Living TC Spring 2017

 THRIVE FITNESS ADVENTURES  URBAN SKETCHERS TRI-CITIES

Spring Wedding Fever planning tips from the pros

WINE TASTING tours by horseback, trolley and limo

Youth Outdoors Unlimited the hunt of a lifetime

Spring 2017

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in this issue NOW OPEN: FRANKENBURGER’S FRY LAB | p6 monster burgers and milkshakes

EARLY SPRING VEGGIES | p8 tasty ideas for those first spring crops

Spring Wedding Fever p18

VIEW FROM THE TOP | p12 Richland home has panoramic views SPRING WEDDING FEVER | p18 tips for planning a local wedding to remember

WINE TASTING | p22 make the most of living in wine country

HEALTH: SPRINGTIME AND ALLERGIES | p28 defend yourself against spring’s irritants

OUTDOORS: THRIVE FITNESS ADVENTURES | p30 getting fit, both mind and body

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: JOSEPH RASTOVICH| p34 local sculptor wise beyond his years

Wine Tasting p22

URBAN SKETCHERS TRI-CITIES | p38 sketching their local surroundings NONPROFIT: YOUTH OUTDOORS UNLIMITED | p42 guiding the hunt of a lifetime

MID-COLUMBIA BALLET WORKSHOP | p44 dance workshop helps children with special needs

SPRING EVENT CALENDAR | p46 start planning now

Urban Sketchers p38 4

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spring 2017 Publisher Gregg McConnell Editor Libby Campbell Advertising Director Sean Flaherty Design Team Misty Ayers Jonathan Hooley Sara Nelson Design Sales Team Carol Perkins Pamela Phelps Cover Photo Photo by Lisa Monteagudo, courtesy of MM3 Design Agency, LLC On the Cover Red Mountain Trails Contributors Kevin Cole Carolyn Henderson Laura Kostad Renee Pottle Elsie Puig Jackie Sharpe Raven Smith Alicia Walters Heather Weagant

333 West Canal Drive Kennewick, WA 99336 For Editorial Info: Libby Campbell libby@livingtc.com For Advertising Info: Sean Flaherty sean@livingtc.com facebook.com/livingtcmagazine

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taste

Now Open:

Frankenburger’s Fry Lab

Story and photos by Jackie Sharpe FRANKENSTEIN BURGERS? NO, NOT QUITE, BUT WITH THE ABILITY to make over 12 creative, mouthwatering burgers, owner, chef and operator Jessie Verduzco has upped the burger game with Frankenburger’s Fry Lab. As for the name, he liked ‘Frankenburger’s’ because it was a vessel for creating something different.

Verduzco is no newbie to the restaurant industry. He has 20 years of experience, 16 of those spent at Red Robin, where he did every kind of job in the restaurant biz. He then worked for Fire Artisan Pizza on Columbia Center Boulevard in Kennewick, until the restaurant moved on. Verduzco and another

partner decided to take over the space and rebrand it, opening Fire & Brimstone Wood Fired Eatery on the main level. They later decided to turn the second floor of the restaurant into another food venue, where Frankenburger’s Fry Lab took up residence, opening with its bright green sign in November 2016.

Verduzco wanted to create food he liked, but also knew others were craving diversity in their food choices. He does not consider his restaurant fast food. The price range is $4 for an entry level all-beef burger to $9 for a specialty burger.

An average combo price for burger, fries and drink is $10. Part of his core menu includes his most popular signature burger, the #4, made of 30 percent ground bacon and 70 percent ground beef, piles of grilled onions, three strips of crispy bacon and American cheese topped with

The #4 burger is one of the restaurant’s most popular items.

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a flame grill, because we want to keep in the flavor, and fat is flavor,” Verduzco said.

Frankenburger’s Fry Lab is located above Fire & Brimstone Wood Fired Eatery in Kennewick.

bacon aioli sauce (onion and bacon marmalade blended with mayo).

He often works with Templeman’s Market in Kennewick for his specialty burgers. A variety of flavor profiles keeps Verduzco’s burgers interesting, including pineapple jalapeño relish, jalapeño mayo, fired roasted jalapeño and Asian flavors. “We don’t use

Though the name is Frankenburger’s, also on the menu is beer battered clam strips and shrimp. Their fish and chips is a mixture of cod, haddock and wahoo. For all you chicken lovers, there is a chicken and fries basket. The Fry Lab menu also includes fried pickles, fried mac’n cheese, zucchini and mushrooms. An order of Franken Fries includes a mix of crinkle-cut fries, curly fries and tater tots.

You can top it off with one of the many sauces at the dipping station, from honey mustard aioli to sweet and spicy ketchup. “I just like playing with food,” Verduzco said.

You can wash down your meal with soda, beer or hard cider.

On any given day, Verduzco can be found in his Frankenburger Lab, creating, testing and coming up with dishes such as the prime rib burger or a fried chicken and waffle sandwich, a favorite he tested with customers for a few days, that he plans to bring back. His experiments with milkshakes include the maple bacon milkshake, s'mores milkshake and strawberries and cream milkshake topped with a Hostess cupcake or a s'more. In addition he is working on ice cream sandwiches with giant cookies and a mud pie style.

The turnout has been great since they opened, despite dreary winter weather, and customers seem to like the unique options.

And with the restaurant’s prime location, Verduzco is optimistic about its success.

“Customers can always expect something unique with quality,” he said.

Frankenburger’s Fry Lab 1022 N. Columbia Center Blvd, Kennewick Open daily 11 a.m. - 9:30 p.m.

Jackie Sharpe is a freelance writer and photographer.

Visit her website at jackiesharpeimages.com

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taste

A plate full of spring Story and photos by Renee Pottle SWEET, JUICY SUMMER BERRIES. ABUNDANT FIELDS OF AUTUMN harvest. Both are miracles of nature. But spring shoots and leaves are most welcome of all. After a long winter of root vegetables, early season greening beckons us with freshness.

Often, we can’t wait for the whole plant to rise from the ground. We pluck budding fiddlehead ferns from the forest floor, steam them and serve with butter. Or the whole family forages for tiny dandelion and lamb’s quarter salad greens. Spring is coming and we embrace it.

Spring Shoots: Asparagus Here in the Mid-Columbia spring greets us with tender, green asparagus spears. A perennial plant, asparagus is a local commercial crop, making it easy to enjoy almost every day during harvest.

Asparagus can be steamed, roasted or stir-fried and is especially tasty served with a squeeze of lemon or sprinkled with lemon-pepper. Once you have dusted off the grill for the season, gently char asparagus spears and serve with crab legs or an omelet. Asparagus doesn’t freeze well, but can be pickled to savor all year long. Check with your local Master Food Preserver for a safe recipe.

Bittersweet in flavor, asparagus is a nutritional powerhouse. Its abundant 8

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antioxidants help reduce cancers, heart disease, birth defects and even cognitive decline. Asparagus helps regulate blood glucose levels and protects against skin damage. Find fresh asparagus at local farmers’ markets from April through June.

Spring Greens: Spinach Spinach is one of three super superfoods. Its numerous health benefits include improved eyesight, reduced heart attacks and fewer birth defects. Spinach is also an excellent plant source of iron – combine it with citrus for even greater benefit – and may be especially helpful reducing lung cancer rates of former smokers.

Spinach is so easy to grow you don’t even need a garden. Toss a few seeds into an outside container and watch the leaves emerge. Plant early in March as spinach will quickly bolt in the heat. Choose varieties that withstand warmer weather like Spiros or Palco.

Unlike Popeye, most of us gave up eating the canned version decades ago. Pick raw tender

leaves for salads or sandwiches.

Spinach leaves can be sautéed and tossed with pasta, piled on top of pizza or tucked into quiche. Are you familiar with the health trend of green smoothies? Toss a handful of homegrown spinach into your own smoothie. Sun-dry fresh spinach leaves for use in soups all year long.

Spring Seeds: Garden Peas Delicate garden peas are well worth a space in your garden. Plant seeds in early March for a late spring harvest. A cooler spring yields sweeter peas. Choose reliable varieties like Green Arrow, Canoe and Lincoln.

Garden peas are a good source of fiber, minerals and vitamins. They help protect against stomach cancer, arthritis and Alzheimer’s disease.

Peas are also good for soil health as they deposit nitrogen back into the ground, reducing the need for artificial fertilizer.

Boil or steam fresh peas or eat them raw. Serve cooked peas with chopped mint or rosemary. Children especially enjoy picking fresh pods and immediately devouring the sweet seeds within. Freeze or can extra peas for future use.

Renee Pottle writes about food, nutrition and gardening from her home in Kennewick.

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home

A view from the top Story by Libby Campbell Photos by Sarah Gordon WHEN DOUG AND STACEY MCKINLEY WERE READY TO BUILD A NEW home, they knew just the spot. Perched high above the Tri-Cities in Richland, their contemporary home sits almost precariously close to the edge of the hillside, but you’d be hard pressed to find a better view of the Tri-Cities.

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“Every place I go, I always go to the highest place I can find and look at the view,” Doug said. When the lots in their future neighborhood were first developed, Doug would drive up the hill, eat lunch in his truck and take in the view. “It was obvious to build a house here for me,” he said.

make their dream home a reality.

With the perfect lot picked out, the McKinleys called Greg Senger of Greg Senger Construction to help

Senger has been in the construction business for more than 30 years. His

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The back patio offers a panoramic view of the Tri-Cities .

“Our first house was a spec house that Greg had built in the early ‘90s in Kennewick. It was a starter house up on a hill with a beautiful view. It was an awesome house,” Doug said.

“We said if we buy another house, we’ll have Greg build it for us.”

company does full service custom builds, remodels and additions.

Given its location, Senger knew the McKinley home was going to be special, and they decided to showcase it in the Home Builder Association’s Parade of Homes last year.

“When he brought me up here and showed me the lot, I said ‘Man, we’ve got to share this,’” Senger said. “This would be really cool for people to be able to come in here and see what an awesome view this is and how you build a house around it.”

The contemporary home was featured in the 2016 Parade of Homes.

The couple did plenty of research when planning their home, which is completely custom from top to bottom. They found lots of inspiration from attending the Parade of Homes and from looking at websites like Houzz.com. They worked with Cory Lee of OWI Homes, Inc. to draw up plans for the home.

“It was our design, turned into a house plan by Cory and built by Greg,” Doug said.

The McKinleys were approved for their loan in April 2016, and construction was completed by mid-August, just in time for the Parade of Homes.

And it’s no wonder Senger wanted to present the McKinley home in the Parade. The contemporary house is filled with clean lines, bright white finishes and tons of natural light.

The north-facing wall in the living room is comprised mostly of windows, which lets the sunlight flood in and offers spectacular views.

The large window in the master bath lets in tons of natural light.

There is no backyard in the usual sense of the word, but the patio off the back of the house offers panoramic views that remind you just how high up on the hill the house is located. Constructing the patio was a little tricky, given the steep hillside.

the edge, the better it looks.” He jokingly refers to Meadow Springs Golf Course, visible below the house, as his lawn.

“Pushing it out all the way to edge is sort of something I insisted on,” Doug said. “I don’t think Greg was dying to do it, and I know my wife wasn’t. But the closer you are to

“I love the custom cabinets,” Stacey said.

“We had really nice cabinets in our first home, and I thought I was never going to be

Back inside the home, the neutral color scheme carries from the living room to the kitchen, Stacey’s favorite room in the house.

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“We said if we buy another house, we’ll have Greg build it for us.” able to have that nice of cabinets again.” The granite countertops, purchased at Franchino’s Stone and Tile in Kennewick, set the tone for much of the home’s color scheme.

“Pick the granite first, because that sort of tells you what colors you’re into,” Doug said. “We don’t agree on anything, but we wound up agreeing on everything we picked for the house.”

The kitchen also features a walk-in pantry with sliding door, something the couple had seen at houses in the Parade of Homes.

“That was our vision for the pantry,” said Stacey. “It really is the coolest part of the kitchen.”

The kitchen is open to the dining area and living room, where the family spends a good deal of time. Two bedrooms, a The neutral paint colors continue throughout the home.

Open shelving above the tub adds stylish function.

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The great room on the second level has plenty of space for the whole family.

An open concept living area was important to the family.

bathroom and Stacey’s home office are also located on this end of the home.

While some may think an office is just an office, Doug points out that working from home means spending a lot of time in that particular space. Stacey’s office has large double windows with a view that can’t be beat. “I think this is the best office in the Tri-Cities,” Doug said.

On the other end of the house is the master bedroom, complete with its own access to the patio. The en suite bathroom has a tub and a huge walk-in shower. The large mirror above the dual vanities reflects natural sunlight that pours in through a large (but private) window above the tub. A walkin closet and large laundry room are also included in the master suite area.

“One of the things that we saw in the Parade that we thought was a really good idea was to put your laundry room off your master suite,” Doug said. “That way you’re not traipsing your laundry too far back and forth.”

On the second level of the home is a bonus room. “This is our office, band room, pool room and bar,” Doug joked. The couple’s

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“Pick the granite first,” advises Doug.

The same granite was used in the kitchen and the bathrooms.

Innovative Kitchen & Bath Design Full Service Kitchen & Bath Remodeling

four sons, who are in high school and college, spend a lot of time in this area of the home.

“Our first house had a big great room, our second house wasn’t like that,” Stacey said.

“I kind of missed that.”

There is a deck off the bonus room, with glass railing that allows for an unobstructed view of the Tri-Cities. “It’s not like you’ve got the Grand Tetons or the ocean or something,” Doug said. “But it’s pretty, it’s Tri-Cities.”

Let us sweep away the confusion and guide you from where you are, to where you want to be, with your remodel project.

“For everybody, [your home] is your biggest investment,” Doug said. “I don’t think people realize when they pick a contractor how much it helps to have somebody who knows all the trades who can fill in all the blanks. That’s something Greg really brings to the table.”

Meet Your Designers

Darryl Vaughn Designer 25+ yrs experience

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Warren Smith, CMKBD, CAPs Certified Designer 35+ yrs experience

kitchen-restylers.com

The McKinleys always knew who they wanted to hire to build their dream home, and they suggest doing plenty of research when looking for a trusted contractor.

Kelly Key Designer 20+ yrs experience

516 W Deschutes Ave Kennewick, WA 99336

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local

Spring fever -

Weddings in the Mid-Columbia

Story by Alicia Walters THERE ARE VERY FEW MILESTONES IN LIFE THAT COMPARE WITH your wedding day, surrounded by family and friends on both sides of the aisle. When you look back on your wedding day, the memories that will stand out most are that of family and friends and the feeling that you shared that day.

It will be an extraordinary celebration and everything that goes into it will help to create the atmosphere, feelings and ultimately memories that will last your lifetime. Your wedding story will be one that you will want to tell again and again. The parts of the story that will matter are the comforting memories of having one of the most important events 18

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of your life unfold close to home, surrounded by your people.

These feelings result from hiring the right team to help your wedding celebration run smoothly. Wedding industry prices are competitive in the Mid-Columbia with the national average. You can have a breathtaking wedding here for less than what you would pay elsewhere. The

region is home to great venues and wedding services that are ready to make your day memorable.

Hiring a wedding planner early in the process can save you time and money. Wedding planners are networked with local vendors and wedding services to design the styled wedding of your choice, take care of your guests and make sure your expenses fit within your budget.

When you work with a planner, you are including a professional on your team who knows the wedding

From the flowers to the photography, local vendors can make your Tri-Cities wedding a flawless reality. Harper Road Floral photo courtesy of Danielle Torres

industry and can help you determine a reasonable budget to accomplish your priorities and meet your expectations. “I always ask what matters most, such as the gown and food and beverage for the guests, and work it into the budget,” said Alexandra Roselee, owner of White Glove Weddings, a local wedding planning company. And when it comes to rehearsal, she says not to worry– planners are there through every step.

With so many options for venues, catering and flowers, a wedding planner can be a trusted source for recommendations.

“Desert Wind Winery is my favorite venue.

They have such versatile space and so much can be done with their location,” Roselee said of the Prosser venue. She also recommends working with Jose and

Silvia Garcia of Artfetti Cakes in Kennewick and Chandra Christenson at Simplified Celebrations in Richland for stunning floral.

While destination weddings have increased in popularity, there are plenty of excellent options when sticking close to home. Jordan Charvat, whose Mid-Columbia wedding was featured on “The Ruffled Blog,” chose local vendors and services for her big day.

“Having our wedding close and being able to have our close friends and family there for the reception was a blast,” she said. “We wouldn’t have been able to experience that at a farther destination.”

Charvat bought her dress at Amy’s Bridal in Richland. She was very pleased with their selection of dresses and jewelry and found

them very accommodating with her schedule. Her husband Dyllan had her wedding ring and band custom made with family jewels at Brother’s Jewelers in Richland.

They were very happy with the rings and with how efficient the jewelers were.

Tina Miller, owner of Miller Media Films, was the couple’s videographer. Charvat has watched the video about 50 times and says it’s exactly what she hoped for. “It always brings me to tears; Tina captured our wedding and our love beautifully.” To book with Tina at Miller Media Films, visit millermediaandvideography.com or email tina509@gmail.com.

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the backdrop of sweeping desert landscapes with a panoramic sky that goes on and on.

And in the summer, you can’t beat those Mid-Columbia sunsets. Jenne Kissell of JK Photography says she really tries to capture the emotion in the couple’s faces as they experience their wedding day together because that is what they will want to remember later on. Kissell’s photography tip for brides is to wear false eyelashes to enhance eyes and add a little touch of drama.

“I recently shot a wedding at the newly redone Lionsgate in Kennewick. It was beautiful! A really gorgeous setting,” Kissell

said. The venue includes an intimate chapel surrounded with elegantly manicured gardens and has several packages to choose from.

One of the things that couples enjoy the most about Lionsgate is their helpful and friendly staff, something that can ease the stress of wedding day jitters.

A bride’s wedding day is a chance for her feel exceptionally beautiful, and that can be where professional makeup artists come in. Anais Valdez Makeup in Pasco strives to

Wedding planners help take care of all the details. White Glove Weddings photo courtesy of Alexandra RoseLee

Hiring a wedding photographer is one way to ensure the most important moments of your big day are 20 captured.

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enhance the existing beauty within each of her clients. “I want my clients to look in the mirror and ‘ooh’ and ‘ahh,’ not because they don’t recognize themselves, but because they recognize their own unique features beautifully enhanced,” Valdez said. She consults with her brides first and does not pressure them to follow current makeup trends to create their desired look for their special day.

From the venue and decor to your hair and makeup, professionals in the Tri-Cities are ready to help. No matter what sort of wedding day you’re dreaming of – rustic, glamourous, traditional or something entirely unique to you – local vendors can provide all the services needed to bring your vision to life and give you a wedding to remember forever. www.whenintricities.com Instagram @whenintricities

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Unlock the magic of Washington’s Wine Country with these unique tours

Story by Elsie Puig Photos by Lisa Monteagudo, courtesy of MM3 Design Agency, LLC IMAGINE YOURSELF TAKING A LEISURELY HORSEBACK RIDE THROUGH THE RURAL BACKCOUNTRY OF Red Mountain's private vineyards, indulging in wine tasting at exclusive speakeasies, or soaking in the history, aromas and decadent flavors of Washington’s wine country. Sure, you can hop in your car, create your own itinerary and be well on your way, but truly unlocking the magic of wine country requires dedicated tour guides that are knowledgeable about what makes our wine country unique and our wines so spectacular. Some of these wine tours are so popular they get booked a year in advance and attract people from all over the country.

“The Tri-Cities region is the heart of Washington wine country, making the wine industry an important sector in our tourism portfolio. People from throughout the region, even the nation, travel to our community to experience our award-winning wines,” said Kris Watkins, President and CEO of Visit Tri-Cities.

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Red Mountain Trails offers wine tours via horseback through vineyards.

Take Fruit of the Vine Tours for example.

One of their loyal patrons books the Saturday of Spring Barrel Weekend every year for the upcoming year. John Artz provides unique and customizable wine country tours in his trolley. He can accommodate groups up to 13 and take them anywhere within a 60-mile radius for those who want to venture out to try wineries and tasting rooms in Walla Walla, Prosser or the Yakima Valley. If you're thinking of doing a wine country excursion, he recommends

of wine country while sipping on a newly purchased syrah or merlot between tasting room stops or just kick back, relax, listen to your favorite music or chat it up with your friends. Artz says you can make this tour whatever you'd like.

“It's like driving around in your living room,” he said.

Stay close to the source If you want an intimate and authentic wine country experience, consider taking one of

start at Kiona and stop at three wineries for tastings along the way.

“You spend little time on country roads; most of it is through rural dirt roads through the vineyards. People comment on how tranquil and quiet it is. We get exclusive access to tasting rooms that are not even advertised, kind of like a speakeasy,” Owen said. She even prepares a picnic-style lunch.

Looking to top off your Saturday night watching a sunset in wine country? Red Mountain Trails also offers a dinner ride

“People from throughout the region, even the nation, travel to our community to experience our award-winning wines.” booking at least a month in advance.

“Spring and fall are so pleasant to be out and about, it's beautiful in the area,” said Artz. “A lot of times you can get me the next day, but on most occasions I'm already booked. Thirty days advanced booking is recommended.”

His tours are $95 an hour for a minimum of three hours. Learn about Rattlesnake Mountain, the Ice Age floods and the history

Red Mountain Trails’ unique wine country tours. Owner Teresa Owen's family was one of the original wine families on Red Mountain, and she has exclusive access to vineyards located in the heart of the Red Mountain AVA. For $245 a person, you can take a leisurely ride on horseback through Ciel du Cheval Vineyard, Kiona Vineyards and Winery, Monte Scarlatto Estate Winery, Hedges Family Estate, Hightower Cellars or Frichette Winery. Red Mountain Trails

every Friday and Saturday night. There you can socialize with friends or make new ones as Owen prepares a delectable four course dinner paired with Red Mountain's award-winning wines.

“It's kind of like a pop up restaurant in the middle of the vineyard,” she said. “You can watch the sun set over the valley. It's just awesome.” Savor Mediterranean stuffed grape leaves, Cougar Gold cheese and locally sourced produce as a starter, then S pri n g 2017

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Wine tasting in the vineyards isn’t complete without a four course dinner.

dive into grilled pork tenderloin drizzled with chutney or relish and top it off with some seasonal berries in a tart shell. The dinners accommodate 16 people; 12 can ride in a horse-pulled wagon and four can ride on horseback. The dinners are available May through September and cost $95 dollars for the wagon ride and $105 on horseback.

“The dinners are super fun. You have people who don't know each other around one big picnic table like one big happy family, and by the end of the night they're friends,” said Owen.

Go upscale If you're looking for glitz and glamour, consider a customizable wine country tour

while seated inside a luxurious limousine.

Desert Wave Limousines offer a variety of well-maintained limousines to accommodate intimate groups up to groups as large as 28. Desert Wave Limousine provides wine tasting tours throughout Red Mountain, Prosser, Yakima Valley, Tri-Cities and the Walla Walla Valley. They also offer wine tasting packages that include dinner and

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entertainment at local restaurants. Wine tasting tours are available year round, seven days a week.

“We can customize wine tasting itineraries based on what they would like to see,” said owner Kim Jones. “We might try something different if they already have experience with wines or if they're just learning about wines. Sometimes it's not so much about the wine, but about the experience. We'll make sure to visit some beautiful wine country estates.”

Prices vary depending on day of the week and type of limousine. Desert Wave has a Lincoln Town Car limousine which can accommodate 10 people, a Hummer limousine which can accommodate 25 people and a party bus that can accommodate 22 people.

Prices start at $420 for up to four hours.

Jones recommends booking in advance for weekend outings, as they sell out quickly.

“People are actually calling now trying to book for Spring Barrel weekend. In February people start to put down deposits to secure their reservation,” Jones said.

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Pair with cheese and chocolate The wine country experience perhaps wouldn't be complete without savoring some gourmet delicacies along the way.

Road2 Tri-Cities is a relatively new wine tour provider to the area, but their unique offerings allow you to explore wine country and savor award-winning wines along with local cheese and chocolates. The tour takes you through some of wine country's most renowned wineries like Kiona Vineyards and Winery, Terra Blanca Winery, Barnard Griffin Winery and Hedges Family Estate.

You can also taste locally made hard cider at Sun River Vintners and D’s Wicked Cider.

The tour will take you to Yoke’s Fresh Market to try different cheeses and Baum's House of Chocolate to taste hand-made chocolates and truffles.

“It’s more than just tasting; this is specific to learning more about the Tri-Cities’ viticultural area,” said co-founder Bob Christensen.

Red Mountain Trails offers sunset dinners, a perfect ending to a day spent wine tasting.

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The Day Adventure departs from the Three Rivers Convention Center parking location near the Columbia Center Mall at 9:30 a.m. and returns by 3 p.m. The tour costs $109

John Artz, owner of Fruit of the Vine Tours, can accommodate up to 13 people in his trolley. Photo by Tri-City Herald

per person. Maximum number of adventurers per van is 14. For large groups, Day Adventure tours are available using multiple vans.

No matter your means of travel – limo, trolley, bus or horse – a tour through wine country is a memorable way to experience

the best of Washington’s wine industry, right in our own backyard.

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health

Sunshine, springtime & allergies Story by Laura Kostad IT’S ALMOST THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN—OUR COLD winters are about to give way to rolling hills of green, ushering in a headfirst slide into summer when our frequent breezes will again be appreciated. Many of us, however, are forced to remain indoors and stock up on allergy-fighting products as February draws to a close and the warm sun starts to shine over spring.

Dr. John C. Walker of Northwest Asthma and Allergy in Richland explained that the Columbia Basin’s long warm season and the large amount of tumbleweed and similar species, whose pollen tends to remain trapped here in the low-lying basin and waterways, are major factors in the region’s allergy equation. Being surrounded on all sides by some of the nation’s prime agricultural land and coupled with the frequent winds that sweep the Basin, we Tri-Citizens find ourselves not only under siege by the usual pollen counts, but also dust from the dry, tilled soil of the fields and the spray drift of crop treatments.

U.S. Department of Agriculture scientists, among other credible scientific groups, have identified a correlation between global warming and increasingly higher pollen counts year by year. The warmer temperatures foster plant growth and lengthen the growing season, translating to more pollen production and longer allergy seasons. Knowing how to interpret a pollen count and air quality rating alongside your daily weather report comes in handy when preparing to venture outside. The lower the number and cooler the color key (i.e. green versus red) generally translates to more sinus-friendly air.

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In addition to staying up on over-thecounter treatments such as steroidal nasal

sprays, allergy medications and prescription eye drops that help curb symptoms, there are many preventative measures that can be taken before and during allergy season to additionally reduce irritation.

Maintaining good indoor air quality is key.

Make sure that even during the colder months of fall and winter your house gets adequate air flow. Houseplants can aid in recycling the air, much like their outdoor counterparts. Air purifiers and Himalayan salt crystal lamps do the same work, helping to keep the air free of irritants.

Fortunately for us in the Tri-Cities, raw honey is readily available year-round from Two Sisters Honey, based out of Kennewick, and Hiatt and Sons, based out of Pasco.

Both are family owned and run small-scale operations that produce quality product sold in local venues. Two Sisters can be found at the local farmers’ markets, the Mid-Columbia Market at the Hub in Richland and Highland Health Foods in Kennewick.

Hiatt and Sons honey can be purchased at Atomic Foods in Pasco or the Leyte Oriental Store in Richland.

Numerous natural remedies for directly treating allergy symptoms are also reported effective. One of the most common being the consumption of bee-derived products, such as raw (minimally processed and not exposed to high heat) honey, honeycomb or bee propolis tablets. The key is to eat locally produced honeys, because they are made from the local pollens that cause allergy flair-ups. Like vaccinations, being exposed to these bee-processed forms of the pollen aids our immune systems in developing a stronger defense.

Other natural remedies utilize easily obtainable, common household products.

Dr. Walker recommends saline lavage twice a day via Neti pot. Using either a pre-made saline solution or your own (most effective if Himalayan or sea salt is used), the Neti pot serves as a convenient vehicle for flushing out the sinuses. In addition to familiar drugstores, the Richland and Highland Health Foods stores also carry them. Others have found that consuming a teaspoon of organic, unfiltered apple cider vinegar mixed in approximately eight ounces of water, three

times per day, during allergy season can do the trick, thanks to the vinegar’s ability to reduce mucous production. If natural remedies and over-the-counter solutions fall short of defeating persistent allergies, a regimen of allergy shots administered by a physician periodically over the course of a few years may provide permanent relief.

Always consult your doctor before beginning new treatments, and then, once you’re well, get out there and experience the joy of the Tri-Cities in springtime.

Photo by Laura Kostad

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explore

A single file line heads through the first portion of Rattlesnake Slope Trail before it leads down into a canyon. Photo courtesy of Sarah Lingley

Fitness for the mind and body Story by Heather Weagant SARAH LINGLEY HAS ALWAYS BEEN SELF-DRIVEN. SHE HAS THE ability to make the most of her surroundings and is always interested in learning more. This attitude inspired her to embrace a cross country move from rural Maine, where she was born and raised, to the Tri-Cities so she could be closer to her sister.

Lingley's dream of starting her own health and wellness business became a reality when she created Thrive Fitness Adventures in February 2016 after attending Launch University at FUSE co-working space in Richland. It didn't take Lingley much time to learn the ins and outs of starting a business, and 30

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she received her Wilderness First Responder certification to ensure the safety of her clients. Through Thrive Fitness Adventures, she quickly got to work hosting eight wellness events in 2016. Lingley already has plans in the works to see that number double in 2017.Â

"I was inspired by opportunities to provide unique, heart-centered mind, body and nature experiences, which will empower you to reconnect with yourself, nature and other inspiring women and men,"Â she said. Lingley has many adventures and activities designed to support exploration of both your internal and external world through guided hikes, yoga sessions, meditations and other mind-body exercises.

Yoga in the Vines is a curated event that includes a walk through

Sarah Lingley, creator of Thrive Fitness Adventures. Photo by Heather Weagant

the beautiful vineyards of Red Mountain wineries, an outdoor yoga session guided by certified yoga instructors and a wine tasting at the hosting winery. This year all Yoga in the Vines activities will be hosted on the beautiful grounds of Hedges Family Estate. The event incorporates mind-body practices such as tuning into your senses, meditating and exploring mind-body resources. Lingley encourages those who are looking for an uplifting experience to attend a Yoga in the Vines session, which takes place on various Saturday mornings from May to September.

Wild Goddess Weekend is a women-only event that includes hiking and camping in Mount Rainier National Park. "The intention for the weekend is to create a sacred space for women to explore their inner femininity with a focus on incorporating mind-body practices such as yoga, meditation, tuning inward exercises, dance, and journaling opportunities," Lingley said.

These events will take place on various weekends from June through September, and include camping gear, meals and trail snacks, beverages, yoga mats and materials for the mind-body exercises. S pri n g 2017

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Dedicated to learning more about the area she uses as inspiration for others, Lingley spent the summers of 2015 and 2016 exploring Mount Rainier National Park in preparation for future guiding adventures.

She has continued to learn through being a trip leader on numerous outings with friends, family and acquaintances, including a three-day backpacking trip to Tamanos Mountain, intense hikes to Shriner Peak and Van Trump Park and many day hikes within Mount Rainier National Park. In the summer of 2016, she guided multiple 7-mile day hikes in the Rattlesnake Slope Wildlife Area in Benton County through her business. "I hope to inspire others to explore more using their own two feet, to connect with nature and to spend more time outdoors. To appreciate the big view as much as the little flowers. To look with awe at the beauty all around us," Lingley said.

Her biggest inspiration of all has come from the generosity of the community. "When friends, family, co-workers and even strangers listened to my story, shared my story with others, offered me a useful piece of

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advice or connected me with someone who could help me make the next step towards growing my business. Those moments are invaluable," she said.

While looking to share her love of fitness and the outdoors with those around her, as well as encouraging those within our community to seek out meaningful mindbody practices, Lingley said, "Thrive Fitness Adventures really is my passion project, and one that wouldn’t be where it is today without the support of my partner, friends,

family and the ever-loving Fuse community!

If I can do it, so can you! Tri-Cities is a really awesome place to live, and I encourage everyone to get out there, create your life and make Tri-Cities the community you love to live in!"

To learn more about Thrive Fitness Adventures, check out their Facebook page facebook.com/thrivefitnessadventures or their website thrivefitnessadventures.com.

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art

Making a BIG statement

The REACH is home to Rastovich’s Solar Arches. Photo by Tri-City Herald

Joseph Rastovich.

Photo courtesy of LuAnn Ostergaard

Story by Carolyn Henderson WHEN YOU DRIVE AROUND THE TRI-CITIES, YOU CONSTANTLY RUN into Joseph Rastovich— or at least, you encounter some of his handiwork.

Rastovich’s public art sculpture is expansive, grand, striking and memorably imposing.

artist has created 11 major pieces of public art, eight of which are in the Tri-Cities area. And at 25 years old, he’s just getting started.

A self-described man of dichotomies, Rastovich is drawn to nature, inspired by its beauty and complexity: it’s where he recharges his creative batteries. It’s where he receives answers to his many questions. It’s where he feels most inspired and reverent.

“There are three new public projects I’m currently working on,” Rastovich says, explaining that the nature of the game requires submitting multiple proposals to municipalities and public entities (one year he put in two dozen such proposals) in the hopes of securing one or more contracts.

But when he isn’t hiking, backpacking, climbing or mountain biking, he’s donning safety goggles, welding helmet, heavy leather gloves, 34

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respirator, ear plugs under ear muffs and heavy boots as he works in an indoor and outdoor studio complete with forklift, sandblaster, oxy acetylene kit, plasma cutters, welders and other accoutrements of an industrial station.

What emerges from this energetically magical place spans the gamut from wall art, home décor and furniture to majestically proportioned public art. The Kennewick

“I very much like to work on multiple projects at once, bouncing from one to another,” Rastovich says. “I like

task of tying rebar for the Tualatin sculpture.

“At dusk, my mom was still in the four-foot deep hole picking up errant wires, when all of a sudden a fire truck and police come rolling up thinking there’s a problem.

Evidently someone called 911 thinking my mom had fallen in the hole.”

It makes a great story now.

Rastovich’s interest in, and passion for, large-scale art began at a young age when he was immersed in the art world and its receptions, festivals, museums and culture.

“I like flow, movement, evolution. My life must be dynamic.”

Adding to this experience was that of being “unschooled” every other year. He went back into the system itinerantly to determine whether or not he was keeping up.

“I was allowed to escape conventional

Allied Arts Association Brings You Exhibits and Sales of Original Artwork by Local and Regional Artists

Installation of Rastovich’s Desert Grass sculptures. Photo courtesy of LuAnn Ostergaard

flow, movement, evolution. My life must be dynamic. My art must be dynamic. The only thing that is constant is change.”

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Two years ago, when Rastovich completed the 16,000 pound Solar Arches for the REACH Museum in Richland, he must have really been feeling the dynamism, because in addition to this massive undertaking, he was also putting together the 20-foot tall Lazy River sculpture in Tualatin, Oregon, 240 miles away. Add in lengthy contract negotiations, which did not result in extended time to get the projects done, and Rastovich found the need to get moving, intensely.

“With half the expected time and double the anticipated projects, I had four times the workload as I had planned for,” Rastovich remembers. “I literally fabricated from 8 a.m. in the morning to 9 p.m. at night every day, including weekends and holidays, for the year to get those projects done. The complexity, deadlines, all-nighters and stress were what you might see in a reality show, or war.”

As with any reality situation, there were moments of humor. Enlisting the help of his parents, lifetime professional artists LuAnn Ostergaard and John Rastovich of Kennewick, Rastovich assigned them the S pri n g 2017

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curriculum and delve into philosophy, physics, nature, health, spirituality, aesthetics and creativity among many other things— all of which are the basis of my artwork.”

Also within Rastovich’s curriculum was metal and machine work, jumpstarted when he inherited non-working classic cars. A job as a dishwasher in a jazz and wine club not only provided funds to build the burgeoning supply of tools his interests demanded, but was also the springboard to today’s entrepreneurship.

“I learned that I must be the leader of my own life, and I must be free. …While running your own business, especially an art business, is highly challenging, it affords me limitless opportunities towards success and self-expression.”

He fabricated his first steel sculpture at the age of 14, a 4.5-foot diameter sphere made of plow disks that resides in his parents’ pasture, and gained experience in public art by self-apprenticing to his father, whose experience in creating large-scale public murals and a float for the Portland Rose Parade provided invaluable insight.

“Once we got a few projects under our belt, I took that experience and ran with it,” Rastovich says.

And he’s still running, on high octane, thriving in an arena that demands as much physical prowess as it does mental acumen and creative energy. The result is inspirational fine art, a facet of fine culture that Rastovich believes is essential to the well-being of society.

Road

“I often pass by my sculptures in a roundabout, at a hospital, on a street corner, in a park, at a school, in front of a fire station,” Rastovich comments.

“And I wonder what effect a particular piece has on people who interact with it. Has it become a landmark to an individual’s story?

Did a couple meet near the sculpture? Did it inspire other creative endeavors? Did it slow people down from their hectic lives?

Is it cemented in the memory of a child passing by?”

It is in these ways, he concludes, that public sculpture creates waves of impact throughout the community and within the human experience.

Carolyn Henderson is a freelance writer who co-owns Steve Henderson Fine Art with her husband, Steve.

She is the author of “Grammar Despair,” “Live Happily on Less,” and “The Misfit Christian,” and blogs at ThisWomanWrites.com. She can be reached at Carolyn@SteveHendersonFineArt.com

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art

Sketching their surroundings Story by Raven Smith Photos courtesy of Marsha Bates FAMOUS PHILOSOPHER AND POET HENRY DAVID THOREAU once said, “The world is but a canvas to our imagination.” Tri-Citian Jim Bumgarner certainly agreed, as he started a small get-together of like-minded people who were looking for an outlet for their creativity. At the time, it was just a handful of local artists that would meet on a regular basis around town to paint and sketch. They started posting some of their drawings online, but soon, they wanted a more authentic way to record their city and showcase some of the local places that residents might not be aware of.

Bumgarner had heard of a similar organization in Seattle called Urban Sketchers. Founder Gabriel (Gabi) Campanario is a journalist for The Seattle Times, and in 2008 he created the Urban Sketchers blog, where artists could submit their sketches along with stories providing a background for their sketch– when and where the sketch was created along with words and narratives

that went with the photos. The blog quickly gained popularity, attracting thousands of visitors a day, and in December 2009, Campanario established Urban Sketchers as a nonprofit organization.

Marsha Bates is the administrator for the 509 Urban Sketchers and says the manifesto is comprised of eight simple, loose rules. “It’s mostly about recording your surroundings and then sharing the results.

Learning more about the culture, city and things that are part of the community and very unique to the area.”

Shortly after that Bumgarner reached out to Campanario, telling him about the local 509 sketch group in the Tri-Cities, and how they would like to open their own Urban

There are currently more than 75 local members on the roster, but it’s usually a core group of eight to 15 regulars who get together weekly to sketch.

The Urban Sketchers meet up regularly at different locations in the Tri-Cities.

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Sketchers association and webpage.

Bumgarner got permission and that is when Campanario gave them the Urban Sketchers manifesto.

A sketch of Roasters Coffee.

When it comes to selecting a sketch location, Bates says they usually look for a place with interesting architectural details or a view that’s a little out of the way. “We like to sketch things and places that most of the Tri-Cities hasn’t really discovered yet: trails, nature areas and preserves that are just opening or getting groomed for the public. We go and do some drawings and that kind of enhances the public knowledge about what they can expect.”

There are also a few locations that the Urban Sketchers have returned to simply for the fascinating surroundings that heighten their sketching experience. “The interior of the dome inside the Franklin County Courthouse is simply beautiful,” Bates said.

“The stunning stained glass and arches are the perfect backdrop for an artist.”

The group has returned more than once to capture their interpretations of the dome.

The grain mill in Pasco is another popular sketch location, and though it hasn’t been in use for some time now, it speaks to the agricultural identity of the Tri-Cities. Many local wineries offer views and vineyards that make for good sketching material as well.

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After they sketch on location, the group then meets at a designated place to share their artwork. “Everyone’s sketch is quite unique,” said Bates. “If we have 12 people attend that morning, we are going to get 12 different views from what they were looking at. One sketcher may be looking for shapes and objects, while another may be looking for the way the light shines and reflects off the background. It differs from person to person.”

said Bates. “A few things I consider when making a decision is asking a few questions, such as ‘Is this person local? Is it actually feasible for them to come and attend our weekly sketches?’ We rarely cancel, so commitment is important.”

Urban Sketchers use a variety of tools, running the whole gamut from pencil and pen to items found in nature. “We have people who prefer pencil only and do beautiful black and white sketches,” said Bates, “and some who use pen for ink drawings, and then some like to start with pencil and add in color later. We’ve had people use crayons and some have even sketched with sticks and branches found on location. Any kind of drawing tool is welcome.”

Urban Sketchers has since transformed into a global community of artists that practice drawing on location in different cities, towns and villages. With each new sketch they fulfill their motto: “We show the world, one drawing at a time.”

For someone wanting to join the Urban Sketchers, a background in art is not a requirement. “We welcome beginners, as well as those who are very experienced,”

2. Our drawings tell the story of our surroundings, the places we live and where we travel.

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The 509 Urban Sketchers participated in the Allied Arts Association Gallery at the Park in Richland last year, and have been involved in a few other local galleries around the area.

4. We are truthful to the scenes we witness.

5. We use any kid of media and cherish our individual styles.

6. We support each other and draw together.

7. We share our drawings online.

8. We show the world, one drawing at a time.

Urban Sketchers Manifesto 1. We draw on location, indoors, or out, capturing what we see from direct observations.

3. Our drawings are a record of time and place.

A sketch of the Center for Excellence in Dermatology (top) and the Tri-City Herald (bottom).

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nonprofit

The hunt of a lifetime Story by Kevin Cole

WHEN YOU MEET DRAKE, YOU REALIZE THAT YOUTH OUTDOORS Unlimited (Y.O.U.) is a different kind of organization.

Drake is 12. You wouldn't guess that. He is 4' 3" tall. He sports goggles, with friendly, intelligent eyes looking out from behind the lenses.

You have to listen very closely when he speaks.

At the Tri-Cities Sportsmen show, Drake walked over to the booth of a Y.O.U supporter and upsold their $45 donation to something around $900, without "grown-up" help or involvement. He knows exactly why the mission to encourage and inspire kids with severe physical challenges to reach far beyond what anyone expects is so important, and he explains it better than the adults.

The first two years of Drake’s

life were lived in Seattle Children's Hospital, dealing with a long list of issues and illnesses. After that, he lived less than a year with his biological family, then entered the foster care system. He's now been with his forever family for seven years.

Three years ago, Drake and his parents, Dave and T.J. Martin, came across Youth Outdoors Unlimited at the Central Washington Sportsmen show in Yakima. One year later, at age 10, Drake went deer hunting.

Cindy Carpenter – with husband Joe, a founder of Youth Outdoors Unlimited – doesn’t remember when she realized that “normal” was gone, but she can trace the path of

its leaving. Joe is a lifelong hunter. A few years back he started to teach Cindy the skills and strategy of the hunt, and she loved it.

As Cindy tells it, “After a year of deer hunting, I ran across a story about a group that had taken a severely disabled child hunting. No legs, one arm and just one finger on that arm – but he wanted to hunt!

I watched that and told Joe, ‘We oughtta do that!’"

In 2011, the Carpenters took three kids out hunting. “That was amazing, as much for us as for the kids,” Cindy said. “The next year we took five kids and in 2013 it was eight, and we started showing up at outdoor shows to spread the word and ran an auction to raise the money

Photos above from left to right: Drake Martin, photo by Jamie Washburn. Joe and Cindy Carpenter, photo by Carpenter Handcrafted Photography. Ethan Janke, Marc Nelson and Aiden Kemp, photo by Marc Nelson. Mac Graff, photo by Cindy Carpenter. Trackchair, photo by Carpenter Handcrafted Photography.

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Jace Malek is pictured with his prized moose. Photo by Cindy Carpenter

to pay for it all. By 2014, with eight trips, outdoor shows and fundraisers, we didn’t have time for jobs anymore.”

learned about Youth Outdoors Unlimited, the more I thought, ‘This would be great; I can get behind this!’”

The first few years, money was raised with an annual banquet and auction in Moses Lake. In recent years, Tri-Cities group members developed a local banquet and auction. Then came a Western Washington banquet and auction. This year, two more will be added: Spokane and Yakima.

Janke described a hunting trip recently offered by Y.O.U. The child, who has had 11 open heart surgeries, has a pacemaker.

“He's mobile but absolutely cannot take any impact to his chest. With help from some special adaptive devices, we had a successful hunt. We really want these families to see that there are ways to do this, condition notwithstanding. They can still enjoy the outdoors."

The hunting schedule continued to expand.

Among 12 trips in 2015 was one with Tri-Citian Mac Graff, son of Chiawana High School football coach Steve Graff, already an accomplished outdoorsman in his teens before being paralyzed in a hunting accident. Mac and his family went bear hunting in British Columbia.

The crew at Y.O.U. pulls out all the stops to make sure their kids get the full experience when they go out on a hunt. Janke recalled the story of Jace Malek of Spokane, who was diagnosed with terminal cancer in high school.

“We have a great board of directors and the group here from the Tri-Cities: Katie and Marc Nelson, Jamie Washburn, Ethan Janke and so many others. They love the outdoors and they love kids.”

"Jace had always wanted to go moose hunting, but in Washington you don’t just get to go; you buy chances at a tag in lotteries and drawings. It is literally a once in a lifetime deal,” Janke said.

Ethan Janke, now a Y.O.U. board vice president, is a lifelong Tri-Citian. After getting to know the group and its founders a couple of years back, he volunteered land that he and a partner own in the Blue Mountains for hunting trips and became a volunteer guide.

Cindy Carpenter used her contacts at the Department of Fish and Wildlife to make sure Jace received a special tag, and a week later Jace and all of his family were in camp.

“I hunt and fish, and I love to take kids out and watch them experience it for the first time,” Janke said. “That's much more rewarding than going alone. The more I

"Jace got a bull, and the guides carried him hundreds of yards up a hill so he could see it where he got it. He had to leave right away to go back to the hospital... It had taken that much out of him.

"Normally taxidermy work runs nine months to two years out, but Bob Kenner, a taxidermist and Y.O.U. board member, dropped everything for this, and in one week tanned and mounted that moose.

They threw a cover over the moose, pulled up to the back door of the hospital, took it up a freight elevator to Jace's floor, and with the help of a couple of nurses who were in on it, they got it into his room.”

Two months later, Jace was gone. He passed away in hospice care, surrounded by family and the memorabilia of many hunts with his grandpa from his life before cancer, and from that one last hunt of a lifetime – his moose.

Through the dedication of many volunteers, unceasing fundraising work by Y.O.U. members and a number of generous sponsors and donors, a Youth Outdoors Unlimited trip of a lifetime doesn't cost the child or his or her family anything. Food, transportation, training, licensing and complete outfitting of clothing and necessary equipment are all free. The group welcomes donations, of course. But what they really need are the names of more kids they can help.

To find out which conditions that Y.O.U can accommodate, look online at http://youthoutdoorsu.org. If you know of a child who would benefit, or would like more information, please call (509) 431-1604.

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dance

Mid-Columbia Ballet -

introduces dance to children with special needs Story and photos by Elsie Puig MACIE SKADORWA IS GLIDING ACROSS THE STUDIO DANCE FLOOR with the grace of a professional ballerina. Her arms gently lift from the floor up toward the ceiling as she mimics the evolution of a seed into the blossoming of a flower in the form of interpretive dance. Although she looks over every few minutes at her dance instructor for reassurance, she performs with composure and confidence, as do all the other children in this unique Mid-Columbia Ballet (MCB) class. Meanwhile, a group of proud parents take pictures and videos from behind the studio’s glass window.

This is not your typical ballet class.

The participants, children aged 8 to 11, have special needs, such as Down syndrome and autism, and have never performed ballet before, mostly because there are few local dance companies that can accommodate the unique needs of these children.

MCB designed INCLUDE, a free dance outreach workshop, to help children with varying degrees of developmental disabilities to relish in the joy and benefits of dance. Over the arc of six sessions, INCLUDE will focus on bringing children with special needs joy through participation in a dance class designed

Students dance in a recent INCLUDE workshop activity.

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specifically for them.

The program runs six weeks and is held every Saturday from 4 to 5 p.m. at the Tri-Cities Academy of Ballet. This workshop has been specially developed by MCB’s resident dance historian, Rebecca Rogo, who is passionate about bringing the arts to children who live with developmental disorders. Rogo has a master’s degree in special education and since graduating, has spent her career combining her background as a dancer with her formal education.

“There are so many opportunities for kids with developmental disabilities to be integrated in schools,

but not so much in the community and in extracurricular activities,” Rogo said. “The arts are very welcoming to people and to people who are different. Dance is something that engages all parts of you: it engages your mind, your body and your spirit even. I think that’s beneficial to these kids.”

sensory processing and integration and new tools for verbal and nonverbal communication.

"This class gives the students a chance to move the way they want to."

Before the program started, MCB sent out an informational packet with questionnaires for parents to fill out, hoping to understand the personalities of the participants beforehand in hopes of anticipating their needs.

Each session is guided by a theme, such as narrative, or how to tell a story through dance.

“We started with the [music] volume all the way down and slowly turned it up so there was a nice level and there were no surprises,” said Rogo. They made sure to communicate with the parents to set expectations and a general outline on the format of the class.

“Other themes are like space, or taking up space and moving through space, time, meter or musicality. There is also energy and force, which goes over the dynamic of movement, such as really soft and flowy or sharp and strong,” said Rogo.

To aid in the classroom instruction, MCB dancers volunteer their time to help the children choreograph and learn dance routines. At the end of the program, students will demonstrate what they’ve learned by putting on a performance for friends and family. Participants will demonstrate increased physical awareness, improved

So far, response from parents has been positive. “We love this class,” said Macie’s mom, Delayna Skadorwa. “It is perfect for Macie because she loves to interpret music with her own moves. This class gives the students a chance to move the way they want to.”

That’s the goal of the program, according to Renée Adams, Director of Programs and Outreach for MCB. “It’s really an overview of the essence and joy of dance,” she said.

In keeping with their goals to make the performing arts accessible to children with special needs and their families, this year the Mid-Columbia Ballet will also offer a relaxed, sensory-friendly performance of “Little Red Riding Hood” at Richland High School on Saturday, March 18th. It’s the first time the MCB has offered a sensory-friendly performance.

“The lights will be up, the sounds will be softer, there will be more front of house staff and ushers available to make families feel welcome and acknowledge that if they need to get up or take a break, that it’s totally OK,” Rogo said. “We will also be sending out information to families who purchase tickets for this event so they can better prepare their child to enjoy this performance.”

For more information on INCLUDE, visit midcolumbiaballet.org/outreach_include.html.

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Spring Events Calendar Three Rivers Brew & Bacon Festival February 18, Three Rivers Convention Center, Kennewick Microbrews and bacon are a great combination, and you can get both at the third annual Three Rivers Brew & Bacon Festival. Local restaurants will provide bacon-inspired dishes and wine will be available as well. Tickets can be purchased at ticketmaster.com or the Toyota Center box office.

Regional Home and Garden Show February 24-26, TRAC, Pasco The area’s biggest home and garden show will be full of ideas to get you started on those spring projects. Tons of local vendors will be on hand to share information about their products and services. Tickets are available at the door. hbatc.com/events/regional-home-andgarden-show.html

“Rent” 20th Anniversary Tour February 27, Toyota Center, Kennewick Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning rock musical celebrates its 20th anniversary with a vibrant touring production. Tickets can be purchased at ticketmaster.com or the Toyota Center box office. yourtoyotacenter.com/events-tickets/ details/?event_id=4346

Tri-Cities Antiques Show March 10-11, Gesa Carousel of Dreams, Kennewick Need a good treasure hunt? Visit the Gesa Carousel of Dreams for the 2017 Tri-Cities Antiques Show. Vendors will have everything from antique glassware to vintage clothing and literally all that’s in between. Admission is $7 and is good for both days. gesacarouselofdreams.com/antique-show

Columbia River Cowboy Gathering & Music Festival Photo by Tri-City Herald

Custer’s Spring Arts and Crafts Show

Senior Times Expo

March 17-19, TRAC, Pasco Head to the TRAC to enjoy the 18th annual Custer’s Spring Arts and Crafts Show.

More than 150 of the region’s finest artists and craftsmen will have their goods up for purchase. Handmade items including woodworking, beaded jewelry, metal sculpture and artisan food products are just a few of the goods that will be available.

Tickets are available at the door. custershows.com/home.php?flag=1&secid=3

April 18, Red Lion Hotel, Pasco Local vendors and specialists will share products and services for senior living at the 2017 Senior Times Expo. Vendors will include insurance companies, assisted living facilities, non-profits, fitness businesses and many more. Admission is free. tricitiesbusinessnews.com/senior-timesexpo

Columbia River Cowboy Gathering & Music Festival April 14-16, Benton County Fairgrounds, Kennewick The western way of life will be celebrated once again at the 14th annual Columbia River Cowboy Gathering and Music Festival.

There will be live music from Billy Dean, Lucy J. Dalton, Gary Allegretto and many more performers. In addition to music, festival goers can expect poetry, art, food and merchandise from western vendors.

For more information visit them online. columbiarivercowboygathering.com

Mom and Baby Expo

Custer’s Spring Arts and Crafts Show Photo by Tri-City Herald 46

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April 15, Three Rivers Convention Center, Kennewick Moms and moms to be should plan on attending the Mom and Baby Expo to see the newest products and resources from local vendors. Tickets will be sold at the door for $5. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. tricitiesmomandbabyexpo.weebly.com

Mid-Columbia Musical Theatre presents “Next to Normal” April 21-22, 27-29, Uptown Theatre, Richland The Mid-Columbia Musical Theatre will perform the Pulitzer Prize winning musical “Next to Normal” this April. The story follows what appears to be a typical AllAmerican family, but as the story unfolds the audience will discover they are anything but normal. Tickets are available online. midcolumbiamusicaltheatre.org

Gabriel Iglesias - Fluffy Mania April 27, Toyota Center, Kennewick Comedian Gabriel Iglesias kicks off his Fluffy Mania World Tour in February, and will make his way to the Toyota Center in April. The comedian is celebrating 20 years in standup and will present brand new material on the tour. Tickets start at $37 and are available on ticketmaster.com or at the Toyota Center box office. yourtoyotacenter.com/events-tickets/ details/?event_id=4281

Tri-Cities Ultimate Wine Run

Spring Barrel Tasting Photo by Tri-City Herald

Spring Barrel Tasting April 28-30, various local wineries Sample some of the area’s finest wines during Spring Barrel Tasting weekend.

Dozens of wineries from the Tri-Cities to Yakima participate in this special weekend, so make sure to look at the map and plan your route accordingly! For ticket information and a downloadable map, visit Wine Yakima Valley online. wineyakimavalley.org/events-item/ spring-barrel-tasting

April 29, Badger Mountain Vineyards, Kennewick Need a little motivation to get outside with friends and run? What about the promise of a glass of wine waiting at the finish line of your 5K? That’s the plan at the Ultimate Wine Run. Enjoy a fun, festive 5K run, local wine, mechanical bull, DJ, food trucks and plenty of other entertainment. Registration can be done online. theultimatewinerun.com/tri-cities-wa

Mid-Columbia Symphony presents “Lord of the Rings” Symphony May 20-21, Richland High School Auditorium The Mid-Columbia Symphony concludes its ‘Circle of Fifths’ season with a stunning performance of scores from the ‘Lord of the Rings’ films. The performance will feature adult and children’s choruses and be accompanied by a video presentation. Ticket information can be found online. midcolumbiasymphony.org/current_ season.html

Inflatable obstacle on the Insane Inflatable 5k course Photo by Tri-City Herald

Insane Inflatable 5k May 20, Benton County Fairgrounds, Kennewick If a standard 5k sounds a little boring to you, maybe you should sign up for the Insane Inflatable 5k. Runners will conquer huge inflatable obstacles over the course of 3.1 miles. Run solo or grab a group of friends, either way you’re sure to have a blast.

Registration can be done online. insaneinflatable5k.com/event/tri-cities-wa

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