I cannot think of any better way to start your weekend than by going to the Scottsboro Jr. High School at 9:00 a.m. today.  This is the Jr. High School’s  Annual Veteran’s Day Program will be held in the gym at the Jr. High School.  Everyone is welcome and even more, ENCOURAGED to show your support to these amazing people who have sacrificed their life so that we may live a life of freedom.  I have been told by many local veterans that the Jr. High School always does a great job with this program each year.

Later on today at 1:30 p.m., Collin’s Elementary will host their Veteran’s Day program.  The teachers and students put this program on and it always great for not only the visitors but for the kids too.  They learn so much while preparing for the event.  If you can make both, that would be great because they are two different type programs but I hope you can at least make one of them.

Speaking of Veterans Day, I believe it is one of the holidays that we all should celebrate more and show more respect for this group of people that are overlooked so much more than they are “honored” by everyone.

Veterans are people who served in the armed forces in war or in peace. (you can look at it from either view)  These are the people who we should give thanks to for the privilege that we enjoy of living in a free country today.  This “privilege” should not ever be taken for granted but we do many times.

These veterans are HEROS!!  They have put their lives on the line so that others could be saved.  How hard is it for us to show respect for them and I believe it is our responsibililty to teach our children and grandchildren more about this group of HEROS and the day that we call Veterans Day.  They deserve so much more than one day out of the year.  If it were not for them, we would not be here today to do the things we enjoy in life.

We have to remember that many of these veterans had no choice whether they were going to serve, they were drafted as a young person.  I believe that it would be impossible to find one of those that were drafted to say they regret serving their country.  They would say it was an honor for them to serve their country.  There could be no prouder people to say the words, “I am proud to be an American”, than the veterans.  Only those that have fought for our country and served our country know the true meaning of those words with the understanding that only they, themselves, can hold in their heart.

There is not a time that I stand with my hand across my heart and say the Pledge of Allegiance or when I hear someone sing the Star-Spangle Banner that I do not get chills and warm feelings (at the same time) all over my body.  I will be honest and say that it was not until 911, that I realized just how important and special those words are and what a privilege it is for each of us to say or sing them.  It was on that September day, that it came to me that we are able to put our hand over our heart because of the veterans- the many men and women that have served our country and still do.  It is because of them that our flag waves high in the air and with pride and beauty.  It is because of those people that have fought and continue to fight for us that we are able to freely wear the clothes that we want to wear each day (do you really realize how many other countries dictate what you can and cannot wear?). That is simple things that we sometimes take for granted and give not a second thought about.   It is because of them that we can go about our “daily lives” with freedom in doing  what we want to do and at any time.

Veterans Day is not just another day to be off work or out of school, but it is a day when thousands of people died for the freedom of our country. 

I will share be sharing more about Veterans Day next Wednesday.

There are several events that are going on this weekend that I thought I would remind you of or maybe you do not know about them and you would want to take part in some of them.

If you have to make a trip to“the” Walmart today between 4:00 and 8:00 p.m., you will have some extra help with those bags of groceries.  These“special baggers”will be with “Toys for Santa’s Kids”.   This group takes extra special care of some children in the area at this time of the year.  Santa will be there too so it may be a good time to start “encouraging” the kids to behave because Santa is making his “list”. Ha!  If you are interested in helping you may call Santa at 599-3232 for more information.

It is the first Friday of the month and that means that Rob will be grilling tonight…. If you have not had some of Rob’s grilling, you need to give it a try.  One day, I will get his “secret”….I am not going to give up just yet. Ha!  I am sure his two “helpers” will be giving him some very good advice..

I am not sure if you know, but there is a new restaurant that opened on Wednesday and  you will want to give it a try for dinner.  I have personally met the owners and they are extremely nice people and want to provide a restaurant that is fun and relaxing for everyone.  The restaurant is City Lights and is located in The Village on Broad Street (behind Stevarino’s).  They have steaks but they also have other items on their menu like chicken fingers, grilled chicken breast, wings and hamburgers are just a few.  They open at 4 p.m. and if you have any other questions, you can give them a call at 218-3054. 

Then it is Friday night  and there are still football games going on in the area.   For the latest on these, you need to tune into The Clarion Friday Night Scoreboard Show on WWIC/AM 1050, Channel 2 on Scottsboro Cable or you can listen online at www.scottsborowildcats.com and Travis and his Gurus will have all the “latest” in the football world beginning at 8:30 p.m..  I hope to get by and give my 2-cents on the “topics” of discussion.  I am sure that I will not have the answers that they are looking for but I will give it a try.  Also, a BIG THANK YOU to these guys for not only  promoting the local 5K’s that have been held for local charities on the radio show but they have also been PARTICIPATING in them as well. (and are not to shabby either doing it)

Don’t forget to check out the movies that are showing this weekend at the Hollywood 10 Cinema.  There are some really good movies out right now.  To see what is showing, you can go to Movie Category at the right and you can check it out.

Saturday morning, Scottsboro Jr. High Basketball Teams will be hosting a tournament tomorrow beginning at 9:00 a.m. at the Scottsboro High School Gym.  There are some great teams and I know that they boys and girls teams would love to have you there cheering them on.  These games will be going on until 4:00 p.m.

North Jackson Boys Basketball Big Chief 5K will be tomorrow morning (Saturday, November 7th) beginning at 9:00 a.m. at Stevenson Middle School.   The cost is $30 and for more information, you may contact Roger Pruett at (256) 632-3615.  5K’s seem to be the “hot” fundraiser these days and what better way to raise money and keep that body moving.

There will be a Turkey Shoot at the Limrock/Aspel Fire Department tomorrow afternoon at 1:00 p.m (and next Saturday too).  You can pay $4 to shoot for a Turkey or pay $6 to shoot for a Ham.  This is something that the “little kids” (like my MM) and the “big kids” (like my Jimmy) would have fun doing…  All the proceeds go to the Limrock/Aspel Fire Department.

I am excited about having Scottsboro Auction Center as a Purse Advertiser this month. They will be having an Auction tomorrow night (Saturday, November 7th) beginning at 5:00 p.m..  They are located on Willow Street on the left (right past Word Lumber Company).  I was in there this week and they have the place “stocked” full of goods.  These are just a few of the pictures that I took.  I am a big “hat person” so when I saw this hat, I had to get a shot.  They have pretty much anything that you could imagine and I know that there are hundreds of treasures in the building.  If you are in search of something unusual, you need to make plans to go by the Auction Saturday night.

Does this not look like it should be in a Martha Stewart magazine?  Ha!  All of the same pitchers but in a rainbow of colors.  I actually have one of the pitchers on the middle shelf.  Scottsboro Auction Center is very organized in the fact that you can move around the building and check out all of the goods that they have.  I have only been to one auction like this in my life and I was young.  I think I  might have to have someone hold my “paddle/number” because I would be throwing it up in the air every time something new was shown. Ha!  I could have stayed in this building for hours and looked around.  Also, I will be sharing information with you in the coming weeks about a rug sale that they will be having for the public.  You will want to check these out…

You can also keep up with what they have for sale on this  website

 You just never know what you will find in at Jewelry Box.  I love this cutting board  and what is even better is that you can get then engraved. It is made of solid cherry wood and the perfect size to serve on or if you just want to cut on it.  These are great gifts for the “cooks”.

You Alabama Girls will love this new jewelry that Jewelry Box has in.  I do like the necklace and good would this look on a red sweater?  Elaine has got any necklace, earrings and bracelet that you could want for an occasion or outfit.  She is making necklaces and earrings that are going in her “own collection” of jewelry. Ha! (They really are some good looking pieces-I will show you some of those next week)

Another new Purse Advertiser for November is Goody 2 Shoes. They are located right off the square in the old Ann’s building.  They are the ones that has got this luggage and I really like it.  There are several pieces/sizes to choose from so you should be able to find the piece of luggage that will work best for you.  This would make great Christmas gifts too but I would not wait around to get it….This will be a big seller for the holidays.

As for clothing, Goody 2 Shoes has a great selection of American Eagle  goods. My Mary Margaret would wear a jacket like this every day if I would let her.  There are avariety of colors and styles in the American Eagle line and also many other “in style” clothes for the tweens and teens.  You will find lots clothes that are calling your name at Goody 2 Shoes.

This weeks “Purse Prize” winner is Amy Shankles.  Congrats!!! You are the winner of one of my favorite hand-towels from the Wimberly House.  Please email me your mailing address and I will get it to you- pennyg@scottsboro.org (Glad it was a female this week- since I really am not sure that a male would be appreciative of a hand-towel. Ha!)

I will be back on Monday with another story from Louise.  Make sure to check back.

Have a GREAT WEEKEND!!!