Editorial

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.

Sunday, May 5

Splash Into Spring demo day

Outdoor Chattanooga invites the public to try canoeing, kayaking, standup paddle boarding, and dragon boating at their annual Splash Into Spring Demo Day from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at TVA Chickamauga Dam. Regional paddle sports outfitters, clubs, and water conservation organizations will be on hand to offer free demos and information. Lifejackets are required to demo boats, so bring your own or borrow one from Outdoor Chattanooga. Kids under five should bring their own lifejackets. To learn more, call Outdoor Chattanooga at 423-643-6888.

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.