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DON'T MISS:

Save Three Lives Blood Drive

St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church hosts its "Save Three Lives, All In A Day's Work" blood drive Sunday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Parish Hall. Picture ID is required. Appreciation gifts and refreshments will be provided for donors. The blood drive will benefit the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center Blood Bank.

SUNDAY, FEB. 3

Gospel Singer Jerry Bennett In Garwood Nashville recording artist Jerry Bennett will be at Lehrer Memorial United Methodist Church in Garwood Sunday during the 9 a.m. worship service. The public is welcome to come enjoy the talent of this Christian artist.

Bake Potato & Sausage Dinner Feb. 3 Tidehaven Youth Boosters annual baked potato and sausage dinner, auction and raffle is Sunday at St. Peter Catholic Church Parish Hall in Blessing. Plates are $7, serving is from 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Auction begins at 12:30 p.m. with the raffle following the auction.

MONDAY, FEB. 4

'Hope After Shattered Dreams' Meeting "Hope after Shattered Dreams" ministry has begun for the El Campo community. Anyone who has experienced a loss resulting from, but not limited to death, divorce, job or deteriorating health is welcome to attend. Meetings are held the first Monday of each month at 6 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall of the El Campo Church of Christ, 315 E. Calhoun. For information call 543-4279. The next meeting is Monday, Feb. 4.

DAV and Auxiliary Meet Monday Wharton County DAV Chapter and Auxiliary 72 meet Monday at the VFW Hall. Covered dish meal served at 6:30 p.m. and meeting will follow.

Ricebird Booster Club Meeting Ricebird Booster Club meets Monday at 6 p.m. in the weight room classroom. Anyone is welcome to attend.

ESL & GED Classes Available Free ESL & GED classes will be held at El Campo Housing Authority, 401 Ricebird. Enrollment is Monday from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Learn to use computers and take online classes. First come, first enrolled. Call 1-800-561-9652 for more information. Certified instructors from WCJC will teach the classes.

TUESDAY, FEB. 5

Seniors/Parents Complete FAFSA Form There will be a representative from WCJC's guidance office Tuesday, Feb. 5, 19 and March 4 and 11 to answer questions and offer help to seniors and their parents in completing the FAFSA form. A sign-up sheet is in the guidance office and it will be necessary to sign up for a time slot. Bring all 2007 financial information including your 2007 income tax return. Call the guidance office at 543-2871.

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 6

Fried Fish Dinner Fundraiser Louise Project Graduation Class of 2008 holds a fried fish dinner fundraiser from 4-6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 6 (Ash Wednesday) at Staff's in El Campo. Pre-sale tickets are $7. Contact any Louise senior or call 979-332-0513.

Ladies Auxiliary VFW Post 2786 Meeting The regular monthly meeting of the ladies Auxiliary of VFW Post 2786 is Wednesday, Feb. 6 at 9 a.m. at the VFW Hall.

THURSDAY, FEB. 7

100 Club Membership Meeting The 100 Club of Wharton County Inc. hosts its annual membership meeting Thursday, Feb. 7 at the El Campo Civic Center. The social hour will begin at 6 p.m. followed by dinner at 7 p.m., the business meeting and then a program by District Attorney Josh McCown. All members are encouraged to attend and new members are always welcome. Contact Gary Trochta at 543-1040 for information.

FRIDAY, FEB. 8

St. Robert Lenten Fish Dinner St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic Daughters of the Americas Court 2275 hosts a Lenten fish dinner from 5-7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 8 at Staff's Food Service. Plates are $7.

St. Philip School Read-A-Thon Begins St. Philip Catholic School's annual Read-A-Thon ends Friday, Feb. 8. Awards assembly is Friday, Feb. 22 at 1:45 p.m. at the Parish Hall. To donate a prize call St. Philip School at 543-2901 or Kim Socha at 543-1371.

Nada KC Lenten Fish Fry Nada Knights of Columbus hosts a fish fry every Friday from Feb. 8-March 21 from 6-9 p.m. at the Nada Community Center. All you can eat. Adult plates are $9, child (6-11) $4 and under 6 will eat free. Plates to-go are $7.

Fish Plates Served In Danevang Danevang Lutheran Church serves fish plate dinners with dessert at the Danevang Community Hall every Friday for Lent starting Feb. 8 until March 21 from 5-8 p.m. Plates are $7 for dine-in or take-out. Call Darleen at 543-3003 or Maria at 543-7294.

Baked Potato Dinner Benefits ACS Deadline for tickets for the baked potato dinner with chopped beef and banana pudding is Friday, Feb. 8. Dinner is Tuesday, Feb. 19 from 5-6:30 p.m. at Country Pride BBQ on the Loop. Tickets available at Mid Coast Medical Clinic, from any Lifesavers Team member or Superior Motor Parts.

DON'T FORGET

Funds Raised For Ranger Tommy Johnson Sr. An account to help with medical expenses has been set up for Tommy Johnson Sr. at Commercial State Bank. Also a benefit dance, stew supper and auction will be held Saturday, Feb. 9 starting at 4 p.m. at Muldoon's Saloon and Steakhouse. Tommy Johnson is a retired Texas Game Warden and current Special Ranger for the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raiser's Association. Raffle tickets are available at the Wharton County Sheriff's Office, Ryan Services, R&R Printing, R&M Firearms, D-A-M Services or at the Farmers Coop of El Campo.

Cuts For Cancer' Feb. 10 Hair salons interested in participating in the 13th Annual Wharton County Cuts For Cancer should contact Hair Enterprises as soon as possible at 543-7757. This year's Cuts For Cancer is Sunday, Feb. 10. Licensed volunteers are asked to donate their time, at their own salons, cutting hair at regular prices and all proceeds for that day are donated to the American Cancer Society.

EB American Legion Fundraiser American Legion Post 226 of East Bernard hosts its annual scholarship fundraiser Sunday, Feb. 10. Barbecued chicken plates are $7 for dine-in or drive-through. Auction at 12:30 p.m. Free dance after auction. Texas Legacy Czech Band will entertain. Proceeds benefit scholarship fund.

Renewed In Christ's Love Sessions St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church hosts a parish mission, Renewed in Christ's Love, Feb. 10-13 beginning at 7 p.m. at the church with Father James Van Dorn, a Franciscan priest from the Kolbe Friary in Terre Haute, Ind. Call 543-3770 for more information.

Wharton Book Review Club Meeting The Wharton Book Review Club meets Monday, Feb. 11 at 10 a.m. at the Wharton County Historical Museum, 3615 N. Richmond Rd. in Wharton. Reese Vaughn will review Elmer Kelton's memoir Sandhills Boy. Season memberships are $25. Guest and individual reviews are $5. Call Sally Soderquist at 979-532-4936, Sammy Lou Franks at 979-532-4615 or Dorothy Hensley at 543-5837 for information.

Lutherans Host 'Girls of Grace Nation' Faith Lutheran Church hosts "Girls of Grace Nation" How You Live simulcast Saturday, Feb. 23. Tickets are $10 and need to be purchased by Feb. 12. The event is geared for girls in 6th grade and up. For information call Pastor Clyde Grier at 543-1842 or Robin Thonsgaard at 543-8448.

Republican DA Candidates Forum The Wharton County Republican Party hosts a candidate forum Tuesday, Feb. 12 at 6 p.m. at the Wharton Civic Center. District Attorney candidates Dawn Allison and Josh McCown will field questions during the forum and all local Republican Party candidates will have an opportunity to address the voters. The forum is free and open to the public.

Pamper the Parent' Night The STAR Program and UCAP Program host a program for parents to come and get pampered Wednesday, Feb. 13 at the Boys & Girls Club, 713 N. Fahrenthold from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Come enjoy some time to yourself. Lots of surprises. You owe it to yourself, but you need to RSVP to Lupita at 979-245-9231 ext. 7212. This program is funded by a grant from Department of Family and Protective Services.

Father/Daughter Valentine Dance Invitation is open to the community. Make plans now to attend the First United Methodist Church's Father/ Daughter Valentine Dance Saturday, Feb. 16 from 6:30- 8:30 p.m. at the church Fellowship Hall. Tickets are $25 for father-daughter or father-figure couple; tickets are $5 for each additional daughter. Fathers and daughters of all ages are invited to attend, and Sunday attire is suggested. There will be a dessert and appetizer buffet, and professional photos available. For tickets call Missy Cox at 543-1155 or Kim Wood or Michelle Wilson at 543-6426.

BBQ/Live Auction Benefits Accident Victim A benefit barbecue dinner and live auction for Garret Williamson is 4:30-6:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 23 at the Louise Fire Station. Plates are $7.50 for beef and sausage, pinto beans, buttered potatoes, pickles, onions and bread. Tickets available at The Short Stop or Linda Zboril at 979-648-2525 or Lanette Gresham at 979-648-2011. A concert will also be held Saturday at Silver Wings Ballroom.

Mexican Fiesta Dinner/Dance St. Philip School Maintenance committee sponsors a 'Mexican Fiesta' dinner and dance Saturday, Feb. 23 at the El Campo Civic Center. Tickets are $35 per person. Call Kim Singleton at 979-532-5652. Tickets are also available at the school office. To make a cash donation or donate an auction item, contact Michelle Korenek at 541-3228 or Dana Jenkins at 979-578-1430.

Babe Ruth League Registration Wharton Babe Ruth League Registration dates for players ages 13-18 is Saturday, Feb. 16 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 24 from 2-5 p.m. at the Wharton High School baseball field. New players must bring a copy of their birth certificate. Registration fee is $80. All forms are available to print at www.leaguelineup.com/whartonbrb. If interested in coaching or managing a team submit a letter of intent to the Wharton Babe Ruth Board. A Babe Ruth League meeting is Monday, Feb. 4 at 6:30 p.m. at the WHS baseball field. For information call Frank Reyna at 979-532-8441 or Jimmy Schulz at 532-1298 after 6 p.m.

EC Heritage Center Sells Bricks The board of directors of the El Campo Heritage Center reminds people that there are still bricks available to purchase for $100. These will be used for a Garden Path at the new center and are a wonderful way to honor or memorialize a person or group. For information or purchase contact Hubert Kaiser, 543-7313.

Spay/Neuter Assistance Available The Matagorda County SPCA has a program to help financially disadvantaged people in Wharton, Jackson, Matagorda and the southern part of Colorado County get their dogs or cats spayed or neutered. Please call the SPCA at 979-323-8787 for information or for an application, or to help with the effort.

Veterans Service Officer Hours The office of Wharton County Veterans Service Officer Harvey H. Stelzel Jr. is open Tuesdays and Wednesdays through Feb. 27. 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.

Make A Valentine For Someone Special Children can come to the El Campo Museum to make a Valentine for someone special. Valentines may be made anytime during regular business hours, Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. For information call 543-6885.

'Experience El Campo' Now Online Experience El Campo - 2007, the magazine produced by the El Campo Leader-News staff in cooperation with the El Campo Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture, is now online at www.experienceelcampo.com. The 2008 magazine will be out next week. Many local business Web sites will have the online edition of the magazine.