Dateline Wharton
Upcoming events in and around our community

Boling Christmas Parade

This year's Boling Christmas Parade hosted by the Boling Fire and Rescue Department and Ladies Auxiliary is scheduled for 2 p.m. today 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.

Wharton Training Alumni party

Calling all Wolves! The Wharton Training Alumni and Ex-Students will hold their annual Christmas Party tonight from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. in the Duncan Room at the Wharton Civic Center.

Mt. Pilgrim Baptist program

The Mt. Pilgrim Baptist Church in Iago will be hosting a Mission Christmas program at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday 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.

Faith Christian musical Faith Christian Academy presents the children's Christmas musical "On Our Way to Bethlehem" starring The Faith Players. The one performance will be at 6:30 p.m., Monday, Dec. 17 at Caney Creek Church, 118 W. Milam, downtown on the square. Admission is free. For more information please call 979-531-1000.

WVFD blood drive

The Wharton Volunteer Fire Department will host a blood drive from 3-7:30 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 17 at the fire station. T-shirts will be given to participants. Anyone 18 years of age or older is welcome to participate.

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. The drive will run through Tuesday, 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.

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

WCJC Senior Citizen Program

The Senior Citizen Program at Wharton County Junior College is hosting Bingo for local seniors with prizes and refreshments furnished by Angels Care Home Health from 1- 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 19 at the WCJC Senior Center at 911 Boling Highway. If you are 60 years of age or older, you are invited to attend.

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.

Palacios Market Days

This month's Palacios Market Days features the them of last minute gifts and unique items. It will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 22 at Railroad Park at the corner of 6th and Main streets. Call the Palacios Chamber of Commerce at 361-972- 2615 or visit www.palacioschamber.com to be a vendor or for more information.

Come Share Christmas

Come share Christmas with "The Barrier Breakers" featuring the St. Stephens Missionary Baptist Church Barrier Breakers Choir. Others performing include Appointed, S.S.M.B.C. puppet ministry, Drama/Theatre Arts ministry, Praise Dance ministry and Children's Choral Choir along with invited guest churches. The program is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 23 at the "Barrier Breaker Palace," 1213 Bailey Street in Wharton.

Seven Star Baptist Church

The Seven Star Baptist Church is hosting an inauguration installment ceremony for Brother Kenneth Dorsey Sr.'s entry into the ministry at 10 a.m. on Dec. 30. The church is located at 7506 Hawes St. in Hungerford, Rev. Dr. R.I. Campbell III, pastor.

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.