Oak Ridge Today

Oak Ridge recreation manager named a community hero

Posted at
By 2 Comments

Matt Reedy, left, receives an official ICMA Community Hero certificate and letter from Oak Ridge City Manager Mark Watson, right. From left to right in background are Mayor Pro Tem Rick Chinn, Council member Jim Dodson, and Council member Kelly Callison. (Photo courtesy City of Oak Ridge)

Matt Reedy, left, receives an official ICMA Community Hero certificate and letter from Oak Ridge City Manager Mark Watson, right. From left to right in background are Mayor Pro Tem Rick Chinn, Council member Jim Dodson, and Council member Kelly Callison. (Photo courtesy City of Oak Ridge)

 

Oak Ridge Recreation Manager Matt Reedy has been named a 2017 Community Hero by the International City/County Management Association, or ICMA. Reedy is one of just 10 people chosen from across the country, a press release said.

“The honor is part of an ICMA initiative called ‘Life, Well Run,’ which aims to raise awareness of and appreciation for the value professional managers bring to build ethical, efficient, effective local government, and great communities we’re proud to call home,” a press release said.

Reedy was surprised with the announcement and a presentation of a certificate from ICMA at the regular city council meeting on Monday, April 10, the press release said. Oak Ridge City Manager Mark Watson spoke about Reedy’s devotion to the city and its people, in particular its youth. [Read more…]

Mission of Hope: Youth Board buys more than $1,500 worth of Christmas gifts for area children

Posted at
By Leave a Comment

Mission-Hope-Oak-Ridge-Youth-Advisory-Board-December-2015

Pictured above from left to right in front are Brent Robinson, Lucas Dunning, and Lewis Wang; in the second row are Jas Jakowski, Hannah Wilder, Audrey Bufton, Shichen Zhang, Ashley Riedy, Lauren Collier, Sam Sepulveda, Candace Pang, Shreyank Patel, Curtis Rookard; and in back are Hannah Oran, Kolton Reedy, Kevin Reedy, Alexis Palau, Kristina Reed, Macy Barclay, Joel Turner, Christian Thompson, Peter Magill, Rebecca Kolling, and Stella Powell. (Submitted photo)

 

The Oak Ridge Youth Advisory Board members recently voted to spend time and money Christmas shopping at Kmart for area children through Mission of Hope.

The board raises funds at various events throughout the year to make this possible. In total, the board spent more than $1,500 on gifts.

“The YAB would like to encourage other student groups and families to consider holiday projects that help those in need, while also reminding everyone to shop in Oak Ridge this holiday season!” a press release said. [Read more…]

Youth Board shopped for Christmas for children through Mission of Hope

Posted at
By Leave a Comment

YAB Christmas Shopping Mission of Hope

Pictured above from left to right in front are Marie Denorme and Hannah Oran; second row are Camille Martinez, Claire DiFazio, Ovi Kabir, Caroline Bradshaw, Elizabeth Bradshaw, Shichen Zhang, Lauren Collier, Riley Mosby, Catherine Humphries, and Candace Pang; and back are Julie Heten, Kolton Reedy, Peter Magill, Kevin Reedy, Curtis Rookard, Tyler Boullie, Wesley Robinson, Stella Powell, Mandy Pitz, Brent Robinson, Brandon Stanley, Lewis Wang, and Masa Kato. (Submitted photo)

 

The Oak Ridge Youth Advisory Board members recently voted to spend time and money Christmas shopping at Kmart for area children through Mission of Hope.

The board raises funds at various events throughout the year to make this possible, a press release said.

The board spent a total of $1,664.73 on gifts. [Read more…]

Youth Board buys Christmas gifts through Mission of Hope

Posted at
By Leave a Comment

Youth Advisory Board and Mission of Hope

Pictured above from left to right are Abby Douglas, Lara de Almedia, Ellie Brown, Wes Robinson, Koren Foglesanger, Jared Galloway, Candace Pang, Shichen Zhang, Ricky Goyette, Peter Magill, Laura Skipper, Shelby Chambers, Curtis Rookard, Lauren Collier, Megan Peters, Caroline Bradshaw, Lewis Wang, Ashley Riedy, Shane Harris, and Esten Dunn. (Submitted photo)

The Oak Ridge Youth Advisory Board members recently agreed to spend time and money Christmas shopping at Kmart for area children through Mission of Hope.

The board raises funds at events throughout the year to make this possible and spent $1,639.78 on gifts, a press release said.

The YAB would like to encourage other student groups and families to consider holiday projects that help those in need, while also reminding everyone to shop in Oak Ridge this holiday season, the press release said.

For more information about the Youth Advisory Board, visit www.orrecparks.com or contact Matt Reedy at (865) 425-3442.

Youth Board starts 22nd year; welcomes new members, officers

Posted at
By Leave a Comment

Oak Ridge Youth Advisory Board 2013-2014

The Oak Ridge Youth Advisory Board for 2013-2014 is pictured above. (Submitted photo)

The Oak Ridge Youth Advisory Board recently started its 22nd year with new members, the first meeting of the 2013-2014 term, and officer elections.

YAB member Kelsey Warmbrod, an Oak Ridge High School senior serving in her fifth term of office, was elected chairwoman, a press release said. In other elections, fourth-year member Shane Harris was elected vice chair, senior Abby Douglas was elected secretary, and Peter Magill was elected treasurer. [Read more…]

Youth Board seeking vendors for summer jobs, career fair for teens

Posted at
By Leave a Comment

Summer Jobs and Career Fair for Teens

Students are pictured at last year’s Summer Jobs and Career Fair for Teens at Oak Ridge High School. (Submitted photos)

The Oak Ridge Youth Advisory Board is seeking vendors for a Summer Jobs and Career Fair for Teens in February.

The jobs and careers fair will be from 2-4 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 13, in the Oak Ridge High School Café.

It will introduce students to possible summer job opportunities, future careers, and to potential colleges as well, a press release said. It will also serve as an excellent opportunity for vendors to meet potential employees.

[Read more…]

Youth board will Christmas shop for Angel Tree children

Posted at
By Leave a Comment

Oak Ridge Youth Advisory Board Angel Tree Group

Oak Ridge Youth Advisory Board Angel Tree Group (Submitted photo)

The Oak Ridge Youth Advisory Board would like to thank everyone who supported YAB programs and events in 2012.

YAB members recently voted to use the proceeds from recent events to do Christmas shopping for six Salvation Army Angel Tree children.

[Read more…]

Breakfast with Santa on Dec. 1, reservations available

Posted at
By Leave a Comment

The 13th Annual Breakfast with Santa will be at the Grove Theater on Dec. 1.

The breakfast starts at 8:30 a.m. and ends at 11 a.m. It’s hosted by the Oak Ridge Youth Advisory Board and Grove Theater.

Organizers suggest a $5 donation per participants from ages 3 and up, payable at the door. The activities include a breakfast buffet, Christmas crafts, holiday movies in the theater, and photos with Santa.

[Read more…]

Oak Ridge Youth Advisory Board hosts Tennis Play Day

Posted at
By Leave a Comment

Oak Ridge Tennis Play Day

Participants of Saturday’s Tennis Play Day are pictured above. (Submitted photo)

The Oak Ridge Youth Advisory Board hosted a free Tennis Play Day on Saturday as part of the Playful City USA initiative.

“Participants of all ages tried their hand at a variety of challenges, while also learning about new tennis opportunities in Oak Ridge,” a press release said.

United States Tennis Association instructor David Bowman led skills and challenges for the event, the release said.

“This event is an example of the partnerships that the city YAB is attempting to build in the community,” said Matt Reedy, Oak Ridge recreation program supervisor and YAB liaison. “David Bowman is a great resource and advocate for youth tennis here in Oak Ridge, and he is bringing in USTA tournaments several times a year as well.”

Reedy said the YAB subsidized the cost of painting “Quickstart Tennis” lines for kids’ tennis and added an informational sign.

“This event was designed to be free, fun, and informative about youth tennis here in Oak Ridge,” Reedy said.

He said the Youth Advisory Board is working on another new initiative involving a partnership with the Grove Center Merchants to host a Breakfast with Santa on Dec. 1.

“Our annual Breakfast with Santa event has always been hosted in the Oak Ridge Civic Center Gym, and we felt that it was time to change the event up and branch out a bit,” Reedy said. “Through this partnership, we will free up Recreation Department resources for Youth Basketball Leagues to begin, while also supporting local businesses in Grove Center. It is a win-win.”

YAB meetings are held twice per month on Wednesday afternoons at the Oak Ridge Civic Center and are open to the public. Board members serve a one-year term of office and must re-apply in May of each year.

For more information, call Reedy at (865) 425-3442 or visit the Oak Ridge Recreation and Parks Department website at www.orrecparks.org.

Youth Board calls for ‘cash mobs,’ tennis day, shoe drive, dodgeball

Posted at
By 1 Comment

Youth Advisory Board

Oak Ridge Youth Advisory Board

The Oak Ridge Youth Advisory Board has set its annual goals, calling for the creation of “cash mobs” to encourage teens to shop at local stores, a tennis play day, a shoe drive, disc golf event, and dodgeball tournament.

The YAB also voted to continue some of its most popular events, including Graduation Celebration, freshman-sophomore dance, summer jobs and career fair, Battle of the Teen Bands, and Breakfast with Santa.

[Read more…]

YAB hosts ‘Battle of the Teen Bands’

Posted at
By Leave a Comment

The Oak Ridge Youth Advisory Board is hosting a teen band competition at the A.K. Bissell Park Pavilion at 6 p.m. Friday, April 27.

This contest will feature local bands and groups competing for prizes, as well as the honor of being named B.O.B. Champion. Admission is free, and Razzleberry’s will sell concessions. If the weather is bad, this event will move to the Paradox Teen Center on New York Avenue.

All band members must be under the age of 21, and a registration fee of $20 must be paid by the April 18 deadline.

For more information, visit www.orrecparks.org, email [email protected] or call (865) 425-3450 for details.

The pavilion is located behind the Oak Ridge Civic Center.

Oak Ridge Youth Board seeks vendors for teen job fair

Posted at
By Leave a Comment

The City Youth Advisory Board is planning a Summer Jobs and Career Fair for Teens on Wednesday, April 25, from 2-4 p.m. in the Oak Ridge High School Café. This event will introduce students to possible summer job opportunities, future careers, and to potential colleges, as well as allow vendors to meet potential employees.

The YAB has donated a Compaq laptop, a Nook Color eReader, and two $50 gas gift cards as door prizes to encourage students to attend. Vendors are also giving away additional door prizes.

There will be numerous vendors at the fair including the City of Oak Ridge, Razzleberry’s, and King College. If you wish to be a vendor, contact Matt Reedy, Recreation and Parks Program Supervisor at [email protected] or visit the city’s website at www.orrecparks.org.