In brief: Vouchers run out at SCRAPS

Spokane County Regional Animal Protection Service has suspended it’s spay/neuter voucher program through the end of the year due to lack of funding.

With increased popularity the SCRAPS Spay/Neuter voucher program has disbursed more than $130,000 in vouchers. The spay/neuter voucher program is paid for entirely from the licensing of pets.

“What we have experienced is people licensing their pet for one year only to receive the voucher,” says Nancy Hill, SCRAPS director. Because licensing pays for the program, when licensing drops off and more people use the voucher program, the system will be over burdened and run out of money.

The voucher program will be available again Jan. 2.

Hill reminds pet owners, “The law requires that pets be licensed each and every year – both cats and dogs.”

The public is encouraged to call SCRAPS at 477-2532 before they go to the shelter for a spay/neuter voucher.

VERADALE

‘Grinch’ Sunday at St. Mary’s

The Rivers Edge Chorus presents “How the Grinch Got Her Groove Back,” Sunday, 3:30 p.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Fourth Avenue and Adams Road.

The event features the University High Lirico Chamber Singers and composer and pianist George Conrad. There will also be a raffle, bake sale and visit from Santa.

The chorus requests you bring an unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots.

Tickets are $5 individual or $10 for family, with a portion of the proceeds donated to the American Heart Association. For more information, call 466-7784 or (208) 687-0783.

OPPORTUNITY

Lutheran Churches plan cantata

Six Valley Lutheran church choirs will present “Night of Alleluias” musical cantata Wednesday, 7 p.m., at North Pines Middle School, 701 N. Pines Road.

Holy Trinity, Good Shepherd, Christ, Peace, Bethlehem and Zion Lutheran churches will team up for the holiday event.

Paula Kenney will direct the choirs and Judy Ingraham will be featured pianist.

Spokane County

Got lights?

Flickering, multicolored light displays have become as much a part of Christmas as Santa himself. We want to help you find the best shows in town.

If you’ve got a holiday light display, or if you want to recommend a neighbor’s house, just go to spokesman review.com/holidaylights and tell us all about it. Whether you’ve got some simple, modest decorations or your block is lit up like Las Vegas, we want to hear about it.

Later this month, you’ll be able to go to the Web site and map your own neighborhood light tour.

– From staff reports