State Historic Preservation Grant Fund Applications now Being Accepted

The Oak Ridge Housing Authority is preparing to renovate 128 existing public housing units and build 104 new affordable workforce rental units at a total development cost of $56 million, with the support of tax credits and tax-exempt bond awards announced today by the Tennessee Housing Development Agency. The low-income housing tax credits and tax-exempt bonds will generate up to $51.8 million for the renovation and new construction developments throughout Oak Ridge, according to Maria Catron, ORHA Executive Director. THDA representatives are joining ORHA and its development partner, Collaborative Housing Solutions, in making the announcement of funds that will help substantially rehab the 128 units scattered across the city and help build new rental housing in the Scarboro community. The announcement is taking place at the Scarboro Community Center, 148 Carver Ave., Oak Ridge, adjacent to the 10-acre site where the 104 new housing units will be located. ORHA is receiving a 4 percent tax credit, valued at $15.3 million, and $18.5 million in tax-exempt bonds to build 104 new units of workforce housing in Scarboro and to renovate 58 public housing units across the city on Apple Lane, Wade Lane, Knoll Lane and Honeysuckle Lane. Another 9 percent tax credit award, valued at $18 million, will help renovate 70 units spread across four sites on LaSalle Road, Irene Lane, Van Hicks Road and Joel Lane. Having the sites scattered across the city reflects thoughtful public policy by the city to help create mixed income neighborhoods, preventing concentration of poverty in one location, Catron said. “The work being done by Oak Ridge Housing Authority will transform and improve the city’s public housing, as well as provide much-needed affordable housing for low-income families and individuals,” said Ralph Perrey, THDA Executive Director. “THDA supports projects like this through our Affordable Housing Credits to help offset the costs of construction and ensure that affordable housing can be built that will make a positive impact on the communities where they are located.” The redevelopment of these properties is a critical component of the city-wide master-planned “City Blueprint Plan,” adopted by Oak Ridge City Council in 2019, according to Richelle Patton, Collaborative Housing Solutions President. The Blueprint’s goals and action strategies focus on a cross-sector approach to improve the quality of life in the city, as well as to position itself for future population growth. Among the Blueprint’s goals is developing strategies to restore the heritage of Legacy neighborhoods, and the new construction in Scarboro recognizes that community’s history as a segregated Black community during the 1940s in Oak Ridge and its place in history as sending the first 85 students from Scarboro School to integrate Oak Ridge schools in 1955, a first for the southeastern states. ORHA worked collaboratively with Scarboro residents in planning the new rental units there. The Blueprint’s goals also include expanding housing options by adding high-quality purchase and rental units attractive to young families and new hires, which the ORHA’s plans support. The Scarboro site will include 8 to 10 homeownership units. Besides the tax credits, another change that makes the renovation of the 128 existing rental units feasible and affordable is a Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) grant program that allows housing authorities to address deferred maintenance and much needed improvements in public housing, according to Catron. The grant, from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, allows housing authorities to borrow money for repairs, rather than depending upon allocations from Congress. “These buildings, built in the 1970s or early 1980s, have not had a substantial rehab in more than 50 years. We are looking at $75,000 to $85,000 per unit in rehab costs, which will include new kitchens, new baths, new appliances, new flooring, new HVAC units, new windows and façade improvements,” Catron said of the buildings where the 128 rental units are located. “This public-private partnership allows us to not only address current needs, but also position ourselves to be able to address future needs in the housing market,” she said. The RAD program opens the developments to private partners who will invest in the tax credits and bonds. The RAD program allows housing authorities to take over ownership of its rental units from HUD and, like private landlords, have the ability to take out loans and make repairs. With units under HUD ownership, rather than local ownership, the housing authority did not have the ability to get loans. The RAD program now treats housing authorities like private landlords, with HUD providing funding under the project-based Section 8 program. Construction on the developments is expected to begin in early 2025. The new Scarboro units are expected to be completed by mid-2026 and occupied before the end of that year. The Oak Ridge Housing Authority manages public housing units and aims to provide quality, affordable housing and foster self-sufficiency in the community. The Tennessee Housing Development Agency is the state’s housing finance agency, promoting the production of more affordable new housing units and preservation and rehabilitation of existing housing units for very low-income, low-income and moderate-income individuals and families in the state. Collaborative Housing Solutions is an Atlanta-based development firm specializing in creative problem solving to develop affordable rental housing.

Oak Ridge, Tenn. — After an extensive military career, James (Jim) Sears joins ORAU as senior vice president. He will lead ORAU Government Services to integrate academia, government and industry in advancing the nation’s learning, health and scientific priorities. Sears will oversee a diverse portfolio of programs focused on public health, environmental science and emergency preparedness, guiding a large team to deliver innovative solutions that benefit the public. Sears brings a distinguished 33-year career from the United States Air Force, where he served as a five-time commander and combat pilot. Among his notable commands, he led the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing in Afghanistan and the Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center. Nearly half of his career was dedicated to developing airmen as he served as an instructor pilot, commander and senior executive. Sears retired from the U.S. Air Force as the principal architect of a modernized approach to personnel education and training, incorporating learning engineering, modern technology and enhanced instructor development to better equip airmen throughout their careers. His dedication to service and innovative leadership have earned him numerous accolades and recognition for his contributions to national defense and security. “Jim's impressive leadership and strategic experience will ensure ORAU Government Services remains at the forefront of addressing critical national challenges with excellence, innovation, collaboration and integrity, driving the group's success in meeting complex challenges with effective, evidence-based strategies,” said ORAU President and CEO Andy Page. Sears is a U.S. Air Force Academy graduate. He holds master’s degrees in human resource development from Webster University and in strategy and campaign planning from the National Defense University. ORAU, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, provides science, health and workforce solutions that address national priorities and serve the public interest. Through our specialized teams of experts and access to a consortium of more than 150 major Ph.D.-granting institutions, ORAU works with federal, state, local and commercial customers to provide innovative scientific and technical solutions and help advance their missions. ORAU manages the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). Learn more about ORAU at www.orau.org. PHOTO: See link for hi-res photo of Jim Sears: https://www.orau.org/news/releases/2024/jim-sears-joins-orau-as-senior-vice-president.html Connect with us: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OakRidgeAssociatedUniversities Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orautogether X: https://x.com/orau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/orau

(Oak Ridge, Tenn. – August 2024) – Methodist Medical Center’s legacy of volunteer support dates to 1944 when Red Cross “Grey Ladies” gave their service to what was then an Army hospital. Distributing mail and flowers, managing a soft drink concession, and canvassing the parking lot for empty bottles to sell to distributors, the Grey Ladies of 1944 were establishing a tradition of smiles, service and fundraising that would extend beyond the war into more than 80 years of support for staff and patients.  Now more than ever, that giving spirit is evident, thanks to the ongoing efforts and generosity of the hospital’s current Volunteer Organization. Yesterday, Methodist’s Volunteer Board awarded Roane State Community College with a $15,000 scholarship for nursing and health science students to pursue their careers. “We are so thankful for the incredible support and partnership we have with both our Volunteer organization and Roane State Community College,” said Jeremy Biggs, MMC president and chief administrative officer. “This collaboration continues to foster the growth and development of our next generation of caregivers.” This latest donation follows a rich tradition of support started by Methodist’s Volunteer Organization more than 20 years ago, when it launched a six-year scholarship program for graduating high school seniors in the hospital’s five county service area – Anderson, Roane, Morgan, Campbell, and Scott counties. The scholarships were for $1,000 each and were renewable for an additional year if the students remain in good academic standing and continued to pursue a career in healthcare. Similar donations were made in 2019 and 2023, and this year, the Volunteers have once again renewed their commitment to the education of strong clinical professionals. Roane State President Dr. Chris Whaley noted that scholarship contributions such as the Volunteer Services donation help students with needs that are not covered by state or federal grants. “Every student should have the opportunity to pursue their goals,” Dr. Whaley said. “While eligible students can receive grants to assist with tuition, some are unable to cover additional costs. This is especially true for health science students, who may need specialty shoes, scrubs, and related items for their courses. These scholarships help bridge the gap and remove financial barriers so students can complete their education.” “With more than 1,700 scholarship applications, this is our year of greatest need yet,” said Pamela Rudnitzki, Director of Student Programs with the Roane State Foundation. “We are thankful for this continued partnership with Methodist Medical Center and our shared commitment to ensure access to healthcare education across our communities.” And, as the healthcare sector continues to expand, the opportunities for inspiring and fulfilling professions are in high demand. As a member of Covenant Health, employees enjoy an excellent benefits package, including medical/dental/vision insurance, disability, up to a six percent retirement match, an employee credit union, and tuition reimbursement. Covenant Health offers extensive clinical and professional development programs including nursing and clinical education, continuing medical education, computer training, individual assessment services and organizational development. To learn more about a career opportunity with Methodist Medical Center, go to mmcoakridge.com/careers or call 865-374-5387. Cutline: Methodist Medical Center and Roane State Community College representatives were hand for the $15,000 scholarship donation presentation on August 27. Shown from left to right: Taynia Thornton, MMC volunteer services coordinator; JoRene Finnell, Student Specialist, Roane State Foundation; Dr. Chris Whaley, President, Roane State Community College; Pamela Rudnitzki, Director of Student Programs, Roane State Foundation; Jeremy Biggs, MMC president and chief administrative officer; Pat Rowe, Roane State Foundation board member and MMC volunteer.

Oak Ridge selected as the preferred site for a new enrichment facility, company’s multi-billion-dollar project represents single largest investment in Tennessee history

ORAU to host Lights of Hope Across America to honor, remember those who have battled cancer Event is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024

GOVERNOR LEE’S VIDEO ANNOUNCEMENT: https://youtu.be/CfuaIelIDyI

OAK RIDGE, Tenn. (Aug. 15, 2024) – The Oak Ridge Police Department is accepting applications for its next Citizens Police Academy which is set to begin next month. Applications for the program are due by Friday, Aug. 30 at 5 p.m. Classes will meet weekly, on Thursdays, from Sept. 19 to Nov. 14 from 6 to 9 p.m. During the 8-week course, students will learn the policies and procedures of the Oak Ridge Police Department and experience firsthand how the department operates. The Citizens Police Academy provides insight into law enforcement generally, and the Oak Ridge Police Department specifically, with the goal of creating and developing a growing nucleus of responsible, well-informed citizens who have the potential to influence public opinion concerning police practices and service delivery. Students will get to know their officers and understand the challenges the job brings, through classroom lectures, hands-on experience, and real-life scenarios and role play. Students will also participate in a ride-along with officers during a patrol shift to observe how officers provide police services to the Oak Ridge community. They are exposed to the same training that all Oak Ridge Police Officers receive. The academy is open to adults aged 18 and up. Selection will be on a first-come, first-served basis. However, if the class becomes full, priority will be given to Oak Ridge residents. Classes have filled up quickly in previous years. Due to the law enforcement-sensitive training and handling of weapons, a criminal history check will be done by the department. Applications can be completed online at http://www.oakridgetn.gov/orpd-citizens-police-academy, printed and filled out, or picked up at the records division of the police department at 200 S Tulane Avenue in Oak Ridge. Applications can be submitted by mail or dropped off in person. The mailing address for the Oak Ridge Police Department is P.O. Box 1, Oak Ridge, TN 37830. Please add “Attention Shannah Newman” to any mailings.  Once accepted, a schedule and list of locations for the class will be distributed. A $50 administrative fee will be due on the first night of class. For questions or more information, please contact Lt. Shannah Newman at snewman@oakridgetn.gov or by phone at (865) 425-3501. # # # Media Contact: Lauren Gray | Senior Communications Specialist | (865) 425-3576 | lgray@oakridgetn.gov

NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Wars Commission, the Tennessee Historical Commission division responsible for preserving the state’s significant military history, has announced the September 2, 2024 opening of this year’s grant cycle for the Tennessee Wars Commission Grant Fund. Since 1994, this grant program has funded approximately one hundred twenty-four different projects preserving and interpreting the military legacy of Tennessee and Tennesseans. “The Wars Commission Grant Fund provides a unique opportunity for Tennessee communities to enhance their war-related history through the preservation, interpretation, and archaeology of sites, structures, and battlefields related to the French and Indian War through the Civil War, furthering our collective knowledge of these historical locations and events,” said Wars Commission Program Director, Nina Scall. The Tennessee Wars Commission Grant Fund provides financial support to coordinate planning, preservation, protection, promotion, and interpretation of structures, buildings, sites, and battlefields related to Tennessee’s military heritage. This grant can fund a wide variety of projects relating to the French and Indian War (1754-1763), the Revolutionary War (1776-1783), War of 1812 (1812-1815), Mexican-American War (1846-1848), and the Civil War (1861-1865). Example projects include, but are not limited to, archaeological surveys and excavations, cemetery preservation, contraband camp preservation and interpretation, graphic displays and interpretative panels, historic markers, and living history and educational programs. Any individual, museum, educational institution, private organization, or local government body can apply. Although there is no minimum matching requirement, applicant contributions will be a positive consideration. Applications are scored, rated, and ranked by Tennessee Historical Commission and Tennessee Wars Commission staff members. The board of the Historical Commission/Wars Commission has voting approval of eligible grant projects. The deadline for submissions is November 15, 2024. The grant application process is digital. Create an account and complete the application at https://tdec.smartsimple.com/s_Login.jsp.  For questions regarding the grant process or application procedure, contact Nina Scall, Program Director of the Tennessee Wars Commission via email at Nina.Scall@tn.gov. More information is available on the Tennessee Historical Commission website. ###

Oak Ridge, Tenn.—Consolidated Nuclear Security (CNS) is sponsoring a $5,000 grant for a science, technology, engineering, and mathematics classroom. The goal of the grant, designated for grades K–12, is to foster advancement of STEM activities in the classroom and to help develop Y-12’s future workforce. CNS manages and operates the Y-12 National Security Complex for the National Nuclear Security Administration. Public and private school teachers or school administrators in the following East Tennessee counties may apply: Anderson Blount Campbell Claiborne Cocke Cumberland Grainger Hamblen Jefferson Knox Loudon McMinn Meigs Monroe Morgan Rhea Roane Scott Sevier Union Grant application information is available on the Y-12 website, and applications will be accepted through Oct. 4, 2024. Educators who are immediate family members of Y-12 employees are not eligible to apply for or receive a grant. Y-12 staff will evaluate the grant applications and make recommendations for grant allocations. Once a final decision is made, the $5,000 grant will be made payable to the individual school and will be dispersed to the teacher or administrator in accordance with school protocol. Grants will be awarded during Nuclear Science Week, Oct. 21–25, and all funds must be spent in the 2024-2025 academic year. ### Consolidated Nuclear Security, LLC operates the Pantex Plant, located in Amarillo, Texas, and the Y-12 National Security Complex, located in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, for the U.S. National Nuclear Security Administration. Bechtel National, Inc. is the lead member of CNS; minority members include Leidos, Inc.; ATK Launch Systems, LLC; and SOC, LLC. Pantex and Y-12 are key facilities in the U.S. Nuclear Security Enterprise, and CNS performs its work with a focus on performance excellence and the imperatives of safety, security, disciplined operations, and delivering as promised.  For more information on each site, visit www.pantex.energy.gov or www.y12.doe.gov. Follow Y-12 on Facebook, X, and LinkedIn. Follow Pantex on Facebook, X, and LinkedIn.

Oak Ridge, Tenn.— Consolidated Nuclear Security (CNS) recently signed a memorandum of understanding with DigiLens to collaborate on advanced augmented, mixed, virtual, and extended reality (AR/MR/VR/XR) technologies in waveguides and heads-up displays. These technologies will support U.S. government missions, including the integration of wearable computers and smart glasses to enhance immersion. The Y-12 National Security Complex (Y-12) is managed and operated by CNS for the National Nuclear Security Administration. The site is a leader within the Nuclear Security Enterprise in developing these technologies for applications in emergency response training and preparedness, nuclear material processing, special tooling and machining, workforce development and training, and rapid, agile prototyping. The Oak Ridge Enhanced Technology and Training Center is leading the site’s efforts in AR/MR/VR/XR. DigiLens ARGO™, the first purpose-built standalone AR/XR smart glasses device, checks many of the boxes required by the U.S. government for true AR solutions, such as modularity for future products, high display transparency for improved situational awareness, and low eye glow. The smart glasses are built to military specifications and compliance-based ruggedization. ARGO is powered by DigiLens’ state-of-the-art Crystal30 waveguides, a transparent display that overlays digital information onto the real world. DigiLens’ patented waveguide technology is the only one able to hit a consumer price point and enable an advanced, adaptable, scalable manufacturing process with a high yield, low development costs, and small footprint. Improving usability “We believe the lightweight size and functionality compared to the bulkier headsets will help adoption of AR within manufacturing where extended use is required,” said Ashley Stowe, director of the Oak Ridge Enhanced Technology and Training Center. “Additionally, since DigiLens manufactures the waveguides through their ITAR [International Traffic in Arms Regulations]-approved licensees, we believe we can partner to create custom AR devices that insert into tactical personal protective equipment. Because of their U.S.-based, high-yield waveguide manufacturing process, they are a viable long-term partner for work in secure environments.” “DigiLens is making significant strides in AR technology, particularly in collaboration with the U.S. government and the Y-12 National Security Complex,” said Brian Hamilton, DigiLens vice president of Sales and Marketing. “The Y-12 partnership will focus on advancing sensor integrations and developing a total solutions package … tailored to support advanced maintenance repair and operations, and situational awareness for first responders, maintainers, and operators. We are thrilled to begin this work to concentrate on expanding the depth of Y-12’s applications with heads-up displays and removing technological barriers from technological limitations.” ###  About Consolidated Nuclear Security, LLC Consolidated Nuclear Security, LLC operates the Pantex Plant, located in Amarillo, Texas, and the Y-12 National Security Complex, located in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, for the U.S. National Nuclear Security Administration. Bechtel National, Inc. is the lead member of CNS; minority members include Leidos, Inc.; ATK Launch Systems, LLC; and SOC, LLC. Pantex and Y-12 are key facilities in the U.S. Nuclear Security Enterprise, and CNS performs its work with a focus on performance excellence and the imperatives of safety, security, disciplined operations, and delivering as promised. For more information on each site, visit www.pantex.energy.gov or www.y12.doe.gov. Follow Y-12 on Facebook, X, and LinkedIn. Follow Pantex on Facebook, X, and LinkedIn. About DigiLens DigiLens is a leader in holographic waveguides used for XR displays. The company has developed a patented optical platform and photopolymer technology that delivers best-in-class solutions using a unique, low-cost, contact-copy manufacturing process. DigiLens enables OEM partners to design and build XR-enabled devices for the global automobile, enterprise, consumer, avionics, and defense industries. Based in Sunnyvale, CA, DigiLens’ investors include industry leaders like Samsung Electronics, Samsung Electro-Mechanics, Diamond Edge Ventures, the strategic investment arm of Mitsubishi Chemical Holdings Corporation, Alsop Louie Partners, Optimas Capital Management, 37 Interactive Entertainment, UDC Ventures, the corporate venture arm of Universal Display Corporation, Niantic, Inc., Sony Innovation Fund, Dolby Family Ventures, Continental AG, and more. Press Contact: Brian Hamilton brian.hamilton@digilens.com

For the 2nd Time, M&M Productions USA Makes the Inc. 5000, at No. 3032 in 2024, With Three-Year Revenue Growth of 165 Percent