Calendar

Sat., Dec. 8, 2007

The Spokesman-Review

Get out, get going

A Fine and Pleasant Misery

» We all know that real ponies don't go oink and that we should never sniff a gift fish, but did you hear about the night the bear ate Goombaw? If that sentence made you chuckle or laugh so hard you had to hold your sides, then you know Patrick McManus. The Sandpoint-based writer has done it again, releasing yet another collection of humorous stories set in North Idaho featuring Rancid Crabtree, The Troll and a cast of memorable characters.

» McManus will sign copies of "Kerplunk!" from 2 to 3 p.m. Sunday at Barnes & Noble at the Spokane Valley Mall. And maybe he'll explain how he got this way before everyone goes into the twilight, endlessly grousing.

O Christmas Tree

» It's about time to find the perfect Christmas tree and bring it home. The Hutton Settlement has started its annual Christmas tree sale fundraiser. Kids are selling grand fir, noble fir and Douglas fir trees. The trees are grown by the children who live at the settlement.

» The sale will be open through Dec. 23 from 4 to 8 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturdays and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays. Hot cider and hot chocolate will be available. Hutton is at 10255 E. Upriver Drive. Call 926-1027 for more information.

Today

“The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” - Based on the children’s book written by Barbara Robinson. Presented by the Spokane Christian Youth Center; 3 and 7 p.m., Trent Elementary School, 3303 N. Pines Road. $4-$10. 487-6540.

Art, Music and More - Live art and music by local independent artists; Saturdays, 1-6 p.m. Spokane Valley Mall, lower level, 14700 E. Indiana. 842-2492.

Christmas Charity Bazaar - A portion of all proceeds will go to the Vanessa Behan Crisis Nursery. Open daily Mondays-Saturdays, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., and Sundays, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., through Dec. 24, 15111 E. Sprague. 926-4042.

Mother/Daughter Safety Training - Women and teens ages 14 and up may take this class coving safety in elevators and parking lots and other safety issues affecting women. It is sponsored by Spokane Valley Parks and Recreation. 9 a.m.-noon, CenterPlace, 2426 N. Discovery Place. $60 for mom and one daughter; $47 for each additional daughter. 688-0190.

Season of Sharing - Low-income families may sign up before Wednesday to receive gifts for all children under 18. Those registering need picture ID, proof of address and Social Security cards or medical coupons for all the children. Gifts will be distributed on Dec. 18. Spokane Valley Partners, 10814 E. Broadway. 927-1153.

Sunday

Benefit performance - Theater Arts for Children will present a special performance of “CSI: Christmas Scene Investigators” to benefit Spokane Valley Partners’ Season of Sharing gift program. Admission per person is a new, unwrapped stocking stuffer for a child; per family is a new, unwrapped gift valued $15-$20 for a teen; 5 p.m., Spokane Valley Partners, 10814 E. Broadway. 927-1153.

Monday

Central Valley School District - The board of directors meet; 6:30 p.m., Learning and Teaching Center, 19307 E. Cataldo. 228-5400.

Take Off Pounds Sensibly - TOPS meets Mondays; 9-11 a.m., Broadway Court Estates, 13505 E. Broadway. 922-3874.

Tuesday

East Valley School District - The board of directors meet; 5:30 p.m., District Administration Center, 12325 E. Grace. 924-1830.

Spokane Valley City Council meeting - Tentative agenda items include appointing planning commission members and a proposed ordinance amending the 2007 budget; 6 p.m., Spokane Valley City Hall, 11707 E. Sprague. 921-1000.

Swing Dance Lessons - Free lessons; 7-9 p.m., Club Max Nightclub and Restaurant, 8122 E. Sprague Ave. Free. 922-1922.

Wednesday

“Julie and Julia” - Read, Think, Discuss series featuring this cooking book by Julia Child and Julie Powell; 7 p.m., Spokane Valley Library, 12004 E. Main. Free. 893-8400.

“Scrooged” - A cynically selfish TV executive gets haunted by three spirits bearing lessons on Christmas Eve. Part of the For the Love of Movies film series; 6:30 p.m., Spokane Valley Library, 12004 E. Main. Free. 893-8400.

East Valley School District work session - The board of directors will meet for a work session; 8:30 a.m.-noon, District Administration Center, 12325 E. Grace. 924-1830.

Nicotine Anonymous - The group meets every Wednesday; 4:45 p.m., Spokane Valley Community Center, 10814 E. Broadway. 926-9804.

West Valley School District - The board of directors meet; 7 p.m., District Conference Center, 8818 E. Grace. 924-2150.

Thursday

Take Off Pounds Sensibly - The group meets every Thursday; 9:30 a.m., Eagles, 16801 E. Sprague. 928-5460.

Writer’s Club - Open to all; 1 p.m., On Sacred Grounds, 12212 E. Palouse Highway. Free. 747-6294.

Friday

Fall/Winter Arts and Crafts Sale - Sponsored by East Farms PTSA. Friday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. East Farms Elementary School, 26203 E. Rowan Ave., Newman Lake. Free admission. 226-0622.

Spaghetti Dinner - Hosted by the Elks Lodge; 5:30-7 p.m., 2605 N. Robie Road. $5. 926-2328.

Next Saturday

“Happy Feet” - Into the world of the Emperor Penguins, who find their soul mates through song, a penguin is born who cannot sing. But he can tap dance something fierce. Rated PG; 3 p.m., Spokane Valley Library, 12004 E. Main. Free. 893-8400.

Art, Music and More - Live art and music by local independent artists; Saturdays, 1-6 p.m. Spokane Valley Mall, lower level, 14700 E. Indiana. 842-2492.

Author Therese Marszalek - Book signing by local author of “Extraordinary Miracles in the Lives of Ordinary People,” an inspirational collection of stories; 2 p.m., Barnes and Noble, 15310 E. Indiana. Free. 922-4104.

Christmas Ball - Hosted by the Elks Lodge with ham dinner and souvenir photo. Dancing to Lazy Boy Experience. Reservations needed by Dec. 12; 6 p.m., 2605 N. Robie Road. $17.50. 926-2328.

Kids Night Out - A night of activities for kids in grades K-6. There will be cheerleading activities, open gym, games, video games, crafts, relay races, freeze tag, movies, snacks and more. Proceeds benefit the Central Valley High School Golf Team. Early registration is advised. 6-10 p.m., Central Valley High School, 821 S. Sullivan Road. $12 per child. (509) 209-6488.

Artist Reception - “Entertaining Angels Unawares” acrylic paintings based on Hebrews 13:2. Artist reception noon-3 p.m., On Sacred Grounds, 12212 E. Palouse Highway, Valleyford. 747-6294.