Spokane calendar
Today
Candlelighters picnic – The Inland Northwest Candlelighters, a non-profit group that assists young cancer patients, will host a picnic at 3 p.m. . at the Manito Park picnic area, 20th and Grand. A program and candlelight vigil will follow at 5:30 p.m. RSVP for the picnic by calling 474-2759.
Peace Corps – Inland Northwest Peace Corps Association potluck and meeting, 1 p.m . at 104 W. 40th. 624-2238.
9 miles, eight bridges cycle event – begins on north side of the Monroe Street Bridge, 8:30 a.m., as celebration of its reopening; includes snacks donated by Bumble Bar, coffee donated from Starbucks, and live music performed by Dead Man’s Pants; sponsored by the Spokane Bicycle Club and the Friends of the Centennial Trail; 624-7188.
Upcoming
Spokane Mountaineers meeting and slideshow – Monday, 7 p.m., Corbin Senior Center, 827 W. Cleveland. Topic will be Patagonia; 838-4974; www.spokanemountaineers.org.
International Peace Day Celebration – Tuesday, 6-8 p.m., St. John’s Cathedral, 127 E. 12th. Host Inferfaith Council plans Egyptian cuisine and multicultural entertainment; $25 per person or $45 per couple; 329-1410.
International Peace Day – A short ceremony with the release of doves, Native American flute music and a proclamation by City Council president Dennis Hession, Wednesday, noon, Riverfront Park Lilac Bowl. 329-1409.
City Forum speaker series fund-raiser – Luncheon Wednesday, 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m., First Presbyterian Church, 318 S. Cedar. The guest speaker is Carol Coletta, host of National Public Radio’s “Smart City”; $75 minimum donation; reservations required by Sept. 19; 777-1555.
The Parent Project – A 12-week class series will focus on improving the parent-child relationships. The first session designed for parents of youth ages 11-18 will be Wednesday, 6-9 p.m., Providence Faith and Healing Center, 101 W. Eighth. 389-2930.
Valleyfest – Friday, 7 p.m. community parade from Spokane Valley City Hall down Sprague to University Ave., followed by a free showing of “Napoleon Dynamite” at 8:30 p.m. at Mirabeau Park. Saturday, 9 a.m.-7:30 p.m. at Mirabeau Park, pancake breakfast, children’s activities, food, music and more. Activities are also scheduled at the nearby Valley YMCA and the new CenterPlace. The day ends with a free showing of “Shrek 2” in the park at 7:30 p.m. Visit www.valleyfest.org or call 922-3299.
Five Mile Prairie Day – Saturday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Five Mile Prairie Grange at the corner of Five Mile and Strong Roads. There will be a classic car show, two fun runs, bake sale, silent auction, Farmer’s Market, craft show, kids activities, food, music and a jumping castle. 468-8344.
TrailFest – Next Sunday, 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m., Mirabeau Meadows; includes 5K run, in-line poker skate, cyclist scavenger hunt, interactive booths, lunch and prize drawings; sponsored by The Friends of the Centennial Trail; $20, $5 late fee after Sept. 10; www.spokanecentennialtrail.org; 624-7188.
Benefit organ concert – John Bodinger and Friends will perform at 3 p.m. next Sunday at Manito Presbyterian Church, 410 E. 30th. Donations will be accepted to benefit Camp Fire USA. 747-6191 ext. 20.
Women’s Club of Spokane card party – seeking players for pinochle and Bridge Sept. 26, noon-3 p.m., 1428 W. Ninth. Bring a sandwich; dessert will be provided; $2; 838-5667.
Forest Stewardship Course – Learn why trees get sick, how to make a living off forestland and how to plan for your land during this six-week course Sept. 27- Nov. 1, 6:30-9 p.m., Spokane Community College, 1810 N. Greene St., Building 9, Room 003. Course is also offered in Colville Sept. 28-Nov. 2. Registration deadline is Sept. 23. Call 684-2588.
Peace and Justice Action League – An evening of socializing for members or those interested in becoming members, Sept. 27, 6-9 p.m., Community Building, 35 W. Main; 838-7870.
Spokane College Women’s Association luncheon – Sept. 28, 11 a.m., Red Lion River Inn, 700 N. Division; guest speaker is author Mary Jane Butters of Moscow, Idaho; $13; reservations are required by Sept. 24. 465-0362.
North Wall Schools open house – Learn about North Wall Elementary School and the North Wall Child Development Center, Sept. 29, 6:30-8:30 p.m., 9408 N. Wall. Reservations are requested. 466-2695.
AmeriCorps – This group is offering on-the-job training in the housing construction industry to those ages 18-25. The group is also looking for tutors for at-risk high school students and a volunteer coordinator/trainer, 18 years or older, to provide activities for AmeriCorp members. For information about any of these opportunities, call 456-7660.
Host Families Needed – Council Educational Travel USA is looking for host families for foreign exchange students. Students must pass an English proficiency test, will come with their own spending money and are fully insured. For information, call Gina Polignonicq at 362-4549.