Calendar

place Saturday, Nov. 26, at the Chickamauga Battlefield Visitor Center at 2 p.m. From 18311832, The Cherokee Nation, in efforts to keep its much-sought after land out of the hands of the state of Georgia and its squatters, took its fight all the way to the United States Supreme Court. In a landmark case overseen by Chief Justice John Marshall, the Court ruled the Cherokee Nation was sovereign, yet President Andrew Jackson would not enforce the decision laid out in Worcester v. Georgia. Blatantly ignoring the Court’s ruling, President Jackson and the state of Georgia continued surveying Cherokee land and allotting it to those who “won” the sections during the land lottery. Visit the park to learn about the fight over the Cherokee Nation’s land and how it connects to the battlefield. For more information about programs at Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park, contact the Chickamauga Battlefield Visitor Center at 706-866-9241, the Lookout Mountain Battlefield Visitor Center at 423-821-7786, or visit the park’s website at nps.gov/ chch.

Sunday, Nov. 27

November meeting of the Walker County Historical Society

MEETING · The

will be Sunday, Nov. 27, at 3 p.m., at the Welcome Center in LaFayette across the street from the Marsh House, 309 North Main. The meeting will be the annual business meeting with a short program on the history of Mineral Spring. The Marsh House Candlelight Tours will be offered Saturday and Sunday evenings, Dec. 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, and 18, from 6-8 p.m. The tours will take the place of a December meeting.

Tuesday, Nov. 29

COMMUNITY · The

409 Pond Springs Road south of Chickamauga, is presenting

again this year. Smith Planetarium will be open to the public Tuesday, Nov. 29, at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 4, at 2:30 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 11, at 2:30 p.m.; Tuesday, Dec. 13, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 18, at 2:30 p.m. “Season of Light” is a specialty program with an emphasis on astronomical and cultural themes related to the holiday season. The program explores the history, fascinations and customs people have had with light during the onset of winter and with the December holiday season. It is visually rich, culturally inclusive, musically satisfying and a perfect program for an end-of-the-calendar-year program. Audiences learn a selection of Northern hemisphere winter constellations, and find out why we have seasons, as demonstrated by the Sun’s path across the sky throughout the year, and the Earth’s tilt and orbit around the Sun. The program recounts the history of cultural rituals practiced during the time of winter solstice - from Christian, Jewish, Celtic, Nordic, Roman, Irish, Mexican and Hopi cultures. It is about Yuletide customs, seasons, solstice celebrations, and the centuries-old traditions of bringing light to a cold and dark time of year. For more information call 706-375-7827 or 915-474-6114 or 706-375-3493. No admission is charged for public programs but donations are appreciated.

COMMUNITY ·

Smith Planetarium, program Cocoa with Santa returns to LaFayette Walker County Library

Tuesday, Nov. 29, and Monday, Dec. 5, from 4-6:30 p.m. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be available for pictures. Bring your camera to capture the magical moments. Children will enjoy cookies, candy canes and cocoa. Cost is $5. The event is sponsored by the Friends of the LaFayette Walker County Library. For more information about events sponsored by the Friends of the LaFayette Walker County Library contact Rachel Oesch Willeford at 706-2008099 or send an email to racheloeschwilleford@ gmail.com.

Thursday, Dec. 1

COMMUNITY · Cornerstone Medical Center, 100 Gross Crescent Circle, in Fort Oglethorpe invites the community to

Celebrate the Season at the annual tree lighting event

Thursday, Dec. 1, from 5-7 p.m. Santa photos, as well as music, hot cocoa and cookies, will all be on hand. Attendees are asked to bring a canned food donation in exchange for a ticket for great prizes.

Friday, Dec. 2

COMMUNITY · Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park invites the public to attend a

on Lookout Mountain Friday, Dec. 2, and Saturday, Dec. 3, from 6-8 p.m. The Cravens House will be decorated in a manner very similar to the Civil War era. Tours begin every 30 minutes. Reservations are required. To make a reservation, and for more information about this event, please contact the Lookout Mountain Battlefield Visitor Center at 423-821-7786. In 1863, the Cravens family spent Christmas away from their home on Lookout Mountain. In fact, only a skeleton of their once vibrant dwelling stood at Christmas. Union soldiers and war correspondents camping on Lookout Mountain stripped the home of its wood for tent flooring, firewood, and souvenirs. Visit the Cravens House to learn about some of the experiences Union and Confederate soldiers and their families experienced after the Battles for Chattanooga. For more information about upcoming programs at Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park, please contact the Lookout Mountain Visitor Center at 423-821-7786, the Chickamauga Battlefield Visitor Center at 706-866-9241, or visit the park’s website at nps.gov/chch.

COMMUNITY · The

House, Walker County Schools’ the “Season of Light” Christmas Open House at the Cravens annual candle light tours at the Gordon-Lee Mansion

will be Fridays and Saturdays, Dec. 2, 3, 9 and 10, from 6-8 p.m. each evening. The Mansion will be decorated in antebellum period handmade decorations and lit throughout by hundreds of candles. All proceeds go to the Friends of the Gordon-Lee Mansion. Admission is $5 adults and $1 for 12 and under. Contact the Friends at 423-488-0861 for more information or visit Facebook.

COMMUNITY · The

annual LaFayette “Old Fashion Christmas” Parade

will be Friday, Dec. 2, at 6 p.m. Lineup for the parade will begin at 4:30 p.m. The parade route will begin at Ace Hardware (512 South Main St.) and travel north on Main Street through the Square turning left onto Margaret Street to the parking lot of the old LaFayette High School to disband. Registration may be done online at cityoflafayettega.org/events/ christmas-parade/.

COMMUNITY · The

will be Friday, Dec. 2, immediately following the LaFayette Christmas Parade. The Real Deal Home Store Parking Lot, 315 N Main Street, in LaFayette. Everything is free. Inflatables, carnival games, caroling, food, prizes and more.

Christmas Carnival Saturday, Dec. 3

COMMUNITY · Bethlehem Baptist Church, 278 Oak Grove, in Chickamauga, will present

Saturday, Dec. 3 from 6-9 p.m. Refreshments will be served. Please join us at 11 a.m. for church services on Sundays. COMMUNITY · There will be a

Saturday, Dec. 3, at Woodland Village II, 1201 W. North Main Street, in LaFayette (road beside Ledford Pharmacy). Follow the signs to the 400 building, find unique craft items for Christmas decorating and gift giving, plus crafts, silent auction, white elephant sale, bake sale, homemade chili, $3 pint. Coffee, tea or hot chocolate and a donut $1.25. Presented by Simply Senior’s Activity Group.

COMMUNITY · The city of LaFayette and Downtown Development Authority will host the

Saturday, Dec. 3. Racers kick off at Joe Stock Memorial Park in LaFayette at 9 a.m. This is a family-friendly event with Santa, elves, hot chocolate and more. Reindeer antlers will be on sale before the race for $1. The money raised goes to fund the 13th annual LaFayette Shop with a Cop/Firefighter program. Local police and firefighters take 30 to 40 kids shopping for Christmas presents for themselves and their families. The event includes a ride to the Walmart store in a fire truck. Early registration will be open through Saturday, Nov. 26. Individual registration is $25 and teams of five cost $100. The cost after Nov. 26, is $30 for the individual registration and $125 for teams. There will be awards for first, second and third place in race categories. For more information call 423-708-4298. Register on the city of Lafayette’s website cityoflafayettega.org under reindeer run or go to lafayettereindeerrun. itsyourrace.com.

Through Old Bethlehem Bazaar fifth annual Reindeer Run Sunday, Dec. 4

COMMUNITY · The

will be Sunday, Dec. 4, (rain date Dec. 11). As in years past, the group will meet at 1503 LaFayette Road, in front of Big Lots in Fort Oglethorpe at 2 p.m. and leave at 2:30 p.m. on the run to the Ringgold High School. Those who would like to donate a gift, but are unable to attend the run may leave the gift at First Volunteer Bank in Ringgold or Fort Oglethorpe.

Toy Run Tuesday, Dec. 6

ENTERTAINMENT · The Boynton Lions Club of Ringgold and the Ringgold Convention and Visitors Bureau will host

the Classic Christmas Movies at the Ringo Theater

Tuesday, Dec. 6, at the Ringgold Depot. Ice Age A Mammoth Christmas and How the Grinch that Stole Christmas begins at 6 p.m. The Bishop’s Wife starring Cary Grant and Loretta Young begins 8 p.m. Free tickets are provided at the door while they last. Donations to support the efforts of the Boynton Lions Club in Catoosa County are welcome. For more information about the event, call Main Street Manager at 706-935-3061. MEETING ·

Tuesday, Dec. 6, from noon-2 p.m. at the LaFayette Housing Authority Community Room, 300 Oak Street, in LaFayette. Featured speaker is geriatric nurse practitioner, Susan Greene. Registration is free, but required. Lunch is provided. Call 800-272-3900.

Alzheimer’s Association will host a Mid-Day Cafe Friday, Dec. 9 second annual LaFayette 29th annual Catoosa County

second annual Robert Hitchcox Memorial Blood Drive,

COMMUNITY · To promote the

A Walk Christmas

the Blood Assurance mobile unit will be at Ridgeland High School Friday, Dec. 9, from 1-6 p.m. and at LaFayette High School Friday, Dec. 16, from 1-6 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 10 Christmas at the Colonnade,

COMMUNITY · 264 Catoosa Circle, in Ringgold will be Saturday, Dec. 10, from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Event includes craft vendors for those last minute gifts or treat yourself to some of the beautiful items for sale. Santa will be coming from 2-6 p.m. Make sure the kids have their lists ready and a big smile for a picture to remember the occasion. Bring the kids or grandkids and enjoy the Christmas movie, “The Muppets Christmas Carol” in the theatre from 6-8 p.m. Free entrance to the event and only $2 to see the movie.

GENERAL

COMMUNITY · Blossman Gas, 1725 N. Main Street, in Lafayette, is partnering with The Care Mission in a Partial proceeds of every residential gallon of propane gas sold from from this store location will go to The Care Mission as part of Blossman’s commitment to help solve hunger in the Lafayette and Walker County, Georgia area. The Care Mission is at 105 North Chattanooga Street, in Lafayette and may be reached at 706-6383664 or thecaremission.org. If you would like more information about the Lafayette Blossman Gas Heat for Hunger program contact branch manager Gerald Cook at 706-638-2540, stop in the store or go to blossmangas.com.

SPORTS · LaFayette Recreation Department. Adult, Youth Church and Open Volleyball League. Jan. 8-March 20. $200 per team, space limited. Call 706-6391590.

holiday “Heat for Hunger” program. Dec. 1-31 Winter Volleyball League, Deadline Dec. 12.

for the 2016-2017 school year. Head Start, Pre-K and Early Head Start is an income-based program that serves children ages 6 weeks through 4 years. Services to families include: free child care; free breakfast and lunch for enrolled children; qualified teaching staff; and parent involvement activities. Special consideration is given to children who are disabled or homeless. Call: 706-861- 1831 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

COMMUNITY · Walker County DFCS is seeking individuals and organizations in the community to help make this Christmas Season a special one for the approximately 174 children from Walker County who are in the foster care system.

Sponsors are needed for the Secret Santa program for children in foster care.

Each year, DFCS relies on donations from generous citizens and organizations to help fulfill each child’s Christmas wish list. Willing participants may obtain a wish list for a specific child or children to purchase items off the wish list on their own, or can make a monetary contribution so DFCS staff can purchase items for any children who are not sponsored individually. These

to ensure all Christmas gifts are delivered throughout December to the various locations across the state where these children are placed. To learn more about how to be a part of making this Christmas special for a child in this community, please contact Natasha Christian at 423-355-8097.

COMMUNITY ·

November Ty Willeford, an Edward Jones financial advisor in LaFayette,

is supporting the Chattanooga Area Food Bank, which services several surrounding counties, including Walker, by using his office as a drop-off location for a

Local residents may help support this effort by bringing in items to the Edward Jones branch office through Friday, Dec. 16. Food donations may be dropped off at 503 North Main Street in LaFayette during regular business hours. Suggested food items include boxed mac and cheese, beans, peanut butter, canned vegetable and meats, and dried goods such as flour, sugar and cornmeal.

COMMUNITY ·

food drive.

The Family Crisis Center is seeking volunteers to play with children one night a week.

You must be 18 years old and undergo a background check. This is a great opportunity to make a positive impact on these children and provide some much needed help and support to the family members caring for these kids. The Family Crisis Center of Walker, Dade, Catoosa, and Chattooga Counties helps families live abuse free and is supported in part through donations to the shelter and the thrift stores. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer of if you need more information about the Family Crisis Center contact Kristy Lawson at klawsonatfccwdcc.org or call 706-375-7180.

COMMUNITY · , a non-profit children’s ministry, meets Thursdays from 6-7:30 p.m. at 108 Wither Street, in LaFayette. Activities include a free hot meal, Bible study, activities and games. Six bus routes run within the city limits. For more information call 706-639-3234 or 423-6021046.

MEETING · The , across from Lee Gordon Mansion will have a

every third Saturday from 8-11 a.m. to pay for scholarships for Lee & Gordon Mill School. The cost will be $5.

RECREATION · Get in touch with Rock City’s German heritage during the 11th annual

Saturdays and Sundays in October from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission: $22.95 adult/$12.95 child (ages 3-12). Rock City Square will be transformed for a celebration of harvests and fall foliage. This premiere autumn celebration includes live German music, polka lessons, German food, the Fall Fairy, Ik the Troll King and fun for the whole family. Raptors shows are also live at 11:30 a.m., 1:30 and 4 p.m. Join the fun at Rock City as we celebrate and honor our founder Frieda Utermoehlen Carter. Visit seerockcity.com/ rocktoberfest for more information. Rock City is at 1400 Patten Rd., Lookout Mountain, Ga.

CLASSES · A is offered on Thursdays from 6-8 p.m., at Elizabeth Lee UMC Life Center (gym), 505 Thomas Avenue, in Chickamauga. Starts with beginner and progresses to easy intermediate. Contact Elizabeth with any questions: 423-991-2919. Please wear comfortable shoes adequate for the gym floor. MEETING · The

every second Monday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Old Stone Church, Highway 41, in Ringgold. The Old Stone Church is also open for tours Friday-Sunday, from 1-5 p.m. For more information, call 706-935-5232.

pancake breakfast Rocktoberfest Society meets donations are gathered through Kids 4 Christ Masonic Hall of Chickamauga free line dance class

canned Catoosa County Historical