Community Calendar

Spark Central will welcome award-winning author and community advocate Dr. Gerry Ebalaroza-Tunnell for a special afternoon of storytelling and connection. Dr. Ebalaroza-Tunnell will share a live reading of her international award-winning children's book, Let’s Live A.L.O.H.A. This inspiring narrative teaches young readers the transformative power of empathy, adaptability, and heart-centered living. Let’s Live A.L.O.H.A. weaves essential life lessons through the vibrant Hawaiian acronym A.L.O.H.A.— Ask, Listen, Observe, Heart, Adapt—offering children accessible tools to navigate an ever-changing world with compassion and resilience.

This year’s Julie Morris Memorial Benefit Brunch will support the compassionate, effective service that Spokane Area Jewish Family Services delivers to individuals and families in need. Local seniors experience vital socialization at our monthly JFS Luncheons. Seniors and clients with disabilities use our transportation assistance program to get rides to medical appointments. Low-income households breathe a sigh of relief upon receiving rent or utility assistance. Members of our peer-led caregivers support group share the joys and help each other through the challenges of providing care to a loved one.

We know you believe in our mission of service and our commitment to helping people help themselves. Please join us for a Benefit Brunch to remember! We’ll honor Marti Martin and Faith Hayflich with the Julie Morris Outstanding Service Award; the event will also feature a live musical performance by a Lilac City Voices barbershop quartet. You won’t want to miss it!

To learn more, contact us at (509) 413-8254 or director@sajfs.org.

In November, 2024, Donivan Johnson, a regional music teacher and composer, had the premiere of one of his compositions, "Arise, My Love," performed by the Oratorio Society of the University of Maine at Bangor. The May 18th event honors Johnson's contribution to the music found within the north Pend Oreille County as a teacher at the Selkirk School District for 26 years, a private music instructor and composer. A campaign reception is followed by the presentation of the video of the concert. This event is tree to the public, but a donation to the Cutter Theatre Scholarship Fund is appreciated.

Trackside Studio Ceramic Art Gallery is hosting Darya J. Pilram for the month of May. She will be exhibiting ceramic works she has repaired using the art of Kintsugi. “Kintsugi is a Japanese art of repairing broken ceramics by joining the pieces with lacquer and gold or silver powder. It’s a practice that celebrates the beauty of imperfection and the history of a broken object." Following an apprenticeship in Japan to learn the art, and a recent internship at Spokane's "HIVE," Darya is currently an inaugural Economic Recovery Corps Fellow serving in Spokane, WA and Coeur d’Alene, ID. Regular gallery hours through month of May are Wednesday through Friday, 11 AM - 5 PM. Opening Reception: Friday, May 2, 5 - 8 pm and Saturday, May 3, noon - 4.

The Spokane Folklore Society hosts its third Wednesday contra dance on May 21 at the Woman's Club Hall with caller Emily Faulkner and the band Dog Paw beginning with a newcomer session at 7:15PM followed by a two hour dance starting at 7:30PM. Emily will teach easy to learn dances throughout the evening. Dog Paw plays a range of music including old time reels. Beginners are always welcomed. No partner is necessary. Come have fun in a safe and welcoming environment. General admission is $10; SFS members and students $7; and kids under 18 are free.

Trackside Studio Ceramic Art Gallery is hosting Darya J. Pilram for the month of May. She will be exhibiting ceramic works she has repaired using the art of Kintsugi. “Kintsugi is a Japanese art of repairing broken ceramics by joining the pieces with lacquer and gold or silver powder. It’s a practice that celebrates the beauty of imperfection and the history of a broken object." Following an apprenticeship in Japan to learn the art, and a recent internship at Spokane's "HIVE," Darya is currently an inaugural Economic Recovery Corps Fellow serving in Spokane, WA and Coeur d’Alene, ID. Regular gallery hours through month of May are Wednesday through Friday, 11 AM - 5 PM. Opening Reception: Friday, May 2, 5 - 8 pm and Saturday, May 3, noon - 4.

5th Annual Spokane Valley Connect – Come Join Us!
Looking for resources? Join us for this FREE event offering practical help to Spokane Valley families and anyone in need—no zip code or residency restrictions!
📅 Thursday, May 22, 2025
🕧 12:30 PM – 4:30 PM
📍 Opportunity Presbyterian Church, 202 N Pines Rd
Available services include:
✅ CHAS Medical Services
✅ DSHS Mobile Services
✅ Free Haircuts
✅ Free Meal
✅ Food & Clothing Bank
✅ Nearly 70 Agencies & Organizations Attending!
Everyone is welcome—spread the word!
#SpokaneValleyConnect #SpokaneConnect #ConnectingCommunities

Trackside Studio Ceramic Art Gallery is hosting Darya J. Pilram for the month of May. She will be exhibiting ceramic works she has repaired using the art of Kintsugi. “Kintsugi is a Japanese art of repairing broken ceramics by joining the pieces with lacquer and gold or silver powder. It’s a practice that celebrates the beauty of imperfection and the history of a broken object." Following an apprenticeship in Japan to learn the art, and a recent internship at Spokane's "HIVE," Darya is currently an inaugural Economic Recovery Corps Fellow serving in Spokane, WA and Coeur d’Alene, ID. Regular gallery hours through month of May are Wednesday through Friday, 11 AM - 5 PM. Opening Reception: Friday, May 2, 5 - 8 pm and Saturday, May 3, noon - 4.

We will be discussing “The Left Hand of Darkness" by Ursula K. Le Guin at the May meeting.

This book club typically meets on the 4th Saturday of the month at Auntie’s Bookstore and is led by Ness. Please send any inquiries to vanessa@auntiesbooks.com

Community members, neighbors and families are invited to join Spokane Public Schools leaders and board members for conversation and coffee each month. Ask questions, share feedback, and learn how we’re creating a dream, access and opportunity for all students. Free coffee provided by Thomas Hammer Coffee Roasters.