Editorial

Saturday, April 27

Drug take-back event

Several local organizations will be taking part in a drug take-back event Saturday, April 27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The program offers citizens a chance to safely and conveniently dispose of unwanted, unused prescription drugs. People can simply drive up and drop off their old medications. Locations include: Blood Assurance, located at 705 East 4th Street; East Chattanooga Improvement, located at 1502 McCallie Avenue; and Brainerd Village, located at 5700 Brainerd Road. The drug take–back event helps to keep unused or expired drugs out of medicine cabinets so young people won’t be tempted to use, share, or sell the drugs. It also keeps them out of the water system. Partners include City of Chattanooga Police Department. State of Tennessee Office of the Attorney General, East Chattanooga Improvement, Tennessee Division of Consumer Affairs, the DEA, UTC, Tennessee American Water, and Blood Assurance.

MS Walk

The Mid South Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society will host the 2013 Chattanooga Walk MS on Saturday, April 27 to raise funds for the 9,000 local residents living with the disease. The MS Walk will be held outdoors rain or shine. The event will feature a walk at the beautiful Tennessee Riverpark, snacks, and music. Registration begins at 9 a.m.; the walk begins at 10 a.m. For more information, visit WalkMS.org, call 615-690-5323, or email katie.turner@nmss.org.

Annual Palate to Palette event

The Craniofacial Foundation of America will host its 6th Annual Palate to Palette event on Saturday, April 27. The event will begin at 5 p.m. with the Gallery Stroll. Guests will stroll among Southside galleries or ride a double decker bus to view featured art, culinary art and floral designs while meeting with artists and enjoying fine wine and cuisine. In addition, the Youth Gallery, sponsored by the Tennessee Valley Federal Credit Union, will display outstanding artwork from area high school students. This year’s Living Art Gallery, located in Warehouse Row, will feature internationally recognized fine art body painter, Craig Tracy. Tracy will create a unique living masterpiece just for Palate to Palette guests. New for 2013, the all-new Garden Gallery at DeBarge Winery will feature a Living Fountain, performances from the Living Vine, as well as the brand new Foundation Gallery at Cobblestone Rue featuring artwork collaborations between local artist and CFA patients. Following the gallery stroll, guests are invited to the Bubbles and Sweets after party at Track-29. Desserts and dancing will be accompanied by selections from Willie Kitchens and his band. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Craniofacial Foundation of America. For tickets or more information, visit www.p2pchattanooga.com.

Thursday, May 2

Save Our Sons and Daughters Spring Banquet

The Chattanooga chapter of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women will host a Let’s Save Our Sons and Daughters Spring Banquet on Thursday, May 2. The event will be held at the Chattanooga Convention & Trade Center at 6 p.m. Proceeds will benefit the organization’s academic scholarships, which are awarded to area high school students based on excellence in academics, leadership, and community service. The guest speaker will be Deborah Houston, an inspirational speaker, writer, and model. NCBW President Faith Edwards encourages churches and organizations to pay for youth to attend the event and to be a table sponsor. Tickets can be purchased in advance by calling NCBW at 423-698-0029.

Friday, May 3

Community health and wellness expo

The Community Health Institute at Chattanooga State Community College will host its annual health and wellness expo on Friday, May 3 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Health Science Center, located on the main campus on Amnicola Highway. Parking is free and easily accessible. Free health screenings as well as exhibits by area health professionals and wellness-related organizations will be offered. Pharmacists will also be available to answer questions. The event is open to the public; however, guests are requested to not bring children or strollers.

Women’s leadership luncheon

The Chattanooga Women’s Leadership Institute will present a program titled “Why Women Matter: Colorful Communication” as part of its leadership luncheon series on Friday, May 3. Held at The Chattanoogan from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., “Why Women Matter” will feature Gena Ellis, life coach and educator. Ellis will lead an interactive discussion designed to improve communication and leadership skills in all aspects of life. For more information, and to register, visit www.cwli.org. Registration and pre-payment are required.

Friday, May 3-Sunday, May 5

Choo Choo Jazz Fest

Tickets are on sale for the Choo Choo Jazz Fest, to be held at the historic Chattanooga Choo Choo Imperial Ballroom. This festival has been bringing Dixieland jazz to the city for over 20 years. Ticket prices vary upon the location of the seating and can be purchased at choochoojazzfest.com or by calling 423-596-1388 during business hours. Ticket options include the Jazz Brunch on Saturday from 10 to 11:30, and the Jazz Jam Dinner on Sunday from 6:30 to 8:30. This year, the Choo Choo Jazz Fest will feature Dixieland jazz by four traditional jazz bands including The Jim Cullum Jazz Band, the Uptown Lowdown Jazz Band, the Wolverine Jazz Band, and the Frisco Jazz Band.

Saturday, May 4

Night of barbershop music

Sound of Tennessee has taken the stage at venues across the nation, and on Saturday, May 4 at 7 p.m., the men’s chorus will bring its award-winning barbershop sound to Lee University’s Dixon Center. The concert will also feature the current World Bronze Medalist quartet, A Mighty Wind, as well as The Voices of Lee. Tickets are available from Sound of Tennessee members or online at www.SoundofTN.org.

Saturday, May 18

Get out and go!

The Hamilton County Parks and Recreation Department is looking for groups interested in reaching a wider audience of potential participants and fans. This opportunity will take place at the annual Get Out and Go Night on Saturday, May 18 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Tennessee Riverpark. Chattanooga area sports and leisure clubs will do live demonstrations and provide information in a booth-style format about their league’s activities to the general public.

May 19

Dodgeball tournament to benefit at-risk youth

Breakaway Outreach will host its second annual Dodging Delinquency Charity Dodgeball Tournament at the Brainerd UMC gymnasium, located at 4315 Brainerd Road, on May 19. The event will benefit Hamilton County area at-risk youth and send prisoners’ kids to summer camp. Participants can register as individuals or a co-ed team of eight to ten ballers. Lunch is included with registration, and there will be team and individual prizes. Visit www.breakawayoutreach.com to download registration forms, or contact Cindy Larche at 423-400-1358 or info@breakawayoutreach.com.