10/23/08 Briefs

Spencer Hospital offers a free blood pressure clinic each Wednesday morning between 9-10 a.m. in the lobby on the first floor at the Spencer Hospital.

New Red Cross Emmetsburg location

The Iowa Great Lakes Chapter of the American Red Cross will hold a "Business After Five" at its new Emmetsburg office from 5-7 p.m. tonight. The location is inside the Brink's Building at 2105 Main St. in Emmetsburg.

Grape growers offer info

The Northwest Grape Growers Association would like to invite anyone interested in learning more about growing grapes to an informational meeting for those considering a business or hobby in that area. A wine tasting will follow the meeting. The meeting will take place at 6:30 p.m. tonight with welcome and introductions starting at 7 p.m. The event will take place at the InnSpiration Bed & Breakfast at 1890 510th St. in Linn Grove.

For more info, call Bill Bush at (515) 351-9843.

NAMI plans public forum

October is National mental Illness Awareness Month. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of NW IA will host a public forum at 7 p.m. tonight at the Cedar Conference room in the lower level of the Spencer Hospital, 1200 1st Ave. E. Spencer. Presenters on Dialectial Behavioral Therapy group, the ISP Jail Project, Peer Support and information on new medications will be shared with invited legislators, candidates, elected officials, service providers and families.

Please contact George and Betty at 362-2753 or Kim at 262-9438 for more information.

VFW Breakfast

VFW Post 3159 will host a Sunday breakfast of pancakes, sausage and ham, juice and coffee from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 26. Everyone welcome. A free will donation will be accepted.

CAASA to host candlelight vigil

CAASA will host a candlelight vigil marking Domestic Violence Awareness Month at 7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 26 at Grace Lutheran Church, 801 Hill Ave., Spirit Lake. This is an opportunity to mourn those who have died, celebrate those who have survived, and connect with those who have worked to end domestic violence. Everyone is welcome.

MOPS clothing swap

The Spencer MOPS group is hosting a Fall/Winter Clothing Swap. It will be held from 5-7:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 27 at Hope Reformed Church's Harbor Hall. The clothing swap is open to the public. Donations will be accepted on Sunday, Oct. 26 between 2-4 p.m. for gently used fall and winter clothing of all sizes, baby furniture and supplies, toys and books. All items must be in good repair and condition. This is strictly a swap, no money will be asked for as you shop for "new to you" items. You do not have to give to receive. All items left over will be donated to local children's programs and Cherish House in Spirit Lake.

For more information, contact Cassie at 262-1025.

Halloween Hike

The annual Halloween Hike will begin at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 27 at Lost Island Huston Park. Guides with lanterns will lead hikers down the trail to meet a variety of characters. Groups will hike about 40 minutes, leaving the south picnic shelter about every 10 minutes. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Fee is $1 per person.

Reservations are required at (712) 837-4866.