Oak Ridge Today

Honors: Tammy Sparks named May’s MMCer of the Month

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Tammy Sparks

Tammy Sparks

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Tammy Sparks, a licensed practical nurse and certified surgical technologist in the Family Birthing Center at Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge, has been named the MMCer of the Month for May.

In her duties, Sparks provides care for patients in the Family Birthing Center, assists physicians with c-section deliveries, and assists registered nurses in patient care as well as stocks and manages supplies for the Family Birthing Center and operating room. She has been with Methodist since 2010.

Sparks is described by Donna Hamby, director of Surgical Services, as “an asset to her patients, co-workers, physicians, Methodist Medical Center, and Covenant Health.”

Hamby continued, “She provides excellent patient care and has good clinical judgment and skill.”

The person who nominated Sparks said, “She is the most efficient and productive employee that I have ever had the pleasure of working with.” [Read more…]

Spotlight: SARG celebrates ‘first run’ of new van with shelter animals

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SARG Animal Shelter Van Group Photo

Pictured in photo from left to right are Row 1: Shirley Auble, Jan Baker, and Sara Walter; Row 2—Robin Biloski, Nicole Ferrara, and Kathy Kirkland; and Row 3— Jeannie Parker, and Julie Armes. Missing from the photo are Michelle Weaver Davis and Beverly Kay, transport coordinators. (Submitted photo)

 

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SARG celebrated the first run of its newly acquired van with supporters in May as it was filled with two dogs, six adult cats, and five kittens headed from the Oak Ridge Animal Shelter to their new forever homes in Indianapolis, Indiana.

The van was purchased using the last three years of proceeds from the Paw for Life Gala fundraiser that SARG has sponsored. SARG Vice President and Gala Chairwoman Sara Moore, and photographer of this event, was jubilant; “Raising the funds to buy this van and save all the lives of our unwanted dogs/cats in our community is the best feeling in the world. We thank all that have always supported SARG to share in this joyous occasion. We look forward to continuing our trips to communities who have homes for all our overflow of dogs and cats.”

If you would like to assist SARG in this endeavor or any others relating to their mission, contact Moore at poohbear214@comcast.net or Shirley Auble at shirsarg@comcast.net, or visit Shelter Animal Rescue Group on Facebook or visit the website at www.shelteranimalsrescue.org.

Spotlight: Karry on 4 Kids has new logo

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Karry on 4 Kids

James Dodson, Jefferson Middle School art teacher, left; Sheila Marczak; Jessica Ammendolia; and Naomi Asher, CASA executive director. (Submitted photo)

 

The Child Advocacy Center of Anderson County, CASA, and private therapist Sheila Marczak have teamed together in an effort to address a special need: Each year, more than 400 children in Anderson County are removed from their homes due to abuse and neglect. Many of these children do not have luggage (a carry-on or duffle bag), and they must carry their belongings in a garbage bag. This is humiliating to a child at a time when they are already so vulnerable.

The goal of Karry on 4 Kids is to provide each child in shelter and foster care with a brand new carry-on (duffle bag, etc.), so that they will never have to move from one location to another with their personal items in trash bags. These bags will be collected and stored at the Child Advocacy Center in Clinton to be distributed as necessary.

Recently, art contributions were requested from students at Jefferson Middle School for a logo. The winning student was eighth-grader Jessica Ammendolia.

An effort has been made with Oak Ridge and Anderson County schools to create an initial supply of bags. However, bags will be collected as an ongoing effort. Through the summertime, bags can be brought to Girls Inc., one of the CASA offices, or the CAC office.

Please email questions and concerns to KarryOn4Kids@gmail.com.

Spotlight: DOE, advisory board recognize service of student representatives

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Gracie Hall, Susan Cange, and Julia Riley

Susan Cange from the U.S. Department of Energy in Oak Ridge presents plaques of appreciation to Julia Riley, Hardin Valley Academy, left, and Gracie Hall, Oak Ridge High School, right, for their service as student representatives to the Oak Ridge Site Specific Advisory Board. (Submitted photo)

 

The Oak Ridge Site Specific Advisory Board and the U.S. Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge Office recognized outgoing student representatives Gracie Hall and Julia Riley at the April board meeting.

ORSSAB is a federally chartered citizens’ panel that provides recommendations to the DOE Oak Ridge Environmental Management Program, which is responsible for the cleanup of the Oak Ridge Reservation. Each year it provides seats for two non-voting student representatives from area high schools. In addition to participating at board meetings, students can be members of the board’s working committees.

“We appreciate the insight the student representatives provide during their tenure on the ORSSAB, so it’s always sad to see them leave when they complete their terms,” said Susan Cange, deputy assistant manager for the DOE Oak Ridge Environmental Management Program and the board’s deputy designated federal officer. “We are thankful to them for dedicating time during their busy senior year of high school to help provide valuable input in support of environmental cleanup in Oak Ridge.”

Gracie will graduate from Oak Ridge High School in May. For the last couple of years, she has been training in martial arts and has a blue-purple belt in Filkenjutsu. She plans to continue training and teaching various forms of martial arts.

Gracie also likes to sing and will be singing in her last Sound Company show in May. Sound Company is a local group of young singers and dancers.

She will be attending the University of Tennessee Knoxville this fall in the honors program with an undeclared major. She is considering environmental science or criminal justice. She does plan to minor in Spanish.

Julia will graduate from Hardin Valley Academy in May. During her senior year, she has been active as president of Hardin Valley’s Venture Crew. She has been involved in blood drives at Hardin Valley as assistant to one of her teachers who coordinates the drives.

Julia will attend Clemson University this fall in the honors program studying environmental science with a wildlife biology minor.

Two new students from Oak Ridge High School and Hardin Valley Academy will be seated in May.

For more information about ORSSAB, visit the board’s website at www.energy.gov/orssab or call (865) 241-4583 or (865) 241-4584.

Honors: Anderson County EMS recognizes EMT, paramedic, officer of year

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Nathan Sweet

Nathan Sweet

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Anderson County EMS is proud to present the annual awards for EMT-IV, paramedic, and officer of the year. Each year we receive nominations from peers, and supervisors alike in regards to each award. These awards are truly tough to decide, as there are so many deserving providers here at Anderson County EMS.

It is amazing to look at all of the worthy providers and see how blessed we are to have them here! Anderson County should know that they are in good hands with their EMS service, as the EMT-IVs, paramedics, and officers that serve them every day are top-notch and making a difference.

EMT-IV of the Year

Gage Whitman is a well-regarded EMT-IV among his peers and supervisors. His strong work ethic and commitment to excellence stand out. He always gives his personal best in his job. EMT-IV Whitman shows a genuine respect for all others, and exhibits outstanding customer service at all times. He is currently enrolled in the paramedic program at Roane State Community College and will undoubtedly make a great paramedic!

Paramedic of the Year

Keith Alred is truly deserving of this award for so many reasons. His performance is outstanding, and he is always willing to help others and the service wherever there is a need. His patience with students and new hires has brought him high praise from those who have had him as a preceptor. He has a lot of experience at many levels in EMS, and uses his knowledge and wisdom to make our service better. Paramedic Alred is a field training officer and also serves in other capacities on committees in our organization. [Read more…]

Spotlight: Norwood teacher part of state Innovative Educator Network

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Amy Gaskins

Amy Gaskins

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Amy Gaskins, a teacher at Norwood Elementary School, has been named a participant of the Tennessee Department of Education’s Innovative Educator Network.

The network will bring together high-performing educators eager to re-think the way they use their finite time, unique talents, and emerging technologies to transform the educational experiences and achievements of the students they serve. The network will expose participants to innovative approaches currently underway nationwide, guide them through a rigorous, hands-on design process, and facilitate connections with local and national leaders in order to plan, implement, and evaluate their ideas within classrooms.

Gaskins is one of 50 high-performing educators currently teaching in Tennessee public schools chosen to participate in the network. For her participation, Gaskins will receive a $2,500 innovation fund to purchase necessary technology for her fourth-grade classroom, and Norwood Elementary School will also receive a $7,500 grant to purchase necessary hardware and software to support the personalized learning model developed by the network.​

Honors: Anderson County FFA first in state for veterinary science career development

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Anderson County FFA State Winning Team

The state winning team from Anderson County FFA is pictured above. From left to right they are Advisor Philip Warfield, Allison Brown, Taylor Brown, Carlin Frost, and Brian Moore. (Submitted photo)

 

Headed to national convention in October

MARTIN—On May 10, 25 FFA chapters from all three regions competed in the State Veterinary Science Career Development Event, or CDE.

The state winner of the Veterinary Science CDE was the Anderson County FFA Chapter from East Tennessee. They will represent Tennessee at the National FFA Convention in October and compete against teams from across the nation for the national title.

The teams that participated completed a written exam that determined the team members’ broad understanding of the veterinary science field, and completed an identification round that consisted of equipment ID, parasite ID, and breed ID. Teams also participated in a math practicum that included conversions, dose calculations, dilutions, cost calculations, and invoices. The Top 10 teams then completed a team activity that consisted of completing a scenario to cure a horse of colic to determine the state winner. [Read more…]

Honors: Becky Cox named April’s MMCer of the Month

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Becky Cox

Becky Cox

Becky Cox, a registered nurse in the Post Anesthesia Recovery Unit, or PACU, at Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge, has been named the MMCer of the Month for April.

In her duties, Cox prepares patients for surgery as well as cares for their needs in the recovery room. She joined Methodist as a student nurse in 1979 and has been employed as an RN since 1981. Prior to working in the PACU, Cox worked in the Acute Care Unit and was one of the first two RNs to open Methodist’s Cath Lab in 1988.

Cox is described by Deborah Lively, nurse manager in the PACU at Methodist, as “dependable, committed, and someone who provides excellent care to each and every patient and family she comes in contact with.”

Lively continues by saying, “She is a team player and works well with all of her co-workers, surrounding departments, and physicians.” [Read more…]

Honors: Roane State dental hygiene students place second in state competition

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Roane State Dental Hygiene Students

Roane State dental hygiene students, from left, Bethany Brisson, Laci Carroll, and Jessica Swanger created an award-winning table display about the transfer of bacteria from parent/caregiver to child, resulting in tooth decay. (Submitted photo)

 

Three first-year Roane State Community College dental hygiene students recently won second place at the Tennessee Dental Hygiene Association, or TDHA, table clinic competition.

The students—Bethany Brisson (Maryville), Laci Carroll (Clinton), and Jessica Swanger (Kingston)—attended the TDHA’s annual conference in Franklin. Their research table clinic was about the transfer of bacteria from parent/caregiver to child, resulting in tooth decay. Their work was awarded second place in the competition.

The students competed against six other dental hygiene programs from Tennessee. [Read more…]

Honors: Three ORHS students, resident win writing awards

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Student Prose Abby Douglas and Lucas Potter

Pictured above are Abby Douglas and Lucas Potter. (Submitted photos)

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Three Oak Ridge High School students and longtime resident Wanda Ensor Grooms were honored in a writing contest held in conjunction with the Tennessee Mountain Writers annual conference in April. Contest winners in seven categories were announced and awards presented during the conference banquet.

In the Student Poetry category, Abby Douglas received first place recognition for “The Other Ten Percent,” and Emily Stansfield received third place for her poem, “The Enemy.” Douglas received second place in the Student Prose category for “Easier Than I Had Imagined.” Lucas Potter won third place in Student Prose for “Forever Friends.” [Read more…]

Spotlight: Biloski donates to Emory Valley Center

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Lauren Biloski and Emory Valley Center

Lauren Biloski, left, donates to Emory Valley Center. (Submitted photo)

Lauren Biloski recently donated to the Emory Valley Early Learning Center in Oak Ridge.

“Our children are our future and any way we can nurture their development is something I am committed to do,” Biloski said in a press release. “I know firsthand the important role the Early Learning Center plays in our community and am glad to support that.”

Terry Peek, director of the EVELC, accepted the donation. [Read more…]

Honors: Free Medical Clinic founder honored at surprise reception

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Free Medical Clinic Founder Honored

John Auxier, left, is welcomed by FMCOR Co-Medical Director Dr. Jim Michel at a surprise reception held in his honor. (Submitted photo)

 

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While the waiting room often gets crowed at the Free Medical Clinic of Oak Ridge (FMCOR), it was packed to capacity on a recent Sunday afternoon. People huddled together not to see a doctor, but to surprise the person whose efforts led to the clinic’s opening nearly four and a half years ago.

John and Mary Lou Auxier arrived at the clinic with John’s sister for a pre-arranged tour by Executive Director Teresa Brittain. Instead, John was surprised by more than 60 friends, colleagues, and clinic volunteers who gathered for a reception to honor him for turning his dream into a reality, a free clinic that provides basic medical care to the uninsured or to those who can’t afford to pay for medical care. Since opening, more than 3,500 residents of people who reside in Anderson, Roane, or Morgan counties have received care in more than 15,000 visits. [Read more…]