Conference Will Focus On Improvements For Youths
Student and adult leaders in Spokane, intent upon improving life and opportunities for youth, are hosting an interactive conference Friday at the Ag Trade Center.
“Bridging the GAP: Generation for America’s Promise” is an outgrowth of a national youth summit held in Philadelphia last April. A delegation of Spokane youths and adults who attended brought back the mission “to positively impact 3,000 kids by the year 2000.”
Spokane is among 100 cities nationwide to lead this effort, ensuring our community’s young people will have the resources needed to be successful in their futures.
Friday’s conference is from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. for young people, parents, educators and community leaders. Morning activities include brainstorming sessions and interactive discussions. In the afternoon, a Community Service Fair features more than 75 local agencies which support and serve youth.
Fair officials hope to link interested young people with volunteer opportunities and service projects in the community.
Conference-goers can attend the entire event or one session. Lunch is brown bag; snacks and beverages will be provided. It’s free, but reservations are requested by calling the Chase Youth Commission at 625-6440.
Fund-raisers
Handmade jewelry, afghans, holiday decorations and baby sets are some of the items for sale this week at the annual Autumn Bazaar, sponsored by the Washington province of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary.
The bazaar is from 6 to 8:30 p.m., Tuesday; and 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Wednesday, at the Convent of the Holy Names, 2911 W. Fort Wright Drive. Event proceeds will support the retired Holy Names Sisters, part of the international Roman Catholic congregation for women.
Support Goodwill Industries in its effort to help give indigent workers “a chance, not charity.” On Saturday, the non-profit organization hosts “A Night in New Orleans,” its annual fund-raising dinner and auction at the Ag Trade Center.
Festivities begin at 5 p.m. with a silent auction, followed by a 7 p.m. dinner. The loud auction gets underway at 7:30, featuring rare collectibles, appraised antiques and original art as well as fabulous getaways, gourmet meals and personal services. Music will be provided by members of the Whitworth College Jazz Ensemble.
Proceeds from the event benefit Goodwill’s nationally certified rehabilitation and employment programs. Last year, the programs helped 1,330 disabled and disadvantaged people in the Inland Northwest toward their goal of becoming self-sufficient workers.
Tickets are $35 each, or $270 for a table of eight, available by calling Mary Lou at Goodwill, 444-4382. Call by Tuesday for reservations.
Mental illness week
Today through Saturday is Mental Illness Awareness Week, with daily events offered to increase the public’s understanding of mental disorders affecting 40 million Americans each year.
Event organizers, including Eastern State Hospital, Spokane Mental Health and Spokane Alliance for the Mentally Ill, hope increased awareness will lead to improved mental health in our community.
Here are highlights of the week’s events:
Monday, noon to 1 p.m., is “Suicide Prevention Training” at the Spokane County Health District, Room 321. There will be a discussion of this “most preventable death” and referrals given. Reservations are requested by calling 324-1473.
On Tuesday, Eastern State Hospital opens its doors for a historical look at the treatments of individuals with mental illness. From 3 to 6 p.m., Dr. Bill Sherman, medical director, will present a look at “The Silent Revolution,” in the hospital’s museum. For more information, call 299-4280.
On Thursday, free depression screening will be offered by Spokane Mental Health from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Gonzaga University’s student union building and from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Eastern Washington University’s Martin Hall.
Speaker series
“The Millennium Approaches: Our Successes and Challenges” is the theme of the 1997-98 Speaker Series sponsored by the Spokane branch of the American Association of University Women, and Spokane School District 81.
The series runs monthly from October through May (except December). Each month, a speaker will address the theme from the perspective of his or her expertise in areas covering technology, visual arts, leadership, the women’s movement, quality of life and communication.
The series begins Saturday with Gary Livingston, superintendent of Spokane School District 81, discussing education in the future from 10:30 a.m. until noon in the Multi-Purpose Room at Garfield Elementary, 222 W. Knox. Admission is free, although donations are accepted.
For a complete schedule of speakers, call Sharon at 747-4509, or Marilyn at 624-9869.
Unity conference
On Oct. 17, Community Colleges of Spokane will present a one-day conference, “Unity in Our Community: Through Education Comes Understanding,” in the Lair Student Center on the Spokane Community College campus, 1810 N. Greene.
From 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., the conference will feature student forums, panel discussions, music and drama. More than 20 workshops will be offered on topics ranging from “Immigration Changes” to “Raising Multiracial Children.”
Opening remarks by SCC president Jim Williams and Spokane Mayor Jack Geraghty will be followed by a keynote address from Baruti Artharee , director of Oregon Housing and Community Services Department.
Organizers hope the event will help stop the cycles of misunderstanding and intolerance in our community through awareness and education. The conference fee is $10, which includes lunch. To register, call Denise Osei at 533-7032.
Tribal language course
In conjunction with Cheney Cowles Museum’s exhibit, “From Earth & Sky,” a Salish Culture and Language class is being taught at the museum, 2316 W. First.
Salish is the general term for the language spoken by the Spokane and other regional tribes. Instructor Pauline Flett is a member of the Spokane Tribe and a former Salish language instructor at Eastern Washington University. She will integrate regional Indian history and customs with language study.
The class, which began last week, is from 4 to 6 p.m. each Wednesday for 10 weeks. Tuition is $25. To register, call 456-3931, ext. 101.
, DataTimes MEMO: Community Update appears each Sunday in The Spokesman Review. Please allow two weeks notice for inclusion in this column.