COMMUNITY CALENDAR
Brought to you by:
.OCTOBER
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Oct. 26-31 -- Nobles County Library Autumn Book Sale
Featuring thousands of books as well as chairs, DVDs, audio books and more. Hours are: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Oct. 26; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 27-30; and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 31..
Oct. 30 -- Worthington Area YMCA Halloween Spooktacular
Bring the children, family and friends for an evening full of activities, treats, smiles and laughter. Wear your Halloween costumes for an extra festive experience. 4 to 7 p.m. at the Worthington Area YMCA.
Oct. 31 -- Billion Automotive of Worthington Haunted House
With trick-or-treating and free family fun. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Billion Chevrolet, 1627 Oxford St., Worthington.
Oct. 31 -- Trick or Treat at the Historic Dayton House
1311 Fourth Ave., Worthington. Guests staying at the house will hand out treats.
Oct. 31 -- Trunk or Treat
2 to 4 p.m. at Worthington Christian Church, 1501 Douglas Ave.
Oct. 31 -- Minnesota Truck & Car Showdown Trunk or Treat
3 to 5 p.m. at The Barn, 1815 East Ave., Worthington. People with a truck and car who want to participate should stop by with candy to hand out. Bring the kids, wear your costumes and come grab candy. All are welcome.
Oct. 31 -- Trunk or Treat
5 to 7 p.m. at the Heron Lake Library.
NOVEMBER
Nov. 1 --Soup & Pie Supper
4 to 7 p.m. at Zion Presbyterian Church, Ellsworth. Serving chili, chicken wild rice and potato cheese soups, BBQs, hot dogs, chili dogs and ham sandwiches, assorted pies and desserts, and coffee, milk and juice. There will raffle items for adults at $5 a chance and raffle items for kids at $1 a chance. The drawing will be at 7 p.m.; need not be present to win.
Nov. 3 -- American Red Cross Blood Drive
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Pipestone Annex, 1801 Forman Drive, Pipestone, and from 12:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Best Western, 1201 Torgerson Drive, Fairmont. For more information and to sign up, visit redcrossb.ood.org.
Nov. 3 -- Soup Luncheon
11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Lakes Area Activity Center (the Spirit Lake Senior Center/under the water tower). Chili, potato and chicken noodle soups as well as sandwiches will be served. Free-will donation. The center will also be hosting a COVID/flu shot clinic with Hy-Vee from 10 a.m. to 2:30, Nov 3rd. People may schedule a time online; walk-ins are also welcome.
Nov. 3 -- Dance 4 Fun event
Doors open at 6:15 p.m. and the dance is from 7 to 10:30 p.m. at the Hap Kettleson Community Center in Everly, Iowa. The band will be the JK Country. Singles and married couple are welcome. People may bring snacks to share.
Nov. 4 -- American Red Cross Blood Drive
8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Fairmont High School, 900 Johnson St., and noon to 6 p.m. at the Best Western, 1201 Torgerson Drive, Fairmont. For more information and to sign up, visit redcrossb.ood.org.
Nov. 4 -- "Health Eating Made Simple" presentation
9:15 to 10:15 a.m. at the Worthington Area YMCA. Join Claire Henning, a registered dietician with Sanford Worthington, for a presentation on topics including tips for eating health on a budget, meal planning and eating for one. Several recipe handouts will be available for participants to take home.
Nov. 4 -- Lakefield Library Book Club meeting
3 p.m.; discussing "The Unwedding" by Ally Condie.
Nov. 5-6 -- "Charlotte's Web"
Presented by Worthington High School; 7 p.m. both nights at Memorial Auditorium Performing Arts Center, 714 13th St., Worthington. Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for students. Activity/Golden Passes and Student ID are valid for this event; patrons still need to reserve seating. Visit friendsoftheauditorium.com for more.
Nov. 5 -- Sanford Worthington Blood Drive
8 to 11:30 a.m. and 1 to 4:30 p.m. at Sanford Worthington Medical Center; hosted by Community Blood Bank.
Registration will be located inside the main hospital lobby. As a thank-you, every donor will receive a $20 Hy-Vee gift card. To schedule a donation, visit ww.cbblifeblood.org, select “Donate Now,” “Blood Drive Calendar,” and choose Nov. 5th or call Community Blood Bank at (605) 331-3222.
Nov. 5 -- American Red Cross Blood Drive
1:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Community Center, 1027 Second Ave., Mountain Lake. For more information and to sign up, visit redcrossb.ood.org.
Nov. 5 -- MnDOT Open House
4 to 6 p.m. Thursday at the Worthington Fire Hall, 830 Second Ave. Information about the upcoming Highway 59 project and I-90 project in Worthington --both planned for 2027-2028 construction -- will be shared. There will be no formal presentation, and people are welcome to stop by at their convenience. MnDOT staff will be available to answer questions about the projects, construction timelines and detour routes.
Nov. 5 -- Autumn Floral Design Class
Presented by florist Kim Henning. 6 p.m. at the Lakefield Library. Registration is required by Oct. 29.
Nov. 5 -- Fall Soup and Pie Supper
4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Spirit Lake. Soups are chili, chicken noodle, vegetable beef and potato wild rice; there will also be delicious pies. Included are relishes, crackers, rolls and beverages. Adults $8, children 5-10, $3 and pre-school free. Open to all.
Nov. 6 -- American Red Cross Blood Drive
8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Martin County West High School, 16 W. Fifth St., Sherburn. For more information and to sign up, visit redcrossb.ood.org.
Nov. 8 -- Community Breakfast
8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Worthington Elks Lodge #2287, 1105 Second Ave. The menu includes pancakes, sausage and eggs.
Nov. 12 -- Autumn Floral Design Class
Presented by florist Kim Henning. 1 p.m. at the Jackson Library. Registration is required by Nov. 5.
Nov. 13-14 -- Holiday Open House Weekend & Santa's Stash Kickoff
Coordinated through FORWARD Worthington.
Nov. 13 -- Rock4Vets Concert
Hosted by the Iowa Rock ’n Roll Music Association at the historic Roof Garden Ballroom, 91 Lake St., Arnolds
Park. Galaxy, a 2025 Iowa Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame Inductee, will be providing the evening’s entertainment. A color guard presentation will also be part of the program. Doors open at 5 p.m., with the event running from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Admission is $10, and veterans will have free admission with a Military ID. Tickets will be sold at the door. Summer season passes are not valid for this dance.
Iowa in November to honor military veterans through live music, community partnerships, and
special tributes. Veterans will receive free admission with a valid military ID.
The series will visit Red Oak on November 7, West Des Moines on November 11, and Arnolds
Park on November 13. Each event will feature live entertainment, color guard presentations and
fundraising activities.
Nov. 14 -- Gingerbread Workshop
Stop into this drop-in workshop, craft your own gingerbread creation and enter it into a gingerbread contest. 10 a.m. to noon at the Jackson Library.
Nov. 15 -- Craft and Vendor Fair
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Worthington Elks Lodge #2287, 1105 Second Ave. The Vikings' game will be on the TV. Soups and desserts will be available for purchase. Worthington Elks Lodge #2287 located at 1105 2nd Ave.
Nov. 16 -- Jackson Library Book Club meeting
1:30 p.m.; discussing "Atmosphere" by Taylor Jenkins Reid.
Nov. 17 -- Heron Lake Library Book Club meeting
2 p.m.; discussing "The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek" by Kim Michele Richardson.
Nov. 17 -- Helping Hand Pregnancy Center Annual Banquet
Includes worship from the Northwestern College worship team, a turkey dinner, a presentation from Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life, a silent auction and a report from Helping Hand Pregnancy Center. 5 to 8:15 p.m. at American Reformed Church, 1720 N. Burlington Ave. Call (507) 372-2111 or email hhpc.ed@gmail.com to RSVP.
Nov. 18 -- Tween & Teen Scene
"Tile Art" program at 4 p.m. at the Heron Lake Library. For youths in grades 5-12. Registration required.
Nov. 19 -- Autumn Floral Design Class
Presented by florist Kim Henning. 1 p.m. at the Heron Lake Library. Registration is required by Nov. 12.
Nov. 19 -- Tween & Teen Scene
"Perler Beads" program at 4 p.m. at the Jackson Library. For youths in grades 5-12. Registration required.
Nov. 21 -- Worthington Christian School 2026 Donation Auction
Doors open at 9:30 a.m. and live and silent auctions begin at 10 a.m. at the school, located at 1770 Eleanor St. in Worthington. Open to the public. Free-will donation; lunch will be available.
Nov. 21 -- Gingerbread Workshop
Stop into this drop-in workshop, craft your own gingerbread creation and enter it into a gingerbread contest. 10 a.m. to noon at the Lakefield Library.
Nov. 24 -- Tween & Teen Scene
"Air Dry Clay Creations" program at 3:45 p.m. at the Lakefield Library. For youths in grades 5-12. Registration required.
Nov. 28 -- Christmas Train on Main
10:30 to 11:30 a.m. in Rushmore; sponsored by the Rushmore Booster Club. There will be hot dogs, cookies and hot chocolate; "Santa Snacks" by the booster club. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be on hand.
DECEMBER
Dec. 2 -- Gingerbread Workshop
Stop into this drop-in workshop, craft your own gingerbread creation and enter it into a gingerbread contest. 4:30 to 6;30 p.m. at the Heron Lake Library.
Dec. 5 -- "A Christmas Carol!"
Tea and entertainment presented by the Hull, Iowa Historical Society. 2:30 p.m. at First Reformed Church, Hull. $30 each or $200 for a table of eight. Call (612) 439-6770 for reservations, which are required.
ONGOING/OTHER EVENTS:
Donations and volunteers are needed for Worthington's annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner. There will be shifts to help prep, cook, serve and clean on Wednesday afternoon as well as Thanksgiving morning and afternoon. This event will take place at First Evangelical Lutheran Church, Worthington. To volunteer, contact Pastor Jeanette McCormick at (612) 636-1533. Financial and gift card donations can be dropped off at the church office anytime, or from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 25 and Thanksgiving Day starting at 8 a.m.
Pie, dessert and salad donations may be dropped off in the church kitchen from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. Nov. 25 and Thanksgiving Day starting at 8 a.m. People donating these items are asked to call Tammy Makram at (507) 227-7010 by Nov. 23 to let her know what they're bringing. The dinner will begin at noon Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 26. If you are picking up a meal for someone, call Susanne Murphy at (507) 360-669 by noon on the 25th. Meals will be ready to be picked up at the church at 11:30 a.m. Thanksgiving Day.
Farmers may now make donations of corn, soybeans or wheat to Helping Hand Pregnancy Center as part of its "Bushels for Babies" program. The proceeds from those gifts will support life-affirming outreach, educational programs and client services that provide hope, encouragement and practical resources to individuals and families in the community. Interested farmers may take their grain to the elevator of their choice and let them know how many bushels they wish to donate to Helping Hand Pregnancy Center.
New Multiple Sclerosis support groups are being formed in the Spirit Lake/Spencer areas. They'll meet from 1:30 to 3 p.m. on the first and third Saturdays of each month (starting 11/7) at the Spirit Lake Senior Center, 2101 Zenith Ave. and (starting Nov. 21) at the Spencer Senior Center, 104 E 4th St. The public is Invited to connect with others living with MS. For more information, contact Tina Marie at msasnsmeeting2627@gmail.com.
Weekly Narcotics Anonymous meetings are scheduled for 5 p.m. Sundays, 5 p.m. Tuesdays and 7 p.m. Fridays at 920 Diagonal Road, Worthington. These meetings are for all looking for a consistent support network.
A girls bible study is scheduled for 12:30 to 2 p.m. Tuesdays from July 21 through Aug. 25 at Helping Hand Pregnancy Center, 910 Third Ave., Worthington. Call the center at (507) 372-2111 or email hhpc.ed@gmail.com to sign up. The earlier the registration, the better. Open to junior high through college-age girls. Snacks and drinks will be provided.
Worthington City Council Honorary Member
The Worthington City Council is seeking people interested in the inner workings of city government for their Honorary Member program. The Honorary Member serves for three months, attending regular council meetings and participating in discussions. They do not make motions or vote. They attend as able various advisory board and commission meetings, and attend a staff briefing and tour the facilities. They also receive all correspondence directed to City Council, including staff reports and League of Minnesota City publications. There is no monetary compensation, and applicants must be 21 years of age and a resident voter of the city for at least 30 days prior to appointment. Visit the City of Worthington web page here to apply!
You are invited to become a member of the Lake Okabena Improvement Association! The projects would not be made possible without your generous donations and commitment. Find the details on membership dues or renewals here.
Support Worthington Trojan athletes and join the Worthington Trojan Sports Boosters Club. Join the club for $30 per individual/family or $60 per business. Participation does not require being a board member. Make checks payable to Trojan Booster Club; Attention Jessica Nixon, Treasurer; 723 W. Lake Ave., Worthington 56187.
Multiple donations are being sought at American Lutheran Church, including: shampoo/conditioner, soap/body wash, deodorant, toothbrushes/toothpaste, shaving items, feminine products, first aid items, brushes/combs, Kleenex and more, They may be brought to the church office at 915 Winifred St. in Worthington or Love INC.
Worthington-Crailsheim International Inc. represents Worthington in an endeavor to foster peace and brotherhood. The partnership is now entering the 76th year with student exchanges from both cities through a large majority of these years. It's only with the support from our community that the committee continues to award a scholarship to one student each year. Monetary contributions as well as host families or even membership on our committee are more than welcome. Visit www.wgtn-crailsheim.org or Facebook group: Worthington-Crailsheim sister-city relationship, for more information. The mailing address is WCII, PO Box 742, Worthington 56187.
Experienced teachers, hands-on Christ-centered learning and a low student-teacher ratio make for a bright future for children at Hi-Ho Preschool. Hi-Ho offers a four-day program for 4-year-olds and a two-day program created especially for 3-year-olds. Learn more by calling (507) 376-4861 or visiting worthingtonchristianschool.org.