In brief: Curves food drive launches today

SPOKANE – Curves will begin its 14th annual food drive today at all local Curves locations.

Curves clubs will waive the joining fee for new members who bring in a bag of nonperishable food or donate $30 to their local food bank from March 12 through March 25. The event also gives their existing members an opportunity to help those in their area in need. Area Curves clubs may also qualify to win cash prizes for area food banks.

Area Curves locations include: 410 E. Holland Ave.; 1104 W. Wellesley Ave.; 2727 S. Mount Vernon St.; 164 S. Washington St.; 1304 N. Mullan Road; and 1235 N. Liberty Lake Road.

Information: www.curves.com.

Professor to lecture on Africa

SPOKANE COUNTY – Megan Hershey, an assistant professor of political science at Whitworth University who specializes in African studies, will be one of five speakers to be featured in Whitworth’s 55th annual Great Decisions Lecture Series. The second lecture in the series will take place in the Robinson Teaching Theatre in Weyerhaeuser Hall on March 8 at 7:30 p.m.

Hershey’s lecture is titled, “Democratic Challenges and Change in Contemporary Africa.”The event is free and open to the public. For more information, call (509) 777-4937.