Oak Ridge Today

Breakfast Rotary has computer drive for ETTAC on Saturday

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A low-cost, big-impact opportunity to help people who have disabilities

The Oak Ridge Breakfast Rotary Club is sponsoring a computer drive for the East Tennessee Technology Access Center from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 2. The computer drive will be in the parking lot of TNBank on the corner of Illinois Avenue and Rutgers Avenue.

ETTAC will accept working computers that are XP or newer, both desktop or laptop, Macs, iPads, iPods, monitors, and accessories. You can be assured that ETTAC wipes them clean of all your personal information and then gives them or loans them to people with disabilities who cannot afford to purchase a computer.

“Please don’t remove the hard drives,” a press release said.

Currently, ETTAC has a waiting list of 45 people who want a computer. [Read more…]

Mini-conference on disabilities for parents, teachers on Saturday

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The Arc Anderson County is hosting a mini-conference on intellectual and developmental disabilities for parents and teachers on Saturday.

The mini-conference is from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, November 15, at Roane State Community College in Oak Ridge.

“This is a critical time in the history for our young adults transitioning out of high school,” a press release said. “Big changes are coming from the Department of Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities Services, and parents desperately need information to guide their loved ones through this transition.”

Here are some topics of interest: [Read more…]

UT-Battelle donates $100K to Emory Valley Center for capital campaign

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UT-Battelle Check to Emory Valley Center

Jennifer Enderson, Emory Valley Center president, accepts a check for the organization’s Capital Campaign from Alan Icenhour, UT-Battelle’s associate lab director for nuclear science and engineering and EVC board member. Also pictured (from left) are Dottie Thompson, Capital Campaign co-chair; John Eschenberg, Emory Valley Center board president; Gene Caldwell, Capital Campaign co-chair, and several Emory Valley Center clients. (Submitted photo)

 

UT-Battelle recently presented a check to Emory Valley Center in support of their ongoing Capital Campaign for a new facility. The new building will incorporate many features to enhance the lives of people with disabilities being served, including a job training center; life enrichment classrooms; adult day center; medical clinic; speech, physical, and occupational services; gym and more. UT-Battelle manages Oak Ridge National Laboratory for the U.S. Department of Energy.

The check was a $100,000 contribution toward UT-Battelle’s pledge of $250,000, the Emory Valley Center said.

Donations from individuals and companies, as well as grant awards, have helped fundraisers reach 75 percent of the total Capital Campaign goal, a press release said. Emory Valley Center is continuing to accept donations for the Capital Campaign from individual and business supporters throughout the community. If you would like to donate, contact EVC Development Director Janet Wood via email at [email protected] or call (865) 813-0576. [Read more…]

State bill allows Anderson Commission to donate school buildings to EVC

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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)

 

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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.

Pancake breakfast fundraiser June 14 for Emory Valley Center

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Emory Valley Center Early Learning Center

The Emory Valley Center on Emory Valley Road is pictured above. (File photo)

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On your way to the Secret City Festival on Saturday, June 14, stop and enjoy a delicious pancake breakfast at Applebee’s in Oak Ridge and also support Emory Valley Center. Proceeds will benefit the ongoing capital campaign for a new building to better serve children and adults with disabilities.

Breakfast will be served from 8–10 a.m. and will include hot-off-the-griddle pancakes and sausage as well as a variety of beverages. Tickets are only $5 each (children under three eat free), and they are currently on sale at Emory Valley Center at 715 Emory Valley Road. Those who attend may also pay at the door the morning of the fundraiser.

Local Emory Valley Center “Celebrity Supporters” planning to help staff greet and serve pancakes include Tennessee Sen. Randy McNally, Rep. John Ragan, Oak Ridge Mayor Tom Beehan, Dottie Thompson, and Gene Caldwell (Emory Valley Center capital campaign co-chairs), Bear Stephenson of Stephenson Real Estate and Auction, Anderson County Chamber Board President Terry Payne, and David Erb of Allstate in Clinton. [Read more…]

Emory Valley Center ‘Celebrates Spring’ with Capital Campaign fundraiser on Friday

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Emory Valley Center Logo

Emory Valley Center Logo

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Make plans now to join Emory Valley Center on Friday, May 2, for a “Celebrate Spring” fundraising event. Proceeds will benefit the ongoing Capital Campaign for a new building to better serve children and adults with disabilities.

The Knights of Columbus of St. Mary’s Church are partnering with Emory Valley Center for the event, which will be held in the St. Mary’s Church Gym from 6–8:30 p.m. and feature a full-course meal they will prepare. Tickets are currently on sale and only $25 each. Attendees will be served their buffet-style meal by youth of St. Mary’s Church, enjoy musical entertainment by the band Early Bird Special, and have the opportunity to participate in a silent auction. Some of the silent auction items donated by local supporters and friends include jewelry, a variety of art items, golf rounds, restaurant certificates, area attraction tickets, “themed” baskets, and more. The event is casual, so plan to come after work and bring your family, friends, and colleagues. [Read more…]

ARC Anderson County to have anti-bullying seminar May 1

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There will be a free anti-bullying seminar at the Oak Ridge High School Amphitheater from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. May 1. This presentation is open to the public, but it will focus on those with intellectual or developmental disabilities.

Speakers will be Frank Meeuwis, Scott Finney, and Will Mc Millan from The Arc Tennessee in Nashville. The Arc Anderson County is an advocacy organization that helps those with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.

Teachers who attend will receive a certificate for in-service hours.

To attend, please call (865) 481-0550 by April 18 to register as seating is limited.