The Spencer Area Visually Impaired/Blind Self-Help Group will hold its monthy meeting at 1:30 p.m., today in the round room of the Spencer Library.

* For information call Kay at 264-8911.

Spencer schools early dismissal

Spencer Community Schools announces that there will be an early dismissal at 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 2 for teacher in-service.


* If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Kathryn Elliott at the Central Office Administration Building at 262-8950.

SMS students to plan service project

Spencer Middle School students will be planning a special service project that will benefit children in foster care. A drive will be conducted by middle school student volunteers to collect items needed when children are removed from the home and are unable to take personal possessions with them to a foster home. Students will meet to discuss and plan the project Wednesday, April 2, at the Spencer Middle School 8th grade pod. School will be dismissed at 12:30 p.m. for a teacher in-service Wednesday, and the meeting will begin immediately after dismissal and will last approximately one hour. Representatives from the foster care system will speak about the needs of foster care children. The Student Service Program is sponsored by the RSVP Volunteer Program and is open to all seveth and 8th graders. Students volunteer at non-profit or public agencies during out-of-school time, as well as participating in special projects such as the foster care drive.

* For more information, please call RSVP at 262-8858.

Veterans benefits and information fair

A veterans benefits and information fair will take place from 1-7 p.m. Wednesday, April 2 at the Convention Center in Wild Rose Casino in Emmetsburg. The event is sponsored by the local VA offices. Veterans and their spouses will be able to obtain information on their VA eligibility for programs and services. Federal staff from both benefits and health care systems will be on hand to answer questions. Presentations will be given on the hour by VA reps for VA benefits and on the half hour for VA health care.

Blood drive on April 3

The Siouxland Community Blood Bank will host a blood drive from 2-6 p.m. Thursday, April 3 in the Royal Community Center.

* For more information, call (712) 252-4208 or (800) 798-4208.

Renew Rural Iowa seminar, April 3

The Iowa Farm Bureau, in association with your local Economic Development group, is bringing the Renew Rural Iowa Business Success Seminar to your area of the state from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Thursday, April 3 at the Clay County Events Center at no cost.

* For more information or to register, call 1-866-950-4955 or email me at dschneider@edcinc.org.

Sioux Central College Planning session

The Sioux Central Community School District guidance office is hosting a free presentation on college planning for high school juniors and their parents. The presentation will be led by a representative from the Iowa Student Loan College Access Network at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 3 in the media center. Topics will include: Preparing for college, what to consider when choosing a college, how to compare colleges, what to look for and ask during campus visits, and an overview of the financial aid process.

Sioux Central FFA Chapter fundraiser

Sioux Central FFA will host a fundraiser from 5:30-7:30 p.m., Friday, April 4 at the Sioux Rapids Legion Hall. There will be a pancake supper at a cost of $5, a silent auction, and a labor auction.

ILCC Emergency

Response Training Center

Iowa Lakes Community College will be hosting an open house for its new Regional Emergency Response Training Center from 3-4:30 p.m. Saturday, April 5 at the ILCC Emmetsburg campus cafeteria. A short program will take place at 3:30 p.m.

April 7 blood drive

The Siouxland Community Blood Bank will hold a blood drive from 12-6 p.m. Monday, April 7 at the Spencer Hospital.