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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

SCOPE station opens in Elk

Billie Martin Correspondent

So far, 23 members have completed their basic and Citizens on Patrol training to become SCOPE volunteers. SCOPE stands for Sheriff Community Oriented Policing Effort. The Elk volunteers have elected their station officers, and they are: Steve Phillips, president (292-8947); Geoff Green, vice president (292-0561); secretaries Joette Vanceunebrock (292-8947) and Kathy Olmstead (292-2604); and Mindy Johnston, treasurer (292-2096).

The new Elk SCOPE station is at Inland Grange No. 780 building on the corner of Nelson and Conklin roads just east of Elk-Chattaroy Road and north of Blanchard Road.

The station is open Monday from 9 a.m. to noon. Meeting times are the second Saturday of the month from 8 to 10 a.m. and the fourth Wednesday from 7 to 9 p.m. New volunteers are encouraged to sign up. To be an official volunteer, you need to fill out a simple form for a background check and attend the SCOPE and COPS training courses.

Some of Elk’s current volunteers have the defensive driving training and they expect to soon have a retired sheriff’s cruiser to cover the area. The Elk SCOPE station also offers Operation Family ID. The program makes pictures and fingerprint records for parents in case of missing children. The Elk SCOPE volunteers also can help residents set up Neighborhood Watch areas.

SCOPE is not considered a program but a philosophy and community perspective. It partners law enforcement with the citizens and businesses they serve. It believes in working together to promote public safety and prevent crime. SCOPE thrives to provide a safer living environment for the communities it serves. Another goal in creating the outreach stations is to increase citizen awareness and involvement and promote community spirit.

During the normal meeting time on March 14, the Elk SCOPE station volunteers are having an open house that will last until noon. They will offer a pancake breakfast and give out information about the services they offer. They also will have information and applications if you are interested in joining the volunteer effort.

Visitors can schedule time for groups of children to do Operation Family ID. Volunteers also are having a food drive for the North County Food Bank during the open house and nonperishable food items will be accepted.

•Granges have played an important part in rural communities for many generations. Elk is fortunate to have two active granges: Inland Grange and Camden Grange. Both serve as meeting places for many community groups, as well as providing a variety of activities. Both are available for family gatherings such as reunions or receptions.

Camden Grange recently sponsored an old-fashioned dance with a ’50s theme. For Camden Grange information, call 292-2492.

Inland Grange offers monthly bingo nights; the next one is on March 21 at 6 p.m., and everyone is welcome. For Inland Grange general information, call Joe at 292-2604 or Kenny at 292-1717. To rent the Grange, call Gerri at 292-9663.

Contact correspondent Billie Martin by e-mail at elkites@peoplepc.com.