Voices

The Spokane Lilac Festival Association has chosen the 14 finalists for its 2009 Royalty Court. Young women who attend one of Spokane County’s 28 high schools can apply. This year, applications came in from more than 20 high schools. The 2009 finalists are:

With the official start to winter less than a month away, many folks are already asking, “When are the bigger snows coming?” Last week, the Inland Northwest finally received its first snowstorm of the season. At the Spokane International Airport, nearly 1.5 inches of snow was measured. Over two inches of snow fell in North Idaho.

With the official start to winter less than a month away, many folks are already asking, “When are the bigger snows coming?” Last Friday, the Inland Northwest finally received its first snowstorm of the season. At the Spokane International Airport, nearly 1.5 inches of snow was measured. Over two inches of snow fell in North Idaho.

It is a universal design, portrayed in hundreds of ways but easily recognizable; the outline of a wing and the hint of a halo in any language are translated into angel, an ethereal being known for all that is right in the world. “It’s a representation of pure energy,” said artist Ellen Blaschke. She, along with artist Sandy Roistacher, will exhibit her angel paintings through December at the Artist’s Tree Gallery, 828 W. Sprague Ave., in downtown Spokane.

The Spokane Civic Theatre, 1020 N. Howard St., will hold auditions for “No, No, Nanette” on Dec. 15 and 16 at 6:30 p.m. Dancing and nondancing roles needed for the show include 10 to 12 men, appearing to be between the ages of 18 to 65, and 12 to 15 women, appearing to be between the ages of 18 to 55.

Tragedy and comedy led the news in Bayview last week. A portable heater ignited gas fumes on a boat heading out for a day’s fishing Thanksgiving morning. Three men were aboard the vessel: Daniel J. Daffern, Clinton Creamer and Scott A. Wright. Two were rescued in the 38-degree water, but Wright did not survive. This tragic event could have been much worse had it not been for vigilant neighbors. Four men banded together to rescue Creamer and Daffern. First on the scene was Ditmar Krueger, resident of an “A” dock float home at Scenic Bay Marina. Spotting the boat on fire, he rushed to his own boat and was first on the scene, pulling Creamer from the water. Shortly thereafter, Chuck Waller, followed by Dick and Chris Hansen joined in.

For 12-04-2008

There’s a reason you heard muted Christmas music coming from Coeur d’Alene City Park during the annual Christmas kickoff Friday. Coeur d’Alene Police Department Blue was test-driving its new public safety building for the parade, tree-lighting ceremony, Hagadone Corp. fireworks display and Festival of Trees. It worked pretty well, too, says CPD Blue spokeswoman Sgt. Christie Wood, who earned extra credit from fellow copsickles on the cold, drizzly night by showing up for work with a space heater. That, Starbucks coffee (provided by the chain’s local shop free to the officers and locals who checked out the new safety building) and a boombox boomboxing Christmas music lightened the mood for the regulars and several COPS volunteers who were assigned the stressful task of protecting 20,000 observers who crowded onto Sherman Avenue and Northwest Boulevard to see the kickoff to CdA’s Christmas. How did it go, from a police perspective? Sgt. Wood told Huckleberries Online readers: “The fire department ... treated a few people for minor injuries. ... We only had one lost child who was found approximately five minutes after his frantic mother reported it.” Chief Wayne Longo, according to Sgt. Wood, did his part, too, driving the chamber of commerce float in the drizzling rain. He was “blue in color” by the time he reached the end of the parade route. Seems Wayne and other CPD Blues earned their Huckleberries nicknames that night. Just the ticket

CHENEY – The City Council unanimously passed its 2009 budget Nov. 25, with several officials agreeing that Cheney’s economic situation is in “relatively good shape.” The budget, which estimates a total of $33,394,200, is smaller than in 2008, partly because the city won’t need to spend as much on its wastewater treatment plant.

Theater Arts for Children will hold auditions for “Robin Hood” on Dec. 14 and Dec. 15 at 6:30 p.m. at the theater, 10814 E. Broadway Ave. in Spokane Valley. Leah Dach will direct the show. For more information, call 892-5413 or visit www. theaterartsforchildren.org.

If you’ve been in downtown Rathdrum after dark recently, you’ve noticed it’s all dressed up for the holidays with festive banners, thousands of lights and a huge wreath decorating City Hall. According to city officials, all is in readiness for this weekend’s downtown party and parade during the town’s December D’Lights celebration. This year the annual event, sponsored by the Rathdrum Area Chamber of Commerce, welcomes the holiday season with a new focus on Main Street and indoor and outdoor activities in addition to the traditional entertainment, visit from Santa, lighting ceremony and Lighted Rig Parade of past years.

The Christmas season is in full swing this week with many events to get the family in the mood to celebrate. Concerts

The Winterfest Community Celebration will be Friday at Post Falls City Hall, 408 Spokane St., from 6 to 8 p.m. The festivities will begin with the tree-lighting ceremony and lighting of the City Hall plaza, followed by old-fashioned caroling by local choir groups.

Earlier this week Spokane urban forestry staff took down an old maple tree that was leaning over Grand Boulevard, just south of the entrance to Manito Park. “This tree was getting very worrisome,” said Steve Nittolo, horticultural supervisor for the Spokane Parks and Recreation Department. “Something damaged it years ago, maybe someone cut some roots. It can take years before the real damage shows up.”

Attendant Care Registry – Free service matching disabled adults and children with personal-care providers; sponsored by Coalition of Responsible Disabled; 326-6355. Change Point! program – Ideal for women who are separated, divorced, or widowed, have a disability, or who have been incarcerated; provides free training in computers, resume preparation, job interviewing, communication skills, and conflict resolution techniques; sponsored by the Washington State Displaced Homemaker Program; contact Denise McKinnon at 279-6065.

The 16th annual Chef’s Culinary Classic to benefit Children’s Miracle Network will be Jan. 24 at the historic Davenport Hotel at 6 p.m. Gifted chefs from the Inland Northwest will prepare a delicious six course meal; each dish paired with an exceptional complimentary wine.