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HERE'S WHAT IS HAPPENING
IN THE CITY OF OAK RIDGE!
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CENTENNIAL GOLF COURSE ANNOUNCES NEW GENERAL MANAGER
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Mike Callender, General Manager at Centennial Golf Course
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The City of Oak Ridge has completed its management transition at Centennial Golf Course and is pleased to announce the new general manager: Mike Callender.
Mr. Callender brings 18 years of experience in the golf industry to the City of Oak Ridge. He is a certified Class A PGA Professional with 10 years as a Head Professional and is certified in golf operations. "I am very excited to make Centennial Golf Course the place to go in East Tennessee, not just for golf, but also for business meetings, casual outings and eventually dining," Callender said of the opportunity.
"Our goal is to establish Centennial as one of the premier public golf courses in the region and the addition of Mike Callender to the team as general manager will help us get there," Oak Ridge City Manager Mark Watson added. "With his leadership and the ongoing reinvestment by the City, we are now poised to provide a quality experience for all golfers in the greater Knoxville region."
As of Sunday, January 21, all golf course operations fall under the City's Recreation and Parks Department. In October 2017, the City announced its decision to begin managing Centennial Golf Course internally, releasing private firm Billy Casper Golf from its contract.
The City made this move in order to initiate repairs to the facility on an aggressive timeline.
 Cart path repairs and drainage improvements as well as the installation of guard rails and other safety measures are included in the plans, which are already well underway. Players should be aware that the course could periodically be reduced to nine available holes while crews are working on projects through the month of April.
Winter operating hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. The City will be honoring passes and memberships purchased prior to the change. The Recreation and Parks Department expects all repairs to be complete in time for spring golf tournaments.
Opened in 1997, Centennial Golf Course features 18 holes, a large clubhouse and a driving range situated on roughly 200 acres just off Edgemoor Road in Oak Ridge. Golf lessons are available and will continue to be offered through the Des Mahoney Golf Academy.
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CONSTRUCTION UNDERWAY FOR AMERICAN MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND ENERGY'S NEW HOME
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 The U.S. Department of Energy's Oak Ridge Office and the City of Oak Ridge kicked off the new year by starting construction on the new home of the American Museum of Science and Energy (AMSE).
RealtyLink, the developer for Main Street Oak Ridge, selected Oak Ridge-based Summit Construction as the contractor for the project. Crews began work on January 5th and increased activity can be expected in the area over the coming weeks as construction progresses.
The new space for AMSE is located between the current JCPenney store and a future Marriott hotel, which is also under construction. The museum entrance will be on Main Street East. AMSE will be all on one floor, occupying approximately 18,000 square feet.
"With the basic interior building plans and designs completed, the City will continue to work with RealtyLink on enhancements to the exterior circulation and supporting amenities for the visitors," Oak Ridge City Manager Mark Watson explained. "This is a much awaited project, since authorization by the Secretary of Energy last year, and we are pleased to be moving forward."
Design plans include a large theater as well as classroom space that can be divided into two regular-sized rooms or one large classroom, supporting a variety of uses for visitors and staff. DOE is developing new exhibits, interactive technology, and updates to the museum's most popular existing displays in cooperation with a professional museum design consultant.
"We are very excited about the start of construction at the new location of the AMSE," added Ken Tarcza, Manager of the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge Office. "This milestone represents the tremendous progress that has been made in a short amount of time, which has been possible because of the outstanding relationships between DOE, the City of Oak Ridge, and the developer."
DOE is also working in close partnership with the National Park Service (NPS) on the Manhattan Project National Historical Park and the new AMSE facility. The NPS plans to maintain a presence and programming at multiple locations in the City, including the new AMSE location and the Children's Museum of Oak Ridge.
AMSE was originally slated to be in its new home by the end of 2017, but the City, RealtyLink, and DOE agreed to an extension to allow for more time to develop plans for new exhibits and upgrades to the building that will house the museum. The target move-in date is now June 2018. AMSE will remain open in its current location, 300 South Tulane Avenue, until the new space is completed.
For information on planning a trip to the American Museum of Science and Energy, visit the museum's website at
amse.org or call (865) 576-3200.
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NNSA HOSTS INFO SESSION TO ADDRESS COMMUNITY REGARDING SUBSTATION PROJECT
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The Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) held an information session on January 24 at the Scarboro Community Center in Oak Ridge.
Well over 100 people attended the information session, which included opportunities to learn more about the Y-12 National Security Complex, the Uranium Processing Facility construction project and the work involved in building a replacement electrical substation at Y-12.
Representatives from the NNSA's Uranium Processing Facility Project Office (UPO), the NNSA Production Office (NPO) and the Tennessee Valley Authority were present at the meeting. Attendees spoke with representatives at information booths before a presentation and question and answer session.
Back in December, the Oak Ridge City Council formally requested a month-long delay in the electrical substation project to provide an opportunity for NNSA to host a public meeting about the plans and to allow the City time to receive additional technical information used in the decision making process to potentially locate the transmission lines on Pine Ridge.
In a letter from NNSA dated December 11, Dale Christenson, Federal Project Director for NNSA's Uranium Processing Facility (UPF) project, stated that NNSA would extend the discussion period to 45 days given the holiday season.
"During this time," the letter stated, "NNSA will take no action that commits to any particular approach to the siting of this transmission line. Although initial logging operations will begin during this period, they will occur on a point furthest from the City and will not prevent NNSA from acting on any reasonable mitigation approach that may be suggested."
The City of Oak Ridge continues to voice their support for the UPF project, recognizing its critical importance to our nation's security.
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CITY COUNCIL ADOPTS 2018 LEGISLATIVE AGENDA
Key issues and projects include Edgemoor Road improvements, the Oak Ridge General Aviation Airport, Manhattan Project National Historical Park, economic development, and adventure tourism.
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FRIENDSHIP BELL PEACE PAVILION PROJECT OFFICIALLY BREAKS GROUND
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"The Friendship Bell is a powerful symbol of hope, and it is a testament to the fundamental truth that despite past conflicts, we are stronger together in peace and harmony," Oak Ridge Mayor Warren Gooch said during a ceremonial groundbreaking in September. "The Friendship Bell represents a bond of friendship, respect and unwavering support between Oak Ridge and the people of Japan."
In the photo to the right (taken before excavation began earlier this month), you can see exactly where the bell will be placed in its new home. We can't wait to hear the bell ringing once again!
The new pavilion for the bell came about after city officials discovered that structural beams in the original bell display had severely deteriorated. With the bell housing in danger of collapsing, the City of Oak Ridge tasked the Recreation and Parks Advisory Board with making short-term and long-term recommendations.
A decision was made to demolish the original pavilion and place the Bell on timbers at the site. The advisory board formed the ad hoc International Friendship Bell Citizens Advisory Committee to develop a new pavilion design and raise funds for the project.
Architect Ziad Demian, founding partner of demian\wilbur\architects in Washington, D.C., designed the new Peace Pavilion and its surrounding plaza, with gardens and benches. He attended the groundbreaking in September, along with representatives of m
ajor donors including UT Battelle/Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge Associated Universities and CNS - Y-12
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NOW HIRING: FIND A JOB WITH THE CITY
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The City is accepting applications for Certified Police Officer (until noon on February 2) as well as Summer Camp and Swimming Pool positions for 2018.
For lifeguard positions, applicants must be at least 16 years old and certified as a lifeguard. For summer camp positions, applicants must be at least 18 years old and have completed one year of college.
All applicants are subject to drug screening, background investigation and driver license check.
Applications for summer recreation positions received by Friday, March 9, will be reviewed and considered before those received after that date.
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FOLLOW ORPD ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Did you know you can follow the Oak Ridge Police Department on social media?
Stay up to date with what's happening around town and learn more about our officers.
SAFETY REMINDER: PROTECT YOUR PETS FROM THE COLD
With winter temperatures back in the forecast, the Oak Ridge Police Department and the Oak Ridge Animal Shelter are advising citizens to be mindful of their pets during periods of extreme cold.
If you're wondering when you should bring your pets indoors, check out the graphic below. It provides a suggested guideline based on breed size and temperature for when you should take extra precautions to protect your pet.
As always, please consult your veterinarian if you're concerned for your pet's health.
Note that Fahrenheit temperatures are on the right side of the scale!
CHIEF AKAGI DISCUSSES COOKIE SALE SAFETY WITH GIRL SCOUTS
Chief Akagi had a wonderful time with Girl Scouts of the Southern Appalachians Troop 22183 at Woodland Elementary earlier this month when he visited with troop members, read a story and discussed safety for when they are out on their annual Girl Scout Cookie Sale. He had a lot of fun interacting with six wonderful young members of our community!
HEALTHY WATERS PARTNERS WITH GIRL SCOUTS
 Healthy Waters is proud to announce a community partnership with the Girl Scouts of Southern Appalachians, meaning our crew can visit troops in Oak Ridge to teach them all about water!
Healthy Waters is an outreach program within the Stormwater Management Division of the City of Oak Ridge Public Works Department, hosted by the resident AmeriCorps members.
The program offers lessons and hands-on activities including games, crafts, experiments and volunteer opportunities for students of all ages dealing with water conservation and quality and basic stormwater principles. This program can now be taken on the road to all troop meetings within the City of Oak Ridge.
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ATOMIC DASH SPLASH: HELP RAISE FUNDS FOR A WATER SLIDE AT THE OUTDOOR POOL
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The aquatic staff of the Recreation and Parks Department will be hosting a fundraising event and 5K family fun run on March 31 at 9 a.m. at Melton Lake Park.
Wearing your best luau or pool attire, join us for a morning filled with music, food, bounce houses, raffle drawings, and a 5K and 1 mile walk/run.
Bring the family and enjoy a day at the park while helping raise money for the outdoor pool slide!
Register by March 1 to be guaranteed a t-shirt.
Not a runner? -- Just come for the fun and raffle drawings!
REMINDER: INDOOR POOL CLOSURE
On Thursday, February 1, 2018, the indoor pool at the Civic Center will be closed from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. for maintenance. We apologize for any inconvenience.
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GREAT NEWS FROM OAK RIDGE SCHOOLS...
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CONGRATS TO THE 2018 TEACHERS OF THE YEAR!
 Each year, the Tennessee Department of Education applauds teachers who care about children, who devote their professional lives to enriching the lives of Tennessee students, and who demonstrate exceptional gains in student achievement. The Teacher of the Year program recognizes and honors outstanding teachers in Tennessee. Goals of the program are to:
- Promote effective teaching practices by recognizing and rewarding outstanding teachers.
- Engage regional teachers of the year in education policy making through the Teacher Advisory Council.
- Encourage participation by every school in the state so that all Tennessee teachers may be recognized and rewarded.
- Build a network of local and state corporate sponsors.
- Provide a network for teachers to share effective practices.
- Encourage a sense of professionalism in teaching.
- Encourage greater participation in building a strong community-school partnership.
Each district in the state may submit one nominee for the state-level award. As part of this process, Oak Ridge Schools seeks teacher candidates from each school in the district. Oak Ridge would like to congratulate the school-level winners nominated by their principals and peers for the 2018-2019 application.
- Linda Dalton, Oak Ridge Schools Preschool
- Lauren Blair, Glenwood Elementary
- Lisa Buckner, Linden Elementary
- Donna Grove, Willow Brook Elementary
- Michael Martin, Woodland Elementary
- Steve Reddick, Jefferson Middle
- Bob O'Connor, Robertsville Middle
- Donna Gilbert, Secret City Academy
- Leslie Shelton, Oak Ridge High School
NASA FOSTERS STEM EDUCATION THROUGH
CUBESAT CLASS IN OAK RIDGE
NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, is on a mission to inspire young minds to become the next generation of critical thinkers. Engaging students in space exploration encourages learning in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) in a way that fosters hands-on learning and discovery.
"As more states incorporate STEM-focused education into their standards, we assist teachers by developing curriculum support materials that help them meet the standards while making learning fun for their students," said Susan Currie, education specialist at Marshall.
One example of how Marshall achieves this goal is through collaboration with Oak Ridge Schools. The Academic Affairs Office staff at Marshall assisted in curriculum development that incorporated unique NASA resources, and then trained teachers to use the resources for a new elective engineering course called NASA Project-Based Learning. Additionally, Marshall engineers serve as mentors to students in the course. Patrick Hull, technical assistant for the Structural and Mechanical Design Branch of the Engineering Directorate at Marshall assisted with this collaboration in the community where he grew up.
"We sought to invest in our community and influence middle school students by exposing them to exciting STEM careers at NASA" said Hull. At many schools, this type of unique experience in STEM fields was only available in an extracurricular environment.
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Students at Robertsville Middle School in Oak Ridge design a 1U CubeSat as part of an elective course developed by Robertsville Middle School teachers and NASA's Educator Professional Development Collaborative. (NASA/Oak Ridge City Schools)
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Hull partnered with Robertsville Middle STEM teacher, Todd Livesay, to create a project that tasked students with designing and 3-D printing a small one-unit cube satellite, or 1U CubeSat. Once completed, the students presented their project at Marshall in front of Hull and a panel of fellow engineers. "To have had an opportunity in junior high to work with a group of engineers from NASA would have been very motivating to me," said Hull.
"The value of skills learned by our students in this program spans more than just STEM disciplines," said Holly Cross, career and technical education supervisor for the Oak Ridge City School System. "The mentors from NASA encouraged our students to talk about their project in a conversational manner rather than memorizing for a presentation. Our English teachers have commented on how their presentation skills have developed and matured as a result of their interaction with the NASA engineers."
For the 2017 class mission, students chose a cause that is near to their hearts. In 2016, wildfires ravaged communities in nearby Gatlinburg, Tennessee, taking the lives of 14 residents and leaving more than 2,500 homes and businesses damaged or destroyed. To assist Gatlinburg and other communities impacted by wildfires, the students set out to develop a CubeSat capable of deploying a camera and radio in space to observe and communicate the regrowth pattern of vegetation after a widespread fire. This information can be used to help communities regrow after destruction.
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Robertsville Middle School students participating in the NASA Project-Based Learning course visit Marshall to present their CubeSat project to a panel of engineers. Marshall developed curriculum and trained teachers for the elective course while Marshall engineers served as mentors to the students. (NASA/Oak Ridge Schools)
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The students submitted their completed project in proposal form to NASA's CubeSat Launch Initiative to compete for a spot to fly on a future launch. Through CubeSat Launch Initiative, NASA's Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate provides universities, high schools and non-profit organizations access to a low-cost pathway to conduct research in the areas of science, exploration, technology development, education or operations.
NASA centers nationwide work with schools by developing and providing engineering and science curriculum resources and training at no cost to teachers through the Educator Professional Development Collaborative.
The collaborative is managed by Texas State University as part of the NASA's education offerings. A free service for K-12 educators nationwide, it connects educators with the classroom tools and resources they need to foster students' passion for careers in STEM and produce the next generation of scientists and engineers.
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OAK RIDGE CELEBRATES 75TH ANNIVERSARY
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 Our 75th anniversary has arrived and the calendar is full of amazing events that will help us celebrate this milestone. Thanks to everyone who has taken part in the events so far!
FLASHBACK: Oak Ridge was born in 1942 and existed for seven years as a truly "Secret City." By August of 1945, around 75,000 people lived within the community borders. Visitors were only allowed in by special approval and guards were posted at all entrances to the city, requiring residents to wear badges whenever they were outside their homes. At the time, Oak Ridge was the fifth largest city in Tennessee, but didn't even appear on the map.
75th Anniversary festivities will continue into 2018.
Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the Y-12 National Security Complex will celebrate the anniversaries of their respective beginnings as well.
Additional events will be announced as they are confirmed.
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LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER FOR 250K TREE DAY!
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Participate in the largest community tree-planting event in America right here in Oak Ridge! Volunteers have until February 1st to register for seedlings through the Tennessee Environmental Council. You can then pick up your trees between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. on February 24 in Jackson Square. Plant them the same day to be part of something truly special all across Tennessee.
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GROW OAK RIDGE WINTER FARMERS MARKET
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 The
Winter Farmers Market by Grow Oak Ridge
features a great selection of produce, baked goods and handmade items -- even bright red tomatoes -- all found indoors, away from the cold and harsh weather of the winter season.
Be sure to visit them from 10am-1pm on Saturdays inside the gym at St. Mary's School on Vermont Avenue. They'll be open through the month of February.
Don't forget - the market DOUBLES SNAP/EBT dollars! They also offer a free kids club.
To learn more about the Winter Farmers Market or for information on becoming a vendor, visit their website at growoakridge.org.
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PUBLIC WORKS RESPONDS TO DOZENS OF WATER MAIN BREAKS IN OAK RIDGE
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Public Works crews repair a broken water main near Jackson Square on the morning of January 19.
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With temperatures continuing to fluctuate, the Public Works Department would like to remind citizens that water main breaks can be expected as the ground freezes and thaws.
Crews will respond as quickly as possible, working to restore water service and repair all breaks according to proper procedures for safety.
If you happen to experience discolored water after a pipe break, please know that the water is safe. When a water main break occurs, rust from pipes and minerals that have come out of treated water can become dislodged and re-suspended in the water.
To get rid of the discoloration, open the cold water side of your faucets in your bathtubs and sinks all the way and let them run for approximately 10-15 minutes.
If your water does not clear up after following this procedure, please call the Public Works Department at (865) 425-1875 and we will dispatch a crew to further flush the nearby water mains. We appreciate your patience and understanding while our crews work diligently to make these necessary repairs.
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OAK RIDGE NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH PROGRAM MEETING
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The
Oak Ridge Neighborhood Watch Program is holding its annual Appreciation Banquet on Thursday, February 8, 2018. The banquet starts at 6 p.m. and will be at Central Baptist Church, 130 Providence Road, in Oak Ridge.
This event celebrates the accomplishments of ORNWP and its members during 2017 as we move into a new year. It is a free event open to all ORNWP members, their families and neighbors as well as anyone interested in starting or expanding a watch program in their n
eighborhood.
The guest speaker is Neal Morgenstern, Drug Education and Prevention Coordinator. He has a dynamic program titled "Chasing the Dragon" that deals with the accelerating opiate problem and its consequences. This topic continues our 2017 focus on addressing pertinent topics for
Oak Ridge. You will also meet the Oak Ridge Police Department Command staff. A delicious dinner will be prepared by Cassie Shipley of Central Baptist Church.
We will celebrate our outstanding ORNWP members and neighborhoods that have participated in and supported the program during the year as well as recognize our corporate sponsors and fundraising partners.
This will be a fun, informative evening that you don't want to miss! Let's start 2018 off with a great celebration of the ORNWP!
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STAY FIT AT THE OAK RIDGE SENIOR CENTER
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NEW EXERCISE CLASS BEGINS FEBRUARY 1ST
Following an interest meeting held on January 23, the Oak Ridge Senior Center has announced that a new exercise class will be held at 5 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the center beginning February 1st.
Based on feedback received at the interest meeting, the class will focus on strengthening and flexibility exercises.
The class will be led by Carol Shepard, a registered nurse, and is for anyone age 50 and over. There will be no cost for the class and participants can bring a guest under the age of 50.
BEGINNER TAI CHI CLASS OFFERED AT SENIOR CENTER, NEW STUDENTS CAN JOIN ANYTIME
The Tennessee branch of the Taoist Tai Chi Society of the USA started a beginner Tai Chi class at the Oak Ridge Senior Center this month.
The classes will be held Mondays and Fridays from 11 a.m. to noon. A donation of $2 per class is suggested, but not required. New students can join at any time.
Program organizers say the gentle motions of Tai Chi offer health benefits for all ages, but the practice often appeals to seniors looking for ways to improve strength, endurance, flexibility, and balance. The motions are also gentle and low impact, exercising the skeleton, joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and all connective tissue, with very low risk of injury.
The Taoist Tai Chi Society of the USA, a charitable organization, has been a part of the East Tennessee community for more than 30 years.
For questions about the Tai Chi class or other programs offered through the Oak Ridge Senior Center, please call (865) 425-3999.
About Oak Ridge Senior Center: Oak Ridge senior citizens have had a facility dedicated to their needs since 1977. The Senior Center is now temporarily located at 1403 Oak Ridge Turnpike inside the Recreation Building of the Civic Center. You can learn more about them on
Facebook, check out their
website or give them a call for more information on programs offered by the Oak Ridge Recreation and Parks Department.
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COMING SOON AT THE OAK RIDGE PUBLIC LIBRARY...
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TURTLE PARK SEWER SHED REHABILITATION PROJECT CONTINUES
The second phase of the Turtle Park Sewer Rehabilitation Project began during the first week of October. Hurst Excavating, LLC, is working under contract for the City of Oak Ridge to rehabilitate sewer collection pipes within City easements as well as in yards and roadways.
Work will be performed in the Turtle Park Sewer Shed (click to see full size map), located west of Highland Avenue, east of Newport Drive, north of Vanderbilt Drive, and south of West Outer Drive. Residents in the area should have received door hangers on orange paper providing general project details and contact information for Hurst Excavating, LLC.
Drivers, cyclists and pedestrians are urged to use extreme care and caution when traveling on streets within the sewer work area. Temporary road repairs will be made and loose gravel should be expected until the patches are permanently paved.
The estimated completion date for the project is June 2018. All construction work is subject to change and is based on such unknowns as the weather, equipment availability and access issues.
Questions or comments can be directed to the City of Oak Ridge Public Works Department at (865) 425-1875 or via email: PubWorksDis@OakRidgeTN.gov.
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200 South Tulane Ave
Oak Ridge, TN 37830
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