Concert served up variety

Posted on Aug. 23: On Friday evening at Liberty Park United Methodist Church, a small group spent an hour letting our souls be fed by the music of John Nilsen. Pieces ranged from original adaptations of traditional hymns to boogie-woogie. John’s original songs are often inspired by family – he wrote “Dakota Rose,” one of his most popular songs, for his grandfather. “Train 18” is a delightful jazz number written for his wife. And John took all of us on a ride to freedom with “Hot Air Balloon.” John’s music was enhanced by the great acoustics of the historic Liberty Park United Methodist Church sanctuary. Look for more concerts at the church in the future.

– Submitted via e-mail by the Rev. Debra Conklin at Liberty Park United Methodist Church

Posted on Aug. 21: The road construction isn’t quite done on South Perry, as the intersection at Ninth Avenue and Perry Street will be closed Sunday and remain closed through midweek. Ninth remains closed from Perry to Julia streets. It’s the same water main project progressing westward and closing streets and intersections along the way.

Posted on Aug. 21: There has been a huge surge in malicious mischief over the past couple of days. Initial numbers look like we are double what we normally see in an average week, and most of those occurred over a two-day period. BB and pellet guns appear to be the main method for breaking out vehicle and house windows. Many windows were damaged along East 11th Avenue from the 1200 to the 1900 block. Most of these crimes are occurring in the East Central neighborhood. If you have been a victim of vehicle prowling, please make a report with Crime Check at (509) 456-2233.

– Submitted via e-mail by the Spokane Police Department

Posted on Aug. 19 (during the South Perry Farmers Market Tomato Festival): There were about two dozen entries in the tomato beauty pageant, and everyone who entered a decorated tomato won. Then South Perry Pizza chef Chris Deitz, the South Perry Blog and two community volunteers judged three other categories: size (the smallest one won); ugliness (it was pretty ugly); and taste (a dark striped, sun-warmed specimen won). The market was bustling during the festival even though the tomato harvest is behind schedule.