Briefs 10-2-08

Join us at MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) from 9-11 a.m. today at Hope Reformed Church in the Fellowship Hall. This year's theme "Adventure" will be featured at the meeting. Come find out what it is all about. There will be an abundance of fun and fellowship, with food and drinks provided by the Steering Committee.

* If you have any questions, please contact one of the MOPS co-coordinators, Cassie McCreary 240-0298 or Andrea Crew. Childcare is provided starting at 8:45 a.m.

Open Mic at Arts on Grand tonight

Arts on Grand will host an "open mic" event at 7 p.m., tonight. This is an excellent opportunity for local artists to share their talents in a casual, supportive environment. Interested musicians, poets, or anyone else who would like to take part may sign up in advance at Arts on Grand or just show up that evening.

Spencer Singles Group to meet tonight

Spencer Northwest Iowa Singles will meet at 7 p.m. tonight at the VFW Hall. Join us for snacks and a short meeting following. This group is open to anyone single, widowed or divorced.

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

Visually Impaired/Blind Self-Help Group

The Spencer Area Visually Impaired/Blind Self-Help Group will hold their monthly meeting at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 7 in the Round Room of the Spencer Public Library. Individuals of all ages with vision loss are invited to attend. Family and friends are welcome also. For information call Kay at 264-8911.

Chad Elliott at Shaky Tree

Chad Elliott will be returning to Spencer for a show at 8 p.m., Saturday. Chad has been awarded the great honor of 2008 Kerrville New Folk Finalist and will be performing at Shaky Tree Coffee along with special guest, Mother Banjo. This is a show you wont want to miss! There is a $5 suggested donation to go directly to the artists.

U of O Winter Games meeting

Now that the leaves are starting to turn it is time to begin planning the 29th Annual University of Okoboji Winter Games. The first planning meeting will be held at 5:30 p.m., Monday, Oct. 13 in the Hedberg Theater located in the Okoboji Spirit Center, Arnolds Park. We look forward to new and exciting events this year. This meeting will include any new committee members who have expressed an interest in Winter Games as well as committee members who have done such an excellent job in the past. Bring your thinking cap, and/or stocking cap, and we'll see you there.

Spencer area Farmers Market

The Spencer area Farmers Market will be held every Wednesday and Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to noon in the Southpark Mall parking lot. Come see the homegrown, fresh produce for sale.

Walk for Awareness Oct. 5

The third annual Walk for Awareness, to draw attention to prevention, detection and treatment of breast cancer, is at 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 5. Men, women and children of all ages are encouraged to join the fun walk which will begin at Spencer Hospital's Grand Avenue park, proceed down Grand to Leach Park and then back to the hospital for refreshments.

"This walk is not a competition or a fund-raiser -- it's strictly for fun and awareness so people can walk as far or as little as they'd like and at any speed," said Mindy Sylvester, Spencer Hospital Women's Health Coordinator. "We ask that people come a little before 4 p.m. so we can get everyone registered prior to opening remarks. And, we ask that participants wear pink, the color typically used in breast cancer awareness campaigns."

The walk will also feature an optional 5K extended route for those who would like to push themselves a little further and the first 125 participants will receive a free t-shirt. (In the case of inclement weather, the walk will take place in the Southpark Mall.)

* For more information contact the Spencer Hospital at 264-6649.