Prosser Memorial Health is pleased to welcome Kim Vanatta, DO, to our team at the Benton City Clinic! Dr. Vanatta will be providing internal medicine services. She is certified with the American Board of Internal Medicine, and she holds memberships with the American Osteopathic Association, American College of Physicians, American College of Osteopathic Internists, and Washington Osteopathic Medical Association.

A Washington native, Dr. Vanatta received her A.A.S. from Columbia Basin College in Pasco. She went on to receive bachelor’s degrees in Biochemistry and Biology from the University of Washington before finally earning her Ph.D. at Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences. She completed her residency at Trios Health in Kennewick and went on to work as an Internal Medicine physician with Tri-Cities Community Health. With her local educational and professional background, Dr. Vanatta may be a familiar face to many!
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We are excited to have Dr. Vanatta join the PMH family! To learn more about the services she is offering or to schedule an appointment, you can call the Benton City Clinic at 509.588.4075 or visit our website at prosserhealth.org.

​When it comes to grandparents, many of us think about the wisdom and guidance they’re known to provide. Little did a local man from Kennewick know, however, that his grandmother’s advice to open up an account with Gesa Credit Union would lead them both to win $25,000 each.
 
Bernadean Farris, a 93-year-old from Kennewick who has been a Gesa member since 1975, had advised her grandson, Richard Brown, to open up an account with the credit union. He agreed this would be a good idea, but never got around to doing so. When Richard was scrolling social media a month later, he saw Gesa promoting its Refer-a-Friend giveaway and asked his grandmother what he should do. She replied, “It won’t hurt anything. Go ahead and fill it out.”
 
Richard had forgotten he had signed up for the promotion until a few weeks later, when he answered a call from his grandmother. “We won, we won!” she exclaimed. The two, shocked and excited, went to Gesa’s South Kennewick branch together to claim their joint $50,000 prize, with both receiving a $25,000 check each.
 
“I’m really happy that he did [sign up],” said Bernadean. “He’s my grandson, but he’s my friend also.” Richard agreed, as he said, “We are definitely friends, Grandma and I.”
 
Gesa’s Refer-a-Friend promotion runs through December 31, 2023. New Gesa Credit Union members who were referred by a current member and have a promo code must open a savings account, a SmartPlus Checking account, and a consumer debit card to be eligible for and enter the sweepstakes. Once opened, every swipe by the referred member equals one entry into Gesa’s monthly giveaway of $50,000, split evenly between the referee and the referrer. The next monthly drawing will be held on December 1, 2023, and will be from all entries received between November 1 and November 30, 2023. A final grand prize drawing will be held on January 2, 2024, from all entries received between December 1 and December 31, 2023, for one grand prize of $35,000 account credit to the referee and $35,000 account credit to the referrer. For more rules on the promotion, including eligibility, visit gesa.com/promotions/refer-a-friend-giveaway/. 

State Fair Park will once again look extra special this holiday season. Back by popular demand, the 4th Annual Drive-Thru Holiday Light Fest will take place December 7th thru 17th presented by Gesa Credit Union. All your favorite holiday-themed displays plus over 30 miles of lights illuminating buildings, trees and displays. Some of the themed displays include 12 Days of Christmas, the North Pole with a mailbox for letters to Santa, and the big man himself!

Upon entering the Holiday Light Fest, guests will be provided a map highlighting all the Holiday-themed displays along the route and a menu to select food and beverage items that will be available for purchase prior to entering.

“We are thrilled that this event continues to be part of the community’s holiday season tradition for all ages. We have three new themed displays, holiday themed characters to greet you along the route, and live animals in the nativity display.” said CEO Kathy Kramer.

So, What’s New This Year?

New Schedule: December 7th thru December 17th

New Contest: State Fair Park’s Holiday Light Fest “Power Bill Payoff”.

State Fair Park wants to pay your power bill! One lucky winner will have their December power bill paid (residential power bill only) by State Fair Park. Enter to win by scanning the QR code at State Fair Park’s 4th Annual Drive Thru Holiday Light Fest. It’s that easy!!! "Light Up Your Holidays with a Power Bill-Free December!" Visit statefairpark.org for details.

Three New Holiday Themed Areas: Polar Express, Frosty & Friends, and the new and improved God Bless the USA

Two Community Giveback Days: Monday, December 11th, we are partnering with the Yakima Salvation Army. Guests who bring a new, unwrapped toy (suggested value of $15 or more) will be provided free admission that evening. Thursday, December 14th we are partnering with the Yakima Humane Society, where a portion of paid admissions will be donated to support rescued animal needs and adoptions.

EVENT DETAILS
Dates: December 7th – December 17th
Times: Gates open at 4:30pm; event runs from 5pm to 9pm.

Event Pricing:
General Admission - $15.00 per car, truck, or SUV and $30.00 per limo, bus, or RV – enter through Gate 15
Fast Pass Admission $25.00 per car, truck, or SUV and $50.00 per limo, bus, or RV – enter through Gate 1

Entering the Event:
General Admission Entrance – Gate 15 located on Pacific Avenue (by Yakima County Baseball Stadium)
Fast Pass Admission Entrance – Gate 1 located on Fair Avenue

Sponsors:
This event is made possible with the support of presenting partner, GESA Credit Union, and businesses in our community who have sponsored the holiday-themed scenes.

Sponsors include: Gesa Credit Union, HAPO, Tree Top, Community Health of Central Washington, CWU, Valley Mall, Ray's Meat, Maverick Cares/ Maverick Gaming, Kapuza Lighty PLLC, Pacific Power, GS Long, Zirkle Fruit, Yakima Federal, Coca-Cola Bottling Company, American Rock Products/Central Pre-Mix, Yakima Herald, Parkway Self Storage, Burrows,
Highgate Senior Living, Toyota, Featherland Ranch, Perry Tech, and State Farm Agents - Eric Silvers, Ava Grajeda-Allard, Bruce Sears, Joel Goesch, Julian Calzada, And Tim Surber.

We also want to thank the Central WA Home Builders Association for Santa’s Workshop, along with the Central Washington Agricultural Museum and their great volunteers for loaning us numerous pieces of equipment from the museum that will be incorporated into many of the holiday-themed scenes.

For additional information or questions regarding Holiday Light Fest, a list of FAQs is available at statefairpark.org.

History:
The Central Washington Fair Association is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that is self- funded through its day-to-day operations. Since 1892 Washington State held its first fair on these grounds, State Fair Park has served the community and the region as a gathering place for numerous activities and events, including our signature event, the annual Central Washington State Fair. Through the years, we have grown from being a once-a-year activity to a year-round activity center, utilizing our magnificent grounds and historic buildings to serve individuals, families, groups, non-profit organizations, schools, spectator sports, promoters, and many others.

Tri-Cities Chaplaincy is thrilled to announce its annual Giving Tuesday event with a noble mission: to raise funds to clear the grocery bill for the Hospice House.

The Hospice House incurs an average cost of $13.69 daily to provide essential groceries for its 10-bed facility. The Hospice House is vital in offering solace to patients and their families during their end-of-life journey, particularly when symptoms become challenging to manage.

The Giving Tuesday campaign will focus on alleviating the financial burden associated with grocery expenses, ensuring that the Hospice House continues to be a place of comfort and respite for those navigating the difficult path of end-of-life care.

"At Tri-Cities Chaplaincy, we are dedicated to providing compassionate care and support to individuals and families during life's most challenging moments. The Hospice House is a sanctuary for those in need, and we are committed to ensuring it remains a place of comfort and solace," said Laurie Jackson, CEO at Tri-Cities Chaplaincy.

Tri-Cities Chaplaincy volunteers actively contribute to the cause by preparing freshly baked cookies and homemade soups every week. These homemade treats aim to bring warmth and nourishment to patients and their families, creating a supportive environment at the Hospice House.

"We believe in the power of community and generosity. Giving Tuesday provides a wonderful opportunity for individuals and businesses to come together and make a meaningful impact on the lives of those facing the challenges of end-of-life care. By supporting this initiative, you are contributing to the well-being and comfort of patients and their families during a crucial time," added Tara Divers, Director of Philanthropy.​

Tri-Cities Chaplaincy encourages the community to participate in Giving Tuesday by donating to help clear the 2024 Hospice House grocery bill. No matter the size, every contribution will make a difference in ensuring that the Hospice House remains a place of compassion and care.
To donate or learn more about Tri-Cities Chaplaincy's Giving Tuesday event, please visit TCCBestLife.org/donors/giving-tuesday.

​Gesa, a community-focused credit union, today announced it will partner with Local Heroes groups across Washington for its 8th annual Stock-the-Sock Holiday Gift Drive. Now through December 16, community members are encouraged to donate gifts online through Gesa’s digital wish list on Elfster or in the donation bins located at every Gesa branch. All donated gifts will be distributed to support Local Hero initiatives throughout the state.
 
This holiday season, Gesa is also partnering with local non-profits Treehouse, which provides specific educational needs for youth in foster care, and Triumph, which provides resources and mental health services for those struggling with substance abuse. Alongside these two organizations, Gesa team members will purchase gifts and supplies for children and families in need.
 
“Our Local Heroes contribute significantly to our communities every day, and we are grateful for our collaboration with these organizations in distributing gifts to those who need it most,” said Amber Merrill, Community Relations Manager at Gesa Credit Union. “Our annual Stock-the-Sock drive is a cherished celebration we look forward to every year, especially as people come together to help others during the holiday season. It’s an honor to be part of this collective effort and it wouldn’t be possible without the support from our members and the community.”
 
Donations gathered at Gesa branches in Lynnwood, Kirkland, Seattle, Tukwila, Puyallup, and Tacoma will be distributed by Sea Mar Community healthcare workers, while those in Bremerton will be shared by Peninsula Community Health Services. In Wenatchee, gifts will be given out by the Wenatchee Police Department, and firefighters from the City of Walla Walla Co. Fire will pass out those received from the Walla Walla location. Education workers from Communities in Schools of Benton-Franklin will distribute donations from the Tri-Cities branch locations, and in Idaho, those received will be shared by the Boys and Girls Club of Kootenai County. Gifts received in Spokane will be distributed by Heroes Homestead and in Pullman by Whitman County Veterans Service Office. Healthcare heroes from New Hope will distribute donated gifts in Moses Lake, educators from Vancouver Public Schools will collect items from Vancouver, and Communities in Schools of Central Washington will gather items donated from Yakima.
 
This year, Gesa’s goal is to collect 500 gifts across Washington. Those who wish to stay up to date with the gift drive goal can visit the tracker posted on Gesa Credit Union’s social media channels and website. Examples of gifts to donate include stuffed animals, Lego sets, puzzles, books, and socks.
 
For more information about Gesa Credit Union’s involvement in the community, visit https://www.gesa.com/community.

​Holiday travel is in full swing across the country. To help make for a smooth journey, the Tri-Cities Airport is sharing valuable tips below for passengers planning to travel through PSC from now until the end of the year:
 
Arrive early. Aim to arrive at least two hours before your flight to give yourself ample time to find parking, walk to the terminal, check bags, go through security and get to your gate. 
 
Pack your patience. Everyone is excited to travel near and far to spend the holidays with their loved ones. Lines to check bags and go through security will be longer than they typically are, so please pack your patience.
 
Consider checking your bags. Airlines will likely be checking passenger bags at the gate. Consider checking your bags to lighten your load and save time going through security and boarding the plane.
 
Think 3-1-1. When going through the security checkpoint, come prepared to follow the 3-1-1 rule for your liquids and gels: 3 ounces of liquid in a 1 quart bag, 1 bag per person. Higher quantities of breast milk, medicines, and hand sanitizer are permitted but may require further inspection. 
 
Know which holiday items can travel in your carry-on and which should go in a checked bag. TSA has policies that affect holiday travel. Learn ahead of time which items you can bring on the plane or need to check in your luggage.
 

• Holiday foods: Solids like turkey, ham, pies or cookies can be carried onto the plane in your bag. Travelers are encouraged to organize their carry-on bags so the food to be easily removed and help keep the lines moving. But if you can spill it, spread it, spray it, pump it or pour it, then please pack anything over 3.4 ounces in your checked bag. This includes gravies, jams, and jellied cranberries.
• Wrapped gifts: While you can travel with wrapped presents, if your gift triggers an alarm at the checkpoint, it may need to be unwrapped for TSA officers to inspect. Instead of wrapping, consider using a gift bag or a gift box (which allows officers to remove the item without needing to unwrap it) or wrap the gift upon your arrival at your destination.
• Electronics: Tablets, e-readers, smart watches, electronic game consoles, and Bluetooth speakers can all be packed in your carry-on bag. However, if the device is larger than a cell phone, you’ll need to remove the item from your carry-on bag when you go through the security checkpoint.

 
Greet passengers on the curb. When picking friends and family up from the airport, please use the cell phone lot and have the passenger call you when they arrive and have their bags. You can then pick them up on the curb.  
 
Choose convenient parking. Our self-serve credit card lot is a short walk to the terminal, easy in and easy out. 

​Sandra Haynes, chancellor of Washington State University Tri-Cities, was awarded the Sam Volpentest Entrepreneurial Leadership Award, also known as the “Sammy” award by the Richland Rotary Club at their annual Entrepreneurial Award ceremony on Nov. 7. This award is granted to individuals who demonstrate excellence in the local community through entrepreneurship and leadership.  

The Richland Rotary presents two entrepreneurship awards annually: entrepreneurial awards for local businesses, and the “Sammy” award. These awards were originally created in 1996 to honor the creative and talented entrepreneurs in Benton and Franklin counties, with a focus on the region’s economic development efforts. To be considered for the Sammy award, each nominee must be a leader in their community, and have contributed to entrepreneurship in the community, either by being an entrepreneur or fostering entrepreneurial spirit through the creation of jobs, companies, mentorships, investments, programs, or services, either inside or outside of the person’s job. 

The nominating committee selected Haynes because she has been a driving force in several entrepreneurial community and academic programs since being appointed chancellor in 2018. In June 2023, WSU Tri-Cities was one of six winners of the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Inclusive Energy Innovation Prize for their Empowering the Future Energy Workforce program. This program creates new academic programs, establishes new collaborations with industry, and expands local entrepreneurial activities. The university is developing a curriculum for the Clean Energy Ambassadors Network involving students, faculty, and industry mentors to tackle local climate change challenges that affect disadvantaged communities. With a focus on the environment and clean energy, and a need for more student-industry engagement, the DOE prize is driving new collaborations and strengthening existing ones. 

“Ultimately, entrepreneurship is about seeing a need, figuring out how to meet that need, and pushing forward to make sure that it is done,” said Haynes. “WSU Tri-Cities is entrepreneurial in that we see needs, we go out and fill them, and we serve our community while doing that.” 

Haynes emphasized the importance of the university’s mission in serving the region. “I’ve always believed that an institute of higher education cannot just be in the community, it has to be of the community. That’s why we have a mission to serve our community, no matter what higher education institution you are in. It is especially important for our campus because, even though we are part of a larger system, we are located in a community where local students come to us for a quality education and they stay here.” 

These successes, among other accomplishments on the WSU Tri-Cities campus, contributed to the consideration of Haynes for this award. Haynes initiated the launch of the Institute for Northwest Energy Futures, and has been a champion of research on sustainable aviation fuels in the Bioproducts, Sciences, and Engineering Laboratory, partnerships with Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, STEM education programs for K-12 schools, and the participation in the community benefits plans for the Pacific Northwest Hydrogen Hub. She is also the chair for the Tri-City Development Council (TRIDEC) board of directors.  
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The Richland Rotary partners with TRIDEC, Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce, Tri-Cities Research District, Fuse, Port of Benton, Tri-Cities Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and the Benton Franklin Workforce Development Council in granting this award.  

Today 3 Rivers Community Foundation (3RCF) delivered more than $30,000 raised by the Valerie McCain Memorial Fund to the Union Gospel Mission for its capital campaign to build a new women and children’s shelter in Kennewick.

The fund was established in honor of former Bechtel Senior Vice President Valerie McCain, who passed away in March of this year at age 53. She led the Department of Energy’s Hanford Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant project for Bechtel for four years after a distinguished career with the company.

Friends and colleagues from across the United States contributed to the fund in her memory.

McCain’s family asked that the Union Gospel Mission receive the funds given her strong beliefs and passion for helping those in need, in particular families.

“We are humbled to have been selected to receive this gift and in honor of such an incredible woman and leader,” said Director Andrew Porter. “The new facility is gravely needed to ensure that women and their children can be together in a safe shelter as they recover and rebuild their lives.”

The mission has raised $1.5 million for its $9.5 million capital campaign to build a new facility in Kennewick. The current space used for women and children in Pasco can’t accommodate the growing need, is over 100 years old, lacks private space for meeting with counselors, and is in an area with higher crime rates not safe for children.

The new women and children’s building will include apartments for women with children; classrooms for programs and training; indoor and outdoor safe play space for children; and office space for counseling. Contributions to the capital campaign can be made online.
 
“We are grateful for the Foundation’s support in establishing this fund in honor of my mom,” said Natalie McCain. “The donation to the Union Gospel Mission will ensure that her legacy of compassion, grit, and generosity lives on. Our family has been overwhelmed with the impact she had on so many in the Tri-Cities community and around the world at other Bechtel offices and projects.”
 
McCain joined Bechtel in 1990, starting as an environmental scientist and cost engineer, and managed projects such as the Uranium Processing Facility in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, and the modernization of a 60-year-old aluminum smelter in Canada. McCain joined WTP in October 2018 and led the team of 2,250 employees in completing all construction for the Direct-Feed Low-Activity Waste facility; transitioning to commissioning and ramping up the commissioning workforce; shifting to a 24/7 operational culture; and nearing heatup of the melter, which occurred in June.

About the Organizations
The Mission provides support for basic physical needs (food, shelter, showers, clothes) to men, women and children experiencing a crisis; addresses the underlying causes of homelessness and poverty while establishing healthy patterns of living; and supports residents as they transition back into society and establish themselves in the workplace.

3RCF creates opportunities for perpetual charitable giving in Benton and Franklin counties to support nonprofits now and in the future.

Bechtel is a trusted engineering, construction and project management partner to industry and government. The company celebrated its 125th anniversary this year. It has been a member of the Tri-Cities community for nearly 40 years, and is designing, building, and commissioning WTP for DOE.

​After an extensive search, the Tri-City Development Council (TRIDEC) and Energy Forward Alliance (EFA) Executive Committee selected Sean V. O’Brien as the Executive Director. O’Brien is the former Executive Director of the Congressional Western Caucus and previously served as the Deputy Chief of Staff and Legislative Director for Congressman Dan Newhouse (WA-04). Most recently he served as the Eastern Washington Director for Washington Policy Center. 
 
“Sean is an engaging and innovative leader with a deep understanding of the energy arena and our challenges moving ahead with the clean energy transformation,” remarked Bob Schuetz, CEO, Energy Northwest. 
 
“Sean’s long-standing relationships with regional community leaders and officials make him a natural choice for this influential role to help the Tri-Cities be recognized as an energy leader,” commented Paula Linnen, EFA Executive Committee Member.
 
In August, it was announced that TRIDEC formed the Energy Forward Alliance (EFA) to achieve a clean energy vision to transform Mid-Columbia communities, lead the region’s clean energy future, and inspire those far and wide to participate in a sustainable future. EFA will focus on the transition to a reliable and resilient clean energy future in the Mid-Columbia region and will build on the Tri-Cities’ legacy of energy leadership, seeking to capitalize on the community’s passion and commitment toward a new energy future. 
 
“The expertise and leadership that Sean will bring to this new role will continue the Tri-Cities legacy of helping solve the nation’s most important and impactful challenges,” stated Karl Dye, CEO, TRIDEC. “The need now is for a sustainable future – to not only leave our children and grandchildren with a safe place to raise their own families, but to capture the jobs and economic benefits that embracing a clean energy future will bring to the region. We are excited for Sean to join our TRIDEC team and look forward to him building upon EFA’s mission.”
 
Led by TRIDEC, EFA includes foundational efforts from local businesses, universities, and community leaders and looks forward to working with a broad array of regional partners and collaborators to invent, innovate, and inspire the new energy future.
 
The vision of the Energy Forward Alliance is to deliver a model that inspires communities to participate in a sustainable clean energy future. EFA will accomplish this by utilizing the region’s clean energy leadership, skills, and knowledge to leverage existing technologies as well as development and deployment of new technologies.
 
More information on the Energy Forward Alliance can be found at www.energyFWD.org. 
 
About Sean V. O’Brien:
Sean V. O’Brien is the former Executive Director of the Congressional Western Caucus, a coalition of more than 80 Members of Congress whose mission is to represent the voices of rural communities from across the country in Washington, D.C. He previously served as Deputy Chief of Staff and Legislative Director for Congressman Dan Newhouse (WA-04), where he served as the lead staffer in handling the Congressman’s energy, forestry, and natural resources portfolios.
 
He has specialized in issues including the Hanford nuclear site, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, hydropower, and nuclear energy. Most recently, he served as Eastern Washington Director for Washington Policy Center, a non-partisan free market think tank.
 
O’Brien is a Visiting Fellow with the Mountain States Policy Center. He recently completed the Civic Renewal Fellowship with the American Enterprise Institute where he focused on the rebuilding of civil discourse in institutions and local communities. He studied Political Science at Gonzaga University and is a graduate of AgForestry Leadership Class 43 and the Global Leaders Program at the Slade Gorton International Policy Center.