“Complete success alienates a man from his fellows, but suffering makes kinsmen of us all.”

—Elbert Hubbard

JEFFREY DENDY, owner of Jeffrey’s Flowers in Riverview, recently attended the Vail Film Festival in Vail, Colo., where he met up with former Chattanoogans Michael and Ellen Mouton and their daughter, Zoe, who now live in Denver.

“This is the second year I have attended,” Mr. Dendy said. “It’s a small, relatively unknown independent film festival, but word is getting out about how good it is. The number of people attending this year doubled that of last year.”

Festivalgoers rub elbows with actors and film directors, he said.

“I saw Tim Daly, Olivia Wild and shook hands with Adrian Grenier,” he said. “Everyone is friendly and seem to be genuinely appreciative that you’re attending the festival.”

Among the movies premiered at the festival was “Forgetting Sarah Marshall” starring Jason Segel. Now airing in theaters, the movie “is really entertaining,” Mr. Dendy said.

In addition to attending the movies, the setting of the festival is equally as entertaining, he said.

“You are surrounded by breathtakingly beautiful scenery,” he said. “It’s much like the Sundance Festival held in January in Park City, Utah, but it’s much smaller.”

As word gets out about the festival, it will continue to grow, Mr. Dendy said.

“The crowds will increase because it’s an incredible four-day experience,” he said. “If you enjoy independent films and beautiful scenery, you should go. It’s worth your time.”

Among movies premiered at past festivals “Before Sunset” with Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy, “My Date with Drew” starring Drew Barrymore, “The Wendell Baker Story” with Luke Wilson, Owen Wilson, Eva Mendes and Will Ferrell.

HEARD ON THE TOWN

A PROCLAMATION

signed recently in East Ridge designated May 17 and May 24 “Poppy Days” for the William E. Blair American Legion Auxiliary Unit 95 in East Ridge.

Members Robin Negrotto, Carol Horton and Jo Smith met recently with Curtis Adams, East Ridge city manager, to finalize details.

Sandra Blaylock, chairman of “Poppy Day,” asks local residents to support veteran events by making financial donations on May 17 and May 24.