Briefs 12/19/08

Please join us at a "Come-and-Go" reception to wish Kitty Conover the best in her retirement from Iowa Lakes Community College and to welcome Mary Mohni, chief academic officer and new campus administrator. The reception will be held from 2:30-4 p.m., Friday, Dec. 19 at Iowa Lakes Community College at Gateway North in Spencer. At the request of the honorees, please no cards or gifts.

Angel Food Ministry order pickup

The First Christian Church at 701 East 18th St., Spencer is hosting the Angel Food Ministry each month. You will be able to pick up the food ordered, on Saturday, Dec. 20, 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....

2008 Audubon Christmas

Bird Count Postponed

Due to inclement weather, the Annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count is postponed until Saturday, Dec. 20. Spend the day or part of the day experiencing the joy of discovering how many species of birds the group can find. All who wish to participate will be matched with experienced counters. Meet at the Spirit Lake Hy-Vee coffee shop at 7 a.m. or at noon for assignments.

'Walking Beans' book signing

Jean Tennant of Everly, has compiled 30 heartwarming, funny and dramatic stories about life in the Midwest, ranging from the days after the Depression to the more recent past in a book titled, "Walking Beans Wasn't Something You Did With Your Dog: Stories of Growing Up and Around Small Towns in the Midwest." Jean will be signing her book at On Eagles' Wings in Spencer from 1-2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20. On Eagles' Wings is located at 5th and Grand in downtown Spencer. These stories were written by authors from Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, Illinois and more. Authors from northwest Iowa are from Everly, Hartley, Spencer, Primghar, Sanborn, and Spirit Lake.

Zion United Methodist

holiday music rescheduled

Zion United Methodist Church, rural Spencer, will once again host its annual Christmas Evening of Carols and Hymns at 7 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 21. The event was originally scheduled for Dec. 14 but weather caused the postponement. Those attending are sure to be reminded of a time when family and friends gathered together to celebrate Christmas in a simple, meaningful way. Refreshments will also be served.

Schoer retirement reception

In appreciation of Sylvia Schoer's dedicated public service as a Clay County Supervisor for the past 20 years, the public is invited to attend her retirement celebration at a come-and-go reception from 2-4 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 30 at the Clay County Administration Building board room. A short program will begin at 3 p.m.

Siouxland Blood Bank

The Siouxland Community Blood Bank will be in two locations on Wednesday, Dec. 31. From 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Southpark Mall in Spencer, and from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Terril Cable Systems.

Sock drive underway

The annual sock drive is underway at the Southpark Mall. Simply purchase socks, at any of the stores in the mall, to be donated to Upper Des Moines. You will be given a paper sock ornament on which to write your name, and that ornament will be placed on the Christmas tree next to the fountain in the mall. This is a very inexpensive way to share your spirit of the holiday season. Last year we collected 105 pairs of socks.

Spencer seeks planning volunteers

Spencer Community Schools is asking interested community members to volunteer and give input to the Spencer School Board on long-range planning and the district budget. The volunteer group will meet in January to give input and recommendations to the school board. The time commitment will involve two meetings at school as well as individually filling out a prioritization of budget items.

Interested persons should contact Superintendent Greg Ebeling at 262-8950 or at gebeling@spencer.k12.ia.us.

Traveling mountain lion exhibit

The Prairie Heritage Center will be home to a traveling mountain lion exhibit now through Jan. 30. This interactive exhibit was originally developed for the Effie Yeaw Nature Center of Carmichael, Calif. with funding from the American River Natural History Association, AT&T and the Family of Earlene Fiorillo. The exhibit was brought to Iowa by funding from REAP-CEP with the support of the Black Hawk County Conservation Board and Friends of the Harman Reserve.

The hours at the Prairie Heritage Center are Wednesday-Friday from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 1-4 p.m. The center will also be open on Monday, Dec. 29 and Tuesday, Dec. 30 from 1-4p.m. to accommodate out-of-town visitors and others enjoying the holiday break.

Seeking resident advocate volunteers

Do you enjoy working with seniors and have a few hours a month? Becoming a resident advocate volunteer at the St. Luke Lutheran Home in Spencer may be for you. This rewarding experience promotes the improvement of quality of life for residents living in long-term care facilities. Volunteers are asked to visit residents three hours a month and attend quarterly committee meetings. During visits, volunteers assist residents to understand and exercise their rights. They also work as a team to find solutions to resident and/or family concerns. Beginner orientation and on-going education is provided.

For more information or an application form on becoming a resident advocate volunteer contact Tonya Amos, Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman, at 1-800-532-3213, or visit our website at www.state.ia.us/elderaffairs/advocacy/ra....