Oak Ridge Today

Community considers future of AMSE as Congress debates Manhattan Project park

Posted at
By Leave a Comment

David Moore and Mark Watson

During Thursday’s community meeting at AMSE, David Moore, left, said a few words about his background after being introduced by Oak Ridge City Manager Mark Watson, right. (Photos by Sara Wise)

 

The American Museum of Science and Energy Foundation teamed up with the City of Oak Ridge on Thursday to host the first of four community meetings meant to allow the community to have some input into the future of the museum, and how it might fit into the proposed Manhattan Project National Historical Park.

The first meeting was at the museum on Thursday night. It began with presentations that focused on providing information to help audience members make informed suggestions about the museum.

Oak Ridge National Laboratory Communication Director David Keim was among those who made presentations. He said that the museum attracted 71,500 visitors in 2013 and received $1.6 million in federal funding.

Keim explained why AMSE’s contract with Enterprise Advisory Services Inc. was allowed to run out June 30. [Read more…]

Children’s Clinic to donate helmets at Velo Classic bike race, wellness fest

Posted at
By Leave a Comment

Oak Ridge Velo Classic

Professional and top amateur males race in a previous Oak Ridge Velo Classic. (Photo submitted by Lou Rabinowitz)

The Children’s Clinic of Oak Ridge is donating more than 20 children’s bicycle helmets to be distributed at the seventh annual UCOR Oak Ridge Velo Classic Bicycle Racing Event and Wellness event this weekend.

The Wellness event is scheduled for Sunday, July 27, at the Horizon Center. It will feature a “Kids Bike Rodeo” that will emphasize safe bicycle handling and skills games for children age nine and under, a press release said. Helmets donated by the Children’s Clinic will be distributed to children who need one at no charge.

In addition, Roane State Community College is giving away a limited number of T-shirts to Kids Rodeo participants, and all children who participate and stay to watch the Pro/1/2/3 criterium race beginning at 1:30 p.m. will be entered to win one of two $50 gift cards donated by R&R Properties.

The Kids Rodeo is a “drop in” event. Parents can bring children anytime between the hours of 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.. A short “Kids Race” will take place on part of the criterium race course at Horizon Center immediately following the Kids Rodeo. Parents are encouraged to bring a camera to take pictures of children posing on the podium with Velo Classic competitors including 2014 Tennessee State Road Race Champions and 1996 Olympic Bicyclist Kent Bostic. [Read more…]

City, AMSE Foundation have community meeting on museum Thursday

Posted at
By Leave a Comment

AMSE Sign

The American Museum of Science and Energy is at 300 South Tulane Avenue in Oak Ridge. (Photo by Sara Wise)

The City of Oak Ridge and the American Museum of Science and Energy Foundation are sponsoring a community meeting on Thursday that will include discussions of ways to strengthen the museum as a community and regional asset and destination attraction.

The meeting will also include an information session on current museum operations and the role of the AMSE Foundation. New AMSE Director David Moore will be at the meeting.

The meeting is scheduled from 6-8 p.m. Thursday at the museum, which is at 300 South Tulane Avenue in Oak Ridge. Registration and light refreshments will be available beginning at 5:30 p.m., a press release said.

In a press release, Oak Ridge City Manager Mark Watson said it’s the right time to get the community involved in a dialogue about the museum. [Read more…]

Anderson County Fair ends today

Posted at
By Leave a Comment

Anderson County Fair Poster

An image from an Anderson County Fair poster from 2009.

The annual week-long Anderson County Fair in Clinton ends today (Saturday).

See the Anderson County Fair website for more information, including admission prices and a schedule.

What’s happening in Oak Ridge from July 18-23

Posted at
By Leave a Comment

Here is a summary of events happening in Oak Ridge from Friday, July 18, and continuing through July 23.

This weekly listing of events is compiled by the Oak Ridge Convention and Visitors Bureau: [Read more…]

After Dark movie ‘The Goonies’ moved to Civic Center due to rain, storms

Posted at
By Leave a Comment

The Goonies

Submitted

The location and time of the Oak Ridge After Dark event tonight has been changed due to rain and storms expected to remain in the region this evening. The event will now take place in the gymnasium of the Oak Ridge Civic Center, and the movie will start promptly at 7 p.m. No chairs can be brought into the facility, but blankets are allowed and the bleachers will also be available for seating.

“Although the weather poses a threat, we plan to keep the momentum of Oak Ridge After Dark going,” said Sam Jones, Oak Ridge After Dark coordinator. “The plan to host the event inside the Civic Center gym will ensure safety and comfort for all attendees. We hope a large crowd will come out to support the second installment of the series.”

The theme of tonight’s After Dark event is Pirate Night. Children are encouraged to dress as their favorite characters in conjunction with each theme. Themed characters will be on hand for photo opportunities. Visit the Historic Oak Ridge Facebook page or http://oakridgevisitor.com/2014/07/01/oak-ridge-after-dark/ for a complete list of scheduled films.

The After Dark series also includes a Comedy Night on Friday, August 8, followed by Hero Night on Friday, August 15. [Read more…]

New After Dark series continues with Pirate Night, ‘The Goonies’ on Friday

Posted at
By Leave a Comment

Oak Ridge After Dark

Note: This story was updated at 3:15 p.m. July 18.

Almost 1,000 people attended the first-ever After Dark event in Oak Ridge last week, and the summertime entertainment series continues again this week, with Pirate Night scheduled for Friday, July 18.

The movie, “The Goonies,” will be be shown indoors in the Oak Ridge Civic Center Gymnasium because of the rain. It’s expected to start around 7 to 7:30 p.m. The Civic Center is at– 1403 Oak Ridge Turnpike.

Call the Oak Ridge Convention and Visitors Bureau at (865) 482-7821 or visit the Historic Oak Ridge Facebook page for details or questions.

Children are encouraged to dress as their favorite character in conjunction with the movie, a press release said. Characters from the movie will be on hand for photo opportunities.

“So, bring your blankets to sit on the gymnasium floor or you can sit on the gymnasium bleachers,” the press release said. “Get out of the rain and enjoy a movie with your fellow Oak Ridgers!” [Read more…]

High Places Church has Summer Youth Camp at Big Ridge next week

Posted at
By Leave a Comment

High Places Community Church is having its Summer Youth Camp at Big Ridge State Park next week.

This week-long camp tradition has been going on for more than 30 years, providing a unique youth-oriented life experience that takes place in a natural outdoors setting, a press release said. The camp is for sixth- through 12th-grade youth, and this year’s theme is “Catching Fire.”

The camp runs from 11 a.m. Monday, July 21, to noon Saturday, July 26. [Read more…]

ASAP needs derby volunteers at AC Fair on July 18

Posted at
By Leave a Comment

Volunteers are needed at the Drive Drunk Get Nailed Demolition Derby at the Anderson County Fair on Friday, July 18.  The demolition derby starts at 7:30 p.m., and volunteers need to arrive by 6 p.m.

Allies for Substance Abuse Prevention—or ASAP—of Anderson County will shoot and toss ASAP T-shirts into the crowd during the event. If you can help, notify ASAP Prevention Coordinator Michael Foster by calling (865) 457-3007 by Wednesday, July 16, so they can get enough passes for all the volunteers.

State bill allows Anderson Commission to donate school buildings to EVC

Posted at
By Leave a Comment

Emory Valley Center Presentation

Tennessee Representative John Ragan, second from right, presents Janet Wood, Emory Valley Center development director, second from left, a copy of the bill supported by Ragan and Senator Randy McNally, right, and passed by the Tennessee General Assembly allowing the Anderson County Commission to donate the original red brick school buildings to Emory Valley Center. Also pictured at left is Emory Valley Center board member Bill Hevrdeys. (Submitted photo)

 

Submitted

A bill supported by Tennessee Representative John Ragan and Senator Randy McNally passed the Tennessee General Assembly allowing the Anderson County Commission to donate the original red brick school buildings to Emory Valley Center.

A copy of the bill was recently presented to Janet Wood, Emory Valley Center development director.

In 1958, a local group of parents raised money and built the first red school building for their children with disabilities who were not allowed in the public school system at the time. Plans are under way for a historical marker to be placed there recognizing the efforts of these parents.

Beat the heat with cool summer eats, help ADFAC

Posted at
By Leave a Comment

ADFAC Dine and Donate at Riverview Grill

With an expansive view of the Clinch River, Riverview Grill features a variety of family-friendly menu items such as barbeque, burgers, seafood, and much more, a press release said. (Submitted photo)

 

Submitted

With daily temperatures averaging around 90, we could all use some relief from the heat. Why not treat yourself to a feel-good meal?

On Monday, July 14, five local restaurants will donate a portion of their sales to support Aid to Distressed Families of Appalachian Counties, or ADFAC.

Officially launched last October, “Dine and Donate” is a year-long event, with different restaurants participating on the second Monday of each month. Monday’s participating restaurants are:

  • Hoskins in Clinton,
  • Papa Murphy’s in Oak Ridge (please use the register marked for ADFAC),
  • Razzleberry’s in Oak Ridge,
  • Riverview Grill in Clinton, and
  • Subway in Clinton (both), Lake City, Oak Ridge (Four Oaks Center), and Oliver Springs.

[Read more…]

Free computer classes for seniors at Senior Center

Posted at
By Leave a Comment

The Oak Ridge Senior Center is offering free computer classes on Thursdays from 1:30–3:30 p.m. The classes will cover basic computer skills such as creating and using an email account and using the Internet safely and successfully.

The Oak Ridge Senior Center is open to anyone who is 50 years of age or older.

To register for the class, call the Senior Center at (865) 425-3999. “Space is very limited so reserve your spot soon!” a press release said.

For more information about this and other programs and activities at the Oak Ridge Senior Center, call the Center at (865) 425-3999 or visit our website at orrecparks.org.