Washington Voices

Two of the Spokane Valley Fire Department’s oldest stations will be upgraded and remodeled under a $1.37 million contract. They are the University Fire Station, which was built in 1976 and used to serve as the department’s headquarters, and the Otis Orchards Station, which was built in 1984. Among the major improvements will be addition of separate sleeping quarters and other facilities to accommodate fire crew consisting of both genders.

Greater Spokane County/Valley Meals on Wheels - Volunteers are needed to deliver hot meals to elderly and disabled people. Meals will be picked up at 11 a.m. and delivered to approximately 15 people; delivery time is approximately 90 minutes. Volunteers are also needed to help prepare meals for elderly and disabled people. All skill levels are needed. Volunteers must use their own vehicles to deliver meals and must pass a background check. For more information, call Pam Almeida, executive director, at (509) 924-6976 or visit www.valleymow.org.

West Valley School District is hosting its annual Community Appreciation Block Party on Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m. at West Valley High School, 8301 E. Buckeye Ave. Founded by former school board member Debbie Hjortedal, the 13th annual event is a way to show appreciation for the support the community shows the district’s students each year.

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.

Cheney High School recently announced its winter trimester honor roll for the 2013-14 school year. Students honored for their achievement earned a grade-point average of 3.5 or above. Students are listed by grade level. Seniors

Employment, Education and Training – For Spokane County residents who have been laid off from work or have low income; provided through Work Source Spokane. Call (509) 532-3120 or visit www.workspokane.org and click on “job seekers.” Employment and Training – For low-income youths, 16 to 21 years old, in Spokane County; contact Next Generation Zone at (509) 340-7800 or visit www.nextgenzone.org.

The Atlantic and Caribbean hurricane season begins June 1 and ends Nov. 30. Based on the current data, I predict 2014 may be a bit active with 14 to 18 named storms and six to nine becoming hurricanes. The normal is 11 named storms with six becoming hurricanes. Last year, there were 16 storms with Karen forming in early October.

Today Toddler & Me: Icky Sticky Gloop – The fun story gets kids ready to stir up their own gloops for an icky sticky good time. Parents stay and play with their little ones in these fun-packed classes. For ages 2 to 4. 10:30 or 11:30 a.m. Mobius Kids Children’s Museum, 808 W. Main Ave. $10/members, $12/nonmembers. (509) 624-5437.

Opposition to a proposed land-use change that would enable large apartment buildings in a Spokane Valley neighborhood that primarily consists of single-family homes, appears to be growing. Dozens urged the City Council on Tuesday to follow the Planning Commission’s recommendation and dump the proposal, which would redesignate a 5-acre parcel at Barker and the old Sprague Avenue from low-density to high-density residential.

SOUTHEAST SPOKANE – COPS Southeast is having its annual fundraising meat sale. One $75 order includes six coulotte steaks, six chicken breasts, six boneless pork steaks, three packs of four bratwurst sausages and four packs of four steakette burger patties.

DOWNTOWN – The Junior Lilac Parade is Saturday beginning at 9 a.m. The parade features elementary, middle school and junior high school bands and drill teams from around the Inland Northwest.

I drive over to Seattle a lot. When I was there in March, it occurred to me that as many times as I’ve made the trek across Interstate 90, there are things I’ve seen so often along the way that I’ve actually stopped seeing them. So when I went over in April, I decided I’d stay tuned in and select a few things in my line of vision and make a point of learning about them. Of course, it’s hard to do research at 70 miles per hour, so the learning about part of the exercise had to wait until my return. I report some of the results now.

Lottery winners in Spokane County for the week of April 27-May 3 $5,000 – Arthur Frank, of Spokane Valley.