FYI 4-20-14

Family gospel group to perform today

The Joylanders, a family gospel music ministry, will lead Easter worship at Wesley United Methodist Church, 142 Carnation Lane, at 10:30 a.m. today. The church is situated on Highway 177, west of P&G in the Fruitland area. The musicians, based in Tennessee, offer a blend of Southern gospel, bluegrass, a cappella and acoustic music. The service is open to the public; admission is free. More information is available by calling the church at 243-5948.

Free stroke screenings at Saint Francis

Saint Francis Medical Center will host a free stroke screening from 7 to 11 a.m. May 8 in the Health and Wellness Center (Entrance 8, 150 S. Mount Auburn Road) as part of its community education programming during National Stroke Awareness Month in May.

The screening includes a stroke risk assessment, blood pressure and cholesterol test, and a consultation with a medical professional. For accurate results, a 10- to 12-hour fast is required. Participants should continue to take prescribed medications and drink water to avoid dehydration.

Someone in the United States has a stroke every 40 seconds and nearly one-third of victims are younger than 65. Risk factors for stroke include high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, heart disease and certain blood disorders. Other factors such as physical inactivity, smoking, obesity and excessive alcohol and drug use can increase the likelihood of a stroke.

Appointments are required. To register for the upcoming stroke screening, call 331-3996.

'As You Like It' at library

Stone Soup Shakespeare, a touring theater company based in Chicago, will present "As You Like It," a favorite among William Shakespeare's comedies, from 6 to 8 p.m. May 3. The performance, which is free, will take place in the library parking lot, and audience members are asked to bring their own seating.

The company combines Shakespeare's text with USO-style décor and showmanship, adding World War II era music, found object puppets and a special opening act: The Green Show. Stone Soup Shakespeare presents the plays of Shakespeare as if they are new stories because to many people they are.

More information is available by calling 334-5279, ext. 113.

Red Cross blood donation opportunities

The American Red Cross has scheduled several opportunities to donate blood, as follows:

Bollinger County

* May 9 from 2 to 8 p.m. at Meadow Heights High School, Patton, Mo.

* May 14 from 2 to 7 p.m. at Woodland High School, Marble Hill, Mo.

Cape Girardeau County

* May 12 from 1:30 to 6:30 p.m. at American Legion Hall in Jackson

* May 12 from 2 to 7 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, Altenburg, Mo.

* May 14 from 3 to 7 p.m. at Church of Christ, in Jackson

Scott County

* May 12 from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Chaffee Elementary School, Chaffee, Mo.

* May 15 from 1 to 5 p.m. at Missouri Delta Medical Center, Sikeston, Mo.

* May 15 from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Sikeston High School, Sikeston, Mo.

Stoddard County

* May 5 from 1 to 7 p.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Dexter, Mo.

To donate blood, call 1-800-Red Cross (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment or for more information. A blood donor card or driver's license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in.

Boas & Bling fundraiser slated

The Boas & Bling Kentucky Derby Party will be from 5 to 9 p.m. May 1 at The Venue. The event raises funds for the Lutheran Family and Children's Services Foundation.

Individual tickets are $20; a reserved table of eight is $220. VIP tables, which include extras, are $350. The ticket price includes unlimited food, beer, wine and soft drinks. Mint juleps also will be available.

The event includes giveaways, music and prizes. Judging will include Bling Queen and derby hats. Vendor booths will sell a range of items.

Those interested in reserving booth space and tables and purchasing tickets may call 334-5866 or visit lfcsmo.org.

Derby party and wine auction set

The 2014 Derby Party and Wine/Spirits Auction, benefiting Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri, will be 4 to 8 p.m. May 3 at The Glenn House, 325 Spanish St.

The focus of the party is twofold: to celebrate mentoring and to honor Cape Girardeau residents Scott and Samantha Rhodes. Longtime supporters of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri, the couple will be honored with the agency's Promise Award. The Rhodeses have supported the agency through their counsel and contributions.

This year represents a milestone for the eastern Missouri agency as it marks 100 years of building trusting and enduring relationships that encourage and support young people.

"We're excited to be able to commemorate our century of service at the derby party and particularly at the historic Glenn House, which is the perfect backdrop for celebrating our 100th," noted Ashley Beggs, executive director of the Cape Girardeau office of Big Brothers Big Sisters.

This year's event will include an after party at Lagniappe by Celebrations. The after party starts at 8:30 p.m. For reservation information or to find out more about the party, contact Beggs at 339-0184.