Luncheons take place at Temple Beth Shalom
from 12-1:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted.
Suggested donation for luncheons is $12/person.
No one is turned away for lack of funds.
Presentation by Spencer Gardner
Spencer Gardner is the City of Spokane’s Director of Planning, appointed in February 2022 to lead the city’s planning department, including land-use policies and housing initiatives. He has focused on addressing the housing crisis through increased density, such as amending accessory dwelling unit codes and supporting initiatives for up to four units on residential lots. His planning philosophy focuses on creating “middle housing” options to increase affordability and promote walkable, bikeable neighborhoods.
Presentation by Garth Davis
Garth Davis, who serves as Forestry Program Manager for the Spokane Conservation District (SCD), has been the driving force behind the district’s urban forestry efforts and has forged partnerships not just in Washington state but in Idaho as well. SCD has been involved in forestry work for decades but began increasing its scope to include urban forest issues about 19 years ago. Its projects address education, inequality, fire mitigation, and more.
Performance by Michael Sporre
Michael Sporre has been playing violin for more than 30 years. He served for many years as Principal Second Violinist for the Glacier Symphony in Kalispell, Montana, as well as a substitute violinist in the Helena and Great Falls symphonies. He has also appeared as a guest artist with the Glacier String Quartet. Upon marrying a Spokaneite, he relocated to the Spokane area, where he began a new music studio. Today, the studio serves a few hundred students. Michael teaches not only private lessons but also classes in private and Montessori schools and local preschools. He enjoys performing and teaching equally and seeks to involve the audience in a meaningful performance.
