The 14th annual community Thanksgiving dinner will be from 12 until 1:30 p.m. Thanksgiving Day at Marion Middle/High School. Sponsored by the Marion Ministerial Alliance, the meal is planned and prepared by volunteers from churches in the Marion area.

Marion High School exchange student, Sasha Mikheyeva of Russia, presented a program Monday to Kiwanis Club members. Mikheyeva, a 16-year-old MHS senior, lives with Mike and Cheryl Connell.

A variety of Christmas themes will be displayed Nov. 28 at the annual Christmas Home Tours. Homes on the tour are those of Todd and Vicki Guetersloh, Amy Rasmussen, Gerald and Jan Wiens, and Bill and Mickey Lundy.

Births announced include Shannon Maleigh, daughter of Mike and Janile Taylor of Marion, who was born Nov. 2 at Newton Medical Center.

The Marion community is invited to attend the annual lighting of the Christmas tree in Central Park at 6 p.m. Nov. 28. The ceremony will include music by the Marion High School brass ensemble, the Christmas story told at the nativity scene, the singing of carols, and the lighting of the tree. Following the lighting, 20th Century Club will serve hot chocolate while the brass ensemble plays Christmas music.