“It’s not that I’m afraid to die. I just don’t want to be there when it happens.” — Woody Allen

HEARD ON THE TOWN

ALPHA PHI Alpha is celebrating 103 years of leadership and service as the first African American Greek letter fraternity, said Chris Palmer, vice president of the local chapter.

The Psi Lambda of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity held its fourth annual Scholarship Gala at the Chattanooga Convention Center, Mr. Palmer said.

In 2002, the Psi Lambda Educational Foundation was created to award scholarships to deserving young male high school students within the Hamilton County school system, he said. This year, scholarships were provided to Nicholas Jackson, CSAS; Fredrick Walker, Brainerd High; Marcus Shropshire, Howard High; and Damond Torrey, Tyner Academy.

Chick-fil-A, Carmike Cinemas and Tennessee Valley Family Credit Union awarded the seniors special gifts during the luncheon. Additionally, Tennessee Valley Authority serves as a corporate sponsor.

“At the gala, there was a special recognition of brothers who have served in the fraternity 50 years or more,” Mr. Palmer said. Those recognized were Virgil

McGee Sr., Henry Bowles, Rodney Claybrook, Wallace Roberson Dr. Edgar Scott, Wendell Collins, William Hight and Dr. Arlyce J. Garth.

TOASTS

THE CHATTANOOGA Affiliate of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network met at Memorial Hospital’s Schmissrauter Center for Cancer Support.

Guest speaker Dr. Jordan Berlin talked about the latest scientific research and treatment for pancreatic cancer. Event spokeswoman Bette Malone said Dr. Berlin is an associate professor of GI oncology at Vanderbilt-Ingram Medical Center in Nashville.

The local support group was founded in 2006 by Ms. Malone, Emily Lewis, Marilyn VanArsdale and Vicki Hendricks, all of whom have lost family members to pancreatic cancer.

“Among the group’s accomplishments was the first PurpleStride Chattanooga last fall,” Ms. Malone said. More than 200 people participated raising $29,000.

SPEAK UP

CONGRATULATIONS to WTVC’s Don Welch, who was selected as one of about 70 leaders throughout the world to receive the Toastmasters International Communication and Leadership award this year.

According to District 63 Toastmasters International spokesman Charlie Rosenquist, the award was presented during the spring conference at the Chattanooga Choo Choo. The organization also celebrated its 50th anniversary during the event.

Allan Daniels, Toastmasters District 63 governor, cited Mr. Welch for the contribution he has made in our community through his communication and leadership skills.

A native of Dayton, Tenn., Mr. Welch has worked in television since the 1970s. He is also active in various organizations and charitable institutions in the city

“Don’s leadership skills show through with the positive impact his work has on our community,” Mr. Rosenquist said. “His ability to relate to all levels of viewers and willingness to help them demonstrates his outstanding communication skills.”

District 63 is composed of 92 clubs and approximately 2,000 members. There are 12 clubs with nearly 200 members in Chattanooga. Toastmasters International is a nonprofit educational association that has helped more than four million people through its communication and leadership program. For more information, visit www.d63toastmasters.com.