Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center has launched its 2025 Summer Campaign, “Laying the Groundwork for the Future,” with a goal of raising $100,000 by Aug. 31. A group of supporters has pledged to match every dollar, unlocking a total of $200,000 for critical infrastructure improvements.
The campaign responds to feedback from members and visitors, who logged more than 100,000 visits over the past year. Many emphasized the need for more accessible and inclusive facilities.
Key priorities include building an ADA-compliant restroom with after-hours access; upgrading the Welcome Center’s accessibility and completing exterior repairs; improving the boardwalk and canoe launch at Lookout Creek; refreshing the “Snake Tale Alley” exhibit to allow for self-guided visits; and cleaning up the native plant nursery and gardens.
Donations of all sizes will be matched through Aug. 31.
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Siskin launches geriatric PT residency program
Siskin Hospital for Physical Rehabilitation, in partnership with the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga’s doctor of physical therapy program, has launched a new physical therapy residency focused on geriatric care. With only one other geriatric physical therapy residency in Tennessee and fewer than 30 nationwide, the program addresses a growing need for therapists trained to serve older adults.
The first resident will begin the yearlong program in August 2025 and, upon completion, be eligible to sit for board certification as a geriatric clinical specialist.
“Not only will this program increase access to specialized care for patients living with a geriatric condition, it will also improve the quality of care we provide here at Siskin Hospital,” says Matt Annessi, director of Siskin Hospital’s residency programs.
The initiative aims to train clinicians to deliver specialized care and advocate for geriatric patients in the greater Chattanooga area, where seniors make up over 18% of Hamilton County’s population – a figure projected to rise to 21% within the decade.
In addition to the new program, Siskin Hospital offers a Neurologic Physical Therapy Residency, one of only two in Tennessee, which boasts a 100% graduation and board certification pass rate as of July 2025.
Siskin Hospital is the only freestanding, nonprofit physical rehabilitation hospital in Tennessee, providing specialized inpatient and outpatient care for brain injury, stroke, amputation, spinal cord injury and more.
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Gate Eleven expands reach in Tennessee
Gate Eleven Distillery has announced expanded distribution across all of Tennessee. This milestone marks a major step forward for founders Bill and Wanda Lee as they work to grow Gate Eleven’s presence across the Southeast.
The expansion follows Gate Eleven Gin’s recent Platinum Medal win at the 2025 SIP Awards, where it was one of only three gins in the U.S. and eight worldwide to receive the competition’s highest honor. The distillery’s spirits have also earned Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and Gold at the UK Gin Masters, bringing international recognition to the Chattanooga-based brand.
With new distribution partnerships and sales staff, Gate Eleven’s full lineup – including gin, vodka, rum, agave spirits, absinthe and whiskey – is now available at more liquor stores, bars and restaurants statewide.
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Zoo seeks public input on 10-year growth plan
The Chattanooga Zoo is developing a 10-year master plan to guide future growth – and it’s inviting the public to help shape what’s next. Residents may complete a short online survey to share their opinions on potential new zoo sections (such as an Australia exhibit, an aviary or a nocturnal animal house) and weigh in on new species they’d like to see (including black bears, hyenas or kangaroos).
In addition to selecting species and themes, the survey seeks ideas on special experiences, amenities and facilities. Everyone who completes the survey will be entered into a drawing to win a free annual zoo membership.
The survey is available at chattzoo.org, on the zoo’s Facebook and Instagram pages, or via a direct survey link. The zoo is also gathering feedback through a post-visit survey and in-person interactions with guests.
Surveys will close at 5 p.m. July 25, and the zoo will notify membership winners by email. Zoo leaders will work with local architectural firm Tinker Ma to incorporate the feedback and finalize the master plan. Once complete, Chattanooga Zoo will announce its vision for the next decade.
Hamilton County students show gains
Students across Hamilton County Schools (HCS) continue to make academic progress, according to the latest Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP) results. Scores from the 2024–2025 school year show increased student proficiency in all four tested subjects: English Language Arts (ELA), math, science and social studies.
The district saw improvements for the second consecutive year, with overall proficiency gains of 0.4% in ELA, 1% in math, 0.7% in science and 2.8% in social studies.
High school students, particularly freshmen, made notable progress in math and English, supported by the Freshman Success Academies, which focus on building relationships, improving attendance and strengthening academic readiness. Fourth and sixth grade students also saw steady gains across subjects, reflecting the impact of the district’s new math curriculum, now in its second year. Early literacy efforts have further boosted reading and comprehension skills across grade levels.
Looking ahead, HCS will continue reviewing growth and achievement data this fall, including results from the Tennessee Value-Added Assessment System (TVAAS).
ArtsBuild announces grants to support artists
Chattanooga-based ArtsBuild has announced three new grant opportunities to support artists and nonprofit organizations across Hamilton County. Backed by local donors, the city of Chattanooga, foundations, the National Endowment for the Arts and the Tennessee Arts Commission, these programs aim to advance equity, expand access and strengthen communities through the arts.
Applications are now open for the Access & Opportunity Grant, which offers up to $5,000 for projects that increase access to arts and culture, especially by artists from underrepresented backgrounds. Eligible applicants include emerging or established artists who are veterans or whose work engages veterans and their families.
The Artists Work Grant, also offering up to $5,000, provides project funding to individual artists or groups to create artworks culminating in a public exhibit or performance within Hamilton County. The goal is to animate public spaces, strengthen the local creative economy, and engage underserved populations through free and accessible artistic experiences.
The Community Cultural Connections (CCC) Grant offers up to $2,000 to nonprofit organizations for projects that bring new and diverse arts experiences to underserved communities across the county.
Applications for all three grants are now open.
Information: 423 777-4214