THE CITY OF OAK RIDGE
N E W S L E T T E R

 m a y   2 0 1 8
v o l u m e  4 ,   i s s u e  5

HERE'S WHAT IS HAPPENING 
IN THE CITY OF OAK RIDGE!
HOLIDAY SCHEDULE: MEMORIAL DAY
All City of Oak Ridge offices will be closed on Monday, May 28, 2018, in observance of Memorial Day.

Oak Ridge Public Library will be closed Sunday, May 27, and Monday, May 28, for the holiday.
OAK RIDGE OUTDOOR POOL OPEN FOR MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND
The Oak Ridge Outdoor Swimming Pool will be open to the public over Memorial Day weekend, Saturday, May 26, through Monday, May 28, from noon to 6 p.m. each day.

This will be a soft opening over the holiday weekend, with the pool being closed for three days following Memorial Day, from Tuesday, May 29, to Thursday, May 31. An open public swim will be held on Friday, June 1, from 2 p.m. until 7 p.m. The outdoor pool will then open for normal summer hours starting Saturday, June 2, 2018.

Events are planned throughout the summer, including movie nights, evening swims, swim lessons, Water Safety Day, and the end of season Puppy Pool Party. Additional details can be found on the Recreation and Parks Department's Aquatics page.

The outdoor pool is located at 172 Providence Road. The facility is fed by spring water and considered one of the largest in the nation. Depths range from zero to 13.5 feet. There are 25-meter and 100-meter courses, as well as an offshore island, a shallow water pool with a fountain for young children, and a large grassy beach area. Food and float rental concessions are also available.

If you have any questions about the outdoor pool or other aquatics facilities and programs, contact the City of Oak Ridge Recreation and Parks Department at (865) 425-3450.
PUBLIC WORKS OPEN HOUSE ON MAY 24
Come experience The Power of Public Works  at the 2nd Annual Public Works Community Open House, sponsored by LDA Engineering, on Thursday, May 24, 2018, from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Oak Ridge Central Services Complex, located at 100 Woodbury Lane.





The Public Works Community Open House is designed to increase public awareness about the contributions of the City of Oak Ridge Public Works Department, as well as educating the community about the duties, practices and goals of the department. This event is being held in recognition of National Public Works Week, May 20-26.


"We're excited to offer this free community event for the citizens of Oak Ridge to be able to see, touch and experience all that is Public Works," said Shira McWaters, Public Works Director. "Kids and adults alike will be able to get a behind the scenes look at how we serve their city in a fun and educational way."

"Our Open House features interactive displays and demonstrations showing the tools and equipment used by different divisions in the department," McWaters explained. "Kids can bring their bicycles and helmets and ride through a mini road course designed to look like a city street. We'll also have a bounce house, face painting, live music, and food. The Stowers Touch-the-Truck event features the types of trucks and heavy equipment we use to keep the City safe and running smoothly." In addition, The Power of Public Works after school care program poster contest submissions will be on display. The event will also include a Downtown Hardware kids build station as well as the magic and comedy of Danny Whitson.



Public Works is more than just water and sewer services. It is the men and women who maintain and improve the systems and services vital to a community's health, safety and comfort. Public Works professionals work hard every day serving the citizens and businesses in Oak Ridge. A vast majority of them work outdoors, regardless of weather conditions, to ensure that the water, sewer, public facilities, sidewalks, and streets in the City run and operate smoothly.

This event is made possible through sponsor donations from LDA Engineering, Y-12 Federal Credit Union, Holiday Inn Express/Staybridge Suites - Oak Ridge, Downtown Hardware, and Stowers.  Questions can be directed to Public Works by phone at (865) 425-1875 or by emailing  PubWorksDis@OakRidgeTN.gov .
TENNESSEE AVENUE RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT TO BEGIN SOON
A road reconstruction project affecting Tennessee Avenue is scheduled to begin toward the end of May 2018. Adams and Sons, Inc., working under contract for the City of Oak Ridge, will reconstruct a portion of Tennessee Avenue beginning 400 feet east of its intersection with New York Avenue down to its intersection with Michigan Avenue.

The contractor's notice to proceed became effective Monday, May 21. Onsite activity will begin shortly thereafter and construction signs are already in place. The Public Works Department will use this project as an opportunity to replace the existing 1940s-era water main along Tennessee Avenue, in addition to making curb, gutter and sidewalk repairs.

Road reconstruction, as opposed to resurfacing, is required when large portions of the subgrade are known to be substandard. Unfortunately, reconstruction of this roadway will have a direct impact on the businesses and residents along the affected portion of Tennessee Avenue. Some of this impact will include the roadway being reduced to one lane of traffic, the road being closed to through traffic, and/or short-term temporary blockage of driveways. The contractor will make every effort to maintain local access; however, portions of the road will have to be closed and detours will be necessary.

When crews and equipment move from one location to another, the contractor and City personnel onsite will advise local businesses as traffic patterns change. Periodic updates will also be posted in the "City News" section of our website as well as on the City of Oak Ridge Government Facebook page. Once work is complete, the affected portion of Tennessee Avenue will be a smooth surface.

Drivers, pedestrians and cyclists are urged to use extreme care and caution when traveling in and around these sections of roadway. Public Works strongly recommends that you make plans early to take alternate routes. We apologize for any inconvenience the closures may cause and appreciate your patience and cooperation during this time. Please note that the entire project is anticipated to last several months, and that all construction work is subject to change based on such unknowns as weather, equipment and access issues.

We request that you communicate any questions or concerns with the contractor's onsite superintendent or foreman, or City personnel onsite. You may also contact Public Works via email at PubWorksDis@OakRidgeTN.gov or by calling (865) 425-1875.
GRADUATION CELEBRATION SET FOR MAY 31
On Thursday, May 31, 2018, the 22nd annual Graduation Celebration event will be held at the Oak Ridge Civic Center. 

Oak Ridge High School seniors are invited to register for the free party where they can win cash and prizes while making memories with their classmates in a safe environment.

The event requires nearly 200 volunteers and dozens of spots are still open. Volunteer jobs are available in security, inflatables, thank you notes, casino, food, prizes, and more. Please visit www.graduationcelebration.org to register as a volunteer.

Prizes this year include:
  • $1,000 Travel Package (Donated by the City's Youth Advisory Board)
  • $500 Outdoors Package (Donated by the City's Youth Advisory Board)
  • $3,000 Cash prize
  • $1,000 Scholarship (Donated by the ORHS Student Council)
Donations are still being accepted to help make this another successful event. To donate, visit the website listed above, or mail a check to: Oak Ridge Graduation Celebration Community Foundation, P.O. Box 6546, Oak Ridge, TN 37831.

For more information about the event, visit www.graduationcelebration.org or contact Matt Reedy by phone at (865) 425-3442 or by emailing mreedy@oakridgetn.gov.
GET READY FOR THE 17TH ANNUAL SECRET CITY FESTIVAL IN OAK RIDGE!
The 17th annual Secret City Festival is presented by Celebrate Oak Ridge. There is no cost to enter the festival. All events and exhibits, except for the headlining concerts, are free.

WHEN: June 8-9, 2018, 11am-10pm

WHERE: A.K. Bissell Park, Oak Ridge

Experience two days of music, food, history, science and more. The Secret City Festival celebrates the best of our once "Secret City" of Oak Ridge! There are also several events on the calendar leading up to the festival, including various music performances, movie night at Blankenship Field, and the Battle of the Bands.


Click the event map below to view a larger version!




THREE ROTARY CLUBS TO PRESENT 2ND FLATWATER FESTIVAL ON JUNE 2
 
Ridge City Ramblers perform at the Flatwater Festival in 2017
An official City of Oak Ridge 75th Anniversary event, the second Flatwater Festival presented by
the three Rotary clubs of Oak Ridge will be held from noon to 9 p.m. on Saturday, June 2, at Melton Lake Park. For details, visit www.flatwaterfestival.com.

What's new this year? A team-building regatta featuring up to 20 boats will be held from 12:30 to 5 p.m. in collaboration with the Oak Ridge Rowing Association. A "build a boat" race by participants who make their own cardboard boats ahead of time will be held at 5 p.m.

In addition, the festival at Melton Lake Park is sandwiched between the Flatwater Tales Storytelling Festival events on Friday, June 1, at the UT Arboretum, and Sunday, June 3, at the Oak Ridge Playhouse. Please visit  www.flatwatertales.com  for more information about times, the storytellers and ticket costs.

The three-day festival will be a fundraiser for the three Rotary clubs' community service projects, including four new benches for the Oak Ridge waterfront in 2018.  The bands playing will be the Ridge City Ramblers, 101 Degrees in the Shade, Mt. LeConte Jug Band, Jubal with Taylor Kress, Unnamed, Osborne-Krause Duo and Little Engine.

The festival entrance fee is $5 per adult, $2 per child and $20 for a large family.
OAK RIDGE HOSTS PEACE OFFICERS MEMORIAL SERVICE AND POLICE AWARDS CEREMONY
In 1962, President Kennedy proclaimed May 15th as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the calendar week in which that date falls as National Police Week. Established by a joint resolution of Congress, National Police Week pays tribute to the local, state, and federal peace officers who have died or been disabled in the line of duty, for the safety and protection of others.

ORPD hosted two events on May 15, 2018; a memorial service featuring Anderson County District Attorney General Dave Clark as the keynote speaker, and an awards ceremony for ORPD personnel and their families, as well as the public and other outside agency personnel to be honored.

"I am very pleased to announce a number of employees and outside agency personnel received awards, letters of commendation and certificates of appreciation at this year's awards ceremony," Chief Jim Akagi said. "I want to thank the members of the committee, Cindy Tipton, Roy Heinz, Ray Steakley, Philip Knight, and Nathan Stinnett, for their hard work in reviewing the nominations and determining who will be recognized."

The full list of honorees for 2018 is as follows:
  • Awards of Valor:
    • Officer Matt Johnston
    • Officer Perry Lewis
    • Officer Jeremy Phillips
    • Officer Trae Sweeten
  • Lifesaving Awards:
    • Officer Tim Buckner
    • Officer Kevin Merritt
    • Officer Trae Sweeten
  • Special Act or Service Awards:
    • Officer Tim Buckner
    • Investigator Mike Swigert
  • Letters of Commendation:
    • Lieutenant Matt Tedford
    • Sergeant Karen Jenkins
    • Sergeant Pete Nance
    • Sergeant Shannah Newman
    • Officer Philip Knight
    • Officer Chris Luethge
    • Officer Chuck Martin
    • Officer Ryan Martini
    • Officer Kyle Scott
    • Officer Billy Weaver
    • Investigator Mike Swigert
    • Records Specialist Heather Ashley
  • Certificates of Appreciation:
    • COR Fire Department Battalion Chief Todd Derrick
    • COR Public Works Fleet Maintenance Foreman Dave Coots
    • COR Public Works Street & Fleet Maintenance Manager Mike Miller
    • COR Information Services Communications Specialist Sarah Self
    • COR Community Development Specialist Matt Widner
    • COR Codes Enforcement Officer Spartacus Jordan
    • District Attorney General's Office Investigator Robert Higgs
    • Assistant District Attorney Ryan Spitzer
    • U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration Resident-Agent-in-Charge Mike Sarhatt
    • U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration Group Supervisor Tom Bevins
    • Appalachia HIDTA Demand Reduction Coordinator Neil Morgenstern

ORPD TAKES PART IN "THUMBS DOWN TN" SAFETY CAMPAIGN

The Oak Ridge Police Department partnered with the Tennessee Highway Safety Office (THSO) to promote the fourth annual Thumbs Down to Texting and Driving campaign during the month of April.

April is nationally recognized as Distracted Driving Awareness Month. Agencies participated in the campaign by promoting safe driving habits and increasing awareness about the dangers of distracted driving. Throughout April, ORPD and THSO used "#ThumbsDownTN" to promote the campaign via social media.



"Texting is one of the most dangerous things you can do behind the wheel, but it's far from the only distraction we see on patrol," Oak Ridge Police Officer Matthew Johnston explained. "Talking on the phone, reading email, checking social media notifications, eating, adjusting the radio, using the car's built-in navigation system or the mapping apps on your phone - all of this takes the driver's eyes off the road. Just a few seconds of distraction can have dire consequences."

In 2017, there were 24,781 traffic crashes statewide where distracted driving was a contributing factor, according to the Tennessee Integrated Traffic Analysis Network (TITAN). Of those crashes, 120 were fatal.

"Texting and driving is a serious issue," THSO Director Vic Donoho said. "The slightest distraction could lead to a fatal crash. We caution all drivers to remain focused and alert at all times. The THSO and law enforcement partners are cracking down on distracted driving in our shared mission to Drive to Zero Fatalities across Tennessee."


ORPD ACCEPTING JUNIOR POLICE ACADEMY APPLICATIONS THROUGH JUNE 8

The Oak Ridge Junior Police Academy will be held this summer, June 18 through June 29. Applications for the program are available now and will be accepted until 5 p.m. on Friday, June 8, 2018.

Junior Police Academy (JPA) Cadets will be grouped by grade, allowing them to interact with other cadets who are of similar age and knowledge. Content will be tailored for cadets at the level they can understand.

One of the sessions will be for 7th and 8th grade students up through high school grades 9-12, including 2018 graduating seniors. The JPA Basic Police School appeals to students who may be interested in a law enforcement career as a Patrol Officer. Training will focus on basic policing and law enforcement techniques.

The other class will cover Crime Scene Investigation (CSI), featuring an intensive week of forensic training focused on the science involved with collecting evidence and solving crimes. This class will be for students in 5th grade up through graduating high school seniors. The class is geared toward those who may be interested in a career in forensic science. Training will be conducted in a classroom and lab setting.


Order of classes will be posted on the registration form. Students will be allowed to attend classes that are age appropriate. Cadets may attend both sessions depending on the number of slots available. Cadets still have to meet the grade level requirement.

Applications are available online. Once complete, they can be mailed to the Oak Ridge Police Department at 200 S. Tulane Avenue, Oak Ridge, TN 37830. Please mark all mail for JPA to the attention of Officer Barry Bunch. Applications may also be picked up and dropped off in person at the ORPD Records Division.

Applications must be submitted by the deadline of 5 p.m. on June 8. Cadets will be informed of acceptance into the program by email. The application and associated release forms must be complete, signed and returned to be considered for the program.
2018 WELLNESS FAIR DRAWS HUGE CROWD
The City of Oak Ridge Wellness Committee and Oak Ridge Schools Coordinated School Health teamed up once again to host the Community Wellness Fair on May 16 in the Oak Ridge Civic Center. 

Demonstrations, informational booths and health screenings were set up inside the gymnasium.
 
We're happy to say that the turnout was incredible -- more than 60 vendors participated and around 500 people visited to learn more about their health. Thanks to all who took part!
OAK RIDGE HOSTING PROFESSIONAL FELLOW FROM INDONESIA
The City of Oak Ridge is currently hosting Hadi Yoga Dewanto, a government official specializing in marine conservation and cooperative projects in sustainable ecosystems at the Ministry of Marine and Fisheries Affairs in the Republic of Indonesia. 

The International City/County Management Association ( ICMA ), with funding from the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs ( ECA ), offers the Professional Fellows Program under the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI). This two-way exchange embraces the power of individual citizens to find creative solutions to challenges they face in their home communities.

During his month-long fellowship, Mr. Dewanto is getting a chance to see how our municipal government operates, from Public Works water quality initiatives to the Community Development City Blueprint project and Recreation and Parks environmental stewardship. He will also learn how institutions, non-profits and other government agencies work together to manage natural resources. He will tour the Oak Ridge National Laboratory's aquatic ecology lab, take a boat tour with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency to learn about the Clinch River's biodiversity, and meet with fisheries professors from the University of Tennessee to learn about urban stream channel restoration.

Mr. Dewanto has also been experiencing true Tennessee volunteerism by meeting with local non-profit leaders and citizens to learn how our enthusiastic community gives back to the environment that they love so much. His experiences include an overview of recycling efforts by Keep Anderson County Beautiful, trail maintenance of the Clinch Valley Trail Alliance, and fisheries management of the local Clinch River chapter of Trout Unlimited. He has also given a presentation for the Rotary Club about how individual efforts contribute to global goals, and will be doing a little volunteer work of his own at the Public Works Open House Event on May 24.



"To see how the community, city government, federal institution, and private entities interact and work together to conserve and preserve the natural environment in Oak Ridge is fascinating," Mr. Dewanto said. "The community in Oak Ridge has set a very good example on public participation and contribution in managing natural resources. I am excited to share this experience and adopt the lessons learned to increase more public engagement in marine resources management in Indonesia."

"The opportunity to host a professional management fellow through the YSEALI program has been a source of inspiration to our Oak Ridge staff as we have pointed out the many unique assets of our community that we sometimes take for granted," Oak Ridge City Manager Mark Watson added. "Playing host to these future leaders in Southeast Asia offers a view of our city services that allows our public employees to recognize the importance of what they do and obtain new ideas from our visitors like Hadi Yoga Dewanto from Indonesia."

"We are excited to host Mr. Dewanto and show him some of the unique environmental efforts and cultural richness that Oak Ridge has to offer. Mr. Dewanto is a very ambitious leader in Indonesia, and we feel honored to be able to exchange ideas and collaborate to strengthen both of our programs," said Amy Snyder, City of Oak Ridge Stormwater Program Coordinator, who is also serving as Mr. Dewanto's host during his time in Oak Ridge.

The City of Oak Ridge is one of approximately 20 cities across the nation asked to host a Professional Fellow this session. This is the fourth delegation to be hosted by Oak Ridge. At the conclusion of the program, April 28 through May 26, 2018, all fellows will gather in Washington, D.C., for the Professional Fellows Congress, a three-day concluding event aimed at preparing fellows to implement follow-up projects after their return home and allowing them to network with colleagues from around the world.

Since 2010, ICMA has received awards to manage the Professional Fellows Program funded by the U.S. State Department. The overall goal of the program is to create a global network of emerging local government leaders to positively impact practices at their organizations and in their communities by enriching their leadership skills and cultural understanding and by providing opportunities for knowledge exchange and ongoing collaboration.
EXTENDED SUMMER HOURS AT TENNESSEE CENTENNIAL GOLF COURSE
golf5.jpg Summer season hours of operation at Tennessee Centennial Golf Course in Oak Ridge went into effect on Saturday, May 5. The course is now open from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. every day.

The driving range facility follows the same hours as the course during the summer months, with one exception: the range will close at 5:30 p.m. every Monday and reopen at 11 a.m. on Tuesdays. This schedule adjustment will allow time for maintenance and mowing.

Opened in 1997, Centennial Golf Course features 18 holes, a large clubhouse, a golf academy, and a driving range situated on roughly 200 acres just off Edgemoor Road in Oak Ridge. The City's Recreation and Parks Department began managing operations at the course in January 2018.

To book a tee time, call Tennessee Centennial Golf Course at (865) 483-2291 or visit the course website. Be sure to follow the course on Facebook and Twitter as well.

 
Want to play a free round of 18 holes (with golf cart) at Tennessee Centennial -- all for free? All you have to do is like the course's Facebook page (@CentennialOR) between now and when they reach 100 likes and you'll be entered into a random drawing for a free round of golf for two players. We hope to see you on the course soon!
"ART IN PUBLIC PLACES" EXPANDS TO OAK RIDGE
Did you see it? There's a new addition to Jackson Square!

Installed in early April, artist Hanna Jubran's colorful metal sculpture called "Angular Separation" is part of the   Art in Public Places  program, an annual exhibition by  Dogwood Arts that has now expanded to Oak Ridge

The sculpture will be on display  in the square for about a year. After that, another piece of   art  will take its place and this one will visit a different location. Be sure to check it out if you haven't already!

VISIT THE JACKSON SQUARE FARMERS MARKET
Don't forget to stop by the Oak Ridge Farmers Market this Saturday! Vendors will be setting up in historic Jackson Square  every Saturday from 8 a.m. until noon (weather permitting) through the fall season.

The market will open on Wednesdays from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m. beginning on June 6.

The farmers market offers sustainably produced grass-fed meat, hand-picked produce, farm fresh eggs, artisan bread and cheese, local honey, flowers and farm-based crafts. The vendors are 100% local.

The market is put on by the East Tennessee Farmers Association for Retail Marketing (FARM).
CITYWIDE BRUSH COLLECTION CONTINUES
The citywide brush pick-up program is underway. Tree limbs, as well as bagged yard clippings and leaves, will be picked up. City collection efforts will follow the proposed schedule as closely as possible.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE BRUSH PICK-UP SCHEDULE

Residents have always been very cooperative and we ask for their continued cooperation this year by following a few guidelines:
  • All limbs should be placed near, but not beyond the curb. The butt end of the limb should be near the street. Keep materials off sidewalks and out of parking areas and gutters.
  • Residents are asked to not place any brush at the curb more than one (1) week prior to the scheduled pick-up day in order to maintain the cleanliness of our City.
  • Limb diameter should be no larger than three (3) inches at any point.
  • Yard clippings and leaves must be in plastic bags. It should be noted that yard waste will be collected with the regularly scheduled refuse collection throughout the year.
  • There is a limit of one (1) truckload of material per residence. A truckload is defined as one (1) pickup truck or approximately 3' high x 4' wide x 8' long; approximately 100 cubic feet maximum.
  • Crews will not pick up piles that have brush or limbs mixed with rubbish or trash.
  • All materials must be in place no later than 7:30 a.m. on the scheduled pick-up day. Any materials put out after 7:30 a.m. on the scheduled pick-up day may not be picked up.
Please note that the proposed schedule is a general guide and can vary considerably from the actual schedule due to weather conditions and/or the amount of participation by residents.

For more information, contact Waste Connections of Tennessee at (865) 482-3656.
FREE "CARFIT" CHECK FOR SENIORS ON MAY 23
The Oak Ridge Senior Center is offering the CarFit educational program on Wednesday, May 23, 2018, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event is for anyone age 50 and over who would like to have greater comfort and control as well as enhanced driving safety in their vehicles.

CarFit is a program designed by the American Society of Aging, AAA, the AARP, and the American Occupational Therapy Association. A trained CarFit volunteer will ask some simple questions and complete a 13-point checklist with attendees and their vehicle.

The process only takes about 20 minutes and participants will leave with recommended car and driver adjustments to help keep them on the road with greater peace of mind and safety.
The event will be held in the west parking lot of the Oak Ridge Civic Center. There is no cost for this event, but appointments are requested. Drop-ins will also be taken as time and space allow.

Anyone interested in learning more information or making an appointment for the CarFit program should call the Oak Ridge Senior Center front desk at (865) 425-3999.
MANHATTAN PROJECT NATIONAL PARK HOSTS PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP
Manhattan Project National Historical Park, in partnership with the Udall Foundation's Parks in Focus© program, will be offering a 2-day training opportunity. Dates and hours are as follows:
  • Thursday, June 7, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
  • Friday, June 8, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. 
This free workshop will take place at the American Museum of Science and Energy, located at 300 South Tulane Avenue.
 
The Udall Foundation, based in Tucson, Arizona, created the Parks in Focus© program to connect youth from under-served communities to nature through photography, environmental education, outdoor recreation, and creative expressions. Since 1999, the program has been providing outdoor experiences for youth who have limited exposure to nature and to increase their appreciation for their environment. The Parks in Focus© program's integrative curriculum has been adapted to use in a variety of settings ranging from schoolyards and city park systems to the Grand Canyon National Park.
 
Participants will learn basic photography concepts, how to teach those concepts to kids, and how to link photography with other activities that promote environmental educational learning and creative expression in the backdrop of the Manhattan Project National Historical Park. No photography experience or cameras will be necessary to participate. Space is limited for this free workshop. Please RSVP by Friday, June 1, to Veronica Greear at (423) 346-6294 or email veronica_greear@nps.gov.
GREAT NEWS FROM OAK RIDGE SCHOOLS
BORCHERS NAMED TENNESSEE'S K-12 ACT CHAMPION

Tennessee's ACT K-12 Champion is Oak Ridge Superintendent Bruce Borchers. The ACT College and Career Readiness Champions include high school seniors, K-12 professionals, postsecondary professionals, and workforce professionals who are making a positive impact on their communities through their efforts to advance college and career readiness for all. The ACT College and Career Readiness Champions are individuals across the country who support ACT's mission of education and workplace success. ACT State Councils--comprised of education and workforce professionals from all 50 states-serve as the selection committee to select one Champion per category for each participating state.
 
Bruce Borchers received this award for his commitment to the Seven Keys for College and Career Readiness he formulated with members of the Oak Ridge community. Borchers explains, "The Seven Keys are intended to improve the college and career readiness of all Oak Ridge students and to provide them with a better foundation of knowledge and skills, allowing them to be prepared for a more technologically sophisticated and internationally competitive working world. The Seven Keys allow us to measure just how well we are doing in preparing our students for their futures." They start with Key 1, focusing on all students reading at grade level by grade 3. Key 2 states that math proficiency will be at grade level by the end of grade 4. The focus for Key 3 is to have all students at grade level in both subjects by the end of grade 6. Key 4 focuses specifically on ensuring 8th grade students meet college and career readiness benchmarks on the ACT Aspire test. Key 5 states that students will be fluent in financial literacy by the time they graduate. The goal of Key 6 is a lofty commitment to get all of our students scoring a 27 or higher on the ACT. "That key progresses all the way to the ultimate key, Key 7, which asks all of our students to participate in advanced placement, dual enrollment, industry certification, or our Navy JROTC program."
 
In 1943, the city of Oak Ridge was born in innovation, technology, and creativity. We continue that legacy through our focus on STEM and project-based learning. Our entire district is now AdvancED STEM certified in all grades K-12. Our middle school students are working with NASA to send a cube satellite into space. Teachers collaborate across the curriculum to create a problem-based learning environment for our students. Borchers continues, "They are passionate and committed individuals who go the extra mile for students every single day. By focusing on the Seven Keys, we have seen our graduates go on and be very successful because of the skills they have developed right here in the Oak Ridge Schools."


ORHS CADETS TAKE FIRST PLACE IN KNOX COUNTY JROTC ATHLETIC COMPETITION

On a crisp Friday morning, sixty cadets from the Oak Ridge High School NJROTC Wildcat Company set out for Fulton High School to compete in an athletic competition field meet. Cadets, led by Cadet Commanding Officer Rhiannon Lucas, were ready to go head-to-head with NJROTC cadets from Central, Fulton, Bearden, and Farragut High Schools in a variety of athletic events.
 
Cadets competed in events such as a 16 x 100 meter relay, an 8x440 meter relay, plank race, tug-o-war, sack race, 2 minute drill (2 minutes each of push-ups, crunches, flutter kicks and 8-count body-builders), with only 1 minute of rest between exercises. There was a water-bailing brigade to close out the competition.

The competition was fierce amongst all cadets and it came down to the final event, the water-bailing brigade, to determine the champion; Oak Ridge and Fulton were deadlocked for first place. All cadets battled the cool temperature and wind and Oak Ridge reigned victorious in the end.
 
Since 2002, only Farragut and West have won the Knox County JROTC Athletic Competition Championship trophy. The cadets from the Oak Ridge High School NJROTC Wildcat Company did this in their very first year of existence. Every cadet who participated gave the very best and displayed exceptional sportsmanship by cheering on not only teammates, but also competitors from other schools.


 
Oak Ridge High School Assistant Principal, Scotty Herrell, was able to attend the event and commented to the staff, "Our cadets were not only extremely well behaved and outperformed many of our local established programs, but they did so with grace, enthusiasm, character, and sportsmanship. I watched a group of students that have so much pride in our school, community, our program, each other, and our leader, Chief Nicholls. In addition to the great student accomplishments witnessed today, I saw something that made me think just what an impact Chief makes on students. Since 2002, no school except for Farragut or West has won the field events, yet we were able to accomplish this feat in our first year of existence. Following the announcement that we were the winners, I saw an exuberant group of students rush Chief, get him to the ground, and pile on him. What was [unique] about this was that it was not only ORHS students. Chief used to teach at Central, and their cadets participated, even bringing the water that would be eventually poured over Chief as well."
 
Cadet Lindsay Ripley stated, "The field meet was tons of fun to participate in because of how supportive everyone was to everyone, including the other teams." Cadet Gabe Oldham said, "I like the competition and camaraderie, because it was enjoyable with great sportsmanship."
NOW HIRING: FIND A JOB WITH THE CITY
The City is currently accepting applications for the following positions:
  • Lifeguard
  • Administrative Intern (Electric Dept.)
  • Recreation Assistant
  • Electric Utility Technical Specialist
  • Police Officer/Trainee
  • Fiscal Associate
  • Warehouse Specialist
  • Web and Database Developer
  • Electric Line Technician (Lineman)
Please note that closing dates vary by position and applications must be submitted by the deadline to be considered. 

Interested applicants can view all current job openings, position descriptions and learn how to apply by visiting the  Employment section of our website .
THIS MONTH AT OAK RIDGE PUBLIC LIBRARY...

^ Click the flyer to view a story about the ORPL Seed Library by WVLT Local 8 News! ^
THANKS TO YOU,  LIBRARY'S APRIL DONATION DRIVE HELPS ADFAC
This year's donation drive at the Oak Ridge Public Library was a great success. Donations were collected for the entire month of April on behalf of the local organization Aid to Distressed Families of Appalachian Counties (ADFAC), and in honor of National Library Week (NLW), April 8-14.

Library staffers wish to thank everyone who donated items and contributed to all of the NLW events. NLW is a celebration of libraries and their integral role within the communities they serve. In turn, the Oak Ridge Public Library is honored to assist the community by hosting a donation drive for ADFAC, which serves local impoverished families.

Thanks to the generosity of our patrons and community, donations totaled more than 30 toiletries, 29 school supplies, $50 in gift cards, and 15 packs of diapers, wipes, and feminine hygiene products. An ADFAC representative collected the items on Wednesday, May 2.

Check back with us again next April to see what the library has planned for National Library Week in 2019 and how you can participate.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR SPEAKS TO KIWANIS CLUB OF OAK RIDGE
City of Oak Ridge Community Development Director Wayne Blasius spoke to the Kiwanis Club of Oak Ridge on Tuesday, May 8.

His presentation, titled "Oak Ridge City Needs Identified for Planning" covered the City Blueprint project and specific subareas. Handouts on the blueprint project were also available for attendees. 

You can learn more about the blueprint effort online by visiting the project summary page.

Pictured: Wayne Blasius (left), City Community Development Director, and Terry Peek (right), Kiwanis President
TURTLE PARK SEWER SHED REHABILITATION PROJECT CONTINUES

The second phase of the Turtle Park Sewer Rehabilitation Project began during the first week of October and remains underway. 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. Residents can view updated sewer work areas by looking under the "City News" section of www.oakridgetn.gov for the most recent Turtle Park Sewer Shed Update.

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.

City of Oak Ridge | sself@oakridgetn.gov | http://www.oakridgetn.gov
200 South Tulane Ave
Oak Ridge, TN 37830