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Appreciating Moments Big & Small
The month of November prompts us to pause and give thanks for the many blessings in our lives. Things that we are grateful for can come in many forms: people, places, opportunities, events, experiences, paths taken and, sometimes, paths not taken.
As I get older, I’m not sure that I am getting much wiser, but I am getting more appreciative. I appreciate things big and small and I try to practice finding gratitude daily. Be it the cool breeze as I sit on the front porch or the recent gathering of family to celebrate a wedding, there is always something to be grateful for if you just take time to recognize it.
One of my favorite quotes is: “You can complain because the roses have thorns or you can be happy because the thorns have roses.” How we see things and let them impact us is a matter of perspective.
This month, we have the privilege of celebrating what it means to be truly thankful. We feature LIVE2540, a non-profit founded by Daryl & Chrissy Roberts serving orphans in Liberia and the Mountain Education Foundation, an organization whose mission is to provide resources for Signal Mountain schools. We visit BLLUUM who gives us gift-giving ideas perfect for this time of year and reconnect with Mirilena Lee of Body Alchemy who gives us some stress-free tips for the holiday season. Finally, we hear from some of our partners about what they are thankful for this season and provide readers with recommendations on ways to give locally.
We live in an incredible community full of generous people, businesses, and nonprofits. Various acts of kindness have been so apparent to me these last few weeks. Many of the businesses featured in this publication provided supplies and dedicated their time and services to help those impacted by the recent hurricanes.
I would be remiss if I didn’t take an opportunity to thank a few people (and one special dog) who make my life better every day: my family and friends are my foundation, my comfort, and my support system; my dog Cooper is my protector, my buddy, and my little dude; and my best friend David is my rock, my happiness, my love.
As you read this month’s issue, I hope you find something inspiring. I hope you take time to let those in your life know how much you appreciate them. I hope you pause and enjoy the little things that make it all worthwhile. Cheers!
November 2024
PUBLISHER
Lisa Yockey | lisa.yockey@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Belinda Martin | belinda.martin@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Belinda Martin, Michelle W. Parnell, Kendra Simons
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
KBenfield Photography
LISA YOCKEY, PUBLISHER @CHATTANOOGACITYLIFESTYLE
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Rachel Otto
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsey Ragain
Proverbs 3:5-6
1: Chattanooga City Lifestyle welcomes Tree Worx Arbor Services as a new partner. 2: Fiesta Booth’s set up at Northshore Financial Strategies’ networking event celebrating American Business Women’s Day. 3: Touch the Sky Events & Promotions owner, Shannon Wright, at the annual Bacon Festival.
LISA YOCKEY
LIFE HOPE CELEBRATION OF
AUSTIN HATCHER FOUNDATION FOR PEDIATRIC CANCER
Thank You Sponsors!
The Austin Hatcher Foundation team thanks the community for their support of the 17th Annual 2024 Celebration of Life & Hope Gala! Thank you for your commitment to helping make life better for childhood cancer families.
VIP SPONSOR
Dr. Daniel & Mrs. Stephanie Doty
Brown Whitworth Reynolds Foundation
Dr. Jesse & Mrs. Cristin Doty
Steve & Cathy Snyder
BRONZE SPONSORS
The Pelvic Method Opens Second Location
Dr. Erin Westner of The Pelvic Method is thrilled to announce the opening of a second location in Ooltewah at 5631 Watkins Street. The team is thrilled to be able to offer their services at a more convenient location for East Chattanooga, Ooltewah and Cleveland clients. Those wanting to seek services can request an appointment online and select the most convenient location.
Houston Museum of Decorative Arts Joins Library Family Pass Program
The Chattanooga Public Library is excited to announce the newest addition to its Family Pass Collection: admission to the Houston Museum of Decorative Arts! “We’re fired up to include the Houston Museum in our Family Pass collection. It’s a crystal-clear opportunity for families to enjoy a truly unique experience,” said Will O’Hearn, Library Executive Director. Family Passes are available to checkout with any valid Chattanooga Public Library card.
Method Medspa Launches the Beauty Reserve
Experience the luxury of personalized care with the Method Beauty Reserve for $135 per month. Members of the Beauty Reserve will also enjoy exclusive pricing on all services and products. Clients’ membership fees will be applied to the service of their choosing. The reserve can be utilized each month or customers can choose to let it roll over to the next month for larger purchases.
Photography by Method Medspa
Photography by Houston Museum of Decorative Arts
Photography by The Pelvic Method
ARTICLE BY KENDRA SIMONS
Education Foundation The Mountain
COMMUNITY ACTION PRODUCES INCREDIBLE RESULTS FOR LOCAL NON-PROFIT
MEF Dash & Bash Community Block Party
One of the primary hurdles facing employers, local organizations, and perhaps, most unfortunately, local schools is budgetary restrictions. One local non-profit located on Signal Mountain, however, is working diligently to combat the effects of financial restraints with support from its community and supportive donors.
The Mountain Education Foundation was established in 1991 with a focus on improving public schools and enhancing educational and developmental opportunities for students in the Signal Mountain community. “I am constantly amazed by the donors who don’t have a direct connection to our schools, but who are so community-minded. That has to be my favorite part–being able to rub shoulders with people who donate money and time who have a common vision and rally behind our kids,” MEF Executive Director Hilarie Robison told us.
Reaching a milestone most non-profits only dream of achieving, the Mountain Education Foundation has achieved a lofty endowment goal and takes an interest only draw which will cover all of the operating costs for the organization, which means that every penny donated goes directly to Signal Mountain schools. Core events for MEF include the annual MEF Golf Tournament, Celebration for Education Fundraiser, and Dash & Bash Community Block Party & Fun Run.
When asked what lies on the horizon for MEF, with heartfelt enthusiasm, Hilarie replied, “We held community listening sessions, strategy sessions, and broadened our focus and asked, ‘What do our youth need?’ Reaching this exciting milestone has opened up so many more ways that we can assist by providing resources that focus on the whole child, not just in the school.” This mission is clearly supported by a community who prioritizes intentional action over lip service. Because of this, we have no doubt that MEF’s trajectory for success is exponential under Hilarie’s leadership.
This feature is provided courtesy of the team at Method Medspa. To learn more or to get involved with The Mountain Education Foundation, please visit: www.meftoday.org
MEF Executive Director Hilarie Robison
MEF Dash & Bash Fun Run
MEF Celebration for Education Fundraiser
ARTICLE BY MIRILENA LEE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY KBENFIELD PHOTOGRAPHY
Alchemy BODY
SIX TIPS TO HELP YOU CRUISE THROUGH THE HOLIDAYS FROM MIRILENA LEE
Hey there, holiday warriors! The festive season is a blast, but it can also be a bit of a roller coaster for our emotional health. So, here are six tips to help you cruise through the holidays feeling like a zen master.
Make self-care non-negotiable. Whether it’s eating well, a walk in the park, making sure you get enough sleep, or making time to connect with your best friend, carve out time for activities that recharge you.
1. Set Boundaries Like a Pro: Ever felt like your social battery’s running low? It’s okay to say no! Your time and energy are precious, so don’t stretch yourself too thin. Politely decline that extra party invite if you need some me-time. Remember, “No.” is a complete sentence!
2. Embrace the Art of Massage: Treat yourself to a massage, even if it’s a DIY one. Seriously, grab some lotion, put on your favorite tunes, and give your muscles some love. Receiving therapeutic touch in a massage releases all those feel good hormones, oxytocin, serotonin and dopamine. Can you say instant mood lift?
3. Self-Care is Not Selfish: Make self-care non-negotiable. Whether it’s eating well, a walk in the park, making sure you get enough sleep, or making time to connect with your best friend, carve out time for activities that recharge you. Think of it as refueling your car–you can’t go far on an empty tank!
4. Boost Your Immune System: Holiday cookies are great, but don’t forget to nourish your body with some healthy stuff, too. Load up on fruits & veggies (fiber is your friend) and plenty of water. And hey, a little vitamin D from the winter sun won’t hurt either. Your immune system will thank you!
5. Regulate Your Nervous System: Stress can be sneaky during the holidays. Deep breathing exercises, meditation, or even a few minutes of stretching can help keep your nervous system in check. Ever tried Fascia Stretch Therapy? It’s like hitting the reset button not only for your body, but for your mind too.
6. Connect Genuinely: Surround yourself with people who lift you up. Quality over quantity, folks! Deep, meaningful conversations can do wonders for your emotional health. Plus, laughter is contagious–spread it around!
So, there you have it! Be kind to yourself, set those boundaries, and remember to breathe. Happy holidays and may your season be merry and bright!
To learn more about Body Alchemy, visit: BodyAlchemyChattanooga.com and to learn more about Body Alchemy’s specialties (fascia stretch therapy, massage therapy and energy therapy, and breathwork), be sure to follow Body Alchemy on Instagram: @TheAcceptanceAlchemist
WAYS to GIVE
Local Non-Profits You Can Support this Holiday Season
ARTICLE BY BELINDA MARTIN
1. LA PAZ CHATTANOOGA
Empowering and engaging Chattanooga’s Latino population through advocacy, education, and inclusion. lapazchattanooga.com
2. THE AIM CENTER
A safe place where adults living with Serious Mental Illness (SMI) are able to transform, heal, connect, and focus on wellness. aimcenterinc.org
3. THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF GREATER CHATTANOOGA
Transforming generosity into lasting change toward a prosperous and just Chattanooga where all can thrive and achieve their full potential. cfgc.org
4. ARTSBUILD
Seeking to strengthen Chattanooga’s community through the arts. artsbuild.com
5. AUSTIN HATCHER FOUNDATION
Providing educational, social, emotional, mental, and behavioral health services to families during and after a childhood cancer diagnosis. hatcherfoundation.org
y o n o n o n p l v i c h a l t h s e s s i o n s i n a h o m e - l i k e s e t t i n g W e t r e a t s s s i o n s i n a h o m e - l i k e s e t t i n g W t r t m e n a n d w o m e n e x p e r i e n c i n g p e l v i c p a i n , m e n a n d w o m e n e x p e r i e n c i n g p e l v i c p a i n , b o w e l , b l a d d e r , p a i n f u l p e r i o d s , b o w e l , b l a d d e r , p a i n f u l p e r i o d s , s e x u a l h e a l t h a n d s o m u c h m o r e s e x u a e a l t h a n s o m u c h m o r e W e o f f e r t r e a t m e n t s f o r p o s t r e c o n s t r u c t i v e W e o f f e r t r e t e n t s f o r
BLLUUM
ARTICLE BY MICHELLE W. PARNELL
Make gift giving easy with unique and custom-tailored gifts from Blluum. Through concierge shopping, Blluum creates gifts, gift baskets, welcome bags, and floral arrangements for personal and corporate use with a priority on showcasing items sourced from local artisans and producers.
“As a gift boutique, we offer a wide range of gift options for all ages that includes florals, gourmet foods, self-care items, and more,” shared owner Christine Waldrop. “We love engaging with our customers and provide a very hands-on customer experience, which is why we do not offer on-line shopping. We want you to tell us your request and we will make it happen. If you need ideas, we’re happy to walk you through what we have in the store and what we can source off-site.”
Common gift themes include self-care, appreciation, get well, thinking of you, and locally made, which incorporates items made in Tennessee, many of which come from the Chattanooga area.
Stop in for Blluum’s Holiday Open House on November 7 from 5:00PM-8:00PM at 5243 Little Debbie Parkway, Suite 109 in Ooltewah.
For more information, visit www.blluum.com, call 423541-6767, or follow Blluum on Instagram and Facebook.
COLLAB:
ARTICLE BY BELINDA MARTIN
Finding Joy in Everyday Moments
Drew Joiner, Lee Company
I’m thankful for the countless memories I get to experience with friends and family. The people in my life make this journey a fun ride!
I am thankful for the community we have that surrounded us and supported us and helped us survive the pandemic. I am thankful for the community of family and friends that are there with us through thick and thin.
I appreciate you, our readers, as well as all of our partners who make this publication possible.
I am very thankful for the business and referrals of my clients. I am also grateful for my agents who come from all backgrounds. I also appreciate my husband and son who back me in all that I do.
I live with gratitude in heart for the opportunity to wake up every day with an abundance of love, good health, and for my husband and sons who teach me unconditional love every day of my life.
Misty Bolt, Medicare Misty
Rocio Kemp, Keller Williams Realty
Catharine Daniels, Plum Nelly
Lisa Yockey, Chattanooga City Lifestyle
LIVE 2540
A FAITH-BASED NONPROFIT HELPING END FOOD INSECURITY IN UNDERDEVELOPED COUNTRIES
ARTICLE BY BELINDA MARTIN
As God call us, He will provide.
What I love most about the holiday season is that it presents many opportunities for reflection and gratitude. The devastation that many parts of our nation have experienced the last few months has caused me to consider my deep gratitude for the people around me who see a need and, without hesitation, are moved to action. As I watch relief efforts take root around me, I cannot help but think about the response of two individuals who have facilitated a movement that is a testament to how the Lord is able to bear an abundance of fruit in our lives if we are willing to listen to His call on our lives.
For Daryl and Chrissy Roberts, founders of LIVE2540, the extreme malnutrition and food insecurity of 67 children living
in an orphanage in Liberia led to a movement that has provided millions of meals for impoverished communities. While on a short-term mission trip, Daryl found the children in the orphanage where he was serving hungry and sick, sleeping on wooden pallets exposed to the elements, and suffering from malaria and intestinal parasites. It was on this trip that Daryl knew God had called him to these children and immediately began fundraising to provide food, medical supplies and clothing for the children. Before leaving Liberia, Daryl called his wife, Chrissy, back in Cartersville, GA and she immediately began raising support. Eventually, largescale fundraising to build new housing and school on site would begin. This trip would
We are committed to the restoration of hope and health for the abused and abandoned, the hungry and the sick.
be the first of over thirty trips Daryl has taken to Liberia since on this beautiful, unexpected journey.
Since 2008, LIVE2540 (formerly known as Orphan Aid Liberia) has had boots on the ground in the undeveloped country of Liberia, one of the poorest countries in the world. Today, the team continues to press forward, providing emergency relief in four other countries. With an understanding that global poverty is a massive undertaking, Daryl and Chrissy believe that as God calls them, He will also provide. Since its founding, LIVE2540 has expanded to provide food, medication, education and discipleship to children in five different countries worldwide.
LIVE2540 makes it a priority to hire local, college-educated teachers to staff the school; use local teams of construction workers for all building projects; and source all food, school supplies, and construction materials from local businesses. Currently employing over 200 Liberians in different capacities, the Roberts noted, “We do everything possible to employ, train and support local individuals and businesses.”
The impact of LIVE2540 over the last sixteen years has been nothing short of miraculous. Initially, the primary goals were to provide food, shelter, education and medical care as needed for the original group of children. Now, however, the organization projects that through all initiatives care will have been provided for over 40,000 children. The school serves 296 students from the original orphanage as well as surrounding villages, providing the best education available in the area. 36 children now attend school
at the university level studying nursing, education, agriculture and theology. The basic needs of the children (food, shelter & education) continue to be met and malnutrition programs have been implemented. However, over the years, it has been determined that healthcare is desperately needed. In 2024, a 60-bed hospital was built and staffed, expected to provide free healthcare for 30,000 children annually through outpatient malnutrition initiatives, inpatient/critical care, mobile medical programs, and surgical/specialized care efforts.
When asked about the success stories that resonated most with them, Daryl and Chrissy told us, “Prince Dweh is one of the original 67 children we began to care for in 2008. We sent Prince to high school and college and brought him back after college as a teacher at our school. He is now an exceptional principal. Currently, we also have 36 students studying at the university level. They are studying nursing, education, agriculture and theology. We believe educating this generation is key to helping them bring about lasting change in Liberia. On a larger scale, the school has provided an excellent education to all the children and the hospital will provide lifesaving care to thousands.”
With a total food distribution of over 10 million meals and 1 million packets of Plumpy’Nut (a peanut-based paste for treatment of severe acute malnutrition), LIVE 2540’s primary source of funding is through private donations. The team is diligent in exposing donors to the work and giving them an understanding of the impact of their investments. The Roberts noted, “We have developed trusting
relationships with our investors, many of whom have been by our side since the very beginning.”
Daryl loves to see people, adults and children, "get it", as he has seen the impact over and over again. When people come alongside the work of LIVE2540, suffering is alleviated, hope is restored, and God is glorified. Daryl and Chrissy told us, “We are committed to the restoration of hope and health for the abused and abandoned, the hungry and the sick. To create a climate where the Holy Spirit abides, compassion flows freely and in turn, the Glory of God is revealed.”
To learn more about LIVE2540, visit their brick-and-mortar store in downtown Cartersville, GA where you will find a selection of fair trade products from around the world. LIVE2540 also accepts donations by mail or on their website www.bestshirtonearth where the proceeds from all sales directly benefit the organization’s work.
ABOUT US
In Liberia, the healthcare system faces significant challenges. Yet, amidst these challenges, we see an opportunity for change. Our mission is fueled by hope and determination. Together, we’re working to transform this reality and create a brighter, healthier future for children in Liberia.
OUR MISSION
We are a Christian nonprofit organization providing free, quality, and compassionate healthcare options to children in West Africa, where the need is greatest.
OUR APPROACH
We locate children in Liberia with the greatest healthcare needs, ranging from acute malnutrition to malaria. We partner with doctors, nurses, and other mission partners to provide the resources needed to serve each child. We help restore physical health, while renewing hope, demonstrating the love of Jesus through compassionate healthcare.
NOVEMBER 7TH
“Sugar
Plum Fairy Evening” at Blluum
Blluum | 5:00 PM
Join us for a “Sugar Plum Fairy Evening” to celebrate the season in style! Enjoy festive bites, sparkling drinks, and holiday cheer as we toast to a magical evening of joy and togetherness. Don’t miss this enchanting night! Follow Blluum on Instagram for more information: @blluumfed.
NOVEMBER 14TH
Method Medspa's Christmas Preview Event
Method Medspa | 9:00 AM
Join us for a Christmas Preview Event at Method Medspa! Enjoy exclusive discounts on Dysport injectables, get a preview of our Black Friday Specials, and make a wishlist to be shared with your partner, Sip, snack, and get pampered as we kick off the festive season in style. Our ZO Skin Health representative will also join us to offer skin care consults to help clients get holiday ready. We can’t wait to celebrate with you!
NOVEMBER 15TH
Plum Nelly's Holiday Open House
Plum Nelly | 10:00 AM
Join us for our festive Holiday Open House at Plum Nelly! Enjoy seasonal treats, exclusive discounts, and a first look at our new gift collections. Mingle, shop, and celebrate with us. See you there!
