Local students who wish to apply for Yakima Federal Savings and Loan’s annual scholarship program have a few extra days to complete their applications. The local bank’s deadline for its Awards for Academic Excellence has been extended to May 2nd. The program is funded with $174,000 for scholarships for area graduating seniors. The individual awards are $2,000 each.
 
Applicants must reside in Yakima, Kittitas, Benton, or Franklin counties, graduate in the top 10% of their class, and have demonstrated high moral character, industriousness, and ambition during their high school career. Also required with the application is a one-page letter of motivation outlining future plans, school, and life experiences, including any challenges faced and overcome and the impact of receiving an award.  Students can review the requirements and apply online now at YakimaFed.com/scholarship.  The new deadline for application is May 2nd, 2022

The selection committee will award up to two applicants from each area school. Homeschooled students are also eligible. Awards are funded upon student enrollment for the fall semester following graduation. Award checks are issued payable to the school in which the student is enrolled.  Recipients will be notified by June 1, 2022.
 
Yakima Federal has provided over two and a half million dollars in college scholarships to local graduating high school seniors through its Award for Academic Excellence program over the past 45 years.
 
Yakima Federal Savings and Loan is headquartered in Yakima, WA. and has been in business since 1905. With over $2 billion in assets, the association is the 11th largest Washington-based FDIC-insured financial institution.

Following the success of last year’s inaugural Day At The Races, Active4Life will once again host a Kentucky Derby party which will benefit Therapeutic Riding of Tri-Cities (TROT) Saturday May 7,2022.

This family friendly event will include a bar-b-que, derby hats available for purchase, photos with the prize winning therapy horses at TROT, activities for children, raffle prizes, and of course the live showing of the Kentucky Derby!

Tickets to the event are $5.00 per person in advance or $7.00 at the door. Each ticket includes a meal and non alcoholic drink ticket. Tickets are available for purchase now through the end of April and can be purchased at Windsong Memory Care in Kennewick, Fieldstone Memory Care in Kennewick, and Family Resource Home Care in Kennewick Monday through Friday during business hours. Tickets can also be purchased each Wednesday in April from 5-7 pm at the Richland Community Center.

Tickets are limited so purchase yours today and join us in your Derby best for the most exciting 2 minutes in sports!

Events
$20,000 Bingo
Warm up your daubers for the next big Bingo event at Wildhorse Resort & Casino on Sunday, April 24. The prize pot jumps to $20,000 for this paper-only event with $1000 awarded per game.  Doors open at 9am, main session begins at 12:30pm.  Purchase your tickets at the door. Limited seating. Must be 18 or older. Go to wildhorseresort.com/casino/games/bingo for a Bingo schedule.
 
Easter Egg Hunt
Bring your kiddos out to the Golf Course at Birch Creek on Sunday, April 17, to enjoy a fun and free Easter egg hunt on the lower putting green. There will be prizes and candy for the egg hunters. Three age groups will start at staggered times: 8:45am for ages 4 and under, 9:00am for ages 5-7, and 9:15am for ages 8-12. While you’re there, grab a light or hearty breakfast at the Grill at Birch Creek. 69772 Hwy 395 South, Pendleton.
 
Dining
Plateau Fine Dining
Offering an enticing three-course dinner with a view, Plateau will be open on Sunday, April 17. From 4pm to 8pm, Plateau will feature a special pre-fixe Easter menu.  The culinary staff will prepare Avocado & Crab Napoleon, Pistachio Crusted Lamb with Asparagus Risotto, and Orange Panna Cotta for dessert. Add a wine pairing to your meal, if you like. Call 541-966-1610 for reservations.
 
Traditions
This Easter, visit Traditions for an appetizing dinner special. Sunday, April 17, 2pm to 9pm, diners will enjoy a holiday dinner featuring Strawberry Salad, Rustic Quiche, grilled vegetables, Wild Rice Pilaf, a Grilled Trio of lamb, chicken and tri-tip, and for dessert, Triple Layer Coffee Strawberry Chocolate Trifle. Go to wildhorseresort.com/2022-traditions-easter-menu/ for menu details.
 
Hamley Steakhouse & Saloon
Hamley Steakhouse & Saloon is open on Easter Sunday to provide a hearty meal for the holiday, bringing back the popular Easter Brunch Buffet. The buffet features all-you-can-eat slow roast prime rib, honey maple ham, eggs, bacon, sausage, biscuits and gravy, fresh fruit, and delicious desserts. Buffet is April 17, 10am to 2pm. Call 541-278-1100 for reservations.
 
Golf
The days are longer and that means more time for golf! It also means the return of the Burgers, Brews & Birdies deal at Wildhorse Golf Course and the Golf Course at Birch Creek.  When you golf Monday through Thursday after 1pm, take advantage of this great deal that includes nine holes of golf, a juicy burger and a cold beer. To book your tee time call Wildhorse at 541-276-5588 or Birch Creek at 541-966-1655.
 
Wildhorse Golf Course
Tuesdays and Thursdays are Senior Special days at Wildhorse Golf Course. Golfers 55 and over can get an 18-hole round of golf and a cart for only $50. Come golf one of the best courses in Oregon, enjoyable for any level of player with four sets of tees and over 7000 yards of lush green perfection.
 
Wildhorse Golf Course invites our honored veterans to golf at a reduced rate every Monday. On Military Mondays veterans can golf 18 holes with the use of a cart for only $40. It’s one way Wildhorse likes to say thank you for your service.
 
Call 541-276-5588 to reserve a tee time.
 
Golf Course at Birch Creek
Want to get in a quick game of golf after work? Take advantage of a great rate at the Golf Course at Birch Creek. Enjoy a special 18-hole twilight rate for only $20 per person, starting at 2pm daily through the month of April. Call 541-966-1655 to book your tee time.

For more than 110 years, the YWCA Yakima has tirelessly advocated to help our community by working to eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. In 2022, Legends Casino Hotel will partner with the YWCA to support change in the Yakima Valley.

“YWCA Yakima is excited to deepen our long relationship with Legends Casino Hotel and the Yakama Community to address domestic violence. We value the support and contributions Legends Casino Hotel is making towards ending domestic violence,” said Cheri Kilty, Executive Director. This partnership will support annual YWCA events including the Leadership Luncheon featuring Olympic Gold Medalist Jordyn Wieber and Power of the Purse. Bringing these events to the community allows the YWCA to educate our community on domestic violence and its impact on individuals and our community. The more we can discuss these impacts the more we can provide support and resources to those affected by domestic violence. Additionally, the YWCA will highlight #52WEEKSOFWOMEN from our community all year to inspire others, and the partnership will support the Stand Against Racism in April and Week Without Violence in October. Community members who wish to become involved with any of these outreach events can find details on the YWCA website or social media channels.

“We seek opportunities that have the potential to make the greatest impact in our community,” explained Legends Casino Hotel General Manager Letisha Peterson, “We’ve supported the YWCA for many years through the Yakama Cares grant program. This year, we’re excited to expand our support to sponsor these programs that will plant the seeds to end racism, violence, and abuse as well as aid women, children, and families.”

The Tri-Cities Airport is proud to announce it has earned the GBAC STAR™ Facility Accreditation through Global Biorisk Advisory Council, a Division of the International Sanitary Supply Association (ISSA). GBAC STAR™ was developed by the worldwide cleaning industry association ISSA and is the industry’s only outbreak prevention, response, and recovery accreditation for facilities. 
 
In order to achieve the GBAC STAR™ accreditation, PSC was required to demonstrate compliance with 20 different health and safety elements, which range from standard operating procedures and risk assessment strategies to personal protective equipment and emergency preparedness and response measures. By earning the accreditation, PSC has proved that it has implemented best practices to prepare for, respond to, and recover from outbreaks and pandemics.
 
“Earning this accreditation shows that the staff at PSC is taking all of the necessary actions for cleaning and disinfecting our facilities as well as helping to prevent the spread of infectious diseases,” said Buck Taft, Director of Tri-Cities Airport. “Keeping our airport clean and safe for our travelers and employees continues to be our top priority as air travel resumes across the country.”
 
When the pandemic first began in 2020, the airport was quick to follow guidelines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and other federal and state health agencies. In addition to requiring masks and recommending social distancing, the airport implemented several health, safety, and security measures such as frequently cleaning high-touch public areas, providing hand sanitizer stations throughout the terminal, and even acquiring an autonomous cleaning robot. Now, the GBAC STAR™ accreditation demonstrates to facility visitors and employees that PSC continues to prioritize occupant safety and has the necessary procedures in place to handle bio-risks like the novel coronavirus.
 
More information about the GBAC STAR™ accreditation can be found here. 

Chaplaincy Cork’s Place, a local grief support program for children, teens and their families, is hosting a benefit and auction called Heart of Healing on Saturday, May 21, 2022 at the Red Lion Hotel in Pasco. The 6th Annual Heart of Healing is returning in-person for the first time since the pandemic began.

Heart of Healing will feature original artwork created by local grieving children and teens, dinner and a live auction. Attendees will also hear testimonial stories from youth and families who have been impacted by Cork’s Place.

Tickets for the event are $100 and are available for purchase online at https://chaplaincyhealthcare.org/heart-of-healing/.

Chaplaincy Cork’s Place is also asking the community to donate items for the live auction. Those who are interested in donating an item for the auction can email [email protected] or call (509) 460-5801.

Proceeds from the event make it possible for Cork’s Place to continue providing grief services for children, teens and families at no cost.