In brief: Baby-sitting lessons offered

SPOKANE VALLEY – The Spokane Valley Parks and Recreation Department is offering a class for boys and girls, ages 11 to 15, who want to learn how to be good baby sitters.

The class, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 17 and Nov. 14 at the CenterPlace Regional Event Center, will cost $45. It will be taught by a Red Cross instructor.

Topics to be covered include leadership, basic care, safe play and first aid. Those who complete the course will receive a manual, an emergency guide, an informational CD, a first-aid kit and a certificate.

To register or for more information, call (509) 688-0300 or visit the city’s Web site: www.spokanevalley.org.

John Craig

Freeman fundraiser at CdA casino

FREEMAN – The Foundation for Freeman Schools will host its first fundraiser at the Coeur d’Alene Casino and Circling Raven Golf Course next Saturday.

The money raised will be used to pay part of the costs of the new gym at the high school. Community members were able to convince the district to make the gym floor regulation size if money was raised to pay for the expansion.

A scramble golf tournament will start at Circling Raven at 11 a.m., followed by a silent auction at 4 p.m., buffet dinner at 6 and live auction at 8. Items up for bid include a vacation package, nine yards of concrete, tickets to an Oregon Ducks football game and a barbecue grill.

Reservations must be made by Thursday at www.freemansd.org. Click on the “Freeman Aucton 09” link. The cost is $39 for the dinner and auction only. Packages for golf, hotel stay, dinner and auction are also available.

Call Melissa at (509) 924-4990, for more information.

Nina Culver

Applicants sought for military academies

SPOKANE – U.S. Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers will host a meeting for all high school students interested in applying for entrance into one of the military academies after graduation.

The meeting will from 6 to 9 p.m. Oct. 13 at the National Guard Armory, 1626 N. Rebecca St. For more information call (509) 353-2374.

Nina Culver

Poet to read from latest works

SPOKANE VALLEY – Local poet Merle Martin will be selling and signing copies and reading selections from his latest books of poetry all published this year.

On Saturday at 3 p.m. he will present “Cities Within Grandeur” beginning with his poem “City Boy” at the Sprague and Sullivan Hastings.

He’ll have two readings at Barnes and Noble at the Spokane Valley Mall, Oct. 22 and Nov. 19. Both start at 7 p.m.

Jennifer LaRue