November rings in variety of holiday events

Phoebe Donald Robinson

The annual Christmas Open House of the Columbiana Merchants and Professional Association will be Friday and Saturday, Nov. 14-15, 2008. Shops and businesses will be open for extended hours on Friday, 9 a.m.–7 p.m., and Saturday, 9 a.m. until closing. Come get in the Christmas spirit as refreshments will be served and door prizes will be given out. Holiday decorations will bring cheer to all the shops and businesses of Columbiana as they get ready for this season of joy.

This year, with gas being so high, make it your motto to support our merchants at home and shop Columbiana. And, if you do not live in Columbiana, come and see our quaint town, walk down Main Street and visit our attractive shops full of wonderful things for all ages and households.

The Shelby County Arts Council has a wonderful exhibit at its Mildred Street location this month, the Painted Ladies Group Show. Come visit and see this unique exhibit of selected works of student artists from the Alabaster Parks and Recreation Department participating in the council’s acrylic painting class for senior citizens. This class was made possible by a grant from the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham.

Nov. 14 is the last Girls Night Out workshop of the month at the arts council. The night offers an event with just the gals. No specific talents are needed to participate and it’s just $30. Participants are encouraged to bring their favorite beverage and hors d’oeuvre. Call 669-0044 or e–mail Susan Dennis at susan@shelbycountyartscouncil.com for reservations.

The Columbiana United Methodist Church is having special Thanksgiving services Sunday, Nov. 23. The church invites the public to come visit and bring fruit and vegetables to the altars at both worships services: 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. The produce will be placed in baskets and taken as a love–gifts to the residents at Shelby Woods Apartments for Thanksgiving.

Former Miss Shelby County Susannah Higgins plans to host the Little Mr. and Miss Shelby County Pageant at Shelby County High School Nov. 22nd at 6 p.m. All proceeds are tax deducible and will go to the Children’s Miracle Network or used as scholarships.

And last, but certainly not least, GO WILDCATS! Our SCHS football team just completed its first undefeated season, 10-0, in 24 years. They began the playoffs Nov. 10th. I hope that I speak for the whole town of Columbiana when I say that we hope they will continue to go on with their flawless record.