Oak Ridge Today

CASA, Community Mediation host juvenile judge candidate forum Tuesday

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Brian Hunt

Brian Hunt

Two nonprofit organizations are hosting a Tuesday evening forum for the two candidates for Anderson County Juvenile Court judge.

The two candidates are Republican Brian Hunt and Democrat Michael Clement.

The forum is hosted by Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of the Tennessee Heartland and Community Mediation Services (CMS). It will be held in the Clinton Public Library from 6 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 8. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m., a press release said.

Each candidate will have an opportunity to address the group, and several questions will be taken from the audience. The public is invited, and reservations are not necessary.

Michael Clement

Michael Clement

The Anderson County general election is Aug. 7

CASA of the Tennessee Heartland is a local nonprofit, volunteer-based organization that gives a voice in court to abused and neglected children. CASA volunteers give an independent recommendation of permanent placement to the judge based solely on the best interest of the child involved and advocate for necessary services the child may need. More information can be found at www.casatnh.org.

Community Mediation Services is a volunteer-driven nonprofit that assists and empowers individuals to engage, transform, and resolve conflicts through the use of collaborative, constructive processes, the press release said. CMS helps people get heard, get healed, and get back to their lives through four different no-cost mediation programs focusing on at-risk youth and families. Learn more at www.peacefulresolution.org.

Guest column: Big Ed’s Memorial Golf Tournament a success

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By Community Mediation Services of Anderson County

The successful 13th Annual Big Ed’s Memorial Golf Tournament on April 25, 2014, continued a long tradition that combines a great day of golf with active commitment to Anderson County youth and families through Community Mediation Services. The Oak Ridge Country Club provided a beautiful setting for 140 golfers. Team winners for the first flight were Mike Malicote, Jeff Golliher, Jake Reeves, and Roger Claiborn. The team winning the second flight included Benjie Shuler, Jackson Vaughn, Mark Bragg, and Luke Cabbage.

Community Mediation Services of Anderson County is the beneficiary of Big Ed’s Memorial Golf Tournament, emphasizing the importance David Neusel and Big Ed Neusel placed on helping youth and families in our area in a constructive and positive way. Community Mediation Services has worked with youth and families in Anderson County for 28 years, promoting the peaceful resolution of community conflicts, using community resources. Our four programs include Victim Offender Reconciliation Program (VORP), Visitation Mediation, Teen/Parent Mediation, and Attendance Mediation. Mediators don’t take sides or make decisions, but do help people solve problems in ways that are decided and agreed upon by all. According to Executive Director Cindy Helton, the tournament raised more than $15,000, which enables CMS to continue to provide no-cost services to the families of Anderson County. [Read more…]

Letter: Dunkirk a candidate who can administer ‘justice with mercy’

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David Dunkirk

David Dunkirk

To the Editor:

What does it take to be an effective juvenile court judge in Tennessee?

First, in my opinion, would be the ability to know, understand, and apply the laws that impact juveniles and their families or guardians.

Second, that person must have the demeanor to be a judge. He or she must recognize that the position is not based upon winning a popularity contest; or being a “glad-hander” at a community pancake breakfast, for example; or having the most and largest political ads in the local press; or having the most yard signs to the point their number appears to exceed the number of wild onions in a person’s lawn. That candidate must recognize the seriousness of the office and conduct him or herself accordingly.

Third, he or she must have outstanding credentials.

In my judgment, Mr. David Dunkirk exceeds these qualifications. [Read more…]

Big Ed’s Memorial Golf Tournament this month helps youth, families

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Community Mediation Services Big Ed's Golf Tournament

The 13th Annual Big Ed’s Memorial Golf Tournament on Friday, April 25, continues a long tradition that combines a great day of golf with active commitment to youth and families. The tournament supports Community Mediation Services’ work with youths and families, and it honors the community spirit and caring of “Big Ed” Neusel, founder of Big Ed’s Pizza, and David Neusel, and their belief in giving to others while seeking recognition from no one, a press release said.

The Oak Ridge Country Club provides a beautiful and challenging venue for the Big Ed’s Memorial Tournament. Early registration is Wednesday, April 16. Registration forms are available by calling (865) 483-6888 or e-mailing [email protected]. Registration online is also available through the website at www.peacefulresolution.org. [Read more…]

Church Women United begins lunch series Friday

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Church Women United announces a new lunchtime series of presentations on the first Friday of each month in February through May 2014. The public is invited to the first CWU lunch gathering on Friday, Feb. 7, at Oak Valley Baptist Church, 194 Hampton Road in Oak Ridge.

A reception with refreshments will begin at 11:30 a.m., followed by a short meeting at noon and the program thereafter. Cindy Helton of Community Mediation Services will be the speaker. Attendees are encouraged to drop in and stay however long they can. Brown bag lunches are welcome!

CWU is a national volunteer ecumenical women’s movement that brings together women of diverse races, cultures, and traditions in closer Christian fellowship, prayer, advocacy, and action for peace with justice in the world. For more information, contact Gay Marie Logsdon at (865) 483-7940.

Big Ed’s Memorial Golf Tournament on April 26

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The 12th Annual Big Ed’s Memorial Golf Tournament on Friday, April 26, continues a long tradition that combines a great day of golf with active commitment to youth and families. The Tournament supports Community Mediation Services’ work with youths and families and honors the legacy of “Big Ed” Neusel, founder of Big Ed’s Pizza, and his belief in giving to others while seeking recognition from no one.

The Oak Ridge Country Club provides a beautiful and challenging venue for the Big Ed’s Memorial Tournament. The early registration deadline is April 15 with late registration available. Registration forms are available by calling (865) 483-6888 or e-mailing [email protected]. [Read more…]