In brief: FaVS Center reopens for gatherings

Nov. 5, 2020 Updated Tue., Nov. 17, 2020 at 11:39 a.m.

Nalini Gupta celebrates the Festival of Colors for Holi at the interfaith FaVS Center in Spokane on March 8, 2020. The FaVS Center at 5115 S. Freya St. has reopened for gatherings of up to 100 individuals outdoors and up to 30 individuals indoors. Social distancing between households and mask use are required to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus. Choirs are not allowed at this time. (Libby Kamrowski/The Spokesman-Review)Buy a print of this photo

From local reports

The FaVS Center–Spokane’s Interfaith Community Center has reopened for religious services and events under Phase 2 COVID-19 restrictions.

“Our team has been working diligently to create a way for our building to re-open safely, and I’m thrilled to be able to offer a space once again to our faith and nonfaith communities,” executive director Tracy Simmons said.

Using Gov. Jay Inslee’s Phase 2 religious and faith-based organization COVID-19 requirements, renters can use the FaVS Center for gatherings of up to 100 individuals outdoors and up to 30 individuals indoors. Social distancing between households and mask use are required for all gatherings. Choirs are not allowed at this time.

All needed disinfectant supplies are included in the rental, and hand-sanitizing stations are located throughout the facility.

The center, at 5115 S. Freya St., is rented at $40 per hour for nonmember organizations, or $30 an hour for member groups.

For more information and a tour of the building, contact Cassy Benefield at spokanefavs.cassy@gmail.com or call the center at (509) 448-1311. More information can also be found at favscenter.com.

The FaVS Center welcomes all faiths or secular groups to use its facility for gatherings.

Big Brothers, Sisters to hold virtual gala

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Inland Northwest is going virtual with this year’s annual gala. The Bigger Together Virtual Gala livestream will take place Saturday from 6 to 7 p.m. on the event website at biggertogether2020.maestroweb.com/.

The cost is $75, and tickets are available on the event website.

Bigger Together will feature a live auction, paddle raise, and stories from stakeholders about the work of Big Brothers Big Sisters. Ticketed guests will receive a gala basket that includes dessert from Spokane’s Women & Children’s Free Restaurant, a bottle of Winemaker’s Red from Maryhill Winery and a STEM Activity from Mobius Discovery Center for guests with children. Baskets will be delivered by volunteers from Leadership Spokane on the day of the event.

For more information, email joinus@nwbigs.org. Communications specialist Amanda Chamberlain can be reached at (509) 328-8310 or achamberlain@nwbigs.org.

County Library hosts author, art events

Author Tiffany Midge and resident artist Brandy Seistrup are set to headline a pair of events hosted by the Spokane Country Library District.

•On Nov. 12, 7-8:30 p.m., Midge will join viewers for a virtual visit and reading, discussing how the regions of the Pacific Northwest, the Inland Northwest and Montana have informed her writing over the years. She will also read selections from her works in progress, her poetry and prose, and from her memoir in essays: “Bury My Heart at Chuck E. Cheese’s”, included on Spokane is Reading’s Diverse Voices booklist.

To register, visit scld.org/tiffany-midge.

•Seistrup will give viewers a chance to learn more about working with alcohol-based inks on a variety of surfaces.

To sign up, visit scld.org/resident-artist-programs for youth or adult sessions:

•For age 14 and older, Nov 14, 2-4 p.m.

•For adults, Nov 18, 6-8 p.m.

County Library board has vacancy

Spokane County Commissioners are now accepting applications for a Spokane County Library District Board of Trustees position, which will be available Jan. 1. Applications are being accepted until the position is filled.

Trustee Wesley Teterud was appointed to the board in 2015 and his five-year term expires on Dec. 31.

The Spokane County Library District operates separately from Spokane County and has its own tax base, but state law mandates that the County Commissioners appoint all members of the Board of Trustees, which acts as the governing board for the District.

For position requirements and instructions on how to apply for the open position, please visit www.spokanecounty.org/2060/How-to-Apply for details.

The SpokaneFāVS board agreed using the property to foster interfaith dialogue would enhance the organization’s mission to create community engagement opportunities, the center said in a news release.

County Library debuts Storytime Shorts

The Spokane County Library District has announced a new video series called Storytime Shorts. Librarians in the district have recorded stories, songs, fingerplays, activities, and flannel stories using the felt board for their youngest customers and their families.

Catch new Storytime Shorts every Tuesday and Thursday at 10 a.m. for the rest of 2020 on the library’s Facebook page at facebook.com/SpokaneCountyLibraryDistrict/.

The videos can also be viewed anytime on the district’s YouTube channel. Search for “SCLD Storytime Shorts.”

To learn more, go to scld.org/storytime-shorts-early-learning-news/.

ACT 2 fall classes underway online

The Spokane Community College’s ACT 2 program, which offers those age 50 and older the access to noncredit classes, is expanding its online offerings and is open for registration.

Courses include writing, art, fitness, learning a new language, technology, gardening and history, among many others. Participants can register online or by completing an ACT 2 registration form and submitting via mail or fax.

Registration forms can be submitted by mail to ACT 2 Registration, MS 2151, Spokane Community College, 1810 N. Greene St., Spokane, WA 99217; or by fax to (509) 279-6090.

For more information, call (509) 279-6030 or send an email to SCC.ACT2@scc.spokane.edu.

*This item has been updated with correct phone and email contact information.

Humane Society stresses microchips

The Spokane Humane Society is encouraging pet owners to make sure their microchip information is current, and it only takes an hour to do.

If you’ve moved or changed your phone number since you microchipped your pet, or if you have not registered your information, take a moment to locate your pet’s microchip company – it will be on the paperwork you received when your pet was microchipped.

According to the American Humane Association, 10 million pets are lost or stolen each year. A microchip can provide proof of ownership and be an important tool in reuniting a lost pet with its family.

The Spokane Humane Society also provides microchips for pets who belong to low-income families. The cost is $25 plus tax. You can schedule an appointment with the clinic at (509) 467-5235, ext. 219.