Member News

The City of Kennewick and Numerica Credit Union are entering into an eight-year agreement worth $680,000 that will change the name of the Southridge Sports and Events Complex Pavilion building to the Numerica Pavilion. The agreement was approved by the City Council at yesterday’s meeting.

Carla Cicero, Numerica’s president and CEO said, “This partnership between the City of Kennewick and Numerica exemplifies our commitment to helping communities live well by coming together and celebrating the events and people that make this an amazing place to live.”

Corporate partnerships help community assets to grow and thrive, said Kennewick Parks and Recreation Director Emily Estes-Cross. This partnership will allow the City to promote upcoming special events and programs on new signage at its Highway 395 location, making it easier for patrons to find the Pavilion, which currently has no identifiable building signage.

Cicero explained that in their continued efforts to enhance lives and foster well-being in the community, Numerica will also be able to provide engagement opportunities for local non-profits and members.

“It is important to us that we give to causes, charities and community partners who share our passion to foster well-being in the lives of our members, our neighbors, and our visitors,” Cicero said. “By supporting Kennewick Parks and Recreation and the Southridge Sports and Events Complex, we’re also supporting family entertainment, community events, economic growth, and the creation of enjoyable memories that last a lifetime.”
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Estes-Cross said the sponsorship will help the Southridge Sports & Events Complex continue to be one of the Tri-Cities’ greatest assets – a place for families to enjoy for generations to come and a regional tourism driver. “Sponsorship dollars are reinvested in the Complex to maintain facilities that attract a wide audience of users, and provide better communication of our events and programs to ensure that everyone in our community can take part.”

Trios Health recently announced that Christy Kuhn has been recognized as the hospital’s 2019 Mercy Award winner. The Mercy Award recognizes one employee from each of LifePoint Health’s hospitals who profoundly touches the lives of others and best represents the spirit and values on which the company was founded. 
 
The Mercy Award is an annual recognition program established in 2001 to honor the life and contributions of Scott Mercy, LifePoint’s founding chairman and chief executive officer. The award is the highest honor a LifePoint employee can receive. 
 
“At Trios Health, we share LifePoint’s commitment to Making Communities Healthier, and we recognize this is supported by the good work and service of our employees on and off the job,” said John Solheim, CEO of Trios Health. “We are extremely proud to recognize Christy for her efforts on behalf of our patients and our community. She goes above and beyond each and every day to ensure that every person she encounters receives the highest level of care and compassion.”
 
Christy is the Director of Diabetes and Nutrition Education, Nutrition Services, and Environmental Services at Trios Health. She received nominations for the Mercy Award from current and former co-workers, as well as a community member. In 2012, Christy and the Diabetes Education team spearheaded the effort to provide a camp for children diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. Camp Trios is a one-of-a-kind day camp that has grown from approximately 20 campers to 50 since its inception. Christy helps to organize diabetes education into activities that are fun and engaging for the campers, help them to create lasting friendships and teach them to manage their diabetes.

In addition to her work with Camp Trios, Christy’s nominators also wrote of her willingness to volunteer, her cheerful attitude and her dedication to providing the highest quality care and excellent services to patients, visitors and staff, writing that she “is a tireless patient and staff advocate.”

Christy has worked at Trios Health for 22 years.
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Each hospital winner, including Christy, will be considered for LifePoint’s 2019 companywide Mercy Award. The companywide winner will be announced this summer and honored during a ceremony in Nashville, Tenn., in August, to which Christy and all hospital winners are invited to attend.

The Historic Downtown Kennewick Partnership (HDKP), held the 20th Annual Classy Chassy Show and Shine over the second weekend of May. The popular event included a record 218 registered vehicles with 28 classes including cars, trucks, motorcycles off-road, imports, and more.  Classy Chassy is a well-known downtown Kennewick staple, with music, vendors, non-profit organizations, local business participation, and fun for the entire family. Hundreds of people fill the closed downtown streets to enjoy the warm early summer weather, check out classic vehicles, and visit popular local businesses. Merchants reported the show as one of the most successful sales days for the downtown. 
  
HDKP  was pleased to honor Bruce MacKissock with the first-ever “Participants Choice Award” for his 1933 Ford Factory Five, and “Best in Show” to Adam Watters for his classic 1960 Ford Thunderbird.

“We could not ask for better early summer weather,” said Jess Stangeland,  HDKP Executive Director, “and people responded with a record turn out. We appreciate the passion of vehicle owners, our community and the volunteers who all help make this an exceptional annual event.”

HDKP is excited for the 21st Annual Classy Chassy Show and Shine to be held Friday and Saturday, May 8-9, 2020. For more information follow the event calendar at historickennewick.org. 

Benton PUD’s electric revenue bond rating was upgraded by Fitch Ratings.   The rating agency assigned an ‘AA-’ rating with a stable outlook.  This was an upgrade from Fitch’s previous rating of ‘A+’.  Benton PUD also maintains its Aa3 rating with Moody’s Investor Services, and A+ rating from S&P Global Ratings.  

“Benton PUD now has the highest bond ratings in its history,” said Jon Meyer, Director of Finance & Business Services.  “The higher bond rating enables Benton PUD to issues bonds for a lower interest rate, thereby, lowering our borrowing costs. While we currently have no immediate plans to issue new bonds, the higher rating demonstrates that Benton PUD is better positioned to navigate through volatile or adverse conditions.”

Fitch Ratings attributed the upgrade to Benton PUD’s strong financial profile, low operating and maintenance costs and ample rate flexibility.  

“Strong financial policies have resulted in building a financially sound utility while keeping our average monthly bills lower than average as compared to other utilities in the region,” said Jeff Hall, Benton PUD Commissioner. “Our bond ratings validate our goal of preserving public trust through stewardship of our assets.” 

The Fitch Ratings report on Benton PUD can be viewed at bentonpud.org.

We are pleased to announce our splash pads at Columbia Park, Highlands Grange Park, Underwood Park and the Southridge Sports and Events Complex will open the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend. Splash pad opening date at the Southridge Sports and Events Complex may be delayed due to construction of shade structures. Please check the Kennewick Parks and Recreation Facebook for the latest update. Splash pads are open 7 days a week 10:00am – 7:00pm and are free for public use.

During Sunset at Southridge food truck event nights, splash pad hours at the Southridge Sports and Events Complex will be extended until 8:00pm. Attend Sunset at Southridge on the 1st, 3rd, and 5th Fridays, June – August.

For more information, please contact Brandon Lange at (509) 585-4279 or brandon.lange@ci.kennewick.wa.us.

The Tri-Cities Cancer Center is pleased to announce our partnership with Red Mountain Kitchen in Downtown Kennewick called Cancer Crushing Cuisine. Starting on Thursday, June 13th, the Cancer Center will offer cooking classes at Red Mountain Kitchen led by Chef Kyle Thornhill. The cooking classes will be fun and educational, highlighting the cancer fighting properties of common produce found at our local farmer’s markets throughout the summer and fall.

Education regarding cancer fighting properties of produce and ingredients will be provided by a Lourdes Health Dietician and Tri-Cities Cancer Center Naturopathic Physician, Dr. Lindsey Josephson. Participants will prepare a delicious, healthy dish to enjoy at Red Mountain Kitchen or to take home.

Classes will coincide with the Downtown Kennewick Farmer’s Market on Thursdays, June 13th, August 8th, and October 10th from 5:30 – 7:30PM. Each cooking class will be unique, focusing on produce that is available during the specific time of the season. RSVP is required. To register, please call (509) 737-3413. For more information, please visit tccancer.org/cuisine.
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When: Thursday, June 13th | Thursday, August 8th | Thursday, October 10th from 5:30 – 7:30PM (Coincides with Downtown Kennewick Farmer’s Market)

Where: Red Mountain Kitchen, Downtown Kennewick, 212 West Kennewick Avenue
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Cost: $50 per individual per session (includes all supplies) / $25 will go towards a donation to the TCCC Foundation in honor of our 25th anniversary.

Mid-Columbia Libraries hosts New York Times bestselling author of the “William Shakespeare’s Star Wars” series, Ian Doescher, on May 18 at Kennewick library.

His latest work, the “Pop Shakespeare” series, was published last month and features “William Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Mean Girls” and “William Shakespeare’s Get Thee Back to the Future.”

A book signing will follow the author’s presentation, and books will be for sale. This event is free and open to all ages. Learn more at midcolumbialibraries.org. Learn more about the author at iandoescher.com.

​WHEN: Saturday, May 18 at 3 pm
WHERE: Mid-Columbia Libraries’ Kennewick Branch, 1620 S. Union St.

It is with heavy hearts and sadness that we announce Councilman Steve Young passed away today due to complications from a recent illness. The entire City of Kennewick family mourns this loss and we extend our deepest sympathies to Steve Young’s family.

“Councilman Young had the ability to create a vision for our community, advocate for the vision and then follow-through to implement that vision. There are many examples of this such as the Southridge Local Revitalization Area, Three Rivers Convention Center, Vista Entertainment District and embracing our partnerships to see the vision become a reality,” said City Manager Marie Mosley. “I truly cannot think of an area in Kennewick that doesn’t have some mark from Councilmember Young”.  

Councilman Young has a long record of being an engaged public servant in addition to the volunteer work that he has done and the philanthropic donations he and his wife Anita, have provided.  Some of the longstanding areas of service to our community include:

• Mayor of City of Kennewick 1-2009 to 2018 (2nd longest serving Mayor)
  
• Kennewick City Councilman 12-2008 to present
  
• Chairman of the Planning Commission
  
• Chairman of the Civil Service Commission
  
• Kennewick Public Facilities District board member
  
• Chairman of the Council Budget and Administration Committee
  
• TRIDEC Executive Board
  
• U.S. Manhattan project Park Advisory Committee
  
• Tri-Cities Visitor and Convention Bureau
  
• Regional Public Facilities District - Joint City of Kennewick & Port of Kennewick
  
• Joint Coliseum Advisory Committee
  
• Fireman’s’ Pension Board
  
• LEOFF Disability Board
  
• Vice Chairman of the Hanford Communities
  
• Vice Chairman of Energy Communities Alliance
  
• State Council of Aging appointed 2011 by Governor Gregoire
  
• Represented the Association of Washington Cities
  
• Personally sponsored an award to recognize young people community service volunteerism
  
• Community Care Program
  
• Served on KGH Foundation
  
• Planning partner for KGH transition to Trios
  
• Construction coordinator for current Visitor and Convention Bureau building
  
• Driving force for Southridge development
  
• Contributor to Coats for Kids, various food drives and veterans’ event
  
• Volunteer constructor for Bikes for Tykes sponsored by Local 598
  
• Contributor for Tri-City Americans’ hockey childrens’ fund raising, teddy bear toss

The City of Kennewick has been blessed to have someone like Councilman Steve Young who has given so much, served so tirelessly, and has been an ambassador for the citizens of Kennewick like no other!

The Tri-Cities Cancer Center has been selected by Modern Healthcare as one of the 2019 Best Places to Work in Healthcare. The complete list of this year’s winners, in alphabetical order, is available here. Modern Healthcare will publish a special supplement featuring ranked lists of all the winners along with their September 30th, 2019 issue.

“Despite the political headwinds that the industry faces, healthcare organizations continue to be dominant economic engines in their communities,” commented Aurora Aguilar, editor of Modern Healthcare. “Organizations recognized on this year’s list have also weathered mergers and reorganizations and have come out stronger. As evidenced every month by the Bureau of Labor Statistics employment numbers, the industry shows little sign of slowing down when it comes to creating jobs. And that puts pressure on employers to create not only robust compensation and benefit packages, but to create a sense of loyalty in competitive labor market. We congratulate the Best Places to Work in Healthcare for going above and beyond to create fulfilling environments for the nation’s professional caregivers.”

“For those familiar with the Tri-Cities Cancer Center, you know that when you ask our patients, patrons, volunteers and staff, ‘What makes the Tri-Cities Cancer Center special?’ you will hear the same reply over and over again: ‘It’s the people,’” stated Chuck DeGooyer, Tri-Cities Cancer Center CEO, “I couldn’t be more proud of our team and to be recognized on our 25th Anniversary. It is the values developed by our team, their commitment to our patients, our community and each other that really makes our organization shine. Being recognized nationally as one of the Best Places to Work in Healthcare is really a testament to the quality of our staff and the trust our community places in all of us.”

The Tri-Cities Cancer Center will be honored at the 2019 Best Places to Work in Healthcare awards gala on Thursday, September 26, 2019 at the Renaissance Dallas. Information on the award and dinner program is available here.

Kadlec Foundation has teamed up once again with Numerica Credit Union to host Kidz Dig Rigz this Saturday, May 18, at Columbia Park in Kennewick.  Kidz Dig Rigz is a unique, family-friendly event in which kids of all ages can get up close and personal with all types of rigs such as tractors, fire trucks, tanks and more. Child-friendly entertainment will include monster truck rides, tractor ride-and-drives, bounce houses, face-painting, and much more. Various food concession vendors will be present and visits can be expected from many local favorite mascots and Super Heroes.

All proceeds benefit pediatric patients, their families, services and programs at Kadlec Regional Medical Center. Here are just some examples of what event proceeds have funded:

• Transcutaneous monitoring system to track a preemie’s oxygen saturation levels in real time, cutting down on painful pokes and allowing more immediate care
• Five new advanced beds necessary for our smallest premature infants
• Vein Illuminator making finding veins on small, hard to find veins easier for caregivers and patients
• Holiday parties for our pediatric patients with cancer and who receive IV therapy treatments
• Electronics, toys and other teaching items for education, comfort, and distraction for pediatric patients having procedures or surgery
• A Hippo Car Seat, which is a specialized car seat designed to safely transport children with certain casts and splint
• Swaddle sleep sacks, which are specialized specifically for NICU babies and promote safe sleep and decrease the rate of SIDS
• Countless hotel rooms, gas vouchers, phone cards, and basic necessities for indigent families of pediatric patients

This event is made possible with major sponsor support coming from local companies and corporations and volunteered time from local fire, police, military, and countless community leaders and volunteers. See all of our generous sponsors at www.kadlec.org/foundation. 

Location:
Columbia Park 
5111 Columbia Park Trail  
Kennewick, WA 99336
Lampson Pits/Columbia Park East across from Playground of Dreams

Hours:
- Saturday, May 18, 2019: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. (Quiet Hour for children with special needs at 10 a.m.)

Admission:
Tickets: $7 at the gate, children 2 and under free
Save money with the Family Four Pack at kdr.yapsody.com

Questions?
Phone: 509-942-2661