CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM
CHATTANOOGA’S WEEKLY ALTERNATIVE
fighting hunger the chattanooga area food bank needs help
the Faces Of The Human Condition Building A more Resilent Future covid-19 is affecting more teens & tweens CTC Returns To The Stage VOLUME 17, ISSUE 36 SEPTEMBER 2, 2020
Publisher James Brewer, Sr. Brewer Media Group Managing Editor Gary Poole gary@chattanoogapulse.com
Conte
VOLUME 17, ISSUE 36 • SE
Art Director Kelly Lockhart Contributors Mary Howard Ade-Glover Tom Bodkin Sophie Moore Jim Tucker Mayor Andy Berke Sarah Moore Julie Van Valkenburg Shannon Burke Megan Cooper 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 @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.
11
WORKING
During Hunger Action M people who can help to
ents
EPTEMBER 2, 2020
G TO BEAT HUNGER
Month, the Chattanooga Area Food Bank encourages o take action to fight hunger through simple acts ...
14
FACES OF THE HUMAN CONDITION 16
BUILDING A RESILENT FUTURE
20
THE CTC RETURNS TO THE STAGE NEWS & NOTES
4
HEALTH & WELLNESS
8
THE ARTS
18
TRAVEL
22
OUTDOOR LIFE
25
NEWS & NOTES
Songbirds Fo Teaching Gu Music Thera BY MARY HOWARD ADE-GLOVER
The Songbirds Foundation is excited to University of Tennessee at Chattanoog Starting this fall, the Foundation’s music instructors will teach all of UTC’s Music Therapy undergraduate students how to play the guitar. The Foundation will provide beginner and intermediate guitar classes at the Songbirds Guitar Museum and on UTC’s campus. Learning the guitar is an essential skill for music therapists and the guitar’s portability and popularity make it the go-to music therapy tool. Since 2016, Songbirds Foundation has been providing music therapy across Chattanooga at organizations like Siskin Children’s Institute and Children’s Hospital at Erlanger. “We have seen the impact guitars and therapists can have on kids,” says Reed Caldwell, Songbirds Foundation Executive Director, “and we are so excited to help UTC teach the next cadre of therapists who will make a musical difference across the region.” 4 •
CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM
oundation uitar To apy Majors
o announce a new partnership with the ga’s Music Therapy Department ... “The partnership with the Songbirds Foundation will be providing the UTC music therapy students crucial knowledge and skills related to guitar, that will boost the development of strong musicianship and the efficacy of their work as a future board-certified music therapist,” says Katherine Goforth Elverd, UTC Director of Music Therapy. Over the past three years, the Songbirds Foundation has provided free music lessons, instruments, and music therapy to thousands of youth across the state of Tennessee and North Georgia. It serves over 45 schools, 14 partner organizations, and 2,500 students—with over 1,250 guitars distributed across classrooms throughout the state. For every $100 raised, the Foundation can provide a kid a guitar and 12 weeks of free lessons. To donate please visit www.songbirdsfoundation.org/give.
local Gas Prices Jump Sharply Chattanooga gas prices have risen 14.1 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $1.95/g today, according to GasBuddy’s daily survey of 170 stations. Gas prices in Chattanooga are 6.5 cents per gallon higher than a month ago and stand 18.0 cents per gallon lower than a year ago. “Gas prices have reached their highest post-coronavirus level as Hurricane Laura caused Gulf Coast refineries to shut, limiting production as gasoline demand edged higher,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis for GasBuddy. “The rebound in demand comes with just a week left in the summer driving season and isn’t expected to continue once the driving season wraps up, but while some may see prices tick higher over the next few days, more decreases are coming to gas prices once Labor Day is over as demand will likely move lower. In addition, the switch back to cheaper winter gasoline will happen in a few weeks, giving more potential downward momentum for prices.” According to GasBuddy price reports, the cheapest station in Chattanooga is priced at $1.67/g today while the most expensive is $2.49/g, a difference of 82.0 cents per gallon. The lowest price in the state today is $1.75/g while the highest is $2.39/g, a difference of 64.0 cents per gallon. SEPTEMBER 2, 2020
• 5
NEWS & NO
Tenn
Food City Kicks Off School Bucks Challenge Food City has once again pledged $700,000 in contributions for the upcoming school year. With Food City’s School Bucks Challenge, it’s easy to earn reward points. For every $1 you spend, using your Food City ValuCard, you’ll receive 1 point. “Our Food City School Bucks Program has provided much-needed support for thousands of schools throughout our market area and our School Bucks Challenge makes points collection easy and efficient,” says Steven C. Smith, Food City president and chief executive officer. The 2020-2021 School Bucks Challenge begins Wednesday, September 2, 2020 and continues through May 11, 2021. To ensure your points credit to the school of your choice, simply go online to foodcity.com/schoobucks to link your 6 •
CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM
Food City ValuCard to your preferred school. Food City has pledged $700,000 for the upcoming school year. School allocations are based upon the percentage of customer purchases assigned to each school. Schools can monitor their progress biannually online at foodcity.com. “Food City is committed to supporting the education of our youth,” said Smith. “Since the program’s inception, we’ve awarded over $20,000,000 in much-needed educational equipment and tools to more than a 1000 participating area schools”. For more information about the new Food City School Bucks Challenge, please contact your local school, visit foodcity.com or contact the Food City School Bucks Coordinator, Lisa Johnson at 1-800-232-0174.
Great Barrie
The larges the region’s vivid 3D. Th closed along ater reopene do so—but to 3D glasses, f Since then added the ho glasses after In respons see Aquarium in 3D once a once more as giant-screen out the South In 2016, This state-of-
OTES
nessee Aquarium IMAX Theater Returns To 3D Screenings
er Reef 3D
st screen in Chattanooga is once more be best place to watch giant-screen films in he Tennessee Aquarium IMAX 3D Theater gside the Aquarium on March 14. The theed on July 17—the first in Chattanooga to o reassure guests concerned about wearing films exclusively have been shown in 2D. n, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ospital-grade cleaner used to disinfect the each screening. se to the EPA’s announcement, the Tennes-
m IMAX Theater has begun screening films again. With this move, the theater will shine s the premiere venue for viewing immersive films, not just in Chattanooga but throughheast. the theater upgraded to IMAX with Laser. -the-art technological suite included a pair
of stunning 4K laser projectors and a powerful 12-channel audio system. The Tennessee Aquarium IMAX 3D Theater is currently showing a trio of popular 45-minute 3D films: “Turtle Odyssey 3D” follows the 1,000-mile trek of Bunji, a puckish Green Sea Turtle hatchling, as she explores the life-rich waters of the South Pacific. “Superpower Dogs 3D” showcases the diverse skill sets of some truly incredible pups and their human partners as they conduct ski and water rescues, provide therapeutic support, protect endangered species and more. “Great Barrier Reef 3D” explores the incredible diversity of life in the world’s largest reef system through the eyes of a conservationist and underwater filmmaker who also calls it home. Tickets can be purchased at the box office located at 201 Chestnut Street or online at tnaqua.org/imax.w
SEPTEMBER 2, 2020
• 7
HEALTH & WELLNESS
COVID-19 Is Affecting More Teens & Tweens As students head back into the classroom this week, the Hamilton County Health Department is worried about a spike in cases amongst the student body... BY TOM BODKIN
R
ecent Hamilton County Health Department data show an increase in new COVID-19 cases among the 11-20 year old age-band. Case investigations reveal many of these new transmissions are epi-linked to social gatherings such as field trips, parties, sporting events, carpooling, and close contact with friends. 8 •
CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM
“The biggest change in new COVID-19 positive cases is in the 11-20 age band,” said Health Department Administrator Becky Barnes. “Although young people have less risk of serious complications from COVID-19, they can spread it to their parents and grandparents who are at greater risk of hospitalization or death.” Parents can help keep their children and others safe from COVID-19 by monitoring their children for COVID-19 symptoms; keeping children home if symptoms develop; following the guidance set forth by their schools; and consulting specific sport safety guidance provided by the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association (TSSAA). Parents are encouraged to talk with their children about ways to minimize transmission risk while participating in extracurricular activities. Transmission risk can be minimized by: • Wearing a mask when around others, including in a shared vehicle or bus. • Maintaining six feet distance from people who don’t live in the same household. • Washing hands frequently. • Not sharing water bottles or other food or drink items. The upcoming Labor Day holiday traditionally sees large gatherings for picnics, extended family reunions, and buffet-style food servings. However, all of these types of events greatly increase everyone’s risk for spreading the virus. The Health Department hopes to avoid spikes in new cases as were seen following both the Memorial Day and July 4th weekends. This year, limit gatherings to your household members, stay at home so as not to overcrowd public spaces, clean hands and surfaces frequently, and consolidate errands. Pre-symptomatic people are infectious to others up to 2 days prior to developing symptoms. Some people do not exhibit any symptoms during their infectious period, but can still pass the virus on to others. For this reason, it is vitally important to avoid large gatherings at this time, wear a mask when in public, and practice safe distancing of at least 6 feet from others outside your household unit. If you are sick with any COVID-19 symptoms, isolate at home, do not go out or invite others over.
SEPTEMBER 2, 2020
• 9
10 •
CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
Working Together To Beat Hunger During Hunger Action Month, the Chattanooga Area Food Bank encourages people who can help to take action to fight hunger through simple acts of donating, signing up to volunteer or sharing social media posts ... BY SOPHIE MOORE
H
unger impacts people in every corner of the country. In the Chattanooga Area Food Bank’s 20-county service area in Southeast Tennessee and Northwest Georgia, it is projected that 1 in 5 people overall could face hunger due to the COVID-19 pandemic. That number increases to 1 in 4 children in the same area. That’s why the Chattanooga Area Food Bank joins Feeding America food banks nationwide this September to take part in Hunger Action Month and inspire people to take action and bring attention to the reality of food insecurity in America. This year’s campaign comes at a critical time when the COVID-19 pandemic has hurt millions of people living paycheck to paycheck. Due to staggering unemployment rates, Feeding America estimates an additional 17 million people could be food insecure in 2020 as a result of this crisis, bringing the total up to 54 million people.
“While we make special plans for Hunger Action Month every year, the continued impact of the pandemic means urgent action is still needed,” said Mark Hilling, Interim President & Chief Executive Officer of the Food Bank. “Every act against hunger counts. Donating, volunteering or sharing our posts on social media can help feed a family.” During Hunger Action Month, the Food Bank encourages people who can help to take action to fight hunger through simple acts of donating, signing up to volunteer or sharing social media posts. SEPTEMBER 2, 2020
• 11
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
“
Hunger in this country existed long before COVID-19, but the pandemic has thrust more and more of our neighbors into food insecurity, and food banks are responding.” Everyone is encouraged to wear orange on Hunger Action Day on September 10 to show their support for people facing hunger. Several Chattanooga Buildings will light up orange during Hunger Action Month or Hunger Action Day including The Westin, The Baker Donelson Building, The Block and others. In Whitfield County, local ambassadors and area businesses are teaming together to launch an educational awareness campaign focused on the increased need for hunger relief and the Northwest Georgia Branch of the Food Bank’s response. Businesses are encouraged to post the Hunger Action Month flyer available at ChattFoodBank.org. More ways to get involved will be shared on the Food Bank’s social media platforms @ ChattFoodBank. “We need your help now more than ever,” said Claire Babineaux-Fontenot, CEO of Feed-
12 •
CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM
ing America. “Hunger in this country existed long before COVID-19, but the pandemic has thrust more and more of our neighbors into food insecurity, and food banks are responding to a sustained, increased demand. With support of the community, together we can end hunger one helping at a time.” September marks the 13th year the Feeding America network has organized this annual call to action. To learn more about the food bank and other ways to get involved in Hunger Action Month, please visit ChattFoodBank.org or HungerActionMonth.org. Supporters can also join the conversation by posting photos or stories to social media by tagging @ChattFoodBank, #HungerActionMonth and @FeedingAmerica. 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.
PIC T U R E H U N G E R.
S O M E O N E W H AT
D O
S T R U G G L IN G T H E Y
L O O K
W I T H
L IK E?
D O
YO U IM A GIN E A C E R TA IN A G E, E T H NICI T Y O R
PA R T
H U N G E R
C A N
M E.
T H E
C A N
B E C A U S E I T
O F
B E
T H E
L O O K
I
1
W A S
W I T H
H U N G E R
FA C E
T H AT
Based on USDA food security data released in 2018
W H AT
IN
IN
8
T O
A N Y O N E.
F R O M
B Y
T HIS
C H A L L E N G E S A
H U N G E R
DIF F E R E N T L O O K S
L IK E
IS,
R E C O G NI Z E. FA CIN G
E S P E CI A L LY A R T IFICI A L
P H O T O S
P E O P L E IN
T R U T H
A M E R IC A N S
C R E AT E D
MIL L IO N
H U N G E R
H A R D
L IK E
IN T E L L IG E N C E 4 0
C O U N T R Y ?
O F
T H E
S T R U G G L IN G C O U N T R Y. Y O U
T O
L I G H T. IN
A S E E
I
A M
A M E R IC A.
LEARN MORE AT IAMHUNGERINAMERICA.ORG
SEPTEMBER 2, 2020
• 13
THE ARTS
Miki Bon The Face Human C
The featured artist for September at In-Tow “FACESCAPES: We read them from cover BY JIM TUCKER
I
f there is one subject that has universal interest it is the depiction of the human face. Men, women and children have been the subject of paintings for centuries and this September Miki Boni brings her own unique style to this long explored and still fascinating subject. Due to the ongoing Covid-19 restrictions, there will not be a reception in September, but Boni’s work will be on display through September 30th.
14 •
CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM
ni Explores es Of The Condition
wn Gallery is Miki Boni and her new show is to cover without turning a page” ...
Miki Boni, a Brooklyn NY native, is an award-winning painter who began her career in Manhattan’s East Village drawing street portraits. Miki has lived in Mexico as a working artist, where she taught painting and drawing in San Miguel de Allende. An avid traveler, she was deeply influenced by the surrealism she found in Mexico and the minimalism she explored in Japan. She is the first American woman painter invited to be part of a permanent museum collection in Nayarit, Mexico and was elected to Washington DC’s National League of American Pen Women for her contributions to the visual arts. Recipient of an ArtsMove grant, she moved to Chattanooga from The Village of the Arts, an artist’s colony she helped found on Florida’s Gulf Coast. She has been living and working on the City’s Southside since 2008. Recently, Boni completed her first mural, “Nyx, Goddess of Night,” as part of The McCallie Walls Mural Project. Why did she choose the human face as the
subject of her show? “Faces tell a story. Always. Particularly the eyes. Whether it’s a human or an animal, they tell you what the subject is feeling in each moment. My goal is to capture and freeze those moments and present them on canvas.” That’s certainly true of her painting, “A Country Gentleman.” Boni’s subject is a man dressed in everyday clothes which she paints in muted blues that are complemented with golden yellows. This quiet man looks directly at the viewer locking their eyes with his. He is a kindly thoughtful man but one who radiates a strength he does not have to exaggerate. She expresses this through subtle color combinations and the large stable shapes she uses. But another of her paintings, “Socially Distanced,” presents a very different perspective on the human condition. During this long and difficult year of coping with a global pandemic, we have all been impacted The eyes of the woman in this painting tell her story--disruption, isolation and loneliness. Masses of dark colors surround her penetrating eyes. As the artist says, “I use whatever stylistic elements I feel will bring a subject to life. In the time of Covid’s social distancing, what safer way to bring the ones you know closer than by telling their story in paint?” In her show, Facescapes, Miki Boni explores people and their feelings in powerful ways. This not-to-be missed presentation of her work is featured at In-Town Gallery through September. In-Town Gallery is an artist co-op gallery offering a wide range of art and fine craft from area artists, including paintings in many media, natural dyed silk wearables, sculpture, pottery and creative wood items. In-Town Gallery is located on the North Shore at 26A Frazier Avenue (423-267-9214), and is open Noon-5 p.m. Thursday-Saturday and 1-5 p.m. on Sunday. Visit them at intowngallery.com. SEPTEMBER 2, 2020
• 15
LOCAL POLITICS
Working To Build A Resilent Future
Chattanooga is no stranger to catastrophic weather events, from floods and fires to extreme heat and tornadoes—and these events don’t know city lines or ZIP codes ... BY MAYOR ANDY BERKE
A
s recently as a few months ago, devastating tornadoes ripped through several neighborhoods along Missionary Ridge and in East Brainerd before crossing into Collegedale. Recovering from these disasters takes months of hard work and lots of collaboration across boundaries. What can we do now to prepare for—and potentially prevent—future climate catastrophes? During my 2019 State of the City address, I announced that we would move forward with a Regional Resiliency Plan to create a framework and response plan for disaster prevention, emergency responsiveness, and development in potential danger zones. This plan will expand the City’s awareness of potential threats to regional systems, including utilities, transportation networks, waterways and natural resources resulting from ongoing changes to the climate, including storms, floods, and other catastrophic weather and naturally-occurring events. As we build out that plan, we need your help. We’ve created a survey to allow residents to share your opinions and participate in the resilience 16 •
CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM
plan help us i the imp nom P Frid puls W scen the cha spo enjo W cou elec ed. A peo are sho long Y acc paid be a to p H ly a hea as w amo ery give kee W you so w
nning process. The information you provide will p us better understand your concerns and help identify resilience actions that should help lessen impact of future disruptive events, including the pacts of a changing climate, disaster events, ecomic downturns and pandemics. Please help us by completing the survey by this day, Sept. 4 (link on our website at chattanoogase.com). We’ve worked hard to preserve and improve our nic spaces over the last 50 years. Educating public on the importance of resiliency, climate ange, mitigating extreme weather, and disaster reonsiveness will ensure generations will be able to oy Chattanooga’s beauty for decades to come. With only a few months left until Election Day, I uld use your help in another way: ensuring that our ctions run smoothly and everyone’s vote is count-
As the coronavirus pandemic continues to affect ople in communities all across the country, we facing a national shortage of poll workers. This ortage could result in closed polling places and g delays for elections this year. You can help make sure we have safe, fair, and cessible elections for all voters—and you can get d to do it! Click here to learn more and sign up to a poll worker. Thanks in advance for stepping up protect our democracy. High school football games kicked off recentand this week, our public school students will all ad back to their classrooms. This is happening just we’re seeing a sharp uptick in COVID-19 cases ong 11-20 year olds in our community. I hope evchild, teacher, staff member, and parent or career will keep doing everything they possibly can to ep each other safe from this deadly virus. Wear a mask. Maintain social distancing. Wash ur hands. Help us stop the spread of the virus now we can get back to normal soon.
Poll Workers needed To Help Run Elections Secretary of State Tre Hargett encourages Tennesseans to serve as poll officials for the Nov. 3 State and Federal General Election. “Thousands of Tennesseans, especially students and young adults, stepped up to serve as poll officials for the August election,” said Secretary of State Tre Hargett. “In Tennessee, safe and secure elections are not possible without the many dedicated people who serve their communities as poll officials,” said Coordinator of Elections Mark Goins. Most Tennesseans are eligible to work as poll officials, regardless of political affiliation. The minimum age to work as a poll official is 16 years old. Anyone over 18 must be a registered voter in the county they are serving in. County or municipal government employees can serve if they don’t work directly under the supervision of an elected official who is on the ballot. Poll officials will be supplied with face coverings, gowns, face shields, gloves and other personal protective equipment. All poll officials are required to wear a face covering and will be trained in social distancing protocols. In Tennessee, poll officials are compensated for working on Election Day and for attending required training sessions. For more information and to apply to become a poll official, visit pollworkers.govotetn.com. SEPTEMBER 2, 2020
• 17
THE ARTS
Embracing A Virtual 4 Bridges Arts Festival The Association for Visual Arts announces that the 2020 4 Bridges Arts Festival, postponed to this weekend of September 3-5, will go completely virtual this year... BY SARAH MOORE
S
tarting September 3, users will be able to download a free 4 Bridges Arts Festival smartphone app on both iOS and Android platforms. The app will have virtual booths for all 4BAF artists, where users can see examples of the artists’ work, chat live with some of the artists, and be linked to the artists’ online stores.
18 •
CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM
Additionally, throughout the September 3-5 weekend, the app will host video and streaming content including artist demonstrations, conversations with artists, and a video on the history of AVA and 4BAF. The app will also host information on the wonderful local sponsors of 4BAF, who have supported the festival through this difficult year. AVA encourages the Chattanooga community to support 4BAF by downloading the app on September 3 and shopping with our long list of participating artists; a wide variety of art media and price points will be available. As always, AVA is thankful for the support the city, county, and community have shown 4BAF over its 20 year history, and we look forward to returning to a live event format April 16-18, 2021. An essential part of Chattanooga’s creative capital, 4 Bridges Arts Festival cultivates and inspires an appreciation for the visual arts by creating opportunities for exchange between working artists and the public. This year marks the 20th anniversary of bringing a world class fine arts festival to the Chattanooga area. Established in 2000 by Association for Visual Arts, 4 Bridges Arts Festival is an initiative dedicated to promoting the visual arts through programming that cultivates an appreciation for the creative process and advances opportunities for working artists. For more information about 4 Bridges Arts Festival, visit AVArts.org.
SEPTEMBER 2, 2020
• 19
LOCAL THEATRE
CTC Returns To The Stage Wit Fall Series Of Three New Show BY JULIE VAN VALKENBURG
The Chattanooga Theatre Centre is reinventing what the live theatre experience looks li forward with an abbreviated season of three live productions—two that reflect socia forefront of the national consciousness—coming to our stage this fall ...
A
fter closing our doors over fi we’re excited to announce a lineup with small casts that can be perform distancing on stage for our actors’
And, with a set of rigorous safety prot our audiences—including limiting capac we’re confident in our ability to provide atre experience while ensuring the safe ronment. “This return to live theatre is what we forward to, but in a new reality where sa to the theatre experience as the action o CTC executive director Rodney Van Valk trons can be confident in the safety proto in place so they can focus on what’s i having a good time.” Our 2020-2021 season, which was se tember, has been postponed to 2021-2 lineup, this new series includes no mu puts actors at greater risk of exposure present three non-musical plays that wil production for the first time since we shu “We feel compelled to tell stories aga 20 •
CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM
th A ws
ike as we move al issues at the
ive months ago, p of three plays med with social safety.
tocols in place for city to 30 percent, an enjoyable theest possible envi-
e’ve been looking afety is as inherent on the stage,” says kenburg. “Our paocols we have put important—simply
et to open in Sep2022. Unlike that usicals, as singing e. Instead, we will ll mark a return to ut down in March. ain,” Rodney says.
“Theatre is a path through challenging times, and its absence amplifies the fears that we’re all experiencing. We expect this return to live theatre will be very meaningful to our audiences.” The series opens with HAVING OUR SAY: THE DELANY SISTERS’ FIRST 100 YEARS, a heartwarming, two-person play by Emily Mann adapted from a bestselling book that reveals the oral history of two African-American civil rights pioneers who were born in the late 19th century. Sometimes amusing, sometimes thought-provoking but always charming, the story of the Delany sisters begins in Reconstruction and progresses through the rise of Jim Crow, two world wars, the triumphs of Black culture during the Harlem Renaissance, the civil and women’s rights movements, up to the present. “When we contemplated when and how we would reopen our doors, we wanted a story that demanded to be told,” Rodney says. “HAVING OUR SAY is that story. It’s exceedingly timely given the current national reckoning with how we see race. It’s a guide through this critical moment in American life.” HAVING OUR SAY, directed by Ricardo Morris, opens September 25 and runs through October 11. Next up is Kenneth Lonergan’s acclaimed Broadway hit LOBBY HERO, a blend of comedy, drama, and romance that follows a luckless
young security guard who is drawn into a murder investigation. As his exacting supervisor is called to bear witness against his troubled brother, and a rookie cop finds she must stand up to her seasoned partner, truth becomes elusive and justice proves costly. References to sexism, racism, and police abuse of authority are especially timely. LOBBY HERO, directed by Scott Dunlap, opens November 6 and runs through November 22. Finishing off the series is IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE: A LIVE RADIO PLAY by Joe Landry. Frank Capra’s beloved holiday classic film is adapted for the stage as a 1940’s radio broadcast, with an ensemble cast of five playing a few dozen characters to tell the story of the idealistic George Bailey. It’s a fresh and inventive way of reconnecting with a classic story of love and redemption. IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE, directed by Chuck Tuttle, opens December 4 and runs through December 20. Due to limited seating, we recommend tickets be purchased well in advance. For safety purposes, tickets must be purchased at last 24 hours before performances as no walk-ups are permitted. Details on the safety protocols we will follow can be found at TheatreCentre. com/SafetyCTC. For tickets, call the box office at (423) 267-8534 (Tuesday-Friday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.) or visit TheatreCentre.com. SEPTEMBER 2, 2020
• 21
22 •
CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM
TRAVEL
Tips For Traveling During The Current Pandemic BY MEGAN COOPER
The COVID-19 pandemic can be very confusing. As Tennesseans look to Labor Day and the upcoming autumn and holiday seasons, many are still questioning how the pandemic will affect the various elements of their trip ... Labor Day is typically the last big hurrah for the summer travel season. With students back in school, the majority of travelers are most likely to take up to a three-day road trip. Preparation is paramount for people planning to travel during this pandemic. But it’s not just about protecting yourself from the virus. With an influx of drivers expected for Labor Day weekend, it’s also critical that travelers make safe decisions while behind the wheel. Please be sure to buckle up, slow down, and avoid distracted and impaired driving. These are simple steps to reduce the most common fatal accidents. Alcohol impaired driving accounts for just under one-third of all traffic fatalities: arrange for a safe ride home before your first drink Speeding typically accounts for onethird of all traffic fatalities: adhere to speed limits, leave early so you’re not in a hurry, reduce your speed for bad weather or other hazardous road conditions
Distraction is responsible for nine percent of fatal crashes: drivers are eight times more likely to crash when texting; four times more likely to crash when talking on a cellphone. Put your phone down, program your GPS before driving, and secure loose items in the car. Seat Belts save lives. Nearly half (47%) of people killed in motor vehicle crashes in 2017 were not wearing their seat belts: ensure the driver and all passengers buckle-up; this includes children. Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for all children. The safest place for children under 12 is in the back seat. Low gas prices continue to make road trips an affordable option for travelers. In Tennessee, the average price for gasoline is $1.99 per gallon. That’s 28 cents per gallon less than this time last year. Tennesseans are likely to see the lowest gas prices for Labor Day in 16 years. Stay safe this weekend. Please. SEPTEMBER 2, 2020
• 23
OUTDOOR LIFE
drive safe: No Lane Closures for Labor Day holiday The Tennessee Department of Transportation will halt all lane closure activity on interstates and state highways for the Labor Day holiday travel period. Construction crews will stop all lane closure activity beginning at noon on Friday, September 4 until 6:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 8. This will provide maximum roadway capacity for motorists traveling during the Labor Day holiday. “The Labor Day holiday is typically a busy travel time,” said TDOT Commissioner Clay Bright. “We want to ensure that travelers using Tennessee’s roadways during this period arrive at their destinations quickly and safely without being impeded by road construction delays While lane closure activity will be stopped, workers will still be on site in many construction zones, and drivers are urged to obey posted speed limits. Drivers convicted of speeding in work zones where workers are present face a fine of $250 to $500, plus court fees and possible increased insurance premiums. From your desktop or mobile device, get the latest construction activity and live streaming SmartWay traffic cameras at www.TNSmartWay. com/Traffic. Travelers can also dial 511 from any land-line or cellular phone for travel information, or follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/TN511 for statewide travel.
24 •
CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM
Local Cyclists Website To P Gravel Cyclin BY SHANNON BURKE
A pair of local cyclists recently launch icated to promoting gravel cycling i Blue Ridge Mountains (east of Chatta
The new website, TennesseeGravel.com of ways to enjoy the beautiful backroads in National Forest, from simple day trips to ov tures to bike races and events. Riding gravel roads is arguably the hott ly, and the website’s authors, Kim Murrell View Bike Tours, believe the Southern Blue of the best gravel cycling in the eastern U.S “You will be hard-pressed to find a mo with this many miles of gravel and with this else east of the Mississippi River,” said Bur While bicycle tourism is big business (a Industry Association found that bicycle to communities throughout the U.S.), the phy has on cycling destinations is negligible sin place. With no effort required other than letting and where to find dining, lodging, shop tourists is a winning economic developmen nities blessed with beautiful natural amenit The hope with the new Tennessee Grave tourist dollars to the region while also hel gorgeous landscape of the Southern Blue R
s Launch Promote ng
hed a new website dedin Tennessee’s Southern anooga) ...
m, showcases a wide variety n and around the Cherokee vernight bikepacking adven-
test trend in cycling currentand Shannon Burke of Velo Ridge Mountains offer some S. ore gorgeous place to ride, s much challenge, anywhere rke. 2017 study by the Outdoor ourists spent $83 billion in ysical impact bicycle tourism nce the roads are already in
g cyclists know where to ride ping, etc., courting bicycle nt strategy for rural commuties, according to Burke. el website is that it will bring lping visitors appreciate the Ridge Mountains! SEPTEMBER 2, 2020
• 25
WHEN YOU’RE BUZZED,YOU GET IDEAS. LIKE ASKING EVERYONE INSIDE THE TACO TRUCK WHAT DRIVING AROUND IN A KITCHEN IS LIKE AND THEN ORDERING 22 TACOS WITH EXTRA GUACAMOLE AND ALL THE CHEESE FOR EVERY DRUNK PERSON IN LINE. BAD IDEA FOR YOUR WALLET, BUT NOT AS BAD AS DRIVING HOME BUZZED.
