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Signal Mountain Happenings

Check back often for all the latest Signal Mountain news between issues of the Mirror.

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Aquarium Hosts International Photo Exhibit

9/17/2018

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Picture“Rhapsody in Pink” by Donna Bourdon (Finalist 2018)
BigPicture Opens at the Tennessee Aquarium October 1
 
Photography is sometimes referred to as a "hobby of a lifetime," and in the case of Donna Bourdon, that bit of popular wisdom has certainly borne out. The Chattanooga-based photographer’s love of capturing images began when she was 9 years old.

"My parents gave me my first 'Brownie' camera, and I never looked back," Bourdon says, adding that she upgraded to her father’s hand-me-down Minolta SR-7 as a teenager.

Inspired by watching episodes of "Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom," her love of photography and wildlife naturally intertwined. Soon, she invested in better equipment and sought opportunities to capture spectacular animal imagery in some of the wildest places on Earth — a quest aided, in part by her participation in trips organized and led by the Tennessee Aquarium.

“Those made the dreams of Africa come to life,” Bourdon says. “I took my first Aquarium-sponsored trip there in 1998. Since then, I’ve been on eight African photo-safaris, five of those with the Tennessee Aquarium.”

Bourdon has warmed hearts with photos of snow monkeys, coastal brown bears, puffins and red-crowned cranes. Her shots also have garnered international acclaim. One, an image of a crocodile taking a young Cape Buffalo, was used in an African segment of the Nat Geo Wild program "Caught in the Act."


One of her images, "Rhapsody in Pink," was selected as a finalist to be included in "BigPicture," an annual photography exhibit at the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco.
 
Since launching in 2014, "BigPicture" highlights the works of the world’s best nature and conservation photographers. This annual competition focuses a lens on the wonders of the natural world and critical environmental issues facing our planet. More than 6,000 entries poured in from around the world for the 2018 BigPicture Natural World Photography Competition, which includes a shot Bourdon captured while in St. Augustine, Fla.
 
“This beautiful roseate spoonbill is flying into the nest with its wings in what is referred to as the ‘orchestra position,’” Bourdon says. “I love capturing beautiful images of nature that inspire others to fall in love with the natural world. Hopefully, my works inspire others to promote conservation and protection of these precious animals and vital resources.”
 
Beginning October 1, the "BigPicture" exhibition will be on display at the Tennessee Aquarium, sponsored locally by Erlanger Health Systems and "GET OUT" Chattanooga. This will be the only location outside of San Francisco to host this phenomenal photo collection.
 
“This collection of amazing images is a perfect fit with the Aquarium’s mission to connect people with nature and empower them to make informed decisions about water and wildlife,” says Cindy Todd, the aquarium’s vice president and chief marketing and communications officer. “This exhibit will inspire more people to get outdoors, observe nature more closely, and appreciate all of the amazing ways that wildlife can thrive.”
 
In the introduction to “Wonders,” a companion book about "BigPicture," famed oceanographer, explorer and conservationist Dr. Sylvia Earle describes how technology enables more individuals to focus on conservation issues.
 
“The photographs in this extraordinary collection do more than capture moments in time…they tell stories, arouse sympathy, provoke joy, and make you gasp with wonder. Images such as these are precisely what is needed to inspire new generations of people to know and care about wild places and wildlife, and to take action while there is still time.”
 
As a complement to the international exhibition, local photographers can submit their best nature, wildlife and conservation shots to the Chattanooga Times Free Press, “What On Earth Have You Photographed?” contest through Sept. 21 at www.timesfreepress.com/bigpicture/#/gallery. The top three images will also be displayed at the Aquarium beginning October 1.
 
The BigPicture Natural World of Photography exhibit is free with aquarium admission.

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Yoga Festival to Benefit Organ Transplant Group

8/24/2016

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Southern Bend, a new nonprofit organization started by Heather Dendy and Kari Pollard, will kick off the first yoga festival in Chattanooga. Open hearted individuals are invited to join hundreds of their soon to be closest friends in a powerful practice of unity and breath on Saturday, August 27, from noon to 11 p.m. at Coolidge Park.

With the help of SBYF board members, these ladies worked hard and furiously to get Southern Bend Yoga Festival up and running, and have partnered with local retailers, food and beverage vendors, live music, national talent and native artists. Southern Bend is a family-oriented all day festival that will feature slack lining, meditation, paddle boarding, acroyoga, kids yoga and so much more. If tai chi, sunset paddle boarding, or flow classes are not your thing, then pull up a mat and take a savasana (quiet prone pose) instead!

Southern Bend aims to unite the community in joyful celebration. Igniting passions for positive change, mindful living and a belief that great things are possible when people knit together, on and off the mat, is the idea for this event. Perhaps a bend in perspective can accumulate and build into a movement large enough to change the world we live in or change the life of one precious child.

At the festival these gals hope to introduce many of us to yoga who have been curious about it and all it has to offer. The proceeds from the festival will support the Children’s Organ Transplant Association, which is dear to founder Heather’s heart since her son, Benjamin, is on the liver transplant list. To help, donate, or participate will be an acknowledgement of the web of life that connects each single spirit to a great community cause. So “Be the Bend!” Go www.southernbendfestival.com or contact Aloyse Brown at aloyseblair@gmail.com for more information.



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Watch a Movie Under the Stars

7/8/2016

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Picture
by David Fields
First Things First's Movies in the Park returns to Coolidge Park this month. Each Saturday in July, beginning July 9, a family-friendly box office hit movie will be projected on a giant movie screen in the park.

First Things First is an award-winning, nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening families in Hamilton County through education, collaboration and mobilization. First Things First encourages families to pack up chairs, blankets and picnic baskets and gather for some quality time while watching this year’s featured movies.

"First Things First's mission is to strengthen the families of our communities," said Julie Baumgardner of First Things First. "Movies in the Park is a great opportunity for families to spend time together and create memories that will last a lifetime."

Can you guess the titles of the movies First Things First is showing this summer? Here are some hints:
  • July 9 – Funny little yellow creatures are recruited by a super-villain who, alongside her inventor husband, hatch a plot to take over the world.
  • July 16 – A police officer rabbit and wily fox set out to solve a mysterious case in a bustling animal metropolis.
  • July 23 – The galaxy faces a new threat from the dark side, but a young duo joins forces to defeat evil and restore order in the universe.
  • July 30 – A hockey-loving 11-year-old girl’s world turns upside-down when she and her parents move to San Francisco. Her emotions try to guide her through this life-changing event.

"Movies in the Park is one of our favorite events," Baumgardner said. "We encourage families to join us and enjoy some quality time together."

All movies are free to the public. Movies will start each week at sundown (just after 9 p.m.). Concessions will be available for purchase on-site. Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent.

Movies in the Park is sponsored by Comcast, Sunny 92.3, Hamico, Coker Tire, Belhaven University, The Chattanooga Times Free Press, City of Chattanooga, Family Concessions LLC and Lifeguard Ambulance Service.

For additional information, visit www.firstthings.org or call (423) 267-5385.



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Kids on the Block to Perform at Free Museum Event

4/13/2016

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PictureEnjoy a performance from Kids on the Block during free night at the Creative Discovery Museum, all to raise awareness for PCAT.
Prevent Child Abuse Tennessee (PCAT) is partnering with Chattanooga's Kids on the Block and the Children's Advocacy Center of Hamilton County to host a Pinwheels for Prevention event at the Creative Discovery Museum from 5:30-8 p.m. on Thursday, April 14. Children and their families can explore the museum, and Kids on the Block will perform at 6:15 p.m. and 7:15 p.m. This is a free, fun family event which is open to the public. 

"Ensuring children have the opportunity to grow up in a safe, healthy environment is everyone’s responsibility," said Kristen Rector, executive director of Prevent Child Abuse Tennessee. "The pinwheel is a reminder that we all play a role in the future of our children. Children deserve to grow up feeling safe, nurtured, and loved, and the pinwheel gardens planted across the state of Tennessee this April show our commitment to families in the communities where we work and live every day."

More than 150 businesses across Tennessee are participating in Child Abuse Prevention Month, as proclaimed by Gov. Bill Haslam, as part of Prevent Child Abuse Tennessee's Pinwheels for Prevention campaign. PCAT and its community partners are stepping up campaign activities during April in recognition of National Child Abuse Prevention Month.  

In support of local campaign efforts, PCAT and partners are planting pinwheel gardens around the state, providing educational materials for parents and advocates, and broadcasting public service announcements to highlight the fact that investing in effective prevention is less costly to society and to individuals than trying to fix things later.  

Local Chattanooga businesses, ASA Engineering, Chattanooga Public Library, Chattanooga's Kids on the Block Inc., Children's Advocacy Center, Family Justice Center and South Chattanooga Library, will participate in planting their own gardens to advocate for children deserving of a happy, healthy childhood in Tennessee. 
Prevent Child Abuse Tennessee's mission is to prevent the abuse and neglect of children in Tennessee.

For 30 years, PCAT has worked with communities and local partners to support parents in raising happy, healthy children. Its programs are provided in collaboration with community partners to strengthen families and reduce the risks of child abuse and neglect. For more information, visit www.pcat.org.



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Carico to Perform with CSO

3/3/2016

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PictureSeth Carico Photo by Simon Pauly
Signal Mountain native Seth Carico will perform in the First Tennessee Foundation Pops Series "Seth Carico: Chattanooga's Own" at the Tivoli Theatre at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 5. He will appear with the Chattanooga Symphony & Opera, conducted by Bob Bernhardt and accompanied by the CSO Chorus under the direction of Darrin Hassevoort.

Seth Carico first appeared onstage at age 9 in the Signal Mountain Playhouse's 1991 production of "The King and I," making his debut as one of the king's children. Two years ago he returned to the Signal Mountain Playhouse to play the role of the king in the 2014 summer production of "The King and I."

That small role as a child led to a successful career as an actor and opera singer and has taken Carico around the world. He is currently based in Berlin where he works with the Deutsche Oper Berlin. With the Berlin Opera he has performed roles in productions such as "L'Elisir d’Amore," "La faniculla del West," "Samson and Delilah," "Billy Budd," "Les Troyens," "Don Giovanni," "Tosca," "Die Zauberflote," "Otello," "Rigoletto" and "Le Nozze di Figaro."

During the concert, Carico will perform Broadway favorites as well as selections from opera works in which he has performed. Among the selections will be The Toreador Song from "Carmen," Madamina from "Don Giovanni" and songs from "Kiss Me Kate," "Carousel" and "Camelot."

Tickets are available at the CSO Box Office, by calling (423) 267-8583 or on the CSO's website.


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