BULLETIN BOARD

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DON'T MISS:

Winter Basketball Registration Ongoing

The deadline for Winter Basketball registration is Dec. 14 from 8 a.m.-6:30 p.m. The cost of registration is $35 plus $10 membership fee if not a current member. There will be a $10 late fee after Dec. 14. Register as soon as possible to provide the uniform supplier time to get uniforms back for opening games.

TODAY

Legion Monthly Executive Meeting Craig-Harriss American Legion Post 251's Executive Committee meeting is today at 7 p.m. in the auxiliary room. This meeting is to finalize plans for the Christmas Party and other projects.

AARP December Meeting AARP Chapter 1419 meets today at the Heritage Center. A covered-dish lunch at noon and meeting at 1 p.m. Installation of officers. Call 543-3514 for information on becoming an AARP member.

Farmers Co-op Blood Drive Farmers Co-op of El Campo is having a blood drive today from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. To schedule an appointment, visit www.giveblood.org and enter sponsor code C037 or contact Sally Andel at 543-6284. Those who donate or attempt to donate in the month of December will be able to write notes of well-wishes to patients spending the holidays in the hospital. Notes from gold-level Commit for Life members will be attached to cuddly stuffed animals and hand-delivered to patients.

TOMORROW

Louise Elementary DARE Graduation The fifth grade students and staff of Louise Elementary School, and the Wharton County Sheriff's Office host a Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) graduation ceremony Thursday, Dec. 13 at 2 p.m. in the Louise Elementary cafeteria. Parents, family and friends are welcome to attend this special occasion honoring our drug-free leaders of tomorrow.

Family Literacy Classes Held Thursday Family Literacy classes for adults and children will be held on Thursday, Dec. 13 at Hutchins Elementary. Classes will be held from 6-8 p.m. Babysitting and transportation will be provided if needed.

FRIDAY, DEC. 14

Louise-Hillje Chamber Lighting Contest Louise-Hillje Chamber of Commerce is having its annual Christmas Lighting Contest. Entries must be called in by noon on Friday, Dec. 14. Prizes will be awarded. Also, beginning this year will be a Lighting Contest for Businesses. Judging of both categories will be Dec. 15 at 6 p.m. Be sure your lights are on. To enter contest, call the water department at 979-648-2615; leave a message if no one answers.

SATURDAY, DEC. 15

IMUD District Christmas Open House The Annual Isaacson Municipal Utility District Christmas Open House will be from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 15 at the IMUD office at 403 N. Liberty. Santa Claus will be on hand with treats for the kids and refreshments and door prizes.

Louise Band Boosters Host Bake Sale The Louise Band Booster Organization will hold a bake sale in front of Wal-Mart in El Campo Saturday, Dec. 15. Homemade cakes, pies and treats will be available from 8 a.m. until all items are sold. The money will be used to support the Louise Band's upcoming trip to DisneyWorld in June. Contact Robert Sims at 979-648-2202 ext. 130 for more information.

Christmas Gift Wrapping Available The 8th grade class of St. Philip School who are going to Washington will be glad to gift wrap your Christmas gifts on Saturday, Dec. 15 and Saturday, Dec. 22 from 1-5 p.m. at J-Brew Coffee Bar. Donations only.

SUNDAY, DEC. 16

Danevang Lutheran Enchilada Dinner Danevang Lutheran Church will serve an enchilada dinner with dessert, dine in or plates to go, at the Danevang Community Hall on Sunday, Dec. 16 from 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Plates are $6.50. Call Judy at 979-332-8196 or Maria at 543-7294.

St. Paul Youth Perform 'American Christmas' The youth of St. Paul United Methodist Church will be performing "American Christmas" on Sunday, Dec. 16 at 7 p.m. If you liked "American Idol," you will find our rendition highly entertaining. Everyone is welcome. Church location is 211 E Third St., in El Campo.

MONDAY, DEC. 17

ECHS and ECMS Choir Concert The El Campo Middle School and High School Choirs would like to invite you to their Christmas Concert on Monday, Dec. 17 at the High School Auditorium at 7 p.m. Admission is free.

Faith Christian Academy Presents Musical Faith Christian Academy presents its children's Christmas musical, On Our Way to Bethlehem, starring The Faith Players. On stage Monday, Dec. 17 at 6:30 p.m. at Caney Creek Church, 118 W. Milam, Wharton (downtown on the square). Admission is free. Call for more information at 531-1000.

COMING SOON

American Legion and Auxiliary Meeting American Legion Craig-Harriss Post 251 and its Ladies Auxiliary will hold their annual Christmas party Tuesday, Dec. 18 at the Legion Hall beginning with a social hour at 6 p.m. Turkey and dressing will be served at 7:15 p.m. Ladies Auxiliary members are asked to bring deserts and raffle items. Legionnaires and Auxiliary members are to bring non-perishable food items or gifts for the Blessing Cup. Guests are welcome at $6 per plate.

Quarterly Blood Drive At ECMH A quarterly blood drive at El Campo Memorial Hospital, 303 Sandy Corner Rd., front parking lot will be held Tuesday, Dec. 18 from 11:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Holiday T-shirt for all donors. Donors must present a photo ID. Remember during the Holiday Seasons blood supplies may become low, donate blood and the give the gift of life.

Ricebird Booster Club Christmas Party The Ricebird Booster Club will have their Christmas Party on Wednesday, Dec. 19 at Pinchers at 6:30 p.m. Any booster club members interested in coming needs to contact Peggy Fucik at 543-1543. The cost will be $8.50 a person.

Fried Chicken Dinner Fundraiser Louise Project Graduation Class of 2008 is having a fried chicken dinner on Wednesday, Dec. 19 at Staff's Food Service from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Advance tickets are $6.50 and desserts will also be sold. Contact any Louise School Senior for tickets.

BEEs Sell Decorative Street Lamps Let's continue to beautify the downtown El Campo area with decorative street lamps, available from the BEEs. They will be placed on either corner around Walgreen's. To purchase a lamp or for information call Carolyn Kelly at 543-2397 or Ruth Sacco at 543-5339. Would make a great Christmas present for that "hard to shop for" person.

Veterans Service Officer Hours The office of Wharton County Veterans Service Officer Harvey H. Stelzel Jr. is open Tuesdays and Wednesdays through Dec. 19. Office hours are 7:30 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m. The office is located at 1017 N. Alabama Road in Wharton. Phone 532-1311.

Leader-News Going To Bed Early For Santa Your El Campo Leader-News must have all pages for the Wednesday, Dec. 26 edition to the press by noon Christmas Eve, Monday, Dec. 24. Therefore all news items and advertising must be submitted the week before. The same schedule will prevail for the Wednesday, Jan. 2 edition of the newspaper. Thank you for helping us to get the paper out while meeting these early deadlines.

City Offers Aquatic Center Discount The City of El Campo is offering a 20% discount off Aquatic Center memberships purchased as Christmas presents. Despite the fact that weather has been a little cool lately, the facility is open, and members are using the lap and recreation pools as well as the large hot tub. Water aerobics and swimming lessons are also offered.

ECHS Blood Drive Dec. 20 The El Campo High School NHS and Student Council will sponsor a blood drive on Thursday, Dec. 20 from 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. in the Athletic Gym (by the large parking lot). Please donate during this historically high usage time of the year. Must be at least 17 years old and weigh at least 110 lbs and be in good general health. Schedule your time today by e-mailing mkresta@ecisd.org or sign up with your favorite NHS or Student Council member.