Oak Ridge Today

Online classes offered for lifelong learners

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In a recent Friday lecture offered on Zoom by ORICL, Lane Warmbrod, a researcher at Johns Hopkins University with an Oak Ridge relative, spoke on “Advances in Life Sciences and their Implications for Biosecurity and Arms Control.” She mentioned untrue conspiracy theories about the COVID-19 virus. (Submitted photo)

 

For 21 different courses offered this fall by the Oak Ridge Institute for Continued Learning (ORICL), you don’t have to get dressed and drive to Roane State Community College’s Oak Ridge Branch Campus. All you have to do is open your email to the message about the class you registered for and click on the Zoom videoconferencing link. In less than two minutes, you will be admitted to the class.

On your computer screen, you will see yourself, your fellow classmates, and your instructor, who will speak, show Power Point slides., and offer you a chance to ask questions—all from the comfort and convenience of your home.

At least one of the classes—the Friday morning lecture series—will offer talks not only by local instructors but also by speakers from other cities and states. [Read more…]

Radiation Emergency Assistance Center/Training Site launches new app for a variety of resources on the go

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Oak Ridge, Tenn.—REAC/TS launched its new RadMed app, providing a wide range of resources on the medical management of radiation incidents that can be downloaded free on mobile devices and utilized while on the go.

“The REAC/TS RadMed app offers healthcare professionals, emergency responders and planners, public health professionals and health physicists easy access to essential medical information and resources when dealing with a radiation incident,” said REAC/TS Director Carol Iddins. “We created the RadMed app with our target audiences in mind to provide easy access to the resources they need.”

The REAC/TS RadMed app provides numerous resources, including an updated eGuide version of The Medical Aspects of Radiation Incidents and a platform to remain engaged, connected and informed about upcoming REAC/TS events.

Visit https://orise.orau.gov/resources/reacts/radmed-app.html to learn more about the RadMed app, and download it for free by searching for REAC/TS RadMed in the Apple and Android app stores.

About REAC/TS
REAC/TS is an Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education facility managed by ORAU for the U.S. Department of Energy with the mission to strengthen the medical response to radiological and nuclear incidents. REAC/TS provides 24/7 medical support and deployment to provide emergency medical consultation for incidents involving radioactive materials and ionizing radiation worldwide. REAC/TS also conducts ongoing research into the biological effects of radiation and provides continuing medical education for healthcare providers, other professionals and students. For more information, visit https://orise.orau.gov/reacts/

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

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Dirtlab mountain bike park opens in Oak Ridge

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Dirtlab, a mountain bike park and pump track at Haw Ridge Park, opened Friday, Oct. 9, 2020, in Oak Ridge. (Submitted photo/Explore Oak Ridge)

The Clinch Valley Trail Alliance opened the new Dirtlab mountain bike park on Friday.

The Friday celebration included a ribbon cutting and an expression of appreciation for volunteers who worked on the project. The mountain bike park and pump track was built over the past year with volunteer effort from the community, a press release said.

Brad Spears, president of the Clinch Valley Trail Alliance, said the community, city of Oak Ridge, and the backing of local businesses helped build the park as they stretched resources as far as possible after construction began in fall 2019.

“Every feature, the kiosk, the bench, the pavilion, the pump track…was built by a volunteer,” Spears said in the press release. The undulating pump track unveiled Friday complements the existing mountain bike park at the 780-acre Haw Ridge Park. The park is off Edgemoor Road along the Clinch River in east Oak Ridge and a short drive from Knoxville.

[Read more…]

Drive-by campaign rally for Hammond is today

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Derrick Hammond

Friends of the Reverend Derrick Hammond, who is seeking re-election to Oak Ridge City Council, are hosting a drive-by campaign rally outdoors at Jackson Square from 1-3 p.m. today (Saturday, October 10).

Residents are invited to drive by to show their support for Hammond at the event, remaining in their cars to maintain social distance while observing health guidelines during the pandemic, a press release said. Supporters will have the opportunity to volunteer to sign post cards for Hammond, to request a yard sign, and to make a campaign contribution. Music will be provided by The Missing Goats as people drive by.

Hammond, who has served as pastor of Oak Valley Baptist Church since 2014, was appointed to City Council to fill a vacancy in 2018 and elected to the seat in a special election later that year. He is heavily engaged in community activities and organizations, and he has worked tirelessly to keep the faith and nonprofit communities informed about and engaged in community conversations, especially during the pandemic, the press release said. [Read more…]

Hammond seeks re-election to City Council

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Derrick Hammond

Reverend Derrick Hammond is seeking re-election to the Oak Ridge City Council in the November 3 municipal election. Hammond, who has served as pastor of Oak Valley Baptist Church since 2014, was appointed to fill a vacancy on the Oak Ridge City Council in 2018, and he was elected without opposition in a special election later that year.

Hammond has a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from Auburn University. He also completed the dual master’s degree program at Samford University, earning one master’s degree in divinity and another in business administration. In 2013, he received national accreditation as a certified church administrator by the National Association of Church Business Administration.

In addition to his pastoral duties, Hammond is heavily engaged in local and surrounding community affairs, a press release said. He serves as a board member of many local organizations, including the Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce, Oak Ridge Public Schools Foundation, Emory Valley Center, United Way of Anderson County, the Methodist Medical Center Advisory Board, and Maryville College Board of Church Visitors. He is also a member of the East Tennessee Economic Council and Oak Ridge Ministerial Association, an adjunct professor at Tennessee Technological University, and a faculty member of the Kettering Foundation’s Deliberative Dialogue Institute.

[Read more…]

Obituaries: Hetty Louise Karels & John (Jan) Herman van Eek

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Hetty Louise Karels van Eek and John (Jan) Herman van Eek (Submitted photos)

Oak Ridge: Hetty Louise Karels van Eek, age 88; John (Jan) Herman van Eek, age 90

Best friends and soulmates, Hetty passed away on December 31, 2019, and Jan passed away on April 6, 2020. Though they were separated the last few months with lengthy illnesses, they never stopped asking about one another. They were married on May 31, 1956, in The Hague, The Netherlands, and they would have celebrated 64 years of marriage on May 31, 2020.

Hetty was born in The Hague, The Netherlands, on March 7, 1931, to Willem and Catharina Karels. Jan was born in Rotterdam, The Netherlands, on January 9, 1930, to Herman and Petronella van Eek.

They grew up in The Netherlands and survived World War II. They immigrated to the United States in 1960. One of their proudest moments was becoming American citizens in 1967 and being able to both have careers. Jan retired from Y-12 and Hetty retired from EG&G Ortec, both after several years of employment.

[Read more…]

Mark Ervin named associate director of REAC/TS

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OAK RIDGE, Tenn.— Dr. Mark Ervin has been named associate director of the Radiation Emergency Assistance Center/Training Site located in Oak Ridge, Tenn.

Ervin retired in 2020 as a colonel in the U.S. Air Force where he held numerous leadership and medical positions during his 25-plus year military career, including command surgeon, chief of clinical services and chief of operational medicine.

In his new position at REAC/TS, Ervin will provide management and medical leadership, participate in all aspects of emergency response planning, and manage all professional and technical activities of radiation emergency management at REAC/TS.

“We are thrilled to have someone with Dr. Ervin’s extensive background and proven track record joining REAC/TS,” said REAC/TS Director Carol Iddins. “Both his medical and leadership experience will help REAC/TS continue to serve as a world-renowned, U.S. Department of Energy asset and a leader in emergency medical response to radiological/nuclear incidents, providing emergency response and subject matter expertise on the medical management of radiation incidents for the National Nuclear Security Administration.”

Prior to joining REAC/TS, Ervin was responsible for oversight of 43 U.S. Air Force units that modernize and innovate advanced resuscitative, surgical and critical care wartime solutions for casualty and evacuation care from the point of injury on the battlefield to the care at U.S.-based military medical centers. He also was an Air Force subject matter expert on advancing autonomous patient care, evacuation on unmanned vehicles and severe-injury surgical teams supporting special operations. As a general surgeon, Ervin provided inpatient and outpatient surgical care at Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center and Brook Army Medical Center.

Ervin’s leadership and clinical experience comprise several headquarters positions in the Air Force and at U.S. European Command and Department of Defense Medical Centers, including a chief position at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany, where he participated in frequent flight missions in Europe and the Middle East, evacuating critically injured casualties.

He also is a founding member of the Air Force Special Operations Surgical and Critical Care Evacuation Teams and has received numerous military awards, decorations and other achievements.

Ervin holds a bachelor degree from Duke University and a doctor of medicine degree from Emory University School of Medicine. He completed his general surgery residency from Wilford Hall Medical Center at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas.

About REAC/TS
REAC/TS is an Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education facility managed by ORAU for the U.S. Department of Energy with the mission to strengthen the medical response to radiological and nuclear incidents. REAC/TS provides 24/7 medical support and deployment to provide emergency medical consultation for incidents involving radioactive materials and ionizing radiation worldwide. REAC/TS also conducts ongoing research into the biological effects of radiation and provides continuing medical education for healthcare providers, other professionals and students. For more information, visit https://orise.orau.gov/reacts/

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
Like us on Facebook: ORISE Facebook
Follow us on Twitter: ORISE Twitter
Connect with us on LinkedIn: ORISE LinkedIn
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oriseconnect/
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UT professor to discuss impact of COVID-19 on ecology, evolution

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Nina Fefferman

A University of Tennessee professor will discuss the effects of COVID-19 on ecology and evolution during an online presentation on Tuesday.

Nina Fefferman will be the speaker at the League of Women Voters event. Fefferman is a professor in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and the Department of Mathematics at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville.

Fefferman is the associate director of UT’s One Health Initiative, and she is a member of the Covid-19 Outbreak Response Experts (CORE-19) at UT.

The principle investigator at the Fefferman Lab at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville since 2008, Fefferman focuses on disease in the human population and how disease and disease-related behavioral ecology can affect the short-term survival and long-term evolutionary success of a population during and after a pandemic, a press release said. She has done extensive work with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on pandemic preparedness and has drawn on her expertise to develop models to shape policy to keep populations safe during and after pandemics.

[Read more…]

Veterans Day Parade canceled due to COVID-19

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This year’s Veterans Day Parade in Anderson County has been canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The decision to cancel the annual parade because of uncertainties related to the pandemic was made by the Clinton American Legion Post #172, in partnership with The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #12051, AMVETS Post #2, and Disabled American Veterans Chapter 26, a press release said.

“With the COVID-19 concerns and issues throughout the county and within the schools, the American Legion membership felt, ‘due to safety of spectators and participants alike,’ it is best to forego the parade this year and plan for a bigger and better parade in 2021,” the press release said.

While this year’s parade has been canceled, discussions are under way to develop a program to celebrate Veterans Day and follow proper social-distancing restrictions and guidelines, the release said.

[Read more…]

Children’s Halloween Party will be drive-through this year

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Submitted

The Children’s Halloween Party hosted by the Oak Ridge Recreation and Parks Department will be a drive-through event this year.

The Children’s Halloween Party (Halloween Hollow) is scheduled from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, October 29. It will begin at the field on the west side of Alvin K. Bissell Park and end at the parking area on the west side of the Oak Ridge Civic Center.

It’s a drive-through event because of COVID-19.

“Event participants will be able to enjoy Halloween scenes and pick up pre-ordered T-shirts, and children four years old to 4th grade will receive treats,” a press release said.

Employees and volunteers will sanitize frequently and be required to wear masks or face coverings when approaching a car and when within six feet of another person, the press release said. Any participants who want to come in to view the spooky scenes and receive treats will also be required to wear masks or face coverings, the release said.

[Read more…]

Oak Ridge Chamber selects new president/CEO

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Christine Michaels

The Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors has selected Christine Michaels as the new president and chief executive officer of the organization.

Michaels replaces Parker Hardy, who retired this summer after a 24-year career at the Chamber.

As president/CEO, Michaels will be responsible for advancing the business interests in the community and serving the membership in the areas of leadership growth, residential growth, advocacy, economic growth, and community alignment, a press release said.

Michaels comes to the Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce from within the chamber of commerce industry as president and CEO of the Greater Fayetteville Chamber in Fayetteville, North Carolina. While at the 700-member Greater Fayetteville Chamber, Michaels introduced new entrepreneurship opportunities for exiting military personnel and served on several task forces for city development, including as a member of the Metropolitan Planning Organization advisory committee. During her tenure, she increased member retention by 15 percent, supervised a staff of five employees, and managed a $700,000 budget.

[Read more…]

Nine Lakes Winemaker’s Market is Saturday, precautions in place

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Bottles of Tennessee wine not found in stores will be for sale at the Nine Lakes Winemaker’s Market at Melton Lake Park in Oak Ridge on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2020. (Photo courtesy Nine Lakes Wine Festival)

The fourth annual Nine Lakes Wine Festival has been converted to a safer, spread out, open-air “Winemaker’s Market” on Saturday, September 12, a press release said. The festival is scheduled from 3 to 7 p.m. Saturday at Melton Lake Park in Oak Ridge.

“All of our winemakers will be wearing masks, and we ask that the public does, too,” said event director Rebecca Williams. “They will be spread out in the park, with at least 10 feet between vendor tents, and we may have to limit ticket sales to allow for social distancing.”

The event will not offer wine samples to taste this year.

“The state will not allow it, and we agree it would not be a safe thing to do,” Williams said. “Instead, we’re offering a unique shopping event, sort of like a farmer’s market for wine. Tennessee wines are not generally sold in stores, so you really have to come to an event or drive out to a winery to find them.”

Thirteen local wineries will be represented at the event. General admission tickets are $10, and they benefit United Way of Anderson County. They include a wine tote and tasting glass to take home, the press release said.

[Read more…]