People who had a way with words in the news last week:
“It feels unbelievable. It feels like an out-of-body experience. We’ve worked so hard and gone to so many meetings and talked to so many people. It’s just really exciting to be heard and for them to make a priority of something that is so important to not only us but to so many other people.”
— Parent Emily Harmon, on a proposed list of Hamilton County Schools capital projects that includes funding to make the Thrasher Elementary playground accessible.
“Education is something I have dedicated my life to. I think it is such a powerful tool, and it is the thing that will change the world.”
— Yvette Stewart, a literacy director at Hamilton County Schools, who has been named an assistant professor and literacy director at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.
“This new facility represents a significant step forward for the efforts to serve animals and families in East Ridge. It’s designed with the comfort and well-being of our animals as a top priority, with spacious kennels, a large play yard and updated amenities.”
— East Ridge Mayor Brian Williams at Thursday’s opening of a new animal shelter.
“We look forward to Moccasin Bend becoming a world-class national park asset for our city, region and country. We are truly thankful for the decades of work that countless community members have poured into this moment. Saving Moccasin Bend will further enrich this region for years and years to come.”
— Tricia King Mims, executive director of the nonprofit conservation group National Park Partners, who welcomed news that a state mental hospital will be relocated off Moccasin Bend.
“I think we have a good grip on it at this point. I don’t think we need any more consultants to tell us what’s going on or how we should solve it.”
— Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly, responding to a think tank study about crime in Chattanooga, funded by allies of Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp.
“For me, I feel like this school is more like a home. Anytime you come into the cafeteria, it’s like a family get-together.”
— Sixth grader Naukieya Thomas, who attends the new dual immerstion charter school, ChattAcademy.
“I love my job and my congregation. Sunday is the most exciting day of my week. When I get to play the organ and support the congregation and the choir in their singing … that’s what I work all week for.”
— Organist Bruce Clark of First Cumberland Presbyterian Church, celebrating 50 years at the keyboard.
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