‘It’s a Wonderful Life’: based on Christmas card short story

It’s a Wonderful Life was based on a Christmas card short story by Philip Van Doren Stern, which was originally sent out to around 200 of Stern’s friends and family in December of 1943. The shor t stor y was called “The Greatest Gift” and was inspired by a dream Stern had one night in the 1930s.

Exploring the first Christmas

The birth of Jesus Christ has long been celebrated on Dec. 25 of every year. The first recorded celebration of Christmas dates back to Dec. 25, 336. However, it is not known for sure if Christ was even born during the month of December, much less on the day we come together to celebrate.

Film classics help rev up the holiday spirit

Families often have their own unique traditions when it comes to the holidays. Lately, families have begun to include films in many of those traditions. That’s thanks largely to the array of classic holiday films that have consistently put people in the holiday mood.

RJH Ace Tigers program

Rockdale Junior High’s ACE program has lots to offer both students and their families. Tutorial sessions are available in both the mornings and the afternoons for students to get extra help or catch up on missing work. Every morning from 7-7:45 a.m. we have Rise and Shine Cafe.

4-H holiday gift idea exchange

Milam County 4-H hosted the 4-H Holiday Gift Idea Exchange on Nov. 14. This program is an outreach event to give our community a fun and enriching experience to prepare for the holidays. The 4-H’ers (K-12th grade) participated in and created a food or craf t theme for the holidays.

Chamber ‘Light Up Rockdale’ annual decorating contest

The Rockdale Chamber of Commerce’s annual “Light Up Rockdale” Christmas decoration contest for in both residential and business categories is under way. Entrants need to contact the chamber at 512-4462030 to enter by giving your name or business name and address.

ORGANIZATIONS

The Thorndale Town & Country Club met at the country home of Monica Leatherwood who served as a hostess with her mother Patsy Palm. Games of Thanksgiving Bingo were played with the winners receiving a miniature fall fabric covered pumpkin and a jar opener as prizes.

Scenes from the 2022 Lighted Christmas Parade

Some of the lighted entries in the 2022 Christmas Parade included (clockwise from above) Rockdale Volunteer Fire Department, Milam County Sheriff’s Office, Rockdale Country Ford and the City of Thrall.  

Bring on the beef after turkey

Are you sick of turkey yet? I know I am. Every year Mom and Dad always want a hamburger after all that turkey and that is also fine by me. Beef of any kind be it a steak or a burger or enchiladas. So, let’s bring on the beef this week starting with Peopso, an Italian black pepper and wine beef stew.

Happy birthday, Betty!

Rockdale’s own Betty Backhaus turned 92 on Friday. Her family hosted a birthday celebration on Saturday, Nov. 26, at the Peace Lutheran Church’s Fellowship Hall where Betty has been a member for over 70 years.