Community Activities East Texas Writers Guild to meet The East Texas Writers Guild will meet Thursday, Jan. 4, at The Texas Store in Bullard. The business meeting is at 6:30 p.m. and the program will start at 7 p.m. Speaker Lynda Trent will discuss "Choosing Your Characters Names... It Is a Very Big Deal!" ETWG meetings are open to published and aspiring writers of every genre on the first Monday of every month except on holidays when meetings will be on the second Monday. The Texas Store is located at 51559 Highway 69 in Bullard.

Youth fishing program begins Saturday

Adults are invited to bring a child and mentor them while fishing for rainbow trout during the Trails to Trout program Saturday, Jan. 6 and Jan. 13 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 pm. The fishing events will be held at the Texas Parks and Wildlife Nature Center pond on Bascom Road between Tyler and Whitehouse. See related story on page 10.

Tyler Aggie Moms Club meets

Tyler Aggie Moms Club will present the Texas A&M Singing Cadets at First Baptist Church in Tyler on Saturday, Jan. 6 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 in advance, $12 at the door. Tickets may be purchased at Austin Bank (Old Bullard Rd), Elaine's Dress Shop in Jacksonville, Elliott's Pharmacy in Hideaway, and the Lindale Main & Shipping House, First Baptist Church in Tyler and from any member of the Tyler Aggie Moms Club. This is a major fundraiser for student scholarships.

Baptist Forerunners meet

The Forerunners, senior adults of First Baptist Church of Troup, will meet for a noon covered dish luncheon Monday, Jan. 8. Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Rainey, who served with the Wycliffe Bible Translators for many years, will tell of their experiences in Peru.

Retired school personnel to meet

Smith County Retired School Personnel Association will meet on Tuesday, Jan. 9 at 2 p.m. Accountant Johnathan Ludlow will speak on investments, avoiding scams and tax information. The group meets at Plyler Instructional Complex, 807 W. Glenwood, Tyler.

Whitehouse Chamber meets Tuesday

The Whitehouse Area Chamber of Commerce will meet at noon on Tuesday, Jan. 9 at the Whitehouse United Methodist Church for their quarterly meeting. On tap for presentation and discussion is a proposed new city park and downtown area ideas. Call Sandra Knackstedt at 903-839-2949 for more information.

Chamber after-hours planned

TD Fitness, located at 203 Hwy. 110 N. Ste. 2, will host the Whitehouse Area Chamber of Commerce after-hours gathering. Members and potential members are invited to attend the event from 5-7 p.m.

Chili Cook Off fundraiser ahead

Azalea Gardens Church of God invites the community attend a Chili Cook Off on Saturday, Jan. 13 from noon to 3 pm. Entry cost is $10 with prizes for the top three entries. Come and enjoy the entries for $5. Bring two canned goods and receive a free dessert. Call Susan Dudley at 903-262-0380. The church is located at 11788 Hwy. 64 E. in Tyler.

Governmental Activities

Troup trustees to meet

Troup ISD trustees meet Monday, Jan. 8 at 6:30 p.m. at the Troup ISD Administration Office at 201 N. Carolina.

Troup City Council Meeting

The regular monthly meeting of the Troup City Council is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 9. The meeting will be held at the Troup ISD Administration Office at 201 N. Carolina.