Volunteer Your Volunteer For A United Way Award

Personal satisfaction, a sense of accomplishment, community connection and a chance to meet others with similar interests and values are the rewards garnered by those who volunteer their time in the community.

While these compensations are likely enough, United Way of Spokane County offers volunteers more tangible rewards, which are usually few and far between.

Each year, United Way solicits nominations to reward individuals and organizations for outstanding contributions to the Spokane community.

This year’s Golden Rule Crystal Awards, in addition to the Volunteer of the Year’s Crystal Spire Award, will be presented at the 15th annual celebration at 11:30 a.m. April 16 at the Ag Trade Center.

Contributions of $1,000 will be presented by J.C. Penney to the winners’ organizations; individual winners will receive crystal awards, United Way plaques and letters from government officials.

This year, 11 awards will be presented in categories of adult, senior, youth, education, paid or unpaid volunteer coordinator, and group, said Susan Cairy, event chairwoman.

Group submissions, new this year, may include two or more people from business and industry, public service, organized labor or the private sector. Cairy said.

Applications are available by calling United Way’s Volunteer Center, 624-2279 or 838-6581. Nominations will be accepted through Feb. 24.

Events

Children’s Home Society of Washington’s annual luncheon, “SweetHearts for Kids,” will be from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Thursday, at Cavanaugh’s Inn at the Park.

The celebration luncheon will feature music, door prizes and a “SweetHeart” award to someone who has been a champion and guardian of the community’s children and families.

Children’s Home Society has committed its resources to supporting children in Washington for more than 110 years. It began by finding homes for children as alternatives to orphanages. Its mission states it will continue to “help children thrive by building on the strengths of children, families and communities.”

For more information about the luncheon or how to become a “SweetHeart for Kids,” call 747-4174.

Spokane Art School has special afternoon workshops on Spokane School District 81’s early dismissal days.

From 1:30 to 4 p.m., Wednesday, first- through third-grade students can take “Ceramics and Mixed Media,” while fourth- through sixth-graders can explore “Mosaic Art.” Both classes are $12.

On March 11 and 12, fourth-grade students through adults can enroll in an “Interarts” workshop, integrating music and drama. Cost for this two-part workshop is $20.

Call 328-0900 for a complete schedule or to register.

Senior citizens can dance the afternoon away to the 13-piece Jim Baker Orchestra Friday during the “Young at Heart” senior Valentine’s Day dance.

Sponsored by the Greater Spokane Council on Aging and Senior Services of Washington, the free dance will be from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1620 E. 20th.

To celebrate national “Intergenerational Month,” the church’s young women’s group, East Valley High School Service Club and students from several elementary schools will help decorate, serve cookies and punch, and dance with the guests.

Free tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis at Corbin, Sinto, Hillyard, South Hill and Valley senior centers, as well as the office of Aging and Long-Term Care of Eastern Washington.

Health Education

Despite a decline in coronary heart disease, it remains the leading cause of death for Americans, resulting in more than 500,000 deaths annually.

That’s why The Heart Institute Community Partners, a group of nine health-care partners, joined forces this month with area businesses to help fight heart disease.

Free copies of The Heart Institutes’ Food Plan and Heart Month calendars are available during February at Tidyman’s grocery stores, Ultimate Bagel on 29th, or by calling the Heart Institute, 625-3000.

The 28-page food plan contains more than 45 low-fat recipes, quick meal ideas and suggestions for living a heart-healthier life through good nutrition, stress management and physical activity. The calendar lists a host of special events and programs.

Heart Institute Community Partners include Deaconess Medical Center, Group Health Northwest, Holy Family Hospital, Medical Service Corp., Rockwood Clinic, Sacred Heart Medical Center, Spokane Regional Health District, The Heart Institute of Spokane, and Valley Hospital and Medical Center. Corporate partners are Tidyman’s and KXLY-TV and Radio.

During February, Deaconess and Valley Medical Centers will feature classes dedicated to helping people gain stronger and healthier hearts. This month’s programs include: A free orientation class to introduce “Smoke Free,” a program using effective techniques to help those who want to stop smoking, will be at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, at the Valley hospital, 12606 E. Mission. Phase I of the program includes eight-week group sessions; Phase 2 continues for an additional eight months.

A program on how to prevent and treat strokes, as well as recognize and treat “warning” strokes, will be from noon to 1:30 p.m., Friday, at Deaconess Health and Education Center, 910 W. Fifth. “Preventing and Treating Strokes” is free to members of Women’s Health Network and Health Access, and $5 for non-members.

Additional classes this month include “Women and Heart Disease,” “Baby-sitting Basics” and “Recipe for a Healthier Heart.”

Preregistration is required for all classes. Call 744-7666 to register for a list of classes offered through March.

Gonzaga University’s Health Center, in partnership with other departments and student groups, will present GU’s annual health fair, “Health Yourself,” from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Thursday, in the Crosby Student Center.

A variety of campus and public agencies will provide an abundance of free information and health screening, including traditional and non-traditional health options.

For more information on this free, public event, call GU Health Center’s director Mary Jo Leveque, 328-4220, ext. 4252.

Thanks

The Easter Seal Society of Washington, celebrating its 50th anniversary, received a $20,000 donation from Spokane INA Group during its recent bowl-a-thon. The funds help provide direct service and programs to teach people with disabilities how to live with equality, dignity and independence.

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