Editorial

Saturday, April 6

Wanted: 1,000 volunteers for Clean and Green

On Saturday, April 6, individuals, company teams, and civic groups will volunteer their time to make Downtown Chattanooga a healthier and more beautiful area for residents and visitors to enjoy. Starting at 8:30 a.m. at Miller Plaza, located at 850 Market Street, volunteers will check in, enjoy a complimentary breakfast, and receive their designated area of downtown to clean up. To sign up, visit causeway.org/cleanandgreen. For additional information, contact Tiffanie Robinson at trobinson@rivercitycompany.com or 423.265.3700. Since 2011, Clean and Green volunteers have collected over 3,000 bags of trash, removed graffiti from more than 100 buildings and monuments, and cleaned 55 city blocks and various neighborhoods multiple times.

Sunday, April 7

Ira Glass wraps up Hunter lecture series

Ira Glass, host and creator of the public radio program, This American Life, will be the fourth and final speaker in the 2012-2013 George T. Hunter Lecture Series on Sunday, April 7 at 4 p.m. at the Tivoli. Glass’s talk, dubbed Reinventing Radio, will focus on his famous program and how it’s put together. Benwood Foundation, in partnership with the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, is sponsoring the eclture. All lectures are free and open to the public; no tickets are necessary. The doors will open at 2:30 p.m.

Thursday, April 11

Pinwheels for Prevention

Kids on the Block will host its annual community event in April to celebrate National Child Abuse Prevention Month and bring awareness of child abuse prevention to the Chattanooga community. Kids on the Block is partnering with the Creative Discovery Museum and The Chattanooga Kappa Delta Alumnae Association to present the 6th Annual Pinwheels for Prevention: It’s Your Turn to Make a Difference on Thursday, April 11 from 5:30 p.m. 8:00 p.m. at the Creative Discovery Museum. Pinwheels for Prevention will be held during the museum’s monthly free family night. The first 500 children attending the event will receive safety kits that include activity sheets, crayons, and identification cards. There will be several local community resource agencies to answer questions and to pass out materials. With the help of The Chattanooga Kappa Delta Alumnae Association, children will have the opportunity to create puppets and donate them to local children who have or are experiencing maltreatment. Participants will enjoy two puppet performances by Chattanooga’s Kids on the Block addressing child abuse prevention. The CKOB performances will be presented at 6:15 p.m. and 7:15 p.m. in the museum auditorium.

Saturday, April 13

Nearly Wed Adventure to prep couples for marriage

Many couples enter into marriage believing the odds are stacked against them when it comes to making their marriage last. But research shows the right preparation for marriage can help couples reduce their chances of divorce. First Things First wants to help marriage-minded couples prepare for the next step in their relationship journey with an interactive experience called The Nearly Wed Adventure. This event will take place Saturday, April 13 at The Vaudeville Café from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and is designed for couples that are seriously dating, living together or engaged. Participants should come ready for fun as they tackle and overcome the obstacles many young couples face in their relationships. There will be games, activities and a delicious lunch. The event is free but participants must pre-register online at firstthings.org or by calling 423-267-5383.

Sunday, April 21

Tommy Jett Entertainer’s Reunion

The 16th Annual Tommy Jett Entertainer’s Reunion will be held in the Silver Ballroom at Sheraton Read House, located in downtown Chattanooga, on Sunday, April 21, from 1 p.m. to 11 p.m. The proceeds will go to The Chattanooga Area Food Bank. A donation for the Food Bank will be requested at the door. The Tommy Jett Entertainer’s Reunion was created by Tommy Jett, a Chattanooga Broadcast Celebrity for over 52 years. Over the years, Jett has raised tens of thousands of dollars for charities such as The Shriner’s Burn Unit, the March of Dimes, the American Diabetes Association, Chattanooga hurricane victims, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, and Chattanooga Hospice. The entertainment line-up this year includes The Malemen, The Stratoblasters, The Robby Hopkins Band, Crossfire, Paul Smith and the Skyhigh Band, Queen B and the Well Strung Band, and Raven featuring Stacy Wilson.

Saturday, April 27

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

Let’s 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-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.