Oak Ridge Today

Enjoy Mozart’s ‘Don Giovanni’ in concert on Saturday

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Cast for Don Giovanni Concert—Top row from left to right: Tyler Padgett, Paul Bryson, Ryan Colbert, and Joshua Allen; Bottom row from left to right: April Hill, Harrison Cooke, Marya Barry, and Marcelo Urias (conductor). (Submitted photo)

Cast for Don Giovanni Concert—Top row from left to right: Tyler Padgett, Paul Bryson, Ryan Colbert, and Joshua Allen; Bottom row from left to right: April Hill, Harrison Cooke, Marya Barry, and Marcelo Urias (conductor). (Submitted photo)

 

On Saturday, the Oak Ridge Philharmonia will join with local operatic singers to present a free concert, consisting of the entire score from Mozart’s “Don Giovanni” opera.

“This is an excellent opportunity to enjoy all the music from this famous opera, without scheduling a trip to the Metropolitan Opera in New York City,” a press release said.

The featured singers, under the direction of Ryan Colbert, are Tyler Padgett (Don Giovanni), Paul Bryson (Leporello), Ryan Colbert (Donna Anna), Joshua Allen (Don Ottavio), April Hill (Donna Elvira), Harrison Cooke (Commendatore/Masetto), and Marya Barry (Zerlina). The orchestra and singers will be conducted by Marcelo Urias.

In the late 1700s, there was high demand in Prague for comic operas dealing with philanderers, such as the fictional Don Juan, a Spanish legend.  Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791) seized upon that opportunity, and joined forces with librettist Lorenzo Da Ponte (1749-1838) to compose “Don Giovanni,” which premiered in Prague in 1787, the press release said. The plot is loosely based upon the Don Juan tale. [Read more…]

First United Methodist Church mission team kicked off Christmas Tree sale on Friday, Nov. 24

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Submitted photo

Submitted photo

 

The First United Methodist Church of Oak Ridge mission team kicked off its Christmas Tree sale on Friday, November 24.

For almost 60 years, First Church and other local Methodist churches have sold Christmas trees to benefit local, regional, and international missions, a press release said.

“This year is no different, with sales going to benefit mission work in Puerto Rico and Honduras, recovery efforts in Florida and Texas, and disaster relief kit distribution centers in Louisiana,” the press release said. [Read more…]

Youth Advisory Board drops off donated toys at Holiday Bureau

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The Oak Ridge Youth Advisory Board, which has purchased new items at a local retailer with funds raised at board events, made a special delivery at the Holiday Bureau of Anderson County on Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2017, dropping off an estimated $1,200 worth of toys just in time for Christmas. (Photo courtesy City of Oak Ridge)

The Oak Ridge Youth Advisory Board, which has purchased new items at a local retailer with funds raised at board events, made a special delivery at the Holiday Bureau of Anderson County on Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2017, dropping off an estimated $1,200 worth of toys just in time for Christmas. (Photo courtesy City of Oak Ridge)

 

On Wednesday, the City of Oak Ridge Youth Advisory Board made a special delivery at the Holiday Bureau of Anderson County, dropping off an estimated $1,200 worth of toys just in time for Christmas.

The YAB, made up of 16 Oak Ridge High School students, purchased new items at a local retailer with funds raised at other board events, a press release said. Items purchased include toys for all ages, as well as bicycles, clothing, and sports equipment. The items will soon be distributed to low-income families in Oak Ridge and Anderson County for the holidays, the press release said.

“This generation of young people want to make a real difference in the world and I’m proud to be able to work with them,” YAB City Staff Liaison Matt Reedy said. “YAB members voted unanimously to give back to kids who are less fortunate. Most of the money supporting this project was raised by students at the Children’s Halloween Party, a city event at which they also volunteer.”

After delivering and helping sort through the donated items at the Holiday Bureau’s warehouse on Emory Valley Road, the students took a tour of the facility to learn more about the nonprofit’s mission and other ways they can help. [Read more…]

Manhattan Project Public Program: Secrecy, Security & Spies on Saturday

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The Oak Ridge Turnpike Gatehouse is pictured above on the west end of town. (Submitted photo)

The Oak Ridge Turnpike Gatehouse is pictured above on the west end of town. (Submitted photo)

 

A program presented by the Manhattan Project National Historical Park on Saturday will give visitors some insight to what life was like in Oak Ridge during the Manhattan Project with all the security, the need for secrecy, and the worry of spies, a press release said.

The program is scheduled from 3:30-4:30 p.m. Saturday, December 2, at the Turnpike Gatehouse. It is free and open to the public. Parking is limited, so please try to carpool if possible, the press release said.

The nearby trails will be closed due to the December hunting schedule.

The Gatehouse is located at 2900 Oak Ridge Turnpike. Visitors can access the Turnpike Gatehouse from Oak Ridge by following the Oak Ridge Turnpike west as if you are leaving town. Parking will be next to the Gatehouse on the north side of the road. [Read more…]

ORHS automotive students have 1st place, 2nd place finishes in Top Wrench Competition

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Static Engine Team: Jack Borchers, Brian Dittner, Matthew Thompson, Matthew Powers, and Brooke Bigi (Photo by Oak Ridge Schools)

Static Engine Team: Jack Borchers, Brian Dittner, Matthew Thompson, Matthew Powers, and Brooke Bigi (Submitted photo)

 

On Friday, October 27, the Automotive Maintenance and Light Repair classes from Oak Ridge High School competed for the second time in the Top Wrench competition at McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base. The students had their first experience in this competition in April 2017.

Now in its 27th year, Top Wrench Competition hosts 17 area schools, including more than 600 instructors, students, and other attendees.

Oak Ridge students entered the following competitive events: Static Engine Challenge, Pit Crew Challenge, and Computer Control Car Challenge. ORHS teams placed as follows:

  • First place in the Static Engine Challenge with a time of two minutes,
  • Second place in the Computer Control Car Challenge with a time of one minute and thirty seconds, and
  • Fourteenth place in the Pit Crew Challenge with a time of thirty-two and forty-five one hundredths seconds.

Besting 17 schools to take first place in the Static Engine Challenge (repairing an ailing 427 Chevrolet engine to running status), the team completed the task in two minutes even. (The next closest time was 2:45.) [Read more…]

Roane State to add men’s and women’s golf teams for fall 2018

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Chris Griffin, who was a member of the Roane State golf team when he was a student in the late 1970s, has volunteered to coach a revived squad, which he intends to compete in collegiate tournaments beginning in the fall of 2018. (Photo by Roane State)

Chris Griffin, who was a member of the Roane State golf team when he was a student in the late 1970s, has volunteered to coach a revived squad, which he intends to compete in collegiate tournaments beginning in the fall of 2018. (Photo by Roane State)

 

By Bob Fowler, Roane State staff writer

A Roane State alumnus with fond memories of his days on the college’s golf team wants to make those experiences available to current students as well as those who enroll at Roane State in the future.

Chris Griffin of Oak Ridge has volunteered to be the coach of a revived men’s golf squad and to also launch the college’s first-ever team of women golfers.

Current high school golfers and Roane State freshmen will be invited to try out for the squads—composed of between five and seven members each—and Griffin said plans are for competition tourneys to begin in the fall of 2018. [Read more…]

Clinton police recover several items possibly taken from area storage sheds, rental units

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Clinton Police Department Property Recovered Nov 29 2017

The Clinton Police Department this week said that it has recently recovered several items believed to have been taken from storage sheds or possibly from rental storage units in the area.

“We are urging residents to check storage buildings for missing items,” the CPD said. “If you find you have been the victim of thieves…contact your local law enforcement agency. They can arrange for you to look through our recovered property and identify items that may have been taken from your building. Keep in mind the recovered items do not include guns, lawn and garden equipment, or tools.”

But the CPD asks you to call your local police or sheriff’s department first.

For more information, call CPD Lieutenant Carl Bailey at (865) 259-1206.

Clinton police ask for help identifying robbery suspect

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Surveillance camera footage from a Git N Go robbery on South Charles G. Seivers Boulevard in Clinton on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2017. (Clinton Police Department on Facebook)

Surveillance camera footage from a Git N Go robbery on South Charles G. Seivers Boulevard in Clinton on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2017. (Clinton Police Department on Facebook)

 

An armed robbery was reported early Thursday at a Git’ N Go Market in Clinton, authorities said.

The robbery was reported at about 2 a.m. Thursday, November 30, at 501 South Charles G. Seivers Boulevard, according to the Clinton Police Department. The gas station and convenience store are just southwest of downtown Clinton, near Food City.

The CPD said a white man entered the store, held the clerk at gunpoint, and stole a small amount of money from the cash register. [Read more…]

Children’s Museum Gala will be a celestial celebration on Friday, Dec. 1

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Children's Museum of Oak Ridge Starry CMOR Night Dec 1 2017

Guests will experience a “Starry CMOR Night” at the 16th annual Gala benefitting the Children’s Museum of Oak Ridge. The celestial celebration of children, the arts, and science will be from 6-10 p.m. Friday, December 1, at the Museum, which is at 461 West Outer Drive in Oak Ridge.

The Gala evening will feature entertainment by local youth, fine dining, and auctions, a press release said. With science and the arts among the themes of exhibits and classes at the Children’s Museum, as well as the Gala theme, those attending are invited to dress as their favorite scientist or artist, or to come in semi-formal attire.

David Fields, director of the Tamke-Allan Observatory at Roane State Community College, will present a “Starry Nights” chat that evening, the press release said.

Entertainers will include the Oak Ridge High School String Quartet, the Oak Ridge Academy of Dance, and harpist Amy Carty. [Read more…]

AC’s Gillum is Region 2-4A Coach of the Year; Martin is Region MVP

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Anderson County Mavericks Coach Davey Gillum is pictured above with members of the football team in this Facebook profile photo.

Anderson County Mavericks Coach Davey Gillum is pictured above with members of the football team in this Facebook profile photo.

 

Information from WYSH Radio

Anderson County Mavericks Coach Davey Gillum was recognized as Coach of the Year in Region 2-4A, and junior quarterback Stanton Martin was named Most Valuable Player in the Region for 2017. The Offensive Assistant Coach of the Year was Anderson County Offensive Coordinator Sean Jesse.

The Kicker of the Year award in the 2017 All Region 2-4A Team went to Anderson County’s Clayton Utley, while Thomas Roberts and Trey Noe shared Offensive Lineman of the Year honors.

Making the All-Region First Team were linebacker Ryan Moog, running back and linebacker Mason Phillips, linebacker Marquise Gallaher, wide receiver and cornerback Dalton Wilson, wide receiver Michael Carroll, linebacker Andrew Hatmaker, safety Chris Powell, offensive lineman Anthony Barbera, offensive lineman Blake Chapman, and cornerback Austin Elliott. [Read more…]

Two fires under investigation in Anderson County

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Information from WYSH Radio

Two fires last week in Anderson County are under investigation.

Just before 5 a.m. on Wednesday, November 22, Anderson County Sheriff’s Department deputies responded to the scene of a house fire on Lower Briceville Road. Deputy Josh Bunch arrived on the scene and spoke with the man who had called 911, who told them he had been arriving home from work at around 4:45 a.m. when he heard what he called an “explosion” and saw the house at 412 Lower Briceville Road on fire.

A neighbor told Deputy Bunch that he had seen the flames but had not heard any explosion before the fire. That neighbor’s home did suffer damage to its siding from the heato of the blaze.

The Clinton Utilities Board told deputies that the electricity to that home had been disconnected about a week before the fire. [Read more…]

Holiday Market is Saturday in Jackson Square

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The Holiday Market is in Jackson Square on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2017, from 12-6 p.m., and vendors, music, great food, and Santa will be in the Square. This is a fundraiser for the United Way of Anderson County. (Submitted photo)

The Holiday Market is in Jackson Square on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2017, from 12-6 p.m., and vendors, music, great food, and Santa Paws will be in the Square. This is a fundraiser for the United Way of Anderson County. (Submitted photo)

 

The annual Holiday Market will be in Jackson Square on Saturday, December 2. It’s scheduled from 12-6 p.m. Vendors, music, great food, and Santa Paws will be there, a press release said.

“During this market, there will be a picture opportunity with the magical Santa Paws, for all your furry friends to enjoy!” a press release said. “There will also be a puppy parade with a prize for the best dressed or best cart (for our smaller furry friends). The market will also feature last-minute gift shopping from local crafters, live music all day from choirs and trios, activities for the whole family, and a tree lighting to end the evening! Come out and support your community while having a blast doing it.”

This is a fundraiser for the United Way of Anderson County, which provides services and funds to those in need in the area. Admission is free, and the portion of the proceeds from the day’s activities that will benefit United Way will help support more than 36 local nonprofit programs in the community, the press release said. [Read more…]