End of an era

At 12-noon Jan. 2, Rockdale will be without a stand-alone pharmacy for the first time ever. CVS Pharmacy has posted a sign saying it is calling it quits for its Rockdale location at 1525 West Cameron (US 79). This year CVS had announced 68 locations would close.

Celebrating Christmas

He told me to tell you that There’s an old story about the demons wishing Satan a “Merry Christmas! ” Satan responded by saying, “It better stay merry or people will start to take it seriously.” If the church ever takes Christmas seriously the Gates of Hell better look out.

ST. JOSEPH’S BAZAAR

—Saturday was the annual Christmas Bazaar at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, hosted by the St. Joseph’s Altar Society. It featured food, a number of crafts, including religious and secular Christmas items. Among the offerings were the always-popular chicken stew and chili. There were also door prizes.

CRAFTS FAIR

—It was definitely the Christmas season Saturday in Rockdale. First Assembly of God Church, located just south of Rockdale High School, hosted a crafts fair in the church fellowship hall.

CHURCH NEWS

irst Baptist Cantata First Baptist Church will present its Christmas Cantata “We’re Glad You came: A Musical Celebration of the Savior’s Birth” on Sun., Dec. 15 at 10:30 a.m. The public is invited to attend.

ORGANIZATIONS

Breakfast with Santa Saturday at civic center Santa will be at the Patterson Civic Center on Dec. 14 for the annual Breakfast with Santa event along with his elves and helpers. Breakfast with Santa is from 7:30-10 a.m. and tickets are $5.

TOY RUN DONATION

—Rock-dale Masonic Lodge, AF & AM No. 414 presented the Buddy Oney Toy Run with a check for $250 Saturday at the Toy Run. Mason Art Neal, left, presented the check to Charles Starr.

RISD students post achievements

RISD REPORT Rockdale’s most recent graduating class, the Class of 2019, was the first class of students that entered as freshmen on the Foundation with Endorsement graduation plan.

Milano Christmas parade, meal to be held Saturday

MILANO NEWS The City of Milano has scheduled its annual Christmas parade and community meal for Saturday, Dec. 14. This year’s parade theme is “The Magic of Santa’s Workshop.” Line-up will be at 9:30 a.m. at the Milano football field parning lot/ judging will take place at 10 a.m.

GAUSE NEWS

Friday the Gause ISD Parents Club is giving you the opportunity to have your child’s picture made with Santa. It will begin at 8:30 a.m. If your child isn’t in school, you are still invited to bring your little one to have their picture taken.