Oak Ridge Today

Kiwanis to tour Emory Valley Center on Tuesday

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The Oak Ridge Kiwanis Club will tour the Emory Valley Center’s new Caldwell-Thompson Building for “Maximizing Human Abilities” on Tuesday.

The tour will start at noon on Tuesday, September 12, and it will be led by Janet Wood, the EVC vice president of community engagement, a Kiwanis notice said.

The tour was arranged by Terry Peek, who is director of the EVC Early Learning Center and also the Oak Ridge Kiwanis Club’s president-elect.

Those wishing to attend the tour can meet in the building lobby at 11:55 a.m. Tuesday for the noon tour. [Read more…]

Emory Valley Center breaks ground on new building

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EVC_Shovelers_grndbreak-15April16

Pictured above during a groundbreaking ceremony on Friday, April 15, 2016, are Tennessee Representative John Ragan, Calvin with Emory Valley Center, Mike with EVC, state Senator Ken Yager, EVC Board President John Eschenberg, Gaye with EVC, EVC President Jennifer Enderson, state Senator Randy McNally, Capital Campaign Co-Chairs Dottie Thompson and Gene Caldwell, Michael with EVC, and EVC Board member Alan Icenhour. (Photo by Rob Welton)

 

Emory Valley Center held a groundbreaking ceremony for its new building on Friday, April 15. The ceremony included people that Emory Valley Center supports, EVC staff and board members, Capital Campaign co-chairs Dottie Thompson and Gene Caldwell, Tennessee Senator Randy McNally, Representative John Ragan, Senator Ken Yager, and representatives of Michael Brady Inc. and Hickory Construction Inc.

Emory Valley Center launched a Capital Campaign for a new building six years ago, when plans for probable demolition of the building the organization uses for some of its services to people with disabilities was discussed by the owners. Through the efforts of Thompson and Caldwell, business and individual donors, and grant awards for the project, the campaign is at a point where construction can begin.

“We are very excited to break ground on our new building and for construction to begin,” said EVC President Jennifer Enderson. “So many individual supporters, businesses, families, staff, and other community partners have worked very hard to make our new building a reality, and we are very grateful for their efforts and continuing support.” [Read more…]

Heroes of the Day: Officers, bystander rescue woman by flipping EVC van after crash

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Cassen Garrison and Brandan Sharp at Emory Valley Center Van Crash

With help from a bystander and another officer, Oak Ridge Police Department officers Cassen Garrison, left, and Brandan Sharp lifted this white Emory Valley Center van off its passenger side after a Tuesday morning crash at Northwestern and North Purdue avenues in Woodland. A female passenger, who was reported to be partially pinned underneath the van, was flown to a hospital by a Lifestar medical helicopter.

 

Note: This story was last updated at 4:28 p.m.

Neighbors called them the heroes of the day. Three Oak Ridge Police Department officers and at least one bystander lifted an Emory Valley Center van off of a woman who was partially pinned underneath it after a crash in Woodland on Tuesday morning.

Witnesses said the right arm and shoulder of the female passenger were pinned underneath the passenger side of the van after the crash, which was reported at about 10 a.m. Tuesday at the intersection of Northwestern and North Purdue avenues.

The three officers were identified as Cassen Garrison, Brandan Sharp, and Sergeant Pete Nance. Garrison’s right arm was bandaged. Witnesses said he used his hands to break out a back window of the Chevrolet Express van and rescue a male EVC client in the back of the van.

The female passenger, who was partially ejected, was flown to a hospital by a University of Tennessee Lifestar medical helicopter after it landed at the nearby Oak Ridge City Center. Three others were also reportedly taken to the hospital.

Ed Taylor, who lives at the Manhattan Apartments, also helped lift the van. Witnesses said other neighbors helped as well. [Read more…]

ORHS Reunion supports Emory Valley Center Campaign

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ORHS Class of 1964 EVC Check Presentation

First row, from left to right, are Cathy Thompson, Dottie Thompson, ORHS Class of 1964 Reunion Chairman Tommy McIntyre presenting the final check to EVC President Jennifer Enderson, Mary Kahaida Lowery, and EVC Development Director Janet Wood. Second row, from left to right, are Gene Caldwell, Janice Pugh Craft, Michele Craft, Glenda Carringer Langenberg, Judy McGown Russell, Reverend Robert “Bob” Cantrell, and Phillip Boatner. (Submitted photo)

 

Last September’s 50th Reunion for Oak Ridge High School Class of 1964 was typical in many respects. Somewhat unusual was the class commitment to a reunion service project. Before, during, and after the Reunion, class members contributed financial support to the Emory Valley Center Capital Campaign.

On February 2, Reunion Committee Chairman Tommy McIntyre and several Committee members presented $550 to Emory Valley Center President Jennifer Enderson as the final class campaign contribution for this reunion year. The check brought the total contribution to $8,190.

Representing the Center with Enderson were Cathy Thompson, Phillip Boatner, and Michele Craft, who receive support from the Center; Boatner’s Caregiver Kathy Bunch; EVC staff members Janet Wood and Daisy Mullins; and Campaign Co-Chairs Gene Caldwell and Dottie Thompson. [Read more…]

‘Scooby Doo’-themed Halloween Party at EVC tonight

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A Halloween Party at the Emory Valley Center tonight (Saturday, October 25) will feature a “Scooby Doo-Mystery at the Gym” theme.

The party is scheduled from 6-8 p.m. at the EVC/Daniel Arthur Gym at 728 Emory Valley Road in Oak Ridge.

Organizers from The Arc-Anderson County encouraged those who attend to wear a costume, but not one that is too scary. There will be a contest and prizes.

“Bring a snack to share with your friends,” organizers said. “Bring a bag of wrapped candy. Invite your friends.”

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)

 

Submitted

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.

Emory Valley Center hires new development director

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Janet Wood

Janet Wood

Emory Valley Center, a nonprofit agency serving children and adults with disabilities since 1955, has hired Janet Wood as its new development director.

Experienced within the fields of marketing, community relations, and nonprofit fundraising, Wood most recently served as the public relations and special projects coordinator with Alzheimer’s Tennessee in Knoxville. While there, she was lead coordinator for the Five County Walk held in Oak Ridge and the Foothills Walk held at Maryville College. She also coordinated volunteers in their fundraising efforts for both of these walks and provided support in additional fundraising and public relations endeavors for the organization. Wood also has years of experience in print, broadcast, and media relations, having previously been employed by The Oak Ridger newspaper for 10 years, a press release said.

“We are so excited to have Janet on our team and look forward to all the great work she will do on behalf of the Center,” said Jennifer Enderson, Emory Valley Center president. [Read more…]

Students to raise money for Emory Valley Center at musical coffeehouse Friday

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Emory Valley Center Early Learning Center

A coffeehouse at First Presbyterian Church on Friday will benefit the Emory Valley Center, which has been raising money for a new building on Emory Valley Road.

A coffeehouse at First Presbyterian Church on Friday will raise money for the Emory Valley Center.

The coffeehouse “promises to be fun-filled and very musical,” and it will feature 11 acts and 19 performers, a press release said. The performances will include folksy guitar plucking, women’s a capella, and modern dance.

The night will help the Emory Valley Center launch its final year of fundraising for a new building on Emory Valley Road, the release said.

The coffeehouses are operated by college students, and they are designed to provide an enjoyable musical venue while also raising funds for worthy causes in Oak Ridge. [Read more…]

USEC donates to Emory Valley Center campaign

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USEC Donates to Emory Valley Center

Pictured above from left to right are Robin Biloski, Emory Valley Center development director; Dottie Thompson and Gene Caldwell, co-chairs of the EVC Capital Campaign; and Bob Eby of USEC Inc. (Submitted photo)

Emory Valley Center recently received a donation from USEC for its capital campaign to build a new facility on Emory Valley Road, a press release said.

“Emory Valley Center has always been such a vital part of our community in helping so many adults and children in our region,” said Bob Eby, director of Centrifuge Technology and Process Engineering of USEC in Oak Ridge. “All of us at USEC are so happy to play a part in providing a new center for the many who receive their services.” [Read more…]

Letter: Fond memories of EVC prom, ‘An Evening with the Stars’

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To the Editor:

What a night May 11 was for over 100 individuals served through Emory Valley Center in its mission to enhance the lives of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities!

Maggie and Andy Owen, supported by many volunteers, led the charge to hold EVC’s second Prom, “An Evening with the Stars.” This year’s theme was a Hawaiian Luau, with decorations, food, and personal photos all relating to a fun adventure for our individuals.

The Y-12 National Security Complex graciously donated New Hope Center for our individuals to enjoy this evening in a way they had never experienced. Donations to underwrite costs by local businesses and private sponsors were greatly appreciated to make the evening possible. We are so fortunate to have the dedication of the Owen’s family and their circle of volunteers to help the Center further its quest for person-centered activities for those we are dedicated to support. Feel free to visit our website, www.emoryvalleycenter.com, to relive that night with photos, which I know will bring a smile to your face.

Robin Biloski

Development Director

Emory Valley Center

Letter: EVC thanks city worker for help with signs

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To the Editor:

Emory Valley Center has been researching new signage for our campus in Oak Ridge. Before purchasing new signs, we asked for assistance from the City of Oak Ridge to learn all the specifics for sign regulations.

Monica Austin, Oak Ridge Community Development division manager, could not have been more helpful. She visited our campus with me, told me the proper signs we needed for safety for the many people that come and go in our busy buildings every day, and followed up with me with accurate drawings for placements. [Read more…]