Oak Ridge Today

ORCMA holiday wreaths for sale

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Holiday Wreath

The Oak Ridge Civic Music Association is again taking advance orders for holiday wreaths made from fresh evergreens.

A traditional symbol of the holiday season, the wreaths are made of Fraser Fir (Southern Balsam). Proceeds from the sale are used in ORCMA’s long-standing commitment to the funding of local music organizations, a press release said.

The wreaths are made-to-order in sizes ranging from 14 inches to 32 inches, and in custom larger sizes as requested. Red or maroon velvet bows are also available by order. Prices for wreaths range from $17 to $30 and bows cost $7, the release said.

And, as in years past, people who would like to give a fresh wreath with a bow to a needy family through Aid to Distressed Families of Appalachian Counties can order one or more, and the Oak Ridge Chorus will deliver them to ADFAC for distribution.

Wreaths must be ordered by Wednesday, Nov. 21, and must be picked up on Saturday, Dec. 8, between 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Oak Ridge. The First Presbyterian Church is located on the southeast corner of Lafayette Drive and Oak Ridge Turnpike. The wreaths will be in the Fellowship Hall.

Call Priscilla McKenney at (865) 482-5374 or Barbara Weber at (865) 463-8269 to order wreaths and bows, or to ask questions.

More than 600 register for Secret City Half Marathon, road closures scheduled

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Secret City Half Marathon

More than 600 runners have registered for the Secret City Half Marathon and Relay in Oak Ridge on Sunday, and some roads will be closed during the race. (Image courtesy City of Oak Ridge)

Hundreds of runners from 20 states will compete in the Secret City Half Marathon and Relay in Oak Ridge on Sunday, and some roads will be closed during the race.

As of Monday, more than 600 runners were already registered, according to information from organizer Frank Chmielewicz.

The 8 a.m. Sunday race starts and ends at the National Fitness Center on Briarcliff Avenue.

Here are the race day road closures:

  • Emory Valley Road will be closed from about 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. between the Oak Ridge Marina and Briarcliff  Avenue.
  • Briarcliff Avenue will be closed between Emory Valley Road and Laboratory Road from 7:30-8:15 a.m.
  • One lane of Oak Ridge Turnpike traveling east will be closed.
  • Delays could be encountered on Melton Lake Drive due to runners crossing the street to run on the greenway.

The race is being organized by the Oak Ridge Convention and Visitors Bureau with help from the City of Oak Ridge, a press release said. The course includes Oak Ridge streets and greenways, including Melton Lake Greenway on the city’s waterfront.

The event includes a Secret City Half Marathon 4 Kids. This free 13.1-mile fun run is for children from first through sixth grade. It encourages children to exercise by giving them a fun and exciting goal, the release said.

By Sunday morning, participants will have run or walked a total of 12 miles. On race day, children will run the last 1.1 mile. All participants get an official race number, race shirt, and goody bag. Medals will be given to those children who are pre-registered and cross the finish line. The children’s log can be downloaded at http://secretcityhalfmarathon.com/register/half-marathon-4-kids.

For more information, visit http://secretcityhalfmarathon.com/ or the city’s website at www.oakridgetn.gov, or contact Oak Ridge Recreation and Parks Director Josh Collins at (865) 425-3540.

Race proceeds benefit the Anderson County Child Advocacy Center, which helps children who have been victims or witnesses to physical abuse, sexual abuse, or other crimes.

There will be a Saturday evening pasta dinner before the race to raise money for the Children’s Museum of Oak Ridge.

Anderson County Veterans Day parade this evening

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The 6th annual Anderson County Veterans Day Parade starts at 6 p.m. today in downtown Clinton with the theme of “Showing Our Veterans We Care.”

More than 50 entries have signed up for the annual parade, which will begin on Market Street, wind its way up Main Street, and turn right after the Anderson County Courthouse before ending at the Clinton Community Center. The parade will be followed by a ceremony honoring veterans at the Ritz Theater on Main Street.

The parade will be held even if it is raining, “unless the skies open up or thunderstorms pop up in the area,” according to WYSH Radio in Clinton. If that happens, the parade will be called off and everyone will head to the Ritz for the Veterans Day ceremony, but so far it looks like organizers will be able to get the parade in.”

The public is invited and encouraged to line the streets of downtown Clinton and show their appreciation for the nation’s veterans, WYSH said.

This story brought to you through an agreement between Oak Ridge Today and WYSH. See more local news headlines on the WYSH website at http://www.wyshradio.com/local_news.html.

Chamber president speaks to Kiwanis Tuesday

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Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce President Parker Hardy will discuss local business developments and organizations during a Tuesday talk to the Kiwanis Club, a press release said.

The talk starts shortly after noon Tuesday in the meeting room of the Super China Buffet, 330 South Illinois Ave.

The press release said topics could include commercial and business developments, available buildings, Chamber functions and staff, Leadership Oak Ridge, Young Professionals of Oak Ridge, and areas of interest and concern.

The meeting is open to the public, and it starts at noon. Hardy’s talk is scheduled to start at 12:10 p.m. An optional lunch buffet will be available at 11:40 a.m.

Additional information about the Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce is available at the organization’s website at http://www.orcc.org/.

ORAU again donates more than $100,000 to United Way, Community Shares

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ORAU Annual Giving

John Huppmann, second from right, chair of the 2012 ORAU Annual Giving Campaign and co-chair Sarah Roberts, right, are pictured with ORAU President and CEO Andy Page, second from left, and East Tennessee Economic Council President and former United Way Chairman Jim Campbell during a ceremony announcing ORAU had raised about $140,000.

For the fifth year in a row, Oak Ridge Associated Universities has exceeded $100,000 in donations as part of its annual campaign to raise money for United Way and Community Shares, a press release said.

The total amount raised, about $140,000, includes roughly $100,000 for the United Way and close to $40,000 to Community Shares.

ORAU President and CEO Andy Page announced the total for the 2012 Annual Giving Campaign during a Nov. 7 ceremony at Pollard Auditorium, the press release said.

The ceremony was attended by Rick Morrow, executive director of United Way of Anderson County; Shelley Wascom, director of the Community Shares of Knoxville; and special guest Jim Campbell, president of the East Tennessee Economic Council and former United Way of Anderson County chairman.

ORAU is a university consortium leveraging the scientific strength of 105 major research institutions to advance science and education by partnering with national laboratories, government agencies, and private industry. ORAU manages the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education for the U.S. Department of Energy.

AARP gives Emory Valley Center $1,000 on behalf of former lawmaker

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Former state Rep. Gene Caldwell earned $1,000 as one of three finalists for an AARP community service award, and he donated the money to the Emory Valley Center, a press release said.

The money will be used to help replace an Emory Valley Center building that will be demolished, the press release said. The center is raising money to replace the 55-year-old building, which serves intellectually and developmentally disabled children and adults in East Tennessee, and Caldwell is co-chairing the capital campaign.

Caldwell was one of three finalists for the 2012 AARP Tennessee Andrus Award for Community Service, which earned him $1,000 for the charity of his choice, the press release said.

“This is about leaving a legacy for our most vulnerable citizens, many of whom were my patients,” said Caldwell, who is also a retired pediatrician. “To see them find identities, friendships, and meaningful work changes their outlook and behavior—and it lifts a tremendous burden from the hearts of their parents.”

Tennessee Rep. John Ragan, an Oak Ridge Republican, nominated Caldwell for the award, saying he “has been a tireless advocate for children, seniors and the disabled, and has contributed immeasurably to his community.”

Emory Valley Center President Jennifer Enderson said the AARP recognition was well-deserved.

“Emory Valley Center is so thankful for all that Dr. Caldwell has done on behalf of the center,” she said. “He is truly amazing.”

The press release said this is the second year that AARP has given money to charities chosen by the top three Andrus award finalists. Caldwell was among more than 30 people from across the state nominated for the award.

“As someone who has known Dr. Caldwell for years and has seen the work he has done for his community and this state, it was an honor to recognize him for his commitment and passion for helping others,” said AARP Tennessee Communications Director Karin Miller, who presented the check on Friday.

Anyone wishing to donate to the EVC Capital Campaign may mail a contribution to P.O. Box 5328, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, or go online to www.emoryvalleycenter.com.

Veterans Day program on Thursday features Vietnam vet

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Freddie J. Owens

A Veterans Day ceremony on Thursday in Oak Ridge will feature Freddie J. Owens, twice wounded in combat in Vietnam and a survivor of the 1962 Ia Drang Valley battle, the first major battle between the U.S. Army and the North Vietnam Army. (Submitted photo)

A Veterans Day program in Oak Ridge on Thursday will pay tribute to those who served and died in Vietnam.

The featured speaker is Freddie J. Owens, who was wounded in combat twice in Vietnam and is a survivor of the 1962 Ia Drang Valley battle, the first major battle between the U.S. Army and the North Vietnam Army, a press release said. Owens will discuss his experiences serving in Vietnam as a squad leader with the 1st Calvary Division (Air Assault).

Thursday’s program, titled “Our Forgotten Heroes,” is hosted by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge Office, and it is open to the public. It will start at 10 a.m. Thursday at the American Museum of Science and Energy at 200 S. Tulane Ave.

Owens’ military decorations include the Combat Infantry Badge, Air-Assault Badge with Star Cluster, Bronze Star with Valor Device, Purple Heart with Cluster, Air Medal with Combat Cluster, Presidential Unit Citation, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam (South Vietnam) Gallantry Cross, and Army Commendation medal.

The press release said Armistice Day was founded more than 90 years ago to recognize the sacrifices made by World War I veterans. Nov. 11 was the day chosen for the celebration and remembrance. It coincided with the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month—Nov. 11, 1918, when the armistice was signed, ending the war.

More than 48 million veterans have served the United States since its birth in 1776, and almost half are still alive today, the press release said. One of every 10 people in the country is a veteran.

For more information concerning ORO’s Veteran’s Support Group program, contact Ballard Jackson at the DOE Oak Ridge Office at (865) 241-6137 or jacksonba@oro.doe.gov.

UT philosophy professor talks foreign policy Tuesday

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David Reidy

David Reidy

The head of the University of Tennessee Philosophy Department will discuss what moral principles, if any, ought to guide U.S. foreign policy during a Tuesday presentation to the League of Women Voters of Oak Ridge.

The presentation by philosophy professor David Reidy is titled Toward a Just Foreign Policy,” and it starts at noon Tuesday in the Social Hall of the Oak Ridge Unitarian Universalist Church.

Reidy’s presentation will also discuss the relevance of human rights to U.S. foreign policy, a press release said.

The presentation is part of the biweekly Lunch with the League, and it is open to the public. There is no cost to attend, and reservations are not needed.

Box lunches will be available starting at 11:30 a.m. on a first-come, first-served basis for $7. Those who attend can also bring their own lunches. Coffee and tea will be provided.

Reidy received his doctorate from the University of Kansas and a law degree from Indiana University. He is a distinguished humanities professor in the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Tennessee.

The Oak Ridge Unitarian Universalist Church is at 1500 Oak Ridge Turnpike.

Veterans Day Parade registration due Friday

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Entries for Anderson County’s sixth annual Veterans Day Parade are due by Friday.

The parade will be at 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 12, in downtown Clinton. There will be a celebration of veterans in the Ritz Theater afterward.

The parade is organized by Anderson County Veteran Services Director Leon Jaquet, Clinton American Legion Post #172, Sons of the Revolution-Anderson County Chapter, and Anderson County Chamber of Commerce.

Entries are due by 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 9. There is no entry fee, but donations will be accepted and used for advertising and renting the Ritz Theater.

There is a two-vehicle limit for motorized parade entries, although that limit doesn’t apply to military or emergency vehicles.

Call Jaquet at (865) 463-6803 or Lynn Fox at (865) 719-9947 for more information or a registration application.

More information on the parade and rules are available here.

Monday forum on homelessness in Anderson County

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A Monday afternoon forum at the Oak Ridge Jewish Congregation will focus on homelessness in Anderson County.

The speaker will be Rick Morrow, executive director of the United Way of Anderson County. He will address the question, “Is there really a homeless problem in Anderson County?”

The community forum starts at 2 p.m., and it’s sponsored by the Women’s Interfaith Dialogue, a press release said.

The release said 31 people were identified as unsheltered homeless in Anderson County in January 2012. Another 20 people were in shelters, and 34 more were “precariously housed” and almost homeless. That’s a total of 85 people in need of a home, the release said.

The primary causes for homelessness in Anderson County are job losses, a lack of affordable housing, underemployment or low incomes, domestic violence, and substance abuse, the release said.

Monday’s forum is expected to include information about initiatives to address the serious issue of homelessness in the area.

The Oak Ridge Jewish Congregation is at 101 W. Madison Lane.

Register by Thursday for UT Arboretum Society annual dinner

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Andy Pulte

Andy Pulte

Reservations are due by Thursday for an annual dinner and auction with the University of Tennessee Arboretum Society.

The Nov. 13 dinner will feature keynote speaker Andy Pulte, radio host on WNOX and University of Tennessee Department of Plant Sciences gardening expert, a press release said.

The dinner and silent auction start at 6 p.m. Nov. 13 at The Elks Club, 684 Emory Valley Road in Oak Ridge. The public is invited, and the cost is $25 per person, the press release said.

The release said Pulte is one of the hosts of “The Garden Guy” with Sue Hamilton on WNOX’s “Garden Talk,” a weekly radio show on from 8 a.m. to 9 .m. Saturdays.

His topic for the UT Arboretum Society dinner and auction is “Backgrounds and Borders Design Theory and New Plants for Everyone.”

“Paying attention to the specific emotions plant colors evoke is important,” Pulte said in the release. “Colors can be beautiful in peaceful, happy, relaxing, invigorating and even sad ways. The colors you ultimately choose for a garden should reflect the mood you want to express.”

He will also discuss using a set of newer or unusual plants you should consider adding to your landscape this year.

The press release said Pulte grew up in the nursery industry in Grand Island, Neb. He received his bachelor’s degree in horticulture from the University of Nebraska and a master’s degree from the University of Tennessee in the area of public horticulture.

He has worked at the National Arbor Day Foundation in the education department and the Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha, Neb. He contributes to several gardening publications, speaks regularly to diverse groups, and travels extensively to feed his passion for people and plants, the press release said.

The Nov. 13 dinner and auction will begin at 6 p.m. with a social hour (cash bar) and silent auction followed by a buffet dinner at 7 p.m., then a brief business meeting and Pulte’s presentation. Silent actions items include fine crafts, gifts certificates, art, wine and accessories, hard tools, and more, the release said.

For more information on the Annual Dinner and Silent Auction, call (865) 482-9096 or send an e-mail to patrow@comcast.net. Cash or checks only will be accepted at the door.

To learn more about the Arboretum Society, go to www.utarboretumsociety.org.

Literacy Fair for young children at Clinton Library on Saturday

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The Clinton Public Library will have its first Early Literacy Fair for children on Saturday.

The fair is for children from infants to age 5 and their caregivers, a press release said.

“Don’t miss this chance to explore your role as your child’s first teacher and to find out about many valuable resources for your child’s future,” the release said.

It said literacy begins at birth, and studies show that a child who enters kindergarten with certain pre-reading skills has a better chance for success throughout the rest of his school years.

Saturday’s Early Literacy Fair starts at 11 a.m. and ends at 2 p.m.

Here is more information from the press release:

  • Explore and develop the skills your children need for kindergarten and before they read their first words. Use our interactive activity stations to talk, sing, read, write, and play with your children; and enjoy early literacy activities that involve letters, art, music, and books.
  • Meet professionals from the community who can talk to you about early literacy and other topics.
  • Find out how to know if your children are ready for kindergarten and how to better prepare them.

The Early Literacy Fair is a free, drop-in event. No registration is required, and visitors can stop by any time between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

For more information, call the library at (865) 457-0519 or visit www.clintonpubliclibrary.org.