In brief: Free family photos offered at Partners today

SPOKANE VALLEY – Humanix and Pixeldust Photography Studio are spreading holiday cheer to area families today.

Families who are not able to afford a Christmas photo are invited to Spokane Valley Partners, 10814 E. Broadway Ave., from 2 to 5:30 p.m., to have their picture taken with Santa. Additional photos may be taken for $1 each.

Proceeds will benefit Spokane Valley Partners.

To make an appointment and for more information, call (509) 927-1153.

Free produce, beef available Friday for those in need

MILLWOOD – Millwood Presbyterian Church, 3223 N. Marguerite Road, and Second Harvest Inland Northwest Food Bank will be handing out food in the parking lot of Millwood Presbyterian Church Friday, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Free produce, perishable products and beef for families in need of food assistance will be available and no appointment is necessary. Boxes will be needed to carry food.

For more information, call (509) 924-2350 or email craig@millwoodpc.org.

Complimentary eye exams offered all day Tuesday

SPOKANE VALLEY – Pearle Vision, 509 N. Sullivan Road, will “give the gift of sight” on Tuesday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The holiday vision event will include complimentary eye exams and digital retinal photos, prescription glasses and snacks and drinks.

Participants require a voucher from a local charity. To schedule an appointment and for more information call Jana or Joselle at (509) 922-2400.

Tell us about free holiday meals throughout area

SPOKANE COUNTY – Is your group having a free Christmas dinner anytime during Christmas week? Let us know for a list we’re compiling for the holiday week.

Send the details of your dinner – date, time, place and any requirements – to rebeccan@spokesman.com or call (509) 459-5496.

Low-cost energy audit deadline approaching

SPOKANE – Spokane residents will have until midnight on Dec. 31 to qualify for a $95 home energy audit. SustainableWorks, a local nonprofit general contractor, will do the audit to help homeowners make home improvements that reduce their energy use and energy bills.

The process begins with a pre-audit to determine eligibility followed by a professional energy audit. An energy consultant then explains to the homeowner where they are losing energy and suggests the most cost effective energy saving improvements. Through SustainableWorks, participants can save on items like furnaces, air sealing, insulation and water heaters that reduce their energy costs.

Home energy audits will increase to $195 at the first of the year. To sign up and for more information, visit www.sustainableworks.com or call (509) 532-1688.

Register now for February nonprofit conference

RIVERSIDE – Registration is open for the second annual Inland Northwest Nonprofit Conference, to be held Feb. 16 at the Spokane Masonic Center, 1108 W. Riverside Ave.

The daylong conference will focus on how nonprofits can offer educational support by leveraging the full potential of an organization, in a financially sustainable way, to maximize the impact of their programs.

To register for the conference visit http://ae-consulting.blogspot.com/. To share information about volunteering or working within a nonprofit organization visit www.ae-consulting.net/Conference.htm.

Share short stack with Santa at grange on Saturday

FIVE MILE – The Five Mile Prairie Grange, 3024 W. Strong Road, will celebrate the season with the annual Pancakes with Santa on Saturday, from 8 to 11 a.m.

Attendees can enjoy hot off-the-griddle pancakes and purchase holiday treats from the bake sale. Attendees may also take pictures of their children with Santa.

Proceeds from the bake sale will support improvements to the Grange hall.

For more information e-mail fivemilegrange@hotmail.com.

Winter festival, tour planned at Turnbull Saturday

CHENEY – The Friends of Turnbull will host a Winter Festival at Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge on Saturday, beginning at 9 a.m. with the elk tour. Space is limited on the tour and fills up fast. Pre-registration is requested. Call (509) 235-4531 or email looeezoleary@netscape.net to reserve a spot.

The festival continues at noon with a presentation of live raptors by the West Valley Outdoor Learning Center. Refreshments, including chili and cornbread, muffins and cookies, hot spiced cider, coffee, tea and hot chocolate will also be available.

The Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge is located four miles south of Cheney. For more information call (509) 235-4723.