Spokane calendar
Today
Celebration of Lights – The city of Spokane Valley hosts its third annual Christmas tree lighting, 5:30-6:30 p.m. in the University City Mall parking lot. The event includes a performance by the Solar Energy children’s choir and a visit from Santa; 921-1000.
Program Evaluation – Gonzaga University continues its nonprofit leadership board development series at 7 a.m. at the Schoenberg Center room 202, 500 E. Boone. Registration is required; $45; 323-3573.
Upcoming
Holiday sale – The Lilac Blind Foundation hosts its seventh annual fund-raiser, 7 a.m.-1 p.m. Friday, the Red Lion Hotel at the Park, 303 W. North River Drive; 328-9116.
Candlelight Christmas concert – The Gonzaga University Choir and Spokane Symphony Brass Quintet will perform at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday at St. Aloysius Catholic Church, Boone and Astor; tickets are $12 general and $10 seniors and students in advance through TicketsWest, $15 at the door; 325-SEAT.
Pet food drive – Directors of Volunteers in Agencies have organized a drive to collect pet food, kitty litter and cash donations for SCRAPS, the Humane Society and SpokAnimal at area PETCO locations. The drive will be 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday at 6302 N. Divison, 2805 E. 29th and 10 N. Sullivan Road; 217-2992.
Spaghetti night – Pasta buffet hosted by the South Hill Kiwanis from 6-9 p.m. Saturday at the South Hill Senior Center, 3151 E. 27th. Proceeds will benefit community projects; $8 for adults, free for kids under 6; 326-1216.
Baby’s first Christmas – Bring your new baby for a picture with Santa, noon-3 p.m. Sunday at the Sacred Heart Women’s Health Center, 101 W. Eighth. There will be cookie decorating, story time and other activities for older children. Free parking is available at Eighth and McClellan; call for reservations, 474-2400.
Compass Club luncheon – The women’s club for welcoming newcomers to the area will host a holiday music program, 11 a.m. Sunday at the Spokane Club, 1002 W. Riverside; lunch, $19; reservations are required; 465-8163.
Family book night – 4-5 p.m. Monday at the Northeast Community Center, 4001 N. Cook. Each child will get a free book. There will also be an activity guide for parents, arts and crafts projects and treats. It’s sponsored by Support for Parents Overcoming Challenges, Whitworth College and Starbucks; 444-0374.
Engineers Forum of Spokane – Beth Hodgson of Spring Environmental will speak on “Incorporating Environmental Engineering into Engineering Projects,” noon Monday, Holiday Inn Airport, 1616 Windsor Drive; lunch, $12; 244-3467.