Chattarati, Chattanooga news and opinion » John Hawbaker

Reinventing First Friday Five

John Hawbaker — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 19:48:49 +0000

You may have noticed, we didn’t organize a First Friday Five fundraiser today. Or in June. The local online giving project started out in January with great success, but has since lost steam. Now we’re taking some time to “dream it all up again.”

The original concept was simple: soliciting $5 donations for a local nonprofit, on the first Friday of each month, towards a specific, tangible goal. And while so many of Chattanooga’s charitable organizations do great work, we have found that it can be difficult to quantify it in a way that makes sense for a First Friday Five fundraiser. Coincidentally or not, as the months went on, the goals became less specific and donations dropped.

We still believe First Friday Five has a lot of potential, so we’re looking for new ideas. At the suggestion of one of our editors, this may mean opening it up to include not just nonprofit charitable organizations, but also specific people or project ideas where our community of readers could make a difference.

So we’d like to hear from you: what are your ideas for First Friday Five?

Weekendist: Fireworks, Fireworks, Fireworks

John Hawbaker — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 15:06:02 +0000

A few highlights for this holiday weekend in Chattanooga…

JJ Grey. Photo Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/snflwrgddss23/ / CC BY 2.0

Nightfall: Tonight at Nightfall, catch JJ Grey & Mofro, with openers Blues Hammer.

Lookouts and Fireworks: The Chattanooga Lookouts are at home tonight, with a 6:15 p.m. game against the Carolina Mudcats, with—naturally—fireworks following the game.

Star Trek at IMAX: We may have missed out on The Dark Knight, but IMAX is coming through for sci-fi fans, showing JJ Abrams’ Star Trek all this month. Showtimes for Star Trek are 7:00 p.m. and 9:20 p.m. Friday – Saturday, and 7:00 p.m. Sunday – Thursday nights.

New Binkley Brothers at Rock City: The Southern Music Weekends series continues at Rock City on Saturday and Sunday with music throughout the day by the New Binkley Brothers.

Chattanooga FC: Will their Facebook Challenge bring in 5,000 fans for their season-ending game at Finley? Either way, the games are exciting, the crowd is enthusiastic, and the beer is cold. And this Saturday night, they’re offering $1 shuttle rides to the riverfront so fans can catch fireworks after the game.

Pops on the River: Chattanooga’s biggest fourth of July celebration, Pops on the River needs no introduction. The Chattanooga Symphony and Opera is back, along with Dismembered Tennesseans and Tim and Sara King, to present a patriotic concert in Coolidge Park, followed by a fireworks display.

Ice Cream Social: Beat the heat Sunday afternoon at the Chattanooga Market’s Ice Cream Social featuring tasty treats from hometown favorite Clumpie’s as well as Bi-Lo, Bruster’s and Mayfield. A $5 ticket gets you a sampling of each ice cream and supports the Chattanooga Chambliss Shelter.

Did we miss something great? Share it in the comments.

Boathouse Restaurant Emails Spark Strong Reactions on Social Networking Sites

John Hawbaker — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 16:30:17 +0000

Friday morning, Bleu Hayes posted an email forward on Twitter about a customer’s recent experience at Boathouse, a local seafood restaurant. The email thread begins with a complaint from customer Craig Johnson—who claims a restaurant employee was unhelpful and misinformed him about health code rules—and follows the exchanges between Mr. Johnson and Lawton Haygood, General Partner of Boathouse. In the 48 hours since it was originally posted, the story has created an uproar in social networking circles, including heated reactions on Twitter and a “Boycott Boathouse” group on Facebook.

According to the original email, Johnson took his family to Boathouse for a Father’s Day meal, stopping along the way to pick up food from McDonald’s for his “particularly picky” three year old. Upon being seated at the restaurant, he was told that bringing in outside food was a violation of the health code. After being unable to reach a satisfactory resolution with a Boathouse employee, Johnson left the restaurant. Several days later, he sent an email to Boathouse, recounting his experience and pointing out, based on an email response from a State of Tennessee employee, that there is no health code rule against bringing outside food into a restaurant. Boathouse’s Haygood responded:

“You really should check with your Pediatrician, concerning a 3 year old having that much control over her nutritional program.” -Lawton Haygood, General Partner, Boathouse

Johnson replied that he was “in awe that someone who is the General Partner of a restaurant would be that smart assed to a customer,” and the conversation continued as Haygood again responded with an implied criticism of Johnson’s parenting:

“You go to McDonalds to get a happy meal, then to a restaurant, then back in a hot car and go to another restaurant, but the 3 year old is not in charge? You need to really think about that.” -Lawton Haygood

After making the rounds via email, the story was first posted to Twitter on Friday morning. It began to pick up steam later that day when the link was retweeted by numerous Twitter users, each with hundreds of followers of their own. Their reactions were strong:

“wow #boathousefail – I’ll never go to boathouse, canyon or sugar’s again.” -@mkelley

“@mkelley Sounds like Mr. Haygood has never had the privilege of trying to get a young child to eat quietly. #boathousefail” -@foureightfour

“This infuriates me! http://www.twitlonger.com/show/dd374ef71469b076f935692dacaf1877 #CHAeats #boathousefail” -@terrananderson

Online discussions also turned to the power of social networking to affect the public’s perception of a business:

“Social media may not make your business, but it can break it. Bad experiences will be shared, i.e: http://bit.ly/15X4b4 #boathousefail” -@jacksonalexandr

“Twitter has become the instant Court of Public Opinion.” -@josiahq

In Johnson’s final response, he stated that he would “be sure to share this level of caring that you display with as much people as possible.”

Haygood responded to our inquiry by sending us a copy of an email apology he sent to Johnson. In the email, he explained his perspective and defended his staff before issuing an apology:

“I got upset that you continued your arguments four days later and made disparaging remarks about my managers, who I believed had made their best effort to provide menu recommendations for your child. They handle that sort of request several times each day. It appeared you would not settle for anything less than the McDonalds food you brought for your child. In my state of irritation with you and in moment of personal weakness, I made a very insulting comment which reflected on your parenting. I did not mean for it to come out that way but it did. I had no right to make any assumptions about how you perform your duties as a parent and for that unfortunate response, I sincerely apologize.

…

“I have no defense for what I said to you, but would like to say, this is not my normal reaction to a customer complaint. I treasure my customers and work hard as I can to please them.” -Lawton Haygood

Craig Johnson did not respond to a request for comment.

Weekendist: Chattanooga Artists Reserve, Last Fridays on Main and Reading for Writers

John Hawbaker — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 13:02:03 +0000

This weekend’s weather forecast looks like a mixed bag, but as usual, there’s plenty to keep you busy around the Scenic City. Here are a few events worth penciling in.

Chattanooga Artists Reserve: Local artists Beth Gumnick and Tobi Weldon present the second annual Chattanooga Artists Reserve. This year’s show, scheduled for Saturday from 12:00 – 7:00 p.m. at the Gannon Art Center in Brainerd, features fifteen artists across a variety of mediums including paint, fiber, jewelry, soap and mixed media. According to Ms. Weldon, the sideshow theme created for the show represents the playful and unique flavor of the works on display:

“Our show is intentionally outside the mainstream, so we think the sideshow theme is a fun and fitting way to celebrate the idea of ‘curiosities never before seen by human eyes’ in keeping with the unique nature of Reserve works.” -Tobi Weldon

Art on Main Grand Opening and Dedication: Friday afternoon, from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m., members of the city’s new Public Art Chattanooga committee will be on Main St. to open and dedicate a new outdoor installation. The dedication will take place on the lawn adjacent to Firehall No. 1.

Last Fridays on Main: Continue your evening on the Southside with this brand-new summer series featuring galleries, artist studios, shops and eateries in the Main Street area. The event is scheduled for 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. and includes Ignis Glass, Loose Cannon, Main & Mocha, Area 61 and CreateHere.

Reading Like a Writer: Local writer Ray Zimmerman is leading a book discussion group for writers at Rock Point Books on Saturday at 11:00 a.m.

An Evening with Andrew Crawford Avant-art, the Hunter’s group of “young-minded contemporaries,” is hosting a gallery stroll and talk with Pure Americana sculptor Andrew Crawford, followed by dinner in the Bluff View Art District.

Chattanooga Market: The Market is a perennial favorite for Sunday afternoons. This week, in addition to farm-fresh foods and artisan crafts, the In-Town Gallery will be on hand to display works by local artists. Folk group Centralia Massacre and singer/songwriter Sara Jean Kelley will perform on stage.

Did we miss something great? Share it with us in the comments.

Back Row Film Series Presents FUEL

John Hawbaker — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 13:10:42 +0000

The Back Row Film Series returns Saturday night with the Chattanooga premier of FUEL, a feature-length documentary exploring America’s addiction to oil and innovative solutions on the horizon. The film received the Audience Award at the 2008 Sundance Festival and its director, Josh Tickell, was recently named a U.N. Goodwill Ambassador. FUEL is set to enter national distribution this fall.

What: Screening of FUEL and Q&A with director Josh Tickell
When: Saturday, June 20 at 6:30 p.m.
Where: green|spaces, 63 East Main St.
Cost: $5 for AEC members, $10 for non-members

Senators Corker, Warner Introduce Exit Strategy for TARP Recipients

John Hawbaker — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 21:05:50 +0000

Senator Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) and Senator Mark Warner (D-Va.), members of the Senate Banking Committee, introduced legislation yesterday, designed to move troubled companies such as AIG, GM and Citigroup out of government control. Under the bill, ownership stakes of any firm where the government holds greater than a 20% share would be transferred to a new limited liability corporation (LLC). The LLC would be run by three “independent, non-political” trustees who would be charged with liquidating government-owned assets by December 24, 2011.

In a press release, Senator Corker described the ideal trustees:

“We envision these trustees as people with great experience in the private markets with a record of success in running profitable companies or turning around unprofitable ones. These won’t be paid positions. They would do this as a public service for our country,” -Bob Corker, U.S. Senator

Citing a recent Rasmussen survey, he also stated that public opinion supports the goal of their proposal:

“Clearly, a majority of Americans believe the private markets would do a better job of determining a company’s success or failure. The government should exit ownership as quickly as is responsible to protect taxpayer investment.” -Bob Corker, U.S. Senator

Download a copy of the Corker-Warner Bill (PDF) or the introductory floor speech (PDF).

In related news, The Hill reports that both Senators Corker and Warner have filed extensions which would delay the requirement to file financial disclosure reports until August 13. The disclosures will include details about any holdings the Senator may have in banks which received TARP funds. According to the article, Sen. Corker’s 2008 disclosure listed interests in more than a dozen bailed-out companies.

YPAC Presents 2020 Chattanooga, Tomorrow

John Hawbaker — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 13:06:24 +0000

On Friday, June 19, young professionals from around the Chattanooga region will gather for 2020 Chattanooga, the first annual summit presented by YPAC. According to organizers, the summit aims to equip young professionals for career and personal development while encouraging them to engage in the community.

The half-day summit will take place at The Chattanoogan hotel and conference center beginning at 2:00 p.m. with a brief networking session. Two breakout sessions will be led by business and community leaders on topics including networking, the economy, entrepreneurship, money management, and personal growth. A keynote address will be delivered by Jack Murrah of the Lyndhurst Foundation, who will discuss “the impact of past community visioning and our ability to carry on a vision of the future of Chattanooga to 2020 and beyond.”

An after party featuring DJ K789 will follow at The Foundry.

What: YP2020 Chattanooga / Scenic City YP Summit
When: Friday, June 19, 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Where: The Chattanoogan hotel and conference center
Admission: $25, tickets available at the door

10 Questions with Chip Baker on Riverbend

John Hawbaker — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 16:25:21 +0000

Photo credit: Larry Miller (licensed via Creative Commons)

As the dust settles from Riverbend 2009, we interviewed Executive Director Chip Baker about the past, present and future of the festival.

Chattarati: Tell us about your role at Friends of the Festival and how long you’ve been closely involved.

Chip Baker: I spent the first 17 years of my career as a hospital administrator. My wife and I moved to Chattanooga from Dallas, TX in 1992 to run TC Thompson Children’s Hospital. While I was at Erlanger, I was responsible for Airshow Chattanooga, which was a fundraiser for Children’s. That was fun for me to do since I had gotten my pilot’s license in high school and my true passion has always been aviation.

C: Friends of the Festival has been producing Riverbend for more than 25 years. How has the festival changed over time?

CB: As our community has changed so has the festival. Riverbend truly has two major qualities for our community: 1. Tennessee Valley Family Reunion-Riverbend brings people together from all over our area. About 80% of our attendees come from within 50 miles. 2. To showcase what a great community we live in

C: How has the evolution and growth of downtown shaped Riverbend in recent years?

CB: Each year Riverbend changes and morphs with the landscape. For instance, in 2004, Riverbend occurred in the middle of a construction zone. Everyone worked together to make it happen and it did. When the Pier was added, we adapted its use to something I had seen in West Palm Beach, FL called Club Sunfest. Ours is called Club Riverbend. How original of me! Change is constant with Riverbend from music to stage locations, to mobile exhibitors to sponsors. Change is good.

C: How did this year’s attendance and revenue compare to your expectations?

CB: Crowds were tremendous. Great weather. Spending was down just a little. Not bad considering everything I am hearing around the country is events are down 10 to 30 percent. Riverbend truly is a great value. The most important thing to me, though, one that truly sets us apart are the people who come to Riverbend. By and large, they are very considerate and helpful. I hear it all the time from people who visit us from many different parts of the country. That is what makes us such a great community, the people.

C: How successful were your new recycling initiatives?

CB: A great first start. From the efforts of the Leadership Chattanooga class of 2009 to the City of Chattanooga, to Hamilton County (Hamilton Shines) to the Sierra Club, to Friends of the Festival (particularly Don Sharp and Karen Shostak), to 300 volunteers dedicated to making it work, it was one heck of a beginning. Notes have been taken and we will evaluate what worked well and what we need to improve on. The best part of this process is that it is community driven and what was developed at Riverbend should be easily replicated to other events.

C: What are your plans for next year to reduce the nearly 30 tons of waste generated by the festival?

CB: I don’t know what the amount of tonnage is but we will continue our recycling efforts, doing everything we can to reduce the amount of landfill waste and to increase the amount of recycling done.

C: Riverbend strives to appeal to people with a wide variety of musical tastes. Do you anticipate continuing in that direction or narrowing the festival’s focus?

CB: I think the festival offers something for everyone. We are not a Bonnaroo but a community music festival.

C: How has the increasing success of Bonnaroo affected your ability to book talent?

CB: Bonnaroo is a very different festival, kind of like a modern day Woodstock. They first started off as a jam band kind of festival and have since gone more mainstream. We occasionally bump heads but that is
rare. We are two very different events.

C: How do you see Riverbend evolving over the next five years?

CB: Recent magazine articles (US Air, Retirement Lifestyles, Outside Magazine, US News and World Report) talk about what a great place Chattanooga is to live as well as retire. The Riverbend Festival is listed in those articles as one of the things that makes us such a great community. We are proud to be part of that and see that as an important part of our raison d’etre.

C: Finally, what was your favorite performace from Riverbend 2009?

CB: Many, but I really enjoyed Train, Alejandro Escovedo, the Outlaws, Emmitte-Nershi Band, Montgomery Gentry, the Wailers…

Announcing BarCamp Chattanooga, July 25

John Hawbaker — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 13:23:40 +0000

BarCamp Chattanooga, a user-generated “unconference,” is scheduled for Saturday, July 25, at Chattanooga State. Following recent successful BarCamps in Nashville and Birmingham, this will be the first conference of its kind in Chattanooga.

The schedule and topics for presentations will be developed collaboratively on the morning of the event. Five one-hour blocks are allotted for presentations, and slots will be reserved in a first-come, first-served manner. Multiple sessions can run concurrently, depending on the number of participants who want to present. In addition to the presentations, a development networking hour is planned to help participants organize around project ideas and begin the process of collaborating.

Participants will be eligible for giveaways from Wordpress.com and O’Reilly, and lunch will be provided courtesy of Medium. An after-party will follow, with details to be announced later.

What is a BarCamp?

BarCamp is described as “an ad-hoc gathering born from the desire for people to share and learn in an open environment.” The first BarCamp was organized in Palo Alto in 2005—in less than one week—and the idea has spread around the globe in the years following. One of the most defining characteristics of a BarCamp is the “no spectators, only participants” rule, because every attendee is asked to either present or contribute in some way.

Why BarCamp Chattanooga?

According to organizer Daniel Ryan, the goal is to leverage social connections to learn from one another and continue Chattanooga’s growth as a technology city.

He writes:

In the last few years I’ve seen the tech community of the city come together more and more on a social level. While this is great, BarCamp gives us an opportunity not just to spend time with each other but to learn from one another. Having a community who cares about each other and are willing to share knowledge with each other bolsters all of us and the city’s tech reputation as a whole.

Mr. Ryan also stated that while the event has a tech-centric history, he hopes the open format will attract a wider variety of participants:

It’s my hope that we reach out beyond the tech community and draw in local entrepreneurs, artists, students, etc. so all of us can contribute and learn from each other.

What: BarCamp Chattanooga
When: Saturday, July 25, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (After-party TBA)
Where: Chattanooga State
Admission: Free, pre-registration requested, lunch provided

Sponsors: Medium and Airnet Group
Organizers: Daniel Ryan, Juncture and Chattarati

16 and Pregnant in Chattanooga

John Hawbaker — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 13:37:59 +0000

MTV’s newest series, 16 and Pregnant, debuted last night featuring the story of Maci and Ryan, a couple from Chattanooga. From the MTV web site:

“MTV’s 16 and Pregnant’ is an hour-long documentary series focusing on the controversial subject of teen pregnancy. Each episode follows a 5-7 month period in the life of a teenager as she navigates the bumpy terrain of adolescence, growing pains, rebellion, and coming of age; all while dealing with being pregnant.”

New York Times television critic Ginia Bellafante writes that the series was created in response to the network’s declining ratings and a desire to “focus less on silly hooks and more on young people proving themselves.” While Bellafante notes Maci’s “impressive resolve,” she finds that the show still has a hook:

“Despite its showcasing of the grim, hard work of single mothering, ‘16 and Pregnant’ seems calculated, above all, to incite viewers of ‘The Hills’ to working-class voyeurism, given how many clichés of lower-income Middle American life are exploited.” -Ginia Bellafante, New York Times

Indeed, tired southern stereotypes abound right from the start. Something tells me the city won’t be filing this under “PR wins” anytime soon.

Watch video from the premiere episode after the jump.

Chattarati, Chattanooga news and opinion » John Hawbaker

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