In Brief: Cafe in Manito to stay open

The Park Bench Café in Spokane’s Manito Park is remaining open seven days a week during late summer and early autumn from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., parks officials said this week.

It is the first time in recent history that the café has stayed open beyond Labor Day, staffers said.

The Parks Department took over operation of the café this year through its own food and beverage manager and under that arrangement has opted for the late-season service. The café will remain open as long as weather allows, and, based on demand, may continue to be open on selected days and hours with beverages and food items appropriate for the season.

– Mike Prager

Council hopefuls to join forum

Richard Rush and Brad Stark, candidates for City Council position No. 2, will participate in a candidates’ forum 7 to 8:30 p.m. today at Roosevelt Elementary School, at 14th Avenue and Bernard Street.

For more information, call Judy Gardner at 747-5252.

– Lisa Leinberger

Spokane

Cub Scouts event races to arena

The Inland Northwest Council’s second annual Race to Cub Scouting event is set for Sept. 27 at the Spokane Arena parking lot adjacent to the Spokane Service Center. The event will run 4 to 7 p.m. and is free for all that attend.

Cub Scouts are encouraged to invite friends who are not part of Cub Scouts. Attendees will get to meet racecar driver Danny Nelson and get their pictures taken in his Ford Mustang. They will also get to try a racing simulator, drive Cub Mobiles around a race course and run through the inflatable obstacle course. Each participant will also receive a hot dog, chips and drink.

If your pack would like to help make this event possible by volunteering, e-mail steve@nwscouts.org.

– Staff reports

Cliff Cannon

Woman’s Club marks 100 years

The General Federation of Women’s Clubs, Woman’s Club of Spokane, 1425 W. Ninth Ave., will celebrate its 100th anniversary 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday.

The day will include tours of the building, entertainment, displays and highlights from the past 100 years, and items from the vintage clothing collection.

The group is hoping to find new members to attend its meetings.

Gwen McManus, president of the Woman’s Club, said that the group holds meetings to discuss charities, such at the HOPE House and the American Lung Association. They also teach about emergency preparedness and other issues, and also hold fun events, such as high tea.

For more information, call the club at 838-5667.

– Lisa Leinberger