Briefs 10-10-08

The SHS Band Boosters will host the Homecoming Tailgate Party, Friday, Oct. 10, serving at Dale Norton Field from 5:45 p.m. to kickoff. The meal will include pulled pork sandwiches, cheesy potatoes, green bean casserole and a drink for $5.

Owl Prowl at Horsehoe Bend

The Prairie Lakes Audubon Society is hosting an evening picnic and "Owl Prowl" at 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11 at Horseshoe Bend County Park shelter, located one mile south of Milford on Highway 71, three miles west on 240th St. Hot dogs and chips provided (bring your own beverage). Come enjoy the fellowship, nature activities and owl walk at this great family event.

Local author featured on Educator Appreciation Day

Local author of "A Purple Hippo Pillow," Amy J. Maurer, was asked by Barnes n' Noble of West Des Moines to be a guest speaker at their upcoming Educator Appreciation Day and Reception at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 12. She will also read and sign books at the event.

Okoboji Women's Connection

Come; join the fun as Okoboji Women's Connection entitled "Follow the Yellow Brick Road" meets at the Inn at Okoboji at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 15. Cost for the event is $10. Angela Wilson of Pella will be the featured speaker with a talk "The Road Less Taken." Angela's theme comes from a Robert Frost poem. She grew from a mother of one to a mother of five when she remarried and combines their families and tells of other life experiences. A silent auction will be the special feature; with time allowed for bidding. Come, enjoy the day as we are inspired by Angela's talk and satisfied with the purchase of an item on the silent auction. If you have something you can donate to the auction, please bring it that day. We ask that they be new or almost new items. All reservations are to be honored.

* Cancellations must be in by Sunday evening to Darlene at 262-2769.

Band Boosters paper drive

The SHS Band Boosters are hosting a paper drive from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 18. Please bring your newspapers and magazines to Complete Recovery at 712 East Milwaukee St. in Spencer. Proceeds will help defray transportation costs for the marching band's trip to Walt Disney World in January.

Dvergsten Day Care registrations

Registrations are still being accepted for the new Dvergsten Childcare Center. The new center will be opening very soon. Registrations can be picked up at the YMCA front desk or downloaded online at www.spencerymca.org. Deposits must be paid at the time of registration.

Ballroom dancing

The TMTM Dance Club will host ballroom dancing from 7-11 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 11 at the Hartley Community Center. Music will be provided by Erv Reutzel. The public is welcome.

Spencer YMCA celebrates 'families'

For the month of October the Spencer Family YMCA is celebrating "Families". We are offering all new family members in the month of October a free family fun night. Pizza and movie to celebrate family togetherness.

* If you are interested in learning more about the Spencer Family YMCA, contact Cindy Tigges, Membership and Marketing Director at 262-3782 or email ctigges@spencerymca.org.

Angel Food Ministry orders

The First Christian Church at 701 E. 18th St., Spencer is hosting the Angel Food Ministry. Order dates are Saturday, Oct. 11 from 5-7 p.m. and on Sunday, Oct. 12 from 9-10 a.m. and 12-1 p.m. You will be able to pick up the food ordered, on Saturday, Oct. 25 from 9-11 a.m.. Each month you will have an opportunity to order food.

* If you have any questions or would like to look at the menu, please visit http://www.spencerdisciples.org/ministri....

'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 tonight 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.

VFW pancake breakfast

The VFW will host a pancake and sausage breakfast from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 12. A freewill offering will be accepted. Everyone is welcome.

Chamber of Commerce Meeting

The Spencer Chamber of Commerce invites the public to its 76th Annual Meeting beginning with a 5 p.m. social hour, 6 p.m. dinner and 7 p.m. program on Monday, Oct. 13 at the Clay County Regional Events Center Ballroom. Deadra Stanton, owner of Creative Communication will present "Don't Shoot Skinny Rabbits" and the Jack Wedel Award will be presented.

* Contact the Spencer Chamber offices to purchase tickets, 122 W. Fifth St. or call 262-5680.

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.