Imagine students learning about the nature around them to better understand how our ecosystem functions and thrives. | Photo via The Marshland Project
Loftis Middle School’s 8th graders are marshing out of the halls and into the great outdoors to enjoy a new way of learning, thanks to The Marshland Project.
What began as a group assignment in the Career Exploration class + the fictional establishment of the Loftis Initiative for Nature & Conservation (LINC) has sprouted into a real-life development.
Volunteer to bring these students the outdoor learning they’ve envisioned.
Graphic provided by The Marshland Project
The school will soon break ground on an outdoor classroom that features wildlife habitats, observation spaces + hands-on learning to get a better understanding of our environment. Help the students achieve this by:
Volunteering on Monday, Feb. 17 to remove invasive plants or Saturday, Feb. 22 + Sunday, Feb. 23 to clear the site and trails
Donating materials (think: uprooters, gloves, wood, pallets, logs, concrete, wire + tools) or making a monetary contribution
Construction of Phase 1 (building an observation deck + renovating the current pavilion to a classroom) is set to begin after Monday, March 10, during spring break — volunteers will be needed for this as well.
We’ll check back in for updates and final designs from students.
“The Six Triple Eight” | 6 p.m. | Bessie Smith Cultural Center | Free, RSVP | Enjoy a screening of Tyler Perry’s film based on the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion + see a never-before-seen temporary exhibit about this all-Black, all-female unit.
Beauty in the Details, Sounds, and Sights of Nature | 6-7 p.m. | Hunter Museum of American Art | Free | Get an in-gallery experience of imagery, music, fashion design + movement, all inspired by the museum’s current mixed-media exhibit.
Friday, Feb. 14
Family Movie Friday | 4-5:30 p.m. | Chattanooga Public Library, Northgate Branch | Free | Bring the kiddos for a special Valentine’s Day screening of the animated film “Gnomeo & Juliet” with snacks and drinks.
Make Your Own Mini Kokedama | 6-7:30 p.m. | The Chattery (Broad Street) | $54 | Create your own “poor man’s bonsai” — a 1,500-year-old art form from Japan — by mixing seven unique soil layers and preparing your moss.
Roman Holiday Valentine’s Day Dinner | 8-9:30 p.m. | The Granfalloon | $49 | Spend an evening like Audrey Hepburn + Gregory Peck accompanied by live jazz music, cocktails, and a three-course meal.
Saturday, Feb. 15
Partner Portraits | 1-3 p.m. | Cloudland at McLemore Resort, Rising Fawn, GA | $30 | Grab your partner, best friend, or family member to make memorable + timeless portraits of each other while taking in the views of the mountains.
Sunday, Feb. 16
McKee Southern 6 Trail Race | 1-3 p.m. | Hickman Science Center, Collegedale | $13+ | Test out your athleticism in this race that runs 3.6 miles with 440 ft of vertical gain through hard-packed mountain bike trails.
Aircraft maintenance company West Star Aviation has announced it will be expanding its operations in Chattanooga. The $32 million investment is projected to bring 200 jobs to Hamilton County + will focus on the shift toward larger aircrafts.
Open
Meet us for smoked meats and cold brews? The new partnership between Naked River Brewing Co. + Flame and Flavor is now open inside the brewery — Smoke on the River. The next time you order a pint, add a dish that fuses Southern barbecue and Sicilian flavors.
Announced
The Tennessee Aquarium has appointed Andrew Wood of the Florida Aquarium as its new president and CEO, effective Monday, March 31. Wood succeeds Keith Sanford + brings over 14 years of experience — from being executive on a $45 million capital expansion to exhibit development and more.
Shop
In honor of Black History Month, Hamilton Place is bringing back its Black-Owned Business Expo on Saturday, Feb. 22 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. During the event, local vendors and businesses will be set up throughout the common area of the mall for you to shop.
Theater
UTC Theatre Co. is bringing Steve Martin and Edie Brickell’s musical “Bright Star” to the stage on Tuesday, Feb. 25 through Wednesday, March 5. This production originally debuted on Broadway in 2016 + is accompanied by bluegrass found in the American South, circa the 1920s and 1940s. Get tickets. (University of Tennessee Chattanooga)
Traffic
The North Carolina Department of Transportation recently released an update regarding the reconstruction of I-40 along the Tennessee + North Carolina border. Two lanes in Pigeon River Gorge — from Exit 20 to Exit 15 + from Exit 7 to the state line — will reopen to travelers on Saturday, March 1.
Plan Ahead
The Hunter Museum of American Art’s spring fundraiser just dropped, and we are so ready to enjoy the Terrace at Twilight. Slated for Thursday, April 24, attendees will enjoy cocktails, dancing, costumes, and floral-filled fun on the museum’s River Terrace.
Home
How much did you spend on home repairs last year? The average homeowner shells out nearly $6,000 annually on upkeep — but some of these costs can be offset by a home warranty. American Home Shield is now offering $150 off its plans. See important disclaimers on the web.*
Category
Travel
No fake IDs here
Starting in May, you’ll need a REAL ID or a valid passport to fly within the US. | Photo by @chattairport
After years of delayed deadlines, it’s finally getting real — the official deadline to obtain a REAL ID is coming up on Wednesday, May 7.
Why do I need one?
You’ll need a REAL ID if you plan to fly domestically or enter secure federal or military facilities starting May 7. If you don’t have one by that time, you’ll still be able to vote, drive, apply for benefits, purchase alcohol or cigarettes, and access federal courts with a standard state license.
Take this 30-second quiz to find out if you need a REAL ID.
How can I get one?
If you currently have a Tennessee driver’s license or ID, you can apply for a REAL ID at a Driver Services Center or the Hamilton County Clerk.
Make sure to bring the following(originals, not copies):
Le Creuset’s signature round dutch oven in the color berry. In case you haven’t heard the news, this popular hue is back after being discontinued in 2019 — and the internet is freaking out. It’s also available in the signature oval dutch oven. Grab it before it’s gone again.
I’ve been loving the responses some of our readers have left on where they would take Samuel L. Jackson around town. According to Shelda R., Zarzour’s was one of Jackson’s favorite spots back in the day. We can totally see him enjoying this local spot that’s been operating since 1918.
Can you match the picture to the architectural era it was built in style of?
How well do you know your architectural eras? | Screenshots via City of Chattanooga
We recently played a fun matching game with you all on if you could identify which architectural era these three Chattanooga homes belonged to. Let’s see how 108 of our readers did.
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