HEARD ON THE TOWN
MEMBERS OF the Tri-State Women Veterans group met for brunch at the Golden Corral on Gunbarrel Road. Nineteen women, active and inactive, representing all military branches, attended.
According to Patty Parks, director of the Chattanooga National Medal of Honor Museum of Military History, women in the military are encouraged to participate in the group that formed in 2009.
"We opted not to become incorporated because that would require official meetings, paperwork, etc.," she said. "At this point, we enjoy the camaraderie and, since several of us volunteer at the local VA Clinic, we also share details about the VA clinic and other veteran benefits."
Members range in age from 30s to 90s and are encouraged to speak to civic organizations about their military experience.
Parks said there are about 5,400 women veterans in Hamilton County and 11 surrounding counties.
Current and former service women interested in joining the group or civic organizations interested in learning more about women's military history can call Parks at 423-326-0839 for information.
EAR TO THE GROUND
LEARNING TO save money is important in any economy, said June Puett, a University of Tennessee Extension agent. Puett is educating area residents about how to save money in observance of Tennessee Saves Week.
Through March 19, the Tennessee Saves Coalition is providing fun and educational programs to promote the importance of saving money for all ages and incomes levels.
Events open to the public include:
Pigs on Parade, today, 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., at the Chattanooga Chamber Business Expo at the Convention Center. The event is sponsored by the Tennessee Saves Coalition and Bank of America.
Coupon Workshop, Saturday, 10 a.m.-noon, at Olivet Baptist Church, 740 East M.L. King Blvd. The workshop is free, but reservations are required by Thursday.
Tennessee Saves Financial Fair, Saturday, 10 a.m.-noon, at Olivet Baptist Church, 740 East M.L. King Blvd.
The events motivate people of all ages and incomes to start small, think big when it comes to saving money, Puett said.
HEARD ON THE TOWN
COLONIAL DAMES XVII Century hosted the organization's state conference at Chattanooga Choo Choo Hotel. Prudhomme Fort Chapter president Lenore Levy welcomed Tennessee delegates and out-of-state guests to this year's event. Tennessee state president Charlotte Miller presided.
Highlighted were projects of the society involving preservation of historic sites, placing lineage and historical information in libraries, conducting programs in schools on American history, providing scholarships to college students and aiding military veterans, said Pauline Moore, an organization spokeswoman.
"Recognized for being the only charter member of Prudhomme Fort Chapter was Doris Hicks of Lookout Mountain," Moore said.
A memorial service was conducted by Joan Hanks of Signal Mountain, state chaplain. A new state board was installed with Levy of Signal Mountain elected as state historian.
Among those attending were Bernice Nelson, Patricia Johnson, Ramah Schier, Ruth Jones, Linda Williams, Patricia Jobe, LaVonne Jolley, Judith Bean, Shirley Hall, Benita Brown, Phyllis Little, Linda Harris, Linda Logan, Carolyn Martin, Sue Thompson, Geraldine Sykes and Joy Bland.