FYI 11/9/14

Veterans invited for free lunch

Cape Girardeau's Texas Roadhouse restaurant is inviting veterans and active members of the U.S. military to enjoy free lunch on Tuesday, which is Veterans Day. Active, retired or former U.S. military members may choose one of 10 entrees, side-dishes and a beverage. Proof of service includes military or VA card, or discharge papers. The free lunch is available fro 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday at the restaurant, 13 Doctors Park Drive.

Blood donation opportunities set

The American Red Cross often experiences a decline in blood donations during the holidays, and to encourage donation is offering those who donate blood from Nov. 26 through Nov. 30 a limited-edition Red Cross potholder stuffed with celebrity chef recipes, while supplies last. Thanksgiving recipes are courtesy of Mario Batali, Rocco DiSpirito, Alex Guarnaschelli and Mike Isabella. Local donation opportunities are as follows:

Benton, Tuesday, 12:30 to 5:30 p.m., Thomas Kelly High School

Patton, Nov. 25, from 3 to 7 p.m., Meadow Heights High School, Highway 72

Cape Girardeau, Nov. 24, 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Buzzi Unicem, 2524 S. Sprigg St.

Jackson, Nov. 18, 3 to 7 p.m., New McKendree United Methodist Church, 1770 S. Hope St.

Fredericktown, Nov. 25, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Fredericktown High School, 805 E. Highway 72

Perryville, Nov. 18, noon to 6 p.m., Perry Park Center, 800 City Park Drive

Perryville, Nov. 21, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Perryville High School, 326 College St.

Perryville, Nov. 24, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Perry County Memorial Hospital, 434 N. West St.

Scott City, Nov. 24, 1 to 6 p.m., Scott City Elementary School, 3000 Main St.

Dexter, Nov. 25, noon to 5 p.m., Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 102 E. Castor St.

Puxico, Nov. 17, 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Puxico High School, 481 N. Bedford St.

Krispy Kreme doughnut sale Nov. 25

The St. Francis Medical Center Auxiliary will hold a Krispy Kreme doughnut sale at 9 a.m. Nov. 25. The sale will be in the center's Healing Arts Lobby at entrance 2. Cost is $9 per dozen.

Babysitting class scheduled

A baby-sitting class will be held 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 28 at St. Francis Medical Center's Training Room A, at entrance 4. The cost is $40 or $35 for children of Saint Francis employees; the program is geared for boys and girls ages 11 to 13. The program includes having fun with children; recognizing and dealing with medical emergencies; handling children of certain ages; safety; child and infant CPR; and the business of babysitting.Lunch is provided. More information and registration are available by calling 573-331-5107.

Benefit of beans subject of class

The monthly cooking class at HealthPoint Fitness in Cape Girardeau will focus on the benefits of beans. HealthPoint Nutritional Services Coordinator Raina Childers will lead the class, scheduled 6 to 7:15 p.m. Nov. 17. "Cooking with beans is incredibly healthy as these mighty little wonders pack a real punch with fiber, protein, vitamins and minerals. They are adaptable to any type of fare and are an economical option for bringing high-quality nutrition into your home," says Childers. Admission to the class is $3 for HealthPoint members and $5 for non-members. More information is available by calling 573-986-4440.

Grief support group has holiday focus

The Grief Support Group at SoutheastHEALTH will discuss coping with grief during the holidays when it meets from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Nov. 19 at HealthPoint Fitness in Cape Girardeau. The group allows adults to come together to share their grief following the death of a loved one. Trained facilitators offer educational programs and an opportunity to share and heal. The group offers participants understanding, support and hope. More information is available by calling bereavement coordinator Crystal Montgomery at 573-335-6208 or social services at 573-651-5549.