Our annual Summer Reading Program will feature some wonderful sessions this year, with a combination of old favorites and new performers. Mark your calendars now for each Tuesday in June and the first four Tuesdays in July (June 4 through July 23) at 11 a.m., for our free and fun-filled celebrations.
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June 4 - Back by popular demand to kick-off our line-up are the melodious Bandana Babes. These lovely ladies will lead us in a sing-along and show off their tuneful ukuleles and unique homemade instruments that include a washboard, a tub base and wooden spoons. You’ll be amazed at their clever lyrics, and you and your children will be inspired to join in and add your voices to their familiar songs.

Our kick-off event will be immediately followed by a special visit by Ollie the Otter, a life-size mascot who promotes booster seat safety and seatbelt use throughout the state of Tennessee. Ollie has been encouraging child passenger safety for 13 years, and audiences always find his presentations great fun, as well as instructive. The program is sponsored by the Tennessee Highway Safety Office and the Tennessee Road Builders Association and is coordinated statewide by Tennessee Tech University in Cookeville.

June 11 - The GPS Terpsichord Dancers, under the direction of teacher and dancer Laurel Zahrobsky, will instruct the children in dance and movement. Children are encouraged to come in tutus (or comfortable) attire and plan to be energized and engaged by the GPS dancers as they learn how to express themselves and their emotions by moving with the flow.

June 18 - Bill Haley from the Tennessee Aquarium will present “Insects Around Us.” This program will feature all sorts of creepy crawlies that children can find in their own yards. Kids will learn all about these critters and how to observe them, as well as see some live examples. The program also becomes interactive when some lucky participants get to dress up as their favorite bugs!

June 25 - Noah’s Little Ark Petting Zoo and Pony Rides will set up again in our yard with an amazing menagerie of animals. Children can wander among (or just watch) the friendly chickens, ducks, sheep, pigs, goats, and maybe a lama or alpaca. Also two ponies that children may ride up and down our back field will be nibbling our grass. Note that we are adding another pony this year, so the lines won’t be as long! This is one of our most well-attended events, so come early.

July 2 - The Signal Mountain Playhouse, our next-door neighbor, will again welcome children and their parents to a much-anticipated preview of their spectacular summer production, “Annie.” We will walk down the path from the Library to the Playhouse to enjoy a short performance by the talented players. Then the children will take a backstage tour of the facility, followed by some refreshments.

July 9 - Singer/songwriter Jennifer Daniels makes her first visit to the Signal Mountain Library this year. We are so excited that she can make time in her very busy schedule to entertain us with her beautiful music! Jennifer and her husband, Jeff Neal, have been making music together for 20 years, touring all over the country and abroad. When the couple recently had twins, they began to write music for children and now do shows for young people in classrooms and libraries. CDs of their music will be available for purchase after the program. Check Jennifer out at jenniferdaniels.com.
 
July 16 - Bill Haley from the Tennessee Aquarium makes a command appearance here with another fun program, “Ocean Adaptations.” This event focuses on the animals that live in the ocean and how they adapt to survive in often unfriendly habitats. Children can meet and touch several ocean animals, such as a sea star, crab and marine snail. Budding oceanographers will be enchanted!

July 23 - We will wind up our Summer Reading adventures with Mike Edwards, a magician and balloon artist. Mike appears locally, entertaining children and adults with his super balloon animals and his magic. If you attended the 2018 Fourth of July celebration at Althaus Park, you will remember the huge crowd gathered around him while he fashioned some amazing balloon creatures. This is his first time at the Signal Mountain Library, so please come and help us make him welcome!

Registration for the Children’s Summer Reading Program will begin after the 11 a.m. Toddler Storytime on May 28. All events are appropriate for children through rising fifth graders. Children must be accompanied by adults. For more information, call the Library at (423) 886-7323.

Registration opened in March for the 2019 MACC Summer Camps that take place at 809 Kentucky Avenue, but check to see if slots for specific classes are available. Parents can register online or in the MACC office for a wide variety of camps that appeal to the interests of students up to 12 years of age. Check signalmacc.org for weekly camps and replace “I’m bored,” with “Hurry up, I don’t want to be late!” Camps are scheduled each week Monday through Friday from June 3 through July 26. Tuition is paid directly to the instructor. Check each class for age specific requirements.

The MACC is looking forward to the completion of all repair work and the reopening for the theatre, complete with paint, flooring, curtains, and lights – but preserving the grand acoustics that enable the 214 seat auditorium to have all great seats. When that is completed, Coleen LaLiberte will again occupy the auditorium for her special events. Although she will conduct her drama and puppetry programs at Bachman this summer, she is looking forward to returning to the refurbished and splendid facility.

Summer Drummer Days June 3 – July 26
Chip Hancock’s Summer Drummer Days run for the entire summer and must be registered separately for each week that the camps are in session. His camps have two sessions per day, one from 9 to noon, and another from 1-4 p.m. Applicants must contact the instructor for proper placement before registering. Students are eligible from grades 2-12. Hancock can be reached at (423) 774-2569 or online at summerdrummerdays.com.

June 3-7
Girls’ Fun Adventure Week with instructors Ruby Dabney and Amy Graves will have a week of true girl fun, with a different theme each day! Twirling, crafts, and girly fun will be the rule from 9:30-11:30 a.m. each morning for ages 4-8. For more information, check the website or call Amy at (423) 667-2512 or Ruby at (423) 402-1336.
Culinary Passport with Sprouts Cooking will explore new flavors and cuisines as kids ages 5-12 investigate a bit of globetrotting for new foods from Italy, China, Mexico, Thailand and more! Class will meet for a delicious 9 to noon each day. Contact Allie Fincher at (423) 504-0060 or email her at allie@sproutscooking.com.
Star Wars Training Camp taught by Mark Johnson celebrates “Star Wars” with martial arts training, using light sabers that will go home with the campers at the end of the week. Meeting from 9-noon each day for ages 5-11, this popular camp will use up lots of energy, although naps after lunch are not guaranteed. Check with Mark at (423) 886-1512 or by email at mjtkdplus@hotmail.com.
Suzuki Violin Camp with Margaret Cooke meets afternoons from 1-3 p.m. for students who have completed Suzuki Book I or the equivalent. Focus will be on playing in a group, following a conductor, leading a group, and playing in parts. Repertoire includes classical and folk/bluegrass pieces. Prerequisites include a full violin outfit and the ability to learn new pieces quickly. A minimum of four students required. Contact Margaret at (423) 508-4218 or margaretdelcooke@gmail.com.

June 11-13 
Summer Art Camp for Adults: Plein Air Garden Painting with Val Gibson will provide a three-day outdoor experience from 10 till noon for adults who miss those golden days of summer camps in their youth. Contact Val at (423) 322-5676 or gibsonvp@gmail.com.

June 10-14
Chocolate Lovers’ Camp will be held from 9-noon, ages 5-12, from Sprouts Cooking. Tasty savory and sweet chocolate recipes will be the theme for the week as young cooks make everything from mole chili to chocolate croissants. Questions? Contact Allie Fincher at (423) 504-0060 or allie@sproutscooking.com.
Superhero Camp takes place from 9-noon for ages 5-11 with instructor Mark Johnson. Campers sample the power of martial arts while designing their own super-logos, masks, and more to develop their superhero identity. Contact Mark at (423) 886-1512 or mjtkdplus@hotmail.com.
TenneSEA Kids 4 Clean Water Camp will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for ages 3-8. TenneSEA Kids 4 Clean Water is dedicated to empowering students to lead their communities to protect and restore our streams. What better way to learn about our natural world than by playing in the water.  This is the first of two weeklong camps that include looking for salamanders, creek critters, science connections, and more. Contact Mary Beth Sutton at (423) 413-0471 or marybeth@carribean-sea.org.

June 18, 19, 20
Summer Art Camp for Children, Color, Canvas, Collage takes place from 10 a.m. to noon for ages 6 and up with instructor Val Gibson. Explore color and its uses in expression and design. Class size limited to 6. Contact Val at (423) 322-5676 or gibsonvp@gmail.com.

June 17-21
Create the Rainbow Camp will be held from 9 a.m. to noon for ages 5-12 with Sprouts Cooking.  Want to taste pink? What does green taste like? Cook up a rainbow using vibrant and delicious ingredient and build culinary techniques. Everything from Hawaiian Rainbow Poke Bowls to Red Velvet Whoopee Pies is on the plate. Contact Allie Fincher at (423) 504-0060 or allie@sproutscooking.com.
Imagination Creation takes place from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for ages 6 and up with instructor Mardi Leonard. Young Artists have messy fun and discover their creativity, using their imagination in drawing, painting, and clay to have a magical week. Text Mardi at (423) 488-2887 with any questions.
Ballet Tennessee Dance Camps include Leap into Dance for ages 3-6 at 10-11:30 a.m. with instructor Lauren White. Based on the movie “Leap,” the world of creative movement will be explored through music, stories, and games for inspiration into the wonderful world of dance.  Contact Ballet Tennessee at (423) 821-2055 or Lauren@ballettennessee.org. 
Kodu: Video Game Lab will be open from¸10:30 a.m. to noon for ages 7-11. In the Kodu Game Lab, students will use Xbox controllers to design, program, and present their own unique video games on a PC. They will learn to add objects, score elements, create paths, and add multiple characters. Contact Tiffany Henry at (678) 525-8660 or tiffany511@hotmail.com.
Ballet Tennessee Leaping Higher Dance Camp is for ages 7-13 from noon to 2 p.m. with instructor Lauren White. This camp is designed for students with at least two years of ballet/jazz training. Each day begins with a ballet technique class, followed by a break and jazz/musical theatre class.  Contact Ballet Tennessee at (423) 821-2055 or Lauren@ballettennessee.org. 
Art of the Singer/Songwriter Junior takes place from 5:30-7 p.m. for ages 11-16 with instructors Butch and Trish Ross. Learn songwriting skills, vocal technique, performance skills, and how to confidently present your work. End the week with a mini-concert for family and friends. Contact Trish at tfwileman@gmail.com or (941) 330-5547 or Butch at (423) 779-6624.

June 24-28
Heroes Journey Camp takes place from 9 a.m. to noon for ages 8-12. Daniella Bozzone and Abigale Wetmore will lead students as they learn to write and illustrate their own books. Create a character and bring him or her through an adventure, limited only by imagination! Instructors are children’s books authors and illustrators. Questions? Contact Daniella at (423) 313-2072 or bozzonedani@yahoo.com.
Martial Arts Sports Camp will be held from 9 a.m. to noon for ages 5-11 with Mark Johnson. This camp will focus on martial arts to increase agility, strength, explosiveness, power, and technique in any sport. Drills that promote teamwork and leadership qualities on sports teams benefit student performance. Contact Mark at (423) 886-1512 or mjtkdplus@hotmail.com.

July 8-12
Superhero Camp takes place from 9 a.m. to noon for ages 5-11 with instructor Mark Johnson.  Campers sample the power of martial arts while designing their own super-logos, masks, and more to develop their superhero identity. Contact Mark at (423) 886-1512 or mjtkdplus@hotmail.com.
Princess Camp will be held from 10-11:30 a.m. for ages 3-6 with instructor Crissy Algae. It’s a Disney world out there – learning to dance like a princess, make crowns, dancing wands, and other necessary princess elements. Call or email Chrissy for more information at (901) 568-2311 or crissylouise1@gmail.com.  
Film Camp takes place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for ages 8 and up. Join Jerry Bowman and create a short film after learning about the equipment, including set-up and break-down. Each camper will direct a chosen scene – and everyone will be in the movie. No experience is required. Contact Jerry at (423) 432-0673 or jdbfilms@gmail.com.
TenneSEA Kids 4 Clean Water Camp is from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for ages 3-8. TenneSEA Kids 4 Clean Water is dedicated to empowering students to lead their communities to protect and restore our streams. What better way to learn about our natural world than by playing in the water. This is the first of two weeklong camps, looking for salamanders, creek critters, science connections, and more. Contact Mary Beth Sutton at (423) 413-0471 or marybeth@carribean-sea.org.

July 16, 17, & 18
Summer Art Camp for Children takes place from 10 a.m. to noon for children ages 6 and up. Val Gibson will lead Painting Nature for Kids, exploring the ways color appears in nature and how to paint it. Contact Val at (423) 322-5676 or gibsonvp@gmail.com.

July 15-19         
Sprouting Chefs Cook-Off Camp will be held from 9 a.m. to noon for ages 5-12 with Sprouts Cooking. Have cooking fun with challenges like those seen on cooking shows, including Team Challenges, Mystery Baskets, and Individual Flavors as budding chefs learn to put a fun spin on recipes ranging from appetizers to main courses to deserts. Contact Allie Fincher at (423) 504-0060 or allie@sproutscooking.com.
Star Wars Training Camp taught by Mark Johnson celebrates Star Wars with martial arts training using lightsabers that will go home with the campers at the end of the week. Meeting from 9 a.m. to noon each day for ages 5-11, this popular camp will use up lots of energy, although naps after lunch are not guaranteed. Check with Mark at (423) 886-1512 or by email at mjtkdplus@hotmail.com.

July 23, 24 & 25
Summer Art Camp for Adults takes place from 10 a.m. to noon. Contact Val at (423) 322-5676 or gibsonvp@gmail.com.
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July 22-26
Boys’ Wild Adventure Week takes place from 9:30-11:30 a.m. for ages 4-8. Instructors Ruby Daney and Amy Graves will explore a different theme each day with sword fights, exploding cokes, and crafts. Safety first, of course! Get ready for Mad Science, Monsters, Muck and Slime, ending with Pirates’ Day for a fun week of energetic fun. Call Amy at (423) 667-2512 or Ruby at (423) 402-1336.

The Signal Mountain Green Giants Swim Team is gearing up for another fun season on the pool deck. The season will kick off with new swimmer evaluations and practice for returning swimmers on Tuesday, May 28, and will conclude with our end-of-the-year picnic on July 14, which is the Sunday of City Meet weekend.

Online registration is now available on the Signal Mountain Green Giants website, greengiants.swimtopia.com. Registration fees include a team T-shirt and cap and start at $141 for 12 & under swimmers; $101 for swimmers ages 13-14; and $56 for senior swimmers ages 15-19. There is a discount for families with multiple swimmers.

Swim practice will be held on mornings, Monday through Friday, from 8-10 a.m., plus Tuesday and Wednesday evenings from 7-9 p.m. Practice times vary depending on age groups. 

During practice, swimmers will learn and practice proper stroke mechanics and build endurance through conditioning exercises. Athletes do not have to attend every practice. However, the more practices athletes attend, the more quickly they will improve.

Meets will be held most Monday and Thursday evenings during the season. Home meets will be held on Thursday, June 6, against Catoosa Great White Sharks; Monday, June 10, against Stuart Heights; Monday, June 24, against Dalton; and Monday, July 1, against Ooltewah. Away meets will be held on June 3, 17, 19, and 27.

In addition, we hold our Sprout Meet – a special meet designed to provide competition experience for younger and less experienced athletes – at home on Monday, July 8. The season culminates in the City Meet, where teams from the entire CASL compete for individual and team honors. This year’s Bill Caulkins City Meet Championships will be held on Friday, July 12, and Saturday, July 13, at the Baylor School Natatorium.

Our Green Giant coaches strive to create a challenging, yet nurturing, team environment, where all athletes have the chance to learn, grow, and work toward their full potential as swimmers – while having fun and enjoying their summer.
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More information, including the parent handbook, practice times, upcoming events, and meet schedules, are available online at greengiants.swimtopia.com or email greengiantsswimming@gmail.com.

by Patricia Davis

Mark your calendars! The Signal Mountain police and fire departments are hosting an open house as part of Town Services Day on Saturday, May 18, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., in celebration of the Town’s Centennial. Sparky the Fire Dog will be returning, along with a fire extinguisher demonstration and a residential sprinkler demonstration.

Police cars and fire trucks will be on display, and tours of the facility will be available. The event will include plenty of photo opportunities, as well as lots of give-away items for the kids, more demonstrations and great entertainment. Come meet your law enforcement officers and firefighters, and learn more about what they do on a daily basis to keep our community safe. We hope to see everyone at 1111 Ridgeway Avenue!

The Signal Mountain High School cheerleaders will offer their popular Cheer Eaglets summer camp again this year, giving students ages 4 to rising fifth-graders the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of cheerleading at SMHS. This camp takes place from June 3 through June 7, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the SMHS cafeteria. Now in its 11th year, the camp is designed to offer cheerleading instruction in a safe environment, promoting enthusiasm for the sport and molding these eaglets into energetic cheerleaders.

The SMHS cheer coaches, Olivia Web and Laura Willingham, will direct the camp. The instructors will consist of the entire high school cheerleading squad. All of these 17 instructors have a love for children and a specialized skill.
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Eaglets are split up according to age to learn chants, jumps, motion drills, cheers, spirit, basic tumbling and stunts, safety skills and a dance. Parents are invited to experience their child’s new skills in action during a performance held on the last day of camp on Friday, June 7, at 12:30 p.m. The cost of the camp is $170 per child and includes drinks, snacks and a camp T-shirt. Eaglets will need to provide their own sack lunch.
Registration forms are available at both Thrasher and Nolan elementary schools, as well as local preschools. Be on the lookout for the form in your child’s backpack. Completed forms and a check made payable to SMHS should be mailed to SMMHS, attention Laura Willingham, 2650 Sam Powell Trail, Signal Mountain, TN 37377 before May 31.