“There is no expedient to which a man will not go to avoid the real labor of thinking.” — Thomas Alva Edison

HEARD ON THE TOWN

ALLIED ARTS is sponsoring a Battle Academy Art Exhibit in the county courthouse, said Allied Arts spokesman Rodney Van Valkenburg.

Last week, nearly 50 adults and students attended a reception to celebrate the opening of the art exhibit at the Hamilton County Courthouse by student artists from Battle Academy. The exhibit, “Look Up, Down and Around,” featured artwork by fourth- and fifth-grade students at Battle Academy, Mr. Van Valkenburg said.

Congratulating the student artists and their families were County Commissioner Warren Mackey, Hamilton County Mayor Claude Ramsey and his chief of staff, Jeannine Alday, Allied Arts board chairman Frank McDonald, Hamilton County Department of Education Director of Magnet Schools and Fine Arts Karla Riddle, and Battle Academy principal Ruth White.

Mr. Mackey encouraged the students to pursue their dreams and aspirations. “The arts enable all of us to achieve our full imaginative potential,” he said.

The fourth- and fifthgrade students, under the leadership of Battle Acadmey visual arts teacher Carla Guerra, participated in after-school art classes for most of their academic careers at Battle Academy, Mr. Van Valkenburg said.

“The exhibit, which features artwork that combines printmaking, drawing with ink and oil pastels, was inspired by images found by students on walks throughout downtown and noticing the contrasting geometric and organic shapes in the area,” he said.

The exhibit will be on display at the courthouse through the fall.

PRUDHOMME Fort Chapter members Shelley Stack and Norvell Lyon were memorialized at the Colonial Dames Seventeenth Century meeting held recently at the Signal Mountain Golf and Country Club.

“Ms. Stack had served the chapter and state for many years, serving as chapter president, and she started the practice of honoring a chapter member each year as ‘Chapter Dame of the Year,’ ” said spokeswoman Joan Hanks.

Ms. Lyon, who also served as a chapter president, also held other offices and chairmanships, Ms. Hanks said.

“Both ladies were active in other patriotic organizations and served the Daughters of the American Revolution on the Brainerd Mission Cemetery for many years and were best friends,” she said.

Guest speakers for the meeting were John Eckerd, who dressed as his ancestor Benjamin Franklin, and LaVonne Jolley, chapter vice president.

Among those present were Al and Anne Acker from Knoxville, Buddy and Margo Stack from Nashville, and Betty Murray.

Prudhomme Fort welcomed Shirley Rogers and Page Housemen as prospective members. TOASTS

GIRLS PREPARATORY School junior Ania Giffin was recently named state president of the Tennessee Society of the Children of the American Revolution, said Margaret Johnson, senior president of the Colonel Return Jonathan Meigs Society, T.S.C.A.R. The announcement was made at the recently held 54th annual State Conference held at the Marriott Hotel in Franklin, Tenn. “Ania is an exceptional girl in many ways and an excellent role model,” Ms. Johnson said, noting that Ania is a member of the Elizabeth Paxton Houston Society of Maryville. She was elected to the position by nearly 120 delegates from across the state.

Last year, Ania served as the organization’s first vice president and was editor of the newsletter, The Liberty Bell.

Suzanne Reynolds, senior national president from Virginia, installed Miss Giffin as state president. Also attending were members of the Daughters of the American Revolution and Sons of the American Revolution.

“The local society in Chattanooga is Colonel Return Jonathan Meigs sponsored by Chief John Ross Chapter, DAR,” Ms. Johnson said.

“Children under the age of 21 who are descended from a Revolutionary War soldier or patriot are eligible for membership in the National Society of C.A.R.,” she said. “The purpose of the C.A.R. is probably best expressed in the words of its founder, Harriet M. Lothrop, ‘to help generations of children gain a perception and adoption of those American principles and institutions for which their ancestors fought and died.’ ”