"Be not afraid of life. Believe that life is worth living, and your belief will help create the fact."
-- William James
TOASTS
CHATTANOOGA ZOO residents Columbo and Maggie announce the birth of their baby monkey May 5 at the zoo. The family, Cotton Top Tamarin monkeys, are resting and playing comfortably in their home.
According to zoo officials, the sex of the baby is yet to be determined. A naming contest for schoolchildren next fall will determine the baby's name.
Cotton Tops are native to Colombia, South America, and are an endangered species, according to a news release.
"There are over 20 species of Tamarins (along with their close relatives, the marmosets), with a variety in fur and coloration, especially on the head and face," the information noted. "They have long tails, soft coats, and weigh less than two pounds."
The Chattanooga Zoo participates in the Species Survival Plan (SSP) program for cotton top tamarins. The program works to breed genetically healthy zoo populations of tamarins, and to save the valuable Tamarin habitat through education efforts.
"It's wonderful to have a new baby at our zoo and even more special to have one that is on the endangered species list," said Darde Long, zoo executive director. "It speaks volumes to the special care our staff gives to our animals. I hope everyone will come out and see our newest animal ambassador."
Out and about
THE CHATTANOOGA Nature Center held a party at its new Paddler's Perch, an elevated cabin constructed alongside Lookout Creek that runs through the center's property. Around 50 people attended.
Food was provided by Hennen's with entertainment by Fletcher Bright and the Dismembered Tennesseans. Drinks were donated by Carter Distributing and Coca-Cola.
According to Tina Harvey Crawford, the center's spokeswoman, Paddler's Perch is an elevated, 625-square-foot cabin. It will soon be available for overnight rentals, she said.
The area of the cabin also includes a boardwalk, boat storage area and dock.
"People who stay over in the perch are sure to have magical experiences -- from hearing our resident red wolves howling and seeing turtles, heron and hawks -- to camping in the canopy of the trees along the creek," Ms. Crawford said.
The project was made possible through a $175,000 grant from the Lyndhurst Foundation.
"The CNC board and staff are so grateful to Bruz Clark and the Lyndhurst Foundation Board for believing in our mission and for their vision of what the Paddler's Perch will contribute to the well-being of our entire community," Dr. Jean Lomino, CNC executive director said.
Among those attending include Bruz and Julie Clark, Eric Myers, Brad Shelton, Philip Grymes, Shawn Benge, Stephen O'Neil, Darde Long, Bud Ellis, Kay Parish, Dave Hopkins and Ralph Brown, Jeff Duncan and Jeff Pfitzer.
The cost of staying in the cabin is $35 each night for two people with an additional $10 for each person up to eight. For more information, call 821-1160.
E-mail Karen Nazor Hill at khill@timesfreepress.com. Submitted photographs will not be returned.
HEARD ON THE TOWN
A MARKER DEDICATION for the grave site of Revolutionary War veteran Ransom Smith was held on June 6 at Teague Cemetery in Powell's Crossroads in Marion County, Tenn. The ceremony was held on the 65th anniversary of D-Day.
A group of representatives of Daughters of the American Revolution attended the ceremony.
"The DAR honors all veterans of all wars," said DAR member Bettie Purcell. "From the patriots of the American Revolution to the heroes serving today, their sacrifices have secured our freedom and have given us this amazing country."
Ms. Purcell shared some of Mr. Smith's history: Born in Hanover County, Va. in 1761, he enlisted as a private with the North Carolina troops in the Revolutionary War. In 1831, he moved to Marion County. Among his descendants are Judge David Campbell DAR members Wanda Gentry and Mary Keith Bowen, and Teague Cemetery board member Ray Barker.
Mr. Smith died in 1854 at age 93.
The ceremony was led by Judge David Campbell Regent Phyllis Carter, chaplain Elizabeth Kelly, and Cherokee District Director Mary Keith Bowen. State Regent Judith Chaffin represented the Tennessee Society DAR.
