“Humor is the shock absorber of life; it helps us take the blows.”

— Peggy Noonan

FUNDRAISER

FIRST THINGS First held its 11th annual Fall Banquet recently. The event, presented by Covenant Transport, were chaired by Earl and Cindy Cornette and the First Things First board of directors. Georgia Supreme Court Chief Justice Leah Ward Sears was the featured speaker. Andrea Perry of WMPZ Groove 93.5 FM served as emcee.

“In addition to Chief Justice Sears, several individuals and companies were recognized for their support of First Things First,” said organization spokesman Brandon Strickland.

“Caldwell Foundation received the Spirit of the Family Vision Award; Citadel Broadcasting was recognized with the Spirit of the Family Partnership Award; CARTA was given the Spirit of the Family Impact Award, and the Family Legacy Award was presented to Mr. and Mrs. Sam Smartt,” he said.

“First Things First is very fortunate to have such significant support in our community,” said Julie Baumgardner, president and executive director. “However, the journey is far from over. While a tremendous amount has been accomplished since 1997, there is still work to be done. As we move forward, we want to continue to provide our community with excellent resources to help build strong marriages and families.”

Among those present were John and Annette Adams, Richard and Mildred Bethea, Jim and Kelly Brexler, Mark and Ann Caldwell, Hardwick and Betsy Caldwell, David and Christy Dalton, Dane and Sheila Boyington, Ed and Gena Ellis, Michael and Beth Warren, John and Glenda Henegar, Hap Harwell and Linda Todd.

EAR TO THE GROUND

WHEN YOU think of Halloween, goblins, witches, and jack-o’-lanterns may come to mind. But when the members of the Tennessee Federation of Garden Clubs, District III, thinks about Halloween, it’s all about beautiful flowers.

The group’s flower show, Halloween’s Coming, will be held Oct. 24 at the East Ridge Community Center from 1-4 p.m. The event is open to the public free of charge.

“District III represents 18 garden clubs in Hamilton County and presents a flower show every two years. Seven of the clubs will be represented by more than 100 garden club members,” said district general manager Maggi Burns.

“As members of National Garden Clubs Inc., garden clubs are encouraged to sponsor flower shows to educate and stimulate the public about horticulture and flower designs,” she said. “Garden clubs throughout the United States work with youth in schools and create community projects involving beautification, conservation and education.”

The show consists of a horticulture division divided into sections and classes showcasing approximately 300 specimens of annuals, perennials, vines, herbs, shrubs, trees and container grown plants, Ms. Burns said.

The public and plant societies may enter cut foliage, cut flowers or container grown plants, she said, noting that reservations are required (499-9751).

National Garden Club flower show judges will judge the show from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and place several top awards for each division after each class receives individual awards.

HOLIDAY FUNDRAISER

WITH THE HOLIDAYS quickly approaching, the planning committee for the annual YMCA Christmas Market are busy putting together what they predict will be the best market to date.

According to Lisa Talley, YMCA director of marketing and communication, this year’s event will be held Nov. 11, 12, and 13 at the Chattanooga Convention Center. The market opens each day at 10 a.m. and closes at 8 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday and 7 p.m. on Thursday.

“The Christmas Market volunteers have gone the extra mile in attracting new vendors by making the market easy and convenient for them,” said Tina Harr, market director.

Santa Claus will also visit the market, Ms. Talley said. Photos with Santa will take place on Nov. 11-12 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. On Thursday, Santa will be available for photos from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

TOASTS

THE TROUSDALE School in Cleveland, Tenn., recently participated in the Jumpstart Read for the Record 2008 Campaign. According to Tasya Woodard, school program coordinator, students at the school read “Corduroy” to Prospect Elementary School students.

“Prospect and Trousdale continue their partnership this year, and have many more opportunities to work together,” Ms. Woodard said. “Trousdale students had a wonderful time engaging the elementary students in ‘Corduroy’.”

The Trousdale School is a non-profit organization that works with high-functioning adults with mental disabilities, she said.

“The school is currently functioning as a day program, consisting of job placement and job shadowing, academics, and social and community activities,” Ms. Woodard said. “The Trousdale School is committed to providing an environment that promotes maximum educational, physical, social, and spiritual growth to high functioning adults with mental disabilities.”

For more information, call 479-7130.

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