“When I give I give myself.”

—Walt Whitman

HEARD ON THE TOWN

CREW MEMBERS from the USS Tennessee, a submarine, were welcomed to Chattanooga recently by members of the Greater Chattanooga Chapter of the Navy League. The gathering took place at Sticky Fingers downtown.

According to Patty Parks, director of the local Medal of Honor Museum at Northgate Mall, the Ohio-class submarine crew was “adopted” five years ago by the museum. Local members of the Navy League routinely host crew members when they visit Chattanooga, she said.

The USS Tennessee is in Kings Bay, Ga.

Among those present were Bruce Casteel-DeAlmeida, Louis Meister, Rodney Edward, John Glassman, Sandy McMillian, Bill Leonard, Alden Perry, John Glassman, Brian Meagher, Virgil Sperry, Vic Stock, Lee Rogers, Ron Eytchison, and Lee Rogers.

EAR TO THE GROUND

IN-TOWN GALLERY’S “Spring into Summer” exhibit will be held throughout June, said museum spokeswoman Helen Burton.

An opening reception, held last week, focused on five new members whose art was featured on the front wall of the exhibit. The artists are Marian Kern, intricate bead jewelry designs; Margarite Sicard, oil paintings of roses and women’s portraits; Paul Fontana, geometric abstracts in acrylics; Sandy Brown, mixed media landscapes, and Julie Clark, mild steel sculptures, tables and lanterns.

“The gallery was filled with all new artwork from the 35 members, colorful and varied as a summer garden, showing real growth in skill and subjects chosen by the artists,” Ms. Burton said.

Ms. Burton said preparations are underway for the gallery’s 35th anniversary celebration in September.

“In-Town Gallery will be 35 years old and will have a month-long anniversary celebration,” she said. “Six of the original 12 charter members are expected to attend the commemoration ceremony.”

EAR TO THE GROUND

THE NEW CHATTANOOGA Dragon Boat Club is seeking area residents who are interested in participating in the sport of dragon boat racing.

According to member Kathy Payne, the club will officially begin in July.

“(It) is open to anyone interested in learning more about the sport, regardless of skill level,” Ms. Payne said. “Trained experts will help teach basic skills and club members will have the chance to practice their paddling technique weekly on the water.”

The club will practice each Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. during July, August and September at the Chickamauga/Erwin Marina.

“People have shown interest from Knoxville,” Ms. Payne said, noting that Olympic kayaker Joe Jacobi is interested in participating. “The response has been very good and we look forward to bringing the sport to Chattanooga. The 2010 U.S. National Dragon Boat Racing Championships to be held in Chattanooga will help take the sport to the next level.”

For more information contact Ms. Payne at klpiona@yahoo.com or 504-7333 or Phaedra Richmond at phaedra0805@yahoo.com or 260-4162.