Cheney Christmas kids gifts registration begins
The Cheney Outreach Center has begun registration for the annual Christmas Gifts for Cheney Kids program. The registration period runs through 11:30 a.m., Dec. 13.
Registration takes place at the center, located at 616 Third St. in the lower level of the Wren Pierson Building. Required documents include photo identification, Social Security cards for everyone in the household, proof of address and proof of all income. Those completing the paperwork will be eligible for the Cheney Food Bank, help with kids’ recreational activity fees and assistance with energy bills.
Prior to Thanksgiving, volunteers will place collection boxes at various businesses and churches around Cheney for people wishing to donate gifts. Financial gifts are also appreciated to help go towards purchases, with checks made out Cheney Outreach, clearly marked “Xmas Gifts for Kids” and mailed to P.O. Box 444, Cheney WA 99004.
Gifts will be arranged on tables at Wren Pierson, and registered parents will be able choose gifts for their children from the donations on Dec. 14. Last year, Cheney Outreach provided gifts for 180 children.
Cheney Outreach is open Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 9–11:30 a.m., and may be contacted at 235-8900.
Slightly West Artists’ Studio Tour Nov. 25
The eighth annual Slightly West of Spokane Artists’ Studio Tour is taking place Saturday, Nov. 25, from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. at various locations in the Cheney/Medical Lake area.
The tour features works from 11 artists at five different locations via a self-guided tour that is free and open to the public. Artists will be displaying works in a variety of mediums that include pottery, jewelry, leather work, functional stoneware, handcrafted woods, mixed media, handmade soaps, paintings an handcrafted turned items.
A map of studio locations and more information is available on the city of Cheney’s events page at http://www.cityofcheney.org.
State’s Boating Program encourages hunters to boat safely
OLYMPIA – With the recent opening of waterfowl and upland game hunting seasons, Washington State Parks’ Boating Program wants people who hunt from boats to be safe and know the boating laws before they head out on the water.
In a Nov. 6 news release, state officials note that most hunting and angling takes place on boats less than 16-feet long. Data from the U.S. Coast Guard and Washington Boating Program show most drowning victims were using vessels less than 21 feet in length. In addition, the primary causes of boating fatalities are capsizing, falling overboard and swamping.
Safe boating includes having enough life jackets for every person on board. Children age 12 and under are required to wear life jackets at all times on boats shorter than 19 feet. However, the Boating Program advises that everyone, regardless of age, wear a life jacket. Boaters are encouraged to carry communications equipment such as a cell phone in a waterproof container, a VHF radio and/or personal locator beacon that can be activated in case of an emergency.
Legal boating means displaying current registration decals and numbers and having appropriate navigation lights — in addition to carrying enough life jackets for everyone on board.
Hunters are strongly encouraged to get a Washington Boater Education card. The course offers helpful for hunters and provides key information about safety, right-of-way, legal operation and personal responsibility when operating a boat. Anyone between the ages of 12 and 60 and operating a vessel with a 15-horsepower (or greater) motor is required by law to carry a Washington Boater Education Card.
For more information about boating prepared, visit http://www.boatprepared.com.
Toys for Tots donation drive in Spokane Valley Nov. 24
Lone Wolf Harley-Davidson is partnering with the Marine Corps League, the Marine Corps Reserve and Havoc Squad of Garrison Titan 501st Legion of Stormtroopers to host a toy donation drive benefiting Toys for Tots. The event takes place at Lone wolf Harley-Davidson Friday, Nov. 24, from 8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Those wishing to donate toys should stop by Lone wolf Harley-Davison at 19011 E. Cataldo Avenue, Spokane Valley, just off Interstate 90 and the Barker Road exit. The Toys for Tots organization will collect all donated toys on Saturday and will work to distribute all of the donations to families who can use extra help this holiday season.
There will be a complimentary coffee, cocoa, and cider station for all those attending. As a special treat, Santa will also be at the donation drive. Participants can get a Free Photo with Santa, with a toy donation gladly accepted but not required. The Toys for Tots donation drive will include a live music performance by Spokane’s newest high school musical talent, Jenna Johansen.
Last year Toys for Tots in Spokane served 6,700 families and 20,000 children ages 0 – 12.
Library’s ‘Reading Buddy Program’ receives donation
Numerica Credit Union recently made a $5,156.29 donation to the Spokane County Library District Reading Buddy program. The program supports early readers from public schools across Spokane County.
The goal of the Reading Buddy program is to mentor, support, and sustain students’ reading levels while reinforcing reading skills and student engagement. Students are identified for the program by their teachers and principals. Volunteers then mentor the elementary students one-on-one to build confidence in reading. They do this by telling stories, playing word games, and practicing.
Currently, the program is available at twelve schools and libraries across Spokane County, including Salnave and Betz Elementary in the Cheney School District.
The Reading Buddy program is intended to assist students who do not have reading materials available at home, households existing below the poverty level, students who are struggling with learning, or any combination of these factors.
Numerica’s donation provides the supplies needed to ensure the program’s continued impact, including 1,100 books, reading carts, and a celebration for participants at the end of the school year.
Reader Comments(0)