In brief: Five Guys Burgers applies for license

SPOKANE VALLEY – The owner of the South Hill franchise of the national Five Guys Burgers and Fries chain applied for a business license at 10 N. Sullivan Road in Spokane Valley this month. Online Washington State Department of Licensing records show that Montana Burgers Inc., with a mailing address in Missoula, is the listed company on both locations. The South Hill location opened earlier this year. Construction crews were working at the Sullivan site this week, including taking down the old Hollywood Video signs.

Council member receives certificate

SPOKANE VALLEY – Spokane Valley city councilman Bill Gothmann was recently awarded an advanced certificate of municipal leadership by the Association of Washington Cities. Gothmann attended workshops and seminars on budgeting, community planning, leadership, personnel and more.

Gothmann has served on the city council since 2006 and had previously served on the city’s planning commission since 2003.

Music classes for little ones

SPOKANE VALLEY – Children up to age 6 can learn about music in a new class offered by the Spokane Valley Parks and Recreation Department and Tune Tales Music beginning in January. The classes will give young children the chance to learn about and try various musical instruments using games, puppets and more.

Sessions will run from Jan. 5 to Feb. 16 and from Feb. 23 to March 30. Classes for Allegros (age 1-3) are from 9:25 to 10 a.m. and Crescendos (age 4-6) are from 10:15 to 11 a.m. at CenterPlace, 2426 N. Discovery Place. The cost is $66 for Allegros and $72 for Crescendos. To register call (509) 688-0300 or visit www.spokanevalley.org and click on the parks link.

Seasonal dangers for family pets

SPOKANE VALLEY – Spokane County Regional Animal Protection Service, 2521 N. Flora Road, wants to remind the community to protect their pets during the holiday season.

Treats that pets might get a hold of , such as chocolate, contain the chemical theobromine, which can make animals sick, even in small doses. Chocolate and other holiday desserts are not meant for pets. Festive seasonal plants, such as poinsettias, holly and mistletoe, will also make animals sick and should be kept out of their reach, along with ornaments and other decorations that can be dangerous if pets step on them or try and use them for a chew toy.

SCRAPS wants to warn pet owners that Christmas trees and it’s trimmings are favorite “toys” for pets during this time of year. Cats love to play with tinsel and ribbon, but they can easily choke on them. Tree sap is also dangerous for pets, especially when mixed with water, so they should be watched and kept away from the tree, ornaments and decorations.

For more information, call (509) 477-2532.

Students collect food for pantries

SPOKANE VALLEY – Students from McDonald and Progress elementary schools in the Central Valley School District recently held food drives to help families in need in celebration of Partners Advancing Character Education’s character trait of the month, caring.

McDonald’s students collected 1,426 nonperishable food items which will be donated to Second Harvest. Students at Progress collected just over 3,500 items – an average of 10 per student – to donate to Spokane Valley Partners.

Many of the classes in the schools held pizza parties to celebrate their success.