HEARD ON THE TOWN

CONGRATULATIONS to a group of area students honored by the Chattanooga Chapter of Freedoms Foundation during a luncheon at Chattanooga Golf and Country Club. More than 80 students entered the organization's annual essay contest. Twelve winners were selected to attend The Leadership Summit in Valley Forge, Pa.

The organization has sponsored the essay contest since 1969. The 1,000-word essays were judged on content, grammar and completion of thought, said Freedoms Foundation spokeswoman Jeanne Abbott. This year's theme was "Freedom to Be Grateful."

Local businessman Mike Brown, the organization's vice president for youth, escorted the group to the summit. "(He) reported that our Chattanooga group brought home the majority of the national awards presented during their conference," Abbott said, noting that students from around the country attended the summit.

"Our students presented the program by reviewing the events of the summit," she said. "Mr. Brown reported that the delegation of students were exemplary representatives for our area."

At the luncheon, Nicholas Hickman, 12, sang a medley of patriotic songs. Geraldine Charton gave special awards to past president Marilyn Parker, long-time volunteer Bettye Parker and chapter president Chris McSpadden.

TOASTS

CHARLES DAMMANN, a John Sevier Chapter member since 2002, was elected president of Tennessee Society of the National Society Sons of the American Revolution during the Society's annual meeting in Franklin, Tenn.

A native of Illinois, Dammann graduated from the United States Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, N.Y. He is a veteran of the United States Navy, where he held the rank of lieutenant commander in the United States Naval Reserve. Dammann is retired from the Tennessee Valley Authority.

Dammann's interest in the American Revolution is being passed down from generation to generation. Dammann is married to Marilyn. Their son, Christopher, is married to Ruth, and their four children are members of the Children of the American Revolution.

HEARD ON THE TOWN

ARTIST ALAN SHUPTRINE, a member of the Tennessee Watercolor Society, is being honored as a new Signature Member of the organization. The honor is awarded to artists in recognition of outstanding achievement of selection by juror into three biennial Tennessee Watercolor Society exhibitions, said Rachelle Haddock, Gold Leaf Designs operations manager.

"As a member, Alan has exhibited in several Tennessee Watercolor Society exhibitions which are displayed bi-annually throughout the state. Along with Signature Membership status, Alan's painting submission, 'Dreamcatcher,' also received recognition as the recipient of the 'Beauty of Water Media' award and a monetary prize," Haddock said.

The Tennessee Watercolor Society's exhibition is on display in Cordova, Tenn. through June 21, 2012.

Additionally, Shuptrine has been accepted into the National Watercolor Society All-Member Juried Exhibition, as well as the Artist's Network All-Media Competition, where his painting, "Grace," received an honorable mention, Haddock said.

View Shuptrine's work at www.alanshuptrine.com.

EAR TO THE GROUND

RACQUETS ON THE Riverwalk, a new event to introduce area residents to the Manker Patten Tennis Club, Tennessee Riverwalk and Outdoor Chattanooga will be held June 7-10.

The event is "an opportunity to experience hiking or biking on the Tennessee Riverwalk as a participant, and then relax and enjoy the Tennessee Valley Open Championships tennis tournament as a spectator," said Sue Chamberlain, Manker Patten Tennis Club director of marketing and communications.

Bike racks are provided, and the event is free, she said.

The tennis club, at 100 Douglas Street, is on the Tennessee Riverwalk, Chamberlain said in a news release. It's a great opportunity for the public to view the $13,000 prize-money tennis tournament, Icy Hot TVOC, she said.

Strawberries and cream are served during the finals Sunday morning, Chamberlain said, noting competition begins each day at 8:30 a.m. and continues throughout the day and evening.

"Brian Baker, the 2011 Icy Hot TVOC winner, is off to Paris to compete in the main draw of the 2012 French Open," she said. "If you, your family or friends have never been to a tennis tournament or the U.S. Open in New York City, take this opportunity to experience tennis matches close up. Let it be your U.S. Open experience at the club level."

Manker Patten Tennis Club has been named the United States Tennis Association Outstanding Facility of the Year, and the public is invited to tour the clubhouse, renovated indoor courts and 13 outdoor courts.

For more information, call 266-6767 or visit mankerpatten.org.