Happy Monday, Porch Pals!

This week’s issue is all about chasin’ sparks; whether it’s through a hobby, a headline, or a handmade pair of earrings. We’re shinin’ a little spotlight on Daisy, an 11-year-old entrepreneur makin’ jewelry and big plans from the heart of Chattanooga. We’ve also got a first peek at this year’s TEDxChattanooga speakers, and spoiler alert: it’s an absolute powerhouse lineup.

If you’ve been feelin’ stuck, sleepy, or screen-fried — this one’s yer gentle nudge to go do something just because you like it. Let’s find what lights us up!

Today's Issue Includes:

• This week's Front Porch Partner: 1440 Media

• Chattanooga's Upcoming Events

• Hand-Picked Community Spotlight: TEDx Chattanooga

• Stuff I saw on the internet: Steve's Podcast

• A Yap with Daisy Bruce of Daisy's Jewels

• Clementine's Corner: Hobbies Era

• Wrap Up

Front Porch Partnerships

Together with

Wanna toss $1.20 in the Chattynooga piggy bank without spendin’ a dime? Just click this ad from our buds at 1440 Media — no sign-up needed, just take a peek. Easy as that. Thanks for helpin’ us keep the porch lights on!

The Daily Newsletter for Intellectually Curious Readers

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What’s Goin’ On in the Scenic City?

Community

• Chattanooga Chill Week
  July 7-13 @ Lots of Local Coffee Joints
  Beat the heat with the best iced coffee in town! Check out $5 specials on iced and frozen coffees and even ice cream treats at more than ten locations all over Chattanooga.
  ❄️ Find your frozen fave

• Grand Reopening and One-Year Anniversary
  Saturday, 7/12 @ Little Lions Den | 9:00-11:00 AM
  Celebrate one year with Little Lions Den! Shop kidswear, grab a handmade bracelet, and get a $30 mini photo session while the kids play.
  🦁 Come Celebrate

• Q’n Brew
  Saturday, 7/12 @ Chattanooga Zoo | 6:00-9:00 PM
  BBQ, beer, live music, and full zoo access! Plus tortoise races and animal meet-and-greets. ‘Nuff said.
  🍻 Get your Brew On

Music & Entertainment

• Hot Chicken Art Market
  Saturday, 7/12 @ Clear Story Arts | 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
  Cool off indoors with local art, cold drinks, live vibes, and maybe even a chicken or two. Free entry!
  🐓 Check it out here

• Storytime on CARTA’s Dolly Bus
  Saturday, 7/12 @ Chattanooga Public Library Downtown Branch | 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
  Hop on for a read-aloud ride to Jefferson Park with library friends and a special bus adventure!≥÷
  🚌 Ride & Read

• Twilight Firefly Market
  Saturday, 7/12 @ Chattanooga Choo Choo | 5:00-10:00 PM
  An evening market under the stars with live music, artisan vendors, and all the glow.
  ✨ Shop the Magic

Outdoors ‘n’ Stuff

• Full Moon River Gorge Sunset Kayak - Buck Moon
  Thursday, 7/10 @ Raccoon Mountain Boat Ramp | 7:00-10:30 PM
  Paddle 4+ miles through the gorge under July’s full moon! Great for beginners. Kayak, gear, and shuttle included.
  🌕 Reserve a Kayak

• Toddler Treks
  Saturday, 7/12 @ Greenway Farms | 9:00-11:00 AM
  Let the littles explore mud, water, and wonder with Outdoor Chattanooga’s nature walk for ages 2–6.
  🌸 Secure a Spot

• Water Lantern Festival
  Saturday, 7/12 @ Chester Frost Park | 6:00-10:00 PM
  Create a lantern, make a memory. Live music, food trucks, and a glowing night of connection on the water.
  🏮Get Tickets

Got somethin’ cookin’ that the Scenic City oughta know about? Wanna talk about how cool your weekend was? Tell us all about it! We’d love to yap it up and holler all about it from the porch! Just reply to this message, or send a separate one to [email protected]!

Hand-Picked Community Spotlight: TEDx Chattanooga’s Speakers Announced!

Big Ideas, Local Voices: TEDxChattanooga is BACK!

TEDxChattanooga just dropped their speaker lineup for this year and it’s STACKED. I’m talkin’ scientists, storytellers, soil-savers, beat-makers, brain-builders, and folks who’ve been out here changin’ the world with nothin’ but big ideas and elbow grease.

Like that one lady, Krisi Olivero? She’s makin’ dirt smarter. Legit. Her farm lab brings dead soil back to life like it's some kinda gardenin’ superhero.

And then there’s Noah Perales, who took music therapy and turned it into somethin’ called Regulation Beats™; a whole rhythm and resilience typa thing that helps kids feel better just by vibin’. PLUS this cool-as-a-cucumber medical artist, McKenzie Bergenback, who makes custom prosthetics that help people feel seen and strong. And that ain’t even the half of it!

The theme this year is ROOTED, and these folks? They’re rootin’ deep and growin’ tall, like a front-porch sunflower in July.

If yer the kinda person who likes big ol’ TED Talks, Chattanooga charm, and seein’ neighbors turn into legends, go check out the whole lineup on the official Instagram page, @tedxchattanooga! It’s gonna be one of those nights you’ll wanna brag about later:

“I saw ‘em speak before they were famous.”

Mark it in yer Google Calendar or yer Notion Database (whatever the cool kids are doin’ these days): November 19, 2025. Walker Theatre. Big ideas. Real people. Let’s GO.

Stuff I Saw on the Internet: “Alive” Podcast

You know, it seems like everyone these days has a podcast, but the one we found on the internet this week is sure to get your toes tappin’ - and it’s not even out yet! Steve Burns, the OG “Blue’s Clues” star from the 90’s, is launching a new podcast called “Alive” for the kids from back then that grew up to be today’s adults.

Back in the day, Steve was known on “Blue’s Clues” for his gentle approach, his quirky songs, his signature green striped shirt and handy-dandy notebook, and the way he made kids feel like he was actually talkin’ to them. That’s what he hopes to bring to this new project, too. When he announced the podcast a few weeks ago, he said that the goal is to make it about “everything that makes it so weird and wonderful to be alive." Sounds like our cup of sweet tea!

Yes, it’s been a minute since Steve left the show to go to college (how very adult of him), but he’s back, baby! “Alive” is expected to launch this fall in partnership with Lemonada Media. We’re not calling it a comeback, Steve is just picking up right where he left off, and we can’t wait to join the ride.

A Yap with Daisy Bruce of Daisy’s Jewels

Y’all. We gotta talk about this local legend-in-the-makin’: Daisy. She’s 11 years old, movin’ up to the big ole middle school, and already got herself a whole entire jewelry business. I’m talkin’ earrings, goals, and a business plan sharper than my grandaddy’s pocket knife.

She started Daisy’s Jewels back in November 2024. It all began at a family cookout, where she brought some bracelets she made just for fun. Folks liked ‘em so much, they started buyin’ ‘em on the spot. “That’s when I realized it was actually a business,” she told me, cool as a cucumber.

Now she’s got a full booth at the Funky Munkey Market in the Northgate Mall (they’re closed on Mondays though, so plan ahead, people). And her setup? Front and center. Like a real boss.

She uses glass beads, clay beads, charms, even birthstones. Basically anything shiny that’ll make your ears feel fancy. Each pair is made with care and love and probably a lil’ bit of glitter magic. She gets her inspo from Claire’s, and dreams of gettin’ her stuff in shops all around town like Kendra Scott.

But hold up, it ain’t about the sparkle. She’s business savvy, too:

She’s got a jar labeled for goals, and she’s fillin’ it up one pair of earrings at a time. When I asked how other kids (or grown-ups, let’s be real) could start something like this, she said:

Wise words from an 11-year-old, y’all. She even recommends hittin’ up YouTube and Facebook to learn stuff and find your people.

So if yer wanderin’ through Chattanooga and spot some earrings that make you smile so hard your ears wiggle? There’s a good chance Daisy may have made ‘em. And between you an’ me, yer gonna wanna snag a pair before she’s too famous for us.

Keep lightin’ things up, Daisy. We’re all rootin’ tootin’ for ya. 💡

Interested in a custom pair of earrings? Send us a reply, or email us directly at [email protected] and we’ll connect ya with Daisy herself!

Clementine’s Corner: Hobbies Era

Well, it’s official. I am fully IN my ✨hobbies era.✨ I’ve been collecting them like stickers on my notebook this summer and ohhh, buddy, I am just getting started. I just get so excited about trying all the new things! Here’s what’s been keeping my hands busy and my heart happy:

1. Reading: I’m starting the list strong with my all time favorite. But if I’m being honest, I’m in a little bit of a slump lately. The last 3 books I’ve started have been DNF’s and I can’t find a fourth to start. Let me know what you’re reading. I think a trip to the library could fix me.

2. String Things: Listen, I’ve tried the whole gambit. Embroidery. Knitting. I cross-stitched a whale once. But I think the fiber-art I’m gonna stick with is crochet. I crocheted a frog the other day and now I want to make a whole zoo. Stay tuned.

3. Birding: Y’ALL. DID YOU KNOW BIRDS ARE SO COOL? I’ve been taking notes and lookin’ ‘em up every time I see a new birdo. I’ve seen Northern Mockingbirds, Carolina Wrens, Blue Jays, and Eastern Phoebes. I even saw a Brown Thrasher the other day. I’m keeping track, y’all.

4. The Oboe: Yes, I play the oboe. Yes, I have the embouchure for it. No, I don’t think it’s supposed to squeak like that, but hey… that’s a double reed for ya.

5. Cooking: I’ve been dabbling in the kitchen lately. My latest masterpiece is a dill pickle pasta salad that raised lots of opinions at the cookout. Don’t worry, I’ve got the recipe to share… 😉

Anyways, that’s the latest from my little hobby corner. Who knows what I’ll pick up next? I’m not saying I’ll become an expert, but I am saying I’ll go all in for at least a week. Here’s to trying things, making stuff, and having fun with it!

Keep that Glow Goin’, Bud

Thanks for sittin’ a spell with us this week. Whether you’re clickin’ on a link, pickin’ up a new craft, or just slow-scrollin’ your way through this issue with a cup of something cold — we’re real glad yer here.

If you saw somethin’ that made you smile, pass it along! Word-of-mouth is how we grow this little porch into a whole neighborhood.

We’ll be back next week with even more yappin’, wonderin’, and local goodness. Until then: Be kind, stay curious, and don’t forget to look up at the fireflies.

With a little more spark in our step than usual,

— Bubby & Clementine