Oak Ridge Today

Education Foundation names new director

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Jessica Steed

Jessica Steed

Jessica Steed was recently named executive director of the Oak Ridge Public Schools Education Foundation.

The Foundation’s board of directors chose Steed to replace Jenna Whitney, who resigned after her husband Mark, who was the manager of the Oak Ridge Office of Environmental Management for the U.S. Department of Energy, accepted a new job with DOE in Washington, D.C.

Steed, a certified public accountant since 2001, worked for more than six years in public accounting as an auditor and tax accountant before becoming a full-time parent and community volunteer for the last nine years.

Since Steed moved to Oak Ridge four years ago, she has served as a classroom volunteer, as treasurer for both Woodland Elementary and Jefferson Middle School PTOs, and as an active member of the PTO Council. The Foundation’s selection committee noted that Steed comes to the position with a strong financial and accounting background and with knowledge of issues that affect the Oak Ridge school system.

“Although I have thoroughly enjoyed volunteering in the school system, I am ready to move into a position that allows me to help support not only my own children’s schools, but the whole school system I have grown to appreciate,” Steed said in a press release. “My experience in public accounting and volunteer work in the schools will serve as a great foundation as I strive to support the mission of the ORPSEF.” [Read more…]

ADFAC: Celebrate a year of ‘Dine and Donate’ by eating out Monday

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Gallo Loco

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Nearly a year ago, Aid to Distressed Families of Appalachian Counties, or ADFAC, launched the “Dine and Donate” fundraiser. A successor of the agency’s longtime “Feed the Need” campaign, Dine and Donate allows the entire community to eat out at participating restaurants on the second Monday of each month. The restaurants, in turn, provide a portion of their sales to support ADFAC’s many charitable programs.

The first year of Dine and Donate wraps up Monday, September 8, with the following participating restaurants: Burchfield’s in Oak Ridge, Gallo Loco in Oak Ridge, Hoskins in Clinton, Mediterranean Delight in Oak Ridge, and Razzleberry’s in Oak Ridge.

“It’s hard to believe a year has already passed!” said Cande Seay, ADFAC board member and Dine and Donate chair. “Dine and Donate has been a success beyond our expectations, with thousands of dollar already raised to bring hope and stability to our less fortunate neighbors.” [Read more…]

Tuskan honored as SADD National Advisor of the Year

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Mary Tuskan and Julie Strike

Above are Clinton High School counselor Mary Tuskan, left, and Julie Strike, SADD state coordinator for Tennessee.

Mary Tuskan, counselor at Clinton High School, was chosen from a large number of qualified applicants as the SADD National Advisor of the Year, a press release said.

SADD President and Chief Executive Officer Penny Wells said that Tuskan, through her work at Clinton High School, has “exemplified our idea of a successful SADD advisor,” the press release said.

It said Tuskan led the members of the SADD chapter and Allies for Substance Abuse Prevention (ASAP) of Anderson County Youth Coalition to CHS’s repeat victory in this past January’s Red Ribbon Rivalry and continues to support the students in their efforts such as the “Will you stay sober with me?” prom campaign.

Anderson County Director of Schools Larry Foster said: “We were very pleased to hear the news of Ms. Tuskan being named National SADD Advisor of the Year. She is very deserving of such an honor. She has worked extremely hard with our students in Anderson County. Her commitment and dedication to substance abuse prevention is outstanding and she is always giving of her time. Her work is recognized throughout our system and is very much appreciated.” [Read more…]

Letter: CONTACT Care Line helps those in need by phone, chat, text

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To the Editor:

Many articles in recent weeks have been reflecting on the suicide of Robin Williams and providing national help lines.

For over 40 years, right here in our community, CONTACT Care Line has provided a listening ear to those who are lonely, in crisis, having a bad day, or just need someone to talk to. CONTACT Care Line, serving the 865 area code and beyond, is a local nonprofit staffed by trained volunteers who are available to listen seven days a week, 365 days a year, from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.

The number to call to reach a listening ear is (865) 584-4424. All calls are confidential.

CONTACT recently added a local chat service (CONTACTCareLineTN.org/chat) and a text service ((865) 407-2TXT) available Monday-Friday from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Chat/text specialists also take Suicide Prevention Line crisis chats from across Tennessee between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. weekdays. [Read more…]

MMC Foundation hosts 2014 Acorn Classic golf tournament

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Sponsorship, player opportunities available

Plans are under way for the Methodist Medical Center Foundation’s 2014 Acorn Classic. The annual golf tournament will take place on Monday, October 20, at the Oak Ridge Country Club with a 1 p.m. shotgun start.

Registration is now open for individual players and teams, and a variety of sponsorship opportunities are available. The Acorn Classic is a four-person scramble tournament open to 120 amateur players. The entry fee is $150 per player or $600 per team of four, and it includes green fees, cart, lunch, four contest holes, and a dinner awards banquet.

Proceeds will benefit the Hospitality Houses of Methodist Medical Center, which provide free lodging to cancer patients who must travel for treatment, as well as other outpatients and families as space allows. [Read more…]

Video: Mayor, school officials accept ice bucket challenge

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Jefferson Middle School

Jefferson Middle School

Oak Ridge municipal and school officials accepted the ALS ice bucket challenge after cross country practice at Jefferson Middle School on Friday.

Those who accepted the challenge included Cross Country Coach Steve Reddick, Oak Ridge Mayor Tom Beehan, Schools Superintendent Bruce Borchers, Assistant Superintendent Chris Marczak, JMS Principal Phil Cox, Vice Principal Mike Haygood, and Oak Ridge Schools teachers John Smith, Jacqueline Whitaker, Chris Layton, and Scott Linn.

The ice buckets were administered by “several lucky team members” of the cross country squad, the JMS PTO said.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (known as ALS and Lou Gehrig’s Disease) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease affecting nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. For more information, please see the ALS Association website.

Here is a video by Heather Hartman, JMS PTO president: [Read more…]

ASAP Youth Coalition joins other young leaders at Teen Institute

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ASAP Youth Coalition at Tennessee Teen Institute

Front row from left to right are Olivia Kelly, Reagan Wolfe, and Courtney Sharp.
Second row from left to right are Emma Berry, Hope Hicks, Jake Wade, and Kaylee Hunley.
Third row from left to right are Mary Tuskan, Jacob Reed, Ryan Wiggins, and Gabe Merritt.
Top row from left to right are Michael Beal, Cameron Moore, and Michael Foster. (Photo courtesy ASAP)

 

Students from Anderson County joined more than 400 youth leaders from across the state at a recent Tennessee Teen Institute. The Tennessee Teen Institute is a five-day youth leadership and prevention camp sponsored by the Jackson Area Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependency.

The Anderson County Health Department and ASAP (Allies for Substance Abuse Prevention) sponsored two teams of six youth to participate in TTI, one from Anderson County High School and one from Clinton High School.

“This is the third year we have been able to sponsor youth to attend the Teen Institute, and it has shown an excellent return,” said Stephanie Strutner, ASAP executive director. “Students return energized to serve as peer leaders and make positive changes in their schools.”

This was the 27th year of the Teen Institute Program in Tennessee, a press release said. The program addresses teen issues such as bullying, violence, suicide, teen pregnancy, distracted driving, teen health, and substance abuse prevention through a five-day, peer-led prevention camp designed to provide teen participants with the skills and education necessary to develop and implement alcohol and drug abuse prevention programs in their own communities. [Read more…]

Celebrity Scoops fundraiser to benefit SARG tonight

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An animal rescue group has a fundraiser at Baskin-Robbins in Oak Ridge this evening.

SARG, the rescue group, will have giveaways, and local celebrities will be appearing, organizers said. A portion of the proceeds at the Celebrity Scoops for Paws and Purrs fundraiser will benefit SARG (Shelter Animals Rescue Group).

The fundraiser is scheduled from 4-8 p.m. today (Saturday, August 23) at Baskin-Robbins, which is at 104 East Tulsa Road in Oak Ridge.

See the SARG page on Facebook for a full list of those will appear.

Organizers said parking will be available in the large shopping center near the ice cream shop or across the street in the parking lot of the former Chinese restaurant.

Habitat for Humanity selling building, plans to relocate

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Habitat for Humanity of Anderson County ReStore

The Habitat for Humanity of Anderson County ReStore is located in Grove Center.

 

Habitat for Humanity of Anderson County is selling its building in Grove Center, and officials said they want to move into a more economical facility.

“We have a 70-year-old building, and the cost to maintain the property hinders us in fulfilling the Habitat mission,” the nonprofit organization’s board of directors said in a statement. “Habitat for Humanity International recommends not owning real estate, with the exception of properties on which to build houses.”

The board said many customers have been concerned because they have seen the “For Sale” sign on the Habitat ReStore and office in Grove Center.

“We are not going out of business!” the board said. [Read more…]

Spotlight: Emory Valley Center enjoys ‘Western Round Up’

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Emory Valley Center Western Round-up

 

The Elks Lodge in Oak Ridge hosted a “Western Round Up” event for more than 50 Emory Valley Center individuals and their staff on Saturday afternoon, July 19.

All individuals received cowboy hats and bandanas to wear in addition to special treats to take home. They also enjoyed an afternoon of “cowboy food” and punch served in cowboy boot mugs at the “saloon,” Western-themed games, and line dancing lessons led and provided by Tom and Evelyn Yeagler.

“Everyone had a great time, and (they are) already looking forward to next year’s event!” a press release said. [Read more…]

TORCH has Brew Review, a beer-tasting fundraiser

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Torch Logo

A nonprofit organization that helps homeless people and low-income families has a new fundraiser, a Brew Review.

It’s a one-of-a-kind fundraiser for Trinity Out-­Reach Center for Hope, or TORCH. The Brew Review will be Friday, September 12, from 7 to 11 p.m. at the Historic Grove Theater located at 123 Randolph Road in Oak Ridge.

“The evening will include beer tasting, finger foods, silent auction, and live music,” a press release said. “Guests can mingle in the lobby with their food and beer, dance to live music in the auditorium, and bid on fantastic items in the silent auction.”

Beer is being provided by Cheeroke Distributing, Alliance Brewing Co., Yazoo, and Downtown Brewery, with more breweries to be announced closer to the event, the release said. Hard cider will also be available for those who cannot drink beer or would like to try something different.

The silent auction items include signed Lee Child and Tess Gerritsen books, a Jackie Collins autographed picture, gift cards, a Keurig Platinum K-Cup, gift baskets, crafts, a two-night stay in Pigeon Forge, and many other exciting items, the release said. [Read more…]

Museum of Appalachia announces line-up for Tennessee Fall Homecoming

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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)

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NORRIS—The best bluegrass, gospel, and old-time music in the South will resonate across the beautiful grounds of the Museum of Appalachia this coming October 10-12. This year’s line-up includes more than 70 national, regional, and local musicians performing on five unique outdoor stages throughout the pastoral museum setting.

In celebration of 35 years of this award-winning festival, organizers have put together the strongest lineup in event history, including Grammy award winner and multi-talented Marty Raybon and Full Circle, International Bluegrass Music Association male vocalist of the year Junior Sisk and Ramblers Choice, Jeff Brown and Still Lonesome, Grammy-nominated Della Mae, “Entertainers of the Year” and “Vocal Group of the Year” The Gibson Brothers, and the multi-award winning group Lonesome River Band.

Appearing again this year are Grammy-nominated Blue Highway, “Broadcaster of the Year” Chris Jones and the Night Drivers, the award-winning Darrell Webb Band, the highly recognized Blue Moon Rising, Grits and Soul, Jesse Gregory and Faultline, and the legendary Paul Williams and the Victory Trio. Joining these top artists is one of the most successful bluegrass bands of all time, seven-time International Bluegrass Music Association “Vocal Group of the Year” with multiple Grammy and Dove award nominations and IBMA Hall of Fame inductee Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver. [Read more…]