Happy New Year from the Van Zandt County Library. We welcome 2017 and all the exciting new things that come with it. Make your New Year's Resolution to spend more time at the library. Have you driven by the library in the last two weeks and noticed the ttwo big changes? The old and sick tree by the front entrance has been removed. Also, the new sign has been installed and is up and running. The sign was purchased for the library by the Friends of the Library and its purpose is twofold. First, it brings visibility to the location for new patrons; and second, it displays information about what's happening inside the building.
To read the full article, subscribe to the Wills Point Chronicle or pick up a copy from one of our vendors.
“The conversion to dial system for telephone subscribers in Wills Point will become a reality one minute after 1 a.m. Sunday, January 8. Wills Point is the largest town in Southwestern Bell Telephone Company’s north Texas district, which has not already been converted to the modern system of telephone service. When Wills Point switches to the dial telephone service Sunday every number in the city (approximately 1,100) will be changed. Emergency numbers are most important. It would be wise to write all emergency numbers and fasten them near the phone for emergency use. To report a fire dial TR3-2222.” (See newspaper for complete article.)
“Since there are only three shopping days remaining until Christmas Day, Wills Pointers are hurriedly finishing up their last minute errands. The town was decorated and lit earlier this month for the festive holiday season. A 20 foot fir tree was lighted with bright lights and the Rose Memorial has been lighted and decorated with tinsel.”
“Letters to Santa Claus: Dear Santa, I am a big boy 4 years old. My sister is two years old. We have tried to be good. Sometimes we fight, but we always stick together, when Daddy and Mommy take over. I would like a holster gun, a road grader and a little bicycle. Sandra wants a baby doll buggy, and a tricycle. I would also like some firecrackers in my stocking. We will be at Pa Pa’s in Wills Point on Christmas Eve. We love you. Steve and Sandra Baker.”
The holidays are being celebrated at the Van Zandt County Library. The Friends of the Library held the annual Volunteer Brunch Dec. 12. Staff and volunteers enjoyed a delicious meal together. Family members of Al Coleman also attended. Mr. Coleman's name has recently been added to the Memorial Plaque which honors citizens who contributed to the building and growth of the library.
FOL has received a memorial donation for Toni Barrentine by Bob and Sandra Giles; a memorial donation for John Guthrie by Alice Bomar and Bobby Peynter; a donation honoring Betty Hooks by Beverly Chadwick; and a donation given by the Texas Star Quilters Guild.
Who says getting older doesn’t have its privileges? Regardless of where you live, seniors qualify for a wide range of discounts and related benefits.
These perks are offered by retailers, restaurants, transportation providers and senior organizations. They range from free coffee to discounts of all kinds. Some discounts are well-known. Others may be available, but are only extended upon request. Regardless, all have the potential to help make your Golden Years a bit more affordable!
They may not walk around with a parrot on their shoulder, say “aargh!” or sail a ship, but they do walk around snatching packages off doorsteps. Porch Pirates are increasingly becoming a problem, and there will likely be a rise in incidents this holiday season. Some reports claim thieves are to following the delivery trucks, helping themselves to packages once they have been delivered.
Packages left outside of homes are stolen every year, especially during the holidays.
“While it's frustrating and outrageous that thieves would stroll up to your home and take your deliveries”, said Mechele Agbayani Mills, President and CEO of BBB Serving Central East Texas. “There are steps you can take to prevent the bad guys from getting away with the goods.”
BBB offers the following tips to keep pesky porch pirates away from your packages:
“The annual White Gift Service, a tradition of the Wills Point schools for many years is to be held Wednesday, Dec. 21, in two performances during the day. The first program will begin at 10 a.m. for the elementary school students and the afternoon performance for the high school students is to begin at 2 p.m. School will be dismissed at the conclusion of the class parties following the afternoon service.”
“Six new directors of the Wills Point Chamber of Commerce were elected this week by popular ballot by all members of the chamber of commerce, K.C. Lybrand, manager, has announced. Elected to serve for a two-year term were A.C. Mayberry, Billy Joe Mullin, F.G. Hards, Jr., Dewitt Bateman, Thomas Campbell and Jack Lester. Those who have another year to serve on the board before their terms expire include Dr. J.W. Bettis, John C. Lybrand, Jack James, Ted Deen, Jimmy Burden and Hubert Kinney.”
Continual week-long bad weather has made it necessary to postpone the annual Christmas parade which was scheduled for this afternoon. Next Friday, Dec. 16, at 2:30 o’clock has been set as the new date for the gala parade to welcome Santa Claus to town, according to K.C. Lybrand, Jr., chamber of commerce manager.
A 20 foot Christmas tree was erected over the week-end in downtown Wills Point. The tree, standing at the intersection of James and North Fourth Streets was to be decorated with colored lights early in the week but bad weather has made it necessary for a delay in plans. As soon as weather permits the lights will be added. Also, the Rose Memorial at the corner of Commerce and North Fourth Street will be decorated this year with colored lights.
The Canton Animal Shelter is the only animal shelter in the county and it is overwhelmed with animals, particularly dogs! All other municipal shelters and short-term holding facilities in the county have closed due to the cost of state mandated regulations and liability. Our shelter costs for next year are approaching $210,000. This amount comes to about $50 for every man, woman and child living in the City of Canton. The sad thing for our citizens who pay for running the shelter through their taxes is that about 80 percent of these animals come from outside the Canton city limits.
Almost 3 million Americans have served in Afghanistan or Iraq. Half have been deployed more than once. Almost a million of those who served, live with a disability. When they served as young men and women they gave everything they had to give and excelled at their job. When they have returned home, America has not taken care of them as they should. Besides those who gave their life, some will love with disabilities the rest of their life.
Approximately 300,000 homeless veterans will sleep tonight on the streets somewhere in America. In addition, almost one and a half million are at risk for being homeless; that number will rise. Too many veterans lose their family; the rate of divorce among veterans is 47 percent higher than other marriages. 22 veterans commit suicide every day; one every 2 hours. At least half a million veterans have PTSD.
