Kingsport Parks and Recreation is hosting A.S.P.I.R.E. (Adaptive: Sports Programs Inclusive Recreation Experiences) workouts beginning later this month at the V.O. Dobbins, Sr. Complex (301 Louis Street).

Classes will take place from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. on the first and third Wednesdays of each month beginning January 22. The program is open for participants ages 14 and above and is cost is $5 per person per class.

The A.S.P.I.R.E. inclusion classes will include stretching, agility exercises, yoga and games – a workout routine for all individuals with disabilities. Participants are asked to bring a lunch and eat with their fellow athletes.

Adaptive programs are for people with disabilities or physical limitations and are designed to ensure fair and equal competition among participants.

To register for the event, visit https://bit.ly/3BGFsZu. You can also click on the CivicRec link in the Connect Kingsport app or go to www.kingsporttn.gov and click on the “CivicRec” link, then search for “workout” in the search bar.

For information about other programs and classes offered by Kingsport Parks and Recreation, please visit www.kingsportparksandrecreation.org.

The holidays can be a stressful time of year. With all of the shopping needing to be done, to the out-of-towners coming to visit to the Christmas events filling up your calendar, at some point you’re going to need a chance to relax.

Why not do so with the help of Allandale Mansion? Allandale Mansion is pleased to announce it will be hosting two Spa DIY sessions on December 10. Participants will create their own holiday-themed bath bombs or shower steamers using 100% vegan ingredients.

Instructor Andrea Buchanan is a seasoned vegan soap maker and bath and body care creator with more than 30 years of experience in the industry. Buchanan combines her extensive knowledge of herbalism and aromatherapy to craft unique, high-quality products that nourish the skin and promote wellness.

The bath bomb session costs $35 and will take place from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The shower steamer session costs $20 and will take place from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Both sessions will take place on December 10 at Allandale Mansion.

The sessions are open for all ages, though children will need parent or guardian supervision.

To register, visit https://bit.ly/4f7oO3r (for bath bombs) or https://bit.ly/40skION (for shower steamers). You can also click on the CivicRec link in the Connect Kingsport app or go to www.kingsporttn.gov and click on the “CivicRec” link, then search for “bath bomb” or “shower steamer” in the search bar.

Allandale Mansion was built in 1953 and donated to the City of Kingsport in 1969 after the death of its owner, Harvey Brooks. The property includes the mansion, two barns, a picnic pavilion, two man-made ponds, the Heron Dome and a 2,000-square-foot amphitheater.

Please note, Allandale Mansion can be rented during the holidays for events and photo sessions. For more information call 229-9422.

The Kingsport Parks and Recreation Department is hosting an inclusive Christmas Party on December 6 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the V.O. Dobbins, Sr. Complex (301 Louise Street).

The event is open to people of all ages. Come out and enjoy some hot chocolate, games, crafts and Christmas-themed activities. Attendees are encouraged to wear their favorite tacky holiday sweater.

Though the event is free, Kingsport Parks and Recreation officials are asking folks to register to know approximately how many people will be showing up. To register, please visit https://bit.ly/3YQsz6k.

The Christmas Party is part of the department’s A.S.P.I.R.E. (Adaptive: Sports Programs Inclusive Recreation Experiences) program. Adaptive programs are for people with disabilities or physical limitations and are designed to ensure fair and equal competition among participants.

For information about other programs and classes offered by Kingsport Parks and Recreation, please visit www.kingsportparksandrecreation.org.

Ryder the Christmas Elf has returned to KATS

Ryder the Christmas Elf has once again returned to the Kingsport Area Transit Service, and we need your help in finding him.

Ryder is a rather busy elf and has several errands to run this holiday season, especially shopping at our many small businesses. This year, you will find Ryder riding on a different bus route each day. You’ll need a keen eye to find this elusive elf.

And like in previous years, if you do manage to find Ryder, you’ll win a free January bus pass.

From December 2 until December 23, KATS is offering a special “Find Ryder the Christmas Elf” promotion. If you find Ryder, show him to your driver or bring him to the downtown transit station (900 E. Main Street) to receive a free January bus pass (limit one per customer).

For more information on KATS, please visit www.kingsporttransit.org.

The Kingsport Office of Cultural Arts is offering a class in advanced wire wrapping next month. In this hands-on class, you will learn the advanced techniques to create beautiful wire wrap jewelry from master wire sculpture artist Russell Lawson.

This class will focus on stone setting, with your choice of advanced techniques. Build upon your skill set from the introductory course and learn to make advanced level “fancy” jewelry, such as cabochon wraps, chainmail, crochet and macramé.

The Advanced Wire Wrapping class will take place on November 10 in Room 228 of the Kingsport Renaissance Center (1200 E. Center Street). The class runs from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The cost is $70 per person and includes all materials. Participants are allowed to bring their own tools. Pre-requisite – the introduction to wire wrapping class or previous experience with jewelry making.

To register, visit https://bit.ly/4831tgt. The class is limited to five participants. Online sales will end 48 hours prior to the class. For information about other classes, programs and activities of the Kingsport Office of Cultural Arts, visit www.engagekingsport.com.