Etcetera: Feb. 15, 2018

Neill to host Spokane poet

Spokane poet Stephen Pitters will read poetry from several of his published works for observance of Black History Month Saturday, Feb. 17, at 4 p.m. in the Neill Public Library Hecht Room.

Pitters will discuss his family genealogy and share personal experiences as the first black student to live on the all-white campus of Centenary College in Shreveport, La.

The event is free to the public, but seating is limited. Light refreshments will be served.

Pitters hosts the Spokane Open Poetry program on KYRS, Thin Air Community Radio and currently produces Poetry Rising on the Northside at the Barnes and Noble bookstore in Northtown Mall, Spokane. He has had four volumes of his work published by Gribble Press, and a fifth will be published in April.

Pitters holds a masters degree in clinical social work from Simmons School of Social Work, Boston, Mass., and University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health and a teaching certificate from Gonzaga University. He has taught stress and anger management, couples communication, parenting and marketing.

Serval cat to visit library

Boomer, the African serval cat, and owner, Anya Spielberg will present a science event today Thursday, Feb. 15, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the Colfax Library. Participants can learn about where African serval cats originate, their history and behavioral abilities.

This program is for all ages and families are welcome. Children under eight years old must be accompanied by an adult.

Anya and her husband moved from Pullman to Oakesdale in May 2017 after their youngest child graduated from high school.

Realizing they were facing an empty nest, Anya decided to purchase an African serval from a breeder in Alabama. Anya has a state license and TICA certified cattery at their home where they breed savannah kittens. Servals are not considered to be an aggressive variety of wild cat and therefore do not require a special license in some states, including Washington. However, to responsibly care for a serval, owners must do all the things that many states require, such as building large habitats with indoor and outdoor enclosures which are temperature controlled and feeding them their natural diet found in the wild.

BIRTHS

Whitman County Gazette, Feb. 15, 2018

At Pullman Regional Hospital

Eyrich, Jaylynn Carlton Emma, born to Kathleen Meckel and Jeremy Eyrch, Princeton, Idaho. Paternal grandparents are Samantha and Cliff Heilman, Princeton, Idaho. Maternal grandparents are Jackie and Brad Meckel, Potlatch, Idaho.

Stallcop, Brynlee Maureen, born Feb. 2 at seven pounds, 10 ounces, to Aaron and Kendra Stallcop, Pomeroy, Wash. Paternal grandparents are Wynn and Debby Stallcop, Pomeroy, Wash., and Gary and Patty Bowles, Pomeroy, Wash. Maternal grandparents are Louis and Shelley Alcala, Zillah, Wash. Baby joins brother Bennett, 11 months.

At Whitman Hospital and Medical Center

Johnson, Kaylee Marie, born Feb. 8 at eight pounds, one ounce, to Trevor and Jennifer Johnson, Endicott. Paternal grandparents are Dave and Pam Johnson, Endicott. Maternal grandparents are Dave and Stacey Lund, Roseburg, Ore. Baby joins brother, Erik.