The Bridge Builders of Kingsport is sponsoring the original play Nancy with the Heritage Alliance in a performance at the Renaissance Center on Thursday, February 13 at 7 p.m.
The performance is a fundraiser for the H.O.P.E. and the New Vision Youth programs of Kingsport. Admission for adults is $5 plus any donation you care to make.  Youth twelve and under will be admitted free. Tickets will be available at the door.
Nancy is based on a true story. In 1820, Elihu Embree published his newspaper, The Emancipator, on Main Street, Jonesborough. The seven-edition paper is the first publication dedicated solely to the cause of abolitionism. Embree passed away in December of 1820, and the paper died with him. Even though it was short-lived, The Emancipator had over 2,000 subscribers, and its reach went all the way to Boston and Philadelphia. Despite his abolitionist beliefs, Embree himself was the enslaver of Nancy, and this is her story.
“Nancy” follows a year of her life from January 1820, when Elihu Embree wrote his will, until January 1821, when his will was read before the Washington County court. Embree tried to free Nancy and her five children in his will, but were his wishes carried out? What was Nancy feeling and thinking during this time? The play by Anne G’Fellers-Mason is based on primary research relying heavily on documents from the Washington County Archives.
The role of Nancy will be performed by local actress Taleah Rogers.

No matter the time of year, birds are abundant at Bays Mountain. But how many different kinds are there? Join park ranger staff for an early morning walk and challenge yourself with how many birds you can identify within an hour! There is no need to worry about being a young or novice birder, as participants of all ages and expertise are encouraged to attend. Not only does this activity help birders with their new years ID tally, but will help BMP rangers monitor species inside the park and record important information regarding bird conservation and protection of local endangered species.
We want everyone to be able to count the birds! Participants can sign up to take our Lake Road Trail to our Ecology Pond, or keep to the paved walkways around our animal habitats and by the lake.
Registration is required for this program. Participants are encouraged to bring binoculars and cameras, as well as water and hiking shoes. Please meet in the Nature Center lobby before 9:30 a.m.

***Maximum for this one: 8 (4 groups of 2) – need a little extra room for Partner poses
 
To celebrate Valentine’s Day, Bays Mountain Yoga Programs will offer a fun-filled Partner Yoga class in the Planetarium. Join us for a unique class designed to provide opportunities to enhance communication between you and a partner, spouse, friend or sibling. At the same time, enjoy being immersed in the one of a kind planetarium while also challenging your body in active poses that build strength, balance and mobility. This class will conclude with a restorative, starry night section while you and your guest relax. Please bring your own yoga mat and water and wear exercise clothing. Cost is $12 per person. Registration is limited, so please sign up soon.
The planetarium theater door will open ~10 minutes prior to start.