Smoke Signals and other news
As you finish up (or begin) your Christmas shopping, please consider buying from local businesses. These businesses are typically owned by your neighbors and friends who count on your support to stay in business.
Byhalia’s newly opened Carriage House Coffee is hosting a “Pop Up” shop for the Holidays at their venue in downtown Byhalia. Original art makes the perfect Christmas gift, so be sure to check out the many beautiful pieces in a variety of mediums from local Byhalia Area Arts Council members.
Angel Wings Greenhouse on Highway 178 between Byhalia and Victoria is hosting a vendor market event every Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. until Christmas. No charge for vendors, and everyone is welcome. David Jones with Middle-Aged Spreads, Southern Backroads Tees, Sweet Dream Bakery, Dragons Lair Leather, Christmas decorations, fresh farm eggs, and fresh pecans will be one of many vendors.
Charming restaurant space is available in downtown historic Byhalia at the corner of Highway 309 and Church Street. Come and be a part of a growing movement to create our entertainment district.
Many students are home from college. Some are working part-time jobs to help defray school expenses. Others are just relaxing and enjoying some stress-free time. These are our leaders of tomorrow.
Make time to attend all the area’s wonderful Christmas programs.
First Baptist Church of Byhalia will hold its Christmas Concert at 5 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 18. Admission is free, and everyone is welcome. See and hear the timeless Christmas story along with refreshments in the Fellowship Hall after the musical.
Bring family and friends to Byhalia United Methodist Church to attend their special Christmas Eve service “In the Flame” at 5 p.m.
Churches and schools in the area are having special Christmas programs, too, for many to enjoy.
Byhalia’s Illuminate the Night was a huge success and enjoyed by all ages. Unfortunately, the Byhalia Christmas Parade had to be canceled since the weather refused to cooperate.
Medicare’s open enrollment period ends Dec. 7 with changes taking effect Jan. 1.By the time you read this, the deadline will have passed. I do hope those who fall into the group who needed to do so have completed their choice including myself); however, I will be delighted not to hear the ‘open enrollment’ commercials until next year. Now, if we can just get past the Camp Lejeune commercials.
Byhalia continues to install “sky cop” cameras throughout the town, giving the police department the ability not only to keep a “live” eye on the area but also they can be used to look back at what may have happened. A new camera will be going up soon at the Byhalia Walking Track. I would like to include tidbits about the History of Byhalia each week. If you want to read the history as written by former Mayor of Byhalia Barton Williams, you can buy a copy at the Byhalia Area Chamber of Commerce. I’ve included this week’s little bit of history…
Until the Mississippi River made one of its many river course changes hundreds of years ago, the site of Byhalia was within twenty-five miles of the mighty river.
Please send anything you want to be included in this column to jchwagg@gmail.com, tag me in your Facebook post or call or text 901-246-8843.