The St. Alban's Market just keeps getting better and better.    They always have fresh honey and meat from Brady's Farm Direct Meats.    Lately, the produce has been getting more variety as well, which probably has to do with the fact that we are getting later in the summer.

I got blueberries, cookies, yellow squash, zucchini, tomato, garlic, sirloin steak and also enjoyed free samples, like Green Rooibos Blush iced tea from Down to Earth and a blueberry muffin.

The market is every Saturday from 10AM to 1PM at the St. Alban's Episcopal Church.    The Church also offers a community garden and walking path.

Hamilton County General Sessions Court Judge Christine Mahn Sell has recently been promoting a new mental health court in the criminal system.     The court would involve better identification of people in the criminal system with mental health issues, especially those who tend to have repeated arrests for crimes like public intoxication and criminal trespassing.    The mental health court would work similarly to drug court and would require voluntary participation of those who have been charged with crimes.

If you want to see public fireworks in Chattanooga this year, you have 2 choices:

• July 3rd from 8-10PM---Pops on the River at Coolidge Park.  This is a free event where the Chattanooga Symphony and Opera Orchestra will play a combination of patriotic and traditional tunes by the river, followed by fireworks.    People are encouraged to bring blankets and lawnchairs and either pack a picnic basket, or enjoy food from concessions.
• July 4--night--LakeWinnepesaukah Amusement Park--Enjoy a full day of rides, miniature golf and fireworks.

Or, like me, you may prefer to go to parties at friends' houses and watch private fireworks displays.   Whichever you decide, be safe!

On Tuesday, April 29, starting at 11:45AM, the American Lung Association is sponsoring the 29th Annual Women of Distinction luncheon at the Chattanooga Convention Center.    The 2014 TN Woman of Distinction is Kim Criswell, but the luncheon will also be honoring other notable Chattanooga area Women of Distinction, including the Honorable Christie Sell, the Hamilton County Sessions Court Judge.     Young Women of Distinction will also be recognized.   This promises to be another wonderful event in Chattanooga.

SETLAW's next happy hour is coming up this Thursday, April 24 at 6PM at 212 Market.   A big shout out goes to the Olsen Law Firm, who is sponsoring the event.        There will be cocktails and hors d'oeuvres featuring fresh, local foods.

This event is open to members and non-members, and no RSVP is required.    Please come out and have some food and drink on SETLAW later this week!

The Children's Advocacy Center (CAC) One with Courage Awards Luncheon is coming up on Thursday, April 3, 2014 at 11:30AM at the Chattanooga Marriott Downtown.    The luncheon is the premier event that celebrates and acknowledges those people in the Chattanooga area who enrich the lives of children.  

The guest speaker will be Erin Merryn, a celebrated author and public figure who has openly discussed the sexual abuse she suffered as a child.   Erin is an activist who is the driving force behind Erin's Law, a law that has currently been passed in 8 states, with 14 more states introducing the law as we speak.    Part of Erin's Law provides that the Comprehensive Health Education Program for grades pre-kindergarten through 12 require age-appropriate
As part of the luncheon, awards are giving to honorees in the 3 following categories:

1.         Help--for first responders who help children in need or crisis
2.         Hope--for advocates who inspire or educate children and offer hope for their future
3.         Healing--For those who provide children healing to their minds, bodies and spirit

When you need legal advice, you may have to set up a consultation with an attorney.    Consultation fees for attorneys vary--some attorneys offer free consultations and others charge a fee for consultations.    Your consultation is a time to get general information about your case and legal options and to interview the attorney to see if you like them and think they are the right fit for you.     Once you have your consultation, you do not have an actual attorney/client relationship until you sign a contract with that attorney and pay a retainer fee.          When you retain an attorney, they should always give you a copy of your legal contract with them regarding your case and representation.    The contract should have provisions regarding the scope of the attorney's representation, information regarding fees, and hopefully information regarding the attorney's communication policies.

It is possible that you may have to do consultations with more than one attorney to determine who would best represent you.     Attorneys have different approaches and styles and you can learn a lot about them during the consultation.     An attorney is not obligated to represent you just because they have a consultation with you.

Pam Fleenor is running for Chancery Court, Part I, in Hamilton County, TN, to replace Chancellor Frank Brown.    She is having a reception on Thursday, January 30 from 5:00 to 6:30PM at the Walden Club.    To attend the fundraising reception and support Pam in her bid for Chancellor, different contribution levels are available--you can elect to be a patron, host, co-host or just buy individual tickets.   Individual tickets cost $250 per couple or $125 per individual.

The Chattanooga Bar Association held its 116th Annual Meeting on January 22 at the Sheraton Reed House in the Silver Ballroom.   In addition to approving the new officers and Board members, seven local attorneys were honored with awards.      For more information on the individual attorneys honored, please visit the Chattanooga Bar Association website.

Thanks to Lynda and Wanda for putting on another great event!

Southeast Tennessee Lawyer's Association for Women (SETLAW) offers the first of a three part Rainmaking Series for its Lunch and Learn program.    Part One of the Series on Marketing will be held January 30, 2014 from 11:45 until 12:45 and will include lunch.


Baker Donelson Shareholder Jennifer Keller will be leading off the series by teaching attorneys how to successfully market to get clients.   The event is free for members and $10 for nonmembers.    Annual membership in SETLAW is only $25 and membership applications may be obtained by contacting Eliza Epps at the Olsen Law Firm in Chattanooga.

Join SETLAW for all three parts of this exciting series.   Some series will include CLE credits.