Washington Voices

It was a different time in the 1950s for artists. Live music venues were filled to capacity with finger-snapping patrons and painters and ceramic artists were pushing the boundaries and starting movements. Ceramic artist Monte Colgren, 85, was there during the beat era, moving among circles of creative minds.

More than 200 students from area middle and high schools got a chance to showcase their STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) projects at the Spokane STEMposium at the Washington State University Spokane campus May 28. Regional colleges and universities awarded scholarships at the symposium. Two local students won scholarships. Jennifer White, of Rogers High School, received $2,000 from the WSU College of Science for her project, “Dermatophagoides Farina Protein Extraction.” Colton Cox, of Spokane Valley Tech, won $3,000 from the UI College of Engineering for “Remote Antenna Turner Controller.” Both also received superior awards.

Today The Everyday Scientist - The West Valley Outdoor Learning Center will share fun, easy, safe and exciting science experiments for children 5 and older to watch and replicate at home. 2:30 p.m. Otis Orchards Library, 22324 E. Wellesley Ave., Otis Orchards. Free. (509) 893-8390.

CiCi takes a few minutes to warm up, but when she’s used to you she is a real love. She likes to relax and observe what is happening around her. Shelter works say she’s friendly, likes being talked to and having her head rubbed.

The Spokane Valley Heritage Museum, 12114 E. Sprague Ave., is open Wednesday through Friday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.; Saturdays, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; and Sundays, 1-4 p.m. Admission is $6 for adults, $5 for seniors, $4 for ages 7-17 and free for children younger than 7. Group tours are welcome. Contact the museum at (509) 922-4570 or visit the website www.valleyheritagecenter.org.

This is a story about a couple who married this winter and the little sign from the universe they received just before saying “I do.” They didn’t need a sign, as they had been together more than nine years and knew what they wanted, but a sign is a sign, so they didn’t question it.