WCMessenger.com: News Briefs for September 24

WCMessenger.com News Briefs

News Briefs for September 24

Published Thursday, September 24, 2009

FOOD DRIVE - Home Health Care in Bridgeport is holding a food drive to benefit WARM and the Bridgeport Food Pantry. The drive runs through 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.

This week's events ...

OFFICE CLOSED - The Veteran Service Office is closed this week for training. The office will reopen Monday, Sept. 28, at 8 a.m.

WATCH DOGS MEETING - Carson Elementary School was to have its WatchD.O.G.S. Pizza Night for all dads and students 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 23. WatchD.O.G.S. is the Dads of Great Students program that allows dads to be involved by volunteering on campus.

HEALTH FORUM - The Health Forum meets 9 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 24, at the Decatur City Hall Community Room. The agenda includes planning for the next health fair in April 2010 and for a Wise County Community Health Assessment survey for fall 2009.

FLU SHOTS - The Texas Department of State Health Services Mineral Wells Field Office Seasonal Flu Clinic for adults will be at the Decatur First United Methodist Church 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 24. Cost of vaccine is $10 per injection. TDSHS will file Medicare Part A and B, so there will be no charge for individuals with Medicare A and B. They do not file Medicare part D, but they can administer an injection for the $10 fee.

HISTORICAL MEETING - The Wise County Historical Society will meet at 3 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 24, at the Wise County Heritage Museum in Decatur. Dr. Ron Marcello will discuss the new military history program at the University of North Texas. He will be accompanied by Mike Campbell with the Texas State Historical Association that just moved its office from Austin to Denton. The meeting is open to the public, and veterans are encouraged to attend. Call (940) 627-5452 for more information.

OFF 380 PLAYERS - The Off 380 Players present "Dearly Beloved," a comedy featuring a "dysfunctional but lovable" Texas family worked up about an upcoming antebellum-style wedding. Performances are 7:30 p.m. Sept. 24-26; and 2:30 p.m. Sept. 27. Admission is $12 for adults and $6 for students. Tickets will be available at the Bridgeport Stage box office. For reservations, call (940) 575-4548.

GT NOMINATIONS - Chico ISD will accept nominations for new students in grades K-11 for Gifted and Talented program screening through Friday, Sept. 25. Students may be nominated by teachers, administrators, counselors or parents. Forms are available in the front office of each campus. Call Dolly Green at (940) 644-5783 for more information.

LEARN ABOUT 4-H - 4-H Explosion is 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, at Weatherford College in Decatur. Door prizes will be given away. Call the Extension office at (940) 627-3341 for more information.

SKEET SHOOT - The Friends of Alvord Skeet Shoot is Saturday, Sept. 26, at Oakhill MX Park. Call Jim Looney at (940) 393-6382 for more information.

REUNION - The DHS class of 1989 reunion will be Saturday, Sept. 26, at the Decatur Country Club. If you have not received your invitation, contact Randy Shilling at (972) 742-5868, Scotty Helms at (214) 597-1898 or Kelli Zumar Pyland at (940) 626-9069 or kpyland1@yahoo.com.

HEALTH FAIR - The Wise Regional Health System Harvest Health Fair is 8 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, in front of the hospital. The free event will include health screenings, blood pressure checks, cholesterol checks, PSA testing (for men over 50), blood sugar checks, a kids fun area, face painting, cake walk and the Corporate Wellness Challenge where teams compete in an obstacle course. An infant CPR demonstration will be at 8:30, 9:30 and 10 a.m. at the fair. Call Michelle at (940) 626-3850 to reserve a spot at the CPR demonstration.

PARADISE FESTIVAL - The Paradise Main Street Festival is from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26. The Paradise Veteran's Memorial Park will be dedicated during the event, and local veterans will be honored. The festival will include food and craft booths, talent shows and speeches. To participate in the talent show, call (940) 859-3691. To rent a booth, call (940) 748-2422 or (940) 969-3680.

CHAMBER AUCTION - The 18th annual Decatur Chamber of Commerce Auction is 5 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26. This year's theme is "Fat Saturday Carnivale." For more information or to purchase tickets, call Misty Hudson at (940) 627-3107.

TRADE DAYS - The next Decatur Trade Days will be held Sept. 26-27 at Sheriff's Posse Rodeo Grounds in Decatur. For more information call Carla Tackett at (940) 390-9104.

Next week's events ...

CEMETERY MEETING - The Wilson Prairie Cemetery Association meets at 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 27, at the cemetery.

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 WCQG Quilt Show 2009 is 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3. 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.

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 http://www.bridgeportchamber.com or by calling (940) 683-2076.

Upcoming events ...

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 county-wide 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.

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 Tuesday, Oct. 6, 6 to 8 p.m. 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.

EAGLE DOLLS - Girls ages 4 to 12 can join the Decatur Eagle Dolls and learn a routine to perform at half time 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.

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. Oct. 10 at the First United Methodist Church of Decatur parking lot. Other vaccinations will be available at reduced prices. All dogs much be on a leash, and please have cats in carriers. Decatur Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association will assist.

FALL FESTIVAL - The 12th annual Greenwood Fall Festival is from 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 the Brushy Creek Vineyard. The public is invited to enjoy sample wine, other beverages and finger food. Republican office holders and 2010 declared Republican candidates are invited to meet the public.

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 Oct. 13. Proceeds go to the Decatur Police Department to help provide training equipment.

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 Heritage Museum at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 17.

ALVORD FALL FEST - Alvord 's annual Fall Fest will be 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 17. Vendors wanting to reserve a booth space should call the Alvord City Hall at (940) 427-5916. Vendor set-up will begin 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.

SARAH'S CURE - The fourth annual Sarah's Cure will be 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 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, at 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 Chicofest in the park.

CONCERT - The New Plainsmen 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

In other news ...

SEED SALE - Fall grass and legume seed, including bluebonnet and wildflower mix, fall deer mix and grazing mix is for sale at the Wise Soil and Water Conservation District office in Decatur. To order, call (940) 627-2942, ext. 5.

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 dried 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. For more information, call Kelly Walker at (940) 627-5921.

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. For information, call (940) 626-4585.

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.