Plus, the city has launched a new literacy program.
 
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Today’s Forecast

87º | 2% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 7:20 a.m. | Sunset 7:55 p.m.

 

Coming soon: An energy-efficient resilience hub
NOOGAtoday | James A. Henry Building
The City broke ground on the James A. Henry School project earlier this summer. | Photo by Mayor Tim Kelly
We first shared news of the Westside Community Evolves project in 2022, detailing a collaborative neighborhood planning initiative to revitalize the community. Now, we have an exciting update on a part of that plan.

The ongoing renovation of the James A. Henry School — creating a community hub with more Head Start seats, classrooms, a health clinic, etc. — just received a $2.9 million grant from the US Department of Energy (DOE).

Through the DOE’s new Local Government Energy Program, the funds are used to support the implementation of high-impact clean energy projects in disadvantaged communities. Chattanooga was among 12 local governments selected to invest in clean energy approaches such as:
  • Building efficiency and electrification
  • Clean transportation
  • Energy infrastructure upgrades
  • Microgrid development + deployment
  • Renewable energy
  • Workforce development
In Chattanooga, the $2.9 million will be used to make the James A. Henry Building an energy-efficient resilience hub. Renovations will include insulating the roof and installing high-performance windows, LED lighting, and an efficient chiller. The plans align with the city’s Climate Action Plan goals, reducing energy costs + creating job opportunities and employment services.

In addition to grant funding, the project will receive technical assistance to support implementation. Notably, this includes a Community Energy fellow, a DOE-sponsored professional who will be in the community for 18 months to help build capacity + support project outcomes.
 
 
Events
 
Monday, Sept. 9
  • Cold Wax Medium Workshop | Monday, Sept. 9-Thursday, Sept. 12 | 9 a.m.-4 p.m. | Townsend Atelier | $625 | Explore abstract and semi-abstract painting using Gamblin’s cold wax medium on paper + panels in this four-day workshop with instructor Rachael McCampbell.
Tuesday, Sept. 10
  • Adult Craft | Tuesday, Sept. 10 | 5:30-6:30 p.m. | Collegedale Public Library, Ooltewah | Free | Paint a seven-inch ceramic gnome to kick off the first month of fall — all supplies provided.
Wednesday, Sept. 11
  • The 502s | Wednesday, Sept. 11 | 8-11:59 p.m. | The Signal | $34 | See this indie-folk rock band take the stage with hey, nothing.
Thursday, Sept. 12
  • Shrimp Boil | Thursday, Sept. 12 | 5-7:30 p.m. | Hart Gallery | $100 | Enjoy an evening of food and fun, with proceeds benefiting Signal Center’s gallery.
Friday, Sept. 13
  • An Interactive Movie Experience | Friday, Sept. 13 | 7:30-8:30 p.m. | Barking Legs Theater | $15+ | Enjoy a special screening of “Space Jam” with props to use during key moments of the film.
Click here to have your event featured.
 
 
News Notes
 
Civic
  • To kick off the 2024-2025 fiscal year of the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), the Office of Family Empowerment will host drive-thru application pick-up events Tuesday, Oct. 1 through Friday, Oct. 4. LIHEAP provides home energy cost assistance for income-eligible Hamilton County families. (Chattanoogan.com)
Outdoors
  • North Chickamauga Creek Gorge, which spans nearly 6,000 acres across north Hamilton + Sequatchie Counties, has been designated Tennessee’s 59th state park. Next time you’re exploring the Blue Hole or hiking trails, check out the park’s new sign — also naming it the “Southern Gateway to the Cumberland Trail.” (Chattanooga Times Free Press)
Community
  • In case you missed it, Chattanooga Tourism Co. is asking residents to weigh in on the impact of tourism in their community. Share your thoughts in the Resident Sentiment Survey to help shape future tourism strategies. Bonus: The survey for local business owners + managers is still open for feedback.
Older Adults
  • Grab your paddles, Collegedale Parks & Recreation is hosting its 50+ Pickleball Tournament on Friday, Sept. 13. Registered players will meet at 9 a.m. at the Collegedale Pickleball Courts (within the Imagination Station Park) to compete in a friendly competition for a chance to win medals.
Cause
  • The Salvation Army of Greater Chattanooga has announced that registration for its 2024 Angel Tree program will take place Monday, Sept. 16 through Friday, Sept. 27. Registration will only be conducted in person at the Citadel, East Lake Corps, and Cleveland locations. See the schedule.
Plan Ahead
  • The lineup for TEDxChattanooga’s Sessions II just dropped. The event, slated for Thursday, Oct. 17 at Songbirds, will feature talks + performances by Mon Rovîa, Maria Jordania (LVNDR), and Abe Houck. Reserve your tickets.
Job
  • We’re looking for a Sales Executive in our sister market, SEAtoday, to identify and secure new advertising partnerships and grow existing client relationships on the SEAtoday team. Apply to join.
 
 
Edu
 

🎶 Introducing Beats and Books
NOOGAtoday |Beats and Books
Local students produce the beats used in the program. | Still by Marshawn Sims + Jonas Caster via Dynamo Studios
Several departments within the City of Chattanooga have partnered with Brewer Media’s Power 94 + Dynamo Studios to launch a new literacy program for local area students.

Enter: Beats and Books. This program will work to promote literacy, spur enthusiasm for reading among minority students, foster community + improve educational resources by providing families with free books.

Each month, the program will bring different hip-hop + R&B artists, celebrities, and influencers to read a children’s book accompanied by musical beats created by local students.

The completed track will air the first week of every month during the 2024-2025 academic school year on Power 94 at 3:30 p.m. A limited number of copies signed by the month’s artist will also be available for pick up at select library branches.

Bonus: Watch the first installment of the series featuring rapper YGTUT reading “There’s a Wocket in My Pocket.”
 
The Buy
 
A wireless travel charger compatible with practically any device. It’s capable of charging your smartphone, smartwatch, or headphones — meaning no more dead devices on the go.
 
 
The Wrap
 
Kristen Templeton

Today’s edition by:
Kristen
From the editor
Last week, we asked where the best spot in Chattanooga to build an outdoor amphitheater would be, and 325 of you weighed in with your thoughts. The top two spots were Downtown (29.9%) + Southside (28%) — with suggestions to consider Red Bank or near the Chattanooga Airport.
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