In brief: Training conference to focus on autism

COEUR D’ALENE – The Panhandle Autism Society will have a daylong training conference, “Supporting Diversity in the Classroom,” on Oct. 1 at the Kroc Center, 1765 W. Golf Course Road in Coeur d’Alene, appropriate for teachers, therapists, parents, counselors and developmental agency staff.

Tyler Whitney, clinical director for Intermountain Center for Autism and Child Development in Meridian, Idaho, will speak in the morning on “Understanding and Supporting Older Teens with Asperger’s Disorder/Higher Functioning Autism.” Participants will have the opportunity to improve their recognition of student differences, increase their understanding for instruction in the student’s strengths, of needs based programming and individualized instructional adaptations.

Afternoon sessions include the topics “Advocating for Diversity,” by Elizabeth Mathes; “Is Your Child the Target of Bullying?,” by Suzie Sarcello-Depew; and “Behavior Supports in the School – What to Request for Your Student,” by Beverly Benge.

Preregistration cost is $100 through Friday and includes a box lunch.

For more information call Denise at (208) 704-3698 or e-mail panhandleautismsociety@ yahoo.com.

A conference brochure can be found at www.panhandle autismsociety.com.

Barbecue will bid Farewell to Summer

COEUR D’ALENE – Family Promise of North Idaho will host a Farewell to Summer barbecue on Saturday at the Cherry Hill Park in Coeur d’Alene from 2 to 7 p.m.

The family event will feature live bluegrass music from the North Idaho Hat Band and Aaron and the Afterthoughts and hot dogs with all of the fixings. There will be disc golf, stick horse races, a water balloon toss and more.

The event also will include an auction with items such as a night’s stay for a family of four at Cedar Mountain Farm Bed and Breakfast and a three-month family gold membership at the Kroc Center.

Tickets are $10 per person or $30 per family and are available at Family Promise of North Idaho host churches and at the Day Center.

For more information, call (208) 777-4190.

Catered dinner plans Mardi Gras theme

BLANCHARD – On Thursday, the Blanchard Community Center, 685 Rusho Road, will host Two Cooks With Love from 5 to 8 p.m.

Attendees can enjoy a Mardi Gras themed dinner, that will include crawfish and tasso etouffe and chicken and andouille gumbo for $19.95 per person or blackened fresh cod filet with Holy Trinity butter sauce for $17.95 per person. Meals are served with red beans and dirty rice, corn bread with brown sugar honey butter, Mardi Gras shrimp salad, Brennan’s banana foster, strawberry mint sassafras lemonade and coffee.

Call (509) 891-5980 or (509) 437-0426 to make reservations. Reservations must be made by Wednesday.

For more information, go to www.twocookswith lovecatering.com.