Tri-County Community Action to host Appreciation Luncheon - November 5, 2009

On Friday, November 6th 2009, Tri-County Community Action is having their Annual Staff Appreciation Luncheon in Center, Texas. Tri-County Community Action has several divisions; Head Start, Weatherization, CSBG, CEAP, and SSIP. All programs federally funded through grants. Lenola Wyatt-Tutt is the Executive Director and the Director of Head Start, Tana Hairgrove is the Assistant Head Start Director, Steve Hennigan is the Weatherization Director, Janette Williams is the CSBG/CEAP Director, and Myra Jones is the SSIP Director. Each branch of Tri-County CAA tries to meet the various needs of qualified community members. They all have staffs of people dedicated to excellence. This Friday, everyone associated with Tri-County CAA, will be honored for their devotion and commitment to the nine counties they serve.

Tri-County Community Action’s promise is to change people’s lives by embodying hope to communities and making America a better place to live. They care about the entire community and are dedicated to helping people help themselves and each other.

If you are interested in learning more about the various programs that Tri-County Action offers, call them at 936-598-6315. They are here to help.

Shelby County VFW To Host Veterans Day Program - November 2, 2009
Submitted by Larry Hume

VETERANS DAY PROGRAM

As proud veterans of wars ranging from World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm, Afghanistan, and Iraq Shelby County Memorial Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8904 is preparing for Veterans Day Many of our members lost friends in these wars, and we, the VFW made a promise to their families that they would never, ever be forgotten. We hope everyone in Shelby County, Texas will remember what Veterans Day is all about. Our Veterans Day Ceremony will take place on November 11th, at 11:00 am in the Historic Shelby County Courthouse. You are invited to join us in celebrating the lives of all veterans. Danny Paul and Sally Windham, Chris Watlington, and Kelly Parker will be providing musical entertainment.

The newly formed Ladies Auxiliary to the VFW will also install their charter members on this most appropriate of days.

And as we near the holidays, please keep our deployed troops and their families in your prayers. Send a care package or donate to a program that supports our troops and veterans. Always remember those who have served our nation for your freedom!

Shelby Beautiful Clean Committee of the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce announces the 2009 Shelby Fall Clean will be held on Saturday, November 14 throughout Shelby County. Disposal sites will be located in Center from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Joaquin from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Shelbyville from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Tenaha from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Timpson from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

According to chairman, Roger Doyle, all of Shelby County is encouraged to clean up the downtown areas, neighborhoods, highways and individual properties. Help is needed ahead of time by gathering items to dispose of and by planning to spruce up area properties on Fall Clean day or during the prior week.

Residents will have the opportunity to use disposal sites located throughout the county on November 14. This is a great opportunity to get together with friends, neighbors, church members, co-workers, family members, school classmates or civic organizations and join the effort to make Shelby County more beautiful.

Walmart Supercenter will accept oil and oil filters at no charge, and tires for a nominal fee from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on November 14. The Center city annex, Joaquin, Tenaha, Timpson and Shelbyville sites will accept lead acid batteries.

For more information contact the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce at 598-3682, or email info@shelbycountychamber.com.

The William Carroll Crawford Chapter of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas invites you to the dedication of memorial markers honoring Julius N. Garrett and Mary Minerva Truitt Garrett, early citizens of the Republic of Texas . The dedication will be at 11:30 on Saturday, November 14, at the Truitt Cemetery , off Hwy. 7 about six miles southwest of Joaquin towards Center.

Mary Minerva Truitt crossed into Texas on the Pendleton Ferry on March 3, 1839 with her parents, James Alfred and Sarah Truitt and her brothers and sisters. It is said Julius Garrett joined them after the completion of his military service in Louisiana .

A picnic lunch will be served to the attendees. For more information call Maggie Casto at 248-3361.

Center plans Annual Christmas Open House - November 6, 2009
Submitted by the SC Chamber of Commerce

Begin the holiday season experience at the 2009 Christmas Open House on Friday, November 13 and Saturday, November 14 from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. each day throughout the historic downtown square and central business district. In store specials and door prizes will be featured.

Retailers will showcase holiday gift ideas and an array of holiday décor. Everyone will receive a festive welcome and refreshments will be served with southern hospitality.

The Lakes Area Art League Center will feature the art exhibit of Ellen Cogswell at the Art Center at 305 Nacogdoches Street during the open house until 4:00 and will extend through November 21.

Central Business District merchants participating in the holiday event include Antiques and More, Mill Creek Gifts, The Balcony, Touch of Heaven, Century Shoppe, Austin Street Marketplace, Town & Country Real Estate, Lasting Impressions, Center Antiques and Trends.

For more information please contact the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce at (936) 598-3682.

Toy Drive Kicks Off - October 27, 2009

Gary Rholes announced that the Shelby County Attorney's office is beginning its annual toy drive. "We gave toys to over 400 children last year with your generous help. Because of the economy, we need to do better this year." New toys for children ages 3 to 14 can be dropped off at the County Attorney's office located behind the Sheriff's Department. Monetary donations would be greatly appreciated.

Entry Forms Ready for Center Miss Merry Christmas & Mister Happy Holiday Pageant - October 22, 2009
Submitted by Tonya Bailey

Entry forms are ready for the 2009 Center Miss Merry Christmas & Mister Happy Holiday Pageant. The pageant is open to contestants girls 0-19 and boys 0-5 . You do not have to live in Shelby County to enter this pageant it is open to contestants of any area. For more information call 936-598-5319 or 936-590-0120 or get your form at www.baileyspageants.net. Don't Miss Out!!

For a quick link to www.baileyspageants.net, click on Bailey's Pageants ad which can be found in the ads that run in the upper right section on any page of Shelby County Today's website. To watch the ads change on a page, simply click refresh or press the [F5] button.

The pageant will be held on December 5th at Center Middle School Auditorium. Entry Deadline is November 25th.

Joyce Johnson Celebrating 30 Years of Service - October 30, 2009

You are cordially invited to celebrate with us at a Retirement Dinner honoring Joyce Johnson on Saturday, November 7, 2009 at 6:00 pm. Joyce is being honored for her 30 years of dedicated service to the US Post Office. The celebration will be held at the Pineywood Outreach Center located at 255 Haley Drive, Center, Texas. Please call 936-572-6975 to RSVP.

FUMC in Center to Honor Veterans Nov 8th - November 3, 2009
Submitted by Kelli Snider

In honor of Veteran’s Day the First United Methodist Church in Center will recognize veterans in the 8:30 and 11:00 services Sunday November 8. All veterans are invited to attend one of these services. Veterans will be recognized by their name, rank and branch of service. We encourage all veterans to attend so that we may recognize and honor you for the sacrifice you made for our country and to protect the freedoms we hold so dear.

All Whataburgers Holding "Orange Night Out" - November 6, 2009

Whataburger has turned the company’s caring family culture into a system-wide service initiative called “Whataburger Serves” benefiting customers, communities and employees during the down economy. On Tuesday, November 10 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., customers get their first glimpse of the initiative with “Orange Night Out” a customer appreciation night held at all Whataburger restaurants.

Diehard customers are being asked to “Show Us Your Orange” by dressing in the company’s signature orange to receive a FREE Whataburger for dine-in service. “Show Us Your Orange” means customers have to wear an orange piece of clothing. Only wearing an orange accessory (hat, scarf) does not qualify. We want customers to have fun with it and think “head-to-toe” in orange! Join us on November 10th and show us YOUR orange!

Center UPC to Host Blood Drive - November 5, 2009

Center United Pentecostal Church will host a blood drive on Wednesday, November 11th in honor of veterans who have served our nation. Everyone is invited to join the church in this life saving effort! The drive will be held from 3:00pm to 7:00pm. To sign up, please call the church office at 936-598-3646. If you are not able to commit to a specific time, but would still like to donate you are welcome to come any time during the 4 hour drive.

Upcoming Center Area Churches Blood Drive - November 5, 2009
Submitted by Lyn Logan

The Center Area Churches and the Blood Center of East Texas will hold a community blood drive on Wednesday, November 11th, Veterans Day. It will be held at the Center First United Pentecostal Church on Hwy 96 South, between 3:00 P.M. - 7:00 P.M. To make an appointment please call the church office 598-3646 or visit www.giveblood.org and login to digital donor. Enter sponsor code 7765 and make your appointment. Please donate in honor or memory of all veterans and especially for those that you know. Thank you, we hope to see you there.

The Center ISD Board members will be hosting a "Trustee's Tailgate Party" before the playoff game at SFA next Friday, November 13. Come relax, visit or enjoy some delicious Pete Low Barbeque from 5:30 - 7:15 in the student commuter parking lot "next to the bridge", compliments and funded by the individual members of the Center ISD Board of Trustees.

Win Tracy Byrd Concert Tickets - October 26, 2009
Submitted by Larry Hume

Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8904 is raffling two tickets to the Tracy Byrd concert to be held Saturday, November 21st, 2009 at the Shelby County Rodeo Arena. The drawing will be held at the post meeting, Monday, November 16th and the winner will receive both general admission tickets ($60.00 value). Raffle tickets are $1.00 each or six for $5.00 and can be purchased from VFW and Auxiliary members or at Chief Imaging, 614 Tenaha Street, Center. Call Larry Hume, 598-2976 for more information.

Benefit Yard Sale for Norma Jean Hutto - October 26, 2009
Submitted by Misti Whittley

There will be a yard sale November 28, 2009 in the parking lot of Security Finance starting at 7 in the morning. All proceeds will go to help Norma Jean Hutto in her battle with cancer. There will be a little of everything so come and have a look. All donations are welcome. If you would like to donate anything for the yard sale feel free to call any of the numbers below and we can make arrangements for it to be dropped off or picked up ahead of time.

Questions please call:
Pam Sowell 332-2277
Misti Whittley 332-9494

Relay for Life 2010 T-Shirt Fundraiser - November 3, 2009
Submitted by Ramona Murry

Pine Grove Nursing Center will be pre-selling t-shirts to benefit Relay for Life 2010. Shirts will be 15.00 for S-XL 18.00 for 2XL and larger.

Please contact Ramona Murry, Jennifer Fausett, or Crystal Koltonski to place your order or for more information at 598-6286.

Pine Grove Nursing Center "Angels at Work" Raffle - October 27, 2009

"Angels at Work" are holding a raffle fundraiser to raise money for the American Cancer Society. Tickets are a $1 per chance. The 1st prize winner will receive a $100 Wal-Mart gift card and the 2nd prize winner will receive an Ed Hardy inspired purse and wallet. The Drawing will be held December 14th. For more information, contact Ramona Murry or Crystal Koltonski or another team member at 598-6286.

Entry Forms Ready for Miss Merry Christmas & Mister Happy Holidays Joaquin - October 22, 2009
Submitted by Tonya Bailey

2009 Miss Merry Christmas & Mister Happy Holidays Joaquin. The pageant is open to contestants 0-19 girls and boys 0-5. This pageant is open to contestants from all areas(not just Joaquin). For more information call 936-590-0120 or 936-598-5319 or go online to www.baileyspageants.net. Do Not miss Out!!

For a quick link to www.baileyspageants.net, click on Bailey's Pageants ad which can be found in the ads that run in the upper right section on any page of Shelby County Today's website. To watch the ads change on a page, simply click refresh or press the [F5] button.

The pageant will be held on November 28th at the Joaquin High School Auditorium. Entry Deadline is November 16th!

Joaquin Jr High / High School Veterans' Day Program - October 28, 2009
Submitted by Joani Johnson

The Joaquin Jr High / High School will hold Veterans' Day Program 2009 on Wednesday, November 11, 2009 at the JHS Gymnasium at 8:30 am. Please contact Wanda Scruggs at 269-3127, ext. 423 by Wednesday, November 4th, if you plan to attend the program.

All veterans and their families will be honored with a breakfast in the JHS library following the program.

Also, since there is construction taking place in front of the school, please drive to the back of the high school and someone will direct you where to park and how to get into the gymansium.

JHS Band Continues Annual Pecan Sale - November 6, 2009
Submitted by VJJackson, JHS Band Booster President

We have sent in our Thanksgiving order, and we will continue our sale to include an order that will be in time for Christmas baking! The deadline for the Christmas order is November 20. All profits are used to fun various band activities through out the year.

We have pecan halves and pieces in 1 pound bags, and 3 or 5 pound boxes. We also have peanuts, almonds, cashews, pistachios, walnuts, regular and sugar-free milk and white chocolate covered pecans, amaretto, praline and cinnamon frosted pecans.

We have many items that make wonderful Christmas or corporate customer appreciation gifts: 1- and 2-lb Texas shaped baskets, our deluxe “Big Tex” gift baskets and decorative tins with a variety of contents !

Please call 269-4742 with any questions, to place an order, or see a brochure! We will deliver to the Center area!

The Holidays Start in Shelbyville - November 6, 2009
Composed by J.J. Ford

The Shoppes in Shelbyville are holding a Holiday Open House starting November 5th and will last thru Saturday, November 7th. This Christmas in Shelbyville is going to be Simply Spectacular! Loblolly’s & Southern Seasons invites you to their very first Holiday Open House Celebration!

Complimentary refreshments will be served all day. Door prizes will be given away. Open late Thursday & Friday evenings with hors d’oeuvres and Christmas Cheer for the after 5:00 shoppers!

Shelbyville High School Senior Night - November 4, 2009
Submitted by Michele Whiddon

Shelbyville High School will be honoring a special group of 2010 Seniors at the football game Friday night. The organizations honoring their seniors will include the Dragon football team, the Dragon Band, Cheerleaders and Danceline. The schedule of activities is as follows:

Friday, November 6
2:50 p.m. - pep rally in the high school gym
6:50 p.m. - pregame ceremony
halftime - additional recognition

All family and friends are invited!

Shelbyville's Got Talent - November 4, 2009
Submitted by Amy Hagler

The Shelbyville Student Council invites everyone to attend the 'Shelbyville's Got Talent' competition to be held on Monday, November 9, 2009 at 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the Shelbyville ISD Cafetorium. Admission to the show is $5.00. Please come enjoy the show while supporting our Shelbyville Dragons. Don't forget to bring a friend.

Shelbyville ISD to Host Community Health Fair - October 26, 2009
Submitted by Jeane Taylor

A Community Health Fair will be held at the Shelbyville ISD Cafetorium on Tuesday, November 10, 2009 from 7:30 am to 2:00 pm. Free services offered will include: Diabetes & Glucose Testing, Blood Pressure, Posture Analysis, “Brown Bag” Prescription Evaluations, Hand Washing Demonstration & Flu Safety Information, Elderly Care, STD’s and Teen Pregnancy, O2 Stats, Drug & Alcohol Awareness, Health Career Information, and many more health related information and services.

Other participating agencies are Panola College Nursing Program; Texas Health Steps;
Alcohol, Drug & Abuse Council; CVS Pharmacy; Dr. Charles R. Collard, OD; Holiday Nursing Center; Pine Grove Nursing Center; Life-Care Hospice; County Extension Offices; Dr. David Luquette; A Pineywoods Home Health & Hospice; Chiropractic Medicines; and DETOG

Shelbyville Band Boosters Upcoming Contests - October 7, 2009
Submitted by Ronald Caston

Our band will participate in the following contests:
Marching Contest: Saturday, October 17 at SAFSU
Region Middle School: Friday, December 11, Rusk
Region High School: Saturday, December 12, Rusk
Solo and Ensemble: Middle School, Friday, February 19, 2010
Solo and Ensemble: High School, Friday, February 26, 2010
Concert Contest: Rusk, Wednesday, April 21 or Thursday, April 22, 2010

Bake Sale For Education - October 28, 2009
Submitted by Sandra Sims

The Shelby County Parent Homebase Committee will be having a Bake Sale For Education on November 7th starting at 10 am. We will be setting up at Quick Stop in Timpson. The bake sale will be going toward the end of the year educational trip for our 3 and 4 yr old and toward their graduation.

Timpson ISD Veterans' Day Program - November 3, 2009
Submitted by Sherri Strahan

Timpson ISD and the American Legion Post 90 will host a Veterans’ Day Program on Wednesday, November 11, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. in the High School gymnasium. All veterans are invited to be in the gym foyer by 9:45 a.m. for registration and refreshments before the program. Each veteran will be recognized by his or her name, rank, branch of service and the war in which he or she served. The High School staff will provide a luncheon for the veterans and their spouses in the High School library following the program.

Save the Date!, Economic Development Summit - October 7, 2009
Submitted by Alicia Phillips Pierce, Press Secretary, Sen. Robert Nichols

The 2009 East Texas Economic Development Summit, "Opportunity is Knocking: Are you Ready?", will be held on Thursday, November 12th and will begin at 9:00 am and end at 4:00pm at the Hotel Fredonia, Nacogdoches, Texas. Registration is at 8:00 am.

Hosted by:
Commissioner of Agriculture Todd Staples
State Senator Robert L. Nichols
Texas Forest Country Partnership

Expert speakers will address issues of concern to rural East Texas , including: Rural Infrastructure, Community Development, Education & Workforce, Tourism, and Sponsorships

Contact: Mr. Charlie Dromgoole: cdromgoole@texasforestcountry.com Phone: 936-632-3552 Ms. Wyma Green : wyma.green@hotmail.com

A Ladies Night of Total Transformation - October 27, 2009
Submitted by Leigh Porterfield

On, Saturday, November 14, 2009 from 5-8pm, women from around East Texas are invited to take part in a time of spiritual and physical refreshing. UNVEILED 2009 will be a free event for all women to experience what Nacogdoches and the surrounding communities have to offer as far as physical renewal, while informing them on the Biblical steps of heart renewal. Local vendors offering services in hair, makeup, nutrition, fitness and general beauty concepts will have booths set up. There will be four live makeovers, free give-aways, refreshments and a drawing for five $100 gift cards from designated vendors. On this night, there will also be a live teaching session by Kasey Van Norman and the launch of her new book, "Named By God". This will take place at Fredonia Hill Church on South Street in Nacogdoches.

Eagle Scouts of all ages are invited to help celebrate the 100th anniversary of Scouting during the Nacogdoches Nine Flags Festival Lighted Christmas Parade during the evening of Dec. 5.

“All Eagle Scouts are invited to ride on a float that’s being created by local troops,” said Farrar Bentley, co-chair of the Scout Centennial Planning Committee for the Naconiche District. “If it is possible, we would like for each Eagle Scout to wear a uniform from his era. We would love to see Eagle Scouts of all ages and who were involved in Scouting from this area or in other regions of the state or country.”

Bentley said it is fitting to honor Eagle Scouts during the 100-year celebration.
“On average, each Scout conducts 167 service hours as part of his Eagle Scout service project,” Bentley said. “Communities across the nation would be remarkably different without the work that results from the efforts of Eagle Scouts.”

In 2008 alone, Eagle Scout service projects provided $16 million in service to communities across the nation, based on a national volunteer hour value of $19.51.

Individual scout units from Nacogdoches, Sabine, San Augustine and Shelby counties also are invited to march in the parade and should have a banner or flag to carry with the troop or pack number and name of the sponsoring institution.

Eagle Scouts who are interested in participating should send an e-mail to EastTexasScouts@gmail.com. For additional information, please leave a message at (936) 569-7447. Additional parade information also may be obtained from the Nacogdoches Convention and Visitors Bureau at 1-888-OLDEST-TOWN or www.nineflagsfestival.com.

For 100 years, the Boy Scouts of America has created a strong foundation of leadership, service and community for America’s youth. The celebration of Scouting’s 100 years of service will continue through Dec. 31, 2010.

The Historic Grand Cane Association (HGCA) has set Saturday, December 5, 2009 for their annual Pioneer Christmas Parade & Trade Day in Historic Grand Cane, LA. The Trade Day segment, beginning at 10:00 AM offers spaces in the Village Park as follows: regular - $10, picnic tables - $20, park pavilion - $25, with an additional $5 fee if electricity or water is used (availability limited). For further information or to reserve a space, call Linda at 318-858-3419. Leave name and number for call back. Vendors are responsible for all applicable sales tax. All individuals and groups are invited to take advantage of this popular event that features an all horse or mule drawn vehicles parade. The local businesses will be open in the Historic District and free entertainment and contests will add to the festivities. The HGCA offers free advertising and a great location. All proceeds will go to the continued preservation of Historic Grand Cane, LA.