​In my 50-plus years living on Signal, I’m always surprised by the number of neighbors yet to discover our hidden jewel nestled in Walden’s woods. Dappled in sunlight among towering hemlocks and 100-year-old white oaks, the Little Brown Church has been warmly welcoming locals and visitors from around the world for summer services for the past 111 years.

Not publicized or marketed, it’s a bit like happening upon an unexpected treasure. The decades-old pea gravel under my truck’s tire and the century-old familiar squeak of the worn hardwoods remind me how exceptional the Little Brown Church is: a simple place of worship with the gentlest of improvements over time.

If you’re nearby on a Sunday morning between Memorial and Labor Day, you’ll see horses, golf carts, bicycles, and Jeeps parked out front. You’ll feel at home whether you get a seat inside or a bench on the porch. Among giggling children in seersucker, parents in shorts with coffee mugs from home, and family dogs roaming freely, you’ll hear a piano that sounds like an old Western movie playing hymns you haven’t sung in years. You’ll likely be invited to stay after for a watermelon cutting or “lunch on the grounds.” And you’ll wonder how it got started and why it still thrives.

My family, just four generations on Signal and, therefore, “new-comers,” visited with two beloved families who have lived the history of The Little Brown Church. We couldn’t help but share the wealth of their iconic Signal Stories and this unique inter-denominational community born out of love...and necessity.

Catherine O’Kelley Fore, (b. 1980), six generations Little Brown Church 
“The Little Brown Church started around the turn of the 20th century. At that time there was a big colony of summer residents with homes on Signal Mountain in an area of Walden we still call Summertown. Chattanoogans came up to Signal to escape the heat, yellow fever and cholera. It was at least a five-hour round trip up and down the mountain via horse-and-buggy or hack [horse-drawn wagon with bench-style perimeter seating for multiple people]. Because of that, folks were unable to make it down to the city for weekly church services.”

Rachel Divine Sharp Decosimo, (b. 1926), six generations Little Brown Church 
“The church started on my grandmother’s front porch in Summertown as a Sunday school for the children of the summer residents. This was a way that Summertown residents could worship the Lord together. After my grandmother’s porch got too full, they realized they needed a building. So, in 1908, local men raised the money and handled the construction of a Swedish barn design. I’ve always wondered how they knew anything about Sweden way back on Signal Mountain!

“I started going to the Little Brown Church when I was 5 years old. I’m 91 right now, so you do the math. It was the highlight of our summer as children! All the children got to be barefooted at church because, on May 1, you took your shoes off and didn’t put them back on until school started in the fall. We loved being with each other and our wonderful Sunday School teachers!”

Catherine O’Kelley Fore: 
“My great-great grandparents were a part of the Little Brown Church in its earliest days. They had a home in Summertown where my family still spends many happy summer days. My great grandfather was the church’s superintendent in 1958-59, and I served in that same role in 2018, so it’s been very meaningful.
“One of the highlights of the weekly services for me are the hymns. Growing up, I remember singing ‘Old Rugged Cross,’ ‘Beulah Land’ and ‘In the Garden.’ Now my children are singing those same hymns. It’s special to carry on that tradition.

“We close each service with all the children coming up front to ring the old bell, just as I -and generations of children before me - did. The ringing accompanies the adults singing our theme song ‘Little Brown Church in the Wildwood,’ with verses customized for our church in 1932 by Summertown resident R.H. Williams.”

Rachel Decosimo: 
“The purpose of the Little Brown Church is that people will learn about God and Jesus Christ. We have never had our own preacher. We invite different teachers and leaders to come up from the Chattanooga area to speak to us each week. It’s very important that they teach clearly and stay right on track.” [“...and right on time” her son Fred Decosimo jokes, “preach Jesus and do it in 20 minutes.”]

“We have so many visitors,” Mrs. Decosimo says. “It’s a wonderful outreach to people who may not go to church regularly, but feel comfortable here. You know, even though we lovingly call it ‘Little Brown Church’, its official name is Union Chapel because all are welcome here, regardless of denomination. I remember, one of the brothers of Adolph Ochs’, a Jewish Summertown resident, [publisher of Chattanooga’s Times Free Press and owner of The New York Times] was one of our first treasurers.

“There’s just something here that draws people. I feel it. My great, great grandchildren feel it. We’re drawn to this place. It’s real. As real as it gets, thanks to generations of these and many welcoming Signal Mountain families who have gathered to worship together through World Wars, epidemics, and moon landings. When it comes to a sense of peace, community, and a true Word from God - the things everyone is searching for - when you come to the Little Brown Church, you find it.

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.
​
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.
​
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.
​
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.