Chaplaincy Health Care will host a Community Volunteer Fair at C3 Tri-Cities on Thursday, August 4 from 4 to 6 p.m. The Volunteer Fair will include 18 local nonprofits who are in-need of volunteer support. The community is invited to attend the event and learn more about volunteer opportunities.

“Without volunteers, we wouldn’t be able to serve our community to the best of our ability,” said Tara Divers, Chaplaincy’s Director of Philanthropy. “For a variety of reasons, our local nonprofits have seen a steep decline in volunteers since the COVID-19 pandemic. But now, many of our organizations are back to being fully operational without COVID restrictions, and we are in desperate need of volunteers to continue the good work non-profits do for our community.”

Participating nonprofits include the Alzheimer’s Association, Catholic Charities, Chaplaincy Health Care, Communities in Schools, Domestic Violence Services of Benton and Franklin Counties, First Washington, Forge, Fosterful, Girl Scouts of Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho, Master Gardner Program of WSU, Meals on Wheels, Safe Harbor, SARC, The Rude Mechanicals, Tri-Cities Diversity and Inclusion Council and Tumbleweed Music Festival.

Volunteers are a crucial part of Chaplaincy’s programs. Volunteer opportunities at Chaplaincy include hospice patient support, administrative support, Cork’s Place group facilitators, Repeat Boutique Thrift Store support and more. Learn more at www.chaplaincyhealthcare.org/volunteers.

The Pacific Northwest District of Kiwanis International invites you to join its members for an evening of musical fun with the Dueling Pianos mastery of Jeff and Rhiannon on Friday August 26th at the Three Rivers Convention Center.

This one-of-a-kind show is not to be missed and is open to the public.  Tickets for the Dinner Buffet and show (6:00– 9:00PM) are $100 per person. Show only tickets (7:30-9:00PM) are $60 per person. Click here to purchase your tickets. https://cvent.me/xvzQKg.

There are 7 Kiwanis clubs in the Tri-Cities area, two of which – Dayton and Walla Walla - have been providing service to youth and families in the area for 100 years!  A century of service to the community is a remarkable accomplishment. Kiwanians from throughout the Pacific Northwest will join the 7 Tri Cities area Kiwanis clubs in Kennewick for their 105th annual convention August 25 – 28. Jeff and Rhiannon’s Dueling Pianos artistry closes off the first day of convention. We hope you will join us as we celebrate so many years serving the community as we are entertained by these two vibrant and talented entertainers.

For additional information, contact Ken Brutzman – 509-366-0268

Port of Benton has launched a new website to help community members and tourists explore businesses and plan day or weekend trips to Vintners Village in Prosser.
 
VintnersVillage.com highlights the walkable wine village's tasting rooms, eateries and retailers with links to each company's website. The website also includes a site map and spotlights events at Vintners Village.
 
The wine village is home to more than a dozen businesses and growing, with Port of Benton offering phase two shovel-ready parcels for sale.
 
"This signature Washington wine destination is a significant economic driver for the local regions," said Miles Thomas, the port's director of economic development and governmental affairs. "As more businesses build at Vintners Village, people will find even more favorite places to sip, snack and shop."
 
Vintners Village is in the heart of Washington wine country at 211 Port Avenue in Prosser. Visit VintnersVillage.com to learn more.

Runway 08-26 and Taxiway B will be closed Monday morning, July 25th beginning at 6 a.m., and will be signed closed at both ends and all navigation lights are turned off.   The runway will be reopened for the weekend beginning at 4 p.m. Friday, July 29th.   At times during the day, the navigational lights on Runway 01-19 may be affected, but should be operational during evening hours.  Contractor may be crossing Runway 01-19 at Taxiway B, however, this should be very limited.  Generally the contractor will be accessing Runway 08 from the access road to the north.

We are not anticipating any trench cuts across the runway unless we find failed conduit runs, and then the intent is to directionally bore under the runway.

We do not anticipate contractor equipment parking on the closed runway, however, contractor equipment will be working close to the edge of the paved surfaces, including close to the runway intersection. Pilots should use caution when taxiing and during landings/takeoffs.

For project updates, please visit portofbenton.com/projects.

Yakima Federal Savings and Loan is pleased to announce a contribution of $5,000 to Heartlinks Hospice & Palliative Care of Sunnyside to help fund their Pediatric Palliative Care program. 

Heartlinks pediatric program provides specialized care and support for children with serious illnesses, and their families. Heartlinks is committed to ensuring that children are comfortable at home when their health is declining due to a life-limiting illness.

Since 2014, Heartlinks has provided more than 20,107 days of pediatric palliative care. Support is provided by a care team that addresses the unique needs of a child and their family who may be struggling with complicated pain and symptom management. In 2021, Heartlinks served 609 patients in our hospice and palliative care program, and 400+ families through our grief support programs.

“We are committed to supporting families in Central Washington. It is one of our core values.” said Leanne Antonio, President and CEO of Yakima Federal Savings and Loan. “The work that Heartlinks does is immeasurable.”

Heartlinks was founded in 1978 with the mission of enriching the quality of life of patients and families in need of comprehensive care. Heartlinks provides grief support and counseling, caregiver education and support, hospice care, palliative care, and other compassionate support services for adults and children.

“We are incredibly grateful for the support of Yakima Federal Savings and Loan.” stated Shelby Moore, Executive Director of Heartlinks. “Their support of our pediatric palliative care program comes at a time when it is needed the most - we have the opportunity to add more pediatric nurses to our team and the support of Yakima Federal Savings and Loan is making that possible!”

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.

Lourdes Health recently published its community benefit report for the 2021 calendar year. This yearly report outlines specific ways the hospital is positively contributing to the Tri-Cities community and region and spotlights the various ways it is working to support the health and well-being of the community it calls home – an investment which has become increasingly essential in recent years.

“Our mission of Making Communities Healthier has always been a fundamental part of succeeding as a community leader in the Tri-Cities,” said Joanie White-Wagoner, Chief Executive Officer at Lourdes Health. “Being part of LifePoint Health, a growing diversified healthcare delivery network, allows us to continue to uphold our legacy of care and community leadership, and cultivate an environment where people to choose to come for care. We accomplished this thanks in no small part to the hard work and dedication of our remarkable team of providers, employees and volunteers, and the support of those we serve.”

Lourdes Health’s 2021 community benefit report highlights its continued efforts to meet the growing healthcare needs of its community through welcoming new providers, expanding service lines and continually investing in its facilities and healthcare technology. For example, in 2021, Lourdes Health added six employed and affiliated providers in family and internal medicines, and made more than $2 million in capital improvements, including new lab equipment, a new information system, supply chain automation and clinical equipment upgrades.

Additionally, Lourdes Health made a donation of more than $12 million in health services to those in need, demonstration its continuous commitment to ensuring everyone has access to care, regardless of their ability to pay.

Lourdes Health is also devoted to creating environments where providers want to practice and employees want to work. In 2021, the hospital distributed more than $57 million in salaries, wages and benefits to its more than 650 employees, and contributed more than $300,000 in professional development and tuition assistance so all its employees can have the opportunity to learn, grow and improve the care they provide their patients.

This year’s annual report also showcases several examples of how Lourdes Health is continually seeking ways to make a positive impact in the communities it serves, extending far beyond the physical walls of its facilities. Last year, the organization paid more than $7 million in local and state taxes, displaying its commitment to fiscal responsibility in an effort to boost the Tri-Cities region’s economic well-being. The hospital is also honored to continue its support of local activities and organizations that contributes to making the community healthier, including the American Red Cross, Benton-Franklin County Fair and Rodeo, Boys & Girls Clubs of Benton & Franklin Counties, Chaplaincy Healthcare, Columbia Basin College, the Grace Clinic, TRIDEC, and United Way of Benton and Franklin Counties.

“We are proud to call the Tri-Cities our home and feel truly privileged to contribute to its well-being,” said White-Wagoner. “We are also incredibly grateful for and inspired by the support our communities have shown us in recent years. As we consider the future of Lourdes Health, we are so excited to continue improving the way we serve our neighbors and communities.”

Lourdes Health’s complete 2021 community benefit report is available here. 

The Prosser Memorial Health Foundation is excited to announce the 2nd Annual Wine Country Classic Golf Tournament. The Wine Country Classic will be held on September 9, 2022, at Canyon Lakes Golf Course in Kennewick. Proceeds from this event will directly benefit Prosser Memorial Health programs.

Registration for the Wine Country Classic is available now on the foundation website and is open to teams of four and single players. Entry fees include a fun day of golf, a delicious lunch, and prizes! Those interested in sponsoring the event can also head to our website for more information. Multiple sponsorship packages and options are available. To learn more about participating, sponsorship, or receive more information about the Wine Country Classic, please contact the Foundation at 509.786.6601 or email [email protected].

The inaugural event in 2021 was an overwhelming success, and the Prosser Memorial Health Foundation is excited for the 2022 Tournament and the opportunity to raise funds for a great cause! To learn more about the Prosser Memorial Health Foundation, upcoming Foundation events, or to donate, visit www.prosserhealth.foundation or call the Foundation office at 509.786.6601.

Junior Achievement (JA) in Southeastern Washington has received a $25,000 contribution from Bechtel Group Foundation in support of its programs for students in the region. The grant will enable JA to deliver life-changing programs to K-12 students, teaching critical skills in financial literacy, career readiness, and entrepreneurship.
 
Bechtel has been supporting the local JA chapter for over two decades. This most recent gift is part of Bechtel's Building Future Leaders Grant, which has contributed $260,000 towards JA programs since 2012. Outside of this grant, Bechtel Group Foundation donated an additional $157,090, bringing the total financial support to JA of Southeastern Washington to $417,090 since 1997.
 
"Bechtel’s generous support has allowed thousands of young people throughout the Tri-Cities area to receive JA’s essential work readiness and financial literacy programs,” said Tamra Meyer, Director of Central Washington & Southeastern Washington. “This vital partnership ensures local students gain the skills and knowledge they need in today’s rapidly changing world. Thanks to Bechtel’s support, our students can develop a solid foundation for success in the global economy and build a strong future for themselves and their community.”
 
Bechtel has partnered with Junior Achievement entities and chapters in 10 countries. In addition to monetary contributions, Bechtel employees are actively involved with JA as volunteers, teaching 278 classes at local schools as part of the partnership. Junior Achievement is one of four nonprofits in Bechtel’s global stewardship program, which supports STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) education and humanitarian engineering efforts with Foundation gifts and company volunteers.

Kennewick Industrial & Electrical Supply Inc. (dba KIE Supply Corp.), announces the completion of the largest continuous mural in the Tri-Cities region, and invites the public to attend a ribbon cutting ceremony celebrating the work of art and its role in the revitalization of Downtown Kennewick on August 4 at 12:30pm.

KIE Supply commissioned the mural, located on the east-facing wall of their building at 129 E Columbia Drive in Kennewick, from local artist Heidi Elkington. The goal was to create a lasting work of art which reflects the local Tri-Cities region and highlights the importance of the Columbia River in its development. The mural, which spans over 100 feet long and 20 feet tall, directly faces the Columbia Gardens Wine Village and Food Truck Plaza. It contains numerous references to the greater Columbia Basin, and a dedication to the Kittson family, who has owned and operated KIE Supply at this location since 1955.

“We are so excited to have had this opportunity to partner with Heidi and use our building as a canvas to showcase many of the things which make the Tri-Cities such a unique and beautiful place to live,” said KIE Supply Vice President Amelia Kittson. “She created a truly special work of art that the entire community can enjoy for decades to come”.

KIE Supply has been a staple business in Downtown Kennewick, selling irrigation, plumbing, electrical, and decorative lighting products to retail and contractors alike. In conjunction with the Historic Downtown Kennewick Partnership, KIE is proud of the role that the mural will play in the revitalization plans of Downtown Kennewick.

All are invited to attend the ribbon cutting ceremony, which will take place August 4, at 12:30pm in front of the mural, located on the East-facing wall of the warehouse located at 129 E Columbia Drive. The event will include speeches from the Historic Downtown Kennewick Partnership, the artist Heidi Elkington, and refreshments.

Trios Health is pleased to welcome the Trios Health Residency Class of 2025. The new residency class joined Trios Health earlier this month for their respective three-year residency programs and includes four new family medicine resident physicians and six new internal medicine resident physicians.

“We are excited to welcome this class of new resident physicians and to see them grow and develop in this profession over the next three years,” said Amy Sweetwood, Trios Health Designated Institutional Officer of Graduate Medical Education at Trios Health. “It is a privilege to be able to train these residents and help them launch their careers. They are a great asset to our organization and community and we look forward to getting to know them and seeing them care for our patients.”

The Trios Health residency class applicant pool was competitive this year, with nearly 2,000 applicants. More than 170 candidates were interviewed to select the final 10 for residency positions.

The Trios Health Residency Class of 2025 includes:

• Drew Ableman, DO – Family Medicine – Pacific Northwest Health Sciences University, hometown Spokane, Wash.
• Blake Christensen, DO – Family Medicine – Rocky Vista College of Osteopathic Medicine, hometown Rexburg, Idaho
• Shelby Johnson, MD – Internal Medicine – Ross University School of Medicine, hometown Moses Lake, Wash.
• Thanmai Kaleru, MD – Internal Medicine – MediCiti Institute of Medical Sciences, hometown Federal Way, Wash.
• Daniel Kim, DO – Internal Medicine – Pacific Northwest Health Sciences University, hometown Tacoma, Wash.
• Janhvi Rana, MD – Internal Medicine – American University of Antigua College of Medicine, hometown Pasco, Wash.
• Eryn Reager, DO – Family Medicine – Rocky Vista College of Osteopathic Medicine, hometown Salt Lake City, Utah
• Daniel Shin – Internal Medicine – Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine, hometown Boise, Idaho
• Owen Strom, MD – Family Medicine – Washington State University School of Medicine, hometown Spokane, Wash.
• Simean Yang, MD – Internal Medicine – St. George’s University School of Medicine, hometown Richland, Wash.

The Trios Health Family and Internal Medicine Residency Programs are 36 months in duration and include both inpatient and outpatient experiences. Training is provided by faculty who work at Trios Health and in the community. Both programs are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME).

Trios Health Family Medicine resident physicians practice at the Trios Family Medicine Residency Clinic, located on the second floor of the Trios Care Center at deBit at 320 W. 10th Avenue in Kennewick. Patients can schedule an appointment by calling 509.221.5520 or online at trioshealth.org/Schedule.

Trios Health Internal Medicine resident physicians practice at the Trios Internal Medicine Residency Clinic, located at the Trios Care Center at Vista Field at 521 N. Young Street in Kennewick. Patients can schedule an appointment by calling 509.221.5222 or online at trioshealth.org/Schedule.