Sacred Sounds of the Season - November 20, 2009

The Center First United Methodist Church invites everyone to attend its annual Sacred Sounds of the Season @ 6:30 PM, Tuesday, December 1st in the Church Sanctuary located at 211 Porter Street. Musicians and vocalists from across Shelby County will be featured in this one hour Christmas program. A nursery will be provided.

Senior Citizens Social Club Dance - November 17, 2009
Submitted by Brenda Windham

The Senior Citizens Social Club Thanksgiving Dance will be Friday November 20th from 7:00 - 10:00. Ladies are ask to bring finger foods in the spirit of Thanksgiving. Lynda K. and the Country Gentlemen will provide the music.

Outreach Ministries 19th Annual Free Community Thanksgiving Dinner - November 10, 2009
Submitted by Pam White

Shelby County Outreach Ministries. Inc. is currently planning our 19th annual Free Community Thanksgiving Dinner which will be held at the Senior Nutrition Site from 11am - 1pm on Thanksgiving Day, Nov 26, 2009. We need volunteers that will be willing to make dressing or desserts (or even a special dish you would like to share). We also need volunteers for Thanksgiving Day to deliver plates to shut-ins, serve food, carve turkeys, or clean-up. If you would be willing to help or want more information call the Senior Nutrition Site @ 936-598-7768 or Pam White @ 936-572-5040. Please also help us spread the word about the dinner. This is something that the whole county helps sponsor, it’s FREE! If you do not have family around, please come share it with your Shelby County family! After all these years, it really is a family reunion!

Help Fight Hunger in Shelby County - November 16, 2009
Submitted by Kim Burch

Rent One is accepting donations at their store located in Wulf Plaza at 1135 Hurst Street, Center, Texas. Bring can goods and non-perishable food items by November 22nd and help us to fill our truck.

Customers will receive one week free on any new rental agreement when you make a donation.

The food drive is sponsored by Mission's Outreach Program in Shelby County.

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.

Shelby County Aggie Moms Fundraiser - November 11, 2009
Submitted by Michele Bender

Attention citizens of Shelby County and especially former Aggies. The Shelby County Aggie Moms Club is selling raffle tickets for a "Christmas Gift Card Basket" filled with gift cards and certificates valued at $500. The tickets can be purchased from a club member or by contacting Michele Bender at 590-9591. Tickets are being sold in the following denominations: 1 for $10, 3 for $25, 7 for $50 and 15 for $100. All proceeds from the ticket sales go to support scholarships given to Shelby County Students attending Texas A&M University. The drawing will be held on Friday, December 11, 2009.

Angel Food Distribution Change - November 19, 2009
Submitted by Meg Camp

Angel Food distribution is cancelled for November except for the people who ordered the Thanksgiving basket. The Thanksgiving orders will be ready at 11:00 on Saturday.

Orders for December will be taken Wednesday December 2nd from 10-12pm and 4-6pm and Thursday December 3rd from 10-12pm and 4-5pm in the First Baptist Church Center office.

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.

Tommy Morrison Baseball Field Ground Breaking - Novmeber 16, 2009

Thursday November 19th at 4 PM, at the City Park, located behind the Shelby County Regional Training Center, Center Youth Baseball will hold a groundbreaking for the new 13-14 year old boys baseball field.

The new field will be named in Honor of Tommy Morrison, who along with others helped to start the baseball program back in 1954. CYB will provide a more detailed history and press release at the ground breaking.

Women of Virtue Empowering Neighbors - November 19, 2009
Submitted by Barbara Cloudy

The 2nd Annual Women's Conference will be held on Saturday, November 21, 2009 at 10:00 am at the Triumph the Church & Kingdom of God in Christ, 908 Daniel Street, Center, Texas. All women are invited to attend.

The theme for the conference is Pearls & Lace - "Becoming a Proverbs 31 Women", Proverbs 31:10.

Registration fee is $15 per person. A continental breakfast will begin at 9:00 am and lunch will be at noon. Door prizes will also be given.

For more information please contact, Sis. Barbara Cloudy at 936-598-7689 or Sis. Levady Gillaspie at 936-598-4420.

Community Wide Thanksgiving / Prayer Service - November 20, 2009

COMMUNITY-WIDE
THANKSGIVING /PRAYER SERVICE
November 22, 6:00 p.m.

Location: Middle School Auditorium
Key Speaker: Congressman Louie Gohmert

This year the Ministerial Alliance felt that we not only wanted to have a time of giving thanks as a community but we needed to seek the Father through prayer.

There are a number of issues that are a concern for all of us. We are concerned over the economic situation that our nation is in, the war against terrorism in the Middle East, and here at home as our soldiers came under fire in Ft. Hood, leaving thirteen dead and twenty one wounded.

There are many issues that we are facing but the greatest issue is the need for people to find forgiveness in Jesus Christ. The need to truly love each other and accept each other as God loves and accepts us.

Join with the community of faith as we celebrate our blessings and pray for our nation.

2 Chronicles 7:14 “if My people who are called by my name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”

Sponsored by Center Ministerial Alliance.

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.

Joaquin Community Christmas Tree - November 20, 2009
Submitted By: Stacy Taylor

The Joaquin Christmas Festival Committee will meet Saturday morning at 10:00am at the Joaquin Fire Department. This will be the final workday before the Joaquin Christmas Festival on November,28. We will decorate our Joaquin Community Christmas Tree. The community is invited to place a ornament on the tree in memory of or in honor of a loved one.Anyone who would like to participate should bring their own ornament.The tree should be ready for ornament's to be placed on it around 11:30am Saturday. For more information contact Ann Boyett 269-3957 or Gearline Dean 269-3722

Deadline Extended for Joaquin Miss Merry Christmas Pageant - November 18, 2009
Submitted by Tonya Bailey

The 2009 Miss Merry Christmas Pageant in Joaquin has Extended the deadline!! Its Not to Late to enter!!! Call 936-598-5319 or 936-590-0120 for a form!! Low Entry Fee and EVERYONE receives a Beautiful Rhinestone Tiara!! Do Not Miss OUT!!!

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 FCCLA Taking Poinsettia Orders - November 11, 2009
Submitted by Danielle Smith

Joaquin F.C.C.L.A. will be taking orders for poinsettias Nov. 11th thru 19th. Regular $10, 1 with a bow $12, and two in a basket with a bow $25. Poinsettias are large, hardy native Texas flowers from Jacksonville. Pick up dates are Dec. 2nd thru 4th. Just in time for holiday decorating. Contact Danielle Smith at (936) 269-3127 Ext. 421 for more details.

Joaquin HS Angel Tree Project - November 19, 2009
Submitted by Danielle Smith

Joaquin High School Family, Career and Community Leaders of America are once again conducting their annual Angel Tree project. If you are interested in participating, come by the high school or elementary campus, and sign up. Pick up a paper angel if you would like to buy a gift or a paper stocking if you would like to purchase clothing (or pick up both). Gifts are to be returned to the J.H.S. Home Economics Dept. (unwrapped) by noon on Friday, Dec. 11th. Gifts will be wrapped and distributed by Joaquin Christian Services. For more details, contact Danielle Smith at (936) 269-3127 Ext. 421.

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!

Joaquin Community Thanksgiving Service - November 11, 2009

Joaquin Community Thanksgiving Service on November 22, 2009 at the High School Auditorium at 6:00. Luke Garrett will bring the message. Food and fellowship. Everyone invited.

Shelbyville Dragon Players Fall Dinner Theater Production - November 13, 2009
Submitted by Michele Whiddon

The Shelbyville Dragon Players will present its fall dinner theater production of "Sweet Dreams" December 3rd and 4th at 7:00 pm in the SHS Rock Building Theater Arts studio. The show is an original musical review featuring beloved songs from the golden era of classic country and early rockabilly and includes performances by Joel Koonce, Tori Windham, Tyler Inthavan, Taylor Jernigan, Bryan Waller, Hayleigh Sparks, Cheyenne Ford, Quentin Winstine, and the forty member chorus. In the show, local teens discover a haunted pick-up truck that transports great performers from the past right into their own backyard. With the help of Patsy, Buddy, Elvis, and a few other stars, the kids discover a love for music and dancing and that It's So Easy to Fall In Love. Tickets for the event are $15 and may be purchased from any cast or crew member. Advanced ticket sales only. Contact Kathryn Schillings at 598-2641 ext. 240 for ticket information and reservations.

Homecoming Reception Honoring Mr. Jolie Garett - November 10, 2009
Submitted by Josette Hughes

Friends and family are invited to attend the Homecoming Reception Honoring Mr. Jolie Garrett, Saturday, December 26, 2009 at Margarita’s Banquet Room-on the Center Square from 6pm-9pm. Jolie will be visiting his hometown of Shelbyville , Texas from NYC and this will be a time to celebrate and honor his world wide theatrical career and achievements since leaving Shelby County in 1988. For further information contact: josettehughes@hotmail.com or 409-626-1158.

Timpson VFD Hosting Christmas Bazaar - November 10, 2009
Submitted by Lawana Amos

The Timpson VFD will be hosting a Christmas Bazaar Saturday, November 21, 2009 at the Timpson VFD from 11:00 am - 4:00 pm. Get a jump start on your Christmas. Come enjoy local and area independent delears show their stuff!

There will be Mia Bella Candles by Cissy, Mary Kay Cosmetics, Southern Living at Home, Tupperware, Avon, Wreaths, Swags and more by the Drapery Shop, Bows by Helene (Children's Bows) and Austin Street Market.

Come join in on all the fun, refreshments, door prizes and help support our area independent dealers.

Timpson Elementary Annual Thanksgiving "Feast" - November 10, 2009
Submitted by Vicki Amos

All parents, grandparents, and guardians of the students in Timpson Elementary are invited to attend our annual Thanksgiving feast on November 20th served by our wonderful cafeteria ladies. This is a very special annual event that kicks off the Holiday Season.

PRE-K -1st grades will begin the feast at 10:30. The 2nd – 5th grades will follow at 11:30.

In order to be assured there will be plenty of food on hand, please let the cafeteria know that you will be in attendance. There will be a charge of $3.50 for all visitors.

The faculty, staff, and students of Timpson Elementary welcome you and wish you a Happy Thanksgiving!

Hospice Grief Workshop - November 9, 2009
Submitted by Jessica Strong Henderson

The Hospice of East Texas will be holding a Grief Workshop. These are small, confidential groups, led by a trained facilitor with focus on education about the normal grief process, and provides an opportunity for those who attend to provide one another with support and shared coping strategies. The workshop is a free community service.

It will be Tuesday, December 1 to January 5, 2010, 5:30-7:00 pm, at 1132 NW Stallings Drive, Suite 104, Nacogdoches, Texas. You are asked to please register in advance. To register or for more info call 903-266-3400x127 or 800-777-9860.

Logansport Christmas Parade and Festivities - November 12, 2009

“Jingle Bells and Crawfish Tails, Christmas on the Sabine!”

Our annual Christmas Parade and festivities will be held December 12th. Vendors are welcome to come at no charge. You must complete a vendor application in order to participate, so that we will be able to assign spaces for each vendor. Vendor booths will open at 2:00, the parade will begin at 4:00, and fireworks will start at dusk. This year’s theme is “Jingle Bells and Crawfish Tails, Christmas on the Sabine!” Deadline to enter the parade or sign up for vendor spaces will be December 10th. Bulbs are on sale now for the Memorial Tree. Bulbs are $5.00 and may be purchased in honor of or in memory of a loved one. All proceeds will be used to purchase additional Christmas lighting for the riverfront. Applications may be picked up at Community Bank in Logansport or Duke’s Furniture Store. For more information, call Francie Woods at 318-617-9363 or Christy Ballard at 318-464-8850.

2009 Logansport Miss Merry Christmas Pageant - November 12, 2009
Submitted by Francis Woods

The annual Miss Merry Christmas Pageant December 5th at 1:00 in the afternoon at Logansport Elementary Multi-purpose room. Deadline for entry is November 21th. Entry fee $30.00. Proceeds from the pageant will be used toward the ongoing development of River City Christmas Festivities. All participants will receive a crown and trophy. For more information contact: Piper O’Rear at 903-754-9266 or Tammy Timmons at 318-697-4363 . Applications may be picked up at Community Bank in Logansport or Duke’s Furniture Store.

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.