Venue 0817 final for web

Ephrata Pioneer Day Odessa Deutschesfest Royal City Harvest Festival Soap Lake Masquers Theater Quincy Farmer Consumer Awareness Days and Balloon Festival

2 | thevenuemag.com

thevenuemag.com | 3

Castles in the sky

A

s a grandmother, I look into the eyes of my grandchildren and I hear with my whole heart these words, “Grandma, please don’t tell me the sky is the limit, when there are footprints on the moon.”

We don’t teach our children how to dream. They already know how. They see magic because they look for it. Nothing is impossible. Anything is achievable.

Dreams have no ceiling. To them it is not what they look at that matters, it is what they see. They see castles in the sky and it is our job as parents, teachers and community members to help build the foundation below them.

A new school year begins and new dreams are formed.

We all have a part to play. What will you do?

Inspire others by being inspiring. Teach young people to do amazing things. Empower others to do things they’ve never been able to do before. Read, and read, and then write. Love, and love, and then help others to love.

Help someone no one else cares to help. Do something good and ask others to pass it on. Be profound. Find focus in a world without it. Reach out to those who are frustrated, depressed, angry, confused, sad, hurt. Share hope. Be the voice for those without one. Listen, then listen some more. Hear. Pray. Learn, do, then teach.

Meet new people, become fast friends. Dare to be wrong. Study the greats, and emulate them. Surprise people. Cook great food, and share it. Make music that soothes the soul. Help someone else start a business.

Focus on less, but do it better. Help others achieve their dreams. Be brave. Be honest. Be hilarious. Get really, really good at something and help someone who wants to do it, too. Think on good things. Start now. Try hard.

- Melea Johnson

VENUE MAGAZINE Published by: Venue Media Group, Inc Publisher: Melea Johnson Layout & Design: Joe LaRosee Sales: Melea Johnson, Sue Tebow, Contributing Photographers: J Keele Photography, Roseanna Sales, Michelle Rainey, Brayden Bise Contributing Writers: Hayley Stoebner, Lenore Plassman, Jan Thacker, Matt Killebrew

Venue Magazine, PO Box 820, Moses Lake, WA 98837 509 431-3573 Melea Johnson / 509 760-0503 Sue Tebow info@thevenuemag.com / thevenuemag.com /

On the cover:

Fall Festivities in the Basin

4 | thevenuemag.com

In-Office Dental Plan for patients without dental coverage

Benefits you’ll Extended monthly payment options for restorative & cosmetic treatment

Unique. Attentive. Experienced.

smileabout Need treatment today?

Absolutely. You’re free from waiting periods

Excellent care for all patients and families based on their individual needs

Deductible free, exclusion free,

Leading-edge technology

Flexible financing available*

and state-of-the-art facilities

and no claims to file

*subject to credit approval

509.765.8831 949 E Nelson Rd Moses Lake, WA 98837 RoryKnappDDS.com

New Mercury Engine Sales 2.5 to 300 HP

PARTS – ACCESSORIES – REPAIRS

Mercury, MerCruiser, Evinrude, Johnson, OMC/Cobra Props – Parts – Moorage – Tubes – Gas – Oil 509-765-6718 / 8138 Scott Rd. NE, Moses Lake www.cascademarina.com

thevenuemag.com | 5

Life’s PERFECT MOMENTS are now When it comes to legal matters we know you prefer simple.

That is why we handle the complicated for you.

We’ve got your back, so you have extra time to enjoy what’s right in front of you.

photo courtesy of Korbi Ashton

WILLS TRUSTS PROBATE SUCCESSION PLANNING LLCs CORPORATIONS REAL ESTATE COMMERCIAL FARMS CLOSINGS

100 E. Broadway Avenue Moses Lake 509-765-9283 11 E Street SE, Quincy 509-797-2042 Quincy office is open on Thursday or by appointment

6 | thevenuemag.com

MEXICO—PLAYA DEL CARMEN Tulum Undiscovered, Coba Maya Treasure, Xcaret with Dinner, Chichen Itza, Atlantis Submarine Travels January 20-27, 2018 $2858 per person/double occupancy SEATS STILL AVAILABLE SIGN UP TODAY!

CHINA

Travels March 31, 2018 to April 9, 2018 Starting at $2,199 per person/double occupancy Plus $155 Visa Requirement Optional side trip to Terra-Cotta Warriors $200 Visit- Beijing, Shanghai, Suzhou, Hangzhou SIGN UP TODAY!

FALL 2018 South Africa/Dubai

Details and Orientation Coming Soon!

Take the stress out of travel and take advantage of a group discount while traveling with friends, family and neighbors!

324 S Pioneer Way, Moses Lake, WA 98837 ~ Phone: (509) 765 -7888 ~ Fax: (866) 535 -1246 ~ www.moseslake.com ~ Email: information@moseslake.com

thevenuemag.com | 7

8 | thevenuemag.com

2017 Northern

Pikeminnow Derby September 22-24, 2017

REGISTRATIONS: Friday, 22nd - 5:00pm to 7:00 pm Saturday, 23rd 8:00 am to 10:00 am STAGING AREA: Crescent Bar boat basin, fish anywhere along the Columbia River from Rock Island Dam to Wanapum Dam

AT O B NEW CH LAUN

Grand Prizes Awarded for: CumulativeWeight MostFishCaught PLUS Random Prizes& Drawings 18 and older $25 17 and under $10

Pre-register at: Quincy Valley Chamber www.quincyvalley.org

Watch Website for other registration locations

For More Information Call (509)787-2140

in cooperation with:

10 | thevenuemag.com

D O M I N AT E I T A L L

A BOLD NEW BREED OF SIDE‐BY‐SIDE FROM THE WORLD LEADER IN OFF‐ROAD INNOVATION.

MountainView Polaris • 507 East 3rd Avenue • Moses Lake • 509.765.9340

thevenuemag.com | 11

12 | thevenuemag.com

Half-Sun Travel Plaza The Travel Plaza, which is the first truck-stop type facility for the tribal cooperation, includes a 13,000 square foot c-store and over 20 pumps serving both pedestrian and truck traffic.

The truck stop features an internet equipped lounge complete with a gas fireplace, television and four washer-dryer sets; seven showers; a conference room; a sandwich shop; and fully stocked shelves and coolers, and delicious Champs ChickenŽ & the famous San Francisco Sourdough Eatery™

located off of Exit 176, I-90

at the intersection of Lakeshore and Wanapum drives, Moses Lake.

thevenuemag.com | 13

Photo by Bob Juarez

14 | thevenuemag.com

W

ith 15,000 visitors annually, there are plenty of attractions for all ages—authentic German food, city-block big biergarten, live music, a parade, kids zone, street vendors, helicopter rides—just to name a few.

Deutschesfest is put on by local descendants of the German-Russians who settled in Odessa at the beginning of the 20th Century. A strong appreciation of good food, drink, music and dancing has been handed down through generations to give this festival a touch of care you’ll only find from those with true hometown pride. This gives you the perfect reason to get the family together, break out your lederhosen and dirndls and load up the motorhome or trailer to bring everyone out for a weekend of fun.

BB ii ee rr ss BB rr aa tt ss BB aa nn dd ss

thevenuemag.com | 15

S E PTEM BER

15—17

—M OR E AT D E U TS CH E S F E S T.CO M

@O DESSA FEST

S E PTEM BER

15—17

47TH ANNUAL GERMAN FEST IN ODESSA, WA.

47TH ANNUAL GERMAN FEST IN ODESSA, WA.

16 | thevenuemag.com

If you need extra space, All-Safe Self Storage in Moses Lake offers the safest, most professional option for all your storage needs.

3 Convenient Locations On-Site Management Digital Access Gate Hi-Tech Door Locks Easy I-90 Access Video Cameras Paved Aisles Well Lit Fenced Interior Storage Our office is just off I-90 at exit 176, on Broadway, behind Leprekons Grocery by the Larson baseball fields

all-safe-self-storage.com / 509 764-7233

thevenuemag.com | 17

Come join us for a fun filled Family day! Grab some mums for your porch or landscape, pick a pumpkin from the Pumpkin Patch, enjoy lunch from the Garden Grill, get your face painted, sit in on one of the Painting Class for kids & adults, and shop our Awesome Vendors.

12543 Road H SW Royal City, Washington (509) 989-0428

18 | thevenuemag.com

thevenuemag.com | 19

In 1981, a local farmer, Dennis Higashiyama, was working on his tractor and listening to America’s favorite radio host, Paul Harvey, have a conversation about the necessity of farming and farmers. The woman in this conversation expressed her opinion by saying, “I don’t understand why we need farmers, don’t they know we can just go to the grocery store and buy what we need?”

Local farmers were outraged. In our region we live in a world of agriculture and are familiar with the faces of the hardworking families who bring food to our table (and our stores), however, this conversation illustrated clearly how farmers and consumers had drifted apart – leaving many people with little or no understanding about how food actually arrives on their grocery shelves.

Because of this, on the second weekend in September, every year, the Quincy Valley community prepares a unique celebration called Quincy Farmer-Consumer Awareness Days (FCAD), which educates the consumer on the farm to market process.

For farmers, FCAD is an opportunity to show the fruits of their labor and demonstrate the tools and techniques used in their work. For the public, the event has tours of area processing plants and farms, displays of farm equipment, informational and commodity booths, and a farmers market. The event profiles our local farm families, our abundant farmlands and the businesses that are determined to stay on the cutting edge to provide the very best food possible.

So, the next time you say, “Pass the potatoes, please,” remember the dedicated farmers at the heart of our rural communities. We at VENUE Magazine encourage you to bring your whole family to the Quincy Farmer Consumer Awareness Day(s) Celebration and get acquainted with our local people who bring us fresh foods from the earth.

To them, we say thank you!

thevenuemag.com | 20

Crops in the

Columbia Basin Photography by Brayden Bise

thevenuemag.com | 22

thevenuemag.com | 23

thevenuemag.com | 24

2017 Quincy

Fireworks Spectacular and Balloon Festival Saturday, September 9 and Sunday, September 10 Presented by Quincy Valley Tourism

Photos by Hoku Kim

thevenuemag.com | 25

SCHEDULE FOR YOUR SATURDAY EVENING:

6:00 PM Food vendors and beer garden open at Lauzier Park 7:00 PM National Anthem and Sponsor recognition 8:30 PM BALLOON NIGHTGLOW will light up the sky have your cameras ready!

Prior to the main fireworks show, the Junior NPA Club (youth members of the club), will have a demonstration segment all their own!

Directly after... Northwest Pyrotechnics Association will display spectacular fireworks set to music.

The finale this year will touch your heart with a very special tribute presented.

Bring your lawn chairs or blanket to sit. Please make sure to dress for changing weather conditions.

The fireworks are spectacular but please know they are very loud and some people have found ear plugs work great!

NO DOGS PLEASE! In accordance with Washington State Liquor Laws only alcohol purchased at the event is permitted. Violators will be removed.

All events are weather permitting.

Do you live local? You may want to come out on Friday.

From 3:00pm to 10:00pm, the NPA Club will be intermittently setting off fireworks to prepare for Saturday’s extravaganza! You are welcome to come and watch.

partiesonthegreen.com

26 | thevenuemag.com

S

aturday night, September 9, Northwest Pyrotechnics Association will display spectacular fireworks set to music. Bring your lawn chairs or blanket and your whole family.

Partiesonthegreen.com

28 | thevenuemag.com

Saturday and Sunday morning launches Would you like to volunteer for crew? If so, just show up at sunrise and we will put you to work! The pilots are always happy to have help.

M

orning launches begin at 6:00 am or just at sunrise at Lauzier Park in Quincy, WA. Please refer to the website below for update. The public is welcome to come watch as balloons lift off. There are no rides sold at this event. All events are weather permitting and locations of launch are subject to change. Balloon Festival is in conjunction with Farmer Consumer Awareness Days. partiesonthegreen.com / all updates or changes will be posted on facebook: parties on the green

thevenuemag.com | 29

Photos by Roseanna Sales

30 | thevenuemag.com

thevenuemag.com | 31

Full Service Broker Open 7 days a week!

New Wheels for Spring

Your Home Home...

Your Future Future... ...My Commitment.

Start as your Realtor.

End as your Friend.

SOLD SO FAR IN 2017: 39 Closed Sales w/$8.6m

REALTOR ® /BROKER

OPENING NEW DOORS SINCE 2004

TOP PRODUCING AGENT T E X T

955 W. 3rd Ave. Moses Lake, WA 509-764-7777

Family owned and operated

n

C A L L

n

E M A I L

509.760.1324 jydele4@aol.com 77936©

17” Set* - $850 18” Set* - $899 *Set is all 4 tires and wheels

32 | thevenuemag.com

thevenuemag.com | 33

4 Concerts: Adult $60 * Student $30 * Family $135 * 1 Parent $85 1 Show: Adult $25 * Student $10 * Family $55 * 1Parent $26 Music Students/Music Teachers $5/per show Call for tickets (509) 760-6908 or purchase at Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce

34 | thevenuemag.com

40TH PREMIERE SEASON 2017–2018 COLUMBIA BASIN ALLIED ARTS Premiere shows held @ 7pm, Wallenstien Theater, 6989 College Parkway, Moses Lake

I AM KING NOVEMBER 4, 2017

MUSIC

DANCE

MOWGLI -THE JUNGLE BOOK OCTOBER 13, 2017

JAY ALEXANDER MARCH 30, 2018

MAGIC

MUSICAL

PIRATES OF PENZANCE MARCH 24, 2018

SEASON TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW! $100/4 PREMIERE SEASON SHOWS!

PURCHASE TICKETS@:

www.cba-arts.org Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce

For information call: 509.793.2059 •

Support provided by Grant County Tourism Commission & Ameri-Stay Inn & Suites Big Bend Community College & Moses Lake Lodging Tax Advisory Committee

Solar-Powered VA C AT I O N S

IN GRANT COUNTY, WASHINGTON

Big Bend Big Bend

COMMUNITY COLLEGE COMMUNITY COLLEGE

thevenuemag.com | 35

COLUMBIA BASIN ALLIED ARTS INDIVIDUAL AND SEASON TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

40TH PREMIERE SEASON 2017–2018 DANCE: OCTOBER 13, 2017 MOWGLI -THE JUNGLE BOOK

MUSIC: NOVEMBER 4, 2017

I AM KING (MICHAEL JACKSON TRIBUTE)

MUSICAL: MARCH 24, 2018 PIRATES OF PENZANCE

MAGIC: MARCH 30, 2018 JAY ALEXANDER

Premiere shows held @ 7pm, Wallenstien Theater, 6989 College Parkway, Moses Lake

PURCHASE TICKETS@:

www.cba-arts.org Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce

For information call: 509.793.2059 •

Support provided by Grant County Tourism Commission & Ameri-Stay Inn & Suites Big Bend Community College & Moses Lake Lodging Tax Advisory Committee

Solar-Powered VA C AT I O N S

IN GRANT COUNTY, WASHINGTON

Big Bend Big Bend

COMMUNITY COLLEGE COMMUNITY COLLEGE

36 | thevenuemag.com

40TH GREEN TURTLE SEASON 2017–2018 COLUMBIA BASIN ALLIED ARTS Green Turtle shows held @ 6pm, Wallenstien Theater, 6989 College Parkway, Moses Lake

PETE THE CAT MARCH 10, 2018

PAT DAUGHERTY’S CHILDREN’S ART FUND

THEATER

ALADDIN FEBRUARY 17, 2018

THEATER

GULLIVER’S TRAVELS SEPTEMBER 30, 2017

It was Pat Daugherty’s vision that financial need should never prevent a child from participating in or attending a CBAA children’s presentation. We have dedicated gift tickets for up to 600 students per year, as well as 3-6 outreach opportunities per year to meet that goal.

MUSICAL

Ways your gift can be used: • $70 – Pays for Green Turtle performance attendance for 10 children.

• $250 – Gives 35 children free admission to a CBAA performance.

• $500 - $1000 – Provides an outreach performance or clinic to an area school.

• $1000 - $2500 – Partial performance fees for one Green Turtle Performance.

• $2,500 - $5000 – Complete cost for one Green Turtle Performance.

To explore how your gift can help CBAA, please contact the Executive Director: 509-793-2059, director@cba-arts.org

SUPPORT

help keep Pat’s vision alive!

As a nonprofit organization listed under the IRS section 501(c)3, all donations made to CBAA are tax-deductible. You will receive a thank you letter for your tax purposes.

GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY! INDIVIDUAL TICKETS $7/EACH!

PURCHASE TICKETS@:

www.cba-arts.org Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce

For information call: 509.793.2059 •

Support provided by Grant County Tourism Commission & Ameri-Stay Inn & Suites Big Bend Community College & Moses Lake Lodging Tax Advisory Committee

Solar-Powered VA C AT I O N S

IN GRANT COUNTY, WASHINGTON

Big Bend Big Bend

COMMUNITY COLLEGE COMMUNITY COLLEGE

thevenuemag.com | 37

COLUMBIA BASIN ALLIED ARTS GREEN TURTLE TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW! INDIVIDUAL TICKETS $7/SHOW!

40TH green turtle SEASON 2017–2018 SEPTEMBER 30, 2017

GULLIVER’S TRAVELS (Theater) Auditions September 25, rehearsals nightly, show times 3pm & 6pm

FEBRUARY 17, 2018 ALADDIN

(Theater)

MARCH 10, 2018

PETE THE CAT

(Musical)

SPONSORED BY: Performances held @ 3pm & 6pm, Wallenstien Theater, 6989 College Parkway, Moses Lake

PURCHASE TICKETS@:

www.cba-arts.org Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce

For information call: 509.793.2059 •

Support provided by Grant County Tourism Commission & Ameri-Stay Inn & Suites Big Bend Community College & Moses Lake Lodging Tax Advisory Committee

Solar-Powered VA C AT I O N S

IN GRANT COUNTY, WASHINGTON

Big Bend Big Bend

COMMUNITY COLLEGE COMMUNITY COLLEGE

38 | thevenuemag.com

An open audition will be held for the Missoula Children's Theatre production of

GULLIVER'S TRAVELS

Monday, September 25 ~ from 4-6pm Wallenstein Theater on the BBCC campus.

CBAA welcomes students grades K-12 for this opportunity!

Those auditioning should arrive at 4pm and plan to stay for the full two hours. Some of the cast members will be asked to stay for a rehearsal immediately following the audition.

Approximately 50-60 roles are available for local students. All students, grades K-12 are encouraged to audition. No advance preparation is necessary. Most students rehearse approximately 4 ½ hours each day, Monday through Friday.

Performances are scheduled for Saturday, September 30, 2017, at 3pm and 6pm.

For more information call Executive Director Ciara Shuttleworth at 509-793-2059.

G

ULLIVER’S TRAVELS is part of the Missoula Children's Theatre's unique international touring project and is presented in Moses Lake, WA, by Columbia Basin Allied Arts. 50 local students present an out-of-this-world original sci-fi musical adaptation of GULLIVER’S TRAVELS. With his spaceship wrecked and his trusty computer on the fritz, brave explorer Gulliver finds himself lost in space. While transporting from world to world, Gulliver discovers fighting aliens, foolish Yahoos, robots and more – all who need just as much help from Gulliver as Gulliver needs from them!

Among the roles to be cast are Gulliver and his trusty computer JCN (Jason). The Giant King, Queen and Princess of Brobdingnag (brab-ding-nag). A Giant Wasp, the Maniacal Scientist of Lapunta (la-poon-ta) and his Robots. Houyhnhnm (who-in-um) Horses, Yahoos, and Aliens of Liiliput and Blefuscu (blue-foo-skoo). www.cba-arts.org

thevenuemag.com | 39

40 | thevenuemag.com

Big Bend Cooperative Preschool A non-profit organization

B

Big Bend Cooperative Preschool

y participating in our parent operated cooperative program, you will have opportunities to observe your child’s learning progress and interaction with their peers and other adults in a safe, stimulating and nurturing environment. Based on a developmentally appropriate and proven educational model, this is a unique hands on experience for both you and your child.

A non-profit organization

Our program is designed to facilitate children’s social and emotional development, gross

Children parents together—because parents areparent a child’s first teacher and fineand motor skills, learning and cognitive development. We believe that participation in the classroom and school builds a foundation for success. This helps keep our tuition very

By reasonable participating ourusparent operatedtocooperative youwith willour have opportunities and in gives the opportunity participate in program, the classroom children.

Our motto is “Learning Through Play”.

We would love to share our program with you. to observe and assist your young child in exploring and learning through teacher directed activities. Based on a developmentally appropriate and proven educational model, this is a unique hands on experience for both you and your child.

Toddler Program (18mo +) 9:15am – 11:15am Mon or Wed, $42/month 2-day Preschool (3& 4 years) 9:15am – 11:45am Tues & Thurs, $60/month

Our program is designed to facilitate children’s social and emotional development, gross Pre-Kindergarten (4 & 5 years) 12:30pm – 3:00pm Mon, Wed, and Thurs, $75/month and fine motor skills, and cognitive development. Typically, parents are in the classroom PLEASE CONTACT US FOR 2017/2018 OPENINGS once a week and attend a business/parent education meeting once each month, as well as *Registration $45 * 2nd child from the same family gets ½ off registration and tuition participating in fundraising activities. This helps keep our tuition very reasonable, and *$35 Discount for referring new families * Opt out fundraising fee offered

gives us the opportunity to participate in the classroom with our children. Our motto is Contact us today to arrange a free visit for you and your child!

“Learning though Play”. We would love to share our program with you!

Cash or Check ONLY please

Toddler Program (18mo +) 9:15am-11:15am Mon or Wed, $42/month BBCC Bldg 1300A / bbcooppreschool.com / 509 431-3182 2-day Preschool (3 & 4 years) 9:15am-11:15am Tues & Thurs, $60/month

Big Bend Cooperative Preschool will not discriminate on the basis of education, race, sex, national origin or handicapping conditions.

This policy includes but is not limited religiously, or sexually non-discriminatory by the school admissions, 3-day Pre-Kindergarten (4 to&racially, 5 years) 12:30pm-3:00pm Mon,adminstration Wed & Thurs, $75/month scholarship programs, and extracurricular activities that are a part of the school's regular program and similar activities.

REGISTRATION AUGUST 24, 6:00-8:00pm & AUGUST 25, 10:00am –12:00pm *Registration $45 *2nd child from the same family gets 1/2 off registration and tuition

thevenuemag.com | 41

About our School What do children do?

Children learn through an interactive and meaningful environment. They explore on their own and with parents through theme related activity centers.

Gross Motor Centers To stimulate and challenge your child’s physical development, an indoor climber, a rocking boat, and large blocks are available. Our fenced outdoor play yard has grass for running games, pavement for riding tricycles, a large climber and more.

Creative Center Finger painting, collages, crafts, and projects encourages creative thinking, fine motor skills and emotional development.

Dramatic Play Sand and water-table, ride-on toys, kitchenette, puppet theater, and a variety of dress-up clothes are a few of the choices for your child in this center. Dramatic play encourages language and social development.

Snack Center Self control, sensory and cognitive development are the focus of this center. Children prepare food, try new foods, learn about health and safety issues and manners.

What does the parent do?

2 & 3 Day parents assists in the classroom 3-4 times a month. Toddler Parents attend every class with their child. Parents hold an office or help assist in daily operations of the school. The parent attends monthly parent education and business meetings.

What does the teacher do?

The teacher prepares the environment for children to learn through active exploration and interaction with adults, other children, and materials. The teacher moves among groups and individuals to facilitate children’s involvement with materials and activities by asking questions, offering suggestions, or adding more complex materials or ideas to a situation. The teacher guides and directs a circle time in which children delight in singing, fingerplays, stories, rhythmic movement, talking and listening.

42 | thevenuemag.com

thevenuemag.com | 43

44 | thevenuemag.com

thevenuemag.com | 45

Have you ever thought about being a FOSTER CARE home?

By Hayley Stoebner

T

here is a growing crisis in Washington’s foster care system.

There are currently more children entering foster care than the present number of foster homes can handle and the need for more homes is urgent! Sadly, due to the shortage of homes, many of the children from Grant County end up being moved to other counties in the state-this can seem like light years away from everything familiar to a child! (The outcomes for children in foster care are much better when they are maintained in their home community.) In some areas of the state, children as young as two years old have had to be supervised by Social Workers in hotel rooms overnight because there was no foster placement available.

Brothers and sisters are frequently separated because a relative cannot be found and there are not enough foster homes that can accommodate sibling groups.

Lastly, a handful of children are placed in homes with families who do not speak the same language as them because there are few Spanish-speaking foster families in our area. Imagine being a one year old child…separated from your siblings…placed in a home with complete strangers…where no one speaks your language…and you can’t understand where your mother/father have gone. A scenario similar to this one is not uncommon in the world of child welfare.

FosteringWA works very hard to ensure that the aforementioned scenarios do not come true and that all children can have a safe and nurturing home. FosteringWA is a program of Eastern Washington University’s College of Social Sciences. FosteringWA has a contract with the State Department of Social Services to recruit foster parents in Eastern Washington. Everyone is welcome to apply to become a foster parent, but FosteringWA is especially looking for people willing to care for sibling groups, children age 12 and older, infants exposed prenatally to drugs/alcohol and Spanish-speaking families.

FosteringWA always looks for ways to reach potential foster parents. Please consider inviting FosteringWA to your church, organization, etc. to talk with prospective foster parents about how to get licensed. Or, if you own a business, please consider posting a recruitment flyer somewhere in your business. If you are interested in learning more about how to become a foster parent, please contact Hayley Stoebner with FosteringWA at 509-322-1191 or at hstoebner@ewu.edu.

46 | thevenuemag.com

thevenuemag.com | 47

Let us be your solution for specialized dementia care!

Call 509.764.1900

INSURE CAREFULLY, DREAM FEARLESSLY.

A Tradition of Caring Together

jeaseniorliving.com

American Family Mutual Insurance Company, American Family Insurance Company, 6000 American Parkway, Madison WI 53783 006441—Rev. 11/15 © 2015

Chris Arnberg Agency 821 E Broadway Ave Ste 18 Moses Lake, WA 98837 (509) 764-5144 carnberg@amfam.com

48 | thevenuemag.com

10

100 Percent Pass Rate for Big Bend Nursing Grads

by Matt Killebrew, BBCC Director of Communications

T

he Big Bend Community College Nursing program has been the very definition of success for the last ten years, and the 2017 graduating class has exemplified that success with all 17 graduates passing their NCLEX-RN licensure exam on their first attempts.

The 100-percent pass rate has become the norm for BBCC Nursing Students, a testament to the quality of instructors associated with the program. During the last ten years, 100 percent of nursing graduates have passed the licensure exam on either the first or the second attempt.

“BBCC’s nursing program is a model for excellence, as measured by the extraordinary pass rates on the NCLEX exam,” said BBCC President Dr. Terry Leas. “This validation by national standards assures employers and patients that our nursing graduates have the skills to provide exceptional health care.”

According to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, the national average of students who passed the exam in 2017 on their first attempt is 88.4 percent. Many of Big Bend’s most recent

graduates are already at work in hospitals and clinics in the area.

“I am very proud of the hard work of our graduates,” said BBCC Director of Health Education Programs Katherine Christian.

“I look forward to their contributions to healthcare in our community.”

The Associate Degree in Nursing Program is approved by the Washington State Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission and the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges, and accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing.

To learn more about Big Bend Community College’s nursing program, and the prerequisite requirements for admission into the program, visit http:// www.bigbend.edu/academics/programs/ nursing/ or email nursingprogram@ bigbend.edu.

Every Big Bend 2017 nursing program graduate passed the NCLEX-RN licensure exam on their first attempt.

00% thevenuemag.com | 49

50 | thevenuemag.com

EPHRATA

124 3rd Ave SW PO Box 130, 98823 509.754.2356

MOSES LAKE 1025 S Pioneer Way Suite C, 98837 JMLAWPS.COM

SEATTLE

3213 W Wheeler St #58 98199 888.720.2704

thevenuemag.com | 51

Est.1970

A walk through the past...in Grant County’s Historical Museum, situated on 3½ acres, a complex of 38 buildings preserving the historical legacy of Grant County.

The Historical Village comes to life at

LIVING MUSEUM Saturday, June 10 PIONEER DAY Saturday, September 23

Open Saturday May 6 until Sept. 30 Guided tours are provided daily until 4pm Open daily 10am-5pm • Sunday 1pm-4pm CLOSED WEDNESDAY

Museum Gift Shop

h Grant County g HistoriCal MuseuM 742 BASIN NW, EPHRATA • 754-3334 PAID FOR BY GRANT COUNTY TOURISM

52 | thevenuemag.com

Don’s Restaurant

New Chef, New Look

By Chef Joe LaRosee

G

rowing up in the Basin, Don’s Restaurant was always looked at as “the place” to go on special occasions as it was one of the best restaurants in Eastern Washington. In recent years, due to many new competitive restaurants and rising food costs, Don’s fell from the limelight and flirted with obscurity. A door that meant so much to so many was on the verge of being closed forever.

But in 2017, the flirting stopped and the Soap Lake Icon made a comeback that is worth you taking a short drive to spark old memories and make new ones. Don’s has been revitalized by the new ownership of Sherry Xiao, and the introduction of a new Executive Chef, Dakota Likewise, a graduate of the Scottsdale Culinary Institute in Arizona.

Sherry and Chef Dakota share the same vision of bringing the Don’s Restaurant atmosphere and menu into 2017, while preserving the classics and charm that made Don’s Restaurant so famous 20 years ago.

“I hope I have created a menu that pays homage to past owners, while starting a new exciting chapter in the classic restaurants life,” says Chef Dakota, who brings with him a career experience as Executive Chef at some of the most luxurious resorts and golf clubs around the world.

Chef Dakota spends just as much time seating customers and getting to know his locals as he does checking in with his Sous Chef to make sure the food is just right. He is also quick to pre-bus tables, deliver food and pour drinks at the bar. A man who is truly running the business.

The doors were very much open on a Friday night in July when I made the trip to downtown Soap Lake to check out what was new on the menu.

Continued on page 55

thevenuemag.com | 53

54 | thevenuemag.com

thevenuemag.com | 55

Continued from page 52 I was greeted right away, seated and made aware of the nights specials.

“Tonight we have a Bloody Mary Lamb Shank and Crusted Veal with Mornay Sauce”, my server informed me with a slight hint of pride in her voice.

It was apparent she was pleased to have the opportunity to serve food of such caliber.

Although the Lamb Shank did sound delicious, I tend to stick to the classics when I am trying a restaurant for the first time, or in this case, trying a new Chef. If a Chef can own the basics, then I get excited to try their creativity in the future.

For the first course, I ordered a classic Caesar salad which had plenty of dressing, just peppery enough, and a fantastic slice of garlic toast. Presentation was beautiful and clean. The salad was quite big and could be a solid lunch on its own… but I was just getting started!

For the second course, I ordered the Bang Bang Shrimp which had large prawns sautéed with red onions, pepperoncini, wine and butter. Presentation was lovely, colorful and bright. The flavor of the perfectly cooked prawns was clean with bright acidity with just a touch of heat. A great appetizer to start a meal.

Course three, Linguine and Clams, were simple and delicious. I would have liked a touch more garlic and acidity from white wine but that is just me. I think lovers of this classic dish will find a new favorite at Don’s.

My main entree was a huge 16 oz ribeye. The steak was cooked to a perfect medium rare with a nice crust and very light seasoning. The choice beef was tender, juicy and everything you would expect from Don’s Steakhouse.

Although I did need to add just a dash of salt to satisfy my palate, tables next to me were raving about their steaks just as they came.

After dinner, Chef Dakota showed me Don’s large banquet facility and new outdoor patio dining area on Canna Street.

“We want to have monthly live music and entertainment here at Don’s as well as a place to host special events and occasions for local and visiting customers.” Said Chef Dakota.

The patio, new menu, new look and new attitude has put Don’s back on my mind and back on the map of notable places that are a “must try” when you are in the Basin. Give them a visit, and a chance to earn back your business by reminding you of just how special they have been in the past, and are committed to be in the future.

56 | thevenuemag.com

1117 S Pioneer Way, Moses Lake, WA

thevenuemag.com | 57

Experience the world-renowned mineral water of Soap Lake Luxury in Logs

W

e invite you to enjoy our wellness destination and quintessential luxury spa resort for a retreat that is...

Award Winning Executive Chef

out of the ordinary.

236 Main Ave E, Soap Lake, WA / 800 524-0558 / soaplakeresort.com

58 | thevenuemag.com

Wednesday is a great night for a bottle

of wine.

1/2 price makes it even better.

9 10 W. B r o a d w a y M o s e s L a k e

/

5 0 9 .76 5 .16 11

thevenuemag.com | 59

60 | thevenuemag.com

thevenuemag.com | 61

Come check out our new bottled beer selection

930 N. Stratford Road | Moses Lake, WA | 509.766.9000 www.rocktopburgersandbrew.com |

62 | thevenuemag.com

thevenuemag.com | 63

Personal Touch

Experience fast, reliable internet

Lawn Care and Maintenance

Residential and Commercial Weekly and monthly rates available Mowing /Trimming (shrubs/trees) Edging / Thatching (clean-up) / Aerating Sprinkler maintenance and repair Underground sprinkler system blow out

Choose your service provider and get connected with Grant PUD’s High Speed Network.

(reserve your date now)

Pressure washing (homes) Fence installations wood and chain link Landscaping / And much more

Let us Manicure your lawn!

Licensed and insured

509.750.6967

grantpud.org

888-254-1899