🌱 Big Brothers, Big Sisters Needed + Rescue 82's 3rd Ukraine Mission

Welcome back, Chattanooga. I'm here in your inbox per usual to get you caught up on everything you need to know about what's going on in town.

But first, today's weather:

A.M. flurries, then sprinkles. High: 47 Low: 29.

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Here are the top three stories in Chattanooga today:

1. Are you interested in volunteering in Chattanooga? Gabriela Ramos, a 26-year-old "Big," discussed the importance of becoming a volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Chattanooga yesterday. Nearly 100 youths in Chattanooga are still waiting for a mentor. (WTVC)
2. A Chattanooga woman experiencing homelessness chose to surrender her dog when she could no longer care for her. Yesterday, the McKamey Animal Center took in Lilo, a sweet female dog found wandering the town with a note and leash still attached. According to the note, Lilo’s owner is homeless with two children and couldn’t afford to keep taking care of her. MAC sent a lengthy message on social media to comfort the unidentified owner. The center communicated that they are here to help in any way they can to provide food, medication, and care. (WKRN News 2)
3. A Chattanooga-based non-profit Rescue 82 is traveling to Ukraine in March. Rescue 82, primarily comprised of Chattanooga SWAT members, will make its third mission trip to the country since the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The group is accepting donations for its trip, which will provide aid in and around areas once occupied by Russia and devastated by the war. (WDEF News 12)

Today in Chattanooga:

• Self-Guided Visit Pass At Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center (9:00 AM)
• Exhibition Opening At Hunter Museum Of American Art (6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Get a behind-the-scenes look at Serengeti 3D, the Tennessee Aquarium's newest IMAX film. Riverwatch featured Serengeti 3D's cinematographer Michael Dalton-Smith for an in-depth Q&A about the film. (Tennessee Aquarium via Facebook)
• Congratulations to the newest Academy graduates! Yesterday, a new class of Chattanooga Police Department officers swore in their oath to protect and serve our city. Take a look at the class photo on Facebook. (Chattanooga Police Department via Facebook)
• Are you looking for a new family member with four paws? Check out the list of adoption-ready pets in the Chattanooga area at the link! (McKamey Animal Center)

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You're all caught up for today. I'll see you around!

— Danielle Fallon-O'Leary

About me: Danielle Fallon-O’Leary is a content manager with content creation agency Lightning Media Partners and assists Patch.com with community newsletter curation. Danielle also holds a Master’s Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders and works part-time as a pediatric speech therapist.