Stargazers in Chattanooga can now explore the cosmos from their own backyards thanks to a new telescope lending program at the Eastgate Library.
The Chattanooga Public Library has launched its Library Telescope Program, allowing library cardholders to check out high-powered telescopes just like books. The initiative is the result of a collaboration between CPL, the Barnard Astronomical Society (BAS), the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and the international Library Telescope Program.
The program’s roots go back to 2024, when Eastgate Library partnered with BAS and UTC to host public stargazing nights at UTC’s Clarence T. Jones Observatory. Strong community interest in those events sparked the idea to make astronomy more accessible year-round.
The telescopes were selected through the Library Telescope Program, an initiative originally launched by the New Hampshire Astronomical Society in 2008. Designed to be durable and user-friendly, the telescopes come with instructional materials to help both novice and experienced astronomers explore the stars.
Community members can find more information or check out a telescope by visiting the Eastgate Library during business hours or by heading to chattlibrary.org/library-telescopes.
Ground is broken at One Westside
Community leaders, residents and project partners recently broke ground on One Westside, a transformative $89.1 million development set to reshape Chattanooga’s Westside neighborhood. The event marked not only the start of construction but the realization of a long-held community vision.
“This project represents a shared dream,” says Betsy McCright, executive director of the Chattanooga Housing Authority. “It’s been shaped by Westside residents to ensure the new community honors the area’s history and meets local needs.”
The One Westside initiative was officially launched March 13, 2020, but its roots stretch back decades. Cassandra Robinson, a longtime resident, spoke emotionally about the project’s significance. “This is a moment of rejoicing,” she says, reflecting on the struggles her community has endured.
The groundbreaking initiated the first phase of a seven-phase, $1 billion master plan, which will bring 1,126 mixed-income homes to the Westside by 2032. The initial phase includes 230 homes on 5.5 acres, with 92 homes reserved for current residents of College Hill Courts. The development is supported by a Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), aimed at revitalizing neighborhoods with investments in housing, education and economic development.
Mayor Tim Kelly, a Westside native, described the moment as “a dream come true.” He emphasized the significance of the grant – one of only six awarded nationwide – and highlighted the project’s role in replacing outdated public housing with modern mixed-income homes.
A key factor in the project’s success is its grassroots foundation. More than 82% of local residents participated in surveys that directly influenced the development’s design. Councilwoman Raquetta Dotley said the demonstrates how much the community cares.
The One Westside initiative aligns with Chattanooga’s broader “One Chattanooga” agenda, focused on expanding equity and opportunity. It also represents a rare collaboration among public agencies, private partners and community advocates. Truist Bank is providing a $39M equity investment and a $50M loan package for Phase One.
One Westside is also seen as a generational investment. A centerpiece of the development is the James A. Henry Community Hub, which will open this fall with its first Head Start class. City officials have committed to a “build-first” strategy to ensure that no residents are displaced during the redevelopment.
For Robinson, the project’s significance is clear: “God said, ‘I’m going to bring something new.’ And here we are.”
Home caregiving business opens
A new local business dedicated to supporting families and aging loved ones held its official ribbon-cutting ceremony April 21. Touching Hearts at Home, a nonmedical caregiving agency co-owned by Eric and Mandy Masterson, marked its official welcome into the Chattanooga community with a celebration of its mission to bring comfort, companionship and care to those who wish to remain in their homes.
Founded in March, the agency is licensed in Tennessee and serves Chattanooga and surrounding counties, offering services including companionship, light housekeeping, Alzheimer’s and dementia care, meal prep, transportation and home monitoring.
“For us, this is personal,” said Eric Masterson, a Chattanooga native with 15 years of experience in health care sales. “When my grandparents passed away, we saw how much quality caregiving matters. That opened my eyes to the need, and that’s what led us to start Touching Hearts at Home.”
Eric and his wife Mandy, who also teaches at Silverdale Baptist Academy, run the business together with a focus on compassionate, reliable service and personalized caregiver-client matching.
“This is a patient-focused business,” Eric added. “We get calls from families who are overwhelmed, worried and worn-out. We’re here to bring peace of mind and be that helping hand.”
The agency is currently licensed in Tennessee and is working toward approval in Georgia. In addition to private-pay clients, Touching Hearts at Home accepts long-term care insurance and is awaiting approval to work with Veterans Affairs.
“We’re excited to be part of the Chattanooga community,” Eric said. “We’ve already had the privilege of helping families in need, and it’s been incredibly rewarding. Our goal is simple: to make a difference in people’s lives.”
Tivoli sets 2025-26 Broadway season
The spotlight is shining bright on the Scenic City as the Tivoli Theatre Foundation, in partnership with First Horizon Foundation, reveals an all-star lineup for the 2025-2026 Broadway at the Memorial Auditorium season. With six productions, 39 performances and four Chattanooga premieres, this upcoming season promises to be one for the books.
“Clue” opens Nov. 28, bringing murder, mayhem and laughs to the stage in a theatrical adaptation of the cult-favorite movie and classic board game.
Also making their Chattanooga debuts are the Tony-winning “Kinky Boots” (Jan. 16–18), the revival of “The Wiz” (April 28–May 3) and the comedy “Mrs. Doubtfire” (June 12–14), which is based on the film.
Classics round out the season, including the return of “The Sound of Music” (Feb. 10–15) and fan-favorite “Mamma Mia!” (March 17–22).
Subscription packages go on sale to renewing members starting May 5, with new packages available June 30. Patrons can choose from eight package options, including three– and six–show selections.
Information: TivoliChattanooga.com, 423 757-5580.
Erlanger, United finalize new agreement
Patients insured through UnitedHealthcare can continue to receive uninterrupted care at Erlanger hospitals and clinics thanks to a new agreement reached between the two organizations.
Erlanger Health System and UnitedHealthcare announced the successful negotiation of a new contract that ensures patients with United’s commercial insurance plans retain in-network access to Erlanger’s network of hospitals, providers and specialists.
The agreement was finalized before the previous contract expired, allowing patients to maintain continuity in their care without disruption.
Erlanger is a nonprofit health system affiliated with the University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Medicine. With seven hospitals and a wide range of specialized services - including the region’s only Level I Trauma Center and a Level IV NICU - Erlanger provides care to a four-state region across southeast Tennessee, northwest Georgia, north Alabama and western North Carolina.