Dateline Wharton
Upcoming events in and around our community

2008 Bridal Guide

The Wharton Journal-Spectator, East Bernard Express and El Campo Leader-News will be producing its 2008 Bridal Guide next month and is in need of your input. First, if you have been married five to seven years, we would like your personal views on why your marriage has lasted. Second, we need any unique wedding proposal stories. Please include contact names, daytime phone number(s), years married and where you reside. Otherwise, the information will not be published. E-mail or mail the "Secrets to your Successful Marriage" and/or "Unique Wedding Proposals" to lifestyle@leader-news. com or P.O. Box 1180, El Campo, TX 77427. Deadline for consideration is no later than Jan. 25. For more information, contact Quala Matocha, lifestyle editor, 979-543-3363.

Veterans Service Office

The office of the Wharton County Veterans Service Officer will be open this month on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, today, 22-23 and 29-30. The office is located at 1017 N. Alabama Road. Hours are 8 a.m. to noon and 1-4 p.m. Harvey Stelzel Jr. is the Wharton County Veterans Service Officer.

Wharton Girls Softball

Wharton Girls Softball will have their fi- nal registration date for the upcoming season for Thursday, Jan. 17 at the Girls Softball Park from 5:30-7 p.m. The league is open to girls 4 years old by Dec. 31 through 14 years old. The registration fee is $60 for the first child and discounted for the second child. Copies of birth certificate are required. Those interested in coaching or managing a team should submit a letter of intent. For information, contact Lori Jaquez at 532-4947 after 6 p.m. or Lydia Reyna at 532-3673 after 6 p.m.

Little League Registration

Wharton Little League has set two dates for registration. Registration is open to players ages 5-12 (based on age as of April 30). Registration will be held on Saturday, Jan. 19 and Saturday, Jan. 26 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Wharton Civic Center. New players must bring a copy of birth certificate. Register on-line at eteamz.active.com/whartonlittleleague/ links.

Fair Fund Dinner

The annual Wharton Fair Fund's Annual Dinner, Dance and Auction will be held Saturday, Jan. 19 at the Wharton Knights of Columbus Hall. A barbecue chicken dinner will be served from 5:30-8 p.m. Plates are available for dine-in or drive through and are priced at $7.50 per person. Meal tickets include admission to the dance. The auction starts at 6:30 p.m. followed by dancing from 8 p.m. until midnight with music provided by DJ Chris Garza. This will be a fun night for everyone in your family. Without your help and continued support, the fair fund would not be able to help the youth in our community. This year, the fund is supporting The Caney Creek 4-H, River Road 4-H and Pierce 4-H, along with the Wharton FFA and Jr. FFA. If you would like to buy tickets, call at 979- 533-5370 or e-mail lrachunek@mid-coasttitle. com.

Remembering the Dream

Citizens of Wharton County are invited to the 2008 Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Celebration on 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 20 at Mother Zion Baptist Church, 112 Neals Lane. Special guest will be Rev. E.L. Dawson and Progressive Baptist church of El Campo. The theme will be Marching from Dream to Reality. Other guests include Vocalist Debra Wilson of Houston, Rev. Mickey Reynolds and Caney Creek Church, St. Stephen's Missionary Baptist Church Barrier Breakers Choir and the Wharton Boys and Girls Club Drill Team. Each church is asked to represent with $150 towards the MLK Scholarship Fund. A parade celebration is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, Jan 19, marching from Wharton Square to Dawson Elementary Gymnasium. For information, call Vivian Wyatt @ 532-3872 or Rev. Ruiel Taylor at 979- 257-9183.

Breedlove benefit

The East Bernard Volunteer Fire Department and East Bernard EMS are holding a benefit stew supper for Sharon McCain Breedlove starting at 11 a.m. on Sunday, Jan. 20. She is the wife of one of the VFD dedicated volunteers, Fate Breedlove Jr. She suffered a stroke in December and she and her family have incurred substantial medical bills resulting from her initial treatment as well as ongoing treatment and physical therapy. There will be a drive through set up at the fire station on the corner of Leveridge Street and Clubside Driver. Containers will be provided and stew is available by donation. All proceeds will go to the Breedlove family.

Celebration of Life

Those purchasing "Celebration of Life" ornaments will be able to pick them up the week of Jan. 21-25. Pick up locations are NoNam's, 247 W. Milam in Wharton, 532- 3111; 1102 North Mechanic in El Campo, 979-578-0314; and Green Brothers Jewelers, 2121 Ave. G in Bay City, 979-245-2598.

Pilot Club Chili Supper

The Pilot Club of Wharton will hold its 25th Annual Chili Supper on Wednesday, Jan. 23, at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 2820 N. Fulton in Wharton. Serving will be from 5-7 p.m. with drive through available. Tickets available from any member. Meals are priced at $8 with a menu of homemade chili, rice, beans and pie. There will also be a raffle drawing with tickets pricd $10 each or three for $25 for a $5,000 giveaway. The Pilot Club invites you to mark you calendar and join them. For more information, call Louise at 282- 2000.

Community Block Grant

The Galveston County Community Action Council will host a series of public hearings in each of its four counties of operation - Galveston, Fort Bend, Wharton and Brazoria. The purpose of these hearings is to discuss the FFY 2008 Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) performance statement and budget in he amount of $739,845, and solicit comments from the publico n he budget. Each hearing is scheduled for 4-5 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 23. The Wharton County location will be 213-B N. Richmond Road, phone 543- 1561. For questions or addtional information, contact the GCCAC Main Office for Neighborhood Services at 409-762-8418 or 1-800-300-3004 for long distance calls.

District Improvement Assoc. The Boling District Improvement Association will hold its annual public meeting

7 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 24 at the Boling Community Center. The membership

in this Association shall be open to all residents and employees over the age of 18 of Boling and the adjoining area and communities within the Boling Independent School District. Annual dues for membership in the Association is $1 and payable before the meeting starts. A report will be made by the officers to the current members as to the status of the association, its plans, activities and current operation plan. There will also be an election of directors. Due to new community center insurance requirements, public may not bring any alcohol (beer or liquor) on the premises.

Art Exhibit

The Houston Livestock show and Rodeo Art Exhibit will be on display at the Education Support Center for public viewing Jan. 23-31 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Boots and Bridle 4-H

The Boots and Bridle 4-H will be hosting an open horse show on Jan. 26 at the Wharton County Youth Fair Arena in Crescent. There will be 30 classes offered, including Western Pleasure, English Pleasure, Showmanship and Speed Events. The three age divisions are 12-and-under, 13-18 and 19-and-over with high point belt buckles for all age divisions. Registration begins at 8 a.m. with the events starting at 9 a.m. Fees are $10 per class or $50 for all day. For more information, rules and regulations, contact Lora Cline at 532-1315 or Melissa Locke at 532-0250.

Boling Little League

The Boling Little League will hold regular registration on Saturday, Jan. 26. Registration hours are from 8 a.m. to noon at the Boling High School Home Economics Room.

Faith Christian Elvis concert

Elvis Impersonator Randy Hinson will be performing Ol' Time Gospel Favorites in concert for this year's barbecue chicken dinner fundraiser to benefit the Faith Christian Academy of Wharton County on Saturday, Jan. 26. The doors will open at 6 p.m. with serving starting at 6:30 p.m. The night will include the meal, music and a silent auction until 8 p.m. A live auction and door prizes will be featured from 8-9 p.m. Tickets are $10. To purchase tickets, call 979-531-1000 or e-mail info@FaithCh ristianAcademy-Wharton.org.

Community Bible Study

Community Bible Study is inviting the public to come to a special visitor's night from 7-8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 29 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 325 N. East Avenue.

Wharton County Job Fair

The Wharton County Job Fair will be from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 7, at the Wharton Civic Center, 1924 N. Fulton St. Admission is free to those seeking a job or seeking a better job. Free booth space is available to employers. Free seminars on such topics as resume writing and dressing for success also will be free and scheduled throughout the day. For more information, contact 979- 532-0999 or wedco@intertex.net.

CDA Mardi Gras Dance

A Mardi Gras Dance has been scheduled for 8 p.m. to midnight on Saturday, Feb. 9 at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Wharton. Music will be provided by DJ Gerard Caspar, Tough Country. Tickets are $5 per person or $10 per couple. The event is being sponsored by Court No. 1990 of the Catholic Daughters of America.

Tommy Johnson Benefit

A benefit dance, stew supper, auction and prize drawing to help cover the cost of medial expenses for Tommy Johnson Sr. is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 9. The benefit will start at 4 p.m. and will be held at Muldoon's Saloon and Steakhouse, 110 W. Railroad in El Campo. All profits will benefit the Tommy Johnson Benefit fund. Johnson is a retired Texas State game warden and Ranger for the Southwest Texas Cattle Raiser's Association. Raffle tickets are currently on sale at the Wharton County Sheriff's Office, Ryan Services, R&R Printing, R&M Firearms, D-A-M Services or by calling 979-543-3703. Tickets are priced at $10 each.