MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Red-hot Gordon Lee rolling through early March
Flourish Foster Care Closet & Support Inc. will open a new closet in Ringgold for foster families in the tri-state area and beyond that is exclusively for teens in foster care. The grand opening will be Saturday, March 20, with a ribboncutting at 2 p.m. at 364 Cleveland St. The non-profit organization is committed to supporting foster families in the community. Flourish Foster Care has impacted more than 125 children since the beginning of 2021 and countless more since its founding in 2017. The organization has supplied services, items, and clothing valued at more than $7,000 in January and February.
In observance and celebration of World Water Day, Catoosa County Conservation District will host a Water-wise Workshop on Saturday, March 20, at 96 Depot Street in Ringgold. The workshop will feature information presented by District Conservationist Nick Mooneyham (USDA/NRCS) and Wade Hutcheson (UGA Extension). There will be a make-and-take portion where registered participants will be able to assemble their own rain barrel to take home. Topics will include wise water use, irrigation basics, benefits of rainwater diversion and capturing. Rain barrels will be available for $45.
Wednesday, March 31
CHI Memorial’s mobile lung CT coach will be at Primary Healthcare Center’s Rossville Clinic at Fairview on Wednesday, March 31, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Primary Healthcare Center’s Rossville Clinic at Fairview is located at 205 Jenkins Road. All patients will wear a mask and are asked to bring their own if they have one. A mask will be provided if a patient does not already have one. Lung cancer screening is a test to look for signs of lung cancer in otherwise healthy people. The low-dose CT scan shows a 3-D image of your lungs that is clearer and more detailed than regular X-rays, allowing doctors to diagnose lung cancer at its earliest stage, before there are any symptoms. This is when lung cancer is most curable. The whole process takes less than ten minutes and there is no need to do anything special to prepare for the screening. The low-dose CT lung cancer scan has been shown to improve survival by 20 percent, according to The National Lung Screening Trial (NLST) by the National Cancer Institute (NCI). Factors that put you at high risk of developing lung cancer include: age 50 or greater, smoking history, family history of cancer, and exposure to cancer-causing agents (asbestos, diesel fumes, Radon, coal smoke, soot, etc.) Private insurance companies cover lung cancer screening for high-risk individuals. Medicare and Medicaid also cover lung cancer screening. Grant funds are available for eligible uninsured and under-insured people to have the low-dose lung CT screening. If you feel you are at risk, call us at 423-495-LUNG (5864) to discuss if a lung screening is right for you, or to schedule an appointment.
Saturday, May 1
The Clayton Bell Scholarship Program of the Marsh House Museum (308 N. Main St., Lafayette) offers rising seniors (those who have completed the junior year) at any of the three Walker County high schools the opportunity to complete an internship of 50 hours in historic preservation at the Marsh House Museum during the senior year. On successful completion of the internship, the student receives a scholarship of $1,000. The program offers in-depth experiences in historic preservation and is especially attractive to young people interested in any aspect of local history. Applications will be accepted until May 1. Application forms are posted the website, Marshhouseoflafayette.org, and on the Marshhouseoflafayette Facebook page. For more information, call 706-638-7735.
Iwoke up today with a much brighter outlook than I had a year ago. I remember the fear, the uncertainty, and the eerie quiet in my neighborhood. The sounds of school buses chugging by, and folks going to work had been replaced by stillness. The era of masks, distancing, and elbow bumps had begun.
My daily journey to the TV station came to a screeching halt. A production crew transformed my den into a home studio, with intimidating technical gear. I’ve never been good at changing a light bulb, and suddenly I was asked to transmit a broadcast signal. It took only one snafu to keep me off the air, and I created a new one each day.
A writer for the Los Angeles Times summed it up: “We are not working from home. We are living at work.”
One year later: Like flowers blooming in the spring, our smiles are gradually returning. Day by day, the masks will disappear. The vaccines are working. Many people who were misled by misinformation spreaders finally came around. My friend Matt Haase put it this way: “I’m amazed that people I know from high school that couldn’t pass Algebra suddenly became experts in viral medicine.”
It isn’t completely over, and the new variant strains could still wreak havoc. Still, we are moving forward with a positive attitude. Our POST-COVID world will be different, but in some ways it might be better.
When I asked readers how the lessons of the pandemic would change their lives, one woman wrote, “I will always use curbside grocery pick-up. I have never liked strangers breathing down my neck while I’m standing in line.”
Others added the joys of porch sitting, outdoor dining, cleaner hotel rooms, and improved personal hygiene habits. One mentioned a new landscape. “Why would anyone build a multi-story office complex?” he asked. “We’ve proven we can get just as much work done at home.” He makes a good point.
A woman added, “I’m glad I won’t have to wear a mask ALL the time, but at least I will have that option without being stared at. I like to hide behind mine. It’s nice not to have to wear makeup when I leave the house. Plus they feel good on cold days.” I totally get that, but I hope eye contact makes a comeback. I miss making a connection with new people.
I can also relate to this person’s opinion: “My challenge will be keeping my home as uncluttered as it is now. It has never been cleaner. I have used the pandemic as an excuse to weed out clothing and other items that have gone untouched for years, or even decades. Yes, I really was that bored, but it has paid off. My home seems bigger now, because I have created more space.”
Opinions are mixed on Zoom gatherings and conversations that have largely replaced office meetings and family visits. One reader said, “I hope we continue to have them. I hate in-person meetings, and I hope people continue to stay six feet away from me.” Of course, not everyone feels that way. Here’s a polar opposite point of view: “As soon as it is permissible, I will smother my family and friends with hugs, and they had better get ready, because it’s gonna be big!”
Many readers say they are looking forward to the spontaneous moments that disappeared in 2020. “I feel like I have been in prison,” one man wrote. “I can’t wait to go to a live music concert again.”
Another person said, “I have really missed last-minute invitations. I love it when a friend calls and says, hey let’s go downtown and get some dessert and see a show. I used to take things like that for granted. Never again!”
A female reader wrote, “I should be ashamed to say this, but I miss trying on clothes in stores. It may sound silly to some people, but it’s important to me.”
I am in full agreement with this comment. “I look forward to driving more. I’m paying an outrageous amount for car insurance, and the odometer is about where it was a year ago. I might as well get my money’s worth.”
And this one: “I used to think I wanted peace and quiet. Well, I’ve had enough of that. I need some noise and fun.”
Maybe the best words of all come from Samantha Dmochowski, a registered nurse: “Surround yourself with those you love and make your home a place you love to be. That way if you’re ever “stuck” with them again, it’s the best place to be.”
This renewed optimism is why I’m singing along to one of my favorite oldies. “The future’s so bright, I gotta wear shades.” I wish the same for you.
As the weather has started warming up, so have the bats of the Gordon Lee Trojans.
The Trojans have scored 10 or more runs in seven straight games, all in an eight-day span, including their first three Region 6-A wins of the season last week.
Gordon Lee 19, Drew Charter 0
Up 3-0 after one inning, the Gordon Lee Trojans tacked on 16 insurance runs — all in the second inning — and quickly put away the Eagles in their Region 6-A opener last Tuesday in Chickamauga.
Gordon Lee scored its runs on 11 hits and 12 walks. Brody Cobb had a pair of hits and knocked in three runs, while Cade Peterson and Brodie Genter each had two hits and two RBIS. Garren Ramey, Holt Roberts, Blake Rodgers and Riley King also drove in two runs for the Trojans, while Kade Cowan and Logan Simerely had one RBI apiece.
Jake Poindexter allowed just one hit in two innings of work on the mound. He finished with six strikeouts, while Genter fanned two hitters in his one inning of relief.
Gordon Lee 10, LFO 0
The Navy-and-white blanked the Warriors in a six-inning contest in Chickamauga this past Wednesday.
Gordon Lee scored five runs in the bottom of the first inning against the Warriors and picked up four more in the bottom of the second before sealing the victory with a run in the bottom of the sixth.
Peterson had three hits, three RBIS and scored a pair of runs. Genter and Cowan each had two hits and one RBI. Rodgers had a hit and drove in a pair of runs. Nate Dunfee was 2 for 4 with two runs scored, while Poindexter and Griff Collins each knocked in a run.
Rodgers pitched the first five innings and gave up just two hits, both singles, and finished with four strikeouts. Peterson had one strikeout in one inning of relief.
Gordon Lee 14, Sonoraville 4
The Trojans continued to pulverize opposing pitching on Thursday as they belted two home runs in a home win over the Class 3A Phoenix.
Cobb had a two-run homer in the third inning and Peterson followed with a three-run shot in the fourth. Cobb would later deliver the walk-off RBI- single to win the game in the sixth.
Rodgers stayed red hot with the bat as he went 3 for 4 with a pair of doubles and two RBIS.
Dunfee had two doubles, scored twice and knocked in two runs. Collins also had two doubles to go with one RBI and two runs scored. Cowan had two hits and scored twice. Poindexter had two hits and one RBI, while Genter and Jackson Moore each knocked in one run.
King gave up four earned runs on five hits and three walks in 4.2 innings of work. He finished with seven strikeouts in the victory. Bo Rhudy pitched the final 1.1 innings. He gave up one hit and struck out one batter.
Gordon Lee 19, Drew Charter 0
Friday’s doubleheader saw the Trojans score 15 times in the top of the second inning to run away with the Game 1 victory. Cobb continued to swing a hot bat as he went 3 for 4 with a triple, three runs scored and five RBIS. Peterson went 2 for 4 with two RBIS and three runs, while Simerley had one hit and three RBIS.
Roberts and Moore had two hits and one RBI each, while Collins and Ramey each went 1 for 2 with a pair of RBIS. Jacob Neal drew three walks, scored twice and was credited with two RBIS and Poindexter also knocked in a run.
Genter struck out three batters in two innings of work on the mound, while Cobb had two strikeouts in one inning of relief.
Gordon Lee 14, Drew Charter 0
The Trojans began Game 2 with eight runs in the top of the first and never looked back against the outmatched Eagles.
Dunfee went 2 for 4 with two runs scored and three RBIS. Roberts, Rodgers and Rhudy had two RBIS apiece, while Moore, Tyler Forester and Ethan Rider all knocked in one run each.
Tanner Wilson pitched a three-inning no-hitter, allowing two walks to go with eight strikeouts for Gordon Lee (10-1 overall), who was slated to play at Baylor on Monday night. Due to newspaper deadlines, results were not available as of press time.
The Red Raiders of Chattanooga began the season ranked in the top 10 nationally by Maxpreps.
After a scoreless first half last Monday afternoon, the Lafayette Lady Ramblers and Lakeview Lady Warriors combined for five secondhalf goals, but it would be the home team getting the better of the scoreboard in a 3-2 Lafayette win.
Channing Johnson scored two goals for Lafayette, the second of which gave the Orange-and-black a 2-1 lead. The Lady Warriors connected on the equalizer with just under four minutes remaining, but Harley Perkins booted the game-winner in the final minute to give Lafayette the victory.
Johnson and Aleia Harris picked up assists for the Lady Ramblers, while Mya Woodard made a number of saves in goal.
Keely Johnson scored both goals for Lakeview.
Lakeview boys 4, Lafayette 1
The Warriors claimed the win in the nightcap. Individual scoring for Lakeview had not been provided as of press time.
Chandler Scott had the lone goal for Lafayette.
Saddle Ridge girls 2, Chattanooga Valley 0
The Lady Mustangs posted a win over the Lady Eagles at home last Monday as Ryleigh Ramey and Lexie Underwood
accounted for the goals.
CVMS head coach Deborah Rosenbloom stated that Kate Neal and Alivia Peridiso were standouts on offense, along with Savannah Harris and Lily Randall on defense.
Saddle Ridge boys 5, Chattanooga Valley 0
The night’s second match
saw Elijah Decker and Harrison Gilstrap find the net twice, while Andrew Martin had a solo goal for the Mustangs.
Heritage girls 3, Dalton 3
The Lady Generals faced Dalton in a non-conference match last Monday and finished in a tie. Airearina Wil
liams had two goals for Heritage. Taylor Wade had one goal and Zoie St. John picked up an assist.
The Heritage defense held Dalton scoreless until the 25th minute. Emilie Freeman, Victoria Gray, Evie Robinson, Reagan Stallings and Kinsey Woodard were named as defensive standouts, while keeper Reese Abercrombie had six saves.
Dade girls 2, Rossville 1
The Lady Bulldogs got a first half goal from Briannah Carson, but surrendered two goals in the second half in last Monday’s match.
Dade boys 2, Rossville 1
The Bulldogs also suffered a tough loss to the Wolverines. Bryan Ojeda scored the only goal for Rossville on a shot from outside the box that found the top left corner of the net.
Lafayette girls 3, Dade 1
On Tuesday, the Lady Ramblers got two goals from Harris and one from Perkins, while both players were also credited with assists. Johnson and Malorie Durham also had assists, while Woodard had several saves in goal to help preserve the win.
Dade boys 4, Lafayette 1
The Wolverines won the boys’ match. Individual scoring for the Ramblers was not available as of press time.
Heritage girls 6, Trion 1
Williams recorded the hat trick and added one assist as the Lady Generals got the win. St. John had a goal and two assists. Wade and Robison added one goal apiece, while Zoe Parham collected an assist. Trion’s goal came in the 49th minute.
Leading the way on defense was Freeman, Gray, Stallings, Woodard, Charlotte Hayen, Ellie Kennedy and Lilly Krajesky, while keeper Emily Holcomb had two saves.
Heritage boys 2, Trion 2
The Generals were on the verge on a win in the nightcap, but the Bulldogs would score in the final minute to even the match and stun the Navy-and-red with a tie.
Cruz Jackson scored in the first half for Heritage and Ben Breedlove knocked home a goal in the second half. Both tallies featured assists from Tristan Simmons.
Cooper Chappelear had a standout performance in goal, while Eli Newsome was praised by head coach Nate Erwin for his defensive effort.
Heritage girls 3, Lakeview 1
The Lady Generals moved to 3-0 in NGAC play with a hard-fought victory on Thursday. Williams scored twice for Heritage and St. John had one goal, while
the defense kept the Lady Warriors off the scoreboard until 13-minute mark of the second half.
Abercrombie had three saves for Heritage, while Freeman, Gray, Kennedy, Krajesky, Stallings and Woodard were named as standouts on the defensive side.
Individual statistics for Lakeview were not available as of press time.
Heritage boys 6, Lakeview 0
Breedlove scored twice in the Generals’ win. Jackson, Micah Berry, Isaac Berry and Everett Healey also scored for Heritage. Simmons recorded three assists and Landon Talley added one. Nate Erwin named Camden Prichett for his defensive effort to help Chappelear get the shutout in goal.
Lafayette girls 1, Saddle Ridge 1
The Lady Ramblers and Lady Mustangs played to a draw in their match on Thursday.
Lafayette scored first as
Durham assisted on a goal by Harris early in the opening half. Cora Lanier would answer late in the half for Saddle Ridge in what would turn out to be the final goal of the night.
Saddle Ridge boys 1, Lafayette 0
Decker had the game-winner for the Navy-and-red, while Jesse Bradford, George Sholtz, Eli Hudson and Collin Miller were named as defensive standouts. Spencer Chadwick was also praised for his work in the midfield, while Riley Ledford had several shots on goal, including some that bounced off the crossbar. Isaac Hamilton got the shutout in goal with several saves.
Dade girls 2, Chattanooga Valley 1
Carrieann Hill found the back of the net for the Lady Eagles in Thursday’s match. Alexis Delaney was named as an offensive standout, while Allie Young shined on defense in the first half of the game before playing keeper in the second half.
Results of the boys’ match had not been provided as of press time.