Register your team now for the AACC Annual Community Golf Outing at Terrace Hills Golf Course on Friday, July 7, 1:30 p.m. Shot-Gun Start.  Register and pay by June 23^rd to receive early-bird rate of $70 per person for Four-person Best Shot/18 Holes.  Contact the Chamber office at 967-3366 or Altoona@netins.net to register your team!

 Altoona Kiwanis will raffle a kids' playhouse during the Being There for Independence Celebration. Proceeds will fund Kiwanis children's and youth programs in the Southeast Polk area.  The playhouse is on display at Lutz Pharmacy. Tickets are $1 each or 6 for $5 and are available at Lutz Pharmacy, Being There Coffee House and from members.  Drawing will be held Saturday, July 1, at Being There Coffee House. If sufficient tickets have not been sold by Saturday, July 1, a new drawing date will be announced.

 East Polk County welcomes RAGBRAI.  Mitchellville and Bondurant expect RAGBRAI bikers to cruise into town July 26.  If you are interested in being a vendor, contact Andy Lent at 967-2935 or Ted Olson at 967-2517 in Mitchellville or Michelle Bailey in Bondurant at 967-7303.

 SE Polk Community School District could be the home of three inbound exchange students if host families in the area are found.  If you or anyone you know would be interested in being a host family, contact Amber Diehm Heuer, Representative, ASSE International Student Exchange Programs at 641-821-0126 or scoobs890@yahoo.com.  www.asse.com

 Friday, June 16, 11 a.m. Prairie Meadows Track Chaplaincy his holding a silent auction in the track kitchen located in the backside administration building to benefit Cindy Murphy, injured jockey.  Many items available for bid including free stallion breeding, autographed jersey by Breeders’ Cup jockeys and items from other racetracks around the nation. 

Saturday, June 17 Toad Valley Golf Course, 237 NE 80^th St., Runnells, invites you to enjoy a free blues concert featuring The Soul Searchers.  Bring a blanket or lawn chair to enjoy an evening on the greens while listening to the blues.  After 4 p.m. enjoy golf, dinner and BBQ specials.

 Saturday, June 17, 10 a.m. to Noon Altoona Bam Bam League Fall Registration held at the Altoona Campus.  Open to 3 and 4 year old boys and girls.  Forms are available at the Altoona Hy-Vee, City Hall, Campus and Library.  Questions, call 967-5575 or 967-0223

 Sunday, June 18 Dads Golf for Free at Toad Valley Golf Course, 237 NE 80^th St., Runnells.  With the purchase of a regular round, Dad’s greens are free.  Also treat him to a breakfast or lunch for a ½ off meal.

 Wednesday, June 21 Culver’s of Altoona, 2535 Adventureland Dr., is celebrating the return of summer with free servings of their Lemon Ice Classic Dessert.  No purchase is necessary.  Just stop in and ask for it!

 Wednesday, June 21 2006 Golden Circle Games will take place on the midway at the Iowa State Fairgrounds.  The focus of the games is on fun, games, team building, networking, and a little healthy competition.  If you have questions or would like to register, contact Rebecca Batcheller, of the Greater Des Moines Partnership, at 286-4980 or e-mail, rbatcheller@desmoinesmetro.com

 Thursday, June 22, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Altoona Veterinary Hospital will be having an Open House and Pet Microchipping event.  Food will be served, tours of the hospital given and the doctors and staff will be on hand to answer questions.  Microchips will be provided at a discount and $5 of each chip sold will be donated to Heartland Greyhound Adoption. 

 June 24 and 25 “the other art show” Artfest Midwest will feature more than 200 artists at the Varied Industries Building, Iowa State Fairgrounds. 

 Sunday, June 25, 7 p.m. Music in the Park at Haines Park, 700 3^rd Ave SE.  Enjoy entertainment by Pat Barton Dance Studio.  Pop and popcorn will be sold.  Sponsored by the Altoona Parks & Recreation Board

 July 22 2006 SE Polk Relay for Life will take place at SE Polk High School track.  If you are interested in either entering a team or being a sponsor, call Mary Voss at 967-7283, Bank Iowa for more details.

 Saturday, July 1 ‘Being There’ for Independence: A Community Celebration will take place at being there coffee house, 110 1^st Ave. N.  A full day of activities will take place beginning with a pancake breakfast 8-11:30 am, a bike ride 9 to 11:30 a.m., children's activities 9 a.m.-6 p.m., and a music festival from Noon-11 p.m., including a beer tent from 6-11 p.m. All proceeds of this event will benefit Central Place's New Shoes for You program. The event is being sponsored by local businesses. If you would like to make a donation in your business name please contact Kara at being there, 967-1797.  Watch for event info and a full schedule of activities in the Altoona Herald.