NASHVILLE, TN — Pastor Howard Jones, candidate for Tennessee State Senate-District 19, spoke with participants of the annual Alzheimer’s Association’s, “The Longest Day.” Senate Candidate Jones, praised the group for their willing spirit to support research for this disease by which many of us are affected. “We all have someone in our families who is suffering from this disease that causes them to be foreign to us in speech, yet so close in their appearance,” said Jones.
The Alzheimer fundraiser was established by Ms. Helen B. Ross of the Hadley Park Duplicate Bridge Cub in 2013 and she has continued to serve in the role of coordinator. “The event has continued to grow throughout the years. We wanted to do something that would help end this debilitating disease,“ said Helen Ross. Alzheimer is the 6th leading cause of death in America. It spirals into full dementia.
The Hadley Park Duplicate Bridge club has continually increased its contribution throughout the years.
Kelsey Williams, Manager of Development and Initiatives, with Alzheimer’s Association of Middle Tennessee, spoke to the group about this disease. She explained that African Americans seem to be more affected by this disease than any other culture. She explained there are theories that this happens because of diet, weight or other issues, however, no definitive answer is known at this time.
Club President Connell Garrett said, “The entire club has embraced and supported the project unanimously. “The first event was successfully coordinated and pulled together in less than two (2) weeks.”
The fundraiser featured games of bridge, spade and bid whiz, and featured a financial grand prize, as well as numerous door prizes.
Dr. Gadson J. Tarleton, 97 years young, is the oldest member of the Hadley Park Duplicate Bridge Club and an active member of the organization. The Club has been in existence since about 1988.
Jones shared with the group he was a candidate for State Senate, District 19 and wanted to continue to work with senior groups to ensure their health, physical and emotional needs were being addressed so that their quality of life is good. “It is quite significant that we honor our mothers, fathers and ancestors in actions of support and memories to memoralize their lives for such a time as this,” said Jones.
