In brief: McCaslin recovering
Senator Bob McCaslin said he is doing well after he was taken to the emergency room in Olympia on Feb. 11 after suffering dizziness. He has been having tests and visiting with his doctors since he returned to Spokane Valley after he was released from the hospital.
“I just got real dizzy,” he said. He wanted to go get lunch but an aide insisted on driving him to the hospital. “He said I was real ashen,” McCaslin said.
Doctors are considering whether he needs surgery to repair an aortic valve but are waiting for test results. “It hasn’t been determined yet,” McCaslin said.
There may be other health issues involved as well. McCaslin said his red blood cells, white blood cells and platelet count are all low. Whatever his prognosis, McCaslin said he does not anticipate returning to the Senate before the session ends. “I’m 83 years old,” he said. “We’ll see. I’m always optimistic.”
- Nina Culver
Manito hosts plant sale, lecture
ROCKWOOD – The Friends of Manito will hold its annual Tropical Plant Sale on Saturday at the Gaiser Conservatory in Manito Park, 1702 S. Grand Blvd., from noon to 3 p.m.
Brian Green, plant expert, professor and greenhouse manager at Spokane Community College, will speak about care, cultural requirements, pests and diseases of tropical plants at 10 a.m. Admission to the lecture is free, but seating is limited.
To make reservations for the lecture, call (509) 456-8038.
Swap baseball gear on Saturday
SPOKANE COUNTY – Spokane South Little League will have an equipment swap and baseball registration at Morning Star Boys Ranch, 4511 S. Glenrose Road, on Saturday.
From 8 to 10 a.m., baseball equipment may be dropped off for the swap. Beginning at 10 a.m. and running through 4 p.m., baseball players will have the opportunity to go through items available at the swap that will help them prepare for the upcoming season.
Registration is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Kids’ Concert has Irish theme
RIVERSIDE – The Spokane Masonic Center, 1108 W. Riverside Ave., will host a free KPBX Kids’ Concert on March 6, from 1 to 2 p.m.
The family-friendly event will include The Celtic Nots, performing a variety of musical styles, combining traditional and folk tunes, with Celtic flare, and The Haran Irish Dancers, entertaining the audience with dance demonstrations, energetic jigs, and exciting steps.
Hit the slopes to fight cancer
MOUNT SPOKANE – The American Cancer Society is offering winter enthusiasts the opportunity to enjoy their favorite sports while helping to raise funds to continue the search to find a cure for cancer with “Hope on the Slopes,” at Mt. Spokane on March 13.
Skiers and snowboarders make their day on the hill more meaningful by raising money for the American Cancer Society, while competing for vertical feet. Each participant and team will receive a personal Web page they can customize with their own messages and photos. Features of the site will include the ability to fundraise online and via e-mail, track fundraising progress, and honor loved ones touched by cancer.
For more information about participating in the event or serving as a volunteer for the American Cancer Society Mt. Spokane Hope on the Slopes, call Darcie Haigwood at (208) 265-8230, e-mail darcie.haigwood@ cancer.org, or visit www.acshope ontheslopes.org.
Senior softball starts in March
SPOKANE COUNTY – Five years ago Morris Clark founded the Spokane Senior Softball League. “We are the largest softball group in Spokane. Last year we had 17 teams with well over 200 players,” Clark said.
The league includes a 50+ group and a 60+ group. There’s even a 70 and older traveling team and two women’s teams.
The league hosts teams from surrounding cities to play in tournaments throughout the summer.
For more information, call Clark at (509) 327-4527. Practices will begin in mid-March. Most games are played at Franklin Park.