The public is invited to a benefit concert by the Wedel Gospel Quartet at 7 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 11, at First Mennonite Church, 102 S. Ash, Hillsboro.

Proceeds from the concert, hosted by the Music Committee of the Hillsboro Mennonite Brethren Church, will go toward the acquisition of an organ.

As part of the program, Shirley Baltzer of Lehigh will perform an organ prelude and offertory. Refreshments will be provided afterward in Fellowship Hall.

Members of the quartet are bass Gib Wedel, second tenor Rod Loucks and accompanist Goldie McMurray, all of Canton, first tenor Bob Wedel of Lyons and baritone Don Wedel of Rosalia.

Card shower request for Meysing's 80th

Paul Meysing of rural Lincolnville celebrated his 80th birthday Feb. 4.

He was born Feb. 4, 1927, and has lived his entire life in Clark Township. He is a farmer and stockman living west of Pilsen.

He and wife Alice are the parents of five sons: William, Joseph (deceased), Donald, Gregory and Larry.

Friends and relatives are invited to join in the celebration by sending cards to him at 2871 Quail Creek Rd., Lincolnville KS 66858.

Post office plans appreciation day

In conjunction with National Consumer Protection Week Feb. 4 to 10, the Hillsboro Post Office will have cookies and hot apple cider Feb. 8 as part of a customer appreciation day.

This year, NPCW's national organizers are encouraging consumers to read up and reach out in their effort to be informed consumers.

Marion library plans February events

The Marion City Library will encourage you to "Love Your Library" with sweet treats and events during February.

Homemade candy mints and suckers with library quotes will be handed out at special times.

During the week of Valentine's Day, a candy guessing jar will be on display.

Snow cones will be distributed on Thursdays for "Sno Glad You Came In Days."

Chocolate-covered cherries will be given out Feb. 22 in honor of George Washington's birthday.

A poster will be displayed on which to write reasons for "Why I Love My Library."

For more information, call 620-382-2442.

American Legion fish fry Feb. 10

The Hillsboro American legion will host a fish fry from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 10.

Donated proceeds will go toward scholarships for Marion County students.

Members and their guests are invited.

'Bringing Up Boys' series to start Feb. 11

Steve and Penni Schroeder will lead a study on the James Dobson DVD series "Bringing Up Boys" at 5 p.m. Sundays this spring, starting Feb. 11 in the home of Del and Debbie Gray at 1109 Bradford Ct. in Hillsboro.

For more information, call 947-2338.

Ebenfeld Bible study on heaven Feb. 11

A Bible study on heaven will continue at 7 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 11, in the Ebenfeld Church fellowship hall.

This week's study will be on what happens to believers who died before the resurrection of the dead at the second coming of Jesus. The study will focus on Luke 16:19-31, 2 Corinthians 5:1-10 and Revelation 6:9-11.

Other studies will be held Feb. 25, March 11 and March 25.

Public forum Feb. 12 in Lincolnville

A public forum for the City of Lincolnville and Marion County will be held at 7 p.m. Feb. 12 at the Chipped Cup Cafe in Lincolnville.

Bring questions and concerns for discussion with the following people: Jim Herzet, superintendent of road and bridge; Bobbi Strait, zoning and sanitation department; Cindy McGill, county appraiser; Theresa Huffman, economic development; Lee Becker, county sheriff; Dan Holub, county commissioner; and members of the Lincolnville governing body.

Light refreshments will be served.

For more information, call 620-924-5208.

MOPS meeting Feb. 13 at Parkview

Mothers of PreSchoolers (MOPS) weekly meeting is from 9 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. Tuesday, Feb 13, at the Parkview Mennonite Brethren Church in Hillsboro.

All mothers of kids kindergarten age and under are invited to attend. First meeting for new moms is free.

Karen Elliott will be sharing, and we will also be doing a growth chart project.

GHS Elbiata to offer Singing Valentines

The Goessel High School Elbiata Singers, directed by Greg Bontrager, will perform Singing Valentines as their fund-raiser from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 14, in the surrounding area.

For a small fee, the select mixed ensemble of 20 students will go just about anywhere and sing two or three songs for your special person.

Call now for reservations at 367-2242.

Marion library plans Valentine's events

The Marion City Library will host two activities for children on Friday, Feb. 9.

A Valentine's storytime is from 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. for children ages 3 to 6. The event will include Valentine's crafts and treats.

At 2 p.m. a movie will be shown about a domesticated grizzly bear who meets a fast-talking mule deer and decides to leave the park ranger's garage for a taste of the great outdoors.

Children under 7 must be accompanied by an adult. Bring a pillow to sit on the floor.

Call the library at 620-382-2442 to reserve a seat for the movie.

Valentine's dinner at American Legion

The Florence Labor Day Committee will hold a candlelight Valentine's Day dinner Feb. 14 at the American Legion Building, 410 Main, Florence.

Prime rib, salad, potato, vegetable, dinner rolls, dessert and beverages will be served for $15 per person.

Seating begins at 6:45 p.m., followed by dinner at 7:30 p.m.

To reserve seats, call Reilly Redd by Feb. 9 at 620-878-4309.

Valentine's concert by Trojan jazz band

A special Valentine's Day evening with the Trojan High Jazz Band will be held at 7 p.m. Feb. 12 in the Hillsboro High School auditorium, as a fund-raiser for the band's upcoming trip to Branson, Mo.

Featured soloists in the band concert of love songs will be Lora Andrews, Darren Enns, David Vogel, Mitchell Koop, Alex Nuss, Kelsey Unruh, Caitlin Reimer and Aaron Stepanek.

A vocal concert also will be presented by Vogel, Enns, Unruh, Tyler Sudermann and Audrey Weinbrenner.

Following the concert, desserts and refreshments will be served in the cafeteria.

Leftover desserts will be raffled off. A CD of the live performance will be for sale at the concert and delivered soon afterward at a suggested donation of $10.

Hillsboro chamber luncheon Feb. 14

The Hillsboro Chamber of Commerce will host its quarterly luncheon from noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 14, featuring Ron Grant with the Kansas Department of Revenue.

Grant will discuss tax credits for businesses, reminding business owners that it may be time to think about issues affecting taxes for 2008.

A buffet luncheon will be served at $6 per meal.

For more information, call the Hillsboro Chamber of Commerce at 947-3506.

MOPS plan childcare evening Feb. 16

Mothers of PreSchoolers (MOPS) are providing an evening of childcare from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, Feb. 16.

Take advantage of this fundraiser and enjoy an evening out with your sweetie.

For more information or to sign up, contact Erica Clark at 947-5591. Space is limited, so call now.

Mid-Cap offering free tax help, filing

Free tax help and free e-filing is available in Marion County at Mid-Cap. Assistance with basic tax returns is available especially for those with disabilities or low income. Your income must not exceed $35,000 to quality for this program.

The office is located at 104 N. Fifth in Marion. Call for an appointment at 1-888-877-5948 or 620-382-8807.

Bring your Social Security card; this year's tax package andor label; all forms, W-2's and 1099's; information for all other income; information for all deductionscredits; and a copy of last year's tax return.

Mid-Cap is also distributing weatherization kits for income eligible households through the Kansas Warm Homes Project.