Good morning, Spokane Valley.

The Salvation Army Spokane is hosting its annual Corporate Kettle Kick-Off event that began on November 11 and ends today to raise funds for programs serving local families.

Eighteen local businesses are ringing bells at their locations — gifts of toys and clothing are accepted until December 15.

Spokane Neighborhood Action Partners (SNAP) relaunched its Cuisine for Clients initiative on November 12 to support local restaurants and provide meals for families and seniors amid rising food costs — community members can donate the cost of a meal to help SNAP purchase food from area businesses and distribute it through partner agencies.

Target lowered prices on 3,000 food, drink and essential items starting in November to help shoppers save money — this follows an earlier offer of a Thanksgiving meal for four for under $20.

The company also announced a $500,000 donation to Feeding America on November 12.

Records from a recent building permit indicate that Trader Joe’s may open a new store at 13414 E.

Sprague Ave — the former ShopKo location — as noted by the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce. The permit was submitted on November 12, suggesting a pending development in the area.

The Washington State Department of Transportation Eastern Region is inviting the public to join its Placemaking Engagement Series workshop on Nov.

20 at Frances Scott Elementary in Spokane. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. and the event runs until 7:00 p.m.—this meeting is part of a series through April that gathers community ideas for public spaces along I-90.

Spokane schools and parks officials celebrated the recent ballot wins — which provided $240 million for parks and $200 million for schools — by beginning plans to update local facilities; Adams Elementary will be leveled in December for a new modern, accessible building while a new Meadowglen Park is planned with improved amenities set to start early next year, and final results will be announced on November 25. Principal Beth Nye and parks director Garrett Jones both said their agencies are ready to move forward with these projects to benefit students and local residents.

Spokane Parks Department workers have long been worried about the Stepwell sculpture in Riverfront Park—an art piece built with over $500,000 in taxpayer funds—because of structural gaps, graffiti, and safety concerns.

The city has hired a contractor to repair and repaint the sculpture, with work set to begin this fall and continue into spring.

A new study found that taking metformin reduced the blood vessel and fitness improvements usually gained from daily exercise among patients with metabolic syndrome.

Researchers from Rutgers reported that both high- and low-intensity workouts delivered less benefit when the drug was used — prompting a call for patients to discuss their exercise plans with their doctors.

Yesterday, National Happy Hour Day was celebrated across the country as bars and restaurants offered discounted drinks and light bites in honor of a Navy tradition from the early 1900s—local venues joined the celebration with special menus and extended hours—boosting evening business and social connection. Establishments used the day to help patrons unwind after work.

Immunization Clinic at CHAS Health Valley

9 a.m.-1 p.m. — CHAS Valley Medical Clinic — Call to schedule or walk in — Get your flu shot at this community-focused vaccination event.

Python for Scientists Training Class

N/A — Mon to Fri — Newcastle Training Centers Spokane — $2250 — Learn essential Python programming skills tailored for scientific applications.