WORK FOR SENIORS - Experience Works is offering job opportunities in Wise County. They are a national, nonprofit organization that provides paid on the job training and employment services for low income seniors older than 55. For information, call (866) 712-0978, go to http://www.experienceworks.org or visit North Central Texas Work Force at 1810 FM 51 South in Decatur.
TOYS FOR TOTS - Karl Klement Ford in Decatur is a collection point for packaged toys for Toys for Tots. For information, call Angie Mathai at (940) 627-1101.
This week's events ...
VETERANS DAY PROGRAM - The Wise County Veterans Group was to present its annual Veterans Day Program in the Veterans Memorial Park at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11. The program was to feature the Chico High School Band and a special commemoration honoring World War II veterans. The park is at Trinity and Ash Streets in Decatur.
HOLIDAY CLOSINGS - All Wise County offices were to be closed Wednesday, Nov. 11, for Veterans Day.
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 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 Friday, Nov. 20.
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. 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.
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 information and to sign up (940) 627-3341.
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
GT MEETING - Decatur school parents interested in nominating their kindergartner for the gifted and talented program at Rann Elementary should attend an informational meeting 8 to 9 a.m. Friday, Nov. 13, in the library. If you cannot attend, call Mrs. Vrba, counselor, at (940) 393-760) or Mrs. Tinker, GT teacher, at (940) 393-7621 to discuss the process. A translator will be available.
LITTLE DRIBBLERS - Deadline to register for Wise County Little Dribblers basketball league is Friday, Nov. 13. Call Paige Ochoa at (817) 996-7420.
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 bloodisneeded.org to make an appointment.
CHRISTMAS GIFT - First Baptist Church of Decatur is collecting gift-filled shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child, a Franklin Graham Ministry. Bring your filled shoeboxes 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.
POTATO DINNER - The Bridgeport High School Spanish Club is holding a baked potato dinner 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 13, at the school's commons area. Tickets are $8. Proceeds benefit the club. For advance tickets, contact Mr. Bargas, Mrs. Gasperson or Coach Garza.
POST-POLIO SUPPORT - The post-polio support group meets 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14 at the Decatur Public Library.
THANKSGIVING DINNER - The city of Rhome Community Thanksgiving Dinner is 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14, at the Rhome Community Center. Visitors should bring a covered dish. There is no charge, but donations are welcome.
BATTLE FOR A CURE - A "Battle of the Bands" to benefit breast cancer awareness is 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14, at Ruben's Ballroom, 1982 E. U.S. 380 in Decatur. Doors open at 6:30. Bands will include December Rose, Last Round, G and the Motes, One Last Soul, Otis The Axe, Subvert, Aftermath and The Donatellos. Tickets are $10 at the door or $8 in advance and can be purchased at Shredderz Skate and Sport in Decatur. For information, go to http://www.shredderzshop.com
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.
RECYCLE - Wise County Power is having a community recycling event 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Texas Recycles Day, Saturday, Nov. 14. 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 driveway 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. They are available at the museum or at the door the night of the event. Canned food and donations will be collected for WARM. 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. Saturday, Nov. 14. For information, e-mail Cortney (Kaumeyer) Savage at ck38@hotmail.com or call (817) 215-8471.
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.
HORSESHOW - The Wise County 4-H Horse Club horseshow is Sunday, Nov. 15, at Salt Creek Arena in Boyd. Registration starts at 7:30 a.m. and classes start at 9, including halter, showmanship, Western and English pleasure and speed. For information, call Karin Schirripa at (817) 480-9835 or Terrie Solomon at (817) 296-3216.
Next week's events ...
BENEFIT COOKOUT - Legend Bank of Decatur is having a burger and fry cookout from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 16 at 1706 FM 51 South. All proceeds benefit Decatur Spirit of Christmas.
FOSSIL, ROCK, MINERAL - Wise County Fossil, Rock and Mineral Society meets at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17, at the fellowship hall in the First Methodist Church of Decatur. The program is on mountain formation. For more information call Randall Watson at (940) 627-7387.
BAKE SALE - The Wise County Messenger Thanksgiving bake sale to benefit United Way of Wise County is 9 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 18. Let an employee know if you have a special request. Call (940) 627-5987.
HISTORICAL SOCIETY - The Wise County Historical Society meets at 3 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 19, at the Wise County Heritage Museum. Manshadow Waylett will speak on Cpl. Samuel Major Sampler, recipient of the medal of honor. The public is invited.
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.
RELAY KICK-OFF - The Wise County Relay for Life Kick-off is 5:30-7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 19, at Decatur Church of Christ.
HOLIDAY STORE - The Wise Regional Health System Auxiliary Annual Holiday Store is 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, Nov. 20, at the Decatur Lions Club on State Street in Decatur. Gifts, peanuts, pecans and baked goods will be for sale. Lunch will be served from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Cost is $5 and will include chili, cornbread, dessert and iced tea and coffee. Proceeds benefit the auxiliary in purchasing equipment for the hospital.
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.
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.
DAR - The John B. Denton chapter of DAR will meet at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 21, at the Wise County Heritage Museum. Manshadow Waylett will speak on Cpl. Samuel Major Sampler, recipient of the medal of honor.
Upcoming events ...
SHARE DINNER - First Presbyterian Church Bridgeport will host a Thanskgiving share dinner with members of St. Mark Ascension and ZionValley Cumberland Presbyterian churches on Sunday, Nov. 22, following the 11a.m. service. Guests are invited to bring a dish to share and food donations for the Wise Area Relief Mission. First Presbyterian is located at 1307 Newby St. in Bridgeport.
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.
5 CEUs - 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 information at (940) 627-3341.
DECEMBER PLAYS - The G.C. Little Rann Theater will feature "The Rented Christmas" by the First Baptist Church of Decatur and "Little Women" by academy during the month of December. "The Rented Christmas" is 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday, Dec. 3 and 4, and 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5. Tickets are $3 for adults and $1 for children and are available at the museum or at the church. "Little Women," featuring Joy Christian Academy students, is 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 11, and 2:30 and 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for seniors and students and are available at the door. For information, call (940) 627-5586 or visit http://www.wisehistory.com
APPLICATOR'S 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's license but would like to get one. The class is limited to the first 20 paid participants. A registration fee of $45 includes study books and lunch. For 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 this month. 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 are 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 Government's 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.
RAD TECH WEEK - Midwestern State University students will have a public display set up at Wise Regional Health System for the duration of Rad Tech week, Nov. 8-14. The annual celebration recognizes the role Radiologic Technologist's work serves in the medical field and is held in November to also commemorate the discovery of x-rays by Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen on Nov. 8, 1895
RING IN THE SEASON - Salvation Army bell ringers are needed to ring the bell in front of Walmart Nov. 27 through Christmas Eve. Call Tana Fedric at (940) 627-5859.
BLOOD DRIVE - James Wood Motors was to have a blood drive 1-5 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, for the American Red Cross. No appointment is necessary.
THANKSGIVING DINNER - The city of Rhome Community Thanksgiving Dinner is 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14, at the Rhome Community Center. Visitors should bring a covered dish. There is no charge, but donations are welcome.
BAKE SALE - The Wise County Messenger Thanksgiving bake sale to benefit United Way of Wise County is 9 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 18. Let an employee know if you have a special request. Call (940) 627-5987.
RELAY KICK-OFF - The Wise County Relay for Life Kick-off is 5:30-7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 19, at Decatur Church of Christ.
SHARE DINNER - First Presbyterian Church Bridgeport will host a Thanskgiving share dinner with members of St. Mark Ascension and ZionValley Cumberland Presbyterian churches on Sunday, Nov. 22, following the 11a.m. service. Guests are invited to bring a dish to share and food donations for the Wise Area Relief Mission. First Presbyterian is located at 1307 Newby St. in Bridgeport.
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 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.
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.
