In brief: Safe Place program to launch

Soon dozens of bright yellow diamond-shaped Safe Place signs will be popping up in windows of business, fire stations and community buildings across the Spokane Valley.

Volunteers of America will announce the launching of a Spokane Valley Safe Place program during a news conference on Monday at 11 a.m. in the AmericanWest Bank, 9019 E. Appleway Blvd.

Safe Place, a multiservice prevention and outreach program, provides immediate help and support resources for youths in crisis. Spokane and Coeur d’Alene have similar programs.

Safe Place partners include AmericanWest Bank, Spokane Valley Police Department, Spokane County Sheriff’s Office, Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce and Spokane Valley Fire Department.

For more information, call Volunteers of America at 624-2378.

– Julianne Crane

SPOKANE VALLEY

Council meeting schedule changes

A visit from Gov. Chris Gregoire on Tuesday, the Nov. 6 election and more have resulted in changes to the Spokane Valley City Council’s usual meeting schedule in late October and early November.

Those interested in attending public council meetings this month will want to note the following changes:

Tuesday: no meeting, Gov. Gregoire’s Town Hall Meeting, 7 to 8:30 p.m. at University High School, 12420 E. 32nd Ave.; Nov.6: no meeting, election night; Nov. 7: special meeting, 6 p.m., Council Chambers; Nov. 13: no meeting, Congress of Cities; Nov. 20: special joint meeting, City Council and Planning Commission for presentation of the Sprague/Appleway sub-area plan; Nov. 27: regular meeting, 6 p.m., Council Chambers.

For more information, call 688-0232 or e-mail cbranch@spokanevalley.org

– Staff reports

OTIS ORCHARDS

Two nights of Frickle pumpkins

The Frickle family of the Kitchen Engine will be displaying its creative pumpkin carvings Wednesday and Thursday from nightfall until 9 p.m. at 20924 E Wabash Ave. in Otis Orchards.

There will be 150 intricately carved and sculpted pumpkins, including pumpkin creatures. Visitors and trick-or-treaters are invited to enjoy the pumpkins, hot cider and candy treats.

The family plans to give any donations to the Northwest Autism Center.

– Donna Tam

VERADALE

CV holiday sale next weekend

The Central Valley High School Band Boosters annual holiday arts and craft sale is scheduled for next Saturday and Nov. 4 at the school, 821 S. Sullivan Road.

Crafts and baked goods will be available. Admission is $2.

– Staff reports