Dateline Wharton
Upcoming events in and around our community

Toy and food drive

The city of Wharton Youth Advisory Commission is sponsoring a Toy and Food Drive for the holiday season. The drive will benefit the Women's Crisis Center and SHARE. Beginning Dec. 7, the drive will run through Dec. 18. Non-perishable food items and/or toys can be dropped off at the following locations: Wharton City Hall, 120 E. Caney, Wharton Chamber of Commerce, 225 N. Richmond Road or the El Campo Chamber of Commerce, 201 E. Jackson in El Campo.

Ballroom dancing

Ballroom dancing will be held on Dec. 14 at the First Presbyterian Church, 1602 John Knox. The charge is $3 per person. Couples and singles are welcome.

WISD Christmas Concert

The Dawson Elementary Beginner Band, Wharton Junior High School Band, and Wharton High School Band invite the community to attend a combined Christmas Concert at 7 p.m. on Dec 14 in the Wharton High School Auditorium. There will be a reception immediately after the concert in the foyer. Please come share the holiday cheer and show your support of your Wharton Band.

Boling Christmas Parade

Boling's Christmas Parade, hosted by the Boling Fire and Rescue Department and Ladies Auxiliary, will be at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 15 on Texas Street in Boling. After the parade, Santa will be at the Boling Fire Station for photos and refreshments will be served. For more information, call Lee Mrunstik at 979-657-8716.

Community Toy Drive

There will be a community toy drive from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Dec. 15 at Monterey Square in downtown Wharton. The toys will be distributed to needy families in Wharton County. Call Debbie Baines at 532-8250 for more information.

Mt. Pilgrim Christmas program The Mt. Pilgrim Baptist Church in Iago will be hosting a Mission Christmas program at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 16 at the church. The theme is "Who is the Gift of Life," John 14:6. The speaker will be Rev. Carl Neal Sr., Shiloh Baptist Church in Boling. Mt. Pilgrim is located at FM 2817 in Iago, Rev. Charley Barnes, pastor.

Posadas

The community is invited to participate in "the Posadas" at 2 p.m. Monday, Dec. 17 at Wharton Nursing and Rehab Center with Sister Midori leading. Hot chocolate and Pan Dulce will be served afterwards.

Nan Ya blood drive

Nan Ya Plastics Corporation, US will be hosting a blood drive from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Dec. 18 in the front parking lot of their Wharton Plant. Everyone is welcome to come and participate in the blood drive.

T.L. Pink Holiday Banquet

The T.L. Pink Alumni and Ex-Students Association will celebrate its 19th Annual Holiday Scholarship Banquet at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 22 at the Wharton Civic Center. Rev. Danny Davis will be the guest speaker.

Christmas choir

St. Stephens Missionary Baptist Church Barrier Breakers Choir will lead a Christmas concert at 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 23, at the "Barrier Breaker Palace," 1213 Bailey St. The holiday event will also feature performances by "Appointed," the St. Stephens Puppet Ministry, the Drama/Theater Arts Ministry, the Praise Dance Ministry and the Childrens Choral Choir. Guest churches will also participate. The public is invited.

B&G Club registration

The Boys & Girls Club of Wharton is now registering for the 2007-2008 After-School Program. Membership fee is $20 per person and operating hours are from 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. The club is open for kids ages six to 12 and is open until 7 p.m. for teens.

East Bernard Masonic Lodge The East Bernard Masonic Lodge No. 817 meets the third Thursday of each month. There is a meal, open to the public, served starting at 6:30 a.m. with a lodge only meeting at 7:30 p.m. The lodge building is located at 715 Morris St. in East Bernard. For more information, call Michael McKinnon at 713-542-1148.

Community Calendar

A calendar of local events is maintained by the Wharton Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture. Before scheduling an event, check with the chamber for possible conflicts. And notify the chamber, 532-1862, as early as possible to get your event on the calendar. There is no charge.

Dateline Wharton is a calendar of upcoming events in Wharton and surrounding communities. Normally space permits only events that will occur in the next two weeks. It is intended for special activities open to the public rather than regularly recurring meetings.