Oak Ridge Today

Council agrees to negotiate on AMSE property for Main Street; DOE wants to dispose of museum

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The American Museum of Science and Energy property is pictured above in central Oak Ridge. The wide road running vertically at center-right through the aerial photo is South Tulane Avenue. The proposed Main Street Oak Ridge would be on the right side of South Tulane Avenue at the former Oak Ridge Mall. The road running horizontally at bottom is South Illinois Avenue. AMSE is the brown-roofed building at top-center.

The American Museum of Science and Energy property is pictured above in central Oak Ridge. The wide road running vertically at center-right through the aerial photo is South Tulane Avenue. The proposed Main Street Oak Ridge would be on the right side of South Tulane Avenue at the former Oak Ridge Mall. The road running horizontally at bottom is South Illinois Avenue. AMSE is the brown-roofed building at top-center.

 

Note: This story was last updated at 2 p.m. June 16.

The Oak Ridge City Council agreed Monday to allow the city manager to negotiate with federal officials and the company redeveloping the former Oak Ridge Mall for the transfer of the American Museum of Science and Energy property—if the federal government wants to get rid of it.

And it appears that the federal government does want to dispose of the museum. The U.S. Department of Energy has asked the federal General Services Administration, which disposes of federal property, for help with that process, said Claire Sinclair of Oak Ridge National Laboratory Site Office Public Affairs. GSA took on that role last week.

But the transfer of federal property such as AMSE usually takes a few years, Sinclair said, and if a new use were proposed for the museum property, adequate public notice would be given. ORNL manages AMSE for DOE.

In the meantime, AMSE is expected to continue operating, officials said.

Under the resolution approved by Council on Monday, the 17.12 acres of federal property at the AMSE site could be transferred to the city. Or RealtyLink, the company redeveloping the mall, could negotiate directly with federal officials. The U.S. Department of Energy owns the museum, and it would work on any proposed transfer through the General Services Administration. [Read more…]

DOE sites provided $1.5 million in funding for AMSE in FY 2015

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AMSE Community Meeting Audience

The auditorium at the American Science and Energy Museum in Oak Ridge was nearly full during a community meeting to discuss AMSE’s future in July 2014. (Photo by John Huotari/Oak Ridge Today)

 

Three U.S. Department of Energy sites in Oak Ridge provided $1.5 million in funding for the American Museum of Science and Energy in Fiscal Year 2015, an official said Monday.

The funding varies each year, and the funding for Fiscal Year 2016, the current fiscal year, hasn’t been determined, said Claire Sinclair, a spokesperson in the Oak Ridge National Laboratory Site Office Public Affairs. ORNL manages AMSE for DOE, which owns the museum.

In FY 2015, Oak Ridge National Laboratory and Y-12 National Security Complex each contributed $630,000 to AMSE, and the East Tennessee Technology Park provided $240,000. That’s a major portion of AMSE funding, the museum says on its website. (AMSE also has memberships, and the museum charges for admission.)

Questions about the future of AMSE have been raised as the Oak Ridge City Council considers a resolution on how the city would like the land transferred, if the DOE and General Services Administration decide to dispose of the property at some point in the future. [Read more…]

AMSE: Transfer of federal property usually takes few years, public notice would be given

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AMSE Sign

The American Museum of Science and Energy is at 300 South Tulane Avenue in Oak Ridge. (Photo by Sara Wise)

 

AMSE over-sized, operationally challenged, spokesperson says

The transfer of federal property such as the American Museum of Science and Energy usually takes a few years, and if a new use were proposed for the AMSE property, adequate public notice would be given, an official said Monday.

There has been no public announcement that the federal government wants to get rid of the 17.12 acres of federal property that includes AMSE.

But the Oak Ridge City Council will consider a resolution tonight (Monday, June 13) that would allow City Manager Mark Watson to negotiate with the U.S. Department of Energy and General Services Administration, as well as the company redeveloping the former Oak Ridge Mall, for the property transfer. The GSA is responsible for disposing of federal property.

RealtyLink, the company redeveloping the 58-acre mall site, has said that any redevelopment of the AMSE property that competes with its project, known as Main Street Oak Ridge, would be devastating to its efforts to provide the city a much-needed, quality, retail-centered mixed-use town center. RealtyLink said it must be able to control the redevelopment of the AMSE property. [Read more…]

Chamber supports AMSE land transfer resolution

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AMSE-Manhattan-Project-Park-Nov-12-2015

The American Museum of Science and Energy is pictured above on November 15, 2015. (Photo by John Huotari/Oak Ridge Today)

 

Note: This story was updated at 8:50 a.m. June 14.

The Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce supports a resolution that would allow the city manager to negotiate with business executives and federal officials to transfer about 17 acres of federal property at the American Museum of Science and Energy to help Main Street Oak Ridge, the project to redevelop the former Oak Ridge Mall.

The Oak Ridge City Council will consider the land transfer resolution during a meeting tonight (Monday, June 13). Under that resolution, the 17.12 acres could either be transferred to the city or to RealtyLink, the company redeveloping the mall. The transfer would also include 1.87 acres of city-owned land that are on the north, south, and west sides of the AMSE property.

On Friday, Chamber of Commerce President Parker Hardy said the Chamber supports the land transfer resolution.

“It’s entirely consistent with our overall support for the Main Street Oak Ridge project,” Hardy said. “This has been a long time getting here, and we’re proud to lend our support.” [Read more…]

‘Dine and Donate’ returns Monday, June 13 

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El Cantarito

El Cantarito offers authentic Mexican cuisine, all-you-can-eat specials, many meals that are under $6, and a variety of margaritas, beer, and wine. (Photo by ADFAC)

 

School is out, and Father’s Day is around the corner: These are just two of the many reasons to celebrate with a Dine and Donate meal!

On Monday, June 13, several local restaurants will donate a portion of their sales to support Aid to Distressed Families of Appalachian Counties, or ADFAC, as part of Dine and Donate. Dine and Donate is a year-long event, with different restaurants participating on the second Monday of each month.

“Whether celebrating the fathers in our lives or simply beating the heat, dining out in at least one of Monday’s Dine and Donate restaurants is a fantastic way to enjoy the season,” said Cande Seay, who chairs the Dine and Donate committee.

Monday’s participating restaurants are: [Read more…]

Community Orchestra has open rehearsal at Secret City Festival on Saturday—you are invited to play

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Oak Ridge Community Orchestra at Secret City Festival 2014

The Oak Ridge Community Orchestra performs at the Secret City Festival in 2014. (Submitted photo)

 

You have a chance to play with a symphonic orchestra on Saturday, when the Oak Ridge Community Orchestra has an open rehearsal at the Secret City Festival.

The open rehearsal is scheduled from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, June 11.

“This means you can show up unannounced, with your instrument and music stand, slide into a vacant chair, and play along on any pieces you like,” a press release said. “Because it is a rehearsal atmosphere, you will not feel pressured to crank out a stellar performance.”

Why does the ORCO offer an open rehearsal?

“We have two motivations,” the press release said. “Often, people who sample playing in the orchestra decide they like it, and join ORCO to continue their enjoyment, while augmenting their experience and musical skills. For accomplished students, it offers an opportunity to find out what it is like to play in an ensemble populated with strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion. [Read more…]

Secret City Festival offers weekend of fun, entertainment

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2015 Secret City Festival photo by Rob Welton

2015 Secret City Festival photo by Rob Welton

 

By Explore Oak Ridge

The 14th annual Secret City Festival is Friday and Saturday, and the excitement is building! Kick off your festival fun by bringing your chairs and your family, and stake out a spot in front of the Pavilion Stage. You don’t want to miss the great artists that will be performing all day on Friday and Saturday.

Arrive early to take in the opening ceremonies, then get your Friday festival started with entertainment from ACRODUNK. Showcasing their highflying, gravity defying acrobatics with “slam,” ACRODUNK performs three times on Friday and Saturday.

Jubal hits the Pavilion Stage twice Friday afternoon with their alternative folk music. Combining two voices and a guitar, Jubal creates an intricate and emotional sound.

Get your fill of Scottish bagpipes and drums from the Knoxville Pipes and Drums, who open Saturday morning’s pavilion entertainment.

The Secret City Winds and the Oak Ridge Community Band will be showcasing their talents with an array of musical selections twice on Saturday. [Read more…]

Centrus becomes benefactor sponsor for ADFAC

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Centrus Energy Corporation’s Jeff Cooper, left, presents the 2016 Corporate Membership contribution to ADFAC’s Executive Director Annie Cacheiro. (Submitted photo)

Centrus Energy Corporation’s Jeff Cooper, left, presents the 2016 Corporate Membership contribution to ADFAC’s Executive Director Annie Cacheiro. (Submitted photo)

 

ADFAC’s Corporate Committee is excited to announce Centrus Energy Corporation as the first 2016 Grand Benefactor Corporate Member. The generous donation was recently presented by Jeff Cooper, Centrus’s lead cascade project manager to ADFAC’s executive director, Annie Cacheiro, a press release said.

“This corporate contribution is going to help lead the way for other corporate contributions for ADFAC,” said Ray Smith of ADFAC’s Board of Directors. “It’s so appreciated and will truly help AFDAC fulfill their mission of ‘neighbors helping neighbors.'” [Read more…]

Friends of Oak Ridge Library sponsors local authors at Secret City Festival

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Oak Ridge Public Library

The Oak Ridge Public Library is pictured above.

The Friends of the Oak Ridge Public Library will participate in the Secret City Festival held at the Oak Ridge Civic Center on June 10-11 by sponsoring local writers and authors.

The authors will be in Room C of the Civic Center (next door to the Oak Ridge Historical Preservation Association) autographing and selling their books at the following times:

Friday, June 10

  • 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.—Carol Oen
  • 2:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.—Adele A. Roberts, Mark Griffith

[Read more…]

ORHS Class of 1986 has 30th Reunion on July 22, 23

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The Oak Ridge High School Class of 1986 will have its 30th Reunion this summer. It’s scheduled for Friday, July 22, and Saturday, July 23.

“Please come join us!” a press release said.

On Friday, the class will have hors d’oeuvres and music and plenty of time to chat at the Old Towne Inn in Oak Ridge. On Saturday, they will have dinner and dancing at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Oak Ridge. All graduates of 1986 and spouses/dates are invited and encouraged to attend, the press release said.

“We would love to see you and have a chance to visit,” the release said. [Read more…]

Jackson Square photo: Noon at the Fountain

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Jackson Square Noon at the Fountain June 7 2016

Summer vacation has started, and a dozen children and at least as many adults enjoy the interactive fountain in Jackson Square at noon Tuesday, June 7, 2016. (Photo by Ray Evans)

ORHS classes of 1974-1978 reunion in September

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The Oak Ridge High School Class of 1976 is holding their 40th reunion during the weekend of September 23-25, 2016.

The class is inviting the classes of 1974 through 1978, those who attended school with class members but may have graduated elsewhere, and our teachers and staff to join the festivities which are scheduled as follows:

  • Friday, September 23, will be an informal gathering at Blankenship Field as the Oak Ridge Wildcats host Sevier County in the Homecoming game. The tailgate party will begin at 5 p.m. near the upper gate, and then they will follow the team onto the field for recognition prior to the game, which starts at 7 p.m. Admission to the game is $7 per person.
  • The dressy casual main event on Saturday, September 24, will be held at the new Calhoun’s (formerly Riverside Grille) at 100 Melton Lake Drive. A cash bar starts at 5 p.m. and hors d’oeuvres at 6 p.m. Come enjoy music, dancing, and reminiscing along the waterway in this beautiful venue until 11:30 p.m., a press release said. Admission for the main event is $43.86 through August 14 and obtained by registration at orhs76reunion.com.
  • A lunch picnic gathering takes place on Sunday, September 25, at Clark Center Park (known as Carbide Park in our day) at 12:30 p.m. Bring your own lunch and family for a final informal get-together of the weekend, the press release said.

[Read more…]