Think creatively about Moccasin Bend
It doesn’t seem that local and state governments have been exhaustive, let alone creative, in their efforts to find a new location for the Moccasin Bend Mental Health Institute.
I offer three suggestions:
1) The Volunteer Site (easy access to I-75 and thus all of East Tennessee which the hospital serves);
2) Engel Stadium (proximity to Erlanger Hospital main campus has obvious benefits);
3) McDonald Farm (bucolic setting similar to current location)
Also, please involve the staff of Moccasin Bend directly in the design and development of the new facility and not in a cursory way, but intimately. This will ensure that those employees, working under very demanding conditions “in the trenches,” can provide invaluable input to the designers and politicians who might otherwise not understand the special needs of such a facility. Having worked at Moccasin Bend for a brief time in 2018, l can attest to the many shortcomings of the outdated facility.
Paul Mallchok
Disappointed Biden pursuit not stronger
I’m really disappointed in the cynical editorial on the right side of the TFP editorial spread on Dec 15. It is a well known and documented fact that conservatives are for law and order. With that known fact it seems that for the GOP House majority to not pursue the Biden lawlessness would be a miscarriage of justice.
The Biden crime family allegedly has broken several laws and used the president’s positions to enrich themselves. Much of that enrichment has come from our foreign adversaries.
Unfortunately, Biden’s re-election bid and the illegal actions of him and his family are being conflated by many in the media, including this paper’s conservative editorialist. But that should not stop the search for the truth by the House of Representatives no matter the political fallout. Politicians on both sides of the aisle should know that bribes and taking money for favors will be prosecuted.
Rusty Lacy
Preference for Jesus, not Elf on a Shelf
In my opinion, the Elf on a Shelf is a take on how to control our children.
As I understand it, you buy this green elf and it watches you all day. At night, the elf goes to the North Pole and reports to Santa if you have been naughty or nice.
The elf then returns in the morning to do it all again.
Why do this?
Whatever happened to the fact that if you were naughty, your parents doled out the punishment?
They did not wait for a green elf to tattle.
An elf watching me all day would be terrifying. Maybe it does the children, too.
You cannot touch the elf, or he will lose his magic.
Maybe we should spend time with baby Jesus. Jesus does not need an elf or magic. He sees us and knows all about us.
Ruth Cote
Hixson
Up with rollerblading for healthy lifestyle
Reading the [recent] fine article by David Floyd, on changing the law on rollerblading, (not permitted in the Scenic City, an All-American town boasting of fitness activities for its people), reminded me of what I saw on BRAG in 2022. That year BRAG (Bike Ride Across Georgia) started from Covenant College with about 2,000 bicyclists.
From Covenant to Lafayette, our first overnight destination, there were numerous “hills” readers are familiar with. Going down one of the steeper sides, I managed over 40 mph but nevertheless was blown away by Caleb Smith on rollerblades! He had skated more than 1,000 miles to reach BRAG, and told us later that 58 mph was his high for the day.
Back to Chattanooga, where advocates are trying to change the law to allow rollerblades in the city. It would be nice to see our politicians enact a law that would encourage a more active community. We spend too much time in our cars, with a gnashing of teeth whenever we have to walk in the parking lot of Walmart or the mall.
The ideal site for blading would be the Chickamauga Battlefield, where there are only a few cars traveling relatively slowly. However, rangers disallow this option if they spot you rolling. We can — and should — do better to promote a healthy lifestyle.
Tom Baker
Editorial pages, cartoons praised
Kudos to Chattanooga Times Free Press for the great editorial pages.
The Friday Free Press column by Ron Hart is always a joy to read. The recent editorial cartoons have given me many laughs. A truck load of coal down Joe Biden’s chimney made me snort my coffee out my nose.
Kudos to the writers and the cartoonists. Keep up the good work.
Debbie Pataky
Lookout Mountain, Ga.
Thanks, Hickory Valley Road Christmas elf!
Heartfelt thanks once again to the secret (unknown) Santa who graces us each year with a beautiful Christmas tree at the railroad tracks on Hickory Valley Road.
This tree this year is the best ever, delighting both the senses and the drive-by.
I look forward to this selfless act of generosity and kindness each Christmas.
Thank you and have a very merry Christmas.
Libby Simons
Harrison
Urges Mayor Kelly step up pothole patrol
As I bumpity-bump-bump my way along Hixson Pike twice a day, I am reminded of Mayor Tim Kelly’s campaign ad in which he talked of the need to improve our streets and even filled in a pothole himself.
The condition of Hixson Pike is atrocious and potentially dangerous as potholes open up. Mr. Mayor, I respectfully suggest if you haven’t driven Hixson recently that you do so and see for yourself how bad it is.
The road doesn’t need more patches; whole stretches need repaving.
Cathy Dreger
Writer’s high praise for Ensemble Theatre
I am a West Tennessean and musical theater writer. Over the past year, Chattanooga has played a significant role in my creative life thanks to my collaboration with a remarkable theater company that has been a part of the city’s cultural landscape for the last 16 years.
Ensemble Theatre of Chattanooga (ETC), under the artistic leadership of founder Garry Lee Posey, is a small yet mighty company known for its support of new works. Following the successful premiere of my musical “Crawlspace” (written with composer Matt Glickstein) at Tennessee Tech last year, I approached Garry about the possibility of ETC staging the show. This led to an incredibly productive, rewarding collaboration.
Our collaboration continued through the fall, leading to a full production. ETC inspired me and helped elevate “Crawlspace” into a stronger musical and made me a better writer and collaborator. Working with the group was like attending a master class in theater.
I encourage Chattanoogans to support ETC by attending performances and exploring sponsorship, auditions or volunteer opportunities. What it offers to the arts, not only to the city of Chattanooga but to the entire region, is rare. I believe the ensemble is on the path to establishing Chattanooga as a prominent hub for developing new theater works.
Jason Spraggins
Jackson, Tennessee