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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

ArtSmart offers after-school fun for kids

Billie Martin Staff writer

There is an exciting new program for students (K through 12) coming to Elk starting Monday.

ArtSmart in Elk, Afterschool “Handz-On” Art Program, will be held at the Inland Grange at 37411 Conklin Road. (and Nelson Road) Monday through Friday from 2 to 6 p.m.

Valerie Woelk, a local professional artist, came up with the idea for the program and has worked hard to get the Inland Grange ready and supplied, as well as creating a Web site and organizing the curriculum. She will be joined by another full-time staff member who is a recently retired school teacher.

ArtSmart in Elk will offer homework help and a nutritious snack when the students arrive after school. A permission slip must be signed by a parent for students to ride one of the three Riverside School buses to the Inland Grange.

There will be instruction in art techniques and craft projects. There will also be mentor professionals and experts visiting and teaching various skills. Some areas of instruction available will include music, acting, dance, yoga and sports. A calendar of some of the activities is listed on the program Web site at www.artsmartelk.com.

If you have a skill you would like to teach the children, call Woelk for information. Background checks will be run on all teaching mentors. If you would like to help, volunteers are welcome. You can also help with donations; there is a wish list on the Web site. Many items are recyclable items that you might otherwise just discard.

There will be a monthly rate for the program and bi-monthly payments will be acceptable. Family discounts for more than one child will be offered. (See the ‘Rate’ link on the Web site.) If you are interested in your children attending a safe and creative environment after school, call Valerie Woelk at 292-5031 or the Inland Grange during program hours at 292-5174.

Potluck dinner planned on Veterans Day

Veterans Day, Nov. 11, is a good time to remember what the veterans have done for all of us and our country. If you know a vet, thank them or do something nice for them.

The members of the Ladies Auxiliary and Men’s Auxiliary of the Elk Veterans of Foreign War Post No. 5924 will be honoring local veterans by hosting a potluck dinner. The dinner will be held on the Elk VFW’s regular meeting night, next Thursday at 7 p.m. in the downstairs Veterans Activity Room.

The dinner is free to veterans who all are welcome. There will be chowder, salads, vegetable dishes, several main dishes and desserts. For information, call the Elk VFW at 292-8252 or the Elk Sentinel at 292-8250.

Contact Billie Martin by e-mail at elkites@peoplepc.com.