Editorial

Friday, November 23

Keeping blood shortages under wraps

Blood Assurance is preparing for a shortfall of about 300 units of type O negative blood over the next two weeks, according to historical data and scheduled deliveries. To help local hospitals avoid a critical shortage, Blood Assurance is encouraging residents to get in the giving spirit this holiday season. The first five donors at each location on Friday, November 23 will receive a bundle of gift-wrapping supplies. Bundles will include a roll of wrapping paper, 25 name tags, tape and ribbon. For more information about donating blood, call 800-962-0628 or visit www.bloodassurance.org. 

Tuesday, November 27

Christmas on the Promenade

Southern Adventist University will hold its annual Christmas on the Promenade event beginning at 6:30 p.m. The program will commence in front of Wright Hall on Taylor Circle with a performance by the Collegedale Academy Concert Band and the lighting of the Christmas tree. Festivities will then move to the K.R. Davis Promenade, with adjacent buildings decorated in the spirit of the season. Refreshments will be available to visitors while they stroll down the walkway, enjoying performances by SilverBrass, the Naked Voices acapella group, Southern Adventist University Jazz Ensemble, Southern Ringtones, Collegedale Adventist Middle School String Orchestra and more. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, call 423-236-2814.

Saturday, December 1

Families on the Run

For many people in the community, First Things First’s Families on the Run kicks off the holiday season. Now in its 8th year, this year’s event will take place on Saturday, December 1 and will consist of competitive 5K and 10K races and a non-competitive Santa Stroll. The course will begin and ends at the Hunter Museum of American Art. Registration begins at 6 a.m. and the race starts at 7:45 a.m. Participants may enter as individuals, as a family, or as a couple. All proceeds from Families on the Run benefit First Things First, a local nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening marriages and families in the Chattanooga area. Visit firstthings.org or call 423-267-5383 for more information. 

Saturday, December 1

Holiday Starlight Parade

The Holiday Starlight street parade will being at 6 p.m. with Volkswagen Chattanooga serving as the presenting sponsor. This holiday tradition will take on a new twist this season, with the popular Lighted Boat Parade following the street parade at 7 p.m. To facilitate viewing for both parades, the street parade will now begin at 5th and Market Street, crossing in front of the Tennessee Aquarium on 2nd Street before taking a left onto Broad Street and continuing south until its disbands at 5th and Broad. Parade-goers can then head to Ross’s Landing for the Lighted Boat Parade. The procession for the Holiday Starlight Parade is expected to feature over 50 entries consisting of regional bands, floats, walking units and more, all strung with holiday lights. Volunteers will also be walking along the parade route handing out candy and other treats. Santa will arrive with pomp and good cheer at the end. To request an application for the Holiday Starlight street parade, email holidaystarlightparade@gmail.com. To request an application for the Lighted Boat Parade, email bart.schubert@marinemax.com. 

Thursday, December 6

Christmas Concert at Covenant College

Covenant College will host a Christmas concert, followed by a dessert reception, beginning at 7:30 p.m. in the college chapel. The public is invited to attend. The concert will feature Christmas music from a variety of countries and cultures, including selections from Handel’s “Messiah,” Berlioz’s “L’enfance du Christ” and the African song “Betelehemu,” as well as several traditional carols. The Covenant Chorale, brass ensemble, orchestra, Madrigal Singers, Renaissance Consort and Professor Rosella Ewing will all perform. Professors David Long and Lok Kim are conducting. The dessert reception will be held in the Great Hall following the concert, and will conclude with everyone singing “Silent Night.” For more information, visit covenant.edu or call 706.820.1560.