Oak Ridge Today

AC Events: Pickin’ in the Park, Wheelers for the Wounded, David Hall Cabin open house

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Here are three events happening in Anderson County this weekend:

Pickin’ in the Park Concert—Friday, October 2, at Norris Dam State Park

Join the Friends of Norris Dam State Park for the annual Pickin’ in the Park Concert held the first Friday of October from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. This event is an evening full of bluegrass music, barbecue, local craft vendors, laughter, and fun, organizers said.

The event is located at the historic amphitheater and tearoom on the east side of Norris Dam State Park. There is no entrance fee, but donations to the Friends of Norris Dam are strongly encouraged.

If you have any questions, call the park office at (865) 426-7461.

Wheelers for the Wounded—October 3 at Windrock Park [Read more…]

Trap and Skeet Fun Shoot in Oak Ridge to benefit Wounded Warrior Project

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Submitted

They left their homes to fight for their country. Some of them were wounded physically and some were injured emotionally. And while they came back unbroken in spirit, many of them still need help to finish their recovery.

Assisting both the wounded veterans and their families is a responsibility all Americans should consider undertaking. The sponsors and supporters of the Pull For Our VeteransTM are doing their part by hosting the 4th Annual Pull For Our Veterans Trap and Skeet Fun Shoot to benefit the Wounded Warrior Project on September 18-20.

The three-day long event includes a Law Enforcement and Wounded Veteran’s Shoot on Friday, September 18, followed by a two-day fun shoot among 100 shooters on September 19 and September 20. At least five wounded warriors are expected to participate in the event and 100 percent of the money generated from the event will go to the Wounded Warrior Project to aid our veterans. [Read more…]

Secret City Festival growing, evolving, but not ending, officials say

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Secret City Festival World War II Re-enactment 2015

A Flak 88 firing during a Battle of Normandy re-enactment at the 2015 Secret City Festival in Oak Ridge. (Photo by Rob Welton)

 

Note: This story was last updated at 10 a.m.

A rumor that circulated widely this month said this was going to be the last year for the Secret City Festival.

But city officials said it’s premature to say that.

It is true that a Special Events Advisory Task Force has been studying changes to the annual festival, including moving it from June and making it into an expanded celebration in the fall, starting in October and continuing through Veterans Day (November 11). It could be renamed the Secret City Celebration, implemented by a new nonprofit expected to become self-sustaining within five years, and add events while continuing to include the Secret City Festival.

At a Wednesday evening meeting, Task Force members said many of the current festival activities could continue, including music, World War II re-enactments, historical displays, and children’s activities. But they also said there could be opportunities for new partnerships with other organizations, including Wounded Warriors and Oak Ridge Playhouse. And it’s not clear that the Secret City Festival would continue to be a two-day event.

Task Force members say they’re hoping to help create something bigger and better. [Read more…]

Sitel has charity concert for injured vets Saturday, announces 100 new jobs

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Travis Rice Country Concert at Sitel

Sitel is having a fundraising concert to benefit Wounded Warriors and veteran charities this evening (Saturday evening) and offer 100 new full-time jobs in Oak Ridge.

The free event starts at 5 p.m., and it will raise funds and awareness for the needs of injured service members, a press release said. It will also include a variety of family activities.

The festivities start at 5 p.m. Saturday (today) in Sitel’s lot at 1089 Commerce Park Drive at the Tech 5 Building in Oak Ridge. A number of local country bands will provide the music, followed by headliner Travis Rice at 7 p.m., with patriotic songs honoring America’s brave service men and women, the press release said.

Attendees will enjoy barbecue, hamburgers, hot dogs, and other foods, along with face painting and additional fun activities. Sitel will also give away multiple prizes, including: [Read more…]

Ninja 5K Race to support Wounded Warriors, Graduation Celebration

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Ninja 5K Race Logo

Registration is now open for the inaugural Ninja 5K race coming to Oak Ridge on June 28. Organizers said the race was created to raise funds for our local Graduation Celebration event, while also supporting the Wounded Warriors Project.

The Ninja 5K is a 3.1-mile race and walk that is planned for the Horizon Center in west Oak Ridge. The race course is very flat and accessible for all ages and abilities, a press release said. The race will be timed, but both runners and walkers are encouraged to participate.

“Martial arts groups will be on hand doing demonstrations, and everyone is encouraged to dress up ninja-style for the event,” a release stated. “Events like this one are sweeping the country because people are looking for something fun to do as a family. We hope to see the whole family dressed out in martial arts uniforms, or as Ninja Turtles, Karate Kid, Kung Fu Panda, etc.” [Read more…]

Guest column: Home of the brave

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John Ragan

John Ragan

Two hundred and thirty-seven years ago, one of the most influential documents in the history of politics made its official appearance: The Declaration of Independence. Men, who felt the weight of history resting squarely on them, courageously shouldered the burden and fearlessly signed that piece of paper. They did so knowing the penalty for failure was death and hardship for their families.

Fortunately, from that day to this, brave citizens have continued to willingly risk life and limb in service to fellow Americans. Sadly, however, as it was in July of 1776, so, too, it is now. The cost of liberty remains high.

Today, as then, gallant American service personnel continue to lay their lives on the altar of freedom. Others sacrifice precious capabilities that the average citizen takes for granted. These men and women suffer unbelievably painful wounds, lose limbs, even endure paralysis and experience scarring inside and out. The agony of rehabilitation for these injuries cannot be exaggerated. [Read more…]