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Hats Off | by |
| Column dedicated to sharing news about community activities, service projects, and other events that are important to the life of the residents of our "mountain." |
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published on 11/01/2001
NOVEMBER HATS OFF TO SIGNAL MOUNTAIN
By
sigmtn.com staff writer
GET CARRIED AWAY! . . .READ. November 12 thru the 18th is NATIONAL CHILDREN’S BOOK WEEK. Celebrating its 82nd year, this year’s theme reflects the nourishment that kids get from a healthy and balanced diet of reading. According to the Children’s Book Council (a nonprofit trade association that promotes the use and enjoyment of books and related literacy materials for young people), educators, librarians, booksellers, and families have celebrated NATIONAL CHILDREN’S BOOK WEEK during the week before Thanksgiving since 1919. Look for other ways to help children get a healthy and balanced diet of reading. For example the Thrasher Elementary School PTA is sponsoring a Book Fair on Tuesday, November 13 as part of honoring NATIONAL CHILDREN’S BOOK WEEK. Wild Hare Books, 1219 Taft Highway, in the Signal Crossing Shopping Center, has invited Chattanooga author Marcia Cate Overstreet to sign her new book A Day at Gramma’s at the Sunday on Signal Open House. Connie Pierce, Librarian at the Signal Mountain Library reminds us of the ongoing programs, including the Terrific Two’s Day, for pre-school children provided by the Library. HATS OFF to the educators, librarians, booksellers, and families on Signal Mountain who join in the celebration of NATIONAL CHIDLREN’S BOOK WEEK.
How can I help? What can I do? Many people ask these questions. Here’s one answer. The Signal Mountain Welfare Council needs the support of our community. The Welfare Council is responsible for providing emergency help for families on Signal Mountain who are in need. You may have seen the American Family trucks parked across from the Kamatsu Plant on Signal Mountain Road. They claim to be collecting items that residents of the Chattanooga area are recipients of, however, according to Ellen Heavilon, president of the Signal Mountain Welfare Council, there seems to be no documentation or proof that this is happening. And because citizens are choosing to give to this organization, our very own Welfare Council is suffering. Clothes and other items can be dropped off at the Clothes House on 2407 Fairmount anytime. Weekday mornings, there is usually someone there if you need a receipt. The number for the Clothes House is . The Clothes House is open 9 – 12:00 noon every Saturday.
The Food Pantry, which is located in the Welfare Council office at Signal Crest Methodist Church on Ridgeway Drive, is open 10 – 12:00 noon weekdays. Cereal, canned meats, macaroni and cheese, and spaghetti sauce are especially needed at the present time. You can call the office at during these hours and they can tell you what they are running low on at any particular time. The need for food is ongoing so think of using this as a service project with your favorite organization, Sunday school class, or Scout troop. So now you know how you can help and what you can do, but what’s coming up? Begin thinking about the Annual Toy Drive sponsored by the Welfare Council every November. Boxes will be placed at Tri-County Citizens Bank, Sun Trust Bank, the Post Office, and the Signal Mountain Fire Station. Bring NEW toys to any of these places throughout the month of November. When we put other people before ourselves, we begin to see the world in a different way. What better example for our children, our neighbors, and the surrounding communities off the mountain, could we be? So I say, HATS OFF to the Signal Mountain Welfare Council for the tremendous effort and contribution it makes and HATS OFF to the children at Nolan and Thrasher who support the Toy Drive by collecting coins which are then used to buy new toys for the Toy Drive.
Things to do today: Clean out closet. Didn’t wear that sweater once last year. What makes me think I’ll wear this year? Put that in the Welfare Council bag. Pick up a toy for the Toy Drive. Make grocery list. Add items for Welfare Council Food Pantry – cereal, box of macaroni and cheese, spaghetti sauce . . . .
Back in the late ‘70’s Susan Jenkins at Village Greenery decided to have an open house. Gradually other businesses on the mountain joined with her by staying open the Sunday before Thanksgiving. The event became known as Sunday on Signal. Today, over twenty years later between 25 and 30 businesses open their doors between 1:00 and 6:00 pm. This year’s Sunday on Signal is November 18. The purpose for this special day is to promote the businesses to both people who live off the mountain but also this is a chance for the local businesses to say “thank you” to the residents of Signal Mountain for supporting them. Because, you see, the majority of business owners up here on the mountain are your neighbors, friends, and fellow citizens. You see them at church, at the ball field, at the grocery store, or mowing the grass. Although only a small contribution to the Town of Signal Mountain’s general budget, the sales tax does make a difference. HATS OFF to businesses on the mountain for supporting the community and HATS OFF to the residents who support the businesses.
Picture this: It’s a brisk, cold evening. Parents are gathered in front of the Mountain Arts Community Center on Kentucky Avenue while their children wrapped in coats, hats, and mittens practically dance from one end of the playground to the other. Suddenly there are ooh’s and ah’s from everyone as the lights on the Christmas Tree standing in the corner of the lot burst with brilliance. And then off in the distance a siren is heard. Children scream and little ones grab their parent’s hand. Is there a fire? The siren gets closer. It’s a Signal Mountain Fire truck and it’s coming to the Mountain Arts Community Center. But there is no fire. “It’s Santa Claus,” everyone yells. What I have just described is the Signal Mountain Holiday Celebration presented by the Signal Mountain Newcomers. Children of all ages are invited to participate on December 7, 2001 at 7:00 P.M. at the Mountain Arts Community Center. A new addition this year will be a Christmas Carnival. Please bring $1 or one can of food as a donation. Proceeds will go to the Signal Mountain Welfare Council. Games for all ages, prizes and refreshments will be provided. Don’t forget to get a picture with Santa and his Elves. This annual event is a special treat even if you don’t have kids. Everyone is invited to enjoy the fun. HATS OFF to Wendy Hagen and the Newcomers Committee for planning this special time for all to welcome in the holiday season.
Thank you. This column is dedicated to sharing news about community activities, service projects, and other events that are important to the life of the residents of our “mountain.” My goal is not so much to report on what has happened but to bring to your attention what is happening or is about to happen. I am pleased to be writing this column, but I need your help. In order to promote your organization, event, or activity I need to stay connected to you. I can be reached by calling or by e-mail at . Please call or e-mail me with your ideas and upcoming events.
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