Members needed for tourism team

Spokane Valley officials are looking for three people to serve on the city’s Lodging Tax Advisory Committee.

The five-member committee advises the City Council on how to promote tourism with hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of motel tax receipts.

The openings are for two people who work in the motel industry and one who works for an organization authorized to use the tax.

Organizations recently chosen to receive next year’s tax collection include the Spokane Regional Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Spokane Regional Sports Commission, Valleyfest, the Spokane County Fair and Expo Center and the Spokane Valley Heritage Museum.

Applications are available at City Hall or on the city’s Web site, www.spokanevalley.org, under the “What’s New” link. The filing deadline is 5 p.m. Dec. 19.

Applications should be e-mailed to cbainbridge@ spokanevalley.org, faxed to 921-1008 or mailed to: Chris Bainbridge, City Clerk, City of Spokane Valley, 11707 E. Sprague Ave., Spokane Valley, WA 99206.

For more information, call 688-0177.

– John Craig

Snow-plowing map posted on Web

Spokane Valley officials hope the city receives less snow this winter than last – when their snow-removal budget slid off the road.

Come what may, the city has a plan.

Residents who want to know what to expect may review the city’s priorities and view a snow-plowing map at www.spokanevalley.org.

Click on the “Maps” link and look for the plowing map under “Street/Traffic Engineering Maps.”

For more information, call 921-1000.

– John Craig

Season of Sharing donations needed

Spokane Valley Partners is looking for donations of gifts for its 14th annual Season of Sharing program.

The program provides gifts to low-income children up to age 18 who live in Spokane Valley.

New, unwrapped gifts and stocking stuffers for all ages are needed, as is wrapping paper, bows and bags of candy. Gift cards may also be donated, particularly for teens.

Donations may be brought to Spokane Valley Partners, 10814 E. Broadway Ave., or to area fire stations, Modern Electric or Vera Water and Power.

Low-income families who would like to sign up to receive gifts must do so before Dec. 12.

There are income guidelines and families must show proof of residency and some form of identification for each child.

Distribution is scheduled for Dec. 19 at Spokane Valley United Methodist Church, 115 N. Raymond Road. Call 927-1153 for more information.

– Nina Culver