Community

School of Rock Concert, sponsored by RCF May 4, to benefit Ridgedale

Rotary Club of Farragut welcomes the community to a spring concert fundraiser featuring School of Rock Knoxville from 6 to 8 p.m., Saturday, May 4, in Farragut Community Center, 239 Jamestowne Blvd.

The event, which benefits Knox County’s Ridgedale Alternative School, also will feature Smith’s Endzone BBQ and West Knoxville’s Smiley Swirl food trucks and beverages offered by Water Into Wine bistro & lounge. A general admission ticket is $25 at the door.

“We really are excited about our partnership (with RCF),” Ridgedale principal Rebecca Bitner said. “I can’t say enough about the quality of your members.”

Rotary Club of Farragut, which has adopted Ridgedale School as a Partner in Education School, learned more about the school during a recent Wednesday club meeting in Farragut Community Center.

Ridgedale serves students who have had from 10 to 180 days’ school suspension with “an intensive learning environment,” its principal said. Also, the staff has trauma infrared training to help students with such risk factors as abuse, neglect, household deficiencies or family mental illness, domestic violence or divorce.

Since Ridgedale, located at 4600 Ridgedale Road off Western Ave., is not considered a “base school,” Bitner said the school does not receive the same funding or budget as other Knox County schools.

Club members followed the RCF meeting by observing World Rotary Day Saturday, March 23, when about 70 members worked at the school to help improve school grounds.

Read More

AMBC-led volunteers to complete 6 new multi-use trails at May 4 ‘Mega Work Party;’ all are invited

Appalachian Mountain Bike Club is hosting its annual “Mega Work Party at the Concord ballfield property off NorthShore Drive,” 11719 S, Northshore Drive just across from The Cove at Concord Park, from 9 a.m. to noon, Saturday, May 4, an AMBC press release stated. “The event, which expects over 125 volunteers, will be completing six new multi-use trails, which were funded in partnership with the Knox County Parks and Recreation.”

“This year’s work party will put the finishing touches on an area master plan developed by AMBC and built by some of the best trail designers in the country,” AMBC executive director Matthew Kellogg said. “Anyone who wants to roll up his or her sleeves and help is welcome. Projects include helping build ride features, setting signs and managing invasive plants. All tools and expertise are provided and lunch is sponsored by Harpers Bike Shop and Creature Comforts. Participants should come with water, gloves and sturdy footwear.”

Read More