Dateline Wharton
Upcoming events in and around our community

The Nutcracker Ballet

Keller Academy of Performing Arts presents The Nutcracker Ballet at the Plaza Theatre. Performances are scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 22, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 23, at 2:30 p.m. Ticket prices are $8 and only available through online reservations.

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. The remaining registration date and time is today 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

Church rummage sale

Caney Creek Church is hosting a huge Church Rummage Sale from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. today at the church in downtown Wharton. Many items including store fixtures, restaurant supplies, clothing, house wares and much more will be available. Call 532-2533 for more information.

Dessert bake sale

A Thanksgiving Dessert Bake Sale taking place at Caney Creek Church is planned for 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. today. All your favorites baked to perfection. Stop by and pick up a pie. All proceeds benefit the CCC Youth Group summer camp trip.

Angel Food Distribution

Angel Food Ministries Distribution will take place at Caney Creek Church today from 8:30- 10 a.m. If you are interested in placing your December order, contact Caney Creek Church at 532-2533 for details. Special holiday food box is available for your Christmas dinner. We accept Texas Lone Star Cards.

BC bake sale

Lane City First Baptist Church is having a bake sale from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. today 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 today from 2-4 p.m. 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.

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.

New Mount Olive BC

The New Mount Olive Baptist Church's Kingdom Building Fund Drive will present its "Harvest Drive" at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 23. The guest speaker will be Pastor B.K. Williams, Blue Run Baptist Church in West Columbia. New Mount Olive is located at Route 1, Box 339, Rev. Jimmie Wright, pastor and Leatha Green, drive chairperson.

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. For information, call the chamber office at 532-1862 or e-mail helpdesk@whartonchamber. com.

Pre-Thanksgiving bake sale

The Catholic Daughters of America are holding a Pre-Thanksgiving Bake Sale from 7 a.m. until sold out on Tuesday, Nov. 25 in front of the Plaza Theatre. The sale will feature kolaches, pies, cakes, cookies and more.

Scout bake sale

Life Scouts Matt and Marcus Lopez of Boling Boy Scout Troop 123 will be holding a Pre-Thanksgiving Day Bake Sale on Wednesday, Nov. 26, at Vista Bank in Boling beginning at 8 a.m. All proceeds to help fund Eagle projects.

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 unti all food is served. Leroy Dettling will accept homebound delivery requests at 532-2218. Homemade desserts and volunteers are invited.

EB Christmas Parade

The deadline for entry in this year's East Bernard Chamber of Commerce annual Christmas Parade is Sunday, Nov. 30. The parade is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 13 at 11 a.m. The parade line up will begin at 10 a.m. behind the Wharton County Library - East Bernard branch on Clubside Dr. Entry forms may be picked at Savon Drugs or downloaded on the Chamber's Web site ww.ebchamber.com. The $10 entry fee should be included with the completed entry form. Forms and fee may be mailed to the East Bernard Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 567, East Bernard, TX 77435, or dropped off at Savon Drugs.

WHS senior parents

Attention all Wharton High School senior parents, at 6 p.m. on Monday Dec. 1 there will be a drawing for tables for Senior Serve at the high school cafeteria. Full payment for table or tickets will be due at this time. All are asked to make every effort to attend.

Business tax workshop

A business sales and use tax workshop presented by the Texas State Comptroller's Office will be offered from 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 2 at the Northside Education Center, 707 Fahrenthold St. in El Campo. Seating is limited so you are encouraged to reserve a seat by calling 979-543-6750. Sponsors include the Wharton Economic Development Corporation and the Wharton and El Campo Chambers of Commerce and Agriculture.

BHS Council blood drive

The Boling High School Student Council is hosting a blood drive on Wednesday, Dec. 3, from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the Ag Building. Everyone who donates will receive a free T-shirt. If anyone has any questions, contact Patti Hubenak at 657-2506.

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.

Gospel musical

God's Gospel Children 10th Anniversary Musical will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 6 at the East Gate New Prosperity Baptist Church, 5211 FM 102, Rev. Ruiel Talor III, pastor. Several groups will be featured including Wharton's Cool-N-Water Ministry, It's Not About Us, Collaboration of Praise and 4-Real. For information, contact Deacon N. Norman at 531-9314.

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.

A.D. Players program

The women's program, Do You Hear What I Hear? will be presented by the A.D. Players at 7 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 8 at the Grace Community Fellowship Wharton, 1900 E. Boling Hwy. Admission is $10 and coffee and dessert will be served. For tickets, call 532-3999. No childcare provided.

Red Cross Course

The Rio Colorado Chapter of the American Red Cross is pleased to announce the following Health and Safety course: Adult/ Infant and Child CPR Saturday, Dec. 13 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. These classes will be held at First Baptist Church, 507 N. Fulton, Wharton. The CPR courses will cover rescue breathing, choking, and CPR skills. The cost of course is $35.00. Certifications for CPR classes are valid for one year. Registration fees are payable by check or money order and must accompany the application. The chapter must receive registration and fees no later than close of business Wednesday Dec. 10, respectively, prior to start of the class. Minimum of six participants required. For more information, contact the American Red Cross office at 979-245-3056.

Keeping Christ in Christmas

Bethlehem Baptist Church along with their Pastor Ray Felder are hosting a Gospel Extravaganza on Saturday, Dec. 20. Performers include such as It's Not About Us and 4-Real. For information or tickets, contact Felder at 979-253-0890, Sis. K. Jackson at 453-0174 or Sis. C. Black at 453-0010.

WCJC registration

Wharton County Junior College is currently registering for the Winter Mini-Term and the Spring 2009 semester. Students may register on campus or on the web through Dec. 11 for the Winter Mini-Term. Students may register in person through Dec. 12. and Jan. 2-14. for the Spring semester. On campus registration is held at the WCJC Fort Bend Technical Center, Sugar Land campus, and Wharton campus. Web registration will be held through Jan. 14. Winter Mini-Term classes begin Dec. 15 and Spring classes begin Jan. 12. For more information about programs or registration, call 800-561-9252 or 532-4560 for the Wharton campus.

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.

Heather's Dream

The Heather's Dream Cancer Support Group for cancer patients, survivors and families will meet from 6:30-7:30 p.m. the first Monday of every month at Caney Creek Church. A children's cancer support group, Heather's Angels, is forming and will meet a the same time as the Heather's Dream group. For information, call Misty at 361- 258-1611.

Survivors group

The Hope After Shattered Dreams ministry for Wharton County residents who have experienced a loss resulting from, but not limited to, death, divorce, job or deteriorating health is welcome to attend. Meetings are the first Monday of each month at 6 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall of the El Campo Church of Christ, 315 E. Calhoun. For information, call 979-543-4279.

Spay/Neuter assistance

The Matagorda County SPCA has a program to help people who can't afford the cost of spay/neuter surgery for their dogs/ cats. The program includes Wharton, Jackson, Matagorda and the southern part of Colorado County. Please call the SPCA at 979-323-8787 for information about the program or for an application. "If you want to help us out with this effort to get dogs/cats sterilized. Please give us a call."

Bilingual services

The New Faith Church - La Iglesia de Nueva Fe - is now holding bilingual services every fourth Sunday of the month at 7 p.m. New Faith Church is located at 2412 N. Walnut St., Felicia Matthews, pastor. Call 531-1453 if you need more information or for transportation.

Emergency radio on air

The NOAA weather radio site (located on CenterPoint energy's property behind the city's 911 call center) is operational at this time. The broadcast can be heard on 1670 AM. NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards (NWR) is a nationwide network of radio stations broadcasting continuous weather information directly from the nearest National Weather Service office. NWR broadcasts official Weather Service warnings, watches, forecasts and other hazard information 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

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.