Whitworth Writing Rally Will Foster Youthful Talent

Children are encouraged to spark their storywriting imaginations at the 13th annual Whitworth Writing Rally on Oct. 26.

Kindergarten through fourth-grade students need only a pencil and a parent to join the 800 participants in this upbeat event sponsored by Whitworth College, Northeast Elementary School Principals’ Association of Washington and PEMCO Insurance.

“The rally is designed for very young children who are in the beginning stages of developing their writing skills,” says Chairman Les Francis. “The focus is on the parent/child relationship instead of the teacher/child relationship.”

Participants spend the first hour of the rally in the Whitworth auditorium hearing author and storyteller Alvin Granowski delight his audience with entertaining tales.

Afterward, small groups form, in which parent and child create the “Rally Book” under the guidance of an experienced educator who provides assistance with writing, illustrations and book binding.

The final hour is spent at a reception during which kids are encouraged to share their books with one another.

Granowski’s “Other Point-of-View” stories will be on sale with opportunities for autographs.

The Writing Rally offers two sessions: 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The cost is $13 which includes a T-shirt.

Registration forms are available through local schools or by calling Les Francis at 466-1000, ext. 4409. Send the completed registration form and payment by Oct. 14 to: Writing Rally Registration, School of Education, Whitworth College, Spokane, WA 99251.

Confirmation and final information packets will be mailed to participants on Oct. 18.

Volunteers and sponsors are needed for the slightly spooky, fun-filled Halloween II Party on Oct. 31 at the Spokane Interstate Fairgrounds.

Sponsored by Dan St. John of Enigma Productions, in partnership with Camp Fire Boys and Girls, the event provides a safe evening of trick-or-treating for kids 12 and under, accompanied by their parents.

There will be more than 100 carnival-style booths, candy, prizes, live entertainment, costumed characters and a haunted tunnel.

Adult volunteers are needed prior to the event and during the party to run booths or assist behind the scenes. Those interested may call (509) 468-6770.

Financial donations are also needed. Become a booth sponsor with a contribution of $35; a candy sponsor for $100; or an event sponsor for $500 and up.

Send donations payable to: Enigma Productions, P.O. Box 18864, Spokane, WA 99208.

Take the worry out of Halloween with a new product from Chicago Model International:

The Safety Strobe is a 2-inch-diameter reflector light that can be clipped onto a child’s clothing or Halloween bag.

The Strobe flashes a red light through its Jack-O-Lantern face, allowing visibility up to a half-mile.

Powered by two watch batteries (included), the light-weight, waterproof Safety Strobe works for approximately 100 hours.

Great for trick-or-treaters as well as those walking, jogging or biking at night. Available for $3.99 by calling (800) 264-7652.

, DataTimes MEMO: The Family Track is a weekly column of notes and information for families. Send items to Lynn Gibson, Features Department, P.O. Box 2160, Spokane, WA 99210-1615, or fax (509) 459-5098.