In brief: 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.

Holiday potluck will precede neighborhood meeting

WEST HILLS – The Palisades Neighborhood Association will have its annual Christmas potluck and meeting on Sunday, from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Finch Arboretum, 3404 W. Woodland Blvd.

Attendees can bring their favorite dish to share and something festive to drink. Paper plates, utensils and coffee will be provided.

A meeting and elections will follow the holiday fun.

Winter festival, tour 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.