Merry Christmas and God’s blessings to all of our soldiers and their families. I also thank all of our brave young men and women who gave their lives and those who have returned home with injuries.

Thank you just doesn’t feel like enough to say, but when you come in contact with a veteran, please remember to let them know that their service to our country is appreciated.

My dad, the late John Ward Jr. was a Korean War veteran. He was very proud of having served his country and I am very proud of him.

Mt. Nebo Baptist Church at Massey presented its children’s music program Sun., Dec. 22, at 6 p.m. Afterward, members and visitors enjoyed a Christmas meal in the fellowship hall. The children sang for the patients and staff at Summerford Nursing Home on Sun., Dec. 15. Bethany Beaver is the children’s music director and Bro. Greg Compton is the pastor.

Special belated happy birthday wishes go out this week to Trevor Sherrill Dec. 23.

Happy birthday wishes also go out to Paul Martin and Buddy Lacy, both on Dec. 25, Virginia Prater, Jordan Morgan and Jacob Palmer, all on Dec. 28, Tucker Boyd and Olivia McCleskey, both on Dec. 29 and Frances Morgan on Dec. 30.

Johnson’s Chapel United Methodist Church obtain-ed a list of needy children and their Christmas wish lists from Danville Schools and shopped for them recently. The church’s “White Christmas” and children’s program was Sun., Dec. 22, at 10 a.m. This was a combined service of the early and regular worship services. The congregation enjoyed potluck brunch afterward in the fellowship hall. The pastor is Rev. Forest Long.

The United Methodist Women carried food donations to the CCC Food Pantry in Decatur on Dec. 11. Marla Marshall is the United Methodist Women’s president.

Members of Shady Grove Baptist Church express their appreciation to everyone who helped make the Operation Christmas Child shoebox project a success. Many people donated gifts, money and time and what a joy it is to know that 269 children will receive a blessing from their efforts.

The Falkville Public Library Board, librarian Jenny Asherbranner and aide Marie Walker met Wed., Dec. 11, at the Freight House Restaurant in Hartselle for their regular meeting and Christmas lunch. Rhona Summer-ford presided and Pam McDonald of Massey gave the treasurer’s report.

Asherbranner gave the librarian’s report and year end business was discussed. Ken Winkles is the town council representative to the board. Jane Hill and Tina Rogers were other board members present. Christmas gifts were exchanged and everyone enjoyed the meal.

Rhona Summerford’s book, “The Falkville Collection” is on sale at the library and Sweet Pea’s Antiques. This is a Falkville history with surrounding areas mentioned as well. The book sells for $30.

In Jan., the library board will host a book signing for Summerford. The date and time will be announced later.