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Benefit Concert to Help Spokane Couple With Haiti Adoption

Spokane Valley church, ONE*, is holding a benefit concert to help a Spokane couple adopt two girls that captured their hearts while in Haiti.

Tim Martin, a photographer for KXLY, and his wife Melissa hadn't decided when, or if, they wanted to be parents.

“We always liked kids, but we weren't sure if we were supposed to have kids.” explains Tim.

But a mission trip to Haiti changed that, and now the Martins are working through the red tape of adoption and trying to raise the funds they need to bring those two little girls home.

As part of the trip, the group spent a portion of each day playing with children at an orphanage. At first, the Martins were apprehensive, staying on the sidelines and behind the camera as others played with the kids. One day they decided to join in and that's when they met their girls.

“There are two little girls that chose us, that wanted to be with us,” said Melissa, “ The just wanted to be with us every minute and we wanted to be with them.”

Spokane Library Reading Program Kicks Off for Kids!

Spokane Library Reading Program Kicks Off for Kids!

This summer, Spokane kids have the opportunity to earn free books and participate in other fun learning activities through the Spokane Public Library reading program.

The Libraries annual summer reading program, Dig Into Reading, is underway and available at all Spokane Library branches. After sign-up, kids receive a log sheet to keep track of what they read this summer. When they have finished reading 15 books or read 15 hours, readers just have to bring their log sheet in to receive a free book from the Library.

But the activities go beyond just reading. At all Spokane branches, they will show kids how to be archeologist for the day! Kids get to do some hands-on digging for fossils, see an interactive slideshow and see how archeology allows us to learn about the history. This event is taught by the staff of the West Valley Outdoor Learning Center.

Riverfront Park Summer Hours Begin June 15

Riverfront Park Summer Hours Begin June 15

Beginning June 15, the fun won't have to stop early thanks to Riverfront Park's extended summer hours. 

Spokane Public Schools Offering Summer Meals

Spokane Public Schools Offering Summer Meals

Spokane Public Schools will be offering summer meals so that children who rely school meals won't go hungry during summer break.

Summer meals will be available at schools, community centers, YMCA locations and even the Hillyard pool. Meals are free and for all children and teens 18 years old and younger. There is no registration required, and children can come any day that they choose.

The only rules, other than age, are that the meals must received as an entire unit and that the meals must be enjoyed on site. Parents are encouraged to join their kids, but are asked to bring their own meal. All meals are on a first come, first serve basis.

All locations will be serving lunch, and some will also be serving breakfast. Summer meals will begin on June 17th and be available through August 23rd, there will be no meals available on July4th and 5th.

Area Pools About to Open For Summer

Area Pools About to Open For Summer

While students will enjoy the last day of school this week in Spokane and the Spokane Valley, summer doesn't really start until they can hit the pool. Area pools are set to open and have a variety of water features and swim lessons to help kids make the most of the summer sun.

 

Spokane Valley pools will open on Saturday, June 15th. Three pools, each with different water features, are contracted through the YMCA and offer open swim, swim lessons and lap swim and exercise options. Day Care swim lessons are also available.

 

The pools in Spokane will open on Monday, June 17th. Kids as young as six months can enjoy swim lessons and for the adults, an Aqua Zumba class is being offered on Saturday mornings. Spokane Parks and Recreation is also hosting training courses for those interested in becoming lifeguards.

 

Spokane Public Schools Celebrate Graduation

Spokane Public Schools Celebrate Graduation

Graduation ceremonies for the class of 2013 are officially underway, with IMAGES students having graduated Tuesday. We applaud the efforts of each one of our graduates and thank all those who helped them reach this milestone. Ceremonies continue throughout the weekend, and conclude Monday night.
  

Outdoor Movies Offer Family Fun for Summer

Outdoor Movies Offer Family Fun for Summer

Looking for some ideas to enjoy summer with your family? Several Spokane venues are hosting family movie nights, and the best part is that it won't break the bank.

 

For families with younger children, the North and Southside Family Aquatics Centers are hosting their “Swim & A Movie” series, with animated films sure to bring smiles to the little ones faces. Gates open at 6pm so you can enjoy some swim time before the movie starts at dusk.