• Dan Cary and Associates is hosting a free informational lunch. John Browne, long term care planning specialist, will present “Multiple Solutions” from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday at Alvamar Country Club, 1809 Crossgate Drive. For reservations, call 856-7111 by Tuesday.

• Retired optometrist Dr. Arthur Queen, formerly of Lawrence, was the recipient of the Kansas Optometric Association’s 2011 Lifetime of Excellence Award on April 29 at the KOA’s annual convention in Wichita. The award is given to an optometrist who has exemplified the highest ethical and professional character during his or her practice life.

• In response to the natural disaster in Japan, Peoples Bank locations in Kansas and New Mexico acted as collection points for donations to the American Red Cross. Additionally, Peoples Bank agreed to match all monetary contributions up to $2,500. In total, $6,480.80 was raised in support of victims of the recent natural disasters.

Lecompton Elementary School turned the fundraiser into a competition. The school held a ‘Penny War’ to raise more than $800 in an effort to help children who are victims of the earthquake in Japan.

• Kansas Rural Center executive director Dan Nagengast has announced his plans to leave KRC. He has been executive director since 1992. Nagengast’s last day will be June 30. He and his wife, Lynn Byczynski, are buying an Italian vegetable seed business, to be run out of Lawrence.

The KRC board has appointed long-time staff Mary Fund as interim director, effective July 1. The KRC board will launch a search for a new executive director by early summer.

• Dr. Jeremy Stover recently received his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Cleveland Chiropractic College in Overland Park and has opened his practice at 4106 W. Sixth St., Suite F, in Lawrence. Stover also earned a sports management degree from Kansas University.

• Waddell & Reed announces that Ehren Feldmeyer has joined the firm as a financial adviser in Lawrence. As a personal financial adviser, Feldmeyer will help develop customized financial plans, recommend investment strategies and counsel clients throughout the area. He has been a part of the Lawrence community since 2003.

• Headquarters Counseling Center announces the addition of Jacob Beaumont as development director. His previous experience includes organizing and fundraising for local, state, and federal political campaigns, including for Mayor Aron Cromwell and County Commissioner Mike Gaughan. Beaumont will oversee HQCC’s annual fundraising activities.