​On August 2nd, 2019 at Westside (Pool) Park in Grandview, Prosser Memorial Health will be hosting a community Big Latch-On event. This event is in partnership with other regional health organizations and part of the 10th Annual Global Big Latch-On event celebrating World Breastfeeding Week. 

Join us August 2nd from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. for family-friendly activities, giveaways, light refreshments and meet Prosser Memorial Health Pediatrician Dr. Min and healthcare providers from our Grandview and Prosser Clinics. At 10:30 a.m. local time, we will join the international community by participating in The Global Big Latch-On. Last year, more than 21,500 children ‘latched’ and were breastfed. This is a free community event and open to the public. Se Habla Español. To learn more about the 10th Annual Global Big Latch On, call the Prosser Memorial Health’s Community Relations Team at 509-786-6601.   

Teknologize, Wildland, and the Tri-Cities Research District, the hosts of the second annual Tri-Cities Tech Summit, are pleased to announce that Paul Jarrett, co-founder and CEO of Bulu Box, will be the keynote speaker for this year’s Summit.  

Paul Jarrett is a Subscription Box champion and Midwest entrepreneur. He launched million-dollar brands like Neebo and executed campaigns for Lowe's and Nike. In 2010, he joined Complete Nutrition, one of the fastest growing startups in the country. In 2012, Paul and his co-founder Stephanie Jarrett launched Bulu Box. Several years later, Bulu Box has evolved to be the industry authority in creating Private Label Subscription Box solutions for multibillion-dollar brands like Disney, Crayola, and Buzzfeed.

While Paul’s story is impressive, what’s even more compelling is that he left Silicon Valley, the mecca for internet start-ups, to launch his company in Lincoln, Nebraska. His story of launching his web-based business in what is now being called the Silicon Prairie speaks to the potential for smaller regions, like the Tri-Cities, to create amazing companies in their own backyard.  

Paul’s story is directly in line with this year’s theme Origins.  Every technology, company, and entrepreneur has a unique start. The TC Tech Summit 2019: Origins will give people the opportunity to highlight those stories, allowing individuals to share their own Origins as they educate and inspire others to learn, do and invest in themselves, their ideas, and their businesses.

Our theme also coincides with the anniversary of the Manhattan Project, a massive undertaking that helped a tiny community become globally recognized. Part of TC Tech Summit 2019: Origins will highlight the technology that came about because of the Manhattan Project and its greater impact on the Tri-Cities.   

Mark your calendars now for TC Tech Summit 2019: Origins on September 11-12! Early-bird tickets are now available at www.tctechsummit.com.

Petersen Hastings is pleased to announce that it is once again included in the listing of Financial Advisor Magazine’s Top RIA Ranking with $670 million assets under management at the end of 2018. Financial Advisor Magazine annually reports an exclusive list of the nation’s leading independent financial advisory firms based on their total discretionary and nondiscretionary assets reported on their Form ADV. Petersen Hastings is the only firm in Eastern Washington to be recognized in the survey.

“Having the opportunity to be recognized on a national level is something our firm is very proud about,” said Scott Sarber, President. “Helping our clients achieve their financial goals and life dreams is what makes each day fulfilling. The credit for this award goes to them and the deep, trusting relationships we have developed over the years,” said Sarber.

Petersen Hastings is a Registered Investment Advisor located in Kennewick, WA. As a primary fiduciary, Petersen Hastings serves committed investors with complex financial needs. Our multigenerational team of experienced and credentialed professionals delivers innovative solutions through The Trusted Financial PathTM to enhance and preserve wealth.

For additional information contact Scott Sarber at 509-735-0484 or [email protected].

​We are just weeks away from the start of the 71st Benton Franklin Fair & Rodeo. For many, Fair week is the highlight of summer, a place to indulge the sights and the senses and to catch up with old friends. From the food to the fantastic exhibits and entertainment, everyone has their favorite at fair-time. There is so much to celebrate at the Fair, from the achievements of the youth in our community to the bounty of our ag industry to the joys of friendship. It truly is a community gathering where memories are made.

Purchase your tickets online and be ready for the fun as soon as you arrive. Or visit Kennewick’s Ranch & Home. Remember you have the option to get a combination bus and Fair ticket. Ben Franklin Transit will drop you off at a special express gate. Now that’s service!

For more information go to: www.bentonfranklinfair.com 

The Tri-Cities Cancer Center is holding a free skin cancer screening in partnership with Kadlec Plastic Surgery and Dermatology. The free screening will be held on Saturday, August 10th, 2019 from 9:00AM to 12:00PM at the Tri-Cities Cancer Center and is by appointment only. To schedule your appointment, please call (509) 737-3420.

Skin cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in the U.S. With over 300 days of sunshine in our region, residents must protect themselves from harmful UV rays. According to the National Institute of Health, individuals should be checked for any suspicious skin markings and any changes in the way their skin looks. Early detection leads to more treatment options and better outcomes. If not treated, some types of skin cancer cells can spread to other tissues and organs. Kathleen Ledwick, DCNP of Kadlec Plastic Surgery and Dermatology, will provide spot checks to help keep you healthy. Our community is encouraged to take part in this free screening.

Appointments are required and can be made by calling the Tri-Cities Cancer Center at (509) 737-3420.

The Tri-Cities Cancer Center is able to offer programs like this, at no cost, thanks to community support through the Tri-Cities Cancer Center Foundation. Donations to the Tri-Cities Cancer Center Foundation stay local and provide valuable non-reimbursed cancer programs and services for patients, their families, and the community.

Ben Franklin Transit (BFT) will provide the convenience of shuttle services to two popular annual community events this weekend, July 26-28. 

Art in the Park | Friday and Saturday, July 26 and 27: Those attending Richland’s Art in the Park event can catch a shuttle looping every 15 minutes beginning at 8:30 a.m. both days at Fran Rish stadium, with stops at Knight Street Transit Center, John Dam Plaza, and in front of Greenies near the entrance to Howard Amon Park. 

HAPO Columbia Cup | Saturday and Sunday, July 27 and 28: Attendees headed to the Kennewick side of the river for this year’s boat races can catch a BFT shuttle at their choice of two locations—Knight Street Transit Center in Richland, or Lampson Stadium in Kennewick—departing every hour on the hour between 8 a.m. and 12 p.m. both days to Columbia Park. 

Newly added this year is another shuttle option from The HAPO Center (formerly TRAC) in Pasco to Wade Park on the Pasco side. 
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Return shuttles depart both parks for their locations of origination beginning 15 minutes after the final heat ends each day. Shuttle riders may bring chairs, coolers, and other small items on board during event weekend.

Cost: Both shuttle services will be offered by cash donation instead of a set fare amount this year, with all proceeds benefiting the YMCA of the Greater Tri-Cities.

The local YMCA, with locations in Kennewick, Pasco, Richland and West Richland, serves over 8,000 youth and families each year and awards thousands of dollars in financial assistance to families who cannot afford to pay the full cost of program fees. In addition to offering preschool and school-age childcare during the year, the YMCA also offers various youth programs throughout the summer, including daily crafts. 

“Ben Franklin Transit is all about serving our community and making connections that are important to people,” said marketing and communications director Ali Madison. “We’re excited to offer both of our shuttle services to Art in the Park and the boat races by donation this year, to demonstrate our commitment to the community by supporting local youth programs.”

​Camp Trios, a three-day summer day camp program for children diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, begins tomorrow, July 23, at the Southridge Sports and Events Complex.

Campers aged 6 to 14 years old will learn how to manage their Type 1 Diabetes through educational, age-appropriate activities led by Trios Health staff members, trained physicians and other healthcare providers. Additionally, mentors aged 15 to 18 years old, will assist the campers. Some of the mentors are previous campers.

Camp Trios began as a long-term goal to one day have a local camp for the growing number of children diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. Originally launched in 2012 as Camp KGH, it has grown since its inception from about 20 participants to more than 50. 

“Often we get kids in who have been newly diagnosed and they aren’t sure about what they can do,” said Christy Kuhn, Trios Health Environmental Services Director. “But when they see all these other kids running, playing, eating and doing all the stuff they want to do, it makes them see that it’s possible.”

Goals of Camp Trios are to educate children regarding their diabetes, while promoting independence, self-discipline and responsibility; offer opportunities for children and families to meet others who are facing the same challenges; provide an ongoing network of resources to support children with Type 1 Diabetes and their families; empower children to recognize limitless opportunities when diabetes is properly managed, and build lifelong relationships between the children, staff, volunteers and parents/guardians. 

Camp Trios is backed by a lot of community support. The use of the Southridge Sports and Events complex has been donated by the City of Kennewick, the Kennewick Public Hospital District donated $10,000 to help fund Camp Trios this year, the Trios Health Auxiliary made and donated cooler collars for the campers to use, and Trios Health medical staff are donating their time. Additional donors include Knockerball Corporate & Knockerball Tri-Cities, Sight & Sound Services, Tetra Tech, Up Balloon Boutique, Yoke’s Fresh Market (Kennewick), Roaster’s Coffee, Tri-Cities Court Club, Subway Tri-Cities, Rick Riel ReaLife Photography, Knights Templar Mason – Floyd Snyder, and Team Up for Type 1 Diabetes.

To learn more about the mission, objectives, program and activities of Camp Trios, visit: http://www.trioshealth.org/news-events/camp-trios/.

Presenters Paul Casey, Judy Jones and Rick Peenstra will be presenting a workshop on Home Business Roundtable on Thursday, August 15th, 2019. Home Business roundtable is to encourage and resource anyone who runs their business out of their home. The cost of the workshop is $10.00. The workshop will be from 8:00 am to 11:00 am Thursday, August 15th at Sandberg Event Center 331 S 41st Ave. West Richland, Wa. Please bring your business cards for the door prizes!  This seminar is the latest in a series of workshops provided to the business community by SCORE, Mid-Columbia Tri-Cities Chapter. 

For more Information about the workshop & to Register go to https://midcolumbiatricities.score.org/ - Click on Take a Workshop.

S&P Global Ratings affirmed its ‘A+’ rating with a stable outlook on Benton PUD’s electric revenue bonds.  Benton PUD also maintains its Aa3 rating with Moody’s Investor Services, and recent upgrade to AA- rating from Fitch Ratings.
 
S&P Global Ratings attributed the A+ rating to Benton PUD's strong competitive rates, favorable power supply, solid financial metrics, and strong risk profile which is the result of robust fixed-charge coverage and a low debt-to-capital ratio. They noted that Benton PUD’s rates were less than 90% of the Washington state average.  The stable outlook reflects S&P Global Ratings expectation that Benton PUD will maintain financial metrics in the future.
 
The S&P Global Ratings report on Benton PUD can be viewed on the Benton PUD website at BentonPUD.org.  

Heartlinks Hospice & Palliative Care has announced the addition of a new nurse practitioner, John Rogers, DNP, ARNP, FNP-C, who will provide palliative care consultations to patients and their families in many settings including in the hospital, in the home, in a life care setting, and in the physician’s office.
 
What is palliative care? 
Palliative care offers pain and symptom management, emotional support, and spiritual support for those who face chronic, debilitating, or life-threatening illness. Palliative care specialists work with you, your family and your care team to improve your quality of life during and after treatment for your specific medical concern. Palliative care can be provided in tandem with life-prolonging therapies. 
 
“Heartlinks has always been committed to holistic care, and palliative care is an important addition for our patients who have chronic illnesses because it empowers the individual to make choices about his or her treatment and to live life to the fullest as the patient defines it,” said Debra Roe-Johnson, RN, CHPN, Clinical Director for Heartlinks.
 
About John Rogers
John graduated with his Registered Nursing Degree in 1999 and then worked for nearly seven years at a hospital in the Tri-Cities, taking care of critically ill patients. Looking to advance his profession, John proceeded to complete his Baccalaureate of Science in Nursing and graduated Summa Cum Laude in 2002.  From there he proceeded to complete his Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP) in Family Practice Medicine and became Nationally Board Certified in 2004. Since that time, John has earned his Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). 
 
He has worked providing family practice medicine treating patients from birth to geriatrics ever since. When asked, John says that he holds an “a deep passion for the treatment of geriatric patients, enabling them to age in place at the setting of their desire”. John has lived here locally for over thirty years.
 
Patients who think palliative care would be helpful should discuss this with their primary care doctor. Patients remain under the care of their own physicians. Palliative care professionals can recommend ways to manage physical symptoms, discuss “next steps” and offer access to other professionals to address emotional and spiritual symptoms that can be a part of chronic and often life-limiting illnesses.