Okoboji Women's Connection, a division of Stonecroft Ministries, will have a luncheon at the Inn at Okoboji at 12:30 p.m., today. Cost for the event is $10. Featured speaker is Dee Fero of Tonka Bay, Minn. An author of four books, who has lived in the British West Indies, published monthly devotionals and went back to work after flunking retirement.

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

Dewey author to sign, speak at library

Spencer Public Library will host a book signing by Vicki Myron, author of "Dewey: The Small-town Library Cat Who Touched the World" on Thursday, Sept. 18 at the library. Vicki will speak at 7 p.m. and will sell and sign copies of her book afterward. Friends of the Library will provide refreshments and give away a copy of the book.

'Freedom from Smoking' sessions

Spencer Hospital is offering the "Freedom from Smoking" course, an eight-session, tobacco-cessation program which has been proven effective by the American Lung Associaton. The next course begins Sept. 18 and will be held from 6:30 - 8 p.m. on Thursday nights through Oct. 30, with one Saturday session during the course on Saturday, Oct. 11 from 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.

* Call Spencer Hospital's class registration line to reserve your spot in the fall session at 264-6142. If you'd like to visit with someone to receive more information regarding the class before you register, call 264-6636.

Divorce Care, Divorce Care 4 Kids

Divorce Care is 13-week series of videos, featuring nationally recognized experts on divorce recovery, and small group discussion sessions. Sessions will run Tuesday evenings from 6:30-8 p.m., through Dec. 2 at Hope Reformed Church in Spencer. This series is designed to encourage you and help you to put things into perspective so you can make more rational choices about your future. It is a non-denominational recovery group for men and women that are separated, divorced, going though a divorce, or have ended a long term relationship, whether you have children or not. Each session addresses a new topic and is complete so you are invited to join the group at anytime. If you are not able to attend all of the sessions we encourage you to attend as many as possible.

Divorce Care 4 Kids is for children ages 5-12. Sessions will run Tuesday evenings from 6:30-8 p.m., from Sept. 9 through Dec. 2 at Hope Reformed Church in Spencer. It will be held at the same time as the adult Divorce Care. If you are struggling with issues surrounding your divorce so are your children. A special curriculum for them is being offered consisting of games, stories, music, etc. A child psychologist that has specialized in counseling children of divorce has written it. Your children are going though your divorce, a past divorce, or separation too. They have many emotions that need to be addressed and need special understanding in a neutral environment. Your children are welcome even if for some reason you are not able to attend.

Participants must pre-register by phoning 262-3016, between 9 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Please tell us if you will have children in Divorce 4 Kids or will need childcare for a child under age five.

Spencer NW Iowa Singles Dance

Come dance with us from 8 p.m.-Midnight, Friday, Oct. 3 at the Everly Community Center. Door prizes, singles/couples welcome, $8 per person, Stone Cold Country, 50s, 60s, Country and Rock-N-Roll. Sponsored by the "new" Spencer NW Iowa Singles.

* For more information call Tim, 260-0616, after 9 p.m.

Second Annual Chamber Breast Cancer Awareness luncheon

Kick off Breast Cancer Awareness Month at the Second Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Luncheon at 12 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 7 at The Inn At Okoboji for a fantastic lunch and great speakers. Sponsored by Carpet One Floor and Home, luncheon topics will include early detection, prevention and treatment of breast cancer, presented by Lakes Regional Healthcare and American Cancer Society representatives. Entry to the luncheon is only $10 and all guests receive a free gift.

* Contact Erin at The Chamber at (712) 332-2107 for reservations. A limited number of seats are available so call now to reserve your spot.

The Starlings to play ShakyTree

The Starlings duo will be live on stage at Shaky Tree Coffee Sept. 20 at 8 p.m. The music is described as "rootsy with simple beauty."

YMCA taking infant pre-registration

As of January 2009, the Spencer Family YMCA will have a facility to offer quality licensed childcare to infants six weeks and older. Pre-registration for the childcare is beginning Sept. 30. You do not have to be a member of the YMCA to register your child. Registration and deposit must be in by Oct. 1 to be included in the lottery system. The drawing will be held on Oct. 6, you do not have to be present. Registrations can be picked up at the YMCA or downloaded online at www.spencerymca.org. The YMCA is excited about the greater capacity to service Spencer area families.