Joe Kolowajtis, a World War II Marine veteran, celebrated his 90th birthday with a party given to him by his friends in the Tall Tree Women’s Club.

The Sons of the American Legion Post 243 in Mount Vernon are serving as hosts for a benefit barbecue dinner for Durrell Stevens. The event will be Sunday, Oct. 4 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the American Legion Post on CR 4265 in Mount Vernon.

The deadline to enter the 25th annual CountryFest Stew Cook-off is Monday, Oct. 5. Thus far, 11 entries have registered for the contest. Last year, there were 15 entries. For more information, see the Oct. 1 edition of the Optic-Herald.

Bailey Floyd, Corbin Craver, and Suzanna Hamrick add condiments to their hot dogs at the bank’s picnic. More than 500 people attended the annual First National Bank Fall Picnic at the Cypress Branch on Saturday, Sept. 26.