In brief: Bluz at the Bend to host benefit music event for musician

BEMISS – A benefit is scheduled at Bluz at the Bend, 2721 N. Market St., on Sunday for local musician Cary Fly, who recently lost the majority of his belongings in a fire.

From 6 to 11 p.m., fans, musicians and blues lovers will raise funds for Fly, with the goal to replace the van lost in the fire. Fly is known for giving back to the community, “playing for peanuts” at numerous venues and raising money for other local benefits.

Call (509) 842-8363 or e-mail pmcgrotha49@yahoo.com for more information.

Holiday Heroes blood donation could net vacation

SPOKANE COUNTY/COEUR D’ALENE – Inland Northwest Blood Center is holding its Holiday Heroes Blood Drive, through Jan. 3. INBC often has fewer donors during the holidays and school vacations. And, there is an increasing need for blood due to accidents because of travel and hazardous weather. The combination makes it difficult on blood centers, creating the limited supply.

As an incentive, INBC is offering an opportunity for donors to win a vacation package, along with a travel voucher. Vacation packages include trips to Hawaii; Otter Rock, Ore.; Lake Tahoe, Nev.; Spain; Chandler, Ariz.; Branson, Mo.; and Acapulco, Mexico.

INBC locations include the Spokane Headquarters, 210 W. Cataldo Ave.; the Spokane Valley Center, 12606 E. Mission Ave.; and the Coeur d’Alene Center, 1341 Northwood Center Court.

To make an appointment or for more information, call (800) 423-0151 or to find a listing of mobile blood drives, go to www.inbcsaves.org.

Music fraternity gift wrapping to benefit area music groups

VERADALE – The Spokane Alumnae of Sigma Alpha Iota, national women’s music fraternity, will wrap gifts at Fred Meyer, 15609 E. Sprague Ave., Friday through Sunday and Wednesday and next Thursday, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Sigma Alpha Iota promotes interaction between those who share a commitment to music. Donations will be accepted. In the past, donations from fundraisers have benefited area young people’s music organizations, including the Spokane Children’s Choir, the Spokane Youth Orchestra and the Musicfest music festival.

For more information, call (509) 924-9781.

Tree pruning, removal, planting at Riverfront Park under way

RIVERSIDE – The Spokane Urban Forestry and Riverfront Park crews have started removing selected trees in Riverfront Park, as part of an ongoing renovation project that includes pruning, planting and removals. Twenty-six trees will be removed.

The initial trees that will be removed are near the Red Wagon and will take approximately two weeks to finish. The next step will involve pruning trees in the southwest corner of the park, the primary staging area for Pig Out and other activities. Additional removals will include selective trees in the center of the park.

City of Spokane arborists’ carefully evaluate the condition of each tree before selecting it for removal.

SPOKANE – Spokane Parks and Recreation has preseason summer aquatics passes for sale. The 2011 passes will allow moms, dads and kids to swim all summer long.

Cost for season passes are $39.95 for children, $79.95 for adults and $159.95 for families.

To buy passes and for more information, call (509) 625-6200.

Modern Electric seeks nominations for two seats on board of directors

SPOKANE VALLEY – Modern Electric Water Co. is now accepting nominations for two positions on its board of directors. All property owners in the district are eligible to serve the three-year terms. The deadline for nominations is noon on Thursday, Dec. 30. The election of board members is scheduled for the annual meeting on Feb. 26.

For more information contact one of the nominating committee members: Dean Riddle at (509) 928-2532, Cecil Whipple at (509) 926-5081 or John Ericksen at (509) 924-4039.