As the month of May comes to an end, the pools are opening, the children are counting down the last days of school and summertime is only a few weeks away.

BIRTHDAYS

Happy birthday to Heather Browder, of Quinland, on May 27.

Birthday wishes go out to Mandy Doss, of Barrett, on May 29.

Philba Young, formerly of Van, will celebrate her birthday on May 30.

Happy birthday to Larry Doss, of Barrett, on June 2.

Debbie Kingery, of South Charleston, formerly of James Creek, will celebrate her birthday on June 3.

Happy birthday to John Sharp, formerly of Williams Mountain, will celebrate his birthday on June 3.

Happy belated birthday to Miss M.J. White, of Greenwood, who celebrated her birthday on May 16.

ANNIVERSARIES

Tim and Susan Harless, of Barrett, will celebrate their anniversary on June 2.

Happy anniversary to Lee and Ernestine Harper, of Madison, on June 2.

GET WELL

Get well wishes go out to my papaw, Joe Hamrick, of Webster Springs, who will undergo surgery on June 14. We love you so much and hope you are feeling better soon!

Get well wishes go out to the following: Dawson Green, of Comfort, who was in the hospital recently; Kim Wilson, of Barrett, who has to undergo tests; Marilyn Green, of Barrett, who has to have blood work; Hershey Osborne, of Williams Mountain, who is ill; Delcie Osborne, of Williams Mountain, who was in Boone Memorial Hospital with pneumonia; Mikie Workman, of Twilight, who recently was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis; Diane Fuller, of Barrett, who had surgery; Steve Morrison, of Barrett, who is in Raleigh General Hospital; Charlie White, of Gordon, who is undergoing treatments; Harold Crihfield, of Uneeda, who is not well; John Frame, of Bim, who is having problems with arthritis; Eddie Adams, of Bob White, who is ill and needs prayer; Roger Jones, of Barrett, who is very ill and needs prayer; and Paul Carver, of Williams Mountain, who will return to Kings Daughters Hospital for more tests. You all are in our thoughts and prayers.

SYMPATHY

Deepest sympathy wishes go out to the family of Elwanda Butcher, 83, of Wharton, who passed away May 16 at Boone Memorial Hospital.

COMMUNITY NEWS

The Gordon Union Church will have a fundraiser for Kristen Woodrum, of Van, on June 7 starting at 10 a.m. The church will sell hot dogs and baked goods. Hot dog dinners also are available -- two hot dogs, pop and dessert for $4.

SCHOOL NEWS

The fifth-grade classes at Van and Wharton elementary schools will take a trip to Ohio on May 30-31.

Wharton Elementary School’s field day is scheduled for May 29.

Wharton Elementary School’s honor banquet is set for June 2.

CHURCH NEWS

The Gordon Union Church held a special recognition service on May 21. The congregation honored its 2008 graduating seniors who attend their church. Zack Zornes, Kacie Legg and Willie Huddleston each were given a Thompson Chain Reference Bible with their names engraved on it and other gifts. A reception also was held in the graduates' honor.

The Martha Freewill Baptist Church at Bandytown will conduct a 2 p.m. service on June 1 with a special speaker, Rev. Jerry Vance, and special singers, "Partakers of Grace." Pastor Chip Frame invited everyone to attend.

If you have any news or information you want to put in this column, please send it to me at vanwhartonnews@yahoo.com or HC 78 Box 13, Wharton, WV 25208. You also can call me at 247-6917. I need your information by 5 p.m. on Thursdays.

Until next week, take care.