Oak Ridge Today

Letter: Oak Ridge a better place to live, work thanks to Baughn, Hensley

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To the Editor:

Monday night, December 12, 2016, there will be a changing of the guard when two Oak Ridge City Council members “retire.” Both have been instrumental in bringing the dawn of a new day for the city. Neither can be accused of slacking their elected duties. And while their approaches have been different, their mutual goal was to make Oak Ridge the best city it could be. And, in a season of strange electoral occurrences, both chose not to run for re-election even though the odds were they would be voted back into office.

Councilwoman Trina Baughn and I, on occasion, have found ourselves on different sides of an issue or two. However, she has treated me and my ideas with respect. I have not been the exception. I hope I have behaved in the same manner.

In recent history, Trina probably has been the most prepared Council member to discuss the issues at hand. I will not forget her toting a black notebook (or two) holding her “homework” as she took her seat on the dais. In the wrong hands, minutiae can be boring. In Trina’s hands, they were generally irrefutable landmarks supporting her position. Being a person of strong disposition, Mrs. Baughn never wavered when her views were ridiculed or attacked. But she was also willing to compromise when unity was necessary. [Read more…]

Letter: Hope gives back to community, seeks to maximize Oak Ridge’s potential

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To the Editor:

Like most voters, I decided whom I would support in the national election several months ago. But I wish not to discuss what might be the worst presidential election cycle since Jefferson and Adams opposed each other in the 1700s. No, I would like to share my views on local choices (Oak Ridge City Council), especially Chuck Hope Jr., who is running for re-election.

One of the perks of living in Oak Ridge is that while shopping at Food City one can bump into the city manager. Or attend a performance at the Oak Ridge Playhouse and engage fellow patrons who are members of City Council. Or have your automobile serviced at Chuck’s Car Care on the Turnpike, owned and managed by Chuck Hope. Every customer is treated with respect. So are citizens who have contact with Chuck on matters of local governance. Work performed at his establishment usually exceeds expectation and at a reasonable price. [Read more…]

ORCMA Chorus kicks off 2014-15 season

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Oak Ridge Chorus 2014

 

Seth Maples

Seth Maples

The ORCMA Chorus began the 2014-15 season with its first rehearsal on Monday, August 11, in the Oak Ridge High School Choir Room. The group practiced the Schubert “Mass No. 5,” a press release said.

Under the direction of Seth Maples, the chorus, along with orchestral accompaniment, will perform on November 1 in the Pellissippi State Auditorium.

Membership is open to all singers who are at least high school age and love the thrill of being a part of a community choral group. All skill levels, from beginning amateur to seasoned professional, are welcomed. Rehearsals are generally every Monday evening.

Annual dues are $25, which offsets the cost of renting music and covers operating expenses such as flowers and mailings. Members may also purchase music for personal use. Performance attire will be discussed during rehearsal periods. [Read more…]

Guest column: Don’t miss ‘Ain’t Misbehavin’; show ends this weekend

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Ain't Misbehavin'

By Gene R. Dunaway

It opened April 25 at the Oak Ridge Playhouse and closes Sunday, May 11, and “Ain’t Misbehavin'” is a production to miss at your peril! A show of almost two hours of non-stop music, dance, and jive, I found myself struggling to remain seated and not jump up and join in the fun.

Go through the lobby doors, and you have time traveled back to Harlem during World War II. The smoky haze of a late-night club envelopes you. A lone piano player, Wendel Werner, is stroking the keys.

Presently, he is joined on stage by Alexis Tidwell, Lar’ Juanette Williams, Amy Coleman, Dann B. Black, and Tony Williams II. This ensemble, backed up by an intimate house band, explores the heights of a full-blown party to the depths of love gone wrong.

Along the way, we are treated to exceptional solos, duets, trios, quartets, and quintets. The dancing is contagious and choreographed by resident artistic director Reggie Law (a man of many talents). [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…]

Letter: Witness ‘intense conflict of forces’ in Playhouse drama

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To the Editor:

In the early days of black-and-white television, there used to be a game show entitled “I’ve Got A Secret” hosted by Garry Moore. On it, a panel tried to determine a contestant’s “secret”: something that was unusual, amazing, embarrassing, or humorous about that person. It was entertaining in a jocular fashion. Presently appearing on the stage at the Oak Ridge Playhouse is “Other Desert Cities,” also a show built around secrets that are revealed with gut-wrenching emotion. One program would give you the urge to buy toothpaste. The other will give you the urge to seek a storm shelter.

I was privileged to watch the final dress rehearsal on Thursday evening. The pedigree and jist of the play, while important, are recorded elsewhere. I wish to share with you, the reader, what I experienced with the hope that—at the curtain call—you, too, will be engulfed with a myriad of emotions. You are going to witness a prime example of ensemble acting. The seasoned actors are Ashley Peck (Brooke Wyeth), Leo LaCamera (Trip Wyeth), Karen Brunner (Mrs. Polly Wyeth), Steve Fitchpatrick (Mr. Lyman Wyeth), and Laurel Williams (Aunt Silda). While each possesses talent in his or her own right, collectively they are a super nova of stagecraft. For approximately two and a half hours, what you will see and hear is real! They are brother, sister, and aunt that have their own take of the family secret; and a mother and father who know the truth but have refused up till now to reveal it. These are not thespians but an actual family embroiled in a crisis that goes beyond the worst holiday dinner you have ever had. [Read more…]

Letter: Citizens Police Academy teaches about protecting, serving

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To the Editor:

The Oak Ridge Police Department has recently announced that it is in the process of recruiting for the 2014 class of the Citizens’ Police Academy. As a graduate of the 2013 class, please allow me to warn prospective applicants what they are in for if they are selected.

You are going to work your butt off. You will not be spending time listening to boring lectures. You will get your hands dirty in various activities from lab work that will make you think you could be a member of C.S.I. to standing on the firing range under a beautiful star-lit sky aiming a Glock service revolver at a target and squeezing the trigger.

You are going to be inundated with paperwork. The realm of research would call it primary source documents from judges, various section heads, representatives of community groups that interact with local law enforcement, and contacts from federal agencies. Trust me, no stone will go unturned. [Read more…]