Oak Ridge Today

Anderson County calendar of events for May

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Anderson County Tourism Council

The Anderson County Tourism Council building on Highway 61 near Interstate 75 is pictured above. (Photo courtesy Anderson County Tourism Council)

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Here is a calendar of events for Anderson County in May:

  • Spring Colors Train Ride and Dinner Trains—May 3 and 17 at Secret City Excursion Train

Southern Appalachian Railway Museum is offering one-hour excursions with narration on May 3 and 17. Departure times will be 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. During the ride, passengers will hear the story of the Manhattan Project, which was one of the most remarkable industrial achievements ever accomplished. There will also be a dinner train on the 3 and 17 at 6 p.m. Diners will be treated to a delicious entrée prepared by Chef Andras. For more information, call (865) 241-2140 or visit www.southernappalachia.railway.museum. [Read more…]

Campaign finance laws, U.S. politics to be discussed Tuesday

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Jon Shefner

Jon Shefner

A University of Tennessee professor will discuss campaign finance laws and U.S. politics during Lunch with the League on Tuesday.

Jon Shefner is professor and head of the Sociology Department at the University of Tennessee. He will be the guest speaker at Lunch with the League at noon Tuesday. The meeting will be held in the Social Hall of the Oak Ridge Unitarian Universalist Church.

“The ties between economic interests and political power are repeated throughout American history,” a press release said. [Read more…]

AMSE calendar of events for May

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The American Museum of Science and Energy on South Tulane Avenue in Oak Ridge is pictured above.

The American Museum of Science and Energy on South Tulane Avenue in Oak Ridge is pictured above.

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Here is a calendar of events for the American Museum of Science and Energy in May:

  • May 1–31: Registration Open for AMSE Science Explorer Camp for rising 5th graders (must be 10 years old by June 1, 2014) 6th graders and 7th graders. Two identical one-week sessions are offered June 9-13 and June 16–20 from 8 a.m.–3:30 p.m. (Monday–Friday) at historic Freels Bend Cabin in Oak Ridge. Campers will do field explorations and hands-on activities related to land and water habitats, life sciences, geology, weather, flight, forensic science, and electricity. The week includes a tour of Oak Ridge National Laboratory and special presentations by ORNL researchers. Cost is $150 for AMSE members, and $175 for non-members. AMSE Science Explorer Camp is sponsored by the AMSE Foundation. Find Camp Registration form online at http://amse.org/visitors/summercamps/ or stop by AMSE to get a form. [Read more…]

Juvenile Court judge to discuss children, courts on Monday

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Brandon FIsher

Brandon FIsher

Brandon K. Fisher, Anderson County Juvenile Court judge, will discuss children and the courts during a Monday forum hosted by the Women’s Interfaith Dialogue.

The forum starts at 11 a.m. Monday, and it will be held at the Jewish Congregation of Oak Ridge at 101 W. Madison Lane, a press release said.

Fisher has served in the Juvenile Court since his appointment to the bench in January 2010. He replaced April Meldrum after she resigned, and he was elected to position in August 2010. Prior to his appointment, he was a partner in the law firm of Cantrell, Cantrell, and Fisher, where he engaged in a general practice of law with an emphasis on civil litigation.

“Serving as Anderson County juvenile judge has been the most rewarding experience of my professional life,” Fisher said in an earlier press release. “I am proud of our efforts to improve outcomes for children and families.” [Read more…]

Photos: Riley Mozingo parade, carnival

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Riley Mozingo

Five-year-old Riley Mozingo was diagnosed with brain cancer May 10, 2010. A princess-themed carnival was held Friday at Lake City Elementary School in her honor. All proceeds from the carnival will help fund her bedroom renovation. See story here. (Photos by Sara Wise)

[Read more…]

Riley, 5, loves princesses but battles brain tumor

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Riley Mozingo

Five-year-old Riley Mozingo was diagnosed with brain cancer May 10, 2010. A princess-themed carnival was held Friday at Lake City Elementary School in her honor. All proceeds from the carnival will help fund her bedroom renovation. (Photos by Sara Wise)

LAKE CITY—“Come on, let’s go,” shouts Riley Mozingo as she drags her good friend, Anderson County Schools junior Emilee Hooks, toward the bounce house outside Lake City Elementary School.

Riley is a typical five-year-old. She loves princesses—especially The Little Mermaid, Ariel—and has big dreams to become a doctor when she grows up. But one thing sets Riley apart: she was diagnosed with astrocytoma grade 3.

She has had eight procedures since she was diagnosed with the brain tumor on May 14, 2010, and has undergone chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Now, she has to attend physical therapy sessions because she has trouble with her left side. Her tumor hasn’t shrunk—it actually got bigger during chemo—but it’s stayed about the same size with radiation.

Riley Mozingo and Little Mermaid

Riley admires a Little Mermaid-themed game during the carnival.

But it’s not all bad for Riley. She’s about to have her bedroom renovated by Special Spaces of Knoxville. The nonprofit organization renovates rooms for sick children all across the country, especially those with life-threatening illnesses. Riley is getting a princess-themed room.

Melanie Lamberson of Special Spaces said that once she heard about a five-year-old with cancer, she knew she had to help. [Read more…]

More than 60 Thunderbirds expected for Mockingbird Run this weekend

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Mockingbird Run

The Sixth Annual Mockingbird Run will be in Oak Ridge from Friday to Sunday. (Submitted photo)

 

Car enthusiasts from 10 states will gather in Oak Ridge from Friday, May 2, to Sunday, May 4, for the sixth annual Mockingbird Run hosted by the Smoky Mountain Classic Thunderbird Club. The Mockingbird Run is expected to bring in more than 60 Thunderbirds for a weekend packed with tours, friendship, and fun.

“We are excited to host this year’s Mockingbird Run, and we encourage the community to welcome the Smoky Mountain Classic Thunderbird Club to town,” Oak Ridge Convention and Visitors Bureau Director Katy Brown said. “We have worked closely with this organization to make this year’s event an entertaining and educational visit.”

Conference planners focused on the “top secret” theme this year in an effort to add mystery and intrigue. Participants will visit local attractions, learn the significance of various historic sites, and dine in local restaurants. Y-12 National Security Complex Historian Ray Smith will guide the group on a tour of the Y-12 New Hope Center and serve as a guest speaker for the event. The club will also tour Oak Ridge National Laboratory on Saturday. Members of the K-9 Search On Site LLP team will also be on hand for a demonstration that morning. [Read more…]

What’s happening in Oak Ridge from May 2-7

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Here is a summary of events happening in Oak Ridge starting Friday, May 2, and continuing through May 7.

This weekly listing of events is compiled by the Oak Ridge Convention and Visitors Bureau:

[Read more…]

‘One more house’: UT-Battelle helps honor Myricks through Habitat project

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Tim and Teresa Myrick and Habitat for Humanity

UT-Battelle is supporting a Habitat for Humanity project that honors Tim and Teresa Myrick. (Photo: Jason Richards)

UT-Battelle joins community in honoring Myrick’s years of service through Habitat for Humanity project this summer

UT-Battelle is contributing $10,000 in matching donations to a Habitat for Humanity project dedicated to Tim and Teresa Myrick, who have been enduring supporters of the organization that provides shelter for deserving families.

Tim Myrick’s handiwork dots the Oak Ridge landscape. He was a major contributor to the modernization campaign at Oak Ridge National Laboratory that resulted in a sparkling new east campus. He helped lead the renovation of the town’s high school.

He’s been involved in all the Anderson County Habitat for Humanity projects in some way—58 in all.

He wants to add to that tally. There is some urgency in the matter.

“With the cancer thing I set priorities: fighting cancer, the Habitat project, Living Waters, building a new church, doing some fly fishing,” he said. [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)

 

Submitted

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…]

Red Cross to honor heroes at luncheon on Tuesday

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American Red Cross Logo

The American Red Cross in Oak Ridge will recognize individuals who exemplify courage, kindness, and unselfish character at its 15th Annual Heroes Luncheon at noon Tuesday at the DoubleTree Hotel.

The Red Cross will honor local heroes from nominations submitted by the community. Those honored will include military, police, fire, first responders, and other local heroes, a press release said.

Nominees are people who have responded to a crisis to provide comfort or leadership and/or have provided an example to others in the community about dedication to the community in a time of need. Categories include Professional Rescuer/Responder (police, EMT, firefighter), Youth Good Samaritan (21 and younger), and Community Service.

Since 2000, the annual event has recognized hundreds of Anderson County heroes. [Read more…]

Church Women United celebrates friendship, service

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Church Women United invites the public to a program entitled “Through God Our Hands Can Serve” on Friday, May 2, in the parish hall of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church at 212 N. Tulane Ave. in Oak Ridge. The program celebrates May Friendship Day by focusing on the gifts that God has provided each of us to serve others.

Fellowship begins at 11:30 a.m., followed by a brief meeting and program at noon. A potluck lunch will be held afterward. Please bring something to share. Reservations are appreciated but not required.

CWU was founded in 1941 as a national interdenominational women’s movement to bring together women of diverse races, cultures, and traditions in closer Christian fellowship, prayer, advocacy, and service to strengthen communities and build peace with justice. For more information, contact Gay Marie Logsdon at (865) 483-7940.