Welcoming Accra, Ghana as Chattanooga’s newest Sister City
Chattanooga is making new global moves. | Photo via Chattanooga Tourism Co.
Chattanooga is growing its global partnerships and expanding into new borders with a recent announcement of adding Accra, Ghana as a new Sister City — the city’s first connection in the continent of Africa.
What does being a Sister City mean? Accra will join seven other international cities that have partnerships with the Sister City Association of Chattanooga, Inc. (SCA), a volunteer-led nonprofit that began with its first city — Hamm, Germany — in 1975.
SCA works to foster long-lasting relationships with other parts of our world by focusing on cultural, educational, institutional, and commercial exchanges. Think: Hosting students and official delegates, opening educational opportunities on language + culture, and exploring global business relationships.
Bonus: Get a look at Chattanooga’s current Sister City partnerships on our interactive map.
Meet our other Sister Cities.
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Map via Proxi
The City of Chattanooga’s Communications Manager Liam Collins said the connection with Accra began back in mid-2022 as an official “Friendship City relationship,” before opening up the conversation to become a Sister City.
As part of SCA’s mission to strengthen global relationships, each Sister City has a vice president. Resident Kanika Wellington-Jones has been appointed this seat for Accra + played a role in facilitating the change over to an official partnership.
"[...] It’s overdue that we establish one of these connections on the African continent, and I can think of no better partner than Accra,” said Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly. “Many Chattanooga residents have West African roots, and we look forward to robust partnerships and cultural exchange, especially for our youth.”
Leaders from Accra will meet with Mayor Kelly + other officials virtually on Thursday, Feb. 29 for an official signing of the partnership.
Galantine’s Succulent Bar | Tuesday, Feb. 13 | 6-7:30 p.m. | Reflections Gallery, 1635 Rossville Ave., Chattanooga | $38 | BYOB and build your own succulent arrangement to take home — pre-registration required.
Galentine’s Day Disco | Tuesday, Feb. 13 | 6-9 p.m. | The Commons, 4750 Swinyar Dr., Collegedale | $5 | Grab your pals + best disco gear for an evening of rollerskating, crafting, and sipping on mocktails — registration required.
Mardi Gras | Tuesday, Feb. 13 | 6-11 p.m. | Wanderlinger Brewing Co., 1208 King St., Chattanooga | Free+ | Let the good times roll with some local brews, live music, Louisiana-inspired dishes (including King Cake, of course) + a costume contest.
Bushcraft Series: Firebuilding | Thursday, Feb. 15 | 6-8 p.m. | Outdoor Chattanooga, 200 River St., Chattanooga | Free, RSVP | Learn the essential outdoor skill of building and properly starting a campfire.
Friday, Feb. 16
Tell Me Lies | Friday, Feb. 16 | 9-11:55 p.m. | Barrel House Ballroom, 1501 Long St., Chattanooga | $20-$25 | Listen to your favorite Fleetwood Mac songs played by this “authentic-sounding and always respectful” tribute band.
In case you missed it, early voting for the Tuesday, March 5 Presidential Preference Primary + County Primaries begins tomorrow, Feb. 14, and runs through Tuesday, Feb. 27. Pro tip: Check out our guide for early voting in Hamilton County.
Featured
The Scenic City took the spotlight in a recent episode of “Traveling with Denella Ri’Chard,” a nationally acclaimed travel TV series. The episode featured Chattanooga landmarks like Rock City, The Chattanooga Choo Choo, Ruby Falls + more. (The Pulse)
Health
Erlanger Women’s Health + Erlanger Urology have been designated as Axonics Centers for Excellence — an honor that recognizes highly-trained and experienced physicians and clinical practices. Fun fact: These practices are the only ones in the region to hold this honor. (Chattanoogan.com)
Cause
The Chattanooga Armory is partnering with Blood Assurance to host a blood donation drive on Thursday, Feb. 15. Folks can come by the armory at 1801 Holtzclaw Ave. from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. to donate. Bonus: All donors will be entered to win a $500 VISA gift card.
Learn
Know a teen driver? They can join the Downtown Chattanooga Public Library on Tuesday, Feb. 20 from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. to learn basic car maintenance skills. Local mechanics will be on-site to cover topics ranging from oil changes to the “check engine” light.
Arts
ArtsBuild recently announced the eight local artists who will receive awards from its 2024 Equity Grants for Individual Artists program. The program notably aims to provide support, broaden the type of artists who receive support, and ensure the distribution of financial + capacity-building resources to artists. (The Pulse)
Plan Ahead
Actor + comedian Pete Davidson will take the stage at the Walker Theatre on Saturday, March 16. Tickets for his “Wellness Check” show will go on sale Friday, Feb. 16 at 10 a.m.
Edu
Career shopping? The path to a new career might be more flexible than you think. See our rundown of four ChattState programs, certificates + degrees that fit every kind of schedule and goal — plus the careers they lead to.*
Pro Tip
What energy-saving swap can save you up to $225 per year? See the answer.*
Holiday
A reminder that tomorrow, Feb. 14, is Valentine’s Day. Sending flowers? Shop bouquets at these local spots or get one of 1-800-Flowers’ Valentine’s Day bouquets delivered to that special someone.*
Answered
Culture
Our readers’ local love stories
We hope you love these stories from our readers. | Graphic by 6AM City
For Valentine’s Day 2024, we made a map of local places where our readers have made memories.
We asked for your help compiling everything from proposals to making friends. You did not disappoint. Explore these local love stories by clicking on the hearts, but there’s just a few love stories that we just had to share:
“My now boyfriend complimented me on my shamrock pants that I wore to PWP for St. Patrick’s Day. He brought them up two more times before asking me on a date. Now our dogs are best friends and the rest is history.” — Leah M.
“We met at the bank. It was my first day on the job and my partner had just turned in their two weeks notice. Over the next two weeks we got to know each other better and now we’ve been together for nine years, married for five.” — Anonymous reader
Now we’re really feeling the love.
The Buy
The Buy 2.13.24 (Affiliate + Six & Main)
This margarita mixers bundle, since National Margarita Day is coming up on Thursday, Feb. 22 and we’re trying to be as prepared as possible, thank you very much. Get four margarita flavors to play with including “Simple Margarita” and “Blood Orange Margarita.”
If you’re itching for those spring days outside, you might want to save the dates for Lula Lake Land Trust’s Open Gate Days that are coming up. Bonus: The next one is Saturday, Feb. 24.
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