“Historians are the guardians of mankind’s collective memory.”

— Peter Geyl

HEARD ON THE TOWN

THE AMERICAN Diversity Report’s 2009 Global Leadership Class met recently for the first time, said the group’s leader, Deborah Levine.

“The Global Leadership Class is a yearlong training program sponsored by the American Diversity Report,” she said. “The corporation and online magazine grew out of the nonprofit I founded after Sept. 11.”

Ms. Levine’s organization is called the Women’s Council on Diversity.

“There are about three dozen volunteer writers for the online magazine, some local, others from around the country and, increasingly, we have international contributors. They are selected based on their experience, their global perspective and an enthusiasm/style that reflects our philosophy — real diversity for real people. The Global Leadership Class also reflects that philosophy.”

Class members are self-selected, have varied backgrounds and reflect a similar world view as do the online magazine writers, Ms. Levine said. “In our second year, class membership has almost doubled. Given our mission to serve the public, I periodically open our sessions to all who are interested.”

The kick-off event featured a status report by Dr. Eileen Robertson-Rehberg, with the Ochs Center for Metropolitan Studies, on the changing demographics nationally and locally. Dan Challener, executive director of the Public Education Foundation, gave an update on the Hamilton County Public School District’s efforts to work with its increasingly diverse student body and to prepare all of its students for the global economy, Ms. Levine said.

Class members include Missy Crutchfield, Solomon Hatch, Kaihan Strain, Janet Perfetti, Pat Vita, Valoria Armstrong, Jerome Gordon, Cora Lanier, Perla Trevizo, Michelle Hunter, Elizabeth Appling, Deborah Grimes, Dr. Ed Hale, Janice Sullivan, Leslie Smith, David Ortiz, Teresa Headrick, Henry Stoloff, Frenice Mann, Kathleen Lanza, Elizabeth Bell, Wanda O’Neal, Robyn Cummings, and Veronica Osborne of LAB Plus.

The class will hold a “Race & Ethnicity” lunch/forum on Nov. 13, in co-sponsorship with the Chamber’s Leadership Chattanooga Alumni Association, at the Jewish Cultural Center. The public is invited. For more information, visit americandiversityreport.com or call 867-5564.

TOASTS

THE PEDIATRIC oncology department at T.C. Thompson Children’s Hospital recently honored Sunny 92.3 radio personality James Howard. According to Erlanger spokeswoman Katie Nave, Mr. Howard was presented with a framed ceiling tile, which was painted and signed by patients and staff.

The memento was given as thanks for the effort he continuously puts into improving the lives of oncology patients and their families at Children’s Hospital, Ms. Nave said. “Mr. Howard hosts annual radiothons at Children’s Hospital, through which he has formed special bonds with many of the patients and staff.”

T.C. Thompson Children’s Hospital at Erlanger is a member of the Children’s Oncology Group, comprising more than 200 children’s hospitals around the world, she said.

“This group is dedicated to treating children with cancer through state-of-the-art therapies and the latest clinical trials,” she said. “Children’s Hospital offers top-notch treatment for the majority of local children diagnosed with cancer, allowing patients and their families to stay close to home.”

FUNDRAISER

MORE THAN $6,000 was raised by Alpha Beta Chapter ESA members at a fundraising fashion show/luncheon benefiting the Boehm Birth Defect Center, said chapter spokeswoman Betty Proctor.

The 21st annual Taster’s Luncheon was the most successful to date, said event chairwoman Lorrie Haufe. A sell-out crowd dined on food prepared by Alpha Beta Members. The fall fashion show was presented by Catherine’s and Hamrick’s.

“Businesses, organizations and friends of ESA members donated more than 50 items for the Chinese auction,” Ms. Proctor said. “Items up for bid ranged from gift cards to jewelry to home furnishings.”

New to the event this year were Kohl’s “A-Team,” she said.

“Kohl’s sent a team of associates to the luncheon who helped to seat and serve guests, and clean up after the event. Kohl’s A-Team consists of associates who form teams of five or more to support a local children’s charity. Kohl’s rewards and supports the team’s participation with a $500 corporate grant given directly to the charity.”

ESA is a premiere leadership and service organization excelling in community education, service and philanthropy, Ms. Proctor said. For more information visit esaintl.com.

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