The Holiday Bazaar at Soddy Elementary School will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Nov. 21.

No matter how many fall seasons I see, the colors still amaze me.

The march is on in the final months of fundraising for the Soddy Daisy High School band. Come out an enjoy a pancake breakfast on Oct. 31 from 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. Aretha Frankenstein’s insanely great pancakes will be served at Clear Creek Church of Christ, 5612 Hixson Pike.

A new home will be built for some lucky family in our area. The application deadline has been extended for the Habitat for Humanity home. A representative will be available at City Hall, 9835 Dayton Pike, on Oct. 28 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 to 6 p.m. to assist applicants with the process. Applications are available at City Hall and Senior Neighbors Center, Monday through Friday.

It’s time to gear up for Halloween with costumes and treats for the little goblins.

It's festival time in Soddy Daisy. The Great Pumpkin Festival will come to the lake by the ball fields Oct. 17.

Congratulations goes to the Soddy Daisy High School's volleyball team (30-7) for winning the invitational this past weekend.

The clouds parted just long enough for the Soddy Daisy Trojans to get in a winning football game and their homecoming ceremonies Sept. 18.

Excitement has been building all week for this year's special homecoming game, featuring Soddy Daisy vs. Walker Valley. It will be the 25th reunion for the first group of students to graduate from the "new" school that was said to be overbuilt for the community at that time. The school opened with 900 students. The student body, spirit and camaraderie has grown each year since. Sept. 17, you can have a barbecue plate and watch a powder puff football game at 6:30 p.m. You will also be able to meet the Trojan players along with Loftis and Soddy Daisy Middle School football, band and cheerleaders. Funds raised will go to the American Cancer Society. Arrive early, by 6:30 p.m., for the pre-game events for Friday night.

Kids First coupon books will be available through Sept. 18. They can be purchased from the elementary schools or from students for a $10 donation.

It's now official. Soddy Daisy High School is the largest school in the county. But there is one very special teacher, who was a former student of mine, whose return to the classroom this year is nothing less than miraculous. Trevor Fuller, a popular English teacher, is happy to be back with his large classroom of students. His kidney transplant was made possible through the donation from his son Ryan. Even though doctors didn't expect Mr. Fuller to be back on the job so soon, his new lease on life made him determined to jump back in full swing this semester. It seems the football team is off to a great start as well with their big win over Hixson last week.

One former Drum Major at Soddy Daisy High School has distinguished herself by being selected for and participating in the Music City Drum and Bugle Corp. Randi Chastain has just returned from her tour with the drum corp. The prestigious group from Nashville requires a recommendation and that participants work a grueling schedule to compete.

Now that school is under way, our thoughts turn immediately to fall, the hope of crisp air and the anticipation of football season.

It’s back to school week, and students, teachers and parents are settling in to a new routine. As you travel, beware of school zones and students along the roadside waiting for buses or returning in the afternoon. Resolve to support and volunteer in our local schools to make them even stronger. Sept. 7 is the first holiday and the first report card date is Oct. 16.

As students go back to school Aug. 12, old schoolmates are getting together to enjoy each others' company again. The 1984 class of Soddy Daisy High School will celebrate 25 years on Aug. 28 and 29. Friday night will be a tailgate party before the Soddy Daisy High School vs. Hixson football game, and Saturday night will be held at Valleybrook Country Club. Reservations for Saturday must be made by Aug. 15. Call Bill Swann at 240-0719 for more information.