PARK OPENING POSTPONED - The grand opening of Bridgeport's Northwest Park has been canceled due to recent rainfall. The grand opening had been scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 10.
BENEFIT SALE - A county wide garage sale and bake sale was to be at 8 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, at the Extension office, 206 S. State St. in Decatur. All proceeds raised will go to Laura Jeanne, a 4-H volunteer injured in an accident that left her in a wheelchair.
VETERANS' PICNIC - The Wise County Veterans Council was to sponsor its annual Veterans' Picnic for veterans and their families from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, in the Women's Building at the Sheriff's Posse Grounds in Decatur. The barbecue meal with trimmings and dessert will be served at 11:30. The picnic will also include a silent auction, sweet walk and drawings for door prizes.
BENEFIT DINNER - Amigos de Wise County was to have an enchilada dinner from 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, at the Bridgeport Intermediate School Cafeteria to raise money for scholarships for local high school students. Guests may dine-in or carry-out. Tickets can be purchased in advance from members of Amigos or at the door for $7. For more information, call Arthur Velasquez at (940) 399-3368 or Martha Montejano at (940) 683-2484.
POST POLIO SUPPORT GROUP - A new support group for polio survivors, their families and friends was to hold its first meeting from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 10 at the Decatur Public Library. For information call Barbara Adair at (940) 255-0940.
RABIES CLINIC - Decatur Animal Control was to provide $6 rabies vaccinations for all dogs and cats over 12 weeks old 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, at the First United Methodist Church of Decatur parking lot. Other vaccinations will be available at reduced prices. All dogs must be on a leash, and cats must be in carriers. Decatur Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association will assist.
FALL FESTIVAL - The 12th annual Greenwood Fall Festival was to be 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, in downtown Greenwood. The event will include a 10 a.m. parade, craft booths, game booths, children's train rides, bingo and food booths. The Greenwood E.E. Club will sell pies, cakes, cookies and canned goods. For information or to reserve a booth, call Gerry Galloway at (940) 466-7997 or Marilyn Collins at (940) 627-5175.
LORD'S ACRE - First United Methodist Church in Boyd was to host Lord's Acre at 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 10. There will be a blood drive, crafts, flea market and auction as well as a bounce house and games for children. A turkey dinner will be served from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and a live auction will be at 1:30 p.m.
FISH FRY - The Greenwood-Slidell Volunteer Fire Department's annual fish fry was to be 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, in Greenwood. The event will include live entertainment, live auction and raffle.
MEET THE REPUBLICANS - Wise County Republicans was to have a meet and greet 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, at Brushy Creek Vineyard. The public is invited to sample wine, other beverages and finger food. Republican office holders and 2010 declared Republican candidates are invited.
FIRE PREVENTION - The Runaway Bay Volunteer Fire Department was to have fire prevention activities from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 10 and 11, at Whitestone Fellowship Church, 513 Port-o-call Drive.
FALL ROUNDUP - Oak Grove United Methodist Church hosts its Fall Roundup Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 10 and 11. From 4 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday there will be a hayride, bonfire, games, gospel singing and food. A special worship will be at 11 a.m. Sunday. The church is at 1295 Greenwood Road. Everyone is asked to bring canned food for WARM.
SOFTBALL - Batbusters 12-and-under Girls Select Softball Team will hold tryouts/open practice 3-6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 11, at the Bridgeport Softball Field. For information call Tim at (817) 694-7909.
OFFICE CLOSED - The Texas Neighborhood Services office in Decatur is out of state funding and will remain closed until it receives additional funding. Clients are advised to check with the office periodically to find out when it reopens.
This week's events ...
WANT TO ACT? - Off 380 Players Community Theatre has two roles open for its upcoming performance of "Play On." One role can be played by either a male or female, the other is a female role. Performances will be in November, and rehearsals are currently under way at the Bridgeport Stage. Call (940) 389-7151 to set up an audition or for more information.
TRANSPORTATION MEETING - Decatur will host a Strategic Transportation and Infrastructure Briefing Monday, Oct. 12 from 1-2:30 p.m. at the Civic Center. Speakers will include State Sen. Craig Estes, Granbury Mayor David Southern and Irving Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Rose Cannaday.
4-H RABBIT CLUB MEETING - Wise County 4-H Rabbit Club meets at 6 p.m. Monday Oct. 12, at Ascension/St Mark Episcopal Church on U.S. 380 between Decatur and Bridgeport. A guest speaker will discuss breeding and raising a good meat pen. For more information call Sherry Haas at (940) 393-1766 or (940) 433-2114.
ART ASSOCIATION - Wise County Art Association meets at 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 12, at the Bridgeport Public Library. Photographer Joe Duty will be the demonstrator. Visit the WCAA web site at http://www.wisecountyartassociation.org for more information about the Association.
REPUBLICAN MEETING - Wise Republican Women and Wise County Republican Party meet jointly at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 12, at the Wise County Courthouse, second floor. Texas Eagle Forum's Cathie Adams has a new PowerPoint presentation book review of Mark Levin's "Liberty & Tyranny." She will also field questions about the Guadalajara, Mexico, meeting hosted by Mexico's President Filipe Calderon for Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper and President Barack Obama.
BOND INFO - Bridgeport ISD will hold a pubic information meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 13, to discuss the district's Nov. 3 bond election. The meeting will be in the district training room located in the Alternative Learning Center (former cafeteria in the old elementary building) at 1101 17th Street.
SCV MEETING - The Sons of Confederate Veterans meet at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 13, at the Wesley Center of the First United Methodist Church in Decatur. Matt Joiner will speak on Weatherford College and its Wise County branch.
BAND BOOSTERS - Bridgeport Band Boosters meet at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 13, in the Bridgeport High School Band Hall. Any parent who has a child in middle school or high school band who would like to receive e-mail updates throughout the year can e-mail bhsbandboosters@yahoo.com to be on the distribution list. This will include minutes of meetings, times/dates of contests and practices.
RETIRED SCHOOL EMPLOYEES - Northwest Retired School Employees Association meets at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 13, at the NISD Administration Building in Justin. Master gardener LaVonne Nowlin will present ways to compost and get ready for the planting season. For more information, contact Sherry Buchanan at (817) 312-5862 or gary.buchanan@att.net.
JUNIOR BASKETBALL - Junior Eagles Basketball shooting/passing/dribbling clincs begin Tuesday, Oct. 13, at the Decatur High School gym. Cost is $40 for four clinics (Oct. 13, 16, 19 and 22). First, second and third grades meet from 5 to 6 p.m., and fourth, fifth and sixth grades meet 6 to 7:15 p.m. Space is limited. To reserve a spot, call Coach Roger Brown at (940) 393-7229 or (903) 366-2792.
TEXAS NIGHT OUT - Wise County law enforcement and public safety departments will present Texas Night Out 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 13, at the Decatur Civic Center. The "Texas-style block party" against crime will give citizens the opportunity to meet public-safety providers from across the county. Food will include hot dogs, canned drinks, popcorn and cotton candy. Displays will include information on crime prevention, vehicles and law-enforcement equipment. Bounce house and games will be available for kids. Local businesses and area community-service groups have donated door prizes. Sponsors are the Decatur Police Department, the Decatur Citizen Police Academy and Wise County Sheriff's Office.
RAFFLE TICKETS - Decatur Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association is selling raffle tickets for a Stoeger Condor 12-gauge over-and-under shotgun. Tickets are $1 each or six for $5 and can be purchased at the First Financial and North Texas banks or from any DCPAAA member. Drawing will be Tuesday, Oct. 13. Proceeds go to the Decatur Police Department to help provide training equipment.
HUNTER EDUCATION - A Texas Parks and Wildlife Hunter education course is 4 to 9 p.m. at the Alvord Middle School Tuesday, Oct. 13, and Tuesday, Oct. 20. Attendance both nights is required for certification. Fee is $15, and the student's Social Security number is required. Call (940) 427-5511 (ext. 2107, leave a message) for more information.
FOOD DRIVE - Vincent Investment Management is collecting non-perishable canned food or cash donations for Wise Area Relief Mission (WARM) and serving free hot dogs Tuesday, Oct. 13. Donations can also be dropped off anytime during the month of October at the office, 2250 Farm Road 51 South, Suite 900, in Decatur.
BLOOD DRIVE - Decatur High School is holding an American Red Cross blood drive 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 14, in the Cheer Room. The school is competing with other schools for a scholarship. Individuals must be at least 17 years old and in good health.
WILD ABOUT READING - A "Wild Book Celebration" will be held at 4 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 15, at the Decatur Public Library featuring Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak. The program, for Pre-School through 5th grade students, will include a read aloud, games and crafts. For more information call the library at (940) 627-5512 or visit the Web page at http://www.decaturpubliclibrary.com
CHAMBER LUNCH - The October Bridgeport Chamber of Commerce Luncheon is 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 15, at the Bridgeport Community Center. Eddie Bland, Bridgeport superintendent, is guest speaker. Cost is $10, and reservations are due by Wednesday, Oct. 14, by calling the chamber office at (940) 683-2076.
ANGEL FOOD - Crossroads Church in Decatur will accept orders and payments online for Angel Food through Thursday, Oct. 15. Cash, check and foodstamp orders will be accepted through Wednesday, Oct. 14. Food will be distributed from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 24 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 more information, this month's menu and specials, and for the link for online ordering. Call (940) 626-4527.
BOOK SALE - The Bridgeport Public Library book sale sponsored by the Library Booster Club is Oct. 15-17. Hardback books are $1, and paperbacks are 50 cents. On Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon, a bag of books will be $1. Hours are Thursday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
MOVIE NIGHT - Bridgeport Box Office presents "Little Giants" Friday, Oct. 16, at Bull Memorial Stadium following the Bulls' football game against Iowa Park. For more information, call the Parks and Recreation Department at (940) 683-3480.
FOOD DRIVE - Home Health Care in Bridgeport is holding a food drive to benefit WARM and the Bridgeport Food Pantry. The drive runs through Friday, Oct. 16. All non-perishable food can be dropped off at the Bridgeport office or the items can be picked up. Call (940) 683-3300 for more information.
VETERANS HEALTH - VA North Texas Health Care System is sponsoring a health care outreach event, for veterans in Wise, Archer, Baylor, Clay, Jack, Montague, Throckmorton and Young counties, Saturday, Oct. 17, at Family Clinic, 812 Woodrow Wilson Ray Circle, in Bridgeport. Available services include primary care, women's health, home care, VA benefits counseling, transition assistance, educational resources and many more. Veterans who want to participate should call the VA North Texas Health Care System at (866) 272-1034 before Wednesday, Oct. 14. Veterans should bring a photo ID, health insurance information and a copy of their DD214. Be prepared to give the previous year's household income and the Social Security numbers for all dependents.
REUNION - Clinton-Sherman Air Force Base veterans will celebrate their 40-year reunion Oct. 16-18 at the Ramada in Decatur. The group will visit the Lost Battalion Room at the Wise County Heritage Museum at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 17.
SARAH'S CURE - The fourth annual Sarah's Cure is Saturday, Oct. 17, and will begin with a 5K run/walk in downtown Decatur. Registration is at 7 a.m. with the fun run at 8 a.m. and the 5K run at 8:30. The concert will feature Reckless Kelly, the Josh Abbott Band and J.D. Clark. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. at the Decatur Civic Center. An auction will also be held at the concert. For more information, to register for the run or to buy tickets, visit http://www.sarahscure.com
NEWARK CRUISIN' DAYS - The 22nd Annual Cruisin Days is Saturday, Oct. 17, in Newark. The parade is at 10 a.m., bingo from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Newark Community Center, Mr. and Miss Cruisin' Days Pageant at 4 p.m., barbecue dinner 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Newark Fire Hall, a cake auction at 6:30 and the Dance of the Decades at 7 p.m. The event will also feature games, vendors, live entertainment and concessions throughout the day.
CHICOFEST - Chicofest is 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, on the Chico square. Booths can be rented for $5 or $10 with electricity by calling (940) 644-2515. The event will include a cake walk, horseshoes, beauty pageant featuring Chico High School boys at 11 a.m. and Bingo at 1 p.m. A picnic will follow in the park.
ALVORD FALL FEST - Alvord's annual Fall Fest is 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17. To reserve vendor booth space, call City Hall at (940) 427-5916. Vendor set-up is at 9 a.m. The event will include a fun jump, kids' games and activities, arts and crafts, hamburger lunch raising money for Project Graduation and music and entertainment. Fall Fest will be followed by the Alvord Volunteer Firefighters' catfish fry and cake auction that evening.
CONCERT - The New Plainsmen Quartet will perform at 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, at the Wise County Heritage Museum in Decatur.
GED TEST - Bridgeport ISD will administer the GED Test Oct. 19-20. Call (940) 683-1830, ext. 1250, or go to the Web site: http://www.bridgeportisd.net and click on "Community" then "GED information" for information. Pre-register before Oct. 15.
Next week's events ...
SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS - Applications for Decatur Spirit of Christmas will be available Monday, Oct. 19, 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.
CORNBREAD AND BEANS - Bridgeport Intermediate will host a cornbread and bean supper from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 20, at the intermediate's cafeteria. The meal will coordinate with early voting.
GOSPEL SINGING - The District Gospel Singing Convention is 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23, and 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, at the First United Methodist Church of Decatur. The event is a non-denominational, old-fashioned shape-note singing. For information, call Blake Boyd at (817) 874-1937.
EQUINE THERAPY FUNDRAISER - A fund raiser for Fly Without Wings Equine Center is 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, at the Sunset Fire Hall in Sunset. Cost of the fajita dinner is $8.50. Raffle tickets are being sold for a 52-inch LCD Sanyo TV, HSUN 150 S-5 Auto 4 Cycle ATV or a Wii Sports System. Tickets are $5 each or 5 for $20 and may be bought in advance or at the event. You do not have to be present to win. There will also be a live auction, silent auction and entertainment. The proceeds will go towards building a covered arena so that participants can receive therapy during all kinds of weather. Anyone wishing to donate items for either auction, to purchase tickets in advance or would like to help with the fund raiser may call (940) 427-2404 or (940) 393-1161. Web site is http://www.fly-withoutwings.org
HELP FOR NEEDY - Clothes and groceries will be given to needy families 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 24, at the Living Word Teaching Center distribution center, North U.S. 287 at the Justin exit, Farm Road 407. Everyone who receives food or clothes needs to bring an I.D. Donations of gently used clothing, toiletries and housewares are also being accepted. Call Tina Strand at (817) 454-2299 for information.
BENEFIT TRAIL RIDE - Reata Rehabilitation will have a benefit trail ride Saturday, Oct. 24, at the LBJ Grasslands. Those participating should arrive at 9 a.m., and the ride begins at 10. The $25 entry fee includes lunch and parking fees. The event will include raffles and prizes. Call (940) 479-2612 or e-mail reatarehab@yahoo.com for information. Current negative Coggins is required to participate.
FALL FESTIVAL - The Paradise PTO Fall Festival is 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, at the elementary school. The festival will include concessions and games.
REUNION - The Boyd High School class of 1989 will celebrate its 20th reunion at 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, at Esparanza Cafe in Fort Worth. Call Kevin Farr at (917) 873-5219 for information.
Upcoming events ...
GOODIES FOR GRANDPARENTS - Bridgeport Elementary School will honor grandparents at 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29. Cookies, coffee and lemonade will be served, and grandparents will visit their grandchild's classroom.
BASKETBALL SIGN-UPS - Decatur pee wee basketball sign-ups are under way for fifth and sixth grade boys and girls. Deadline is Sunday, Nov. 1. Forms can be picked up at Decatur Intermediate School. Contact Paula Graves at (940) 626-8116 or (940) 389-2414 or e-mail decaturpeeweebasketball@hotmail.com for more information.
CHALLENGE - Wise Electric Cooperative has challenged other Wise County businesses in a food drive to benefit the Wise Area Relief Mission. Call Lillie Hunt at 627-2167 to take part. A custom trophy goes to the winner. Food will be collected Nov. 6.
ASMI COURSE - Accident Scene Management Inc. courses are offered Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 6-8, at LaQuinta Inn and Suites in Bridgeport. The professional course is 6 to 9:30 p.m. Friday for $15. The basic course is from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday and the advanced course is 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sunday. Both courses are $45. For more information, call Spirit Rider at (940) 389-0200 or Denise Carey at (832) 385-5253. To register, go to http://www.accidentscene.org/schedule.htm#tx
FOUNDATION BANQUET - The Bridgeport Education Foundation seventh annual benefit banquet and auction is Saturday, Nov. 7, in the Bridgeport High School Commons area. Donations are sought for live and silent auction items, table sponsors and direct donations. Mail or fax to Chairman Sue Ray by Oct. 30 at 808 Woodrow Wilson Ray Circle, Bridgeport, TX 76426 or (940) 683-2069.
FARM EQUIPMENT AUCTION - The Chisholm Trail Tractor Club annual Fall Farm Equipment Consignment Auction is 9 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 14, at the Wise County 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.
In other news ...
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED - Rhome Volunteer Fire Department seeks volunteers to help with its department's annual haunted house. For information, call (817) 696-6742 or Judy at (817) 821-7205.
ACCEPTING DONATIONS - North Texas Bank has a box in its lobby for Wise Area Relief Mission donations of food and toiletries.
BEARS - Boyd High School cheerleaders are collecting new stuffed animals for hospitalized children throughout the football season at all home games.
ROAD CLOSED - The intersection of County Road 2323 and 2324 is closed until mid- to late-October for bridge replacement.
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
BENEFIT ACCOUNT - A benefit account has been set up at First State Bank in Bridgeport for Melissa Bracken and family, who lost everything in a recent house fire. For more information, call Colleen Walker at (940) 393-3947.
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 more 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. on 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.
