Oak Ridge Today

ORAU 2025 Pollard Scholarship recipients announced

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Oak Ridge, Tenn. — ORAU awarded five William G. Pollard Scholarships of $2,500 each toward undergraduate studies for the 2025-26 academic year. The recipients of this year’s scholarships include Courtney Collins, Brandon Dake, Caroline Ferguson, Kira Palau and Laura Scott.

Annually, ORAU awards these scholarships to employees’ children who display exceptional achievements in their high school or undergraduate studies. To be considered, applicants must submit official transcripts from all high schools and colleges attended, three references (at least two of which must be from teachers), and a 500-word essay describing their professional and personal interests.

Below are additional details on each of the 2025 winners:

Courtney Collins, daughter of Amy Collins, is a rising junior at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. She is studying finance with a concentration in real estate to become a real estate agent directly after graduating. On campus, Courtney is involved in the sorority Tri Delta and a prayer group, called 18:20. She is graduating in three years and has been recognized on the dean’s list every semester.

Brandon Dake, son of Melanie Dake, will be a freshman student-athlete at Johnson University while working to earn his degree in nursing with a double major in Bible and theology. He plans to become a flight nurse after graduation, then go back to school to become a certified registered nurse anesthetist or nurse anesthetist. During high school, Brandon volunteered with Special Olympics, where he worked with participants in various sports.

Caroline Ferguson, daughter of Michelle Ferguson, is a rising freshman at Ohio State University. Graduating Summa Cum Laude from Turpin High School, Caroline achieved an unweighted 4.0 GPA. She was vice president of the National Honor Society and participated in varsity soccer and the Quiz Team. Caroline volunteered as a TOP (The Outreach Program) soccer coach for children with disabilities, served on the 1N5 Youth Council for Suicide Prevention, and she was a camp counselor at her church for disadvantaged youth. Caroline is majoring in biochemistry within the honors program at OSU. She aspires to go to medical school and become a radiologist or cardiothoracic surgeon.

Kira Palau, daughter of Angela Palau, is a rising senior at the University of Colorado Boulder, studying chemical and biological engineering with a minor in leadership and biomedical engineering. She graduated from Oak Ridge High School in 2022. Kira has worked in a variety of research fields focused largely on environmental conservation, and she recently branched out into the field of material science. She has worked with the Clinch River Environmental Studies Organization evaluating the ecological health of local woodlands and wetlands, participated in a self-directed research project at the University of Glasgow looking at the effects of increasing soil salinity on plant growth as well as conducting genetic research on cyanobacteria in a laboratory. This summer, Kira has begun research on polymerization in a material science/chemical engineering laboratory, where she will be working on her senior thesis. As she pursues her newfound interest in material science, she hopes to combine her passions—working to merge materials and conservation to advance the field of green energy.

Laura Scott, daughter of Kimberly Scott, is a second-year student at Tennessee Tech University, majoring in education with a concentration in middle school math (grades 6–10). She is on track to graduate in May 2027. Laura is committed to her academic success and passionate about her future teaching career. She currently works part time for Oak Ridge Schools, where she has developed an even greater appreciation for public education.

The William G. Pollard Scholarship Awards are presented in honor of ORAU’s founder in recognition of his dedication to science and education. A University of Tennessee physics professor, Pollard founded the Oak Ridge Institute of Nuclear Studies—which later became ORAU—to link the valuable scientific resources developed in Oak Ridge as part of the Manhattan Project with regional universities.

ORAU integrates academia, government and industry to advance the nation’s learning, health and scientific knowledge to build a better world. Through our specialized teams of subject matter experts, decades of experience, and collaborations with our consortium of more than 160 major Ph.D.-granting institutions, ORAU is a recognized leader when the priorities of our federal, state, local, and commercial customers require innovative solutions. ORAU manages the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). ORAU is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation and government contractor. For more information, visit https://www.orau.org/.

SEE EMAIL TO JOHN FOR PHOTOS OF FIVE RECIPIENTS

Democratic Women’s Club Hosts State Rep. Sam McKenzie

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State Rep. Sam McKenzie will speak on the recent Tennessee General Assembly legislative session at the Monday, June 23, meeting of the Anderson County Democratic Women’s Club. The meeting begins at 5:30 p.m. at the 201 Café and Wine Bar, 201 Broadway Ave., Oak Ridge.

McKenzie represents District 15 in Knoxville and served as chairman of the Tennessee Black Caucus of State Legislators during the 113th General Assembly. A state representative since 2020, he serves on the Education Committee, Health Committee, Government Operations Committee, and the House Ethics Committee. He served on the Knox County Commission from 2008-2016.

Now a small business owner in Knoxville, he is retired after 34 years with Oak Ridge National Laboratory, where he was the Environment, Safety, Health and Quality Group Leader. He received his bachelor’s degree in physics from Fisk University and his master’s degree in physics from the University of Memphis. He is a graduate of Austin-East High School in Knoxville.

McKenzie serves on the board of directors of the ORNL Federal Credit Union and the Fisk University Board of Trustees.

Light refreshments will be served, and drinks may be purchased from the bar. For more information, email the Democratic Women’s Club at ac-democratic-women@outlook.com

Flatwater Tales Storytelling Festival Announces 2025 Storytellers

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The Flatwater Tales Storytelling Festival has announced the dates of this year’s events, featuring three nationally acclaimed storytellers for performances on June 6 and 7. The annual festival returns live to the Historic Grove Theater, 123 Randolph Road, Oak Ridge.

The storytellers are:

• Anne Shimojima, whose folk tales from around the world and historical stories enlighten, educate, and inspire audiences, appearing for the first time in Oak Ridge.
• The Rev. Robert B. Jones Sr., an inspirational storyteller who celebrates history, humor, and the power of American Roots music, returning to the festival by popular request.
• Bil Lepp, a Flatwater Festival crowd favorite and an award-winning storyteller, author, recording artist, and History Channel host, who spins humorous, family-friendly tall tales and stories.

Each show is unique, as these storytellers will perform different stories at each of the events, beginning at 7 p.m. Friday, June 6, and continuing with three more shows at 10 a.m., 2 p.m., and 7 p.m. Saturday, June 7. Most performances will be at the Historic Grove Theater, and free events will be at the Oak Ridge Senior Center and the American Museum of Science and Energy.

The festival was inspired by the International Storytelling Center in Jonesborough, Tenn., where all three of this year’s storytellers have appeared.

Tickets may be purchased online at https://events.humanitix.com/2025-flatwater-tales-storytelling-festival/tickets or at the Flatwater Tales web site, https://flatwatertales.com, or in person with cash or check at Calamity’s Coffee, 219 Jackson Square, Oak Ridge. Individual tickets for each of the four shows in which all three storytellers will perform are $15 for each show, or $45 for a ticket for all four shows for the cost of three.

Several free programs will be offered.

Bil Lepp will present a “Taste of the Tales” 10 a.m. June 6 at the Oak Ridge Senior Center, 1405 Oak Ridge Turnpike, for ages 18 and up, as a gift to residents from the Flatwater Tales Storytelling Festival and the City of Oak Ridge.

Anne Shimojima will share the history of her Japanese American family’s three generations of life in America since 1909, including the incarceration camp drama faced in the 1940s, with her story, “Looking Like the Enemy: An American WWII Story.” This free event at 3 pm. June 6 will be at the American Museum of Science and Energy, 115 E. Main St., Oak Ridge, presented by Flatwater Tales, AMSE, and the Oak Ridge Heritage and Preservation Association.

Oak Ridge Historian Ray Smith will once again offer his free Historic Tour of Oak Ridge for both visitors here for the festival and residents from 12:30-2:45 p.m. on June 6. Participants are asked to register for the free performances at the ticket site, as space is limited.

For more information, see the website, https://flatwatertales.com. The Flatwater Tales Storytelling Festival, which originated in 2018, is led by community volunteers, including volunteers from the three Rotary Clubs in Oak Ridge.

Laser-Engraved Bricks Will Line Walkway of New Chamber Headquarters

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As construction of the new Anderson County Chamber of Commerce headquarters gets closer to completion, the deadline is quickly approaching for businesses and individuals to order a laser-engraved brick for the pathway leading to the new Chamber building.

June 1 is the last day to order a brick to be placed near a sidewalk leading to the building’s entrance from the parking lot.

To purchase a brick, make an appointment at the Chamber office at 245 N. Main St., Clinton, by calling 865-457-2559, to talk with a staff member about ordering a brick. Orders may also be placed by going to the web site at www.fundraisingbrick.com/accoc/.

The bricks may display individual names, be placed to honor or to remember someone, or feature a company name or logo. Bricks may also display a favorite saying or quotation. Purchasing a brick will support the Chamber’s future and offer the opportunity to place your name or your company’s name permanently in downtown Clinton.

The admiral red bricks are available in two sizes, 4-by-8 inches for $125 and 8-by-8 inches for $300. The 8-by-8-inch brick with a logo is available for $500. An option is to combine four 8-by-8 bricks that can include a logo and text. A mini replica of the small brick may be ordered for $25 and of the larger brick for $35.

The Anderson County Chamber Foundation is leading the “Building a Better Future” capital campaign to build the new 7,700-square-foot headquarters at 107 East Washington Ave., Clinton, for the Anderson County Chamber. The one-story Chamber headquarters will include a diversified room with state-of-the-art technology for training and videoconferencing, available for Chamber board meetings and community gatherings.

To learn more about the Anderson County Chamber Foundation, visit the Foundation website at www.acccfoundation.org. For information about the Anderson County Chamber of Commerce, see the Chamber’s website at www.andersoncountychamber.org.

Photo Cutlines:
Individuals and companies can “leave a mark” with laser-engraved bricks that will line a walkway to the new Anderson County Chamber of Commerce headquarters in Clinton.

Democratic Women’s Club to Discuss Climate Change, Energy and Policy

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“Climate and Energy and Policy, Oh My” will be the topic at the April meeting of the Anderson County Democratic Women’s Club. The club will meet at 5:30 p.m. Monday, April 28, at the Clinton Community Center, 101 S. Hicks St., Clinton.

Dan Terpstra will draw from his years of research on this rapidly evolving topic to describe the history, current status and what can be done both locally and nationally to move forward on these issues.

Terpstra is a retired computer scientist who spent the last dozen years of his career working with supercomputers in the Innovative Computing Lab at the University of Tennessee.

He is a founding member of Third Act Tennessee, part of a national organization defending democracy and climate action. He has long been concerned about climate change and its impact on society.

Terpstra, of Oak Ridge, has taught several ORICL courses on climate and energy and related issues, and he has been leading an adult Sunday school class on climate and related justice issues for five years.

The club will serve pizza at 5:30 p.m., suggesting a donation of $5 for pizza. The program will begin at 6 p.m. For more information, send an email to ac-democratic-women@outlook.com.
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Estate Jewelry Show at Karen’s Jewelers Features Celebrity Jewelry

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A necklace owned by singer and actor Olivia Newton-John, along with a magazine cover featuring her wearing the pearls, will be among celebrity jewelry featured in an Estate Jewelry Show and Sale on Thursday, May 1, at Karen’s Jewelers in Oak Ridge.

Newton-John, remembered for her starring role in the 1978 musical hit “Grease” and her four Grammy awards, was featured on the 2008 cover of a magazine in the Sydney (Australia) Morning Herald wearing the triple-strand necklace with freshwater pearls in various shades of gray, white and tan.

With the necklace will be the color photo of her signed by her longtime photographer, Michelle Day, and a copy of the newspaper’s Good Weekend magazine, featuring the late singer and actor on the cover.

Cufflinks worn by Harry Belafonte, singer, actor, and civil rights activist who popularized the calypso style of music, will also be among jewelry previously owned by celebrities. Hundreds of pieces of jewelry, including bracelets, rings, earrings, brooches, pendants, and necklaces, will be shown from 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. May 1 at Karen’s Jewelers, 1120 Oak Ridge Turnpike, Oak Ridge.

The collection, including one-of-a-kind pieces of jewelry, will feature items previously owned by singers Madonna, Elvis Presley, Michael Jackson, and Janet Jackson; actors Bette Midler, Raquel Welch, Mary Pickford, Sammy Davis Jr., and James Garner; and television and radio journalist Barbara Walters, among others.

Jewelry is considered estate jewelry if it is previously owned, though not always from an estate, according to Jonathan Hart, owner of Karen’s Jewelers. Jewelry is considered antique if it is more than 100 years old. An estate jewelry expert will be at the store for the event.

“The show will feature estate jewelry ranging in price from $500 to more than $50,000. The jewelry will reflect the beauty and craftmanship of previous eras and include an array of precious and semi-precious gems, as well as platinum and a wide selection of colors and karats of gold,” Hart said.

Jewelry collected by celebrities in world travels, including historical treasures created by master craftsmen, will represent a range of styles from the Victorian, Art Nouveau, Belle Epoque, Edwardian, Art Deco, and Retro eras through the late 20th century at the event. Jewelry featuring gold, high-quality gemstones, diamonds, and pearls in designs from these periods will be on display.

For more information about the event, to request that a specific gem or jewelry from a specific period be available, or to request an appointment the day of the show and sale, contact Karen’s Jewelers at (865) 483-6717. Also, see the Karen’s Jewelers Facebook page and the website at www.karensjewelers.com.

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Photo Cutlines

Olivia Newton-John wore her three-strand pearl necklace in this 2008 magazine cover in the Sydney Morning Herald.

This pearl necklace previously owned by Olivia Newton-John is featured in an Estate Jewelry Show and Sale at Karen’s Jewelers.

Keri Cagle named new ORAU senior vice president and ORISE director

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OAK RIDGE, Tenn.— ORAU announced Keri Cagle, Ed.D., PMP, as the new ORAU senior vice president and director of the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), effective immediately. In her new role, Cagle will leverage her vast experience and strategic insight to enhance ORISE’s work in critical scientific research and health initiatives for the U.S. Department of Energy and its laboratory system.

Before her promotion, Cagle demonstrated exceptional leadership as the senior director of Scientific Peer Review for ORISE, where she directed the strategic operations of its multi-million-dollar scientific peer review program. Under her guidance, the program skillfully adapted to shifting landscapes, resulting in notable business expansion and enhanced performance.

“With an impressive 19-year tenure supporting the ORISE contract, Keri steps into her new role with an extensive background in program management, strategic planning and leadership within the scientific and educational sectors,” said Andy Page, president and CEO of ORAU. “Keri’s profound leadership abilities, coupled with her extensive experience in government contracting and strategic operations, make her an ideal fit for this position. Her visionary approach and dedication to fostering collaborative relationships have consistently propelled our programs to new heights. We are excited to see her lead ORISE into a promising future.”

Cagle holds a Doctor of Education in Leadership & Learning from Vanderbilt University, a Master of Science in Organization Leadership from Regis University and a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Tusculum College. Her professional certifications include Project Management Professional and Certified Agile Leader, highlighting her commitment to excellence and continuous improvement.

About ORISE

The Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education is a U.S. Department of Energy asset that is dedicated to enabling critical scientific, research and health initiatives of the department and its laboratory system by providing world-class expertise in STEM workforce development, scientific and technical reviews, and the evaluation of radiation exposure and environmental contamination. ORISE is managed by ORAU, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation and federal contractor, for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science.

The U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science is the single largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the United States and is working to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. For more information, visit https://energy.gov/science

Connect with ORISE:

ORISE Facebook
ORISE X
ORISE LinkedIn
ORISE Instagram
ORISE website: https://orise.orau.gov

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ORAU Annual Giving Campaign exceeds $100,000 goal+ORAU Annual Giving Campaign exceeds $100,000 goal More than $1 million raised in past 10 years benefits United Way and Community Shares Oak Ridge, Tenn. —ORAU exceeded its goal of raising $100,000 in donations as part of its internal annual giving campaign that benefits the United Way and Community Shares nonprofit organizations. ORAU has raised more than $1 million over the past 10 years through this campaign. A total of $126,839 was pledged during the 2024 ORAU Annual Giving Campaign. Employees donate via payroll deduction and could earmark their donation for United Way, Community Shares or both. “ORAU has remained a strong pillar in the community for more than 75 years, and we encourage our employees to consider participating in our annual giving campaign each year to help our less fortunate neighbors in need,” said ORAU President and CEO Andy Page. “Each one of our employees has the power to positively impact the lives of those who need help in the communities where we do business across the country and demonstrate the ORAU way – taking care of each other.” ORAU, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, provides science, health and workforce solutions that address national priorities and serve the public interest. Through our specialized teams of experts and access to a consortium of more than 150 major Ph.D.-granting institutions, ORAU works with federal, state, local and commercial customers to provide innovative scientific and technical solutions and help advance their missions. ORAU manages the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). Learn more about ORAU at www.orau.org. Learn more about ORAU at www.orau.org. Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OakRidgeAssociatedUniversities Follow us on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/orau Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/orau ###

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Oak Ridge, Tenn. —ORAU exceeded its goal of raising $100,000 in donations as part of its internal annual giving campaign that benefits the United Way and Community Shares nonprofit organizations. ORAU has raised more than $1 million over the past 10 years through this campaign. A total of $126,839 was pledged during the 2024 ORAU Annual Giving Campaign. Employees donate via payroll deduction and could earmark their donation for United Way, Community Shares or both.

“ORAU has remained a strong pillar in the community for more than 75 years, and we encourage our employees to consider participating in our annual giving campaign each year to help our less fortunate neighbors in need,” said ORAU President and CEO Andy Page. “Each one of our employees has the power to positively impact the lives of those who need help in the communities where we do business across the country and demonstrate the ORAU way – taking care of each other.”

ORAU, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, provides science, health and workforce solutions that address national priorities and serve the public interest. Through our specialized teams of experts and access to a consortium of more than 150 major Ph.D.-granting institutions, ORAU works with federal, state, local and commercial customers to provide innovative scientific and technical solutions and help advance their missions. ORAU manages the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). Learn more about ORAU at www.orau.org.
Learn more about ORAU at www.orau.org.
Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OakRidgeAssociatedUniversities
Follow us on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/orau
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/orau

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Children’s Museum Gala Celebrates the Rainforest

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Life in the Amazon Rainforest, covered by a canopy of trees and boasting a rich and biologically diverse environment of plants and animals, will be celebrated at the Children’s Museum of Oak Ridge Gala, with the theme “A Night in the Rainforest.”

Guests are invited to create costumes reflecting the rainforest theme. They will learn about the colorful hummingbirds that inhabit the rainforest during the Gala from 6-9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 22, during the evening featuring music, a live and silent auction, and dinner.

Guest speaker Stephen Lyn Bales, naturalist and author, will speak on “The Wonder of Hummingbirds,” focusing on those that inhabit tropical rainforests.

“What’s interesting about hummingbirds is there are over 330 species. More than half of those never really leave the tropics. They are either 10 degrees north of the equator or 10 degrees south,” Bales said. “In this country, six or eight species migrate up the California coast from Central America. On our side of America, only one species has found us – the ruby throated hummingbird.”

Those that migrate north in the spring are looking for “elbow room,” he explained. “They come north to find plenty of room to raise a family, without competition from other hummingbirds.” Bales was drawn to his profession – he was educator naturalist for Ijams Nature Center in Knoxville for 20 years before his retirement – after growing up in his own natural wonder.

“I’m from Gatlinburg. We lived a half-mile from the (Great Smoky Mountains) national park, back in the 1950s when it was all brand new, and I developed an interest in birds,” Bales explained. “Mother got a bird feeder and a little bird book and said, ‘We are going to learn our birds together.’

“I’ve basically always been a naturalist. I was one of those kids who would fall asleep reading a field guide,” Bales said.

The Gala evening will feature the Selma Shapiro Friend of the Child Award, which will honor Barry Stephenson, President and CEO of Materials and Chemistry Laboratory, Inc. (MCLinc).
Stephenson and the employee-owned company have been longtime friends and supporters of the Museum, contributing to improvements making the Museum accessible for strollers and for those with disabilities, and supporting the Gala over many years.

Heather Haley, WVLT-TV Chief Meteorologist, will emcee the Gala. Guest DJ Matt Sieger, whose day job is as a project director for Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s Oak Ridge Leadership Computing Facility, will spin music with a rainforest theme.

Bear Stephenson, of Stephenson Realty and Auction, will again donate his skills to lead the live auction. The live and silent auctions offer opportunities for holiday shopping, and auction items include a Disney Cinderella Carriage necklace from Karen’s Jewelers, a smoked brisket dinner served in the Museum’s Environmental Center, pottery by Bill Capshaw, and a smart bird feeder camera. Gala guests will enjoy dinner by Birdwell Catering.

The Museum’s Rainforest exhibit, featuring a simulated Amazon rainforest, complete with sound effects, a waterfall, a railed walkway, beautiful murals showing the many species of plants and animals, and an observation deck high in the forest canopy, will be open during the Gala.

The Gala, held at the Museum, 461 West Outer Dr., Oak Ridge, is the annual fund raiser for the Children’s Museum, providing critical support for the Museum’s mission of educating children of all ages through play and discovery. Gala sponsorships are available at levels ranging from $10,000 to $500 and come with complimentary tickets and other benefits.

Tickets to the Gala are $125 per person. A table for eight may be purchased for $800, a savings of $200. Tickets may be purchased at: https://event.gives/cmorgala2024. If you can’t attend, you may donate at http://bit.ly/givetocmor. Call Beth Shea at CMOR at (865) 482-1074 or email her at bshea@childrensmuseumofoakridge.org to learn more about Gala sponsorships or for more information.

Photos:
Naturalist Stephen Lyn Bales, here with a barred owl, will be guest speaker at the Children’s Museum Gala.

Bear Stephenson, of Stephenson Realty and Auction, entertains as he auctions items during the 2023 Gala.

Jim Sears joins ORAU as senior vice president

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Ridge, Tenn. — After an extensive military career, James (Jim) Sears joins ORAU as senior vice president. He will lead ORAU Government Services to integrate academia, government and industry in advancing the nation’s learning, health and scientific priorities. Sears will oversee a diverse portfolio of programs focused on public health, environmental science and emergency preparedness, guiding a large team to deliver innovative solutions that benefit the public.

Sears brings a distinguished 33-year career from the United States Air Force, where he served as a five-time commander and combat pilot. Among his notable commands, he led the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing in Afghanistan and the Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center. Nearly half of his career was dedicated to developing airmen as he served as an instructor pilot, commander and senior executive. Sears retired from the U.S. Air Force as the principal architect of a modernized approach to personnel education and training, incorporating learning engineering, modern technology and enhanced instructor development to better equip airmen throughout their careers. His dedication to service and innovative leadership have earned him numerous accolades and recognition for his contributions to national defense and security.

“Jim’s impressive leadership and strategic experience will ensure ORAU Government Services remains at the forefront of addressing critical national challenges with excellence, innovation, collaboration and integrity, driving the group’s success in meeting complex challenges with effective, evidence-based strategies,” said ORAU President and CEO Andy Page.

Sears is a U.S. Air Force Academy graduate. He holds master’s degrees in human resource development from Webster University and in strategy and campaign planning from the National Defense University.

ORAU, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, provides science, health and workforce solutions that address national priorities and serve the public interest. Through our specialized teams of experts and access to a consortium of more than 150 major Ph.D.-granting institutions, ORAU works with federal, state, local and commercial customers to provide innovative scientific and technical solutions and help advance their missions. ORAU manages the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). Learn more about ORAU at www.orau.org.

Connect with us:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OakRidgeAssociatedUniversities
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Oak Ridge Housing Authority Receives Funding Assistance of up to $51.8 Million For Renovating Public Housing and Building New Workforce Housing

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The Oak Ridge Housing Authority is preparing to renovate 128 existing public housing units and build 104 new affordable workforce rental units at a total development cost of $56 million, with the support of tax credits and tax-exempt bond awards announced today by the Tennessee Housing Development Agency.

The low-income housing tax credits and tax-exempt bonds will generate up to $51.8 million for the renovation and new construction developments throughout Oak Ridge, according to Maria Catron, ORHA Executive Director.

THDA representatives are joining ORHA and its development partner, Collaborative Housing Solutions, in making the announcement of funds that will help substantially rehab the 128 units scattered across the city and help build new rental housing in the Scarboro community.

The announcement is taking place at the Scarboro Community Center, 148 Carver Ave., Oak Ridge, adjacent to the 10-acre site where the 104 new housing units will be located.

ORHA is receiving a 4 percent tax credit, valued at $15.3 million, and $18.5 million in tax-exempt bonds to build 104 new units of workforce housing in Scarboro and to renovate 58 public housing units across the city on Apple Lane, Wade Lane, Knoll Lane and Honeysuckle Lane.

Another 9 percent tax credit award, valued at $18 million, will help renovate 70 units spread across four sites on LaSalle Road, Irene Lane, Van Hicks Road and Joel Lane. Having the sites scattered across the city reflects thoughtful public policy by the city to help create mixed income neighborhoods, preventing concentration of poverty in one location, Catron said.

“The work being done by Oak Ridge Housing Authority will transform and improve the city’s public housing, as well as provide much-needed affordable housing for low-income families and individuals,” said Ralph Perrey, THDA Executive Director. “THDA supports projects like this through our Affordable Housing Credits to help offset the costs of construction and ensure that affordable housing can be built that will make a positive impact on the communities where they are located.”

The redevelopment of these properties is a critical component of the city-wide master-planned “City Blueprint Plan,” adopted by Oak Ridge City Council in 2019, according to Richelle Patton, Collaborative Housing Solutions President. The Blueprint’s goals and action strategies focus on a cross-sector approach to improve the quality of life in the city, as well as to position itself for future population growth.

Among the Blueprint’s goals is developing strategies to restore the heritage of Legacy neighborhoods, and the new construction in Scarboro recognizes that community’s history as a segregated Black community during the 1940s in Oak Ridge and its place in history as sending the first 85 students from Scarboro School to integrate Oak Ridge schools in 1955, a first for the southeastern states.
ORHA worked collaboratively with Scarboro residents in planning the new rental units there.

The Blueprint’s goals also include expanding housing options by adding high-quality purchase and rental units attractive to young families and new hires, which the ORHA’s plans support. The Scarboro site will include 8 to 10 homeownership units.

Besides the tax credits, another change that makes the renovation of the 128 existing rental units feasible and affordable is a Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) grant program that allows housing authorities to address deferred maintenance and much needed improvements in public housing, according to Catron. The grant, from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, allows housing authorities to borrow money for repairs, rather than depending upon allocations from Congress.

“These buildings, built in the 1970s or early 1980s, have not had a substantial rehab in more than 50 years. We are looking at $75,000 to $85,000 per unit in rehab costs, which will include new kitchens, new baths, new appliances, new flooring, new HVAC units, new windows and façade improvements,” Catron said of the buildings where the 128 rental units are located.

“This public-private partnership allows us to not only address current needs, but also position ourselves to be able to address future needs in the housing market,” she said. The RAD program opens the developments to private partners who will invest in the tax credits and bonds.

The RAD program allows housing authorities to take over ownership of its rental units from HUD and, like private landlords, have the ability to take out loans and make repairs. With units under HUD ownership, rather than local ownership, the housing authority did not have the ability to get loans. The RAD program now treats housing authorities like private landlords, with HUD providing funding under the project-based Section 8 program.

Construction on the developments is expected to begin in early 2025. The new Scarboro units are expected to be completed by mid-2026 and occupied before the end of that year.

The Oak Ridge Housing Authority manages public housing units and aims to provide quality, affordable housing and foster self-sufficiency in the community.

The Tennessee Housing Development Agency is the state’s housing finance agency, promoting the production of more affordable new housing units and preservation and rehabilitation of existing housing units for very low-income, low-income and moderate-income individuals and families in the state.

Collaborative Housing Solutions is an Atlanta-based development firm specializing in creative problem solving to develop affordable rental housing.

Availability of the draft environmental assessment for off-site depleted uranium manufacturing (DOE/EA-2252)

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The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) announces the availability of a Draft Environmental Assessment (EA) for Off-Site Depleted Uranium Manufacturing, which analyzes the potential impacts associated with depleted uranium manufacturing at facilities located in Oak Ridge, Tennessee and Jonesborough, Tennessee.

NNSA invites the public to review and submit comments on the Draft EA. Copies of the document are available for public review on the NNSA NEPA web page (https://www.energy.gov/nnsa/nnsa-nepa-reading-room) and/or the DOE NEPA web page (https://www.energy.gov/nepa/public-comment-opportunities).

NNSA is providing an approximately 30-day comment period on the Draft EA and public comments should be submitted no later than August 30, 2024. Written comments may be mailed to NNSA NEPA Document Manager, Attn: DU Draft EA, P.O. Box 2050, Oak Ridge, TN 37831 or submitted by email to NEPA.Comments@npo.doe.gov. Comments will not be accepted over the telephone.