Living TC Winter 2015

FESTIVE HOLIDAY DRINKS SPECIALTY FOOD GIFTS DESERT SKI CLUB

Deck the Halls

Designers Share Tips for Holiday Decorating

The Season of Giving Nonprofits Lift Spirits

Winter 2015

2016 3-Series

2016 750i

Accelerate the Dream

2016 X1

At the all-new BMW of Tri-Cities, we make it easy for you to drive your dream car or Sport Activity Vehicle. Whether you purchase or lease, nothing is more exhilarating than the Ultimate Driving Machine. In addition, there are 4 years or 50,000 miles of No Charge Maintenance and alternate transportation; this is our definition of luxury!

Not only will you appreciate these fantastic vehicles, but we promise you the ultimate in service with one of the highest customer satisfaction scores in the western region. At BMW of Tri-Cities our singular goal is to be the very best. Come by and visit us or see us online at BMWTriCities.com for New, Certified Pre-Owned and our impeccable Quality Pre-Owned vehicles.

Mon - Fri Saturday Sunday

Sales 9 AM - 7:30 PM 9 AM - 7:00 PM 12 PM - 5:30 PM

Parts & Service Mon - Fri 8 AM - 6:00 PM Saturday 8 AM - 5:00 PM Sunday CLOSED

955 Aaron Dr. Richland, WA 99352 • 509-943-9839 • www.bmwtricities.com Wint e r 2015

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Come in and shop our stunning selection of lighting!

Over 150 luminaries including lamps, sconces, chandeliers, pendants and more!

Discover other great gifts and home decor at our storefront located on Union across from Costa Vida!

Store Hours

Mon-Sat 10am to 7pm Sun 11am to 4pm

509-820-3022 www.itsallinthedetailsllc.com 4504 W. 26th Ave, Kennewick, WA

in this issue NOW OPEN: ETHOS TRATTORIA | p8 craft eatery serving up tasty meals

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS | p10 holiday décor lifts spirits

Home for the Holidays p10

WINTER WARMERS | p14 move over eggnog

GIVE THE GIFT OF LOCAL FOOD SPECIALTIES | p17 local retailers offer tasty gift ideas

GIFT GUIDE | p20 look no further if you’re stumped on what to give for the holidays

THE SEASON OF GIVING | p28 local nonprofits make the holidays brighter

A NEW AGE FOR ALL AGES: RINGING IN 2016, FAMILY-STYLE | p34 how to host a family-friendly New Year’s Eve party

WELCOME TO THE DESERT SKI CLUB | p36 local snow recreationists band together

The Season of Giving p28 A New Age for All Ages: Ringing in 2016, Family-Style p34

WILDLAND PARADISE, THE INLAND EMPIRE LANDSCAPE PAINTINGS OF MELANIE THOMPSON | p38 once a wildland firefighter, now a painter

GIVING BACK WITH GRACE | p42 Josie Wannarachue, former Kennewick Woman of the Year

HOLIDAY EVENT CALENDAR | p44 a special edition event calendar filled with holiday cheer

WINTER EVENT CALENDAR | p46 can’t miss events of winter

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winter 2015 Publisher Gregg McConnell Editor Libby Campbell Advertising Director Sean Flaherty Design Team Misty Ayers & Sara Nelson Design Sales Team Eric Garcia, Kennen Hawkes, Dana Langheid, Carol Perkins, Cody Rettinghouse, Paige Watson Cover Photo & Design Jonathan Hooley Cover Models Kimberly White & Son Noah Contributors Kevin Cole Jennifer Colton-Jones Michael Goins Carolyn Henderson Shane Martin Sara Nelson Renee Pottle Elsie Puig Sydnie Roberts Jackie Sharpe 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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Now Open:

Ethos Trattoria

Story and photos by Jackie Sharpe IMAGINE A EUROPEAN INSPIRED RESTAURANT WITH FLAVORFUL dishes like gnocchi in red sauce, truffled deviled eggs and lasagna made with buckwheat and pork rib sauce. Owners Angela Kora and Scott Newell opened Ethos Trattoria in August of 2015, and upon entering, it seems like you are transported to a café in Little Italy.

the farmers market and having Sunday dinners,” Kora said. Her mom made things from scratch, and Kora grew up with this being a big part of her culture.

Kora, a native of Portland who has also lived in Japan, considered attending culinary school, but decided on engineering. After some time, she felt something was missing.

Ethos Bakery added wood fired pizza to their menu, and brought in Executive Chef Autumn Brown with her Italian roots and culinary training from Western Culinary School. This was the beginning of Trattoria.

She went from working as an engineer at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory to the baking business with Newell when they opened Ethos Bakery in 2011.

“Growing up, I loved cooking with family and for friends using ingredients from

Charred Romaine Salad

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Now, Brown leads the dedicated team that crafts these wonderful new American-Italian dishes.

include truffled lamb crépinette and grilled scallops with prosciutto. Wines from local Red Mountain wineries are paired with the restaurant’s mouthwatering dishes.

Angela Kora

The decor and atmosphere of Ethos Trattoria welcomes you into a huge open space, lined tables and chairs and windows everywhere. There’s a bar and prep area with a state of the art oven from Maine.

Trattoria frequent customer Brian Moore said, “I like the attention to detail, subtleness and balance of a variety of flavors in each dish. There is care about the look and portions. The craft cocktails are fantastic.

You cannot find this anywhere else in the Tri-Cities.”

A popular dish is the Ethos Burger with a bacon vinaigrette, white wine braised leeks, Beecher’s flagship cheese and rosemary. Special fall menu items

Located on the northern side of Richland, some may wonder why Kora and Newell didn’t choose a more central location. The Richland Parkway was an initial thought, but it fell through. Newell had earlier learned of a new development on Stevens Drive and University Drive, and the duo decided the location would work, as it serves the people coming from the Hanford area, Washington State University Tri-Cities and some residential areas. However, distance is irrelevant when there is good food involved.

Kora mentioned that this type of restaurant is normally found in a metropolitan area, and there was an initial concern about finding chefs from major metropolitan cities to execute their need. As the food culture changes in the Tri-Cities, there may be a draw for chefs to come here, like Sous Chef Elizabeth Garcia, who was located in California.

Kora said she felt there was a demand for this type of food in the area, but getting the essential products needed to create their dishes can be challenging. “We do what we can to work with local farmers, but the infrastructures are not always in place as they would be in Portland or Seattle regarding deliveries.”

Brown said she is excited to bring this food culture to the Tri-Cities and loves creating dishes with high quality food.

Ethos Trattoria 800 Dalton Street, Richland Monday - Friday, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Saturday 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

No reservations are required. www.ethosbakery.com

Jackie Sharpe is a freelance food photographer and writer covering the Pacific Northwest. www.jackiesharpeimages.com

POST ACUTE CARE

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pecializing in individualized services to promote renewed independence and improved quality of life. Life Care Center of Richland offers short-term Physical, Occupational and Speech therapy, 24-hour skilled nursing care, IV therapy, wound care and respite services.

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Home for the Holidays Story and photos by Libby Campbell DECORATING FOR THE HOLIDAYS IS ABOUT MORE THAN JUST stringing some tinsel on a tree and calling it a night. With endless amounts of blogs and Pinterest boards dedicated to the art of home decor, inspiration overload is literally at your fingertips. Whether your personal style is traditional, modern or rustic, local designers offer plenty of festive decorating ideas to transform your space into a welcoming holiday haven.

Festive Thanksgiving Feast Playing host to Thanksgiving dinner?

The ambiance can be almost as important as the pumpkin pie. Traci Bedard, interior designer and owner

Mix textures and styles to create a balanced look for your Thanksgiving day table.

of Making Your House a Home, is a believer in decorating for any occasion, and recently created a custom Thanksgiving tablescape for a client.

Key advice for creating a Thanksgiving tablescape: “Don’t be afraid to mix up contrasting elements. If you try to get too matchy, it’s going to look that much more odd when you have one thing that’s out of place,” Bedard said.

“Contrasting elements can complement each other.”

For example, placing velvet pumpkins against a rustic burlap table runner creates interest and looks balanced. Mixing vintage glassware styles with modern plates also adds an interesting element to your place settings. “Old and new actually work really well together. It creates more interest in the tablescape,” Bedard said.

Consider looking to nature for a few decorative items as well. Birch tree branches, pinecones and different shades of fall leaves can all be displayed on your table to add warm, earthy colors and textures.

O Christmas Tree

photo by Shane Martin

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Once your Thanksgiving leftovers are stowed away in the fridge, it’s time to start planning décor for the rest of the holiday season. Kim Miller and Trish Misczuk of Heritage Home Accents and Floral stay plenty busy readying the store for the

Heritage Home Accents and Floral has everything you need to decorate for the Holidays.

holidays. The store is stocked with thousands of holiday decorations, from traditional red and green ornaments to Seahawks themed décor.

Heritage has a variety of Christmas trees on display at both their Kennewick locations. Tree themes include vintage, woodsy, religious, Seahawks and even peacock-inspired.

In addition to classic glass ornaments, Miller suggests looking at nontraditional tree trimming items. “You can stick anything in a tree,” she said, noting that wire can be used to secure heavier items. Incorporating picture frames, decorative signs or silk flowers into the mix not only adds interesting focal points, but the items can be used after the holiday season ends.

Miller and Misczuk suggest adding traditional elements to your décor, but putting a new spin on them. Take traditional ribbon, for example. Consider using multiple styles of ribbon wrapped around your tree.

“It gives it more dimension, and it has more impact that just one two inch ribbon, and you get that layering look that pulls everything together,” Misczuk said.

Color Schemes Christmas decor is about more than just red and green, according to Miller. “You don’t have to do the traditional trees anymore, just the red and Santa and snowmen,” Miller said. “It’s more fun that way.”

Natalie Deatherage of Real Deals in Kennewick said you can’t go wrong with neutral metallic colors. “Gold and silver are super popular,” she said. “Burlap is still really popular. It’s good to mix textures.”

Metallic colors are easy to decorate with because they are neutral and festive all at once, and you can combine different tones easily. “You can mix up your metals,” Bedard said. “A lot of people think that you can’t, but you can definitely mix it up as long as you have balance.”

Whatever the color scheme you decide, it’s best to stick to one theme throughout your space to tie all your décor together.

We cater! Give us a call to cater your holiday party. We do appetizer trays and full Thai dinners. Pick up or delivery.

Sunshine Rolls • Spring Rolls Chicken Wings and Other Favorites 1314 Jadwin Avenue, Richland, WA 99354

509-946-9328

www.emeraldofsiam.com

30 years

catering experience Wint e r 2015

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photo by Jonathan Hooley

(above) Seasonal touches can be added to your everyday decor, like a decorative lamp from It’s All In The Details. (right) Adding some festive pillows, like these from Real Deals, can make a huge difference.

Reimagine Everyday Items While it can be fun to totally change up your usual decorating scheme, not everything you own has to be swapped out for the holidays. “Use some of your everyday décor in a holiday setting,” Deatherage said.

Miller agreed: “You don’t have to change out your art and your lamps and all that.

You’ve got to take what you have and Christmas-ize it!” Even just grouping together items you already own that fit your color scheme can help liven up your holiday atmosphere.

Adding a Santa, reindeer or other festive figurine to a decorative lantern is a quick fix to add holiday cheer to your existing décor.

Jen Ackerman, store manager at It’s All in the Details in Kennewick, suggests arranging a group of these lanterns at your entryway for an easy holiday look. Place flameless candles inside and at night you’ll have a warm, glowing entryway.

Quick Fixes You don’t need to bombard your space with sparkly decorations to have a festive atmosphere. Understated décor can make a big difference.

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Switching out your pillows for holiday themed ones is an easy way to add some festive cheer. “I’m focusing on pillows this year because there are so many cute ones and so many different varieties and textures,” Deatherage said. Opt for pillows that have similar color palettes for a cohesive look.

An effortless way to add some sheen to a coffee or sofa table is to place a mix of pinecones, acorns and shimmery glass ornaments in a glass cylinder or large apothecary jar, Ackerman suggests.

If your stockings are hung by the chimney with care, be sure to take advantage of the mantle as a feature piece for holiday trimmings. Adding personal Real Deals in Kennewick has neutrals and metallics that touches, such as framed photos or are a big trend this holiday season. important keepsake items, makes your mantle more memorable. up burlap ribbon behind your displayed Easily dress it up by adding faux evergreen items. “When you personalize something, branches or moss, and consider bunching it makes it more interesting,” Bedard said.

“If you’re having a holiday party it’s kind of a conversation starter, and it makes it feel more like home.”

So whether your décor route is silver and gold, red and green or something entirely unique to your own tastes, creating a cozy atmosphere at home can ensure you and your loved ones make the most of your time together over the holiday season.

It’s All in the Details 4504 W. 24th Avenue, Kennewick Heritage Home Accents and Floral 1350 N. Louisiana Street, Kennewick Heritage Landscaping & Garden Center 2816 W. 27th Avenue, Kennewick (The Louisiana Street location will relocate to the W. 27th Avenue location after the new year.)

Real Deals 206 N. Benton Street, Kennewick Making Your House a Home facebook.com/makingyourhouseahome Wint e r 2015

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sip

Winter Warmers Story and photos by Michael Goins

AS THE DAYS GROW SHORTER AND THE DARKNESS FALLS UPON us earlier, it’s a telling sign winter is on the way. And while the winter urges us to stay inside, there’s no reason you can’t brace the chilling Tri-Cities’ winds, enjoy the hustle and bustle of the season and journey to your favorite spot for a delicious winter libation.

Here are my recommendations if you are planning to enjoy a cocktail with Jack Frost.

Since summer has faded into fall, light summer beers have become less popular, and Irish Coffees and Hot Toddies tend to mix themselves into style. Out on a mission to find the perfect winter cocktail, I labored through the heart of wine country

While looking for the brew that would work best for my Sunday dates with the NFL, I discovered two dark ales perfect for the season.

looking for something to quench my winter thirst. It turned out not to be work at all, but an exploration through innovative concoctions, classic cocktails and even the perfect brew.

Jump n’ Jack Black at The Rock Wood Fired Pizza 14

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Brews

Roasted Pear Martini Jump’n Jack Black Traditional English ale that’s smooth and chocolatey without the heavy body. The aroma of grains and coffee with a lighter roast taste.

The Rock Wood Fired Pizza, Kennewick www.therockwfk.com

Ingredients: 2 oz Grey Goose Pear Vodka 1 1/2 oz Hogue Riesling Splash Sweet & Sour 1 tsp Pear Puree Cinnamon Stick and Cinnamon Sugar for garnish Build in a shaker and shake vigorously with ice. Serve in a cinnamon sugar rimmed glass and garnish with a cinnamon stick.

Alameda Black Bear XX Stout A new taste profile in stouts, aromas of roasted malts and coffee, black cherry sweetness and soft carbonation.

Brews Taphouse and Growler Fill, Pasco www.brews-taphouse.com

Libations My journey was aided by two restaurants that offered up a menagerie of classic cocktails and winter warmers.

Coffee Nudge Ingredients: 3/4 oz Creme ‘d Cocoa (dark) 3/4 oz Kahlua 1/2 oz Brandy 10 oz Coffee 2 tsp Whipped Cream Preheat glass with hot water. Add liqueur. Add coffee and top with whipped cream.

Roasted Pear Martini Refreshing and innovative. Cinnamon sugar rim to hit the palette first. Riesling blends well with the pear puree and vodka leaving a fresh, citrus finish.

Anthony’s at the Point, Richland www.anthonys.com/restaurants detail/anthonys-at-columbia-point

Coffee Nudge Great after dinner drink. Sweet to the taste, but not overpowering due to the brandy.

Anthony’s at the Point, Richland www.anthonys.com/restaurants/ detail/anthonys-at-columbia-point

Uptown Manhattan Traditional Manhattan made with Dry Fly Wheat Bourbon. Soft whiskey, hints of orange and cinnamon.

Budd’s Broiler, Richland www.anthonys.com/restaurants/ detail/budds-broiler

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Sazerac The specialty in this drink is in its preparation. A rocks glass is rinsed with absinthe for aroma, then the remaining ingredients are poured into a chilled martini glass. Strong aromas of licorice with tastes of vanilla and oak from the whiskey.

Budd’s Broiler, Richland www.anthonys.com/ restaurants/ detail/budds-broiler It’s important to remember that these are merely suggestions to possibly invigorate your taste buds and try something new during the winter months. I enjoy trying new things and exploring the creativity, not only of mixologists, but of brew masters everywhere. This winter, create your own journey. And if you need a few suggestions, this preview will guide you along the way.

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Sazerac Ingredients: 2 1/4 oz Woodinville Rye Whiskey 1/4 oz Simple Syrup 2 dashes Peychauds Bitters 3 drops Sambuca Lemon for garnish Absinthe wash rocks glass. Shake and strain onto glass. Garnish with lemon swath while twisting to release essence.

Uptown Manhattan Ingredients: 2 shots Dry Fly Wheat Bourbon 1/2 oz Sweet Noilly Pratt Vermouth 1 dash Angostura Bitters Maraschino cherries for garnish Shake well with ice. Strain into martini glass. Garnish with a cherry.

shop

Give the gift of local food specialties Story by Renee Pottle THREE HUNDRED DAYS OF SUNSHINE, FERTILE SOIL AND A desirable microclimate combine to make the Tri-Cities area an agricultural utopia. We grow a diverse array of fruits and vegetables: potatoes and peaches, carrots and corn, melons and mint. Once harvested, these crops are delivered to local food processors, turned into products and shipped around the world. But it’s not just the big manufacturers who have taken notice of our local bounty. The Tri-Cities is home to many specialty food producers who turn our high quality harvest into premium products.

Specialty foods are quickly becoming a force in the food world.

According to the Specialty Foods Association, sales were over $100 billion last year, up 22 percent from just two years earlier. Specialty foods encompass the artisan, local and real-food categories and are created in small batches from unique ingredients. Many specialty foods companies start in a home kitchen

or a small commercial rental kitchen like the Pasco Specialty Kitchen.

Small specialty foods manufacturers are thriving in places like California, Vermont, and Colorado, and here at home too. These local companies, and many others, turn our Mid-Columbia harvest into premium food products that grace our tables and can make desirable gifts.

AprèsVin Winemaking creates a large amount of waste pomace. Eric Leber and Lori Ramonas looked at that problem and saw a grapeseed business opportunity. AprèsVin launched in 2007 with four wine varietal grapeseed oils; Reisling, Cabernet, Merlot and Chardonnay, all made from local wineries’ pomace. The oils are coldpressed, meaning no chemicals are involved, leading to a healthier and more pronounced character. Each oil varietal is unique; Chardonnay oil has a buttery, velvety mouth feel and Cabernet oil has a very pronounced flavor.

Despite beginning just before the recession in 2008, AprèsVin has been growing at a quick rate. They now offer 17 grapeseed oil infusions and high protein grapeseed flours Wint e r 2015

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in addition to the original varietals. This holiday season they have three new infused oils: • Spicy Typhoon Chardonnay whose heat is provided by Tabasco’s dried, spent pulp.

• Smokey Garlic, with flavor from deeply aromatic smoked chardonnay vines.

• Blood Orange Reisling which goes well with cranberries for the holiday table.

Various AprèsVin products can be found locally at Yokes and several gift shops and wineries. All products can be ordered online at www.ApresVin.com. “AprèsVin, more goodness from the grape.”

Adams Place Country Gourmet Sometimes your customers lead you to a new business. That’s what happened to Gerry Adams when she started selling fruit from the family farm. Customers kept asking about her homemade jams and jellies, and soon after Adams Place fruit spreads were being sold at bazaars and local stores.

Today, Adams Place Country Gourmet is a family affair. Gerry was joined by her daughter Trudy early in 1987, and daughter Wendy is their branding expert. The whole

The Educated Cigar Life is short. Don’t you deserve a great cigar?

About our CIGARS & WINE • • • • • •

Over 500 different premium cigars in stock.

Seven different “#1 Cigar-of-the-Year” in stock (picked by CIGAR AFICIONADO magazine) Over a dozen #2 and #3 best cigar of the year in stock Brands include Ashton VSG, Davidoff, Fuente OpusX, Padron 1926 & 1964 plus 50 others.

Cigars available individually, in mini- or large-samplers, and factory packed boxes, bundles and tins.

95 and higher rated wines available from 9 countries, CA, OR & WA (as rated by WINE SPECTATOR).

About our SERVICES & other Products

• • • • • •

Over 100 cigar accessories in stock including ashtrays, cutters, humidors, lighters ……

Wedding and Special Event CIGAR BAR services available, as provided by our expert resident aficionado Gift certificates, discount punch card, sampler-of-month club, & weather protected cigar-puffing areas When cigars leave our shop they are packed to stay fresh for at least 90 days.

Worldwide shipping available (as permitted by law) 100% satisfaction guarantee. We are not happy until you are!

About Premium Cigar Ingredients & Use

• Only natural, fermented, aged, long-leaf, hand-rolled premium tobaccos • No added chemicals. No carbs, sodium, fat, artificial colors or flavors • Not intended to be inhaled or used indoors

Serving The Tri-Cities Since 1998

Mon-Sat 11am-6pm • educatedcigar@msn.com 624 Wellsian Way, Richland • 509-205-2876 • store.educatedcigar.com 18

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extended family helps out when needed.

They have three year-round employees, which doubles over the holiday season.

Adams Place makes 30 different jams, jellies, syrups and vinegars from farm-grown fruits, including the very unique Quince Jelly. Other specialties are Cinnamon Apple Syrup and their top seller, Walla Walla Sweet Onion Vinegar. They also make hundreds of different chocolate products, primarily for the promotional market. All of their products are created in small batches at their farm-based commercial kitchen.

Popular holiday items include their Chocolate Lump of Coal and Drizzle Pretzels. Adams Place jams, jellies and vinegars can be found at Ariel Gourmet and Gifts, Templeman’s Market, the Country Mercantile and at their small gift shop on Game Farm Road in Kennewick. You can also send an email through their website, www.AdamsPlace.espwebsite.com if you are seeking something special.

Pasta Mama’s Following a hiatus of several years, Pasta Mama’s returned to the Tri-Cities in 2010.

Since then they have rebranded, but not everything has changed. According to family friend and General Manager Maronda Garzone, Pasta Mama’s has “a different look with the same great product and same recipes from 25 years ago.” Pasta Mama’s continues to be owned by the Santillie family and co-owner Read Smith.

Pasta Mama’s produces 3,000 to 4,000 pounds of unique fresh-dried pasta each week. The pasta is made from Shepherd’s Grain, a sustainable wheat grown in the Pacific Northwest. The resulting fresh-dried pasta has the more toothsome quality of fresh pasta in a convenient dry form.

There are 20 flavors of pasta, everything from Garlic-Basil Fettuccini to Parmesan-Parsley Pappardelle. They also make 13 different sauce varieties to partner with the pasta.

Special holiday flavors include Nutmeg-Cinnamon. Although most pasta and sauce varieties are available all year, some have a limited run.

Pasta Mama’s products can be purchased at their location in Richland, at the Country Mercantile, Ariel Gourmet and Gifts, Ranch and Home and several other specialty food shops. They also ship pasta and gift baskets from their website, www.PastaMamas.com.

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

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BOUTIQUE & SALON Your one stop for sophisticated fashion, elegant accessories, and a luxurious salon experience.

509.547.3854

vboutiquesalon.com 3501 RD 68 Suite 103 • Pasco, WA 99301 VISIT US

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Holiday

Gift Guide Photos by Elsie Puig

SHOPPING FOR THE HOLIDAYS DOESN’T HAVE TO BE about hitting the biggest sales on Black Friday. Local retailers offer plenty of thoughtful, fun and handy gift items, and you can skip the huge line at the cash register. From kids to co-workers, consider this gift guide a resource to inspire your holiday wishlists this season.

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gifts

Baby No matter how little the little ones on your list are, you can’t go wrong with whimsical and sweet gifts.

Prince Lionheart Wheely Bug $84.99 from Swanky Babies

Skip Hop Bandana Buddy Monkey $15.00 from Swanky Babies

Green Toys Recycling Truck $27.99 from Swanky Babies

Sophie Giraffe $39.99 from Swanky Babies

Hanford Baby Onesie $13.25 from The Octopus’ Garden

Kids Interactive gifts like these are sure to keep energetic kids busy (at least for a little while!)

Mechanical Planet Robot $31.50 from The Octopus’ Garden

Shrinky Dinks Monster Lab 3D Playscape $20.00 from The Octopus’ Garden

Jr. Scientist Educational Science Program DIY Microscope $39.95 from Adventures Underground Wint e r 2015

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Teens It can be hard to keep up with what’s currently popular with teens, but these ideas are sure to please.

Mellow World Wristlet Purse $28.00 from Luna Fish

Star Wars action Figures $10.99 from Sunken Treasures

Dia de Los Muertos Ceramic Teddy Bear $26.00 from Luna Fish

Wine Lovers Forgo the standard bottle of wine for the wine lovers on your list and consider a few of these suggestions.

Wine Bottle Candelabra $20.00 from Wine & More

Custom Gift Baskets (Price Varies) from Wine & More 22

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Cheese and Charcuterie Plate $40-$125 from Cheese Louise

Seahawks NFL Wine $20.00/each from Wine & More

SoirĂŠe In-Bottle Wine Aerator $25.00 from Wine & More

Co-Workers These items are no-brainers if you’re doing a gift swap at the office this holiday season.

Mini Clock $18.00 from It’s All in the Details

Crossland Road Decorative Piggy Banks $13.00 from The Octopus’ Garden

Fred Tank Up and Wake-Up Coffee Mug $13.00 from The Octopus’ Garden

Foodies Self-proclaimed food lovers of all ages would rejoice to find any of these items under their tree.

Gift Baskets (Price Varies) from Country Mercantile

Melina’s Green Gold Extra Virgin Olive Oil $17.95 from Country Mercantile

Eastern Washington’s Finest $43.00 from Ariel’s Gourmet & Gifts

Critelli Barrel Aged Balsamic Vinegar $17.95 from Country Mercantile

Assorted Chocolates $24.95 from Country Mercantile Wint e r 2015

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Him It doesn’t get much better than these gift ideas for the men you care about most.

Leatherman Commemorative Super Tool Box $169.99 from Ranch & Home

Bearded Dragon Beard Oils and Products Oils $14 each, wax $10 from bigbadbeards.com

Yeti Colster and Rambler $29.99 each from Ranch & Home

Her Pamper the important ladies in your life with thoughtful gifts like these.

Silver Forest Earrings $20.00 from Beaver Bark

Seahawks Necklace $29.99 from Beaver Bark 24

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Simply Noelle Scalloped Heathered Boot Socks $14.99 from Beaver Bark

Purse $69.99 from Beaver Bark

Camille Bechman Midnight Monarch Products $14.99-$19.99 from Beaver Bark

WHAT WE OFFER A Cup of Coffee and a Second Opinion

When the markets turn as volatile and confusing as they have over the past year, even the most patient investors may come to question the wisdom of the investment plan that they’ve been following.

At Doncaster Insurance & Financial Services, Inc., we’ve seen a lot of difficult markets come and go. And we can certainly empathize with people who find the current environment troublesome and disturbing. We’d like to help, if we can, and to that end, here’s what we offer: A cup of coffee, and a second opinion.

By appointment, you’re welcome to come in and sit with us for a while. We’ll ask you to outline your financial goals-what your investment portfolio is intended to do for you. Then we’ll review the portfolio for and with you. If we think your investments continue to be well-suited to your long-term goals-in spite of the current market turmoil-we’ll gladly tell you so, and send you on your way. If, on the other hand, we think some of your investments no longer fit with your goals, we’ll explain why, in plain English. And, if you like, we’ll recommend some alternatives. Either way, the coffee is on us.

BUSINESS EXIT PLANNING for Business Owners*

1. Identify Owner Objectives 2. Identify Business and Personal Financial Resources 3. Strategies to Help Maximize and Protect Business Value 4. Ownership Transfer to Third Parties

5. Ownership Transfers to Insiders 6. Business Continuity 7. Personal Wealth and Estate Planning

TOM DONCASTER Telling It Like It Is, Caring Like No One Else Thomas Doncaster

Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) Chartered Wealth Manager (CWM)

• Insurance • Estate Planning • Investments Doncaster Insurance and Financial Services • 1020 N. Center Parkway, Ste. C, Kennewick Kevin, Tom and Jonathan Doncaster Office of Supervisory Jurisdiction: 12636 High Bluff Dr., Ste. 100 • San Diego, CA 922130 Phone: 858-436-3180 • Fax: 858-481-9033

Phone: (509) 735-9518 • Fax: (509) 735-9503 e-mail: Tdoncaster@fgrr.com • Web: www.tomdoncaster.com

Monday-Thursday 9am-4pm

Honoring the Experience of Aging Since 1986

CALLAWAY GARDENS ALZHEIMER’S SPECIAL CARE CENTER 5505 W Skagit Ct, Kenniwick WA 99336

(509) 783-5433

ROYAL COLUMBIAN SENIOR LIVING 5615 W Umatilla, Kenniwick WA 99336

(509) 783-1628

TRI CITY RETIREMENT INN 2000 N 22nd, Pasco A 99301

WWW.JEASENIORLIVING.COM

(509) 547-2466

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Outdoor Enthusiasts Anyone who enjoys the great outdoors would be thrilled to unwrap any of this handy gear.

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give

The Season of Giving Story by Kevin Cole

Photos by Sara Nelson BELL RINGERS. THAT’S THE FIRST CLUE SOME OF US HAVE THAT the holidays are underway. An army of Salvation Army bell ringers takes over the doorways of what seems like every well-populated public area in the Tri-Cities. Donation kettles are suspended from stands; bell ringers ring bells and offer a “Merry Christmas!” to everyone who passes by.

Most churches, schools, charities, non-profit agencies and many businesses do a seasonal campaign about this time of the year, but the Salvation Army may be the group most closely identified with the

holidays. In addition to collecting money to fund year-around community projects, it also puts on a community Thanksgiving dinner, and the Angel Tree and Adopt a Family projects that are so visible.

For some years, the Salvation Army has hosted a Thanksgiving dinner in the Tri-Cities. There’s no cost for the traditional holiday meal – turkey, pumpkin pie and all – and the invitation isn’t just to the needy, according to Annette Medina, office manager at the local Salvation Army social services office. “There are people who don’t have anyone to spend that day with. Everyone should have a place to be and someone to be with on Thanksgiving,” Medina says.

Last year, about 250 people sat down to dinner and another 180 meals were delivered by volunteers to elderly residents around the area who couldn’t make it to dinner.

Another sign of the season: the Angel Tree table is set up at Columbia Center Mall. Just before the holidays each year, word goes out through the media and organizations that work with families living at or near the poverty line, that they can apply to be a part of that program. A screening process ensures that only those who really need the help are included.

Photo by Mark Heritage

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Volunteers dedicate their time to others on Thanksgiving by serving dinner.

For each child under 12, a tag is placed on the Angel Tree at the mall.

That tag has the child’s first name, age, gender and a gift suggestion.

It’s hard to believe that in the Tri-Cities there could be many children living in poverty, but last year roughly 5,200 gifts were distributed to 2,600 qualifying children.

hygiene and household items – as well as gifts for children and adults.

The number of families adopted each year varies, 45 families were adopted last year; 60 the year before.

programs, the group operates a food bank that provides hundreds of food boxes to those in need, it and offers utility and housing assistance and emergency disaster services.

The Salvation Army doesn’t disappear when the bell ringers go away. In addition to holiday

Tri-City Union Gospel Mission Executive Director Andrew Porter stands outside the shelter building

Some of the neediest families that apply to be a part of the Angel Tree program will be “adopted” for Christmas by people, families or groups that commit to provide all of that family’s needs for the holiday, not just a meal or gifts. That includes things most Tri-Cities residents take for granted – clothing, (right) The Tri-City Union Gospel Mission serves Thanksgiving dinner to as many as 600 people each holiday. (below) Coats are collected to give to those in need at the Salvation Army.

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photo by Mark Heritage

Top, left to right: The Salvation Army and Union Gospel Mission serve Thanksgiving dinner to those who need it, from the rolls all the way to the pumpkin pie.

Nursing students from around the area perform blood pressure checks for free at the Tri-City Union Gospel Mission.

Hundreds of boxes of food are given to those in need at the Salvation Army and Tri-City Union Gospel Mission.

in downtown Pasco, amid a small but growing crowd. “On Thursdays, we have a lot going on,” he said. “Our free store downstairs is open today. Families in need can come once a month to get clothing and household items. Then they can get a food box at noon every week. We’re just getting set up for that.”

The Community Free Store is in the basement of its women’s shelter. Three nursing students are seated at the table, surrounded by everything needed to check blood pressure and blood sugar. “You should’ve been down here a little bit ago,” says the nurse in the middle.

“We were out the door with people lined up for blood pressure screening. We found six that needed referral to a doctor for treatment.”

Chariss Warner, director of the Women and Children’s Shelter, says, “The screenings and education prevent more serious medical problems in many cases… With that, we also help keep local emergency rooms clear for real emergencies.”

A young girl draws with sidewalk chalk while waiting outside the Tri-City Union Gospel Mission.

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Nursing program students from Columbia Basin College and Washington State University Tri-Cities all do an internship with the Mission, in which they learn about the community,

and in turn, poverty. Pasco has a surprisingly high number of people living at or under the poverty line.

Eight local Target employees and their district manager from Portland are also volunteering in the community store on this particular day. They are just one of many local businesses that volunteer time and donate what they can to the Mission.

The community store is funded entirely by donations, from the money to pay the power bill that keeps the lights on to the clothes hangers.

“We partner with tons of different agencies,” adds Warner.

“They don’t always have what they need as grants and budgets change, so CPS comes down here… the police department comes down here… All the school districts are down here…

“Last year, Kennewick School District counselors called. They needed coats for kids and we were able to bless them with about 500 brand new coats that had been donated,” Warner said. “Richland’s ‘Schools in Community’ program comes down about once a week. They bring at-risk families who can’t provide for their kids. Sometimes they just need something simple, a pair of pants, maybe. Sometimes more. But they come here and we usually can help them.”

The Mission also does a “Back to School” giveaway, providing kids from at-risk families a fully loaded backpack: shoes, socks, underwear, coat, hat and gloves. They were also able to provide haircuts and eye exams this year.

For many, the holidays are the best time of the year. For others, especially those without much or those who are alone, they can be the worst. There are people in the shelters who haven’t seen a real Christmas in a long time, and with a great deal of help and support from individuals, families, churches and businesses around the Tri-Cities, the Mission does what it can to help.

Just before both Thanksgiving and Christmas the Mission will give out 300 food boxes. Each box has everything a family would need for a traditional holiday meal.

How to Help This Holiday Season Salvation Army For those interested in learning more about the local Salvation Army chapter Social Service programs, the area headquarters is at 310 North 4th Avenue, Pasco; its phone number is 509-547-2138.

Tri-City Union Gospel Mission To learn how you can help with any of the Mission’s holiday programs, look online at tcugm.org or call 509-547-2112.

Domestic Violence Services of Benton and Franklin Counties The Domestic Violence shelter coordinates the sponsorship of families every Christmas. Sponsors provide gifts for the family, and may also provide food, decorations and other needed items.

To learn more about becoming a holiday sponsor, visit dvsbf.org/ christmas or call 509-735-1295.

St. Vincent de Paul The Society of St. Vincent de Paul operates a food bank in Pasco and a thrift store in Kennewick. They are always seeking food donations to help feed hungry families in the area. Gently used clothing, furniture and other household items may also be donated.

For more information, visit svdppasco.org or call 509-544-9315.

Jericho Road Ministries Jericho Road Ministries supplies local families with everyday items they might not have, such as toiletries, clothing and non-perishable food. Around the holidays, they supply gifts for children who might not receive any. Donations and volunteers are always welcome.

For more information, visit jrm-tc.org, call 509-627-0750 or e-mail jerichoroadtc@gmail.com.

Safe Harbor Support Center Every holiday season Safe Harbor Support Center helps around 70 families in need of food and gifts. Help make the holidays brighter by donating food items such as ham, turkey, stuffing, yams and pie mixes. Clothing for children and adults is also needed, such as gloves, coats, hats, slippers, sweatshirts and warm pajamas. Gift items are also appreciated. Learn more at facebook.com/safeharborsupportcenter, or call 509-783-5734.

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“On Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day, we set up a banquet for any and all comers,” Porter says. “There can be anywhere from 200 to 400 people there. We’ve seen as many as 600 before. There’s no ID required – nothing like that. Volunteers serve the meals. For those curious about what we need this year, there’s a printable list of things needed for the banquets and holiday food boxes on our website.”

The Mission and its volunteers go to great lengths to make dreams come true during the holidays.

“Occasionally someone will volunteer to provide a ‘Christmas Miracle’ for a family or one of the ladies at the shelter,” Porter says. “That can be almost anything other than toys — like providing a mom with the clothing she needs to look [professional] for work or filling a hungry family’s refrigerator with food.”

Porter continues: “One year, Windermere Real Estate Kennewick and Century 21 did car repairs for single moms whose cars weren’t safe. A woman needed dentures, and a family stepped up to provide them for her. A family had a dangerous flight of stairs that was rebuilt by a church care group that adopted them.”

By now the crowd outside the shelter has grown to a pretty respectable size. Mostly women and children, but a few men as well, gather on the sidewalk, waiting for boxes of food that will be handed out at noon. Porter says, “A lot of these people don’t stay here; they are just struggling and need a little help right now.”

The number of small children is surprising.

Several play with sidewalk chalk. That chalk is a big deal for the kids, according to Chariss Warner: “You see these children come in with their mothers. So many are traumatized… They come in holding tightly to their moms, with their heads down. Then they see the sidewalk chalk. They usually see that in safe places, so they start to feel safer.”

At noon, the crowd comes up close, a quick prayer of thanks is said, and a small army of volunteers begins to bring out boxes of food. About 200 boxes will be A volunteer moves food boxes at the Tri-City Union Gospel Mission.

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handed out. Inside the building next door, volunteers are cleaning up after the morning’s community store session and medical screenings. Inside the men’s shelter, warm meals are being prepared and served to anyone who’s hungry.

Clothing and household items, medical screenings, shelter for women and children – the Mission has come a long way from the traditional “shower, meal and safe place to sleep.” And yes, they still provide those things, too.

Across the Tri-Cities, away from the shelter buildings in downtown Pasco, the Mission’s impact is felt by children wearing warm coats and shoes as they play outside on a cold day in Richland or Kennewick, by moms trying to build a safe life for themselves and their children and by families living on the edge in a dozen different ways.

The Tri-City Union Gospel Mission is there, with shelter, a warm meal and hope.

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A New Age for All Ages:

Ringing in 2016, Family-Style Story and photos by Sydnie Roberts 10…9...8…7…

As the clock ticks down the remainder of 2015, you may be reviewing your options for celebrating New Year’s Eve. For those of you who are planners, you may already have reservations made, a babysitter booked and transportation arranged. Congratulations!

The remainder of us will procrastinate until the week of, weigh our options based on expense and general hassle, and ultimately resign our evening to Netflix and binge eating leftover Christmas To keep the prep work at a minimum, consider hosting a soup swap this New Year’s Eve.

cookies until midnight. Assuming you’re like me, it’s imperative that all junk food is consumed prior to 11:59 p.m., naturally “guaranteeing” the success of whatever fad diet I chose to initiate on New Year’s Day. So if you haven’t made plans yet but you would like to ring in the new year in a more dignified

fashion, might I suggest an alternative approach to the “all or nothing” spectrum of this holiday. Bring a little haute home.

Spending the holiday at home is by no means capitulating. There are many advantages to hosting at home. Given the less than friendly weather this time of year in conjunction with the general craziness of the crowds, many may prefer to avoid the cold and the circus altogether.

For the families that include some younger members, finding childcare on a holiday can be mission impossible, unless you’re the lucky recipient of a Christmas miracle. While we all enjoy a good night out, consider a fun option that incorporates the whole family and maybe some new traditions into your evening celebration.

On a scale of 1 to 100, 100 being the absolute greatest holiday of the year, I don’t imagine as a child you ranked New Year’s Eve very high. So it’s a safe bet that your kids or grandkids don’t either. So how can you bookend the holiday season with some happy memories for all? For starters, you may still have family in town visiting for the holidays or some like-minded

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10 Tips to Keeping Your

New Year’s Resolution

1 crafts are always fun, and picking a new tradition to implement helps foster anticipation for the holiday year after year. Whether it’s a bonfire on the family farm or signing a resolution banner, everyone is engaged.

New Year’s can be fun for the whole family.

friends who are also keen on making it an affair for all ages. Work together to ensure the celebration is stress free.

Since dinner is where the night kicks off, try a soup swap. If everyone brings a different soup via slow cooker, the workload is minimal for all. It’s also great to have a meal that you can continue to sample and enjoy over the long winter night. Make it fun with hourly countdown toasts with champagne and sparkling cider.

Incorporate all the generations with fun memory making activities. Utilize your reference resources like Pinterest and your favorite blogs to customize the evening.

Board games or resolution themed arts and

So this year before Ryan Seacrest signs off and the ball drops in Times Square, gather with those you love, young and old. Say goodbye to this holiday season with some great memories, new traditions and a New Year’s Eve worth celebrating. Steal a kiss at midnight, sing “Auld Lang Syne” and for the love of Pete you better polish off every last Christmas cookie before the clock strikes 12!

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Celebrate the wins! Recognize success no matterhow big.

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Create a visual. It may be a journal, photos or a calendar, but keep track of your progress and accomplishments.

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Research. Do your homework and create a plan using the best practices or techniques of those who have been successful.

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Keep it simple. Don’t take on too much at one time. Limit your resolutions to just one initially, and then build on your achievements.

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Welcome to the

Desert Ski Club Story by Heather Weagant Photos provided by Desert Ski Club IT’S NOT EASY THROWING YOURSELF INTO A GROUP OF STRANGERS, but as I walk down the halls of the Shilo Inn, I can hear laughter echoing down the hallway. The sound of forks scraping plates and drinks being clinked together in celebration fill the air. I can tell that this is a lively group, and I haven’t yet entered the room.

I make my way through the double doors and am instantly greeted despite being an unfamiliar face.

Their jovial smiles and warm welcomes quickly make me feel at home. This is what the Desert Ski Club, one of the longest running ski clubs in the western United States, is all about. The celebration taking place in front of me is their annual kickoff meeting.

The roughly 150 members meander throughout the large conference room, visiting tables spread about, taking in as much information as possible for this year’s offered trips. So far, 15 trips have been planned for this year and not all of them are for skiing. The group enjoys a weekend in Leavenworth celebrating Oktoberfest, as well as a couple weekends set aside each summer for rafting, kayaking and paddle boarding.

Bill Riedeman has been with the Desert Ski Club since day one. At 85 years old, he is still an active team member. He puts time and effort into running the club’s webpage and publishes their newsletter. When asked how he has contributed to the 36

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club over the years, he’s not afraid to put himself out there. “I’m the guy in the engine room who does the stuff no one else does in order to keep the motor running,” Riedeman said.

He helped start the all-volunteer organization back in 1953, and has watched it evolve into a year-round club participating in winter sports and social activities. Their primary goal has remained the same over the years: promote snow skiing, snow boarding and other winter recreational outdoor sports to those

within the Tri-City region.

Memberships cost a mere $25 per year, and there are set prices for each out of town trip which include your travel expenses, lodging and lift ticket.

Most of the group’s trips are to ski areas within a couple hundred miles from home. This makes accessibility easy. You are able to board a bus and be at your destination within a few hours. Each year, the group also makes a couple special trips outside our region. In the past, they have ventured out to the Colorado Rockies, Utah Wasatch Mountains and have taken an Amtrak to Whitefish, Mont.

The Desert Ski Club offers more

Group members at Anthony Lakes Mountain Resort.

than just downhill skiing. It’s clear to see that they take pride in providing activities for all skill and age levels. Many members use these trips as a way to bond with family. Desert Ski Club member Bill Pogue agrees, “This is a really good idea, especially for grandparents to take their grandkids out.”

Bruce Agee had wanted to find a replacement for himself on the slopes. He began taking his 8-year-old grandson out and has continued to do so for the last four years. He believes this is a fun way to socialize with people and an excellent way to spend the weekend bonding.

After speaking to many of the Ski Club’s members, it’s easy to see one of the greatest family-friendly weekends these skiers look forward to is the one spent at Camp Touchet next to Bluewood Ski Area. Many members enjoy bringing their families out for this trip due to its close proximity to the Tri-Cities and excellent hospitality

provided by the camp. This beautiful camp located in the Touchet River Valley gives the skiers a weekend of fun by providing a spaghetti feed for dinner, a Sunday breakfast and bonfires for storytelling and staying warm.

While some members have been around since the founding days, others are only just beginning. In an instant, I found myself submerged in their conversations, listening to their boisterous laughter filling the room. Regardless of experience, this is a welcoming group that is always looking for new friends to share wonderful outdoor experiences with.

For more information about the Desert Ski Club, visit their webpage at http://thedesertskiclub.weebly.com/ or contact them at info@desertskiclub.org

The group ventured to the Grand Targhee Ski Resort in Wyoming in 2014.

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Wildland Paradise The Inland Empire Landscape Paintings of Melanie Thompson Story by Carolyn Henderson WHEN MELANIE THOMPSON WAS A CHILD, SHE DIDN’T SPEND much time outdoors, but she more than made up for this as an adult. Over three seasons of wildland fire fighting, the fine art painter, who specializes in the landscapes of Eastern Washington and Oregon, discovered areas that most people don’t even know exist.

“I worked weeks at a time with my crew digging fireline, monitoring fire behavior, hiking and sleeping under the stars,” Thompson remembers.

“I was so overwhelmed with the size and power of the natural forces I faced, and I wanted to express just a little bit of that wonder I felt.”

Wildland firefighting was the summer job Thompson used to fund her university education. And while the resulting degree landed her a position in graphic design, the wonder and majesty of the vistas Thompson

had experienced remained on her mind and in her spirit. So, like many artists, she began painting in her free time, which she grasped whenever and wherever she could.

“I actually began plein air painting at my graphic design job. I would sit in my car on my lunch break at Columbia Park with a pochade box on my lap and paint the views. It was neat to see how the scenery changes from day to day,” she says.

Weekends, evenings and vacations found Thompson traveling

Artist Melanie Thompson

through the Inland Northwest, capturing, via plein air sketching or longer sessions of on-site painting, areas that are both as stark and stately as their names: Rattlesnake Hills, John Day Fossil Beds, Scablands, White Bluffs and Hells Canyon.

“Painting on location has been absolutely critical to my artistic development,” Thompson explains, adding that, though her graphic design training is formal and university-based, her fine art painting and drawing is primarily self-taught.

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Being outdoors, right in the middle of light, form, shape and space, forces Thompson to look at her subject matter in a more focused and thoughtful way, an abstract conceptualization of place that is frequently lost, Thompson believes,

“When people see my work depicting these often overlooked landscapes, I’d like them to taste the desert air, feel the sun on their skin, and see the splendor of the wild places around all of us.”

Clouds Aloft

in a photograph. Some of the works she completes in the field; others return to the studio for finalization, but the ultimate result is a rendering of landscapes that are nothing short of compelling.

This area is not a dry, scrubby desert, she asserts — it is a plein air paradise.

“When people see my work depicting these often overlooked landscapes, I’d like them to taste the desert air, feel the sun on their skin, and see the splendor of the wild places around all of us,” she explains.

Around The Bend

galleries, enter big national shows and enter magazine contests.” She submitted her bio and work samples to the magazine, and then she waited, with nothing more to do but “twiddle my thumbs” until I heard something.

“Then one day, after I figured the article was probably already sent to print and I didn’t get in, I got an email from (senior editor)

Bonnie Ganglehoff saying I needed to send them some hi-res images ASAP! I was so incredibly excited.”

Thompson’s work and bio appeared in the September 2015 issue of the magazine.

Thompson is a member of Oil Painters of America, Plein Air Washington Artists and the National Oil and Acrylic Painters’ Society. She is a regular participant of the

Recently, Thompson has had the gratification of seeing the landscapes she loves and her artistic treatment of them appreciated by a major player in the art world, Southwest Art Magazine.

The publication conducts an annual, nationwide search for the top young emerging artists in its 21 Under 31 event.

Thompson, who in her adolescence read the magazine and dreamed about winning their contests, “decided to do all the things I’ve been scared to do in the past: contact Wint e r 2 0 15

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Plein Air Pacific Northwest competition, at which she has garnered top awards in both 2015 and 2014, as well as the Wallowa Valley Festival of the Arts in Joseph, Ore., where she took first place in 2015 and second place in 2014. This summer she exhibited a solo showing at The Clymer Museum of Art in Ellensburg, Wash.

Thompson was recently awarded second place in the Plein Air Washington Artists

show for her painting “Imnaha Cathedral.”

on staying in the area.”

Her work may be found online at www.MelanieThompsonArt.com, as well as at You & I Framing in Kennewick.

And so is she, because it is an area well worth staying in. For those with the eye to see, the unusual landscapes of the Inland Pacific Northwest are dramatic, inspiring and capable of drawing viewers to a higher plane of thought.

For now, and for the foreseeable future, there is much to be explored, captured, interpreted and painted in this little corner of the world, Thompson says, adding, “This is good, because my husband is pretty settled

“We are constantly surrounded by man-made things — it’s easy to slip into thinking we’re in control of our world.

“Every once in awhile I think it’s important to get out and see what God made, to see untamed wilderness and raging storms and be reminded that we are very small players in the universe.

“I love the feeling of being very, very small in a very big world, and I think that’s what I really try to get at in my work.”

Carolyn Henderson is a freelance writer who coowns Steve Henderson Fine Art with her husband, Steve Henderson. She is the author of The Misfit Christian, Grammar Despair, and Live Happily on Less, all available through Amazon. She may be contacted at Carolyn@SteveHendersonFineArt.com

Windy View

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41

Giving Back with Grace

Kennewick’s Josie Wannarachue

Story and photos

by Jennifer Colton-Jones HIDDEN AWAY IN THE SHELTER of its trees, the Wannarachue home is a Southeast Asian oasis in the desert.

Behind the vibrant flowers and beneath the weeping trees, Josie Wannarachue could reflect on a life well lived while she sips her tea and looks out over the Columbia River. She could pull away into her comfortable home and leave the Tri-Cities to its own plans and endeavors.

Instead, Josie Wannarachue spends almost every moment of her life thinking of others.

The Journey to “Home” As an only child growing up in the Philippines, Wannarachue always knew she would go into medicine.

Faced with five years of medical school to become a nurse or eight to become a doctor, she chose nursing so she could start helping people. She graduated from St. Luke’s College of Nursing in the Philippines and then set her eyes toward a new life.

Wannarachue landed in the United States in the fall of 1967. She started work at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey in Newark, N.J., and a year later, she met one of the hospital’s young medical residents: Nikom Wannarachue.

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The young Thai doctor swept her off her feet, and the couple were married a year later. She followed her husband to Seattle for a fellowship and then, in 1972, to Kennewick.

The former nurse said she loved the desert and the friendliness of the people immediately.

“We loved it here,” Wannarachue said. “After a year, we said, ‘This is it. This is home.’ I said, ‘I think I’m going to die here in the Tri-Cities.’ I love to travel, but this is home.”

A Woman of Many Talents Trained in emergency rooms and a veteran of the open-heart surgery team in New Jersey, Wannarachue appears calm and collected, regardless of what challenges she faces.

She has a smile for everyone and juggles fundraising and business

negotiations with grace, moving seamlessly from project to project.

Her laugh is infectious, and her heart is as big as the desert sky.

Almost as soon as she arrived in Kennewick, she began giving back to her community. She applied hardearned skills in time management and stress to tackle projects and volunteerism across the Tri-Cities.

In the early 1970s, she was a founding member of the Trios Foundation – then the Kennewick General Hospital Foundation – and she joined auxiliary groups, committees and volunteer boards almost immediately. Together with the late Billie Jane Lampson – who first suggested the hospital foundation to her new friend – she raised money to build the Tri-Cities Cancer Center.

When Wannarachue decided to retire from nursing, she split her attention between her volunteer work and operating Kennewick businesses.

“I feel like once I retired, I’m more busy than I was before,” she said with a chuckle. “I’m retired, and it’s so nice to do whatever I can for the community.”

Taking business classes at Columbia Basin College, she started a gift boutique, a travel agency and a property management company. She operated The King and I Thai Cuisine for a decade and wrote and published her own cookbook: Thai Cuisine at its Best, featuring recipes from green curry chicken to rice pudding.

It is that same infectious chuckle that Josie uses to charm those around her into giving their time or money for worthy causes. She embraces projects whole-heartedly and gives her time and money to those who need it.

She and her husband own a number of properties, but the Wannarachues do not rent their buildings to just anyone. The couple works with downtown development associations to bring in businesses that will help the city – and the business owners.

She meets with each potential client herself, and has lowered rent – sometimes below the mortgage payment – for young people willing to work hard and make their way.

“I like to help these young couples who have dreams. Everyone has dreams, and I want to see them succeed,” she said.

She has big visions for the Tri-Cities – and especially Kennewick.

The Wannarachues were big supporters of creating a directory for downtown so visitors could easily find museums, restaurants and businesses and donated the paper for the first printing this summer. As property owners, Wannarachue decorates the storefronts of vacant businesses for holidays and special events to help liven up downtown.

While she volunteers her time and money to plant flowers at intersections in downtown Kennewick, she also envisions cafes for residents and visitors to stop at after seeing a play or listening to a concert.

“If you want to live in a nice community, you have to give something back.”

Wannarachue is a community volunteer and former board member for Trios Health, she is a member of the Trios Art Committee and a volunteer with St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. She has volunteered or served in leadership roles for a long list of organizations from the ARC of the Tri-Cities to the Washington State Mint Association, including the Mid-Columbia Arts Council, Camp Trios and Domestic Violence Services.

She is a member of the Mid-Columbia Symphony Guild and hosts or offers her home and garden for tours to benefit the symphony and other local organizations.

She has chaired the March of Dimes Gourmet Gala and served five years on Board of Trustees for Columbia Basin College, the same school she had taken introductory business classes at years before.

A two-time breast cancer survivor, Wannarachue lends her compassion and experience to others battling diseases. She has given wigs, offered advice and helped others cope with their diagnosis.

“Some people don’t like others to know,” she said. “For me, I tell people my story because that’s the only way to reach out. I am not ashamed. I am proud – I survived.”

Through everything she gives, Wannarachue remains humble, downplaying her contributions. That humbleness caught her off-guard in 2014 when she almost missed the Kennewick Man and Woman of the Year Banquet. Returning from overseas travel the day before, she tried to excuse herself from the banquet, and her husband convinced her to go by saying a friend of hers had won the award.

The thought she could win never occurred to her – until she won.

“I do things because I want to help the community, not because I want an award,” she said. “I was not expecting that at all. My husband kept that a secret for two months.

That was a fun night.”

After a moment of reflection, Wannarachue is already planning her next effort. When she isn’t traveling the world, she will volunteer a full-day for an event, host a lunch to recruit volunteers and meet with potential business owners. Through it all, she keeps an ear out for the phone to ring from someone who needs her help.

“Giving back to the community is the most rewarding experience,” she said. “I have volunteered for so many things – I think I never say no when they need me. I will be volunteering until I can’t do it anymore.”

“If you want to live in a nice community, you have to give something back,” she said. “Me and my husband agree we have to give back to the community, and so we do. It’s very gratifying when you give something and don’t expect anything back. You see the community grow.”

A Career in Volunteerism When Wannarachue retired from restaurant ownership, she again redoubled her volunteer efforts.

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Holiday Events November Annual Holiday Light Show Beginning November 20, Senske, Kennewick Senske’s annual Holiday Light Show is impressive enough to delight people of all ages. Tune in your car’s radio to listen along as the lights are synced with favorite holiday songs. Senske partners with Second Harvest food bank to collect nonperishable donations.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical November 25, Toyota Center, Kennewick What better way to kick off the holiday season than with a Christmas classic? The beloved animated TV special “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” takes the stage as part of the Toyota Center’s Broadway series. Tickets are available at the Toyota Center box office or online. broadwayatthetoyotacenter.com/ rudolph-the-red-nosed-reindeer

Christmas Kickoff November 28-29, Downtown Dayton, Wash.

Just over an hour’s drive east of the Tri-Cities lies the quaint town of Dayton, which prides itself on being “the town that still believes” during the holidays. An annual tradition that takes place the weekend following Thanksgiving, Dayton’s Christmas Kickoff event includes fireworks, hayrides, visits from Santa, a Christmas parade, wine tasting, a Christmas market and much more. historicdayton.com/annual-events/ christmas-kickoff-nov-28-29

December First Annual Jingle Ball December 4, Three Rivers Convention Center, Kennewick A fun night out including a social hour, appetizers, prime rib dinner, drinks and dancing is in store at the first annual Jingle Ball. There will be a special room rate available at the Spring Hill Suites. Tables can be reserved by calling Heather Breymeyer at 509-737-3705.

Lighted Boat Parade December 4-5 The Lighted Boat Parade is a long standing holiday tradition in the Tri-Cities. Bundle up and head to the shores of the Columbia River to watch as boats drift by displaying bright holiday lights. The parade starts at

photo by Sara Nelson

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6 p.m. under the cable bridge at Clover Island in Kennewick. The boats follow the Kennewick side of the shore all the way to Howard Amon Park in Richland before they turn around and head back to the marina. lightedboatparade.com

The Academy of Children’s Theatre presents A Christmas Carol December 4-5, 11-13 The Academy of Children’s Theatre will bring Ebenezer Scrooge to life in their production of the holiday classic, A Christmas Carol. Tickets can be purchased online. academyofchildrenstheatre.org

Merry Christmas Village December 5, Flag Plaza, Downtown Kennewick A family-friendly holiday event will take place December 5 as the Historic Downtown Kennewick partnership hosts the Merry Christmas Village. Ice skating, visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus, Christmas music and much more will be in store. historickennewick.org/ merry-christmas-village

Winter Wonderland December 4-5, Various locations, Richland This family-friendly weekend long event has fun activities for all ages. Enjoy a bonfire by the Lee Blvd. dock as you watch the Lighted Boat Parade float by. Santa, the

rock and traditional Celtic. They’ll be performing alongside vocalist Howard Crosby, nephew of Bing Crosby. Tickets can be purchased online or at the door. acelticchristmas.brownpapertickets. com

Mid-Columbia Ballet presents The Nutcracker

photo by Tri-City Herald

Grinch, Olaf and other favorite characters will be on site to interact with kids. Horse drawn carriage rides and food vendors will be available. Additional activities will take placed at the Richland Community Center.

A Celtic Christmas December 9, the Uptown Theater, Richland Classically trained Ireland-based trio Affiniti will take the stage at the Uptown Theater to perform a Christmas concert. Their musical style is described as a balance of classical,

December 11-13, Richland High School Auditorium Since 1976, the Mid-Columbia Ballet has been performing The Nutcracker, a timeless holiday classic. Special guests from the New York Ballet and San Francisco Ballet will be performing alongside Mid-Columbia dancers. Advanced ticket purchases are recommended. Tickets can be purchased online or at Dance Boutique in Richland. midcolumbiaballet.org

Desert Plateau Luminaria December 19, Pasco Since 1987 the Desert Plateau neighborhood in Pasco has been setting the streets aglow during their annual Luminaria.

Organizers estimate more than 25,000 candles are lit in paper bags and set near the street every year. The neighborhood also holds a contest for the best holiday decorat-

photo by Tri-City Herald

ed home, so the evening is a great way to enjoy holiday lights with family, friends and neighbors. desertplateauluminary.com

Lampson Cable Bridge Run December 19, Pasco Bundle up in your warmest running gear and join Santa for the 37th Annual Lampson Cable Bridge Run. Race distances include one mile, 5K and 10K. All three races start at 9 a.m., and shuttles to and from the race are available. http://wa-pasco.civicplus.com/845/

First Night December 31, Gesa Carousel of Dreams, Kennewick Say goodbye to 2015 at First Night Tri-Cities, an annual family-friendly New Year’s Eve celebration. This year’s event takes place at the Gesa Carousel of Dreams, and will include music, games, fireworks and concessions. firstnighttricities.com

photo by Tri-City Herald

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Winter Event Calendar January Dial “M” For Murder January 8-9, 15-17, 22-24, Richland Players Theater The Richland Players’ first show of 2016 is the thriller Dial “M” For Murder by playwright Frederick Knott. Betrayal, revenge and plotted murder make for an exciting stage production. Tickets can be purchased at the box office or online. richlandplayers.org

Brides 2016 January 10, TRAC, Pasco If you’re recently engaged or happily serving as a bridesmaid in an upcoming wedding, don’t miss Brides 2016. Described as an upscale and elegant event, Brides 2016 offers everything you need to know about planning a wedding, from venues, dresses, cakes and more. bridestricities.com

Polar Plunge January 16, Columbia Park, Kennewick Feeling up to a freezing cold challenge?

The Polar Plunge, a Special Olympics Washington fundraiser, takes place January 16. Participants will jump into the cold

photo by Tri-City Herald

waters of the Columbia River to raise money for a good cause. Registration can be done online. tricitiesplunge2016.kintera.org

Tri-Cities Sportsmen Show January 22-24, TRAC, Pasco Outdoor enthusiasts should mark their calendars for the annual Tri-Cities Sportsmens Show. Retail merchants, factory reps, outdoor clubs and organizations, hunting and fishing guides and much more will be on site. The event also includes an indoor 3-D archery shoot, hunting and fishing seminars, kids’ fishing pond and an air rifle range.

from some of the world’s greatest illusionists. The show continues to shatter box office records around the world. Tickets are available at the Toyota Center box office or online. ticketmaster.com/ event/0F004E909A3E18AF

Flashdance the Musical January 22, Toyota Center, Kennewick The musical adaptation of the 1983 film heads to the Toyota Center as part of its Broadway Series. The musical features electrifying dancing along with some of the film’s biggest hit songs, like “Flashdance – What a Feeling,” “Maniac” and “I Love Rock & Roll.” Tickets can be purchased at the Toyota Center box office or online. ticketmaster.com/ event/0F004E909A2518A8

February The Illusionists photo by Sara Nelson

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February 12, Toyota Center, Kennewick This action-packed show displays thrilling and sophisticated magic tricks and illusions

photo by Tri-City Herald

www.windermeretricities.com

Serving The Greater Tri-Cities

Kennewick, WA

Thank you to the founding participants of the

Kennewick Police Foundation

COMMUNITY CARE PROGRAM

Sponsors and providers are listed alphabetically Sponsors Apollo Heating and Air Bunch Finnigan Canyon Lakes Clearwater Dental Community First Bank Craig and Marilee Eerkes Dick and Diane Hoch Fast Signs Henderson and Associates

PS Media

Toyota of Tri-Cities Washington Hardware Windermere Real Estate/Kennewick Providers Casaday Beeline Services Clover Island Inn Hills Restaurant

The Knights of Columbus The Living Room Church

Ranch and Home Toyota of Tri-Cities

Innovative Mortgage Jim and Carol Spracklen Chief Ken and Trish Hohenberg Kennewick Mayor Steve and Anita Young Perfection Glass Perfection Tire

Time and time again these “Community Partners” have stepped up to show support for programs and events that continue to improve our quality of life in the Tri-Cities.

For details of the COMMUNITY

CARE PROGRAM

please go to KPDFoundation.org WINDERMERE REAL ESTATE / TRI-CITIES 783-8811 • PROPERTY MANAGEMENT 737-9429

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