Hanford Mission Integration Solutions (HMIS) is committed to investing in the development of the future Hanford workforce through support of robust educational and leadership development programs for youth in our community. As part of that promise, HMIS has committed more than $96,000 to support student scholarships and educational programs this year.

Through the HMIS scholarship program, $29,000 was awarded to dependents of HMIS employees and co-op interns. A partnership with Washington State University Tri-Cities resulted in $2,500 scholarships for ten WSU Tri-Cities students pursuing degrees in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines for the 2022-23 academic year.

HMIS also partnered with Columbia Basin College (CBC) to support its Pathways to Hanford (P2H) program, which assists students exploring career choices at Hanford, while also gaining insights into company values, internship programs, and desired skills. HMIS donated more than $22,000 to help CBC provide critical assistance to students in the P2H program to keep them on the path to educational success. “This partnership will continue building a pipeline of qualified Hanford workers for the future,” shared Elie Hernandez, director of CBC’s Pathways to Hanford program.

HMIS also proudly supported The STEM Foundation through a $20,000 donation to bolster expansion of its STEM Like ME!℠ educational programs in Tri-Cities area middle schools and high schools. This donation will support hands-on opportunities for students to learn more about STEM-focused careers, as well as the STEM Like ME!℠ Grants for Teachers program, providing local teachers with mini-grants to encourage STEM-related programming in their classrooms.

Developing an educated and highly-trained workforce is essential to completing the Hanford mission, and HMIS is committed to making a lasting impact in our community.

Lourdes Health is pleased to announce it has recently received four awards from the Greater Columbia Accountable Community of Health (GCACH) for its work in Practice Transformation.

The awards were to the Lourdes Health family medicine clinics (Exemplar), Lourdes Health internal medicine clinic (Exemplar), Lourdes Counseling Center (Resilience), and Nurse Navigator Sarah Cashman (Patient Centered Care Champion).
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“We are proud of the work of our clinic and patients team for making these recognitions possible, and especially to Sarah Cashman for her dedication and the way she approaches patient care,” said Kevin Taylor, MD, Lourdes Health Medical Director.

According to its website, GCACH seeks to “advance the health of our population by decreasing health disparities, improving efficiency of health care delivery, and empowering individuals and communities through collaboration, innovation, and engagement.” This Practice Transformation work really accentuates putting patients at the center of our team-based care.

“At Lourdes Health, we are committed to serving our community with respect, compassion, and care, and we are honored to be recognized for the work we’re doing and the impact we’re having in Making Communities Healthier,” Dr. Taylor said. 

The Tri-Cities Cancer Center Foundation is hosting a day of giving on December 23rd for patients and caregivers. This year the foundation will be gifting items sourced from locally owned businesses. The gifts range from fun items, comfort items, gift cards and some of the Foundation’s favorite holiday snacks.

This day will highlight local businesses and bring cheer to patients going through a tough time.

Some of the local business’s patients and caregivers will be receiving gifts from are the following:

3d Fitness
Adventure’s Underground
Chukar Cherries
Country Mercantile
Graze
Haven Flower Farm
Sheffield Cider
Snarky Cancer
Templeman’s
Tumbleweeds
WSU Tri-Cities

All funds raised stay local and provide valuable non-reimbursed cancer programs and services for patients, their families, and the community.

Hanford Mission Integration Solutions (HMIS) is committed to meaningful and sustainable partnerships that demonstrate our strong commitment to our community. As part of that promise, HMIS celebrated the holiday season by donating more than $25,000 of goods and cash donations to local nonprofit organizations. 

HMIS made donations to Domestic Violence Services of Benton and Franklin Counties and Mid-Columbia Meals on Wheels, including boxes of warm winter clothing, personal care items and household goods. Each organization also received a $2,500 donation from HMIS.  

Unhoused teens at My Friend’s Place shelter each received movie tickets and concession vouchers to enjoy a fun excursion this winter. Hundreds of students at Boys & Girls Clubs of Benton and Franklin Counties also received movie tickets.

Additional year-end donations were made to Second Harvest, Columbia Basin Veterans Center, United Way of Benton and Franklin Counties and Habitat for Humanity. HMIS president Bob Wilkinson shared, “As we finish our first year as HMIS, we wanted to make sure those in need could have a happier holiday season. The well-being of our community is vital to the HMIS family and we are proud to be able to support so many incredible organizations.”

As the pace of change continues to accelerate, Baker Boyer is committed to innovating with technology and improving our client experience. It expands on that commitment with the newly created role of Chief Innovation Officer.

“Baker Boyer prides itself on being a progressive transformational company,” said Mark Kajita, Baker Boyer President and CEO. “This is the next step in the implementation of our long-term strategy so we can continue to fulfill on our promise to our community’s and shareholders’ shared prosperity.”

Brian Bruggeman has been promoted, to the role of EVP, Chief Innovation Officer. “Bruggeman’s unique experience and expertise equip him to excel in analyzing and proposing innovative strategies for Baker Boyer. That, combined with his initiative to continue learning, researching, and understanding complex concepts and technology, make him an ideal fit for this dynamic role,” Kajita said. Bruggeman will take on his duties as the Bank’s first Chief Innovation officer and become a member of the Bank’s Executive Committee starting on January 1, 2022.

Bruggeman joined Baker Boyer in 2009 and has held many positions with increasing levels of responsibility including roles as Investment Advisor and Director of Financial Planning. "Brian has proven that he has the drive, energy, and talent to be the Bank’s very first Chief Innovation Officer,” Kajita adds.

This recent addition of a Chief Innovation Officer is just one example of many innovations at Baker Boyer over the last 152 years. Most recently this includes:

• In 2020, the new Yakima Financial Center was constructed and opened for business. This Center is so much more than a traditional bank setting with its Community Room, cutting-edge technology to facilitate conversations with clients, and unique and comfortable meeting rooms focused on enhancing client engagement.
• Recently, the Baker Boyer IT Solutions team was recognized with a 2021 FIS Impact Award after creating a streamlined digital account opening process.

With the promotion of Brian Bruggeman to Chief Innovation Officer, Baker Boyer will continue to evolve and innovate. This commitment prioritizes the needs of the community and its clients to secure its future for at least another 100 years.

Mid-Columbia Libraries (MCL) invites readers of all ages to read for a better world during its Winter Reading Challenge, which takes place Dec. 17, 2021 through Jan. 31, 2022. Participants must read at least three books and log their reading in Beanstack for a chance to win a $25 Amazon gift card or other prizes.

The Winter Reading Challenge is just one of the many ways new and current MCL customers can connect with books and their library this winter break, or anytime. MCL offers an instant digital library card available through the one-tap reading app, Libby, for instant access to its vast collection of eBooks and eAudiobooks. Branches offer Take N’ Make crafts; wi-fi, computers, and printing; storytimes and programs; and more. It’s all free at any of MCL’s 12 branches or the digital branch, midcolumbialibraries.org.

Beanstack’s fifth annual winter reading challenge is sponsored by Lerner Publishing Group. Participants can learn more and register at midcolumbialibraries.org/reading-challenges.

The Port of Benton Commission appointed Christy Rasmussen to the vacant District 2 Commission position at their December 14, 2021 Commission meeting. 
 
Rasmussen will complete the remaining two years of the six-year term recently vacated by Commissioner Robert D. Larson, who retired after 27 years of serving as Port Commissioner. 
 
Rasmussen holds a master’s degree in Educational Administration, has spent the majority of her career in Education, and currently works as a Training Specialist at the Hanford Site.  Rasmussen has been deeply involved in community outreach, including serving on the General Advisory Committee for Tri-Tech Vocational High School, Hanford site Initiative Lead in a STEM focus in partnership with Battelle, Boeing, OSPI and Pacific Science Center, Tri-Cities Sunrise Rotary, Perfect Image Leadership Foundation, Tri-Cities Gang Intervention Valuing Education & Service, Quest Center, Safe Harbor, My Friends Place, Benton-Franklin Community Health and Services, Center for Children Youth and Justice, and the Tri-Cities Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.  Rasmussen stated that serving as a Port of Benton Commissioner felt like a natural progression to being a public servant. 
 
Rasmussen indicated that her interest in the Port drove her to seek a better understanding of the Port and its mission in the community and therefore, began to attend meetings, explore the webpage, reading past meeting minutes as well as visiting Port properties. “Being an example for my family and friends by stepping out of my comfort zone and serving our community in pursuit of building a stronger community through regional economic growth and prosperity inspires me.”  
             
The Port of Benton will continue to focus on their strategic plan and several projects slated for 2022, including a large electrical replacement project at the Richland Airport, rail crossing repair at Van Giesen St. and Swift Blvd. and continued infrastructure repairs and maintenance. 

The Kennewick Parks and Recreation Holiday Bazaar is your chance to experience 21,000 square feet of shopping paradise inside the Numerica Pavilion at the Southridge Sports and Events Complex. The weekend before Christmas is one of the biggest shopping days of the year and we are bringing you more than 75 vendors from across the Northwest in one building. Find that special gift as you browse a wide variety of gift items, home décor, food, and more.

Two of Santa’s reindeer will be joining us before they head back to the North Pole for Christmas. $5 admission, good for both days. Parking and kids 12 and under are free.

Event Times:
Friday, December 17: 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Reindeer 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, December 18: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Reindeer 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
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For more information, please contact Haley Taricani at (509) 585-4475 or [email protected]

A-1 Hospitality Group is excited to welcome Chef Mike McGee to our family! Chef Mike will be bringing his culinary talents to our Tri-Cities hotels, allowing them to offer on-site catering for the first time. Holiday Inn Express & Suites Pasco Tri-Cities and Courtyard by Marriott Pasco Tri-Cities Airport will be benefiting from his 35-years plus of experience and knowledge in the hospitality industry.
 
Having graduated with honors from culinary school in 1990, and apprenticing under a Certified Master Chef, McGee has since competed in numerous culinary competitions, winning first prize twice for his salsa, as well as clam chowder and Hot Food! As an opening member and manager for many restaurants still thriving today, we are proud to entrust our new full-service catering department, and Courtyard by Marriott’s Bistro®, to his capable hands.
 
Having thrived as a Chef across the nation, from San Francisco to Portland, OR and Colorado Springs to Portland, Maine, Chef Mike has returned home to Tri-Cities for nearly 15-years. During which time, Tri-Cities events have long enjoyed his delicious dishes at another other local hotel as an Executive Chef.
 
A-1 Hospitality Group could not have found a better addition or leader for culinary excellence than Chef Mike McGee. We look forward to sharing the experience of his delightful creations at your next event! To discuss how we can enhance your event experience at Holiday Inn Express & Suites Pasco Tri-Cities and Courtyard by Marriott Pasco Tri-Cities Airport, contact our Sales Department at [email protected] or 509.302.4271.

Lourdes Health is pleased to announce that Shalane Rhorig, a Registered Nurse in the Lourdes Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit, has been named as a recent recipient for The DAISY Award® for Extraordinary Nurses at Lourdes.

“Shalane is an outstanding nurses who provides compassionate, gentle, comforting care,” said Kena Chase, Lourdes Chief Nursing Officer. “She frequently goes above and beyond and works diligently to put patients at ease and make sure they’re as comfortable as possible when they’re with us.”

Shalane was nominated by a patient who noted how caring Shalane was in their care.

“Shalane is prompt, kind, and thoughtful. I think she reads my mind because when I’m feeling nauseous she’s there with medications to stop it. When it’s time for my pain medication, she’s right there with it. When my hip is hurting, she has an ice pack ready. What a gal!” the nominator wrote. “She has a gentleness that comforts me so much and a kind, soothing soul that sooths my anxiety. I’m definitely more at ease when she is assigned to me. My recovery has been much more pleasant because of the kindness of nurses like her. She’s the best!”

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.

To nominate a nurse or to learn more about The DAISY Award®, visit yourlourdes.com/daisy.