🌱 EMPACT Program's New Group + School Supply Drive Deadline

Welcome back, Chattanooga! I'm here in your inbox this morning to get you up to speed on everything you need to know about what's going on in town.

First, today's weather:

A strong thunderstorm. High: 87 Low: 72.

Here are the top three stories in Chattanooga today:

1. Chattanooga's EMPACT Program is starting its third class with a whole new group of participants. The program has had 17 local residents graduate from its digital literacy skills program. The program started last fall. The purpose of the program is to reportedly close the opportunity gap that has led to inequities in Chattanooga. (The Chattanoogan)
2. The Samaritan Center's school supply drive ends tomorrow. The drive is at Chattanooga's Morning Pointe Senior Living communities. There are dedicated drop-off barrels for school supplies. Click for a full list of locations and needed supplies. (The Chattanoogan)
3. Chattanooga's oldest suburban shopping center has a new owner. Highland Plaza shopping center is now owned by a Fayetteville, Arkansas-based real estate investment firm titled Core Equity. The shopping center has been owned and operated by The Fletcher Bright Co. since 1994. The property was sold for $8.9 million. (Chattanooga Times Free Press)

Today in Chattanooga:

• Strategic Planning Meeting At City Hall's Assembly Room (2:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• G.N. Zaccaria has won the July 2022 Chattanooga Writers' Guild contest. His submission titled "The Track Nine Beam" can be read in its entirety by clicking on the following link. (Chattanooga Pulse)
• Chattanooga has more than 70 upcoming charitable opportunities. Click for the full list. Mark your calendar! (Chattanooga Times Free Press)
• Patch has compiled the latest list of the best Chattanooga area employers hiring for a variety of open positions. Click the link for the full list that includes part-time, full-time, and seasonal positions. (Chattanooga Patch)

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

— Danielle Fallon-O'Leary

About me: Danielle Fallon-O’Leary is a senior writer 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.