BOOK SALE - The Decatur Public Library's Book Sale is Wednesday, Oct. 7, through Saturday, Oct. 10. Wise Electric Co-Op will sponsor a barbecue box lunch in the library's parking lot from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday. Boxes are $6 and will benefit the Decatur Library Foundation. Order in advance by calling (940) 627-5512.
PUMPKIN CARVING - The Bridgeport Parks and Recreation Department pumpkin-carving contest is 7 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 8, at the Bridgeport Community Center. Tickets are $7.50 each, and everyone 2 years or older must have a ticket. All children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult. Registration deadline Friday, Oct. 2. For information, call (940) 683-3480.
GIRL'S NIGHT OUT - Decatur's next "Girl's Night Out" is Thursday, Oct. 8. Downtown merchants will be open until 8 p.m. Merchants will participate in "Paint the Town Pink" all month with emphasis on breast cancer awareness.
SLIDELL GT - Slidell ISD is accepting gifted and talented nominations through Oct. 9. Applications are available in the elementary and jr./sr. high offices. Call Melissa Fitzgerald at (940) 466-3118 for information.
EAGLE DOLLS - Girls ages 4 to 12 can join the Decatur Eagle Dolls and learn a routine to perform at halftime of the Decatur vs. Iowa Park home game Oct. 9. Forms can be picked up at Carson and Rann elementaries, Decatur Middle School, Decatur High School and The Magic Pony. For more information, contact Ashley Smith at ashleym.smith@decatur.esc11.net or call Dainya Park at (940) 393-7241 or (940) 210-1287. Deadline is Friday, Oct. 2.
POST POLIO SUPPORT GROUP - A new support group for polio survivors, their families and friends will 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 will 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 is 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 will 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 is 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, in Greenwood. The event will include live entertainment, live auction and raffle.
MEET THE REPUBLICANS - Wise County Republicans will 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 will 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.
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.
Upcoming events ...
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.
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
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. Vendors who want to reserve a booth space should 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.
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.
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.
ASMI COURSE - Accident Scene Management Inc. courses are offered Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 23-25, at LaQuinta Inn and Suites in Bridgeport. The professional course will be held from 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
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's 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.
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.
BENEFIT AUCTION - An auction benefiting the Danny Grant family will be held Saturday, Oct. 31. Donations may be brought to 1809 N. Colorado in Decatur. Food items should be brought the day of the auction.
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.
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.
