'OccuBUY' here today, Saturday
Many stress supporting local, small businesses during this holiday season. Over 100 small-business owners will be participating in Chattanooga Market Too at the Convention Center (Hall A on the South end) today and Saturday between 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Not only can you purchase my spectacular photographs, stunning panoramas, creative puzzles and feline-acclaimed catnip, but there are a number of other photographic artists who have individualized approaches that are spectral in variety. Their very number is a reflection and their expression a validation of Chattanooga's nickname - the Scenic City.
But such artistry extends beyond photography to painting, pith helmets and pottery. Each item is handcrafted by the artists, including the huge variety of jewelry, elaborate metal, glass, wood, stone and leatherwork, toys, books, candles, soap, fabric and clothing creations, and, not to mention, the hand-made bread, munchies, confections and mouth-melting fudge.
All of us are small-business owners with a creative and joyous component to our being that drives our art. I ask that you please come to the Convention Center and "OccuBUY the Chattanooga Market" in our support.
STEVE COCHRAN
Council of PTAs offers thanks
The Hamilton County Council of PTAs thanks everyone who participated in its annual State Legislative Forum on Dec. 7 at Hixson Middle School. We especially thank Hixson Middle students who worked very hard, even meeting guests at their car doors carrying umbrellas because it was raining.
The HCC of PTAs also thanks all the businesses that donate to the Teacher Supply Depot, where Hamilton County public school teachers who are PTA members can "shop for free." We especially appreciate our largest donor, Top Flight; United Way, which donated $15,000 worth of school supplies it collected in the September "Stuff the Bus" campaign; and, the Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce for issuing a challenge to all of its members to donate to the Depot.
The Teacher Supply Depot is low on supplies and needs donations for the next "Teacher Shopping Day" in February. All donations are tax-deductible. Businesses can donate any time of year, but if they wish to donate before Dec. 31 the HCC of PTAs can accommodate them. To make a donation, send an email to teachersupplydepot@hcde.org. Teachers can find a use for anything, but for a list of items they often need, go to www.hcptacouncil.org.
SCOTTIE GOODMAN SUMMERLIN
Signal Mountain