Anti-Violence Group Starting

Mothers Against Violence in America will inaugurate a Spokane chapter at 7 p.m. Wednesday in Meeting Room 1-A of the downtown Spokane Public Library.

MAVIA was founded in Seattle in 1994 as a non-profit organization dedicated to reducing violence and promoting safety of children, said Cheryl Terry, chairwoman and a former Spokane resident.

Last June, a 17-year-old youth shot and killed Terry’s husband, Antonio Terry, a Seattle police officer.

For more information about MAVIA, call (800) 897-7697.

How-to parenting classes

Deaconess Medical Center is sponsoring a variety of classes in its Women’s and Children’s Center involving the first few years of parenting:

Prepared Childbirth is designed for expectant parents in the last three months of pregnancy. The six-week series covers pregnancy, stages of labor, breathing, muscle toning and relaxation exercises.

Two sessions from 7 to 9:15 p.m. will be provided Monday, June, 26, and Tuesday, June, 27. Cost is $50.

Preparation for Parenthood is designed for parents after the fifth month of pregnancy. Classes begin Wednesday, June 28, from 7 to 9:15 p.m. Cost is $25 per family.

Other classes, each from 7 to 9:15 p.m., are Parenting Your Toddler, June 15; Sibling Class, June 21; Early Pregnancy, June 21; Breast Feeding, June 21; and Father Class, June 21. For information, call 624-7770.

, DataTimes