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Lookout Mountain
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Check back often for up-to-date news, events and article previews between issues of the monthly Lookout Mountain Mirror.

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Aquarium Hosts International Photo Exhibit

9/17/2018

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Picture“Rhapsody in Pink” by Donna Bourdon (Finalist 2018)
BigPicture Opens at the Tennessee Aquarium October 1
 
Photography is sometimes referred to as a "hobby of a lifetime," and in the case of Donna Bourdon, that bit of popular wisdom has certainly borne out. The Chattanooga-based photographer’s love of capturing images began when she was 9 years old.

"My parents gave me my first 'Brownie' camera, and I never looked back," Bourdon says, adding that she upgraded to her father’s hand-me-down Minolta SR-7 as a teenager.

Inspired by watching episodes of "Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom," her love of photography and wildlife naturally intertwined. Soon, she invested in better equipment and sought opportunities to capture spectacular animal imagery in some of the wildest places on Earth — a quest aided, in part by her participation in trips organized and led by the Tennessee Aquarium.

“Those made the dreams of Africa come to life,” Bourdon says. “I took my first Aquarium-sponsored trip there in 1998. Since then, I’ve been on eight African photo-safaris, five of those with the Tennessee Aquarium.”

Bourdon has warmed hearts with photos of snow monkeys, coastal brown bears, puffins and red-crowned cranes. Her shots also have garnered international acclaim. One, an image of a crocodile taking a young Cape Buffalo, was used in an African segment of the Nat Geo Wild program "Caught in the Act."


One of her images, "Rhapsody in Pink," was selected as a finalist to be included in "BigPicture," an annual photography exhibit at the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco.
 
Since launching in 2014, "BigPicture" highlights the works of the world’s best nature and conservation photographers. This annual competition focuses a lens on the wonders of the natural world and critical environmental issues facing our planet. More than 6,000 entries poured in from around the world for the 2018 BigPicture Natural World Photography Competition, which includes a shot Bourdon captured while in St. Augustine, Fla.
 
“This beautiful roseate spoonbill is flying into the nest with its wings in what is referred to as the ‘orchestra position,’” Bourdon says. “I love capturing beautiful images of nature that inspire others to fall in love with the natural world. Hopefully, my works inspire others to promote conservation and protection of these precious animals and vital resources.”
 
Beginning October 1, the "BigPicture" exhibition will be on display at the Tennessee Aquarium, sponsored locally by Erlanger Health Systems and "GET OUT" Chattanooga. This will be the only location outside of San Francisco to host this phenomenal photo collection.
 
“This collection of amazing images is a perfect fit with the Aquarium’s mission to connect people with nature and empower them to make informed decisions about water and wildlife,” says Cindy Todd, the aquarium’s vice president and chief marketing and communications officer. “This exhibit will inspire more people to get outdoors, observe nature more closely, and appreciate all of the amazing ways that wildlife can thrive.”
 
In the introduction to “Wonders,” a companion book about "BigPicture," famed oceanographer, explorer and conservationist Dr. Sylvia Earle describes how technology enables more individuals to focus on conservation issues.
 
“The photographs in this extraordinary collection do more than capture moments in time…they tell stories, arouse sympathy, provoke joy, and make you gasp with wonder. Images such as these are precisely what is needed to inspire new generations of people to know and care about wild places and wildlife, and to take action while there is still time.”
 
As a complement to the international exhibition, local photographers can submit their best nature, wildlife and conservation shots to the Chattanooga Times Free Press, “What On Earth Have You Photographed?” contest through Sept. 21 at www.timesfreepress.com/bigpicture/#/gallery. The top three images will also be displayed at the Aquarium beginning October 1.
 
The BigPicture Natural World of Photography exhibit is free with aquarium admission.

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Covenant Theatre Presents "Protest and Other Writings"

9/17/2018

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PictureSee "Protest and Other Writings" on September 28 and 29 and October 5 and 6 at Covenant College.
This September, the Covenant College Theatre Department presents political dissident and playwright, Vaclav Havel's "Protest," revealing what it means to act with integrity versus hypocrisy. In "Protest," the price of avoiding hypocrisy becomes apparent to two old friends who seek each other's aid in political matters. Vanek is a dissident whom people admire from afar, and Stanek, a fairly successful writer who has lost his former idealism as he works to avoid running afoul of the totalitarian government. Stanek invites his old colleague to the house, seeking help to release his daughter's fiancee, a musician, from prison. Vanek offers Stanek an opportunity to sign the protest on behalf of the musician, yet his old friend is fearful to do so.  

Mark Makkar Gabriel, an alumnus of Covenant College, plays Vanek; Gabriel grew up in Syria, but left when his parents feared their son being drafted into the war that raged there. He said the character interactions in "Protest" reminds him "of a Muslim who wants to convert to Christianity, but is too scared."



Camille Hallstrom, director of "Protest" states, "We really should put Havel in the same category as Martin Luther King or Gandhi ... This man was able to start a revolution without any bloodshed." Although the government denied Havel much education, he quickly rose to the top as a residential playwright in Prague during the Communist regime in Czechoslovakia. Believing in liberal reforms, Havel joined a human rights movement called Charter 77, essentially sacrificing his playwriting career, as the government, displeased with Havel’s participation, made his plays illegal. This playwright then spent four years in prison after he stood up for human rights. In 1989, as the nation began more open anti-government protest, Havel, founded the Civic Forum, a political movement which waged the Velvet Revolution, overthrowing the Communist government, bloodlessly, in a mere 10 days. One month later, Havel was elected president of Czechoslovakia, but stepped down from office as the country's union disbanded. When the Czech Republic was formed however, he was elected president again even though he did not wish for power.


Alumni Jonathan Austin (Stanek) and Mark Gabriel (Vanek) are the leads in "Protest," with Mary Brook Diamond, Emily Cothran and Cara Smole appearing as the Chorus.

Protest, along with other of Havel’s political writings, will be performed in Sanderson Hall Auditorium at Covenant College, 14049 Scenic Highway, Lookout Mountain, Ga., September 28 and 29 at 8 p.m., October 5 at 6:30 p.m..  and on October 6 at 2:30 p.m. Following the matinee performance on the October 6, a discussion panel will be held including several faculty members, Bill Davis and John Wingard of philosophy, Bill Tate of English, Richard Follett of history, and the director Camille Hallstrom. 

Tickets can be purchased at the door, while seating is available. Tickets are $10 for adults, and $7 for seniors, students and employees. To reserve tickets, visit covenant.edu/theatre or contact the box office by email at boxoffice@covenant.edu or by calling (706) 419-1051.

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"Shrek the Musical" Opens July 6

7/2/2018

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PictureSMPH's summer production is "Shrek the Musical."
The Signal Mountain Playhouse is excited to present “Shrek the Musical” this month. There will be eight performances of this show about the beloved green ogre and his quest to free his home from pesky storybook characters that have taken up residency. The show will run at 8 p.m. on July 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 27 and 28.

Directing for the Playhouse is Joel D. Scribner in a debut turn. Joel’s theatrical resume includes directing, producing, acting, and playwriting for over 30 years. He has directed many top shows for the Fort Wayne Civic Theater and other venues. Playing major roles nationally, including Tevye at the CTC’s recent “Fiddler on the Roof,” where he won his third “Miss Annie” award, Joel is the founder and artistic director of Yellow Dragon Theater locally, a company with a full schedule on its lineup. Dr. Jennifer Arbogast Wilson will choreograph the musical, and she will hit the trifecta with the local troupe this summer as she has starred as Anna in “The King and I”; directed two shows, “Peter Pan,” and “Willy Wonka”; and now is choreographing “Shrek!” She is a professor in the music department and professional actor training program at Chattanooga State. Returning as musical director, Michael Huseman brings his years of experience as a Grammy winning composer and lyricist. On the conductor’s stand for his second summer, Nick Hartline, also of the Chattanooga State faculty, has assembled top local musicians for the Playhouse Orchestra.

The cast of “Shrek the Musical” is also stellar, with Greg Glover as Shrek. A familiar face, he starred as Willy Wonka in last summer’s hit production. Paul Corcoran will play the young Shrek. Fiona will be played by Finlay Burnette as young Fiona, Molly Baggett as teen Fiona, and Kara Funke as the adult Fiona, a character who harbors a secret. Donkey will be played by Austin Massey, and the villain Lord Farquad will be played by Richard Nicols. Gingy will be Lorien Maddux, with Pinocchio played by Maddy Meier. Papa Ogre will be Mark Oglesby, and Samantha Teeter plays Mama Ogre/Wicked Witch. King Harold will be Dennis Parker, Queen Lillian will be Jennifer Baggett and Dragon will be Rebecca Gilmore. In addition to these, there are a host of supporting players, familiar faces you’ll recognize.

Tickets ($5 for children 12 and under and $15 for those 13 and above – cash or checks only, please) are available at the door on the evenings of performances with the box office opening at 6 p.m. Traditionally, people come with their lawn chairs and wait for the box office to open. Then they buy their tickets and place their chairs. Some folks bring picnics, and that’s fine, but alcohol is not allowed. The Playhouse amphitheater is located on the corner of Rolling Way and James Boulevard, and parking is around the Town Hall Complex. Concessions and porta potties are available on the grounds.

“Shrek the Musical” was originally produced on Broadway by DreamWorks Theatricals and Neal Street Productions and directed by Jason Moore and Rob Ashford.

For more information about “Shrek the Musical,” go to smph.org, find the Signal Mountain Playhouse page on Facebook, email signalmountainplayhouse@gmail.com, or call (423) 763-7219.
by Anne Rittenberry


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FES Hosting Community Art Show

1/31/2018

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PictureSome of the art at last year's Fairyland School Community Art Show. This year's show is on February 13.
The annual Fairyland Elementary School Art Show takes place on February 13, from 3-8 p.m. at the Lookout Mountain Methodist Church. Anyone in the community is welcome to submit two pieces of work per person. It can be something they created years ago or even as recently as last week. The age of the piece doesn’t matter. 

The art show committee loves for entire families to get involved and encourages each family member to enter a piece. Submissions can be any medium, including pottery, written poetry, quilting, paintings, sculpture and virtually anything under the sun! Awards will be presented in each category, and all artists are eligible for these honors, not only FES students. Awards and cash prizes will be presented on the evening of the show.

This year, FES is very excited about the artist in residence, Craig Steele. He creates his work using fire spinning. He is going to actually spin fire outside the church on the evening of the art show. He is very talented, and you can find him on Facebook.

Lookout Mountain residents can drop off their artwork at the school Tuesday, February 6, through Friday, February 9 in the Parent Room at Fairyland Elementary between 7:30 and 8 a.m. or 2:30-3 p.m. If those times are inconvenient, contact DeAnna Willingham at (423) 593-7505 to make arrangements. Your submissions should have the artist’s name, medium and title labeled somewhere on the piece.

Hope to see both you and your creations at the FES Art Show!

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LMPC Hosting Floral Design Workshop

1/31/2018

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PictureSybil Sylvester is leading a floral design workshop on February 7 at LMPC.
If you are the least bit interested in arranging flowers, you’ve probably heard of Sybil Sylvester. The owner of Wildflower Designs in Birmingham, Ala., she has graced the pages of countless magazines, including Southern Living Weddings, Southern Accents and Brides. She’s a contributing editor to Flower magazine and offers flower schools in Birmingham at her shop. Her clients include the famed Highlands Bar & Grill in Birmingham, as well as the Alabama Symphony Orchestra and the Birmingham Museum of Art, among numerous others.

The author of “Fresh,” Sybil is coming to the Jane Harris Youth Building at the Lookout Mountain Presbyterian Church on Wednesday, February 7, at 9:30 a.m. The Garden Club of Lookout Mountain invites you to hear this talented dynamo speak about her work, and her lecture is bound to be as educational as it is delightful. Sybil will also conduct a flower arranging workshop after the lecture, and all you need to bring to the workshop is a pair of clippers; fresh flowers, supplies and a delicious lunch is included. The lecture is free, but the cost of the workshop is $125 per person.

“Southern floral artist Sybil Sylvester does more than arrange flowers; she uses inventive ideas and fresh plants to illuminate her surroundings. Many of her plants come straight from her own garden, revealing a natural sense of connection that is evident throughout the pages of “Fresh.” This stunning book presents Sybil’s most effervescent and distinctive floral designs, organized by season, plus some of her celebrated arrangements from a variety of special occasions. Excitingly, “Fresh” also includes a beautifully photographed how-to section in which Sybil empowers readers to create their own magic from the natural world with instructions for a number of delightful designs, plus her own special brand of inspiration and helpful advice. Full of whimsy, joy, and elegance, “Fresh” is a magnificent paean to floral beauty,” touts her book description on Amazon. No worries if you don’t have a copy and want one – she’ll be signing books at the lecture.

Space in the floral workshop that is offered after the lecture is limited, so please contact Lee Easterly at (423) 280-9161 to reserve your spot.

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Pop-Up Shop to Raise Funds for New School

12/4/2017

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PictureHeather Devaney, Betsy Rice, Merrile Stroud and Michelle Viscomi will be vendors at the December 9 Pop-Up Shop.
by Greyson Brown
​In late October, as the yellow jackets were finally dissipating because of cooler temperatures, Betsy Rice got a bee in her bonnet.

“I have met so many people lately who are pursuing passions, creating their dreams, stepping out of their comfort zones, and at the same time walking life with great purpose, stretching, and growing new muscles,” Betsy said. “Hearing their stories moved me to want more and to connect more.”

After doing some research, Betsy connected with “Beacon People,” a group of women in Birmingham, Ala., who joined forces to provide avenues for people to gather together with their talents and to support a philanthropy that is important to them, simultaneously. Twice a year, “Beacon People” coordinates Pop-Up Marketplaces through ambassadors like Betsy  in order to showcase local goods and to raise funds for a purpose.

Joining forces with Betsy are her committee members Michelle Viscomi, Heather Devaney and Merrile Stroud, and together they are coordinating a “Beacon People Pop-Up” shopping experience on Saturday, December 9, in the Lookout Mountain School Skating Rink from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. This will be a great opportunity for the community to do some Christmas shopping close to home.

The majority of the registration fees from vendors will be donated in support of Chattanooga Preparatory School, an all-boys charter school in Chattanooga’s Highland Park area, which will welcome 60 sixth grade boys into its classrooms in the fall of 2018. Chattanooga Prep is the culmination of an initiative led by Ted and Kelly Alling with hopes of providing an excellent educational opportunity for youth in Chattanooga.

“We are providing a pop-up marketplace on Lookout as an effort to celebrate and connect community, and to show support for Chattanooga Prep, the boys and their bright futures,” Betsy adds with excitement. “It’s a win-win situation for everyone involved, and we hope that our community will come shop as we support better educational choices in Chattanooga.” Other Beacon People events are happening in Montgomery, Ala., Tupelo, Miss., Nashville and Chicago, and these efforts have even reached Italy.

Some of the vendors participating include: Carrie Kleban, Hayley Brook USA lounge pants and shorts; Romana and Marco Biscarini, Vibrant Meals; Jan Best, Jan’s Custom Candles; Meg Jacobs,Vivienne Walker clothing; Ali Vannoy, photography; Rachell Rice, Three Button Hand Me Down repurposed clothing; Emily Rice, art; Susanne Jones, Holland & Birch jewelry; Michelle Fountain, artist; Merrile Stroud, art/ornaments; Kathy Graham, boxwood wreaths/Christmas gifts; Adelaide Naumann, Divine Goods gift baskets; Michelle Viscomi, Treasured Toffee; Betsy Rice, encaustic art; Lauren J. Brown, “Behind The Pines” book signing; and Greyson Brown, The Pillow Bar, luxurious embroidered bedding, pillows and sleepwear.        

For more information on the market, email betsyrice27@gmail.com. To learn more about Chattanooga Preparatory School, go to chattanoogaprep.com or search for the school on Facebook and Instagram.

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See "Man of La Mancha" at Covenant

11/7/2017

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PictureCovenant College is presenting "Man of La Mancha" November 9-11, 17 & 18.
From November 9-18, Covenant College will be presenting "Man of La Mancha," the beloved musical that includes the well-known song "The Impossible Dream." This is the first musical presented by the college in several years. "It was time to start doing musicals again, if for no other reason than to give some incredibly talented students a chance to do a musical before they graduate," said director Claire Slavovsky.

A loose adaptation of the well-known Spanish novel "Don Quixote" by Cervantes, the musical employs a play within a play where the prisoner Cervantes must defend himself from his fellow inmates while awaiting the Spanish Inquisition. His defense takes the form of a theatrical presentation of the story of Alonso Quijana who has gone mad, "laying down the melancholy burden of sanity…"

He transforms himself into Don Quixote, knight errant, and goes on misadventures with his trusty servant Sancho Panza. However misbegotten his plans are, Don Quixote in his well meant delusions seems to engage the hearts and fancies of those around him, including the beaten down Aldonza, whom he mistakenly adores as the lady, Dulcinea. Through Cervantes' obstinate desire to see beauty and wonder in the mundane and rotten, Don Quixote raises the question of whether it is madness to "seek treasure where there is only trash" and if "too much sanity may be madness."


"Man of La Mancha," written by Dale Wasserman, music by Mitch Leigh, lyrics by Joe Darion, original production staged by Albert Marre, originally produced by Albert W. Selden and Hal James, plays in Covenant College's Sanderson Auditorium November 9-11 and 17 at 8 p.m., as well as on November 18 at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for seniors, students and staff. To reserve tickets or for more information, call the box office at (706) 419-1051 or email boxoffice@covenant.edu. Please note this show does contain brief depictions of violence against women and may not be suitable for all audiences.


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