SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS - Applications for Rhome's Spirit of Christmas are now availlable at Rhome City Hall at 105 W. First St. Applications must be returned to city hall by Nov. 20. The program provides toys and clothes for economically disadvantaged children. It is sponsored by the city of Rhome and Rhome United Methodist Church.
COAT DRIVE - 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.
This weekend's events...
SHOWDOWN - The Paradise Buyers Association second annual Fall Showdown goat show was to be Saturday, Oct. 17, at the Paradise project barn. The show is at 10:30 a.m. Weight cards are due by 9:30. Call Robin Meadows at (817) 523-5145 or (940) 393-1903.
RIBBON CUTTING - An open house and ribbon cutting was to be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, at the new Bridgeport Visitor Center, 812A Halsell St. The Bridgeport Parks and Recreation Department also was to host an open house at the newly remodeled Community Center at 1102 Lawdwin from 1 to 3 p.m. with a ribbon cutting at 2.
DAR MEETING - The John B. Denton chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution was to meet at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, at Sullivan Senior Center in Sanger. Cindy Wirz from FEMA will speak, with lunch to follow at Babe's. For information, call (940) 627-5452.
GOLF BENEFIT - A benefit for the Breast Cancer Three Day Walk was to tee off at 2 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 17, at Runaway Bay Golf Course. Cost is $80 per player. There will be prizes and a dinner. For information, call (940) 399-9516.
BOOK SALE - The Bridgeport Public Library book sale sponsored by the Library Booster Club was to end Saturday, Oct. 17. Hardback books are $1, and paperbacks are 50 cents. From 10 a.m. to noon, a bag of books will be $1.
SALE - The Rhome Women's Club $1 sale was to be 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, at 145 First St. in Rhome. Items in the sale include clothing, knick knacks, small electrical items and some furniture. Money will benefit a Northwest senior.
MOVIE NIGHT - Bridgeport Box Office presents "Little Giants" Friday, Oct. 16, at Bull Memorial Stadium following the football game against Iowa Park. For more information, call the Parks and Recreation Department at (940) 683-3480.
SINGLE CLUB - North Texas Singles Club was to hold its monthly meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 17, at the Hot Skillet in Alvord. The club has a private room for the meeting. For information, call (940) 872-6627 and leave a message.
VETERANS HEALTH - VA North Texas Health Care System was to sponsor 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 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 were to celebrate their 40-year reunion Oct. 16-18 at the Ramada in Decatur. The group was to 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 was to be 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 was to be 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 was to be 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 was to be 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 to raise 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 was to perform at 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, at the Wise County Heritage Museum in Decatur.
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.
SOFTBALL - The 12-and-under Batbuster Girls Select softball team is holding tryouts/open practice 3-6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 18, at the Bridgeport softball fields. For information call Tim at (817) 694-7909.
135 YEARS OLD - Hopewell Baptist Church at 280 County Road 2391 in Alvord will celebrate the 135th anniversary of the founding of the church along with the dedication of their new sanctuary on Sunday, Oct. 18. A pot luck lunch will follow the 11 a.m. service at noon. The celebration will begin at 1 p.m. The Hopewell Cemetery Board will have its annual meeting at the church following the afternoon services.
This week's events...
4-H MEETING - The Decatur 4-H Club will meet at 6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 19, at the Women's Building at the Posse Grounds. Bring canned food for WARM. For information call Lisa Luttrull at (940) 627-4567.
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.
READ BEYOND REALITY - Celebrate Teen Reads Week with the Decatur Public Library at 4 p.m. Tuesday, October 20. Come dressed as a fantasy character, learn about new books, play games, crafts and enjoy snacks. This program, for fifth graders and up is free. For information, call the library at (940) 627-5512 or visit http://www.decaturpubliclibrary.com
CORNBREAD AND BEANS - Bridgeport Intermediate School will host a cornbread and bean supper from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 20, at the its cafeteria. The meal will coordinate with early voting.
SOCIETY MEETING - The Wise County Fossil, Rock and Mineral Society will meet at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 20, at the Wesley Center Building. The program will be about volcanic activity. Call (940) 627-7837 for information.
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.
SPOOKTACULAR - Bridgeport Parks and Recreation Department is hosting the Spooktacular Fall Festival 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, at the Community Center. The event is free and will feature candy, games, inflatables, train rides, face painting and much more. For information, call (940) 683-3480.
LORD'S ACRE - The Lord's Acre Festival at the First United Methodist Church in Alvord is Saturday, Oct. 24, 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The festival will include baked goods, crafts, Christmas decorations, a free bounce house for kids, a silent auction and a turkey and dressing lunch from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Lunch is $6 in advance or $7 at the door. Kids four and under eat free.
EQUINE THERAPY FUNDRAISER - A fund raiser for Fly Without Wings Equine Center is at 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, at the Sunset Fire Hall. 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 toward 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 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.
FOOD DRIVE - Vincent Investment Management is collecting non-perishable canned food or cash donations for Wise Area Relief Mission (WARM). Donations can be dropped off anytime during the month of October at the office, 2250 Farm Road 51 South, Suite 900, in Decatur.
Next week's events ...
CREDIT SEMINAR - The Wise County Extension office presents a seminar on understanding and improving your credit score at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 26, at the Extension office. Topics will include why your credit score is important, why you should care about your credit score, what determines your credit score, and how you can improve your credit score. The program is free. Call the Extension office to sign up at (940) 627-3341.
HAUNTED HOUSE - Alvord eighth graders are sponsoring a haunted house in downtown Alvord Oct. 29, 30 and 31. Proceeds will benefit the class project graduation. A concession stand will be available. The house will be open Thursday, 7-10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 7 p.m. until the last person is scared away. Cost is $3 for adults and $2 for students.
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.
GOLF FOR CHARITY - The Wise Electric 5th Annual 4-Man Scramble Golf Tournament is 8 a.m. Friday, Oct. 30, at the Runaway Bay Golf Course. All proceeds benefit Wise County Charities. First place teams receive $240, second place $120 and third place $80. Cost to enter is $60 per player. Prizes will also be awarded for closest to the pin and longest drive. Door prizes and lunch will be provided. For information call (940) 389-7334.
AG SINGLES - The Texas Chapter of Singles in Agriculture will have a weekend event Friday, Oct. 30, through Sunday, Nov. 1. The chapter will meet at 8 a.m. Friday at Brushy Creek Retreat, 435 Richey Road in Bowie, at 8 a.m. Friday, Oct. 30. The group will visit St Jo, Brushy Creek Winery and Nocona. Visit http://www.singlesinag.org or call (940) 872-2521 or (940) 842-1205 for information.
TRUNK OR TREAT - The First United Methodist Church in Alvord will host a Trunk or Treat event 5:30 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31, in the parking lot across from the church. Treats will be served from car trunks and tail gates. Free hot dogs and soda will be served, and the Carter Blood Mobile will accept blood donations.
Upcoming events ...
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 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 (940) 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 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
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.
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.
COOKING - Grace Baptist Church of Decatur is taking orders for smoked turkeys, hams and briskets to be cooked on Nov. 20. Meats may be picked up that evening at the church parking lot. Turkeys are $30, Hams - $35 and Briskets - $40. All proceeds go to the Grace Baptist Benevolence Fund. To order, call (940) 627-7558.
In other news ...
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED - Rhome Volunteer Fire Department seeks volunteers to help with its 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 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.
