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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

In brief: Bates named commission chair

SPOKANE VALLEY – Bill Bates was elected chairman of the city’s Planning Commission by a majority vote during the commission’s meeting last week. Bates is the half brother of Spokane Valley Mayor Tom Towey and retired from Rosauers as vice president of retail operations in 1987. He was appointed to the commission by the City Council in December 2010. At the time, some council members raised concerns that his appointment created a conflict of interest. Towey recused himself from that vote.

Also last week Joe Stoy was elected vice chairman of the commission by a unanimous vote. Stoy, who was appointed to the planning commission at the same time as Bates, is a design manager with Baker Construction.

OurTownZip plans launch party

LIBERTY LAKE – OurTownZip, a local free Internet startup to help business, nonprofits and residents, will have a launch party at George Gee Auto in Liberty Lake, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesday

The evening will include information from Bill Kallivas of Launchpad INW and Rosa Swatzell of OurTownZip. Jesse Sheldon of Inland NW Baby will be the featured guest. Attendees can enjoy appetizers and coffee from area businesses.

Attendees are encouraged to donate diapers and baby supplies to Inland NW Baby.

Reservations are required. To make reservations, visit http://goo.gl/LiJIF. For more information, email rosa@ourtownzip.com.

Forum part of occupy the court

RIVERSIDE – Occupy Spokane will join Spokane Moves on Friday to occupy City Hall.

Beginning at 11:30 a.m., community members are invited to the federal courthouse, 916 W. Riverside Ave., to occupy the court. Then, at 2 p.m., attendees can enjoy refreshments in the Chase Gallery at City Council chambers before a forum at 3 at City Hall, 808 Spokane Falls Blvd. The forum will include Spokane leaders to discuss topics related to the local occupy movement and to advance the Motion to Amend in the city.

The event is co-sponsored by the Peace and Justice League of Spokane. For information, call Bethany Heath at (509) 270-2453.

Youth symphony concert Sunday

RIVERSIDE – The Spokane Youth Symphony will continue its Literary Season at 4 p.m. Sunday at the Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox.

In its second concert, titled “Far, Far Away,” the Youth Symphony will include young Mozart in their performance. Guests include Steven Mortier as the narrator and bass-baritone soloist; Spokane Symphony violinist Rachel Dorfman and principal violist Nick Carper on viola; guest conductor Chris Grant; and vocalist Gregory Holtz, who performed with the youth symphony in November.

Mozart works to be performed are Symphony No. 41 “Jupiter,” Sinfonia Concertante, and the Magic Flute Overture.

For more information, visit www.SpokaneYouth Symphony.org.

Donations help foster children

SPOKANE – Bedding retailer Sleep Country USA ended 2011 by collecting more than 100,000 items for foster children, including toys, pajamas, shoes and school supplies.

The company also raised more than $125,000 from its Pajama Bowl events. The money will go toward sending foster children to summer camp or to help pay tuition or fees for foster children who want to learn how to play an instrument or participate in sports.

Sleep Country USA’s Foster Kids program is in its sixth year and local beneficiaries include Olive Crest Spokane, Families for Kids Spokane and Community and Family Services Foundation.

This is the most successful year for the program.