🌱 Rec Project Seeks Volunteers + UVI Empowers TN Entrepreneurs

Hello, Chattanooga! I'm here in your inbox today to get you caught up on everything you need to know about what's going on around town.

But first, today's weather:

Partly sunny. High: 58 Low: 40.

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Here are the top 3 stories today in Chattanooga:

1. The Rec Project is seeking volunteers to assist with its meal train to provide meals to children in the area who are experiencing hunger, violence, and unstable housing conditions. The Rec Project is a nonprofit program in the Greater Chattanooga area that works to provide a safe environment for children in the community to grow in all areas. They provide meals four days a week to about an average of 30-40 children. (The Chattanoogan)
2. Urban Vision Initiative is moving closer to their goal of empowering entrepreneurs from underserved communities in Chattanooga. The initiative is modeled after a program created by Michael H. Morris who teaches entrepreneurship and social innovation at the University of Notre Dame. It trains participants through various sessions and mentorships with consultants and other leaders in the community. (Chattanooga Pulse)
3. Chattanooga gas prices have risen about 12 cents a gallon in the past week, making the average price $2.87 per gallon. Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, claims gas prices are still rising due to "previous refinery outages caused by the cold weather the week of Christmas." He projects as the refiners get back up and running, there may be a slow down in price increases. (Chattanooga Pulse)

Today in Chattanooga:

• Toddler Time, At Downtown Library (11:00 AM)
• Chattanooga Healthcare Virtual Job Fair, Hosted By CloudHire (11:00 AM)
• Ladies Night, At Food Works (4:00 PM)
• Spoken Word And Poetic Readings, At Wanderlinger Brewing Company (6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• The Swell Sound Independent Artist Showcase is coming up on Jan. 13 at Songbirds Foundation in Chattanooga! Tickets for the 7:00 p.m. show are $30 and can be purchased online. (Visit Chattanooga)
• This weekend (Jan. 12-15) the Lookout Wild Film Festival will be at the Walker Theater. Come and enjoy on-screen stories that celebrate wild places and the people they inspire, along with other adventure enthusiasts from around the Southeast. (Lookout Wild Film Festival)
• Come visit the Asian Lantern Festival at the Chattanooga Zoo today between 6:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.! The Festival is a celebration of art, culture, and the beauty of the traditional Asian lantern festival. (Nooga Today)

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You're all caught up for today! I'll see you back in your inbox tomorrow morning with another update.

— 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.