Briefs 3-14-09

A bird house workshop will be held at 1 p.m. today at Lost Island Nature Center, north of Ruthven. To build a wren house, just bring a hammer. Call (712) 837-4866 for more information.

Bake sale today

A bake sale will be held today at the Southpark Mall. The groups will be: "People to People Ambassador Program" for Devan McCord Fund Raiser and DreamTeam.

First Christian Church holds Angel Food Ministry

The First Christian Church at 701 East 18th St., Spencer, is hosting the Angel Food Ministry each month. You may order boxes of food that contain fresh meats, fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables, and staple items. Each box contains approximately $65 worth of groceries for only $30. Order today from 5-7 p.m. Sunday, March 15, from 9-10 a.m. and again from noon-1 p.m. You will be able to pick up the food ordered on Saturday, March 28, from 9-11 a.m.

Ballroom dancing at Hartley

Ballroom dancing with the TMTM Dance Club will be held 7-11 p.m. tonight at the Hartley Community Center. Music will be provided by Mearl Lake. The public is invited to attend.

High school dance at events center

High school students are invited to a St. Patrickصs Day dance from 9 p.m. to midnight tonight at the Clay County Regional Events Center Ballroom. Concessions stands will be open. Wear green for a free soda.

Greenville soup, dessert dinner

The third annual Greenville Soup and Dessert Dinner will be held 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. at the Greenville Community Center on Sunday, March 15. Choices of soup are chicken noodle, vegetable beef or chili with lots of cakes and bars to choose from. A free-will donation will be taken, with all proceeds going to the Greenville Park Fund and the Fourth of July Celebration. Also on hand will be the new park equipment being purchased.

Soup and pie supper

American Legion Post No. 1 and Ladies Auxiliary will host a soup and pie supper from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, March 15. A free-will offering will be accepted.

Hear Brockshus at the keyboard

Spencer area folks are in for a treat at 7 p.m. on Sunday, March 15, at Arts on Grand. Isaac Brockshus, son of Beth and Ross Brockshus, will present an evening concert of original music composed for the electronic keyboard. The sophomore music major at the University of Northern Iowa has been writing his own compositions for over five years.

Free family film offered

Grace United Methodist Church, 311 2nd Avenue West, Spencer will screen a free family film for the public at 7 p.m. Sunday, March 15. Free theater popcorn will be offered. Please use the East Narthex doors.

Ramping for independence

The Spencer ADA Council and Sunshine Services are sponsoring a free workshop from 7-9 p.m. on Wednesday, March 25 in the Spencer City Hall council chambers for anyone wanting to learn how to design and build an accessible ramp. A free dinner will also be served. Kelly Dinges, program manager for the Iowa Contractor Network, will present the night's program. Whether you are a contractor or a handy man making a little cash on the side, please join us! Registration is required by Friday, March 20. Just call Sunshine Services at 262-7805.

Parade of Bands concert rescheduled
 The Spencer Parade of Bands Concert will be held at 7 p.m. on Monday, March 16.

No garbage trucks down alleys

Effective until further notice, the city's garbage trucks will not be going down alleys in Spencer to pick up garbage or recycling. Residents accustomed to alley pick-ups should place their garbage on the curb in front of their homes until further notice.

Blood drive alert

The Siouxland Community Blood Bank will host a blood drive from 2:30-5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 17, at Grace United Methodist Church, Spencer.

Incoming kindergarten parent meeting

The incoming parent kindergarten meeting has been rescheduled to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 17, at the central office building. Registration will begin at 6:30 p.m. Questions? Contact the principal at Fairview Elementary at 262-4842.

Book drive to benefit young children in area

New and gently used children books will be collected during Sioux Central parent/teacher conferences from 4-8 p.m. on Wednesday, March 18, and Thursday, March 19. The books collected will be donated to young children within the Sioux Central, Albert City-Truesdale and South Clay school districts to encourage pre-reading skills. For more information, contact Melanie Bloom at (712) 283-2571.

Social workers brown bag lunch

Seasons Center will host a noon brown bag lunch meeting on Wednesday, March 18. This will be an opportunity for social workers in the area to meet and share with each other the ways they make a difference in the lives of the people they serve.

MOPS to meet

Join your fellow mom friends at MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) from 9-11 a.m. on Thursday, March 19, at Hope Reformed Church. We will have a vacation planner join us and help us discover economical ways to vacation. We'll also make a fun craft. It's the Tipsy Houses turn to bring breakfast. If you have questions, contact Andrea Crew at 262-4391 or Cassie McCreary at 240-0298. Childcare is provided starting at 8:45 a.m. Join us for pizza after MOPS.

Talent show at Sacred Heart

Sacred Heart School will present a student talent show on Thursday, March 19, at 6:30 p.m. in the school gym. The public is welcome to attend and watch the students perform their acts of song, dance and juggling. We will have a surprise master of ceremonies for the evening's festivities. Come and enjoy an evening of family entertainment at Sacred Heart School!

Women's Night Out

Join the Friends of CAASA in cooperation with Avera Spencer Family Care, Lite 104.9, CD 107.7, KICD-AM, and the Farmers Bank of Spencer for Women's Night Out on March 19, from 4-9:30 p.m. at the Clay County Regional Event Center in Spencer. This is an opportunity for women to network with friends and colleagues. Participants can browse health and beauty centers from 4-6:30 p.m. The centers will include hair and makeup demonstrations, massage therapists, meal preparation, preserving memories, house accessorizing, spiritual and motivational gift items, among others. A humorous, motivational "Celebrate the Everyday Hero: The Power of Kindness" presentation by Amy Dee-Kristensen will follow a 6:30 p.m. dinner. The evening will culminate with door prize drawings and the announcement of the outstanding woman of 2008. Pre-registration is required and seating is limited. For registration information, contact Jacquie at 262-4612.

Evening Shade Lodge garage sale

Evening Shade Lodge #312 invites the public to its second-annual garage sale fundraiser Friday, March 20, from 4:30 to 7 p.m and Saturday, March 21, from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Masonic Temple, 103 East Fourth Street. Home baked goods also will be on sale.

Terril Kiwanis fun night

The Terril Kiwanis Club will be hosting a fun night on Saturday, March 21, to be held at the Terril Library/Memorial Building. The evening will begin with a Maid rite supper from 5-6:30 p.m. The meal will include baked beans, chips, dessert and a drink. Immediately following, bingo will be played. All the evening's prizes have been donated by local businesses. Throughout the evening, a silent auction and live auction will take place. Many of the items are collectibles, with the bid item going to the highest bidder for both auctions. Kiwanis members are currently selling raffle tickets for the chance to win a gift basket valued at over $100. Chances will be sold the evening of the event also. All monies raised will be used for Memorial building and city playground improvements. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans will provide financial assistance.

St. Patrick's Day party to be held

A St. Patrick's Day party will be held at the Moose in Spencer, Highway 18 East, beginning at 6 p.m. on Saturday, March 21. The Irish party will feature corn beef, cabbage and all the trimmings. To save a spot, call in your reservation at 262-2445.

Parkinson Support Group to meet

The Parkinson Support Group will meet at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 24, in the Round Room at the Spencer Public Library. For more information, call 262-1185.

Volunteers needed to host music contest

Okoboji High School is hosting the Iowa High School Music Association Solo and Small Ensemble Festival on Saturday, April 4. Any help would be appreciated. Volunteers are needed to serve as center managers, warm-up room supervisors, timekeepers and calculators. Volunteers can work a full day or half day. The morning shift will run from 7:45 a.m. until noon and the afternoon shift will run from 12:45 - 5 p.m. Contact Greg Forney at (712) 338-2446 or at gforney@okoboji.k12.ia.us if you're interested in helping.

D.A.R.E Firemen's Breakfast

The Clay County Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) Firemen's Breakfast will be 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Everly Fire Station on Sunday, March 22. Sponsored by the Everly firemen, the breakfast will include French toast, sausage and scrambled eggs. A free will offering will be taken to help funding D.A.R.E. for elementary and middle school students attending Clay Central/Everly and South Clay schools.

Grief support group to begin

Warner Funeral Homes and Crematory will be offering a six-week grief support group open to anyone in Spencer or the surrounding communities who has experienced the loss of a loved one. The group will meet at 7 p.m. on Thursday evenings, beginning March 19, through April 30, at the Spencer Area Activity Center, 1900 N. Grand Ave., Spencer. Each week the group will examine a different grief-related topic in a non-threatening setting. Prior registration is appreciated but not required. Contact Diane Sparks at Warner Funeral Home, 262-3640, for more information or to register for the group.

Interested in scrapbooking?

The Spencer Area Activity Center is sponsoring a scapbooking class that will be open to the public. If interested, call 262-1782 and talk with Mary Ann or Marge.

Explore the Northwest Passage with David Thoreson

David Thoreson from Okoboji will be at the Nature Center on March 28. This explorer, environmentalist and photographer will share stories and photographs of his journeys and sailing expeditions to both polar regions, discussing climate change and his photography career. Selected as one of the top three explorers from the state of Iowa in 2005, Thoreson sailed the Northwest Passage during the summer of 2007 and has completed a documentary and book of the expedition. Bring a friend and help us pack the classroom as this is a special opportunity.

Memory Loss Support Group to meet

The Memory Loss Support Group will meet at 7 p.m. the last Monday of each month at Bethany Lutheran Church, 15 W. 14th St. For more information, call Dorothy and Blaine Hirt, (712) 332-7398.

Spencer's Birthright annual banquet April 4

The 2009 annual Birthright banquet and fundraiser will be held at 7 p.m. on Saturday, April 4, at Hope Reformed Church in Spencer in the Harbor Room. This year's special guest will be Denise Shipler, a recording artist from Burt. She will share her message of love through song and personal testimony. Shipler was born with a congenital physical condition and is missing several of her limbs. Despite her physical limitations, she lives a vibrant life and shares her message of love and hope with audiences worldwide. Birthright is currently seeking table hosts and hostesses for this event. We are also seeking table sponsors to cover the cost of the catered meal per table. The public is invited to attend. However, reservations are necessary before Monday, March 30. Contact Susan Christensen at (712) 933-5557 or 260-1595 to host a table, sponsor a table or make reservations to attend.

A new beginning

For those who are divorced, in the process, separated, or have ended a long-term relationship. Divorcecare is a 13-week non-denominational divorce recovery series that addresses new topics each week. Sessions are scheduled Tuesdays from 6:30 - 8 p.m. through May 5, at Hope Reformed Church, 919 Grand Ave., Spencer. Pre-register by calling 262-3016.

YMCA seek registrations

Spencer Family YMCA is accepting registrations for the 2009-10 morning and afternoon preschool. Two-day programs for 3- and 4-year-olds are offered on either Monday and Wednesday or Tuesday and Thursday from 8:30-11 a.m. A five-day program for 4- and 5-year-olds will occur Monday through Friday from 12:45-3:15 p.m. For a registration form, stop at the member services center at 1001 11th Ave. W. or go online and download a form at www.spencerymca.org.

District newsletter online

In an effort to more efficiently communicate with district patrons, Spencer Schools will be converting their monthly newsletter, "The Source" to an electronic format available on the District's Web site, www.spenceriowaschools.com. The December "Source" is now available online. The district will mail out a printed newsletter to anyone who requests it. Please call the central office at 262-8950 if you want to continue to receive "The Source" every month in your mail.

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....

Flagfest 25th Anniversary T-shirt is now available

The community of Spencer will be celebrating the 25th anniversary of Flagfest June 12-14, 2009. A 25th anniversary T-shirt is now available at the Spencer Chamber of Commerce. The T-shirts this year are available in two colors: Light blue and white. Quantities are limited and sizes available are small, large, and extra large for $10 and double extra large for $12.

Boot Camp offered

An adult fitness course boot camp is being held from 8:45-9:30 a.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday in the east gym of the Spencer Family YMCA. This adult fitness course is a combination of cardio and weight training. It consists of 45-second separate stations. Warm-up and cool-down sessions are also included in this class. Contact Sara Morrow at the Spencer Family YMCA, 262-3782, with any questions.

Glass Slipper Project

Lakes Area Glass Slipper Project is now collecting "tenderly worn" prom dresses that will go to help young girls attend their prom. Every young lady deserves to be "queen" for a day at her prom. Help us make a girls dream come true! To make a donation to this project or to drop off dresses, please contact Sondra Vitito at (712) 332-2721 or Jan Ridenour at the Kinship office, (712) 336-2535. This project was started by the Kinship girls of 2008 in hopes to provide prom dresses for those girls who may not be able to afford them.

Need help with your heating bill?

The 2008-09 Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) has been established to help qualifying low-income Iowa homeowners and renters pay for a portion of their primary heating costs for the winter heating season. Applications will be taken November 3, 2008 to April 15, 2009. This program is not designed to pay total energy costs for households. Instead, the program will provide supplemental assistance based on several factors. Those factors include total household income, household size, dwelling type, and type of heating fuel, among others. Households over LIHEAP regular income guidelines may be eligible for LIHEAP benefits through the medical waiver component. The medical expenses must be documented, paid and non-reimbursable. If you have already applied and have been approved this winter season, you cannot re-apply. For more information and an appointment in Clay County call Upper Des Moines Outreach Office, located at 407 E. Third St., Spencer, at 262-7409.

Free blood pressure checks

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.