Oak Ridge Today

Agape House hosts Chocolate Evening, Dessert Contest on May 7

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Chocolate Dessert

Chocolate bakers and candy makers are invited to enter their sweet concoctions in a chocolate dessert contest on Saturday, May 7. (Submitted photo)

 

Chocolate bakers and candy makers are invited to enter their sweet concoctions in a chocolate dessert contest on Saturday, May 7. Agape House of Oak Ridge is hosting the contest during “An Evening of Everything Chocolate,” an event supporting the nonprofit and all-volunteer organization that provides transitional housing for the homeless.

“An Evening of Everything Chocolate,” a Mother’s Day weekend event, will feature tables filled with chocolate desserts from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the Social Hall of Oak Ridge Unitarian Universalist Church, 809 Oak Ridge Turnpike. Truffles, fudge, cookies, brownies, and other treats will be offered, with coffee, sipping chocolate, and water also being served.

For the chocolate dessert contest, the chocolate grand prize winner will receive a $50 gift certificate and a gold medal. A silver medal will be awarded for the best use of chocolate. To enter, bring your dessert to the Social Hall of Oak Ridge Unitarian Universalist Church by 6 p.m. May 7. [Read more…]

Legal Aid Society hires two new support staff members

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Mary Burney

Mary Burney

Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands, Tennessee’s largest nonprofit law firm, announced Monday that two new support staff members have been added to the firm.

Mary Burney has returned to Legal Aid Society’s Oak Ridge office as the receptionist/intake worker. Burney previously worked for Legal Aid Society in the same capacity from 2008-2014 and was the office manager/legal assistant for Rural Legal Services of Tennessee (predecessor to Legal Aid Society) from 1979-2003. Prior to this return, Burney was a bailiff for the Roane County Sheriff’s Department.

“We are thrilled to have Mary back in the office,” said Janet Mynatt, managing attorney of Legal Aid Society’s office in Oak Ridge. “Except for our new database, things have remained pretty much the same, so Mary has been able to jump right back in. Her past experience with this office will be an asset to our staff and clients alike.” [Read more…]

April celebrations at Habitat for Humanity include new home, mortgage payoff

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Habitat for Humanity of Anderson County Spring Break Volunteers 2016

Pictured above is a group of college students from Juniata College in Pennsylvania that came to work with Habitat for Humanity of Anderson County on their Spring Break 2016. They helped put the finishing touches on the Core house in Andersonville. (Submitted photo)

 

Habitat for Humanity of Anderson County has a lot to celebrate in the month of April. A family will be moving into their new home, and another family paid off their mortgage. Two local churches will be hosting celebrations for both of these momentous occasions.

The Core family has a new home in Andersonville. After months of hard work, they are excited to be moving in later this month. Usually, HFHAC holds a dedication service for a new home at the home itself. This time, however, the dedication will take place at Faith Lutheran Church in Oak Ridge. Choosing this church was easy because it’s the home church of the Mr. and Mrs. Cal Knoke. The Knokes donated a very large sum of money toward this particular build.

As wonderful as it is to have the opportunity to show off the finished product to the community, it was decided that in this case, it wouldn’t be the best idea. The yard cannot be seeded and strawed just yet, it’s been too rainy this spring. Rather than invite people to tromp through mud, HFHAC would like for everyone interested to come to the 11 a.m. service on Sunday, April 17, at Faith Lutheran Church, which is at 1300 Oak Ridge Turnpike in Oak Ridge.

“There will be pictures of the house during construction, a chance to meet the Core family, and best of all, cake!” a press release said. [Read more…]

Agape House, which helps homeless, hosts Chocolate Evening May 7

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Morgan Anderson at An Evening of Everything Chocolate

Morgan Anderson dips fruit and marshmallows in a chocolate fountain at last year’s first “An Evening of Everything Chocolate.” (Submitted photo)

 

Tasting a variety of chocolate desserts will be a special treat during “An Evening of Everything Chocolate” on Saturday, May 7, in support of Agape House of Oak Ridge.

The Mother’s Day weekend event will feature tables filled with chocolate culinary temptations in the Social Hall of Oak Ridge Unitarian Universalist Church, 809 Oak Ridge Turnpike. The second annual “An Evening of Everything Chocolate” will be from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Truffles, fudge, cookies, brownies, and other treats will satisfy any sweet tooth, with coffee, sipping chocolate, and water also being served.

All proceeds will go to the direct support of Agape House, a nonprofit organization that provides transitional housing for the homeless. Since opening in 2014, Agape House has helped 20 homeless families or individuals with short-term, temporary housing, and other support services as they work with agencies to take steps toward self-sufficiency.

Agape House is an all-volunteer agency, and a significant portion of its budget is raised through this fundraising event. [Read more…]

2016 Tennessee Fall Homecoming lineup announced

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Museum of Appalachia Wilson Barn Stage

A performance at a previous Fall Homecoming at the Museum of Appalachia near Norris. (Submitted photo)

 

The Museum of Appalachia has announced the music lineup for its 37th Annual Tennessee Fall Homecoming from October 7-9.

High-profile artists scheduled to appear include 20-year Homecoming veteran, Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver—an IBMA Hall of Fame Member and 2016 Grammy-Nominated artist; Mountain Faith, semi-finalists on Season 10 of NBC’s “America’s Got Talent”; Lonesome River Band, Steve Martin Prize for Excellence in Bluegrass and Banjo award-winners; and seven-time IBMA Vocal Group of the Year award-winners, Russell Moore and IIIrd Tyme Out.

One of the nation’s largest, most authentic music and folk festivals, Homecoming features more than 70 musicians performing on four outdoor stages, a press release said. Each year, tens of thousands of music fans come to enjoy concerts spanning many genres—including bluegrass, country, gospel, and Americana music. [Read more…]

Children’s Museum hosts Young Child Celebration on April 16

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Jim and Woodenstar

Jim and the Woodenstars will present a ventriloquist’s show for children when the Children’s Museum of Oak Ridge hosts a Celebration of the Young Child from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, April 16. (Submitted photo)

 

Jim and the Woodenstars will present a ventriloquist’s show for children when the Children’s Museum of Oak Ridge hosts a Celebration of the Young Child from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, April 16.

The comedy ventriloquist’s act, at 11:45 a.m., will headline a host of children’s activities, including creative movement, storytelling, crafts for kids to make and take, and LEGO building. The Oak Ridge Fire Department will lead a fire safety program, and the Oak Ridge Police Department will present a stranger danger program.

Jim Bryson has taken his Woodenstars’ family entertainment to festivals and events nationally and internationally, and they have appeared on cruise ships. The act has opened for Alabama and for Grammy award winner Michael W. Smith, among others. A former police officer, Bryson also presents safety and fire prevention shows with his Woodenstars.

Author Kathleen Fearing will join in the celebration, entertaining children with her stories. She writes books for children of various ages, among them “Adisa’s Basket,” “Voyage of Dreams—An Irish Memory,” and “My Friend the Werewolf—What Would You Do.” She also has had several stories published at www.storiesforchildrenmagazine.org. Fearing has won awards from Writer’s Digest and the Tennessee Mountain Writer’s Conference. She retired in Norris after teaching education and children’s literature at the college level. [Read more…]

Youth Showcase, Auction features rising stars in benefit for Child Advocacy Center

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Sydney Buckner

Sydney Buckner will perform at the Third Annual Youth Showcase and Auction on Friday, April 22, 2016, at the Grove Theater in Oak Ridge. (Submitted photo)

 

The Third Annual Youth Showcase and Auction on April 22 will feature rising stars—extremely talented performers in their late teens and early 20s—in a benefit for the Child Advocacy Center of Anderson County, a press release said.

The Youth Showcase and Auction is scheduled from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, April 22, at the Grove Theater in Oak Ridge. Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 per child/youth.

“Arrive at 6 p.m. to enjoy delicious treats, socialize, and browse the silent auction items,” the press release said. The performance begins at 6:45 p.m.

Matt Shafer Powell

Matt Shafer Powell

Matt Shafer Powell of WUOT-FM will be the master of ceremonies.

“Zach Farrar returns as auctioneer, and will get (the) audience bidding on exciting items such as Disney Park Hopper tickets, a Volunteer Princess Sunset Dinner cruise for two, beautiful quilt, etc., during the performance,” the release said. There will also be a raffle.

All proceeds will be used to provide services for children who have been victims or witnesses of child abuse, neglect, or other crimes. The services are provided by the Child Advocacy Center of Anderson County, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization. [Read more…]

‘Dine and Donate’ returns April 11

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ADFAC Christmas 2014

In December 2014, ADFAC’s board of directors provided the staff with a holiday Soup Kitchen luncheon. This timeless photo is a great example of the Soup Kitchen being an ideal place to share a meal with your co-workers, friends, and family! (Submitted photo)

 

On Monday, April 11, six local restaurants will donate a portion of their sales to support Aid to Distressed Families of Appalachian Counties, or ADFAC. It’s a Dine and Donate Monday.

“Dine and Donate Mondays are always an easy way to treat loved ones to a special meal that also gives back to the community,” a press release said.

In Oak Ridge, these restaurants are participating on April 11:

  • Mediterranean Delight
  • Razzleberry’s
  • The Soup Kitchen

In Clinton, you can dine at the following participating restaurants on April 11: [Read more…]

Oak Ridge Chamber celebrates nonprofit members Tuesday, April 5

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Oak-Ridge-Chamber-Give-It-Up-For-A-Cause

Community members and members of the Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce learn more about local nonprofits at last year’s Give it UP for a Cause. This year’s event will take place on April 5. The event is free and the public is invited. (Submitted photo)

To celebrate National Volunteer Month, the Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce is hosting a nonprofit fair on Tuesday, April 5. It’s scheduled from 8-10 a.m. at Pollard Technology Conference Center, which is at 210 Badger Road. The community is invited to attend.

“Give it UP for a Cause” is the Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce’s annual event to honor the nonprofit members of the Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce. Several nonprofit organizations will be on hand to share what they do in the community, what their needs are, and how those who are interested can get involved.

Gene Caldwell, longtime community volunteer, will be the guest speaker. Caldwell was a pediatrician at the Oak Ridge Children’s Clinic for many years before being elected to the Tennessee State House of Representatives. He will speak about the importance of volunteerism.

Exhibitors for the event are: [Read more…]

United Way has annual meeting Thursday, April 21

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United-Way-Annual-Meeting-2016

The United Way of Anderson County will have its annual meeting on Thursday, April 21.

“This is an opportunity to celebrate a successful campaign season, recognize businesses and board members as well as see the impact made on the community through United Way contributions,” a press release said.

The annual meeting is scheduled from 7:30-8:30 a.m. April 21 at the New Hope Center on Scarboro Road.

Tom Hilton will present a president’s report, Eric Abelquist will give a report of strategic planning outcomes, and John Garrity will report on community impact through grants, the press release said. Gene Patterson and Jim Dodson will present the 2015 campaign report, and the 2016 campaign chairs will be revealed, the release said. [Read more…]

Charlie Daniels Band, Grand Funk Railroad to headline Secret City Festival

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Charlie-Daniels-Band-Secret-City-Festival-2016

The Charlie Daniels Band will headline the Friday night, June 10, concert at the 2016 Secret City Festival in Oak Ridge. (Submitted photo)

 

The Charlie Daniels Band and Grand Funk Railroad with Atlanta Rhythm Section will be the headliners in the Friday and Saturday night concerts at the Secret City Festival in June.

“After a record-breaking concert turnout in 2015, the 14th annual Secret City Festival on June 10th-11th aims to keep the good times rolling,” a press release said.

The concert headliners were announced Friday by radio sponsors 96.7 MerleFM and 93.1 WNOX.

Daniels continues to “bring down the house” at age 78 with his genre-defining Southern rock anthems and his CMA Award-winning country hits, the press release said. The legendary musician was recently announced as a 2016 inductee into the Country Music Hall of Fame, the press release said. He is best known for such hits as “Uneasy Rider,” “The South’s Gonna Do It Again,” “Trudy,” “Long Haired Country Boy,” “Midnight Wind,” and “The Devil Went Down to Georgia.” [Read more…]

Y-12, Pantex donate $1.1 million to local United Way campaigns

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Y-12-National-Security-Complex-CNS-Sign-Dec-16-2014

The sign at the Scarboro Road entrance to the Y-12 National Security Complex is pictured above on December 16, 2014. (File photo by John Huotari/Oak Ridge Today)

 

United Way contributions at the Y-12 National Security Complex in Oak Ridge and the Pantex Plant in Amarillo, Texas, totaled some $1.1 million, Consolidated Nuclear Security, the managing and operating contractor, announced Tuesday. Contributions from employees, retirees, and the corporation were gathered during the sites’ recent campaigns.

The campaigns also added more than 500 Leadership Givers, who have pledged to donate $1,000 or more. Corporate gifts of some $155,000 also added to the total.

“I’m proud of the contributions made by Y-12 employees to the United Way,” said Y-12 Site Manager Bill Tindal. “Their generosity and dedication to this cause shows that not only do we protect our nation and our allies every day with the work we do, but we also are committed to supporting and improving our local communities through volunteering and United Way donations.” [Read more…]