It almost the middle of July already! Time just keeps flying by. I know many of you are going on vacations and I wish you all a safe and happy trip!

Quote of the Week

“Vacation: a period of travel and relaxation when you take twice the clothes and half the money you need.”

-Author Unknown

BIRTHDAYS

Happy belated birthday wishes go out to Kacie Legg, of Wharton, on July 10. Love Dallas and Dakota Vint.

Happy belated birthday to our MaMaw Waveleane and her twin brother Willard, on July 13. 67th. Keep on rockin’. Love Roger and Cody Workman.

Birthday wishes go out to Steven Muncy, of Williams Mountain, on July 15. From PaPaw and MaMaw Sutphin.

Diane Dickerson, of Wharton, will celebrate her birthday on Jul. 15.

Happy birthday to Amber Webb, of Bob White, on July 16.

Louise Gibson, of Morganton N.C., will celebrate her birthday on July 16.

Happy Birthday to Patty Burgess, of Twilight, on July 16.

Birthday wishes go out to Joey Bias, of Bigson, July 17.

Phil Rowe, of Gordon, will celebrate his birthday on July 18.

Happy Birthday to Gwen Smith, of Bull Creek, on July 18.

Paula Burns, of Madison, will celebrate her birthday on July 18.

Happy birthday to Wendell Harper, of Van, July 18.

Erik Hall, of Madison, will celebrate his birthday on July 19.

Happy 11th birthday to Chandler Reyde Castle, of James Creek, on July 20. We hope you had a great birthday Chany! We love you so much, Dad, Mom, Garrett, Jagger, and Maddiex,.

Stephanie Morrison, of St. Albans, will celebrate her birthday on July 20.

Birthday wishes go out to Liz Johnson, of Van, on July 20.

Jimmy Castle II, of Madison, will celebrate his birthday on July 20.

Happy birthday to James Weaver, of Bandytown, on July 20.

ANNIVERSARIES

Happy anniversary to Matt and April Johner, of Wharton, on Jul. 11. Love Dallas and Dakota Vint.

Happy anniversary to Stacy and Jen Harris, of Barrett, on July 19.

GET WELL

Get well wishes go out to James Adkins, who was in the hospital; Cameron Wilson who was in Women and Children’s Hospital; Steve Justice, of Gordon, who underwent surgery twice and needs our prayers; Chops Vint, of Barrett, who is not well; Daniel Green, of Barrett, who underwent tests and has two aneurysms in his legs; Maggie Linville, of Van, who is recovering at the Boone Healthcare Center; Pam Doss, of Mount Hope, who has rare back disease, weak heart and bad lungs; Carla White, of Barrett, who has Chron’s Disease; Marilyn Green, of Barrett, who is still undergoing tests; and David “Mousie” Castle, who hasn’t been well.

CONGRATULATIONS

Congratulations to Matt and April Johner, of Barrett, on the birth of their son Mason Levi. Mason was born on July 9, 2009 weighing eight pounds, 11 ounces. He has one big brother Aaron and one big sister Maycee. We are so happy for you all!

CHURCH NEWS

The Star of Bethlehem Freewill Baptist Church at Twilight and its pastor, Rev. Melvin Messer, invite everyone to attend their services Sunday mornings at 10:30, Sunday evenings at 7 and Wednesday evenings at 7. Children's Church is held each Wednesday. The church will have dinner at noon and afternoon service at 2 on the second Sunday of each month. Ricky Bailey drives the church van throughout the community. Anyone who wants a ride to and from church services should call Bailey at 245-8493.

The Star of Bethlehem Freewill Baptist Church at Twilight will have a gospel sing and praise service on July 18 at 7 p.m. Partakers of Grace will perform. Everyone is invited. Call Pastor Melvin Messer at 369-1781 for more information.

Bim Freewill Baptist Church will conduct Vacation Bible School July 20-25 from 12 to 2 p.m. with the theme entitled “Prayers From The Pond.” Everyone is welcome to attend !

A new church is being organized in the Wharton-Barrett area. The Church of God of Prophecy will conduct services beginning on the first Sunday on Aug. 2 at 10 a.m., at Barrett’s Circle next to Miner’s Market. Wednesday night services will be held at 6 p.m. along with children's church conducted for all ages. Creative Bible lessons along with crafts and refreshments will be served. Bring the children and youth or send them. We would love to have them to come and join us! Everyone is welcome to attend the services. Pastor Shirley Doss welcomes everyone! For more information call 304-247-6544.

Vacation Bible School will be held at the Wharton Missionary Baptist Church with Mission team from Georgia extending a helping hand in the VBS that will be held July 20-23 from 10 to 12:30 p.m. each day. If anyone needs a ride you can contact Buster Stowers at 247-6778 or Allen Harvey at 247-6479. Everyone is welcome to attend!

Vacation Bible School will be held at Bigson Freewill Baptist Church on July 27-31 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. The 2009 theme is entitled “God To The Rescue.” Everyone is welcome to attend.

SCHOOL NEWS

The Energy Express site at Wharton Elementary school is holding a clothing drive. Clothing can be dropped off until July 21 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. If you cannot bring the clothing in call the school and someone will come and pick it up. They will also be holding an Open House on July 21.

COMMUNITY NEWS

TOPS (Take off Pound Sensibly) meets each Tuesday at 5:30 weigh-in and 6 program at the Wharton-Barrett Community Center. We would love to see new members who want to lose the weight and keep it off. Join us for $26 a year. Spouse and teens for only at $13 a year. The chapter has new scales that are professional in weighing up to 400 pounds. The chapter had lost over 400 pounds in less than a year when they organized last August. We are ready to experience another year in the battle against obesity. Contact TOPS Leader Marilyn Green at 247-6376 for more information.

I am now selling Stampin’ Up! Stampin’ Up is a scrapbook, rubber stamp, paper, etc. company. If you are interested in more information or would like a catalog please email me at caracastle@hughes.net.

If you have information that you would like to share, please send it in. This column needs all of you to keep it full of information.

If you have any news you would like to see in this column, please send it to me at vanwhartonnews@yahoo.com or 467 James Branch Road, Wharton, WV 25208. You can call me at 247-6917. If I am not home, please leave me a message. I need your information by 5 p.m. on Thursdays. Until next week, take care.