Outdoor Chattanooga News And Events

Tuesday, October 02, 2012 - by Ruth Thompson
River Rocks begins this Friday! Visit their Event Calendar.
 
No Rapid Learning Roll Practice Oct.
26 and 23  
Our Rapid Learning Whitewater Program will not hold our weekly roll practice on Oct. 16 and 23, due to the UTC fall break and scheduled maintenance on the Maclellan Gym indoor pool. Otherwise, we're rolling and rockin' every Tues. evening at 5:30 or 7:00.  
 
Featured Event  
Light Your Bike Family Bicycle Ride Oct. 10
Pull out the battery powered holiday lights, glow sticks, blinkies and LED's for our Light Your Bike Family Bicycle Ride on Wed., Oct. 10, 6 p.m., beginning at Outdoor Chattanooga in Coolidge Park. We'll ride through the park and across the river with City of Chattanooga Police escort. Don't miss this very special chance to bicycle through downtown Chattanooga with the whole family. No kids tricycles, push bikes or training wheels please. BOB trailers, tagalongs and kid seats are encouraged for kids eight and under. To learn more, email or call Outdoor Chattanooga at (423) 643-6888
 
Volunteer Opportunities
Haunted Canoe Needs Volunteers on Fri., Oct. 26
Volunteers are needed for Outdoor Chattanooga's annual Haunted Canoe and Hay Rides, happening Fri., Oct. 26 from 6 to 10 p.m. at the City of Chattanooga's Greenway Farm. The primary job is hanging out in the woods as a goblin, ghoul, spook or other scary creature. Also needed are people to help fit life jackets, assist people getting in and out of boats, decorate the creek and farm and other general help. To volunteer, email or call Terri Chapin at (423) 643-6882.

More Outdoor Chattanooga Events and Activities
Rapid Learning Moves Indoors to UTC Oct. 2
Outdoor Chattanooga's Rapid Learning Whitewater Program will move our weekly kayak roll practice indoors to the UTC Maclellan Gym pool, beginning Tues., Oct. 2 with two sessions: 5:30 and 7 p.m. Participants can come for either session, first come, first served. As always, members of the public who want to try the program may visit the first time for free. After that, membership is $50 per year for individuals, $75 for adults. Kayakers with their own boats, PFD's, paddles and skirts may join the practice for $5. To learn more, email Outdoor Chattanooga or call (423) 643-6888. No Roll Practice on Oct. 16 or 23.
 
Free Bluffs and Bridges Walking Tour Oct. 3  
Chattanooga Sidewalk Tours will partner with Outdoor Chattanooga on a free, guided history walk of downtown Chattanooga's Walnut St. Bridge and the Bluff View Arts District on Wed., Oct. 3, 6 p.m., beginning at our facility in Coolidge Park. Professional guides will share special stories about how Chattanooga has developed into a dynamic and charming city. RSVP appreciated. Email Outdoor Chattanooga or call (423) 643-6888 to reserve your spot. Limit: 20 pp.
 
Fireside at Greenway - Slim Pickins Bluegrass Oct. 4   
Enjoy Chattanooga bluegrass with Slim Pickins at this week's Fireside at Greenway program, Thurs., Oct. 4, from 7 to 9 p.m. Bring camp chairs, marshmallows and the kids. We'll get the campfire going. To learn more, email or call Outdoor Chattanooga at (423) 643-6888  
 
Family Canoeing at Greenway Farm Oct. 4  
Before the Fireside program this Thurs., bring the family to canoe N. Chickamauga Creek on from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Outdoor Chattanooga will provide canoes, paddles and life jackets at the farm's south launch for people to use on the creek. Cost is $8. Cash or check only. All equipment and staff supervision will be provided. Life jackets are sized for adults and kids ages 5 and older. Children younger than age 5 should have their own life jackets. To learn more, email or call Outdoor Chattanooga at (423) 643-6888.    
 
Bike2Work Oct. 5  
Chattanooga's bicycle commuters celebrate pedaling to work and school at Bike2Work on Fri., Oct. 5, from 7 to 8:30 a.m. at the Waterhouse Pavilion in Miller Plaza. Come meet the people who are bicycle commuting and learn how you can get started. Enjoy free coffee from Velo Coffee Roasters, baked goods from Greenlife Grocery and door prizes from River City Bicycles. To learn more, email or call Outdoor Chattanooga at (423) 643-6888.    
 
Free Bicycle Maintenance Clinic Oct. 11  
Learn how to prep your bicycle (and you) for cold weather riding at our next free Bicycle Maintenance Clinic on Thurs., Oct. 11, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Outdoor Chattanooga, 200 River St. in Coolidge Park. Taylor Keaton from the Chattanooga Trek Store will share his advice on all things "bicycle." To learn more, email or call Outdoor Chattanooga at (423) 643-6888.
 
More Events and Activities
Browns Ferry, Cherokee Removal, & "Cracker Line" Walking Tour Oct. 6
The public is invited to join an historical walking tour of Brown's Ferry, the Cherokee Removal and "Cracker Line" on Sat., Oct. 6, 9:30 a.m. on Moccasin Bend. Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park Historian Jim Ogden will host this 2.5 mile walk, beginning at the Chattanooga Bakery parking lot, 900 Manufacturer's Rd. Special Event signs will direct the public to parking. To learn more, call the Chickamauga Battlefield Visitors Center at (423) 821-7786.

Moccasin Bend Civil War Fortifications Hike Oct. 10  
Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park will host a free, guided hike of Civil War fortifications on Stringers Ridge on Wed., Oct. 10, at 5 p.m. National Park Historian Jim Ogden will lead the hour and a half walk, which will start on the southern end of Moccasin Bend, near Moccasin Bend Mental Health Institute. Special event signs will direct the public where to park for the hike. Hike pace will be moderate over moderately difficult terrain. To learn more, call the Chickamauga Battlefield Visitors Center at (423) 821-7786.    
 
"The Way Bobby Sees It" Film and Talk with Bobby McMullen Oct. 11
UTC Outdoors will host blind extreme athlete Bobby McMullen for a speech and film screening on Thurs., Oct. 11, 6 p.m., at the UTC University Center Auditorium. McMullen will speak then show "The Way Bobby Sees It." The documentary chronicles his mission to race the most demanding downhill mountain bike courses in the world, while battling the side effects of type one diabetes. Admission is free. The showing includes audio description for people with visual impairments. Audience members who need special accommodations should email or call Anna Muller at (423)425-5671.    
 
"Reveal the Path" Screening and Fundraiser Oct. 11  
La Paz Chattanooga and the Southeast Youth Corps will host a screening of "Reveal the Path" on Thurs., Oct. 11, 6 p.m. at the Crash Pad, 29 Johnson St. in Chattanooga. The screening will raise funds for La Paz's youth mountain biking program. "Reveal the Path" chronicles a mountain bike journey through the mountainous regions of the world. Cost is $10 per person and includes refreshments and chances for great prizes. Grand prize: a bicycle tour to Austria! No kidding. The screening will be outdoors, so dress appropriately.  For information regarding the event, please contact Brenna Kenney at (423) 624.8414.    
 
Acres of Darkness Begins at Audubon Acres Oct. 12  
The Chattanooga Audubon Society will open their annual Acres of Darkness haunted experience, Friday and Saturday nights, Oct. 12 - 27, from 7:30 - 11:30 p.m. Admission is $15 per person and includes hikes on the Extreme Haunted Trail and kids activities like pumpkin decorating and face painting. To learn more, call the Chattanooga Audubon Society at (423) 892-1499.    
 
Star Party at CA&NC Oct. 13  
The Chattanooga Arboretum and Nature Center will host a Star Party on Sat., Oct. 13, from 6:30 - 10 p.m. The Barnard Astronomical Society will bring telescopes and celestial knowledge to the party. Cost is $18 per family ($15 for CA&NC members) and space is limited. To reserve a spot, call (423) 821-1160.    
Civil War Walking Tour of Downtown Chattanooga Oct. 13  
Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park will host a free ranger guided walking tour of downtown Chattanooga on Sat., Oct. 13 at 1:30 p.m. The 2 1/2 hour tour will focus on what downtown Chattanooga was like in the years that is was occupied during the Civil War. Participants should meet at the Friends of Moccasin Bend Tent near Outdoor Chattanooga (200 River Street) in Coolidge Park. To learn more, call the Lookout Mtn. Visitors Center at (423) 821-7786.    
 
Hiketoberfest Oct. 14
The Friends of the Cumberland Trail will host the second annual Hiketoberfest on Sun., Oct. 14, from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Shackleford Ridge Park on Walden's Ridge.
The event will feature guided hikes, nature talks, music, door prizes and other activities, all focused on the Cumberland Trail.  Detailed information can be found on the Hiketoberfest Facebook page.     
 
News  
Chattanooga Company, Playcore, Acquires Dero Bike Racks  
Playcore, a Chattanooga company that produces play and recreation products, including Outdoor Chattanooga's traverse climbing wall, announced today the acquisition of DERO Bike Rack Co. DERO makes bicycle racks, shelters, lockers and custom storage. 
 
Web Hit(s) of the Week  Want to find a place to play? Roots Rated joins the list of Chattanooga's amazing online resources: SORBA-Chattanooga, the Cumberland Trail Conference, Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park, Hamilton County Parks, TN State Parks and the list goes on and on . . .  
Last Week's Web Hit  Got Stuff?

Deadline To Submit Comments On 2013-14 Hunting Seasons' Proposals Is Monday

The Monday, May 27 deadline is approaching to submit comments for the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency’s 2013-14 hunting seasons’ regulations proposals. This is an opportunity for the public to share ideas and concerns about hunting regulations with TWRA staff. The regulations proposals were made at the April meeting of the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Commission and the ... (click for more)

Hunting Seasons For 2013-14 To Be Set At May's Commission Meeting

The Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Resources Commission will establish the state’s 2013-14 hunting seasons at its May 30-31 (Thursday-Friday) meeting at the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency Ray Bell Region II Building. TWRA officials previewed their recommendations for the 2013-14 hunting and trapping seasons at the commission’s April meeting that was held in Paris. Review of ... (click for more)

Feds Dismiss Criminal Charges Against Rarity Developer Mike Ross

Federal authorities have dismissed an indictment against Mike Ross, the developer of a floundering Rarity Club project at Nickajack Lake in Marion County. The Maryville developer was charged last November with mail fraud, wire fraud and money laundering. However, in a document filed today, prosecutor John MacCoon said, "The United States hereby moves the Court pursuant to ... (click for more)

Head Of BB&T's Chattanooga Commercial Banking Operations To Plead Guilty To Making Fraudulent Loans

The head of BB&T's Chattanooga commercial banking operations has been charged by federal authorities with making fraudulent loans. Tracy Brown is set to plead guilty to bank fraud on June 4. Authorities said Brown "appropriated the identities of three customers and took out fraudulent loans in their names. In October 2012, a customer of BB&T, D.M., went to the Ooltewah ... (click for more)

Immigration Reform

We do not have to pander to those in our country who were not invited and made their way here on their own. They are here against our laws that are already on the books which are not enforced.  They do not have negotiation rights to dictate to the United States government nor does our government have the right to pick and choose which laws are to be enforced or ignored so ... (click for more)

Roy Exum: Hypocrisy And Horses

I am still wincing over the fact a horrendous bill passed in the state legislature that would make whistle-blowers into criminals would have actually gone into law had it not been for Governor Bill Haslam’s eleventh-hour veto. Called the “Ag-Gag bill,” similar efforts in other states have also soured because it is no more than a Catch-22 trick to protect those who abuse animals, ... (click for more)