I’ll be real whitcha, I been strugglin’ gettin’ this dang issue out for no reason at all, just kinda bein’ lazy with this sunny weather gettin’ me all sweaty and shtuff.

Fear not though, Chattanooga: we’ve got you an issue for the week (just maybe a couple of days late 😅)

As always, we’ve added a fresh track to this week’s issue purely for vibes as you read. Click the link below before ya start reading if you wanna listen!

This week’s Front Porch Partner is Lazarus Naturals. They ain’t local-local, but every lil’ click sends $1.50 jingle janglin’ straight into the Chattynooga coin purse. No forms or fuss, just a quick tap that helps keep this porch swing rockin’ and the stories flowin’.

So if you’ve got half a second between sips of coffee, give it a click and consider it your good deed for the day. Appreciate ya, neighbor.

Alright Lazarus, rise up with your ad!

The sun is finally here, and it’s the perfect time to reset your routine.

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Got somethin’ cookin’ that the Scenic City oughta know about?

Tell us all about it with our new and improved events form, or just reply to this email with your event details and we’ll go from there!

Finding a therapist can be confusing, overwhelming, and just... weird. Lots of people are experiencing mental health struggles with everything going on in the world, but therapy can still be unhelpful if you're working with someone who isn't a good fit for you.

If you or someone you know is looking for a therapist, or just want to talk to some local folks who care a lot about supporting the LGBTQ+ community, come on out to the Affirming Therapist Fair on Saturday, June 13!

The Affirming Therapist fair is hosted by two local therapists who are members of the LGBTQ+ community themselves: Karen Chambless and Meg Miller. There will be over 20 other affirming and informed mental health providers available for you to meet in a low-pressure, laid-back way at the fair.

No awkward phone calls or scrolling through hundreds of pages of Psychology Today profiles needed. No weird interactions with therapy bots or virtual providers who just assign you a worksheet and leave the video call early. No secret-surprise-faith-based providers - all information will be up front and clearly explained about how each clinician works and what they offer.

The Affirming Therapist Fair is open to all LGBTQ+ folks AND allies, of all ages. Tickets are free, but you have to sign up in advance.

The fair will run from 2:30 to 4:00 PM, with entry ending at 3:50 PM. The location is in the Northshore area, with specific location provided at signup for security purposes.

I would like everyone to know that this week took approximately seventeen years off my life.

Last Wednesday, the city announced that Scramble Alley in Soddy Daisy was going to be demolished. Like with one of those giant wrecking balls and NOT EVEN ONE WITH MILEY ONE IT. I like to think I reacted in a completely normal and reasonable way but let's be honest. I didn't.

Here’s the thing; Scramble Alley isn't just a playground. It's THE playground. It's where generations of kids have climbed, imagined, explored, and ignored adults telling them to be careful. And you expect me to just be totally chill about it?! Absolutely not. My menty b was warranted.

But then the most amazing thing happened. People spoke up. Like, lots of people. Usually when Karens start crashing out on Facebook, it’s a bad thing, but this was different. We were mad and we weren’t just gonna take it! And just when it felt like all hope and joy was lost, the city did us a solid. They announced that Scramble Alley would stay open for now while repairs are made and other options are explored. When I heard that I started hootin’ and hollerin’ all over the place. Bubby about blew a happy gasket when I told him. THIS IS DEMOCRACY, Y’ALL!!!

Now, before we go and get too excited, nothing is guaranteed right now. The playground is closing temporarily for repairs, and nobody knows exactly what comes next. But after spending a week emotionally preparing for the loss of what I consider to be a wooden national treasure, I'll gladly take a little hope for now.

Long live Scramble Alley!!! 🧡

Next week we’ll be bright-eyed and filled with the energy of a thousand suns. Until then, take it easy lemon squeezy!

— Bubby & Clementine