Dateline Wharton
Upcoming events in and around our community

Plaza Live presents

Plaza Live presents Texas songwriters Cody Hughes Davidson and Zach Huckabee tonight at the Plaza Theatre on the Square. The box office opens at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $10 and may be purchased online at www.whartonplazatheatre. org or at the door.

Senior Citizen Luncheon

A Senior Citizen Luncheon is scheduled for 11 a.m. today at St. James Baptist Church, 815 Mattie St., Pastor B.B. Willis. All seniors invited.

BHS bake sale

The Junior Class of Boling High School is having a bake sale today at the four-way stop in Boling from 8 a.m. to noon. Proceeds will be used by the class to host the 2009 BHS prom.

Boling Center golf

Due to Hurricane Ike, the Boling Community Center 10th Annual Four-Person Scramble Benefit Golf Tournament has been rescheduled this morning at the Newgulf Golf Club. Tee time is 8 a.m. Entry fee is $65 per person or $260 per team. Team prizes are $600 for first, $400 for second and $300 for third. A raffle drawing will be held the day of the tournament with the top prize being a 2004 EZ-Go golf cart. Tickets are $5 each or five for $20. To enter a team, buy raffle tickets or for more information, contact Elizabeth or Gary Mach at 657-2705. All proceeds benefit the Boling Community Center Complex.

"Little Shop" auditions

The Plaza Theatre on the Square will hold open auditions for the Howard Ashman-Alan Menken musical "Little Shop of Horrors" on Sunday, Nov. 16 and Monday, 18 at 6 p.m. at the theater. For more information and character descriptions, please visit www. whartonplazatheatre.org. Performances are February 13-March 1.

Boling Lions Club

The Boling Lions Club is celebrating its 60th Anniversary from 2-4 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 16 at the Community Center Fellowship Hall.

Seven Star Senior Day

Seven Star Baptist Church, 7506 Hawes St. in Hungerford, will be celebrating its Senior Day at the 10 a.m. service on Sunday, Nov. 16. Pastor R.I. Campbell III will bring the message.

Eagles turkey shoot

The Fraternal Order of Eagles No. 4507 will be holding a turkey shoot at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 16 at Joe's Place off County Road 138. For information, contact Keith at 559-2919.

WHS Senior Serve Attention all Wharton High School senior parents, there will be a meeting for the parents of the 2009 graduating class of WHS at 6 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 17 in the high school cafeteria. Please plan to attend. Parents should be aware that attendance at meetings is used for preference in table drawings.

S.P.O.T. meeting

The Stray Pet Outreach Team, S.P.O.T. will be holding a public meeting at 6 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 17 in the commissioner courtroom of the Wharton County Annex building in Wharton. The group will have its calendar of events for the coming year avaialable for volunteer sign-up.

Senior Bingo

Wharton County Junior College Senior Citizen Program if offering Bingo for seniors with prizes and refreshments furnished by Texas Home Health from 2-3 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 17 at the WCJC Senior Center, La- Dieu Technology Center, 911 Boling Hwy.

Parent Awareness

East Wharton County Co-op, in conjunction with Region III Education Support Center in Victoria, Texas, is proud to present a monthly series of Parent Awareness Sessions on several topics of interest. All sessions are free to the public and will be presented at the Wharton ISD Education Support Center Board Room, 2100 N. Fulton Street from 6 to 7:30 p.m., via television link with the presenting expert. The Session for November will be held Monday, Nov. 17. and is titled GASP - Games Adolescents Shouldn't Play. Cheryl Shamburger and Phyllis Hamilton of Region III, ESC in Victoria, Texas will be presenters. The "Choking Game" is a misunderstood activity causing death, permanent damage and suffering for thousands of young people and families worldwide. It most often affects children ages 9-16 who are high achievers. Explore this dangerous "game" by learning the warning signs and ways to combat its spread by educating ourselves and our youngsters. Contact Susan Marek at the East Wharton County Co-op, 532-6240 or smarek@wharton.isd.tenet.edu if you are planning to attend or need additional information.

Baked potato fundraiser

The Wharton County Junior College Senior Citizen Program with co-sponsor Angels Care Home Health will hold a BBQ Stuffed Baked Potato Fundraiser on Wednesday, Nov. 19 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Pre-sale tickets are required and are $6.00 each. These BBQ Stuffed Baked Potatoes are served "drive thru" only. Plates may be picked up at the WCJC LaDieu Technology Center, 911 Boling Highway, Wharton. To order tickets, call Caroline Osborne, 532-6504; Dale Martinez, 532-6503; Lina Salas, 532-6430 or Alicia Coleman, 533-7311.

WISD substitute orientation WISD will have a substitute orientation on Thursday, Nov. 20 at 10 a.m. at the Education Support Center. This orientation is only for those who have never substituted in Wharton ISD.

STMC blood drive

A blood drive will be held from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 20 at the South Texas Medical Clinics, 2100 Regional Medical Dr. The Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center van will be parked on the east side of the clinic.

WCJC Speak Out!

The Wharton County Junior College public speaking students from the classes of Dr. Mary Austin Newman, Ms. Mary Alexander, Dr. Pam Speights, and Ms. Cynthia Knox will appearing in Speak Out! at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 20, in the Horton Foote Theatre, Duson-Hansen Fine Arts Building. Dr. Paul Spellman, WCJC chair of the division of communications and fine arts and a noted Texas author will introduce the speeches. The evening will conclude with the presentation of two $500 Sylvan and Betty Miori Speech Awards. Speak Out! is a free event with community members encouraged to attend. For more information, call 532-6300.

Senior Citizen Thanksgiving

The First United Methodist Church of East Bernard welcomes senior citizens to the annual Senior Citizen Thanksgiving Dinner at the American Legion Hall on Thursday, Nov. 20. The gathering will start at 11 a.m. and serving will begin at 11:30 a.m. Entertainment will be provided by the award winning and 8th grade band of East Bernard Junior High School, under the direction of Chris Arrowood. Make plans to attend by calling the Methodist Church at 335-6298 between the times of 8:30 a.m. and noon and 1:30-5 p.m. The last day to call in if you plan to attend is Friday, Nov. 14.

EBYB hoops registration

The East Bernard Youth Basketball League's 2009 Registration is open to all children 1st grade to 6th grade that either attend EBISD or live in the EBISD District. Registration dates and times are Thursday, Nov. 20 from 6-7:30 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 22 from 9 a.m. to noon. at the Holy Cross CCD Building. The registration fee is $40 per child. Want to register online? Go to www. eastbernardyouthbasketball.org

Pierce Tower

The Pierce Tower groundbreaking ceremony for the new emergency response radio tower is set for 11 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 20 at the Texas Department of Public Safety Subdistrict office at 19692 U.S. Highway 59 in El Campo.

BC bake sale

Lane City First Baptist Church is having a bake sale from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 22 in front of the Sherwin-Williams store in Wharton. There will be homemade baked goods, rain or shine. For information, call Judy at 532-2016.

Bobby Jones exhibit

A new exhibit featuring items from Bobby Jones and his band will open at the Wharton County Historical Museum. The opening is from 2-4 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 22. The exhibit will feature the band leader's personal affects as well as band memorabilia. Jones' sister, Becky Lewis, will be on hand to meet the many friends that Jones gathered in the area. It is hoped the band will be at the Museum as well. There is no charge for this showing.

Toy run

The Prairie Switch Riders will be hosting a Toy Run benefiting the children of Wharton County on Sunday, Nov. 23. Registration will begin at 10 a.m. at the VFW Hall on County Road 306 in El Campo. Ride leaves at noon. All bikes and vehicles are welcome. Registration is $20 or a toy of equal value. Music, meal, door prizes, 50/50. T-shirts and ride pins for the first 100 participants. Proceeds benefit the Blessing Cup Storehouse. For information, call Mark Bain at 979-541-3661 or e-mail mrae16@hotmail.com

East Gate/New Prosperity

The East Gate/New Prosperity Baptist Church, 5211 FM 102, Ruiel Taylor III, pastor, is inviting the public to their annual Building Fund Program at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 23. The guest speaker will be the Rev. Nicolas Ellen, professor at Collee Biblical Study Houston. There will also be recording artist Melanie Landry. For more information, call Deacon Norman at 531-9314 or contact the church.

Poinsettia delivery

The Wharton County 4-H Exchange Group red poinsettias are scheduled to arrive on Nov. 24. Proceeds from the fundraiser will go toward the group's trip to Pennsylvania this summer. for information, call the Wharton County Extension Office at 532-3371.

EB flu vaccines

The Department of State Health Services will be offering the flu vaccine to the public from 3-8 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 24 at the Public Library in East Bernard. The vaccine is available to everyone, so long as there are not medical contraindications. A $10 donation will be appreciated. If you or your child are on Medicare/Medicaid, please bring your current card. For information, call 732-3662.

Christmas Parade

The Wharton Chamber of Commerce "Christmas at Home" 2008 Christmas Parade will be held at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 25 in downtown Wharton. Kids are invited to bring Santa their wish list. He and his elf will be in the Courthouse Gazebo for photographs right after the parade. The parade entry fee is $10 and deadline for entry is Friday, Nov. 21. Entry forms are available at the chamber office or can be downloaded off the Web at whartontexas.com. For information, call the chamber office at 532-1862 or e-mail helpdesk@whartonchamber.com.

Pre-Thanksgiving bake sale

A pre-Thanksgiving bake sale is planned for 7 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 25 in front of the Plaza Theatre. It is being sponsored by the Catholic Daughters Court No. 1990.

Feast of Sharing 2008

The Wharton Knights of Columbus and the local H-E-B will host Feast of Sharing 2008 on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 27 at the Knights of Columbus Home, 2829 N. Fulton. This is a free holiday meal serving the elderly and the need of Wharton and surrounding communities. The meal is served from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or until all food is served. Leroy Dettling will accept homebound delivery requests at 532-2218. Homemade desserts and volunteers are invited.

Christmas Candelight Concert

The WCJC Music Department will feature the Concert Choir and Chamber Singers presenting the annual Christmas Candlelight Concert Thursday, Dec. 4, at the First Baptist Church, 507 N. Fulton, Wharton. The concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. Familiar and unique Christmas carols from many cultures and with various styles will be presented. The program will include a "lesson in carols" with narration and nativity scenes. Opportunity will be given for the audience to sing traditional Christmas carols with the choirs. The concert traditionally ends with the singing of the "Hallelujah Chorus" from Handel's "Messiah". Those in the audience who have sung this chorus will be invited to join the choirs in singing this great chorus. Messiah scores will be provided. For more information, call 532- 6300. This is a Center for the Arts presentation. This concert is free.

Pool enclosure meeting

Bruce Williams, President of Rotary Club of Wharton, has scheduled the next Pool Enclosure Meeting for 5:30 PM on Thursday, Dec. 4 at the Wharton Chamber of Commerce Conference Room at 225 N. Richmond Rd. to continue to explore covering the city swimming pool.

Chamber Christmas mixer

The Wharton Chamber of Commerce is hosting its Christmas Open House-Mixer from 5-7 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 8 at 225 N. Richmond Rd.

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. To place an item in Dateline Wharton, drop the information off at the Journal-Spectator Office at 115 W. Burleson or an e-mail to bhalvorson@journal-spectator.com.