Hixson Community Christmas Tree Lighting

Monday, November 17, 2008

The Hixson Community Christmas Tree Lighting will take place on Saturday, November 22, at the Clear Creek Church of Christ from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. The church is located at 5612 Hixson Pike. The Boyd Buchanan Choir and Band will offer a program of Christmas music from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. in the church. Refreshments will be provided. Participants are encouraged to bring a donation for the Chattanooga Food Bank. This holiday event is arranged by the Chattanooga Area Chamber’s Hixson Council and the Clear Creek Church of Christ.

Red Bank High School teacher wins national honor

Dr. Patti Skates recognized as Exemplary Academy Educator of the Year

Monday, November 17, 2008

Red Bank High School received its fourth national academy honor earlier this month, as Dr. Patti Skates was awarded with the Exemplary Academy Educator of the Year award at the National Career Academy Coalition national convention in Florida.

Dr. Skates is the lead teacher in the Legal Studies/Leadership Academy at Red Bank High School.

“As students focus on careers that include public service, law and the administration of justice, Dr. Skates impacts the lives of students everyday through her classes,” the nomination form, written by Academy Director Susan Thurman states. “She has been instrumental in enabling students in this academy to acquire over 2000 community service hours while working for organizations like the Chattanooga Food Bank, the Ronald McDonald House and the City of Red Bank.”

More than 2500 schools in the country from 40 states attended the national convention to showcase their career academies.

“This honor is another indication of the quality of programs we have in Hamilton County. We are very proud of the outstanding work being done at Red Bank High School,” said Superintendent Dr. Jim Scales. “Red Bank is a leader in career academies in both Hamilton County and the nation. Our community should be very proud.”

Dr. Skates’ honor is nothing new to Red Bank High School. In 2004, Sandra Cox, a health academy teacher, won the Educator of the Year award while Red Bank High School and the Chattanooga Area Hospital District were honored for their partnership. In 2006, the Teaching Academy won Academy of the Year.

Comcast sponsoring “StudentCam Contest” .... Comcast is teaming up with C-SPAN for the fifth annual “StudentCam Contest.” This national contest invites middle and high school student to produce a short documentary film(s). This year’s topic is: A message to the new president: What is the most urgent issue for the new president to address after taking office and why? ---- Chattanoogan.com has MORE

Ribbon cutting for Blood Assurance Distribution Center

Monday, November 17, 2008

Blood Assurance will celebrate the opening of the regional blood bank’s distribution center on November 24. The Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce will assist with the ribbon cutting at 1 p.m.

The new regional distribution center is located at 1070 Appling Street.

Blood Assurance hosted a groundbreaking in January 2008 for the $2 million project, which was completed this month. The opening of the distribution center will also alleviate parking at the downtown center to allow for additional blood donors.

“As Blood Assurance has been asked to serve more and more communities with blood products, our needs keep outgrowing our facilities,” said Grady Lane, vice president of community relations for Blood Assurance.

Guests will be able to tour the 24,000-square-foot distribution center, which will house the bloodmobiles and non-blood supplies that are needed during the blood donation process. Staff members will have the ability to stock the bloodmobiles from within the building, where the units will be housed away from the elements. The distribution center also features a hydraulic lift for performing routine maintenance on the mobile units.

Additional plans for the regional blood supplier include expanding the current laboratory at the downtown center, which is the testing and storing site for all blood products supplied to 47 area healthcare facilities.

Each day, Blood Assurance needs 400 volunteer blood donors to meet the needs of local hospitals. For more information about Blood Assurance, please visit www.bloodassurance.org or call 423-756-0966.

Winter Days & Lights

The Chattanooga Downtown Partnership will present Winter Days & Lights from November 28 through December 6

It all begins Friday, November 28, with the Grand Illumination on the River. This FREE family event will take place beginning at 6:00 p.m. at Ross’s Landing, where attendees can browse through a mini Holiday Market featuring 20 arts and crafts vendors from the Chattanooga Market to find unique gifts while enjoying warm food and drink concessions. At 7:00 p.m. crowds will witness the 28th annual lighted boat parade, a live Nativity Scene and a holiday performance by the Chattanooga State Concert Choir. Following the lighted boat parade, the fun continues with a downtown lighting extravaganza, featuring lively song and dance performances and the popular singing Santa. A glittering fireworks finale will bring the evening to a colorful conclusion at 8:50 p.m.

Join us the next morning, Saturday, November 29, for Breakfast with Santa at The Chattanoogan. With two seatings, the first at 8:30 a.m. and the second at 11:30 a.m., Breakfast with Santa will feature a bountiful buffet with all the trimmings and a full menu of holiday fun including entertainment by the Creative Discovery Museum's Science Theatre and a delightful musical show by our famous singing Santa. This event costs $12 for children and $18 for adults. Tickets for Breakfast with Santa may be purchased online at www.downtownchattanooga.org <http://www.downtownchattanooga.org> or by calling 423-265-0771.

On Saturday, December 6, downtown streets will sparkle during the Holiday Starlight Parade. Beginning at 6:00 p.m., the Holiday Starlight Parade will proceed from Miller Park up Market Street to the Tennessee Aquarium. With a succession of unique holiday entries, this hour-long parade is known for its dazzling Yuletide theme featuring performing groups, marching bands, vehicles and floats strung in twinkling lights.

Appalachian Christmas, the final event in the Winter Days & Lights series, will be held Friday, December 12, in Miller Plaza’s Waterhouse Pavilion. The fun begins at 7:00 p.m. with local favorites, The Dismembered Tennesseans and The Morgans and Lynne Haas. Then at 8:00 p.m., headliner Sierra Hull, who was recently nominated as the IBMA Mandolin Player of the Year, will take the stage. Admission to Appalachian Christmas is $3.00, with complimentary hot cider and sugar cookies provided throughout the event. Children 10 and under are free.

Sponsors for this year’s Winter Days & Lights series are EPB, Chattem, City of Chattanooga, Publix, Chattanooga Times Free Press, Louis Wamp Architect & Associates and Collier Construction.

For more information on Winter Days and Lights, call 423-265-0771 or visit www.downtownchattanooga.org

Sheriff Gobble sets second “All Hands on Deck Day” on November 17th

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Bradley County Sheriff Tim Gobble has scheduled the second “All Hands on Deck Day” for Monday, November 17th, from 3 until 11 p.m. During that time Gobble is moving ranking personnel at Lieutenant and above who normally have administrative responsibilities to the field. There they will assist patrol deputies with responses to calls for service and are available to listen to citizens with specific concerns about law enforcement problems in their community.

Sheriff Gobble proposed “All Hands on Deck Day” after hearing about another city that had used the concept successfully. The first day was held in July on a Saturday, and was a huge success. Sheriff Gobble announced at that time that other times would be scheduled during the year.

“This is another way the Bradley County Sheriff’s Office is staying in touch with the law enforcement needs of the people we are serving,” said Gobble. He explained that meeting with citizens on their schedule has been a key to its success.

Joining Sheriff Gobble, who patrols regularly, will be Chief Deputy Bill Dyer, Patrol Capt. Jon Collins, Capt. Jim Hodgson of the Support Services Division, Capt. Jim Ruth of Court Services; Capt. Gabe Thomas, the administrator of the jail; and Capt. Steve Lawson of the Criminal Investigations Division. Other personnel throughout the five divisions who hold the rank of Lieutenant will also be involved.

In July sheriff’s office personnel were in contact with hundreds of local citizens. Many shared concerns about suspicious activity in their neighborhood and Sheriff Gobble had the appropriate staff member to follow-up on each piece of information.

Most citizens voiced concerns about excessive speeds in neighborhoods where children play and requested assistance from the traffic unit to improve pedestrian safety in these areas.

Sheriff Gobble said any citizen of Bradley County that would like to meet with a supervisor during “All Hands on Deck Day” can call now to schedule a time and location to meet.

“They should call my assistant, Jennifer Johnson, to make arrangements for a meeting. You can reach her at 728-7304.”

Citizens can also contact the 9-1-1 communications center the day of “All Hands on Deck Day” at 728-7311 to arrange a meeting with Sheriff Gobble or any of those participating in the event.

Turkeys needed for "Unity in the Community" to serve homeless & hungry on Thanksgiving

Monday, November 10, 2008

The second annual “Unity in the Community: A Thanksgiving Day Celebration!” will serve a holiday meal to Chattanooga’s less fortunate on Thanksgiving Day in the First Tennessee Pavilion across from Finley Stadium. Unity in the Community is a consortium of local social service agencies, churches, businesses and the Chattanooga Mayor’s office.

Last year, more than 1,000 meals were served, and Unity in the Community expects to serve over 2,000 meals this year. To ensure there is enough food, the community is being asked to donate frozen turkeys and other food items over the next two weeks (November 10 – 21). Food donations may be dropped off at The Salvation Army, 800 McCallie Avenue, or the Community Kitchen at 727 East 11th Street. Frozen turkeys are the major need, but other items include:

• #10 cans of sweet potatoes
• Cans of cranberry sauce
• Frozen rolls
• Frozen pumpkin pies

Besides the traditional Thanksgiving meal, hot showers, clean clothing and spiritual encouragement will be offered. Entertainment will be presented during the meal serving time, which is from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM, on Thursday, November 27. The First Tennessee Pavilion is located at 1826 Carter Street.

“We anticipate serving twice as many homeless and hungry folks this year. It will be a great day of celebration for everyone who takes part,” said Charlie Hughes, Executive Director of the Chattanooga Community Kitchen. Salvation Army Marketing and Development Director, Kimberly George, added, “We are so proud of our community for pulling together for this event. This shows the true heart of Chattanooga”

For more information on donating food or volunteering for “Unity in the Community: A Thanksgiving Day Celebration!” please contact Kathy Spangler of the Community Kitchen at 756-4222 or Will Hale of The Salvation Army at 756-1023.

Comcast hosts food drive for the Salvation Army

Monday, November 10, 2008

Comcast, Chattanooga’s leading provider of cable, entertainment and communications products and services, announces a food drive to benefit the Chattanooga Chapter of the Salvation Army on Saturday, November 22nd from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. at the Comcast Stage located at center court in Hamilton Place Mall. Personalities from KZ106 and J103 and representatives from the Salvation Army will be there as well.

Bring nonperishable food items to the Comcast stage during this time. While at the stage, take a turn to spin the Comcast Prize Wheel and win prizes furnished by the Food Network. Chick-Fil-A; Piccadilly Cafeteria and the Great American Cookie Company will provide the refreshments. You can also register for a complete Thanksgiving meal, compliments of Piccadilly. Don’t forget, Santa is right next door.

Chattanooga Comcast Vice President and General Manager Valerie Gillespie says, “Chattanooga is an extremely giving community and I am pleased that Comcast is able to partner with these organizations to assist the Salvation Army in this admirable cause. I also want to thank the Food Network, KZ106, J103 and the participating restaurants for their support as well.” Come out to the mall on Saturday, November 22nd, bring a nonperishable food item, do some holiday shopping and support your local Salvation Army

For additional information regarding this event, contact Comcast Marketing Representative Becky Guile at (423) 296-2176.

First Things First encourages families to get running

What: Families on the Run
When: Saturday December 6th Registration 6 a.m. – 7:30 a.m. Race begins at 7:45 a.m.
Where: Downtown Sportsbarn

Families today are busy and stay on the go leaving little time to spend together and even less time to do things that are good for their health.

First Things First is encouraging families to get going in the same direction at the fourth annual Families on the Run, a competitive 5K, 10K and non-competitive Kiddie K Fun Jog on Saturday December 6. Families on the Run is proud to use ChampionChip timing.

The ChampionChip is the racing industry’s leading high-tech, easy to use timing device. It provides accurate net and split times for every individual athlete.

The course is set to begin and end at the Hunter Museum of American Art and will include Chattanooga’s beautiful riverfront. The race starts promptly at 7:45 am. Registration includes race entry, a hot breakfast from Wally’s, and a goody bag. Long sleeve t-shirts are guaranteed to the first 400 event registrants.

Families on the Run will have a Holiday Party filled with festivities for the entire family all morning long! The Kiddie K and the holiday festivities will be held at the downtown Sportsbarn from 8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Breakfast from Wally’s and coffee will be served from 8:30 a.m – 10:30 a.m.

Have friends or family members running, but you want to sit it out? Stay warm sipping some hot Seattle’s Best Coffee and enjoy the festivities inside while waiting on your family to finish the race! The holiday party will include door prizes, entertainment, vendors and other activities!

Participants can enter as individuals, or as a family or couple team! Individual participants and teams can collect contributions from their families and friends to support First Things First community initiatives. Top fundraising individuals and teams will qualify to win incentives!

Come celebrate the holiday season with First Things First! Festive Holiday Attire Recommended!

Go to www.firstthings.org or call 423.267.5383 for more information.

All proceeds from Families on the Run benefit First Things First, a local nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening families in the Chattanooga region through education, collaboration, and mobilization.

Families on the Run is sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee, Sportsbarn, Personal Fitness Specialists, Hallmark Insurance, Comcast, Sunny 92.3 WDEF, Coca-Cola, Aquarium Foods, Wally’s, University of Phoenix, Groome Transportation and the Hunter Museum of Art.

“Take Root” Tree Planting begins

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Chattanooga’s urban canopy is increasing as trees are being planted in phase one of Take Root, a project created through the cooperation of multiple Chattanooga organizations. The first tree was planted in March in celebration of Take Root’s launch. Since that time, the project has raised thousands of dollars in corporate, foundation, and private support. But more is needed to achieve the goal of planting 1,400 trees over a two-to-three year period.

“We’re working to double the tree canopy and thus double the benefits. The current urban tree canopy provides over $7 million in benefits to Chattanooga,” said Take Root Coordinator Preston Roberts.

“We've waited until November to begin our planting because this is when trees are signaled into dormancy by the cool weather and shorter day length,” said Roberts. Between November and March we plan to plant 580 trees.”

The Kentucky coffee tree, planted this week, is a lesser-known native to Chattanooga that is resilient in the urban environment. The yellowwood tree, another lesser-known native is also on the planting list. The Princeton American Elm is a noteworthy cultivar that Take Root is planting as well. This cultivar takes the place of the stately elm trees that once lined many city streets, but were wiped out by Dutch elm disease in the 1930s.

Take Root is a project that has brought together many partners, including The City of Chattanooga’s Tree Commission, City of Chattanooga Urban Forester Gene Hyde, Select Trees of Athens, Georgia, Project Green Team of the 2007-08 Leadership Chattanooga class, UTC’s Graphic Design department, The Benwood Foundation, The Community Foundation, The Urban Century Institute, and Chattanooga State.

Visitors to www.takerootchattanooga.com can donate in amounts ranging from $25 (Twig) to $10,000 (Forest). All donations are tax deductible. Those wishing to donate to Take Root by check may do so by sending a check to the Community Foundation marked, “For Take Root,” 1270 Market Street, Chattanooga 37402.

"This is really a unique way to help with the greening of Chattanooga," said Urban Forester Gene Hyde. “Our goal is to achieve a 15 percent canopy in the downtown area. Every new tree planted gets us a little closer to that goal.”

Alexian Brothers Senior Neighbors honors seniors who make a difference in our community with the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program Recognition Luncheon

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Almost 1,000 hours a week…that’s what Alexian Brothers Senior Neighbors Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) volunteers have donated over the last 12 months to 37 different non-profit groups in the Chattanooga area. And those volunteer hours amount to more than $965,000 of assistance to our community! The time and talents of Alexian Brothers Senior Neighbors RSVP volunteers are critical to the mission of the organizations in which they volunteer and vital to the Chattanooga area.

During the RSVP recognition luncheon, Ms. Kathleen Trew received the President’s Call to Service award. Ms. Trew has donated over 2,100 hours in volunteer service with Memorial’s North Shore Medical Clinic over the past year. Amazingly, she has amassed 5,586 volunteer hours since she joined Alexian Brothers Senior Neighbors RSVP just three short years ago.

Also, 137 Alexian Brothers Senior Neighbors RSVP volunteers were presented with the President’s Volunteer Service Award. This award is a Presidential recognition program for Americans of all ages who contribute 100 or more hours of their time to volunteer service. Each recipient received an official President’s Volunteer Service Award pin, a personalized certificate of achievement, a note of congratulations from the President of the United States and a letter from the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation.

To find out more about volunteerism, contact Colleen Combs of Alexian Brothers Senior Neighbors at 423-668-2141.

RSVP volunteers receive the following benefits:

• Free membership for volunteers age 55 and older
• On-the-job training from the agency or organization where they are placed
• Several recognition events each year
• Supplemental insurance while on duty
• Limited reimbursement for mileage and meals

History Center accepting reservations for History Makers event

The Chattanooga History Center is accepting reservations for its 2008 History Makers Award Luncheon to be held at 11:30am-1:00pm, Wednesday, November 19th, at the Sheraton Read House. Presented annually, the Award recognizes significant contributions to the course of local, regional, state or national history. The 2008 Award will spotlight a momentous series of student-led lunch counter sit-ins that unfolded in Chattanooga during February of 1960, leading to the racial integration of local public facilities. Many of those involved in the demonstration were seniors in the Howard High School class of 1960. The February 19 demonstration was the first in a series that occurred over the next few days of that month, each subsequent sit-in attracting a larger pool of participants and opposition. “The students’ leadership served as a springboard,” said 2008 History Makers committee chair Mary Lynn Wilson, “galvanizing the civil rights movement in Chattanooga, creating the awareness that change was in the air and accelerating the process of racial integration in our city.”

The Award program will be emceed by Tennessee State Senator, Andy Berke, and will feature a video produced by WTCI TV, recognition of former Howard High School students associated with the sit-ins, and a District and State History Day award-winning skit by four Tyner High Academy students. The History Makers Award Luncheon is the History Center’s major annual fund-raiser. Luncheon tickets are $45 per person. Table sponsorships are available at several levels, beginning at $500. For information, or to make reservations, call 265-3247, extension 17.

Allied Arts ArtsWire

A weekly listing of arts and culture events in Chattanooga, Tennessee

Special Eevent

The Chattanooga History Center's 2008 History Makers Award Luncheon will be held Wednesday, November 19th from 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. at the Sheraton Read House. For information, or to make reservations, call (423) 265-3247, extension 17.

The Birchwood Cherokee Crane Days celebration will be held Saturday, November 15th at the Birchwood School from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. and Saturday & Sunday, November 15th & 16th from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. at the Cherokee Removal Memorial Park. For more information, call the Birchwood School at (423) 961-2444 or the Decatur Chamber of Commerce at (423) 334-5496.

Theatre, Music & Dance

Auditions for the Chattanooga Theatre Centre's production of Epic Proportions are Sunday & Monday, November 16th & 17th at 7:30 p.m. at the Theatre Centre. Visit www.theatrecentre.com for more information.

The CSO Opera presents Turandot at the Tivoli Theatre Friday, November 21st at 8:00 p.m. For tickets or more information, please visit www.chattanoogasymphony.org or call the CSO box office at (423) 267-8583.

Dickens' A Christmas Carol opens Friday, November 21st at 8 p.m. and continues through Friday, December 19th at the Chattanooga Theatre Centre. For tickets, call the box office at (423) 267-8534 or visit www.TheatreCentre.com.

The Chattanooga State Music and Theatre departments present The It Girl Friday and Saturday, November 14th - 15th at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, November 16th at 2:30 p.m. For more information, please call (423) 697-3383.

The Chattanooga Center for Creative Arts presents Jazz Café on Sunday, November 16th at 3:00 p.m. at Bessie Smith Hall. For more information, please call 209-5937.

The Hungarian Virtuosi Orchestra will perform in the Presidential Concert Series at Lee University on Monday, November 17th at 7:30 p.m. in the Dixon Center. For ticket information, please call (423) 614-8343 or visit www.leeuniversity.edu.

Hamilton County Schools

Friday, November 14, 2008

Red Bank High School teacher Dr. Patti Skates was recently honored as Exemplary Educator of the Year by the National Career Academy Coalition. This is the 4th career academy honor for Red Bank.

Snow Hill Elementary – Friday, November 21 – the school has invited business partners and community members to be and “Educator for the Day.” They will shadow teachers in the morning (8:30-lunch) and participate in activities that will involve them directly with student learning. This is in conjunction with American Education week (November 16-22

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Two Hamilton County Magnet Schools recognized in in US Dept of Education publications

Normal Park Museum Magnet and Chattanooga School for the Arts and Sciences two of ten magnet schools highlighted Two Hamilton County magnet schools are two of 10 magnet schools in the country featured in two U.S. Department of Education publications coming out this fall.

Normal Park Museum Magnet will be featured in Creating and Sustaining Successful K-8 Magnet Schools and Chattanooga School for the Arts and Sciences will be featured in the publication Successful Magnet High Schools.

“The guides highlight schools of choice that spark enthusiasm for learning and catalyze academic growth in students whose interests and aptitudes may not be fulfilled by their neighborhood schools,” the announcement from the Department of Education reads.

“It impressive that of the 10 schools highlighted, two are in Hamilton County,” said Dr. Jim Scales, Superintendent of Hamilton County Schools. “This is just another instance showcasing the strength and success of our local magnet school program. We are very proud of these two schools and our magnet program.”

Normal Park Museum Magnet Principal Jill Levine said, “I am very proud that Normal Park Museum Magnet has been recognized for our hard work and achievement as a Magnet School. The faculty at Normal Park is dedicated to providing students with a rigorous, engaging and meaningful curriculum.”

CSAS Principal Steve Ball said, “We are proud to be selected as one of the schools in the publication. Our staff works hard to provide a quality education for all our students.”

Chattanooga Downtown Partnership's Weekly Calendar of Events

Enjoy Autumn with the following downtown events happening through Monday, November 24th:

CreateHere has joined partners from across Tennessee and the globe to celebrate the first-ever Global Entrepreneurship Week, November 17th through 23rd. The goal of the Week is to inspire young people everywhere to embrace innovation, imagination and creativity. For more information on Global Entrepreneurship Week, visit unleashingideas.org.

The Chattanooga Lady Mocs basketball team will be in action twice this week when they host former conference rival ETSU on Monday, November 17th at 7 PM and the two-time national champion UTK Lady Vols in the “Pack the House” Challenge game on Friday, November 21st at 6:30 PM. Gates open to the public at 6:00 p.m. on Monday and at 5:00 p.m. on Friday. The Chattanooga Mocs football team will host Samford on Saturday, November 22nd at 2 PM at Finley Stadium Davenport Field. This game is Hometown Heroes Day, which means that all emergency service personnel in uniform or with valid ID will receive a FREE ticket to the game. This game will also feature the “Take-a-Kid to the Game” promotion where each adult ticket purchase gets you a youth ticket FREE. Arrive early and enjoy the “Party in the Pavilion” inside the First Tennessee Pavilion where there will be big screen televisions, food, entertainment and more from 11 AM to 1:30 PM. For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit www.GoMocs.com or call 266-MOCS.

On Thursday, November 20th from 5 to 9 PM "Stroll the Historic Southside" with your friends and family while finishing all of your Holiday shopping! There will be at least 25 locations participating in this event.

The CSO Opera will present Turandot this Friday, November 21st at the Tivoli Theatre beginning at 8 PM. Three riddles, an icy princess and the impending threat of death—what better way to begin the CSO’s celebration of Puccini at 150 than with his grandest opera. Purchase tickets online at www.ChattanoogaSymphony.org, or by calling 267-8583.

Dickens' A Christmas Carol opens Friday, November 21st at 8 p.m. and continues through Friday, December 19th, at the Chattanooga Theatre Centre. For tickets, call the box office at 267-8534 or visit www.TheatreCentre.com.

Relax and enjoy waves of fun by cruising over to the Tennessee Aquarium for “A Tropical Holiday Adventure” November 21st through January 4th.This quick trip allows people to bask in balmy temperatures while enjoying crystal clear ocean views, Caribbean holiday music, cascading waterfalls and lush tropical forests. Throughout this journey guests will learn more about exotic island and underwater wildlife in a relaxed setting. You may also want to visit the IMAX Theater to see The Light Before Christmas or The Polar Express 3D. For more information, visit www.TNAqua.org.

Have your Holiday Picture made with Santa Claus in the magical Winter Wonderland at the Chattanooga Choo Choo beginning this Friday, November 21st, through December 22nd. Times and Package Prices vary, so go to www.ChooChoo.com under Local Events for further information.

Did you know the word "philanthropy" means "love for humankind?" Beginning Saturday, November 22nd, explore the meaning of philanthropy and see the various shapes it can take, both worldwide and in our own community, in the Creative Discovery Museum’s newest exhibit "Helping Hands." Learn how easy it is to make a positive difference in someone's life, using your Time, your Talent, or your Treasure! Please visit www.CDMFun.org for more information.

The American Diabetes Association and the Sports Barn will host an indoor spinning Cycle-a-thon to raise funds for the ADA on Saturday, November 22nd, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at the downtown Chattanooga Sports Barn. Cyclists are invited to register to spin for 30 minutes and raise pledges towards a $10,000 fundraising goal. Registration forms can be picked up at any Sports Barn location. Call 865-524-7868 for more information.

This Sunday, November 23rd, at the Chattanooga Market you'll find a fabulous showing of antique dealers from Chattanooga and the surrounding areas. If you're a collector, decorator, or just appreciate these old time finds, come to the Tennessee Pavilion to find your next piece. You can also take home locally grown produce and hand crafted art from Noon to 5 PM. For more information, please visit www.ChattanoogaMarket.com.

The Jukebox Junction Family Theater will have two holiday shows in one evening of family fun on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays through December 13th. Shows begin each night at 7:30 PM at the Chattanooga Choo Choo. The first hour features the 50's 60's Rock N Roll Christmas Revue, followed by an hour of laughter, music and Tennessee joy at Elwood Smooch's Choo Choo Cha Boogie Christmas Show. Please visit www.JukeboxJunctionTheater.com for more information.

The Holiday Starlight Parade, Chattanooga’s largest holiday parade, will take place on Saturday, December 6th, at 6:00 PM. Chattanooga Downtown Partnership is currently seeking volunteers to participate in this event. Please call 265-0771 for more information.

Tickets are now on sale for Chattanooga Downtown Partnership’s Breakfast with Santa, which will be held on Saturday, November 29th, at The Chattanoogan Hotel on Broad Street. There are two seatings available, the first from 8:30 to 9:45 AM, and the second from 11:30 AM to 12:45 PM. Guests will enjoy a breakfast buffet, chilly science fun from the Creative Discovery Museum Science Theatre and a delightful musical show by our famous singing Santa.Goody bags filled with toys, candy and special discount coupons from area attractions will be given to each child in attendance. Tickets for Breakfast with Santa may be purchased online at www.DowntownChattanooga.org, or by calling 265-0771. Reservations are required, and payment must be made at time of reservation. This event is sponsored by Chattem, BB&T and Eagle Digital.

My Sunday Journal

By Dalton Roberts

LIVING AN OPEN ARMS LIFE

Sunday, November 16, 2008

IPS Features

When I made my "deal with God" in 1978 it was an agreement to accept and act on any open doors and not to try to kick down closed doors. So part of the deal was accepting people and all creatures that came to me.

On November 1, 1993 I wrote this in my personal journal: "Last night a baby female kitten, grey and striped, came to the door. There is something wrong with its right rear leg. I went to Red Food and got a litter box and a weeks supply of food. I promised the Lord I'd take care of anyone or anything He sent my way. I can't keep them all but I can save their lives and try to find them a home. I'm not God but I am one of His helpers."

The rest of this story is that the vet said the kitten's leg was probably broken when it was thrown out of a car. She said it had knitted back together and she did not think we should break and reset it.

She was the most loving kitten I have ever been around. She slept with me but was not intrusive. She came when I called. She ate whatever I set out for her. She was completely pleasant and adorable.

One day the vet called and said a freshly-divorced man needed a loving pet and asked if I wanted to let him have the little crippled kitten. She knew I usually passed on cats and dogs I took in. So I let him have the kitten.

Over the next few weeks I really missed that little sweet thing. I even called the vet and told her to tell the man who took her I would gladly take her back if he decided he didn't want her. She called me back and said he had completely bonded with her. I was sad but happy for him and the kitten.

By taking in this kitten, three were made happy: the divorced man, the kitten and me. Yes, I was made happy by having the remembrance that I had saved it and passed it on to a loving person.

Some animals don't stay with you. I don't know why but God does and will tell me if it's ever important for me to know.

A yellow cat came to me one day when I was working in the garden. It was so hungry it was screaming and so gaunt you could count its ribs. I fed it the two cans of cat food I keep in case a stray shows up and it was still hungry. So I fed it one of two cans of dog food I keep. In my mind I just knew it would be there the next day. But it wasn't. Maybe it was a cat on a vision quest to find itself. I figure we can't do anything any more important in life than help a cat find itself.

I took in a female golden retriever. She was loving and intelligent. But we had a half dozen huge, aggressive dogs in that neighborhood and I could only leave her outside for brief periods and I had to stay with her to make sure those big dogs didn't attack her.

I began to wonder if the Lord had forgotten to help me find this beautiful creature a home. Then one night I was dining with my doctor and he said, "Next time you're over at my place you've got to see my Golden Retriever. He is a work of art. But I must find him a female to run with." I said, "I've got a female! But I have had her spayed." He said, "That's OK. I just want him to have a good mate to run with." He took her home with him that very night.

It feels good to partner up with the Lord.

Out of My Mind

by J. Michael Leonard

IT'S NOT ROCKET SCIENCE

Welcome to another edition of "Out Of My Mind" ... the column that routinely helps little old ladies across the street, whether they want to go or not.

Scientists report they have found a rock that can soak up carbon dioxide, reduce greenhouse gas and help slow global warming. That is one impressive rock. But not as impressive as the stick scientists found that can regrow human limbs. Or the sandwich they found that can speak twelve languages. Or the Indian head nickel that proves the existence of God.

In Manhattan, they got a hamburger costs $175. It's a Kobe burger with black truffles, seared foie gras, aged Gruyere cheese, wild mushrooms and flecks of gold on a brioche bun. For an extra 35 cents, you can supersize it.

NASA says that in the near future, astronauts aboard the International Space Station will use purified urine as drinking water. The system's lead engineer said NASA has done taste tests on the urinated water and nobody had any, quote-unquote, "strong objections, other than a faint taste of iodine." No strong objections? Tastes like iodine? NASA, where's the Tang? This is too much information. As Marie Antoinette might say, "Let them drink beer."

But hey ~ that NASA story ties into another story that came out this week about a politician in New Jersey who was enjoying a rock concert so much from his balcony seat, he decided to urinate on the concert goers below. No one seemed to be too upset, though, about a politician peeing on them. One concert goer even commented, "Actually, it was a welcome change."

Let me ask you, is anybody curious where that big $700 billion government bailout is going? Well, Goldman Sachs is using $6.8 billion of it as bonuses to the CEOs who drove the corporation into the ground. Another financial giant, Morgan Stanley, is using $6.4 billion for bonuses as well. That's where at least $13.2 billion of the bailout money is going. Hey, but if you think that's over the top, the Federal Reserve said they ain't even going to tell us who's getting two trillion dollars in emergency loans they're spreading around. Money like that goes straight from Washington into a vacuum and it is gone. I'm still trying to figure out how we pumped three billion into New Orleans after Katrina and people are still living in shacks, drawing welfare. All the people drawing down there, I thought it was an artist colony.

And now, boys and girls, it's time for the "And I Quote" multiple-choice quiz: Here's the quote, spoken by Barack Obama this week: "Not wanting to seem unhygienic, I took a squirt." Was Barack talking about, (A). Drinking from a hose during his last visit to Kenya? (B). Accepting some hand sanitizer after shaking hands with George Bush? or, (C). His balcony experience at a New Jersey rock concert?

Mighty Barack. He's been traveling the nation since the election. Says he wants to visit every state in the country before he takes office. He's visited 57 states so far, which leaves two to go.

That so-called "pregnant man," Thomas Beatie? He's pregnant again and I'm tired already. ABC News is calling it an "Exclusive!" with the "Exclusive!" Barbara Walters interview to go along with it. People, this is not a freakin pregnant man. It's a pregnant woman. The media drove me nuts with this stuff the first time this woman who's calling herself a man got pregnant. She's not a man, she's a woman with all her female parts. What on earth is wrong with people? Woman calls herself a man, gets pregnant and ABC News is on it like the Enquirer during their Bat Child heyday. You can call yourself anything you want, it don't make you that thing. What? It does make you that thing? Really? Then I'm a godlike being from Alpha Centauri who shoots electricity from his eyes and lives in a cheeseburger.

Of course, what else can you expect from ABC News? They describe domestic terrorist William Ayers as "a distinguished professor of education." Too bad the Symbionese Liberation Army gang died in that big shoot-out with police back in '74. They could have probably gained respectability in the field of education, too. Or journalism.

And I Quote: "Guilty as hell, free as a bird. I love this country." ~ William Ayers, gloating after he got off on a technicality for bombing a police department, the Capitol building and the Pentagon ... good times, good times

Anybody know what ever became of Steven Weed?

Speaking of educators, the learned professors at Oxford University have complied a top ten list of the most irritating phrases in the English language. They are, 1). At the end of the day, 2). Fairly unique, 3). I personally, 4). At this moment in time, 5). With all due respect, 6). Absolutely, 7). It's a nightmare, 8). Shouldn't of, 9). 24/7, and 10). It's not rocket science.

Well, at the end of the day, everyone is entitled to an opinion. And Oxford's list of irritating phrases is fairly unique. But I personally, at least at this moment in time and with all due respect to the learned professors, think it's a bunch of academic folderol. Absolutely. In fact, it's a nightmare and they shouldn't of done it. That's all we hear anymore, 24/7, is what we're supposed to think and say. Oxford should leave people alone and let them speak in clichés if they want to. It's not rocket science.

(J. Michael Leonard is a freelance writer/illustrator whose work has appeared in Playboy, National Lampoon, Argosy, Berkeley Barb, comic books, children's books and numerous other publications. Email: jmichael@hometowncleveland.com. His political/humor column, "Out Of My Mind," has published weekly since 1996. It is archived at: http://hometowncleveland.com)