2012 Parade!

We are pleased to announce that Billie Jones, Wharton newspaper columnist and retired chamber executive, will be the parade marshal at the 32nd Annual Wharton Holiday Parade, Pre-parade entertainment will kick off at 6 p.m. and the parade at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 20, in downtown Wharton.

Billie dedicates just about every living second to the furthering of our community, and that's why we think she is an excellent choice as parade marshal. She has been in the thick of just about everything positive that happens in our town, from the development of the  Boys & Girls Club to the 20th Century Technology Museum. And she has the courage to say and write what she thinks even when it may not be popular or expedient. She is a leader.

The theme of this year's parade is "A Nutcracker Christmas."

Entry forms are available for download, as well as booth forms.  For an entry form and release, click here.  For a vendor booth application, click here.

Jeff Rainer is parade committee chair.

Go To Newsletter Vol 3, No. 37

Did you know...

The single best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccine each season.  According to the CDC, yearly flu vaccination should begin in September, or as soon as vaccine is available, and continue throughout the flu season which can last as late as May. This is because the timing and duration of flu seasons vary. While flu season can begin early as October, most of the time seasonal flu activity peaks in January, February or later.

Who should get vaccinated? 
The CDC advises everyone 6 months and older to get a flu shot, but especially those people who are at high risk of having serious flu-related complications or because they live with or care for people at high risk for developing flu-related complications.
Those at high risk of developing flu-related complications include: 

• Children younger than 5, but especially children younger than 2 years old
• Adults 65 years of age and older
• Pregnant women
• American Indians and Alaskan Natives seem to be at higher risk of flu complications
• People who have medical conditions including:
  • Asthma (even if it’s controlled or mild)
  • Neurological and neurodevelopmental conditions [including disorders of the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerve, and muscle such as cerebral palsy, epilepsy (seizure disorders), stroke, intellectual disability (mental retardation), moderate to severe developmental delay, muscular dystrophy, or spinal cord injury]
  • Chronic lung disease (such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD] and cystic fibrosis)
  • Heart disease (such as congenital heart disease, congestive heart failure and coronary artery disease)
  • Blood disorders (such as sickle cell disease)
  • Endocrine disorders (such as diabetes mellitus)
  • Kidney disorders
  • Liver disorders
  • Metabolic disorders (such as inherited metabolic disorders and mitochondrial disorders)
  • Weakened immune system due to disease or medication (such as people with HIV or AIDS, or cancer, or those on chronic steroids)
  • People younger than 19 years of age who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy
  • People who are morbidly obese (Body Mass Index [BMI] of 40 or greater)

Here in Wharton, flu shots are now available at South Texas Medical Clinics!

For more information on the flu and to get more flu facts, click here.

For more information regarding flu shots at STMC or to make an appointment, call the Clinic at 979-532-1700. 

Today we remember 9/11

I remember exactly where I was and what I was doing 11 years ago, on 9/11/01 as I am sure many of you do.  Today is a solemn day, a day to remember not only what occurred on that day and honor those we lost, but also to recognize the sacrifice that our military has made in the war on terrorism.  

Today at noon at the Wharton County Courthouse Gazebo you can join local churches and leaders for the annual Cry Out America Prayer Gathering.  This is a time for us to come together to recognize the sacrifice of our military, remember 9/11, and pray for our national, state, county and city leaders.  The program will last about 45 minutes.  Please bring a chair if you wish to be seated during the program.  

One of my friends posted this on Facebook and I wanted to share. 

I'll leave you with a quote...

"Now, we have inscribed a new memory alongside those others. It's a memory of tragedy and shock, of loss and mourning. But not only of loss and mourning. It's also a memory of bravery and self-sacrifice, and the love that lays down its life for a friend-even a friend whose name it never knew. " 

-President George W. Bush, December 11, 2001

For those of you who like good BBQ as much as I do, you are in for a treat! 

The Knights of Columbus 3262 will be holding their annual bazaar and celebration this Sunday, September 9, from 11:00am-4:00pm at the KC Hall, located at 2820 N. Fulton St. 

BBQ Chicken and Sausage plates with all the trimmings will be available, dine in or drive through, for $8 each.  Serving will start at 11.  Along with great BBQ, there will also be a raffle, auction, cake walk, and games for the kiddos!  

So if you're looking for something fun to do Sunday afternoon, the KC Hall in Wharton is the place to be! 

Go-To Newsletter, Vol. 3, No. 35

To view a larger, printable version of the newsletter, click on the newsletter.

Welcome to Wharton Chamber of Commerce's new blog!  Our mission here at the chamber is to make Wharton a better place to live, work and do business.  

We have several Chamber events coming up in the near future.  First is the Monterey Square Wine & Arts Fair, which will be held on Saturday, October 13 from 3:00-9:00pm.  The 4th annual Wine & Arts Fair will feature wines from Haak Winery and Vineyards of Santa Fe, TX.  

The Chamber's 5th Annual Golf Tournament will be held the following Saturday, October 20 at the Wharton Country Club.  The tournament will be a four-man scramble (morning flight only) and entry will be limited to 15 teams (so register soon to reserve your spot!!!).  Play will begin at 8:00am.  Breakfast, lunch and refreshments will be provided to all players and volunteers.  Sponsorships are also available.  We have four different sponsorship levels.  If you would like more information regarding sponsorships, give me (Michelle) a call at the Chamber (979-532-1862) and I'd be glad to help you. :)

Information on any of our events can also be found on our website and the official Wharton, Texas Facebook page.