In brief: Class helps homebuyers

EMERSON/GARFIELD – Community Frameworks will continue their informational classes to help potential homebuyers understand credit, personal finances and mortgage lending with “Understanding Credit” on Wednesday at 6 p.m. at their office, 315 W. Mission Ave.

The course helps working families learn to plan and save.

Community Frameworks will also hold a “Managing Your Finances” course on March 10 and a “Self-Help Homeownership Informational Meeting” on March 22. All courses are free to the public, but registration is required.

The classes are presented as a community outreach by Community Frameworks’ HomeStarts staff. The HomeStarts self-help homeownership program helps first-time homebuyers build and purchase new homes.

For more information call (509) 484-6733, ext. 117 and for a full list of classes and informational meetings visit www.communityframe works.org.

Manito hosts plant sale, lecture

ROCKWOOD – The Friends of Manito will hold its annual Tropical Plant Sale on Saturday at the Gaiser Conservatory in Manito Park, 1702 S. Grand Blvd., from noon to 3 p.m.

Brian Green, plant expert, professor and greenhouse manager at Spokane Community College, will speak about care, cultural requirements, pests and diseases of tropical plants at 10 a.m. Admission to the lecture is free, but seating is limited.

To make reservations for the lecture, call (509) 456-8038.

Swap baseball gear on Saturday

SPOKANE COUNTY – Spokane South Little League will have an equipment swap and baseball registration at Morning Star Boys Ranch, 4511 S. Glenrose Road, on Saturday.

From 8 to 10 a.m., baseball equipment may be dropped off for the swap. Beginning at 10 a.m. and running through 4 p.m., baseball players will have the opportunity to go through items available at the swap that will help them prepare for the upcoming season.

Registration is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Kids’ concert has Irish theme

RIVERSIDE – The Spokane Masonic Center, 1108 W. Riverside Ave., will host a free KPBX Kids’ Concert on March 6, from 1 to 2 p.m.

The family-friendly event will include The Celtic Nots, performing a variety of musical styles, combining traditional and folk tunes, with Celtic flare, and The Haran Irish Dancers, entertaining the audience with dance demonstrations, energetic jigs, and exciting steps.

Hit the slopes to fight cancer

MOUNT SPOKANE – The American Cancer Society is offering winter enthusiasts the opportunity to enjoy their favorite sports while helping to raise funds to continue the search to find a cure for cancer with “Hope on the Slopes,” at Mt. Spokane on March 13.

Skiers and snowboarders make their day on the hill more meaningful by raising money for the American Cancer Society, while competing for vertical feet. Each participant and team will receive a personal Web page they can customize with their own messages and photos. Features of the site will include the ability to fundraise online and via e-mail, track fundraising progress, and honor loved ones touched by cancer.

For more information about participating in the event or serving as a volunteer for the American Cancer Society Mt. Spokane Hope on the Slopes, call Darcie Haigwood at (208) 265-8230, e-mail darcie.haigwood@ cancer.org, or visit www.acshope ontheslopes.org.