SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS - Applications for DECATUR Spirit of Christmas are available at CitiBank, DATCU, First Financial, Legend Bank, North Texas Bank and Wells Fargo. Deadline to return applications is Friday, Nov. 13. Angels will be displayed on trees beginning Monday, Nov. 23. Coats will be accepted at all Decatur financial institutions through Dec. 10 for the Spirit of Christmas coat drive. Infant through young adult sizes will be accepted. BRIDGEPORT Spirit of Christmas applications may be picked up at the Bridgeport Chamber of Commerce Office and must be returned by Friday, Nov. 13. For information, call (940) 683-2076. BOYD applications are available at all Boyd ISD schools and at city hall. They are due Monday, Nov. 16. RHOME'S Spirit of Christmas applications are available at Rhome City Hall, 105 W. First St. They must be returned to city hall by Nov. 20. CHICO Spirit of Christmas applications are available at First State Bank of Chico or the elementary school. Turn in applications by Monday, Nov. 9.
BATTLE OF BIG SANDY - The Battle of Big Sandy bonfire and hamburger supper was to be 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 4, at Decatur High School. Supper is $5 per plate. The auction starts at 6:45 and the bonfire at 7:15. Cheerleaders are selling Battle of Big Sandy T-shirts, and forms can be picked up at all Decatur schools, Juleez, The Magic Pony and Chalet of Jewelry. Deadline is Monday, Nov. 2. For information, call (940) 393-7241 or (940) 210-1287.
LUNCH - Chico seniors Friendship Club will have a luncheon at noon Thursday, Nov. 5, at the Chico Senior Center. All seniors from the area are invited to bring a fingerfood and then play Bingo.
VOLUNTEER FAIR - A volunteer fair is 3 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 5, at Weatherford College. The event will include drinks, snacks and door prizes. Organizations will be on site to discuss volunteering opportunities. Call Megan Brock at (940) 452-4828 for information.
GARDEN CLUB - The Bridgeport Garden Club meets at noon Thursday, Nov. 5. After lunch, Dr. Steve George will present a program on EarthKind Roses. George is the national coordinator of the EarthKind Environmental Landscape Management Program and is a landscape horticulture specialist for Texas A&M Research and Extension Center in Dallas. For meeting location information, call Naomi Rawle at (940) 627-2229 or Pat Hiler at (940) 575-9242.
$1 SALE - The Rhome Women's Club will have a $1 sale 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 6 and 7 at 145 First Street. Items for sale include clothing, knick knacks, small electrical items and some furniture. Money benefits a Northwest Senior.
KICK FOR A CAUSE - Battle of the Big Sandy Kick to Win tickets are available at James Wood. Only 50 tickets, at $100 each, will be sold (25 in Decatur, 25 in Bridgeport). Money raised will go to United Way of Wise County and the families of Becca Logan and Leslie Dennison. James Wood will match every dollar raised. To reserve your ticket and chance to kick the football in the back of a new 2009 truck at the Decatur vs. Bridgeport football game Friday, Nov. 6, call Susan Miller at (940) 627-7658.
CHALLENGE - Wise Electric Cooperative has challenged other Wise County businesses in a food drive to benefit WARM. Call Lillie Hunt at (940) 627-2167 to participate. A custom trophy goes to the winner. Food will be collected Friday, Nov. 6.
GARAGE SALE - The city of Bridgeport employees have donated items that will be for sale from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, at the Bridgeport Community Center, 1102 Lawdwin. All proceeds go toward the city employees' contribution to United Way. The sale will be held in conjunction with the citywide garage sale. For information, call (940) 683-3480.
FALL FESTIVAL - The Rhome Church of Christ presents the Fall Family Fun Festival 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7. The free event will feature food, prizes, games and more.
FARM EQUIPMENT AUCTION - The Chisholm Trail Tractor Club annual Fall Farm Equipment Consignment Auction is 9 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, at the Sheriff's Posse Grounds on Farm Road 51 South in Decatur. Equipment already consigned includes a 1951 Farmall Super A, a 1949 Farmall Mod "C" and a John Deere 3010. For consignment information, call Grady Griffeth at (940) 393-2155. Heugatter Auction Service will conduct the auction.
BARRELS FOR BOOKS - Royal Christian Academy in Boyd will host the Barrels for Books barrel race Saturday, Nov. 7. Exhibition will begin at 11 a.m., and the race will start at 2 p.m. Monetary and raffle item donations are accepted. All proceeds benefit the academy. Call Amy Proudfoot at (940) 389-2441 for information.
Next week's events ...
TEEN COURT - Wise County Teen Court will hold court Monday, Nov. 9, at Judge Clay Poynor's courtroom in the new Annex Building in Bridgeport. All officers and defendants should be there at 5 p.m. Attorney training will follow the court session. All students who wish to become attorneys for teen court need to be there by 6 p.m.
WONDERFUL WISE - The Bridgeport Historical Society presents the visual presentation "The Wonders of Wise County" 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 10, at the Bridgeport Stage. The Bridgeport Heritage Museum will provide refreshments, entertainment and tours of its new location, 812 Halsell St., from 6 to 7 p.m.
SUPPORT GROUP - Amputees in Motion (AIM), a support and activity group for North Texas amputees, will meet at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 10, in the board room at Wise Regional Health System in Decatur.
PIG TRAINING - Wise County 4-H show pig training is 6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 10, at the Paradise ag barn. Instruction will be given on hog selection, feeding, health, daily care and more. Call the Extension office to sign up at (940) 627-3341.
THANKSGIVING DINNER - The First United Methodist Church in Bridgeport will hold its annual community Thanksgiving dinner 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11., in the Bridgeport High School commons area. Cost for adults is $7 in advance or $8 at the door; children 5 to 10 years, $4 in advance or $5 at the door; and children under 4 will eat free. Pre-sale tickets are available until noon the day of the dinner. For information and to buy tickets, come by or call the church office at (940) 683-2780 or contact any church member.
RAINWATER HARVESTING - A program on rainwater harvesting is 9 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 12, at the Sheriff's Posse Grounds. Call the Extension office for more information and to sign up (940) 627-3341.
ANGEL TREE - Home Health Care of North Central Texas Inc. is sponsoring an Angel Tree for the elderly and disabled in our community. Applications will be accepted through Friday, Nov. 13. Call (940) 683-3300 for information.
BLOOD DRIVE - The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Nov. 13, at the Wise Electric Coop Community Room. Call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE (1-800-448-3543) or visit http://bloodisneeded.org to make an appointment.
CHRISTMAS GIFT - First Baptist Church of Decatur is collecting gift-filled shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child, a Franklin Graham Ministry. Bring your filled shoe boxes to the church by Friday, Nov. 13. For information, call (940) 627-3235.
COAT DRIVE - Wise Hope Shelter and Crisis Center, a family violence/sexual assault victims' service organization, is holding a coat drive for the children of clients. Donations of new fall/winter children's coats, monetary donations and/or gift cards are being accepted. Take donations to the Wise Hope Crisis Center, 407 S. Washburn St., in Decatur weekdays 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. until Friday, Nov. 13. For information, call Brittany at (940) 626-4585.
RECYCLE - Wise County Power, LLC is having a community recycling event on Texas Recycles Day, Nov. 14. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the plant will accept oil based paint, latex paint, wood stain, paint thinner, acetone, paint stripper, aerosol cans, used motor oil, anti-freeze, old gasoline, gas/oil mixtures, pesticides, household cleaners, fluorescent light bulbs (linear and compact), batteries, mercury and/or containing devices and electronics. Travel west on Texas 199. Just west of the Jack/Wise county line, turn right and follow the drive way to the gravel lot on the right where volunteers will unload the items. Hamburgers, hotdogs and drinks will be provided as well as plant tours.
FALL OUT - The Wise Country Fall Out is 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14, in the G.C. Rann Little Theater inside the Wise County Heritage Museum. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under and are available at the museum or at the door the night of the event. Competing will be Billy Blaze, Angela Finch, Amber McGuire, Kim McDaniel, Lacy Franklin, Preston McCauley, Diana Bishop, Jessica Bishop, Leo Solomon, Jordan Sinclair, Kim Saling, Jennifer Ward and Susanne Boston. During the second half of the show, Talmage Morrison and Glenn Walker will present a ukulele concert.
CLASS REUNION - Alvord High School class of 1999 is holding a 10-year reunion at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 14. For information, e-mail Cortney (Kaumeyer) Savage at ck38@hotmail.com or call (817) 215-8471.
FALL CLEAN-UP - The city of Bridgeport will host a fall clean-up event 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14. The city is looking for clean teams to help collect trash and debris in all areas of town. Shirts are limited, so sign up to reserve yours. A signed release form is required for each participant. For information, call Natalie Bilby at (940) 683-3413.
Upcoming events ...
CHAMBER LUNCH - The November Bridgeport Chamber of Commerce Luncheon is 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 19, at the Bridgeport Community Center. Cost is $10 and reservations must be made to the chamber by Wednesday, Nov. 18. Call (940) 683-2076.
COOKING - Grace Baptist Church of Decatur is taking orders for smoked turkeys, hams and briskets to be cooked Friday, Nov. 20. Meat may be picked up that evening at the church parking lot. Turkeys are $30; hams, $35; and briskets, $40. Proceeds benefit the Grace Baptist Benevolence Fund. To order, call (940) 627-7558.
5 CEU - A private applicator license recertification is Wednesday, Dec. 2, at the Decatur Civic Center. The $25 registration includes lunch. Topics will include Exploring your Forage Options; Laws and Regulations; Perennial Grass Management; Sprayer calibration; Feral Hogs in Texas; and What's legal, What's not. Call the Extension office for more information at (940) 627-3341.
APPLICATOR LICENSE - A private applicator training and test is 8 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 9, at the Extension office. This class if for individuals who do not have a pesticide applicator license, but would like to get one. The class is limited to first 20 paid participants. A registration fee of $45 includes study books and lunch. For more information call (940) 627-3341.
CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION - Teresa Sattawhite and Joy Woodruff have been named event chairpersons for the Christmas Celebration of the Children Gala Dinner benefiting the abused and neglected children of CASA of Wise and Jack counties. The event is 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 10, at the Decatur Civic Center. CASA Board President Sally Reiger will announce table hosts for the event in early November. For information, call the CASA office at (940) 627-7535.
In other news ...
CANS FOR WARM - The Decatur Police Citizens Alumni Association is collecting food for WARM. For information, call (940) 627-5329. First Financial Bank in Decatur, Legend Bank and North Texas Bank is also collecting cans.
AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAM - The Decatur Public Library's free after-school program for students in fifth grade and up is 3:30 to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Students will participate in a variety of age-appropriate activities. For information, call the library at (940) 627-5512 or visit the Web page at http://www.decaturpubliclibrary.com
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED - North Central Texas Council of Governments' Area Agency on Aging Ombudsman Program needs volunteers to help elderly and disabled residents of nursing and assisted living facilities in Bridgeport and Decatur. Call Lisa Walker at (800) 272-3921 or e-mail Pat Borgfeldt at ppborgfeldt@aol.com for information.
SUPPORT - Alcoholics Anonymous and Alanon meetings are 6:30 p.m. each Monday at the Newark Community Center, 404 Hudson St.
ALZHEIMER'S ASSOCIATION - The Alzheimer's Association hosts a support group at 7 p.m. on the first Thursday of every month at Wise Regional Health System's west campus board room in Decatur. Call Kelly Walker at (940) 627-5921 for information.
DONATE A PHONE - Wise Hope Shelter and Crisis Center is accepting cell phones and cell phone batteries in any condition. The organization works with Shelter Alliance, which allows them to receive shelter funding through cell phone donations. Bring donations to the center office in Decatur, 407 S. Washburn St. Call (940) 626-4585 for information.
MARRIAGE WORKSHOP - A free marriage workshop is 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. the second Saturday of every month at the Weatherford College Education Center in Decatur. For information, visit http://www.theparentingcenter.org To register, call (877) 922-4733.
CPR TRAINING - Decatur Fire Department offers CPR training to people living in the Decatur city limits or in the Decatur Fire District. Classes are held monthly from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturdays. The cost is $5. For information or to register, call the administration offices at (940) 627-3199 or come by the department at 201 S. Church St.
RAINY MONTH - Wise County received more than 10 inches of rain in October, making it the wettest October since we received 12.97 inches of rain in October of 1991. The 10.65 inches of rain recorded in Decatur is still well below the record rainfall for the month - 23.03 inches, set in 1981. That is still the rainiest of any month on record dating back to 1974. Last month's rainfall was the wettest month of 2009 to date. For the year, Decatur has received 37.7 inches, 4 inches ahead of the normal amount of rainfall for the first 10 months of the year - 33.73 inches. Temperatures for the month ranged from a low of 38 on Oct. 28 to a high of 87 on Oct. 2.
GARAGE FIRE - Alvord and Decatur fire departments were dispatched to a structure fire in the 3900 block of Old Decatur Road just before 3 p.m. Monday. Firefighters quickly put out a fire that started in the garage. The garage suffered smoke and water damage.
REUNION - The Acute Inpatient Rehabilitation Center at Wise Regional Health System in Decatur was to have a reunion for patients who have been through the program 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 4. For information, call (940) 626-2999.
COLLEGE NIGHT - Weatherford College Wise County was to host College Night 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 4. More than 35 different colleges/universities, armed services and many different academic departments from Weatherford College will be in attendance to speak with prospective students and parents.
LEARN TO DANCE - Weatherford College Wise County is offering ballroom dancing beginning at 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 5. The class will meet every Thursday through Dec. 10. Cost is $55 per person, and registration is available through noon Thursday. For information, call (940) 627-2690.
GIFTED AND TALENTED - Carson Elementary will be accepting kindergarten nominations for the gifted and talented program throughout November. Parents interested in nominating their child should attend a parent information meeting at 8 a.m. Friday, Nov. 6, in the Carson computer lab. Call Kristen Kelton (940) 393-7556 for information.
BOOSTER CLUB - The Decatur Booster Club meets at 7 a.m. Friday, Nov. 6, at Prada Bistro.
MEAL DEAL - The Decatur High School Junior Class will be selling hamburger/hotdog meal deals at the football game Friday, Nov. 6, for $5 each. Each meal contains a burger or hot dog, bag of chips, soft drink or water and a homemade brownie. Proceeds will benefit the DHS Junior/Senior Prom.
BIG SANDY BENEFIT - A barbecue fundraising dinner is 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6, at the south end zone at Eagle Stadium. There will also be several auction items. Proceeds benefit a fund for Leslie Denison and Becca Logan.
PLAYHOUSE RAFFLE - The Decatur Rotary Club will be selling raffle tickets for a chance to win a playhouse Friday, Nov. 6. Tickets are $5 each or five for $20 and will be sold through halftime of the Decatur vs. Bridgeport game at Eagle Stadium. The winner will be announced at halftime. Proceeds will benefit the club's foundation, which is used to raise money for local projects, such as bringing a Boys and Girls Club to Wise County.
BAKE SALE - Decatur SkillsUSA is hosting a bake sale 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 8, at Walmart. Donations will be accepted.
REPUBLICAN MEETING - The Wise Republican Women and Wise County Republican Party will meet jointly at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 9, at the courthouse, second floor. County Clerk Sherry Parker Lemon will speak about elections.
OFF 380 - The Off 380 Players will present "Play On!" by Rick Abbott Nov. 12-15 and 19-22. Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening performances are at 7:30 with Sunday matinees at 2:30 p.m. All performances are at The Bridgeport Stage. Tickets are $12 for adults and $6 for students. For ticket reservations, visit http://www.off380players.org
ANGEL FOOD - Crossroads Church in Decatur will accept orders and payments online for Angel Food through 11 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 12. Cash, check and foodstamp orders will be accepted through noon Wednesday, Nov. 11. Food will be distributed from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 21, at the church. The basic box is $30 and provides dinners for a family of four for about a week. Meat and vegetable boxes are also available. See http://www.crossroadsdecatur.com/angel-food-ministries for information, this month's menu and specials, and for the link for online ordering. Call (940) 626-4527.
POTATO DINNER - The Decatur High School Spanish Club is holding a baked potato dinner 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 13, at the commons area of the high school. Tickets are $8. Proceeds benefit the Spanish Club. For advance tickets, contact Mr. Bargas, Mrs. Gasperson or Coach Garza.
PARK CLEAN-UP - The Decatur Junior Women's Club will have its annual clean-up day for Crystelle Waggoner Park Saturday, Nov. 14. The park will be closed for play that day. Anyone over the age of 10 is welcome to help.
BARBECUE FOR CHARITY - Wise Electric is taking orders for Thanksgiving smoked briskets and hams. The briskets are $35, and the hams are $40. Proceeds from the sales will benefit Wise County charities. The deadline to order the smoked items is 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 20. They can be picked up by noon Wednesday, Nov. 25. For information, call 940-627-2167.
FOOD DRIVE - Slidell High School FCCLA is helping WARM stock up for the holidays. Bring nonperishable food items and toiletries to Slidell Jr/Sr High or Elementary School by Tuesday, Nov. 24. For information, call Jessica McClure or Mrs. Wright at (940) 466-3118.
LITTLE DRIBBLERS - Deadline to register for Wise County Little Dribblers basketball league is Nov. 13. Contact Paige Ochoa at (817) 996-7420.
