January 21, 2010 in Washington Voices

In brief: Kiwanis aids team headed to Haiti

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LIBERTY LAKE – The Liberty Lake Kiwanis will donate $2,000 to the Surgical Implant Generation Network, or SIGN, on Feb. 10 at the Richland Kiwanis meeting to help the victims of the Jan. 12 earthquake that devastated Haiti.

Orthopedic surgeon Lewis Zirkle Jr., of Richland, developed a bone-mending technique and heads up SIGN. He will set up makeshift operating rooms in a rural Haiti that withstood the earthquake.

Liberty Lake club member Pat Dockrey said 100 percent of all donated funds will go to help the victims of the earthquake. The doctors are all volunteers and travel at their own expense.

For more information, visit www.sign-post.org.

Sheriff’s unit offers boater education

SPOKANE VALLEY – Thes Spokane County Sheriff’s Marine Training Unit will hold a free boater education class on Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Sheriff’s Training Center, 10319 E. Appleway Blvd.

As of Jan. 1, all boat operators age 30 and younger must take the mandatory course to operate a boat or personal watercraft. In 2011, the age limit will rise to 35, and will increase each year in five-year increments to the age of 60. Persons born before 1955 are exempt from the mandatory education requirements.

To register and for more information, call (509) 477-3552 or e-mail jcgoodwin@spokanecounty.org. Pre-registration is required.

Fundraiser helps veterans causes

SPOKANE VALLEY – The Combat Vet Riders raised more than $8,000 at the group’s Veterans Day fundraiser.

The Riders were able to help an individual and several local groups. Funds not spent will be used for future veterans causes.

The Pioneer Victory House received a freezer, two refrigerators two cordless power drills – donations worth $1,550. The Kootenai County Veterans Service received a $2,000 donation. A $500 donation was given to Operation Spokane Heroes. Anysoldier.com received $500, as did the Washington State Patriot Guard. A $250 cash donation was given to the 455th Family Readiness Program, and $350 was donated for Viola Simmons’ Christmas homecoming. Simmons is a local active duty service member, and the money was used to help her get home for the holidays.

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