Oak Ridge Today

Extreme Classroom Makeover applications due Jan. 31

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The deadline to submit a video application is about one week away (it’s Jan. 31, 2023) in a contest that awards $25,000 to improve STEM education in public schools in the Oak Ridge region. (Photo by ORAU)

The deadline to submit a video application is about one week away in a contest that awards $25,000 to improve STEM education in public schools in the region.

ORAU’s Extreme Classroom Makeover is open to third-grade to 10th-grade math and science teachers in public schools within 50 miles of Oak Ridge. STEM stands for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

The $25,000 can be used for new equipment to update classrooms with new technology, ORAU said.

A runner-up will receive $5,000 in new equipment.

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ORCSGirls resumes in-person classes in Oak Ridge, Maryville

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Oak Ridge Computer Science Girls (ORCSGirls) will resume their free in-person coding classes for girls in grades 5-10. (Submitted photo)

Oak Ridge Computer Science Girls (ORCSGirls) is resuming their free in-person coding classes for girls in grades 5-10, a press release said.

In March 2020, all classes were switched to be virtual events in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In person classes resumed in January and are offered at Roane State Community College in Oak Ridge and at the Blount County Public Library in Maryville, the press release said.

All in-person events follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines to keep everyone safe, the press release said. ORCSGirls also continues to offer virtual sessions. Current classes and signup can be found at www.orcsgirls.org/classes.

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Read city manager’s retirement letter

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Mark Watson

This is a copy of the January 17 retirement letter from Oak Ridge City Manager Mark Watson to the seven Oak Ridge City Council members.

Since August of 2010, I have been proud to serve the City of Oak Ridge as its City Manager.

During that time, I have engaged the community in visionary changes that move the City toward a bright future creating economic vitality, jobs for our citizens, and a stronger quality of life for all.

Over the past twelve years, we have seen major changes and improvements to our internal organization and our external relationships with surrounding communities. This year, I was recognized for 45 years of public service by my profession. It is now time for me to announce my retirement. Serving in four states, eight cities, seven city manager positions and working for over 100 mayors and city council members, I believe it is time to begin the process of selecting a successor for Oak Ridge.

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Tickets on sale for Flatwater Storytelling Festival

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Rev. Robert B. Jones

The Flatwater Tales Storytelling Festival in June will feature three nationally acclaimed storytellers: Lyn Ford, Bil Lepp, and Rev. Robert B. Jones.

“Well-known to audiences throughout the country for their wit and wisdom, these three performers are guaranteed to make audiences laugh, cry, and reminisce,” a press release said.

The annual festival is scheduled June 2-3 at the Historic Grove Theater in Oak Ridge.

The storytellers will perform different stories at each show. Two special workshops will be offered preceding the performances.

Tickets are now on sale at Eventbrite or in person at the Ferrell Shop in Oak Ridge (cash or check only). You can take advantage of the Early Bird Special and get a discount when you buy tickets for both the afternoon and evening shows on Saturday, the press release said.

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Roane to Tech paves path for transfer students

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Cheyenne McAbee

A relatively new program called Roane to Tech allows students to transfer from Roane State Community College to Tennessee Tech University to complete their last two years of college, and it provides students additional opportunities, a press release said.

The program began in 2021, and it guarantees all Roane State graduates admission to Tech, the press release said. It also provides a smooth transition for those students. The transfer students are known as the Golden Raiders, a combination of Tech’s Golden Eagles and RSCC’s Raiders.

The average savings for those who participate in the program would be close to $6,000 per year for tuition, according to TTU Director of Admissions Frank Tittle.

“There are several benefits to the Roane to Tech program, such as a waived Tennessee Tech application fee, students have access to a university advisor, their degree plans are predefined, dual admission to tech, access to special events, and free Roane to Tech gear,” Tittle said.

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ORHS swim team undefeated in regular season

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Andrew Chou (Photo by Tara Kneiser, used with permission)

By Oak Ridge High School Swim Coach Chad Hodge

From Oak Ridge Wildcats Athletics

The Oak Ridge High School swim team finished the regular season undefeated by beating Lenoir City 199-120, Halls 165-90, Catholic 193-129, Webb 198-88, and Maryville 171-142.

Amazingly, the team did this without ever having their full team at a single swim meet.

The Wildcats will be back in action at the KISL City Championships on Saturday, January 28, at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville.

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Bird courtship to be discussed in UT Arboretum Society program

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Bird courtship will be discussed in a pre-recorded program of the University of Tennessee Arboretum Society in February.

“Bird courtship has begun!” a press release said. “Either from new partnerships being formed or existing pairs renewing their bonds, it is that time of year when birds are looking for a mate. Each species is slightly different with some feeding, some grooming and some snuggling. But can we call it love? Join us for this pre-recorded program to discuss bird courtship.”

Michelle Campanis, education coordinator at the University of Tennessee Arboretum, and naturalist Stephen Lyn Bales will discuss aspects of avian pair bonding in a pre-recorded program for February’s First Thursday Nature Supper Club, the press release said.

“This is one of our favorite and most requested programs!” the press release said.

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Library restrooms will be renovated

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The restrooms at the Oak Ridge Public Library will be renovated starting February 1.

The renovations are expected to be completed by June 1.

The renovations will result in increased accessibility under Americans with Disabilities Act, cleaner restrooms, and new fixtures, a press release said.

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Democratic Women’s Club to hear from AC Emergency Rescue Squad

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Representatives of the Anderson County Emergency Rescue Squad will be guest speakers when the Anderson County Democratic Women’s Club meets at 6 p.m. Monday, January 23, at Shoney’s Restaurant, 204 South Illinois Avenue in Oak Ridge.

Chief Terry Allen and Paula Daniel from the Rescue Squad will speak about the nonprofit, volunteer-run emergency response organization that serves Anderson County, a press release said. The Rescue Squad responds to a wide variety of emergency situations, including missing children, traffic accidents, water rescues, and high school training events. [Read more…]

You may hear Y-12 sirens when maintenance performed

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There will be maintenance work on the public warning siren system in Oak Ridge during the week of January 23, and people in the area might occasionally hear audio from individual sirens around the Y-12 National Security Complex.

The sirens are strategically placed to notify the public in the unlikely event of an on-site emergency that has impacts beyond the site boundary.

In case of an actual emergency on the Oak Ridge Reservation, sirens will sound simultaneously with the standard tone.

For more information about what to do in the event of an emergency visit the Y-12 website at www.y12.doe.gov/about/emergency-public-information.

With director search under way, Jeff Smith leads ORNL for now

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Jeff Smith

While UT-Battelle searches for a new director at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, it has appointed former chief operating officer Jeff Smith to serve as interim lab director.

Smith retired in April 2021. He had been ORNL’s chief operating officer when UT-Battelle began managing ORNL for the U.S. Department of Energy in 2000, and he served in the position until his retirement.

To help find the next lab director, UT-Battelle has hired executive search firm Russell Reynolds Associates.

The company will help find a successor to Thomas Zacharia, who retired at the end of 2022 after a 35-year career at ORNL, including five years as director.

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Learn Oak Ridge history at Jackson Square on Saturday

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A historical photo of Jackson Square in Oak Ridge. (Photo credit: U.S. Department of Energy/Ed Westcott)

You can learn about Oak Ridge history at Jackson Square on Saturday.

The free program is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. Saturday, January 14. It is organized by the Manhattan Project National Historical Park.

“Join a park ranger for a walk through Jackson Square,” the National Park Service said.

The program will begin in the upper parking lot of Jackson Square in front of the fountain.

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