On August 21, 20 Lookout Mountain and Hamilton County residents departed in the wee hours by bus for the Tennessee General Assembly Special Session in Nashville. Our group leaders, Lookout residents Margy Oehmig, Isabel McCall, Natalie Jackson and Sissy Tarumianz, conceived the trip, and Isabel handled the logistics.
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Neighbors For Gun Violence Prevention began with a chance meeting in the grocery aisle between Sue Wright and Isabel McCall after the March Nashville Covenant School massacre. We are 70 plus members, and growing. Isabel describes the group: 

“We are a nonpartisan group of neighbors who have come together to support safer gun laws for Tennessee. We participate by meeting, brainstorming solutions, sharing information, calling and writing legislators, attending legislative sessions, and voting for state senators and representatives who are committed to making Tennessee a safer place for children, and all its citizens. We are motivated by the data that states: Firearms are the leading killer of children and teens in the U.S. We are committed to meaningful action to prevent gun violence.”

The coalition includes Republicans, Democrats, and Independent voters, educators, small business owners, parents, and grandparents. Some, like me, come from a long line of hunters and gun owners. Our goals are to effect common sense firearm legislation in Tennessee to keep guns out of the hands of persons who should not possess them, and ensure education, safe handling and storage of firearms to protect our families. For most of us, it was our first visit to the Capitol, and first time addressing an issue with our legislators.

Upon arrival in Nashville, we participated in an Interfaith prayer event at the Capitol Plaza, followed by group prayers and singing linked arm to arm, encircling the Capitol building, a humbling and powerful moment of reflection and unity with folks from all walks of life. Then, we walked to the Cordell Hull Legislative Building, where our legislators have their offices and hold their committee meetings. 

Over the course of the day, we met with three Representatives: the Hon. Patsy Hazlewood, Greg Vital, and Yusuf Hakeem. Unfortunately, Sen. Gardenhire, who is chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, was unable to meet with us, but we stopped by his office, leaving letters explaining our position, and had cordial, though brief, encounters in the halls with our senator over the course of our time in Nashville. 

We also attended an informational session and roundtable at Belcourt Theater, sponsored by Voices for a Safer Tennessee. Voices is a nonpartisan gun sense organization made up of Covenant parents and grandparents, their pastor, medical professionals, business and music industry leaders, and other concerned Nashvillians who are working to create common sense laws improving the safety and security in our schools, churches, and communities statewide, including former U.S. Sen. Bill Frist MD, and his spouse, Tracy Frist. 

Now, for a few statistics:

The two big drivers of firearm suicides, gun violence, and accidental firearms injuries and deaths are access and opportunity.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports in 2021, 48,830 people were killed by a firearm in our country. Fifty-four percent of those deaths were suicides, and 43 percent were homicides. Overall suicide was the 11th leading cause of death in 2021, and more than half of suicides involved a firearm. For those age 75 and above, 94 percent of gun deaths were suicides. The CDC available data for 2022 suggests suicides are more common in the U.S. than at any time since the dawn of World War II, in 1941. Gun sales have increased, placing more firearms in more residences. 

Sadly, the great state of Tennessee is No. 1 in the nation for gun thefts in the U.S., mostly handguns stolen from vehicles. Two Tennessee cities rank highest in the country for gun thefts from vehicles: Memphis is No. 1, and Chattanooga is No. 2. Jackson and Nashville are in the top 15 nationwide. Many of you may have read about the police shooting in Chattanooga last month. The shooter, a felon, shot the CPD officer with a handgun that was stolen in Chattanooga last year.

According to The Tennessean, in 2021, 926 gun-related deaths occurred in kids 17 years old and younger in Tennessee, about 20 percent higher than the national rate. Between 2017 and 2021, the childhood homicide rate in Tennessee increased by 18.9 percent. 

Overall, 76 percent of female and 56 percent of male murders were perpetrated by someone they knew (Bureau of Justice Statistics, selected findings, 2009). In the U.S., every day, about three women are killed by their partner or spouse (Sanctuary for Families, March 2023).

What are the answers? Neighbors For Gun Violence Prevention believes in common sense safety: secure gun storage, NEVER in your unattended vehicle, unless in a lock box; trigger locks to prevent access and opportunity by kids and others without permission; gun education and safety; and importantly, a temporary emergency mental health legislation so law enforcement, families, and the courts can act quickly to secure guns from those who should not be handling weapons.

After I waved goodbye to my fellow Neighbors members, I stayed on in Nashville until Thursday evening to lobby for sensible gun laws/ownership and watch firsthand the proceedings of the Special Session. About 130 proposed bills were in the offing. 

I roomed nearby with Ann Butterfield Hawkins, currently of Memphis, but formerly of Chattanooga and a GPS alumnus. Randomly, Ann and I were paired up by a mutual contact, resulting in an ad hoc reunion with several Neighbors members. Ann is a lovely person, and was a great roommate. 

Each day, as I entered and exited the Cordell Hull Complex and Capitol, I thanked the Tennessee Highway Patrol members who were called to duty for the Special Session. Their presence ensured the security and the protection of all.

Here is a recap of the four bills that were passed during the Special Session and will go to Governor Lee for his signature; all of these bills were drafted at the governor’s request.

No.nHB7012/SB7085
TN DPS Will provide firearm trigger locks free of charge to Tennessee residents upon request (DPS has a surplus purchased in the past). Requires Tennessee-department approved handgun safety course regarding safe storage. Exempts retail sales of gun safes/gun safety devices from sales tax, beginning November 1, 2023.

SB7086
Shortens deadline for county clerks from 30 days to 72 hours to notify TBI of release of a person who was involuntarily committed due to a mental health crisis. The designation of clear must provide the person’s residence of record for follow-up visit/wellness check by law enforcement. 

SB7088
Mandates TBI to create an annual update report to the General Assembly of human trafficking incidents in the state, both labor and sex trafficking by December 1 to ensure review for further action/proposals/funding mechanisms by the legislative body.

Funding/appropriations for the above three bills passed.

Some of What Did NOT Pass
Any Extreme Risk to Gun Violence Protective Order legislation to allow the temporary removal of firearms from a person by state court order from a person who they believe may present a danger to others or themselves. After a set time, the guns are returned to the person, unless another court hearing extends the period of confiscation. 

Twenty-four states have such laws on the books.

Funds/monies for increased mental health treatment and a grant program for tuition reimbursement for persons who received an advanced mental health degree, with a commitment to practice in Tennessee for five years after state reimbursement. Currently, Tennessee has a severe lack of mental health professionals to meet the needs of our communities. Another proposed bill would have expanded Tennessee Medicaid services for mental health treatment.

HB7064: Arming teachers and staff, or retired law enforcement and military with and enhanced handgun to carry in public schools, in K-12 classrooms, and school events, including field trips, athletic meets and games, and school board meetings. This proposal was defeated in the House Civil Justice Committee by bipartisan vote. 

In the future, Neighbors For Gun Violence Prevention will continue to meet regularly, featuring guest speakers/legislators at our meetings. We will brainstorm, listen, reach out to others, including urban and rural voters, and educate ourselves to act and advocate for common sense gun safety and gun violence reduction across Tennessee. We hope you will join us. As Mr. Rogers would say, “Please, won’t you be my Neighbor?”

by April Cook

The Chattanooga Ball Association is pleased to announce that Queen Sarah Jane Overley and King James (Jim) Reynolds reigned over the 88th Annual Chattanooga Ball at the Chattanooga Trade and Convention Center.

Queen Sarah Jane, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jordan Tyler Overley of Chattanooga, is a graduate of the Class of 2019 from Boyd Buchanan School. While at Boyd Buchanan, Sarah Jane was a member of the National Honor Society, National Society of High School Scholars, chorus, a varsity cheerleader, and performed in spring musical theater. She was twice chosen as an UCA All-American cheerleader. She volunteered with Girls Inc. throughout high school. Sarah Jane graduated May 2023, cum laude, from Lipscomb University with a double major in elementary education and special education plus an ELL endorsement. She received a Lipscomb academic scholarship, the Tennessee Hope Scholarship, and NCSA Head of School Grant. Sarah Jane was a member of Delta Omega Social Club as well as a peer mentor for Lipscomb’s IDEAL program, tutoring adult students with learning disabilities. This August she started the master’s program in special education in the high incidence track at Peabody College at Vanderbilt University. She was offered the U.S. Department of Education BASE Project Scholarship.

King Jim, a graduate of Notre Dame High School, grew up in Chattanooga. He graduated from the University of Tennessee with honors in 1981. After graduation, he moved to Atlanta to begin his career in the banking business before returning home to Chattanooga in 1986. Upon his return, he started his wealth management career with JC Bradford and Co, a large regional brokerage firm based in Nashville. Jim was named partner within five years while he simultaneously served as the office sales manager. In 2000, Paine Webber absorbed JC Bradford and shortly thereafter, UBS, the largest wealth management firm in the world, purchased Paine Webber. Two years later, Jim partnered with Ricky Park to form the Reynolds and Park Wealth Management Group. Together, they have created one of the largest wealth management practices in Tennessee. Throughout his entire career, Jim has earned various designations that have been held only by a select group of financial advisors. Jim married Susan Curtis in 1987, and together they have four boys. He devotes his free time to tutoring and mentoring children through the YMCA Y-CAP program and golfing on the weekends.
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Ladies of the Court were: Allison Elizabeth Brown, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Karick Martin Brown; Emrick Wheland Garrett, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Bryan Carter Garrett Sr.; Sydney Grace Morris, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Howell Morris Jr.; Mary Adella Youmans, daughter of Ms. Brittain Bussart and Mr. and Mrs. Frank Garland Youmans.

In our culture, age is often seen as the enemy. However, quite often stagnation, fear of trying new things and loneliness are equal, if not greater, adversaries. Aging is often accompanied with loss, the constant forgetting of where one put the keys, less contact with friends, and a fear that one might turn into the loathsome crotchety great aunt that people shun. Similarly, it can lead to less independence, frailty and, heavens forbid, shuffling with a cane. While many welcome retirement, they also fear boredom.

Painting as a group alleviates many unpleasant aspects of aging. People work together, get lost in their art, and troubles subside. In a welcoming, non-judgmental group, beginning and experienced painters have a chance to find their unique selves. A safe space appeals to their hopes instead of fears. Mistakes and experimentation are welcomed: They bring on laughter and encouragement instead of embarrassment.

Over 30 years ago, two Signal Mountain women, Jo Schoolfield and Martha Williams, now in their ’80s, started  MAGI (the Mountain Art Guild) as  a small painting group in a church basement. Over time, the group size grew but the initiators stayed. When their children  grew up and moved away, these artists met every Thursday despite arthritic hands, hearing aids and canes. The weekly connection has led to optimism, friendship, a known routine and familiarity. If cell phones are left by the refrigerator, everyone understands. If someone has cataract surgery, the group empathizes.

With consistency of over three decades, the group now paints at the Bachman Community Center cafeteria. Bachman ceaselessly welcomies these folks, who arrive with bag lunches and tote paints, easels and canvases. And, MAGI expresses deep appreciation to Kim Rackel  and Mary McEhlamey.

In many ways, MAGI is magic. The group’s art exhibit this fall at the Exum Gallery of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church celebrates this magic of longevity, creativity and support.  Artists who cannot make it to the gallery will have their works delivered.

What is special about this exhibit?

Alas, you will not be confronted with challenging phallic sculptures, disturbing war scenes, frames with sputnik patterns or political propaganda. Instead, you might view landscapes that remind you of summertime at the beach, beautiful watercolors that revere nature and soothing works you might want as a calming piece over a mantle or some hand built ceramics. You might see the work of someone who was once your teacher or who watched your children at preschool.

The exhibit offers time to appreciate the works of older people who are not in downtown galleries and who haven’t the energy to attend all day shows. Many of the artists are signature members of watercolor societies, and many are award winners.  It is well worth a visit to the Exum Gallery, which is free to all, has easy parking in the back and is open to all.

by Robin Howe

This November, Veterinary Care and Specialty Group (VCSG) will open its new 28,000 square-foot cancer care treatment center on South Broad Street. 

Inside will be a linear accelerator, the important machine that delivers external beam radiation therapy.

But it’s not just any linear accelerator. VCSG’s model - called Edge - is built by Varian and will be the newest model around - for both humans and pets. 

For Jesse McKay, a Signal Mountain resident and Erlanger’s chief medical physicist, this is stunning, shout-from-the-mountaintop news. 

“It provides access to care that pet owners don’t have,” he said. “Not anywhere close.”
For the rest of us non-vets, McKay uses an analogy for emphasis. 

“It’s like the VW plant announcing production of the only electric car here in Chattanooga,” he said. “It’s unique to the country. It’s surprising a town of a quarter-million would have something like this.”

VCSG’s linear accelerator offers stereotactic targeted and conformal rapid arc radiation to the tumor; the more advanced the linear accelerator, the more precise delivery of radiation. 

In plain language: The Edge linear accelerator can conform 360 degrees to any body size or shape while delivering super-precise radiation, which McKay describes as “intricacies finer than half a centimeter or quarter of a centimeter.”

This allows for precise treatment of tumors, especially those located in vulnerable positions - a spinal cord or the brain, for example. Nearby healthy tissue is left unaffected. 

This means shorter treatments.

And less anesthesia. 

“It will be the newest machine for pets and humans in Chattanooga,” he said. “The type of radiation this machine produces is exactly what I would want if I had cancer.”

When shopping for linear accelerators, VCSG reached out to McKay for advice. Most vet hospitals purchase used linear accelerators, but, as the technology advances so quickly, the devices become outdated. McKay offers another analogy.

“Kind of like cell phones. Those 10 years old are practically obsolete,” he said. 

So when VCSG decided to purchase the newest model available, McKay was giddily stunned. 
Then, VCSG made another big announcement: Dr. Jason Strasberg is coming. 

Strasberg, who will move here after completing his radiation oncology residency at N.C. State University, will lead the cancer care center. 

Strasberg is one of very few veterinary medicine doctors who have completed specialized training in radiation oncology. Currently, fewer than 40 doctors in the nation are actively pursuing training in radiation oncology, and even fewer are in private practice. 

This places him in a rare field within the world of veterinary medicine. 

And Strasberg loves it. 

“It’s a pretty unique opportunity to talk to owners who come in pretty distraught. Their pet has cancer,” he said. “But I’m able to talk to them and walk them through the prognosis and generally, this gives them a better outcome than what they were expecting. To provide that is a unique thing and brings me joy. It happens almost on a daily basis.”

VCSG, already one of the largest private hospitals in the Southeast, began construction on its new center in the fall of 2022. 

“We wanted to serve our community in ways we know are needed,” said VCSG co-owner and founder Claudia Pullen. “Pets get cancer, the same as humans. We offer the same treatment, the same hope, the same healing.”

For more information on VCSG’s new cancer care center, visit www.VCSGvets.com. 
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by David Cook
David Cook, former columnist, is a freelance writer and can be reached at [email protected]. ​