In brief: Spokane River will be luncheon topic

RIVERSIDE – Bart Milhailovich and former Spokane Valley City Councilman Dick Denenny will share their perspectives on “Preserving Spokane’s Natural Treasure,” issues related to the Spokane River, at a luncheon and city forum Wednesday, 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m., at First Presbyterian Church, 318 S. Cedar St.

Milhailovich and Denenny will speak about preserving the Spokane River, which provides recreational opportunities and the Spokane-Rathdrum Aquifer, which provides drinking water to the entire community.

Milhailovich represents the Spokane Riverkeeper, a project of Spokane’s Center for Justice, which consists of organizations working to protect and restore the Spokane River watershed, including the Spokane-Rathdrum Aquifer and Lake Coeur d’Alene. The Spokane Riverkeeper is a growing network and a member of the Waterkeeper Alliance, organizations that utilize education, advocacy and when necessary, litigation, to protect and safeguard vital bodies of water in local, state and national communities.

Cost for the luncheon is $10 general admission and $5 for students. Reservations are requested by Monday.

To purchase tickets and for more information, call (509) 777-1555, e-mail info@spokanecity forum.org or visit www.spokanecity forum.org.

Ski, dinner at Mount Spokane

MOUNT SPOKANE – The Spokane Parks and Recreation will offer a cross-country moonlight ski and dinner at Mount Spokane on Saturday, from 6 to 9 p.m.

Participants will meet at Selkirk Lodge and cross-country ski by moonlight through the woods. An Italian style dinner by Trezzi Farm Catering will follow the skiing.

Cost is $41 per person and includes ski equipment, dinner and guides.

To register and for more information, call (509) 625-6246 or visit www.spokaneparks.org.

Robert Burns dinner planned Jan. 21

WEST HILLS – The Spokane Scottish St. Andrews Society will host the annual Robert Burns Supper and Scholarship fundraiser on Jan. 21 at Mukogawa Fort Wright Institute, 4000 W. Randolph Road, beginning at 6 p.m.

The international-themed event will include bagpipes, highland dancing, music, poetry and song, along with the Japanese version of “Auld Lang Syne” – “Hotaru no Hikari,” a Russian version of “A Man’s a Man For All That,” and the words of the secretary general of the U.N., honoring Robert Burns’ legacy.

The evening will also include a buffet dinner and dessert, haggis, social dancing to Crooked Kilt, no-host bar and distinguished Scotch.

Tickets are $35 and may be purchased at www.spokanescots.org or at Tickets West.

Primmer honored by farm group

FREEMAN – The Washington Farm Service Agency recently honored the Spokane FSA executive director Randy Primmer with a special achievement award for his dedication to the Freeman School District.

Primmer was recognized for his sacrifice of time and energy that has greatly benefited the Freeman School District. He has served as the county director for Spokane and Pend Oreille counties for the past 17 years.

‘Dancing Princesses’ onstage Jan. 29

RIVERSIDE – On Jan. 29, the Spokane Youth Ballet will perform original production of the Grimm’s fairytale “The Dancing Princesses” at the Martin Woldson Theater at the Fox at 7:30 p.m.

The ballet will include professional guest artists Michelle Sigl and Stuart Lauer, dancing the lead roles of the eldest princess and the captain of the palace guard.

The performance marks the beginning of the second season for the company.

Tickets may be purchased at the Fox box office, TicketsWest and at the door.

For more information, call Sherrie Stradley at (509) 992-3023.