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April 10- April 14
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Around Town
December 16, 2020 - The Center Noon Lions Club has recently donated a total of $8,000 to the Shelby Outreach Ministries. Besides the recent storm damage to their building, there is an increased need for food and services for the local folks they serve.
Executive Director Sherry Harding was present at the club meeting to accept one of our checks.
December 16, 2020 - As Sheriff Willis Blackwell's time in office draws near, family, friends and employees gathered at the Shelby County Sheriff's Department to celebrate his time in law enforcement on December 16, 2020.
Sheriff Blackwell's wife Ann opened with a few words and expressed enthusiasm about the coming change.
"Thank you for supporting him the last eight years, because it hasn't all been roses for sure, it's been some pretty tough times," said Ann Blackwell. "Y'all have all stuck with him, and you just don't know how much that means to us."
She thanksed everyone for being supportive of Sheriff Blackwell and turned to Chief Deputy Kevin Windham to share his thoughts.
"On behalf of the Shelby County Sheriff's Department, not only the Sheriff's Department, but also as a citizen of the county we would like to thank you for what is it? 50 years? 50 years of service that he's taken out of his life to serve other people," said Windham. "That says a lot, because most of us I mean it's hard when you're always in the public's eye."
For Blackwell to put in 50 years of service in law enforcement Windham commended him and stated, "It's like they say, 'once a King, always a King,' once a Sheriff, always a Sheriff."
Sheriff Blackwell was then presented with a Henry Golden Boy rifle on which was imprinted his Sheriff's badge and it read, "Sheriff Blackwell Shelby County."
Sheriff Blackwell thanked everyone and said, "I appreciate everybody being here for the last eight years, it's been great. You know there've been some low times and lots of high times, but I appreciate it. I don't plan not to come by and see everybody, visit everybody. Thank you very much."
December 16, 2020 - It's time for a change and a little Christmas fun with Christmas just over a week away!
Did you know Friday is the national day for 'Answer the Telephone Like Buddy the Elf!' According to National Today, on December 18, wear something green, pick up the phone, and celebrate 'Answer The Telephone Like Buddy The Elf Day!' There have been dozens of excellent Christmas movies released through the years, but perhaps none as lovable as Will Ferrell’s Elf. So, this December 18th repeat after us: “Buddy the Elf, what’s your favorite color?” Don't believe? Check it out here.
National Today also lists Friday as 'Bake Cookies Day' and 'National Ugly Sweater Day!'
December 19th includes 'Look for an Evergreen Day' and 'National Hard Candy Day.' Saturday is also 'National Wreaths Across America Day' which has a simple mission to "Remember fallen U.S. Veterans; honor those who serve; and teach your children the value of freedom." This important day is an annual event that takes place every third Saturday in December at Arlington National Cemetery as well as other cemeteries in the U.S., at sea, and abroad.
December 20th is 'Go Caroling Day' and 'National Sangria Day!' For the shy carolor, Sangria Day may be a great match.
December 21 is 'Look on the Bright Side Day!' The year 2020 with all the doom and gloom definitely needs December 21st as there is much to appreciate. For the vertically challenged female, this Monday is your day - 'National Short Girl Appreciation Day!' Be sure to check it out as the advantages listed go along with 'Look on the Bright Side Day.'
December 22nd is perfect for those that participated in Friday's 'Bake Cookies Day!' Congratulations, you are ready for Tuesday's 'National Cookie Exchange Day' which can be celebrated with family and friends who share the love of baking fresh cookies. Yum!
For the short of stature who felt neglected on 'National Short Girl Appreciation Day' then December 22nd is your day. Great things come in small packages and is celebrated all together on 'National Short Person Day!'
December 24th is 'National Christmas Movie Marathon Day.' Be sure to have Will Ferrell's Elf in the movie lineup after all it inspired 'Answer The Telephone Like Buddy The Elf Day!'
Have fun and a Merry Christmas!
December 15, 2020 - Today is the deadline for the Letter From Santa fundraiser held by Shelby County Outreach Ministries! If you would like your child to receive a letter from Santa this year, be sure to drop off your order forms and money at the Shelby County Outreach Ministries office located at 930 Shelbyville Street. Forms need to be turned in by 2pm. For $10, your child will receive a letter from Santa and a small ornament to hang on the Christmas tree. For more information, please give us a call at 936-598-4990. Thank you and have a very Merry Christmas.
December 11, 2020 - Shelby County Outreach Ministries is having our annual “Letters from Santa” Christmas fundraiser. Each letter costs $10 and comes with a personal letter to your child along with an ornament from Santa, himself! All order forms and money must be turned in to the Shelby County Outreach Ministries office by Tuesday, December 15th. Remember, it is $10 per child. Thank you and we hope you all have a very Merry Christmas! For more information, please give us a call at 598-4990.
December 15, 2020 - Mrs. Angie Gillis’s fourth and fifth grade classes at Excelsior School made cards for all the residents at Pine Grove Nursing Center.
Many smiles were on their faces as they received their cards.
Pictured are (from left): Post 8904 Commander Gene Hutto, Department of Texas Commander Richard Shawver and Post 9313 Commander Paul Lester. Commander Shawver was on hand at the November 16 post meeting of 8904 to finalize the consolidation
December 15, 2020 - Effective December 3, 2020, approval from National VFW Headquarters was granted for San Augustine VFW Post 9313 to consolidate with VFW Post 8904, Center.
The name will remain as Shelby County Memorial Veterans of Foreign War Post 8904 with a muster date of December 13, 1946.
December 14, 2020 - VFW Post 8904 and Auxiliary members gathered at the Center square before the Historic 1885 Courthouse in remembrance of Pearl Harbor Day on December 7, 2020, the 79th anniversary of the attack.
Larry Hume, Post Quartermaster, welcomed all present and Travis Snider, Post Chaplain, gave the opening prayer.
"It began when Japanese aircraft appeared in the air over Pearl Harbor, Hawaii just before 8am on a Sunday morning. When the attack ceased shortly before 10am, less than two hours after it began, American forces had paid a fearful price," said Hume.
He stated 18 ships were either damaged or sunk, 180 aircraft were destroyed, 2403 were dead and thousands of others wounded.
"Franklin D. Doosevelt spoke with forewarning words when he stated, 'No matter how long it may take us to overcomes the premeditated invasion, the American people, in their righteous might, will win through to absolute victory... with the unbounding determination of our people - we will gain the inevitable triumph - so help us God.'"
Hume then shared a Presidential proclamation: Now, therefore, I, Donald J. Trump, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim December 7, 2020, as National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. I encourage all Americans to observe this solemn day of remembrance and to honor our military, past and present, with appropriate ceremonies and activities. I urge all Federal agencies and interested organizations, groups, and individuals to fly the flag of the United States at half-staff in honor of those American patriots who died as a result of their service at Pearl Harbor.
VFW Post member Richard Lundie then placed the memorial wreath and Taps was played as presented by Gene Hutto, Post Commander.
December 12, 2020 - The Shelby County Children’s Advocacy Center's annual Toy Drive deadline is approaching!
We are excited to have this chance to brighten the lives of children who have experienced abuse or trauma, but we know this is only possible through the generosity of our community. This year we will have tags for each child in need that will specify age and interests. You can pick up a tag at the Advocacy Center, 131 Tenaha Street, and then return your donation to us by December 14th.
The Advocacy Center's mailing address is P.O. Box 2072, Center, TX 75935 if you would like to make a monetary donation. If you would like more information about specific needs, please call us at 936-590-9864. Thank you for joining with us to share kindness and joy with these children!
December 10, 2020 - If you were among the 88 people tested in the free COVID-19 Drive-Thru testing on Tuesday, please be patient. You will be contacted once the results are received. The hopes were the results would be known within 24 to 48 hours; however, it is possible the results may take longer.
Please note, the United Pentecostal Church which allowed their property to be used for the testing site, they do NOT have any testing results.
It is possible another Drive-Thru Test Clinic will be held again in Shelby County after Christmas.
December 7, 2020 - There will be a COVID-19 drive through testing sight conducted at the United Pentecostal Church located at 610 Hurst St. in Center, Tuesday, December 8th from 8am-4pm.
The method used for the testing will be a saliva test as opposed to a nasal swab.
The testing is free to all and no appointment is necessary.
You will be screened to see if you have:
- Fever and/or chills
- Cough (Dry or Productive)
- Fatigue
- Body Aches/Muscle or Joint Pain
- Shortness of Breath
- Sore Throat
- Headaches
- Nausea/Vomiting/Diarrhea
- Nasal Congestion
- Loss of Taste and/or Smell
Shelbyville Street coming into Downtown.
December 9, 2020 - At first there were four and now there is one; one corner of the square remains to be torn up and made new! Construction on the downtown historic square has lagged on with the final stage of the project finally underway at the corner of Shelbyville Street and San Augustine Street!
San Augustine Street coming onto the square. You can go straight but the street is block midway by construction.
Traffic goers beware! The corner of Shelbyville Street and San Augustine Street is closed off for construction. Nacogdoches Street is flowing all the way across the square as well as Austin Street as both of their corners are completed.
Video by Bounds AV
Cora Street in front of First Baptist Church is blocked to through traffic. You can enter the area to access businesses along the street.
Shelbyville Street and San Augustine/Cora Streets are closed to thru traffic. Also, beware of two way traffic on the blocked streets as shoppers pull into and out of them to access the businesses nearby.
Please support our downtown merchants! Many have experienced more than a 75% loss in revenue with the construction and the pandemic. Help make sure our downtown businesses make it through to 2021 and they get to enjoy the newly renovated downtown. They suffered the pain; help then enjoy the recovery!
Cora Street facing the square.
Construction on the corner of San Augustine and Shelbyville Streets.
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