All area women are invited to the "Jee-purse it's Spring" Prayer Connection beginning at 11 a.m. at Santee Crossing in Jackson, Minn., today. It's a time of sharing, and supporting each other with prayer and fellowship. We know everyone is not comfortable praying out loud so bring your concerns, someone will pray for you and you will feel spiritually stronger as you continue your week.

* For questions call (712) 330-0671.

RIDES to "Simply Sinatra" Concert

The Spencer Area Concert Association will present "Simply Sinatra" at 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 9, at the Clay County Regional Events Center. Free transportation is available for both the concert and the pre-performance dinner for Spencer members who need it thanks to the Regional Transit Authority (Rides) and Spencer Municipal Utilities.

* To arrange for transportation, phone 712-262-4500 by noon Thursday, May 8.

Postal Food Drive Saturday

The U.S. Post Office Food Drive will take place this Saturday. Residents are encouraged to place bags or boxes of non-perishable items next to their mail boxes for postal workers to collect. The food will go to Upper Des Moines's food pantry.

Cans for "Ketch"

Johnson Elementary School and the Spencer Middle School are collecting pop cans to help defray medical costs for Beth Snow-Ketchum, a teacher at Johnson Elementary School. She has recently been diagnosed with cancer. Her husband, Mick is a wrestling coach and English teacher at Spencer Middle School. Cans are being collected at all schools: Spencer High School, Fairview Elementary, Johnson Elementary, Lincoln Elementary and Spencer Middle School. Please drop off cans from now until May 12 at any of these locations.

Memorial Day Avenue of Flags

Anyone wishing to have a flag dedicated into the Avenue of Flags on Memorial Day needs to get it in before May 15. The only information that is needed to have a flag dedicated are birth and death dates, branch of service and war served. A donation to help pay for the flag and pole are appreciated.

* For more information, call Barb at 262-9462 during business hours or 262-1710 after hours or bring the flag into The Plaster Shop at 10 W. Fourth St., Spencer.

Glow ball golf tournament postponed

The two-person alternate shot glow ball golf tournament at the Spencer Municipal Golf Course has been scheduled for Friday, May 16. Proceeds will be donated to Relay for Life.

* To register, call the golf course at 580-7280; Mary Fiedler at 260-9086; Penny Bussell at 363-3079; or Connie Lundbeck at 260-5083.

Exhibitors needed for Health Fair

A date has been set for the Annual Health Fair, an event sponsored by the Spencer Area Activity Center and the RSVP Volunteer Program. It will be held Thursday, May 22, at Gateway North Center. People of all ages are invited to participate. Exhibits and health screens will be available form 9a.m. to 12 p.m. Businesses and organizations wishing to rent a booth are asked to call Mary Ann Harden at the Spencer Area Activity Center, 262-1782, as soon as possible, so that space can be reserved. Various workshops will be held throughout the morning. Lunch will be served at noon with door prizes given away after the meal. The only cost for the event is for the optional 12 p.m. meal.

* For more information, please call the Spencer Area Activity Center at 262-1782.

June Employers' Council to focus on ESGR

The June 11 Employers' Council Meeting will be "Employer Support of Guard and Reserve" (ESGR) which will deal with topics timely and relevant to the area. This meeting is free to the public-the time is from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and there is no cost for the meal served (free) or program. The topic will center on how area businesses can help veterans returning from the war transition back into society. There are speakers and resources available, free of charge, to area employers regarding these topics. Since there are units returning to the Estherville area this summer, this topic is especially timely.

* Please register by calling 262-1971 ext 126. Registration deadline will be June 6, Robert.becker@iwd.iowa.gov. Also, if anyone would like to attend the free Employee Assistance Program and the "Hiring Veterans" Program we will have on April 16, 9 a.m. at Iowa Lakes Community College in Spencer, please call as well. That program is also free with free coffee/rolls.