Hello readers! I’m back with this week’s edition of What’s Up in Odenville.

We have ONE WEEK until Thanksgiving, when we all have a pass to eat until our eyes bug out of our head and nap without guilt! I’m so excited and I can’t wait to gather with the family and spend time together. Very limited time however because after we eat, I’ve got my stretchy pants on stand by and ready to go, the Hallmark movie schedule downloaded and no intentions of moving off the couch for shopping or anything else that requires effort. I will be in full T.R.M. (Thanksgiving Recovery Mode).

Let’s get to the news:

Community News

The City of Odenville will host the First Annual Christmas in the Park this Sunday November 22 from 4-8. Come enjoy a laid back evening of Christmas carols from local talent, both vocal and instrumental, lights and a Christmas movie displayed on 8 foot screen. Fire in the pavilion, hot chocolate, popcorn, and maybe even a visit from Santa Claus. Other concessions will be available for purchase as well. Hope to see you all there!

Don’t forget that St. Clair schools are closed all next week for the Thanksgiving holiday.

Mayberry came to Odenville when Matt and Angie Coupland celebrated their 40th birthday last weekend. Everyone came dressed as their favorite Andy Griffith character and the town hall was decorated like Mayberry. Andy, Barney, Floyd the Barber, Opie, Earnest T Bass, Otis, the “Fun Girls”, Leon, Peggy, Juanita, and the Darlins were all represent’n! Angie Coupland said she couldn’t believe how much work everyone put in to just for them. “If you have to turn 40, why not do it dressing up and acting silly”!

Welcome new business SJA Liquidators to Odenville! Now open to public, SJA carries merchandise overstock, discontinued, and return items. Located across from Jacks. Stop in and welcome Shawn Prestridge to the community! Excel Sports is also a new business in our community! Excel is a full line motorcycle, ATV and water craft retail location. New and used equipment as well as service and repair. Stop by and see Chris or Joey and welcome them to the community.

The 14th Annual Crosspoint 5k Saturday Nov. 25 benefiting area benevolence ministries. The weather is going to be PERFECT. $20 for 5K and $10 for 1-mile fun run before race day. $25 and $15 on race day. Family max of $45. Register at Crosspoint today!

Odenville is starting a NEW Girl Scout Troop for Daisies (K-1) and Brownies (2-3)! There is a meeting this Tuesday at the OES lunchroom 3:15 – 4:15 p.m.! Bring your checkbook! Annual Registration is $15 per girl and those that want to help with the troop in any way, you will want to register as well, for $15! It takes commitment to start a new troop and make it strong to last from year to year! Your New Troop Leader is Brenda Horsley

JW Guild Jewelry Repair and Training Center is having their Open House Saturday Nov. 28. Great deals on custom jewelry for the holidays.

Located next to Louie’s Pickles and Italian Deli in Odenville. Support your Veteran-owned business.

Community Reminders:

The City of Odenville will host their annual Christmas Parade Tuesday Dec. 8 at 7 p.m. The theme this year is Christmas in Dixie. The parade has grown enormously and hopes are high that this year will top the past two. Who will win this year’s braggin’ rights for best overall float??? Hurry and get by Odenville City Hall or OPD to sign up. Trophies will be given for the top three floats. There will also be a community fellowship directly after the parade with refreshments. For more info email odenvillebiz@gmail.com

The City of Margaret will host their 2nd Annual Turkey Shoot Nov. 21 at Wilson Park of Co Road 12 at 8 a.m. All proceeds benefit the City of Margaret’s Toys for Kids program.

Going through a divorce or separation can be especially difficult during the holidays. There will be a Surviving the Holidays event hosted by our local DivorceCare ministry in Pell City on Nov. 14 from 2 – 4 p.m. at The Brook Besor Coffee Shop. The registration fee for the event is $10. If you or someone you know is going through divorce or separation, please encourage them to contact me for more information

Applications are now being accepted for Christmas Village! This program is designed to help families in the St. Clair County areas that need assistance providing Christmas gifts for their children. This program is different than others, as the parents are invited to North Valley Church to participate in the gift choosing for each child. North Valley Church partners with Argo Christmas for Kids and Argo Food Bank for this program, so only apply at one place. Please email iServe@mynvc.org for an application.

The next Odenville Area Business Association meeting will be Monday Dec. 7 at 6 p.m. at the Odenville Civic Center. We will have music and fellowship. Hope to see you there!

That’s all for this week! Send your Odenville news to odenvillenews@gmail.com.