Oak Ridge Today

ORRA hosts Learn to Row class for visually impaired, blind

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Oak Ridge Rowing Association Boathouse

The Oak Ridge Rowing Association boathouse at Melton Lake Park on the Clinch River.

The Oak Ridge Rowing Association will host a special Learn to Row class for the visually impaired and blind on Sunday, September 14.

ORRA is partnering with Visually Impaired/Blind Enhanced Services, or Club VIBES, to offer the class, which starts at 2 p.m. Sunday.

Club VIBES is a nonprofit organization with a mission to assist blind and visually impaired young people in the Knoxville area to live independent and productive lives by identifying their unique capacities and developing their individual strengths, a press release said. Club VIBES provides a free mentoring service for visually impaired or blind youth and their parents/guardians residing in or around the Knoxville area.

Twelve to 13 participants will launch on Sunday afternoon to engage in a new activity for those who have always wanted to try the sport but have not had the opportunity. [Read more…]

WYSH: Blind man’s custom-made bicycle stolen

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Information from WYSH Radio

A custom-made bicycle that allows a legally blind man to get around town was stolen from outside an Oak Ridge bookstore last week, and police are investigating.

The theft occurred Thursday outside the Books-A-Million in Oak Ridge, and victim Tim Collins, who suffers from macular degeneration, said it is his only means of transportation.

Police were able to dust the man’s helmet and flag, which the thieves left behind, for fingerprints and their investigation is ongoing. The bike is valued at $1,800. [Read more…]