The contest for a new light fixture for the front foyer at Arts on Grand has ended, and the entries are now on display. The public is invited to stop at Arts on Grand and cast a vote for their favorite design. Those attending this year's Backyard Bach & Blues will have an opportunity to vote at the event.

Backyard Bach and Blues

Volunteers are needed for Arts on Grand's "Backyard Bach and Blues" fundraiser party, Saturday, July 12. Help is needed with the following: Event set up at the site on Saturday, preparing cheesecakes (recipes and instructions provided) and donations of hydrangeas or other fresh flowers. To volunteer, contact Joan Fideler at 262-2919.

VFW pancake breakfast

The VFW will be hosting a pancake breakfast, from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 13. A free will offering will be accepted. Pancakes, eggs, sausages and drinks will be served.

IPTV Summer Reading Road Trip

Dan Wardell, host of IPTV Kids Clubhouse, will read an original story from 9-10 a.m., Monday, July 14 at Spencer Public Library, 21 E. Third St. and kids will receive water bottles as a souvenir as part of IPTV's second annual Summer Reading Road Trip. This stop is one of 60 that will be made over the summer as part of the "Catch the Reading Bug" theme.

Spencer Family YMCA kids carnival

The Spencer Family YMCA will be hosting its annual carnival Friday, July 25th, at the YMCA. It is open to all Spencer kids in k-6 grade only. All playground parks will be closed that day and will meet at the YMCA. Also any child in Kids Kamp or Child Care at the YMCA will be able to attend. Kids can purchase tickets at the YMCA or through any park counselor. Tickets are priced at .10 cents a ticket.

* If you have any question please contact Sara Morrow 262-3782 or smorrow@spencerymca.org at the YMCA.

Clay County Toy Show

The Clay County Toy Show will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, July 19, and from 12-5 p.m., Sunday, July 20 at the Southpark Mall. Collectors and toy fans will enjoy the variety of collectibles, farm toys, toy trucks, NASCAR, Coke products and much more memorabilia on display to buy, sell or trade.

'Terrific Trees' at Lost Island Nature Center

Weekend Program at Lost Island Prairie Wetland Nature Center will feature "Terrific Trees" at 10 a.m. on July 12. Join us to learn about Iowa trees as we hike through the forested trails near the Nature Center. We'll make prints of leaves belonging to Iowa natives using the technique of Cherokee leaf printing.

* For more information on this program or other programs at the Nature Center visit www.paccb.org. Sponsored by the Palo Alto County Conservation Board and Palo Alto Soil and Water Conservation District.

Ruthven Yard/Bake Sale

Ruthven United Methodist Yard Sale and Homemade Rolls and Pie

Beginning at 7 a.m. on Saturday, July 12, the Ruthven United Methodist Men are having their 5th Annual Yard Sale at the church on Rolling Street in conjunction with Bully Bull Head Weekend. Proceeds go towards an annual Community Betterment Project.

In addition, the Methodist Women will be holding a bake sale serving homemade cinnamon rolls and coffee in the Fellowship Hall from 7-10 p.m. One block east of the church at the Community Center, you can relax in air conditioned comfort while you enjoy a piece of your favorite kind of homemade pie from 10:30-2:30 p.m. Ice cream, iced tea and coffee will also be available. Proceeds go towards mission projects.

'Invasive Species' talk Monday

Lost Island Prairie Wetland Nature Center Program "Invasive Species" at 7 p.m., July 14. Ecologist, Laura Jackson, Ph.D. from the University of Northern Iowa will be speaking about invasive species. Dr. Jackson will explain what invasive plants and animals are and how we can help prevent them from taking control of Iowa's native habitats. Refreshments will be served. Sponsored by Palo Alto Conservation Board and the Palo Alto Soil and Water Conservation District.

Okoboji Women's Connection

Come, join the fun as Okoboji Women's Connection has a luncheon entitled "Bargain Basement Babes" at the Inn at Okoboji at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 16. Cost for the event is $10. After a style show of found bargains; Ilene Dirks will tell us how she selected life in her talk of "From Lonely Only to Life" since life is all about choices. Each lady was given $15 in play money to spend on clothes for the style show and some have really used their frugal nature to help us have a time of fun and relaxation. A bargain centerpiece will be given away at each table, so, grab your neighbor and join us and we hope you go home a winner.

All reservations are to be honored. Cancellations must be in by Sunday evening July 13 at 712-338-4318.

* For reservations, call: Kay 262-8911 or Darlene 262-2769.