On Tuesday, December 3rd from noon – 1:30pm 500 community members will gather at the Three Rivers Convention Center for the Celebration of Philanthropy. At this annual event, 3 Rivers Community Foundation awards their 2024 grants to local nonprofits and thanks the donors who make this giving possible. In addition, 3RCF will celebrate its 25th Anniversary.
 
Each year 3RCF begins accepting applications at the end of July from 501c3 nonprofits serving Benton and Franklin Counties. This process is open to organizations across sectors, ranging from food and housing, to arts and history, to animals and mental health, and more. The 3RCF Board goes through an extensive review process to determine which grants to fund. 3RCF works with donors to build a permanent community endowment which is invested so that a portion of the growth each year supports grant giving. “We are so pleased that thanks to strong financial management, along with the investments of new and exiting donors, our grantmaking capacity has increased steadily in recent years. This year is a new high of $333,788,” says Abbey Cameron, CEO of 3RCF.
 
This funding will support 67 grant awards, and each nonprofit receiving a grant receives two complimentary tickets to the event. “We want these hardworking nonprofit teams to come enjoy the event, network with their peers, and be celebrated by their community. Our sponsors make this possible, including premier sponsors Moon Security and Washington Trust Bank,” says Cameron. In addition to nonprofits, the event is also attended by donors, board members, and community members who come to celebrate philanthropy in action.
 
Limited tickets ($40 per person) remain, please call 3RCF at 509-735-5559. 3RCF Board Members and staff, as well as nonprofits may be available for interviews before and after the luncheon on request. Please contact [email protected] for availability.

​Why It Matters
3RCF plays a key role in supporting our community through grant funds and scholarships, aiding a wide range of needs and initiatives. Grant funding plays a vital role in local nonprofits having enough funding to implement their projects and programs.
 
Requests for funding exceed available grant dollars. In 2024 requests totaled $690,000 for $333,788 in available dollars. An increase in donations and endowments would help fund additional needs.

Quote from 3 Rivers Community Foundation’s CEO, Abbey Cameron
“As a grantor, 3RCF has worked behind the scenes for 25 years, supporting, and encouraging the work of our front-line nonprofit organizations. This work only happens with the support of donors who help build a community endowment that will support Tri-Cities now and into the next 25 years. 3RCF staff and board work diligently to provide the highest level of donor services, and to be a partner in local philanthropy.”

Trios Health is pleased to announce that Bree Small, a Registered Nurse, has been named as a recipient for The DAISY Award® for Extraordinary Nurses by Trios Health.

Bree has been an RN at Trios Health since 2018 and has always worked in the Birth Center.

“We are honored to recognize Bree with the DAISY Award® for her exceptional dedication and compassionate care,” said Lori Katterhagen, Trios Chief Nursing Officer. “She is an exemplary nurse whose ability to connect with patients on a deeply personal level, while consistently delivering the highest quality of nursing care, truly embodies the spirit of this award.”

Bree was nominated by a patient’s family member, who shared, “We are so thankful for Bree l for having a questioning attitude and potentially saving my daughter and granddaughters life. Bree happened to be the nurse to care for my daughter. She monitored her and found nothing but questioned that things didn't seem right with her pain, so instead of releasing her, she got doctors involved and ran bloodwork which was then discovered that my daughter had HELLP Syndrome. Trios then took quick action and both mom and baby were and continue to be fine. Bree is amazing, and we cannot express how grateful and thankful we are for her going above and beyond to care for her patient!"

The DAISY Award® is an international program started in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, whose family experienced first-hand the difference his nurses made in his care through clinical excellence and compassionate care. The family created The DAISY Award® to express gratitude to nurses and to enable other patients, families, and staff to thank and honor their special nurses.
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To nominate a nurse or to learn more about The DAISY Award®, visit TriosHealth.org/Daisy.

​The City of Pasco is excited to announce that Tri-Cities Afghan Food, a new culinary venture introducing authentic Afghan cuisine to the region, is joining the vibrant lineup of vendors at the Pasco Specialty Kitchen (PSK), located at 110 S. 4th Avenue in Downtown Pasco. To celebrate, Tri-Cities Afghan Food will host a grand opening event on Friday, November 15, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the PSK, inviting the community to experience a taste of Afghanistan.
 
The Pasco Specialty Kitchen serves as a bustling center for culinary entrepreneurs, providing them with state-of-the-art kitchen facilities and business support to help them grow and succeed. Tri-Cities Afghan Food is a welcome addition to the PSK, bringing a unique array of Afghan-inspired dishes like savory kebabs and spiced rice dishes, each prepared with authentic ingredients and traditional techniques.
 
“We are thrilled to welcome Tri-Cities Afghan Food to the Pasco Specialty Kitchen,” said Jesse Rice, Parks & Recreation Director for the City. “Their unique and flavorful offerings highlight the diversity of our community and embody the PSK’s mission to foster local innovation and cross-cultural culinary experiences.”
 
At the grand opening event, guests will have the chance to purchase and enjoy a variety of Afghan dishes. This event is open to all community members and promises to be a celebration of culture, food, and community.
 
The Pasco Specialty Kitchen, part of the City of Pasco’s efforts to support small businesses and cultivate a thriving local food scene, has become a launching pad for numerous culinary entrepreneurs. With the addition of Tri-Cities Afghan Food, the PSK continues to expand its impact, bringing new flavors and exciting opportunities to the Pasco community.
 
For more information on Tri-Cities Afghan Food, visit their Facebook page. For more information on the Pasco Specialty Kitchen, visit the City’s website or the PSK Facebook page.

​The City of Pasco is proud to announce the completion of its new Zone 3 Water Storage Reservoir, a $17 million infrastructure project designed to ensure a reliable drinking water supply for residents and support the City’s growing population. A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held on Tuesday, November 19, at 1:00 PM at 6701 Road 90.
 
The new reservoir, funded in part by a $10 million low-interest loan from the Public Works Board, will provide essential safe water storage to meet the community’s needs, from drinking to everyday use to fire protection, now and in the future.
 
Maria Serra, Public Works Director, emphasized the project's significance: "The completion of the Zone 3 Reservoir is a pivotal step in ensuring that our community has a reliable and sustainable water supply. This reservoir not only addresses our current needs but also positions us to meet future demands as Pasco continues to grow effectively."
 
Utilizing a Progressive Design-Build approach, this project brought together leading design and construction expertise to meet an accelerated timeline and optimize costs. It ensured the highest quality standards for Pasco’s future water needs.
 
Residents and members of the media are invited to join City officials for this momentous occasion and view the new facility.
 
For more information, please visit the City’s website at www.pasco-wa.gov.

​​The City of Kennewick is honored to invite the public to a special Veterans Day celebration marking the 20th anniversary of the Regional Veterans Memorial, located in Columbia Park. This commemorative event will take place on Veterans Day, Monday, November 11, 2024, at 11:00 a.m., and will honor the service and sacrifice of veterans from across the Tri-Cities area.
 
Standing proudly at 40 feet tall, the Regional Veterans Memorial is the tallest freestanding granite structure in the United States. Dedicated in 2004, this monument serves as a cherished symbol of respect and remembrance for the veterans of our community and region. The memorial is a place of reflection and gratitude, honoring all who have served and continue to serve in the United States Armed Forces.
 
The event will include the annual flag raising by the Knights of Columbus Honor Guard and Pasco American Legion Honor Guard, a 3-round rifle volley by the Kennewick VFW Post, and a bugler performing “To the Color.” Special speakers include Retired Army Lt Colonel, and current Port of Kennewick Commissioner, Skip Novakovich along with City of Kennewick Elected Officials. Richard Rogers, a dedicated veterans' advocate, will serve as Master of Ceremonies.
 
Event Details:

• Date: Monday, November 11, 2024
• Time: 11:00 a.m.
• Location: Regional Veterans Memorial at Columbia Park, Kennewick, WA

 
The City of Kennewick encourages everyone to join us in honoring our veterans and celebrating this important milestone for the Regional Veterans Memorial. Let us come together as a community to pay tribute to the courage, dedication, and sacrifices of our service men and women.

Native American Art tells a story, and many of the best Native American Artists from the Northwest will gather to share their collections on Saturday, November 9 at Legends Casino Hotel. The art market open from 10am to 6pm in the Legends Event Center and features 20 storytellers, artists, and entertainers.

Cariboo Trail Studio of Coulee City offers the oil paintings of eastern Washington wildlife and landscapes by artist Don Nutt. Exquisite beadwork and expertly crafted baskets of all sizes will be available from Whitefoot Studios of Harrah. Find signature metal work pieces artists like J&J Metal Designs from Pendleton, and Copper Canoe Woman creates jewelry deeply connected to our culture. The Copper Canoe Woman jewelry has been featured in Vogue and New York Fashion Week. Complementing these artists, Yakama Nation member Lorelei Kruger owner of Lucky Arrow Creations focuses on wearable art including earrings and wants to see people wearing Yakama art.

“November is Native American Heritage Month, and one of our goals is to highlight the incredible talent of our local and regional artists who are nationally recognized by inviting them to share their talents at our first Art Market,” explained Letisha Peterson, General Manager, “These artists create unique pieces rooted in our culture. Guests seeking a signature piece for home will find an array of options, and those who prefer high-end wearable art from traditional jewelry to regalia will not be disappointed.”
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Adding to the celebration of art, members of the Yakama Nation will treat guests to Native American Flute Playing throughout the day, and at 11am, Mary Looney will captivate guests as she tells the stories of the culture and legends of the Yakamas. Admission is free, and guests will find the full list of featured artists on the Legends Casino Hotel website or through features this week on our Instagram and Facebook feeds.

Ben Franklin Transit (BFT) will offer free rides on its fixed-route bus and Dial-A-Ride paratransit services on Election Day, Tuesday, November 5, making it easier for community members to participate in voting. The fare-free services are available all day, and while voting is encouraged, it is not required to use the free rides. A map of ballot drop boxes along with routes to access them can be found at www.bft.org.

“We want everyone in our service area to have the opportunity to make their voices heard by turning in their ballots,” said BFT Chief Executive Officer Thomas Drozt. Under Board policy, Drozt is authorized to offer free service up to four times per year.

​To plan your free trip on BFT, download the Transit app or the MyRide app and enter your destination. Dial-A-Ride customers should schedule their trips as they normally would.

The City of Kennewick is pleased to announce the appointment of Lisa Beaton as Deputy City Manager, effective October 1, 2024. Lisa steps into this role following the departure of former Deputy City Manager Dan Legard, bringing with her nearly 24 years of experience serving the City of Kennewick.

Lisa Beaton began her career with the City in October 2000 as an Assistant City Attorney, before being promoted to City Attorney in 2007. Throughout her tenure, Lisa has played an integral role in supporting numerous city initiatives, collaborating with department heads, and guiding City Council in achieving its strategic priorities. Her extensive background in municipal law and her dedication to serving the community have made her a trusted leader in city government.

In December 2023, Lisa was appointed by the City Council as the Interim City Manager, where she managed city operations and worked closely with Council on the recruitment of the new City Manager, Erin Erdman. Now, as Deputy City Manager, Lisa looks forward to continuing her work alongside City Manager Erdman and the Council, focusing on the City's goals and priorities, and supporting Kennewick's ongoing growth and development.

City Manager Erin Erdman shared her enthusiasm for Lisa’s appointment, stating, “Lisa’s deep understanding of our community and her commitment to public service make her a perfect fit for the role of Deputy City Manager. Her experience and leadership will be invaluable as we work together to implement City Council's vision and goals for Kennewick.”
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Please join us in welcoming Lisa Beaton to her new role as Deputy Manager. For more information, please contact Dana Dollarhyde at (509) 585-4238.