Tuesday, November 29, 2011

November 30th Edition Highlights

Thanksgiving has finally passed us by, and, now that we've gorged ourselves and shooed our extended family out the door, we're putting up a new set of decorations and getting ready for the madness that is the remainder of the Holiday Season!

Several local communities are gearing up for their annual Christmas parades. Greenville's is first, taking place on December 2nd at 7pm. This year's theme is A Lone Star Christmas, and the parade will follow a route through Downtown Greenville. For more information, visit the City of Greenville's website - you can even apply to participate in the parade online.

As a local business ourselves, we say this with some bias, but, this year, as you do your Holiday shopping, consider the benefits of patronizing local retailers. GreenUPGRADER has an excellent list of reasons to shop local this Holiday Season (and all year 'round): for instance, did you know that, for every $100 you spend at a locally-owned business, $73 stays in the local economy? However, for every $100 that you spend at a non-locally-owned business, only $43 stays in the community.

Consider these other factors when deciding where to shop for gifts this year: Local businesses are more likely to donate to local charities than their non-local counterparts, they provide more new jobs, and they are more likely to obtain products and services from other local entities, thus funneling more money back into the community. Additionally, local businesses usually provide better customer service, because, let's face it, they are members of the community who have to see you around town after your transaction!

Here are a few ideas to promote community-focused spending this Holiday Season: buy Holiday floral arrangements from locally-owned florists and nurseries, plan your office party at a locally-owned meeting place or restaurant, support local charities, eat at local restaurants, buy gifts from locally-owned shops, and, of course, invite your friends to shop locally with you! 

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

November 23rd Edition Highlights

Thanksgiving week is finally here! Many of the members of our community are enjoying short work and school weeks, and a chance to congregate with family and friends over a decadent holiday meal. First United Methodist Church in Commerce wants to make sure everyone gets to enjoy Thanksgiving food and fellowship, and they do so by hosting their Free Community Thanksgiving Dinner each year. This year, New Life Congregational Methodist Church will also be participating in the event, and any other churches, community organizations or individuals who wish to volunteer may do so by calling the FUMC-C office.

On Thanksgiving Day, the public is welcome to partake in the free Thanksgiving dinner between 11am and 1pm at FUMC-C, located at 1709 Hwy 50, across from the University. The traditional meal will include roasted turkey, dressing, green beans, sweet potatoes and home-made pies.

Transportation and delivery will also be available, and those needing a ride to the church can be picked up at their home, and those unable to travel can have a meal delivered to their home. To arrange for a ride or delivery, call the FUMC-C office at 903-886-3220.

The Shopper would like to wish all of our readers and advertisers a happy Thanksgiving - may each of you enjoy a fun and relaxing holiday this year!

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

November 16th Edition Highlights

It's undeniable now that Thanksgiving is nearly upon us, with three pages of Thanksgiving salutations from local businesses in this week's Shopper. This year, while you're shopping for your family's feast, consider picking up a few items for Hunt county's residents who are truly hungry, and not just metaphorically starving for an annual helping of turkey and pumpkin pie. Hunt County Shared Ministries is now accepting donations for its FISH Food Drive, which can be dropped off at their office, located at 2805 King Street in Greenville. Suggestions include grain products, like whole grain bread and pasta, canned veggies, fruit and soup, dried milk, canned fish and meat, peanut butter, canned chili, Hamburger Helper, cake mixes, and household and personal items like cleaning supplies, shampoo, toothbrushes and baby items. For more information, call HCSM at 903-455-0545.

For this week's Thankgving page, we cribbed a few suggestions from Psychology Today on nurturing gratitude during the year's festivities. Here are a few: first, think carefully about what you're grateful for this year, aiming to come up with at least ten things. Then, share your realizations with your family by arranging a time when everyone can discuss what they're thankful for. Also, make sure to give thanks directly to the people you have helped you in your life, and make an effort to let go of past injustices. Finally, if all this talking is making you nervous, just offer to help out! Cleaning the kitchen may not be the equivalent of thanking your grandmother for all she's done for you, but she'll probably be just as pleased that you scraped the turkey pan, instead of her.

Even though Thanksgiving won't technically be here until next week, here at the Hunt County Shopper, we're extending appreciation to all our readers and advertisers a little early. After all, if it weren't for you, we wouldn't be here! So, please accept a big, fat Thanksgiving thank you, from all of us, to all of you. Enjoy the holiday! We know we will.

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

November 9th Edition Higlights

Looking to do some good this Holiday season? We have some ideas in this week's paper. To get started, just take a look at our front page, which has a few suggestions for volunteerism during the holidays.Since making a fiscal donation isn't an option for everyone (especially in this economy), here are some ideas for donating a little bit of your time to the community.

First, consider giving teachers and other school staffmembers a break during the Holidays - schools are frequently understaffed around this time of year, and can really use the help of parents or other community members. Spending time with the elderly at a nearby assisted-living facility, or as part of a home visitor program, is also a great way to reach out that costs nothing, but can mean a world to a lonely senior. Finally, offer to lend a hand to other busy families, especially single-parent households, who may be struggling to pull it all together during this hectic time of year. Offer to carpool or babysit while other parents shop - you never know, they might return the favor and save you some time, too!

If you're looking to make a more tangible donation, the VFW Post 4011 & American Legion Post 17's Santa Express project is now in full swing. You can donate Christmas bikes and toys to the children of soldiers stationed at Ft. Hood at a number of local businesses, at the VFW Post 4011 on 5200 Wellington Street in Greenville, or the Walworth Harrison Public Library in Greenville. The cutoffdates are November 19th for toys and November 26th for bikes. For a complete listing of dropoff sites, see page 6 of this week's paper.

If you're looking for a more comprehensive list of charities, MarthaStewart.com offers a myriad of excellent suggestions, whether you're looking to donate a card or a car. Whether you give a little or a lot, you can still make a difference in someone's life this Holiday Season.

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

November 2nd Edition Highlights

Can you believe it's November? We're already counting down the days to our respective turkey-induced comas on the 24th, but, in the meanwhile, we're also psyching ourselves up for the Greenville Chamber of Commerce's Annual Business Showcase. Our booth will be located in Building #2, but you don't have to come just to see us (although, personally, we think that sounds like a pretty good excuse for attendance) - there will be dozens of vendors, outside and inside, new and antique car shows, an inside yard sale, a Chinese auction, adoptive pets and more. The Showcase will take place at the Hunt County Fairgrounds on Thursday, November 3rd, from 11am until 6pm. 

Unfortunately, November ushers in more than just the Holidays - flu season is also right around the corner. Besides completely isolating yourself from society for the next few months (you would miss Thanksgiving dinner, just in case you're considering this as a viable option), the only way to ensure that you don't catch the flu is to get a flu shot. There are many places to get one this year, but Quick Care in Greenville offers something extra: for $20, you'll get a flu shot and simultaneously donate $5 to Bras for the Cause. Get your vaccination on and support a good cause on Thursday, November 3rd, from 7am to 10am. For more information, check out the ad on page 7 of this week's paper.

If you or anyone you know has never met a stranger and can correctly use the phrase "business casual" in a sentence, we may be looking for you! The Hunt County Shopper is seeking job candidates, preferably with sales experience, to work full-time from our office. The ability to close phone and in-person sales is a must, and you must be able to work well with the rest of our staff. If this sounds like you, visit our office and drop off your resume at 3617 Wesley Street in Greenville, across from the Family Video.