TOASTS
Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge, Chattanooga Chapter, recognized the Jericho Brass Band during an awards ceremony at the Salvation Army. The local band won the National George Washington Medal of Honor Award. Local people also were honored at the event. According to the band's website, jerichobrassband.org, the band formed 13 years ago.
The name was inspired by the Old Testament account of soldiers of Joshua's army, who, according to scripture, blew their sheep horns and caused the massive and unassailable walls of the city of Jericho to come crashing down, the website noted.
The group and other award winners were recognized in a ceremony at the Salvation Army Citadel Corps Chapel.
Additional award winners include Bettye Parker, Freedoms Foundation member of the year; Gene Roberts; Distinguished Military Service; B. B. Bell; Distinguished Volunteer Organization, Viet Nam Veterans of America, Chapter 203; Everett Fairchild, Distinguished Teacher/Educator; and W.W. Johnston, Distinguished Citizen.
CELEBRITY WATCH
LIONEL RICHIE was in town recently. According to Chattanooga-Hamilton County Bicentennial Library spokeswoman Andria Davis, Richie was in town at the library searching for information about his great-grandfather, Chattanoogan Lewis Brown.
"NBC's 'Who Do You Think You Are' will feature Richie and his search for his great-grandfather on March 4 at 8 p.m.," Davis said. "Aided by Chattanooga researchers Rita Hubbard and Frederick Thirkill, Richie's search led him to the public library.
"While in the library's local history and genealogy department, Richie reviewed a copy of 'Biography and Achievements of the Colored Citizens of Chattanooga' which listed his ancestor," Davis said. "He also reviewed rare newspaper clippings about Pleasant Hill cemetery and Chattanooga city directories."
FUNDRAISER
HAMILTON PLACE will host a "Mall Walk/ Waddle" fundraising event Saturday.
The event is designed to raise awareness and funds for Gabe's Chemo Duck organization. Event organizers encourage people of all ages to participate.
According to a news release, the stroll around the lower level will offer participants the opportunity to win prizes, play games and receive a free commemorative photo. Groups are encouraged to form teams and compete for additional prizes and "quacking rights."
Sponsoring the event is EMJ, Molly Maid, Inview Graphics, AdSpace Digital Mall Network, Coca-Cola and this newspaper.
"We are extremely grateful to CBL and Hamilton Place Mall for their sponsorship of the Chemo Duck program," Dr. Eric Gratias, with T.C. Thompson Children's Hospital Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders, said in the news release.
For more information or to register online, visit the mall website at HamiltonPlace.com or call the Hamilton Place Tourist Information Center at 894-7177.