In brief: Sprague Avenue work may cause delays

SPOKANE VALLEY – Road work is expected to slow traffic on Sprague Avenue between University and Evergreen beginning Monday. There will be daytime closures of the southbound curb lane on University between Appleway and Sprague avenues and the westbound curb lane on Sprague between University and Evergreen roads. Access to local businesses will remain open.

The project, which is expected to last until October, involves installing fiber optic cable to connect the traffic signals to a system monitored by the Spokane Regional Transportation Management Center. A traffic camera also will be installed near the Houk Road intersection to allow monitoring of traffic conditions. The project is funded by a federal grant.

Kids etiquette classes at CenterPlace

SPOKANE VALLEY – Spokane Valley’s Parks and Recreation Department and Monica Brandner, president of Image by m. brander and a former Mrs. Alaska, have joined to offer etiquette classes today, from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m., Wednesday, from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m., and next Thursday, from 2 to 5 p.m., at CenterPlace Regional Event Center, 2426 N. Discovery Place.

Today’s event is a style class, for ages 9-13, and will focus on the finer points of skin care, communication and the value of a little pampering. Next week’s classes are a two-day etiquette and image boot camp. The course, for ages 12-16, will teach the fundamentals of great first impressions, interview techniques and wardrobe basics the first day and on the second day participants will learn dining skills when they sit down to a multicourse instructional meal. The class is designed to equip boys and girls with the skills to approach society and life with confidence.

Cost for the style class is $53 and the cost for the two-day class is $125.

To register and for more information, call (509) 688-0300 or visit www.spokanevalley.org.

SCRAPS reduces price for black cats, kittens

SPOKANE VALLEY – Through Saturday, SCRAPS is offering a special adoption price of $20 on all of their black cats and kittens. The shelter has an overwhelming number of these animals, which has led to the deal.

The $20 special includes spay/neuter surgery, current vaccinations, microchip, license and a free veterinarian examination.

SCRAPS is open Monday through Saturday, from noon to 5:30 p.m.

For more information call (509) 477-2761 or visit www.spokanecounty.org/ scraps.

Soccer group plans benefit race

PLANTE’S FERRY PARK – The Spokane Valley Junior Soccer Association will host the Plante’s Ferry Adventure Race on Sept. 18, beginning at 8 a.m.

The tour will start at Plante’s Ferry Park and travel along the Centennial Trail, the Spokane River, up to Beacon Hill and back to Plante’s Ferry. The race is open to those age 14 and older, racing individually or in teams of three and includes kayaking/canoe, biking and running.

Cost is $99 for a team and $49 for individuals.

The event will be held in honor of Antoine Plante and proceeds from the race will support field and facility maintenance of the Plante’s Ferry Park soccer complex. Also, 20 percent of the proceeds from the race will benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

For details and to register, visit www.PlantesFerry.com. Registration deadline is Sept. 2.

Citizen’s Academy planned in October

SPOKANE VALLEY – The Spokane County Sheriff’s Office and the Spokane Valley Police Department will hold a Citizen’s Academy, beginning Sept. 8 at the Sheriff’s Training Facility, 10319 E. Appleway Ave.

Each Thursday, through Oct. 27, from 6 to 9 p.m., members of the community can get an insider’s view of various departments in the Sheriff’s office; ride along with an officer during their shift; hear first-hand from officers and investigators about the services they provide; witness the services of the specialty units; and have questions answered.

The course is free and open to the public, but pre-registration is requested as space is limited to 30 participants.

To register and for more information, call Deputy Travis Pendell at (509) 477-6044 or email tpendell@spokanesheriff.org.

Community Center Zumba party set

EAST CENTRAL – The East Central Community Center, 500 S. Stone St., will host a benefit Zumba party on Saturday from 2 to 4 p.m. Doors open at 1:30. The nonprofit Jackson Sports Academy is sponsoring the event to provide summer camp scholarships to low-income children.

Participants can enjoy zumba or zumbatomic – zumba for kids – and enter to win a number of prizes in a raffle. Raffle tickets are $1 each.

Admission is $5. For tickets and more information call (509) 217-3839 or visit www.jacksonsports academy.com.

Holistic Chamber to meet Aug. 18

RIVERSIDE – The Spokane Holistic Chamber of Commerce will have its monthly meeting Aug.18 at 7 p.m. at the Saranac Building, 35 W. Main Ave., on the third floor.

Larry Vierra will speak on cloud computing and how it can benefit local businesses. The meeting is free and open to the public.

For more information call Charles at (509) 389-7290 or visit www.spokaneholistic chamberofcommerce.org.

Wienerfest barbecue to support dog rescue

SPOKANE – The Dachshund Rescue Northwest and Dachshund Club of Spokane will have its eighth annual Wienerfest barbecue potluck and open house on Aug. 27, from noon to 8 p.m. at the Wiener Ranch.

Attendees are welcome to bring their dachshunds to play, a potluck dish and a lawn chair. It is requested that in-season female dogs are left at home. Reservations, along with a $5 donation per person to help with the costs for rescued dachshunds are also requested.

For more information, reservations and directions to the Wiener Ranch call (509) 796-2140 or email dragoonfr@hotmail.com.