Dateline Wharton
Upcoming events in and around our community

Youth Soccer

The Wharton Youth Soccer League is accepting early, mail-in registration through June 30. The league is open to boys and girls ages 4-13 as of Sept. 1. The current registration fee is $30 per player. After June 30, the fee is $40. Registration forms are available at Custom Creations, 202 N. Houston St. For information, call Anna Rivera at 532-8296 or Theresa Hall at 532-8968.

Summer registration

The Boys and Girls Club of Wharton now accepting applications for summer membership. Registration hours are 11 a.m. to noon and 1-8 p.m. Monday-Friday. Early registration is $35 per person and runs until May 29 when the price goes up to $40 per person. Summer membership dates will be Monday, June 9 through Wednesday, Aug. 6.

Vaction Bible School

First Baptist Church will be hosting a Vacation Bible School the week of Monday, June 9 to Friday, June 13. from 8:45-11:30 a.m. It is for childre who have completed Pre- K through 5th Grade. Pre-registration forms are at the church office, 507 N. Fulton. For information, call 532-4295 or 533-1938.

WCJC summer hours

Wharton County Junior College is now operating on summer hours through Aug. 15 at all campus and extension center locations. The college's summer hours for all administrative offices and libraries will be as follows: Monday-Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The summer hours do not apply to any scheduled classes. For more information, call 532-6322.

Wharton Babe Ruth

The deadline for registration for the Wharton Babe Ruth program for players ages 16-18 is today. Registration forms can be picked up at Tiger Park after 5 p.m. For information, call Anton Peter at 532-8178.

VFW Fundraiser

The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4474 will hold a chicken fried steak dinner fundraiser from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday, May 22, at the American Legion Hall. The price is $7.50 per plate with dine-in, take out and delivery available. Baked goods will also be sold during the fundraiser. For more information, contact Johnnie Gonzales, 282- 9610; Fred Lara, 532-1621 or Joe Melnar, 979-453-1520.

Seven Star Baptist

The Seven Star Baptist Church in Hungerford will hold a pastor and wife pre-appreciation service for Pastor R.I. Campbell II and wife at 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 22. The message will be delivered by the Rev. A.L. Edwards of Greater New Prospect Church in Needville. The pastor and wife appreciation service will be held on Sunday, May 25 at 3 p.m. with the Message delivered by Rev. Vester P. Jones of Mt. Vernon Baptist Church in Rosenberg.

Dawson Writers

C.W. Dawson Elementary will have its first Writers Festival at 9 a.m. on Friday, May 23, in the school library. The public is invited to come and listen to young writers share their stories or poetry.

Witek benefit

A benefit event to assist Witek family of East Bernard with medical expenses related to the premature birth of twin daughters is scheduled to start at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, June 1 at the Needville Knights of Columbus Hall. The event will include a barbecue chicken and sausage meal with side dishes served from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Meal tickets are priced at $8 and and are available pre-sale only through May 23 in East Bernard from Florence Fajkus, 335-6099; Scott Fajkus, 335-6246 or Sharon Sebesta, 335-6143. Also planned for the event is a live auction, silent auction, bake sale, large gift basket raffle, music by Michael Messina of Pure Texas DJs and games and activities for the kids. Donations to the family can be dropped off in East Bernard at Amegy Bank, Vincek's Smokehouse, Sheila's Barber Shop, Scott's Pest Control and First National Bank of Eagle Lake, East Bernard Branch or by contacting any of the ticket contacts.

Library closed

The Wharton County Library will be closed Saturday, May 24 and Monday, May 26 for the Memorial Day holiday and Thursday, May 29 for a staff development day.

B and G Club Golf

The Boys and Girls Club of Wharton 7th Annual Dave Williams Memorial Golf Tournament is scheduled for Saturday, May 24 at the Wharton Country Club. The tournament is a four-man handicapped scramble. The entry fee is $60 per player or $240 per team and includes card, green fees, food, drinks and souvenir golf towels. All proceeds benefit the Boys and Girls Club of Wharton. To register or for more information call 533- 2317.

Kincer benefit

The dinner/auction/dance to benefit John and Patsy Kincer is scheduled for 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 24 at the Wharton County Fairgrounds Community Center. The family lost their home and belongings in a fire on April 18. Admission is a $10 donation. Tickets are available at Collin's Music, For All Seasons, Hair Etc., The Flower Shoppe, Razzmatazz, Wharton Feed; John Deere in El Campo and Amegy Bank in East Bernard.

New Mount Olive Baptist

The New Mount Olive Baptist Church, Jimmie Wright pastor, will hold a mission workshop from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the church in Mackay on Saturday, May 24. Registration is $10. Sister Leatha Green is the workshop chairperson.

Mount Calvary Baptist

Mount Calvary Baptist Church, Rev. A.J. Jones pastor, is holding a mission workshop starting at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 24. The church will hold its annual Mission Day at 3 p.m. on Sunday, May 25. Rev. Kuykendall will bring the message. Everyone is invited. The church is located of FM 102 North of Wharton.

Grove Hill Baptist

The Grove Hill Baptist Church has postponed its annual Family and Friends Day, originally planned for Sunday, May 25, until an unannounced future date. The scheduled guest speaker remains Rev. Golston of the New Revelation Baptist of Rosharon along with his congregation. For information, call 979-453-0514.

Women's Day Program

The New Mount Olive Baptist Church is hosting a Women's Day Program starting at 3 p.m. on Sunday, May 25 at the church. The guest speaker will be Rev. Claude Prince of the Greater Palestine Baptist Church in Vines. Evangelist Cheryl Hunter of Houston will be the theme speaker for the program.

Pajama drive

The deadline for donating to the 2nd Annual Pajama Drive is Monday, May 26. The Caney Creek Church is the drop site for the drive to collect new sleep wear to be distributed to children removed from homes and placed in foster care. Every size is need from infants to teenagers and this year donations of stuffed animals for younger children is being requested. Donations can be dropped off at the church, 118 W. Milam, Monday- Thursday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The drive is organized by Emily Gertson and Shelley DeLuna. For information, call Gertson at 531-9565.

Summer reading

Wharton County Library is pleased to announce its Summer Reading Program for 2008, The Texas Reading Club Jubilee: 19582008! The first day of registration is Tuesday, May 27; and children and youth to age 18 are invited to register. The special kick-off program is on Thursday, June 5 at 4 p.m., featuring Julian Franklin with story puppets and magic show. A complete schedule of programs will be given out at registration.

Red Hat Chicks

The Red Hat Chicks of Wharton will hold a recruiting get-together on Friday, May 30. If you think you may enjoy a sisterhood for fun, you are invited to attend. If interested, call Linda at 532-3816.

Fiesta Hispano Americana

Fiesta Hispano Americana Contestant registration has begun. Little Mister and Miss Contestants ages are 5-9. Jr. Miss Contestants ages are 10-13. And Queen contestants ages are from 14-18. The deadline for entry is May 31. For information, contact Felicia Compian at 832-455-4553 or visit www. fiestahispano-wharton.com.

Nan Ya blood drive

Nan Ya Plastics Corp. USA will be having a blood drive in the company's front parking lot from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on June 2. Public is invited. This is also a T-shirt day.

Chamber Business Breakfast

Sarah Page, an economic development specialist with LCRA, will be the guest speaker at a Wharton Chamber of Commerce Business Breakfast, 7:30 a.m. on Tuesday, June 10, at the Wharton Civic Center. Her presentation is called Destination Marketing: Wisdom from Lighting McQueen and the Gang at Radiator Springs. Tickets are $16 each. Contact helpdesk@whartonchamber. com or 532-1862. Wharton Economic Development Corp. is co-sponsor.