Trios Health is joining with LifeNet Health next week to host a Tree of Life celebration event on Tuesday, Dec. 3, from 5-7 p.m. at the Trios Care Center at Southridge, located at 3730 Plaza Way.

LifeNet Health hosts Tree of Life events annually in December with its donation partners as a tribute to tissue donors, knowing that the holidays are often an especially hard time for many donor families. This ceremony also allows for the employees of LifeNet Health and Trios Health to be able to share their gratitude for these special people and their families by letting them place ornaments on the tree in their honor. We honor the donors, donor families, and staff who all help make donation happen.

Attendees are welcome to bring an ornament or create one at the event to place on the tree. Light refreshments will be provided.

The tree will remain up in the Trios Care Center at Southridge lobby through December. The Tree of Life event has been hosted by LifeNet Health for several years, but this is the first event to ever be held in eastern Washington.

Earlier this year, Trios Southridge Hospital was awarded the 2018 Operating Room of the Year Award from LifeNet in recognition of Trios’ work with LifeNet to help with tissue recovery and donations, and for the cooperation, willingness, timeliness, and flexibility to make accommodations for those tissue recoveries to occur.

In 2018, Trios operating rooms were used 19 times by LifeNet Health to recover tissue from donors. One tissue donor has the possibility to enhance or save the lives of more than 150 people. Recoveries through Trios last year have already impacted more than 1,000 people in the Northwest and will continue to be used to enhance and save many more lives.

A new, one-of-a-kind book written to be a resource for Indigenous communities and leaders, natural resource managers and government organizations in protecting freshwater rivers in the tropical Andes and Amazon has been co-authored by Heritage University Associate Professor Alex Alexiades, PhD.  Los ríos de las cuencas Andino-Amazónicas (Rivers of the Andean-Amazonian Basins) was co-authored by Alexiades and collaborators to help communities worldwide protect their water from pollution. It is being published in Spanish by the Universidad San Francisco de Quito Press located in Ecuador.

Dr. Alexiades says a recent World Economic Forum Global Risks Report ranked the water crisis as one of the five most important potential threats to worldwide economic and social stability. "The water supply in many regions is becoming scarce as demand exceeds supply while contamination increases. Since 1971, this combination has resulted in more than 80% of freshwater species to dwindle in numbers, or become extinct," he said. "Because of this alarming threat, it's more important than ever to help communities understand, monitor and protect their freshwater resources. Los ríos de las cuencas Andino-Amazónicas will enable communities to make better resource management and conservation decisions."

The work by Alexiades and his partners has received financial support from the Latin American Water Fund Alliance, the U.S. Agency for International Development, and the National Science Foundation. The Nature Conservancy and several other agencies collaborated with the authors on Los ríos de las cuencas Andino-Amazónicas for its work to improve water quality in the Andean-Amazon region for both the people and the environment. 

Los ríos de las cuencas Andino-Amazónicas is the second book on an environmental crisis authored by Dr. Alexiades and his colleagues. Their first book, Nuestro Vivir En La Amazonía Ecuatoriana: Entre La Finca Y El Petróleo (Our Life in the Ecuadorian Amazon: Caught Between Petroleum and Agriculture), came out in 2018 and detailed the struggles of local indigenous and mestizo communities and their environment as they faced increasing threats from mining, petroleum.

For more information contact Alex Alexiades at (509) 865-0732 or alexiades_a@heritage.edu. 

The Academy of Children’s Theatre is a staging a fun holiday production of “Junie B. Jones:  Jingle Bells, Batman Smells!”   Performances are on December 6, 13, and 14 at 7 p.m. and December 7, 8, 14, and 15 at 3 p.m.  All shows are at ACT, 213 Wellsian Way, Richland. 

The hilarious play is based on the popular book series by Barbra Park.  The plot revolves around Junie B. Jones, a precocious first grader, who is very excited about an upcoming holiday singalong and Secret Santa gift exchange at her school.  Her nemesis May keeps ruining all of Junie B.’s fun, so when she draws May’s name for Secret Santa she hatches a plan to teach her rival a lesson.  The endearing tale has a solid holiday message and lots of laughs. 

Playing the lead role of Junie is Izzy Hall.  Director is Julie Schroeder, assisted by student director Trina Kathren.  The cast of 25 features 23 youth actors and two adults. Appealing to all ages, attending the show is recommended as a fun holiday activity for the whole family.

Trios Health has received a large toy donation from Disney Team of Heroes.

The donation included many Disney-themed toys from popular Disney productions, including Toy Story, Brave, Coco, and Aladdin, among others. There were also toys from Star Wars and Marvel productions. In addition to toys, several movies, books, and comic books were also donated.

The donation is meant to go to children in the hospital or receiving care through the Trios health system. The toys, movies, and books have been divided between the Trios Southridge Hospital pediatric unit and emergency room, Trios Urgent Care, and Trios pediatric clinics. Through this donation, any child who is in the hospital over the Christmas holiday, including their siblings, will receive a toy, movie, or book to take home with them.

Disney Team of Heroes is a program that was launched by the Walt Disney Company to deliver comfort and inspiration to children and families at hospitals.

Friday December 13 7:00pm
Saturday December 14 1:00pm & 7:00pm
Sunday December 15 1:00pm
The Richland High School Auditorium; 930 Long Ave, Richland WA 99352

Tickets Available:
Prices $28 Adults, $19 Senior, $14 Children
Online: Click here 
By Phone: 509-946-5417
In person: Dance Boutique (Richland) 

About the Performance: 
Mid-Columbia Ballet (MCB) presents the 44th-annual performance of The Nutcracker on December 13th, 14th, and 15th 2019 at The Richland High School Auditorium. This beloved family tradition features 180 cast members; theatrical elements by Seattle based freelance designer Greg Elder; and professional lighting design by Bill Kickbush. Choreography from Artistic Director, Debra Pearse Rogo, Associate Artistic Director, Melanie Haller and from newly hired Resident Choreographer, Nicole Haskins. Four guests artists will be featured this season including MCB Alumnus Joshua Burnham and his partner, both from Manassas Ballet Theatre. Dancing the roles of Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier will be Leta Biasucci and Ezra Thomas from the nationally renowned company Pacific Northwest Ballet. 

2019 Sensory Friendly Performance of The Nutcracker Suite December 15th, 2019 at 4pm
On December 15th, 2019 at 4pm our third Sensory Friendly Performance of The Nutcracker Suite will be performed by Mid-Columbia Ballet for children with special needs and their families. The 75-minute version will be performed with the music a little lower, the lights a little higher, and with a welcoming atmosphere that allows children to enjoy the performance in their own way. Unique features of this event include a Quiet Area in the lobby for children who need a sensory break and a Social Story provided to all families one week prior to the performance.  There is no cost for the performance but registration is required via the following form: 
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1XkDfMo0ieWPsf30ShLW8Bw_tNTZKJfpoB8Zv3NR0_nY/edit

Performance Perspectives is held in the Richland High School Auditorium prior to each evening performance at 6:30pm. This presentation uncovers the history behind the creation of this iconic ballet that debuted in 1892 and its evolution from flop to fame. There is no additional cost for this event

The Nutcracker Suite for area 5th graders is the Monday following the production nearly 3,000 5th graders and their teachers will travel to Richland High School to participate in The Nutcracker Suite, an abridged version of the holiday classic. These performances fill up quickly when information is shared on October 1st. This year, shows will be on Monday, December 16th at 9:30am and 12:00pm. In the past these shows have been live streamed by Atomic TV.  For Teachers wanting more information about this event please contact office@midcolumbiaballet.org

Cold temperatures impact electric usage making it difficult for many in our community to pay their winter heating bills.   Benton PUD provides an opportunity for customers to help others on their electric bill by donating to the Round Up for Helping Hands program.  All donations (100%) are distributed by Community Action Connections to Benton PUD customers who need help on their bill and meet the guidelines. Donations to Round Up are tax deductible. 

“Our customers are very generous.  This is demonstrated during our annual holiday promotion and throughout the entire year,” said Christie McAloon, Customer Service Manager.  “In 2018, 334 families in our community received much-needed assistance with their electric bills.”

Benton PUD invites customers to “Round Up” for Helping Hands this holiday season.   You can round up your bill to the nearest dollar each month, add a specific dollar amount to your monthly bill or add a one-time additional amount to your next bill.  To enroll, contact Customer Service or visit www.bentonpud.org, login to in SmartHub®, navigate to Billing & Payments and select Round Up for Helping Hands.  

One-time donations can be made by mail, phone or in person at Benton PUD offices in Kennewick or Prosser.  During our holiday promotion, we’ll add to a display in our lobby for each donation.

The Port of Pasco Commissioners have signed a long-term lease with The Landing, LLC for 2 acres at the intersection of Argent and Varney Lane in the Tri-Cities Airport Business Center.

The Landing, LLC plans to begin construction next spring on a 4-store commercial multi-tenant flex space. Following completion of the flex building, The Landing will construct the second structure, a 6-store retail building. Construction on the retail building is expected to begin late 2020.

“With all the new development at the Tri-Cities Airport Business Center, we knew it would be the perfect location for The Landing,” stated John Hawley, President. “This is a great location for new restaurants, coffee shops and other services. We’ll not only serve fliers at the Tri-Cities Airport, but Columbia Basin College and nearby neighborhoods.

The Tri-Cities Airport Business Center is a unique development that blends companies with aviation needs as well as commercial storefronts in one location. The Landing will complement the various businesses in the Center such as the new Courtyard by Marriott Hotel, Pasco Trucks and Auto Auction and the ARM Aerial Research Program operated by Battelle for the Department of Energy.
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“We are pleased to welcome The Landing to our growing group of tenants at the Airport Business Center. They are a great fit for our vision to bring services, professional jobs, and amenities to the Airport/CBC district,” stated Jean Ryckman, Commission President.

The 2nd Annual Gingerbread Build-Off will be held on Saturday, November 30th from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm at Desert Wind Winery in Prosser. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Prosser Memorial Health Foundation. Last year’s event was a huge success with strong attendance and community support. Attendees watch with anticipation as local bakers compete by creating elaborately decorated gingerbread structures, some of which include lights and motion. Attendees can vote for their favorite and help crown the 2019 winner. Teams of local bakers are still being accepted, please contact the Foundation if you are interested. There is no cost required to attend the Gingerbread Build-Off but donations to the Foundation are encouraged. Event sponsorship opportunities are also available.

The Prosser Memorial Hospital Foundation Gift Shop will have tables with unique holiday gift ideas and décor available for purchase. Cascade Crust Woodfired Pizza will be on-site with a portion of the day’s sales going to the Foundation. Build-your-own gingerbread kits will be available for $20 each with proceeds benefiting the Foundation and the United States Marines will be collecting new and unwrapped toys for their annual Toys for Tots campaign. To learn more about sponsoring the event or donate to the Prosser Memorial Health Foundation, call 509.786.6601 or visit prosserhealth.foundation.

Columbia Basin College (CBC) has joined the fight against student hunger by creating the CBC Student Food Pantry in partnership with 2nd Harvest, which will serve the growing number of students on campus facing food insecurity. The pantry will be opening on Monday, November 18, which will be celebrated through an official ribbon-cutting and media event.

According to CBC’s Fall Student Survey, 11% of their students (824) reported they had experienced going hungry because they could not afford enough food. The number is probably much higher since around 50% of students nationwide report they have experienced food insecurity. 

“Too often, CBC students – many of whom are supporting families or working multiple jobs while attending school – do not always know where their next meal will come from,” said CBC’s President, Rebekah Woods. “Thanks to 2nd Harvest and other community partners, the CBC Student Food Pantry can provide our students with relief from hunger so they can focus on their education and be successful both in and out of the classroom.” 

2nd Harvest has generously offered to stock the shelves with 70 percent fresh produce as well as protein and grains, dried foods, produce, dairy products, water and more!

“Building stronger, healthier communities is a commitment 2nd Harvest takes very seriously,” said Chelsea Armstrong, 2nd Harvest’s Senior Vice President and Regional Executive Director. “The CBC Food Pantry is a partnership that helps fulfill that commitment by addressing a huge need in our community and ensuring access to healthy food for students at CBC.”

When:
Monday, November 18
10 am
CBC Pasco Campus
2600 N. 20th Ave.
​Pasco, WA 99301

Heartlinks Hospice & Palliative Care is hosting its 40th annual Hospice Gala presented by Prosser Memorial Health on Saturday, February 1, 2020, at 5 pm. This year the event will be held at Puterbaugh Farms at 686 Green Valley Road, Mabton, WA 98935. 

In celebration of the 40th anniversary of the Hospice Gala, Heartlinks has set the mighty goal of raising more than ever before. The Hospice Gala is a very special event to help raise critical funds needed to care for adults and children living in our valley who are facing terminal illness. 

Heartlinks is very excited to announce that Prosser Memorial Health will be the title sponsor for this year’s Gala! “Heartlinks Hospice & Palliative Care has a long and rich history of working with Prosser Memorial Health and their providers. We are honored and thrilled that Prosser Memorial Health has chosen to be our title sponsor again this year, for our 40th-anniversary gala,” says Shelby Moore, Executive Director, Heartlinks Hospice & Palliative Care.

“When a patient and their family are facing end of life challenges they deserve to have a knowledgeable advocate there to help guide them through a very stressful time. We believe wholeheartedly in what Heartlinks Hospice & Palliative Care gives to our community and we are happy to partner with them on their annual gala,” says Craig Marks, CEO, Prosser Memorial Health.

This premier event is one of the Valley's most exclusive charity events; hosting over 250 guests from across Eastern Washington in support of crucial programs, equipment, and services provided by Heartlinks Hospice & Palliative Care for the last 41 years. Guests will be treated to award-winning wine, cocktail reception, plated dinner, and a live and silent auction. Last year, because of your support, $100,000 was raised to provide much-needed care to over 400 people, and free grief support services to all who need it. Table sponsorships are on sale now, and the tables range in cost from $800 to $1,200 for eight to ten tickets. 

Heartlinks is in sincere need for business sponsors and silent auction items (i.e. baskets, gift certificates, and experiences). For more information, please contact Shelby Moore at 509-837-1676 or shelby@heartlinkshospice.org.

Heartlinks looks forward to the community joining us as we celebrate the service Heartlinks Hospice & Palliative Care and Prosser Memorial Health have continued to provide throughout our shared community. Be a part of one of the most important community events around the Valley to strengthen and grow Heartlinks. Learn more at heartlinkshospice.org.