🌱 Teachers Seek Stipend Reinstatement + Police Host Cell Phone Drive

Hello there, Chattanooga. I'm here in your inbox this morning to get you caught up on everything you need to know about what's going on around town, including news on:

But first, today's weather:

Mostly cloudy. High: 52 Low: 43.

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Here are the top three stories today in Chattanooga:

1. About two dozen Hamilton County school teachers are asking the county school board to reinstate a stipend after losing it at the end of last year. The stipend is available for educators working in underserved public schools but includes specific eligibility requirements, which some teachers who lost the stipend said they were not aware of. (Chattanooga Times Free Press)
2. The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Police Department is hosting a cell phone drive from Jan. 23-28. The initiative is a partnership between the UTC Police Department, 911 Cell Phone Bank, and the Partnership for Families, Children and Adults. Devices donated to the drive will help benefit victims of domestic abuse and sexual assault. (The Chattanooga Pulse)
3. The Salvation Army in Chattanooga will be hosting a food drive starting Monday, Jan. 23. The food drive supports the organization’s Life Navigation Ministry, a mobile program that brings resources to people in need in the Chattanooga area. Check the list for needed non-perishable items and locations you can drop donations or buy items online in support. (Chattanoogan)

Today in Chattanooga:

• Sensory-Friendly Studio At Hunter Museum Of American Art (10:00 AM)

From my notebook:

• Have you had a chance to check out the locally-made jewelry, paintings, and other art and decor on display at the Hart Gallery? The gallery offers creative classes for artists who have experienced homelessness, are neurodivergent, or are physically divergent. The artwork by artists is displayed for purchase! (Visit Chattanooga via Facebook)
• The Chattanooga School for the Liberal Arts celebrated the grand opening of its new Jersey Pike campus this week. The new school will allow students to grow and reach their potential for many years. (Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce via Facebook)
• Join CHI Memorial for its 18th annual Pink! Gala on Saturday, Jan. 21 at the Chattanooga Convention Center. The annual gala celebrates the life of breast cancer patients and survivors and raises funds for women and families in need in the local community. (CHI Memorial)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Saturday! 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.