EARLY RELEASE - Bridgeport schools were to release students early Wednesday, Sept. 30. Bridgeport Elementary will release at noon, Bridgeport Intermediate at 12:15 p.m., Bridgeport Middle School at 12:30 p.m. and Bridgeport High School at 12:45. Call (940) 683-5124 for information.
PIZZA NIGHT - Rann Elementary was to have a 'Dads and Kids' Pizza Night in the school cafeteria 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 30. Free pizza, dessert and drinks will be served. At 6 p.m. the school will present a short presentation about the WATCHD.O.G.S. (Dads of Great Students) Program.
BENEFIT SALE - The Wise County Sheriff's Department will hold a fundraiser Saturday, Oct. 3, for the 3-day Breast Cancer Walk. Donations can be left at the sheriff's department. Call (940) 393-9908.
BENEFIT - IntegraCare Home Health is sponsoring a rummage/bake sale to benefit the families of Becca Logan and Leslie Denison 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, at the Bridgeport office, 1300 Halsell St. Donations are being accepted. Call (940) 683-8171 for information.
COAL MINERS - The Coal Miners' Heritage Festival is Saturday, Oct. 3, in downtown Bridgeport. Festivities begin at 9 a.m. and will include food and craft vendors, a video game contest, baking contest, 5K run/walk and 30-mile bike ride, classic car show, tractor show and live entertainment. Booth space applications are available at www.bridgeportchamber.com or by calling (940) 683-2076.
QUILT SHOW - The Wise County Quilt Guild Quilt Show is Oct. 2-3 at the Decatur Visitor Center, 106 S. Trinity Street. Pre-show and reception is 3 to 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2, with a lecture and trunk show by Margaret Bucklew from Chiseled in Cloth from 4 to 5 p.m. The show is 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday. Price is $2. The show will feature judged and non-judged quilt exhibits, a quilt challenge, demonstrations, an antique sewing machine exhibit, bed turning, door prizes, a bake sale and more. Call Karen Summitt at (972) 998-1789 or e-mail ksomeit@embarqmail.com for more information.
Next week's events ...
FALL FEST - The Catholic churches in Decatur, Bridgeport and Jacksboro will host their annual Fall Fest noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 4, at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary church, 1305 Deer Park Road, in Decatur. A 42-inch flat screen TV, $500 gift card, iPod touch, a fishing trip and a plane ride will be raffled. Many silent auction items, rides, games for adults and children are on the agenda. Barbecue, Mexican and Asian food will be served.
REGISTER TO VOTE - Monday, Oct. 5, is the last day to register to vote or make changes to your voter card in order to be able to vote in the Nov. 3 election. The countywide ballot will include the state constitutional amendments and certain ballots will include the Bridgeport school bond, Decatur school bond and the Alpha Ranch Water Control and Improvement District issue. Elections Administrator Lannie Noble said to check your voter card to make sure all the information is correct. Call (940) 626-4453 or (940) 627-3656 for more information.
MEETING - The Desk and Derrick Club of Wise County will meet at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 6, at the La Quinta Inn of Bridgeport. Reid Willson, senior account representative from Halliburton Energy Services will be the speaker. For more information, contact Trinity Fincher at trinity.fincher@dvn.com.
DIABETES PROGRAM - The Wise County Extension Diabetes Coalition is sponsoring Do Well, Be Well with Diabetes, an educational program to help people with type 2 diabetes learn the skills they need to understand and manage their diabetes. The five-week series begins 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 6, at the Extension office in Decatur and continues Tuesday Oct. 13, 20, Monday Nov. 2 and Tuesday, Nov. 10. To pre-register, call the Extension office at (940) 627-3341. There is a one-time fee of $20 per person to cover the cost of class materials.
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 be participating in the "Paint the Town Pink" all month with special emphasis on breast cancer awareness.
SLIDELL GT - Slidell ISD is accepting GT nominations through Oct. 9. Nominations are available in the Elementary and Jr./Sr. High offices. Call Melissa Fitzgerald at (940) 466-3118 for more 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, call 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 and 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 more 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.
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.
Upcoming events ...
RAFFLE TICKETS - The 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 items 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 your 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 kick off 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, a 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 the Alvord 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 Firefighter's 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.
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.
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 more 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 also 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 Paradise 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 more information.
In other news ...
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED - The Rhome Volunteer Fire Department needs volunteers to help with the 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 the bank 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.
SPECIAL - The Wise County Animal Shelter has a special on pet adoptions this month, accepting donated items in lieu of adoption fees. Items needed include dry puppy food, bleach and orange cleaners. For more information, call the shelter at (940) 627-7577 or visit http://www.facebook.com/pages/Wise-County-Animal-Shelter/113004058348
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 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 more 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, 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 - The 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 an Alzheimer's support group at 7 p.m. on the first Thursday of every month at Wise Regional Health System's west campus board room. Call Kelly Walker at (940) 627-5921 for more 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 more information, visit http://www.theparentingcenter.org To register, call (877) 922-4733.
CPR TRAINING - The 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 more information or to register, call the administration offices at (940) 627-3199 or come by the fire department at 201 S. Church St.
