Washington Voices

Lottery winners in Spokane County for the week of May 4-10. $30,000

• The Land Use Committee will meet today at 5 p.m. in the Council Briefing Center, City Hall, 808 W. Spokane Falls Blvd. • The Northwest Neighborhood Council will meet today at 7 p.m. at Browne Elementary School, 5102 N. Driscoll Blvd.

Spokane Valley This week New Catholic Singles Mingle Group – Introductory potluck Saturday, 2 p.m. at Sullivan Park in the Spokane Valley. No membership dues, but donations are needed to maintain the website. RSVP to Cathy, (509) 226-1380.

For the week of May 19-23. Monday – Option 1: Tuna noodle casserole, roll, steamed vegetables, fruit. Option 2: Potato soup, ham and cheese sandwich, fruit

The Logan neighborhood’s vision of fostering a walkable, South Perry-style commercial district in the future got a nonbinding endorsement from city leaders this week despite concern among some that it could be unrealistic given the heavy traffic loads on Hamilton Street. “These are long-term vision documents,” said Councilwoman Amber Waldref, whose district includes the Logan neighborhood. “Some elements may or may not be implemented.”

American Cancer Society Discovery Shop - Volunteers are needed for the Discovery Shop, 805 W. Garland Ave., for help with a number of duties. For more information, call Joanne at (509) 465-1607. Anna Ogden Hall Long Term Recovery Shelter - Volunteer opportunities include in the nursery and kitchen; various program class teachers; reception work; and help in the medical clinic. Required introductory classes are offered three times per month. For more information, call (509) 535-8510 or visit www.ugmspokane.org.

Conditions in the Inland Northwest have been relatively normal with sun and showers over the past several weeks. It appears that temperatures will be cooling this weekend with occasional showers before warming up again later in the month. This type of pattern is typical at this time of year. But, things are different across other parts of the country. Earlier this month, there were reports of record cold, snow and ice near the U.S. and Canadian border. Many farmers in North Dakota, Minnesota, Upper Michigan and south-central Canada still can’t plant crops as there is a thick layer of frost still in the ground. Many of these farmers will have to wait until late this month or even early June before they are able to get into the fields. This delay will put the crops at risk, especially if there is an early freeze.

Good morning, I have given my staff the day off from writing the usual garden column. For those of you who haven’t met me, I am FeatherChaser, the gray cat that adopted Pat Munts as my purveyor of scratches, rubs and cat biscuits. It has been so nice to get outdoors again without having to deal with frozen feet and cold winds that make me fluff my coat up. I usually go out right when Pat – aka – TheOneWhoFoundMe leaves for the day. She says she goes off to her job but I know she just doesn’t want to be at my beck and call all day. That’s OK, Steve – aka – TheOther is always here to back her up. He’s such a soft touch; a couple of sweet meows and ankle rubs and I am in his arms for a good belly scratch.

There goes my dream of being a Flying Wallenda. While getting my hair cut and colored before spinal fusion surgery in March, I lifted my head from the sink and had a sudden “As the World Turns” experience. Everything spun, slipped and spilled, and I felt like I was in a Salvador Dali painting.

SPOKANE COUNTY - Spokane County Fire District 8, 6117 S. Palouse Highway, will present an open house today from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event will feature vendor displays, sidewalk CPR lessons, a photo booth, tours of the station every 30 minutes, Attack 82 Hose water spray, a visit from Medstar, emergency vehicle displays, a fire blast trailer demonstration, lunch and a visit from Air One.