Spokane Spring Tradition: Living Life In Lavendar Lane

Sun., May 14, 1995

By Rebecca Nappi rebeccan@spokesman.com (509) 459-5496

Ah, Lilac Parade time comes next weekend. The floats. The princesses. The marching bands. Be sure to look for the 60 or so women in white (and some in period costumes) who will be marching to celebrate the 75th anniversary of women getting the vote. Cheer them on! Give a salute! The women will be members, friends and family representing several women groups, and representatives of the two sponsoring organizations, the League of Women Voters and the Spokane Women’s Club.

Princess Wannabees: Speaking of Lilac Parade time, one of our biggest disappointments in our youth was failing to be chosen a Lilac princess so we could ride on a float and wave. We’re wondering: Any other princess wannabees out there? Or for those people who actually made it, rode on a float, was it as cool as it seemed? Let us know.

Get involved: How a juvenile’s first crime is handled sends a strong message and can determine whether that young person offends again. Many juvenile first-time offenders - arrested for things such as trespassing, shoplifting, possession of alcohol - face Neighborhood Accountability Boards. Board members are volunteers who work as a team, meet with juveniles and their parents, agree on terms such as community service. The program is unique in that juveniles are shown how their actions affect the community that they live in. If you are interested in volunteering for a board, training begins June 15. You must be at least 21 and have excellent communication skills. Call Susan Cairy at 458-2469.

Bravo: A group of breast-cancer survivors meet every Wednesday at the YWCA for water exercise and emotional support. The Encore Team will participate in the “Relay for Life” a 24-hour track event to be held at Spokane Falls Community College on June 2 and June 3. As part of the event, there will be a special candlelight service on Friday June 3 at 10 p.m. Loved ones and friends will remember those family members who have died from breast cancer, and those battling it now. Marilyn Watson, one of the organizers, wrote: “I personally will be placing a luminary of hope for my friends, Pearl and Margaret, who continue their battle; my husband is placing a luminary of victory in my name and my parents a memorial luminary for my aunt.” For more information, call 448-8983.

Mail call: A woman who asked to remain anonymous wrote a thought-provoking letter in response to our question: “Who are the women who love militant militia men?” She said: “The Aryan militant that I love is a family member. I don’t share his views. I thank the Lord for a Christian mother who taught me that God is love and is not the author of confusion or hate. Whenever right wing militants are implicated in a crime or act of terrorism, I get very emotionally upset. I can imagine my loved one being involved - aiding in some way. He would not intentionally hurt anyone, but I feel he might help others who would hurt people.”

MEMO: Common Ground is written on alternating weeks by Dan Webster and Rebecca Nappi. Write to them in care of The Spokesman-Review, Features Department, P.O. Box 2160, Spokane, WA 99210-1615. Or fax, 459-5098.

Common Ground is written on alternating weeks by Dan Webster and Rebecca Nappi. Write to them in care of The Spokesman-Review, Features Department, P.O. Box 2160, Spokane, WA 99210-1615. Or fax, 459-5098.