My goal as a writer and creator has been to tell you what is happening as opposed to what has happened. I intend to continue that approach in the months and years to come. My purpose at Indulge Southeast is to give you options for things to do all over the southeast – all wrapped up in a digital magazine that is as close to paper as you can get on a PC.

We have had a few contributions in the first months, but hope to expand that as we go. This way we can begin to get total coverage of the southeast each month.

We are moving into spring and that only means that it’s time to get more active! As flowers blossom and nature rises from its winter slumber, it is time for you to get up and get out! Let us help you figure out what is the right activity for you. From beer gardens to ice hockey, there are plenty of options in this magazine!

You’ve had three months to absorb the writing and the idea of Indulge SE ,and now I would love to hear from you! Just head over to the Contact Us section of the website and leave your comment. How are we doing? What are your favorite stories? What do you want to see next?

Finally, we are campaigning on FundAnything.com to help raise money for the expenses of advertising, better payouts for contributors, and more thorough research in our focus cities. If you’d like to help, we would appreciate it!

A Letter From The Creator

CONTENTS Daredevils in the Sky

Savannah, Georgia

Boxing, Family Values, and Dedication

It’s the Journey Not the Destination

CONTENTS Color Me Rad

And the Home of the Brave…s

Letter From the Creator

Secret Understanding

Masthead

Indulge Southeast

Indulge in all the Southeast has to offer!

Indulge Southeast

Contact – Kevin@IndulgeSE.com

Contact – Biggie @IndulgeSE.com

Submissions@IndulgeSE.com

Twitter @IndulgeSE

Alexandria Fisher

The Secret Understanding of a New City The fact of the matter is there is no secret understanding! Residents of a city will, in theory at least, know more about their home town that you do. However, a majority of towns with any level of tourism tend to offer free city maps highlighting the most attractive draws in their city. It will also show you, the visitor, the areas of a city that have garnished the most attention in the past. Most maps have listings of attractions and restaurants that are partnered with the city. Many have trolley or bus routes. Some even have parking arrangements. Taking ten minutes before arriving to the city or leaving the hotel to study a city map can open up options that you may never notice without taking the short amount of research time that is required in looking at one of these maps. In short, they are a great way to uncover the secrets of any given city!

By: Ke

vo B

ooke

r

Airshows are in the…air? Hmm… Jet

on down to your closest airshow airport

and spend a day on cloud 9!

<a

href="http://www.geekphilosopher.com/GeekPhilosopher.com/phot

os/photos.aspx" target="_blank">GeekPhilosopher: Instant

download of free stock photos, images, backgrounds, and desktop

wallpapers. Pictures can be used for personal and commercial

web sites.</a>

In the warmer months in the southeast, low

in the skies, hear the roar of jets and the blades of props soaring and

swooping as airshows bring family entertainment slightly above a town

near you. From the formation flying Blue Angels to Patty Wagstaff in her

Walter Extra 300S flipping and spinning acrobatically, air shows are a

fantastic time!

Sun & Fun Fly-in in Lakeland, FL on the 5th-6th

Wings Over Columbus in Columbus, MS on the 5th-6th

Defender of Liberty Air Show at Barksdale AFB, LA on the 26th-27th (featuring the US Air

Force Thunderbirds)

Vero Beach Air Show in Vero Beach, FL on the 10th-11th

The Great Tennessee Airshow in Smyrna, TN on the 14th-15th

Pensacola Beach Air Show in Pensacola, FL on the 12th

Melbourne Air & Space Show in Melbourne, FL on the 4th-5th

Wings and Waves Air Show in Daytona, FL on the 11th-12th

Memphis Air Show in Memphis, TN on the 18th-19th

Wings Over North Georgia in Rome, GA on the

18th-19th

NAS Jax Air Show in Jacksonville, FL on the 25th & 26th

Stuart Airshow in Stuart, FL on the 1st-2nd

NAS Pensacola Open House Blue Angels Homecoming in Pensacola,

FL on the 7th-8th (featuring the Navy Blue Angels)

For those who just can’t get enough aerial demonstrations, Pensacola NAS

has Blue Angels practice on sporadic Tuesdays and Wednesdays through the

summer when they are not performing elsewhere.

Air shows have a way of making a summer weekend great. Plan to take a

trip to your nearest airfield and take part, up and close in all the action!

It’s that tIme of year agaIn to hoot, holler and scream your support for the home team. Whether It’s Indoor or out, sold out or a feW here and there you’ve got 162 chances to pull for your favorIte pastIme’s team. at Indulge se We’re a lIttle bIased toWard a feW teams, but you can still search and support your favorite colors from April through October!

Cam bell

And the Home of the Brave…..s!

Miami Marlins

New York Mets

Philadelphia Phillies

Washington Nationals

Chicago Cubs

Cincinnati Reds

Milwaukee Brewers

Pittsburgh Pirates

St. Louis Cardinals

Arizona Diamondbacks

Colorado Rockies

Los Angeles Dodgers

San Diego Padres

San Francisco Giants

Baltimore Orioles

Boston Red Sox

Tampa Bay Rays

Toronto Blue Jays

Chicago White Sox

Cleveland Indians

Detroit Tigers

Kansas City Royals

Minnesota Twins

Houston Astros

Oakland Athletics

Los Angeles Angels

Seattle Mariners

Texas Rangers

Welcome to the Laid Back Lifestyle That is Savannah, Georgia

Situated under live oaks with Spanish moss dangling in the

breeze is . A town on the

that has a top speed of laid back, this still functioning port

city has it made in the shade. There are currently 22

squares in the city that provide a convenient getaway from

the hustle and bustle of the business week. Most are named

after historic figures that were from or lived in the

Savannah area. This city was built for relaxation!

Savannah, Georgia

Savannah, Georgia Obviously,

, located on the banks of the river is the

center of commotion for visitors. There are

several bars on the sunken street, which sits

approximately thirty feet below the rest of the

town, and they are common first stops for

younger visitors. Beware the centuries old

cobblestone that makes for interesting terrain

when inebriated. River Street has several

memorials, from the to

the , and they are all

beautiful and scenic in their own right!

Towards one end of the street sit the

and the . Yet, there’s so

much more to Georgia’s oldest city.

The city is definitely ! At least that is

the impression that is given. There are graveyard tours, pirate tours, ghost

tours, and more to keep the interest of the spirit minded. As a matter of

fact, Savannah has a tour for nearly everything. A quick stop at the visitor’s

center will prove that with brochures alone. Plus, with cemeteries like

, , and , there are plenty of

interred opportunities for bewitchment!

• For history buffs, Savannah is the place to go.

Places like Colonial Park Cemetery have signs near gravesites that offer

explanations of the people buried there. name speaks

to the amount of history in this coastal area. There are placards in many of

the city squares detailing the history of the namesake of the park or other

historical facts and information. Near the south corner of Drayton and East

Gaston streets sprawls the 300 plus year old limbs of the ,

which is thought to be one of the oldest live oak trees in the city and is

nurtured by the .

If architecture is the word of the day, then the day will be full! The towering

spires of the attract the attention of all

passersby as they crane their necks to take in the full

vertical vastness of the house of worship. The

, begun in 1860, was finished in 1868 after being interrupted

by the Civil War. It houses 18th and 19th century furniture and some 17th

century drawings. The birthplace of , who birthed the

, sits on Oglethorpe Avenue. The

has proven historical ties with the movement.

While this is still a functioning church, tours are available which explain its

historical significance in the city and the south. And, at Gaston and East

Broad streets, a visitor is standing in the heart of the . The

Pirates’ House, or at least the small house adjoining it, is said to be the

oldest house in the state of Georgia and was erected in 1734, only a year

after Savannah was colonized. The was built in the

1820’s and is the home of the . The

is considered to be one of the finest examples of

• architecture in America. Originally

built in 1755, the burnt to the ground in

1790. A new church was completed on a new site by 1819. That church

burnt as well in 1889. It was decided, however, to rebuild the church exactly

the same as it was before the fire and it currently stands as one of the most

amazing architectural achievements in Savannah. frequently

visited the , which is a part of the reason that it was one

of the first two homes dedicated as a Georgia Landmark. For those who just

can’t get enough architecture, consider staying in the 18,000 square foot

. The hotel is a sterling example of -

architecture. There are most certainly more options for

architecture lovers in the city of Savannah. These are merely the most

notable locations. Savannah, Georgia

Museum lovers are in for a wonderful visit to Savannah, also. Most of the

architectural sights have museums connected or throughout the attraction

itself. The , consisting of the , the

, and the , offer a plethora of visual art and

history. The Telfair Academy displays 19th and 20th century American and

European art. The Owens-Thomas House offers late 18th and early 19th

century art, as well as intact slave quarters and a garden. Finally, the Jepson

Center, a well-designed piece of modern architecture, houses the

contemporary art of today. At the is the

. The museum is a story of the history of Savannah from

1733 forward. It focuses on cultural and musical developments of the city.

Savannah, Georgia

Savannah, Georgia The and the

are

both located nearby, as well. The

offers elaborate architecture and

a garden that is one of only three original

19th century garden plans remaining in

Savannah. The

serves as a museum dedicated to

the life and work of the acclaimed novelist

and short story author. The

is a collection of model ships

documenting maritime history. Also, the

is home to

contemporary art in the city.

Savannah, Georgia

Then, there are the sights that everyone will want to take in. The giant

fountain in , where famous scenes from

Forrest Gump were filmed (though the bench, which was placed there for the

movie, resides in the Telfair Museums), the full sized sculpting of

(the famous is also found now in the

Telfair Museums), and , famous for its scenes in the movie

Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. Be considerate, as a great number

of places that serve as attractions in and around Savannah are active

establishments.

Savannah, Georgia The squares are considered the jewels

of the city, and for good reason. None

are quite the same and each has its own

unique character and setting.

are the names of

each. All on top of

. Savannah is in its

own right a green city!

Savannah, Georgia Shopping and entertainment are plentiful in

Savannah. crafts local beer.

take the field for minor league baseball games at

. The and the for the Arts host live

shows in historic venues. There is live music year round. And, to gain a

healthy perspective of the town, board the and see

River Street and the town the way centuries of visitors have seen it for the

first time!

Savannah, Georgia If downtown Savannah doesn’t have enough to

offer, there are several options in the area. The is

home to the Avenue of Oaks, one of the most aesthetically appealing natural

sights on the eastern seaboard. Within the site, employees dress in period

clothing and reenact the living conditions of early settlers to Georgia.

and sit within minutes of the

city. is near the city, as well, and offers hiking

and biking options. and the well renowned

are 15 minutes from River Street. The

is in the area. For golfers,

is moments from downtown. There are many operators

with offerings from dinner at sea to catching dinner at sea.

, with guides, are available. And, the wild outdoors is a few miles away

in the .

Savannah, Georgia Unfortunately, there is no particular plan for a

visit this time. But, there is a definite reason for the lack of that plan.

Savannah is not a huge city. The lay it out very simply. There are

several different city maps, as well. For some, bubbly cartoon drawings with

bold lettering pointing out highlights of the town are perfect. Others may

prefer a map that strictly sticks to street names with a few landmarks

highlighted mostly for the use of . Of course, there are still other

maps that land somewhere between the two descriptions.

Savannah, Georgia If a little organization can be cast on a Savannah trip, it would be to park at the Visitor’s Center and hop the trolley

that runs 362 days a year, from early until late. Trollies stop at virtually

every landmark and attraction within the city limits. They, by virtue of their

trade, are basically a tour of the town since they travel between each

attraction. And obviously, they will eventually disperse the visitor at the

visitor’s center parking lot again. The perk is that parking is free with

purchase of the trolley ticket. Ultimately, though, the city is very welcoming

to taking it easy and stumbling upon the sites and attractions since they sit

sporadically throughout the downtown area. Another great way to see the

sites is by and they are plentiful in Savannah. It’s faster and easier

than walking but still up close and personal with all the sights, sounds, and

Savannah, Georgia and smells of the city.

The important thing to remember about visiting Savannah, Georgia is to slow

down! Let the hubbub of port activities be the speediest part of any day.

This town, so culturally, architecturally, and historically diverse, is not a town

to visit with a whirlwind tourist mentality. It was built as a stopping point

after a trip across the Atlantic Ocean. Wary seafarers did not arrive in

Savannah to quickly run off. They took the time to rest and recuperate

before carrying on with their journey. And, so should the modern day visitor,

as it would be a shame to miss out on the tradition of revitalizing oneself at

the mouth of the Savannah River where it greets all inbound traffic from the

world’s oceans. Take the time to take in Savannah!

Run Through the Colors and Color Me Rad! Saturday 29 March 2014 brought clouds, rain, and the Color Me Rad 5K! Truth is, if you’re looking for unbiased journalism, this isn’t the article for you. It was my first color run. I’ve wanted to do one since seeing a foreign film in which the entire city became colorful. It will definitely not be my last! Simply, it was some of the most fun I’ve ever had with my clothes on!

Color Me Rad! Arriving at the

on race day, I never expected to have trouble finding a parking place for a Chattanooga running event. The lots on both sides of were packed with vehicles. People varying from single runners warming up to run in white, to packs of near rabid, tutu and wig wearing partiers dancing through the parking lot, made it quickly evident that this wasn’t a 5K, it was a crazy party atmosphere with a run (and in many cases, a walk) involved! And, all of this was guiltless pleasure since it was all put together to benefit the

.

Color Me Rad! Color fills the air! Some of it comes from

participants and their personal color bombs. Others come from the

end of a corn starch loaded leaf blower or a fire extinguisher

turned color distributor.

Beginning the run, color is sprayed on all runners. Then, throughout the race at several points are color tunnels (that’s my own verbiage, so who knows if it’s correct) where runners and walkers alike move through the mist and direct hits of a different color each time. Just before the end of the course, participants are rewarded a color bomb. And just after, a bottle of water!

Color Me Rad! Then begins the party! Participants and

brave spectators gather in front of an

elevated MC who has dance music

blaring and is throwing things constantly

to the crowd. Every little while, there is a

color bomb explosion at the end of a 10

second countdown! Color fills the air and

collects on the outfits of anyone in the

general vicinity.

And, I’ll remind you that it was raining

through a majority of this! When you

decide to do a color run, remember that

the rain actually makes the color better

since everything soaks in, and that it

helps those of us who really did run keep

from being overheated!

Color Me Rad! I ran solo this year and received an

overwhelming response from friends who want to be involved in the next one. I’d say next year, but hey, color runs are a hot ticket right now so why should I have to wait an entire year. As a matter of fact, as of publishing on 1 April 2014, there is another color run coming up this weekend in Chattanooga. Theoretically, I only had to wait a week! The point here is that it was a blast as a solo runner but it would have been exceptionally wonderful if there were more people involved. I can say that with a bit of authority as my mom, in her raincoat, joined me in the color bombs and had a blast becoming all the colors of the rainbow! And that made it even more enjoyable; having someone to share it with firsthand.

Color Me Rad! Even if

you never run a step, a

color 5K is a fantastic way

to spend a morning with

friends, if you are the least

bit active (which is what we

want to help you be)!

Whatever the event, and

there are quite a few

nowadays, the excitement

level of the will leave you

smiling long after the dust

and rainbow of colors has

settled!

It’s the Journey, not the Destination… By: Alexandria Fisher

I’m one of those rare travelers that loves the airport. Though I have some of

the worst road rage when a driver doesn’t put on his blinker, I can smile with ease as the airline staff tells me that my flight has been delayed- again. What is my secret? How do I do it? Let me share with you my tips and tricks for airport survival. I mean, who wants to arrive at their destination already cranky? Tip #1: The Early Bird I cannot stress this enough: be early. The people that have a miserable time at the airport are almost always the people that show up 30 minutes before their flight and freak out when they see 5 people at the ticket counter. I would suggest that you get to the airport an hour and a half ahead of time, unless you are at a notoriously annoying airport like Dallas, San Francisco, or La Guardia. Then I would suggest two hours. Those lines can get seriously long.

Journey Tip #2 Security Check People get really uptight about the thought of going through the all-body scanners, but literally it is the easiest thing in the world. Many people prefer to wear shoes that slip on and off easily because you have to take them off at the scanner. You also need to be prepared to do the following: empty your pockets, take off your belt, take off your jacket, and put all of your items into the provided bins. Remember, your laptop will go in a separate bin from your other items. Tip #3 Why Lug it with You? If you are not a seasoned traveler, take time to check your airlines luggage procedures. They may or may not charge for extra bags or bags that exceed a certain weight limit. You should make sure to clearly mark your luggage with an address tag that attaches to the handle and something that sets your bag apart from others. The most common trick I’ve seen is to attach a ribbon to one of the handles. Unfortunately, most people choose pink or red. If you choose to use a ribbon, go with something more original. I take brightly colored duct tape and wrap it around the handle and also use the duct tape to spell out my initials in big letters on the front of my suitcase. If at all possible, print your boarding pass at home and bring it with you. This will limit the amount of time you have to stand in line to check your luggage, especially if your airline has separate lines for ‘full-service’ and ‘checking bags only’. This should also ensure your seat is not given away if you are running late. Make sure to have your ID, confirmation number, and/or boarding pass in hand when you get to the front of the ticket line.

Journey You may as well keep them out for the security checkpoint, but make sure to put them someplace secure; you shouldn’t need them again. Tip #4 Bring it On! Many people panic about losing their luggage because they do not come prepared on the plane. I usually bring a backpack, but many people bring a carry-on or an oversized purse or satchel. There are a few things you should always carry on the plane with you: two extra pairs of underwear and socks, an extra shirt, a sweater, your valuables (never leave your jewelry in your checked luggage) and electronics, any necessary medications, a phone charger, your passport/ID, any tickets you have purchased for attractions, a list of your confirmations, and most of your cash. Your cash should be split into at least four places: your purse, your person, your carry-on, and your checked luggage. I would suggest a bag that is completely enclosable (like a backpack or satchel) to deter pickpockets. Things that I would suggest to bring on the plane, but are not a necessity are: a comb or hairbrush, a toothbrush and travel size toothpaste, a travel sized bar of soap, lip balm, a pair of pjs, a hair tie, pen and notebook, a book or magazines. Even if your luggage gets lost, you’ll be able to survive the night! I know that carrying these items on-board with me always makes me feel more comfortable and lets me relax!

Journey Tip #5 Savor the Experience So, you’ve gotten to the airport early. You’ve made it through security. You’ve checked your gate. You are prepared for anything! Now, you have an hour (or more) to wait! What do you do? A) Panic B) Try to sleep C) Complain. Or D) Have a party? I always opt for D. That’s partly because I’m a natural extrovert that can meet people anywhere. That’s also because it is inevitable that every time I’m in an airport, I run into someone I know. If you are an extrovert like me, use this time to strike up a conversation with someone new (if they seem interested!) I’ve met a nun, a regional manager of O’Charleys, a business man that adopted 4 kids from Brazil, and a couple celebrating their 50th anniversary, among others. If you aren’t an extrovert, go to Starbucks or the other coffee shop available, wait in the incredibly long line- knowing you have time to kill because you got there so early- find a spot and read your book. Surf the web. Write the next great American novel. Make those phone calls to relatives you never have time to call during the week. I always make it a point to accomplish a novel per round trip. And, pay attention to your phone. Every savvy traveler knows that most airlines now offer text updates for flight changes! (If yours doesn’t, or you don’t know how to get text-updates, call your airline and ask!)

Journey Tip #6 Pre-game When booking your trip, the best thing you can do is check your layover times. If you have a close layover, you will be stressed until the moment you get off one plane and make it to the correct gate for your next flight. Unless necessary, schedule your connecting flights with an extra cushion in between, then just refer to step #5 when you get to your next junction. The same idea holds for your actual trip. I always schedule my flight a day ahead of when I need to be somewhere for big events. For example, I was in a wedding in SF in August. I have never had a flight seriously delayed, but I knew for something as big as a wedding, I’d better be extra prepared. Sure enough, due to fog in SF my flight was delayed and delayed until I would have missed all connecting flights possible in Denver. The airlines sent me home and told me to come back in the morning. Because I had planned ahead, I landed an hour before the rehearsal dinner started. My mother and I were going on a cruise and scheduled our flights into New Orleans a day ahead of time. I got there, no problem. My mom ended up having to spend the night in the airport and made it to New Orleans in just enough time to take a shower and head to the port.

Because we had planned ahead, we made it to our ship, albeit bedraggled and exhausted, but on time. Remember, the airlines are not usually out to get you. They are trying to move thousands of people across the country at close-to-lightning speed. If you follow the tips outlined above, you may find your travel experience a little more enjoyable! Safe travels!

Journey

Joe Smith has overcome his fair share of struggles. He shares his testimony at churches,

boxing events, and most anywhere else he finds a listening ear. From the confusion of being

adopted at a very early age, to finding out that his fraternal and maternal parents were not

the upstanding pillars of the community that he would have hoped for, to his personal

battles against alcohol and drugs, and ultimately, his recovery and turning his life over to

God’s guiding hand, Joe’s is a story of inspiration without the inclusion of boxing or his

tremendous purpose of helping others every day.

Andy Smith boxed from ages 10-15, he played split end for

football, and he realized as early as his senior year of high school that he wanted to be a

coach. So, he began his coaching career by rounding up inner city kids from Chattanooga’s

Westside and enrolling them in the YMCA Football League. All of this, of course, was with the

help of Joe. Once the football season had ended, Andy found himself asking the question,

“What’s next? What are we going to do now?” Through collaboration with his father, the

decision was made to start a boxing program. They rounded up kids from the same area of

town and transported them to the , where Andy had boxed as a youth.

Little could he have predicted that well over a decade later he would still be coaching

football, the YCAP would be growing continuously, and that boxing would become such a

catalyst in the Smith family’s ability to positively affect other people’s lives.

“What we found is, by teaching the kids to begin to apply the lessons they learn in boxing to

their life and to their lifestyle, then the successes, not only come in the ring, but outside the

ring, too.” Andy Smith is passionate about his labor of love. “So, in other words, if I can work

hard in the gym in boxing, I can work hard on my school work. If I can follow authority at the

gym, then I can follow authority at home. So, we begin to teach the kids how to apply the

lessons to life.”

Joe Smith not only repaired his disheveled life, he turned it around so much, that he

and his entire family feel strongly about leading lives of servitude to those who are in need.

The YCAP was started in 1998. Joe, who already by then had found employment helping

others in rehabilitation facilities and outpatient centers, was contacted and the project that

had been working effectively in Nashville, Tennessee under the leadership of the was

begun in Chattanooga, Tennessee. For the first time, Joe Smith was doing what he felt was

his calling, helping children. The intense purpose of the entire Smith family is simple and well

stated by Andy. “We can use whatever, whether it’s boxing or football, whatever, to impact

someone else’s life!” And they have thrived in that purpose.

Boxing, over the last 15 years, has become a staple of what the Smith family uses to

reach others. However, the only definite connection between Chattanooga’s Westside

Knockouts Boxing and the YCAP was the relationship of father and son. There was no official

connection between the two. They had gotten away from the Red Bank gym and started

using a vacant recreational center nearer where the children lived for their workouts.

“My parents became youth ministers at Lookout Valley Baptist. We then moved to Lookout

Valley. The boxing gym moved with it. But, then the boxing just kept growing and growing

and growing.” Lookout Valley is approximately ten minutes west of downtown Chattanooga.

The YCAP staff handles 20 children at a time. “It’s designed to help middle school

youth who are referred to us through the juvenile court system, principals, guidance

counselors, teachers, but they’re just beginning to get in trouble. And so, our job is early

intervention prevention. So we’re trying to prevent these kid’s behaviors from escalating

into shootings that we see in our city all the time.”

The boxing program and the YCAP moved along side by side and stride for stride

but could not get the two officially linked together. Then a year ago, after a decade of

dreaming, toiling, and being denied, there was a change of leadership in Chattanooga’s

YMCA. “The new CEO at the Y, she’s all about it! She loves the idea. And, sure enough, it’s

now under the YMCA’s umbrella!

So, at last, the family venture to help people was all wrapped up nicely, under

the same roof, even. 1600 Central Avenue, Chattanooga, Tennessee is home base to not

both, but all of the outreaches in which the Smiths are involved.

“It was 2002 that YCAP expanded to Bradley County.” Bradley neighbors

Hamilton County, home to Chattanooga. “It’s the only program in Bradley County that

deals with juvenile delinquents, kids who are getting into trouble. And then, this past

fall, we opened in Rhea County. So, now we’ve got three branches within 50

miles of each other. Our philosophy is just, loving on other people, and just trying to use

whatever tools we can to teach these kids that you can outgrow your parents, you can be

different, and you can do whatever you want to do if you set your mind to it.”

There are several approaches taken by the Smith family and the employees and

volunteers that surround them. The YCAP doesn’t just whip a kid into shape. They offer

tutoring after school and are personally involved with the children in the school as well,

meeting with counselors and teachers to make sure that the child is going down a more

positive path.

“We have a community garden. The idea of the garden is to teach them that a

tomato doesn’t come from the BI-LO, it grows on a vine. It goes through a process. So, they

work in the garden.” The garden is completely organic and has a connected pond with ducks,

so that the excrement can be filtered and returned to fertilize the soil. It is nearly self-

sustainable in design. “After they work in the garden, they journal. So, now they’re learning

how to write and put expressive feelings on paper.”

“We’ve got a wood shop where we’re teaching kids math through woodworking. You’ve got to see it! It’s amazing, man! They’re learning how to read a tape measure, how to screw in a screw, how to hammer a nail. Now they’re making bluebird houses. This summer we have a booth at the . They’re going to take bluebird houses and sell them. We’re going to sell some plants.”

The tone of the man’s voice was that of excitement, care, devotion, and love as he spoke about the outreach programs that they have either helped sustain or create. “We’ve got a transitional house. We take young men, who are referred to us through different agencies, that are men that need a little support in terms of learning how to manage money, how to get on their feet financially. We help them get a job. They are assigned a life coach and they have to attend men’s group once a week. The idea is that they learn how to manage and save money. Then, they can hopefully move out on their own and be able to buy a place and be able to sustain a job and provide an income for themselves. And, then pay it forward to somebody else, you know. We just try to use whatever avenue we can use to make a difference in somebody else’s life.” But, it is ultimately the boxing to be discussed here. “We never knew what boxing would do. It’s touched a lot of people. We quickly found out that it really drew to the tough inner city kids, you know, kids who maybe had a lot of anger, kids that needed structure. Boxing is a brutal sport. So is football,” Smith chuckles, “The most important thing is the lessons that they learn through the sport.” “With the boxing, we do a lot of traveling. They’re traveling from the Midwest to the west coast to the northeast to the southeast.” The kids of the , much as other programs like , are blessed with the opportunity to travel throughout the United States and in some circumstances, around the world. “32 National Champions, 6 World Champions, and more importantly, a lot of lives changed,” says Andy Smith humbly. From picking up kids in a van and shuttling them across town, to building their own gyms, by hand, the Smiths have grown boxing in Chattanooga exponentially over the years. In 2008, Joe Smith represented the United States in Beijing, China as a manager for the USA Boxing team. Andy has spent time in Colorado Springs at the USA Boxing facilities as a trainer and coach. Their boxers have fought in locations from Augusta to Memphis

to Kansas City to Reno. “What’s cool is, the kids are being exposed to different cultures and it lets them see how different cultures live. A lot of kids aren’t learning a lot about local history. Going to these different places they can learn a lot of history.” Annually, the YCAP Boxing Club has two smokers. “We host two warm up bouts. I don’t like to call them smokers. Back in the 20’s they would have boxing shows. They would be underground somewhere and everybody smoked, so the whole building was filled with smoke. Well, that’s where it originated from, smoker shows, so I like to call them warm up bouts or dual meets.” Annually, the YCAP Boxing club has two warm up bouts. “We do two of those; in January and February. And, we have the coming up in May.” The Chattanooga Championships are the longest continually running annual sporting event in Chattanooga history. “And then also, we do the Annual . The police department boxes the fire department.” The Battle of the Badges is a fantastic event that has moved all the way to the UTC McKenzie Arena, Chattanooga’s largest indoor venue, in its 5 year history. YCAP Boxing is available free of charge for children ages 8-17. As of April 2014, boxing practice is Monday through Thursday from 5:30-7:30pm at 1600 Central Avenue. An 18 and older class meets from 7:30-8:30pm on the same days. The program is constantly in search and need of volunteer help.

“There are certain days when you’re like Why am I doing this”, says Andy, “but just when you start to feel like that then that phone call comes or that person shows up and says, Hey man, you coached me as a youth and I’m just about to graduate college. It’s a God thing, man. We do a devotional every day at the end of practice. And once again, teaching opening the Bible up. Because a lot of times, that’s the only Jesus those people will hear.” And that is the best summary of all. The Smith family has made their purpose reaching out and helping less fortunate people while teaching God’s Word and trying to make the world a little bit better place for everyone! Support this great cause by going to the events or volunteering your time. Learn more at .

What’s Coming Up… Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Chattanooga Pub Crawl

Rewards Plans

Highway Long Yard Sales

Great Line I Forgot to Use in Savannah… What are you gonna give me for these beads?

Trip Pics