“I never resist temptation because I have found that things that are bad for me do not tempt me.” — George Bernard Shaw

EAR TO THE GROUND

THREE CHATTANOOGA choral ensembles presented a Sacred Music of Duke Ellington concert for the Holsten Annual Conference at Lake Junaluska, N.C., said Beverly Scott.

According to Ms. Scott, between 1965 and 1974, the late Mr. Ellington wrote three sacred concerts, one of which was performed in 1973 at Westminster Abbey in London.

The ensembles performing were Scenic City Chorale of Alexian Brothers Senior Neighbors, directed by Bill Long; the Chancel Choir of First-Centenary United Methodist Church, directed by Janice McNair; and the Chattanooga Choral Society for the Preservation of African American Song, directed by Roland Carter.

The singers were accompanied by Jim Wilson, piano; Dexter Bell, bass; Clint Schmitt, saxophone; and Chip Hancock, drums.

“For even the most devoted music lovers, the name of Duke Ellington evokes imagery of the Cotton Club and ‘Take the A Train,’ ” Ms. Scott said in a news release. “However, Ellington also wrote an incredible amount of music for a number of different types of projects. He composed for musical reviews, Broadway productions, the comedy stage, the nightclub, the movie house, the theater, the concert hall and the cathedral.”

DeVonne Gardner, whose performance was supported by Allied Arts of Chattanooga, was guest soloist.

The event was made possible by the Maclellan Family Foundation. An encore presentation will take place at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday in the sanctuary of First-Centenary United Methodist Church on McCallie Avenue for the national convention of the National Association of Negro Musicians. Though admission is free, an offering will be taken, Ms. Scott said. HEARD ON THE TOWN

GAIL LEWIS and Jo Ann Forman are co-chairing next year’s Pink! gala, said Karen Sloan, Memorial Health Care System media relations coordinator.

“Memorial’s signature gala celebration honors cancer survivors, their loving families and caregivers,” Ms. Sloan said, noting that next year’s event will be held on Jan. 23.

“Considered by many to be Chattanooga’s premier event of the year, the event will benefit the MaryEllen Locher Breast Center at Memorial Hospital,” she said.

According to Ms. Sloan, Ms. Lewis has a long history of volunteer service with a variety of organizations including the United Cerebral Palsy Fund, Hunter Museum of American Art, Women’s Civitan Club, Riverview Garden Club and the American Heart Association.

“Mrs. Lewis serves on the Memorial Health Care System Foundation board of directors and has also held positions as a commercial pilot, interior designer and financial consultant,” she said.

Ms. Forman is the owner of Olsten Staffing Services.

“She also has a long history of commitment to the Chattanooga community, including the Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce, Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport Authority, Chattanooga State Technical Community College, United Way of Chattanooga, March of Dimes and many others,” Ms. Sloan said. “Mrs. Forman has the distinction of being the first female elected to the Rotary Club of Chattanooga.”

The women will lead a group of dedicated volunteers, many whose families have been touched by cancer, Ms. Sloan said.

“All are enthusiastic about the beautiful and healing environment of the MaryEllen Locher Breast Center, which opened in February 2007, and an opportunity to further enhance care in that world-class facility.”

Proceeds from next year’s event will be used to upgrade Memorial’s Mobile Health Coach from film to state-ofthe-art digital mammography to strengthen its breast-care outreach in the region, Ms. Sloan said.

REUNION

MEMBERS OF Red Bank High School class of 1958 celebrated their 50-year reunion with a weekend of activities, beginning with a barbecue at the Red Bank Lions Club, said reunion spokeswoman Linda Morris.

“A more formal, festive affair was held (the following evening) in the Roosevelt Room of the Chattanooga Choo-Choo,” she said.

On Sunday, the group attended services at Red Bank Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

Comments