no rental fee and we have a variety of gear available to choose from, such as various field guides, binoculars, sifters and magnifying jars. Although guests must be at least 18 years of age to check the packs out there are binoculars, supplies and materials available for accompanying children.

Request a Ranger

This program gives families and small groups a chance to engage in activities not otherwise scheduled during their visit to the park. Maximum group size is 10. Contact Rachel Blevins at 276-940-1643 for program information and to schedule a program. (This program is based on available staffing – requested days or times are not guaranteed and must be scheduled one day in advanced).

The award-winning Virginia State Parks are managed by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation.

For more information about Virginia State Parks’ activities and amenities, or to make reservations in one of the more than 1,800 campsites or 300 climate-controlled cabins, call the Virginia State Parks Reservation Center at 800-933-PARK or visit www.virginiastateparks.gov.

Registration for Miracle League of Kingsport’s Inaugural Season Now Open
Miracle Field to host inaugural season of new athletic program

Registration is underway for local athletes wanting to participate in the inaugural season of the Miracle League of Kingsport. This league serves all athletes with disabilities and special needs.

Athletes can register for two different divisions: ages 17 & under or ages 18 and older. Games will start May 1 and will typically be played on Saturdays. There is no cost to participate in the league.

Registration is available online at www.kingsportparksandrecreation.org, in person at the Civic Auditorium, or onsite at the Miracle Field on April 10 from 2 to 4 p.m.

For more information, please contact Jason Wilburn at 423-229-9459 or Kurt Carty at 423-833-2792.

‘Walk a Mile in Her Shoes’ event scheduled for April 8

JOHNSON CITY – Men from throughout the community are invited to “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes” at East Tennessee State University on Thursday, April 8.

OASIS (Outreach & Advocacy: Sexuality Information for Students) and ETSU Fraternity and Sorority Life are teaming up to host the International Men’s March to Stop Rape, Sexual Assault and Gender Violence from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. to raise awareness about serious causes, effects and remediations to men’s sexualized violence. Participants will don high heels across the red carpet in the Cave, located on the first floor of the D.P. Culp Student Center. The goal is to walk five miles collectively by the end of the event.

“Walk a Mile in Her Shoes” is a public statement of listening, learning and allyship as well as an opportunity for dialogue about sex and gender biases, gender identity and relationships.

Those who wish to participate may register for a 15-minute time slot to “work it” on the red carpet and then record a short video about why they are participating. The cost to participate is $5. Shoe rental is an additional $5 and heels are available in men’s sizes up to 14, or participants can bring their own.

Visit https://bit.ly/3cyCxmc to register. Pre-registration is strongly encouraged, but not required.

For more information about “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes,” contact the ETSU Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life at 423-439-6633 or etsufsl@etsu.edu.  For disability accommodations, call the ETSU Office of Disability Services at 423-439-8346

Unicoi Learning Center at 425 Unicoi Drive in Unicoi, Tennessee, is proud to announce their participation in the Child & Adult Food Care program. Meals are provided at no charge to qualified children and adults without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age or reprisal for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA, at their facility.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication, such as braille, American sign language or other means, should contact the state or local agency where they applied for benefits.

For more information, call Unicoi Learning Center at 423-743-5052.

Unicoi Learning Center is an equal opportunity provider.

Celebrating 50 Years of Adventure at Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium
Bays Mountain kicks off anniversary celebrations

Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium is celebrating 50 years of family fun and adventure in 2021, and you’re invited to a party that will last all year long.

This year, the park will celebrate its golden anniversary with special events, opportunities to get involved, commemorative merchandise and more. Throughout 2021, look for fun events and programs fit for everyone. Whether you love adventuring in the woods, learning about local history, or spending time with family, Bays Mountain Park is the place to be.

Join the park for Kids at Bays on Saturday, April 24 for a fun-filled family day from noon to 6 p.m. Featuring food trucks, live music, games, door prizes and more, all activities are free with park admission. Plus, kids can help celebrate the wolves’ birthday by making cards and decorating cupcakes!

May is Bays’ official anniversary month, and it’s jam-packed with fun activities all leading up to the big day, May 24, including:

• Morning Yoga on first four Saturdays at 9 a.m.

• Morning Kayak Tour on May 23, 9 a.m.

• Guided History Hike on May 23, 2 p.m.

• Anniversary Day Celebration on May 24, 1 p.m.

What else can you look forward to during Bays Mountain’s 50^th Anniversary Celebration? On social media, look out for oral history narratives of the park and other fun facts about the mountain. Bays Mountain Brewing Company will host “A Night with a Naturalist” events at the brewery, where you can sip some local brews while you learn a thing or two. On Father’s Day Weekend, June 19, the park will host Jeep Fest. There’s plenty of other events and programs in the works too, including VIP Barge Rides, Campfire Tales, a music festival and the return of the Laser Light Show!

To view the Bays Mountain Park 50^th Anniversary media kit, visit baysmountain.com/50years.

Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park

Come Share in the Glorious Cause of Liberty!

April 2021- Programs and Tours

*** COVID-19 GUIDELINES: While visiting the park please stay 6 feet apart from other guests. Face masks are required inside all state park facilities. Face masks are recommended outdoors if social distancing cannot be maintained. Park buildings are subject to closure if maximum capacity is exceeded. The park visitors center closes Mon. – Sat. between the hours of 11:30 and 1:30 for cleaning and disinfecting. Restrooms close periodically for cleaning. Please help us stop the spread of COVID-19. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. ***

Sabine Hill Guided Tour      

Saturday, April 3, 10, 17, 24, 2021                                                                          11:00 am

Adults – $9.00; Ages 7 to 17 years – $5.00; 6 and under free

Tax included                                                                                                            Max:  6

Registration required – www.tnstateparks.com/parks/events/sycamore-shoals

Join park Seasonal Interpretive Recreator, Laura Ellis for a guided tour of this stately home built by Mary Patton Taylor, widow of Brigadier General Nathaniel Taylor. The site has been described as one of the finest examples of Federal architecture in the State of Tennessee. During your tour you will have the opportunity to take in the colorful and architecturally detailed interior while learning about the influential Taylor family who called Sabine Hill home in the early 19th century.

Sabine Hill is located at 2328 West G Street, Elizabethton, TN 37643

Please note, only portable toilet facilities are available at this time. Accessibility to the home includes steps and an interior staircase. Tour may be subject to cancelation in the event of severely inclement weather.

Carter Mansion Tour

Thursday, April 8, 15, 22, 2021                                                                                1:00 pm

Adults – $9.00; Ages 7 to 17 years – $5.00; 6 and under free                    

Tax included                                                                                                             Max:  6

Registration required – www.tnstateparks.com/parks/events/sycamore-shoals

Join park staff for a tour of Tennessee’s oldest frame house! Discover the secrets of this elegant frontier home and learn the history of the family who built it between 1775 and 1780.

The John and Landon Carter Mansion is located at 1031 Broad Street, Elizabethton, TN 37643

Accessibility to the home includes steps and an interior staircase. Tour may be subject to cancelation in the event of severely inclement weather.

Tomahawk Throwing Workshop

Friday, April 9, 2021                                                                                              10 am – 11 am

Cost: $5.00 (tax included)                                                                                       Max: 6

Registration required – www.tnstateparks.com/parks/events/sycamore-shoals

Discover the unique skill of 18^th century tomahawk throwing by joining Ranger Jason Davis for a hands-on tutorial.  Topics will include the versatile applications of the tomahawk on the early American Frontier as well as proper technique and release for throwing with safety and accuracy.  No children younger than 12. Parents who wish to be present but not participate do not need to register. Please dress appropriately for the weather.  Bring your own water, all other supplies will be provided. Please don’t bring your own tomahawk. Meet inside Fort Watauga, subject to cancellation due to significantly inclement weather.

Carter Mansion Celebration & Militia Muster

Saturday, April 10, 2021                                                                                     10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Join us as we celebrate the oldest frame house in Tennessee, and the historically prominent Carter Family.  Travel back to the 1780’s and tour the Carter Mansion.  Witness living history reenactors demonstrating aspects of 18^th Century life, and see local craftsman showcasing traditional skills.

Tunes of the Time

Friday, April 16, 2021                                                                                                2:00 pm

Admission: $5.00 (tax included), 6 and under: Free                                                  Max: 10

Registration required – www.tnstateparks.com/parks/events/sycamore-shoals

Life on the 18^th century frontier could be harsh and unpredictable. Many early settlers turned to music as a source of joy and entertainment. Join Museum Curator Chad Bogart in the “Gathering Place” of the park visitor center for a glimpse into the musical heritage of the colonial frontier. See how music was a part of the everyday lives of colonial Americans and how the melting pot of early America influenced the songs and tunes we still enjoy today.

Earth Day Hike

Thursday, April 22, 2021                                                                                          2:00 pm

Admission: Free!                                                                                              Max:  10

Registration required – www.tnstateparks.com/parks/events/sycamore-shoals

Join Sycamore Shoals intern Lauren Thompson on a guided hike that will feature outstanding trees and a guided walk along the Watauga River. Learn how to recognize a tree with or without leaves, how our ancestors used the trees, and other unique facts.  Experience the state park by hearing basic hiking tips such as, what is good to pack for a day hike, avoiding poison ivy, and what to wear on a hike. If you want to learn something new or enjoy an easy hike, the Earth Day hike has something for everyone.

Full Moon Hike                                                                                              

Monday, April 26, 2021                                                                                    10:00 pm

Admission – $5.00 (tax included), 6 and under free                    

Tax included                                                                                                             Max:  10

Registration required – www.tnstateparks.com/parks/events/sycamore-shoals

Our parks are closed from dusk till dawn, but this is a special occasion.  Join Ranger Cory Franklin, for a walk under the light of the full moon.  Learn about some of the monumental events that took place on the grounds of Sycamore Shoals State Park while enjoying the rare chance of seeing the park at night.

Living History Weekends at Fort Watauga

Each Saturday and Sunday in April (Except 4^th and the 10^th)                               2:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Join our historic interpretive staff for a variety of free living history demonstrations, displays, and presentations on various aspects of life in the 18^th century frontier. You never know what may be going on at the fort. Come by, check it out, and take a step back in time.

For further information, Call – Sycamore Shoals State Park at 423-543-5808

Visitors Center Hours:

9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Monday through Saturday    (closed 11:30 -1:30 for lunch & cleaning)        

1:00 PM – 4:30 PM Sunday

Our Visitors Center is closed on most State holidays.  

Park grounds are open from dawn until dusk.

In the event of extremely inclement winter weather, contact the park about program cancelations and park office closings.

Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park – 1651 W. Elk Avenue- Elizabethton, TN 37643

423-543-5808

sycamoreshoalstn.wordpress.com                            facebook.com/sycamoreshoals

tnstateparks.com/parks/sycamore-shoals       friendsofsycamoreshoals.org

www.Jobs4TN.gov

1140 E Center St
Kingsport, TN 37660

Join Bristol’s Promise for a free virtual training on March 31 at 11:30 AM, to learn about how early brain development can have lasting effects on families and adults. Training certified by the Tennessee Commission on Children and Youth. To register, please visit: bit.ly/StrongBrainsMarch

2021 Spring Roan Mountain Naturalists Rally 

Saturday, April 24, 2021 

Throughout each year, the Friends of Roan Mountain sponsor naturalist rallies during four weekends spanning the seasons.  The Spring Naturalists’ Rally takes place the last weekend in April; the Youth Rally (Xtreme Roan Adventures) is the last weekend in July; the Fall Rally is in September, the weekend after Labor Day; and the Winter Rally falls on a Saturday in mid-February. 

Friends of Roan Mountain is dedicated to fostering greater awareness and understanding of the natural, historical, and cultural significance of Roan Mountain. In addition to hosting naturalist rallies, Friends of Roan also works with Roan Mountain State Park and the U.S. Forest Service on different projects throughout the year. 

The Spring Naturalist’s Rally is just around the corner, planned for Saturday, April 24, 2021.  Read on to learn about how we will offer an engaging day for the family in Roan Mountain! 

The Spring Roan Mountain Naturalists Rally is modified this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Instead of the usual three-day event, the rally will only be one day with no evening programs, and no meals will be offered. We are planning to return to our regular schedule as soon as possible. 

Field Trip participants will meet in the field adjacent to the cabins in Roan Mountain State Park for all trips.  For this rally, all trips are free and there is no printed brochure. Trip options can be viewed by clicking the Register Now button at https://www.friendsofroanmtn.org/2021-spring-rally.  

Please consider supporting this and all our rallies by joining the Friends of Roan Mountain or by donating. 

Due to Covid-19, extra precautions are being taken. Our first priority is to keep everyone safe. To meet recommended State of Tennessee and Roan Mountain State Park guidelines for safe COVID-19 protection for organizers, trip leaders and rally participants, the following measures will be taken: 

1.  Everyone should maintain a safe distance of least 6 feet.

2. Everyone will be required to bring a mask and wear it when social distancing is not possible.

3. Trip group size will be limited to 9 participants and 1 leader.

4. Pre-registration is required for all events (Participants will sign up online. Once you register, you will receive an email with a ticket.)

Registration for the Spring Rally trips for Saturday, April 24^th can be found at : https://www.friendsofroanmtn.org/2021-spring-rally-trips 

Trips include: 

8:30 am          Birding with Cade Campbell & Adrianna Nelson 

8:30 am          Beginning Birding with Joe McGuiness 

8:30 am          Fred Behrend Trail Hike with Lance Jessee 

8:30 am          Salamanders with Dale Ledford 

10:30 am       Snakes with Connie Deegan 

10:30 am       Moonshiner’s Run Wildflower Hike with Ranger Phillip Hylen 

10:30 am       Beginning Birding with Jo McGuiness 

10:30 am       Mosses and Liverworts with Jim Goldsmith 

12:30 pm       Owls with Ranger Phillip Hylen 

1:00 pm          Tri-Cities Young Naturalists with Cade Campbell 

1:00 pm          Snakes with Connie Deegan 

1:00 pm          Wildlife Tracking and Signs with Marty Silver 

1:00 pm          Nature Photography with Travis Bordley 

3:00 pm          Photography with Ranger Marcianne O’Day 

3:00 pm          Hike to Jones Falls with Marty Silver 

3:00 pm          Grassy Bald Ecology Exploration with Travis Bordley 

3:00 pm          Geology of Roan Mountain with Mick Whitelaw & Jeremy Stout 

For additional information, please email Larry McDaniel, Spring Rally Director at larrycmcd@hotmail.com or for general park information, contact Roan Mountain State Park at 423-547-3900 

‘Steam-UP ’21!’ brings popular annual event back to Carter Railroad Museum on March 27

JOHNSON CITY – The George L. Carter Railroad Museum, located in the Campus Center Building of East Tennessee State University, brings the enjoyment of steam locomotion in miniature form back to the Tri-Cities on Saturday, March 27, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The museum can be identified by a flashing railroad crossing signal at the back entrance to the Campus Center Building. Visitors should enter ETSU’s campus from State of Franklin Road onto Jack Vest Drive and continue south to David Collins Way; turn left onto John Roberts Bell Drive at end, then right and then next left onto Ross Drive (176) to end, adjacent to the flashing RR crossing sign.

For more information about the museum or its Heritage Day events, contact Fred Alsop at 423-439-6838 or alsopf@etsu.edu. For disability accommodations, call the ETSU Office of Disability Services at 423-439-8346.

Note: Because of COVID-19, all visitors must wear a mask to be admitted and will be temperature-checked at the museum entrance.

# # #

Keep Tennessee Beautiful Launches Trashercise

Several Trashercise cleanups scheduled to be held in Kingsport

To celebrate March as Keep Tennessee Beautiful month, the organization on Friday launched “Trashercise,” a statewide roadway cleanup campaign meant to inspire communities and individuals into action. Designed to rally everyday citizens, Trashercise encourages litter pickup while promoting the exercise benefits of the activity.

Locally, Keep Kingsport Beautiful has scheduled several Trashercise events to be held throughout the spring.

“Trashercise is the perfect project to launch during Keep Tennessee Beautiful Month – March 2021, especially after the long winter months of COVID-19,” said Missy Marshall, executive director of Keep Tennessee Beautiful. “Trashercise gives our citizens the opportunity to get outside, do something productive for the community, while still social distancing. This campaign taps into the great volunteer spirit of Tennesseans.”

Trashercise is an idea by Leiper’s Fork resident Aubrey Preston. Roadside trash made him mad, so he took action. “I was at the gym one day watching people work hard on exercise machines around me. The thought crossed my mind: What if we could harness all this energy and do something good with it? So we started Trashercise, and it’s been very effective for our community,” Preston said. “We’re honored the state of Tennessee has decided to adopt Trashercise and do something big with it.”

In Kingsport, Trashercise events on the schedule are:

March 20 – Riverview community (meet at the Splash Pad shelter)

April 10 – Downtown (meet in the parking lot across from Chef’s)

April 24 – Greenbelt (meet behind PetSmart)

May 8 – Greenbelt West End (meet near Rotherwood bridge)

May 15 – South Central (meet at the Splash Pad shelter)

May 22 – Interchange of Stone Drive and John B. Dennis Highway (meet at Honda Kingsport)

May 29 – Lynn Garden (meet at Lynn View Community Center parking lot)

All cleanups will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. Healthy Kingsport will be leading volunteers in the exercise piece of Trashercise before volunteers head out to pick up trash. Trash bags, gloves and trash grabbers will be available along with safety vests.

Civic, school and church organizations, Scout troops, businesses, families and individuals are encouraged to be part of one or all of these events. This is a great opportunity for students who are looking for community service hours for honors programs and scholarship requirements, particularly Tennessee Promise and TN/VA Scholars students. The events are part of the nationwide Keep America Beautiful Great American Cleanup program.

Cleanup sponsors are BAE Systems, Ballad, Domtar, Eastman Credit Union, Honda Kingsport and Republic Services.

Keep Kingsport Beautiful is a partnership of the City of Kingsport and the Kingsport Chamber.  An affiliate of Keep America Beautiful and Keep Tennessee Beautiful, Keep Kingsport Beautiful has won more than 70 national, state and environmental awards. Its mission is to involve the community in responsible solutions for a clean and beautiful environment.

The Great American Cleanup, a program of Keep America Beautiful, is the nation’s largest community improvement program.

For more information, contact Sharon Hayes at shayes@kingsportchamber.org or call
423-392-8814.

French Spring Cooking Course offered by ETSU Professional Development

JOHNSON CITY – A French Spring Cooking Course taught by Chef Sheridan is offered this spring by East Tennessee State University’s Office of Professional Development.

Sheridan Nice will teach this course virtually. Recipes will be provided, so participants may cook along with her, or simply enjoy her show.

In this four-part series, Nice will put aside the “comfort foods” of winter and take inspiration from nature, with a focus on the tender green early vegetables of printemps, or spring. These include new potatoes, young sweet carrots, crunchy peas and asparagus, along with fragrant herbs. An emphasis will be on dishes featuring fish and lean cuts of meat, and on techniques to lighten up meals. Light desserts using the first fruits of spring are included, as well.

Nice, who owned two restaurants in Johnson City with her partner and husband, Steve Nice, is a graduate of La Varenne, Ecole de Cuisine, Paris. She is also a recipient of an International Association of Culinary Professionals baking and pastry scholarship to the Culinary Institute of America in California’s Napa Valley.

Class sessions will be held via Zoom on Thursdays, March 11, 18 and 25 and April 1. Registration is $179 for all four sessions or $55 each.

For more information or registration, call 800-222-3878 or visit etsu.edu/professionaldevelopment.