I told you yesterday that there was so much going on and many things to share, that I would be posting on Saturday which is unusual for me.  I wanted to remind you that there are so many other opportunities to give back to our community and at the same time honor someone or give in memory of someone.  Below are a few ideas that you can do just that and there is no better time than at Christmas when “giving” is on every one’s mind.

Many of you remember the  unexpected death of Alex Garcia a few months ago.   Alex was always full of smiles.  People in both Scottsboro, Alabama and Buena Vista, Mexico- where he lived remember him and remember how his smile would shine through.  Alex became sick and died of pneumonia in August, 2009.   There is now a group that are working to make him smile in Heaven as they begin the Alex Garcia “Never Give Up” Foundation in his memory.  Through the foundation, they hope to bring smiles to children’s faces and love to their hearts just as Alex gave those gifts to all that  knew him.

The Sharing Shoes/Warming Hearts Campaign began on December 1 and will run until Friday, December 11th.  The Foundation is sponsoring 250 childrenin first through sixth grade from Buena Vista, Mexico.  These are friends and classmates of Alex that he met last year while attending Felipe Carrillo Puerto School in Buena Vista, Mexico.

While Alex was there, he noticed that some of the kids did not have shoes.  This would sadden him and his family would help as many as they could.  This year over Christmas, the Foundation ’s hope is to be able to deliver a new pair of shoes and socks to every child in the school.  In addition, if  you know of a local family who has a financial need and a child needing a pair of shoes, you are encouraged to send a “request letter” including the name, address, shoe size, age, school, gender and phone number. This should be sent to the foundation by Saturday, December 19th.  This should be sent to;

The Alex Garcia “Never Give Up” Foundation

57 Sara Betty Lane

Scottsboro, Alabama 35769

If you are interested in sponsoring a child, please go to the concierge desk at Unclaimed Baggage Center, Buena Vista Restaurant, or the offices of Dr. Herberholz and Dr. Knowles.  You may also make donations at any of the Regions Bank Offices.

 

There will be individual bags filled with shoes, socks, and the name of a child.  The cost to provide one child with shoes and socks is only $6.00.  When you sponsor a child, the bag is placed in the adopted box and this all you have to do.  It is very simple!  The Foundation will take care of getting each bag to each child.  If you have any questions regarding this project, future projects or would like to make a donation, you maycontact Dede Herberholz at 599-4371.

  

United Givers Fund is another way that you can give back to our community and give in honor or memory of someone.  This past September, marked the 41st year of the Jackson County United Givers Fundraising.  This campaign benefits all of Jackson County.  Every program that is part of the UGF serves the citizens of Jackson County.  These programs also depend upon UGF’s assistance to help carry out their work.

When you give to this group, whether you give great or small- it really adds up.  It can help a child travel to a doctor;  build a wheelchair ramp for an elderly or disabled person; or keep heat for family in the winter.  It can provide a safe haven from abuse and domestic violence.  It can tutor a child and help build strong character.  It can reassure someone in need that others care.

What better way to honor that special person who means so much to you and your family or in memory of that friend, family or co-worker who is no longer living.  By giving a donation of any size, you are helping so many people that need to know that someone does care.  That is what Christmas is all about….Giving and doing it with an open heart.

If you are interested in making a donation to the Jackson County United Givers Fund; you may send your donation along with your name and name of “in honor” or “in memory of” to the following address;

Jackson County United Givers Fund

P.O. Box 581

Scottsboro, Alabama  35768

For more information on this non-profit group, you can click here to learn more.

The Community Service League has an “Angel Tree” each year and this tree is located at the Scottsboro/Jackson County Chamber of Commerce (I know it has another “name” these days but this is what I will always call it. Ha!).  I spoke with Mary Lackey yesterday and all of those “Angels” which are Foster Children in Scottsboro and Jackson County have been adopted.  A “Big Thank You” to all who have adopted those children so that they may be “given” the Christmas that they so deserve.

If you are interested in making a donation honoring someone or in memory of someone, you may do that at any time of the year (not just during the Holiday Season).  You just need to make your donation at the Chamber of Commerce to the Community Service League.  Another wonderful way to “give back” to those that call Jackson County there home.

I am excited to announce one of my new Purse Advertisers….City Lights Restaurant which is located in the Village on Broad.

 

City Lights restaurant is thenewest restaurant in Scottsboro and if you have not given it a try, you need to.  If you like steaks, you will like what is being served here.  The restaurant is located on the inside of the shopping complex.  Larry Smalley and John Cooperare the ones responsible for this addition to the “Village”.  I have met Mr. Smalley and he is so excited about opening this restaurant.  He is the type of person that wants everyone who comes through his doors to not only enjoy some great food and entertainment (did I mention that they have “live” music”) but he also wants everyone to relax and have a good time.  You will see what I mean after you meet him. I have to give my mother-in-law, Lynn Green, a “shout out” for the awesome job that she did on painting this “city lights” scene on the window.

 This is a picture of what the inside looks like (or at least one area of it).  Next week, I will show you the “entertainment” area and by that, I mean the “Dance Floor” that City Lights has ready for everyone to “cut a rug” on….Ha!  I will also share with you some of their menu items and what my favorite’s thus far is…. (there is lots to try though).  I need to make sure to mention that they have the big screen TV ready for you that MUST watch your football and basket ball games which are going on.  So, if you are wanting to try something new, there is no question as to where you should go, it is City Lights.

I am a “shoe person” so that means when I take off one pair of shoes, I put on another pair. (not the barefoot type person).  That means that I love “house slippers” and Wimberly House has some of the cutest ones that I have seen.  This is one of those gifts that most every “lady” would love to be wearing on her feet.  I love them because they are not only “amazing” in looks but they have the elastic on the heal so they are sure to stay on your feet well.  This is a “find” that I hope to get some day. Ha!

 I do not know of anyone who is not “all about” comfortable clothes and this sweater that I found at Wimberly House (in the boutique) is one that calls every one’s name. It is “sweater” material but looks like a cotton sweatshirt.  We all need one of these to wear today.  It just says, “RELAXING” all over it.  All of the clothes at the Boutique in the Wimberly House is very affordable so do not refrain from going in and looking around because you will be surprised at how great the prices are…

Next week, I will be showing you some of my favorite “gift” itemsthat I found at Wimberly House so get ready to want to make some purchases in the “gifts” and the “clothing/shoes”.  Ha!

 

If you like dogs or know someone that does, Talk of the Town has anything and everything that you could possible want and need.  The “goods” that you will find her are like no other when it comes to the “four-legged” creatures.  There is no need to go out of town to shop for anyone- even the dogs.  Bruce has made sure that “all” is taken care of.  I am pretty sure that most that really “care” about their dogs, buy presents for them too so if you are looking for that special gift to “give” them, head to TOTT.

This picture is not the best but it will give you an idea of what Talk of the Town has for those Auburn and Alabama fans.  They have picture frames, glasses, mugs, stationary, hand towels, notepads, serving dishes and so much more.  These are great for those “set amount” gifts that you are sometimes as to bring to a gathering.  You WILL find something.

Catalog Returns Plus is having BIG Sales!!  These “two drawer” tables sell in all other stores for $199.00 (these are like those in Pottery Barn).  You can get them now for $29.00.  That is a STEAL!!  These would be great gifts and who would not like one of these?  Even college students would like one of these!  Ha!  They also have 20% Off all of the Dining Tables and Beds.

If you are looking for China Cabinets…..Catalog Returns Plus has Broyhill China Cabinets and many to choose from.  These are regularly priced for $2,250.00 and you can get them here for $999.00.

 

 Catalog Returns Plus  have some really great sofas too.  This is more of a “love seat” piecebut would go great in many rooms in the house.  Before you purchase that particular piece that you are not only wanting but needing, make sure to see what the Catalog Returns Plus Store has in stock.  If you have been lately,  I would not let that hold me back from going again because they are getting new merchandise in weekly.  You do not want to miss out on anything.

 

These are not just any “gloves”, these are the “fingerless gloves”.   Electric Tan has several different colors and then they also have lots of  “Peace” items.  This is a “Peace” Scarf and they also have totes, purses, earrings, etc. for all the “Peace People“. The “fingerless gloves” is something that I have  wanted for a long time but have never been able to find any that I like until NOW. Ha!  (Hope Santa will put them in my stocking….Ha!)

 What  girl would not like to be carrying this Houndstooth backpack?  Electric Tan  is the place for your Houndstooth accessories.  They have cups, key chains, coasters, hats, etc.  As you can see, this is only $22.00.  Great Gift!!

 Ginger Snap Photos have several different ideas for those on your Christmas list.  I love these Car Tags and they can be made from any photo, with writing or color.  The price is $22.00 per tag. (You would definitely know whose car or truck was whose with a personal tag like this. Ha!)  These would be great for anyone on your list. 

 

 Ginger Snap Photos also have these cool “dog tags”  and they can be made from any photo and the writing with ANY color.  What kid would not like these?  This would be great for those “Elf” kids.  They could wear a photo of them around their neck throughout the year. (You know they go back home on Christmas Eve when Santa comes.)  These “dog tags” are only $12.00.  The kids would think they were big with one of these around their necks.

Don’t forget that the “Gingerbread Man” is available for Christmas Photos and Parties.  You just need to call 599-5978 and make the appointment.

 I have told  you before that we have a couple of  “Magic Elves” that visit us during the Holidays.  They have been here since Thanksgiving morning and are definitely a  HUGE help with getting Lily up and out of the bed each morning.  (She cannot wait to see what they have got into during the night- she says that they sleep during the day so that they can have fun while she sleeps)  Since, they are here for several weeks, they need  a comfy and warm place to sleep and rest.  This is  “Elf Bedding” that Nancy Gilliam has made for our “little friends”.  (The wooden bed is ours). 

 

The “Elf Bedding” consist of a covered mattress and then the reversible cover.  They are so cute and Lily loves hers.  Nancy is being an “elf” herself these days with trying to make other Elves happy and comfy while they sleep.  If you are interested in one for your elf or for someone that you know that has an Elf….please email me at pennyg@scottsboro.org and I will get your order to Nancy.  They are only $20 and can be used for years to come.  She will hopefully have a few to place at The Jewelry Box for sale next week  (that if she can keep up with her orders. ha!)

First Baptist Church, Scottsboro

will be hosting

“A Celebration of Light”

Sunday, December 6, 2009

6:00 p.m.

Featuring FBC Celebration Choir

It is the Season to focus your attention on Jesus…. and His reason for the Season.

Don’t forget that this is First Monday weekend so hopefully it will be nice enough (just have to bundle up really good) to walk around the square and see what the vendors have for sale.

I will be sharing with you some great pictures on Monday from past First Mondays and around the Downtown Square.

I know that I am leaving out thing so please forgive me but I do hope that you will take part of some of the events that are going on the area.

Have  a GREAT weekend!