Former CV footballers invited to memorial

Former Central Valley football players are invited to attend a memorial celebration and recall the life of Charlie Dean on Saturday at 10 a.m. in the CV High School cafeteria.

Dean, who died last month at age 83, coached the Bears from 1964 through 1974. In 11 seasons as coach, his teams were unbeaten seven times.

Prior to his arrival in the Spokane Valley from Oklahoma, he played for and coached at national power Cameron Junior College as well as in high school.

There will be a gathering afterward at The Last Lap Pub & Grill, 13524 E. Sprague.

Workshop offers tips on running for office

The Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce will hold a “Candidates School” on Wednesday at 1 p.m. at the Chamber’s Business Center, 9507 E. Sprague Ave.

The program will cover opportunities available in the 2009 election year. Participants will learn about filing to run for office, managing a campaign and dealing with the media. They will also have the opportunity to hear firsthand from an elected official.

The cost is $35 per person and includes a resource notebook. Seating is limited.

To register, call the Chamber at (509) 924-4994 or visit www.spokanevalleychamber.org.

Fair features pets ready for adoption

Spokane County Regional Animal Protection Service, SpokAnimal, Pet Savers and Spokane Humane Society will host a Super Pet Adoption Festival on May 16 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and May 17 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in an effort to help animals find loving homes. The event will be held in the parking lot at Aslin-Finch Feed Co., 14705 E. Sprague Ave. in Spokane Valley.

Hundreds of dogs and cats will be available for adoption. Animal-related booths will be set up, and food also will be available.

For more information, call SCRAPS at (509) 477-2532.

West Plains

Dance will benefit Cancer Patient Care

Cancer Patient Care in Spokane is putting on a fundraiser dance at the Northern Quest Resort & Casino on May 15 at 8 p.m.

The event, billed as Cancer Patient Care’s Second Chance Prom, will feature Spokane’s Craig Volosing & That Goodtime Band.

Tickets are $50 and available on the Web through TicketsWest at ticketswest.com. For more information, go to cancerpatientcare.org.

Medical Lake

Pasta fundraiser aids school activities

The Medical Lake Booster Club will hold a pasta dinner Saturday from 6 to 9 p.m. at Medical Lake Middle School, 1010 Lake St.

The dinner will include pasta prepared by Tomato Street, salad, coffee and soft drinks.

The proceeds will benefit Medical Lake High School sports and activities.

The cost is $7 per person or $3 for children younger than 10.

For more information, call Howard Jorgenson at (509) 710-3873.

Felts Field

WWII-era B-17 bomber will be at Felts Field

The Liberty Belle, a restored World War II B-17 “Flying Fortress” bomber, will be at Felts Field, 5829 Rutter Ave., on May 9 and 10.

Sixty-five years ago, the aircraft flew from bases far from home in an attempt to bring freedom to oppressed peoples. The B-17’s mission for today is to educate Americans about the courage of WWII veterans and remember those who never made it home.

For more information, call Scott Maher at (918) 340-0243 or e-mail smaher@libertyfoundation.org.

Deer Park

Lunch raising money for community center

The GreenHouse Community Center in Deer Park is celebrating its second anniversary with a fundraiser and luncheon on May 9 at the Eagles Lodge in Deer Park.

The center’s social service programs help 2,000 people each month across north Spokane and southern Stevens counties. Raising money is crucial for continuing to meet the requests for services, said Susan Peterson, the chief executive officer at the GreenHouse.

The family event starts with a silent auction at 11 a.m. at the lodge at 12 W. South St. The auction will run through 3 p.m.

A lunch is planned for noon and will feature a performance by “bubbleillusionist” Jarom Watts, of Spokane, demonstrating his creativity with creating soap bubbles, and a fashion show of some of the clothing available at the GreenHouse’s clothing store. Cost for the lunch is $10.

Operating out of an old feed store along the town’s railroad tracks, the center also has a thrift store, food bank, counseling center and classroom. Programs involve partnerships with agencies, churches, businesses, retirees and clients.

A year ago, the center reported helping 1,000 people a month, but the need has doubled since then, she said.

Country Homes

Wonderland adds bumper boats

Wonderland Family Fun Center, 10515 N. Division St., will have a grand opening for its Bumper Boat Pond on Friday, with new boats equipped with squirt guns.

Family fun also will include arcade games, laser tag, go-karts, and both indoor and outdoor 18-hole miniature golf courses.

Wonderland is open Monday through Thursday, 2 to 10 p.m.; Friday, 2 to 11 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.; and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Attraction prices vary.

For more information, call (509) 468-4386 or visit www.wonderlandusa.com.