07.30.2024

Today’s Forecast

93º | 42% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 6:48 a.m. | Sunset 8:45 p.m.

📚 Introducing your next local read

Meet Daniel D. Smith, local author + US Navy veteran

"The Biltmore's Mona Lisa" novel sitting on a stack of books on a table

Learn about this local author ahead of his book signing. | Photo provided by Angela Ballard

If you’re looking for some historical fiction-fun, then you might need to add Daniel D. Smith’s “The Biltmore’s Mona Lisa: A Heist Novel” to your TBR pile.

Editor Haley here, I got to sit down with this local author + retired US Navy veteran to find out a little more about what led him on this path after serving our country for 26 years.

Q: What are some highlights of your previous work?

A: The other four are military collectible reference books. Military collectibles, in the instance of three of the four books, is [when] Navy sailors collect memorabilia from their time in the service. So, I covered all the different types and different units.

From 1997 through 2000, I was director of the National Medal of Honor Museum of Military History (now named the National Medal of Honor Heritage Center), back when it was on Georgia Avenue. Writing for their newsletter, I wrote lots of articles about the Medal of Honor, and I compiled all of those articles and wrote the book “The Medal of Honor and the Battles for Chattanooga.” During the Civil War, there were 52 Medals of Honor awarded for actions in this area — in fact, the very first Medal of Honor action was for the Great Locomotive Chase.

The Biltmore, a large castle-like estate — Let us set the scene for those that have never traveled to the Biltmore in Asheville, NC.
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Photo by AVLtoday

Q: What led to the making of this next book?

A: It was interesting how the story gelled in my mind from three different personal events. I had visited the Biltmore several times, beginning back in the late ‘80s, and one of the tour guides told me about the national gallery of Art during WWII and stolen paintings from the Biltmore House. Then when I returned, I saw a TV special on German U-boats being sited off the coasts from the beach sinking ally ships. Being a military historian, I already knew that German general Hermann Göring (the organizer behind the heist in the novel) considered himself an art collector.

I put those three events together for this novel, and I’ve had that idea for 25 years before I actually wrote it.

Continue Smith's writing journey

Events

Tuesday, July 30

CDM Games | Tuesday, July 30 | Times vary | Creative Discovery Museum, 321 Chestnut St., Chattanooga | Price of admission | See Special Olympics coaches and players, enjoy a karate demonstration + create your own torch.
Brushstrokes of Healing | Tuesday, July 30 | 6-7:30 p.m. | The Chattery, 1800 Rossville Ave., Chattanooga | $39.19 | In this class, you’ll focus less on skills and more on what you feel + how it guides you to paint.

Wednesday, July 31

Folk Around, Find Out | Wednesday, July 31 | 6-7 p.m. | Barrelhouse Ballroom, 1501 Long St., Chattanooga | Free+ | Hang with this local non-traditional folk group on the patio while they play covers with their own folk flavor.

Thursday, Aug. 1

Open House | Thursday, Aug. 1 | 5-8 p.m. | Hamilton County Health Department, 921 E. 3rd St., Chattanooga | Free | School-aged kiddos and guardians can get free school supplies while getting their vaccine records, birth certificates, and more.
Beartooth | Thursday, Aug. 1 | 8 p.m. | The Signal, 21 Choo Choo Ave., Chattanooga | $45.30-$86.50 | See this American rock band take the stage with other acts like Currents + Boundaries.

Friday, Aug. 2

Power Yoga | Friday, Aug. 2 | 9:15-10:15 a.m. | Chattanooga Fitness Center, 1254 E. 3rd St., Chattanooga | Free | Take this intermediate-level class for a full workout flow — bring your own mat.

Events calendar here

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Asked

Did you participate in Drink Up Week?

A. Yes, I loved the deals.
B. No, I wasn’t into it.
C. What’s Drink Up Week?

Let us know

News Notes

Civic

The City of Chattanooga has launched a public survey forum as the search for the new chief of police continues. The three-question survey offers residents a chance to weigh in on the top qualities and areas of focus the next chief should have + further provide feedback.

Open

The new Food City in nearby Cleveland has set its grand opening for tomorrow, July 31. Located at 4615 Georgetown Rd. NW, this over 50,600-sqft supermarket will resemble other newly opened locations like our Broad Street store, featuring cafe seating, expanded food departments (frozen food, produce, etc.) + more.

Community

Remember when we announced a fun summer reading program? The Chattanooga Public Library + CARTA will extend its Read & Ride Challenge now through Tuesday, Dec. 31, due to popular demand. K-12th graders who sign up for the fall reading program will get access to free bus rides. Join the challenge.

Noogan

The Paris Olympics will welcome Harrison resident + retired Chattanooga Fire Captain Shawn Reese as a judge for the boxing competition. Reese has 24 years under his belt as a boxing judge and referee (11 of which were spent internationally). Read how he made his way to the Olympics. (NewsChannel 9)

Job

Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center is currently seeking applications for a lead naturalist + a hospitality and volunteer coordinator. Folks who share the center’s enthusiasm for nature are encouraged to apply online.

Try This

Talk about a room with a view — over the weekend, Editor Haley stayed above the clouds at Cloudland, the newest addition to McLemore Resort in Rising Fawn, GA. Check out what you could experience on your next staycation.

Plan Ahead

The Chattanooga Area Food Bank will host its first-ever Nooga Hunger Walk Run on Sunday, Sept. 8 at Ross’s Landing. Participants will walk or run in a 5K to help promote awareness of food insecurity. Register now for early bird prices.

Shop

Ditch the men’s dress pants — the Dealmaker Pant is the ultimate pant for work or play, with an impeccable fit and feel. Save 15% with code READ15.*

Announced

🎻 Coming 2025: World of Bluegrass

Chattanooga to become a World of Bluegrass

Get ready for a new music festival to step out on the scene. | Photo by Chattanooga Tourism Co.

Chattanooga Tourism Co. sure isn’t fiddlin’ around with plans for the next three years. In a new partnership with the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) + others, our Scenic City will be home to the World of Bluegrass from 2025 to 2027.

“While other cities could offer the necessary commitment, the passion and enthusiasm of the people of Chattanooga truly stood out,” said Executive Director of IBMA Ken White.

We know it’s early, but we’re playing some quick tunes for you on what you can expect.

Five day-event (save the dates for Sept. 16-20, 2025)
A convention, trade show, showcases around town + a live music festival featuring world-renowned bluegrass artists
Expected to bring in a total of 63,000+ visitors and generate $30.1 million in economic impact (yielding $1.1 million in state tax revenue)

World of Bluegrass is being made possible through the Tennessee Special Event Fund — which Chattanooga was named the first recipient of.

The Buy

The Buy 7.30.24 (Affiliate)

These quick drying women’s water shoes — they’re perfect to slip on during any aquatic adventure, from summer beach trips to waterfall hiking.

More worth The Buy

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Haley

From the editor

While I was chatting with Daniel D. Smith, he passed along a copy of his book to me, and I can’t wait to dive into it (I even moved it to the top of my TBR pile). I’ll report back with my review once I finish the mystery.

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