Around Town
Psalm 20:4 "May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed."
 November 29, 2019 - Congratulations to DeRoderick M. Johnson, who will be graduating from East Texas Baptist University of Marshall, Texas, on December 7, 2019. DeRoderick is a candidate for a degree of Master's in Business Administration. DeRoderick is the son of the late Eric D. Johnson of Center, Texas and LaFrita Garrett of Joaquin, Texas. He is the grandson of Barbara Garrett, Linda Rushing, Roderick and Pamela Williams. The great-grandson of Pauline Johnson and Pasty Williams.
November 29, 2019 - Congratulations to DeRoderick M. Johnson, who will be graduating from East Texas Baptist University of Marshall, Texas, on December 7, 2019. DeRoderick is a candidate for a degree of Master's in Business Administration. DeRoderick is the son of the late Eric D. Johnson of Center, Texas and LaFrita Garrett of Joaquin, Texas. He is the grandson of Barbara Garrett, Linda Rushing, Roderick and Pamela Williams. The great-grandson of Pauline Johnson and Pasty Williams.
The path of Mastering something is the combination of not only doing the best you can do at it, but also doing it the best it can be done. Congratulations on your accomplishment! We are so proud of the person you have grown to be and will continue to love watching you grow. We look forward to seeing what else you achieve as you move forward.
His Mother, LaFrita Garrett is proud to announce that DeRoderick will be the FIRST of all four bloodlines: Johnson's, Garrett's, Williams's and Sledge's to be receiving such honors. He has paved the way for who is to follow.

November 27, 2019 - Rio Theatre owned by Mike and Nita Atkinson received the 2019 Small Business of the Year Award for Shelby County during the 2019 Texas Forest Country Partnership (TFCP) Economic Development Summit in Lufkin on Wednesday, November 13, 2019.
This award presentation was made by Don Iles, Board Chairman of the TFCP who commented, “Upon completion in 1926, the Rio Theatre was considered to be one of the most beautiful and complete theaters in East Texas, and definitely the best to be found in the state in a town as small as Center. Originally named, The Shelby Theatre, and located on what was then the West Side Square, it was renamed in 1941 as the Rio Theatre. From the earliest reel-to-reel talkies, to the digital films which begin promptly at seven-thirty, the Rio Theatre has seen many changes, remaining one of the more popular theaters in the East Texas area, specifically Shelby County. The theatre has 4 employees and the staff is still at the doors after each movie night, thanking everyone personally for coming, and inviting all to the upcoming feature films, making a night at the movies the experience moviegoers all knew and loved as they grew up from the early days at the Rio Theatre.”
We are proud to recognize Rio Theatre for their dedication and commitment to the Texas Forest Country region. Small businesses are the lifeblood of our area and the TFCP wants to emphasize their importance to our continued growth.”
“According to the Small Business Administration 60-80% of all new jobs come from Small Businesses. Additionally, 70% are owned and operated by a single person and they represent 44% of the United States payroll,” Iles added.
“Our Summit is an opportunity to discuss ways to improve the economy of our region and we appreciate everyone who attended to help us celebrate small business as an integral part of our future”, he continued.
In addition to recognizing the counties’ small business winners, Betty Oglesbee of San Augustine received the Silver Bucket Award. The Summit’s Keynote Address was made by Christian Fischer, President & CEO of Georgia-Pacific. Featured Presenter was Aaron Demerson, Commissioner Employer Relations with the Texas Workforce Commission. Other topics included East Texas Manufacturing Alliance, Texas Rural Funders Collaborative and an overview of “Jasper United.” Concluding the Summit was a panel discussion with the region’s State Senator and State Representatives.

November 27, 2019 - Shelby County Sheriff Willis Blackwell presented Skylar Sigler with a scholarship on behalf of the Sheriffs’ Association of Texas. Sigler attends Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches and is majoring in Environmental Science. Sigler is the daughter of Leah Chase who is employed by the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office.
The Sheriffs' Association of Texas offers scholarships to eligible students pursuing an academic degree at a college or university. In addition to the Sheriffs' Association of Texas scholarships, several others are made available through the generosity of individuals or other organizations. These funds are managed by the Sheriffs' Association of Texas for award to qualified students.
November 27, 2019 - The Center HS Theater class will be performing "Christmas at the Rio" at 4:30pm with the box office opening at 4pm on Saturday, December 7th.
Be sure to get your popcorn before the parade starts at 6pm. Following the parade, the Rio will be showing "Last Christmas" at 7:30pm.
And best of all downtown businesses will be open all day for Christmas Shopping.
Santa’s Christmas Parade Presented by Shelby Savings Bank
November 27, 2019 - The 2019 Santa’s Christmas Parade “Songs of the Season” is Saturday, December 7, 2019 at 6:00pm on the Center Downtown Square.
Categories for the 2019 Parade will include: Individuals, Schools, Businesses, Churches and Civic Organizations. Judges will award cash prizes to the top three places in each category. The Float Competition Sponsor is the City of Center.
Prior to the parade, "Christmas at the Rio," presented by the Center High School theater department will be performed at 4:30pm with doors opening at 4pm. After the parade the movie showing at 7:30pm at the Rio will be "Last Christmas."
Plan on spending the day on the Square to shop and enjoy the Parade. Shops will be open and many will be having their Christmas Open Houses.
Parade will begin on the downtown square at 6:00pm. Line up begins at 4:45 on Malone Drive. Marching bands, Walkers, Motorcycles, Antique Cars will start near the First United Methodist Church on Porter Street.
Due to the construction on the downtown square, the Parade route will be slightly altered. Once the Parade gets to the downtown square, participants will continue on Shelbyville Street and turn left onto Cora Street. The Parade will continue on Cora Street until Crockett Street where participants will turn left and left again onto Logansport Street heading back to the Square. Once participants come to either George Ihlo Drive, Porter Street or Tenaha Street they may turn right and return to their start point.
Parade guidelines are available on the Chamber website at www.shelbycountychamber.com or you may contact the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce at 936-598-3682 or email info@shelbycountychamber.com.
November 26, 2019 (Application Form) - The Center Police Department's Blue Santa program is getting ready to load the sleigh and needs your help. Blue Santa is asking for donations of new toys, books, or clothes for all ages of boys and girls. Monetary donations are also welcomed. Mark your Calendars for Cookies & Cocoa with Santa for December 8th 2-4pm. Enjoy all your favorite treats, and free pictures with Santa, and don’t forget to bring Santa a toy to donate!
 The Center Police Department's Blue Santa program is getting ready to load the sleigh and needs your help. Blue Santa is asking for donations of new toys, books, or clothes for all ages of boys and girls. Monetary donations are also welcomed. Mark your Calendars for Cookies & Cocoa with Santa for December 8th 2-4pm. Enjoy all your favorite treats, and free pictures with Santa, and don’t forget to bring Santa a toy to donate!
We have started handing out forms! If you know of any child in Shelby County that may not have any Santa this Christmas, please fill out this form. One form for each child and turn back into the Center Police Department Dispatch or Shelby County Today. This form will need to be returned to the P.D. no later than Monday, December 9th, 2019. Any forms turned in after the due date will NOT be accepted. This ensures plenty of time to get all the toys needed. Remember, all forms are anonymous.
Forms or Monetary donations can also be mailed to OPERATION BLUE SANTA at P.O. Box 322, Center, Tx 75935.
If you would like to donate new toys, clothing, hygiene items please bring them to the Center Police Department. Items for boys and girls of all ages will be needed, infant to 15yrs old.
The entire Blue Santa team would like to thank everyone for your generous donation to the Blue Santa program. With your donation and others like yours, we will be able to provide Christmas to many children in Shelby County. Again thank you, we can not do it without you! Let Blue Santa help you make a Child's Christmas blessed this year!
Thank You,
from the Operation Blue Santa Team!
 November 26, 2019 - Shelby County District Attorney Stephen Shires was the guest speaker at the November Golden Harvest Ministries Club meeting.
November 26, 2019 - Shelby County District Attorney Stephen Shires was the guest speaker at the November Golden Harvest Ministries Club meeting.
He gave updates on the Shelby County Children's Advocacy Center, and members brought toys and monetary donations to the Center.
2020 officers were elected and will be installed at the December meeting. Members are asked to bring canned goods for the December project.
Submitted by Linda Bordelon, Reporter

November 26, 2019 - Billie Bailey was honored at the November meeting of Delta Gamma for 50 years of membership in the Delta Kappa Gamma Society International. She was presented with a red rose vase and will receive a 50 year membership pin. Delta Gamma is proud to have such a delightful member in their chapter.
Submitted by Nora Robinson

November 25, 2019 - The winner of the handmade Quilt that Shelby County Outreach Ministries raffled off was James Wallace! We know you will enjoy it and use it often. We want to say thank you to all who purchased a chance to win.
All proceeds will go to help support the ministry so we can continue to support the people of Shelby County.
 November 25, 2019 - Santa Claus recently delivered an invitation to Fannie Watson to serve as Grand Marshal of the 20th annual Santa’s Christmas Parade. The parade, presented by Shelby Savings Bank, will be held on Saturday, December 7, 2019 beginning at 6:00 p.m.
November 25, 2019 - Santa Claus recently delivered an invitation to Fannie Watson to serve as Grand Marshal of the 20th annual Santa’s Christmas Parade. The parade, presented by Shelby Savings Bank, will be held on Saturday, December 7, 2019 beginning at 6:00 p.m. 
Fannie Watson was the recipient of the 2019 Distinguished Service Award and was recognized at the annual Shelby County Chamber of Commerce awards banquet for her contributions in and around Shelby County which was held on November 7th.
Categories for the 2019, Songs of the Season” themed parade will include Individuals, Schools, Businesses, Churches and Civic Organizations. Parade participants are asked to decorate with lights for the nighttime parade and have audible Christmas music playing. There are applicable rules and considerations for entries with horses. Judges will award cash prizes to the top three places in each category, First $100, Second $50 and Third $25 and the Overall Best in Show Float will receive $250 cash prize.
Parade float entry registration is free and completed applications must be returned to the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce office by the entry deadline is November 27, 2019. Applications for the parade, vendor space and entry rules are now available at the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce office located at 100 Courthouse Square, A-101 on the historic downtown Center square or online at www.shelbycountychamber.com.
For more information please contact the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce at (936) 598-3682 or info@shelbycountychamber.com.










