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March 2024 Newsbriefs

 


'Young Heroes of the Holocaust' is the theme for 2024 art, essays

The Yom Hashoah planning committee has set the Spokane Community Observance of the Holocaust for Monday, May 6, at Temple Beth Shalom and is announcing the writing and art contests.

The theme for the writing and art contests this year is "Young Heroes of the Holocaust," using Spokane's Holocaust survivor and educator Carla Peperzak as the role model.

The Art Contest will be completed before the observance, so select artwork will be displayed and the winners will be honored at the observance on May 6.

Following the guidance of the teachers on the planning committee, the deadline for the writing contest is after the observance because the timing for teaching about the Holocaust in the schools is later.

The 2024 keynote speakers will be the winners of the 2023 high school and middle school writing contests on the theme, "The Dangers of Indifference."

The first-place high school essay winner was Lorelai Taylor of East Valley High School, and the first-place middle school winner was Bella Buckner of St. George's School.

The 2024 prompt for the art and writing contests points out that "the Holocaust was a manifestation of the worst of humankind, but the best of humanity was also evident. There were people who dared to try to help Jews."

One of those heroes was Carla, who was 16 when Nazis invaded her homeland, the Netherlands. She worked with the Dutch underground and helped save more than 40 people.

Now she is 100 years old and lives in Spokane, where she is a Holocaust educator and a Spokane middle school bears her name.

The middle school and high school contestants are to create art or write essays based on reading about Carla and other young heroes of the Holocaust.

For information, email neveragain-spokane@comcast.net.


The Fig Tree sets 40th events

"Sharing Stories: Empowering People" is the theme for 40th anniversary events for The Fig Tree in March and April.

The annual Benefit Lunch features four brief talks and a video on The Fig Tree story. The buffet begins at 11 a.m., and the program is noon to 1 p.m., Friday, March 8, in Cataldo Hall at Gonzaga. It will be livestreamed at gonzaga.edu/livestream.

The Breakfast-Time Benefit on Wednesday, March 13 is on Zoom. Gathering begins at 7:30 a.m., with chat groups for those wishing to converse. The program is from 8 to 9 a.m.

For both, Hamilton Studio is preparing a video on The Fig Tree's history, long-time supporters and news sources.

Maria Gaines of La Prensa Bilingue, Catherine Ferguson SNJM of our editing team, Bob Bartlett, a long-time friend of The Fig Tree, and Maurice Smith of Rising River Media will share brief comments on the value of The Fig Tree.

"In reviewing the bound volumes of our 40 years, I have been reminded of the hundreds of people involved in framing our approach to journalism that inspires hope and empowers people," said founding editor Mary Stamp. "We have shared stories of thousands of people."

The Fig Tree seeks support for its ongoing work, and for an online archive of all past issues and to publish two books, one on its history and the other with selected articles and editorials.

From 5 to 8 p.m., Sunday, April 28, The Fig Tree will host a Gala 40th Anniversary Celebration at the Cathedral of St. John, 127 E. 12th Ave.

Karen Georgia Thompson, the first African American woman president and general minister of the national United Church of Christ and a member of the World Council of Churches Central and Executive Committees, is the featured speaker. She's a Fig Tree reader. There will be a dinner, a faith leaders panel and an interfaith celebration. Tickets are $50.

For information, call 535-4112 or email event@thefigtree.org.


Advent Lutheran gives Fig Tree a grant

Advent Lutheran Church in Spokane Valley recently granted The Fig Tree $450 in its annual response to funding requests from its endowment fund.

"Because we received double the number of applications this year, the amount we allotted to each has decreased," wrote Francie Shoquist, the endowment chair.

Advent's endowment funds ministries within the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Northwest Intermountain Synod.

It is designed to provide a perpetual source of income to benefit outreach into the local community and NWIM Synod, missions of the ELCA in the U.S. and globally, and capital projects for churches.

The endowment is maintained by ongoing gifts of cash, memorials, bequests, life insurance, securities and more.

"We appreciate when local congregations recognize our contribution to, partnership with and strengthening of their ministries to their neighbors," said Mary Stamp, The Fig Tree editor.

"Our goal is to raise the visibility of faith communities as positive assets in their local communities," she said

For information, call 928-7733 or call 535-4112, or email news@thefigtree.org.


Muslims host fundraiser, education event

                  Muslims for Community Action and Support (MCAS) will hold their first-ever fundraiser, Knafeh for a Cause, at 6 p.m., Friday, March 1, at Hamilton Studio, 1427 W. Dean, to support their mission to build a network of diverse, inclusive relationships that enable outreach, civic engagement, education and support and resources for the refugee and immigrant community.

MCAS will offer an evening of education to learn the history of the Palestinian people, engage in community conversation and eat some Knafeh with cardamon chai, a dessert and tea combination from the region.

The goal is to raise $25,000 to help vulnerable people build a new life in Spokane, using their skills and experience to enrich the community with culture, art, language, food and education.

Local activist and indigenous artist Jacob Johns has donated a painting to be auctioned.

For information, email mcasforspokane@gmail.com.


Heritage University trains counselors

In January, the first cohort of the YMCA of Greater Seattle and Heritage University master's degree program in mental health counseling began their four-year program, which is part of a new initiative to improve the quality of behavioral health care in King County.

The university in Toppenish has partnered with the YMCA to offer the program for employees working in King County Medicaid mental health or substance use disorder agencies.

The program will provide advanced education for up to 60 staff who are from diverse racial and ethnic groups, of diverse abilities and part of the LGBTQIAA+ community.

Without accruing student loan debt, staff will receive education, paid time and unpaid internships.

The graduates will be contracted to maintain employment for four years at their community-based behavioral health organizations, with the goal of improving employee retention rates of behavioral health staff and offering culturally relevant and affirmative behavioral health care to the community.

For information, email dgoodman@seattleymca.org.


Pilgrimage for Peace urges war to end

From Feb. 14 to 21, faith leaders, activists, and artists joined a pilgrimage from Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pa., to the White House to urge President Biden to call for an end to the war in Palestine.

Faith for Black Lives, National Council of Churches USA, Rabbis for Ceasefire, Hindus for Human Rights, the Pennsylvania Chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Philadelphia), Rainbow/PUSH Coalition, Black Church Center for Justice and Equality, Kairos Center, Freedom Church of the Poor, Until Freedom and others marched to address the ongoing tragedy in Gaza.

"As we continue to mourn the loss of innocent Israeli lives on October 7, we firmly believe that responding to violence with more violence is not the solution," the groups said.

They urged President Biden and Congress to halt weapons funding to Israel and increase humanitarian aid to Palestine.

"It is our collective responsibility to advocate for a peaceful resolution and uphold the principles of justice and compassion," they said. "We will either sow seeds of nonviolence today or reap nonexistence tomorrow."

For information, visit pilgrimageforpeace.org.


National CEO of YWCA speaks at luncheon

Margaret Mitchell, CEO of YWCA USA, will give the keynote address at the 42nd Annual YWCA Spokane Women of Achievement Awards Luncheon from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Friday, March 15, at the Spokane Convention Center

As one of the oldest and largest women's organizations, Margaret said the YWCA anticipates trends and creates competitive breakthrough strategies.

"I believe in a world where all women and girls, especially those of color, are free from racism and sexism, experience justice and equity, and thrive," said Margaret who is committed to YWCA's mission to eliminate racism and empower women.

In 2019, she led the call to Declare Racism a Public Health Crisis in Cleveland and Ohio. She launched a digital racial equity and social justice challenge to broaden understanding of racism. In 2021, she received YWCA USA's Excellence Award for Racial Justice for her "fearless leadership, innovative programming and tireless advocacy."

She fought for women's rights and acquired Cleveland's largest emergency homeless shelter for women. She transformed YWCA Greater Cleveland's Early Learning Center to include a trauma-informed preschool for homeless children.

YWCA Spokane announced the 2024 Women of Achievement Award honorees who embody YWCA Spokane's mission of eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity.

The winners are Melody Heaton, Arts and Culture; Colene Rubertt, Business and Industry; Kristine Hoover, Carl Maxey Racial and Social Justice Award; Samantha Clark, Community Enhancement; Stephaine Courtney, Education; Vanessa Waldref, Government and Public Service; Denise Smart, Science, Technology and Environment, and Sindhu Surapaneni, Young Woman of Achievement.

In addition to honoring women, the luncheon raises funds for survivor support services at YWCA Spokane.

For information, call 789-8275 or visit ywcaspokane.org/woa.


Film festival explores nuclear issues

 The International Uranium Film Festival (IUFF) will stop in Spokane for showings from 5:30 to 10 p.m., Wednesday and Thursday, April 3 and 4 at the Magic Lantern Theater, 25 E. Main.

Cheryl McDaniel of Washington Physicians for Social Responsibility helped bring the films that recount the history of uranium, atomic bombs, nuclear power, and issues of destruction, health and survival.

Marcia Gomes de Oliveira and Norbert Suchanek, who co-founded IUFF in 2010 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, will visit Spokane.

The Inland Northwest has been impacted by plutonium production at Hanford, the world's largest nuclear clean up site, said Cheryl. Its where most nuclear weapons at the Trident Nuclear Submarine site at Bangor were built.

The festival is dedicated to Klee Benally, IUFF web designer and a film producer, who died after completing designs on Dec. 30, 2023.
The first film on April 3 is   "Making Waves: The Rebirth of The Golden Rule," the story of the Veterans For Peace Sailboat that inspired Green Peace.

After "Nuclear Savage, The Islands of Secret Project 4.1," a panel will lead a discussion. The next film is "Downwind," narrated by Martin Sheen.

April 4 films include "Atomic Cover-up," black and white footage after Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and color footage a U.S. soldier took that the U.S, government classified the films for more than two decades, believing the sight of suffering would turn the world against the bombs.
The 2023 film "Richland" by Irene Lusztig, who will lead discussion with Twa-le Abramson, Marcia and Norbert. Next is "Radioactive: The Women of Three Mile Island," with Jane Fonda.

For information, visit magiclantern.com


PJALS facilitates 'Why Race Matters'

Liz Moore, executive director of Peace and Justice Action League of Spokane and Mikaela Brown, racial justice educator and leader, are co-facilitating "Why Race Matters: History, Systems, and Strategies," from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, March 2.

"Every measure of socio-economic well-being shows disparity along the fault line of race," said Liz. "We can't build a just and nonviolent world without addressing racism on the individual, institutional and systemic levels."

"Why Race Matters" provides interactive exercises and shares local data, while addressing how racial inequities are built into institutions. It introduces a racial equity lens and offers a foundation for further racial justice work, helping participants examine their understandings of race, advantage and justice.

For information, email lmoore@pjals.org.


International Women's Day is March 8

International Rescue Committee Spokane is hosting an International Women's Day event, in partnership with Providence and Community Health Plan of Washington, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Friday, March 8, at the Spokane Central Library Branch, 906 W. Main Ave. in Nxʷyxʷyetkʷ Hall on the Third Floor.

The annual event uses this international holiday as an opportunity to highlight and celebrate the resilience, courage, talents and accomplishments of refugee and immigrant women in Spokane with community booths, activities for women and children, a donation and giveaway room, and refreshments. Mayor Lisa Brown and refugee and immigrant women will speak from 12 to 12:30 p.m.

For information, contact 258-5774 or kimberly.curry@rescue.org


LCSNW seeks foster parents for refugees

Lutheran Community Services Northwest will hold an in-person Refugee Foster Care Information Session at 5 p.m., Wednesday, March 20, at its office at 210 W. Sprague in Spokane.

"This is an opportunity for families interested in supporting refugee youth to learn about being foster parents with the Unaccompanied Refugee Minor Program, which serves teenage youth seeking refuge in the U.S. but do not have family to provide care," said Kelsey Doerr, foster parent recruiter. "Foster families offer a safe, supportive home for youth to thrive."

For information, call 747-8224 or email theirhope@lcsnw.org.


United Methodists plan March 24 cantata

United Methodist churches in the region will usher in Holy Week by presenting the cantata "Song of the Shadows" by Joseph Martin at 4 p.m., Sunday, March 24, at Spokane Valley United Methodist Church (UMC), 115 N. Raymond Rd.

Directed by Mary Jane Shervais of Cheney UMC, the Inland District Choir concert is free. The choir rehearses at Spokane Valley UMC at 10 a.m., Saturdays, March 9 and 23, and there are rehearsal tracks for those at a distance available by emailing mjshervais@gmail.com.

District UMC congregations are joining Lenten series based on Thomas Steagald's book "Shadows, Darkness and Dawn."

For information, email alissaamestoy@gmail.com.


River Warriors plan Expo 50th events

River Warriors Margo Lee Hill and Jeff Ferguson are working on plans for the Tribal Culture Pillar at the upcoming EXPO 50th anniversary celebration from May 4 to July 4.

They are coordinating plans for events including a powwow, musical festival, film festival, historical tours, Salish TED Talk, spoken word, a Native fashion show and dugout canoe races.

They are seeking volunteers to help with these events.

For information, email jfergusonophotos@yahoo.com


Equity Electronics fixes used computers to give

Equity Electronics is a small program created to distribute computers to those without one. It seeks donations of used computers that are securely wiped so none of the previous owners' data can be recovered, said Linny Dee, who owns the business.

"We replace parts, and install a new operating system and software," she said. "We match recipients with a restored computer that meets their needs."

Linny works with organizations to identify local people who would benefit from a restored computer.

For information, visit ko-fi.com/equityelectronics.


The Arc opens new thrift store in North Spokane

The Arc of Spokane is celebrating the grand opening of its new thrift store in north Spokane at 11008 N. Newport Hwy from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday, March 1.

Festivities include a gift card scavenger hunt, an adaptive school supplies drive for local students, and sips and sweets while shopping.

"Through some artwork made by our clients, carefully curated displays, a positive shopping experience, and easy access from the highway, the Newport Highway store demonstrates our commitment to supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families," said Pamela Norr, chief executive officer of The Arc of Spokane.

"We welcome support of this new thrift store and the Argonne thrift store in Spokane Valley through donations and shopping," she said.

Proceeds from thrift stores go towards services The Arc provides for people with IDD and their families.

Currently, The Arc operates about 30 programs and services to ensure people with IDD and their families have support for employment, healthcare, community engagement and in schools.

"Moving north gives us the opportunity to expand our outreach and mission," said Rose Williamson, director of thrift operations. "It gives easier access for the northern counties, allowing us to establish community connections and a presence to realize our goals. We strive to provide a quality thrift experience where people can feel great about supporting our mission."

A key part of the grand opening is an adaptive school supplies drive for local students with IDD. These kits contain tools such as chair bands and chewable necklaces to help students with IDD focus to succeed in school.

Adaptive school supplies help students with IDD be and feel successful at school by improving access to the classroom and curriculum, said Rose.

At the checkout, customers can donate $1 toward a kit, $7 for half a kit, $14 for a kit or $20 for a wheelchair backpack.

This fundraiser will continue through March in celebration of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.

"Adaptive school supplies help students with disabilities succeed in the classroom in ways that work for them," said Jennifer Oliveri, advocacy and family support director. "Even if a student doesn't have a disability, he or she may still benefit from a fidget, a weighted pencil or reading strip. When we normalize adaptive supplies, we open the conversation for all kids to share what they need."

The Newport Highway store is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday to Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday.

Donation drop-off hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday to Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday.

For information, call 328-8100 or email mmulligan@arc-spokane.org.


Gonzaga's online master's in nursing includes veterans

In the new U.S. News and World Report 2024 Best Online Programs rankings, the Gonzaga University (GU)  online master's program for veterans rose from 22nd to 19th, and the online master's in nursing program rose from 68th to 54th. Rankings are based on a survey of more than 1,800 U.S.-institutions.

Julie Wolter, dean of GU's School of Health Sciences, said the online master's in nursing "reflects our accredited distance programming, which we have continued to refine for decades. Our students are often accomplished nurses who have established themselves as leaders in their organizations and return to school to advance their careers."

GU's ranking in the online master's for veterans reflects the its commitment to students who have served in the military.  

GU has done nursing distance education for decades in line with the school's Jesuit mission to support underserved populations. Rural communities in the West have severe shortages in health professionals such as nursing. Gonzaga creates new ways to serve those communities.

"Our experience allows us to provide distance education that includes innovative, immersive clinical experiences and simulations," Julie said, noting that GU values experiential learning and community connections. "In-person immersion students are integrated into the online curriculum while other students work and serve where they live, and we place students in their home communities."

For information, call 313-5368 or email nailen@gonzaga.edu.

 

 
Copyright@ The Fig Tree, February 2024