Fundraiser
CHATTANOOGA ROOM in the Inn will hold its annual "Tell Me Something Derby" party May 7 from 3:30-10 p.m. at the Republic Parking lot next to Bluewater Grille on Broad Street. The event, focused on the Kentucky Derby, is sponsored by Bluewater Grille, Republic Parking, Sunny 92.3 and this newspaper.
The fundraiser will include a raffle, appetizers, refreshments, dancing, and a highlight of the evening, a hat contest. The Kentucky Derby horse race will be shown on big screens at the start time of 6:03 p.m., said Erin Creal, the organization's executive director. "The best hat contest begins at 7 p.m."
Room in the Inn is a non-profit residential program for homeless women and children, Creal said, noting that fundraising event is seeking more sponsors.
Depending on the level, sponsorships include seating, media and table recognition, drink tickets and souvenirs. For questions about the event or to purchase advance sponsorship tables and tickets call Chattanooga Room in the Inn at 624-6144.
Services at Room in the Inn are provided free of charge and allow homeless women and children to find stability and increase their opportunities and chances for independence when they leave the program, Creal said.
Heard on the town
TENNESSEE SOCIETY, United States Daughters of 1812 recently rededicated the Alexander Hamilton bronze marker located outside the Hamilton County Courthouse.
Event spokeswoman Joan Hanks said the ceremony kicks off America's celebration of the Bicentennial of the War of 1812. She said the nationwide celebration will take place from 2012 to 2015.
"The courthouse plaque, on the Seventh Street side, honors Alexander Hamilton for whom our county is named," Hanks said. "The Tennessee Society, United States Daughters of 1812, with the approval of the Hamilton County Commission and the Tennessee Historical Commission, (originally) dedicated the marker at a ceremony on Nov. 2, 1949."
"The society is working with the Tennessee Historical Commission in planning events for the bicentennial," Hanks said, explaining that Volunteer chapter president Jo Hill and national president Nona Quinn from Oklahoma were instrumental in executing the ceremony.
"Hamilton County Mayor Jim Coppinger and his executive secretary, Arlene Hughes, were in attendance," Hanks said. "The society expressed their appreciation to Arlene Hughes for her help in getting the marker cleaned, as well as seeing that the courthouse grounds were in perfect condition for the rededication ceremony."
President Charlotte Reynolds presided at the rededication. Local musician Rick Grammer provided the Bugle Call for the ceremony, and members of Cleveland Sons of the American Revolution provided the color guard.
Hanks and Quinn performed the unveiling. Hanks said the inscription on the plaque tells that Hamilton was born on Jan. 11, 1757; died on July 12, 1804. He was a captain in the Revolutionary War, aide de camp to Gen. George Washington, and a leader at the Philadelphia Convention in 1787, which framed the Constitution of the United States. Hamilton was first secretary of the United States Treasury in 1789; he established the public credit of the infant republic, and he was an "eminent lawyer" and distinguished author.
Color guard members attending the ceremony were Stanley Evans, David Whaley and Sam Allen.
ear to the ground
FOLKS IN AND around Sequatchie County are gearing up for "Valley Fest - a Cultural Experience," to be held on April 16-17 in Dunlap, Tenn.
The event will include two days filled with live entertainment while celebrating the cultural diversity of Sequatchie Valley, according to festival officials. There will be back-to-back bands playing, dance performances, art, food and children's activities. Food vendors will offer dishes representing cultures from around the world.
There will also be a 25-mile fun bike ride, a 50-mile challenge ride, and a car show will be held on April 16.
Among the many entertainers and bands performing will be Milele Roots and Camp Normal on Saturday, and Phil Stacey, Dalton Roberts, The Mollie Maguires Irish band, and the Cumberland Trio on Sunday.
For more information and a complete list of entertainers, visit facebook.com/valleyfest or call 949-7608.
Contact Karen Nazor Hill at khill@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6396. Follow her on Twitter at twitter.com/karennazorhill.