CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM
CHATTANOOGA’S WEEKLY ALTERNATIVE
A Man With A Launchpad chattanooga’s Nick Mao embraces edm creativity as “NicTinyte”
Mayor’s Council 10th Annual Against Hate Serve & Protect VOLUME 17, ISSUE 37 | SEPTEMBER 9, 2020
Scammers Are On The Prowl
Publisher James Brewer, Sr. Brewer Media Group
Conte
VOLUME 17, ISSUE 37 • SE
Managing Editor Gary Poole gary@chattanoogapulse.com Art Director Kelly Lockhart Contributors Richel Albright Casey Phillips Tom Bodkin Jenn Webster Jo Kibble Ashley Pontius Neily Chapman Senior VP of Sales Lisa Yockey-Rice lisay@brewermediagroup.com Office 1305 Carter St. Chattanooga, TN 37402 Phone 423.265.9494 Email info@chattanoogapulse.com Website chattanoogapulse.com Facebook facebook.com/chattanoogapulse Twitter @chattapulse Founded 2003 by Zachary Cooper & Michael Kull
THE FINE PRINT: The Pulse is published weekly by Brewer Media Group and is distributed online. The Pulse covers a broad range of topics concentrating on music, the arts, entertainment, culture, and local news. Contents Copyright Š 2020 by Brewer Media. All rights reserved.
16
A MAN W
Music echoes. Patterned l A little girl listens from a p
ents
9
EPTEMBER 9, 2020
WITH A LAUNCHPAD
lights dance. Faces gather around, bent over a grid of squares. plastic lounge chair, eyes half-closed, intent on the sound.
MAYOR’S COUNCIL AGAINST HATE 11
10TH ANNUAL SERVE & PROTECT 23
SCAMMERS ARE STILL ON THE PROWL NEWS & NOTES
4
LOCAL POLITICS
8
HEALTH & WELLNESS
16
LOCAL LITERATURE
18
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
20
BEING PREPARED
24
NEWS & NOTES
EPB Discon To Begin O
Starting October 1, EPB will resume its normal business practices by beginning to disconnect customers who have not made arrangements to start paying past due electric and fiber optics bills. In order to maintain these services, EPB is urging customers who are pastdue to call now to learn about all of the assistance options that are currently available, (423) 648-1372. “Our goal is to work with each customer to help them keep their essential utilities on during this difficult time,” said Angela Henry with EPB Customer Relations. “Fortunately, extra utility assistance and other options are now available so customers can avoid disconnection by calling now. In addition, we will work with each customer individually to set up a payment plan to help them catch up on their bills over an extended period of time.” According to Henry, both the normal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funding and special COVID utility assistance are now available. “When we suspended disconnections back in March, we knew it was a short-term solution,” said Henry. 4 •
CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM
nnections October 1st Through the State of Tennessee’s special COVID assistance program, customers who have already qualified for LIHEAP for this year have been credited up to an additional $325 on any past-due power bills. Since the LIHEAP program re-sets October 1, customers who have already utilized their assistance for the past year will be able to re-apply for up to $500 in additional assistance. In addition, many eligible customers have not yet applied for LIHEAP, so they can apply now for this year’s funding and then utilize the program again starting in October. EPB also partnered with TVA in supporting the United Way of Greater Chattanooga’s Restore Hope Fund, which was launched to assist people who have been financially impacted by the COVID crisis with utility and housing assistance. “Thanks to the response from individuals and businesses from across our community, the initial Restore Hope effort raised more than $510,000,” Henry said. EPB customer service is available anytime at 423-648-1372 and through live chat at www.EPB.com.
rescues on the runway auction runs this week The Rescues on the Runway online auction runs through this Saturday. Proceeds from the online auction will provide food, shelter and medical care for shelter pets at the Humane Educational Society. The online auction offers a variety of experiences, gift certificates, home and garden items, family activities, jewelry, fashion, vacations and more. Auction participants will also have the opportunity to “Adopt a Kennel” in the new HES Foy Animal Center. Kennel adopters will receive a plaque with the name of their choice on an animal kennel at our new facility. This has been a challenging year for our organization and it is our hope that the community will support the Rescues on the Runway online auction to help the Humane Educational Society provide quality care for homeless pets in Hamilton County. Supporters can participate in the online auction at www.heschatt.org. SEPTEMBER 9, 2020
• 5
NEWS & NO
Votin W
“Mr. SOUL!” Comes To The the tivoli’s Virtual Cinema While their historic theatre is temporarily closed, The Bobby Stone Film Series presented by West Village at the Tivoli Theatre continues to bring the very best in cinema magic to our friends and community. This is a new way for audiences to watch new releases from the safety of their homes during this unprecedented time while also supporting the Tivoli Theatre Foundation. New this week: Mr. Soul From 1968 to 1973, the public-television variety show SOUL!, guided by the enigmatic producer and host Ellis Haizlip, offered an unfiltered, uncompromising celebration of black literature, poetry, music, and politics—voices that had few other 6 •
CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM
options for national exposure, and, as a result, found the program an improbable place to call home. The series was among the first to provide expanded images of African Americans on television, shifting the gaze from inner-city poverty and violence to the vibrancy of the Black Arts Movement. With participants’ recollections and a bevy of great archival clips, Mr. SOUL! captures a critical moment in culture whose impact continues to resonate. Tickets: $12 - This film is provided by our friends at Shoes in the Bed Productions. For a complete list of films in the The Bobby Stone Film Series, visit tivolichattanooga.com/events/bobby-stone-film-series/virtual-cinema
After recei scape submi nessee Wildl for the best p Visit www. closes Sept. A jury has in public voti cast another enters the vo packs. “People’s said Kendall Tennessee W credible subm showcase ou
OTES
ng Open For The Best Tennessee Wildlife And Landscape Photo
iving more than 3,400 wildlife and landissions for its annual photo contest, Tenlife Federation is asking the public to vote photograph. .tnwf.org/peoples-choice to vote. Voting 10 at 11:59 p.m. CT. s selected dozens of photos to participate ing. Now, people can cast their vote—and r every 24 hours. Each ballot submitted oter to win one of several Federation prize
Choice gets more competitive each year,” l McCarter, chief development officer for Wildlife Federation. “We received some in-
missions from talented photographers that ur state’s wildlife and wild places, and we
can’t wait to see what the people choose as their favorite.” The winning photographer will be featured in the Federation’s 2021 calendar and win a Patagonia 55L Black Hole Duffel Bag, a $50 Academy Sports + Outdoors gift card, a Tennessee Wildlife Federation tumbler and more. Tennessee Wildlife Federation leads the conservation, sound management and wise use of Tennessee’s great outdoors. Since 1946, the Federation has spearheaded the development of the state’s wildlife policy, advanced landmark legislation on air and water quality and other conservation initiatives, helped restore numerous species, and introduced thousands of kids to the great outdoors. To learn more, visit www.tnwf.org.
SEPTEMBER 9, 2020
• 7
LOCAL POLITICS
Mayor’s Cou With Local R County Schools To Continue FiveDays A Week Hamilton County Schools will continue to follow the Phase 3 schedule for the next two-week cycle, which will mean that schools will be open five days a week for on-campus learning and follow the normal bell schedule. Some schools may experience temporary building closures, which will require remote learning if there is a confirmed COVID-19 case. All schools will follow the Phase 3 schedule with schools open five days a week for all students opting for in-person learning through Friday, September 25. The district will continue to track the latest COVID-19 data from the Hamilton County Health Department to determine if a phase change is needed. The schedule for September 28 through October 9 will be announced on Monday, September 21 to allow families a week’s notice if there is a change to the on-campus learning schedule. School-Aged Child Care (SACC) sites will continue on the regular schedule of providing before and after school care during the five-day a week instruction in Phase 3. The schedule change for on-campus learning does not affect HCS at Home or Virtual School students. Those students will continue to learn virtually from home. 8 •
CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM
BY RICHEL ALBRIGHT
A
s part of an ongoing effo ciliation in the city of Chattanooga partnering with Unlearn Everything Racial Equity Collective to offer a u that will be offered free of charge
uncil Against Hate Teams Racial Equity Collective
ort to improve racial equity and recona, the Mayor’s Council Against Hate is g & Live a partner of The Chattanooga unique, four-part training in anti-racism to its members and followers.
“Choosing to be a bystander in our world is no longer an option,” says Mayor Andy Berke. “Choosing to understand what anti-racism is and how to engage with it in our everyday lives can help us become a more open, peaceful, and just community. I’m grateful for the chance to share Unlearn Everything & Live’s work with our Council Against Hate during this very challenging time in American life.” Unlearn Everything & Live will off four 2-hour sessions via Zoom that will define and describe racism, racial socialization, and current racial trends, issues and lived experiences; discuss the implications of current racial trends and events; explain how racial beliefs shape the operations and organizational culture our institutions; and explore effective techniques for equipping the Council Against Hate with policies, statements, practices and protocols they need to become a more effective anti-racist organization. “I applaud the boldness of the Mayor’s office and the Council Against Hate to embark on a racial equity and reconciliation learning journey,” says Unlearn Everything & Live’s CEO and Lead Principal Lakweshia Ewing. “This first step is a right one towards unity for our entire community.” The Council Against Hate’s anti-racism training will begin at 5:00 p.m. ET on Wednesday, September 16 and will continue through Wednesday, October 4. There is no cost to participate but attendance will be limited and available on a first-come first-served basis. Applications are open now at cha.city/antiracism and will be accepted until Friday, September 11. SEPTEMBER 9, 2020
• 9
SUS
Th 10
10 •
CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM
STAINABLE LIVING
he Tennessee Aquarium’s 0th Annual Serve & Protect BY CASEY PHILLIPS
F
or the last decade, Chef Tamie Cook has promoted sustainable seafood as the producer of the Serve & Protect cooking show and dinner. A live cooking demonstration combined with an elegant seated dinner, this annual fundraising event—the Aquarium’s largest—will return for its 10th anniversary on Oct. 1. This year’s eventarrives just in time to kick off National Seafood Month. As with the overarching trend for 2020, Cook was all but convinced Serve & Protect would be canceled this year. Instead, the Aquarium is shifting gears and opening the event up to a much broader potential audience. Historically, attendance to Serve & Protect has been constrained by seating capacity in the Tennessee Aquarium IMAX 3D Theater, where the live cooking show is presented. In light of the ongoing health crisis, this year’s on-site audience will be limited to around 40 people, but foodies and Aquarium fans can support the Aquarium and join the fun via a live video feed by purchasing a tax-deductible digital ticket for just $40. While a first for Serve & Protect, “tele-cuisine” is nothing new for Cook, who has led a slew of live-streamed culinary demonstrations since the onset of the global pandemic. After crafting a menu, they spend an evening re-
motely cooking together. This year’s Serve & Protect is a scaled-up version of the same concept. Virtual attendees will receive a shopping list for two of the dishes that will be prepared so they can chop, dice and sauté along from the comfort of their own kitchen. And if the culinary action on stage moves too fast, the stream will be saved so they can revisit it later and proceed at a more relaxed pace. “The idea that we can bring people together to do something fun, to forget about COVID-19 for a while, and make people laugh and feel connected — I know that’s going to feel amazing,” Cook says. Sheri Castle, an award-winning professional food writer, recipe developer, and cooking teacher will be joining Cook onstage this year. Castle served as Senior Food Editor for Southern Living and currently serves as a contributing editor to the magazine. She has written 16 SEPTEMBER 9, 2020
• 11
SUSTAINABLE LIVING cookbooks and is known for melding stories, humor and culinary expertise to her public appearances. “Part of the appeal of producing this show each year for the Aquarium is working with some of the best in the business,” Cook says. “I know the audience will love her sense of humor and her dedication to sustainability.” Beyond her desire to make seafood preparation approachable and entertaining, Cook feels bringing sustainability to a broad audience is a solemn duty. Globally, over-exploitation and mismanagement have caused fisheries to decline to the point that it’s not so much a case of “fish out of water” as “water out of fish.” As a member of what she calls the Good Food Community, Cook has long championed educating the public about sustainable dining to ease the pressure on floundering fisheries and imperiled species. “When I became aware that, because of my choices of what I eat, I could do harm to the earth, to oceans, to our waterways, I realized the power in making better decisions,” she says. “I feel it’s my responsibility to utilize its resources wisely to preserve it for the next generation. “The message of sustainability is not just for the elite or the well-educated; it’s for everybody.” Conceived in collaboration with celebrity chef Alton Brown, Serve & Protect seeks to expand the attendee’s “seafood portfolio” by using sustainable ingredients such as Lionfish, Rainbow Trout and Yellowtail Snapper. Emphasis is placed on seafood sourced from U.S. fisheries, which are among the most responsibly managed globally. A host of culinary stars, including numerous James 12 •
CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM
Beard Award winners, have been featured at Serve & Protect as guest chefs. The event isn’t just a fun evening or a chance to support the Aquarium, however. It’s an opportunity to show how culinary choices can positively impact the ocean, even when you’re setting a table hundreds of miles from the nearest beach. “The more times we can share the message of eating sustainably, the better,” Cook says. “I feel like we’ve made a difference in the last ten years. People come back year after year and say they feel empowered to go to grocery stores and ask questions about where their food is coming from. That’s had a ripple effect that could educate even more people.” Serve & Protect has always been a central pillar of the Aquarium’s annual fundraising plans, and the event returns at a time when that backing is more critical than ever. Prolonged closure this spring and attendance limits since reopening have caused significant financial hardship for the Aquarium, which has relied on strong community support since opening its doors nearly three decades ago. Serve & Protect will take place Oct. 1 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. With a $40 contribution, virtual participants will be sent a link in advance via email to access the live stream and a special 10th anniversary “virtual cookbook” featuring a collection of recipes from past events. Purchase tickets to the first-ever virtual Serve & Protect at tnaqua.org/serve-andprotect. For more information about sustainable seafood, visit tnaqua.org/serve-and-protect/why-it-matters.
SEPTEMBER 9, 2020
• 13
HEA
Fo Fr
T
the to Als bei
14 •
CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM
ALTH & WELLNESS
ood Bank Distributes ree Food Boxes BY TOM BODKIN
T
he Hamilton County Health Department and e Chattanooga Area Food Bank have partnered distribute food boxes at the Health Department’s stom Plant COVID-19 test site to anyone who is ing tested and may be facing hunger. The initiative will meet the need of persons who are unable to go to out for supplies because they need to isolate or quarantine at home following a test, while addressing food insecurity, or limited or uncertain access to adequate food, due to the COVID pandemic. “We appreciate the Food Bank for making this service possible through our test site,” said Health Department Administrator Becky Barnes. “We know this pandemic has been difficult on our residents in many ways.” The food boxes will be distributed on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8 to 11:30 a.m., while supplies last. The Alstom test site is open from 7 to 11:30 a.m., seven days a week. According to a recent study by Feeding America, the nation’s largest hunger-relief organization, of which the local Food Bank is a member, one in five people overall and more than one in four children could face hunger as a result of the COVID pandemic’s economic impact. The report also identifies those at highest risk of COVID illness—seniors, those with chronic illnesses, and minority populations—may be the most affected by the pandemic’s economic impact and associated food insecurity.
“When people are screened for COVID-19, many have no choice but to stay at home for an extended period, which often means they aren’t able to go to work and earn money they would use to pay for rent, utilities and food,” said Chattanooga Area Food Bank Director of Operations Chris Payne. “No one should have to choose between their health, having somewhere to live or being able to eat. While people wait on results or isolate while they are sick, these boxes provide access to nutritious food no matter how uncertain their financial situation may be.” The free food boxes at the test site are intended for people who participate in the COVID testing process. However, anyone in need of food can visit chattfoodbank.org/ hungry to find help close to where they live. Hamilton County residents may dial 211 or text their zip code to 898-211 to be connected with a voucher for an emergency food box. For more information about the Chattanooga Area Food Bank, please contact Sophie Moore, Director of Community Outreach, at smoore@chattfoodbank.org or 678-977-8647. It is recommended that anyone who has any symptoms of illness be tested, and especially those who have been in close contact to a known or probable case of COVID-19.
SEPTEMBER 9, 2020
• 15
LOCAL MUSIC
A Man With A Launchpad BY JENN WEBSTER
M
usic echoes. Patterned lights dance. Faces gather around, bent over a grid of squares. A little girl listens from a plastic lounge chair, eyes half-closed, intent on the sound. A retired cop looks on with equal fascination. What could bring so many people of different ages and tastes together? It was EDM, electronic dance music, in this case a trance-style mix of a pop song by producer Nick Mao. Mao is part of a community of digital producers who use Launchpad hardware, paired with Ableton software, to create EDM mixes spiked with pattern lights. It’s an odd modality, one that blends composition, playing an instrument, sampling, mixing, programming, and live performance—Mao “plays” his Launchpad with a series of keystrokes, bringing a preprogrammed song to life. Most such artists work in the EDM genre, focusing on trance or dubstep, but virtually any music genre could be explored using the technology. 16 •
CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM
The result can be an in-person concert with a single DJ seeming to produce both song and light out of a simple device with a few strokes of his fingers. With less spontaneity, Launchpad enthusiasts share recordings of their music online…in fact, the community is huge. Mao tells me that the technology can also power live venues. “Ableton is good for live performance. Say you want to do a performance for someone at their house. You can open a session and create each sound and track. Then, if I’m connected to a computer and have Ableton opened, each button [on the Launchpad] is a track. You could also have a piano hooked up to a launch pad and computer. You could play on the piano, press a button to loop it, and
keep adding loo Mao’s YouTu te, features mix his own instru both piano an sampling and e When I take as he covers a Walker’s PLAY, the original an it darker than b come the violin the bow on strin drawn out into tening to a very cord folded into dance and plas The nature o munity, like the large, is to co Songs are web ple samples, in single tracks or looped. There’s
ops.” ube channel, NicTinyxes he’s created with umentation—he plays nd violin—as well as electronic producing. e a listen, I find that a song he loves, Alan he both incorporates nd deepens it, making before. The vocals ben line, but the hiss of ng gets picked up and static, as if we’re lisy old phonograph reo a hypnotic matrix of sticky pop. of the Launchpad come EDM community at ontinually collaborate. bs made up of multincluding self-samples, sounds extracted and s no concept of a sing-
er-songwriter, yet you get an ear for nuance. “I’m part of a mega collaboration with seven other small YouTubers doing a Launchpad song for Skrillex’s ‘Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites’,” Mao says. He shows me what exists so far: his sections, with each sample connected to a button on his Launchpad, and some of his collaborators’ tracks. When he plays these other tracks after his own, they’re identifiably part of the same song, but different. One tinkles like a music box, while another has a distinct early-80s midi game vibe. Mao’s is the densest, most dubby of the lot. “Once everyone is finished sampling and making lights, they’ll be recording,” he explains. “They’ll synch it with music, start adding transitions and effects, color correcting, and then send it to the host to edit into
one giant video.” I’m delighted. The mixture of cotton candy and cerebral in the sounds, of creation and pilfering in the process, both fascinate me. It’s too bad COVID-19 closed down some of the EDM shows anticipated in Chattanooga this season. In future, Mao hopes to continue composing and producing as he builds his following. He definitely has time. Not only has the pandemic slowed things down, Mao, a student at Hixson High, is only 14. I ask if he has any other comments for readers and he pats his Launchpad. “This is expensive,” he says, wrapping the device in a big towel. “So take care of it if you’ve got one.” The venues are closed, but EDM is still active as livewire online. You can find Nick on YouTube and on Soundcloud at soundcloud.com/niktinyte. SEPTEMBER 9, 2020
• 17
LOCAL LITERATURE
Annual Barnett Prize For Local Distinguished Author Awarded BY JO KIBBLE
S
outhern Lit Alliance is pleased to announce that the annual Barnett Prize for Local Distinguished Author has been awarded to Roy Morris Jr. This is the second year for the Barnett Prize, which is awarded annually to recognize an outstanding local author. The winning author was selected based on their demonstrated lifetime work as an author, awards, other reviews, and the quality of their writing in their submitted sample. Nominees worked in the various genres of fiction, non-fiction, short story or poetry. The award is offered through the generosity of Warren Barnett, art philanthropist and President of Barnett & Company, a firm offering personalized investment council in Chattanooga for 35 years. The winner, Roy Morris Jr., has published nine books on American history and literature, most recently “Gertrude Stein Has Arrived: The Homecoming of a Literary Legend” (Johns Hopkins University Press, 2019). His books have covered a range of topics, including books on Mark Twain, Abraham Lincoln, Walt Whitman, Oscar Wilde, Ambrose Bierce, the stolen presidential election of 1876 and Union
18 •
CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM
general Phil Sheridan. He is a current contributing editor to MHQ: The Quarterly Journal of Military History, and has spent the last 35 years writing eight books about American literature and history. With a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, and a Master’s from University of Tennessee at Knoxville, and a 1968 graduate of Brainerd High School, he began his career in 1972 as a staff writer for the Chattanooga News—Free Press, then moved over to the Chattanooga Times (the first person to do so after the two newspapers ended their joint publishing agreement). His writing has been featured in numerous prestigious publications, including Wall Street Journal, the Washington Post, the New Yorker, the New Criterion, and Boston Globe. A lifelong Chattanoogan, Morris Jr. has served for nearly four decades as a writer and editor for a variety of popular-history
mag of M Wil Civ F pro nes ited for from 19t Free T bee help out car mag R tano mix T Men awa Ear sity aut Sam of T Rail goe Mee T will tob nett R sho reer
gazines, including stints as editor Military History, Military Heritage, d West, Sports History, America’s vil War and Civil War Quarterly. From 2004 to 2007 he was special ojects editor at the University of Tenssee at Chattanooga, where he edd a series of three scholarly books Purdue University Press, drawn m UTC’s annual Symposium on the th Century Press, the Civil War and edom of Expression. Throughout his career, it’s always en important to Roy to nurture and p out budding writers, often going of his way to help them start their eers by publishing their work in his gazines. Roy currently resides in North Chatooga with his wife, Leslie, and their xed-breed terrier, Duncan. Two finalists and one Honorable ntion were recognized for this ard. The other two finalists were Dr. rl Braggs, a professor at the Univerof Tennessee at Chattanooga and hor of “House on Fontanka” and m Elliot, author of “John C. Brown Tennessee: Rebel, Redeemer, and lroader.” Our honorable mention es to Jason Tinney for his “Ripple ets the Deep.” The Southern Literature Alliance l be holding a virtual event on Ocber 8th at 7 p.m. to award the Bart Prize to Morris Jr. Roy will take this opportunity to owcase his work and discuss his car with us. SEPTEMBER 9, 2020
• 19
EPB BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
The Mad Priest Comes To East Chattanooga BY JENN WEBSTER
C
herita Rice, founder and co-owner of Mad Priest Coffee Roasters, has been having a challenging year. But while some businesses have powered down, Mad Priest has pivoted, balancing atop a shifting wholesale/ retail mix to get the most out of the market, give the most to the market, and keep Chattanooga caffeinated. 20 •
CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM
Since 2016, Rice says, Made Priest has been a primarily wholesale roaster, partnering with restaurants and cafes. Since then, they’ve grown retail locations on Broad Street and now they’re opening a new, drivethrough caffeination station in their roastery in East Chatt. That means wherever you are on your commute, you’ll likely drive past a convenient port of call for some of the town’s top roasts. “We asked what’s safe during COVID,” Rice says. “Our roastery in East Chatt used to be a dry cleaners; it has an awning so it’s perfect for drive-up service. We thought, ‘Why don’t we open a drive through?’” With the new drive-through located near the Wilcox-Shallowford junction, drivers on the commuter corridor down Shallowford to Wilcox will benefit. However, Rice has the local neighborhoods—Eastdale, Avondale, and Woodmore—in mind as much as commuters. “There’s no coffee shop in the neighborhood,” she says. “The closest is Hamilton Place down Shallowford.” A Mission Transformed Mad Priest has always had a mission to educate Chattanooga about coffee and especially the people to grow it; related to that mission, they’ve emphasized hiring immigrants and have partnered with Bridge Refugee Services to help people fleeing violence abroad. This year, Rice says, Mad Priest is focused on hiring diversely from local neighborhoods. “We’re looking for people who might not
have thought about being a coffee roaster, but who have the skills and personality,” she says. “We’re excited about our team this now.” With less in-person interaction, more of Mad Priest’s advocacy and educational work has moved online. They’re also trying to help the community out by delivering smiles, in the form of silly short videos on their website. It’s an idea their employees came up with, Rice says. Seasonal Specials Mad Priest has a number of seasonal specials going for your sipping pleasure. In the Coffee Deal through the end of September, you can get bags of Peruvian and Guatemalan coffee at two for $20. Or buy the Give-Back Blend to get a bargain while contributing 10 percent of profits to the Sankofa Fund, a Black philanthropy association of Chattanooga. If you like fancy coffee beverages, get sippy with the Seasonal Drinks, such as Down the Rabbit Hole, a blend of cold brew concentrate, coconut milk, tamarind, and honey. A little sweet, a little sour, this magical mix is evocative of South Asia. And while it’s cool enough to refresh you on a steaming September day, its spicy taste hints that fall is just around the corner. Find Mad Priest Southside: 1900 Broad Street, beside Koch’s Bakery East Chatt: 3399 Wilcox Blvd. madpriestcoffee.com SEPTEMBER 9, 2020
• 21
TECHNOLOGY
Be Aler Are Stil BY ASHLEY PONTIUS
C
OVID-19 may strictions on American fraud people continue
Some scams to be include: Dishonest retaile retailers and fake pr up, Orestis says. “Th paper, hand sanitize at the beginning of sulted from people’ “The fear of scarcity for scammers. Fraud ers are showcasing especially medical su But they don’t hav stick with reputable s Scammers also try prevent or cure COV they do not exist. “A a message from som these items should no says. Phony advertise also try to advertise ucts through social m 22 •
CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM
rt: Scammers ll On The Prowl
y have shut down portions of the economy and put rens’ daily lives, but cyber scams and other efforts to dee to thrive.
e on the lookout for
ers. Many dishonest roducts are popping he shortage of toilet er, soap, and masks the quarantine re’s panic,” he says. y created a gateway dulent online retailthese items as bait, upplies.” ve any inventory, so stores, Orestis says. to sell products to VID-19, even though Anyone who receives meone selling any of ot respond,” Orestis
ements. Scammers e hard-to-find prodmedia, email or ads
that pop up on certain sites. Avoid clicking on anything unfamiliar because cyber criminals may be trying to steal your personal information or infect your computer with a virus, Orestis says. “Be cautious of people who try to contact you under odd usernames and do not have a profile picture,” he says. “If anyone asks for your personal information or invites you to click on a link, block them immediately or report them as spam.” Government or organization disguises. Is a government official or someone from the CDC or from the World Health Organization trying to contact you? Maybe, but probably not. Scammers often try to convince potential victims that they are with a legitimate agency or group, Oresitis says. “For example, an email might claim that there have been new COVID-19 cases in your area and ask for your per-
sonal information to see if you have been in contact with anyone infected,” he says. “Be suspicious of any COVID-19 related emails and use only official government websites to get information about the virus.” Fake charities and crowdfunding. Criminals have also created counterfeit charities and crowdfunding sites. They ask for money in the form of cash, gift cards, and wire transfers. “Real charities will never use these resources,” Orestis says. “Be sure to use reputable sites and research the charities you want to donate to for coronavirus relief.” Phone scams. Phones are still the No. 1 way scammers target seniors, both through calls and text messages. The Federal Communications Commission warns about these methods being used by people who claim to be the IRS or have coronavirus treatments, at-home testing kits, and vaccinations. “If you receive a robotic voice call, do not press any buttons or return any calls,” Orestis says. “Hang up immediately. If you receive text messages regarding this information, do not respond or click on any links.” “It’s important to be wary of these and other scams, both off and online,” Orestis says. “The more conscious people are of how scammers are trying to trick them, the less likely they are to fall for one of those tricks.” SEPTEMBER 9, 2020
• 23
BEING PREPARED
Plan Now For Disasters As P Of National Preparedness M BY NEILY CHAPMAN
M
ake and practice an emergency plan, build a kit, prepare for disasters and teach youth to be prepared for disasters is the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s call to action for September’s National Preparedness Month. “Everyone should be prepared for unexpected emergencies – especially families and businesses in the Southeast,” said FEMA Region IV Regional Administrator Gracia Szczech. “As we enter the peak of hurricane season and continue to respond to COVID-19, we cannot let our guard down. By preparing for the hazards that are most likely to occur where you live and work, you and your family will be more resilient and better able to handle an emergency.” The theme of the 2020 National Preparedness Month is “Disasters don’t wait. Make your plan today,” and here are four actions you can take now to prepare: Make a Plan: Families and individuals should plan and practice how to stay safe and communicate during a disaster. FEMA’s Ready campaign provides resources that make creating a family
24 •
CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM
communications plan easy. Update your plan using the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidance on COVID-19. Build a Kit: Your kit should have essential items such as food, water, medications and cash to last several days. Don’t forget face coverings, soap, hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes. FEMA’s Ready Campaign provides a list of recommended supplies and additional items to consider for the unique needs of your household, including seniors, individuals with disabilities, and pets. Check your financial preparedness: Have enough insurance to repair or replace your home and its contents and pay for a place for you to stay if your home is damaged or inaccessible. Standard property insurance does not cover flooding, so purchase a separate policy through your insurance company, agent or the National Flood Insurance
Program, whethe owner. A plan to pay your important re help you get back avoid problems you need it most. help you prepare expected, so you immediate needs Prepare Yout disaster prepare dren by creating hunt using the c Ready Kids sec Ready 2 Help ca children five sim emergency. The purpose ness Month, man the Ready campa ness and encour steps to prepare homes, schools, es, and places of National Prep perfect opportun preparedness inf tivities across the icans understand be ready.
Part Month
er you are a renter or an
your bills and access to ecords and accounts will k on your feet faster and with your credit when . FEMA has resources to e financially for the unu can take care of your s after a disaster. th for Disasters: Make edness exciting for chilg a Ready kit scavenger checklist provided in the ction or download the ard game, which teaches mple steps to take in an
of National Preparednaged and sponsored by aign, is to raise awarerage Americans to take for emergencies in their organizations, businessf worship. paredness Month is the nity to share emergency formation and host ace country to help Amerd what it truly means to
SEPTEMBER 9, 2020
• 25
Discover the unsearchable Discover the forest
Find a trail near you at DiscoverTheForest.org
