Category: Chattanooga outreach

art, Chattanooga outreach, community, Entertainment, Music, women

Universal Language

Written by Lillian Simcox

Bryanna Fuquea from Flintstone, GA discusses her journey in music and her passion for singing and songwriting through local competitions and events.

From the strum of the guitar to the melody her voice carries, 28-year-old Rossville, Ga. local, Bryanna Fuquea writes and produces her own music. 

“I just really love doing music,” Fuquea said. “Music speaks to me and to other people in so many ways; people dealing with depression, anxiety, everything.” 

To Fuquea, music is a universal love language. No matter the circumstance, situation, or the feelings that come with someone’s day, music speaks to everyone in a thoughtful and vulnerable way.

Throughout her music career, Fuquea has opened up to playing her music on different platforms, such as TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook. By using these platforms, she has created a fun-loving, fan base of nearly 18,000 followers. 

According to Fuquea, a fan once told her that listening to her music was like being in their own safe space.

Fuquea is known to sing modernized country, but she also sings rock, R&B, contemporary, and a couple hymns. From there she rose to the challenge of writing her own music and learning how to play various instruments including the guitar. 

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Chattanooga, Chattanooga outreach, community, Daily Life, UTC, women

College Cleaners

Written by Elizabeth Wynne

Brooke McFarlin cleans a surface for one of her clients for her business, College Cleaners. Sunday, December 3, 2023. (Photo by Elizabeth Wynne)

Starting a business is never easy. At a young age, it is even more of a challenge, but it can be done.

Founded by Brooke McFarlin, a sophomore in college at The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, College Cleaners is an opportunity for students around the Chattanooga area to pick up a side gig in their busy schedule, while also providing a cleaning service for those looking for an affordable option.

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art, Chattanooga, Chattanooga outreach, community, donate, Health

Face Value

Written by Taylor McKinley

President of FACES, Kim Fox teaches a sculpting class to the greater Chattanooga community at Bud’s Creative Art Center. Fox’s passion for art is one thing that fueled her drive when Bud’s Creative Art Center was built. November 18, 2023 (Photo by Taylor McKinley)

A person’s facial appearance significantly influences their daily interactions, impacting everything from grocery store visits to the formation of friendships. FACES, a Chattanooga based craniofacial nonprofit, brings comfort and acceptance to those in this community. 

“We help children and adults get desperately needed craniofacial surgeries,” said Kim Fox, President of FACES. “Not only do these people have to deal with numerous surgeries, but they also have to deal with peer pressure and people being mean to them, and calling them names.”

Class attendee Ean Danon works on a sculpture with the help from president Kim Fox. Danon attended the class at Bud’s Creative Art Center with his mother. November 18, 2023 (Photo by Taylor McKinley)

The work of FACES and Bud’s Creative Art Center go beyond Jewelry Making or Paint classes. Children and adults undergo life changing surgeries that will impact how they carry themselves for the rest of their lives. The community plays a significant role in getting those who suffer from craniofacial anomalies surgeries, while also benefiting their artistic abilities as well.

“Every time you take a class at Bud’s you are helping the children and adults of FACES,” Fox said. “So you’re doing a really good thing for yourself and you’re doing something really good for FACES.” 

FACES distinguishes itself by actively raising awareness about laws that protect individuals with facial differences and advocating for face equality as an essential human right. 

“Sadly so many people that have a facial difference actually do get discriminated against, “ Fox said. “Sometimes they either don’t get the job they want or they keep them back in the warehouse.”

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art, Chattanooga, Chattanooga outreach, community, Daily Life, Diversity, Entertainment, Environment, Family, Uncategorized, UTC

Rising Rock Radio Showcase
Graphic by Kylee Boone

Rising Rock is excited to partner with Scenic Roots at WUTC again this semester to showcase some of our top audio stories. To listen to Scenic Roots, visit https://www.wutc.org/scenic-roots.

Here, you can listen to all of the audio pieces written and recorded by UTC students in Rising Rock during the Fall 2023 semester. 

Welcome Home

During Larry Taylor’s Welcome Home Parade recognizing his receiving of the Medal of Honor, Lillian Simcox performs street interviews with spectators including Veterans and active military members.

The Letter

David Harman reads the letter that Dave Hill sent to the Army Board for Correction of Military Records (ABCMR) to upgrade Larry Taylor’s Silver Star to the Medal of Honor. Narrated by Taylor McKinley.

Honored Heritage

Steven Thomas enjoys his position as Director of Operations at the Heritage Center, but the lively historian has deeper motivations. Thomas sat down with Eli Rushing to discuss why this specific opportunity called to him.

Uncle Doss’ Legacy

Katie Stephens spoke with Desmond Doss Jr. regarding his mother and her impact on the Rising Fawn community as well as on her husband, Desmond Doss.

Flying Behind a Hometown Hero

Madeline Charnes sat down with Donald Smith to explain the intricacies of the benefits program and how difficult it is for veterans to receive the assistance they may not even know they need.

Rocking the Rodeo Scene

Bethany Cothran spoke with Stetson Bierman, good friend of West Mitchell, over Zoom about Bierman’s bareback bronc riding experience.

Creativity Behind Bars

Caleb McCool spoke with Francis McDonald about the power of poetry for inmates in her program.

A Game of Miracles

Elizabeth Wynne sat down with Alex Tainch, the main announcer of the Miracle League to discuss the importance the league has on those involved beyond only the athletes.

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art, Chattanooga, Chattanooga outreach, community, Daily Life, Entertainment

Made for Loving KISS

Written by Mason Edwards

Daniel Sneed poses in between different song solos he performed for his twelve minute set. Other artists attended the Chattanooga Brewing Company’s Open Microphone Night cheered each time he struck a pose. Thursday, 23 Nov. 2023. (Photo by Mason Edwards).

Goodbye Detroit! With a little help from a custom guitar, a lot of makeup and a costume, one man is moving Rock City to Chattanooga. Across Hamilton County, supposed sightings of Ace Frehley, the famous KISS guitarist, take center stage on social media.

Curious people soon learn the tall, costumed man is not the “Spaceman” of KISS. Rather, he’s actually local rockstar Daniel Sneed, 21: a KISS tribute guitarist with Asperger’s Syndrome, a mild form of autism. Despite his challenging condition, Sneed loves sharing his passion with others, and leaves a mark on everyone.

“I watch what my son does, and I’m just so proud,” his mother, Beth Staten, said. “Everybody that meets my son… they just love him.”

After developing a special interest in KISS, Sneed taught himself how to dress, perform and play just like Ace Frehley. As he explains it, Sneed’s come a long way in understanding how his autism functions. Despite feeling uncomfortable around large, public crowds, Sneed always feels at home when he’s dressed up.

“What helps calm me down is dressing up like Ace Frehley, going to events like that and getting pictures taken with the rest of the crowd,” he said. “And, also, of course, whenever I start playing guitar… I’m self-taught and everything because, you know, I learned guitar by ear.”

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Chattanooga, Chattanooga outreach, community, Daily Life, donate, Family, Food, Healing, Health, Hugs, Love, Sustainability, UTC, women

Let’s Go Shopping

Written by Caroline Colvin

Niki Bishop is the program director at Metropolitan Ministries. Bishop manages the grocery store program, which provides food to anyone in need.

Niki Bishop is the Program Director at Metropolitan Ministries’ Impact Hub on Rossville Boulevard. The Impact Hub is a conglomerate for many different community resources all under one roof, giving help to those in need. 

Bishop manages the grocery store program at MetMin. Funded through a grant from the Lyndhurst Foundation, the store provides a wide variety of fresh food and essentials once a month to anyone who needs it, no questions asked. 

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art, Chattanooga, Chattanooga outreach, community, Daily Life, Photography, Uncategorized

Creativity Behind Bars

Written by Maleah Holder

Frances McDonald shows off a self portrait made by a participant in the Mark Making program. Chattanooga, TN. Wednesday October 25th, 2023. Photo by Caleb McCool.

For inmates housed at Hamilton County Jail, previously named Silverdale Detention Center, one small mark drawn on a page can be the key to improving mental health during incarceration and lowering the rate of reoffense. Mark Making, founded by local artist Frances McDonald, is one of many organizations that work hard to reduce the recidivism among inmates.

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Chattanooga, Chattanooga outreach, community, Daily Life, Family, Health, Love, Sports, Uncategorized

A Game of Miracles

Written by Maddie Charnes

Hayden Morgan (left) plays shortstop alongside Luca Hyde (right). Saturday, October 28, 2023. (Photo by Noah Camacho)

Cheering and laughter fill the baseball field as smells of burgers on the grill cloud the air. The athletes excitedly make their way to the diamond with smiles stretching across their faces as their loved ones watch from the stands.

The Miracle League of Chattanooga is an organization providing those with disabilities the unique opportunity to play the game of baseball and build connections while experiencing the thrill of competition.  

“The community needs to know that the Miracle League is out there, because there are people out there who need the Miracle League,” said Kim Chapman Whitfield, president and co-founder of the Miracle League of Chattanooga. 

“The Miracle League is joy,” Chapman Whitfield said. “The ‘Miracle’ part about it is getting to see those kids play and not feel inhibited, picked on, [or] bullied.”  

Originating in Atlanta and now consisting of 200 leagues in three different countries, the Miracle League is an organization open to people of all ages with any kind of disability. The Chattanooga league was formed in September of 2017.

“Miracle League is my heart,” Chapman Whitfield said.

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Chattanooga, Chattanooga outreach, community, Family, Healing, History, Military, Philanthropy

Flying Behind a Hometown Hero

Written by Mason Edwards

Video by Will Chen
In our media, we often hear about the remarkable stories of inspiring heroes, but it’s important to remember that behind every leader, there are many more individuals who choose to follow. One such follower was Retired Chief Warrant Officer Freddy Few, who had unwavering faith in his hometown hero, Larry Taylor, who later received the Medal of Honor. Few reflects on the pivotal moment he chose to enlist in the fight against Vietnam, and in doing so, sheds light on the voices of those who draw inspiration from heroes.

The decision that shaped the course of Freddy Few’s life happened not because of a recruiter, advertisement or newscast. Instead, Few followed in the footsteps of a hometown hero. Over forty years ago, he decided to enlist as a helicopter pilot in the Vietnam War.

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Chattanooga, Chattanooga outreach, community, Family, Healing, History, Military

Honored Heritage

Written by Maleah Holder

Video by Caleb McCool
Director of Operations Steven Thomas of the Medal of Honor Heritage Center discusses the significance of the center and its location in Chattanooga. Education is the main focus of the center, ensuring that the sacrifice of the numerous Medal of Honor recipients is remembered and honored by students and the community.

As the most recent recipient of the Medal of Honor, Captain Larry Taylor sheds light on a long born legacy of honored recipients in Chattanooga who are remembered in the National Medal of Honor Heritage Center.

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