My wife and I moved to Soddy Daisy three years ago from out of state. We could have moved anywhere in Hamilton County that was commuting distance to downtown Chattanooga. We loved the home we purchased and, over the past three years, we have become more and more happy with the decision we made to move here.
The city of Soddy Daisy has some of the most beautiful hiking trails in the area, access to Soddy Lake for kayaking/canoeing/boating, and ballfields that are used by teams from across the region.
There is a wonderful spirit of community service here. Have you been to the Soddy-Daisy Community Library or the Northside Neighborhood House? Maybe donated to the Food Bank? Did you watch the Independence Day fireworks on July 2? Do you know that the elected officials in the city receive no salary? Are you aware of our amazing environmentally-focused magnet school, Ivy Academy?
There are many people in Soddy Daisy and the surrounding areas who are pitching in to improve our area. Last year, three of us founded a non-profit “Keep Soddy Daisy Beautiful”. Since that time, our Facebook group has grown to over 450 members. We have been able to hold a Fall Festival last year with over 1,200 attendees, celebrated the first Arbor Day this year by planting trees along Soddy Lake, and organized a county-wide cleanup for Earth Day that drew over 400 volunteers.
Right now, we are firming up plans to paint a mural on the side of our famous Wimpie’s Restaurant; it will be ready in the fall. And on Oct. 15, we are organizing a 5K Run/Walk to benefit the Mary Ellen Locher Breast Care Center at CHI Memorial. That 5K will be followed by another Fall Festival where we are planning for over 1,500 attendees.
So, my message is this. If you would like to see things improve in Soddy Daisy - get involved. Just reach out to any of the groups I have mentioned above. They would welcome your ideas.
Jim Stewart
Soddy Daisy