Meat Management BY CHEY SCOTT Small Planet, Big Impacts
The number is pretty staggering: More than 87 billion animals are raised on Earth each year just to feed us. How will that number grow and its impacts be felt as human population on the planet pushes 9 billion people by the middle of the 21st century? This complicated question is explored by Gonzaga University professor and philosopher Brian G. Henning during a discussion hosted by Humanities Washington and the Spokane Public Library. We already know animal-based agriculture is a leading polluter and contributor to climate change, but meat-heavy diets might also be making us sick. Find out more and some possible alternatives to the current model at this insightful conversation. Mon, Oct. 29 at 6:30 pm. Free. South Hill Library, 3324 S. Perry. humanities.org TEDxSpokane: Beyond Ourselves A day of local inspiration and insight comes in the form of 2018’s TEDxSpokane, featuring presentations from 12 unique local perspectives. This year’s talks center around the event tagline “Beyond Ourselves: Creating practices and processes that take us out of our everyday perspectives and attachments.” Hear from 2018 National Teacher of the Year Mandy Manning (pictured), of Ferris High School, as well as local transgender activist Robbi Anthony, Spokane Interfaith Council’s Skyler Oberst, along with many other recognizable and rising community leaders and innovators. Sat, Oct. 6 from 9 am-4 pm. $34. Bing Crosby Theater, 901 W. Sprague. tedxspokane.com Into Africa Spokane-based nonprofit Partnering for Progress’s 11th annual dinner and auction features an evening of African-themed food along with success stories on how the nonprofit is helping to change lives of people in rural Kenya. This year, Partnering for Progress, or P4P as it’s also known, has focused on ongoing goals to improve nutrition, access to education, clean water, health care and economic development opportunities. Founded in 2008, P4P has since worked directly with residents of Kenya’s Kopanga region to help them improve quality of life and break the cycle of poverty and disease. Funds raised at the benefit directly support projects and initiatives in Kopanga, as volunteers cover their own expenses to travel there twice a year. Sat, Oct. 11 at 5:30 pm. $75/person. Mirabeau Park Hotel, 1100 N. Sullivan, Spokane Valley. partneringforprogress.org
8
Health& Home
The Extra Mile Help empower young girls to realize their full and limitless potential. Girls on the Run Spokane County pairs girls in 3rd through 8th grade with volunteer coaches who not only lead them in running-based physical activities, but also offer valuable mentorship and guidance through the many ups and downs along adolescence-hood’s rocky path. During each session of the 10-week program, girls build confidence and character, make connections with each other and learn how to value their emotional, social and physical competencies. To help provide scholarships for local girls in the Spokane School District to join Girls on the Run, the local chapter is hosting a fundraiser with raffle drawings, food and more. Sat, Oct. 11 from 5:30-7 pm. $15. All ages. Nectar Catering & Events, 120 N. Stevens. gotrspokanecounty.org Farm & Food Expo Winter may be on its way, and that means there’s plenty of time to start planning ahead for next year’s growing season at the Spokane Conservation District’s annual Farm & Food Expo. The two-day event hosts a variety of workshops, panels and presentations that cover topics such as water conservation, “lean” farming, plant nutrition, raising urban chickens, soap and salve making, plant pest and disease management, controlling noxious weeds, helping pollinators and more. The event is designed to be accessible to everyone, whether you’re a casual or aspiring home gardner or a small farmer. Nov. 2-3. Spokane Community College, 1810 N. Greene St. $25-$100. sccd.org (535-7274)