Nichols, currently serving in his second tenure on the TRGT board, has been at the forefront of the Trust’s land stewardship efforts, including spearheading the ongoing cleanup and restoration of an old junkyard in the river gorge. During his first term, Nichols served two years as board president and throughout his nearly fifteen years of involvement, he has been a valuable legal advisor to the organization.
In opening remarks, current board president, Jack Kruesi, honored Nichols for “playing such a significant and pioneering role in the history and development of the Trust.” Following Mr. Kruesi were Nichols’ longtime friend Fletcher Bright and TRGT executive director Jim Brown who presented Nichols with a one-of-a-kind glass bowl created by artist and river gorge resident, Prentice Hicks. The sixty-plus guests at the Ashland Farm ceremony last Thursday night dined on Hors D’oeuvres such as petit caprice salad on crustini and smoked trout on sweet potato crisps while sipping cosmopolitans and minted fruit tea, all provided by Avery Patten of Patten Floral and Design Studio who also created all-natural table arrangements on a tree of life theme. The evening was hosted by Ashland Farm residents Lee and Cartter Patten.
The Adele Hampton Lifetime Achievement Award (formerly the Founder’s Award) is given each year to an individual who exemplifies the spirit of the Founders of the Tennessee River Gorge Trust, in his/her work to preserve and protect the Tennessee River Gorge for the benefit of the community and generations to come. Past recipients are Adele Hampton (1995), Sam Powell (1996), Mary Navaree’ Moore & William G. Raoul (1997), Gladys Smith Mynatt & Fred Robinson (1999), Dudley Porter (2000), Nancy Evans (2001), Don Jensen (2002), Bill Holmberg (2003), Richard Park (2004), and Norma P. “Butch” Mills (2006).
(At Top: Pictured from left to right are past recipients Fred Robinson, Norma P. “Butch” Mills, Don Jensen, Gladys Smith Mynatt, and Richard Park along with this year’s recipient, Alan Nichols.)
Table arrangements by Avery Patten Floral & Design Studio
2007 Award is a glass art bowl from Prentice Hicks of Wauhatchie Glassworks.
