First "East Ridge Teacher of the Year" announced

Friday, May 9, 2008

The East Ridge Education Committee recently held a Teacher Appreciation Dinner at Jones Memorial United Methodist Church. The first East Ridge Teacher of the Year was awarded to Debbie Erwin from East Ridge High School. Other nominees were: East Ridge Elementary Kristi Thacker; McBrien Elementary – Pam Roberts; Spring Creek Elementary – Kim Roden; and East Ridge Middle – Agnes Stone.

The guest speaker was Ms. Link Sparks, TEA Distinguished Classroom Teacher of the Year. The theme was “Bloom Where You Are.” All faculties and staff of the five East Ridge Schools in the community were invited and treated to a wonderful celebration. Mary Beth Stalnaker, a teacher at McBrien Elementary, provided special music. Other special guests included Hamilton County Commissioner Curtis Adams and Mrs. Adams, East Ridge Councilman Larry Sewell and Mrs. Sewell, and East Ridge Councilman Jerry Petty.

The mission of the East Ridge Education Committee is to RAISE THE BAR IN ER. East Ridge and Chattanooga merchants provided many special gifts to the nominees. The East Ridge Education Committee is a non-profit organization who supports and strives to bring the community and school together.

Rhythm & Noon and Friday Market at Miller Plaza

Tuesday, May 6, 2008

The Chattanooga Downtown Partnership continues the Friday Market and Rhythm & Noon Concerts at Miller Plaza this Friday, May 9.

From 11 AM to 2 PM, enjoy the Friday Market in Miller Plaza's Waterhouse Pavilion featuring a variety of items for sale including fresh produce, canned goods, homemade candles and jewelry. Fresh-picked strawberries will be at this week’s market.

The Rhythm & Noon Concert Series continues this week with a FREE performance by swing band Sweet Georgia Sound on the Blue Cross Stage at Miller Plaza from Noon to 1 PM.

The Rhythm & Noon concert series is presented by the Chattanooga Downtown Partnership, and is sponsored by Chattanooga Coca-Cola Bottling, Cornerstone Community Bank, WTCI TV45 and Sunny 92.3. Call 265-0771 or visit www.downtownchattanooga.org for more information.

 

Tommy Jett Entertainers Reunion raises thousands for St. Judes

Walt Marler, local singer and owner of Walt's Sports

and Karaoke Bar, chats with Bob Johnson,

retired WTVC Channel 9 news anchor

 

Sunday, May 4, 2008 --- Photos by Rick Igou

Hundreds of Chattanooga personalities, their fans and friends gathered at the Town & Country East restaurant on 23rd Street Sunday for the 11th Annual Tommy Jett Entertainers Reunion.

"Hey Now" Jett read off a long list of local entertainers, broadcasters and radio and TV personalities who have died over the years since the annual benefit began. The long list included such local favorites as Bob Brandy, David Hughes and "Dr. Shock" Tom Reynolds. Eugene Coleman led the group in a prayer.

Jimmy Tawater, Dalton Roberts, Randy Howard and retired news anchor Bob Johnson were among the many well-know personalities who came out to honor those who have passed away and help Jett's favorite charity.

Jett recalled the first reunion where only a handful of his friends got together to remember past entertainers from years back. From there, the reunion has grown to number in the hundreds as entertainers and broadcasters meet with fans and friends to raise money for St. Judes.

Russell Hill, one of the organizers of the annual event says. "Working with Tommy Jett on this project has been a real pleasure. He is not only a legend, but a genuine person who loves and adores his fans as much as they love and adore him."

Jett first went on the air in Chattanooga at WFLI Radio in 1961. Although semi-retired, he still hosts a radio show on Sunday nights in Chattanooga.

My Sunday Journal

Nature had healing powers

By Dalton Roberts

Sunday, May 4, 2008

IPS Features

I have had an intuitive awareness all my life of the healing power of nature. Anytime I was wounded in body or spirit I sought the quiet and solitude of nature and it never let me down.

Added to my inner feeling was observation of my mother’s tendency to seek the healing of nature. After having measles at the age of 40, she lost much of her hearing and also experienced weakness in her respiratory system. By 55, she had emphysema. We had 27 apple trees at that time and when she had trouble breathing she would go and walk among the trees. Trees make oxygen and she always breathed better among them.

When Dad lost his 27-year job and found employment in Miami, the oppressive heat made it hard on mother. She had two healing places. One was a big banyan tree where she would go and read on days of moderate weather. One the hotter days, she liked to go to the ocean. Dad was especially moved by one of her experiences there. .

One day by the ocean, she found a high place behind the rocks where the waves crashed. He could tell she wanted to be alone so he walked on down the beach. After sundown he returned and she was standing with the sea spray falling on her face. Tears were streaming down her face. She said to him, “Be very still, Roy. The Great Spirit is here.”

When they returned home to Tennessee, she told me, “I would not have been able to stay in Florida if it had not been for my banyan tree and that magic place by the ocean. No matter how weary I became, they always healed me.”

When Dad pastored a church 60 miles from Chattanooga at Pelham, Tennessee, we passed a placed called Martin Springs each Sunday as we traveled to his church. It was some of the sweetest spring water to ever pass my lips. Each Sunday when we had time, Dad would heed our begging and stop for a drink.

I remember that you could fall forward to drink and two rocks were perfectly placed for your hands when you fell forward and dropped your mouth down into the \delicious water.

Years later when I was traveling to Nashville weekly and writing songs for Cedarwood Music, I decided to stop at Marti Springs. To my surprise the two rocks were still there. I fell forward and drank deeply.

I remained there for maybe an hour that day under the influence of that place that been holy ground to me since my childhood, Up above the spring a beautiful little bird I had never seen had built a nest against the rocks. Later I looked it up in my bird book and it was a phoebe. As I drove away, I felt that I had been born again.

The Bible says we can be born again but I believe the larger message of the whole book is that we can be born again and again and again. One way these birthings happen with me is when I return to all the places in nature that have been sources of great healing power to me.

Our home sat on two acres of wooded land in the days of my childhood and youth. There were many places there that were sanctified to me at times when I was ill in body or mind.

A good way to go back to our holy places in nature is in meditation. Today too much emphasis is placed on “living in the now” without telling us that any old memory of a healing place can be brought into our now and become as real today as it was then. We have this power to be born again and again and again.

Chattanooga Downtown Partnership's
Weekly Calendar of Events

Enjoy Chattanooga with the following downtown events happening through Monday, May 12th:

Walmart will host its annual Free Family Night this Thursday, May 8th from 5:30 PM to 8 PM at the Creative Discovery Museum. This month you can enjoy the new May Art Lesson, “Watercolor Landscapes.” Project Ready For School will be there to provide the opportunity to sign up for FREE books and Tenndercare will provide information about children's healthcare. For more information, please call 756-2738 or visit www.CDMFun.org.

The Chattanooga Downtown Partnership continues the Friday Market and Rhythm & Noon Concerts, at Miller Plaza this Friday, May 9th. From 11 AM to 2 PM, enjoy a Friday Market in Miller Plaza’s Waterhouse Pavilion featuring a variety of items for sale including fresh produce, canned goods, homemade candles, flowers and jewelry.The Rhythm & Noon Concert Series will feature a FREE lunchtime concert by swing band Sweet Georgia Sound on the Blue Cross Stage at Miller Plaza from Noon to 1 PM. The Rhythm & Noon concert series is sponsored by Chattanooga Coca-Cola Bottling, Cornerstone Community Bank, WTCI TV45 and Sunny 92.3. Call 265-0771 or visit www.DowntownChattanooga.org for more information.

Melissa Delbrige, author of Family Bible, will be at Rock Point Books this Friday, May 9th, at 7PM, for a reading and signing of her work. Then on Saturday, May 10th, Rock Point will host a Fancy Nancy Tea beginning at 2PM. Celebrate Mother’s day with cookies, punch, and fancy giveaways along with reading Fancy Nancy books. Tiaras, feathers, sparkles and other fancy attire are encouraged! This event is free and open to the public. Please visit www.RockPointBooks.com for additional information.

Bike Chattanooga will hold a Street Smart class this Saturday, May 10th from 9AM to 1PM at the Developmental Resource Center. This class will teach fundamental skills to begin riding a bicycle on the roads. To register or get additional information, please call 643-6887.

Shuptrine Fine Art Group will host an open house featuring both, Think Green! and Poised, this Saturday, May 10th, from 10AM to 4PM. Think Green! will feature handcrafted frames and works of art. Poised will feature portraitures from award-winning artists. Please visit www.ShuptrineFineArtGroup.com or call 266-4453 for more information.

Chattanooga will host its first ever Unifest event this Saturday, May 10th from 11:30AM to 7:30PM at the Chattanooga Convention Center. This festival promotes and celebrates unity-encouraging people of all colors to come together. To purchase tickets or to get more information, visit www.Unifest2008.com.

The Chattanooga Downtown Partnership will present the third annual TaleSpin Festival this Thursday, May 8th, through Sunday, May 11th. This event features national and regional tellers from all walks of life with stories of adventure, mystery and southern humor. A showcase of our national tellers will be held Thursday evening at the historic Tivoli Theatre, followed by telling at Coolidge Park on Friday from 5 PM to 11 PM and Saturday from 11 AM to 11 PM. A Mother's Day Storytelling Breakfast Cruise aboard the Southern Belle on Sunday will conclude the weekend’s activities. TaleSpin Festival is sponsored by Fletcher Bright Company, McKay Used Books and CDs, Publix, Chattanooga Times Free Press, Comcast and Sunny 92.3. Please call 265-0771 or visit www.DowntownChattanooga.org for more information or to purchase tickets.

CreateHere is hosting Pangea Day this Saturday, May 10th from 2PM to 6PM at UTC’s Benwood Auditorium. This event features 24 short films, visionary speakers and inspiring music. For more information, please visit www.CreateHere.org .

The Chattanooga Traditional Dance Society will hold a Community Contra Dance this Saturday, May 10th, from 8 PM to 11 PM at All Saints Academy. A free contra dance lesson for newcomers is offered at 7:30 PM. Music will be provided by Fletcher Bright Fiddle Band, featuring caller David Glick. Call 876-7359 or visit www.ContraNooga.org for more information.

The Chattanooga Choo Choo will be hosting a Mother’s Day Feast this Sunday, May 11th, from 11:30am until 3:00pm. For reservations, call 308-2481.

The Chattanooga Marriott will host its annual Mother’s Day Brunch, this Sunday, May 11th, at 11:30AM, 12:30PM and 1:30PM at their Convention Center. To make reservations, please call 756-0002.

Enjoy a Mother’s Day Toast this Sunday, May 11th, from Noon until 5PM during the Chattanooga Market at the First Tennessee Pavilion. This event features a wine and cheese tasting, Sunday Brunch in the Market Café and an antique show. Local farms and local artists will round out this week’s market. For more information, please visit ChattanoogaMarket.com.

Chattanooga’s Memorial Auditorium welcomes Nickelodeon’s, The Backyardigans Live!, this Sunday, May 11th, beginning at 4PM. Tickets can be purchased at www.ChattanoogaOnStage.com, at The Memorial Auditorium box office, or by phone at 642-TIXS. Fans can visit www.nickJr.com for additional tour dates and show information.

 

 

3rd Annual Ride for Smiles

Saturday May 10th

 

Leaving from Catoosa County Department of Family and Children's Services Parking Lot

Registration begins at 9:30

Breakfast biscuits, Hamburgers, Hot dogs, Tee Shirts

$20 single $25 doubles

Money raised will go toward Christmas for the children

 

Need more info? Email info@cfapa.org or call 706-937-2222

Tivoli Theatre Launches Chair Campaign

The Department of Education, Arts & Culture (EAC) is launching a chair recognition campaign for Tivoli Theatre, known as the “Jewel of the South.” For $100, a brass seat plaque can be purchased that will permanently recognize an individual(s). These plaques will be installed on the back rear of the seats and indicate either, In Honor Of or In Memory Of ... The purchaser of a plaque will also receive the commemorative 75th Anniversary booklet, “Tivoli, The Jewel of the South,” which depicts the rich history of this Chattanooga masterpiece.

EAC Administrator Missy Crutchfield says, “This campaign will allow all of those individuals who have enjoyed the various productions at the Tivoli Theatre a sense of ownership and pride in restoring The Jewel of the South to its original grandeur.”

The campaign will begin May 1st and end on June 30th. The plaques will be installed summer 2008 when the Tivoli Theatre is closed for renovations. To purchase a plaque, please call (423) 642-TIXS. The funds raised will be used to repair and/or refurbish the seats in the Tivoli Theatre.

The Union Gospel Mission .... the History

The real beginning of the work was started by Dr. Lee Roberson and the Highland Park Baptist Church on January 1st, 1949 in a downtown rooming house operated by Mr. S.E. Dooley. In January of 1950 the mission opened in a building at 1260 Market Street. The Union Gospel Mission began with a goal of offering spiritual hope and meeting the physical needs of those less fortunate.

After at least two relocations The Union Gospel Mission ended up at it's current location of 16 East Main Street, right on the corner of Market Street and East Main. Although the buildings have undergone many changes, the current facilities are in a better condition than they have been in for years. Recently we have increased our nightly capacity from 50 beds to 75 beds.

Over the 57 years of service to the community, The Union Gospel Mission has provided well in excess of 1.5 million meals and 1.1 million nights of sleep. The year 2008 saw over 40,600 meals served to our clients; additionally, we provided thousands of meals through our food boxes and sack lunches for needy families and individuals.

The Present

Today, The Union Gospel Mission provides a diverse set of programs designed to meet the needs of the homeless and needy of the Chattanooga and tri-state area. Some of the programs we offer are as follows:

Shelter Program - provides overnight shelter for men with no limit on how many nights they stay.

Chapel Program - nightly chapel services are available to everyone; with the purpose of sharing the good news of the Gospel of Christ and reaching solid biblical truths to encourage spiritual growth.

Evening Meals - every night after the chapel services have been completed; a nutritious hot meal is provided for all those in attendance.

G.R.A.C.E. Discipleship Program – a six-month, intensive, residential, Bible- based recovery program that provides accountability, spiritual growth, personal counseling, and the opportunity for men to allow God to effect positive change in their lives.

Emergency Food Program – on occasion we are able to provide emergency food assistance to individuals and families who exhibit a sincere need.

Clothing Room - provides clothing at no charge to those in need, with no financial ability to obtain clothing.

Boarder Program – provides an opportunity for transitional housing to men who have a source of income and exhibit a need for limited structure. This program provides limited spiritual, emotional, financial, and personal accountability.

Through these and other services The Union Gospel Mission has made and continues to make a tangible and intangible impact on the lives of hundreds of thousands of people during its 58 year history.

Meals Served

• Y-T-D – 15,826 Daily Average – 148 Weekly Average – 1039 Monthly Avg. – 4156
• Since 1950 – 2,317,830

Beds Provided

• Y-T-D – 7,387 Daily Avg. – 66 Weekly Avg. – 462 Monthly Avg. – 1848
• Since 1950 – 1,100,364

Class / Bible Study Attendance

• Y-T-D – 16,629 Daily Avg. – 141 Weekly Avg. – 989 Monthly Avg. – 3956
• Since 1950 – 1,398,484

Projected for 2008

• Meals – 54,044
• Beds – 24,008
• Attendance – 51,435

Allied Arts ArtsWire

What's Happening in Arts & Culture

Special Events

Creative Discovery Museum's 4th Friday Family Fun Night celebrates Mystifying Mazes April 25th from 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. at the Science Theatre inside Northgate Mall. Call (423) 875-8522 to pre-register.

The Photo Fest 2008 Show and Sale will be held Saturday, April 26th from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. at Heritage House in East Brainerd. Photographic topics will be presented on the hour from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. For more information, call (423) 855-9474.

Ganns Middle Valley Elementary will be celebrating the Creative Arts with their 15th annual Arts Explosion Day Friday, April 25th. For more information please contact Jeanni Highlander, Music Teacher and Arts Explosion Coordinator, at (423) 843-4700 or by e-mail at: Highlander_Jeanni@hcde.org.

The Fourth Thursday Reception for “Liquid & Line” will be held at Bill Shores Frame & Gallery Thursday, April 24th from 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. Call (423) 756-6746 or visit www.billshoresframes.com for more information.

Visual Art & Film

The AEC Independent Film Series continues at the Bijou Theater with the showing of Paranoid Park April 25th – May 1st. Call the Bijou at (423) 265-5220 for showtimes.

Foothills Gallery, located in LaFayette, GA, will host their Spring Show "Paws for Art" Thursday, April 24th from 5 – 9 p.m. For more information, contact Karen Sperry at (706) 764-2656 or Chuck Peters at (706) 398-0078.

A spring art show featuring works by studio painters instructed by Durinda Cheek will be held at Happy Painters Studio through May 31st. The opening reception will be Friday, April 25th from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. For more information contact durinda@durinda.com.

Theatre, Music & Dance

The CSO presents Pines of Rome Thursday, May 1st and Friday, May 2nd at 8:00 p.m. at the Tivoli Theatre. For more information, please call (423) 267-8583 or visit www.chattanoogasymphony.org.

The Arts & Education Council’s Theatre Express presents Fish Face at the Tivoli Theatre Wednesday, April 30th at 10 a.m. & 12 p.m. Advanced reservations are required. Please call (423) 267-1218 or visit www.artsedcouncil.org for more information.

Ballet Tennessee presents a Beatles Tribute Performance Saturday, April 26th at 1 p.m. & 3 p.m. in the Creative Discovery Museum Atrium. For more information, call (423) 756-2738 or visit www.cdmfun.org.

Hot Jazz in Stone and Steel, with a performance from Jazz pianist John Cocuzzi, will take place at the Hunter Museum Thursday, May 1st at 6:30 p.m. For more information, please call (423) 267-0968.

James and the Giant Peach will be performed at Chattanooga Theatre Centre’s Youth Theatre May 2nd - May 18th. Performances are Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturday and Sunday Matinees at 2:30 p.m. For more information, please

Open Wide will take place Friday, April 25th from 9 p.m. - 1 a.m. at 1800 Rossville Ave. next to Loose Cannon Gallery. For more information, call (423) 504-9799 or go to www.ContrapassoArts.com.

Oak Street Playhouse is performing “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” in the new Oak Street Center April 25th, May 2nd, 3rd and 4th. Performances are at 8:00 p.m., except the Sunday matinee at 2:30 p.m. Call (423) 756-2428 to make reservations or email OakStreetPlayhouse@gmail.com.

Chattanooga State's Professional Actor Training Program presents "The Shape of Things" April 25th, 26th & 27th. Performances are Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 2:30 p,m. & 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. at Chattanooga State Humanities Theatre. For further information, call (423) 697-3113.

Chattanooga Clarinet Choir will present a concert Sunday, April 27th at 4:00 p.m. at St. Thaddaeus' Episcopal Church. For more information, please contact Jan Wilkinson at (706) 270-4184 or chattanoogaclarinetsociety@yahoo.com.

Writing & Literature

"The Beatniks are Back" poetry readings will take place Friday, April 25th at 8 p.m. at the Wildwood Community Center. For more information, call (706) 657-8858.
vSouthern Literature Book Club meets at Rock Point Books Monday, April 28th at 6 p.m. For more information, please contact Jennifer Hoff at (423) 309-7464 or e-mail Jennifer-hoff@utc.edu

Red Bank Jammin’ Jubilee May 9 and 10

Sunday, April 27, 2008

The 29th annual Red Bank Jammin’ Jubilee -- set for May 9 and 10 -- will feature live entertainment, crafts and homemade foods. The community celebration begins with an auction at Meeks Auction, 5006 Dayton Blvd., at 6:30 p.m. on May 9. The next day catch the parade along Dayton Blvd., beginning at 10 a.m., and then enjoy the Stratoblasters on the BI-LO stage, the 6th Annual Car Show and Kidz Korner with fun games for the children. Activities are centered in the Red Bank City Park. The jubilee is presented by the Chamber’s Red Bank Council.

2008 TaleSpin Festival

Sunday, April 27, 2008

Tickets are on sale now for the 2008 TaleSpin storytelling festival hosted by the Chattanooga Downtown Partnership on May 8th through 11th in downtown Chattanooga. The TaleSpin Festival features national and regional tellers from all walks of life with stories of adventure, mystery and southern humor. National tellers scheduled for this year include Judith Black, Kevin Kling, Bill Harley, Queen Nur, Syd Lieberman and Kathryn Windham. Regional tellers Jim Pfitzer, Mama Koku, Blessid Ogedegbe, and Noah Lepp will also be featured.

A showcase of our six national tellers will be held Thursday, May 8 beginning at 7:30 PM at the historic Tivoli Theatre. The event will continue on Friday at Coolidge Park with a full schedule of storytelling under big white tents from 5:00 – 9:00 PM, followed by a special Nightfall Session under the night sky from 9:30 – 11:00 PM. Saturday will include a full day of telling at Coolidge Park beginning at 11:00 AM, and traditional music will entertain between the storytelling sessions. The very popular Ghost Stories will conclude the entertainment from 9:30 – 11:00 PM. Celebrate Mom on Sunday, May 11, with a special Mother’s Day storytelling breakfast cruise aboard the Southern Belle Riverboat at 9:00 AM.

Attendees of the TaleSpin Festival, as well as the general public, can enjoy the food court and Festival Marketplace, which will house merchandise from featured storytellers, a variety of resource materials and event memorabilia. Tickets are not necessary to enjoy the food, music or Marketplace.

TaleSpin Festival is sponsored by the Fletcher Bright Company, McKay Used Books & CD’s, Publix Charities, Chattanooga Coca-Cola Bottling, Sunny 92.3 and Comcast. For tickets and a detailed schedule, visit www.downtownchattanooga.org <http://www.downtownchattanooga.org> or call 423-265-0771.

From the classified ads:

Donated Materials Needed Please

Tree fell on my mother-in-law's 12'x63' trailer in Ringgold,Ga. She has no homeowners insurance.

The roof is ruined and ceiling has 2 major holes. The impact of the tree falling jarred the roof loose from the frame.

We would appreciate any material donations for repairs.

This trailer is in the Ringgold, GA area. Please contact: Sheila at 488-0700

Riverbend 2008 advance admission pins available Monday, April 28

Festival pins are same price as last year … 10% discounted tokens at BI-LO

Riverbend 2008 is scheduled for June 6-14, and advance discounted pins go on sale Monday, April 28th at area Mapco Mart and Fast Food & Fuel locations for the same price as last year. Advance purchase admission pins are $28 each until June 5th only, and children 10 and under are admitted free. Starting June 6th pins will be available at the festival gates for $37 each and one night admission wristbands for $23 each. Pins are also available at "Click ‘n Print" on the festival website at www.riverbendfestival.com.
Get discounted Riverbend tokens at 30 area BI-LO stores and save 10% now through June 5th. The $10 roll of tokens is $9 and the $20 roll is only $18.

Riverbend 2008 artists include ZZ TOP, The Black Crowes, Josh Turner, Little Big Town, Rodney Atkins, The Bachman-Cummings Band, Anthony Hamilton, AMERICA with the Chattanooga Symphony, Mercy Me, The Ohio Players, Mark Farner formerly of Grand Funk Railroad, Joe Bonamassa, Galactic, Greencards, Railroad Earth, David Bromberg and many more.

Riverbend has three options this year for special seating:

• Reserved Star Seating Tickets are available for most Coca-Cola Stage artists. (ZZ TOP sold out)
• The Oasis on the Green at Riverbend is a private elevated tent that accommodates 60 guests Call (423) 756-2211 or email Barbara@riverbendfestival.com to "save your seat".
• The Skybox at Riverbend has one evening available

For information on these tickets or tents, Call (423) 756-2211 or email Barbara@riverbendfestival.com.
Riverbend Stages this year include The Coca-Cola Stage, Bud Light Stage, The Unum Stage, The Tennessee Valley Credit Union Stage, The TVA Showcase Stage and The Chattanooga Times Free Press Children's Stage.

The Children's Village at Riverbend has moved to the grassy field near the Olgiati Bridge near the Marina Gate entrance. The Village will be bigger than ever, with a larger stage, numerous tents and activities for family fun adjacent to the ferris wheel and amusements.

Get the latest festival information at www.riverbendfestival.com

Grand opening East Ridge History Center Saturday, April 26

Friday, April 25, 2008

On Saturday, April 26, the East Ridge History Center will have a grand opening celebration from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., ET. The opening day festivities will include a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 11:00 a.m., free admission to the exhibits area, and free hot dogs and soft drinks while they last. The public is invited to help celebrate this very special day.

The East Ridge History Center provides a fascinating glimpse at the city's heritage, literally from ancient times to the present. Although the city wasn't officially incorporated until 1921, the area has been inhabited for thousands of years. Evidence of this rich history can be seen within the History Center's recently-completed exhibit area.

On display are early Native American artifacts found in East Ridge as well as items from the nineteenth century up to the present. A wide array of photos and illustrations dating from the 1800s to the present help tell the city's story chronologically through a timeline. In addition to viewing these wonderful items, visitors can also hear oral histories from longtime East Ridge residents and search the Center's archives for photos and other information.

The History Center has been created through a partnership between the City of East Ridge and the nonprofit organization, East Ridge Revitalization. It is located at 1510 Tombras Avenue in East Ridge, across from the Pioneer Frontier Playground. Regular operating hours will go into effect after the grand opening.

Red Bank Jammin' Jubilee – May 10

The Red Bank Council of the Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that this year's Jammin' Jubilee will be May 9 and 10, 2008. As a special educational treat this year to honor veterans, Louis Varnell, Education Director of the Southeast Veterans Museum will be bringing the "Battle Bus" a rolling museum of photographs, uniforms, replica guns, and other large and small items that bring the wars alive.

The bus made its appearance at the Vietnam Veterans' Memorial Day Celebration at Soddy-Daisy Veterans Park in late March. The bus has a uniformed drill instructor mannequin that greats visitors and has actual recordings of Armed Services Radio Shows of the era over speakers, and visitors can browse down one side of the bus and then up the other to see displays. The displays include items from uniforms of early war advisor, Navy seamen, and a reconnaissance soldier to items worn and used by the foot soldier. The roles of women and the Vietnamese enemy in the conflict are also explored. Photos and text throughout the bus help explain what the visitor is seeing.

The Jubilee will begin with a parade on May 10, 2008 beginning at 10 a.m. with the annual parade followed by the Cricket 5th Annual Car Show, live entertainment by the Stratoblasters, fun and games with the KIDZ Korner, and booths.

In honor of Mother's Day weekend, the first 100 Mothers will receive a carnation by stopping by the Red Bank Council's Chamber of Commerce tent.

Parade applications may be obtained from Parade Chairman, Monty Millard at (423) 870-3170 or by requesting via email at montymillard@comcast.net. Applications may also be obtained at Red Bank City Hall.

The May 9 Auction will be held at 6:30 p.m. at Meeks Auction on Dayton Boulevard in Red Bank. All items up for bid will be posted on the Red Bank Council's website prior to the event.

www.chattanoogachamber.com/councils

Ringgold Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast tickets go on sale

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Tickets for the Kiwanis Club of Ringgold annual Pancake Breakfast fund raiser to support its many charitable projects in the community are now available.

The breakfast is Saturday, May 24 from 7-11 a.m. at the First Baptist Church of Ringgold.
"This has been a Kiwanis tradition at the 1890 Days Jamboree for as long as I can remember," said Linda Fowler, Kiwanis president. "Come for all you can eat pancakes and enjoy your family and the fellowship of others."

"We invite everyone to come by and enjoy breakfast before 1890s Days," she said.
Tickets are $5 at the door or $4 in advance. Tickets are available from any Ringgold Kiwanis members and at Capital Bank (Ringgold branch only), Uniktings, 7715 Nashville Street in Ringgold, The Catoosa County News, Prudential Realty Center at 3089 Battlefield Parkway (706) 866-4140. For more information, call (706) 858-9191.

The Salvation Army helps local Hispanic families in the wake of INS raid at Pilgrim's Pride facility

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Following the recent INS raids at Chattanooga's Pilgrim's Pride facility, well over 100 illegal immigrants were detained pending further governmental action. 22 of these individuals have since been released home, though they must wear ankle bracelets to monitor their movements. The raids have left many children, American citizens by birth, in need of assistance.

Parents, now unemployed, are in need of material and financial assistance in order to care for their families. Many children, whose parents remain in custody, are now living with neighbors. Finally, many affected by these raids are unwilling to leave their homes for fear of further governmental action. As such, these individuals are unable to purchase essential supplies.

In response to this crisis, The Salvation Army will help those in need with food, clothing, baby products, and utility payment assistance. Furthermore, The Salvation Army is calling for local residents, civic groups, and churches to hold diaper and food donation drives. Material and monetary donations for this relief effort can be made to:

The Salvation Army
800 McCallie Avenue
Chattanooga, TN 37403.

Earmark donations for the "Hispanic Ministry" so that they will reach the appropriate program.

..

Book / DVD Drive planned for Bradley County's inmates

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

If you're involved in an annual spring-cleaning don't discard reading material that could be used by inmates in the Bradley County jail. The corrections division is having a book drive on Saturday, April 26, and they will now accept DVD's you no longer use.

Correction Deputy Kathy Tripp serves in an unofficial capacity as the jail's "Head Librarian." She organizes books so they can be rotated periodically to different cellblocks in the jail. The material gives inmates who are serving long sentences a way to pass the time. Educational material is helpful for those with a desire to improve their reading level during incarceration. .

Both hardback and paperback books will be accepted. However not all material is suitable for use in a penal facility and donations are screened before they are used. Books dealing with guns and ammunition, criminal activity, sexually explicit topics, and others that are deemed inappropriate cannot be used.

The same applies to videos. Graphic violence is unacceptable.

If you have used books or DVD's the jail could use you can drop them off outside the sheriff's office on April 26 during the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. The sheriff's office is located on the west side of the Judicial Complex, which is the backside of the building as you arrive at the facility by either Blythe Avenue or Bower Lane.

 

Bugs Invade Jordan Park in East Ridge!

Saturday, April 19, 2008

Watch a slide show from Saturday and Sunday's Scenic City Volks Folks 9th Annual Bug-A-Paluza Volkswagen Car Show. benefiting Chattanooga Ronald McDonald House Charities!

 

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Rick's Latest Web Pick

Elwood Smooch's "Choo Choo Cha Boogie Show"

Fans & Friends... I'm delighted to announce that Elwood Smooch's "Choo Choo Cha Boogie Show" will be opening in March - 2008 at the world famous Chattanooga Choo Choo in downtown Chattanooga, Tennessee. Though I will be leaving my Smoky Mountain home, I'm very excited about the performing opportunities in a growing, well-known and loved theater location. ---- Elwood Smooch

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