Ron Oestreich, formerly of Bolingbrook, Illinois, is the new Farragut Parks & Recreation director. He replaces Sue Stuhl, who retired in January after 31 years with the town of Farragut.

Oestreich was with the Bolingbrook Park District for 27 years. He became executive director in 2012, managing 52 parks as well as 63 full-time and 300 part-time staff.

“We’re happy to have someone of Ron’s caliber and expertise to lead our parks department,” said Town Administrator David Smoak. “He has extensive knowledge of developing parks and programs that meet the community’s needs.”

Ron has family in East Tennessee and grew up spending two weeks here each summer. He loves the mountains and the Vols and has always dreamed of moving back, he says. “I’m excited to be home.” Oestreich and his wife have four children, including a grown son who lives in Powell.

Notes

Parenting Conference at First Baptist: Several guest speakers will be featured at First Baptist Concord on Friday, Feb. 24, from 6-9 p.m. and Saturday, Feb. 25, from 8:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m. covering a variety of topics pertaining to raising children in today’s world. Childcare will be provided. Info on registration and cost here.

Bright Star Touring Theater will present “Groundbreaking Geniuses” in celebrating Black History month on Sunday, Feb. 26, at 2 p.m. at Farragut Town Hall. The free show will focus on over a dozen figures from Black history. There is a reception at 1:30 p.m.

Farragut Songwriters Showcase, Wednesday, Feb. 22, 6-9 p.m. at Daddy Mac’s Down-Home Dive, 11335 Campbell Lakes Drive. Singers include Mike Snodgrass, Addie Levy and Jay Hocutt. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. Tickets are free, but attendees are asked to register in advance here.

Pickleball open gym is noon to 2 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and 4-6 p.m. on Thursdays. Cost is $4. No need to register, just bring a paddle and a ball.

Basketball open gym takes place from 2-9 p.m. on Mondays; 4-5 p.m. on Tuesdays; 2-5 p.m. on Wednesdays; 4-5 p.m. on Thursdays and 2-4:45 p.m. on Fridays. Cost is $4 per person per session. Bring a ball.

Meeting rooms for rent: The Farragut Community Center offers a middle school-sized gym, two classrooms and an assembly hall for public rental. Info: 865-281-3376.

Text your announcement to 865-661-8777. No charge. It’s what we do!

Wendy Smith, PR and marketing coordinator for the town of Farragut, provided information for this report.