Oak Ridge Today

Born in Oak Ridge, author Dan Kilday to visit Oak Ridge Schools on Tuesday

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Dan Kilday, author of the new children's chapter book "Molly Warner: School Reporter." Kilday will be visiting several Oak Ridge Schools on Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2018. (Submitted photo)

Dan Kilday, author of the new children’s chapter book “Molly Warner: School Reporter.” Kilday will be visiting several Oak Ridge Schools on Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2018. (Submitted photo)

 

Dan Kilday, author of the new children’s book “Molly Warner: School Reporter,” will be visiting several Oak Ridge Schools on Tuesday, February 13. The author will be visiting Linden Elementary School, Woodland Elementary School, and Willow Brook Elementary School, as well as Jefferson Middle School, a press release said.

A graduate of Central High School in Knoxville, Kilday earned a communications degree from Huntingdon College in Montgomery, Alabama, before working as a television anchor and reporter for local stations in three states. Kilday was born in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, and currently resides in Austin, Texas, with his wife and three children.

Here is more information about the book: [Read more…]

UT Arboretum Society has Father-Daughter Hike this month

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The University of Tennessee Arboretum Society’s monthly hike for February will be held Saturday, Feb. 17, 2018, at the UT Arboretum on South Illinois Avenue. (Photo courtesy University of Tennessee Arboretum Society)

The University of Tennessee Arboretum Society’s monthly hike for February will be held Saturday, Feb. 17, 2018, at the UT Arboretum on South Illinois Avenue. (Photo courtesy University of Tennessee Arboretum Society)

 

The University of Tennessee Arboretum Society’s monthly hike for February will be held Saturday, February 17, at the UT Arboretum on South Illinois Avenue. The hike is scheduled to start at 9 a.m.

In 2018, the UT Arboretum Society is offering a monthly hike on the third Saturday of each month. For the ninth year, the Arboretum is showcasing the February hike as the Father-Daughter Hike, but everyone, regardless of age, is welcome on this hike, a press release said.

“We encourage grandfathers to bring their granddaughters, uncles to bring their nieces, older brothers to bring their young sisters, etc.,” the press release said. “This is a great winter occasion to spend some quality time outdoors and to learn about the UT Arboretum’s trails. We’re all tired of the cold weather, so why not come out an enjoy some exercise?”

This is a short trail hike (one to 1.5 hours), the press release said. [Read more…]

Manhattan Project public program: Oak Ridge past to present through A.K. Bissell Park on Saturday, Feb. 17

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A bridge in Alvin K. Bissell Park in central Oak Ridge is pictured above. (Submitted photo)

A bridge in Alvin K. Bissell Park in central Oak Ridge is pictured above. (Submitted photo)

 

Join National Park Service staff for a walk and talk tour through Alvin K. Bissell Park on Saturday, February 17.

The Manhattan Project National Historical Park will present this free program starting at 10 a.m. Saturday, February 17, at the American Museum of Science and Energy in Oak Ridge.

“During the program, we will discuss the different lifestyles and challenges that Oak Ridge residents faced during the project,” a press release said. “In this easy to moderate walk of about one mile, we will visit some historical structures and discuss how the town has changed and how it has stayed the same in the 75th anniversary of Oak Ridge. Visitors should be prepared for this walk with weather appropriate clothing and sturdy shoes.” [Read more…]

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with Dine & Donate

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Friends from First Presbyterian Church recently gathered to support ADFAC’s Dine & Donate event by eating at Dean’s. Both First Presbyterian and Dean’s have been loyal supporters of ADFAC for years! (Submitted photo)

Friends from First Presbyterian Church recently gathered to support ADFAC’s Dine & Donate event by eating at Dean’s. Both First Presbyterian and Dean’s have been loyal supporters of ADFAC for years! (Submitted photo)

 

On Monday, February 12, thirteen local restaurants will “share the love” by donating a portion of their sales to support Aid to Distressed Families of Appalachian Counties, or ADFAC.

“ADFAC’s February Dine & Donate event provides an early opportunity to treat loved ones to a special meal, all while supporting ADFAC’s charitable work and community restaurants,” a press release said.

Participating restaurants are: [Read more…]

Sean Finnerty to headline Comedy at the Grove on Saturday, Feb. 17

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Comedy at the Grove Sean Finnerty Large

Sean Finnerty, who grew up in Ireland, will be the special guest and headliner at Comedy at the Grove in Oak Ridge on Saturday, February 17. The show will also feature Jay Kendrick and Shane Rhyne of Knoxville.

“Your hilarious host for the evening is Kris Bell,” a press release said.

The show will start at 8 p.m. Saturday, February 17, and doors will open at 7 p.m. Concessions will be available for purchase when the doors open, the press release said. You must be 18 to enter. Admission is $10. [Read more…]

Applications being accepted for research opportunities with Higher Education Research faculty program

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Pasquale Fulvio, Ph.D., researched carbon composites during his time in the Higher Education Research Experiences faculty program. (Photo submitted by ORAU)

Pasquale Fulvio, Ph.D., researched carbon composites during his time in the Higher Education Research Experiences faculty program. (Photo submitted by ORAU)

 

The U.S. Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education is currently seeking college faculty for paid research opportunities at Oak Ridge National Laboratory through the Higher Education Research Experiences program, a press release said.

This research program provides opportunities for teaching and non-teaching faculty, like Pasquale Fulvio, to use the unique resources of ORNL to enhance science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education, encourage careers in science and technology, and improve scientific literacy, the press release said.

Appointments will be located at ORNL and generally take place during the summer; part-time appointments may occur during the semester depending on the requirements of the project. Sabbatical appointments may also be available. The program provides stipends based on the certified academic institution salary for faculty, as well as limited travel and housing assistance, if eligible, the release said.

Applications are open year-round, and appointments are made throughout the year with flexible start and end dates, the press release said. [Read more…]

Spaghetti lunch on Sunday to raise money for Blossom Center for Childhood Excellence

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Blossom Center for Childhood Excellence Spaghetti & Meatballs Fundraiser Luncheon Feb 11 2018

An all-you-can-eat homemade Spaghetti & Meatballs Fundraiser Luncheon on Sunday will benefit Blossom Center for Childhood Excellence.

The luncheon is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, February 11, in the Social Hall of the Oak Ridge Unitarian Universalist Church. The community is invited. Proceeds will benefit the Blossom Center for Childhood Excellence, a press release said.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 years and under. The all-you-can-eat meal includes spaghetti and meatballs, salad, bread, dessert, and a beverage. Take out will be available, the press release said. Tickets can be purchased at the door or by calling (865) 294-4133. [Read more…]

2018 Anderson County Ally of the Year announced

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2018 Anderson County Ally of the Year Pastor Wayne Phillips (Submitted photo)

2018 Anderson County Ally of the Year Pastor Wayne Phillips (Submitted photo)

Pastor Wayne Phillips and Main Street Baptist Church have been named 2018 Anderson County Ally of the Year by ASAP of Anderson County.

The Anderson County Ally of the Year Campaign has two goals. One is to increase awareness of the prevention efforts of ASAP of Anderson County, and the second is to raise funds to continue those efforts. In 2018, both goals were accomplished, a press release said.

Candidates Harold Edwards, Leslie England, Stanton Martin, Pastor Wayne Phillips, and Chief James Shetterly were nominated by community members to run for the title, the press release said. Each candidate conducted their own campaign, but they were united by the same goals. In the end, Phillips and Main Street Baptist Church took home the title.

Phillips and his wife have been involved throughout the year through activities such as hosting a participating in listening sessions around Anderson County with Mayor Terry Frank to discuss the current problems of drug misuse in the county and solutions to decrease these problems, the press release said. [Read more…]

Anderson County Schools to close Thursday, Friday

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Information from WYSH Radio in Clinton

Note: This story was updated at 10:55 a.m. Feb. 8.

On Tuesday, Anderson County Director of Schools Tim Parrott announced that the system will be closed on Thursday, February 8, and Friday, February 9, because of widespread illness among students and staff members. One of those days will be made up on Monday, April 2, which had been scheduled to be an in-service day for teachers.

Asked after the announcement why schools would be open today (Wednesday, February 7) when officials already knew they would be out the following two days, Parrott in an email said “there is always a chance that both student and teacher attendance will improve (on Wednesday). The leadership team met and decided that it would be best to close school Thursday and Friday. This will give extra time for the students to get well and to clean and disinfect the schools.” [Read more…]

Steve Reddick is Oak Ridge Schools’ Teacher of the Year

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Steve Reddick

Steve Reddick

 

Steve Reddick has been named Teacher of the Year for Oak Ridge Schools.

Reddick is an eighth-grade American history teacher. He has been teaching at Jefferson Middle school for 34 years.

“He believes there is no more relevant or exciting subject to teach, as students are ‘citizens in training,’ who will one day vote, pay taxes, serve our country, and be part of our local, national, and global communities,” a press release said. “Steve notes that democracy requires ‘lots of practice’ and engaged citizens who embrace their civic responsibilities with discernment, reflection, and a seriousness of purpose. He utilizes print and electronic resources to develop his students’ reading, writing, thinking, and discussion skills, as well as the “habits of mind” that they will need to become active, engaged citizens. Students compare differing points of view, weigh evidence, and discuss topics and historical interpretations respectfully.”

Reddick makes a point of framing these habits in both historical and contemporary contexts, the press release said. [Read more…]

Cole seeks re-election as Anderson County clerk

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Jeff Cole

Jeff Cole

 

Jeff Cole is seeking re-election as Anderson County clerk.

Cole has worked in the Anderson County Clerk’s office since 1989, and he has served as Anderson County clerk since 2002, a press release said.

Cole is a certified public administrator from the University of Tennessee, and he is a graduate of the University of Tennessee Local Government Leadership Program.  Cole was president of the County Clerks Association for the State of Tennessee, and he was chosen as County Clerk of the Year by all county clerks in the state of Tennessee in 2015, the press release said.

The County Clerk’s office is responsible for waiting on more than 120,000 customers a year, the press release said. The office receipts more than $7 million annually, and offers more than 15 different services to the citizens of Anderson County. [Read more…]

Lynch running for Anderson County Circuit Court clerk

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Rex Lynch

Rex Lynch

 

Former Anderson County Mayor Rex Lynch is running for Anderson County Circuit Court Clerk, opposing incumbent William Jones in the May 1 Republican Primary, a press release said.

Lynch, the county’s mayor from 1998 through 2010, has worked the past two years as a court security officer in Anderson County General Sessions Court Judge Don Layton’s courtroom, the press release said.

In the press release, Lynch said he thinks his stint as a court officer, along with his vast county government experience, would allow him to implement the significant changes necessary to make the Circuit Court work better for the citizens of Anderson County. Those changes would begin with an infusion of leadership to establish better public relations and customer service in the office, Lynch said.

Among the various organizations and committees that Lynch has served and led include: chairman of the Anderson County Development Corporation; member of Board of Directors for Anderson County Economic Development Association; CROET Board member; East Tennessee Economic Council Board member; board vice chair for East Tennessee Development District; board vice chair for East Tennessee Human Resource Agency; Cumberland Mountain RC&D Board member; Tennessee Association of Mayors Board member; member Alpha Lodge #376; member of Kerbela Shriners of Knoxville; Clinton Rotary Club; and member of Second Baptist Church in Clinton. [Read more…]