OAK RIDGE

from Northwest Finder 2022

by pscommunications

SUMMERFIELD

Forsyth County

Stokesdale

Summerfield

AT A GLANCE

What was likely once a footpath for Native Americans evolved into a farming community named after the oak trees running along the highest ridge in Guilford

County. Oak Ridge gained fame as a place of higher learning when in 1852 citizens “desirous of promoting the cause of education” established Oak Ridge Institute, which in 1971 became Oak Ridge Military Academy; it is now the oldest private military school in North Carolina.

In 1998 Oak Ridge residents voted to incorporate their community in order to have a say in how their town was governed and how it would be residentially and commercially developed. Besides the appeal of a rural landscape, a small but thriving commercial district, 10-minute drive to Piedmont Triad International Airport, and easy access to I-40, I-73 and the cities of Greensboro, High Point and Winston-Salem provide Oak Ridge residents with the bonus of convenience. Across from Oak Ridge Town Hall on Linville Road lies the town’s “crown jewel,” an 80-acre community park that features athletic fields, a concession stand and restroom facilities, picnic shelters, walking trails, a playground, dog park and an amphitheater. In 2018 the town acquired “the Whitaker property,” consisting of 62 acres of open land that abuts Oak Ridge Town Hall on Linville Road, with frontage on N.C. 150. The town hopes to get construction underway this spring to develop the Whitaker property, which has been named “Heritage Farm Park,” for an expansion of its existing park. Heritage Farm Park will initially offer two lighted multi-purpose fields, a trail, a playground, picnic shelters, restrooms, a parking lot and a site to honor veterans.

Oak Ridge officials have been exploring options for a municipal water system since soon after incorporating 24 years ago. In 2019 the state legislature distributed equally among Oak Ridge, Summerfield and Stokesdale the remaining $3.4 million that had been earmarked for a regional water system study, contingent upon each of the municipalities using the funding for water-related projects. Oak Ridge plans to use its $1.1 million share, and funds from a $2.1 million allocation from the county through the American Rescue Plan Act, to help establish a municipal water system that will initially serve new subdivisions with 30 or more houses; after a year of negotiations, the town entered into a contract with Envirolink in July 2021 to establish and operate the system. northwest Greensboro

Incorporation date: 1998 Size: approx. 15 square miles Property tax rate: 8¢ per $100 of property value (town), 73¢ per $100 (county), 9.77¢ per $100 (fi re department) Sales tax rate: combined 6.75% (2% for Guilford County; 4.75% for North Carolina)

POPULATION

3,988 2000

6,185 7,488 (per U.S. Census figures/April 2020) 2010

CURRENT

AGE

Under 18 ........................................................................................................ 29.3% 65 and over ....................................................................................................13.7%

EDUCATION (age 25 and over) High school graduate (or higher) .........................................................97.7% Bachelor’s degree or higher ....................................................................................50.3% Households with broadband internet subscription: 86.9%

HOUSING

Median value of owner-occupied housing unit: $383,300 Estimated number of households: 2,275; Estimated number of family members per household: 3.03

INCOME

Median household income: $127,578 Families with income in last 12 months below poverty level: 4.3% Residents without health insurance (under age 65): 4%

RACE

94.4% of Oak Ridge’s population is of one race Of those individuals of one race: 73.1% are white | 3.7% are Hispanic or Latino 11.9% are black or African-American | 8.1% are Asian 1.3% are American Indian and Alaska native

VETERANS: 443

Data obtained from U.S. Census Bureau/2020 and N.C. Office of State Budget and Management

VOTER STATISTICS

6,068 Oak Ridge residents were registered to vote as of January 2022. Of these, 2,740 were registered as Republicans; 1,145 were registered as Democrats; 2,150 were unaffi liated with a political party; and 33 were registered as Libertarians.

Data provided by Guilford County Board of Elections

TOWN HALL

8315 Linville Road, P.O. Box 374 Oak Ridge, NC 27310 (336) 644-7009 Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. For committee meeting schedules and other town information, visit www.oakridgenc.com or the Town of Oak Ridge’s Facebook page.

COMMITTEES, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS

Board of Adjustment Finance Committee Historic Preservation Commission Mountains-to-Sea Trail Committee Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Planning and Zoning Board Special Events Committee Want to serve on a town committee or board? Email ssmith@oakridgenc.com or call Town Hall at (336) 644-7009.

BUDGET

TOWN FISCAL YEAR

July 1, 2021 - June 30, 2022 Operating/Capital budget: $2,626,160 Projected revenues

Property taxes .....................................$916,559 (8 cents per $100 property value) Sales tax .................................................$331,427 ABC store profi t sharing ................$200,000 Intergovernmental revenue .........$332,501 (utility and other taxes collected by the state and distributed to local governments) Interest/Investment earnings ........$21,500 Parks and Recreation .........................$56,250 Planning & Zoning fees ....................$20,000 Other revenue .......................................$35,300 Fund Balance Transfer .....................$712,623 TOTAL revenues..........................$2,626,160

Projected expenses

ADMINISTRATION Salaries/benefi ts for administrative employees ............$404,295 Professional services ........................$185,000 Contracts for accounting, legal services, consulting, animal control and tax collection Town committees and boards ..............................................$41,035 Other operating expenses ...............$94,150 TOTAL Administrative $724,480 BUILDING/GROUNDS Town Hall .................................................$38,200 (includes maintenance, furnishings and utilities)

PARKS & REC Salaries/benefi ts for Parks & Rec employees ............$349,522 Operations/maintenance ..............$149,500 Special Events .......................................$25,500 Misc. Parks & Rec expenses.............$13,500 Oak Ridge Youth Assoc. stipend ...$30,000 TOTAL Parks & Rec $568,022 CAPITAL EXPENSES Whitaker Property ............................$855,000 Site development, restrooms, and parking lot Mountains-to-Sea Trail ...................... $37,500 Veterans Honor Green ......................$34,000 Town Park improvements/equipment $77,318 Union Cemetery Renovation .........$30,000 Amortized land purchase payment $255,600 Computer equipment .........................$6,040 TOTAL Capital Expenses $1,295,458 TOTAL expenses ..................... $2,626,160

FROM THE MAYOR

Welcome to Oak Ridge! We’re proud of the small-town charm and recreational opportunities in our historic community. Our Town Park will soon be complemented by the 62acre Heritage Farm Park that preserves historic farmland and scenic vistas in our town core. In addition to athletic fi elds, picnic areas and a playground – all slated for completion in 2022 – a new site to honor veterans will be constructed. Nearby, the new Headwaters Trail, part of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail, advances our goal of providing trail access to connect both parks to the beautiful Cascades Preserve. It’s no wonder Oak Ridge is a sought-after destination for visitors and new residents alike. Oak Ridge is also home to historic properties such as the Oak Ridge Military Academy, Oakhurst, the Charles and Jesse Benbow houses, and Old Mill of Guilford. Each of these sites off ers a piece of our community’s story, and many are located within our beautiful Historic District, which has helped shape our attractive commercial town core. Key intersections in Oak Ridge will receive a makeover beginning later this year, thanks to a two-year NCDOT project designed to improve pedestrian and vehicle safety. We’ll also continue to build a modest municipal water system focused on new developments, while expanding water access for our local fi re department. Soon, we’ll launch a new, updated website to keep our residents up to date on all things Oak Ridge. Our town is known for its enthusiastic volunteers who serve on town committees and organize events such as Heritage Day, Light Up the Night, Canine Capers and Music in the Park. We’re grateful to these volunteers, our exceptional town staff , and all of the residents who call Oak Ridge home. Together, they represent the heart of Oak Ridge!

Mayor Ann Schneider

(336) 554-2125 aschneider.nc@ gmail.com 4-year council term ends 2025

TOWN COUNCIL & PERSONNEL

Since July 1, 2011, the Town of Oak Ridge has operated under a councilmanager form of government, in which a town manager who is hired by the council acts much like the chief administrative offi cer in a business and is responsible for personnel decisions as well as overseeing the town’s day-to-day operations. The council is responsible for setting policies and in turn the manager is responsible for enacting them. Oak Ridge Town Council includes fi ve council members who are elected by citizens to alternating 4-year terms; the mayor is elected every two years from among the council members and votes on all matters that come before the council.

Not shown, Terry Lannon, parks and recreation director since Spring 2007 (tlannon@oakridgenc.com), and parks and recreation crew leader and grounds keepers.

Jim Kinneman

mayor pro tem (336) 644-8645 jkinneman@ triad.rr.com 4-year term ends 2025

George McClellan

(336) 643-7816 / 580-0133 george@ george@ mcclellanfi nancial.com mcclellanfi nancial.com 4-year term ends 2023

Doug Nodine

(336) 209-1999 doug@qie.com 4-year term ends 2023 Bill Bruce

town manager bbruce@oakridgenc.com worked with Town since 2006; served as town manager since February 2018

Sandra Smith

town clerk ssmith@oakridgenc.com employed by Town since March 2012

Ashley Royal

deputy town clerk aroyal@oakridgenc.com employed by Town since October 2017

Martha Pittman

(336) 686-6220 mpittman55@ hotmail.com 4-year term ends 2023 Sean Taylor

planning director staylor@oakridgenc.com employed by Town since April 2018

WHAT MADE THE NEWS IN 2021

Heritage Farm Park moving ahead

Oak Ridge leaders are making fi nal preparations to expand Town Park with the transformation of 62 acres of old farm land behind Town Hall into Heritage Farm Park.

Oak Ridge Town Council voted unanimously in October to line up fi nancing and a general contractor for the park, estimated to cost $3.63 million. Although the town failed to secure a North Carolina Parks and Recreation Trust Fund grant earlier in the year, it received word in January 2022 that thanks to the state making additional funding for parks available, the town was being awarded a matching grant in the amount of $490,000.

In December, the town advertised for bids for a general contractor while negotiating with Truist Financial to borrow money and tap cash reserves to pay for the project.

Oak Ridge expects to receive state approval for fi nancing of the project March 1, allowing construction to begin in the spring, according to Town Manager Bill Bruce said. Spending will cover grading and installation of utilities, along with construction of restrooms, a parking lot, two lighted multi-purpose fi elds, a trail, a playground and picnic shelters. Growing donations for veterans site

Donations are climbing for Veterans Honor Green, a site within Heritage Farm Park that will honor veterans.

As of early December, contributions topped $49,000, or about a third of the project’s $150,000 goal, according to Patti Dmuchowksi, chair of the town’s Special Events Committee; the committee is leading eff orts to construct the veterans site.

Oak Ridge Town Council committed to providing $68,000 in matching funds over two years for construction of the project. Renderings show a curved concrete boardwalk leading to the circular site with granite monuments honoring the diff erent military branches. Municipal water system nears start

The town council voted 5-0 in November to adopt a resolution seeking state environmental approval for creating a water system, an idea town leaders began discussing soon after Oak Ridge’s incorporation in 1998.

The resolution addresses three documents – a water system management plan, water rules and a water conservation plan – submitted by Oak Ridge to the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality for approval.

In July, the town hired contractor Envirolink Inc. to establish and operate the water system, described by Mayor Ann Schneider as a “modest’’ system initially serving new subdivisions with at least 30 lots.

The system may eventually expand to provide water for fi re protection and to Oak Ridge homeowners who want to switch to municipal water from community and private wells, according to town offi cials. ‘Village feel’ gaining traction

Eff orts by town leaders to create a “village feel’’ in the N.C. 68 business district are gaining traction.

In the latest of several steps dating back to four years ago, Oak Ridge’s council and town staff have been collaborating with the Hill Group on the creation of an illustrated design guidebook for developers.

The Roanoke, Virginia-based community planning and design fi rm is incorporating suggestions from Oak Ridge residents and business owners who recommended preserving the town’s history and open spaces while designing buildings, shopping areas and streets with pedestrian access and safety at the forefront of planning.

The council hopes to adopt the design guidebook by mid-2022, according to Mayor Schneider.

Eff orts to slow traffi c on N.C. 68, attract more customers to local businesses and improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists go back to December 2017 when Oak Ridge hired the Piedmont Triad Regional Council as a consultant to create a streetscape vision plan. Adopted by the council in 2019, the plan serves as a blueprint for the town’s future commercial development and dovetails with road improvements planned by the North Carolina Department of Transportation.

The state agency plans to construct two roundabouts and make improvements to the N.C. 68/150 intersection. If plans remain on track, the work could start as early as the fall of 2022 and it will last for two years; during that time, offi cials warned that construction will cause traffi c congestion and delays.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR for 2022

Due to the ongoing challenges of COVID, event dates may be subject to change

Oak Ridge Town Council* 1st Thursday each month, 7 p.m. / Town Hall Northwest Guilford Woman’s Club 2nd Monday each month, 7 p.m. MORE INFO: tiff anykhansen96@gmail.com Merchants of Oak Ridge 3rd Tuesday each month MORE INFO: www.merchantsofoakridgenc.com

Northwest Guilford Kiwanis Meets 1st and 3rd Tuesdays at noon

MORE INFO: nwgkiwanis@gmail.com Oak Ridge Lions Club 4th Monday each month, 6:30 p.m.

Oak Ridge Room (next to Bistro 150)

MORE INFO: frankxk95@gmail.com *For details and updates on events hosted by the Town of Oak Ridge, visit www.oakridgenc.com, Facebook.com/ TownofOakRidge, www.nwobserver.com or the Northwest Observer’s Calendar Events section in each printed edition. Music in the Park* Saturdays, April 9, May 14, June 11, July 9, Aug. 13, Oct. 8 / Town Park

Spring Arts & Crafts Show* Saturday, April 2 / Oak Ridge Town Park Canine Capers* Saturday, April 30 / Oak Ridge Town Park 5K, Hannah’s Haven* Saturday, May 21 / Oak Ridge Town Park Memorial Day service* Monday, May 30, 10 a.m.

Oak Ridge Town Park amphitheater Movies in the Park* Fridays, June 3 and Aug. 5 / Town Park RidgeFest* Thursday-Saturday, Sept. 8-10 / Town Park MORE INFO: www.merchantsofoakridge.com

RidgeFest Arts & Crafts Show* Saturday, Sept. 10 / Oak Ridge Town Park Heritage Day* Saturday, Sept. 24 / Oak Ridge Town Park

ORYA Halloween Terror Trail

October 21-22, 28-29 / Town Park

MORE INFO: www.orya.org Fall Arts & Crafts Show*

Saturday, Nov. 5 / Oak Ridge Town Park Veterans Day service* Friday, Nov. 11, 10 a.m. Oak Ridge Town Park amphitheater Light Up the Night*

COMMUNITY RESOURCES

BUSINESS ASSOCIATIONS

Merchants of Oak Ridge www.merchantsofoakridge.com

Shane Beal, president shane@eurohaus.pro

Merchants of Oak Ridge

Along with promoting member businesses, the group has organized and sponsored several annual community events, including the Great Pumpkin Event, Run the Ridge and RidgeFest. Meetings are every third Tuesday; time and location can be found on the website. Visit www.merchantsofoakridge.com or call (336) 508-9573 for more info. (For more info on northwest-area business associations, see pages 12 and 43.)

CIVIC/SERVICE GROUPS

Kiwanis Club

Casey Crossan, president nwgkiwanis@gmail.com

Northwest Guilford Kiwanis

The Kiwanis Club of Northwest Guilford is a member of Kiwanis International, whose motto is “Serving the children of the world.” The club honors local students with its monthly Terrifi c Kids recognition program, supports local organizations such as Camp Carefree and is involved in many community activities, such as the Glenwood Free Tutoring Program for underprivileged children. Meetings are held at Bill’s Pizza Pub the fi rst and third Tuesday of the month at noon; for more info, visit the club’s Facebook page.

Northwest Guilford Woman’s Club Tiff any Hansen, president tiff anykhansen96@gmail.com (336) 404-8038

Northwest Guilford Woman’s Club

Northwest Guilford Woman’s Club is a nonprofi t organization with members including women from all walks of life who share a commitment to community service. Meetings are held the second Monday of each month, 7 p.m.; check the group’s Facebook page or contact Tiff any Hansen, president, for more info.

Northwest Republican Women Marilyn Forster, president MarilynForster@yahoo.com Meets monthly on the second Thurs-

North Carolina allows Trusts for pets.

You have thought about who will look after your kids, but who will look after your dog?

Estate Planning

Estate Settlement Trust Beneficiary Representation and Trust Administration

THE LAW OFFICE OF SUSAN P. GREESON, P.L.L.C.

Susan P. Greeson, P.L.L.C. (336) 523.6376 8004 Linville Rd., Ste. A-1, Oak Ridge

day, 6:30 p.m. Meeting locations vary.

Oak Ridge Garden Club Barb Engel, (336) 253-4301 barbesc@gmail.com Oak Ridge Garden Club meets the fi rst Tuesday of the month (with some exceptions) at 7 p.m. at various locations.

Oak Ridge Lions Club Frank Kelleher, frankxk95@gmail.com

Oak Ridge North Carolina Lions Club

Oak Ridge Lions Club meets every fourth Monday at 6:30 p.m. at the Oak Ridge Room next to Bistro 150 in Oak Ridge Commons. Members enjoy the fellowship that comes with serving others, especially those who are sight- or hearing-impaired. The club is involved in several community projects and local events; its major fundraiser is an annual golf tournament. Brooms made by Industries for the Blind are sold year-round, and used eyeglasses are collected for recycling. The club is also part of the Adopt-a-Highway program.

Preservation Oak Ridge Jeff Bair, president (336) 402-0144 Preservation Oak Ridge, a nonprofi t organization that is committed to preserving the historic structures of Oak Ridge, meets the fourth Wednesday of each month beginning in February at 5:30 p.m. at the historic Ai Church on N.C. 68 at Alcorn Road in Oak Ridge. Restoration is now complete on this historic church, and the building is available for scheduling of weddings, reunions and meetings. (For info on northwest-area civic/service groups, see pages 12, 22 and 43.)

EMERGENCY SERVICES

In case of emergency, dial 911 OAK RIDGE FIRE DEPARTMENT

Station 15 8325 Linville Road, Oak Ridge (336) 643-3783

Station 51 5219 Northwest School Rd., Greensboro (336) 662-8900 www.oakridgencfi re.com Full-time paid and volunteer fi refi ghters Ken Gibson, chief

Oak Ridge NC Fire

ISO Rating: 4 (Awarded by the Insurance Service Offi ce, an ISO rating analyzes a department’s fi refi ghting abilities and assigns a numerical rating from 1 to 10, with 1 being the best. These ratings are used by insurance companies to calContinued on next page

Fresh Food Family Friendly Patio & Bar Curbside & Delivery

2213 Oak Ridge Road, Oak Ridge riokitchencantina.com

culate fi re insurance premiums. Without municipal water systems with hydrants, it is diffi cult for a department to achieve an ISO rating lower than a 6.) Oak Ridge Fire Department also has an auxiliary that provides support to fi refi ghters during a fi re or other emergency. For contact info, call the fi re department.

SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT

In case of emergency, dial 911 (For info on the Sheriff ’s Department or other emergency services, see page 45.)

GIVE/GET ASSISTANCE

Goodwill Industries 2205-A Oak Ridge Road, Oak Ridge (336) 643-4549 www.triadgoodwill.org

Triad Goodwill (Oak Ridge, NC)

Goodwill Industries provides work opportunities for people with special employment needs. The organization accepts donations of clothing, housewares, furniture, books, computers and accessories, which it sells in its stores. Some locations also accept televisions, cell phones and appliances. (For more info on organizations where you can give or get assistance, see pages 14, 23 and 50.)

HEALTH/FITNESS FACILITIES

CrossFit Oak Ridge 8309 Linville Road, Oak Ridge (336) 643-3444 www.crossfi toakridge.com crossfi toakridgenc@gmail.com

CrossFit Oak Ridge The 12,000-square-foot facility provides CrossFit as well as many other fi tness-based and community activities including Zumba, kids’ fi tness programs/ sports camps and athletic fi elds.

Snap Fitness 1433-B (68 Place) N.C. 68 N, Oak Ridge (336) 643-5501 www.snapfi tness.com/oakridgenc Kimberly Stoll oakridgenc@snapfi tness.com

Snap Fitness (Oak Ridge, NC)

The gym is open 24/7 and off ers a seven-day free trial. Contact for questions or current specials.

MISCELLANEOUS

ABC Store 2207 Oak Ridge Road, Oak Ridge

"This is advanced "Thisisadvanced hearing healthcare with hearinghealthcarewith soul and heart!"soulandheart!"

The Most Trusted Hearing Care TheMostTrustedHearingCare Experts in the Piedmont Triad Area ExpertsinthePiedmontTriadArea (336) 295-1867(336)295-1867

529 College Road, Suite B, Greenboro, NC 27410 529CollegeRoad,SuiteB,Greenboro,NC27410 www.aimhearing.comwww.aimhearing.com HowWeCanHelpHow We Can Help

Pediatricandadult audiologicalservices Pediatric and adult audiological services Expertiseonalllevelsof hearingtechnologyand assistivedevices Expertise on all levels of hearing technology and assistive devices SpecialityinCochlear Implantevaluations, deviceselection,and programming Specialty in Cochlear Implant evaluations, device selection, and programming Tinnitusassessmentsand individualizedcounseling Tinnitus assessments and individualized counseling

EarwaxremovalEarwax removal

HearingaidrepairsHearing aid repairs

(located in the Oak Ridge Commons shopping center) (336) 788-7141 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Saturday

PARKS & RECREATION

ATHLETIC FIELDS/PARKS

Oak Ridge Town Park 6231 Lisa Drive (336) 644-7009 www.oakridgenc.com Terry Lannon parks and recreation director tlannon@oakridgenc.com

Oak Ridge Town Park

This nearly 80-acre park includes two baseball/softball fi elds, two multipurpose fi elds, concession stand, restrooms, paved and unpaved walking trails, picnic shelters, playground, horseshoe pits, fi shing pond, paved parking, a community events lawn, an off -leash dog park and four miles of mountain bike trails. Picnic shelters, athletic fi elds, 10’ x 10’ canopies and horseshoe sets are available for rental. Sponsorship opportunities are also available for businesses and individuals. An amphitheater and additional restroom facilities were constructed in 2015 as part of the park’s Phase 2. The park will soon be complemented by the 62-acre Heritage Farm Park. In addition to athletic fi elds, picnic areas and a playground, a new site to honor veterans will be constructed there. (For more info on northwest-area parks & recreation, see pages 15, 26 and 53.)

POST OFFICE

Oak Ridge Post Offi ce 8323 Linville Road ZIP Code 27310 (336) 644-7945 Polly Duncan, postmaster 8 a.m.-noon and 1-4:30 p.m. Mon-Fri 8-11:30 a.m. Saturday www.usps.com

SCHOOLS (PUBLIC)

(For info on northwest-area public schools, see page 61.)

SENIOR PROGRAMS

(For info on northwest-area senior programs, see page 65.)

SUPPORT GROUPS

AA (Alcoholics Anonymous)

Oak Ridge Presbyterian Church 2614 Oak Ridge Road (336) 643-3452 Continued on page 38

Preserving our heritage for future generations

How your Historic Preservation Commission helps Oak Ridge:

• Project Approvals Project Approvals–– Preserving the unique character of Oak Ridge by offering design reviews in support of

Certifi cate of Appropriateness (COA) applications for projects undertaken within the historic district. • Historic Heritage Grants – Supporting property owners in maintaining and improving their historic properties. Watch for information in January.

Applications due in March. • Events and Hands-on Preservation Eff orts –

Promoting awareness of the importance of safeguarding our town’s historic structures, which in turn preserves our town’s character and strengthens property values.

Want more information?

Contact Oak Ridge Town Hall at (336) 644-7009 email ssmith@oakridgenc.com or visit www.oakridgenc.com

AA support meetings are Wednesdays at 8 p.m. Call for more info. (For more info on northwest-area support groups, see pages 26 and 66.)

UTILITIES

TRASH PICKUP/RECYCLING

GFL Environmental (855) 222-2797 (336) 668-3712 www.gfl env.com Call for white goods, furniture or yard waste pickup. (For cable/internet/phone, electric, gas, scrap tire/white goods, water, yard waste or recycling/e-cycling, see pages 60 and 66.)

VOTING/ELECTIONS

Guilford County Board of Elections (336) 641-3836 www.guilfordcountync.gov/our-county/ board-of-elections Oak Ridge polling sites: (OR1) Oak Ridge Town Hall 8315 Linville Road (OR2) Oak Ridge United Methodist Church 2424 Oak Ridge Road (Check the Board of Elections’ website for Early Voting options.) All elections are administered by the county Board of Elections. You may register to vote after being a resident of your county for at least 30 days. Voter registration forms may be obtained from the local town halls or at the county Board of Elections offi ces. 6,068 Oak Ridge residents were registered to vote as of January 2022. Of these, 2,740 were registered as Republicans; 1,145 were registered as Democrats; 2,150 were unaffi liated with a political party; and 33 were registered as Libertarians. (For more voter info, see page 67.)

YOUTH RECREATION

Oak Ridge Youth Association www.orya.org Tom Collins, president tom@orya.org

Oak Ridge Youth Association

The Oak Ridge Youth Association off ers organized youth sports and events for boys and girls ages 3-18, including baseball, softball, soccer, lacrosse, basketball, football, e-sports, cheerleading and the Teen Leadership Team. Practices, games and events are held locally through partnerships with Oak Ridge Town Park, Mustang Fitness, Oak Ridge Military Academy and Guilford County Schools.

(For more info on northwest-area youth recreation and civic groups, see pages 16, 27 and 67.)