The Friends of Hixson group has chosen “Arise” by artist Andy Light for the newest public art installation through the Art in the Neighborhood initiative.

Last week, a tribute to honor long-time Hixson resident and former sheriff, H. Q. Evatt, was at the Hamilton County Justice Building. During this event, Sheriff Evatt’s family, friends and co-workers attended for the unveiling of a bust of Mr. Evatt that was sculpted by artist Cessna Decosimo.

The Big Ridge/Fairview Reunion will be at the Chester Frost Park Pavilion Nov. 1., beginning at noon.

The Hixson Council of the Chamber of Commerce will host its second annual Christmas tree lighting at Clear Creek Church of Christ on Nov. 21. If you would be interested in becoming a sponsor for this event or would like to volunteer to help decorate and erect the tree, please contact Joni Eldredge at 648-6676.

St. Peter's Episcopal Church will host the first of several Counterpoint Concert Series beginning Oct. 15.

Construction is underway for a new Dunkin' Donuts on Highway 153 across from Northgate Mall.

Hixson residents can vote for their choice of public art to be placed at the Hixson Pike and Access Road intersection between now and Oct. 20. You can cast a vote at the Northgate Library, Bi-Lo, Publix and online. To vote online, visit chattanooga.gov.

Make you plans to attend this year's Hamilton County Fair Sept. 26 and 27. The fair will take place at Chester Frost Park from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days and will be held rain or shine.

The Hixson High School Touchdown Club will host a pancake breakfast at Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar at Northgate Mall on Sept. 26. The breakfast will be from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. and the cost will be $7.50. Members of the Hixson High School football team will be your servers. Please join in on this fundraising event for the athletic department of Hixson High.

The new El Meson Mexican Restaurant is now scheduled to open in approximately two weeks. Let's give them a warm welcome to the Hixson community. The restaurant is located next to Northgate Mall in the former Target location. Congratulations to Zelma Blair, owner of Insurance Network, located on Hixson Pike. She recently celebrated her 50th birthday, beginning with a morning networking session for her fellow business associates in the Hixson area and continuing through the day with refreshments and a door prize. Frank Steil Insurance of Hixson is the recipient of the President's Award for its superior performance and outstanding commitment to Montgomery Insurance. This award was presented recently at a company meeting in Miami, Fla.

Dan Page, former City Councilman for the Hixson area, recently spoke to the Hixson City Council. At this meeting, Mr. Page was presented with a certificate of appreciation for representing Hixson for eight years. The certificate was presented by Gene Huffine, board member of the council.

If you have not had the pleasure to get to know Zella Dixon, now is the time. Zella has lived in the Hixson area for more than 35 years and has worked at Creative Images in Hixson for the past 17 years. She has many great friends as well as loyal clients. Zella has recently written the story of her life, and what a story it is. The book is appropriately titled "A Warm Blanket for Rainy Days." This beautiful and gracious 77-year-old has lived through much heartache but has also had much happiness and success. She recently had a book signing at Creative Images, and her book is available for purchase at Creative Images, located on Northpoint Blvd. This interesting and inspirational book is certainly worth a read.

The Hixson Chamber Council is hosting an after-hours event Aug. 20 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Bart's Lakeshore Restaurant and Lounge, located at 5600 Lake Resort Terrace. According to Josh Wilson, president of the Hixson Council, this will be a community meeting and local business social event designed to give everyone information on Friends of Hixson, the old Hixson Middle School project and the Hixson 5K run.

The North River Civic Center is hosting free healthy gourmet cooking classes featuring celebrity chef Mark Anthony of TV’s “Live Healthy Gourmet Cooking Show.” These classes will take place on Aug. 24-25. The Aug. 24 class will feature Italian dishes, and Aug. 25 will be Mexican dishes. Also featured will be Harold Mayer, internationally known fitness trainer. There will be free samples and door prizes. Call Sylvia Knoch to reserve your seat at 423-847-1795 or at hixsongourmets@yahoo.com.

It’s hard to believe this summer is just about over. Hamilton County Schools will begin classes on Aug. 12.