Letters to the Editor

Pattern shows eclipsing of 'Riding'

For 85 years, beginning in 1926, Reflection Riding Arboretum's 300 acres have been extensively developed. Part of Chattanooga's patrimony and history, it received national honors and international recognition. John Chambliss left it an endowed gift "perpetuity," a unique quiet place of healing and reflection.

Thirty-three years ago, Reflection Riding invited the Nature Center to 17 adjacent acres. It has never been part of the arboretum but has used some of its land for environmental education. Its mission is very different from what Chambliss envisioned for his arboretum.

July 13, celebrating a new merger of the two boards, the Nature Center's John Mitchum, now president of the joint board, never says "Reflection Riding," He calls it "Our Place." (sic)

The name John and Margaret Chambliss chose was erased. The arboretum newsletter was replaced with the Nature Center's newsletter. The PR in newsletter, signs, news releases, and websites shows a pattern of eclipsing Reflection Riding and reshaping it in the image of the Nature Center. What travesty is this?

(I am the granddaughter of John and Margaret Chambliss and the daughter of Jac Chambliss.)

ANN CHAMBLISS LACAMBRA, Winter Park, Fla.

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Join tribute today by wearing purple

More than 120,000 Tennesseans now face the harsh reality of Alzheimer's. That's 20,000 more Tennesseans dealing with dementia than in the last decade.

The numbers keep rising.

A recent report by the Alzheimer's Disease International shows the worldwide costs of dementia are expected to exceed 1 percent of the global GDP, reaching $604 billion. These statistics should serve as a wake-up call to everyone from medical researchers to elected officials to families to caregivers.

There now is no cure for Alzheimer's. There are early warning signs and resources for caregivers, but there's no cure. The Mid South Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association serves this part of the state with such free services as a 24-hour Helpline, private care consultations, support groups, educational opportunities and more.

Until a cure is developed, we want to recognize those affected by the disease. For the 27th consecutive year, Alzheimer's Disease International selects Sept. 21, as World Alzheimer's Day, as a day to focus on the issue, especially its different faces ranging from patients and doctors to volunteers and caregivers.

We ask everyone to join us in this tribute by wearing purple. You'll be supported by thousands of people to help bring meaningful attention to this critical issue. Help us make a difference for people with dementia, their families and caregivers worldwide by wearing purple today.

DR. GEORGE L. JENSEN, Chair of the Board Alzheimer's Association, Mid South Chapter Nashville

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